much Honour But when he saw the Pope's Letters he went immediately to Avignon where he met the King of Aragon And then and there Pope Vrban made the Bastard Henry Legitimate and capable to Inherit the Realms of Castille and Leon as if he had been the true and only Son and Heir of King Alphonso last deceased and then again he solemnly Deposed Cursed and Condemned Don Pedro by his Sentence Definitive There the King of Aragon and Don Henry the Bastard enter'd a mutual Alliance on certain Conditions namely that Henry should restore unto the King of Aragon all that his Brother Don Pedro had at any time taken from him and the King of Aragon promised to open the Passages thrô his Country and to prepare Victuals and Provision for all manner of Souldiers and others that should go along with him in this his Expedition into Castille to overthrow and confound Don Pedro and to put him out of his Kingdom When the French King heard of this Design he was extraordinarily well pleas'd as he that desired at any rate to be rid of the Companions and also to be revenged of Don Pedro for the Death of his Cousin the Lady Blanche of Bourbon But that this might be done more effectually he presently cast in his Mind how he might get that Noble Captain Sr. Bertram of Clequin who was still Prisoner with the Lord John Chandos at liberty again because his Skill Conduct and Courage seem'd highly necessary to this Grand Enterprize In short He and the Pope and Henry the Bastard club'd together to pay his Ransom which came to an Hundred Thousand Franks at so high a Rate was he valued Sr. Bertram being thus delivered the Bastard and He fell in Communication with the Captains of the Companions and promised them large Pay and great Rewards if they would go along with them into the Realm of Castille They agreed on condition to receive such and such Sums in hand k Mezeray ad hunc ann whereof the Pope paid 200000 Livers besides Pardons and Indulgences to be rid of them and the rest at such and such times afterwards namely a present Gratuity and good Wages for the future And this their Design was communicated to the Prince of Wales and to the Knights and Esquires of his Court especially to the Lord John Chandos who was earnestly desired to be one of their Chief Captains together with Sr. Bertram of Clequin But he excus'd himself by shewing the necessity of his Service about the Prince but the Expedition went on however and many of the Princes Knights joyned with them for abroad the Matter was pretended to be against the Moors only as Sr. Eustace Dambreticourt Sr. Hugh Calverley Sr. Walter Hewet Sr. John Devereux Sr. Matthew Gournay Sr. John Nevile and several others But the Chief Captain of the whole Enterprize was the young Lord of Bourbon Earl of Marche who went against the Tyrant to revenge upon him the Death of his Cousin late Queen of Spain Thô in all Matters of Moment he was directed and advised by Sr. Bertram of Clequin Together with these were Associated the Lord Anthony de Beaujeu the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan Marshal of France the Begue of Villaine the Lord Dantoing in Hainalt the Lord of Brusnell Sr. Guy Bailleul Sr. John of Bergues the Almaine of St. Venant and many more besides the Captains of the Companions as Sr. Robert Briquet Sr. John Charnells Sr. Robert Cheney Sr. Ralph Camois Sr. Perdiccas of Albret Nandon of Bergerac Lanny the little Mechlin the Bourg de L'Esparre Batiller Espiot Edmund Ortingo Captain Humphry Perot of Savoy the Bourg of Bartuel Sr. Garses du Chastel and others All these Lords and Captains with their Retinues held their Rendezvous in Languedoc and about Avignon and Mompellier whence they marched Westward to Narbonne and so to Perpignan on which side they were to enter the Realm of Aragon They amounted to more than 60000 Fighting Men all who were of one Mind to thrust out Don Pedro from his Realm of Castille and to make his Bastard-Brother Henry Earl of Trastamare King in his stead Upon their entrance into Aragon the more to blind Don Pedro they sent unto him desiring him to open the Straits of his Country and to allow free Passage to the Pilgrims of God who in great Devotion had undertaken to go into the Kingdom of Granada to Revenge the Death and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ to extirpate the Infidels and to Establish the Christian Faith in those Parts But King Pedro knew already the Bottom of their Design and that they came indeed against him yet he valued them not but intended to raise an Army and give them Battle at their Entrance into his Realm So when he heard their dissembling Message he laughed them to scorn and said he would do nothing at their desire nor in any point be serviceable to such a Company of Rascals and Thieves as they were When this answer was return'd Sr. Bertram and his Captains look'd on him as a Disdainfull Proud Tyrant and so with all Expedition imaginable marched forward to work his Ruine Thus they went thrô the Realm of Aragon where they found the Passages ready open for them and Victuals and all other Necessaries to be had at convenient Rates and Prizes For the King of Aragon was very glad of their coming because now he expected by their means to recover all his Lands which before Don Pedro had taken from him And Sr. Bertram and his Company did nothing deceive his Expectation for when they had reconquer'd those Towns Cities Castles Straights Ports and Passages which Don Pedro had violently wrested from him they faithfully restored them all unto him again conditionally that for ever after he should assist the Bastard against Don Pedro. After this they passed the Great River of Ebro or Iberus which divides Aragon into two Parts and so they began to March towards Castiglia la Vieja or old Castille II. When Don Pedro heard for certain how an Army of Englishmen Frenchmen Bretons Normans Picards and Burgundians were coming to invade his Realm and had already passed the River Ebro having won again the City of Calatayud in Aragon and all on that side the River which stood him in so much expence and pains to conquer he was vext at the News to the heart but said no more than this Well well all shall not go as they design This Country yields Men that are able to defend it And there no doubt he said truth for the Right Spaniard is Hardy and Patient in the Field Valiant in War and Couragious to the Death But he forgot to reflect how he had by his unnatural Cruelties exasperated all his Subjects and that nothing renders a Prince more weak than Vice and Tyranny For they deprive him of the Hearts of his Subjects which is a Monarchs best security However like a Couragious King he immediately set up his Standard and issued forth his
her Lands in that Kingdom had also been seized on From which Sr Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore who having been clap'd into the Tower for Treason had made his escape into France as he was a most Politick and Vindicative Person took occasion to insinuate himself into the Queens Favour and by pretending to take her part against the Spencers the great Favourites of her Husband whom she extreamly hated involved her before she was aware into a Rebellion from which she could never extricate her self till she had ruin'd the King her Husband It is no way pleasant to me to relate the whole progress of that execrable Treason nor how the King of France being warned by King Edward durst not entertain any longer within his Dominions the Queen his Sister with this her Son Edward so that she was forced to flee to strangers for succour who being won by her charming tears adventur'd thô but a Few into this Kingdom where quickly encreasing their Numbers by a rash defection of the Giddy multitude they proceeded to the utmost Violations of Faith and Honour In short the old King at last was violently and illegally Depos'd and imprison'd thô with promise of security to himself AN. DOM. 1325. and the allowance of an Honourable Pension during life And our young Edward his eldest Son thô he could never be x Walsing hâ—st p 105. Hâ—â—â—nshead p 881. perswaded even to a Crown till he was made to believe his Father had desired it being at last won by the sight of his Father's seeming-voluntary Resignation which yet was extorted by fraudulent Promises and severe menaces took upon him the Crown and Government of this Kingdom III. Before this while the Realm was yet unsetled and the old King lay as then conceal'd in Wales y Sandford p. 158. He was by an Usurped Authority in an Assembly z Speed p. 564. Ashmole p. 644. of Lords met at Hereford the Queen and Sr Roger Mortimer being present made Custos or Lord Warden of the Kingdom by a common Decree bearing date the 20 of October whereupon all the Lords made him Homage and took an Oath of Allegiance to be Loyal to him as Lord Warden of England And on the twenty sixth of November following the Great Seal sent from the King his Father was deliver'd unto him at Martley Whereupon a a Walsingh hist p. 106. Sr The. de la Mere p. 8. l. 41. Parliament was summon'd to meet at Westminster about the Feast of Epiphany being called indeed in the old King's Name but the Briefs of Citation were signed by the Prince as Lord Warden of England In this Parliament thus called by his own Authority was the old King illegally depos'd when they had extorted his own consent to it by fair and foul means making so the young Prince believe that his Father had freely and willingly resign'd the Government of which matter we shall speak more largely when we come to relate the Murther of the said King Edward the Second But because many of our Historians lay some imputation upon the Name of King Edward the Third as if he was not wholly innocent of these Proceedings against his Father we are to consider the tenderness of his Age he being not then fourteen years old whereby he might very easily be impos'd upon by the treacherous subtlety of Mortimer and his Complices who were always about him also we should cast our eyes upon the severity he shew'd this same Mortimer when he understood the whole Treason nor is it a small sign of his innocence as to this point that he himself lived long and Reigned happily being blest with many Dutifull Children and that no other circumstance of his whole life can furnish us with any thing from whence we may suspect that he could be capable of so black and unnatural a Treason However b Ashmole p. 644 now the old King having resign'd the Crown great Preparations were made for this young Prince's Coronation he being on the 25 of January or the Conversion of St Paul and a c Lit. Dom. D. Sunday proclaimed King of England by Order and Consent of Parliament and Proclamations d Dugd. Warw. p. 165. a. were issued out in his Name declaring to the People that his Father the late King had made a Voluntary and free Resignation of his Regal Dignity to him as being his Eldest Son. And a week after by the direction of those who were Contrivers of this Revolution he was advis'd to Publish his Peace to the whole Kingdom which was done in these words Edward e Walsingh hist p. 105. Speed p. 565. Claus 1. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 28. by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitain to N. Sheriff of S. Greeting Whereas the Lord Edward our Father late King of England by Common Council and Assent of the Prelates Earls Barons and other Lords as well as that of the whole Commonalty of the Realm did voluntarily resign the Government thereof willing and granting that We as his Eldest Son and Heir should take upon Us the Rule and Government of the Kingdom And We by the consent and advice of the Prelates Earls and Barons aforesaid yeelding herein to our Fathers good Pleasure have taken upon Us the Government of the said Realm and received as the manner is the Fealties and Homages of the said Prelates and Barons Desiring therefore that our Peace should be inviolably kept to the quiet and benefit of our Liege People We will and command that presently upon sight of these Presents you cause our Peace to be Proclaim'd thrô all your Bailywick charging all and every one in our Name under pain and peril of Disherison and loss of life and limb not to presume to infringe or violate our said Peace but every one to prosecute his Actions and Causes without any outrage whatsoever according to the laws and customs of our Kingdom For We are ready and ever shall be to exhibit and afford to all and singular Plaintiffs as well poor as rich full Justice in our Courts according to due Course of Law. Witness Our Self at Westminster l mo Februarii Annóque Regni nostri Primo On the f Sandford p. 158. H. Knighten p. 2550. Pat. 1. Ed. 3. p. 2. n. 13. same day being Sunday and the Vigil of the Purification was the young King by the hands of his Cozen Henry Earl of Lancaster first girded with the Sword of Knighthood at which time the King himself Knighted many others among whom were three g Sandford p. 109. Catal. Hono p. 575. Dagd 1. Vol. p. 145. 147. Sons of the Lord Mortimer That day he was Crowned at Westminster by the hands of h Ashmole calls him William by mistake vid. Godw. Catal. Bps. c. Walter Reginald Archbishop of Canterbury and thereupon as an Earnest of the many Advantages his People were to reap from his prosperous Reign a General Pardon
by the Prowess of King Robert our Father from King Edward Father to the King your Master in time of Open War. And by the same Prowess he held it with Honour till by his Death it came with the rest of his Inheritance to Us his undoubted Son and Heir who intend also with our utmost Ability to hold it in the best manner we may But this Lords we require of you as Gentlemen and Christians that you would do your best to persuade the King your Master whose Sister we have taken into our Royal Bed that he will suffer us peaceably to enjoy our Rights and Franchises as his Ancestors have done before and leave freely in our Possession what our Father so valiantly wan and so quietly enjoy'd and at last so entirely transmitted to Us with his Crown and Kingdom Nor let the King your Master be too credulous of light Reports since we intend Religiously to keep the Peace so lately made at Northampton Nor let him give too much Faith to evil Counsellors whose restless Spirits stirr him up against us Since if any other Prince in the world intended to injure us He ought especially to aid succour and defend us for his Sisters sake whom we have Married and taken into our Bosom Upon this Answer the Ambassadors promising to acquit themselves as he had required them were dismissed but King Edward was nothing content when he heard them report the Answer I am well aware that the Scotch Writers imagining the better to colour all their losses deliver how their King David had before this even upon Bailiols Invasion convey'd himself with his Queen into France But neither doth it seem honourable nor reasonable that by so weak thô successfull an Enemy and at the appearance of such small Forces their King should be driven to such desperate Courses nor is it agreeable to other either Circumstances or Authors and it is utterly contradicted by Froisard who lived near those Days and took great Care and was very impartial in Collecting his History Wherefore with him we cannot admit that he left his Kingdom in this manner till the Main of his Forces were overthrown by King Edward in the Battle of Halidoun to which now we hasten III. The late-mention'd Answer from Scotland was no way pleasing to King Edward for whatever Natural affection for his Sister the Queen of Scots might persuade he saw plainly by the resolute Answer of King David that he was no longer to be rely'd on as a Friend than he should want Power of manifesting himself an Enemy to England that the Old League with France was more prevalent than this New Alliance with him that however now in his Pupillage he seem'd desirous of Peace within a few years he would prove both willing and able to wage the fiercer Wars It troubled him also not a little that while himself was under Age so Dishonourable a Bargain had been made wherein he had been induced to resign those Instruments of his Superiority over Scotland which as his Father had purchas'd with much Honourable Difficulty so till himself had regain'd them he could not be at friends with himself The present Occasion also seem'd more promising since the Scots had already broke the Peace and that on his Part beside the Limits of the Peace were fully expired that moreover King Bailiol had in Reality the best Right to that Crown from whom he might expect not only the accustomed Homage but also Restitution of what Himself in his Minority had by evil Counsel resign'd to the extream Diminution of his Honour and Royal Prerogative Add to all this that till he had settled his Affairs on that side he could not safely make any Pretensions to France which the Lord Robert of Artois from his first coming had vehemently instigated him unto according to that vulgar Saying He that the Realm of France would win Must with Scotland first begin Now therefore he calls his m Knighton p. 2562. Walsing hist p. 115. Parliament which as we said before met at York a little after the Purification of the Virgin Mary or rather in the beginning of March the * it began to sit in the 2d week in Lent Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 645. Second Sunday in Lent happening that Year on the last of February To this Parliment King Bailiol as holding of King Edward had his Summons but n Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 6. 45. Walsing hist p. 115. n. 40. he understanding that his Enemies had laid wait for him in the adjacent Isles and elsewhere durst not adventure to come in Person but sent his sufficient Excuse by the Lord Henry Beaumont Earl of Buquhain the Lord William Montagu and other Lords and Knights who so evidently declared the Reasons of his Non-appearance at that time that their Apology was accepted by the King and his Council Here the King declaring to all his Lords the late Answer of the King of Scots to his Embassy o Frois c. 26. f. l. 15. b. demands their Advice thereupon and that they would consider what way he might best salve his Honour and maintain his Right The Result was The whole Parliament was of Opinion that the King could no longer with Honour put up those Wrongs and Injuries daily done unto him and his people by the Scots They humbly therefore pray'd and advis'd his Majesty to provide such force of Men and Arms as might not only reduce Barwick into his Power but also compell the King of Scotland gladly to seek his Peace by rendring unto him the accustomed Homage for that Kingdom In which Enterprise they all promised to assist him in Purse and Person The King as he was always very Gracious to his People thanked them heartily for the Loyal Affection wherewith they embrac'd his Honour and Interest and so having prefixed p Claus 7. Ed. 3. m. 19. Derse Trinity Sunday for the time wherein his Forces were to be Assembled at Newcastle upon Tine he Dissolv'd the Parliament Thus was a War resolv'd on But yet q Frois c. 26. ibid. before the King of England would draw his Sword he sends again to King David other Ambassadors to summon him to come and do the required Homage upon peremptory refusal whereof they were secretly instructed with full Authority to defie him But for all this the Scots were so Resolute upon their Liberty that no better Answer could be obtain'd than what was return'd before So that the Defiance was openly made and War Published between the two Nations r Virgil. l. 12. v. 503. Tanton ' placuit concurrere Motu O Deus aeternâ Gentes in Pace futuras IV. Before ſ Walsingh bist p. 114. n. 10. this King Edward had sent some Forces toward the North not to Invade Scotland but to make good the Borders in case of an Invasion from thence And well it happen'd that he had so provided For t Knighton p. 2562. n. 6◠before the Defiance was made the Lord
intend to the Cause of our Saviour which is neglected and may thereby be attributed to the great shame and ignominy of every Christian King thô never so well deserving But we know not for what Offence it happens that from the meek Offers of Peace from whence Friendship ought to arise there hath grown a Swelling of greater Anger and Obstinacy in our Persecutors Mind against Us Thô God and our Conscience bearing Us witness We have not provoked Him by any one fact or attempt made by Us against Him. Nay the Eyes of all the World our publique Witnesses do see with how many and great Indignities our foresaid Persecutor who stiles himself King of France doth daily wound and defalcate Us and our Rights He is at this Present an Invader and unjust Usurper of the Realm of France it self which is known to belong to Us by all true Right of Succession not having been asham'd to withhold by Force that Crown which he ought rather to claim by Law and Equity We being called and heard thô We were a Male and it could no way be doubted but that We were a Person principally concern'd in the Matter and Our Right was as Notorious in that very Realm as it is founded on the Law of Nature The matter of Fact being Evident that Philip of Famous Memory late King of France Father of Charles King of France last-deceased and of the most Serene Lady Isabella Queen of England Our Mother was our Grandfather And that to the same Charles at the time of his Death no Male living of those who together with him descended from the same Philip was nearer than Our Selves And thô the Female Person by Custom Anciently observed in that Kingdom be rendred uncapable of inheriting that Crown this Law being principally intended for the Good of the Realm that under a frail Womans Government the Kingdom should not fall to ruine thô it excludes the Person of the Woman doth not yet exclude the Person of the Male descending from the Woman thus excluded d d Here a Clause of which I can make no good Sense is left out Beside by the foresaid Law the Female Frailty is excluded from the Kingdom that the Realm may be more Advantagiously provided for and the nearest Male be admitted Or else let him be admitted rather to that Right who doth not primarily proceed from the Mother so excluded but is to be look'd on as a Nephew propagated Originally from the Grandfather otherwise there would follow another absurdity of Injustice that the Collaterals of the same Line should be excluded and a more Remote Kinsman call'd in when by the very Natural Law of Nations Brothers and Sisters and their Children are in mutual Succession still Prefer'd to other Collaterals of another Line And thence the said Law arose in Favour of Kings and Hate of the Females Inability to Reign not that by the Injury done to the Female an Occasion also should be taken of Injuring the Male Descendant Nor yet is it to be thought that the intention of this Law could be so unjust as to condemn the Mother and the Son being of another Country Nay rather on the contrary by that very Judgement of the Law whereby the Mother is remov'd from the Succession the Son being seated in his Mothers Place and supplying her deficiency the Succession devolves unto him Just as a Son steps into the Right and Degree of his Father deceased so as to be admitted to the Succession of his Father among his Fathers Brethren Then well may the disconsolate Mother thô by the foresaid Rigour of the Law divested of her Royal Inheritance Rejoyce again and be Comforted that her Son is so substituted in her Place Nor then is Affliction added to Affliction which the Sacred Consideration of the Law abhorreth as we see even where the Law hath not laid an easie Burden of Affliction but a case in the Law which condemns that customary Law that yields the goods of shipwrack'd Persons to another Because it there expresly corrects it by this reason that we should avoid adding to Affliction much more for that very Reason is it forbid Let it therefore satisfie this Law of France that from a Mother more then Pregnant who yet was not made a Woman by any of her own fault but by necessity of Nature it fully cuts off the Root of Royalty And that so the Mother by the Law of her Disherison doth expresly suffer as it were a certain Shipwrack But let it not also be cruelly and against all Right concluded that she is in the Person of her disinherited Son to suffer a second and a worser Shipwrack or that without a Fault the Punishment should be doubled when even where a Fault is the Punishment ought to be mitigated Otherwise if because the Mother is not Lawfully admitted to the Throne the Son must be understood to be Lawfully expelled from the Throne Then had not the Kingdom of the Jews of Right belonged to the Holy Jesus which is against the Foundation of our Faith to assert Who notwithstanding he was the Son of God begotten in a Mystery without the Company of a Man of a Female of the Royal Stem of David even of the Virgin Mary who her self was not admitted to the Kingdom nor perhaps ought she to be admitted yet by the undoubted certainty of Faith became the True and Lawfull King of the Jews And God forbid that this Royal Succession of King Jesus should be either an untying or breaking of the Legal Observance since he came not to break the Law but to fulfill it Wherefore this most Excellent Instance of Lawfull Succession by Right of the Mother may reasonably put to silence the pretended Reasons of the Enemies of our Right in the said Kingdom of France That the Saviour of the World and We a Poor Mortal Sinner whom parity of reason as to this reconciles together may not be separated as to Our Lawfull Degree and Order of Succession by any vain Constitution or forced Interpretation of humane Laws And yet for all this there was not only not any due Citation of Us made nor our Defence thô in a Matter so highly Prejudicial to Our Right admitted but also Our Proctors who instantly desired that they might Legally appear for Us and Our Title were so far from being allowed an equitable Hearing as that they were rudely and unjustly repelled with horrible Menaces of no less than present Death Wherefore their Procedure thô the Deed of the Twelve Peers of France hinders Our said Title nothing at all since as to Us who were then Weak and in Our Minority they laying by the part of indifferent Judges perform'd the Office of Thieves and Robbers Whose Process thus made against Us to Our Prejudice even Our very Minority renders invalid in the Law. For neither could it have been effectual had it been made against an Adult Person that Just Defence being so deny'd which to every Freeman is allow'd
or harm to your Imperial Honour Safety and Dignity That so you may render the Lord always propitious unto You and the foresaid See still more ready to serve your Occasions We desire You would again write unto Us most Beloved Son what your Royal Wisdom shall think fit to ordain in these Matters Dated at Villeneuve in the Dioecese of Avignion the v. of the Kalends of September in the second Year of our Pontificate XII This Letter to the King of England was accompanied by another of the same Date directed to his Council which being no where extant but in e Adam Murimouth ad An. Ed. 3.17 Adam Murimouth whose Authentick and Ancient MS. was kindly communicated unto me by the Learned and Reverend Linguist and Philologist Dr. John Covel Dean of York I also thought fit to set it down faithfully translated from the Original CLEMENT the Bishop Servant of the Servants of God to his Beloved Sons the Counsellours of his most Dear Son in Christ Edward the Illustrious King of England Greeting and Apostolick Benediction A Displeasing and most ungratefull Rumour hath in these Days reported unto Us how that when our Dear Sons Ademare of the Title of St. Anastasia and Gerard of the Title of Sabina Priests Cardinals did send their Proctors to the Parts of the Kingdom of England in order to pursue the Grants lately by Us granted unto them as unto other new Cardinals in divers parts of the World of Ecclesiastical Benefices being in the Parts of the said Kingdom of England the said Proctors thô both Learned and also Ecclesiastical Persons were not only hindred in the Pursuance of the said Affairs but also by the procurance of some who have been fed with the Crums of the said Roman Church and by her have been exalted to Honours and Preferments as it is probably supposed whereby as well they as others who procured or perpetrated the same have to their great Danger rendred themselves liable to Excommunication and other Punishments and Sentences promulged against such Persons by the Canons have been ignominiously taken and then expelled the said Kingdom certain other Proctors of the foresaid Cardinal Ademare being afterwards taken and detained Prisoners But since We cannot by any means believe that the Premises which if Truth agrees with the Relation would redound to the Offence of the Divine Majesty the Discredit of the Roman Church and the exceeding Reproach of the said Cardinals could proceed from the Knowledge of our most Dear Son in Christ Edward the Illustrious King of England considering his Devotion which he beareth to God and the Holy Roman Church his Mother as neither can We by any means imagine that He to whom We write also about this Matter would endure such things as are contrary to his Honour Safety and Dignity We therefore entreat Your Wisdom and in the Lord more earnestly exhort You That You whose Office is to direct the Actions and Affairs of the said King by the way of Honesty Righteousness and Justice the Contrary whereof if it should happen which God forbid would be imputed to You do â—rudently speedily and discreetly take Care that whatsoever Matters in this part have undecently and unjustly proceeded be revoked and amended Knowing that in divers other parts of Christendom as well near as remote wherein We have made the like Grants to other New Cardinals We have not heard of any notable impediment given unto them or unto their Proctors which therefore they have sent to those parts long since Given at Villeneuve in the Diocese of Avignon f f i. e. 28 Aug. V. Kal. Septemb. in the second Year of our Pontificate XIII To these Letters of the Pope the King immediately return'd this Famous Epistle in behalf of the Liberties of the Church of England g Adam Marimouth Antio Brit. p. 238. Walsingh hist p. 150. 2 M.S. ex Vatican apud Odoric Raynald ad hunc annum §. 90. To the most Holy Father in God the Lord Clement by Divine Providence of the Holy Roman Catholick Church the Chief Bishop EDWARD by the Grace of God King of France and of England and Lord of Ireland Devout Kissings of his Holy Feet When We seriously consider the Goodness of the Apostolick See which is wont to be most solicitous concerning the Encrease of Devotion in Christs Flock and the Welfare of their Souls not seeking that which is its own but rather those things which are Christs We have a very probable hope that Your Wisdom being now worthily placed in the Watch-tower of the Apostolick Eminence will graciously take Care to reform those things which detract from the Honour of the Church and the Devotion of the People and threaten inevitable Danger to the Souls and Goods of Mankind We nothing doubt but that it is now publiquely known how from the very first rise of Christianity in our Kingdom of England our Progenitors the Kings of England and the Lords and other Subjects of the said Realm have for the augmentation of Divine Worship built Churches enriched them with ample Possessions and endowed them with large Privileges placing fit Ministers therein who have nor without Success Preached the Catholick Faith to the People in their Mother Tongues By whose Care and Diligence the Vineyard of the Lord of Sabaoth hath wonderfully prospered both in Culture and Fruit. But now which is to be lamented the slips of this very Vine are degenerated into a Wild-vine and the Boar out of the Wood doth waste it and the h h Ita Hebraâ—ice singularis fera Latinè i.e. Quadriennis aper 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Graeâ—è sanglier Gallicè singular English vid. Wase on Gratius p. 69. Wild-Beast of the Field doth devour it While by the Impositions and Provisions of the Apostolick See which now grow more insupportable than ever its own proper Goods against the Pious intent and appointment of the Donors are held in the Hands of the Unworthy and especially of Foreigners and its Dignities and Chief Benefices are confer'd upon Strangers who for the most part are Persons at least suspected unto Us and who neither reside on the said Benefices nor know the Face nor understand the voice of the Flock committed unto them but wholly neglecting the Cure of Souls like Hirelings only seek their own Profit and Temporal Advantage And so the Worship of Christ is empaired the Cure of Souls neglected Hospitality withdrawn the Rights of the Churches lost the Houses of the Clergy dilapidated the Devotion of the People extinguished the Clergy of the said Kingdom who are Men of great Learning and Honest Conversation and are both able and willing effectually to perform the Work of Ministers and would also be very fit for our and the Publique Service forsake their Studies because the Hope of a Reasonable Preferment is thus taken away Which things We know can be no ways acceptable to the Divine Pleasure but will most certainly prove a Mighty Prejudice and unspeakable
Lewis Earl of Eureux and so held in her Hands at that time the Counties of Artois Boulogne Auvergne and divers other Lands and after the Death of Eudo Duke of Burgundy which happen'd this Year that t Favine l. 4. c. 3. p. 6. Dutchy also during the Minority of her Son Philip who was Heir thereof And thus King Philip remained a Widower not quite a Month and his Son John scarce out Half a Year CHAPTER the EIGHTH The CONTENTS I. Several Prodigies forerunners of an Vniversal Plague which happen'd in these Dars as a Notable Conjunction Eclipse c. II. Divers other Presages as Comets Fiery Pillars Strange Births Inundations Earthquakes c. III. The Original of this Plague with its horrid Effects and Symptoms IV. A Description thereof from John Cantacuzenus at that time Emperour of Greece V. The vast Numbers of those that died thereof in the Heathen and Christian World. VI. It comes into England with the great Havock it makes there The Foundation of the Charter-house in London and of East-Minster by the Tower occasion'd thereby VII The Pope takes hence obcasion of exhorting King Edward to a Peace with France which produces a Truce VIII The Pope's Charity to the Living and the Dead at this time IX The Names of those few of the English Nobility and Clergy that died of this Visitation X. The Inferiour Clergy mightily exhausted thereby XI It comes into Wales and Ireland and how the Scots brought it to their own Doors XII Divers Miseries succeeding it as Murrain of Cattle Dearth of Corn and Insolence of Workmen and poor People which latter Mischief King. Edward represses by wholsom Laws XIII The Jews being falsly suspected as Occasioners of the Plague by their exquisit Arts of Empoisoning are most cruelly persecuted by the Christians The Plague ceases in England I. HAving toward the latter end of the preceding Chapter made mention of the Death of Sr. John Mongomery Captain of the Town of Calats and a Baron of this Realm who together with his Lady died a little after King Edwards Exploit there of a Pestilence that then began now We following the Example of no a Thaeydides who elegantly describes the Plague of Athens Thucyd. l. 2. Lucret. l. 6. Virg. Georg. l. 3. mean Historian are inclin'd to think it not unworthy of our present Work to insert therein a more particular Account of that Plague Since for its strange and manifold Prognosticks universal Contagion wonderfull and fatal Events and long Continuance it was not only as memorable as the Plague of Athens but perhaps the Greatest that ever happen'd in the World. Now in the b De hâc famosá Pestilentià vid. Francisci Petrarch de Rebus Famil Epistol l. 8 ep 7. Johan Cantacâ—zen l. 4. c. 8. Odoric Rainald ad Annum 1348. §. 1. 30. ad §. 33. Giovanni Villani Matth. Villani M. S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. c. 228. Knighton Walsingham Fabian Holinshead Stow Lanquet Speed Fox R. Avesbury Godwins Catal. Bishops Sandfords Geneal History Mezeray Cluverius Epit. Hist Polydor. Virgil. l. 19. p. 377. Bâ—cholcerus Isagog Chron. Lampad Pezel in Sleidan c. Year 1345 being three Years before this Fatality came into England on the c Giov. Villani l. 12. c. 40. p. 848. 28 of March a little before Nine of the Clock according to the Adequation of a great Mathematician and Astrologer called Doctor Paulo di ser Piero there was a Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in 20 Degrees of Aquarius with those Aspects of the other Planets as we shall shew herereafter But According to the Almanack of d Profatius a learned Jewish Astrologer who wrote about an 100 Years before this time a Perpetual Almanack c. vid. Esq Sherburn's Catal. of Astronom at his Sphere of Manilius p. 33. Profazio a Jew and the Tables of Toledo that Conjunction should be fixt on the 20 of the said Month of March and the Planet of Mars was with them in the said Sign of Aquarius 27 Degrees And the Moon suffer'd a total Ecclipse on the 18 of the same Month in 7 Degrees of Libra And on the 11 of March when Sol enter'd Aries Saturn was in his Ascendant in 18 Degrees of Aquarius and Lord of the Year and Jupiter was in 16 Degrees of the said Sign of Aquarius and Mars in 22 Degrees of the same But if we follow the Equation of the said Dr. Paulo who was the most Eminent of the Moderns in those Days and says that by the Help of his Instruments he saw visibly the Conjunction on the 28 of March the said Conjunction being in an Angle of the East that the Sun was well-nigh in the Mid-Heaven a little declining to the Angle of 16 Degrees of Aries and in his Exaltation and Leo his House was in his Ascendant 13 Degrees and Mars was now already in 16 Degrees of Pisces Venus in 12 Degrees of Taurus her House and in the Mid-Heaven Mercury in the first Degree of Taurus and the Moon 4 Degrees in Aquarius But according to the Calculation of Mr. John Ashindon and Mr. William Read two English Astrologers of those Days of Merton College in Oxford which they made for the Latitude of Oxford e Vid. Antonii Weed Antiq. Oxon. Acad. l. 1. p. 172. on the said 18 Day of March the Moon was totally Eclipsed at fourty Scruples past Nine of the Clock the Sun being in 22d Degree of Aries and the Moon in the 22d of Libra But the Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter was most notable in the 19 Degree of Aquarius on the 20 Day of March in the Evening at Eight of the Clock and one Scruple From which Eclipse the said Ashindon and Read and another Oxford Man named Geoffry de Meldis undertook to foretell Wars Famine and Pestilence Particularly Ashindon predicted that the Influence of that Eclipse should continue for eight Years and five Months but that the Effects of the Conjunction should prevail for the space of three Years onely And indeed the foresaid Conjunction with its Aspects of the other Planets and Signs according to the best Astrologers did naturally f Giov. Villani ibid. vid. Sr. George Wharton's Works put forth by Mr. John Gadbury p. 133 c. signifie God permitting some Grand Event to the World as Battle and Slaughter and remarkable Mutations of Kingdoms and People and the Death of Kings and Translation of Dominions and Alterations in Religion and the Appearance of some Prophet and new Errours and Fallings from the Faith and the sudden Arrival of New Lords and Strange Nations and Dearth and Mortality near at hand in those Climates Kingdoms Countries and Cities to which the Influence of the said Signs and Planets belongs and sometimes is attended with some Comet in the Air or other Prodigies or Inundations and Floods and excessive Rains Because that Conjunction being of it self important is so much the more to be feared from the Propinquity of Mars and
of November he went thence to Monstrevil and thence Four Leagues farther to Hesdin and so to the Good City of Amiens where he tarried almost till Christmas On St. Thomas his Day being a Monday he rode thence to Paris where he was Honourably received of the Clergy with solemn Processions and the Universal Joy of all the People who convey'd him with great Demonstrations of Loyal Affection to his Palace Here He and his Son Philip and the rest of the Cavalcade alighted a most Royal and Magnificent Dinner being prepared for them But it is not my business to declare with what Welcome the French King was received by all manner of People at his return into his Realm For he was indeed a Better Prince than One would guess by his Ill-Fortune and had now been a Prisoner no less than Four Years One Month and six Days viz. from the 19 of September 1356 on which day the Battle of Poictiers was fought to the 25 of October 1360 when he was fully acquitted and went from Calais to Boulogne Wherefore his presence was much desired of all his Subjects and they welcom'd him where e'r he came with shouts and Viveleroys and presents of Gold and Silver and other Fair and Rich Gifts And the Prelates and Barons of all his Realm came to Paris to Visit and Congratulate him and they entertain'd him with Shews and Feasts and other Diversions to comfort his Mind according to their Duty And the King was hugely pleas'd with these things it being agreeable to have a Right Taste of Recreation after so much and so bitter Affliction III. Soon after this King Edward sent over the Sea such Persons as were Commission'd by Him to take Possession in his Name of those Lands Countries Earldoms Bayliwicks Cities Towns Castles and Forts that were to be deliver'd unto him by Vertue of the Peace and Treaty But this Matter was not over-hastily perform'd for divers Lords in Languedoc would not at first obey the French Kings Orders to yield themselves to hold of the King of England althô King John frankly quitted them of all the Faith Homage and other Tyes wherewith they had been bound unto Him It seem'd so hard to them to forget their Natural Lord and yield to obey Strangers Of this Humor especially were the Lords of the far Marches as the Earl of la Marche the Earl of Perigort the Earl of Cominges the Vicount of Chasbeau Darry the Vicount of Carmain the Lord of Pincornet and divers others all who were extreamly surprized that the French King should offer to acquit them of the Resort and Homage which they ow'd to him and enjoyn them to pay it to the King of England And some of them began to argue and said that the King ought not so to acquit them for they affirmed how there were in Gascogne Charters and Privileges above 500 Years old granted unto them by Charlemagne King of France which signified that their Resort and Allegiance should not be put to any other Court but his only And therefore at first they scrupled the Kings Commands but King John who was resolved to hold and perform the Articles of the Peace with all sincerity sent his Dear Cousin the Lord James of Bourbon unto them all severally who by good Words and found Reasons shewing them both the necessity of Affairs and that it was the Kings absolute Pleasure and Resolution perswaded the most part of the said Lords as the Earl of Armagnac the Lord De la Bret the Earl of Foix and many others thô much against their Wills to become Liege-men to the King of England The same Difficulty was found in the parts on the Sea-side as in Poictou Rochellois and Sainctogne Unto them this Composition of their King seem'd very grievous when they saw that thereby they were in a manner cut off from their Natural Country and that they must submit to the Government of strangers But especially the strong City of Rochelle would not of a long while admit of the English Yoke but excus'd themselves unto the King and beg'd earnestly of him still to continue their Protector and they wrote to him in the most endearing manner possible desiring him in their Letters and by their Representatives that for Gods sake he would please never to acquit them of the Faith that they ow'd unto him nor put them out of his Demaine into the hands of Strangers saying how they had rather be Taxed yearly even to the half of their substance than to be subject to the English which was a thing wholly insupportable to all true Frenchmen King John by these their frequent and humble Remonstrances saw well their Faith and Loyalty to him and was very compassionate of their case but he was a Prince of that Honour that he had rather lose half his Kingdom than break his Word and it was his ordinary saying That if Faith and Truth were banished from the rest of Mankind nevertheless they ought to be found in the Mouth of Kings Besides he was called upon by King Edward's Deputies for by this backwardness of the French Nation when it seems things were not made ready against Midsummer the First of the times appointed for compleating these Matters King Edward f Ashmole p. 663. ex Rot. Franc. 35. Ed. 3. n. 3. on the 15 of November following constituted Sr. Thomas Vuedale Knight and Thomas Duncent Licentiate in the Laws his Agents whom he sent to Bruges with Power to make request to the King of France for the effectual Accomplishment of all things concluded on at Calais and to require that He and his Son should make the Renunciations and Transports according to all the foresaid agreements on the Reception whereof they were enabled to give Acquittance in the King their Masters Name These things quickned King John in his endeavours to reduce his People to acquiesce in his Determinations wherefore he wrote to those of Rochelle Desiring them to shew their Loyalty which they so much professed in denying themselves for his sake that otherwise the Peace would be broken upon their account which would be a great Imputation to his Honour and no less Prejudice to the whole Realm of France Hereupon when the Rochellers saw no other Remedy and that whether they would or no since their King would not admit of their excuses they should be compelled to undergo this hatefull Yoke then at last after much adoe they yielded full fore against their Wills the Honest Men of the Town saying to one another Well we shall then from henceforth obey the English but our hearts are tyed for ever to the French Interest And here it may be a matter of our Wonder how it came to pass that King Edward should ever expect otherwise from Frenchmen born but that they would bear a foreign Rider with a Mind always ready to fling him off upon the first occasion as afterwards it proved indeed Surely in this case I cannot tell what to say since that Prince's
manner of his coming to the Crown of England III. He is excus'd from being Guilty of his Fathers Deposition his peace is proclaim'd and a General Pardon IV. Twelve Guardians appointed him Mortimer's Greatness and the Queens excessive Dowry V. The Present State of Scotland the King whereof Robert Bruce sends a Defiance to King Edward VI. King Edward's Expedition against the Scots VII The Particulars of the Murder of King Edward the Second VIII King Edward the Third's Return to London the first Year of his Reign concludes with the Death of sundry great Personages Princes and Prelates I. KING Edward the Third of that Name from the Conquest AN. DOM. 1312. was the first Son of King Edward the Second of England sirnamed Caernarvon by his Queen Isabella the Daughter of Philip the Fair King of France a Frois c. 3. fol. 2. accounted in her time one of the most Beautifull Ladies in the world He was born at the Castle of Windsor whence he had his sirname after the manner of that Age on the b Sandford p. 158. thirteenth day of November at c Ashmole p. 644. fourty Minutes past Five in the Morning being the d Claus 6. Ed. 2. m. 22. Dorso Lit. Dom. B.A. Monday next after the Feast of St Martin the Bishop and the very day e H. Knighton p. 2533. n. 10. after the day of St Brice Bishop and Disciple of St Martin in the sixth year of his Fathers Reign and the year of our Lord God MCCCXII Prince f Walsingh hist p. 77. Lewis eldest Son to the King of France and Brother to the Queen of England being then with many of the French Nobility at the English Court labour'd earnestly that this Princely Infant might be named after King Philip but against this motion the English Nobility prevail'd and so on the Thursday after he was Baptised by the Name of Edward after his Father and Grandfather the Ceremony being performed by the hands of g Victorellus p. 839. ad hunc annum Arnold h Claus 6. Ed. 2. Priest-Cardinal titulo Sanctae Priscae in the old Chappel then of St Edward in the said Castle of Windsor his Godfathers being i Ibid. Ashmole p. 644. Richard Bishop of Poictiers John Bishop of Bath and Wells William Bishop of Worcester Lewis Earl of Eureux the Queens Brother John Duke of Bretagne and Earl of Richmond Emery of Valence Earl of Pembroke and Hugh le Despencer alias Spencer a Great Man in those Days The News of his Birth was k Walsingh ibid. an occasion of great Rejoycing over all England and the only thing l Speed p. 556. able to cheer up the mind of his Royal Father from that excessive sorrow which the late Death of his Favourite Piers Gaveston had flung upon it and from that Day the King forgot by Degrees his former loss rejoycing in his present Happiness For m Pat. 6. Ed 2. so pleasing to his Father was the Birth of this Hopefull Prince that on the Sixteenth of December following he gave to John Launge Valet to the Queen and to Isabel his Wife and to the longer liver of them for bringing to him so desireable News twenty four pounds per annum to be paid out of the Farm of London Within n Pat. ibid. Par. 2. m. 5. Ashmole ibid. few days after this Prince's Birth the King his Father granted him the County of Chester except the Mannors of Mecklesfield and Shotwike to hold to him and his Heirs Kings of England for ever And likewise the County of Flint and Rothelan to hold as before except the Mannor of Overton the Lands of Mailor Seysnoke and the Castle and Mannor of Holt after which he was thus stiled by the King Edvardus Comes Cestriae filius noster Charissimus But leaving his Infancy we will now proceed to his Youth and the occurrences that attended his Ripening years when we shall first have given some small taste of his Character the fulness thereof being purposely remitted till the end of his Life and this our Work because then it may better be consider'd from the whole tenour of his History From his Birth he was carefully bred up in all things that seem'd necessary or proper for Princes to excell in so that thrô the Vigour of his Parts being rendred very apt to imbibe the best Principles he made a speedy and extraordinary improvement in all Noble Qualities For he was of a very o Pitsaus de Illustr Angl. script p. 517. pierceing Judgment Sweet-nature and Good Discretion and considering the many weighty affairs that employ'd his whole Life not only kind to the Muses but much befriended by them as appears by those Learned Writings of which Pitsaeus says he was the Author When he was capable of receiving more ingenuous Education a Man of Great Reading Erudition and Honour was provided from Oxford to be his Tutor who thô commonly called p Godwin Catal. Bishops p. 661. Richard Bury from the place of his Birth was indeed Son to one St Richard Aungervile Knight but was afterwards by this his Royal Pupil made Privy-seal and q Philipot's Catal Chancellers and Treasurers p. 32. Treasurer of England then Dean of Wells and lastly Lord Chancellour of England and Bishop of Durham II. In a Parliament holden at York in the Sixteenth of the King his Father He was by him created r Speed p. 564. Holinshead p. 869. Catal. Honor p. 315. by Tho. Milles. Prince of Wales as some say thô he is no where found to have used that Title The occasion perhaps being because he was not long after invested with a Greater King Edward his Father ſ Ashmole p. 644. being often summon'd to the Court of France to do homage for the Dukedom of Aquitain and still upon some account or other delaying till the French King had siezed thereon it was at length concluded that he should give unto this Prince his Son the said Dukedom for which he doing Homage should enjoy the Lands Whereupon preparation was made for his passing into France But before he went being then at Langedon Abbey near Dover the King his Father t Pat. 19. Ed. 2. p. 1. m. 25. Ashmole ibid. on the second of September in the nineteenth year of his Reign gave unto him his Heirs and Successours Kings of England jure haereditario in perpetuum the Counties of Ponthieu and Mutterel or Monstroile and on the tenth of the same Moneth he being then at Dover granted unto him the Dukedom of Aquitain and all the Lands he had or ought to have in the Kingdom of France Habendum as before Two u Claus 19. Ed. 2. m. 28. Dorse days after which our new Duke took shipping at Dover thence passed into France and performed his Homage to King Charles of France his Uncle In this his Journey it was thought fit that the Queen his Mother should bear him company in regard
is Proclaim'd which gave occasion to Succeeding Kings to grant a General Pardon at their first Coming to the Crown after the example of so great a Precedent I do not think it necessary to make any exact Narration of the Coronation of this Young Monarch because such things are so well known in general and others who delight in matters of less moment have not omitted a full Description thereof but I shall not forget to mention * Peâ—es Thom. Goldsmith ex Graii Hospitio one Medal which with many other of several devices was upon the Coronation Day flung among the People because we may thence make a guess at the ingenuity of that Age On the Pile was the Young Prince Crowned laying a Scepter on a heap of Hearts AN. DOM. 1327. An. Regni I. with this Motto POPULO DAT JURA VOLENTI And on the Reverse an Hand held forth as it were saving a Crown falling from on high with these words NON RAPIT SED RECIPIT IV. Now because of the Kings Tender Age for he was at that time but Fourteen Years two Months and eighteen Days old there were Twelve i H. Knighton p. 2556. Leland Collect. 1. vol. p. 685. Sr Rich. Baker Guardians appointed Him to wit Five Bishops Two Earls and Five Barons the Names of them were these Walter Reginald Archbishop of Canterbury William Melton Archbishop of York John Stratford Bishop of Winchester Thomas Cobham Bishop of Worcester and Adam Orleton Bishop of Hereford the two Earls were Thomas of Brotherton Earl Marshal and Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent both the Kings Uncles the Barons were John Lord Warren Thomas Lord Wake Henry Lord Percy Oliver Lord Ingham and John Lord Ros. But k Walsing hist p. 109. over and above all in especial manner by consent of the Lords in Parliament and the Twelve Guardians themselves the Thrice Noble Henry de Torto Collo Earl of Lancaster Lincoln Leicester and Derby the Kings own Cozen was deputed to have the chief Care of the Kings Person upon l Sandford p. 109. Whom also and his Heirs as Earls of Leicester was settled at the same time the Stewardship of England Nor let it be wondred that this Earl the Kings Cozen should be prefer'd to either of his Uncles in this matter since thocirc of great Nobility and Honour they were both of less experience being young men nor was it so agreeable to Policy to give them the Greatest Power who were nearest of Blood as was afterwards sufficiently experienced in the Protectorship of Richard Duke of Glocester who made away his two Royal Nephews to obtain the Crown All these were able Men and firm to the Kings Person and Interest but little more than Shadows in this Station Roger Lord Mortimer overtopping all by his great Power derived from the influence he had with the Queen Mother By his means it was that the said Queen had so m Walsingh hist p. 108. hypod p. 110. excessive a Dowry now assigned her that the King her Son had scarce one Third part of his Crown Lands remaining to Himself of which yet Mortimer made good use to advance his Friends and establish his own Authority and Greatness The imprison'd King this while being allow'd but one hundred Marks by the Month nor was he long permitted to enjoy that neither But we shall refer the prosecution of this to its proper place V. And now immediately there arises matter to exercise the Genius of the Young King whose Inclinations tend all to Glory and we shall see how eagerly He snatches at the first opportunity to obtain it But here before we enter upon the Scotch War it will not be amiss to set down a brief Account of the State of Scotland at that time In the Year of our Lord n Buchan p. 240. see Hect. Bâ—â—t f. 291. An. Dom. 1286. 1285. King Alexander the Third dying suddenly without Issue there arose several considerable Persons who being some way allied to the Royal Family claim'd a Right to the Crown of that Kingdom But all their Pretences were swallowed up in those of the Lord John Baliol and of the Lord Robert Bruce who had by far the Clearer Title King Edward the First of England Grandfather to our Edward by right of Superiority which he claimed became Umpire of the Cause and he adjudged the Realm of Scotland to the Lord John Baliol not only because his Title was the best he claiming in Right of his Wife Dornagill eldest Daughter to the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter to David Earl of Huntington younger Brother to William King of Scots and Great Uncle to Alexander the Third but also because he offer'd to hold the Crown of Scotland of King Edward as Superior Lord which Robert Bruce absolutely refused to do But the Scots were so disgusted at Baliol for this his abjectness of mind that they began to rebell against him and threatned to choose Robert Bruce for their King whereby he being terrifi'd renounced his Allegiance to Edward the First and defi'd him but he was too weak to make good his Defiance both he and his son Edward Baliol and shortly after the Lord Robert Bruce being seized on were put in custody and the Kingdom of Scotland lapsed to King Edwards hands But not long after this the Scots being miraculously excited by the extraordinary courage of the famous William Wallaâ—e and at last Robert Bruce o Dugd. 1. V. l. p. 451. Earl of Carrick escaping from London he was made King thô he prov'd unable to do any great feat but rather sculked about seeking advantages till the Days of King Edward the Second a Prince of far less Fortune and Conduct in the War than his Father Long-shanks Against him he obtained the Memorable Battle at Bannocksborn near Striveling where perished no less than 50000 English if Hector Boetius may be credited among whom fell q Fabian p. 167 42 Lords and Barons and 67 Knights and Banerets besides 22 Great men whom the Scots took prisoners Upon which success as the English of the Borders were without measure dejected so the Scots were inflamed with pride and disdain as may appear from this Rhyme which among others was sang about their streets Maidens of England sore may you mourn For your Lemans ye have lost at Bannocksborn With Heve a low What ho weneth the King of England So soon to have won all Scotland With a Rumby low From this time Scotland gather'd strength and reputation and easily obtain'd a Peace with England on very good Terms King Robert hereby was more firmly settled in his Throne being a Father of one Son named David a Prince of great hope and of two Daughters the Lady Margaret wife to the Lord Walter Stuart and by him Mother to the young Lord Robert Stuart a person of rare endowments and expectation besides that the other Lady her younger Sister had then or shortly after a Son too by her Husband the Earl of
z Pelyd Virg. l. 19. p. 360. n. 10. Others add to this that a little before their flight the King resolving to send two considerable Detachments from his Army to intercept the passage of the Scots on each Flank himself intending to pass over against them by that time the rest might be up with the Enemy certain from the Lord Mortimer be like gave them a sign of their Danger which might have been privately agreed on before whereupon they escaped as we have declared However King Edward had such good Advice and such Success even in this unhappy Journey as to be able to rid the Land of its Enemy without any considerable Loss but what no humane Industry or Wisdom could foresee or prevent I confess to use the words of Mr a p. 645. Ashmole that the first Actions of Princes are Generally look'd upon by all Eyes and not seldom by many Critical Observators taken as the Radix whence to calculate their future either Successes or Miscarriages Now as he goes on if a full age entitle them to the sole management of Affairs we are enclin'd to think that a judicious Eye may partly discern the strength of their Fortune from such their beginnings But while they remain under Tutorage and their Designs are carried on by the Conduct of others the Event of things will manifest a dependency upon the strength or weakness of the genius of those Persons who are the Chief Managers of their Concerns And this was fully made out in this Prince whose Martial undertakings succeeded little or nothing while the Government of the Kigndom remain'd in other Hands and sometimes after also when he was tyed up and hamper'd by his Allies in Flanders but He no sooner arrived at full Age and had the Dispose of publique Affairs in his own Hands but all things shew'd themselves as disposed by his own Happy Genius And the first remarkable Experiment hereof was verified even upon the Scots themselves from whom before He had received some affronts and indignities as we shall see hereafter Thus this Expedition ended as it was the b Frois c. 18. fol. 10. next day the English Army return'd homeward and about noon they came to a great Abby within two miles of Durham where the King lodged with all his Host about him in the Field Here they found good forage for their Horses and refreshment for Themselves Next day the King leaving the Gross of the Army there still went to Durham to visit the famous Church of St. Cuthbert and to offer at his Shrine In this City were found all the Carriages which were left by the Army about a Month ago in the Wood one Morning when they marched towards the Tyne to intercept the Scots as we c p. 9. shew'd before For the Mayor and Burgesses of Durham having found them order'd them for their better security to be brought into the City at their own costs and charges where they were placed safe in empty Barnes and Granges the Name or Arms or other Cognisance of each Owner being before left on every Man's Carriage that the several Proprietors might be known It extreamly satisfied the Lords and Gentlemen when thus unexpectedly they had recover'd what they lately looked on as no better than lost Here and about the City the whole Army refreshed themselves well for two days all the Horses were new shod and what was amiss corrected The third day they marched towards the City of York which they easily reached in three days after and there the King found his Lady-Mother who received him with great joy with all her Ladies and the whole City Here after great thanks given to all the Barons and Knights that had attended the King for their prompt Advice and loyal Assistance in this Expedition he dismist the greater part of the Army but Sr. John of Heinalt with his Company was still retained because they had not as yet their promised Wages After some time spent in Jollity and Feasting for the Queen and her Ladies made them very good Cheer the Lords and Captains of Sr. Johns Retinue drew up Bills of what was due unto them reckoning in also the Horses and other Stuff they had lost or spoiled in this Journey and deliver'd them in to the Kings Council But then the noble John Lord Beaumont out of the Trust he reposed in the Kings Promise bound himself freely to all his Followers undertaking to content them as to all their particulars within a certain time for all their Losses and Charges contained in the said Bills besides their promised Wages For he well saw that the King could not possibly at that time spare so much Mony Thô with much ado he made shift to allow them for their present Charges and what might be sufficient to carry them handsomly into their own several Countries Yet before the Year was quite ended they were all satisfied in full Then they provided little Naggs for their Lacquies and Pages to ride on and two Ships were lent them by the King to convey their Servants and Stuff to Sluce in Flanders After which the Lord John of Heinalt and his Warlike Company took their leave of the King and the Queen his Mother of the Earls of Norfolk and of Kent the Kings Uncles and of the Earl of Lancaster his Cozen with the Lord Mortimer and the rest of the Barons all whom he found very courteous and honourable to Him and his Followers especially the Queen and her Confident Roger Lord Mortimer for these besides their open Gratuities privately heaped upon Sr. John and his Retinue d Knighton p. 2552. n. 40. such and so many rich Presents as proved much to the detriment of the King and the impoverishing of his Kingdom But upon their parting for fear of the English Archers whom they had in this War so highly incensed the King appointed the e Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 530. Lord William Clinton and eleven other Knights with two f Frois c. 18. fol. 11. hundred Men of Arms to bear them company thrô Lincolnshire Thus at last they all came safe to Dover where they found Vessels ready provided for them and theirs whereby they were carried with a prosperous wind to the place they were bound for VII But now 't is time to look nearer home and enquire what becomes of the Old King whom we left deposed and imprison'd with the promise of an honourable Pension during life He was not so unhappy in the want of his Subjects affections as some imagine and indeed almost all Writers seem to averr For in very truth he was rather depos'd by the deep contrivances of a few subtle Enemies and the despair to which their trayterous Demeanour had already reduc'd them together with his own oversight than thrô any Ill-will that the Generality of his People had to his Person or Government And therefore his Queen and her partakers to gain Popularity upon their first coming into England g Speed ex
lived but Miserably The Principal Authors in due Season we shall see brought to Condign Punishment VIII The young b Walsing hist p. 109. n. 20. Fox Acts and Monuments p. 345. King in his return to London was heartily welcomed by the Mayor and Aldermen and the whole City For he was a Prince of great hope and had much vivacity in his Countenance and courage in his Breast upon which account all his Subjects lov'd him entirely The gratefull Prince to set a Mark of his Royal favour upon that famous Metropolis in a Parliament held at Westminster c Joh. Tinemouth Aur. hist p. 229. a. in Bibl. Lambeth which began on St. Brices Day of his own accord confirmed unto them their former Liberties and granted new ones which they never had before Ordaining that the Mayor of London for the time being should sit in all Places within the Liberties as the Kings Chief Justice and that every Alderman who had been Mayor should while he continued true to the King and his Laws be always Justice of the Peace within his own Ward He also granted unto the Citizens the Fee Farm of London for three hundred Pounds per annum And that the lawfull Franchises of the City should not be seized into the Kings Hands but only on Occasion d Inst par 2. f. 20. Mirror c. 5. §. 2 Fleta l. 2. c. 48. Plowd com fol. 40. Instit par 4. f. 253 Rich. Grafton p. 217. of Abuse or Misuse e Stow's Survey London p. 248. p. 604. or for Treason or Rebellion countenanced or done by the whole City Further he ordain'd that Southwark should be under the government of the City and that the Mayor of London as Bailiff of Southwark should depute after his own pleasure the Bailiff of that Burrough under him About the same time also he made the Company of Skinners in London a Corporation as they have ever since honourably continued even to this day Himself for their greater Honour vouchsafing to be of their Brotherhood as afterwards other Kings did in imitation of so great a Precedent namely Richard the Second Henry the Fifth Henry the Sixth and Edward the Fourth Nor hath this Honourable and Ancient Company been ungratefull to the Memory of this their Glorious Founder but take all occasions to testifie their Respect to his Name and to preserve his Glory to Posterity Particularly of late they have at their own proper costs and charges erected his Statue among the Kings of this Land in the Royal Exchange in London To accompany the late unhappy King of England to his Grave there died about this time many other Potentates Princes and Prelates thô none so unfortunately and by such treacherous Cruelty as our Edward of Caernarvon And first there died Charles Earl of Valois younger Brother to Philip the Fair late King of France and Uncle to Charles the Fair then King of France and Father to Philip of Valois afterwards in Opposition to King Edward the Third made King of France He had been all his time a right Frenchman that is an inveterate Enemy to the English Nation Nor did his Nephew Charles King of France himself long survive him But departed this life without Issue being then about 32 years of Age on the Kalends of February Anno Dom. MCCCXXVIII when he had Reigned six Years and one Month leaving his Queen big with Child which notwithstanding died shortly after the Birth So that the Right to the Crown devolved thereupon to our King Edward the Eldest Son and Heir of Isabella the said Charles his only Sister surviving and the Daughter of Philip the Fair. But the French Nation either despising King Edwards Youth or moved by their own evil Genius for it was afterwards the occasion of unspeakable Calamities to that Kingdom prefer'd Philip of Valois the Nephew of Philip the Fair before King Edward the Son of Philip's Daughter to the Throne of France Accordingly on the 29 day of May following * Lit. Dom. CB. Pascha 3 April being then Trinity-Sunday he was Crowned at Rheimes f D'Avila l. 2. ad An. 1561. where the Holy Oyl wherewith Cloüis their First Christian King was anointed is still kept with great Veneration But the ill consequences of this his Coronation will abundantly appear hereafter There died also this Year the Lord g Buchan p. 277. Walter Stuart of Scotland Son in Law to King Robert Bruce and by the Lady Margaret Father to Robert Stuart who was afterwards King of Scotland the First of that Glorious Family From whom is descended our Present Gracious Soveraign King James the Second whom God grant long and happily to Reign About the same time Elizabeth Queen of Scotland deceased and not h Id. Junii An. 1328. long after there departed this life the King himself Robert Bruce that valiant Captain very old and as was said infected with the Leprosie leaving behind him David his only Son and Heir a young Prince of about Eight Years old of whom we shall say much in the Process of this History This King i Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 447. Robert Bruce was by birth an English Baron as was also John k Id. ibid. p. 523. Baliol his Competitor thô by Marriages of their Houses with the Royal Line of Scotland they Both at last had a Title to the Crown of that Kingdom King Robert beside his Brother l Speed p. 558. §. 33. Edward who was slain in battle by the English in Ireland had a younger Brother named Bernard Bruce from whom descended the Noble Edward Bruce of Kinlosse in Scotland a Person of great esteem and Merit in the Court of our English Solomon King James the First His Son m Wright's Hist of the Antiq of Rutlandshire p. 50. c. Thomas Lord Bruce was by Letters Patents dated the 21 of June in the Ninth of the said King James created Earl of Elgin in Scotland and on the First of August the Seventeenth of King Charles the First advanced to the Degree of a Baron of this Realm as his Ancestors for many Ages before had been by the Title of Lord Bruce of Wharlton in the County of York Whose Son and Heir Robert Lord Bruce was a Person of such eminent merits as well for his signall Loyalty in the late unhappy Defection as since the Happy Restoration of Monarchy that for a further addition of Honour King Charles the Second of Blessed Memory by Letters Patents bearing Date the 18 of March in the Sixteenth Year of his Reign advanced him to the Titles of Lord Bruce of Skelton in the County of York Vicount Bruce of Ampthill in Bedfordshire and Earl of Aylesbury in the County of Buckingham And being also Hereditary High Steward of the Honour of Ampthill Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Bedford Huntington and Cambridge Lord Chamberlain of the Kings Houshold and One of the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council he lately departed
safe with a merry Gale to Dover In their Approach to London f Knighton p. 2552. the Mayor and Aldermen went forth in their Habits well attended to meet their New Queen and to do her honour 'T was about Christmass when she came to London and the whole City enlarged their Joys and Feastings in honour of so welcome a Guest From London they all went to York where the Court then was and there g Id. Ibid. Frois c. 19. Fabian p. 195. Lit. Dom. C.B. on the twenty fourth Day of January being a Sunday and the Eve of St. Pauls Conversion the Marriage was Solemnized at which Dr. h M.S. Vet. Ang. in Bibl. C.C.C. c. 216. William Melton Archbishop of York and Dr. John Hotham Bishop of Ely sang the Mass And afterward i Sandford Geneal hist p. 159. on the first Sunday in Lent following was the Young Queen crown'd at Westminster with much Pomp and Glory Upon these happy Nuptials there was great Joy over all England but especially at Court where there was nothing but Justs and Turnaments in the Day-time Maskings Revels and Interludes with Songs and Dances in the Evenings and continual Feasting with great Magnificence for three Weeks together Soon after the Queens Coronation all except a very few of her Attendants Relations and Countrymen departed with her Uncle the Lord John of Beaumont into their own Country highly satisfied with their Entertainment and well rewarded by the King of England Among those few necessary Servants that stay'd here with her there was one a very proper and well-shap'd young Gentleman of strong Limbs and exalted Courage named Sr. Walter Manny k Frois c. 19. Lord of the Town of Manny in the Diocess of Cambray who was then Carver to the Queen but after that became for his exceeding Valour Generosity and Eminence in all Vertue One of the most Renowned and Gallant Knights in the whole World as the Sequel of this History will abundantly declare Now l Ashmole p. 669 there had been before in this King's Father's Days several other Matches proposed for him thô none of them took but this last And first his Father had design'd him for the Lady Margaret Eldest Daughter to William the Good Earl of Heinalt and Sister to this Queen Philippa who was afterwards Married to Lewis the Emperour Another time for Sibylla a Kinswoman of the said Earls and thirdly for Iolant the Daughter of James King of Aragon fourthly for the Lady Eleanora Sister to Alphonso King of Spain and while this Match was in Treaty another Alphonso King of Portugal propos'd his Daughter to the Prince but neither this nor that came to any effect because all former measures were broken by that great and sudden Alteration of Affairs in England II. And thus was King Edward a Married Man at the age of Fifteen but not fully Lord of himself being kept from the true Knowledge of Affairs by the Queen Dowager and her Minion the Lord Mortimer who by his great Power with her so Lorded it over his Betters that he began to grow insupportable to the Kings Uncles and Henry Earl of Lancaster which ill-will of their's was encreased by this Occasion In m M.S. vet Ang. in Bibl. C.C.C. c. 216. Whitsunday Week being the latter end of May there was a Parliament held at Northampton in which first King Edward began to stir about his Title to France For Charles the Fair King of France and Brother to his Mother Isabella Queen Dowager of England being lately dead without Issue-Male notwithstanding that King Edward acknowledged their Salic Law whereby an Infant Daughter of the said Charles was excluded wherefore neither did He claim the Crown for his Mother yet he maintain'd this Point n Mezeray ad an 1328. That the Sons of the Daughters having no such Imbecillity of Sex were not at all uncapable and that so the Peers of France ought to prefer him who was a Male and Grandchild to King Philip the Fair before Philip of Valois another Pretender to that Crown who was but a Nephew These things o Antiq. Brit. p. 228. n. 50. being discussed in Parliament it was thereupon Ordained That Adam Orleton Bishop of Worcester and Roger Northborough Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield should go into France and there in the Name of King Edward their Master claim that Kingdom and as much as in them lay hinder the Coronation of the said Philip of Valois But of this matter we shall say no more till we are called to enter upon the Wars of France which King Edward in his Riper Years undertook upon this Occasion Now we must look upon him as influenced by others counsels and so neither Formidable abroad nor Powerfull at home and one notable Instance thereof appeared in this very Parliament at Northampton where not so much the Honour and Profit of the King and his Realm was respected as the enriching security and advancement of the Lord Mortimer Here the two Spencers Father and Son Edmund late Earl of Arundel who had been executed by the Queen Mothers Party without any legal Process made against them And Walter Stapleton late Bishop of Excester whom for firmly adhering to his Master King Edward the Second against Queen Isabell's Pretensions the Commons of London had in a seditious tumult illegally beheaded together with his brother p Godw. Catal. B shops p. 405. Sr. Richard Stapleton a valiant and loyal Knight who died in the same manner at the same time all these now thô dead * Martin Ed. 3. p. 104. M. S. Record p. 12. Sr Rob. Cottons Abridgm p. 8. were in this Parliament attainted of High Treason by the directions and influence of the Queen Mother and the Lord Mortimer Whether it proceeded of implacable Malice which recked not to pursue them even into their Graves or whether by this means they meant to cover their former unjustifiable Proceedings against those Persons by a subsequent countenancing of the Action in Parliament Such pittifull shifts are Men put to when once they deviate from the straight way of Justice and Vertue thô at last all disguises must fall off and Wickedness appear open in all its natural Turpitudes From the same Influence also at this time by very subtle dealing and precontrived Overtures which the Scots were underhand dealt withall to propose a base and dishonourable Peace was struck up with that Nation profitable indeed to Mortimer and the Old Queen who with Adam Orleton Bishop of Worcester were the chief contrivers of it but utterly inconsistent with the Honour of the Young King or Profit of his Realm and People The Reason that moved the Scots to part with so much Money as was given by them upon the Establishing this Peace was because they were beforehand assured that they should have a good Return made them in consideration thereof beside they were sure to loose much more by the War next Year if continued because their
King Robert lay now on his Death-bed and almost in his Grave and his Young Son David was but little more than out of the Cradle Their General the Lord Randulph began to be very sickly and the other famous Captain the Lord James Douglas had undertaken a journey to Palestine as soon as ever his Lord King Robert should depart this Life to present his Heart in the Holy Land to the Sepulchre of his Saviour as the King had adjur'd him on his Death-bed to do On all these Reasons and because they had already sounded those who sway'd most in the Government of England lest the Young King should this year revenge the Injuries of the last the Scots with much seeming humility came to the foresaid Parliament at Northampton desiring a lasting Peace between the two Kingdoms which that they never meant in good earnest this is an undoubted Argument because their King Robert was ever of the mind and so declared on q Hector p. 309. lin 60. his Death-bed That no perpetual Peace ought ever to be made with England lest for want of use the Scots should forget their skill in Arms and that only sometimes to get an Advantage or to avoid an apparent Disadvantage they might strike up a Temporary Peace to endure but for two or three Years at the farthest But however that the Scots now required Peace in so humble a manner and by no less a Man than the Lord Douglas himself this was wonderfully pleasing to those who could not penetrate into the Design And there it was demanded by the English and with small adoe agreed unto by the Scots that they should pay unto the King of England thô it was meant to Mortimer for the Dammages done by them last year in the North r Knighton p. 2558. n. 10. in Artic. 20000 Marks thô Others say 30000 Marks and some as many Pounds Upon which pretended large Allowance the Scots cunningly proposed That for their better Security and to make the Amity more lasting their Young Prince of Scotland might have the King's Sister the Lady Joan of the Tower in Marriage Then with a pretended Zeal it was put home to the Scots that least new Quarrels should arise about Limits they would now renounce all claim to the Counties of Cumberland Northumberland or any other Place or Places which any of that Nation hath at any time held in England which was readily by the Scots granted as had before been privily agreed But then again it was humbly motion'd by them at the same time that all English Men should be prohibited from holding any Lands in Scotland unless only those who should there personally reside This was by the Contrivers acknowledged to be but just in equivalence to those Pretensions the Scots had so readily relinquished in England Only the Lord Å¿ Dugd. Bar. 1 Vol. 273. Henry Piercy who was one of the Twelve appointed to advise and guide the young King was utterly against that Clause but he was born down by Mortimer's Party and so this also was granted Whereupon the Encroachment grew higher so that now his Majesty himself was humbly requested to lay down his claim to all Superiority over that Crown and Kingdom else how could they be secure his Subjects would lay by their Pretensions And also it must needs raise Heart-burnings between the two Realms so long as One could shew Evidences and Trophies of the Others slavery This without much consideration was look'd upon but as a consequence of the former and so many ancient Deeds and Evidences of the Scotch Dependance on England with all the Instruments of their former Homages and Fealties from the most Ancient Times till the Days of Edward the First this King's Grandfather to whom John t Harding fol. 232. c. 240. 241. Baliol resign'd his Right to that Kingdom as they are reckon'd up by u Walsing Hist p. 17. c. item p. 49. c. Walsingham x Grafton p. 172. c. item p. 186. c. Grafton and others are all now rendred back again to Scotland And besides this many ancient Jewels and Muniments among which the Sacred Black Cross of Scotland with the famous Evidence called the Ragman Roll containing all the Homages and Fealties of the King of Scotland and of all the Prelates Earls and Barons of that Realm with all their Seals y M. S. vet Ang. in Bibl. C. C. C. c. 217. appendant thereto and other Charters and Remembrances that King Edward the First had of his Right to the Realm of Scotland besides the Evidences of what his Barons held in that Kingdom All these were now deliver'd up again In consideration of all which Grants the King of Scotland agrees to pay to King Edward the foresaid summ of 30000 Marks of which be sure the Authors of this contrivance had their share And yet however either of the Kings reserved to himself liberty after a Truce of four Years to refuse the Peace if then he should not like the Conditions To which the Councils of both Nations were willing to agree for as much as the One expected the return of their great Commander James Douglas from the Holy Land by that time and the Other were cautious of confirming the Peace for a longer time than the King's Minority since they all perceived him very desirous already to get Honour on the Scottish Nation This is that Famous or rather Infamous Peace justly accounted so dishonourable to England that the Scots themselves afterward by way of Triumph Nick-named their Queen Joan Make-Peace as if the Realm of England had made that Match out of fear to rid their hands of the War However the Lady Joan of the Tower King Edward's Sister was accordingly on the z Joh. Tinemouth aur Hâ—st p. 229. ex aed. Lambeth Twelfth of July or as a Fabian p. 196. M. S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C. C. C. Cautabr c. 217. others on the 20 being the Festival of St. Mary Magdalen taken in Marriage by David Bruce the Young King of Scotland his Father being dead but the Month before III. When these things were noised abroad King Edward began to appear Contemptible in the eyes of his Neighbours who did not at all consider what Arts were used to mislead his Youth by those who hop'd always to stand at the Helm The Scots made many insulting Rhymes in derision of our Nation one whereof is chiefly remembred viz. b Fabian p. 196. M.S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C. C. C. c. 213. Long Beards Heartless Painted Hoods Witless Gay Coats Graceless Make England Thriftless Even Philip of Valois the French King who held that Crown but by Injustice from our King Edward is so far now from doubting to be called to any Account for it by him that he begins to meditate a Resolution of summoning him to come and render him Homage for his Lands in France held of that Crown But this matter he was forced for a
Age as a Man zealous for his Masters Honour of whom the Chief Care had been committed to him by Parliament he began to Assemble his Friends and Retinue unto whom he spake of the King's Honour which was now expos'd to obloquy and it seems the matter was so manifest that the King 's two Uncles and many others of the Highest Quality and the Chief Citizens of London swore unto him to stand by him in Opposition to Mortimer And this was the substance of their Design n M. S. id ibid. 1. That the King should hold his Houshold and his Meny according to the Dignity of a King having all his Royalties entire to himself and that the Queen Mother should deliver up into the King's hands all manner of Lordships Rents Towns and Castles that pertained to the Crown of England and that she should live on the Third part of the Rents of England as other Queens before her had done and on nothing else 2. Also that Sr. Roger Mortimer should live upon his own Lands for which yet he had already disinherited many so that the Commons might not be destroyed thrô his wrongfull encroachments 3. Also to make inquisition how and by whom the King was betrayed and falsly deceived at Stanhop and thrô whose Counsel the Scots were suffer'd to escape by Night out of the King's hands 4. Also how and by whose Counsel the Ordinance that was made at the King's Coronation was put down viz. that the King for the good of the Realm and safety of his Person and Honour should be Governed and Ruled by Twelve the Greatest and Wisest Peers of the Realm without whom nothing should be Granted nor done which Order being neglected many Harms Grievances and Scandals have happen'd unto the King and to his Realm And that is to understand Forasmuch as Edward sometime King of England was ordained by consent of the Community in full Parliament to remain under the Custody and Governance of Henry Earl of Lancaster his Cozen for safety of his Person he was taken out of the Castle of Kenelworth where he was in Custody and thrô Counsel of the Queen Mother and Mortimer without consent of any Parliament they took and lead him where none of his Kindred might come to the speech or sight of him And after traitrously took and murd'red him for whose Death a foul Slander arose thrô all Christendom 5. Also all the Treasure that Edward of Carnarvon had left any where either in England or Wales was wasted and carried away without the Will or Knowledge of King Edward his Son to the great Detriment of him and his People 6. Also thrô whose Counsel it was that the King gave up the Kingdom of Scotland for the which Realm the King's Ancestors had full sore travailed and so did many a Noble Man for their Rights But now all was deliver'd up unto David the Son of Robert Bruce who had no Right unto that Realm as all the World knows 7. Also by whom the Charters and Remembrances that the King had of his Right to Scotland were taken out of the Treasury and given to the Scots the King's Enemies to the Disherison of him and of his Successours and to the great Loss of his Liege People and the Reproof of all English men for evermore 8. And lastly wherefore the Lady Joan of the Tower the King's Sister was disparag'd and Married unto David the Son of Robert Bruce that was a Traytour and Enemy unto England and through whose Counsel she was given into our Enemies hands out of England While the Earl of Lancaster the Earl of Norfolk and the Earl of Kent with their Council were contriving how to pursue this matter the Parliament sat at Salisbury to which they refus'd to come because of Mortimer's formidable Retinue and put themselves in a Posture of Defence against the Queen Mother and Mortimer being enforced with 600 men of Arms from London But certainly 't is good for Great Men at Court when they see a Favourite solely to possess their King not therefore to be carried away with unjust and causless Envy if they can perceive the Person to be notwithstanding blameless or usefull to the King's Affairs For Envy is a fierce unbridled and devouring Evil always ungenerous and void of Equity and withall often thrô Precipitancy more hurtfull to its Owner then its Object But if the Favourite appears really Haughty beyond Sufferance and dangerous to the Publique a Man truly Loyal and Brave ought by any means to consult the Interest of his Master Yet this he must not think to perform well by flying out first for that makes his own Cause seem the worst but rather by wisely concealing his Resentments till a fit Occasion offers it self For otherwise we do but rashly declare we are Enemies to One who is better provided than We our selves and will be sure to make use of his present Advantage to our Ruine The truth of this Aphorism appears from the sequel of this Story for by this publique Breach which the Earls of Kent and Lancaster with their Associates seem'd first to make Mortimer held the better appearance and so lightly perswaded the young King that these Men sought no less then his Life and Kingdom Whereupon he obliged him to ride out against them in Person about o An non Bradford legend quod est in Wilteniâ 24. Mill. à Sarisberiâ Bedsord immane quantum distat 24 miles in one Night towards p Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 145. ex Leland Collect. 1 Vol. p. 685. Bedford where they were assembled in Arms thô only resolv'd to stand on the Defensive part But by Mediation of Dr. Simon Mepham q John Tinemouth p. 229. Archbishop of Canterbury and others upon their submission Mortimer also cunningly pretending to befriend them therein a formal Peace was huddled up and all taken to Mercy thô not without severe Fines imposed on them all which for the most part were converted to the profit of Mortimer And particularly the Earl r M. S. Vel. Ang. in Bibl. C. C. C. c. 216. of Lancaster was then Fined at no less then 11000 pounds thô that summe was never paid We shall see notwithstanding shortly by what subtle contrivances this aspiring Great One could find Occasion to destroy the Noble Earl of Kent and perhaps he would have done as much to the Earl of Lancaster had he not despis'd his Age which by that time rendred him almost decrepit On the contrary he himself at this very Parliament attain'd to greater Honour for here the King 's own Brother John of Eltham being made Earl of Cornwall and Sr. James ſ Dugd. Warn p. 445. a. Butler of Ireland Earl of Ormond this Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore against the liking of many Great Men was at the same time Created Earl of March in the Marches of Wales Thus did this notable Politician overreach all his Enemies the King's Uncles and the Bishops being indeed taken
to Favour and seemingly pardon'd but the Lord Henry Beaumont Sr. Thomas Rosselin Sr. William Trussel and Sr. Thomas Withers as not being included in this Pardon or not daring to trust to it were fain to fly the Land till the Death of Mortimer For to these Men he was implacable they being the first Persons who began boldly to challenge him for the Death of the Old King tho some of them had been concern'd in his Deposal for which this new Earl of March would gladly have had a full Revenge upon them But however upon this their flight he got many good parcels of their Lands and Possessions to be siesed on for the King's Use in name but for his own in reality V. Here because the foresaid Henry Lord Beaumont is not only mention'd on these great Accounts already but must challenge much more to be said of him hereafter as also that it may be seen what kind of Men this proud Mortimer levell'd his aim at and that I may at the same time do right to the Posterity of that Noble Personage I shall not here think it amiss briefly to touch at his Original Most of those that mention his Pedigree bring his Descent from Lewis Son to Charles Earl of Anjou t Dugd. Bar. 2 Vol. p 50. 〈◊〉 a younger Son to Lewis the Eighth King of France which Lewis Son of Charles being Lord of Beaumont in France begot of his Lady Agnes de Beaumont this valiant Lord Henry Beaumont and his Sister Isabell who was wife to John Lord Vesci of Alnwick in Northumberland and is called Kinswoman to Queen Eleanor that vertuous Consort of King Edward the First This Lord Henry married the Lady Alice one of the Cozens and Coheirs to John Cumin Earl of Boghan or Bucquain and Constable of Scotland in whose Title he afterwards obtained that Honour But whereas there are some who by mistake bring this Worthy much later into England in the company of Queen Isabella King Edward the Third's Mother this their error arose we presume from those passages of Froisard which make such frequent mention of the Lord Beaumonts assisting that Queen when it is plain that he means there the Lord John of Heinalt who was also called Lord Beaumont from another place of that name in Heinalt and besides this Lord was u Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 51. Claus 20. Ed. 2. m. 12. confin'd in England upon Suspicion at the time of Queen Isabell's Arrival And yet * Dugd. ibid. p. 50. others derive this noble Vicount Beaumont from Lewis de Brenne second Son to John de Brenne or rather Bremen the last King of Jerusalem VI. But now this Noble Lord with othes of Mortimers Enemies was fain to yield to the iniquity of the Times and to retreat into France till the Storm should be blown over Mortimer in the mean while securely basking in the sun-shine of his Prosperity as great as Heart could wish if Ambition knew any Limits to its Desires Soon after the Young King to do him further honour x Monast Angl. 2 Vol. p. 225. takes a progress toward the Marches of Wales where he gives this new Earl a visit He for his part as he was indeed descended of a very ancient and Noble Family from y Catal. Honor. p. 574. Hugh de Mortimer a Norman Baron who came into England with William the Conqueror and received of him in reward of his good Services the Castle and Lands of Wigmore was besides his natural Ambition very glorious and singularly magnificent in all his Publique Appearances But now upon this Visit 't is incredible what sumptuous Entertainments he gave his Royal Master in his Castles of Ludlow and Wigmore what Sports and Diversions in his Parks and Forests what Gallantry and Expence he exhibited in his Tiltings Tournaments and other Military Pastimes much whereof thô it might proceed from an honourable Disposition and a sense of Gratitude and dutifull Respect to his Soveraign yet as was thought not a little was upon the account of the Queen Mothers presence and that all of it in general smelt rank of a Popular Air and a vain-glorious Humour Whether it was really so or that Pride is so loathsom to all who are at a distance from it that it causes even our best Actions to be misrepresented and be view'd from the wrong Prospect CHAPTER the THIRD The CONTENTS I. King Edward summon'd to do Homage to the King of France for his Dukedom of Aquitain and the Lands of Ponthieu and Monstroile II. A solemn Just held in London for three Days together AN. DOM. 1329. An. Regni III. with the Queen's danger by the Falling of a Scaffold III. The Old Queen and Mortimer compass the death of Edmund Earl of Kent the King's Vncle with the Manner and other Circumstances IV. King Edward goes privately into France V. Soon after his Return a Son born unto him called Edward afterwards sirnamed the Black-Prince VI. Mortimer taken and executed a Parliament I. NOW was a Froisâ—c 24. M. S. Ang. C. C. C. ibid. c. 219. Philip of Valois the French King well settled in his new-acquired Throne having received all the Homages and Fealties of his Subjects and Others who held under him as Peers of France or otherwise except only of the Young King of England his Cozen who by right had ow'd him homage for his Dukedom of Aquitain and the Earldom of Ponthieu and Monstroile had not himself been Heir to the Crown of France and so Supream Lord not only of those Parts but of the Whole But King Philip being too much elevated with his good Fortune never consider'd any such thing or at least had no great apprehensions of King Edward's Courage or Conduct and therefore finding himself now in full and quiet Possession of so flourishing a Kingdom by the advice and consent of his whole Council he resolves to summon our King Edward to make his Personal Appearance before him in France there to do Homage unto him as to his Supream Lord for the Lands which he held of that Crown He therefore soon after dispatches into England the Lord of Ancenis and the Lord of Beausalt with Monsieur Peter of Orleans and Monsieur Peter of Massieres two famous Civilians which Four with all their Retinue after provision made departed from Paris directly for Whitsant where they took the Sea and arrived safely at Dover Here having tarried one day as well to refresh themselves as to unship their Horses and Baggage they rode the next day toward the Court which they heard to be as then at Windsor Being at last come thither in respect to their Master that sent them they were soon admitted to the Royal Presence where they gave the King a full account of their Errand His Majesty answer'd with good Deliberation That the Matter required advice that as for his Part very few of the Lords of his Council were then about him but if they would withdraw to London he
was slain with 7000 Christians the Pagans obtaining but a bloody Victory with the loss of no less than 58000 Men This Battle was struck on the Feast of St. Catherine being the 25 of November The Other was between the Castilians of Spain and the Moors of Granada of which because it bears some reference to the succeeding Affairs I shall take leave to speak something more particularly It may be remembred that when I spake of the Dishonourable Peace made with Scotland at Northampton I took occasion to mention a Voyage which the Lord James Douglas the famous Warriour of Scotland had undertaken to the Holy Land there to offer up his dead Master King Robert's Heart at the Sepulchre of our Blessed Saviour Now as soon as he had well provided for so long and important a Journey he took the Noble Heart of his Lord King Robert g Hector Bâ—et l. 15. fol. 311. b. n. 70. embalmed and enshrin'd in a Golden Box and with a Gallant company of choice Knights and valiant Gentlemen of whom the Lord William Sinclare and Sr. Robert Logan were chief he set forth for the Holy Land. And here Hector according to his usual way makes no more adoe but boldly affirms that he came to Jerusalem offer'd up the Heart stay'd a while fought many Glorious Battels wan much Renown brought the Saracens to a Peace on conditions very advantageous to the Christians richly rewarded the Priests and Holy Men there and away came he again safe and sound as could be till he touch'd the Spanish Coast about Andaluzia or the Boetic Province where finally he lost his Life But Buchanan in this place more modest h Buchan l. 8. p. 279. acknowledges that his Death happen'd not in his Return but in his Passage to Jerusalem and therein agrees with i Frois c. 20. fol. 11. Froisard a most credible Historian in the main who thus reports the whole matter Earl Douglas being well purvey'd of all things sets sail immediately from a Port of Murray in Scotland directing his course for Sluce in Flanders where he design'd to enquire if there were any Knights or Noblemen who to advance the honour of Christ and purchase unto themselves true Renown would adventure to accompany him in this his Expedition to the Holy Land. Having therefore accordingly sent into the Country thereabout to publish his Intention he lay on Board before Sluce the space of twelve Days himself not once offering to touch the Land so firmly was he set on the performance of his Royal Master's Injunctions And all the while that he might the better allure Companions in Arms to partake with him in this hazardous Enterprise he kept a stately and magnificent Port making on Board triumphant Noises with Trumpets Clarions and other Instruments of War as if he had been King of Scotland himself He had with him in his own Ship two Knights Bannerets and six other Knights with 26 lusty Esquires and other young Gentlemen to attend his person and all the Vessels he was served in were of Gold or silver And whoever came on Board to visit him were nobly entertain'd with Banquets Wine and spices every one after his Quality While thus he lay to the great pleasure and satisfaction of the Country at the end of twelve days he had certain News that Alphonso the XI King of Castille and Leon held war with the Moors and Saracens of Granada Upon this report he thought it every whit as meritorious to fight against Infidels in Spain as in the Holy Land and that it could no way thwart with his dead Masters Command if he should endeavour to exalt the Cross of Christ against Mahometanisme to which cause himself had both living and dying devoted his own Royal Heart Desirous also to leave some Token of the Scottish Valour in the furthermost Parts of Spain and concluding after all to perform at his leisure the Voyage to Jerusalem he at last resolves to be a partaker in these honourable Wars Whereupon hoising sail directly for Spain he arrived happily at the Port of Valencia where he landed with all his Company but such as were appointed to look to the Fleet. Thus this Gallant Scot having well refreshed himself and his Troops rode bravely forward toward the King of Spain whom he found with his Army facing the Enemy on the Frontiers of his Kingdom toward the Realm of Granada To make short his service was well accepted and thereupon the King of Spain resolv'd to give his Enemies Battle The King of Granada seeing the Christians advance set forward also to meet them with innumerable Forces And now both Armies wanted but little of joyning when the Generous Earl Douglas fearing to come too late to so glorious a Banquet with all his Company strake spurs to his Horses sides and couching his Spear rushed fiercely among the thickest of his Enemies all the way crying out a Douglas a Douglas as he that nothing doubted but to be well back'd by King Alphonso The Enemy thô vastly Numerous was strangely amaz'd at this vigorous and resolute Onset and either out of Dismay or Policy open'd their Ranks to receive them giving also back a little to abate the Fury of the first shock Certainly had the Castillians immediately seconded this Noble Knight with but half that Bravery the Moors had either wholly been overthrown or at most gain'd but a Bloody Victory But whether 't was Fatal oversight or Discretion not to Engage with such vast Numbers in confidence of a few seeming-rash Strangers or whether 't was a certain stupor and excess of Admiration or a desire to stay a while beholding the Effects of such Gallantry or foolish Envy or base Cowardise or that they could not come up timely enough King Alphonso however Brave and Victorious at other times stood now still and joyned not the Battle Whereat the Moors encouraged immediately surrounded the Deserted Scots with their Numerous Forces and there the Gallantest Captain in the World being abandon'd to Infinite Multitudes of Barbarians was miserably at last hewen in pieces with all his Martial Company Thô they left such Marks of their exceeding Valour behind that the Infidels who felt and saw their Fury thought them Invincible till they beheld them slain before their Eyes Thus by occasion of a superstitious Vow of the Late King Robert was Scotland unfortunately depriv'd of a Noble Captain and many other Brave Souls at a time when most she needed their Assistance at Home This Lord Douglas bare for his Arms k Frois c. 17. fol. 8. Azure a Chevron Argent but his Posterity in Memory of this his Enterprise and Death do l Hâ—linshead hist Sâ—ctl p. 227. bear the Bloody Heart for their Arms to this day And indeed he was one of the first Builders of his Name and Family in Scotland being a great Champion to his Native Country and as great a Terror to all the English Borderers For m Knighton p. 2559. n. 50.
Grievance to the whole Kingdom Among other of their Licentious Practises the Lord Chief Justice e Knighton p. 2559. n. 60. Sr. Richard Willoughby going after Christmas towards Grantham was taken by one Richard Fulvile and by force carried into a Wood hard by where being siesed by certain of these Lawless Fellows he was compell'd to lay down immediately Ninety Marks as a Ransom for his Life and also to swear never to discover them Upon News of these and the like Insolencies the Young King resolving now to be Master of his Crown sends forth his Justices of Trailebaston two and two with Power to enquire after all Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs Escheators and others who had abused or neglected their Offices by Extortion Bribery Fear or Favour and after all such as had failed in the due Execution of the Laws whereby these Licentious People began first to take such Boldness upon them The form of the Writ thô of moment I forbear to transcribe because 't is already Extant in f Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 840. Holinsheads Chronicles and elsewhere But least the Law should fail of Power to maintain it self the Young King takes to him some choice Troops of Armed Men with many Light-Horsemen well mounted and marches forth in Person to discover these Enemies to Government Some Parties of these Audacious Villains were met with by him nor did they much decline the matter Success had made them so Impudent But Majesty and Vertue are more Valiant than Vice and Rebellion so that they are all soon Worsted by the Brave Young King and become an Example to others some of them being slain in Skirmish many Hang'd and Quarter'd a few Beheaded others imprison'd and put to great Fines and in short such Order taken with all that the whole Kingdom was kept in Peace and quiet at Home all his Reign after VI. On the Thirtieth g M.S. p. 14. Sr Rob. Cotton Statute Bock c. of September or the Morrow after St. Michael being a Monday the King held his High-court of Parliament at Westminster to consult about the Affairs of Guienne and other his Lands beyond the Seas as also concerning a Peace to be had with France and to conferr about the Matters of Ireland These were by John Stratford Bishop of Winchester and then Lord Chancellour of England offer'd as the reasons inducing the King to call that Parliament The Affairs of Guienne were not in so ill a posture the h Knighton p. 2563. Earl of Vlster being now there and Sr. John Darcy Justice of Ireland having been sent thither the Year foregoing i Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 371. especially because of the late Composure between England and France the French being also at this time about a Treaty with England Yet because then a Peace is most likely to be made on good Conditions when he that treats is in a posture of Defence it was thought fit to provide something for the Defence of those Parts however And therefore Sr. John k Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 151. a. St. Philibert a Baron of great prudence and valour was now by the King appointed to be Major of the City of Bourdeaux having an assignation of an 100 l. allow'd him for the Expences of his journey thither thô this Worthy Gentleman deceased about two Years after Sr. Oliver Ingham a mighty Baron and One of the Twelve appointed for a Guide and Counsellour to this King at his Coronation had now his l Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 104. Patent which had been granted him seven Years before for the Seneschalsie of Aquitain renewed and not long after he was sent over with pretty considerable Forces Of whose valourous Exploits this Book will not be silent At the same time the Lord m Dugd. 2 Vol. p 34. Ashmole p. 693. Bartholomew Burwash senior was constituted Seneschall of Ponthieu in Picardy which King Edward held in right of his Mother with whom that Earldom was given upon her Marriage with the King his Father As for Ireland it was resolved that the King in Person should go thither that to prepare his way a certain power of Armed Men should go before him under able Commanders and that those especially who held any Lands there should make speedy repair thither for Defence of that Kingdom as also that all learned Men in the Law who should be appointed as Justices or otherwise to serve in Ireland should by no means be excus'd on any pretence whatsoever And further 't was order'd that search should be made into his Majesties Records to see what Methods had been formerly taken for the civilizing and governing that Country As to the Affairs n M. S. p. 14. §. 3. Sr Rob. Cotton's Abridgement p. 9 §. 3. with France the King by his Chancellour demanded whether he had best treat with that Crown by way of Amity or Marriage The Commons humbly conceived that Marriage would be the best way whereupon certain were appointed to consult about this Treaty and a o Ashmole p. 675 Commission was given to Sr. John Darcy and Sr William Trussel to treat and agree with King Philip or his Deputies upon the Premises Now for the better understanding of this Matter it appears from the Records as we shall more fully shew hereafter that near this time King Philip being taken up with thoughts about the Holy War that he might be sure of King Edward of whose pretences to that Crown he was jealous had offer'd to enter into a strict Alliance with him by p Ashmole p. 675 Sandferd p. 184. a Marriage between a Daughter of his and the young Prince Edward of England And lest that might not suffice had importun'd him to be his Fellow in Arms and in Person to accompany him into Palestine or as q Odoric Rainald Add. tâ—ad Annal. Barerâ—i 1331. â— 29 c. Others say into Spain to fight against the Moors of Granada But because nothing was done in this Matter yet only it was refer'd to the foresaid Commissioners to advise about it we shall remitt the further prosecution hereof to the next Year to which it more properly belongs Yet this we must not pass over that now upon Occasion of the King 's being invited into France the former Resolution that he should personally go into Ireland took not effect this Year and as for the next other Business put it off and the Scotch Affairs the Year following wholly null'd it so that the King went not thither at all as it had been here resolved only an Armed Power was sent thither the Year after this In this Parliament St. Hugolin the Granchild of the Lord Hugh Spencer the Elder who with his Son Sr. Hugh had in the late Revolution been illegally executed by Queen Isabell having first by his great Valour r Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 880. in holding his Castle against the said Queen compounded for his life and since that Obtaining his Majesties Gracious Pardon was now
he would not as we shew'd before permit them to pass thrô his Land into that Realm he became so displeas'd at their presumption that by Advice of his Council he caused all the Castles Mannors and Lands belonging to the Lord Henry Vicount Beaumont the Chief of these Undertakers scituate and lying in the Counties of Warwick Leicester Nottingham and Derby to be seised into his Hands Thô soon after at the Parliament then sitting at Westminster upon further examination he had a full Restitution of all again Thus much can truly be said concerning this King's Reputation as to his Faith in this Matter Nor yet did he when the Term of the Truce was expired first seek an occasion against his Young Brother in Law. For we find that in his Parliament holden again at Westminster this Year on the Day h M.S. p. 18. Sr Rob. Cotton p. 12. §. 3. after the Nativity of our Lady being the Ninth of September and a Wednesday whereas the Parliament was only called as the Chancellor John Stratford Bishop of Winchester declared about the Irish Affairs and the King 's Personal Expedition thither for that was again resum'd and the French Voyage put off there was suddenly terrible News brought from the North of a Scotch Invasion which immediately turn'd all their Minds that way So that in a great Hurry the Parliament was Adjourn'd to York there to meet on the 25 of the said Month which was the Fryday before the Feast of St. Michael But before they brake up that Session the Prelates i M. S. p. 18. §. 3.4 Sr Rob. Cotton p. 13. § 3. by themselves the Lords by themselves and the Knights by themselves by their Petitions Advised his Majesty and Requested him not to depart the Land for any Affairs of Ireland only to send thither a new supply of Men and Money and himself to March with an Armed Power toward the North there to watch the Motions of Scotland Towards which Exploit they k M. S. ibid. Sr Rob. Cotton ibid. Walsing hypod p. 112. granted to the King one Fifteenth of the Temporality and a Tenth of all Cities and Burroughs so as the King would please to live of his own without grieving his Subjects by outragious Prises or such like Whereupon the King revoked the New Commissions for rearing of Tallages and promiseth from henceforth to * In Sr. R. Câ—â—ten 't is remise in M.S. raise remise the same according to the old Rate III. But that we may the better understand the Business in Hand it seems not unnecessary to give a short Account of the Scotch Affairs since the Invasion of Edward Bailiol the Conquerour of which we have made some Relation already in the Year foregoing After those frequent and memorable Victories the said Edward Bailiol was Proclaimed King of Scotland and Crowned at Scone in Opposition to King David His English Assistants were the Chief that both encouraged and in a manner enforced him to take this Title upon him they alledging That they fought for his Right to the Crown of that Kingdom which if now after such fair Beginnings he had not the Courage to own he would not deserve to obtain it But that if he accepted the Title of King it would confirm the Hands of his Friends and weaken those of his Enemies Besides 't was not unlikely to bring over many great Ones to his Party On these and other the like Considerations he accepted the Crown as we shew'd before and accordingly most of the Scotch Nobility came in to him Thô some did but dissemble to secure their own Estates till a Fairer occasion might be offer'd to declare themselves with more Advantage Soon after his Coronation that he might secure the Crown unto himself which he had taken upon him l Walinâ—â— â—â—st p. 114 Buchan l. 13. p. 288. he marched with his gallant little Army from Scone and had another Victory over the Rebel Scots at Roxborough where he took the Lord Andrew Earl of Murray and sent him prisoner to Durham These thick and manifold Losses thô able to have broke the Spirits of any but the hardy Scots did only make them more cauteous and put them almost against their nature upon subtle Contrivances now they saw how unsuccessfull their Forceable Opposition proved Whereupon m Knighton p. 2562. Walsing ibid. Patrick Earl of Dunbar Archimbald Douglas and Sr. John Randulph son to the Lord Thomas Randulph late Protector of Scotland with certain other Lords that were still in their hearts firm to King David's Interest did with subtlety require of King Edward Bailiol a Truce till the n 2 Febr. Feast of the Purification following that then by peaceable Treaty in full Parliament a perfect Union and Agreement might be made among these different Parties of the Scottish Nation The unwary Prince willing by any means to stop the further Effusion of his Subjects blood presently swallows this Bait accepts with joy this deceitfull Overture and either to shew his Confidence in his People or to create in them a confidence of his peaceable Inclinations freely dismisses the greater part of his Forces The Parliament was pretended to be held at Anan the chief Town in Anandale about 15 miles from Caerlile o 〈…〉 i.e. 25 Deâ—â—emb Buchan p. 2 â—â— vid. M.S. Vet. Ang. in â—â—bl C.C.C. c. 223. whither the perfidious Scots on Christmas Day being ten days before the Parliament was to sit coming suddenly upon their new King made a lamentable slaughter of his Friends who were about him he himself hardly escaping away on an Horse without either Bridle or Saddle But there he lost his only Brother the Lord Henry Bailiol a Man of singular valour with the Lords Walter Cumin and Richard Kirkeby only Alexander p Buchâ—n l. 13. p. 286. Bruce Earl of Carrick and Galloway had his Life spared at the intercession of the Lord John Randulph who was his Kinsman as well upon the account of his relation to King David as because he was one of the latest that yielded to the Bailiol But surely the Lord John Moubray of England was not now slain as Hector falsly affirms for we find q Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 127. a. b. by undoubted Records that he died not till 29 years after this time And here I must not omit to take further notice of the vanity of this Hector Boetius r Hector p. 314. who to advance his Nations Honour as he thinks sticks not to averr by a most notorious falshood that this Victory was obtain'd by a just Battle and after a long and doubtfull Fight Whereas not to mention that never any King went into battle deliberately with his Horse unbridled nor that it appears by Records that several of King Bailiols chief Abettors and Friends without whom he neither could nor would maintain a field particularly that the Lord Å¿ M.S. p. 17. §. 18. Sr. Rob. Câ—tton p. 12. §. â— Henry Beaumont was then
the King either could not or would not of themselves be fully resolved but after the manner of that Age wished the King to Advise first with the Pope and also with the French King both which befriended King David of Scotland and concern'd themselves in his matters However King Edward was so far from either violating the Peace first or even when 't was done by the Scots from precipitating himself into a War that thô the French King did openly abett the Scots and the Pope did abett France as palpably yet he follow'd this Counsel For we find that about this time among others k Philipet's Catal Chanceli p. 36. he sent this same Bishop of Winchester into France concerning these Affairs Of whom this is observable that being then Lord Chancellour he did not as afterwards Cardinal Woolsey did in the Days of King Henry the VIII presumptuously carry the Great Seal with him beyond the Seas but left it in his Absence with those who both could and would be responsible for it during his abode in France And these things being thus done the l M. S. Sr. Rob. Cotton ibid. Commons had all leave to depart but the Lords were Commanded to attend the next day at which time the King dissolved the Parliament It is observable that on the first day of this Parliaments sitting Commandment was given to the Mayor of York in Presence of the King in full Parliament to see the King's Peace kept in the same City and the Suburbs thereof and to arrest them that did the contrary Also that Proclamation against Weapons and Plays should be made by the Steward and Martial before the Parliament-House and by the Mayor and Bayliffs in the City of York VI. Thus this Year ended the Peace not yet broke on the English part but all things being in so loose a Posture that nothing seem'd more certain than that a War would inevitably follow The Princess m Speeds Ed. 2. p. 564. §. 81. Eleanora King Edward's Younger Sister being about fourteen Years of Age was this Year given in Marriage to Reginald the Second Earl of Gueldre a great Lover of King Edward and the English Nation Her Portion was 15000 pounds Sterling no small Summe of Money in those Days for we find in Ancient Times that even the Marriages of the Daughters of France n Causin's Holy Câ—art l. 3. part 1 §. 39. n. 60. exceeded not 6000 Crowns ready Money thô in our Days a Merchant of London has made his Daughter worth Forty Sixty and a Hundred Thousand Pounds This Lady thô his second Wife brought to the said Earl two hopefull Sons Reginald and Edward both Dukes successively after their Father For when afterward King Edward was made Vicar of the Sacred Empire he Created this Earl Reginald Duke of Gueldre since which that Earldom became a Dukedom In her passage to Guelderland she was Honourably attended by many English Knights among whom was o Dugd. Bar. 1 Vol. p. 154. William Lord Zouch of Mortimer and Sr. Constantine Mortimer his Kinsman both Branches of that Great Family of the Mortimers late Lords of Wigmore Sr. Constantine four Years after became Steward of the Houshold to the foresaid Countess of Gueldre This p Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 214. Claus 6. Ed. 3. m. 31. Year the Lord Edmund Plantagenot Eldest Son of Edmund of Woodstock late Earl of Kent departed this Life being at his Death the King's Ward and so without Issue Whereupon his Brother John succeeded him in the said Earldom To repair which Diminution of the Royal Branches in England Queen q Knighton p. 2560. Speed p. 590. b. Stow p. 231. c. Philippa soon after Christmas was happily deliver'd at Woodstock near Oxford of her second Child a fair Daughter who was Christened by the Name of Isabella and many Years after by the King her Father given in Marriage to the Honourable and Valiant Lord Ingelram Coucy Earl of Guisnes and Soissons and in time Archduke of Austria CHAPTER the SIXTH AN. DOM. 1333. An. Regni VII The CONTENTS I. The Lord Robert Earl of Artois in Picardy being prosecuted by the French King flies into England to King Edward's Protection and becomes a Firebrand of the War against his Country II. King Edward Summons the King of Scotland to come and do Homage as also to render Barwick unto him with King David's Reply III. King Edward in Parliament resolves on a War with Scotland and sends his Defiance IV. Mutual Inroads as Praeludiums to the War with the Siege of Barwick V. King Edward's expedition in Scotland and return to the Siege before Barwick where he is met by the Lord Darcy VI. A Combat between a Scotch and English Knight with the Battle of Halidown VII The Names of the English Lords in that Battle with an account of the Loss on both sides Barwick taken and Garrison'd by King Edward VIII King Edward's Devotion after the Victory He leaves Edward Bailiol to prosecute the War in Scotland King David flies into France and makes a League Offensive and Defensive with King Philip. IX King Bailiol's Success in Scotland he calls a Parliament at St. Johnston to which the English Lords his Assistants come and do Homage for their Lands held in that Kingdom The Year concludes with the Death of the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Durham and the Lord Hugh Poynz I. THat it may appear that National Commotions and Destructive Wars do come by the Ordinance of God for the Correction of Pride Injustice or other Sins I shall here briefly touch at the seeds of the French War which being cast about this time lasted for so many years and brought forth so many strange and notable Events thô when first sow'd they seem'd so small and inconsiderable King Philip of Valois who now wore the Crown of France a Frois c. 25. obtain'd it at first chiefly by the Assistance Conduct and Authority of a Mighty Peer of that Kingdom named Robert Earl of Artois who was one of the most Noble Valiant and Politick Lords in France of High Lineage and Prince of the Blood. He had married King Philips's German Sister and was ever his Chief and Special Friend and Counsellour as well before in his private Condition as now in his Regal Eminence Insomuch that for the space of three or four Years nothing of any moment passed in all that Kingdom but at the Advise and Discretion of the Lord Robert of Artois This Lord Robert besides the Relation he bore to King Edward as having Married the Sister of King Philip who was Uncle to Queen Philippa was also by the b Sandford Geneal Hist p. 94. Mother's side descended from King Henry the Third of England King Edward's Great Grandfather by the Lady Blanch of Bretagne who was Daughter to Beatrice second Daughter to the said King Henry the Third He was the Son of Philip Earl of Artois Lord of Conches and Damfront and
was entituled Robert of Artois Earl of Beaumont le Roger Peer of France Lord of Conches Damfront and Mehun And as his Blood was Illustrious his Courage was undaunted and his Spirit unable to brook an Injury Now in process of time it happen'd c Gaguin Graston p. 229. c. that in a Plea of some High Concern for Lands between this Sr. Robert and his Aunt the Lady Mathilda Countess of Artois he had judgement awarded by the Court against him whether because of Letters that Sr. Robert was said to have counterfeited or for Respect to the Lady who was a Widdow or out of Envy to him who was the King's sole Favourite or thrô neglect and inadvertency or for any other cause Just or Unjust however the proceeding so much â—ncensed Sr. Robert that he could not forbear to utter in the hearing of many these High Words By me was Philip Crown'd and by me shall he be discrown'd again These rash Words had surely cost him his Head could Philip have taken him in his anger But he had wisely voided his Dominions and cast himself upon his Nephew John Earl of Namur The mean while King Philip had caused his Lady thô so near related to himself with her two Sons the Lords John and Charles to be apprehended and flung into close Prison d Graften p. 267. in the Castle of Gastenois whence he sware they should never return while they lived whatsoever he should be advised to the contrary Nor content with this he sends to the e Frois c. 2â— Bishop of Liege desiring him effectually that he would for his sake defie and make War against the said Earl of Namur unless he would deliver up Sr. Robert of Artois or expell him his Country All this the Bishop did accordingly he was so addicted to the Crown of France and thereupon the Earl was forced thô unwillingly to send Sr. Robert away Who went thence directly to his Cozen the Duke of Brabant by whom he was entertain'd with much friendship and generosity The enraged King upon knowledge hereof sends the Duke word that if he continued any longer to foster or entertain this his Enemy in any part of his Countrey he with all the Realm of France his Friends and Allies would thenceforth commence an everlasting Quarrel against him The Duke upon this Menace privately conveys this his Friend to a strong Fortress of his expecting the Issue of King Philip's Intentions But this angry Prince had so well studied his Revenge that by his Spies he was acquainted with this Finess of the Duke's Whereupon taking it very heinously to be thus impos'd on by his great Importunity seconded with round Sums of Money he engaged John of Luxemburgh King of Bohemia thô he was Cozen German to the Duke of Brabant the Bishop of Liege aforesaid the Archbishop of Colen the Earl of Gueldre the Marquis of Gulick or Juliers the Earl of Bar the Lords of Ros and Fanquemont or Valkenburgh as the Germains with several others all at one time to concurr in a common Defiance against the Duke of Brabant And accordingly all these having joyn'd the Earl of Ewe Constable of France who led a considerable Army himself defi'd the Duke of Brabant and entring his Country by the way of Esdan or Sedain on the Meuse came to Antwerp at that time the chief City of Brabant and twice over-ran the Country where they pleased with Fire and Sword. Hereupon William Earl of Heinalt out of kindness to the Duke his Kinsman sent his own Lady Joan de Valois who was King Philip's Sister together with his Brother John Lord Beaumont of Heinalt into France to entreat for Peace and to obtain a present respit from War for the Duke of Brabant At last thô not without much ado King Philip was wrought upon to vouchsafe him a Peace upon these Conditions That the Duke of Brabant should cast himself upon the favour of the Court of France and of the Kings Council of them to abide the Censure and also without fail by such a certain time absolutely to banish out of his Territories the said Robert Earl of Artois The Lord Robert being thus eagerly prosecuted from one Country to another and wholly driven to despair at last resolves to fling himself upon the more powerfull Protection of the King of England and from this time sets himself with full Bent against his own Country So dangerously impolitick is it for a Prince to declare himself irreconcilable to any Great Man before he has him in his Power For here he kindled such a Fire as the blood of more than an hundred thousand Frenchmen could not extinguish He came into England disguised like a Merchant his Stuff and Riches being all convey'd hither before about the time that King Edward held his Parliament at f Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 645. York in order to his Affairs relating to Scotland The King knew him well for g Graften p. 207 Polydor. l. 19. p. 364. both he and his Mother had formerly received much kindness at his Hands when they were persecuted by the Spencers and beside as we have shewn he was of Kin to the King by the Mother wherefore readily apprehending of what great use such a Man might prove to his future Attempts he immediately made him of his Council and assign'd him the h Frois c. 26. Speed p. 570. §. 37. Profits of the Earldom of Richmond till he should provide some other Settlement for him But of him we shall speak more anon II. King Edward before the sitting of this Parliament had upon Occasion of the foremention'd Rumours from the North sent l Ashmole p. 645. ex Rot. Pat. 6. Ed. 3. p. 3. m. 3.14 Dec. Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton and Sr. William Denham his Ambassadors to King David his Brother in Law demanding present Restitution of the Town of Barwick which his Grandfather Edward the First had held in peaceable Possession and also to summon him to come into England to render Homage unto him as Superior Lord for that his Kingdom of Scotland To which Message King David by advice of his Council return'd thus k Frois ibid. Lords it is no small wonder to Us and to all our Barons that the King your Master our Good Brother in Law should send us such a Message as here you bring us For it could never appear to us that the Realm of Scotland was of old bound or subject to England either to yield Homage or any other Service thereto Wherefore neither would the King our Father of famous Memory ever own any such thing for all the Wars that were made against him by your King's Father or Grandfather The steps of our Father we Our selves God willing intend to follow in all that is Just and Honorable even thô thereby we hazard both our Life and Kingdom As for Barwick it was l Vid. John Harding c. 172. and Speed p. 559. § 34. fairly won
then in France about renewing a Truce toward a full Establishment of Peace And indeed King Philip who knew that the Lord Robert of Artois his Mortal Enemy was harboured and protected in England did not at all question but that he would do his utmost to embroil the Affairs of France nor was he ignorant what just pretences King Edward might make to his Crown beside the ancient and inveterate Antipathy that seem'd almost Natural between the two Kingdoms He gave therefore to King David the Castle of Galliard upon the Seyne to reside in during his Necessitous condition and assign'd him a truly Royal Allowance for nothing could be got from Scotland considerable enough to maintain a Port becoming the Majesty of a King. Nor was it long e're Philip sent into Scotland to those Lords who held against the English honourable Messengers with many large Promises of great Assistance both in Men and Money provided they would engage never to strike up a Peace with the King of England but by the consent and allowance of him and David their King. This Message so encouraged the Brucean Lords that they readily accepted the Motion and sware to keep the Covenant which they sent back to the French King with their Seals thereto annexed The Contents whereof were but the same with those which their King Achaius of old had made with Charlemaine King of France and which were usually from King to King renewed between the two Crowns till at last in our Fathers Days Scotland was happily united to the Crown of England Which Covenant since the Articles are but short and few it will not I hope be amiss here once for all to record y Favin's Theatre of Hon. 2 Vol. p. 79. l. 5 c. 3 1. That a firm and perpetual Alliance and Confederacy should be maintained between the Scots and French. 2. That when the English made War upon either the Scots or French they should both give mutual Succour reciprocally one to the other 3. That if it happen'd the English should war in France the Scots should then give them Succour with Men of War to be waged and maintained at the Expences of the French They also engaging to do the like for them if it happen'd the English should make War in Scotland 4. That neither Scots nor French should for the future aid or assist the English with Men Money Victuals or Advice without the consent of the Kings of both Nations under penalty of being declared guilty of High Treason 5. That the French should make no Peace or Truce with the English except the King of Scots may be comprised named and allowed therein 6. And lastly That the Covenants and Conditions above-named should be confirmed from King to King and at each Change or Succession of them that their Pragmatical Sanctions should be sealed and confirmed reciprocally on both Sides This is the summ of that ancient League with France which was now renewed again And accordingly King Philip soon after z Frois c. 33. sent into Scotland to the assistance of the Bruceans Men of War under the Command of the Lord Arnold D'Andreghan who after became Marshal of France and a Famous Warrier and the Lord Garenciers with many other Captains Knights and Esquires Besides which he a Fabian p. 200 mann'd out ten Men of War to the Reinforcement of the Scots but these meeting with a Terrible storm at Sea were driven into Flanders and so beaten that after much loss of their Stuff and Provision they were fain to return home inglorious and without effect King Edward the mean while having so happily obtained the Victory aforesaid and settled his Affairs at Barwick and thereabouts adding Piety to his Valour b Walâ—ing hist p. 114. n. 40. goes according to the Superstition of those Times with a few Attendants to visit several Places in England which were most fam'd for Sanctity and there offer'd his Thanks to God Almighty the Blessed Virgin Mother St. Cuthbert at Durham St. Edward at Westminster St. Erkenwold at St. Pauls in London St. Thomas at Canterbury and St. George at Windsor for at that beloved Seat of his he finish'd his Pilgrimage After which in * Fabian p. 200. November he again marched toward Scotland as we shall shew in the beginning of the next Chapter and kept his * Grafton p. 229 Christmas at York being still c Frois c. 26. fol. 16. attended with the Lord Robert of Artois who never ceased day nor night to set forth before him the Great Right which he had to the Crown of France and the King took pleasure to hear him But as yet matters were not fully ripe IX And now was Scotland for a while quite out of breath her Nobility being so mightily consum'd by the continual Wars and their own too great Courage and none remaining who was any way able to encounter or impeach King Bailiol who from this time had the sirname of Conquerour attributed to him So that now with his d Hector f. 316. 40. Buchan l. 9. p. 290. Army aforesaid wherein was the Lord Richard Talbot and many young Knights and Esquires of England he took in almost all Scotland diligently viewing every Place and prudently settling his Affairs for the most part furnishing his Garrisons with English as not yet daring since the late Treacherous surprize to repose much confidence in the revolted Scots whatever Submission they now pretended Only a few Castles continued true to King David in this Alteration which as they could not then be easily taken for their strength so for their Number were they very inconsiderable If any thing may be said to be so in a War when no less than a Kingdom lies at stake Hereupon King Bailiol finding himself pretty well established in his Throne e Walsing hist p. 115. M.S. vet Angl. c. summons a Parliament to meet him at Perth alias St. Johnston to which those English Lords that claim'd Possessions in Scotland came and there did their Homage to him for the said respective Lands held under him reserving still the Allegiance they ow'd to their natural Lord and Soveraign the King of England Among these was Henry Lord Beaumont Earl of Buquhan who had to wife the Lady f John Cumin Earl of Buquhan died without Issue but Alexander Cumin his brother left three Daughters his Coheirs of which this Alice the Eldest Mills Catal. Hener p. 957. Alice one of the Sisters or rather as others say Cosins and Heirs of the Lord John Cumin Earl of Buquhan and Constable of Scotland of the Lands of whose Inheritance doing Homage therefore he had g Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 50. b. Livery and Seisin in the Sixth of Edward the Second thô afterwards he was dispossessed as other English Lords were till this time This Great Lord they say did first advise King Bailiol to implore the King of England's Aid toward the recovery of his Right and till the King's
Upon Request of the Commons that all Men might have their Writs out of the Chancery for Fees of the Seal only without any Fine according to that of Magna Charta Nulli vendemus Justitiam the King granted that Writs which were of Course should be so and that for such as were of Grace he would Command his Chancellour to be therein Gracious It is Enacted that Bigamy shall be Tryed only in Court Christian It is Enacted that Justices of Assise after their Assise taken shall not depart before they have made Delivery of their Goal on pain of loosing their Fees. It is Enacted If any Delivery be taken before any other Justices than such as are appointed thereto contrary to the Statutes at Northampton that the same may be void It is Enacted that no Purveyance be made but for the King. The Commons Petition That Remedy may be had against Oppressions of the Clergy for Probates of Wills and Citations for Trifles The King will herein do his Best and chargeth the Bishops to do the Like That every Infant acknowledging any Statute or Recognisance may at his Full Age Averre his Nonage The King reply'd There was a better Law than by Averment That all Men may have Delivery of their Beasts which escape into any Hay or Forest without any Fine to the Forester who accounteth them Forfeits and that Coroners may Execute their Office there The Coroners shall Execute their Office there and Wardens of Forests shall be commanded to keep their Officers from Extorting That certain may be appointed to hear the Debates between the Town of Great Yarmouth and Little Yarmouth The Judgements therefore made between them shall stand That Remedy may be had for the true making of Woollen Cloaths according to the Assize The King will Provide for the Execution of the Statute That no money be Exported out of the Realm The King will Provide therefore That Pardons may be granted for the Debts due to King John and Henry the Third for which Process came daily out of the Exchequer The King will Provide an Answer the next Parliament That Remedy may be had against Sheriffs and their Officers for Gathering of Green Wax The Statute therefore made shall stand For e In Derso ejusd Ret that the Staple was ordain'd to endure at the Kings Pleasure It is now Enacted that the same Staple should be revoked and that all Merchants-Strangers may freely buy any Staple Wares paying the due Custom Sundry Justices in several Counties were appointed to enquire of the Felonies of Bennet of Normanton Lastly because Sr. Geoffry Scroop Lord Chief Justice was to be employ'd in the Kings Weighty Affairs it was Enacted that the Kings Bench should be continued in Warwickshire after Easter next Sr. Richard Willoughby being appointed to supply his Place for the time with the Assistance of Sr. William Shareshull one of the Justices of the Bench. II. This is the Summ of what I find transacted in this Parliament which being adjourn'd the King who was desirous to keep a watchfull Eye over Scotland passed on and held his Whitsuntide f Whitsâ—nday fell on the 15 of May. at Newcastle upon Tine Whither soon after Edward Bailiol King of Scotland Sirnamed the Conquerour came to him well and Honourably attended with the Nobility of either Nation and there g Walsingh hist p. 115. Holinshead p. 896. Ashmole p. 645. on the Day of Gervasius and Prothasius which is the 19 of June in the Church of the Preaching Fryers render'd his Homage and swore Fealty unto him for his Kingdom of Scotland and the Isles thereto belonging with the Ceremony of Kneeling while the Words of the Homage were pronounced after which he h Vid. Selden's Tit. Hâ—nâ—r p. 52. kissed the King of Englands Cheek all being performed in the Presence of several Archbishops Bishops Earls and many other Barons of both Nations Here King Bailiol acknowledged the King of England as Superior Lord of Scotland swearing to hold his Realm of him his Heirs and Lawfull Successours for ever Then and there also he gave and Granted to King Edward in Requital of his Expences and Labour in the Wars on his Behalf Five whole Counties next adjoyning to the Borders of England as Barwick Roxborough Peblis and Dumfres with the Towns of Hadington and Gedeworth and the Castles and Fortresses of Selkirk Etherick and Gedeworth So that all and each of these should from thenceforth be wholly separated from the Crown of Scotland and annexed to the Crown of England for ever And all this was confirmed by Oath Scepter Writings and Authentick Subscription Moreover King Bailiol by the Advice and Consent of his Scotch Nobles in Requital of King Edward's Cost and Labour for his Sake and to Nourish a continual Sence of his Gratitude Granted for him and his Heirs Kings of Scotland to King Edward and his Heirs Kings of England for ever That i Fabian p. 202. whensoever he the said King of England or any of his Heirs should have War either at Home or Abroad the Scots at their own proper Costs and Charges should assist him or them with 300 Horse and a 1000 Foot well Furnished for the War which said 1300 Men the Scots were to pay for one whole Year But if the King of England should not within the said Space end his War then he the said King of England should take them into his Pay as he doth his own Souldiers But this Homage of the Bailiols was so highly stomached by the hardy and couragious Scots that thô for the present they were necessitated to smother their Resentments and indeed could never be able to drive him wholly from his Kingdom as upon the same account was done to his Father he being constantly sustained by the English Yet what with their restless strugglings for Liberty and their frequent and obstinate Rebellions they so tired him out at the long run that seeing himself also old and childless he at last was fain to resign the whole Kingdom with all his Right and Title thereto unto his Superior Lord King Edward of England as hereafter will be shewn at large Yet at the same time k Knighton p. 2566. n. 50. David Strabolgi Earl of Athol Sr. Alexander Moubray and other Scotch Lords that held Lands Tenements and Fees in England did their Homage to King Edward for the same When also the Lord John l Mill's Catal. Honâ—r p. 606. Dreux Duke of Bretagne in France and Vicount Limouvicen Son to Arthur once Duke of Bretagne and Nephew to John the brother of Arthur late Duke thereof who died without Issue the 8 of February this Year performed m Walsing Hypod p. 113. n. 10 Adam Muâ—â—mouth his Homage to King Edward on the 24 of June at Newcastle for the Earldom of Richmond in England Which Earldom thô our common Historians say it was lately given to the Lord Robert of Artois as I have shewn before appears n Catal.
won't feed the Sheep thô Odoricus * An. 1330. n. 40. Rainaldus says he intended all this for the Holy War. But whatever this his Avarice brought him to after Death 't is certain his Successor Pope Benedict made no ill use of that ill gotten Treasure but kept great Hospitality and bestowed much in Magnificent Buildings and Design'd many Great and Worthy Matters indeed some whereof took no Effect thô a special Occasion seem'd to be offer'd now at this time by the coming of the King of France and those with him Upon their first Arrival his Holiness and the College of Cardinals Received them with much Honour and Respect appointing for them all according to their Quality convenient Lodgings at Villeneufe without the Town After whom within few days came thither f Vict. rellus James 1 Vol. p. 871. sed Pedro apud Frois Alphonso Rainald ad Baron 1335. n. 39. recte Alphonso King of Aragon also as well on the same Design with the others as to require the Popes Assistance in the adjusting of Matters between James King of Majorica and himself relating to Sardinia and Corsica for * Victorellus ibid. which Received on the Conditions which Pope Boniface the VIII had imposed he had by his Ambassadors done Homage to Pope Innocent Predecessor to this Benedict While these Great Personages remain'd thus at Avignion Highly Honoured and Entertain'd by the Court of Rome tidings came that in Granada Prussia Palestine Armenia and Greece the Enemies of God became strong that the Africans and Saracens of Granada infested Spain the Turks Grecia the Egyptians and Babylonians Armenia that Orchanes especially and his Captains had Wonderfull Success against Christianity that well nigh all the Realm of g Rascia vulgò le Rasce pars Regni Hungariae late sumpti c. Rascia was overrun by the Infidels and that the King thereof being a Christian was by them most Barbarously Martyr'd and put to Death These News greatly Afflicted the Hearts of all those Christian Worthies insomuch that the Pope himself on the Good-Fryday following Preached before the Kings and Princes a Passion-Sermon with much Devotion Wherein after he had most feelingly set forth the Wonderfull Condescention of our Lord Jesus for our Sakes the unspeakable Extremity of the Pains he underwent for us and at last even Death it self a most bitter and Ignominious Death the Memory whereof was continually with most sorrowfull Compunction Recorded by all good Christians in especial Manner on that day after this and more to the like Purpose he earnestly Exhorted his Royal Auditory in Pious Gratitude for all these transcending Benefits to adventure now something for their Gracious Lord and Masters Sake with Christian Courage to undertake his Battles and with the Hazard of their Frail Bodies to oppose the Enemies of his most Holy Religion the Blasphemers of his Great and Glorious Name To all which he added the Examples of many Christian Princes their Predecessors the Everlasting Renown that would recommend their Names to Posterity the Great Rewards they would purchase thereby as here an Absolution from all their Sins and in the end an Eternal Weight of Glory All the Princes but especially King Philip were sensibly moved by this Pious and Eloquent Harangue which was insinuated with very Pathetical Applications exaggerated with many Figurative Expressions Illustrated with much Copiousness of Language and Variety of Historical Instances but above all deliver'd with so much Zeal and shining with so much Truth and Sincerity that it easily made way into the very Souls of those who came before with a good Affection to the Cause So that what thrô Pity joyn'd with Royal Courage what thrô the Hopes of worldly Honour and Eternal Felicity what thrô the Confidence of sufficient Assistance and the Feasability of the Matter first of all King Philip Bravely professes himself a Champion of Christ and Vows to take upon him the Croisade Especially having consider'd in his Mind that long since this same Matter had busied his Thoughts thô he could never absolutely fix upon it till now for want of sufficient Motives and Leisure from other Affairs His Holiness highly Applauded this Heroick Resolution and besides a Liberal Assistance in Money promised to all the Undertakers a Plenary Indulgence and full Absolution ab omni poenâ culpâ From which Encouragement and the Example of so great a King were moved to the same Resolution John K. of Bohemia Philip King of Navarre Alphonso King of Aragon and many Dukes Earls Barons Knights and Esquires with four Cardinals h Victorell p. 880. Talayrand Earl of Perigort Cardinal of St. Peter ad Vincula titulo Eudoxiae Prior of the Priests Neapoleo Cardinal of St. Adrian Prior of the Deacons Gauceline Bishop Cardinal of Alby a City of Gallia Narbonensis and Bertrand de le Puy Bishop of i Lloyds Peet Diction tit Ostia Ostia which latter by right is Senior Cardinal and is by his Place to Crown the Popes of Rome Presently hereupon was the Croisade published thrô all Christendom whereat as many as were truly Pious or Valiant rejoyced Highly those supposing Religion would be much Advanced thereby and these hoping to purchase Immortal Honour by their Deeds of Arms and Noble Chevalry The whole business therefore being thus thoroughly agreed on at Avignion the Kings and the other Grandees having taken their leave went their ways to provide for this Weighty Affair King k Frois ibid. Philip went along with the King of Aragon as far as Monpellier at which place he tarried a while till he had made a full Reconciliation and Peace between the King of Aragon and the King of Majorica After which Christian Work he returned by small journeys but with great Expence into France visiting his Towns and Castles as he went thrô Auvergne Berry Beausse and Gastinois till he came to Paris where he was Received with Great Triumphs and Feastings At that time the Kingdom of France was very Puissant and Flourishing with Nobility Gentry and good Men of War as also with much Plenty and Riches the Consequences of a long Peace and Prosperity But besides this the Pope gave that King a Large Assistance in Money and promised much more but especially he Granted him a l Knighton p. 2567. Tenth of his own Subjects for m Victorell 1 Vol. p. 865. §. c. six Years to come towards this intended War Such was the Policy of Popes whereby they came by Degrees to so great Authority over Princes for first they granted things gratefull to them Kings being willing to connive at these their Encroachments which were so profitable to themselves and afterwards they pleaded prescription to dispose Matters as well against as with the Pleasure of Christian Monarchs King Philip indeed gave his Oath to his Holiness not to put these sexennial Tythes to any other use except that of this Holy War Thô afterwards he either forgot or dispensed with this Oath
ready to accompany the French King to the Holy Land in order to fight against the Common Enemies of Christendom In the discussing and debating of these Articles the King of France was so zealously bent on the Holy War and such diligence was used by his Council not one at that time daring on the suddain to contradict that in the end a full Conclusion of the Peace on the Terms proposed was agreed on and Matters proceeded so far that Proclamation was order'd to be made thereof the next day in Paris and the Towns thereabouts But whether by the Fickleness and Inconstancy of King Philip or the Advice of some Scotch Pensioner in his Council or a sense of Generosity and a Commiseration of King David's exil'd Condition or by some secret Impulse of Heaven for the sins of Christendom and the punishment of France scarce were the English Ambassadors return'd to their Lodgings but they were remanded back again to Court where presently new Scruples were started which chiefly concern'd the third Article For thô as to the second Demand King Philip stood stifly against it at first unless all the Charges his Father Charles had been at in those Gascoigne Wars were repaid him by the King of England yet that when 't was made appear that the War it self was unjust he easily remitted But now as to the third Article King Philip answer'd peremptorily That he could not either in Honour or Equity desert his Friends the Scots in this their Oppression they being his Confederates and just Men Nor ought he to esteem King Edward worthy of his Friendship while he continued War against them That himself was as all Kings ought to be a Friend to Justice from which he should never swerve either for Affinity or Advantage or any other Consideration whatsoever but that he would to his Power vex and molest all the Disturbers of the Peace of Scotland For said he there will never be perfect Peace and Quietness in Christendom till the King of France shall stand as Umpire between the Realms of Scotland and England And therefore he briefly told the Ambassadors that having better consider'd of it he was resolv'd to conclude nothing as to Peace with England unless King David also might be comprehended in the same League so as that he might be restored to his Kingdom and the Bailiol wholly excluded Surely how gallant soever this Speech might seem 't was neither modest enough prudent nor seasonable For had he temporised so far as thereby to have obtain'd King Edward's Company in this Holy War the Bailiol might easily have been ruin'd by King David's Interest alone And it was more likely that then by fair means modest Reasonings King Edward might have been wrought upon by a personal Conference than by this rash and imperious way of Prescribing For from these peremptory Words the Breach became so wide that without bloody Wars Peace was not likely to be obtained Not to say that if King Philip did really intend this Holy Expedition he was not very wise to talk so high in such a juncture and if he did not intend it he was scarce sincere enough in his pious Resolutions However the English Ambassadors replied their Commission extended not so far as to reach to King David or to make any Concession to his Advantage so the whole matter was broke off and the Breach made wider than before Now the most exact Account of the first Original of these Unkindnesses between the two Kings of England and France which is by no Historian over exactly handled is to be found only in the publique Records of the Peace ten years before this made between King Edwards Father and Charles the Fair of France a Copy whereof was then sent to Pope John XXII and afterwards from the Library of Avignon brought into the Vatican and being seen and diligently weighed by my y Odoricus Raynaldus Continuat ad Baremum tom xv Ad an Christi 1327. §. 44. Author because from the Breach thereof the Wars which exercis'd England and France for so many Ages seem'd to take their first Occasion yield us these Observations In the Year 1325. which was the 19 of King Edward the II. of England by the diligence of Qu. Isabella with her Brother K. Charles of France together with the assistance of William Archbishop of Vienna and Hugh Bishop of Orange Nuntio's from the Apostolick Seat a Peace was made between the two Realms on this Condition z L. 9. c. 314. says Villani that what had been won by Charles of Valois in Aquitain should remain wholly to the French but in the publique a Extant in Arch. Vatican ex Avenion delat sign n. 10. in Chart. Pergam Records signed with the Seal of the King of France that Condition is not expressed but very cunningly cover'd with obscure and deceitfull Circumlocutions which when the Inventers of these politick Fetches contrived then they scattered the Seeds of a most inveterate Enmity between the two Realms to the infinite Dammage of France When the French wrested the Articles to their own purpose and the English exclaim'd that they were falsly and treacherously deceived for it was added that as to those Lands the French King should determin according to Law the King of England demanding his Right And so the Quarrel was not ended But now this Condition in that Treaty is evident that the French King should set over Aquitaine to administer justice a Person of integrity and one not suspected by the King of England and so the Armies on both sides should be disbanded and the King of England on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin should meet the French King at Beauvais and do Homage to the Crown of France for Aquitain which was then to be restored entirely unto him the foresaid Lieutenant being called back And this Agreement at the instance of Queen Isabell and the Pope was by consent of the Ambassadors of both Parties unanimously established in the Year aforesaid as appears by the Letters of both the Kings But now when afterwards King Edward II had conferr'd on his Son the Dukedom of Aquitain and a while after by Civil Tumults miscarried and Edward the III succeeded in the Throne the former Wars began to bleed fresh again our Young Edward being obliged to seek that Right by Arms which by Law he could not obtain but lest the Laws of Nature and the Peace of Christendom should be violated these Discords at the instance of the Pope who sent William Archbishop of Vienna and John Grandesson Bishop of Exceter for that purpose were composed on this Condition That as soon as might be what had been taken by the English in Aquitain contrary to the Form of the foresaid Agreement should be restored and on the other side that what had been taken by the French should be rendred to King Edward the said King Edward being to pay 50000 l. Sterling towards the reparation of Dammages and those Gascoigners who
as Ringleaders of the foresaid Dissentions had been by the French King adjudged to death for King Edwards sake were only now banished At this time also the Articles of the former League were restored and publique Instruments thereof made at Marmanda the October following and on the 20 of February in the beginning of the next Year were signed at Paris with the Kings Seal But this Peace was intricate and doubtfull because King Charles died before he had restored the Lands to his Nephew King Edward which had been taken away in Aquitain But hereupon Philip of Valois who had been present at the Ratification of the Peace being raised to the Throne neither would restore those Places won by his Father nor could by the Pope's perswasions be moved thereto and so dealing more hardly and too unkindly as well as unjustly with King Edward never remitted any thing of his Haughtiness till he had obliged the Young Prince to begin a War in the behalf of his Right which had almost brought the Kingdom of France to utter destruction But of this hereafter III. This mean while King Edward doubting what might happen resolv'd to be beforehand with his Enemies and as he question'd not but that a War would soon be open'd from France so he wisely design'd by a full Conquest to stop it the other way from Scotland Soon after Christmas therefore he went to Newcastle that he might bear an especial Eye to the Affairs of that Realm From whence b Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 638. he made the Lord Hugh Courtney a valiant old Gentleman Earl of Devonshire upon this occasion This Hugh had for many years after the Death of Isabell de Fortibus Countess of Albemarl and Devonshire quietly possessed the Lands and Fees of the Earldom of Devonshire as being c Vid. quemedo Mill's Catal. Hener p. 465. sole Heir to the foresaid Countess thô he had neither the Title nor Investiture of an Earl But at length there arose great difference between him and the Kings Officers of the Exchequer concerning the payment of the third Penny which as they said he being no Earl ought not to receive and thereupon the Sheriffs of Devonshire declin'd to pay it him any longer Wherefore he wrote his letters Supplicatory to the King being then in Scotland who immediately directed his Precept to the Lord Treasurer and Barons of his Exchequer requiring them to make search into the Records and Memorials remaining in their Hands and to certifie him thereof Which being done the King having well consider'd the Matter and the Merit of the Man return'd this Answer Rex Dilecto Fideli suo Hugoni de Courtney seniori Comiti Devon. Salutem c. d Claus 9. Ed. 3. m. 35. in derso Mill's Cat. Honor p. 465. Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 638. Time's storehouse p. 524. The King to his Well-beloved and Trusty Hugh Courtney senior Earl of Devonshire greeting Whereas you as appeareth by your Petition exhibited to Us and our Council have for some time been sued for the Annual Payment of xviii l. vi s. viii d. of the yearly Fee of the Earldom of Devonshire which Isabell de Fortibus late Countess of Devonshire whose Heir you are and the Predecessors of her the said Countess and yours Earls of Devonshire yearly received at the hands of the Sheriffs of that County that were for the time being and which you likewise after the Death of the said Countess as her Heir received for some time And whereas the said Summ hath since been from you detained because you have not used the Name and Title of an Earl as by the Certificate of our Treasurer and of the Barons of our Exchequer by our Commandment made into our Chancery doth appear Forasmuch as the Inheritance of the foresaid Countess and of her Predecessors and yours Earls of Devonshire is unto you descended by Hereditary Right and that you at this present do hold the said Inheritance We therefore willing to provide as well for our own Dignity and the Equity of our Kingdom as for your Honour and Support Will and Command you in requesting you that by taking to you the Name and Honour of an Earl you cause your self henceforward to be called Earl of Devonshire being assured that we will cause the foresaid Fee to be yearly paid unto you as it hath been wont to be paid to the Earls of Devonshire your Predecessors Witness the King at Newcastle upon Tine the 22d of February and in the Ninth Year of our Reign Edward R. And to enforce this the more he sent his Precept to the then Sheriff of Devonshire the Writ beginning Rex Vicecomiti Devoniae Salutem c. Commanding him forthwith by publique Proclamation both in his County and all other places of his Bailywick to require all Persons thenceforth to esteem and call him Earl of Devonshire And likewise another Precept to the Lord Treasurer and Barons of his Exchequer that they should cause the said Summ of xviii l. vi s. viii d. to be annually paid unto him nomine Comitis by the Title of an Earl as his Ancestors formerly had received it Now c Walsing Hypod p. 113. n. 30. Holinshead 898. R. Southwell c. about the Feast of the Ascension the King held his Parliament at York concerning his Affairs then in hand relating to the Scotch War at which time were Enacted sundry Statutes very serviceable for the Peace and Weal of the Realm And here by the Intercession of King Philip who sent thither the Bishop of Auranches and others for that purpose he granted the Scots a Truce till the Feast of St. John Baptist then next ensuing IV. But about Midsummer the Truce being near expired he went in the Head of his Army to Newcastle again whither King Bailiol came unto him from Carlile And here it was finally agreed between them and their Council that King Edward of England should pass to Carlile and on the 12 of July enter Scotland that way in Hostile Manner with these Lords and Captains in his Company Prince John Plantagenet sirnamed of Eltham Earl of Cornwall the Kings own Brother the Lord Henry Plantagenet Son to the Earl of Lancaster the Kings Cosin Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick John Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex John Vere Earl of Oxford the Lord Bartholomew Burwash Senior the Lord Adam Wells Ralph Lord Bulmer the Lord Ebulo le Strange who dying this Year left his Wife and Title of Earl of Lincoln to Hugh de Frenes who was also in this Expedition together with John Lord Willoughby Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh Robert Lord Ferrers William Lord Montague the Lord Hugh Audley junior the Lord William Clinton the Lord John Norwich the Lord John Bardolph the Lord John Tibetot or Tiptot and the Lord John Grey of Codnore with Sr. Mawrice Barkley Brother to Thomas Lord Barkley and many others of High Quality and Courage On the other Hand King Bailiol was appointed to go to Barwick
till the Truce was fully expired and then on the same 12 day of July to enter Scotland in Hostile Manner with his Forces the Chief Captains whereof under him were John Lord Warren Earl of Surrey in England and of Stratherne in Scotland Richard Fitz-Alan the Stout Earl of Arundel Henry Lord f Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 51. Beaumont Earl of Buquhan who it seems had made no Oath to the Contrary as the Scotch Writers affirm but was redeem'd from his Imprisonment by a good round Summe of Money as we shew'd before the Lord Ralph Nevil and the Lord Henry Percy were here also together with the Lords Nicolas Cantilupe and Ralph Stafford all Barons of great Valour and Conduct who thô Subjects of England being for the most part ally'd to King Bailiol with their several Retinues and a choice Band of lusty Welchmen enter'd Scotland on the One part at the same time that King Edward enter'd on the Other as it had been before appointed Two such Mighty Torrents of War were not likely to be much resisted by the almost-exhausted Powers of the Bruceans So that in a manner they ravag'd the Country at their Pleasure wasting and burning all before them On the 12 g Knighton p. 2566. c. of July being a Wednesday King Edward of England began his March from the City of Carlile passing over the Solway Frith and so entring into Scotland in good Order of Battle On the Tuesday following being the 18 of July the Lord William Montague with certain other Barons of England rode forth coasting on the left hand towards the Parts of Caerlaverock in Nidisdale to fetch in Prey for the Army and the next day they return'd all safe with some Hundred Head of Cattle On * Julii 20. Thursday the King passed the Ford of Anand which giveth Name to Anandale and then he rear'd his Banners Royal and made many Knights but to the Lord William Montague he granted his Crest with the Eagle and a gallant Courser with Caparisons adorn'd with the Arms of Montague which are Argent three Fuzils in Fess Gules Moreover he gave him the Reversion of the Mannor of Wodeton and Mersewode-vale with the Advowsons of the Churches as also of the Mannor of Pole with the Advowson of the Church after the Death of Robert Fitz-Paine and Ela his Wife without Issue paying to the King his Heirs and Successors upon Christmas-day wheresoever he or they should happen to be a sword of 3 shillings and four pence for all Services Encouraged with this Bounty of his Prince the Lord Montague pierced yet farther into Scotland making great Havock and Spoil and continually bringing in huge Quantities of Victuals and Prey to the Army On that same day a certain Knight of Heinalt Named Sr. Enend came before King Edward with a Present from his Father in Law William Earl of Heinalt which was a very Gorgeous and Princely Helmet Richly beset with Precious Stones and adorn'd with the Coronet and other things in the same manner as the Earl himself was us'd to wear it on Festivals and when he appeared in the Greatest Splendor The King was extreamly pleased with this Present and immediately Rewarded the Messenger with an Hundred Pounds sterling 'T is likely he wore it long after for the Sake of the Donor For I have seen several ancient Pictures that Represent him in such an Helmet On the * Julii 23. Sunday after St. Mary Magdalene King Bailiol on the other hand took a strong Castle of the Earl of Athols called Cambremouth which would hardly have been master'd so soon but that in time of the Assault whether by chance or from without there happen'd such a fire in the Castle as compell'd them to yield presently together with all their Ammunition and Provision lay'd up for a long time or else they had all perished by Fire or been put to the sword Here they found the Lord David Marshal with his Lady also the Relict of the Lord Archimbald Douglas and the Wife of Sr. Philip Moubray beside meaner Prisoners Yet all this while neither of the Kings found any Considerable Opposition For long h Frois c. 26. f. 16. now had the Scots been us'd to these Harassings and therefore the better avoided them at this time by retiring with the best of their Substance into their Fortresses among the Marishes and thick Forests This manner they were first taught by their King Robert Bruce who in the Days of King Edward the First being so hardly hunted and pursued that neither Town City nor Castle could or durst entertain him betook himself to these Forests with good Success And still when the said King Edward was return'd for England he would forth again and appear on his Countries Behalf with sword in Hand straight Rally his broken and scatter'd Forces and presently recover either by Strength or Policy all that he had lost as far as to Barwick Upon News whereof King Edward would return with his Power and win all again Thus King Robert wan and lost the Kingdom of Scotland by turns for four or five times together when being at last Chaced into i Martin p. 87. Fabian p. 148 Graften p. 192. Norwey his Mighty Adversary King Edward the First died in a good old Age at Burgh upon the Sands near Caerlile But while he lay on his Death bed he sent for Prince Edward his Son and gave him Counsel to be Mercifull and Just and Constant in all his Words and Deeds to love his Brethren but to avoid Flatterers and especially Piers Gaveston After this he made him k Frois c. 26. f. 16. b. swear upon his Blessing that when he should see the Breath out of his Body he should take his Corps and boyl it in a Cauldron till the Flesh should all come off Then to bury the Flesh but to keep the Bones in a Coffin and to bear them along with him whensoever the Scots should Rebell for whether by Imagination or Superstition or secret Revelation he promised certain Victory against the Scots as often as his Bones were carried into the Field against them We read indeed in profane Story many such Instances and particularly that the Turks had some such Opinion of Scanderbeg's Bones but however King Edward the Second either out of Filial tenderness or pure disobedience buried his whole Body at Westminster where it remains Honourably Entombed to this day yet surely he never prosper'd against the Scots besides that he came to an unhappy end as we shew'd in the beginning of this History whether for want of his Fathers Bones or his Blessing for generally the Blessing of God goes along with a Parents just Benediction But this by the by While after their old Manner the Scots thus again at this time to avoid King Edward's Fury retired into their Fastnesses the l Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 898. Welchmen who were with King Bailiol being Highly incensed for want of Opposition spared neither
Lenox Menteith and Stratherne came laden with Spoil and Prey to St. Johnston where he found the King of England his Brother lately return'd thither from his victorious March beyond the Scottish Mountains This Town had been lately destroy'd by the Scots who despair'd to maintain it for their own behoof But now King Edward order'd it to be rebuilt fortifi'd and encompassed with a strong Wall Ditch and Rampire VI. The King of u Knighton p. 2567. France all this while did what he could by Policy to hinder King Edwards Proceedings and withdraw him home again before he might perfect any Conquest in Scotland To that end again he sends his Ambassadors to him and procures Others to be sent from the Pope x Vid. Odoric Rainald ad An. 1335. §. 36 with Letters bearing date apud Pontemsorgiae Avenionensis Dioecesis 2 Kal. Aug. Anno Pontif. 1. to endeavour a Peace between King David and him and to request his Company once more in the Holy War But King Edward observing his pragmaticall Curiosity in Affairs no way relating to him and also his unsincere way of Address sent him short Word That he was able of himself blessed be God without any help from him to wage war with the Infidels when he should see fit unless He and his Adherents by their Malice and underhand Dealings should stand in his way And that he neither could nor would undertake any Foreign Expedition while his Enemies the Scots continued so rebellious against him who were also by him abetted and encouraged in their Rebellion Thô both as a Christian Prince and a Kinsman he ought rather to compose War and Strife among two Christian Nations and even to assist him with all his Might in his just Wars than to nourish up his Capital Enemies unjustly against him VII Thus King Edward put him off at that time and proceeded with such success in his Affairs in Scotland that about the Feast of the y Augusti 15. Assumption of our Lady most of the Scotch Nobility being wholly tired out and fearing yet much more z Walsingh hist p. 116. Adam Murimouth came in and submitted themselves to King Edward of England at St. Johnston where both the Kings then were among whom thô the Lord Strabolgi came not in person for fear of the Kings sudden Displeasure yet by his Advocates and Letters he so humbly sued for Peace and Pardon and so well acquitted himself of all Treason that he with the rest was accepted on these Conditions a Ces sont les Choses le Pointz accordez c. Murimouth c. Stow p. 232. Knighton p. 2566. n. 30. c. These are the Points and Articles agreed on betwixt the Council of the Kings of England and Scotland on the one Party and the Lord Alexander Moubray the Lord Geoffry Moubray the Lord Geoffry Roos Dr. William Bullock Clerk and the Lord Eustace de Lorrain having full power from David Strabolgi Earl of Athol and Robert Stuart of Scotland on the other Party to treat on accord and confirm all Points enterparled and to be enterparled betwixt the said Kings and the said Earl and Robert Stuart as appeareth by the Letters Patents of either Party 1. Imprimis it is accorded That the Earl of Athol and all the Great Men and Others of the Commonalty of Scotland which were willing to come in to the King of Englands Peace shall have Life and Limb Lands and Tenements Fees and Offices which they ought by right or by inheritance to have in Scotland those except which by common Assent should be excepted In such manner that all Offences and Misdemeanours which they had committed in the Realm of England from the beginning of the World to the Date of these Presents shall be pardon'd without Imprisonment or any other Molestation 2. Item That the Earl of Athol and the Lord Alexander Moubray shall still hold those Lands Tenements and Fees in England which they held at their departure from Newcastle upon Tine when they paid Homage to the King of England 3. Item That the Franchises of the Kirk of Scotland shall be maintained after the ancient Usage And that the Laws of Scotland in Burroughs Towns and Sheriff-wicks within the Lands of the King of Scotland be used after the Old Way as they were used in the time of King Alexander And that the Offices of Scotland be administred by Men of the same Nation yet so as that the King of Scotland of his Prerogative Royal may at any time according to his pleasure advance to places of Office Men of any Nation whatsoever 4. Item That all those who being in the same case with the Earl of Athol have Lands and Tenements within the Lands of the King of England shall still hold those Lands and Tenements Possessions Fees and Offices as they had them at their departure from Newcastle upon Tine when they paid Homage to the King of England those except who by common Assent shall be excepted and if they be impleaded for their Lands and Tenements aforesaid they may have their Defence and Recoveries in any Court according to Law. 5. Item As touching the Demand which the Earl of Athol claimeth that the King of England would release him his Lands in England which he hath in gage for 800 Marks the King neither ought nor will do that but as for his Mannor of b Stow Byphingdone quod corrigo autoritate Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 96. ubi legitor Bulinden in Com. Buck. Bulindon which the said Earl laid to pledge for c Stow 250 l. sed Knighten CC li. ubi li pro l. à Stow acceptim per errorem cum stat li. pro libris two hundred Pounds it is accorded That if the said Earl of Athol come within one Year and make true payment of the said Money that the King shall cause the said Mannor to be restored unto him 6. Item That as touching the Castle and Lands of Chilham the said Earl shall be in the same point that he was before at his departure from Newcastle upon Tine when he paid Homage to the King of England and shall have his Recovery by Law and the King promiseth in good Faith to take Order that he shall have the Law of his Kingdom without favour on either Party 7. Item That as touching the Lands which the said Earl claimeth in Norfolk whereof he hath Charters the King promiseth that having seen first his Charters by Advice of his Council he will do him reason And if in any case any man surmise Treason upon the said Earl he may defend himself with his Body according to the Laws and Usage of Scotland and upon the Marches And that all those in his case have the like Grant. 8. Item that as to the Pardon which William Ramsey Knight demandeth for the Trespass by him done to William Lord Montagu in beating down his Castle of Haghterdorne the same William shall be ready to make satisfaction in
Clergy a Tenth of all Burroughs and of English Merchants for every Sack of Wooll 40 s. but of Merchants Strangers 60 s. Besides t Walsing ibid. n. 20. this the Clergy of their own accord granted unto the King all the Mony that had been collected and laid up in the Cathedral Churches throughout England toward the Holy War. About this time also it was ordained u Walsingh hist p. 117. n. 40. Stow p. 233. Holinshead p. 900. Fabian p. 214 That no Wooll of English Growth should be exported the Land and that all Cloath-workers should be received from whatever Foreign Parts and fit Places should be assigned them with many Liberties and Privileges and that they should have certain Allowance from the King till they might be fix'd in a way of living by their Trade It was also ordain'd that none should use Cloth wove beyond sea or to be imported hereafter except the King the Queen and their Children only Also that none should wear Foreign Skins Silks or Furrs unless he had of yearly Revenues an hundred Pounds By these and the like good Laws thô for the present they took not their full effect King x Judge Hales his Origin of Mankind p. 161 Edward reduced the Woollen Manufacture after it had been lost for many years in this Nation from whose Time it hath flourished unto our Days to the general advantage of the whole Kingdom Also this or the following Year the King sent his Commission to John Lord y Dudg 2 Vol. p. 146. Molins empowring him to seise on all the Merchants of Lombardy with their Goods Jewels of Gold and Silver and other Chattels then in the City of London and to deliver them for the Kings Use to the Constable of the Tower. No doubt among all these and many other ways of Raising Mony the Inquisition after Corrupt Officers called Trailebaston was now renewed for the Advantage of the Kings Coffers For that Wise Prince well knew that neither Friendship nor Honour was to be expected abroad without Money the Nerves of War. Wherefore also he is said to have seised into his Hands z Knighton p. 2571. Rich Vestments and Vessels of Silver and other Ornaments out of Abbeys before he went Personally beyond the Seas By all which means he is said to have amassed together such an Excessive Heap of Treasure that by his Plenty of Coyn the Land was almost quite drain'd insomuch that Victuals and other Commodities became exceeding cheap a Fabian p. 203. Knighton p. 2569. n. 20. Lanquet f. 237. Sr. Rich. Baker p. 143. a quarter of wheat being sold at London for two shillings and a fat Ox for six and eight pence a fat Sheep for eight pence a fat Goose for two pence a Pig for a Penny and six Pigeons for a Penny. Having by these and the like Methods pretty well stock'd himself with Money the Sinews of War and conscious both of his own Courage and that of his People he yet notwithstanding like a Wise Prince seeks out at the same time for Foreign Assistance and yet in the midst of all these hot Preparations for War he as piously endeavours by Offers of Peace to prevent the Effusion of Christian Blood. Once again therefore c Walsingh Hypod p. 114. n. 1. he sends his Ambassadors to treat of an Accommodation between the two Kings and to see if by any means King Philip might be brought to Reason both in Restoring what he had unjustly seized on in Aquitain and in Forbearing any farther to intermeddle with the Matters in difference between him and Scotland And thô this he did after many humble and advantagious Concessions offer'd by him in vain rather now to satisfie the World of his own equitable Proceedings than that he had any hope of settling a firm and friendly Correspondence between himself and his Cosin Philip Because he well knew that the French King being so mightily addicted to the Scotch Interest was by no means likely to comply with his just Demands he counselled yet farther how he might by Force compell him if by fair means he should not be able to enduce him to reason V. Now the Lord d Frois c. 28. fol. 17. Robert of Artois was still as we said before of his Council and in great esteem with him He was continually urging him to a War with France and made it his only business to take all occasions of perswading him to a Breach with Philip of Valois who had unjustly usurped his lawfull Right and withheld it from him against all Law both Humane and Divine King Edward was inwardly well pleased with the words of this great Personage and more than once conferr'd with his Privy Council about the matter For as he was of a noble and daring Spirit always ready to undertake the highest Enterprizes so withall he was agreeably circumspect and ever carefull by Wisdom to mark out his Designs beforehand As yet he saw but small likelihood that of himself he should ever attain to the Conquest of so entire and flourishing a Kingdom as France was And as he consider'd it was much both against his Honour and Interest wholly to neglect so great a Concern as his Right to the Crown of France so also he thought it better not to lay any Claim thereto than not to pursue that Claim with Force of Arms to the utmost of his Power Often therefore he demanded Advice of the Ablest Counsellors Lawyers and Divines in his Kingdom who thô they all agreed that he had a clear Right to the Crown of France were notwithstanding something backward to determin any thing in a matter of that Consequence as doubting if the Event happen'd otherwise than well to have all the blame laid at their Doors But at last the Kings Council being much pressed by him agreed upon this Answer Sir the Matter about which Your Majesty requires our Advice is so weighty and of such vast moment that we dare not presume by any means to speak directly to the Point nor absolutely to determine your Royal Mind either one way or the other For to put you upon a War may be of dangerous Consequence to You and your People and yet wholly to disswade you from it is to betray your Right and Honour both which we are bound by our Allegiance to maintain with the hazard of our Lives and Fortunes This one thing therefore we have at this time to say That it would not be amiss for your Majesty to send some Discreet Personages sufficiently instructed in your Royal Pleasure to the Earl of Heinalt whose Daughter is your Queen and to John Lord Beaumont his Brother who hath always yielded your Majesty both valiant and loyal Service That of them your Majesty would by your said Ambassadors require their Advice and Assistance in way of Love For they are not only well able to render your Majesty good Service on this Occasion but also they understand the whole Matter
so well that they can best of all Men living advise You what Friends to have recourse to and by what means you may oblige them to your Side VI. The King was so well satisfied with this Answer that forthwith e Frois ibid. Walsingh hist p. 118. Ashmole p. 646. he sends over to his Father-in-Law that right Politick Prelate Henry Burwash Lord Bishop of Lincoln with two Banerets the Lord William Montagu and the Lord William Clinton and many other Nobles besides two other Doctors learned in the Laws All who with a fair Wind arrived at Dunkirk and thence riding thrô Flanders came to Valenciennes the chief City of Heinalt where they found the Old Earl lying on his Bed sick of the Gout and the Lord John his Brother with him They were highly entertained and respected by the Earl and his Brother for the sake of him that sent them whereupon having distinctly shew'd the cause of their coming with King Edwards Pretensions to the Crown of France and all his Reasons and Scruples on either Hand they were thus answer'd by the Earl. So God bless me as I should heartily rejoyce if King Edward's Designs might take a full and happy Effect For I rather desire the Prosperity of him who hath married my Daughter than of him who thô I have married his Sister yet never did any thing of Good for me or mine Nay he was the occasion of hindering the young Duke of Brabant from marrying one of my Daughters as he desired to do Wherefore I shall be so far from failing to aid my Dear and Well-beloved Son the King your Master that I shall always be ready to the best of my Power to further his Undertakings both by Prudent Advice and Warlike Assistance Nor do I at all doubt but that my Brother Sr. John will do the same who has not been slothfull in his Service to the King your Master before this But alas our Country of Heinalt is too too inconsiderable in respect of the flourishing Realm of France And if we of our selves should once provoke the French Arms upon us England you know is too far off to afford us any timely Assistance Upon this the Bishop of Lincoln answered thus unto the Earl. Sir We most heartily in our Royal Masters Name return you our Thanks for the great Affection you are pleased to bear unto his Affairs and humbly desire you to give our Lord the King of England your Advice whose Friendship he had best have recourse to for their Assistance in this weighty Concern especially of such who are your Neighbours and border upon the Realm of France That thereby we may not only be render'd more Powerfull to prosecute this our Master's quarrel but your Country also may be more strongly Protected against any Violence which otherwise it might suffer for our sakes Surely Gentlemen repli'd the Earl I cannot for the present think of any more Puissant in War nor more surely my Friends nor more likely to be His than the Noble Duke of Brabant his Cosin-German the Earl of Gueldre who hath Married his Sister the Bishop of Liege the Archbishop of Colen the Marquis of Juliers Sr. Arnold of Baquehen Sr. Valeran his Brother and the Lord of Faulquemont For these Lords as they are well addicted to your Masters Interest so are they the only Men that at the shortest warning can Raise the greatest Numbers of good Souldiers of any I know They are all good Captains and well enclin'd to War especially against France which is near at hand if your Master can prevail with them to begin once being all together able to serve him with 10000 Men of Arms if they may have wages accordingly And then if he please to come this way 't is but passing the Water of Oyse and he is in King Philip's Dominions VII This was the Effect of this first Essay which when King Edward heard he was well satisfied and resolved to push on the business with all Speed and Vigour possible As for those English Ambassadors who were then in France they were now remanded home because King Edward understood f Walsing Hypod p. 114. n. 1. that while they were treating of a Peace King Philip had sent a well-rigg'd Fleet to the Assistance of the Scots against him Now the Admiral of this Navy for the French was g Ashmole p. 677. David Bruce the exil'd King of Scotland who did much mischief to the English Merchants about the Isle of Wight and besides had already enter'd the Isles of Garnsey and Jarsey and put divers of the Inhabitants to the Sword. Wherefore King Edward immediately h 11 Decemb. Rot. Scot. 10. Ed. 3. m. 3. gave Commission to the Archbishop of Canterbury the Lord Henry Plantagenet Son to Henry Earl of Lancaster and others himself being then at Bothwell in Scotland so busied in the Affairs of that Realm that he could not be at the meeting appointed to treat with certain Prelates and others whom he had commanded to meet at London on Wednesday after New-years day following upon Matters relating to the Defence and safety of the Kingdom repulsion of the Enemies and other things concerning the State of the King and his Realm as also seriously and fully to acquaint them with the Kings Intensions to Ordain and do all things referring thereunto and to His Honour as if he were there Personally present Nor indeed was the King of Englands Design i Frois c. 28. wholly unknown to King Philip of France for whether by meer Suspicion or more certain Information the matter began by little and little to take wind so much that presently the Mighty Zeal for the Holy War grew cold in France of a sudden and King Philip countermanded all his Officers from making any farther Preparations till he might see whither King Edward's Designes would tend But before I proceed with those matters I shall rid my hands of some things which falling about this time are fittest here to be inserted Only I must not omit that k Od. ric Rainald ad An. 1336. § 46. Pope Benedict seeing how matters began to go between the two Kings sent by the hands of his Nuntio Philip de Camberlake his Letters bearing date the x Kal. Decemb. to both the Kings endeavouring to perswade them to an Accommodation but especially he sought to pacifie King Edward's enflamed mind and exhorted him to put away from him the Lord Robert of Artois who continually stirr'd him up to the War besides which he wrote to Queen Philippa and the Archbishop of Canterbury that they would use their endeavours to bring the King to Terms But all was too late King Edward was too far exasperated by the Insolence of his Adversary And thus the War began to break out between England and France than which hardly ever any was either of more long continuance or of more Fatal Consequence to Christendom VIII On the l Adam Marimouth 14 of September or
as some say in the latter end of * Fabian p. 203. Walsingh hist p. 117. n. 20. October at the Town of St. Johnston departed out of this Life the most hopefull young Prince John Plantagenet sirnamed of Eltham in Kent the Place of his Birth who was only Brother to King Edward being the second Son of Edward the Second by his Queen Isabella Daughter to Philip le Bel King of France He was m Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 109. advanced to the Title of Earl of Cornwall by his Brother King Edward the Third and was twice by him made Lieutenant of all England upon his Expeditions the one into France the other into Scotland during his Absence But in his Action of this Year he so heated himself that he fell into a Feavour upon his return to St. Johnston and now at last died in the very Flower of his Youth being but twenty Years of Age and a Batchelour His Body being embalmed and brought into England was with great Solemnity Interr'd n Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 110. in St. Edmunds Chappel in Westminster Abbey on the Southside of the Choire and the Northside of the High Altar on the Left hand of the Door of the said Chappel Where the King his Brother raised for him a o Keep 's Monument Westm p. 66. c. Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 155 ubi the Figure of it most Noble Monument of Grey Marble set about with 24 little Images of various-coloured Alabaster and white Marble under each whereof are the blank Escutcheons remaining whereon had been as many several Coats of Arms depicted which are now wholly worn away and decayed On this Tomb lies his full Image of Admirable wrought Alabaster in his Coat Armour his Visage bare and a deep Shield on his Left Arm whereon are engraven the Arms of England within a Bordure of France having two Angels on each side supporting his Head and a Lion Couchant at his Feet Carved and finely Pictured of the same Alabaster with a Canopy covering the whole with delicate wrought Spires and Masons Work every where intermixed and Adorned with little Images and Angels according to the Fashion of those times supported by eight Pillars of white Stone of the same Curious-wrought Work But there is no Epitaph or Inscription to inform us any further The Scotch p Hector l. 15. f. 320. n. 40. c. Writers tell the manner of his Death thus that having done many abominable Cruelties in that Kingdom and especially without any Regard to Holy Places after all he came to St. John's Town where say they the King his Brother then was in the Church at his Devotions near the Altar That upon sight of him the King who had heard of all his Barbarous and Profane Cruelties question'd him somewhat about those Matters But receiving from him an harsh and undutifull Answer was so far provoked that immediately drawing his sword he there slew him with his own Hands upon the Place adding this That an Altar ought not to be a Refuge for One who had by Fire and Sword violated both Churches and Altars Certainly this Sentence which Hector puts into King Edward's Mouth was no way unbecoming a Religious Prince even thô he had perform'd such a Fact upon such a Brother as they make this Lord John to have been But this very Author forgetting Decencies and Characters at another time makes the same King as great a Profaner of Holy Places himself and yet his Friend Buchanan likes not this Story of his so well as to set his Hand to it which he very seldom scruples to do but when the Lye is too apparent For indeed King Edward was not in Scotland at the time of Prince Johns Decease and the young Lord was neither so Barbarous nor Profane as Hector feigns and besides his Death was q Knighton p. 2568. n. 30. Holinsh Scot. p. 237. n. 50. Pat. 10. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 3. Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 109. c. Natural as all our Histories and the Records themselves agree In the r Walsingh hist p. 117. n. 20. Month of December there died also at St. Johnston the Lord Hugh Frenes who in Title of his Wife the Relict of Sr. Ebulo le Strange was called Earl of Lincoln of a Bloody Flux occasion'd by an excessive cold and indeed many other English were destroy'd by the vehement cold in those Quarters that Winter This Earl Hugh was the ſ Catal. Honor. p. 947. Third and Last Husband of Alice Daughter and Heiress of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln but neither he nor any of her other Husbands had any Issue by her Queen Philippa of England t Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 177. Walsingh Hypod. p. 113. n. 40. this Year was deliver'd of her second Son at Hatfield who in Memory of her Father William Earl of Heinalt was Christened by that Name and sirnamed of Hatfield the Place of his Birth as was customary in those Days But this young Prince William of Hatfield lived but a short while and was buried in the Cathedral at York IX About this time as it were to usher in those grand Affairs which King Edward was now entring upon there u Ashmole p. 646. Fabian p. 203. 208. Walsingh Hypod. p. 114. Hist p. 131. n. 30. Gaguin l. 8. p. 134. Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 900. appeared a fearfull Comet which for a considerable time darted forth its Rays with long and terrible Streams toward the East and toward the South It was look'd upon as a Forerunner both of those Wars in the Holy Land wherein the King of Armenia lost all his Country to the Turks and also of the great Devastation that followed shortly after in the Noble Realm of France Althô if they might not be divers I had rather set the time of this Comets Appearance to the Year following For x Esq Sherburne in his Catalogue of Astromers at the end of his Manilius c. we find that in the Years 1337 and 1338. there were seen either two or one and the same Comet of such a remarkable Phaenomenon that together with that which happen'd in the Year 1330 they employed the Pen of that learned Astrologer of those Days Godfry de Meldis an Oxonian to write his Book called Judicium Stellae Comatae Also this Year in a Village called Leighton about six miles Westward from Huntingdon was calved a Calf with two Heads and Eight feet if y Walsingh hist p. 119. n. 20. 30. c. Walsingham may obtain credit as there is little doubt to be made of the probability of this Matter This Winter was very sharp in England there being a hard Frost from the 27 of November to the 9 of February but no Snow at all whence Wheat became dear but other Grain grew plenty In many Parts of England the Willow-trees brought forth Flowers in January like Roses for Bigness and Colour and Elder-trees bare fruit exactly
King Edward being fully in earnest sends Dr. John Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Richard Bury Bishop of Durham Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln and the Earls of Salisbury Northampton Huntingdon and Suffolk with Sr. Geoffry Scroop Lord Chief Justice of England and John Lord Darcy Steward of the Kings Houshold his Commissioners to the French King not now to demand Restitution of a few Castles or Towns unjustly taken and detain'd but to declare King Edwards Rightfull Claim to the Crown of France it self as also by the by to propose some Conditions for a Treaty with c Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 185. David Bruce the exil'd King of Scotland then in France But if the French King should prove untractable and averse to Reason then to proceed to the Court of Prince d Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 646. Rupert Count Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Bavaria and the Emperours Brother to engage him also on the Behalf of England against King Philip. These e Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 531. Ambassadours being arrived at Bologne received there Advice that King Edwards Mind was alter'd as who justly conceived that their journey might be hazardous and expose them to the Fury of a passionate Prince who in his displeasure made no difference between Just and Unjust Sacred or Profane and had before threatned his Negotiators with Death if ever they came again when before his Coronation they were pleading the King of Englands Right to that Crown in the Chamber of France Wherefore leaving off their design of visiting Paris they bent their course for Heinalt where they renewed the League with f Dudg 1 Vol. p. 531. William the young Earl of Heinalt the Earl of Gueldre and the Marquis of Juliers And proceeding to Colen made a like Agreement with Rupert Duke of Bavaria he undertaking to serve King Edward against all Men Living the Emperour his Brother only excepted with an hundred and fifty Men of Arms the whole number amounting to a thousand Men in lieu whereof the English Commissioners engag'd before their Return for England to pay unto him at Dort 2700 Florens of Florence or their equivalent Value in Sterling and moreover upon the Feast of St. Michael next ensuing the summ of 15000 Florens of good Gold viz. for every Souldier 15 Florens for the two first Months Service Nay it appears by one of Pope Benedicts g Extant apud Odoric Raynald ad An. 1337. §. 12. Letters to King Philip bearing Date at Avignon VIII Id. Novemb. Anno Pontificatûs III how there were Treaties on foot at this time that Lewis the Emperour laying aside his Right to the Roman Empire and only retaining to himself the Kingdom of Almain the Secular Electors therefore giving him some good Equivalent the King of England on Consideration of no small Summs of Mony should be made King of the Romans and elected Emperour Or if this might not be done that however he should be irrevocably deputed for his Life Vicar of the Empire as to the Lower Part thereof that by reason of the Neighbourhood he might the more opportunely and powerfully infest the Kingdom of France King h Frois c. 30. Philip of Valois was not ignorant of all this Diligence of King Edward's both at home and abroad But it chiefly fretted him that he had made so great Progress among the Flemings whom he repented he had not more early by way of Prevention sought to fasten to himself But remembring how i Fabian p. 205. firm the Earl of Flanders was to his side he did not wholly despair of bringing them over especially knowing them to be a People inconstant mercenary and likely to turn any way for Advantage He therefore sends to Gaunt the Bishop of St. Denis with Others to propose on his behalf very advantageous Offers both to that and other the good Towns of Flanders of which one was that King Philip would release unto them all such Seignories and Lordships of theirs as either he or any of his Progenitors had taken or withheld from them But he came too late For now Jacob van Arteveld bore such sway that none durst contradict his Opinion and the k Frois c. 30. Earl himself had been already forced to withdraw his Wife and Children into France for their Security So that Gaunt and Bruges Ipre Courtray and Cassel with other Towns thereabout rejected utterly the Offers of the French King and adhered firmly to King Edward especially bearing an l Fabian p. 205. old Grudge to King Philip for the War he made against them in the beginning of his Reign whereof we made some mention in the Second Year of this our History VIII The mean while in the Isle of m Frois c. 30. Holinshead p. 901. Stâ—w p. 234. Walsing hist p. 132. n. 1. Cadsand lying between the Haven of Sluce and Flushing certain Knights and Esquires of Flanders who held with the Earl against the Towns made a strong Garrison by command of King Philip and their Lord Earl Lewis The chief Captains were Sr. Guy of Rijckenburgh Bastard-Brother to the Earl Sr. Duras Halvin Sr. John Rhodes Sr. Giles Son to the Lord Lestriefe Sr. Nicholas Chauncy and Others These Men kept the Passage in hopes to meet some English against whom already they made Covert War Whereof the English Lords in Heinalt having Notice knew they should receive no very kind Salute if they went home that way But while they were in Flanders they rode about at their pleasure for Jacob van Arteveld had assured them of all Respect and Honour But however because King n Ashmole p. 647. Edward understood that the Flemings and French not only kept this Garrison in Cadsand but also had set out several Men of War to Sea to wait for his Ambassadors in their Passage home he directed his Writ to John Lord Roos Admiral of the Fleet from the River of Thames Northward to fit up a Convoy of 40 Stout Ships well Mann'd and to be with them at Dort in Holland on the Monday after Midsummer-day to secure their Return They lay ready for them at Dort and so took ship at their leisure for England having effectually perform'd their Business In their passage o Walsingh hist p. 118. Dug 1 Vol. p. 531. Knighton p. 2570. n. 30. homeward they took two Flemish Men of War with an hundred and fifty Scots on board among whom was the Bishop of Glascow Sr. John Stuart and other Noblemens Sons of Scotland as Sr. David Hay Sr. Hugh Gifford Sr. John de la More Sr. William Bayly Sr. Alexander Frasier with two Clerks Thomas Ferguson and William Muffet and a Monk of Dunfermlin besides certain Noble Ladies These with 4000 Souldiers for their Guard were sent by the French King to aid the Brucean Scots with Arms Horse Gold and Silver to the value of 15000 l. all which was now taken by the English Admiral the Souldiers being most slain and the
many Ships of the Gibellines of Genua and the Guelfs of Monaco which took much Booty from the English and infested the Aquitanian Ocean and also by his Royal Edict he had a Tom. 3. Epist secret 306. Odoric Rainald ad an 1337. §. 21. recalled the Rights of the Dutchy of Aquitain to the Court of France and had actually with an Army which he sent thither seized on several Castles besides that he had fired certain Places on the Sea-Coasts of England with his Navy which he sent into Scotland IX Now whereas the foresaid b Ashmâ—le p. 647. c. ex Rot. Alman 11. Ed. 3. m. 4. Ambassadors of the King of England had in making all those Alliances and Retainers upon the Kings Account obliged themselves to pay sundry great Summs of Mony the King taking all upon himself indemnified them their Heirs and Executors of all those Summs and other Things whereto they were so engaged But this great Affair of strengthening the King with Alliances was again set on foot and to that purpose c 3 Octob. Rot. Alman 11 Ed. 3. n. 10. another Commission was issued to the foresaid Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to whom was added Robert Hufford Earl of Suffolk and John Lord Darcy Steward of the Kings Houshold with Power to any Three of them to treat thereupon with Lewis the Emperour Another d Ibid. n. 11. Commission of the same Date was made out to them and to Richard Winkele John Hufford Paul de Monteflorum John Montgomery and John Waweyn impowring them to treat with and to retain all Persons as well Nobles as Others for the Kings Service And yet as the King did by these Means endeavour to enable himself for the Recovery of the Crown of France so did he not neglect all Methods of Peace e 7 Octob. ib. n. 13. Particularly he constituted the foresaid Bishop of Lincoln the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk and John Lord Darcy his Agents to treat with the Magnificent Prince the Lord Philip the Illustrious King of France as he is stiled in the Commission or his Deputies touching his Right to the said Crown to wit whether it ought to remain to him or King Edward And by another Commission of the same Date they were empower'd to treat upon all Controversies and Demands whatsoever relating to the Dukedom of Aquitaine or other Parts beyond Sea and also of an Happy and Perpetual Peace But in case his just Demands should not find an agreeable Answer on the same Day he prepared f Ibid. m. 1. another Commission for John Duke of Brabant and Lorraine whereby he constituted him his Lieutenant Captain and Vicar General in the Kingdom of France Where it is worthy Note that the King in this Commission where he challenges the Crown of France as devolved to him by Right of Succession and consequently become his Lawfull Inheritance did assume the Title of that Kingdom and Stiled himself Edvardus Dei Gratiâ Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae And by another Commission bearing even Date made of these Officiary Dignities to the said Duke he put France in the First place thus Edvardus Dei Gratiâ Rex Franciae Angliae c. but soon after he voluntarily laid this Title of France aside nor did he solemnly assume it again till the Fourteenth Year of his Reign over England as we shall see in due place By several other Commissions of the same g Ibid. Date wherein also the Titles of England and France were in like manner transposed did the King appoint to the same Dignities William Marquess of Juliers William Earl of Heinalt his Brother in Law and William Bohun Earl of Northampton and by another then Dated and directed to the Archbishops Bishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons and all other Persons in the Kingdom of France having therein the Titles of France and England transposed as before they are commanded to receive the said Duke of Brabant as if it were the King in his own Person as also the said Marquess and Earls And further the said Marquess and Earls were by other Commissions severally constituted the Kings Special Ambassadors to make known his Title to all whom it should concern to challenge and prosecute his Right to require every Unjust Detainer to render unto the King whatsoever he so withheld from him to Displace and Punish such as they should think meet and lastly to Do and Execute all other Things which should be most necessary for the Recovery and Preservation of his Right Now it is to be remembred thô we also spake of this before that in the beginning of h Claus 11 Ed. 3. p. 2. m 29. in Dorso Knighton p. 2569. n. 10. this Year King Philip had sent Forces into Gascoign and thô not without considerable Loss to himself seised upon many of the Kings Castles and Fortresses notwithstanding that the Lord Oliver Ingham King Edwards Seneschall of Gascoign a noble wise and valiant Captain behav'd himself commendably against the French in all his Actions considering his small Forces Upon notice hereof King Edward gave i Rot. Vascon 11 Ed. 3. m. 40. Command to arrest twenty Ships in the Port of Southampton and thereabouts and to press Men to be ready at Portsmouth to set forward for Gascoign on Whitsun-Eve following to reinforce the Lord Oliver Ingham his Seneschall But it must not here be forgotten what is recorded of Sr. k Rot. Vasc 11 Ed. 3. m. 4. Raymund Cornely Lord of Abertha a Gascoigner that he made an Offer to the French King to fight with any Man living in Defence of King Edwards Right to those Countries for which he l 6 Jan. ibid. sent him great and particular Thanks Yet thô accordingly the King had raised a great Army to send into Gascoign he made withall several Fair Applications by his Ambassadours to the Court of France for Restitution of what had been seised on and Prevention of a War. His Offers were these 1. m Claus 11 Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 28. Dorsâ— To Marry his Eldest Son the Duke of Cornwall to the King of France's Daughter without Dowry 2. The Marriage of his Sister the Countess of Gueldre to his Son with a great Summ of Money 3. The Marriage of his Brother i. e. his Uncle's Son n Hear the Learned Esquire Ashmole reads his Brother the Earl of Cornwall whereas 't is plain that the Earl of Cornwall died the Year preceding as we have shew'd and also upon the Death of the Earl of Cornwall that Earldom was converted afterwards into a Dukedom and conser'd upon Prince Edward Nor is it strange that I here am forced not only to read Kent for Cornwall but Brother for Fathers Brother's Son since we find in the Records that this very King calls Richard the Son of his Eldest Son Prince Edward his own Son as thus * Summonitio Parliamenti 51 Ed. 3. old Sr.
Lords and Prelates met again in the Cathedral of Cologne where they heard Divine Service and after High Mass the Emperour and all his Barons swore to the King of England That they would stand by him help and defend him against the King of France and all his Adherents both to live and to die with him for the space of Seven whole Years to come provided the War to be between the said Kings should not be compounded before that time It was also further sworn that all the Barons of Almain from Cologne and on this Side should presently enter the King of Englands Service and should always be ready to come unto him as often as they should be summoned thereto against the King of France as well where the King of England should be in Person as to any other Place to which he should assign them And if it should happen any of the said Lords of Almain should refuse to obey the said King of England in the Premises that then all the other Lords of High Germany should rise in Arms against that Man till they had destroy'd him At this time n Nicâ—laus Minâ—rita M.S. Bib. Vatican sign n. 4008. apud Odoric Rainald ad â—â—nc annum §. 68. also there was a certain Sanction formerly made repeated in King Edwards Presence containing these two Points the First That the Administration of the Empire belongs to the King of the Romans as soon as ever he is Elected by the Seven Electors without the Pope's Confirmation and the Other That those are Proscribed who do not obey him or as Rebdorf says that whosoever for the future shall esteem Lewis to be Excommunicate or shall omit Divine Service for any Papal Sentences shall be Proscribed in Body and Goods Which latter Clause chiefly respected the Bishop of Cambray who upon that Account had left the Emperor and revolted to the French King. These matters being thus fully contracted and established after many enterchangeable Caresses and Magnificent Entertainments the King of England took his leave of the Emperour and return'd with all his Company to Brabant The mean time o Frois c. 34. several great Lords of England rode about Flanders and Heinalt at their pleasure being wonderfull Magnificent and Liberal in their Expences freely bestowing Gifts of Gold and Silver and other Jewels to the Lords and Ladies of the Country to purchase their Good Wills And truly they obtain'd the very Hearts of the Country but especially they were extolled among the common Sort because of the splendid Shew they made wherever they came All these things must needs have been matter of incredible Expence and Charge to that Mighty Monarch And indeed it seem'd that he had made good Progress in his Affairs having succeeded so well with the Emperour and the Lords of Germany But those Friends that are made by Money commonly fall off at the appearance of a greater Interest and when they have got what they could expect as within a while all these did Thô as it chanced he gain'd more Glory thereby performing afterwards of himself what had been no such great matter to have done with the help of the Empire 's Forces As we shall see hereafter V. Now King Edward upon his Return into Brabant p Frois c. 34. fol. 19. sends his Summons to the Duke of Gueldre the Earl of Juliers and all other his Allies in those Parts to come to him about q Novemb. 11 the Feast of St. Martin the Bishop to his Parliament to be holden at Arques in the County of Leuze near Brabant or as r Knighton p. 2572. n. 30. One says at Malines in Brabant Against which time the Town Hall was as richly adorn'd with Hangings and other Royal Furniture as if it had been the King 's own Chamber of Presence Thither at the time appointed came the Duke of Brabant and the Duke of Gueldre the young Earl of Heinalt the Earl of Juliers the Lord of Valkenberg or as the French pronounce it Faulquemont and all other Barons on this side Cologne except only the Bishop of Liege who had no less than Å¿ Ferrarii Lexâ—n Leodium twenty four Cities as they call them subject unto him both as a Secular Prince and as a Bishop In this Parliament t Frois ibid. King Edward in his Royal Robes with a Crown of Gold on his Head sat on a Stately Throne five foot higher than any other and there the Emperours Letters Patents were openly read wherein was declar'd That King Edward of England was made Vicar General or Lieutenant for the Emperour and as so had full Power to make Laws and to administer Justice to every person in the Emperours Name and to coin Money both Gold and Silver at his own Pleasure with his own Stamp and Inscription It was also commanded by these the Emperours Letters Patents that the Lords and other Subjects of the Empire should yield Obedience and pay Homage to the King of England his Vicar as to himself And the Lords of Germany there present u Knighton p. 2572. n. 40. promised in all things to obey him according as their Liege Lord the Emperour had commanded and that they were both willing and ready to attend his Service to the utmost of their Power Immediately hereupon certain x Frois ibid. Claims were made and judgment given between Parties as before the Emperour himself and at the same time a Statute before-time made by the Emperour was renew'd being to this effect That whoever design'd War or Combat or any other Harm against any Person Kingdom or Country should make his Challenge or Defiance at least three Days before he began any Hostile Deed otherwise that the Author should be look'd on as a Malefactor and the Deed Villanous Then the King y Knighton p. 2572. n. 40. 50. sent forth his Summons to the Bishop of Liege to come in accordding to his Duty but he absolutely refus'd to obey him for his Heart was French all over Whereupon the King sent Henry Burwash Lord Bishop of Lincoln to make Complaint of him before the Emperour and to require Justice against him to which it was answer'd That the Emperour himself would shortly come in Person to the Aid of his most Dear Brother-in-Law the King of England for it was expected that a great War would begin the next Spring between the two Nations VI. After this the Lords of Almain departed having first agreed upon a Day wherein they were all to appear before Cambray which was at that time in the French Hands thô belonging to the Empire there to lay their Siege to wit on the 8 of July the Year following being Wednesday in the Third Week after the Feast of St. John Baptist King Edward went back to Louvain to the Queen who as we said before was newly come thither out of England well accompanied with Ladies her Maids of Honour and other Gentlewomen who went over as well to wait
Glory of your Family And all this notwithstanding we have never offended You nor have done any thing against You althô we have also understood that it hath been falsly and deceitfully suggested to you by those who neither love You nor your Safety nor your Honour how we gave out of our Chamber a great quantity of Money to our Most Dear Son in Christ the Illustrious King of France in Aid of his War and also granted unto him the Institution of all Ecclesiasticall Persons in all Churches of his Dominions which Matters are known to be void of all manner of Truth For such things were never demanded of Us nor should we by any means have granted them had they been never so instantly requested of Us nor did we grant the Tythes to the King of France against You but against the Germans adhering to Lewis and Enemies to the foresaid Roman Church who were then even ready to invade the Realm of France as the common and known Report went as is expresly contained in the Grant of the said Tithes For it was not our Intention to administer fuel of Discord against You or to help them with any Supply but rather extreamly desiring that both your Kingdom and the Kingdom of France should enjoy Peace and Concord Unanimity and Prosperity We have to that purpose by our Letters directed to your Highness and to the said King of France and by our Legats de Latere Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church sent to those Parts with most ardent Desires travailed and cease not yet nor shall cease to travail that between You and the said King and both your Realms the serenity and brightness of Peace may shine forth Yet You O Most Dear Son giving as it seems credit to the foresaid false and lying Suggestions have shew'd your Self an Enemy and Persecutor of Us and of the said Roman Church and do invade and usurp the Honours and Rights of Us and of the said Church to whom the Government and Administration of the Roman Empire it being void as now it is known to be do of full Right belong by molesting the Prelates and Ecclesiasticall Persons who persist as is premised in due Devotion and Fidelity to Us and by endeavouring to withdraw them to the Obedience of the said Lewis being as is premised sententially condemned of divers Heresies Schisms and other Crimes and by the just Judgment of God and the Church deprived of all Kingly and Imperial Right if ever any hath or did belong unto him to perform a Recognisance and Homage or to You in his Name by attempting to induce them by coactive Methods and Comminations But I would to God O Son before you involve your self any further in these most dangerous and detestable Matters that you would seriously consider and set before the eyes of your Mind with mature Deliberation the hazardous Labyrinths and knotty Snares into which some who are more sollicitous about their own than your Affairs by their subtle and most exquisite Arts endeavour to involve You and to lay a Burthen upon you which by all means they desire to rid themselves of not easily supportable if you diligently attend the Circumstances nor without the hazard of your utter Ruine Nor would We have you ignorant how that our foresaid Predecessor in a certain Constitution made formerly by him with the Advice and Counsel of his said Brethren did promulge Excommunications and other heavy Sentences against all and singular of what State Dignity or Condition soever they should be whether Patriarchal or any other Superior as Pontifical or Royal who without the special Licence of the Apostolick See should presume to assume the Name of Vicar or of any other Office within the Lands of the said Empire it being void as then it was and now also is void as was premised or being assumed to retain it beyond the space of two Months or being laid down to reassume it any ways If they should remain refractory and would not obey and intend to the same We therefore who toward You O Son could not shut up our Bowels of Fatherly Compassion but are inwardly touch'd with Grief of Heart seeing such things devised as tend to the detriment of You and of your Honour and Estate Fame and Safety do entreat your Magnificence require and more earnestly exhort you in the Lord nevertheless persuading you by sound and fatherly Counsel that taking the Premises together with what else may occurr unto you into serious Consideration and moreover holding for certain and remembring that the said Lewis as we premised is neither King nor Emperour and that nothing which he hath done or shall do as long as he hath been and shall be bound by the said Processes Penalties and Sentences was or is valid or of any Authority Stress or Moment and that it is dangerous and very much to be feared by You to commit your Self to the uncertainties and hazards of War especially being involved in all the foresaid Processes Penalties and Sentences from which you cannot be deliver'd but only by the Apostolick See which has expresly kept in her own hands the Absolution therefrom and so becoming a Persecutor and Enemy of God and the said Roman Church From which things the Lord of Mercies protect and defend You. You should also consider diligently that thô it is natural for Man to sin yet perseverance in Sin ought to be reckon'd Diabolical and proper to Devils and that from these horrid Errors to which perhaps you have declined being seduced by the Serpents subtlety before they grow more deadly and stink worse and putrifie in the sight of God and Men We desire You to hasten back and to direct your feet in the right Way pleasing God and agreeable to your Condition Safety and Honour and rather than despise the Decrees of the said Cardinals who sincerely love You and your Realm to acquiesce in the mutual Reformation of Peace between You and the said King it being a thing so pleasing to God and desirable to Men. And surely it seems to Us that althô the Office of the said Vicarship might now have lawfully been assigned yet it would not become your Honour who are such and so Great a King and Prince and are known in the world to be ennobled with such a Royal Name and Title to be called the Vicar of any Temporal Lord whatsoever How much less then did it or doth it become your Eminence to be called his Vicar who as often aforesaid hath no Authority at all but is alas defiled with the blemish of so many Crimes and involved in such and so many heavy Penalties and Sentences together with all his Adherents And now know O most Loving Son that if you shall acquiesce in these our wholsom Admonitions thô You have been so moved as to fall We will effectually reach forth our Gracious Hand as far as by Gods Assistance we shall be able to raise You up again But otherwise We cannot forbear since
than necessaries for War made off and escaped by their Nimble Sailing but the Edward and the Christopher stood stiffly to their Tackling and fought fiercely more then 9 Hours insomuch that on both Parts more than 600 Men were slain before the Victory could be decided But in the end wearied with Labour Wounds and Slaughter and opprest with Number they were both taken and brought into the French Havens most of the wounded English being unmercifully thrown overboard too base a Recompence for their Great Valour On the o Frois c. 37. f. 21. Stow p. 235. Holinshead p. 904. Knighton p. 2573. à n. 1. ad n. 10. Walsing hist Edit Franc. p. 146. n. 5. Fabian p. 206. c. 5 of October being a Sunday 50 Galleys of Normans Picards Genoans and Spaniards all well Mann'd and Furnish'd with Habiliments for War at 9 of the Clock in the Morning while the People were at Church came suddenly to Southampton where they sacked the Town the Inhabitants running away for fear but they plunder'd all they could lay Hands on and slew the poor people they met with and ravish'd Women and wasted the Victuals at a heavy rate Those of the Nobler sort whom they could light on they hung up in their own Houses and upon their Departure set the whole Town on Fire But by the Break of next day before they were half got to their Ships Sr. John Arundel a Valiant Gentleman of Hantshire came in upon them being accompanied with a goodly small Band of Choice Souldiers and those Townsmen who had fled from the French the Day before who thô they came too late to save their Friends came yet soon enough to Revenge them and so falling suddenly upon the Barbarous Pyrates before they could recover their Confusion which their speedy Departure put them into they slew no less than 300 of them upon the spot together with a Chief Captain of theirs the King of Sicily's Son to whom the French King had granted whatsoever he should Win or Conquer in England But for all his High hopes he was in this surprise beaten to the ground by a rough Clown who laid about him with a Flail like a Mad-man the Prince not being able to speak a Word of English cry'd p Speed's Maps in Hantshire f. 13. §. 10. out in French Rancon Rancon meaning that he desired to be taken to Ransome But the Clown nothing understanding either his Language or his Coat-Armour answering him I know thou art a Francon and therefore thou shalt die still laid on till he had thrash'd him to Death The rest of the Pyrates fled as fast as they could to their Ships but the Pursuers cut many of them short and not a few were drowned thrô their too great haste as they confusedly endeavour'd to recover their Vessels most of the Ships being hal'd off for fear the English should board them After this the Townsmen of Southampton encompassed the place about with a great Wall and q Sr. Rob. Cotton p. 20. §. 16 17. M.S. p. 27. §. 16. c. in the Parliament of which we shall speak in due season the Lord Richard Talbot was appointed Captain of the Town with 20 Men of Arms and an 100 Archers at the Kings Wages whereby they were secur'd from the like distress for the future Another time Eleven r Stow p. 235. of these French Gallies approaching to the Town of Harwich in Essex cast fire among some of the Out-houses the force whereof was so abated by reason of a strong Contrary-Wind that no great harm was done But the Town it self was too strong to be attempted with any probability of Success Thus the French Navy sought Advantages along by the Sea-Coasts once they sailed to the Isle of Wight but here they gain'd nothing being strongly resisted by the Inhabitants Thence therefore they coasted about for some more easie adventure at Hastings they burnt Fishers Cottages with their Boats and slew many Poor Labouring Men they also made great shows of a Design against the Isle of Thanet in Kent and against Dover and Folkeston but here they were able to do no great harm except to Poor Fishermen Thence sailing about to the Havens in Cornwall and Devonshire every where they Destroyed the Fishermen and their Boats and whatever Ships they found at Anchor they fired At length they enter'd Plimouth-Haven where they burnt some Great Ships and a good part of the Town But here at last they were met with by Hugh Courtney Senior Earl of Devonshire and old tough Souldier of Fourscore who came upon them with the Trained Bands of his Country and seeing at the first Brunt a few of his Men fall by reason of the French Quarrels which they shot from far he made his Men to close immediately and fall to Handy stroaks with them whereupon he soon overcame them beating them down by Heaps and so Chaced them eagerly to their Gallies when being not able to reach their Fellows by wading for they were now drawn off and stood aloof there were drown'd of them about 500. About this time there Å¿ Knight n. p. 2573. n. 40. came a Fleet of Frenchmen consisting of 20 Great Ships 15 small Ones and 32 Gallies riding before Sandwich-Haven but they durst not take Land because they saw the County Militia ready drawn up to receive them Thence therefore they tack'd about to Rye where they did much Mischief but while they were there a Squadron of English came up with them whereupon the French hoised Sail and fled before them the English all the while making after them with full Sail till they came to Bologne where they set fire to part of the Town and hang'd 12 Captains of the Fleet whom among others they had taken VI. The News t Stow p. 235. of these Hostilities of the French and especially of their Success at Southampton were brought to the King of England in Brabant while the two Cardinals u Victorelâ—us 1 Vol. p. 862. §. 24. p. 857 §. 4. Pedro de Gomez of Spain Titulo Praxedis and Bertrand de Monte Faventio Titulo Sanctae Mariae in Aquiro were yet in his Presence debating of Matters between the two Realms and urging the King to a Peace with France whereupon the King with Great Indignation turning to the Earl of Juliers and other his Friends there Present asked them If he had not great Cause to break with France If only to Revenge their Inhumane Butchery and extream Cruelty to his Poor Subjects who fell into their Hands At which the Cardinal Bertrand replyed in this Manner not without a smile betraying his Haughty Conceits My Lord said he the Realm of France is encompassed about with so strong a Line of Silk that it cannot be broken by the strength of the Kingdom of England Wherefore my Lord ô King you will do well to stay first for the Arrival of the Dutchmen and others Your Friends and Confederates the greater Part
sudden there t Frois ibid. Du Chesne p. 649. started an Hare near the Frenchmen whereat those that saw her rais'd a Loud shouting so that the Hindermost thought thereby that the Armies were now upon the Point of Engaging Wherefore hastily they clap'd on their Helmets and took their Spears in their Hands and after the Manner to Encourage their Men to the Battle many New Knights were thereupon made especially Fourteen were then Created by the Earl of Hainault who were afterward in Derision called Knights of the Hare And some have made more Abusive Observations thereupon But all this while both the Armies stood still King Edward because he was unequal in Number and had beside a Promise to have Battle presented unto him if he would abide in the open Field and also because he could never imagine that so Glorious an Army with Four Kings their Leaders and such a Number of the Prime Nobility of France should ever refuse an Enemy that expected them took no thought of being the Aggressor and King Philip as yet doubted on the foremention'd Reasons whether he should proceed or no just at which time there were brought in to the Host Letters of Recommendation from Robert King of Sicily and Naples to the French King and his Council which dash'd the whole business Now this u Freis ib. c. 42. Mezeray p. 15. Du Chesne p 649. Asumcle p. 650. P. Amyl p. 275. c. exteri serè cinnes King was look'd upon in those Days to be the most Famous of all Men for his extraordinary Skill in Astrology whereby with the help of a good Genius he could shrewdly to say no more guess at many Notable Events He therefore when he saw the Wars between France and England open and that with all his own Personal Endeavours and Travels with the Pope at Avignion he could no way prevent it set himself to seek out earnestly some foreknowledge of the Event if he might by any means comprehend any thing of the Fortune of these two Princes Whether from consideration of their several Nativities both which are attainable and as for Our King Edward's together with that of his Son the Black-Prince I think to present them to the Reader in the Close of this Work or from what else he took his Opinion I know not but surely he succeeded so well that either he found out or thought he did that if the French King should Fight with King Edward of England in Person he must infallibly expect to be discomfited and that he saw those many ill Consequences which would fall on the Noble Realm of France by so Fatal a Miscarriage Wherefore being a Prince extreamly addicted to the Interest of France as one who had not only adventur'd but lost his Only Son in the Quarrel of that Kingdom as I shew'd in the Battle of Southampton he sent frequent Letters to King Philip his Cosin and to his Council of all whom he was held in great Esteem for his Piety Learning and Knowledge in Judicial Astrology as well as other Curiosities of Nature earnestly desiring that by no means they would adventure to give Battle to the English whenever King Edward should be Personally present especially at this time that he saw many Dreadfull Calamities to be threatned to France I take no notice here of the pitifull Cavils of the Ignorant or Prejudicated Critick but reckon it my Duty to relate Matter of Fact attested so credibly as this is and I am ready to believe that such a thing might proceed from the Infinite Goodness of Almighty God towards Christian People that by these Warnings King Philips fierce Mind might be rendred more susceptible of Offers of Peace and all those Miseries which were else to follow be thereby prevented Yet for all this King Philip was not absolutely perswaded from giving Battle he was too Wise to give an Implicit Faith to things apparently of no great Authority But however as the Morning was wholly spent in the former Debates so upon occasion of these Letters and the Discourses ensuing thereon the Afternoon was also taken up and the Day in a manner quite worn out So that at last leave was given for every Man to withdraw to his former Lodgings in the Camp. When the young Earl of Hainault saw by this Dishonourable delay that now no Battle was like to happen he immediately went off with all his Men in Displeasure and that Night reach'd Quesnoy Now toward the x Knighton p. 2575. n. 10. Evening of this Day three French Spies being brought before King Edward and separately examin'd declared that King Philip Design'd on the Saturday following to Present him Battle and that he was not encamped above a League and an half off On the Saturday therefore King Edward descended into the Field again as before and in the Forenoon there were taken certain of the French Scouts who said that the French were ready ranged in the Field and Resolved to give them Battle At which Report the English were well pleased as desiring above all things to bring the Matter to a full Tryal But in the mean time some of our Scouts were taken and among them a Knight of Almain who confessed in Order the whole Array of the English Army and their Ardent Desire to Fight Hereupon the first Battail of the French was Order'd to Retreat and they began to set up their Tents and to encompass the Camp with a Ditch and to cut down great Trees to lay between them and the Enemy to hinder all sudden approach But the English on the other Hand stood all Day in the Field on Foot always looking for the coming of the French but in vain Wherefore toward the approach of the Evening the Marshals of the Host and others considering that they had waited enough that Day of all Reason and that it was better to encamp by Daylight commanded to Horse and so went off on the Right hand towards Avesnes en Hainault But at the time of their removal King Edward sent to the French King telling him that all the Sunday following he would expect him as before in the same place Which also he did do But he heard no more of him but that on the Saturday when the English took Horse with Design to go into their Night Quarters the French Scouts without consideration believing that they intended to fall on their Army return'd in all haste with such a Report so that the King of France thinking fit to retire to a more secure Place there happen'd in the Reer such a y Walsingh hist p. 128. Knighton ibid. Panick Terror that for pressing over hastily on one another there were lost in a certain Miry Place more than a Thousand Horse Yet when after this the Army was disbanded because being late in the Year little more could now be done when King Philip reflected on the whole Matter he was extreamly displeased with himself that he had thus declin'd fighting But
Peace and Concord would not only be rendred difficult but which God of his infinite Mercy avert impossible And moreover it doth not seem less worthy of consideration how mightily by occasion of the present Wars your Majesties Subjects are as it is said many ways exhausted of their Mony and other their Goods and are like upon continuance of such Burthens which God forbid to be further grieved And that the Event of War is doubtfull but especially upon the Divine Indignation to be feared Wherefore We more earnestly in the Lord require and exhort your Royal Magnificence nevertheless beseeching You by the Mercies of God that taking the Premises and what else may occurr to your Royal Wisdom into your Princely Consideration you may by taking Truce with the said King and renewing the Peace obviate the dangers both of your Self most Dear Son and of your People and so please God who loveth Peace and delighteth in Peace-makers rendring thereby your self more acceptable unto Him and confirming the strength of your whole Kingdom And that therefore you would incline to the wholsom Admonitions and Perswasions of ourdear Sons Peter of the Title of St. Praxedis Priest and Bertrand of St. Mary in Aquiro Deacon Cardinals of the Apostolick See our Nuntio's who are zealous of your Royal Honour and Success and whom we have lately by Advice of our Brethren sent to those Parts for that purpose Truly considering the Premises and that we might prevent the like dangers and innumerable more which are ready to follow from the said Wars and that between You our most Loving Son and the said King who is by the near Tye of Blood and Affinity joyned unto You the fulness of Peace and mutual Charity may flourish We wish with most ardent desires a Reformation of this Peace and if perhaps it cannot be obtained by the Instance of the said Cardinals yet if You O most Dear Son and the said King disposing your selves to mutual Concord acceptable to God amiable to Men profitable to Christendom and many ways the best for both of You will but consent that We also in our own Person should intend as Friendly Moderators to the Reformation of Peace taking a mutual Truce and granting a Cessation from Arms for a convenient time wherein the Treaty of Peace may be begun continued and if the Lord of Mercies grant brought to an happy End We thô we are continually occupied with weighty and importable Affairs even above our strength do notwithstanding thrô Desire of the said Peace hereby offer Our selves ready as far as conveniently and with honesty may be done effectually to interpose in the Reformation of this Peace to the Quiet Profit and Honour of each Party our share of Sollicitude as it shall be administred unto Us from above Concerning all which we request your Royal Majesty upon the most mature Deliberation to write unto Us your Pleasure Given c. at Avignon x Kalen. Jan. Anno Pontif iv To this Letter of the Popes the King of England wrote this Answer * * Walsingh hist p. 130. To the most Holy Father in God Benedict by Divine Providence Bishop of the Holy Roman Church Edward by the Grace of God King of France and of England and Lord of Ireland Devout Kissings of his Holy Feet We received with due Reverence and Devotion the Letters of your Holiness sent last unto Us wherein your Goodness persuades us to renew the Peace or take a Truce with the Lord Philip of Valois graciously adding that You in your own Person would intend to the Reformation thereof as a Friendly Moderator if We and the said Philip would consent thereto Surely We considering in the Lord your Holinesses Affection which is so sollicitous for the quiet of your Sons do humbly return You all possible Thanks for that your wholsom Persuasion and an Offer so condescending and so pious and in a firm love and confidence of your Integrity we desire to follow your Counsel and particularly to conform Our selves to your Holy Pleasure But it is now notoriously known how the said Philip contrary to Justice hath usurped unto himself the Kingdom of France lawfully devolved unto Us by the Death of the Lord Charles of Famous Memory the last King of France our Uncle And not content with this he hath seised into his hands our Lands in the Dutchy of Aquitain as many as he was able in Hostile manner invading our Islands in the Sea and also our Kingdom of England with that very Fleet which under colour of an Holy Expedition beyond Sea he pretended to rig forth having sworn for the Cause of Christ He hath also excited the Scots to rebell against us designing altogether to oppress us that so according to his unsatiable Desire of Sovereignty he may the more freely withhold from us our said Kingdom of France and other our Hereditary Lands To whom as we remember we have written before to your Holiness We have offer'd many desirable Methods of Peace willing even to purchase Quiet of him thô with no small Resignation of our own Rights But he long holding us in suspense by divers specious Treaties and exposing us to vast Expences that so he might drain our Exchequer and render us thereby unable to recover our Rights hath at last took no care to give us any Satisfaction but still his Persecution encreased and rag'd against Us Wherefore necessity so compelling We are now come to the Parts beyond Sea to take unto us the Assistance of our Friends to revenge the Injuries done and to repulse those that would have been done by him unto Us and to obtain our Hereditary Rights Which certainly we intend not to neglect but will pursue them when we cannot by any other agreeable way by Force of Arms God being our Help And althô in Presence of the Reverend Fathers Peter of the Title of St. Praxedis Priest and Bertrand of St. Mary in Aquiro Deacon Cardinals and Nuâ—tio's to your Holiness who have laudably and sollicitously labour'd in the Affair of Peace the said Realm of France which by all Right is known to belong to Us hath been demanded and We have under certain ways of Peace caused our said Will to be sincerely open'd to the foresaid Cardinals always offering Our selves ready to embrace any reasonable Method of Peace on condition the Adverse Party will agree thereto Yet neither by the said Cardinals nor by Others could we know to this Day that he the said Philip would do or offer any thing of Satisfaction unto Us. And truly if then he had made but never so small Offers to shun the hazards of Wars and the prosuseness of Expences we should have made a reasonable Answer thereupon but now we see not what we can do farther with our Honour in the way of Peace But for all that if it shall now please the foresaid Lord Philip to offer us any Reasonable Way or if your Prudent Consideration or the said Lords Cardinals shall open unto
and Bethune which three Towns the French King withheld from Flanders Upon King Edwards Request therefore Jacob van Arteveld came to this Parliament at Brussels with a great Retinue as if he had been Earl of Flanders and at his Motion all the Chief Burgesses of Gaunt and the other Good Towns of that Country by some called the Hanse-Towns of Flanders thô properly speaking they belong rather to the Four Provinces of Lubeck Cologne Brunswick and Dantzick All these were well pleased with the foresaid Promise of King Edward and thereupon desired to take Advice among themselves When having Retired and Debated sufficiently upon the Point they gave the King this Answer the Contrivance and Menagement of all which is Attributed to Jacob van Arteveld Sir You were pleased to require of Us that which of Our selves We would most willingly do if We might do it handsomly and without Loss or Dishonour But alas Sir We are Obliged both by Oath and a Bond of b Ashmole p. 650. Fox p. 340. Sandford p. 160 2000000 of Florens of Gold to be paid into the Popes Chamber never to make War against the King of France whosoever he shall be Which Forfeiture not only keeps Us in Aw but also the Danger of being Interdicted by the Pope if We break Our Oath made to him But Sir If You will but undertake to bear the Arms of France and Quarter them with the Arms of England and Own Your Self publiquely King of France as indeed You are and ought of Right to be Accounted then We will look upon You as the True King of France against whom We are not to make War and thereupon demand of You an Acquittance of Our said Bond which You may Grant Us as King of France By this means We shall be assured of Our Money and acquitted of Our Oath and then We will be ready to serve You in what You shall Command This Fine Trick was thus Invented by that subtle Demagogue Jacob van Arteveld to satisfie the unthinking Commons of the Equity of standing to King Edward against France notwithstanding all their Solemn Engagements to the Contrary However the King demurr'd at this their Answer For thô he knew he might Lawfully claim the Crown of France in Right of his Mother Queen Isabella yet he thought it neither Reasonable nor much for his Honour to take upon him the Arms and Kingly Title of that Realm before he had made Conquest of any Part thereof not being sure that ever he should be able to bring those Matters to effect On the other side he was very loath to refuse the Flemmings this their Desire because they might prove so Instrumental in his Service Whereupon he Advis'd in private with the Dukes of Brabant and Gueldre the Earls of Juliers and Blankburg Mons and Bergen the Lords of Hainault and Valkenburgh the Lord Robert of Artois and his English Peers by whose Advice he return'd this Answer That if they would Swear and Seal to this Covenant and Engage to serve him upon all Occasions in his War he would then readily do all this since in Equity he might and further undertake to restore them those three Cautionary Towns of Lille Doway and Bethune which they had deliver'd as Pledges of their Faith to the French King. To this the Flemmings agree'd and d Joh. Villani l. 11. c. 108. Odoric Rainald ad hunc annum §. 3. Hocsem l. 2. c. 25. so the 23 of January was appointed firmly to Ratifie these mutual Covenants and Conditions at Gaunt on which day the King and most of the forenamed Lords came to Gaunt where he was met by the Chief Burgesses of all the Towns of Flanders and then and there all the foresaid Agreements being ready Engrossed were rehearsed Sworn and Seal'd to and so the King took upon him the Style of France and Quarter'd the Arms of that Kingdom with those of England But thô e Speed p. 572. afterwards perhaps to gratifie the French Nation or because that was the more Ancient and Greater Monarchy he placed the Flowers de Lis in the Dexter and more Honourable Quarter yet it is highly probable that at their First Entermingling it was not so as appears not only by the Figure of this King in Armour trampling on a Boar by a Castle signifying France in a very Old Vellam M. S. now by me where the English Lions are ranged in the First and Last Quarters of his Shield but also from f Speed p. 572. a Seal of Queen Isabella this Kings Mother where the Arms of England as being those of the Husband's Line and therefore to have Precedence are Marshal'd where now the Flower de Luces shine But to put this out of all Doubt We shall further produce the Words of King Philip spoken at this time upon occasion of this Action of King Edwards to certain English Gentlemen sent to him about the present Affairs Our g Stâ—â— p. 236. Cosin says he doth wrongfully Quarter the Arms of England and France which notwithstanding doth not so much displease Us because indeed he is descended thô by the Weaker Sex of Our Kin and therefore as being a Batchelour We could easily be content to allow him part of the Arms of France but whereas in his Seals and Letters Patents he Styles himself King of England and of France in the One and sets the Quarter of his Arms with Leopards before the Quarter Charged with Lillies in the Other this is that which We disdain exceedingly For thereby it should seem he Prefers that Inconsiderable Isle of England before the Mighty Kingdom of France To this Complaint Sr. John Shoreditch the King of Englands Agent made Answer that it was the Custom of England to set the Title and Arms of their Progenitors before the Arms and Title of a Right derived from the Mother And thus said he doth my Lord the King of England Prefer his Paternal Coat both out of Duty and Reason But as it appears soon after they were alter'd even as now they stand at this Day only h Sandford p. 157. an Not. vid. eund ibid. in Notis p. 270. that when Charles the Sixth of France with Design to shew a Difference changed the Semee Flours de Lize into Three Our King Henry the V. also did the like and so it hath continued ever since Either at this time or soon after the King set at the Foot of his Shield beneath the Arms of France and England thus quarter'd this French Motto DIEV ET MON DROIT in English GOD AND MY RIGHT declaring thereby his Confidence to be only in God and the Equity of his Cause Which Motto with the Title of France hath been continued by the Kings of England his Successors even unto this day That King Edward might justifie his Title to the Kingdom of France whose Arms he thus undertook to Bear he sent his Ambassadors to the Pope with these Instructions following i Odâ—râ—â—uâ— Raynald ad hunc
annum §. 9. extat apud Benedict Tom. 6. Epist secr 302. M.S. Dr. Stillingfleet sâ—â— incipiens Ut Sanctitati Domini nostri Summi Pontifiâ—is c. That it may be made evident to the Holiness of our Lord the Pope that our Lord the King of England doth justly by Hereditary Right claim the Kingdom of France the Information which follows was given in by the Ambassadors of the said King. The Matter whereupon the Lord Edward King of England saith He hath Right to the Crown of France is thus It is and hath been notoriously known that the Lord Charles the Younger Son of Philip King of France commonly called the Fair after the Death of the Lord Philip his Brother at which time the said Lord Charles immediately by Hereditary Right succeeded in the said Kingdom was true King of France and that unto him the said Kingdom of France was lawfully devolved by Right of Succession and that he the Lord Charles held and peaceably and quietly possessed the said Kingdom of France for the time that he Reigned as true King of France And that at last the same Lord Charles leaving no Brother then surviving deceased without any Heir Male begotten of his Body It is also certain de jure that in Hereditary Successions coming from one Intestate the next of Bloud to the Deceased being able at the time of the Decease to Succeed doth wholly exclude all the more remote of the Blood of the said deceased whether he was allied to the Deceased by the Person of a Male or Female And it is certain that at the time of the Death of the said Lord Charles King of France as aforesaid the foresaid Lord Edward King of England was his nearest Kinsman as who was Son of the Sister of the said Lord Charles namely of the Lady Isabella Queen of England being only removed from the same Lord Charles aforesaid in the Second Degree of Consanguinity But the Lord Philip of Valois who occupies the said Kingdom of France was Son of the Uncle of the said Lord Charles namely Son of the Lord Charles of Valois Brother to the foresaid Philip the Fair and so notoriously removed from the said King Charles in the Third Degree of Consanguinity And by Consequence in common Right the foresaid Lord Edward King of England Son of the Sister of the foresaid Lord King Charles deceased k The Original more full debait debet ought by Right of Succession to be preferr'd in the Succession of the said Kingdom to the foresaid Lord Philip of Valois who only is near to the said King. Charles in the Third Degree of Consanguinity l Hic in M.S. Dr. Stilling-sleet multa adduntur eâ— Pandect c. ad Jus Regis stabiliendâ—on allegata tum quâ—e sequuntar hic The Intention therefore of our Lord the King of England being founded on Common Right nothing remains but only to answer what may be objected And first it is objected on the part of the Lord Philip of Valois who bears himself as King of France against the King of England aforesaid that the same King of England did unto him as King of France make Homage for the Dukedom of Aquitain and for the Earldom of Pontive and did thereby recognise him the said Lord Philip to m The Original more full fore else be his Lord and King of France 2. It is also objected to the King of England that he made unto him Liege Homage and Oath and that of these things the foresaid Philip hath by him Letters sealed with the Seal of the foresaid King of England and moreover that these Letters were sealed in England 3. It is also objected to the foresaid King of England that he is not of the Blood of the House of France but by Means of a Woman namely of the Lady Isabell his Mother And that a Woman neither can nor ought an approved and lawfully prescribed Custom in the Realm hindring to be admitted to obtain the said Kingdom by Right of Succession and by Consequence by means of her her Son is not to succeed To answer these Objections the Information which follows was given in by the Ambassadors of the King aforesaid First that the Homage made ought not in effect to prejudicate the King of England because the same King of England at the time of making the said Homage was notoriously under Age nor had then compleated the 18th Year of his Age whereby he ought as other Minors when they are abused within the times provided by the Laws of Restitution to the full to be aided by a competent Judge if there had been a Competent Judge with the benefit of Restitution to the full But upon Defect of a Competent Judge the said King of England within the foresaid times of Restitution to the full used other Remedies of Law which ought to suffice him in this Part. Moreover the said King of England being under Age as aforesaid did before the making of his Homage by one of his Procurators especially constituted for that purpose protest openly and expresly that for any Homage whatsoever to be made to the Lord Philip of Valois then bearing himself as King of France by the said King of England for the Dukedom of Aquitain and the County of Pontive he did not nor would intend to renounce his Hereditary Right which he had to the Realm of France or any way from the said Right to derogate althô thereupon Letters should thereafter be signed with either of his Seals And he did protest that he made not any Homage to the said Lord Philip of his own Free Will but only he should do it for the just fear he had of Losing the said Dukedom and County and because he feared that unless he should do such Homage unto him he could not avoid other great Dangers and irreparable Losses And to the Truth of the Premises the King of England caused by his said Procurator an Oath to be taken upon his Soul by laying Hands on the Holy Gospel before many Witnesses called thereto As to the Objection concerning the Oath which the King of England in his Homage ought to have made or that he should have sworn so to have declared saving the Objectors Reverence it is not true because neither the Lord the King of England nor any of his Progenitors did ever swear in the Performance of any Homage as will evidently appear by the Inspection of the Registers containing the Forms of the said Homages nor is it contained in any Letters sealed with the King of England's Seal that such an Oath hath been made Nor can it be said that in the Homage made by the said Lord the King an Oath was tacitly implied hereby that the Letters were sealed with the King of England's Seal wherein it was contained that this Homage was Liege because the word Liege doth by its signification no way import the same And as to what is said that these Letters were sealed
in England and so without Fear it is answer'd that even so it was not without Fear when there was a fear of losing the whole Dukedom aforesaid by reason of an Army then ready to invade the King himself in the Dukedom and in England by the way of Scotland and that the said Letters were sealed while the said King was notoriously under Age as aforesaid not of the perfect Knowledge of the said King nor upon due Notice of his Right or Prejudice as neither by reason of the frailty of his Age could then be had Besides he the said King ought to be restored in full in this Case within the Times thereto limited if he had had a Competent Judge and because he had not a Competent Judge he used in due time other Remedies whereby there was taken better Provision as to his Right And the King of England would have our Lord the Pope to be more surely informed that the said King never did any thing on purpose to the Lord Philip bearing himself as King of France for which he ought to cease or desist from the Prosecution of his said Right or for which he thought or doth think his Conscience wronged in this part and that it was so He calls God to Witness As to the Objection wherein 't is said that the said Lord the King of England is not of the Blood of France but by means of a Woman who is not capable of the Right of the Hereditary Realm of France it is answerd that althô by the Custom of the Realm of France a Woman of the Royal Blood be excluded from the Hereditary Rights of the Realm of France yet hereby it doth not follow that her Son being a Male and able to Reign ought to be excluded from the Succession of his Forefathers devolved unto Lawfull Heirs because the King of England claims the Succession of his Uncle the Lord King Charles deceased according to the Prerogative of his Degree as next of Kin to the deceased King who ought not to be excluded from the Inheritance of his Uncle or his Grandfather by any Kindred more remote in Degree even althô the Mother of the said King by reason of her Sex should be excluded or put by And if it be said that some Nephews and Kindred of the Lords Lewis and Philip Brethren of the said Lord King Charles successively have been excluded from the Royal Succession upon that Account that they were only allied to the said Kings by the means of Females as also the King of England was allied to the said Lord King Charles by means of a Female only namely of his Mother it is answer'd that not upon that account were the said Nephews excluded but upon this that none of the said Nephews was in Being at the Time of the Death of the said King about whose Inheritance the Controversie was and this will evidently appear by matter of Fact underwritten For it is to be known that the Lord Philip the Fair King of France deceased leaving behind him three Brothers namely Lewis the Eldest Philip the Long the Second Born and Charles the Third and Youngest and one Daughter namely Isabell Queen of England Lewis the Elder Son succeeded his Father Philip the Fair immediately in the Kingdom of France and got one Daughter after which King Lewis died leaving the said Daughter which had no Issue during the Life of the said King Lewis and his Wife impregnate who after the Death of the said King brought forth a Male Child named John who after Nine Days wherein he was accounted King of France deceased And Philip the Long the Middle Brother of the said Three succeeded him immediately in the said Kingdom This King Philip begat three Daughters but no Male the Elder Daughter whereof was coupled in Matrimony to the Duke of Burgundy the Second to the Dauphin of Vienna the Third and Youngest to the Earl of Flanders Of the First Daughter married to the Duke of Burgundy was born a Male Child called as is said Robert during the Life of King Philip but that Robert died before King Philip his Grandfather and so was not in Being at the time of the Death of the said Lord Philip his Grandfather Of the Second Daughter married to the Dauphin there was no Issue at all during the Life of the said King Philip as neither of the Other who was married to the Earl of Flanders After the Death of the said King Philip his Third and Younger Brother namely the Lord Charles immediately succeeded who in the end leaving two Daughters unmarried deceased without Issue Male. From all which it is evident that the said Lord Charles was True and Lawfull King of France and by Consequence that the Lord the King of England who was Son of the Lady Isabella Queen of England Sister to the said Charles as aforesaid ought as his Nearest Kinsman to succeed him in the Kingdom These Instructions were given to Nicolas de Flisco and his Son Andrew who were to be follow'd by others with Letters from the King to his Holiness sealed with the Arms of England and France which New Seal was not yet made But while the foresaid Nicolas de Flisco remained at the Court of Avignon under the Pope's Protection certain wicked Persons thinking to curry Favour with the King of France about Midnight on Good Fryday Eve enter'd his House by Violence broke open his Chamber and hardly giving him time to put on one thin Garment hurried Him and his Son and one young Gentleman away and carried them down the Rhosne to a certain Tower where they kept them close till Saturday and then convey'd them into the Parts of France At which Injury his Holiness was so moved that he began to thunder out the most heavy Edicts against the Authors and Accomplices of that Crime and put France under Interdict as appears by an Expostulatory Letter of King Philips to the Pope Wherein calling God to Witness that this Violence was neither done by his Command nor Will or Knowledge and that when he heard the English Men thus taken were within his Kingdom he had given Order to make diligent Search for them and to return them to Avignon again he complains that those Processes were too sudden and too rigorous since he was wholly innocent of the matter and so to the blackning of his Honour and that for the future he would not be so hasty in acting against him without giving him Notice c. Dated at Moncell near Pont St. Maixence 21 of Maii. To which the Pope return'd That he could never think the Knowledge of that Fact did belong to him however it was so horrid that the Severity which he had used was necessary But that his Paternal Affection toward him was no way diminished thereby nay he would rather conspire with him in a mutual Agreement of Good-will and kind Offices Dated at Avignon iii Kal. Jun. Anno Pontif. vi Soon after at King Philips Command Nicolas
de Flisco and Andrew his Son with the Gentleman their Servant were brought back and restored to the Pope whereupon he return'd his Thanks to the King of France and took off the Interdict but as the Author of his Life says hang'd all those of his own Family who had a hand in the matter before the Doors of the House which they had broke open But as for his own Master of the Horse who was consenting to the Deed when being in Prison for anguish and shame he had slain himself after it was found willfull Murder he gave Order that his Body should be expos'd on a Gibbet to be devour'd by the Birds of the Air. II. But to return to the King of England who had lately taken upon him the Arms and Title of King of France as we shew'd He the mean while presently found the expected Effects of this Contrivance of Jacob van Arteveld's for now immediately upon the same all the People of Flanders n Knighton p. 2576. and Stâ—w p. 236. yielded unto him as True and Rightfull King of France and consequently their Superior Lord their Homage and Fealty and submitted themselves and their Country to his Government and were long after in all matters obedient unto him as to the King of France both by Right and Conquest After things thus done it was determin'd in this Parliament that o Frois c. 43. the next Summer the War should be hotly pursued in France being to be begun with the Siege of Tournay Which was the thing chiefly desired by the Flemings For they made sure to be able to get it and then they hoped easily to recover Lille Douay and Bethune with the Appurtenances With this Resolution the Council brake up and the King within a few days returned to Antwerp But the Queen who was then big with Child remain'd still at Gaunt where she was very honourably entertain'd and visited especially by Jacob van Arteveld Walsingh hist p. 133. and Stow p. 236. and the chief Lords and Ladies of Flanders And within a while after was happily deliver'd of a Lovely and Lively Boy her Fourth Son who was named John and sirnamed of Gaunt from the place of his Birth This John of Gaunt in time became a Noble and Mighty Prince himself being both Duke of Lancaster and King of Castille and Leon his Son Henry of Bolingbrook was afterwards King of England by the name of Henry the Fourth who was Father to the Conquerour Henry the Fifth but that Kingly Dignity was extinguish'd in his Son Henry the Sixth However from John of Gaunts Loins q Sandford Geneal Hist p. 248 by the Mothers Side was descended Henry the Seventh who was the Son and Heir of r Mill's Catal. Nobility p. 613. Edmund of Hadham Earl of Richmond by his Lady Margaret the only Daughter and Heir of John Beaufort Duke of Somerset Nephew of John of Gaunt by his Son John Beaufort And he marrying the Lady Elizabeth Daughter of King Edward the Fourth who had the Blood and Right both of Prince Lionell and Edmund of Langele Third and Fifth Sons of King Edward the Third got of her the Lady Margaret his Eldest Daughter from whom the Kings of Scotland is descended our most Gracious Soveraign James the Second King of England Scotland France and Ireland whom God grant long and happily to reign III. But it must not be omitted that before King Edward left Gaunt Å¿ Rot. Franc. 14 Ed. 3. m. 1. and Ashmole p. 651. he sent his Letters Patents to the Prelates Peers and Commons of France thereby signifying that Charles late King of France his Mothers Brother being Dead the said Kingdom was devolved to him by manifest Law. And that Philip of Valois Son to the Uncle of the said King had by Violence and Injustice intruded into it during his Minority and even yet wrongfully detain'd it Lest therefore he should seem to neglect his own Right He now thought good to own the Title of France and take upon him the Defence and Government thereof and having offer'd the said Philip divers Friendly Conditions of Peace to which he refufed all Condescention he was therefore necessitated to defend himself and recover his Right by Force of Arms And therefore all such Subjects as would submit to him as True King of France by Easter then next ensuing should be received into his Royal Grace and Protection AN. DOM. 1340. An. Regni Angliae XIV Franciae I. But here the Stile of France is set first and the Title of Duke of Aquitain omitted it being immerged in the more General Title of King of France This is the Summ of his Letters which he caused to be sent t Speed p. 572. a. to the Frontiers of the French Dominions and to be fixed upon the Doors of Churches and in other Publique Places But to satisfie the Curious I shall adjoin a full Copy of the Letter it self the Tenour whereof was this EDWARD by the Grace of God King of France and of England Lord of Ireland unto all Prelates and Ecclesiastical Persons and to the Peers Dukes Earls Barons and to the Commons of France Greeting u u Fox Acts and Monum p. 346. The High Lord and King above althô his Will be in his own Power yet is pleased to make that Power Subject unto Law commanding every thing to be given unto Him which is His thereby declaring that Justice and Judgement ought to be the Preparation of a Kings Throne Wherefore seeing the Kingdom of France thrô the Providence of God is by the Death of Charles last King of France of Famous Memory Brother German to Our Lady Mother devolved and fallen unto Us by plain and manifest Law forasmuch as the Lord Philip of Valois Son of the Uncle of the foresaid King and so remov'd from that Crown by a farther Degree of Consanguinity thrô Force and Usurpation hath intruded himself into the foresaid Kingdom while We were yet in Our Minority and so contrary both to God and Justice doth still detain and occupy the same Now least We should seem to neglect Our own Right and the Gift which God hath given Us or not to submit Our Will to Gods Ordinance We have thought Good to acknowledge the Title of France and by support of the Almighty King have taken upon Us the Defence and Government of the said Kingdom firmly purposing within Our Selves as every Good Man ought to do Graciously to Administer Justice to every One according to the Rights and Laudable Customs of the foresaid Kingdom Also to Renew the Good Laws and Customs which have been in the time of Lewis Our Progenitor moreover adding thereto what shall seem Expedient according to the Condition and Quality of the time But as for any Change of Coin or any Inordinate Exactions We intend not to seek Our Profit by Your Detriment Because the Almighty be Praised We have enough and abound And as concerning the Affairs of the
Realm Our Purpose is not to proceed rashly or by Our own Will but by the Discreet Advice and Counsel of the Peers Prelates Nobles and other Our Faithfull Subjects of the kingdom so far forth as shall make for the Honour of God the Defence and Advancement of the Church which in all fullness of Devotion We Reverence and to the Advantage both Publique and Private of all the Subjects thereof with full Execution of Justice by the Grace of God to be Administred unto all and Singular Persons We being earnestly carefull for the Honour Profit and Tranquility of You all For as the Lord knoweth nothing will be more acceptable to Us than that by Our carefull Solicitude Peace may be engendred in General among all Christians but especially betwixt Us so that by Our Concord the force and Strength of all Christian Princes may be united together for the Recovery of the Holy Land which Our Saviour and Redeemer hath dedicated with his own Precious Blood whereunto We will endeavour Our Selves thrô the Grace of the Holy Ghost And forasmuch as We have offer'd to the foresaid Lord Philip divers Friendly and Reasonable Conditions of Peace whereunto he would neither condescend nor agree to any Conformity nay rather he moveth against Us unjust War to the Utter Subversion of Our State We are of Necessity compelled to the uttermost of Our Power for Our own Security and the Recovery of Our Right to Defend Our Selves by force of Arms Not seeking any slaughter of Good and Humble Subjects but desiring their safeguard and Profit For the which Cause all and singular such Our Subjects of the Kingdom of France as shall submit themselves unto Us as unto the True King of France between this and the Feast of Easter next ensuing professing unto Us their Fealty and doing unto Us as unto the King of France of Duty it appertaineth so as Our beloved Subjects of Flanders have done already or shall be ready to offer themselves so to do All such We willingly Admit and Receive to Our Peace and Grace under Our Protection to be defended them to maintain as is convenient from all molestation and trouble whatsoever in Person or Goods hereafter to be inflicted by Us or by Our Officers upon whatsoever occasion of Rebellion afore-passed And forasmuch as the Premises cannot easily be intimated to all and singular Persons We have provided the same to be fixed upon Church Doors and in other publick Places whereby the Manifest Notice thereof may come to all Men to the Comfort of You that are to Us Loyal and to the Information of those who thrô the Sinister dealing of Our Enemies are otherwise informed of Us. Given at Gaunt the 8 day of February in the Year of Our Reign over France the First and over England the Fourteenth IV. Presently after King Edward had thus assumed the Arms and Style of France and had caused his Great Seal to be Changed leaving the Earl of Salisbury and the Lord Robert Hufford le Fitz Eldest Son to the Earl of Suffolk in Flanders with his Queen and Children he took the Sea for England and Landed safe at x Claus 14. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 42. derso Orwell in Suffolk on the 21 of February at Nine of the Clock in the Morning on which very day that his New Seal might be made more Publique he caused y 21 Febr. ibid. m. 33. in derso Impressions thereof and of his Privy Seal which was also alter'd to be made and sent to all the Sheriffs in England to be Published in the several Counties in regard he intended at the meeting of the Parliament on the z 29 Martii Wednesday next after Midlent-Sunday to acquaint them with the Cause wherefore he had added to his Style the Title of King of France And on the First of March following he deliver'd his New Broad Seal to Sr. John de St. Paul in the Cage-Chamber at Westminster the Old Great Seal being then deliver'd up to him by the said Sr. John which he gave to William de Kildesby to be laid up in his Wardrobe But it is to be a Vid. hujus sigilli Imaginem Sandford p. 124 remembred that upon this Change there were two Seals made alike in all things but only One was circumscribed Edvardus Dei Gratia Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae And the other was Edvardus Dei Gratiâ Rex Franciae Angliae Dominus Hiberniae the Style being varied in Respect of the Place as Our King is now in Scotland called Rex Scotiae Angliae but in England Anglia is put first But of King Edward and his Affairs in Parliament We shall not yet speak till We have given some account of other Matters of no small Consequence in other parts which fell after the two Armies had broke up at Vironfoss without engaging V. Only here We shall remember that the King of England upon this variation of his Seal to set forth the Equity of his Cause sent his Letters to the Pope wherein using the Style of King of France and the Lillies quarter'd he largely sets forth how the Realm of France was devolved unto him by Hereditary Right and that Philip of Valois had by Violence and Injustice usurped it M.S. Dr. Stillingfleet p. 1. apud Odoric Rainald ad An. 1340. § 4. ex Tom. 6. Epist Secret. 255. in Vatican to whom the Pope sent an Answer the Tenour whereof followeth Benedict the Bishop Servant of the Servants of God to his most Dear Son in Christ Edward the Illustrious King of England Greeting and Apostolical Benediction When lately the Letters of Your Royal Excellency were presented to Our Apostleship and the Contents thereof more fully understood as soon as ever a New Title therein described and the Impression of a Seal engraven with the Arms of France and England did at first view appear they Administred unto Us great Matter of Astonishment and Admiration For by how much We Embrace You with the Preheminence of a more Ample Charity by so much the more grievously are We afflicted inwardly while We perceive You to be led by Perverse and Deceitfull Counsels and to be induced to such things as are neither Expedient nor Decent Nor doth our inward Affection permit Us to be silent or dissemble but that We should set before the Eyes of Your Mind these things that You may be able more Discreetly and Profitably to take Care to Your self as to the Premises For it is affirmed for certain and undoubted that whereas the Custom hitherto kept inviolably doth not admit the Succession to the Realm of France by the Female Line the Succession is said not to be due unto You who as You know are descended of the Stock of the House of France by the Female Line And if no such Custom did forbid the c c Successâ—ne M. S. Successionem Odoric Successive Proceeding of the Female Line to the Crown of the
said Kingdom there are however to the Kings of France of Famous Memory who gradually Succeeded unto Philip King of France of Famous Memory Your Grandfather Daughters and their Children who as to the said Succession as is reported are nearer unto the Kings their Fathers than are You and our most Dear Daughter in Christ Isabella the Illustrious Queen of England Your Mother Daughter of the foresaid King Philip But the Custom aforesaid hath been of former time so inviolably observed and still is observed that it admits not a Succession to the said Kingdom by the Female Line But to think that by the way of force You may obtain the said Kingdom considering the Greatness and Power of the King and Kingdom of France Your Forces are by no means believed to suffice thereto And that holding and possessing nothing in the said Kingdom You make Your self to be called King of France and have assum'd the Arms thereof as is Premised it is certainly reckoned to proceed from Evil and Unrighteous Counsell But if those who perswaded You to such things endeavour to say for an Excuse that You are Lord in Flanders which is known to be in Fee of the King and Kingdom of France truly it is to be attended and considered and Your Royal Wisdom may diligently examin who and what Men and of what Condition they are who have brought You in there For in them hitherto hath the Vertue of Constancy and Loyalty never been Praise-worthy For they have often basely ejected out of Flanders it self Their Natural Lords to whom they were bound in the Debt of Loyalty violating the Covenant of Their Faith after the Pleasure of Their own Wills and if they have done this to them whom they were Naturally Obliged to Reverence what may be presumed of You ô Son and what kind of Title may thence be taken or formed We pray that Your Wisdom would discreetly consider Again consider even thô it did proceed of Good and Right Counsel that now You cause Your self to be named King of France during the Reign of Our most Dear Son in Christ Philip the Illustrious King of France who as King hath for many Years peaceably held and possessed the Kingdom of France and to whom as such for the Lands within the said Kingdom to You belonging by doing Fidelity and Liege Homage You have recognis'd him for King of France and Your Lord for the Lands aforesaid Those that hear asmuch are amaz'd d d Ascribentes in M.S. quod male legitur arbitrantes apud Oder Rainald ascribing it not to discretion but rather to Simplicity and Vanity Finally We judge it ought to be more strictly consider'd that such a Title wanting both Reality and Advantage which those are said to have perswaded You to who love you not but seek by Your Losses to make Their own Market believing to attain thereto more fully when they shall have procured You to be insnared and involved in more deep Intricacies and hazardous Necessities and Troubles is feared to be a Poysonous Root which will probably unless other Care be taken bring forth Fruits of Bitterness and Sorrow Moreover We account that You ought no less diligently to consider how many and how Great Kings Princes and Noblemen who have proceeded from the Stock of the House of France or have Affinity or Confederation therewith who opposed not themselves unto You about Your Affairs before by this Name and Title You would provoke against You and more directly incense if which God forbid You should insist thereon And the very Title might begin such a Matter which God avert whereby the Reformation of Peace between You and the said King of France might as to all humane judgement be render'd for ever impossible And also the Princes and other Subjects of the said Realm who as the vulgar report goes would expose themselves to the hazards of Death and the perpetual loss of Their Goods rather than endure the Premises would by the same Name and Title be render'd more prompt able Valiant and Couragious against You e e Ad desensâ—â—nâ—m M.S. recte Odoric aâ— defensionem â—â—lâ— for the Defence of the said King Philip and his Kingdom Nor ought You most Dear Son as We remember to have written unto You elsewhere to repose much Confidence in the Germans and Flemings for You shall find them Affable and Kind unto You as long as They can have leave to drain Your Substance but otherwise You may not confide in Their Assistance And if You peruse the Deeds of Your Progenitors how the same Germans and Flemings behaved themselves formerly towards them You will manifestly find how far You may trust unto Them. We therefore intreat Your Royal Highness and earnestly in the Lord exhort You that You would receive the Premises which We write of a Fatherly Good Will and Sincere Affection with a favourable Mind and taking them together with other Matters which as to this Point may occurr unto You into a just and considerate Discussion and Examination laying by the foresaid Title would incline Your Royal Mind to the way of Peace and Concord whereby You may be able both to attain and peaceably to keep those things which shall be Your Right a Mutual Agreement being made between You and the said King that as You are joyned with the Tye of Blood and Affinity so You may be allied in the perpetual Bond of Confederation and Love. Dated Aven III. Non. Martii Ano. Pontif. VI. Other Letters bearing the same Date were written to the King wherein the Pope chid him that being Admonished the last Year IV Id. Octob. under Penalty of Ecclesiastical Censures and other heavy Penalties to break with Lewis of Bavaria he had yet return'd no Answer to the Apostolick See and as it appears f Odâ—rit Râ—inald ad â—â—ndâ—â— A◠§. 8. â—â—â—em 6. Epist Secâ— 25â— those very Cardinals who were Nuntio's of the Apostolick See upon the Account of Peace wrote to the Pope that those Censures he had once threatned the King of England with might now be inflicted on him because he still kept the Lieutenantship of the Empire but Benedict wrote Back unto them to abstain from any such Proceedings against Edward till with the Cardinals he had more maturely weigh'd so important a business But before things went so far We shall find the Emperour himself to Repeal his former Commission given unto King Edward so that there was no further Occasion for that Papal Thunderbolt to strike England at that time CHAPTER the FIFTEENTH The CONTENTS I. The French King sends an Army into Gascoign which the Lord Oliver Ingham King Edwards Seneschal of Aquitain being too weak to match overthrows by a Stratagem II. King Philip reinforces his Navy and sends to waste the Lord John of Hainalts Lands III. Sr. Giles Manny Brother to the Lord Walter Manny slain by the Cambresins IV. The French King gives leave to the Bordering Garrisons to make an Incursion into the Earl of
and other Profits rising of the said Realm of England shall be set and dispended upon the Maintenance of the Safeguard of our said Realm of England and of our Wars of Scotland France and Gascoign and in no place elswhere during the said Wars Besides which extraordinary Grant of the Lords and Commons the Clergy also at the Motion of the Archbishop freely gave unto the King a Tenth Here also because the King in his Style was called King of France and had alter'd his Arms whereby his Subjects might think themselves in danger of becoming a Province to France that being the greater Kingdom the Kings Letters Patents of Indemnity were granted beginning d Vid. Statute Book 1 Vol. p. 82 Edvardus c. Edward by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all those who these Letters shall hear or see Greeting Know ye that whereas some People do think that by reason that the Realm of France is devolved unto Us as Right Heir of the same and forasmuch as We be King of France our Realm of England should be in Subjection to the King and Realm of France in time to come We having regard to the Estate of our Realm of England and namely that it never was nor ought to be in Subjection nor in the Obeisance of the Kings of France which for the time have been nor of the Realm of France And willing to provide for the Safety and Defence of the said Realm of England and of our Liege People of the same do will and grant and establish for Us and for our Heirs and Successors by Assent of the Prelates Earls Barons and Commons of our Realm of England in this our present Parliament summon'd at Westminster the Wednesday next after the Sunday in Midlent the xiv Year of our said Reign of our Realm of England and the First of France that by the cause or colour of this that We be King of France and that the said Realm to Us pertaineth as afore is said or that We cause Our Selves to be named King of France in our Stile or that We have changed our Seals or our Arms nor for Commands which We have made or hereafter shall make as King of France neither our said Realm of England or the People of the same of what Estate or Condition they be shall not in any time to come be put in Subjection or in Obeisance of Us nor of our Heirs nor Successors as Kings of France as aforesaid nor be subject nor obedient but shall be free and quit of all manner of Subjection and Obeisance aforesaid as they were wont to be in the time of our Progenitors Kings of England for ever In Witness whereof c. Certain Bishops and Lords require of his Majesty to be saved harmless for those great Summs of Money wherewith they stood bound on the Kings Behalf to the Duke of Brabant in case the Duke of Cornwall should not Marry with the Daughter of the said Duke which Request was granted and all with the Letters Patents aforesaid was enrolled in the Chancery The Petitions also of the Clergy by Assent were made into a Statute beginning Edvardus c. and enrolled as above After this certain fit Persons there named were appointed for several Affairs some to hold Debate of matters concerning Flanders some to speak with the Merchants touching Exchange to Brussels and to confer with the Merchants of England some to dilate with Priors Aliens of which we shall speak more hereafter others to advise touching the Defence of the North Marches others to treat about the Affairs of Gascoign and others how best to preserve the Islands and the Sea-coasts As to the Keeping of the Peace and performing of Covenants between the Duke of Brabant and Others on the Kings Behalf that was all to be debated in the Kings own Presence Concerning the raising of Money that was refer'd to the Commons But because the Taxes last granted were not duly answer'd to the King by those who had been entrusted with the Care thereof Certain Persons were now appointed to take the Accounts of Sr. William de la Pole Sr. John Charnells and Paul de Monteflore and Others who had received Money Wooll and other Goods to the Kings Use Whereupon Sr. William de la Pole and the Rest had Day given them to shew their Accompts each of them finding their sufficient Sureties The Earl of Derby and the Lord Wake were Sureties for Sr. William the same Earl of Darby and the Lord John Montgomery for Sr. John Charnells John Lord Dacres and Reginald Lord Cobham Sr. John Shareshull and Sr. John Stradling stood for Paul de Monteflore Sr. John Sturmy and Sr. John Charnells were bound for William Welchborne and the Earl of Huntington engaged for Pierce Dyme and other Merchants of Barton Thereupon the Parliament was Protogued till Wednesday in Easter Week then ensuing At which time certain were appointed to sit on Petitions had before the King When also the Bishops at the Kings Request promised never to dissent from the Kings Promise made for the Customs of Wooll but by Common Assent of Parliament A Motion to remember to Repeal a Commission made to Sr. Robert Waterford of the e Appâ—ser M.S. Opposer in the Exchequer Also to remember to respit the Prior of St. Dennis near Southampton and of Southwick from paying of the Tenths and Fifteenths And to direct a Commission to Sr. Robert Popham to be Sheriff of Southampton during the Kings Pleasure It is Enacted that the King may with the Assent of his Allies make any reasonable Peace In this Parliament in f M.S. Sr. R. Cotton ibid. Dagd 2 Vol. p 113. consideration of the many Good Services done by the Marquess of Juliers the King made him Earl of Cambridge and gave him in Fee a 1000 l. per annum till he could provide for him so much of Hereditaments Whence it appears that the Learned Antiquary g Cambden Brit. Mr. Cambden was mistaken who says that King Edward the Third for the Love he bore to Queen Philippa his Consort created the Lord John of Hainault her Uncle Earl of Cambridge And that upon his Revolt to the French he devested him thereof and conferr'd it upon William Marquess of Juliers Sisters Son to that Queen Whereas the said Lord John was not now nor of some Years after Revolted to the French as We shall shew in due place so that he could not yet forfeit with Edward nor is there any thing at all in Our publique Records that may give the least Countenance to this Assertion of that Famous Man as the Diligent Sr. William Dugdale acknowledges Whereas it is most Evident that at this time the Marquess of Juliers was created Earl of Cambridge as We have shewn But We have not made this Observation upon so Great and Venerable a Person out of Envy or Ostentation rather thrô love of Truth alone and to infer
Answer'd by King Philip. PHILIP by the Grace of God King of France to Edward King of England We have seen Your Letters brought to Our Court and sent on Your Part to one Philip of Valois wherein are contained certain Requests which You make to the said Philip of Valois But because the said Letters came not unto Us and the said Requests were not made unto Us as by the Tenour of the said Letters it clearly appears We do not return You any Answer to the Premises Nevertheless forasmuch as We understand by the said Letters and otherwise that You are entred into Our Realm of France threatning great Damage to Us and to Our Realm more thrô Presumption than Reason and not considering the Duty which a Liegeman oweth unto his Lord For You have formerly entred Our Liege Homage acknowledging Your self as Reason is a Liege-Man unto the King of France and have promised unto Us such Obeisance as is usually expected from Liegemen to their Lords as more plainly appeareth by Your Letters Patents which We have Sealed with Your Great Seal And because You may know something of Our Intent We give You to understand that it is Our purpose when it shall seem good unto Us to drive You out of Our Realm to the Honour both of Us and of Our Kingdom and to the Profit and Commodity of Our People And this to do We have firm and assured Hope in Jesus Christ from whom We derive all Our strength and Power For by Yoâ—â— unreasonable Demand proceeding more from Presumption than Reason hath been hindred and laid aside the Holy Expedition beyond the Sea whereby great Numbers of Christian People have perished the Divine Service hath been diminished and Holy Church less Reverenced And as touching that which is noted that You look to be Assisted by the Flemmings We hope and believe surely that the good People and Commons of that Country will so bear themselves towards Our Cosin the Earl of Flanders their Lord that it may not be to their dishonour and that to Us their Sovereign Lord they will Respect their Faith and Loyalty And as for what they have hitherto done otherwise than well We are assured that was occasion'd by the Evil Advice of such Persons who neither had any Regard to the Publique Weal nor to the Honour of their Country but only to their own Private Advantage Given in the Fields near adjoyning to the Priory of St. Andrew les Aire under Our Privy Seal in absence of Our Great Seal 30 of July in the Year of Grace 1340. The French Writers say that King Philip among other Matters return'd this Answer o Mezeray 2 Par. 3 Tâ—m p. 16. that a Lord ought not to accept of a Defiance from his Vassal and that he sent him this Condition by Word of Mouth * Du Chesne p. 651. D. p. 652. A. St Rich. Baker c. that King Edward by that his Challenge hazarded nothing of his own but only expos'd the Dominion of another which was against all Reason since the Stake ought to be equal on both sides But if he would set his Kingdom of England thô less considerable against his of France then he would accept the Challenge and meet him in the field in single Combat on Condition that the Conquerour might remain sole Master and Peaceable Lord of both the Realms But this they say King Edward would not hearken to For as he was Valiant to make the Challenge so he was circumspect to weigh the Conditions Yet I cannot admit of this Matter For how know they what King Philip sent by Word of Mouth And how could King Philip imagine that his Word should be taken in a Matter of such Consequence when all Challenges ought to be confirmed by hand and Seal unless made in the hearing of the Defendant And how was not this an Answer to the Challenge of King Edward when as King Philip in his Letter professes he would not Answer him because he took not the Letter to be directed to him Truth needs no such pitifull Salvo III. Toward the latter end of July the Corn p Frois c. 53. being near ripe King Edward as We said before began his March toward Tournay which he intended to Besiege with seven Earls of England in his Company eight Prelates Twenty eight Barons 200 Knights 4000 Men of Arms and 9000 Archers on Horseback besides Footmen All these Forces were English with whom were many Great Lords of the Empire and their Troops and the Imperial q Du Serres Speed p. 573. Eagles were display'd among the English Lions and the Crosses of St. George in the Head of this Army in token that King Edward was Vicegerent of the Sacred Roman Empire Thus the King Marched from Gaunt and passing the Skell went and sat down before Tournay at the Gate called St. Martin where the Way being divided leads both to Lisle and Doway After the King the Duke of Brabant came thither with more than 20000 Men in all and he lodged at the Bridge of Aire by the River Skell between the Abbey of St. Nicolas and the Gate Valenciennois After him came the Earl of Hainault with a goodly Company of his Subjects of Hainault Holland and Zealand and his Place was between the King and the Duke of Brabant Then came Jacob van Arteveld in the Head of 60000 Flemmings from Gaunt Ipres Poperinghe Cassel Bruges and other Good Towns of Flanders and these were lodged on the other side at the Gate St. Fountain And lastly the Duke of Gueldre the Marquess of Juliers the Marquess of Blankeberg the Marquess of Nuys the Earl of Mons the Earl of Savynes the Lord of Valkenberg Sr. Arnold of Baquehen and the other Lords of Germany were lodged on the side that look'd toward Hainault Thus was the strong City of Tournay closely begirt on all sides so that none could go in or out without the Danger of the Besiegers and things were so well order'd that on occasion each Part of the Host could joyn the other by the help of Bridges which they had flung over the Skell for their mutual Communication IV. All the time of this Siege which lasted for about Nine Weeks the King of England and his Allies had r Frois c. 54. good store of all manner of Necessaries for their Foragers brought in daily huge Booties from all Parts and Provision came in from Hainault and Flanders at easie Rates One Morning the young Earl of Hainault who could never forget the Injuries lately done by the Frenchmen in his Country took along with him the Lord Å¿ Walsingh hist p. 136 n. 20. Walter Manny and the Lord Reginald Cobham with 500 Spears and leaving the Siege rode forth by Lille which he left on his Right Hand and burnt the Good Town of Seclin and many little Villages thereabouts their Van-currours running up as far as the Suburbs of Lens in Artois Then these Lords went another way
Villani a Person of more Credit says it was on the 28 of July But I shall hereafter take little Notice of that Mans Writing because the Authorities I shall bring and the Contexture of the Story it self will confute him among the Learned and to others I write not Thô I know he took this Account from Du Chesne and other French Authors but even them he has corrupted and mistook as any Man may observe X. These are the various Adventures which most deserve Memory during the Siege of Tournay that is for the space of Nine Weeks and upward King Edward all the while expecting to win the Place by Famine for he knew well there was a great Number of Mouths within and not much Victuals the Frenchmen as he knew presuming that the King of France would not suffer the Siege to continue so long without endeavouring a Rescue Wherefore the King of England being strongly encamped and always prepared to give or receive Battle resolved to win the City by Famine For this Wise and Pious Prince knew it would be too expensive of Christian Blood to attempt so strong a Place by Storm Some thought however that they could not have held out so long had not the Duke of Brabant secretly favour'd them and allow'd certain Quantities of Provision to be convey'd into the City thrô his Quarters nay there are who stick not to affirm that he was o Gâ—ovâ—n Vâ—llâ—niâ— 11. c. 111. p. 770. Mezeray 2 Part. 3 Tom. p. 17. brib'd and corrupted by the King of France's Money and that being therefore suspected by King Edward he most willingly admitted of a Treaty when 't was offer'd him But it may be these were only vain and undutifull Reflections cast out by the idle People of Bruges and Louvain and other Brabanders who were both ill-affected to the Cause and also grew so uneasie with this long Siege that they were not asham'd openly to ask leave of the Marshal of the Host to return home into Brabant When the Marshal heard such an unworthy Request he told them that for his part he was very well content they should go but then they must leave their Horses and their Armour behind them least those who saw them going home should say there went a sort of Souldiers who had left their General at a Siege because there were no Carpets and Perfumes in the Field With which nipping Retort they were so confounded that they never more open'd their Mouths to their Captains about that Affair And beside this backwardness of the Brabanders those Officers whom King Edward had entrusted to Collect his Taxes and other Moneys in England for his Use beyond Sea were so negligent and slow if not false in that business that they mightily perplext their Master thereby and made him borrow vast Summs upon Usury and to enter into many Disadvantagious Engagements for the Payment of his German Auxiliaries and other Necessities consequent upon the Siege Nor was King Philip of France without his Difficulties For besides that it tormented his very Soul to see his Good Towns Besieged and spoiled in a manner before his Eyes his Lords not suffering him to hazard a Battle for Revenging thereof he is said to have lost what by Skirmishes and divers Rencounters with the English and what by ill-diet and Famine which may be wonder'd at he being in his own Country especially for want of Water by the p Frois c. 63. fol. 35. evil Air hot Weather and other Inconveniences more than q Fox Monum p. 348. b. n. 60. 20000 Men Without any set Battle XI King Robert of Sicily being still in those Parts was wonderfully assiduous in his Negotiations for Peace The Pope by his Cardinals back'd him very close and especially by an r Odoric Rainald ad An. 1340 §. 29. Englishman one of his Chaplains named William Norwich Dean of Lincoln and Auditor of the Gauses of the Holy Palace whose Credence from the Pope contained these Heads 1. That he should advise the King not to be too much puff'd up with his Victories nor in confidence thereof to shew himself strange or difficult in admitting of Peace by two Instances of One who being 17 times beaten in War yet the 18 time obtain'd an entire and absolute Victory And of Another who having gain'd two Notable Victories was the third time utterly Defeated and overthrown 2. Secondly To advise him of the Perfidiousness of the Nation ally'd unto him as the Flemings who since they had deceived their own Natural Lord would in all probabilitie much more deceive him whom but accidentally and for the present they had received for their Lord. And that the Duke of Gueldre and the Marquess of Juliers were like to serve him only as far as they might serve their own ends And least of all should he trust to the Almaines who always use to be accounted unstable and his Grandfather the Good King Edward found by Experience their Instability in the time of his utmost Exigence 3. Thirdly Of the Excessive Power of the King of France who thô he should lose Ten Battles in his Kingdom could easily recollect People in abundance to resist any body in all probability Which yet in the King of England being in another Kingdom and in the Hands of Strangers and not attended with his own People is accounted Difficult nay Impossible And this appears by the Example of a certain King of England who formerly had more in Revenues within the Realm of France then the King of France himself had in his own Kingdom and yet was quite expelled by Degrees And especially since the said King of England's claim as to the Realm of France in which he is reputed to have no Right and as to certain Counties in which by Prescription of an Hundred Years and more the Kings of France have continually and quietly had Possession doth seem unjust Wherefore it seems that of Right he ought to be content with the Dutchy of Guien under that form whereby the Lord Edward his Grandfather held the same 4. Fourthly To put him in mind of the Fear of God which he always ought to bring to Memory by revolving in the Closet of his Breast the Processes and Censures made and set forth against the Bavarian which by the adhering to him and assuming the Lieutenantship of the Empire he is known to have incurred Upon which our foresaid Lord the Pope hath often writ to the same King as well by Exhortation as Admonition and once intended Letters unto him not as unto a Son nor as one faithfull to the Church but as one that adhered to Rebells and Infidels And especially because of the Incursions of the Enemies of the Christian Faith who had begun on all Hands to oppose Christianity as is particularly contained in the Letters of our said Lord he ought to desist from carrying on the said War. 5. Also in case that the King should say he not without Reason doubted to put himself
unto the dispose of our Lord the Pope especially the Lords Cardinals being his Assistants the greater Part of whom and in a manner all are Natives of the Kingdom of France or there Beneficed either in their own Persons or in the Persons of their Nephews and have Revenues as well in Temporals as Spirituals and of whom a great part publiquely make against him as to the Affair now in Hand I should in Answer thereto declare the Good Will which our Lord the Pope hath particularly to the Person of the Lord the King and his Kingdom and that in such Matters not concerning the Church and its Patrimony he is not wont to require the Counsel of the Cardinals And in this Affair if it should be refer'd to him he would not care to require Counsel of others Besides this the Pope exhorted those of the Privy Council to both Kings to perswade them unto Peace particularly to the English Lords among other things he wrote thus We desire and require and exhort You all in the Lord that having before Your eyes God alone to whom all Hearts are open and all desires are known and from whom no secret is hid as to such and such hazardous Matters concerning as is premised the state of all Christendom what You shall with Good and Right Consciences believe to be wholsome profitable and expedient to the said King his Weal Honour and Profit and also to Christendom aforesaid You would endeavour to perswade and advise him Dat. Avin VII Kal. Septemb. Ano. Pontificatûs nostri VI. But all this had signified little to King Edward who was sensible of the Loss he always suffer'd by these Treaties which were then most vigorously offer'd when some Great Advantage was in his Hands had not there been a Lady of High Quality and Wonderfull Vertue and Piety whose Tears and Prayers could not be lost upon a Man whose heart was acquainted with Pity This was the Lady Å¿ Frois c. 63. Jane of Valois Countess Dowager of Hainault Holland and Zealand Sister-German to King Philip and own Mother to Philippa Queen of England Who since the Death of her Husband William the Good late Earl of Haâ—nault had withdrawn her self from the World and entred the Abbey of Fontaine au Tertre resolving there to spend the Residue of her Life in Works of Charity and Devotion This Pious Lady as the Greek Poets Report of Jocasta when Polynices and Eteocles were prepared for Battle and as our t Warner's Albion's England l. 3. c. 16. p. 73. English Poets Relate of the Mother of Belinus and Brennus two Brittish Princes when they were ready by unbrotherly War to decide the Right of a Kingdom went assiduously with great Zeal and Diligence between the two Kings humbly kneeling to the King of France her Brother whose Haughty and Resolute Temper she well knew and sweetly like a Vertuous Mother intermixing with her Son-in-Law King Edward Commands and Prayers and moving Tears and convincing Arguments at the same time labouring with the Duke of Brabant whose Son was to have Married one of her Daughters but for a Trick of King Philips and also with her Son-in-Law the Marquess of Juliers and with her late Husbands Brother the Lord John of Hainalt to joyn with her to move King Edward to accept of a Truce thô never so short At last by the Aid and Counsel of the Lord Lewis D'Augemont who was equally acceptable to both Parties she so far prevail'd that both the Kings agreed to send to a certain Place 4 or 5 Commissioners a piece to propose and consider of some Moderate and Equal Way to decide the Matter For which Treaty a Truce was to be had for three Days the said Persons the Commissioners from both Parties to Meet and Treat each day about the Premises in a little Church or Chappel standing in the Fields of Spetelin On Saturday the 23d. of September there came accordingly to the Place appointed on the French Part the Venerable Old Prince John King of Bohemia and Earl of Luxemburgh Adolph Bishop of Liege Reginald Duke of Lorrain Amè Earl of Savoy and John Earl of Armagnac on the English Part came John Duke of Brabant Henry Bishop of Lincoln Reginald Duke of Gueldre William Marquess of Juliers and Earl of Cambridge and Sr. John of Hainalt Lord Beaumont All these at their first Meeting in the Chappel aforesaid began u Frois c. 63. with many Mutual Salutations and endearing Caresses as if they had been sworn Friends all their Lives Thence they fell upon the Mater in Hand and began to Propound and to Weigh divers Offers and Concessions and all the while the Incomparable Lady Jane of Valois was by earnestly entreating them for Godsake to lay aside all Prejudice and only to consider the Publique Good and the Weal of Christendom and be ready to accept of what should seem just and indifferent But for the first Day there was little or no Advancement made However they brake up with a Mutual Promise to Meet again at such an Hour the next Morning and in Conformity to the Day to dispose themselves towards the Entertainment of Unity and Peace Accordingly they Met and did at last unanimously Agree on certain Articles and Methods but not being able to draw them up at that time and to Compleat the whole Affair as it ought to be they deferred the Consummation of all till the last Day So being all Met again the Third Day they fully Agreed to hold inviolably a Truce for them and their Allies till the Feast of St. John Baptist following during which Term x Freis c. 63. fol. 35. certain Commissioners on both sides were to be sent to Arras whither also the Bishop of Rome was to send certain Cardinals all these being to consult together about a Full Ratification of a Final Peace between the two Kings The Form of the Truce was this John y Knighton p. 2578. n. 44. Atouz ceur que cestez presentez lettrez verrent cue cieront Jean par la Grace c. by the Grace of God King of Bohemia and Earl of Luxemburgh Adolph Bishop of Liege Reginald Duke of Lorrain Amè Earl of Savoy and John Earl 〈◊〉 Armagnac to all who shall see or hear these present Letters Greeting Be it known unto all that a Truce is given and confirmed between the High and Mighty Princes the Kings of France and of England for Them and for all their Friends by the Assent of the High and Mighty Lords the Duke of Brabant the Duke of Gueldre the Marquess of Juliers and Sr. John of Hainalt Lord of Beaumont on the one Party and of Us and of every of Us above-written on the other Party By vertue of Power delegated to Us and to those abovenamed from the said Kings So that we have drawn up Affiances with our own Hands between the said Kings their Friends and Allies whosoever they be to endure to both Parties from this time untill
the War and were now quite tired out with the length of the Siege So that the very next Morning with the light ye might have seen Tents taken down Carts and Waggons lading and People removing with all speed imaginable The Brabanders therefore went away first as being more eagerly bent upon home the King of England thô much against his Will departed also but he was so earnestly parswaded to the Truce both by his real and false Friends and also by the necessity of his Affairs that he could not but comply And the King of France had so much of the bad Air and hot Weather already that he was glad to make hast away from that unfortunate Place Thus was the strong City of Tournay wonderfully preserved from utter Ruine without Battle given only by the power of a Ladies Tongue and by the Providence of the Divine Goodness which even yet seem'd desirous to give further Warning to King Philip and as it were to offer him one more Opportunity for Deliberation Before it would resign his Kingdom up to those Destructions for which already it was marked out Yet notwithstanding f Frois ibid. the City had been so reduc'd that their whole Provision of Victuals could not as was said have held out above three or four Days longer So in France it was reckon'd that King Philip had the chief Honour of this Expedition because he had as he design'd saved Tournay from ruine and obliged her Enemies to forsake the Siege and to depart the Country On the other Hand the Lords of England said how they had the Honour only because they had tarried so long in the Realm of France without Battle having for more than nine Weeks besieged one of the best Towns thereof wasting and destroying about in the Country all the while at their pleasure and that the French King had not once offer'd to relieve the Place at the time prefix'd in his Letters but had in the end without giving Battle as he ought to have done first himself sought and after agreed to a Truce with them who had done him all this Displeasure King Edward g Frois ibid. went from Tournay directly for Gaunt where he found his Vertuous and Beautifull Queen in good Health with whom about two Months after he went privately for England as we shall shew in due place all his Men being Order'd to follow except those Lords who were to be at the Parliament at Arras King Philip for his Part dismist the Main of his Army and himself went first to Lille whither the Burgesses of Tournay came to wait upon him He received them very Graciously and shewed them much favour upon the account of their Hazard for his Sake restoring unto them at this time all their former Privileges and adding to them several New ones to their great Satisfaction for a while before he had upon some Displeasure taken away their Charter and set over them the Lord Godmar du Fay and other Captains successively to be their Governours But now for their late approved Loyalty and Valour they had their old Form of Government restored and leave to choose a new Provost and Jurats according to their Ancient Customs All which being done and ratified the King went from Lille to Paris XIII While King Edward tarried yet at Gaunt he h Odoric Raynald An. 1340. §. 33. ad §. 37. wrote unto the Pope a Letter wherein thanking him for his diligence in Labouring after a Peace between the two Realms which he himself also mightily desired that thereby he might be at liberty to prosecure the Holy War against the common Enemies of Christendom and declaring how at the importunate Instances of some he had accordingly condescended to a Truce even then when he had almost reduced Tournay to the last Extremity he shews that upon sight of his Holinesses Letters he had prolonged the Term of the Truce that thereby he might give his Holiness suller Information of his own Intentions and also of the Equity of his Cause requiring thereupon his Advice which he should be ready to embrace Also that he had sent his Envoys to the Apostolick See to return Thanks to his Holiness for his Diligence in obtaining the Liberty of Nicolas de Flisco desiring God Almighty to preserve his Holiness in the Government of his Holy Church many and happy Days Datum apud Gandavum 19 no Novembris Anno Regni nostri Franciae Primo Regni verò nostri Angliae Quartodecimo At which time also he sent unto his Holiness the following Justification of Himself and his Cause i Extat apud Benedict Tom. 2. Ep secr 114. in Bib. Vatican Odoric Raynald ibid. These are the things in effect which are reported unto You Most Holy Father our Lord by Us William of Norwich Dean of Lincoln John Hufford Archdeacon of Ely and John Thoresby Canon of Southwell on the Behalf of our Lord the Illustrious King of England Most Holy Father and Lord that your Holiness may be more fully informed of the sincere and just intention of our said Lord the King which is ever prone and ready to accept of a Reasonable Peace something in Fact is to be opened The Lord Philip who now bears himself as King of France from the time that he first occupied the Realm of France verily believing nor without Reason that our said Lord the King directed the Eyes of his mind toward the Kingdom of France or at least would afterwards look that Way was pleased what in the Parts of Scotland by really Adhering to the Scots and what in the Dutchy of Guienne by there Usurping many Places so continually and strongly to divert him that he should have no leisure to intend to the Recovery of his Rights in France And because he being under Age and having no skill in the matter of his Right nor Experience as to what he was to do especially because of the foresaid Snates as is premised prepared for him had not untill of late any way open of duly prosecuting his Rights as to his said Kingdom of France Our said Lord the King desiring Peace and Quiet offer'd unto the said Lord Philip the Methods here under-named only for the Recovery of the Dutchy aforesaid and that he would absolutely refrain from Assisting the Scots Viz. First the Marriage of his Eldest Son for a Daughter of the Lord Philip to be Coupled with him in Matrimony without any Dowry Secondly the Marriage of his own Sister now Lady of Gueldre for a Son of the said Lord Philip with a great and excessive Dowry Thirdly the Marriage of his own Brother the Earl of Cornwall for some one Kinswoman of his Fourthly to redeem the Seisure of his Lands he offer'd unto him a Summ of Mony to be adjusted at the Discretion of the said Lord Philip Fifthly because the said Lord Philip pretended that he would cross the Seas to the Aid of the Holy Land our said Lord the King out of the great Zeal
which he always had and hath to undertake this Holy Expedition offer'd to be ready to undertake the said Expedition with him and to grant a reasonable and final Truce to the Scots on that Condition that the said Lord Philip would faithfully promise him after their Return to do him full Justice as to the Dutchy But he despising and rejecting Conditions so reasonable nay more than reasonable answer'd That he would do nothing untill he had given unto all the Scots as well those that were Living as unto the Heirs of the Dead full Satisfaction for all Places which in his time he had by force taken in Scotland And when the Messengers of our said Lord the King answer'd that as to that Point they were not empower'd nor did they believe how their said Lord the King would do it the Lord Philip answered in these Words It will never be well untill there be one King of both the Realms of France and England This the Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury declared publiquely before a great Number of Prelates Earls Barons and Others Our Lord the King hearing these things being then come to Years of Discretion caused a Parliament to be called wherein by the Advice and Consent of all the Prelates Earls Parons and other Nobles and of the Commons there present and especially of the said Lord of Canterbury particularly insisting thereupon it was Ordained that since by the way of Humility he could not obtain Peace and by the Sentence and Decision of the Doctors and Advocates as well of the Court of Rome as of the Students of Paris and Oxford and others and also of all the more Expert and Famous Prelates of England with whom he had caused his Right to be carefully discussed the said Kingdom of France by the Death of his Uncle the Lord Charles last King of France of Famous Memory was Lawfully by Right of Succession devolved unto him as the next Heir Male He should take Care effectually to prosecute even by a strong Hand his foresaid Right And that this he might do more securely and secretly there were sworn there to the Lords Canterbury Lincoln London Salisbury Litchfield and many other Prelates Earls Barons and other Nobles Peers of the Realm upon the Cross of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury aforesaid Also among other things it was Ordained that the Alliances should be made in Almaine which are now made and that the Lord Bishop of Lincoln taking unto him certain Noblemen of England should be constituted Agent for the perfecting those Alliances aforesaid Who by Ordinance of the said Parliament and by the Command of our said Lord the King being so obliged accepted the same Office of Agent and brought it to effect Which done our said Lord the King in pursuance of the Counsel aforesaid passed the Sea and wasted certain Parts of the Realm of France with an Army of his own and of certain his Allies Afterwards the Winter Season approaching our said Lord the King being Returned into England heard that there was a great Fleet of Ships prepared on the Sea for a sudden Invasion of him and his Who by the Counsel of his Friends his then Assistants and principally of the foresaid Lord Canterbury speedily prepared himself to scour the Seas and expos'd himself to go over without Provision of Money or Horses chiefly upon Confidence of the said Lord Canterbury who had promised within certain and few days to send him Money enough And passing the Seas he found his Enemies upon the Sea near the Haven where he designed to Land and obtain'd that Victory which God gave him Who afterwards taking Land on Confidence of the foresaid promise with a Mighty Multitude of Armed Men Besieged the City of Tournay and there having sat a great while destitute of all Aid of Money althô at the Importunate Instance of many yet in very deed being forced by the only failure of Money he consented to take a Truce as being in the greatest Danger and utmost point of Necessity since as he said he had not all the time of the Siege received one Penny out of England and further unfolding his Opinion against the said Archbishop he said these Words I verily believe that the Archbishop would that for want of Money I had been ruin'd and slain And further he hath privately said to me such things of my Wife and on the other Hand hath said to my Wife such things of me for which if he had been credited he had provoked Us to such Mutual Discord that there would have been a perpetual Division between Us. Truly Holy Father our Lord the King hath often remembred all those things touching the Lord Archbishop to me William Norwich as well apart as before others of his Council and strictly enjoyn'd me upon Oath that I should fully and faithfully Report them to your Holiness Those things most Holy Father namely that our Lord the King consented to a Truce for want of Money and what Relates to the Lord Archbishop if it please You may be kept secret All the rest may be made Publick At the same time these Negotiators declared King Edward's Resolutions in these Words Most Holy Father and Lord that He may particularly and nakedly open his Mind to your Clemency he signifies unto your Holiness that he Challenges and intends to Challenge the whole Realm of France as Lawfully due and devolved unto him by Hereditary Right But for the Reverence of You and of the Apostolick See and to avoid the Perils which in all probability will happen by continuance of the Wars he is ready to Treat of Peace and to consent to a Good Peace but so as that in the Treaty of Peace to be made consideration be had as to the Right proportionable unto him in the said Kingdom and not only as to the Dutchy because with the whole Dutchy alone althô free from all Service and Subjection of any One he intends not to be contented And moreover because your Holiness being Highly sollicitous for the Reformation of Peace have offer'd your self by your Letters to Labour in your own Person at the Apostolick-Seat if the Deputies of the Parties be therefore sent to your Court or by others as it may be Honestly and Profitably done our Lord the King out of his great Confidence and Devout Reverence consents that this may be in your Holinesses choice These were King Edward's peremptory Demands so that there appear'd no way of a Final Agreement Nay it was to be expected that King Philip upon hearing thereof would be inflam'd the more Wherefore the Pope advis'd him to be more moderate in his Demands for the King of France was so far from granting thus much that in his k Extant apud Odoric Rainald ad hunc annum §. 38. Letters to the Pope he only gave him Liberty to declare a Restitution of those Lands of Aquitain which had been Won by his Father Charles of Valois in the time of Charles IV. When King
at the East-end of his Cathedral toward the North At whose Feet there lies his Brother Sr. Robert who was a Great Souldier in his time and also a Son of Sr. Robert's Named Bartholomew There died also this Year two Famous Old Barons of England the a Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 639. One was Hugh Courtney Senior Earl of Devonshire of almost 90 Years of Age who left behind him his Son and Heir of the same Name then about Thirty three Years Old. The Other was the * Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 52. Lord Henry Vicount Beaumont Earl of Buquhan in Scotland He left behind him John his Son and Heir then Twenty two Years of Age and a young Daughter Named Elizabeth afterwards Married to Sr. Nicolas Audley Son and Heir to the Lord James Audley of Heley Besides these two there Died about the same Time at Gaunt in the Kings Service the Lord Chief Justice of England Sr. Geoffry Scroop He had been very Loyal to King Edward the Second as appeared by the joynt Testimonies of the Prelates Earls and Barons in b Pat. 1. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 22. Parliament whereupon he Obtain'd much Grace with King Edward the Third whom he also Served till his Death with Indefatigable Industry Admirable Discretion and Untainted Loyalty In Consideration whereof among other Princely Favours bestow'd on him we find that the King Advanced him to the Degree of a c Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 658. Knight Banneret with a Gift of two Hundred Marks per annum for his better Support and that but this very Year he d Stow's Survey Lond. p. 249. gave unto him the Great House call'd the Erbar by the Church of St. Mary Bothaw near Dowgate-Street in London He lest behind him together with a Good Name and a Plentifull Estate Henry his Son and Heir at that Time Twenty five Years of Age who prov'd a Valiant and Noble Knight in his Days and John a Younger Son who many Years after Married Elizabeth one of the Daughters and Coheirs of David Strabolgi Son to David Earl of Athol slain in Scotland five Years before We shall conclude this Chapter with a short Relation of a most signal Victory obtain'd this Year on the 30 of October over the Saracens Moors and Africans in Spain In the foregoing Year e Câ—â—â—â—n Victorell de PP Reman p. 884. p. 887. Alphonso XI King of Castille and Leon being hardly put to it by the Barbarians begg'd aid of the Pope and all the Great Princes of Christendom From France and England went but few or none because of the Wars then hot between the two Realms But from other Parts many gallant Knights and Gentlemen went against those Enemies of God being especially encouraged thereto by the Pope's Bulls wherein he granted large Indulgences to those who undertook this Expedition Alphonso therefore being now reinforced with a small but well-compacted Army and joyned with his Neighbour Alphonso the Brave King of Portugall gave Battle to the Moors in the Plains of Tartessos vulgarly called Tariffa from a Town of that Name in the Boetic Province which enclines to the River called Rio Salado near the Herculean Sea. The Forces of Alphonso were 35000 Foot and 14000 Horse but the Army of Allibohacen King of Morocco with those of Granada under their Miramolin and three other Kings of the Moors consisted of 600000 Foot and 80000 Horse And yet thrô the Divine Assistance the Christians wan the Day f Jos Teixera de Orig. Reg. Port. and with the Loss of no more than g Joh. Mariana l. 16 c. 7. 20 Men slew in the Fight and in the Chace above h Vasaus Hist Hisp Genebr l. 4 Chronog vid. Odâ—ric Raynal ad hunc annum §. 40. usque ad §. 56. 200000 of the Infidels besides an incredible number of Prisoners taken Thô Others reckon no less than 450000 to have fallen that Day among whom were two of the Sons of Allibohacen In Memory of which Miraculous Victory the said 30 of October hath ever since been kept as an high Festival in Spain being dedicated to the Honour of the Holy Cross which was at this time so successfully advanced against the Enemies of Christendom King Alphonso after this Exploit having first and chiefly return'd his Thanks to Almighty God now also in token of his Gratitude to the Pope sends him for a Present to Avignon out of the Spoils he had taken an 100 gallant Horses of Barbary in rich Trappings with an 100 Saracen Slaves to lead them an 100 Morisco Cimitars and an 100 Shields of Tann'd Leather plated Also 24 Military Ensignes and the Horse and Standard of King Allibohacen which he used in this War together with many rich Vessels of Gold and Silver and Jewels of great Price besides his own Horse on which he fought and his own Royal Standard which he follow'd in that Battle i Ita Literae Pontis gratulatoriae ad Alphonsum neminant John Martin Don Leyva and Pedro Didaci de Corduba the Spanish Ambassadors who brought all these Presents were received with extraordinary Pomp by the Cardinals and other Prelates at their entrance into Avignon And the next day his Holiness k Victorell ib. himself celebrated Mass and after that made a notable Sermon wherein with great Eloquence he magnifi'd the Kings Victory and exhorted all present to praise God therefore and to pray for the Kings Health and Perseverance in Prosperity And to enable him the better to maintain his Wars against the Moors he then granted unto him the Thirds of the Tithes of all his Subjects which the Kings of Spain enjoy to this Day From this happy Success of the two Alphonso's Kings of Spain and Portugal against Jutzeph King of Granada and Allibohacen King of Morocco the Pope took an Occasion to exhort our King Edward of England to dispose himself towards a l Odoric Raynald ad ann 1340. §. 55. Peace with his Rival of France that they might both unite their Forces against the general Enemies of Christendom These Letters bear Date from Avignon the xv of the Kalends of January i. e. 18 of December in the Close of this Year being the VI of his Pontificate The Copy of which Letter is to be seen in the Ecclesiastical History of Odoricus Raynaldus at this Year 1340. King Alphonso presently after this Victory lays Siege to the great Town of Algezira belonging to the Moors and lying upon the Streights of Morocco on the Frontiers of Granada Which after a long Siege was enforced at last thrô Famine to yield to the Christians Thô still the Saracens held Footing in that Kingdom till having lost the City of Granada to Ferdinando and Isabella Kings of Spain they were at last finally expelled that Kingdom by Philip III. Because we may not disturb the intended Order of our Discourse which follows in the next Chapter we take leave in this place to tell the Reader that the Fruitfull Young Queen of
England whom we shall shortly bring home with the King her Husband was soon m Walsingh hist p. 135. after in the Tower of London deliver'd of a Fair Daughter named Blanch who to temper King Edwards Felicities unfortunately died before she was weaned and lies buried at Westminster CHAPTER the EIGHTEENTH The CONTENTS I. King Edward in great Displeasure comes privately over into England where he displaces and imprisons several of his Chief Ministers of State. II. His Quarrel with the Archbishop with the full State of the whole Case in Epitome III. The Archbishop's Letter to the King. IV. The Archbishop's Letter to the Lord Chancellour V. His Remonstrance to the King and his Council VI. His Letter to the Bishop of London VII His Articles of Excommunication which he publishes over all his Province VIII A Copy of the King's Letters to the Bishop of London in Defence of his Proceedings against the Archbishop IX The Archbishops Answer to the King wherein he defends himself against all his Objections X. The King's Reply to the Archbishop's Defence which he sends to all the Suffragans of that Province with absolute Command to obey the Archbishop in nothing contrary to his Pleasure wherein we shall find a notable Instance even in those Times of the King's Supremacy and Jealousie of his Rights and Royal Prerogatives XI The Particulars of a Parliament at Westminster wherein at the last the Archbishop upon his Submission is fully pardon'd and received into Favour I. WE said before that upon the Truce taken before Tournay King Edward went to Gaunt and how thence he returned into England But now we are to take up that Thread again and so to proceed in a further Discourse of his Affairs While a Holingshead Engl. Chron. p. 912. b. he lay at Gaunt Lewis Earl of Flanders being now by vertue of the Truce restored to his Country came thither to visit him And for several Days he made great Cheer to him and his Queen caressing and entertaining them with magnificent Feasts and Banquets But King Edward took small Delight in such matters now his Mind ran upon the Mony which he dayly expected from England to pay off his Debts contracted beyond Sea which having long look'd for in vain pretending b Stow p. 237. that he would ride abroad for his Pleasure he went suddenly into Zealand where he took Ship privately with only his Queen and Eight more Persons of Quality in his Company designing for England But upon the Sea he met with a Storm which for three days together tossed him too and fro with great fury to the utter hazard of his Person It is said c Grafton p. 247. Fabian p. 216. that the Tempest was rais'd by certain Necromancers of France who purpos'd thereby to destroy him or at least to cool his Courage from passing the Seas any more Whatever was the Occasion this is certain that as if King Edward had been only destin'd for the Kingdom of France which he so greatly desired it seem'd fatal for him always in his Passage thither to have calm Seas and Wind at will but in his Return all things contrary so that often he endur'd many great Losses and Shipwrecks And this was his Fate while his Fortune stood fair but when he began to decline he found the Wind so contrary to him that by no means he could once set his Foot more in France However now at last this storm being happily abated on the third Night being d 30 Novem. St. Andrews he arrived safe at shoar and landed at the Tower of London about the Cock-crow The Lords that came with him and the Queen were the Earl of Northampton the Lord Nicolas Cantilupe the Lord Walter Manny the Lord Reginald Cobham the Lord John Darcy the Lord Guy Beauchamp Eldest Son to the Earl of Warwick with the Lord John Beauchamp his Uncle and two Chaplains which were also his Secretaries Dr. William Killesby and Dr. William Weston with their Servants only Upon the King's entring the Tower he found there no Guard ready but only his Children and three Servants waiting on them Wherefore in great e Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 127. Anger he sent for the Lord Nicolas de la Beche Constable of the Tower and committed him to Prison in the said place As also he served at the same time Andrew Aubry Lord Mayor of London the Lord Thomas Wake Sr. John St. Paul Keeper of the great Seal Sr. John Stonore Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Michael Wath Henry Stratford and Robert Chickwell Clerks of the Chancery and Philip Thorp Clerk of the Exchequer All whom he sent for and imprison'd as he had done also to the Archbishop of Canterbury if he could have got him After this in several Parts of the Kingdom he caused to be taken and clapt up in divers Prisons Sr. John Poltney Alderman of London Sr. William de la Pole Baron of his Exchequer Sr. William Shareshull one of the Justices of the Kings Bench Sr. Richard Willoughby Deputy Lord Chief Justice Sr. John Shardelow and Sr. Thomas Ferrers Thô within a while after the Lord Wake was deliver'd with Honour having no Fault fix'd upon him The City of London during the Imprisonment of their Mayor was at the Kings Command govern'd by a Bayliff as will appear hereafter As for Dr. f Philipot's Catal Chancell Treas p. 34. Robert Stratford Bishop of Chichester who was then Lord Chancellour of England and Robert Northborough Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield then Lord Treasurer he immediately discharged them of their Offices threatning to send them into Flanders there to lie as Pledges for Money which he owed or if they refus'd to go to lay them in prison in the Tower. But upon the Bishop of Chichester's Remonstrance to him g Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 912. that he would then be in danger to incure the Penalty of Pope Clements Canon De non incarcerandis Episcopis he relented and let them go free thô deprived of their Offices Sr. Robert h Philipot's ibid. p. 34. 38. Bourchier succeeding in the Place of Lord Chancellour and Sr. Richard Saddington in that of Treasurer and Dr. Killesby in the Place of Privy Seal Sr. John St. Paul the late Keeper being also discharged All the Sheriffs also of Shires and other Publique Officers were at this time removed and new ones put in their Places And certain Justices were appointed to enquire into the Faults of Collectors and other Officers concerned in the Gathering the Taxes so that few or none escaped unpunished so strictly these New Justices proceeded in their Commissions As for the i Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 146. b. Lord John Molins a Great and Noble Baron of the Realm the incensed Prince in the heat of his Displeasure flang his Body into Prison and seised all his Lands into his own Hands which thereupon were committed to the custody of Sr. John Eldred his Offence having been judged
no less than Rebellion Thô six years after the King being appeas'd he was again received into Favour and restoration of all his Lands made unto him The Archbishop of Cantorbury had surely felt as hard Measure as any of them if not worse But by meer chance he was then gone from Lambeth and when he understood what indignation he had incurr'd wisely kept aloof till the Storm was over As we shall shew at large hereafter Certainly k Holinshead ibid. p. 913. at this time the Kings Mind was beyond Measure exasperated against those whom he had intrusted to levy Monies here in England and to send it over to him into Flanders Because thrô their Neglect when he was just upon the point of obtaining Tournay he was forced to accept of a Dishonourable Truce as Himself complains in his Letters which we shall see by and by And truly 't was a great Pity if thrô the Avarice Fraud or Treason of his Officers at home these things happen'd thus For he was thereby enforced as it were to consent to lose the fairest Opportunity and to let a certain Victory slip thrô his Fingers even then when his Friends were yet uncorrupted and in Presence And verily I doubt not but this was an Occasion which made the Emperour and the Lords of Germany for the most part to fall off from him shortly after Because they saw his Money come in so slowly at this great Exigence Wherefore not unreasonably doth honest Walsingham l Walsingh hist p. 135. n. 25. bemoan That so Worthy a Prince should from his own Subjects find such unworthy Dealing For as he truly adds if in very deed they had scann'd and exactly weigh'd with themselves the Acts of all the English Kings from the First Monarch to that Day they would not have found that ever this Island brought forth a Prince of such Mature Vertue at so unripe an Age he not having compleated 28 Years II. Now that we may State the Archbishops Case Right We are to take Notice that as he was at first a great Promoter of the Wars with France so lately m Antiq. Brit. p. 223. c. by the Perswasions and Threats of the Pope he was brought over to be at least cold in the Affair Whereby he mightily incensed the Minds of all Men against him who abhorr'd this Weakness and Inconstancy These things being known while King Edward lay before Tournay Henry Burwash then Bishop of Lincoln and Sr. Geoffry Scroop Lord Chief Justice who both when living secretly maligned the Archbishop inflam'd the Kings Mind more vehemently against him and laid to his Charge no less than flat Treason and that he had Conspired with the French King. Upon these Presumptions and urg'd by his Necessities the King as we shew'd came Incognito into England and Landed about One in the Morning at the Tower of London without the least Rumour or Suspicion any where gather'd of his Arrival There a Council of those about him being held it was at last resolv'd that the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Chichester Chancellour of England and the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield Treasurer with others abovenamed being forthwith taken up by the Kings Guard and Officers into Custody should be brought before the King to render an Account of what they had done in his Absence In the Morning early certain of the Guard were at Lambeth but the Archbishop by chance had gone thence the day before Whereupon the Officers returning over the Water to London took up the Bishops of Chichester and Coventry with the rest abovenamed and brought them away to the Tower. This being nois'd abroad the Archbishop hies him to Canterbury but is follow'd by Sr. Nicolas Cantilupe who being sent by the King together with one John Faringdon a Publique Notary to Register Notes of what should be done with the Archbishop in the Kings Name warn'd the said Archbishop That whereas he had bound himself to Foreign Merchants under Penalty of forfeiting his Goods to see such Summs of Money paid as the King had borrow'd for the Maintenance of his Wars and that the King being disappointed of those Moneys for the receiving whereof he had put his entire Confidence in him had met with an Interruption in his Warlike Affairs and the Kings Army with the Lords of the Realm there present had been reduced to a want of things Necessary for War He would now either presently pay that Money to those Creditors who perpetually call'd upon the King and his Lords or would go into Flanders there to Answer the Creditors in Foreign Court and deliver himself up into their Custody till the whole Summ for which he had bound himself should be discharged This Message being thus deliver'd the Knight in presence of the Notary demanded an Answer The Archbishop said that he must deliberate in Matters of that Moment before he could give in his Reply whereupon the Knight withdrew And now when the Archbishop saw how he was not only in Danger of losing all his Fortunes but also his Life and Good Name he began roundly to deal with the King by his Letters advising him to take unto him better Counsellors to beware of Flatterers and Misreporters of other Mens Lives and Actions and being engaged in Wars abroad not to disturb the Peace at home But when by these Letters and other Suasory means he could not pacifie the King he began from the Pulpit to Preach unto the People concerning his Integrity and Fidelity both to the King and Kingdom Insomuch that having call'd an Assembly of the Clergy and Layety together in the Metropolitan Church of Canterbury he took his Text out of the n Ecclesiasticus c. 48. v. 12. Apocryphal Scriptures Non pertimuit Principem Potentiâ nemo vicit eum And here in a long and various Drscourse he commended Thomas Becket once Archbishop of Canterbury who withdrew himself from Secular Affairs to the Government of his Church But he blamed himself for that laying aside the Care of his Flock he had been wholly taken up in Menaging the Kings Affairs The Punishment whereof he declared with Tears that for his Merits towards the King and Kingdom being brought into Envy and Danger of Death he now most justly suffer'd But for the future he promised to be more Diligent in the Government of his Province Sermon being thus ended he published certain Articles of Excommunication intending thereby to Guard himself from the Kings Power with the Dreadfull Ceremony of Bell Book and Candle the Bells Ringing Dolefully and the Candles being suddenly Extinguished with a Stench In these Articles all such were Excommunicated as should disturb the Peace and Tranquillity of the King and Kingdom all Layicks who should lay Violent Hands on the Persons Lands Goods or Houses of Clergymen all those who should violate the Liberties of the Church all who by any device should lessen the Privileges granted to the Barons in Magna Charta all who should raise
false Accusations against any Person but especially all those who should bring an Archbishop or any other Bishop of his Province into the Kings Hate or Anger and him or them of Treason or any other Notorious and Capital Crime falsly Accuse And having Published these Articles in his Church he commanded the Bishop of London and all the Suffragans of his Province to Publish the same in their Churches and Dioceses Presently hereupon the King that he might some way obviate these High Proceedings of the Archbishop wrote to the Bishop of London setting forth that at the perswasion of the Archbishop he had undertaken so doubtfull and Difficult a War to Recover his Right and Inheritance But that He who had been the Author of the War having now conspired with his Enemy the French King had at last perswaded him that after the profusion of such vast Expences to no purpose he would lay down the Claim of his Right and disband his Army That he had not as he promised purvey'd sufficiently for his Army nor satisfied his Foreign Creditors of whom upon his Security vast Summs of Money had been taken up for support of his Wars and who were continually importuning the King and his Lords That at last he had demanded of him an Account how he had Administred the Realm which he cunningly under Pretence of Excommunications and Censures hath eluded After this Ralph Lord Stafford was by the King sent unto the Archbishop who taking along with him John Burton Advocate and John Faringdon publique Notary warn'd him again in the Kings Name that without more delay he should Repair to the King there to Advise together with other Prelates and Lords about the War and Matters Relating to England and France the King o Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 159. ex Walsingbam offering him a safe Conduct to that purpose to the end he might understand what Defence he could make for that his Neglect But him also the Wary Archbishop put off saying only that he would consider of it A little after there came out of Flanders to Canterbury Messengers from the Duke of Brabant who when the Archbishop would not be seen by them declared the Cause of their coming in Writing fix'd up at Noon-day upon the High Cross without the Gate of the Priory of Canterbury importing that John Archbishop of Canterbury was Cited and Warned into Court by the Duke of Brabant that so he might Lawfully answer in Flanders for the Debts of the King of England for which he stood Engaged there to remain according to Oath in that Part by him made till his Lords Debts were fully cleared In this hurry comes a Letter from the King to the Prior and Convent of Canterbury being the same with those Letters which he had wrote to the Bishop of London with a Command to read it out Publiquely before the People and Clergy of Canterbury The Prior and Convent having received it inform the Archbishop thereof and shew him the open Letter He on Ashwednesday following before all the People and Clergy gets up into the Pulpit in Canterbury Church and there in a Sermon spake Largely of his Loyalty and Integrity in Menaging the Kings Affairs Then he commanded the Kings Letters wherein the King had laid Heavy things to his Charge to be Read Openly Which done he dexterously takes off each Crime and Accusation in Order After which the Answer that now he gave by Word of Mouth being Digested into Writing he Published over all his Province of Canterbury All which Letters because of many Excellent Sayings therein and for that they make much for the Clearing the Story I have thought fit to set down at Large from Stephen Byrchinton or Brickington a Benedictin Monk of Canterbury who flourished in that Age and others of good Authority And first we shall produce the Archbishops Letter to his Majesty taken from the Original Latine for Mr. Fox is not Exact in his Translation III. MOST Dear Lord may it please Your Majesty to consider p p Walsingh hist p. 136 Fox Acts and Men. p. 350. that the most special thing which keepeth Kings and Princes in the most Flourishing Condition is Wise Counsel And therefore says the Wise Man Where there are many Counsellors that is Good Ones there is safety And it is written in the Book of Kings that Solomon the Wisest of Kings took unto him the most Ancient and Sagest Persons of his Realm by whose Advice temper'd with his own Judgement he continually preserved the Land of Israel in Peace and held all his Neighbour Kings round about him as his Tributaries and Vassals Now when he was gone the way of all Flesh his Son Rehoboam Reigned who despising the Counsel of the Elders who had stood before his Father adhered to the Young Men who were willing to please him whence he justly lost the whole Kingdom of Israel except a Twelfth Part reserved unto him of the Lord. In like manner many Kings as well of Israel as of other Countries being led by Evil Counsel have been reduced to great extremities And sir you well remember saving your Royal Pleasure that by the Sinister Advice taken by Our Late Lord the King Your Father whom God assoile against the Law of the Land and Magna Charta of the Peers of the Realm and others some he imprison'd some he put to Death siesed on their Goods and vexed others with Intolerable Fines And what happen'd thereby unto him Your Majesty well knows After his Days also by means of Evil Counsellors which were about Your Person Your Majesty had almost lost the Hearts of Your People but from them as it pleased him the Lord Jesus Christ hath delivered You. From that time by the Good Advice and Prudence of Your Prelates Peers and Counsellors of the Land Your Affairs are so well Menaged that You now entirely Possess the Affections of Your People and Your Subjects as well Spiritual as Temporal have given unto Your Majesty greater Aids than to any of Your Progenitors So that by the means of Good counsell the Votes of Your People and the special Grace of Almighty God You have obtain'd many Glorious Victories over Your Enemies of Scotland and France and are at this Day Reputed the most Noble Prince in Christendom But now Your Majesty by the Perverse Counsel of some Men who are rather known to Respect their own Profit and Advantage than either Your Majesties Honour or the Welfare of Your People have caused Clergymen and others of Your Subjects to be siezed and undue Processes to be made against the Laws of the Land which by Oath made at Your Coronation You are bound to observe and also against Magna Charta which whosoever shall presume to infringe are by the Prelates of England and the Popes Bull which we are known to have by Us to be Excommunicate All which things as they are to the great Peril and Danger of Your Soul so also alas are they to the great
that neither you nor they have forgotten how We being formerly exalted to the Regal Throne in the years of our tender Youth and desiring at our first Undertaking that Royal Charge to be directed by wholsome Counsels did call unto Us John then Bishop of Winchester and now Archbishop of Canterbury because We supposed him to excell others in Loyalty and Discretion and have made use both of his Spiritual Advice in Matters concerning the Health of our Soul and also of his Temporal in Affairs relating to the Augmentation and Conservation of our Kingdom Nay he was by Us received into such Familiarity and experienc'd so much of our Favour towards him that he was called Our Father and next unto the King adored of all Men. Now afterwards when by Right of Succession the Kingdom of France was devolved unto Us and by the Lord Philip of Valois de facto manifestly usurped the same Archbishop by his Importunities perswaded Us to make a League with the Lords of Almain t t Et aliis quod habe◠l. Antiqu. Brit. emittit Walsingh and others against the said Philip and so to expose Our Selves and Ours to the Expences of War promising and affirming that He would see Us abundantly supplied out of the Profits of our Lands and elsewhere adding moreover that We should only take Care to provide Men of Courage and Skill sufficient for the War for he himself would effectually procure such Summs of Money as should both Answer our Necessities and the Souldiers Pay. Whereupon having passed the Seas we set Our Hand to Great undertakings and with marvellous Expence as it behoved made Our Warlike Provisions and bound Our Selves in vast Summs of Money to our Confederates in confidence of the Foremention'd Aid promised unto Us. But alas since We put Our Confidence in the Staff of a broken Reed whereon according to the u u Isai 36. v. 6. Prophet if a Man lean it will go into his Hand and pierce it being defrauded of Our wish'd for Aid of meer Necessity We were compelled under heavy Usury to contract the Insupportable Burthens of Debt and so breaking off Our further Expedition for that time were Obliged to desist from Our Enterprises so Valiantly begun against Our Enemies and to return into England Where having made Relation to the said Archbishop of Our manifold Vexations and Misfortunes and thereupon calling a x x Vid. l. 1. c. 16. §. 1. p. 177. Parliament the Prelates Barons and other Liege Subjects of Our Kingdom gave Us the Ninth of their Corn Lambs and Wooll besides a Tenth granted Us by the Clergy which Subsidy had it been faithfully collected and obtained in due time had not a little availed toward Our said Warlike Expedition the Payment of Our Debts and the confusion of Our Enemies nay it might probably have sufficed to have answer'd all as many then supposed The said Archbishop then again promised Us diligently to use his Endeavours as well in the Collecting the same as also in procuring other things necessary for Us. Whereupon giving credit to his promises and having Recruited Our Forces with a Navy collected for that purpose We set Sail for Flanders and upon the way buckled in a fierce Sea Fight with Our Enemies who had combin'd to the Destruction of Us and of Our English Nation But by the Mercifull Bounty of him who Ruleth both the Winds and Seas and not by Our own Merits We obtain'd over the Numerous Multitude of those Enemies a Glorious Victory and Triumph Which done passing forward with a Great Army for the Recovery of Our Rights We encamped near the most strong City of Tournay in the Siege whereof being very much busied and even wearied with continual Toyl and Charges We silently waited in daily Expectation hoping that however by means of the said Archbishop Our promised Aid would at last come to relieve Us in Our so Many and so Great Necessities At length being frustrated of Our conceived hope thô by many Messengers and divers Letters We fully signified to the said Archbishop and other Our Counsellors joyned in Commission with him Our Necessities and the sundry Inconveniences we were exposed to for want of the promised Aid aforemention'd as also the Great Advantage and Honour which We saw We might easily obtain by a seasonable supply of the said Moneys We yet received no Advantagious Answer from them Because minding their own business and wholly neglecting Ours they palliated their own Idleness not to say Fraud or Malice with painted Glossings and frivolous Excuses like those Mockers who as y y C. 28. v. 10. 13. Isaiah says deridingly Scoff and say Precept upon Precept Precept upon Precept Line upon Line Line upon Line Here a little and there a little So that alas while a near hope of Triumphing over Our Enemies most graciously smil'd upon Us We were even then for want of Necessary Supplies constrained against Our Will to submit to accept of a Truce to the shamefull Hinderance of Our Expedition and the no small Joy of Our Adversaries Returning thereupon into Flanders both Empty of Money and Full of Debt neither Our own Purses nor Our Friends being sufficient to discharge Our Necessities and to pay off Our Foreign Auxiliaries We were compelled to plunge Our Selves into the Devouring Gulf of Usury and to submit Our Shoulders to the various Burthens of Insupportable Debts At last Our Faithfull Friends Companions of Our Labours and Partakers of Our Troubles came unto Us with whom We carefully consulted for a desired Remedy whereby We might happily obtain some Fair Weather after this so Great Storm of ill Fortune These All agreed that the sad protracting of Our Wars and the manifold Inconveniences proceeding from Our Want of Supply happen'd all thrô the Fault or Negligence not to say Malice of the said Archbishop to whose Discretion We had committed the Affairs of Our whole Kingdom They the while much Admiring and Murmuring at Us because Our Royal Goodness had so long left unpunished the Insolence of the said Archbishop and other Our Officers Saying that if We would not apply a speedy Remedy to these Evils They must of Necessity withdraw from Our Service and go back from their Alliance made with Us And this certainly must needs redound to the Subversion of Our Kingdom Our own perpetual Infamy and the Eternal Reproach of the English Nation which God Our most Mercifull Father of his Infinite Goodness Graciously forbid to come to pass in Our Days as the Anchor of Our hope is immoveably fixed on him Whereupon intending the due Correction of Our Officers some of them whom for many Reasons We suspected Guilty of Male-Administration Subversion of Justice Oppression of Our Subjects of Bribery and other Heinous Offences We have as We might do caused to be removed from their Offices Others also of Inferior Degree being culpable in the Premises We have committed to safe Custody least should they enjoy their wonted Liberty the Execution of
that of the Wise Man g g Ecclus c. 11. v. 5. Many Tyrants have sat on the Throne and a Man unthought on hath wore the Diadem The Sword being thus in the Hands of Madmen not thrô any proud Arrogance or Disobedience but by wisely * * Currenti cedende Furori yielding to the Course of Fury we have hitherto defer'd our Access to You that just Fear excusing us which might fall upon the most Resolute being notwithstanding ready to obey your Majesty in all things the Honour of God and of Holy Church and of our own State and Order being always in all points preserved But truly in the mean while during the Power of these Tyrants to the rooting out whereof let Him that ariseth from on high vouchsafe to assist You that the word of the Wise Man may be fulfilled h h Wisd c. 16. v. 4. For it was requisite that upon them exercising Tyranny should come Penury which they could not avoid Lest the clamour of our Infamy should grow higher to the manifesting of our Innocence we answer to the Articles contained in those Letters or infamous Libels not sophistically but truly in form following viz. For the Beginning of your foresaid Letters The Archbishops Answer to the first Article or of the foresaid infamous Libell being full of Reproach containeth That your Majesty being formerly exalted to the Royal Throne in the Years of your tender Youth and desiring at your first Vndertaking that Princely Charge to be directed by wholesom Counsel did make use of our Spiritual Advice in matters concerning the Health of your Soul and also of our Temporal in Affairs relating to the Augmentation and Conservation of your Kingdom And that afterwards when by Right of Succession the Realm of France was devolved unto You and by the Lord Philip of Valois de facto manifestly usurped we perswaded You by our Importunities to make a League with the Lords of Almain and Others for the Recovery of your Right and that You should only take care to provide Men of Courage and Skill sufficient for the War because we would effectually supply you with Monies for the Necessities of You and Yours and for Wages for the Army And because You altogether wanted this due Assistance you were fain to submit to the heavy burthen of Vsury To these things most Excellent Prince even thô we hold our Tongues and speak not a word the notoriety of the Fact knows how to give a fit Answer For in the beginning of your Reign while we presided over the Church of Winchester by whose Counsel your Majesty was directed is known to the whole Kingdom For He who is ignorant of nothing knows that when the Question about the Kingdom of France after the Death of King Charles the Brother of your Serene Mother i i Vid. l. 1. c. 2. §. 2. p. 28. was handled and discussed in the Parliament then held at Northampton and it was thereupon ordained that the Bishops of Worcester then now of Winchester and of Coventry and Litchfield should go into France and in your Name claim that Kingdom and as much as in them lay hinder the Coronation of the said Philip of Valois who according to this Ordinance taking then upon them the Legation enjoyned them went into France which very Embassy gave the greatest Occasion of this present War we had at that time no concern in the Government of You or of your Youth as others had who directed You both in Spirituals and Temporals because neither as then did we any ways intermeddle in the Kings Business but remained at Court for what cause God knows hated by all the Courtiers But afterwards in times of Unity since it pleased Your Majesty that We also together with others of Your Council should confer about Your Affairs toward the Establishing of Peace between the two Realms of England and of France considering the Perils of Souls Bodies and Goods that were impending from the Devouring Gulf of War We labour'd with all Our Power and to that end frequently crossing the Sea not without many Dangers Toyls and vast Expences We together with other Prelates and divers Peers of Your Realm have sought the Personal Presence of the said Philip and have effectually offer'd him We say not Measure sufficient enough but even running over as before this it hath been known for the obtaining of Peace But the said Philip like the Deaf Adder stopping his Ears and not willing to hearken unto Us there were sent unto him on Your Part two Spiritual Ambassadors to wit the Bishop of Durham and of Worcester then now of Winchester for the obtaining of his Peace And another time the Lords Henry of blessed Memory Bishop of Lincoln and William Mountagu and William Clinton now Earls of Salisbury and of Huntingdon who yet could neither obtain Peace nor any delay from War But while the said Ambassadors were yet in the Parts beyond Sea the the said Philip of Valois presently sent divers Commissions to all his Maritime Coasts to kill and destroy the Men and Ships of England wheresoever they could be found at Sea and with all Expedition sent an Armed Band to Invade your Country of Gascoign And so the War being begun by the said Philip and not by Us according to the deliberation of Your Parliament at Westminster Summon'd on that Occasion and not on Our Account only but on the Account of the great Cruelty and Obstinacy of the Haughty Mind of the said Philip who Invaded the English and refus'd all manner of Agreement and for the obtaining of Your Right in the Realm of France which was wickedly Usurped by the said Philip it was Ordained and Agreed that an Alliance should be struck up with the Almains and others But as for the Wages in this part to be paid to Your Forces in a certain Council then for that end called at Stamford there were certain Agreements made with certain Merchants of Your Land We being present the Form whereof may plainly appear in Your Chancery Which if they had been observed together with other Subsidies given by the Clergy and People to the Aid of Your War and the great Customs of Woolls not only in our Opinion but in the Judgement of all Your Counsellours would have sufficed for this whole War. And Your Majesty well knows that the foresaid Agreements were neither Violated nor Changed by Us and that the Subsidies by no means came to our Hands If then any Misfortune happen'd for want of Money for which We are sorry this is to be wholly imputed to those who brake the said Agreements and wickedly wasted and embesel'd the said Subsidies and not to Us who bore the Burthen and Heat of the Day and especially for this Cause that after Your first Crossing the Seas We have made no long abode in this Kingdom But with the Reverend Fathers the Lords Cardinals and the Bishop of Durham We went into France for the Reformation of the
conserve your Innocence and to own it publiquely unto others For the Conservation whereof we have hitherto prayed God and continually do pray him and we have often by our Letters Patents directed and shall do hereafter that those of our Province should pour forth their Prayers for the safe and happy Conservation of your State. But whether by the damnable Presumption of certain of your Officers as we believe without your Connivance against Justice the Layety is more than usually oppressed the Clergy and Church burthen'd with divers Taxations and Talliages as evidently now appears when from Ecclesiastical Persons that is now exacted which they never granted Your People also in these Days are governed by new and unusual I wish I could not say Arbitray Laws so that their Substance hardly sufficing for Life will at last unless God avert to your great Reproach be reduced to extream Poverty Nor did we say propose or publish such things with a sinister Intention to defame the Innocence of You or of your Officers since we named none in particular But that thereby your Royal Majesty being moved might so much the sooner apply a fit Remedy lest thrô unlawfull Grievances the Affections of your People should which God forbid lose their wonted Devotion by turning their Love into Hatred And because your Royal Majesty To the 6 Article after the malevolous pleasure of the Dictator of your Letters seems to charge us That we have endeavour'd to usurp the name of a Good Shepherd when indeed we were nothing less after the common Opinion and even our own Confession wherein we called our selves an Hireling and that we cloaked our Fox-craft with a feigned Zeal for the Liberties of the Church whose Troubles if in Goods or Persons it hath sustained any in your Days are solely to be attributed to our Remissness evil Counsels and crafty Devices To which we answer as the subject matter permits For the Truth called himself the Good Pastor saying q q John 10. v. 11 I am the Good Shepherd and no other can call himself a Good Shepherd witness the same Truth saying r r Luke c. 18. v. 19. There is none Good save God alone If therefore in Preaching publiquely we said That we were not a Good Shepherd but an Hireling We spake after the Doctrine of our Saviour saying ſ ſ Luke c. 17. v. 10. When you have done all those things which are commanded you say ye are unprofitable Servants And Truth it self knows that we never thought fallaciously or by any pretence to usurp the Name of a Good Shepherd as we neither are nor can be But laying aside all Fox-craft and feigned Zeal such as we were We together with the other Prelates and Proctors of the Clergy of our Province interposed our selves for the relief of your Necessity and the Profit or rather Salvation of your Kingdom which with our own eyes we beheld exposed to innumerable Dangers doing all that in us lay and procuring to be granted Taxes and many Subsidies to the great burthen and grievance of the said Clergy that by the Aid of the Subjects the Enemies of the King Kingdom and Church might be drove away and the Church and Kingdom might flourish in the calm of Peace For which because as it seems by You it cannot be reasonably laid to our Charge as a Fault we comfort our self with the common Proverb Thô Others Accusations raise t t Si culpent alii Te me laudare necesse est 'T is fit that You should yield me Praise But as to that which is laid to our Charge To the 7 Article That by our Letters we commanded to be published in most Places of great Resort certain Sentences of Excommunication which were long since made in general against the Violators of the Liberties of the Church and Magna Charta thereby to spoil the good Opinion had of the King and to defame the Kings Ministers aforesaid and traiterously to stir up Sedition among the People committed to the King and to withdraw from your Royal Majesty the Hearts of the Earls Lords and Barons of your Realm Because the Premises seem to fling the Crime of Treason upon our Head in which Case no King or Temporal Lord can be our Competent Judge as is sufficiently shewed above we protest openly and publiquely by these Presents that we intend by what we have said or shall say in nothing to prejudice our State in this part but wholly to decline the Tryal of any Secular Judge whatsoever But yet extrajudicially to the declaration of our Innocence we do confess nor can we deny that we have denounced and by Others caused to be denounced certain Sentences of Excommunication formerly made in general against the Violators of the Liberties of the Church and Magna Charta but yet so as particularly and expresly to except as we might the Kings Person that of the Queen and their Children Wherein we defamed no body since therein we nominated no body Nor thereby saving the Reverence of him that dictated did we traiterously procure Sedition or cause the People to be withdrawn from You Who are at present obedient to You in all things and who serve You in all things according to their Duty as the whole World may see But He who knows all things is our Witness that as far as it was possible for us we always as well publiquely as privately did induce the Lords and Commons of your Realm to love you heartily and to serve you in your Affairs more readily and with all their Power to aid You as is sufficiently known to all your Realm In the end of your foresaid Letters there seem to be many things said proposed and generally repeated to the slander of our Reputation As that You being in your Minority by our imprudent Counsel made certain prodigal Donations unlawfull Alienations and excessive Largesses so that thereby your Majesties Exchequer was wholly exhausted affirming further that being corrupted with Bribes we have without reasonable Cause released to several Persons vast Summs of Money owing unto You And also that we have applied to the Vse of our selves and our Friends and bestow'd on other evil-deserving Persons many of your Rents and Revenues And that being not only an Acceptor of Bribes but of Persons also we have contrary to your desire and our Oath of Fidelity made to You admitted to publique Offices in your Dominions Persons altogether unworthy neglecting and putting back the worthy and well-deserving And that of a refractory Mind we have rashly presumed to do many other things to the detriment of the State Royal the hurt of the Regal Dignity and the dammage and grievance of your People by abusing the Authority and Charge committed unto us Premising again the foresaid Protestation because your Royal Majesty as it seems doth in the Premises lay unto our Charge Perjury by way of Crime in which cause You are not our Judge as neither can you be yet unto
Generals we answer generally that according to the discretion given unto us by God being in your Offices we always faithfully served your Royal Majesty and in our Actions gave you in our judgment sound Counsel To prodigal Donations or unlawfull Alienations or excessive Largesses or Relaxations of great Sums of Money due unto You unless upon good Reasons by you done neither thrô Bribery Hate Love or Favour yielding fallaciously any Assent but to our Power conserving your Honour and Interest in the Premises and all other Matters And because sundry times we stiffly withstood several Donations and Relaxations we often went away with small Thanks from the Kings Servants and Others And if particularly any thing had been made out as to each of the Premises we should have given a particular Answer agreeable to God and the Truth For at present it doth not occurr to our Memory that your Royal Highness hath made any extraordinary Donations we being present and knowing those onely excepted which unto certain Earls lately by You first made by Consent of solemn Parliament then held in your Royal Palace at Westminster You of your Royal Bounty gave Which then we believed and yet do not to have been done to the Kings Prejudice but to make for your Interest and Honour For the Experience of things teaches what rank they held for You and your Realm and how much they have suffer'd and do suffer at present But as for any Excessive Largesses or Relaxations of the Kings Liberality made we remember not at present unless your Majesty would have us understand it of one Relaxation made to a Debtor even to all your People of England in your last Parliament You being present conven'd at Westminster Which Grace on that occasion was granted by the Assent of the King and of the whole Parliament on consideration of a greater Advantage thereby accruing to You viz. that the Community of the Land should grant You a Ninth aforesaid nor would the Community have otherwise assented to give the Subsidy of the said Ninth Which latter Instance where Reason sways ought not to be imputed unto us But when the said Generals are declared more particularly as the Law requires we will give in our Answer to what shall be so declared distinct enough And yet one thing we shall not here omit which we wonder that it should be objected against us namely that we have applied unto the use of us and of our Friends the Kings Rents and Revenues For the just Judge sitting in Heaven knows that hitherto we never appli'd any of the Kings Lands Rents or Profits to our selves or ours nor ever intended to apply them But in the Affairs of You and of your Father and Grandfather for whom we have crossed the Seas 30 times and have often gone to and fro for Scotland and in other your Employs we have spent so much of our own that of our Purses it may be said as above in your Letters it is repeated Here a little and there a little For from the beginning of the Wars to this present day we have received nothing at all from the Kings Exchequer except 300 l. And so the Evil design'd against us is remembred but our Labours Expences and Gratitude are utterly forgotten of all Men. u u Job c. 6. v. 2. Therefore I may say with Job Oh! that my sins were throughly weighed and my Calamity laid in the Balances together surely this would appear heavier than the sand of the Sea. As for Acceptors of Persons truly God is our Witness we never were but desirous always to prefer the Kings Will we placed and caused to be placed Worthy Persons in Publique Offices in whatsoever Lands or Places were subject to the Kings Government as far as Human Condition permitted us to know the Manners of Men according to the knowledge and power given us from above taking therefore Gifts or Rewards of no body And if any one will say or prove that we have taken any Gifts or Mony from any we shall be ready upon Occasion to answer all Plaintiffs or Impeachers whensoever it shall please the Kings Majesty according to the Law and Customs of the Realm the Honour of God our Estate and Order being in all things preserved Knowing most Serene Prince for certain that if we might with a safe Conscience reveal the secrets of your Council we could show openly to all the World to whom the Failing in all the Premises ought to be imputed in the just Judgment of God and all true Men. Thus much for the present may suffice as to the said infamous Libel and I wish that for your Majesties Honour it had never been written and published which althô at the first view it seems to bespatter and wound our Reputation yet things being seriously consider'd as they ought to be and the Writings therein contained weighed in a just Scrutiny those Men cannot avoid the blot of Treason to the King and Kingdom who dictated this Libel or thereto gave their Counsel and Consent or reported the Contents thereof to our Injury or published them to our Infamy Which may your Royal Majesty vouchsafe with an Upright Heart to consider whom may that King by whom x x Prov. c. 18. v. 15. Kings reign and Princes decree Justice vouchsafe to preserve in Health and in his own Love. Amen This notable and artificial Letter the Archbishop wrote in a strain agreeable to the Times sometimes standing stiffly upon his Pontifical Authority and the sacred Liberties of the Church sometimes humbly conceding the Regal Power always full of submissive Courage which was fomented by his Innocence or Dignity But all these Arts could neither frighten nor mollifie the Kings Exasperated Mind yet so that he presently followed it with this Reply which he sent as an Antidote against the Archbishops Insinuations to all the Bishops and Clergy of that Province X. EDWARD by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland To the Bishops Deans Abbots Priors and their Chapters and other Ecclesiastical Persons of the Province of Canterbury Greeting The Wound of Hearts Pride which always soareth aloft doth often turn the Remedy to a Disease and the Physick to Poison And this is proved by the presumptuous Arrogance of John Archbishop of Canterbury who when lately he had publiquely Preached and commanded to be Published in several places of great Resort sundry sinister Matters concerning Us and Ours as more fully is contained in our Excusatory Letters to You and others thereupon directed now heaping up more heavy Injuries to his former endeavours to intimate to our Liege People that Our Excuses which We provided to heal the Wounds of Our Dignity and Royal Fame are not true and with Exquisite Engines to batter them and by New Letters lately sent to You and others with a slanderous Pen and lying Style more grievously and freely to defame them And thô it be the Custom of Popes Cardinals and Inferior Prelates to
where at Candlemas he held a Royal Just and Turneament for the Honour of the young Noblemen of Gascoigne whom he trained up here in Feats of War And what Expert Scholars they proved under so great a Tutor We shall see hereafter in the Wars of France XIII On the a Walsingh hist p. 149. Sandford p. 357. Dagd 2 Vol. p. 154. fifth Day of June Queen Philippa of England was deliver'd of her Fifth Son at the Kings Mannor-house of Langley aforesaid near St. Albans this Young Prince being in August following Baptized by Michael Lord Abbot of St. Albans was called Edmund He was afterwards by his Father created Earl of Cambridge and by his Nephew King Richard the Second Duke of York from whom King Edward the IV was Lineally Descended King Edward as he always wish'd rather to have Sons than Daughters was mightily pleased at the Birth of this Boy and being now at Leisure from Wars resolv'd to express his Joy in a most Magnificent and Royal Manner at the time of his Baptism which was to be about the b Frois c. 89. Midst of August Against this time therefore he caused Proclamation to be made in France Scotland Hâ—â—nalt Brabant and Flanders that all Knights and Gentlemen who would please to come to his Feast to be at such a time held in the City of London should have safe Conduct for so many Days for coming staying and going I will not dissemble that all this by most Historians is said to have been done for Love of the Countess of Salisbury with whom they make King Edward to be at this time deeply in Love But this is a most Fabulous and Irrational Tradition as we shall shew in due place and utterly to be exploded of all Discreet Persons So that now the c Ferrand Spence's Countess of Salsbury p. 45. Romancers themselves are fain to confess that at least the Kings Pretence for this Feast was to Honour the Christening of his Son Edmund Not to say that it will appear the next Year how as yet the King had not received even that supposed wound of Love of which many Authors make such pleasant Tales However there were present at this Solemnity many Fair Ladies and Virgins of Prime Quality all Drest and set off in the Best Manner that could be expected from their Rank and Condition To this Tourneament of Foreigners came William the Young Earl of Hainalt Brother and the Lord John Beaumont of Hainalt Uncle to the Queen of England Henry Lord Eam of Brabant and many other Lords and Knights of several Countries But of the English Nobility the Greater Part was there particularly the Lord Henry de Tortocollo Earl of Lancaster Henry Plantagenet his Son Earl of Darby Humphry Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex and his Brother William Earl of Northampton the Earls of Salisbury Warwick Arundel Glocester and Pembroke Suffolk and Oxford the Baron Stafford and Vicount John Beaumont which latter Froisard Reports to be slain in the Justs but indeed he d Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 52. died not till the next Year whereas the Tourneament is e Id. 1 Vol. p. 576. rightly placed here There was also here the Often-mention'd Lord Robert of Artois called the Earl of Richmond Among others Sr. Maurice Barkley Brother to the Lord Berkley together with his Valiant and Inseparable Friend and Companion Sr. Thomas Bradestan did so well behave themselves at this Tourneament that in consideration of their High Prowess they were f Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 356. now by the King advanced to the Dignity of Bannerets And as thus the Lords and Knights exercis'd themselves in Martial Feats so on the other hand the Ladies diverted the whole Assembly with their Songs and Dances the Solemnity being continued for 15 Days together So delightfully did this Warlike King intermix the Pleasures and Pastimes of Love and Peace with the more Laborious Toyls of War thereby to Encourage his Subjects and to Relax himself from the Cares of Empire XIV About this time there happen'd some new Commotions in Scotland whereof I shall presently take Notice when I shall have made one small Digression which I hope the Learned will pardon upon the account of its own Worth thô it hath little or no Relation to Our Matters The Name of Francis Petrarch the Famous Poet Historian and Philosopher of his Days cannot I suppose be unknown to any one that hath but heard of Rome and Italy This Man flourished in this Age being this very Year but g Natus enim A. D. 1304. vid. Hier. Squarzafaehum in Vitâ Petrarche 37 Years old He had at Avignon and especially about fifteen Miles thence in a Pleasant Valley so improv'd himself in the studies of good Learning that his Name was now grown considerable Insomuch that in h Id. ibid one Day there were brought unto him Letters from two very distant Parts of the World the One sent from the Senate of Rome the Other from the Chancellor of the University of Paris each of them containing an Invitation that he would come to the Respective Places and accept from their Hands the Honourable Crown of Lawrel The Glory thô of it self Great seem'd yet in those Days much Greater because that Ancient and Laudable Custom had been for so many Ages discontinued saving i Selden's Tit. Hen. 2 Part. c. 1. p. 406. that in the German Empire here and there we meet with an Instance or two of Laureate Poets Petrarch did not at all decline so generous an offer for he that despises True Glory is no Friend to Vertue but however by Advice of his Noble Friends the two Colonna's he chose rather to acknowledge this Favour to Rome once the Imperial City of the World than to Paris the Metropolis of one single Kingdom But withall being resolved not to arrogate an Honour that should not first be Worthily and unquestionably adjudged unto Him in his way thither He waits upon Robert King of Jerusalem Sicily and Naples the Great Philosopher of those Days who understanding the Occasion of his Visit and who He was receiv'd him with Princely Humanity and at last appointed a Time to Discourse him at large This Discourse thus held between this Learned Prince and Prince of Learned Men in Poetry History and Philosophy was continued for Three whole Afternoons By which time King Robert having also read a good Part of his Heroick Poem called Africa was so fully convinced of Petrarchs Abilities that he offer'd there at Naples to confer the Lawrel on him with his own Hands and desired him also on promise of a Gracious Acceptance and Bountifull Reward to Dedicate that his Poem to no other than Himself This latter Motion Petrarch with many Thanks readily embraced and has we see perform'd it accordingly in these and other Verses of that Work O Thou Tu quoque Trinacrii Moderator maxime Regni Hesperiaeque Decus atque Aevi Gloria nostri Judice quo merui
not undertake their Defence Upon all which Accounts they resolv'd by any means to divert the War for this time and so sent to King Edward a Bishop an Abbot and two Knights to desire a Truce of him for such a time on such and such Conditions These Messengers found the King in the beginning of December at Newcastle where they declared to him and his Council their business which was to require a Truce for six Moneths on these Conditions That the Scots should the mean while send into France to King David to protest unto him that unless He would return home by the Moneth of May next following with Power able to meet his Enemies of England in the Field and to defend his Realm then all Scotland would admit of King Edwards Government and never after own either David or any of his Posterity for their King and that thus to do upon King Davids failure all the Lords of Scotland had agreed Upon good security given these reasonable Conditions in so bad a juncture were accepted the Scotch Messengers return'd with a Ratification of the Truce into Scotland and King Edward having settled Affairs in those Parts towards London XVI Soon after the Scots agreed to send into France Sr. Robert Vescy Sr. Simon Fraiser and two other Knights to shew their King what they had resolv'd upon in case he should absent himself any longer from them 1342. An. Regni Angliae XVI Franciae III. They accordingly about the beginning of March by reason of the Truce took shipping at Dover in order to sail into France The mean while King David who had now been in that Kingdom upward of seven Years hearing daily unwelcome News of the Miseries and Ruines of his Country at last understood how his Captains at home had raised up some Light and Life in his Realm had recover'd almost all Scotland from his Enemies and had now extorted an half-Years Truce from the King of England althô as yet the Conditions thereof had not reach'd his Ears Whereupon being now about 21 Years of Age and fired with a generous Indignation against England as well as a due sense of Honour toward himself and an hearty Commiseration of his poor Subjects he determinately resolves the Redemption of his People thô with the hazard of his Life and Crown This his Resolution he communicates to his Friend King Philip of France who highly approving thereof furnishes him with Men Money and Vessels and vehemently inflames him to a cruel and perpetual Enmity with England Whereupon King David having taken his leave of the French King went on board with his Queen Joan King Edwards Sister and such Company as he had for Scotland His Admiral was the Loyal and brave Malcom Flemin of Cummirnald who had formerly with great Care and Conduct convey'd him into France and above a Year before had resign'd his strong Castle of Dumbriton to the Custody of the Lord Robert Stuart Viceroy of Scotland only to enjoy the Honour of waiting upon his Exil'd Prince in France King David landed at the Haven of Murray before any of his Subjects heard any thing of his Arrival For neither did he himself know of the Deputies about that time sent unto him into France nor did they know any thing that their King was then upon his Return home again When n Frois c. 74. the Arrival of King David was nois'd abroad in Scotland his glad Subjects flock'd unto him as if He had been sent from Heaven to work their Deliverance At first they brought him with great joy and solemnity to St. John's Town whither his loving Subjects came unto him from all Parts of the Kingdom to see and welcome him home Especially his Deputy the Lord Robert Stuart Sr. William Douglas Sr. Alexander Ramsey and other his Great Captains the Prime of his Nobility all whom he highly thanked for their constant Valour and Fidelity unto Him. These Lords declared then to their Master what terrible Devastation had been made in his Kingdom by the English to whose Complaints the young King only answer'd shaking his Head Well well my Lords by the Grace of God I will be sufficiently revenged for all or else it shall cost me both my Realm and Life in the Quarrel Then he straight sent forth his Summons to all his Subjects Friends and Allies to come unto Him to St. Johnston by such a day to aid Him against his Adversary of England At the time appointed there came thither the Potent Prince of Orkney who had married one of King Davids Aunts with a prodigious Number of Men of War in his Company and divers Lords and Knights of Sweeden Norway and Denmark some for Love and some for Wages So that in all He number'd in his Army no less than 60000 Foot and 13000 Horse armed after their Manner The time o Buchan says K. David return'd not till July thô he makes the time limiting the Truce to be May And yet that he came before the Deputies had been with him Preposterous of Cessation being therefore now expired hoping after all his troubles to have as good Success against England as his Father Robert had he began to march from St. Johnston with this terrible Army That day he reach'd Dumfermlin the next crossing a little Arm of the Sea and passing forth beyond Edenburgh He went over the Tweed leaving both Roxborough and Barwick both which held then for England unattempted For he thought to do a greater Feat before his Return So thrô the Marches he descended into Northumberland exercising all manner of Hostility and wasting and ravaging all before him for about 40 Miles in length till he came to Newcastle upon Tine which he resolved to besiege and so sat down with all his Forces before it The Captain p Frois c. 74. f. 39. of the Castle was the Lord John Nevill of Horneby a Person of great Conduct and Bravery who resolving to give the young King of Scotland a taste of the English Valour as soon as might be commanded 200 Lances to make a Sally very early the next Morning These dashing suddenly with great Fury into the Scotch Host on that Part where the Earl of Murray was who as they say was chief General for the time the King himself keeping private took the Earl himself in Bed drag'd him away naked out of his Tent and so having slain several of his Men and wan much Booty they return'd all safe into the Town with great joy and deliver'd the Earl of Murray Prisoner to Sr. John Nevill their Captain This Earl was a chief Prince of the blood in Scotland next of Quality to Prince Robert Stuart and the Earl of Southerland but for Valour and Conduct he yielded to none Froisard says his Arms were Argent three Oreills gules This daring enterprise having alarum'd the whole Camp the Scots ran like Madmen to the Barriers of the Town and began a fierce Assault which they continued a great while with much
Attempt himself When Sr. Edward saw this he said Well Gentlemen however I am sufficiently assured of the Loyalty and Good-will that you all bear to my Lady of this Castle wherefore for her sake and yours I 'll put my Life in hazard to do this Errand my self For I have such knowledge of you that I doubt not but you will make shift to hold out till my Return And I repose such a Considence in the Goodness of Our Soveraign Lord the King that he will shortly send me back unto You with such Relief as will please You. And then believe it his Majesty will so well Reward You that You shall all remain highly satisfied These Words kindly refreshed the Mind of the Noble Countess and the rest with her So when Night came he provided all things for his purpose as secretly as possible causing the fleetest Courser that he had to be ready saddled for him Surely either the Ladies Vertue or his Courage or both made Heaven propitious to the Enterprise for it rain'd so hard all that Night that the Scotch Sentinells kept all within under shelter whereby his Passage was not impeached and the Assault next Morning could not proceed to any purpose About Midnight Sr. Edward issued privily out of the Castle and passed within a while clear thró the Host unhurt and unperceived till being got clear he made forward with full speed It was now about Day-break when near half a League from the utmost Limits of the Scotch Camp he met with two Scots driving before them two Oxen and a Cow toward the Army whom upon Examination finding out he set upon them and wounded them both in several places for he would not kill them because he design'd they should tell their King what he was gone about But the Cattle he slew that the Scots might have no Benefit of them After which he said to the wounded Scots Now go your ways and tell your King that I am Edward Montagu who have this Night broke thrô his Camp and am now going to direct the King of England hither with his Army and with this he set forward upon the Spur. The News was brought to the King of Scots wherefore being hindred for a while by the fall of the rain as soon as he could he renewed the Assault with all the fury imaginable but gain'd nothing all the while Upon this the Lords of his Council who had seen so many Attacks made to no purpose but that his Army was daily diminished and weakned thereby fearing that the King of England might come suddenly upon them before the Castle could be won and so they might hazard not only the loss of what they had already gotten but of the King and Kingdom too upon these Considerations I say the Lords of Scotland agreed all together and thus one of them deliver'd their Minds to King David Sir hitherto You have Honourably performed Your Enterprise You have done considerable Damage to the English your Enemies you have taken and destroy'd the City of Durham and in this Country of Northumberland You have now kept the field 12 days And certainly Sir all things consider'd it were better to go home in time with Honour and save what You have already won then with Your wearied Forces to expect a fresh Enemy and so hazard the loss of all upon unequal Terms Your Majesty may more opportunely return another time when Your Men have refreshed themselves and Your Enemies are not at hand with such vast Preparations The King would not be against the general Opinion of all his Council but after a while thô very unwillingly yielded to follow their Advice So early the next Morning he passed the Tweed with all his Host taking the direct way to the Forest of Gedeours among the wild Scots there to remain and wait King Edwards Motions whether he would break up his Army and return or pierce into Scotland at that time XXI That g Frois c. 77. Du Chesne very day at Noon King Edward came thither with his Army to the same place where the Scots had lain and was mightily displeased that he found them not there For he came thither in such haste with hopes to give them Battle that his Infantry especially was much wearied However when he saw how the matter stood he gave Order to encamp there that Night and said how he intended to go see the Castle and give a visit to the Noble Lady the Countess of Salisbury For says Froisard he had not seen her since she was Married before which was near upon 14 Years ago if not more as may be gather'd from the Age of her Eldest Son who was fifteen Years old two Years after this as appears h Fsc 18. Ed 3. n. 51. by Record Wherefore I shall wholly wave that Popular but exploded Story of the Kings Amours with her at this time and only proceed in a way more conformable to Reason and undeniable Authority When King Edward had unarm'd him self he took 10 or 12 of his Barons with him and went to the Castle to salute the Countess and to see the manner of the Scots Assaults and the Defence that was made against them As soon as the Countess heard of the Kings coming she commanded the Gates to be set open and came forth to meet him in her most Rich Attire so that it is not to be doubted but that the Fame of he◠Courage preparing Mens minds and the Splendour of her Garb being added to a Person of that Sex of an high Quality and not too far gone in Years she might appear charming enough to give occasion of much merry talk among the Souldiers who saw her at that time and did possibly scatter such Reports as might propagate an erroneous Tradition even down to us When she came before the King she kneeled upon the Earth and returned her Dutifull Thanks for this his seasonable Succour The King took her up Graciously with a cheerfull and hearty Aire and perhaps as One of that Sex and Quality who had Honourably acquitted her self in a Danger brought upon her upon his account saluted her at the same time And so taking her by the hand he walk'd her easily toward the Castle talking no doubt pleasantly upon the way as a King not fully 30 Years old might probably do on such an occasion Whoso is minded to believe the other account of this Story where the King is made to fall in love with her him I refer to i Frois c. 77. Froisard who discourses it at large and is I must confess as to the main a very credible Historian Althô in this he is not to be followed by those who seriously confer circumstances of Names Times Places and Persons Here the King had a Noble Dinner provided for him both he and his Lords sitting down together at the same Table But the King himself ate but little whereat his Lords wondred much for he was wont to bear a cheerfull Countenance
do what became his Wisdom and Courage but he was something surpris'd to be taken at such a time when most of his best Friends were absent with the Earl of Salisbury who lay then before Rennes but knew nothing of this matter it had been carried on so privately When the Besiegers had made good their Approaches and rightly fitted themselves they immediately fell on the Assault which they maintain'd with incredible Fury and Resolution For they feared lest the Earl of Salisbury should be informed of this their undertaking before they had effected their Design The Lords Henryds Leon and Sr. Oliver Clisson gave the greatest Encouragement and set the best Example so that never any Attack was carried on with more Ardour nor obtain'd better Success For there were so many places to be Mann'd and so few hands to perform that at last they wan the Barriers not long after the Gates and so they entred the City by force the English being now in their turn put to the chace many hurt and taken and more slain The Lord Robert of Artois escaped very narrowly thrô a Postern thô grievously wounded and with him the Lord Stafford who both got to the Countess to Hennebond The Lord Hugh Spencer was taken by the Lord Henry du Leon but so grievously wounded as Froisard says that he died within three Days after Thô this is a mistake for this Baron Spencer died not till p Dâ—dg 1 Vol. p. 395. six Years after as appears from the Records only indeed a Brother of his Sr. Edward Spencer we find to have departed this Life about this time But neither will I affirm that he was the Man for his Death is set a little more forward VIII Thus q Frois c. 93. fol. 47. b. was the City of Vannes retaken and fortified and repaired with all Expedition imaginable for fear of a Relapse so that within a short space it was much better provided to endure a Siege than ever before The Lord Robert of Artois tarried a while at Hennebond to seek remedy for his Wounds but neither did the Air agree with him nor the Physick For he found but little good there So he was advis'd to return into England where he might get more skilfull Chirurgeons But in his voyage the Sea and the Weather us'd him so unkindly that his sores fester'd insomuch that being brought to London he there died soon after Surely thô his High Spirit not being able to brook an injury from one whom He had in a manner raised to a Crown had urged him to open Enmity with his own Country yet for his Valour Conduct and Loyalty to King Edward he ought not to be deprived of his due Commendations especially since his fault against his Country may seem to have been expiated by his violent Death but the Worth of the Man may appear to have been considerable since his fall was bemoan'd as a Publique Loss over all England and King Edward himself being present at his Funeral in St. Pauls Cathedral perform'd his Obsequies as solemnly as if he had been his own Cosin Henry Plantagenet the most Noble and Valiant Earl of Darby Nor that only but he made a vow that he would severely revenge his Death and to that purpose would go himself in Person into Bretagne and bring the Country into such heavy desolation that it should not be recover'd of fourty Years He that could resolve to do so much for his sake after Death cannot but be supposed to have had an high esteem for his Person when living Althô I do not find that he had any Monument raised for him over the place of his Burial Perhaps King Edward thought as the late Noble Montross wrote for his Martyr'd Prince that it was more fitting To sing his Obsequies with Trumpets Sounds And write his Epitaph in Blood and Wounds However the Kingdom of France did not gain much by his Fall for her evil Genius soon after rais'd up another Native of her own who prov'd as great a Firebrand of the War against Her. IX But we must not omit a Memorable Parliament which King Edward held this Year at his Palace of Westminster die Lunae post Quindenam Paschae that is on * E. Lit. Dom. Pascha 13. April the 28 Day of April during the Sessions whereof viz. on the 12 of May being a Monday King Edward created r Ashincle's Garter p. 671. Adam Marimouth M. S. vet Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. c. 226. ad hunc an c. his Eldest Son Edward who was now in the Thirteenth Year of his Age Prince of Wales investing him with a Coronet a Gold Ring and a silver Rod And that he might be enabled to maintain a Port according to his Style and Dignity besides his former Titles and Profits annexed thereto he added several other Lands which are all particularly enumerated in a Writ directed to William Emelden ordering him to deliver them unto this Prince or his Attorney together with this Dignity Further the King granted him all Debts and Arrears of Foreign Rents due to himself for what cause soever in North and South-Wales to the time of his being created Prince of Wales as also all Victuals Arms Horses Oxen Cows and other things in and upon all the Castles and Lands which he held by the Kings Grant. At the same time the King Knighted several young Noblemen particularly Å¿ Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 231. John Beauchamp younger Brother to Thomas Earl of Warwick to whom he then gave an allowance of twenty pounds per annum toward his better support in the Kings Service Now it was Enacted t M.S. Rot. Parl. p. 50. §. 23. Sr. Rob. Cotton p. 38. §. 23. that the Statute made at Westminster 15 of Edward 3. which the King had soon after revoked as we have shewn should accordingly be utterly Repealed and lose the Name of a Statute as contrary to the Laws and the Kings Prerogative But forasmuch as the Articles there made were Reasonable it was Enacted that such Articles and others agreed on in this Parliament should be made into a Statute by Advice of the u i. e. of the Kings Bench and Common Pleas. Justices X. In this Parliament it is Recorded x 17. Ed. 3. n. 59 in Dorso Vid. M.S. Rot. Parl. p. 54. Sr. Rob. Cotton's Abridgement p. 41. Fox Acts Mon. p. 388. c. That the Commons of England made great Complaint of the Provisions and Reservations coming from the Court of Rome Whereby the Pope took up beforehand the future vacancies of Ecclesiastical Dignities for Aliens and such as had nothing to do within this Realm They remonstrated to the King the Manifold Inconveniences ensuing thereby as the Decay of Hospitality the transporting of the Treasure of the Realm to the Maintenance of the Kings Mortal Enemies the Discovering of the Secrets of the Kingdom and the utter discouragement disabling and impoverishing of Scholars Natives of the Land.
These Letters were dispatch'd away b Holinshead ibid. p. 922. Sandfords Geneal Hist p. 164. Walsingh hist p. 150. n. 20 hypod p. 116. Adam Murimouth M.S. to the Pope by Sr. John Shoreditch Knight a Man of great Gravity and deep Knowledge in the Law Who coming to Avignion and being conducted into the Pope's Privy Chamber where his Holiness then sat among his Cardinals humbly presented these Letters from the Three Estates of England assembled together in Parliament The Letters being once read the Knight made Answer to what the Pope thought fit to object against them and particularly he instanced in the Deanry of York which his Holiness had lately taken up for one of the Kings Enemies Whereat the Pope with some Emotion reply'd Well well it is not unknown to Us who made and endited these Letters and We are sensible how you are not the Author But there is one who endeavours to pinch us narrowly whom we shall find a way to bring down For we understand these Affairs well enough and will not suffer them to be too nicely handled by others He added that there was a Knight of England who accustomed himself to speak derogatory to the Church of Rome wherewith he could not but be highly offended especially since he saw his Honour invaded with Impunity In conclusion he promised to answer the Letters of the Lords and Commons of England in reference to the Contents thereof Whereat the Cardinals rose up and departed in great seeming Displeasure and the Knight having taken his leave left the Court and without longer tarrying went for Bourdeaux in Guienne about other of the Kings Business Either because he was so commanded or least otherwise on some Pretence or other he might have been detained there against his Will. The Pope never theless soon after sent an Answer directed to the King in Behalf of those Cardinals for whom he had before made Provisions which now the King by vertue of his Prerogative Royal had deprived them of The Tenour whereof followeth c Antiquitates Britannicae p. 237 n. 50. Walsingh hist p. 152 n. 10. Adam Murimuth c. XI CLEMENT the Bishop Servant of the Servants of God to his most Dear Son in Christ the Lord Edward the Illustrious King of England Greeting and Apostolical Benediction Lately after the Creation of new Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church having before taken a provident and mature Deliberation We judg'd it highly requisite both for the Honour of God and of his Holy Church and also for the publick Utility that those Cardinals who partake with Us of our Labours and Burthens in dispatching those great Affairs which from all Parts as to their proper Chanel flow into the Apostolick See should also have agreeably wherewithall to supply their Necessities according to the Dignity of their State and Condition Whereupon having consider'd of the most proper and lawfull Ways and Means whereby the said Provision might with less burthen to the Churches and their Clergy be made We gave out of Ecclesiastical Benefices then vacant in sundry Realms of Christendom and also of such as should from that time be vacant unto each of the said new Cardinals for their Support our Special Grants unto such a certain Summ and under certain Forms and Limitations so distinguished as We judged might be proportionable to the several Provinces Now since unto two Cardinals born in the Dukedom of Aquitain to wit our beloved Sons d d Victorellus de Vit. Pontif. p. 894 895. concerdat cum Histericis nâ—stris Ademare of the Title of St. Anastasia and Gerard of the Title of St. Sabina Priests We have made the like Grants of Benefices within your Kingdom and Territories most Dear Son contained in Form for them and other the said Cardinals with great Deliberation ordained and they for the obtaining the said Grants have sent their Proctors and Ecclesiastick Messengers being Persons of Wisdom and Learning unto the Parts of your Kingdom of England the said Proctors and Messengers when being enter'd the said Kingdom they began there to pursue the Business of their said Lords were not only hinder'd in their said Business by the Kings Subjects and Officers but also confined and after that in very Disgracefull manner ejected the said Kingdom as We have too well understood by the too-unwelcome Relations thereof Truly most Beloved Son if the Premises which about the said Proctors We have premised are founded upon real Truth considering the sincere Devotion which You are known to bear towards the Lord and toward the Holy Roman Church your Motheâ— as the Kings of England your Progenitors of Famous Memory in their Days have born We cannot easily believe that they proceeded from your Knowledge But this is certain that not only in your said Kingdom and Territories but in a manner in all Kingdoms and Countries as well near as remote whereever the Catholick Faith flourishes We have made the like Grant to other new Cardinals Where notwithstanding except the said Rebellious Denial which if it be true We mention with grief of Heart We have hitherto heard of no manner of Refusal For We thought and still do think it sufficiently advantageous for your Royal Honour and Interest that Cardinals especially such who are naturally affected to your Royal Honour and Interest should obtain Ecclesiastical Benefices in your Kingdom and Territories Because thereby they may be induced more freely and frequently to promote your Princely Advantage And we wish to God that those who are fed with the Crums of the said Roman Church and by her have been exalted to Honours and Preferments were not too probably suspected not without a Note of most Detestable ingratitude and to their own peril to have procured the foresaid impediments unto Her Whereby they have to the great hazard of their Souls rendred themselves liable to Excommunication and other Punishments and Sentences promulged against such Persons by the Canons Which respect the happy Encrease of the Health Fame and Honour of your Majesty towards which if with Loyal Endeavours these Men had attended they would not by doing the contrary so eagerly hunt after their own filthy Lucre under the pretence of their Prince's Service Finally We entreat your Royal Excellence and most earnestly exhort You in the Lord that diligently within your Princely Breast considering the Premises and what else shall occurr to your Royal Wisdom You would graciously order those things which were done against the said Proctors and Others authorized by the said Cardinal Ademare who are reported to have been afterwards taken and confin'd to be decently amended and revoked and that your Royal Majesty would cause the said Proctors being upheld by the Royal Favour in the Prosecution of the said Affairs in the same Kingdom to rejoyce with full Security for the Reverence of God and of Us and of the said See not lending your Royal Ears to those things which may bring any Offence to God Dishonour to the said Church
at last she also was caused to be hanged by Charles of Durazzo who succeeeded her in the Kingdom As may be seen at large in the Histories of Italy and Naples On the 16 of September this same Year p Mezeray p. 21. Philip King of Navarre Deceased whose Son Charles by the French firnamed the Wicked succeeded to the Crown being then under Age and in the Tuition of his Mother Queen Joan of France He was a Prince of extraordinary parrs of Mind and of Body of exquisite Beauty Courage and Address but his Inconstant Nature his unseasonable Ambition and his inveterate Envy to the House of France to which he was so nearly ally'd rendred him low and vile in the Eyes of all Men. Walsingham q Hist p. 153. n. 30. c. reports a strange and almost but that it is attested with such Circumstances incredible Story of an Accident that happen'd about this time in the North-parts of England to a certain Young Man of the Lord t Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 741. William Baron of Greystokes Family As this Young Man says my Author was riding thrô Corn-fields and beheld the Corn waving like the Sea growing thereby perhaps giddy he thought he saw a certain Ruddy-complexion'd little Pygmy-fellow to raise his Head by degrees above the Corn till the more he consider'd him still the more he seem'd to encrease in Stature who coming towards the Young Man took hold of his Bridle and whether he would or no led him into the corn to a place where it seem'd to him there sat a most Beautifull Lacy among many young Damsels like her self This Lady commanded him presently to be taken from off his Horse and to be torn and mangled over all his Body and after all to be slead Whereupon she her self as he thought having dissected his Scull in the middle took out his Brains and then clos'd up the empty Scull again This done she order'd him to be set again upon his Horse and so let him go Immediately upon which being wholly void and destitute of understanding he began to fall mad and to make furious gestures as it appeared when he came to the next Town Hereupon a certain young Damsel who also belonged to his Lords Family and had loved him most tenderly came to him with some Assistants and took care of him and lest he should do any Mischief to himself or those who tended him caused him to be lock'd in Fetters This Maid carried him to many Holy places beyond Sea for the recovery of his Wits but having found no Remedy there she at last returned with him into England and still he complain'd of being haunted by the little Red fellow who at first appeared unto him At whose presence thô bound with three or four Chains he would always break them Having remain'd in this condition for six Years he was then at the Shrine of St. John of Beverley in Yorkshire made whole again in this manner Being fallen into a gentle slumber it seem'd to him that another most Beautifull Lady did again open his Scull and restore his Brains which had been taken away by the former Lady to their right place Accordingly upon his waking being perfectly recover'd of his senses he Married the foresaid Damsel who had so lovingly taken Care of him in his Madness of whom in time he begat 15 Sons After which his Wife dying he went into Holy Orders and was made Priest and promoted to the Church of Thorp-Basset in Yorkshire But while one day he was celebrating Mass with Great Devotion and as the Custom was elevated the Host for the People to behold the foresaid Red Fellow appear'd unto him again saying From henceforth let him whom You hold in your Hand be your Keeper For he knows better how to keep you than I do As I give no credit so neither do I desire to gain any to this Story But I must needs Remark that with a strong Consonancy thereto Ariosto the Italian Poet. acccording to the Tradition of the Church hath made St. John the President and Healer of Mad-men And ſ Adan 1373. Mezeray tells us of a certain Plague of Frenzy which was called St. John's Dance This Year died t Walsingh hist p. 154. n. 10. Dr. Anthony Beck Bishop of Norwich being as was supposed poison'd by his own servants for his boisterous and turbulent Humour for his severity to the Monks of his Church and for his Appealing to the Court of Rome in opposition to John Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury Who by a strange mistake in Godwin u Catal. Bps p. 425. is called Robert Winchelsey when he himself in the Title of Canterbury acknowledges John Stratford Archbishop of that See and no where mentions the other after the sixth Year of Edward the Second In his stead William Bateman x Godw. Catal. Bps p. 426. Doctor of the Civil Law and a Cambridge Man of Corpus Christi College Born at Norwich and Archdeacon of the same Church was now elected Bishop by the general Consent of the whole Convent He is acknowledged the Founder of Trinity-Hall in Cambridge and to have given certain Lands to the Maintenance thereof Which College is now Worthily Governed by the Worshipfull Sr. Thomas Exton Knight Doctor of the Laws a Man in our Days Renowned for his Loyalty Wisdom and Generosity He also Founded the Hall of the Annunciation of our Lady and gave one of the University Chests Nor content to have done good himself he perswaded one Gonwell or Gonvill to Found another Hall in the same University which many Years after being much enlarged at the Cost and Charges of a Learned Physician named John Key or Caius is now called Gonvill and Caius's College in Respect of both the Founders And the Master hereof at this time is the Learned and Worshipfull Robert Brady Dr. in Physick and a stout Asserter of the Rights of English Monarchy in the worst of times Wherefore together with the foremention'd Sr. Thomas Exton our Loyal University hath more than once chose him for her Burgess in Parliament This Year also the Lady Mary de Valence Daughter of Guy de Chastillon Earl of St. Paul Kinswoman to King Edward and Third Wife of Emery de Valence Earl of Pembroke being y Mill's Catal. of Nobility p. 1096 desirous to advance Learning Founded a College in Cambridge called by her Title Pembroke-Hall Endowing it with Large Possessions From which Princely Seminary many notable Lights of Learning and Piety have continually been brought forth and many more are daily expected it being at present under the Care and Custody of the Reverend Nathaniel Coga Doctor in Divinity a Person of great Loyalty Judgement and Candour CHAPTER the TWENTY SECOND The CONTENTS I. Vpon the Popes pressing the two Kings to hasten the Treaty of Peace they send their several Agents to Avignon Some Heads of their several Pleas but nothing done II. King Edwards Resolute Answer to a Nip of the Popes
the Lord John Greilly with Others who held of the King of England to shew unto him the State of the Countreys thereabout And other Messengers also at the same time came from Bayonne and Bourdeaux to the same purpose All these were highly entertained by the King to whom they distinctly shew'd the weak Condition of his Country of Guienne and Gascoigne and especially of his good Cities of Bourdeaux and Bayonne wherefore they desired him to send thither such Commanders and such Forces as might be able to keep the Field against the French who were already preparing for the next Campagne and both secretly attempted to debauch the Loyalty of his Friends and other ways also to run counter to the express Form of the Truce And moreover a little before Pope h Odoric Rainald ad hunc ann §. 39. ad §. 50. c. Clement the VI. had in the Publique Consistory created Don Lewis of Spain Prince of the Fortunate Islands he being then Earl of Cleremont and one of the French Ambassadors Upon which Occasion his Holiness took this Text i Walsingh hist p. 155. I will make Thee a Prince over a Great Nation These Isles are the same with the Canaries which are seven Islands of Africa in the Atlantick Sea and which as k Walsing ibid. one says would have proved a gift worthy of Acceptance had his Holiness also given a peaceable and quiet Possession thereof But the Inhabitants were Mahometans and must first be conquer'd before they would accept of a Spanish Prince wherefore the English l Du Chesne p. 660. ex R. Avesbury c. Ambassadors who were then at Avignon and understanding hereof concluded that his Holiness had design'd him to be Prince of Great Britain as which was one of the most Happy and Fortunate Islands in the World not to say that among the m Tâ—etzes in Lyâ—â—phr Ancients it was so accounted indeed When they saw that Don Lewis began thereupon to raise Men of War in his own and the Pope's Name over all France Spain and Italy they no longer doubted but that all these Preparations were design'd against England wherefore they secretly left Avignon and made all speed home they could where they related these Matters to the King their Master which yet ought to be imputed rather to their Zeal than their so gross Ignorance of Topography n Dr. Hakewills Apâ—lâ—gâ— c. l. 3. c. 3. p. 280. as some suppose And Du Chesne himself confesses that all this was really intended against King Edward thô being a Frenchman he qualifies the Matter saying it was only in order to resist the New War which was lately threatned by the Mouth of Sr. Henry du Leon. But then I cannot see what need there should be of all this Dissimulation unless these Preparations were begun before that Defiance and so consequently could not but give just matter of Jealousie to England However upon these frequent Alarms King Edward resolv'd not to be taken napping but to provide for the Defence of his own Land and to keep the War on foot in Bretagne Gascoigne and where else there should be occasion XII First therefore o Ashmele p. 679. ex Râ—t Vasc 18. Ed. 3. m. 9. Knighton p. 2583. n. 60. by his Letters Patents he constitutes his Noble Cousin Henry Plantagenet Earl of Darby and Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel his Lieutenants in the Dukedom of Aquitain and the Countries adjoyning with power to govern and defend those Territories to demand and receive the Possession of the Castles Places and Rights unjustly detained from him and to receive such as should return to their Obedience to the Grace and Favour of the King as also the Homage and Fidelity from whomsoever in those Parts due and generally to do all things for the Defence and Recovery of the King 's Rights and the good Government of those Countries and his Subjects with Command to all Archbishops Bishops and other Officers both Spititual and Temporal to yield Obedience to these Earls in his Name And whereas the King upon false Suggestions had been deceived in many of his Grants and Donations in that Dukedom by other Letters Patents he now gave Power to the Earl of Darby to seise into his Hands all the Castles Lands Liberties and Profits formerly granted by him and those that should appear to have been obtained upon untrue Suggestions to retain without Restitution but if otherwise to restore entirely The Earls had also a like Commission extending to those Grants which were made by his Father King Edward II. upon the same Pretences as well as by himself Besides this they had a General Commission to treat and conclude with all Persons of whatsoever State or Condition Kingdome or Nation for the Settling of Alliances and mutual Assistance between the King and them to retain Men for the Kings Service and to agree about Fees Wages and Rewards to be paid unto them By other Commissions they had Power to treat and conclude with Alphonso King of Castille and Leon there stiled Alphonsus Rex Castiliae Legionis Algezira Tâ—leti Galloeciae Seviliae Cordubae Murciae Giennii Algarbiae Comes Molinae or his Deputies upon all differences arising between their Subjects especially Mariners and Citizens of Bayonne amicably to compose them as also about a perpetual League of Friendship between them their Friends and Subjects and to afford each other their mutual Assistance with Power to make Substitutes in their stead The like Commissions they had with the same Powers to treat with Don Alphonso sirnamed the Brave King of Portugal and Don Pedro King of Aragon both Neighbours also to France on the side of Navarre and the Pyrenaean Mountains All which Commissions bare Date 24 March 18 Edw. 3. About this time also the King p Frois c. 102. fol. 50. order'd a Noble and Valiant Knight of England named Sr. Thomas Dagworth who was afterwards a Baron of the Realm to go into Bretagne with an 100 Men of Arms and 200 Archers to reinforce the Countess of Montford for he doubted not but King Philip would renew the War there too because of the Defiance lately sent him by Sr. Henry du Leon. The Young q Frois ibid. Knighton p. 2584. n. 3â— Earl of Salisbury and Others to the number of 600 Men of Arms and 2000 Archers he sent under the Leading of Edward Bailiol to look to the Motions of the Scots and to guard the Marches beyond the Trent And thus did this vigilant young Monarch send forth his Men of War into divers Parts according to the exigence of Affairs as he either found or foresaw a Storm and he deliver'd to all the Captains Gold and Silver sufficient to pay their Wages and to retain Souldiers XIII But yet at the same time that he was thus taking up Arms to let the Christian World know that he did not without great Provocations thus again go about to disturb the Peace of
be broken by this Blow he soon after dispos'd of his Men into Winter Quarters and return'd himself into England to provide more effectually against the next Campaigne The Earl of o Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 193. ex Châ—â— Fr. Joh. Clinne M.S. in Bodlei Bibl. f. 99. Tom. 4. p. 70. Oxford also having first been in Bretagne took the Sea about the Feast of the Blessed Virgin and by Tempest was cast upon the Coasts of Connaught in Ireland Where he and his Company suffer'd much Misery from those Barbarous People there who pillaged them of all they had So that with much difficulty they escaped alive out of their hands and afterwards came safe into England XVI About this time was Queen Philippa of England brought to Bed of a Fair Daughter named Mary who was afterwards married to John Montford who in time obtain'd the firname of Valiant and having conquer'd his Enemies became Duke of Bretagne His Father John of Montford of whose Taking at Nantes we spake before was by vertue of the late Truce at Malestroit most p Mezeray ad huncan Fabian p. 270. c. certainly deliver'd out of Prison this Year on Condition that he should not depart from Court But this notwithstanding he made his Escape and put himself in the Head of his Troops in Bretagne having obtained succour from England as we shall shew hereafter But because in the September following he died his Release from Imprisonment was not taken notice of by some Authors This Year there died at Bourdeaux the valiant Lord q Dugd. 2. Vol. p. 104. Oliver Ingham Seneschall of the said City in the Fifty Ninth Year of his Age without Issue Male Wherefore his younger Daughter Joan Wife to the Lord Roger le Strange of Knokyn and Mary his Grandaughter by Elizabeth his eldest Daughter and her Husband Sr. John Curson became his Heirs CHAPTER the TWENTY THIRD The CONTENTS I. King Edward demands of the Pope Satisfaction on the French Kings Part or declares that he will renounce the Truce II. The Earl of Northampton commission'd to defie the French King c. III. King Edward's Manifesto touching the Dissolution of the Truce IV. He sends Henry Earl of Darby into Aquitain V. A particular Account of his Actions there during the Campaign VI. The Lord Manny finds his Fathers Bones in the City of Reole VII The strong Castle of Reole yielded the Town being taken before VIII The Earl of Darby proceeds in Taking of Towns and Castles IX He wins Mirapont Tonneins Damasan and Augoulesme where he makes the Lord John Norwich Governour and so returns to Bourdeaux I. BEfore this Expedition of the Earl of Darby's into Gascogne we shew'd how the Pope endeavour'd to compose Matters with King Edward to whom we do not find that the King return'd any Answer till after the Earls Arrival at Bourdeaux when he made a solemn Complaint to him bearing Date the a 4 Aug. Rot. Franc. 18 Ed. 3. m. 3. Ashmele p. 654. Fourth of August which he sent by John Hufford Dean of Lincoln Sr. Hugh Nevil and Nicolas de Flisco willing them to demand a Reformation and Security for the Observance of the said Truce untill the Expiration of the Term appointed and sworn by each of the Kings Deputies And in case that should not be done as it was not expected then they to surrender the Copy of the Truce into the Pope's Hands and to defie Philip of Valois as the Kings Enemy Yet notwithstanding these Amicable and Christian-like Desires of the King of England met with nothing but Flams and Dilatory Answers For on the 20 of October following Dr. William Bateman Bishop of Norwich John Hufford Dean of Lincoln and John Thoresby one of the Canons of Lincoln Sr. Hugh Nevil and Sr. Ralph Spigurnel Knights together with the foresaid Nicolas de Flisco were Commissionated to declare before the Pope in what Particulars the Truce had been broken and instantly to demand Reparations II. But after all this little Satisfaction being offer'd AN. DOM. 1345. An. Regni Angliae XIX Franciae VI. and none at all given to the King his Majesty seeing the Truce manifestly and openly violated and that the Pope and his Legates were too evidently Partial on the French Side gave Commission to William Bohun Earl of Northampton bearing Date the 24 b Asâ—mâ—le p. 654 ex Râ—t Franc. 19 Ed. 3. m. 4. p. 1. of April to defie Philip of Valois as a Violator of the Truce an unjust Usurper of his Inheritance of the Realm of France and his Capital Enemy Which Defiance being made he was order'd to go with John Earl of Montford into Bretagne as the King of England's Lieutenant General to defend that Dutchy against the Lord Charles of Blois being empowred to receive the Fealty and Homage of those People in the Kings Name which was due unto him as True King of France a like Power having c Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 185. ex Râ—â— Fr. 16 Ed. 3. n. 25. three Years before been given him in the same Parts And shortly after the King set forth a Manifesto bearing Date the d Ashâ—cle p. 654 14 of June touching the Dissolution of the Truce wherein the Causes were declared at large being in Substance the same with those Letters which he had sent to the Pope and Four Cardinals bearing Date e Rot. Rem 19. Ed. 3. m 2. n. 4. 26 of May the Month preceding the Date of this Defiance a Copy whereof followeth agreeing with the other which is to be seen in the Original Latine both in Adam Murimouth's M.S. and also in Dr. Stillingfleets aforemention'd III. f Fâ—â— Acts and Mâ—n An. 1345. Adam Mâ—â—imoâ—th M.S. Dr. Covel M.S. Dr. Stillingâ—â—eet qu â—as cum Foxo 〈◊〉 â—â—itus faâ—es â—ut peritia videbâ— tur defideraâ—â— EDWARD by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all and singular to whom these Presents shall come Greeting We doubt not but it is now publiquely known how that after the Decease of Charles of Famous Memory King of France and Brother to the most Serene Lady Isabella Queen of England our Mother the Crown of the said Kingdom being incommutably devolved unto Us as unto the next Heir Male of the said King then being alive the Lord Philip of Valois who is but Son to the Uncle of the said King and so related unto him in a more remote Degree of Consanguinity did in the time of our Minority by Force and contrary to God and Justice usurp the said Kingdom and still doth usurp and detain it Invading moreover and spoiling our Lands in our Dukedom of Aquitain and Confederating against Us with our Rebellious Enemies the Scots and otherwise to the utmost of his Power labouring and endeavouring to procure the Ruine and Subversion of Us and of Ours both by Land and Sea. And thô we to prevent the inestimable Dangers which it is probably feared may happen
in the conclusion vid. M.S. Dr. Stillingfleet n. 7. which We do unwillingly and for want of a Remedy We thought good to signifie to the said Lord the Pope and the foresaid Cardinals by whose Mediation We Consented to the said Truce to be by them as Persons indifferent to either Party insinuated to those who might have another Perswasion of our Actions And lest Nimble Fame by her hasty Relations should cause You to think amiss of Us that We may settle the Minds of our Friends We have thought fit to unfold the Naked Truth unto You recommending unto You all our Innocence and the Justice of our Cause Dat. at Westminster the 14 Day of June In the Year of our Reign of England the XIX and of our Reign of France VI. IV. After having thus Published his Intentions the King seriously h Ashmole p. 654. sets himself to provide for the War and to equip a Royal Army wherewith to enter France in Person the following Year But in the mean time he provided that what was on the last Year in Gascogne should now be well maintain'd and therefore i Ashmâ—le p. 680. before the Date of this Manifesto he renew'd his k Maii 10. ex Ret. Vasâ— 19. Ed. 3. Commission to the Valiant Lord Henry Plantagenet Earl of Darby empowering him to Treat and Conclude with all Persons of whatsoever State or Condition Kingdom or Nation for settling firm Alliances and mutual Assistance between the King and them as also to retain Men for the Kings Service and to agree about their Fees Wages and other Rewards And in consideration of his late great Successes and his Extraordinary Abilities for the War within a few l 15 Maii Rot. Vasc 19. Ed. 3. m. 6. Rot. Franc. 19. Ed. 3. m. 6. Days after he constituted him his sole Lieutenant and Captain in the Dutchy of Aquitain and the Parts adjacent with Power to do and Execute all things belonging to that Character And he issued out his Royal Proclamation to all Archbishops and other Prelates Earls Barons Viscounts Governours of Fortresses and other Officers commanding them all to yield Obedience to him as unto the Kings Lieutenant V. On the m Claus 19. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 12. 11 of June the Earl having shipt most of his Horse at Southampton and being himself ready to depart Command was sent to the Sheriff of London to make Proclamation That all Men of Arms Archers and others who were to go with him should with all possible speed repair to Southampton Being on board he had a fair Wind and without any let or stay Landed at Bayonne in Gascogne whence he went to Bourdeaux and having for Encouragement sake made 50 New Knights immediately after his n These things being taken from the Records We must pardon Froisard who thought he winter'd at Bourdeaux and took the Field in May. Arrival he took the Field with a great Number of Men of Arms and Archers with a Resolution to lay Siege to la Reole upon the Garonne about 9 Leagues from Bourdeaux The first Day he rode from Bourdeaux to Bergerac where he met with the Earl of Pembroke who was ready to joyn him Having tarried there three Days they all began to March being in Number a 1000 Men of Arms and 2200 Archers on Horseback besides others Thus they rode forth till they came to o Frois c. 108. Du Chesne p. 662. Ashmâ—le p. 680. St. Basil a Castle of considerable strength which they laid Siege to But the Garrison considering that the greatest part of the Lords Knights and Captains of their side were either slain or in Prison and seeing no likelyhood of any timely Succour from any other Part concluded to deliver up the Place and so yielded themselves and swore Fealty to the King of England Matters being duly settled here the Earl Marched forward taking the way to the strong Castle of Aiguillon in Agennois But meeting in his march with a Fort called Rochemillone thô he knew it was furnished with Souldiers and Artillery yet he commanded it to be Assaulted Which was done with much Bravery But the Defendants cast forth huge Stones Barrs of Iron Pots of quick Lime and other offensive Matter whereby many of the most forward and venturous were grievously annoyed The Earl of Darby seeing this sounded a Retreat for that time and resolved to use another Method The next day he compelled the Bores of the Country to bring thither great quantities of Bushes Faggots Dung Straw and Earth with which a great part of the Ditch was so well filled that they might approach close to the Walls Then he caused 200 Men of the Country to go before having great Pick-Axes in their hands and strong Targets over their Heads lockt together in manner of a Penthouse like the old Roman Testudo These were followed by 300 choice Archers who while the other undermin'd the Wall shot so fiercely and so close together that hardly any Man could appear at his Defence but he was taken off Yet the French held out obstinately thô this manner of Attack was carried on thus most part of the Day till at last the Miners made so great a Breach thrô the Wall that ten Men might enter a breast This unexpected Misfortune quite brake the Courages of the Defendants so that immediately every Man began to look out for himself some flying into the Church and some few stealing away by a back Gate But that Passage being soon secur'd most of the Garrison was put to the Sword except those whom being fled to the Church the Earl of Darby pardon'd for that Respect and because they implor'd his Mercy Both the Town and Castle were immediately taken and plunder'd but nothing destroy'd for the Earl intended to Repair the breach and to leave a Garrison there which he did under the Command of Richard Mills and Robert Scott Esquires Thence he proceeded and laid Siege to the Town of Monsegur the Captain whereof was Sr. Hugh Bâtefoile a Man of great Courage Experience and Honour Who being summon'd rejected all Conditions of Peace and said he was ready either to maintain the place or to die in the Action Wherefore the Earl of Darby being resolv'd not to have his Successes scandal'd with a foile here sent for Engines of Battery to Bourdeaux and to Bergerac wherewith he cast Mighty Stones against the Town which brake down Walls Roofs of Chambers and Houses Now when the nimble Course of his Victories had received a Check here for 15 Days he resolv'd a General Assault but first after his usual Method sent again to the Inhabitants to warn them that if they were taken by force they must all expect nothing but Death but if they would own the King of England for their Lord he would then both Pardon and take them for his Friends The Townsmen would very gladly have accepted these Conditions But as yet they had no Power so to do wherefore they
Villant p. 862. l. 12. c. 53. September he went from Dort in Holland with a great Fleet of Valiant Souldiers gather'd from Hainalt Flanders Brabant Holland Guelderland and Juliers to take Revenge of his Rebells of Friseland For he claimed to be Lord thereof and it was indeed his by Right if the Frisons had not been of Barbarous and Unreasonable Principles But here at last it was his ill Fortune to be met by the Frisons in a narrow passage near Staveren where being unknown he was presently slain before any of his Friends could come up to his Assistance He was a Prince of high Merit and a most Famous Souldier whereof for the short time he lived u Tâ—â—e's stcrehouse p. 721. he gave many good Testimonies in his Wars against the Saracens and Moors in the Kingdom of Granada and against the French in the behalf of his Brother in Law the King of England also in his Victories in Lithuania and Livonia and against the Russian Infidels where he loaded himself with Honour and his Men with spoil and booty Lastly in his Conquest of Vtrecht and his frequent Victories over the Frisons till this unhappy encounter wherein he lost his Life He died without Issue whereupon he was succeeded by his Eldest Sister Margaret the Empress whose Son William of Bavaria was Earl after her Decease Which William Married the Lady Mathilda Daughter to Henry Plantagenet now Earl but then Duke of Lancaster by whom yet he had no Issue There was slain at the same time with this Young Valorous Earl of Hainalt his Sisters Son William x Giov. Villani p. 862. c. Marquess of Juliers and Earl of Cambridge a Lord of great Power and Valour and while he lived a sure Friend both to him and King Edward His Uncle Sr. John of Hainalt Lord of Beaumont was y Frois c. 116. not in Friseland at the time of this woefull chance but soon after coming thither when he was told of the Death of his Nephew he rag'd like a Man distracted and would immediately have taken the Field against the Frisons But he was hinder'd by his servants and especially Sr. Robert Gluves who was his Armour-bearer and by a Dutifull Violence forced him into his Ship against his Will. So he return'd into Holland with a small Company and came to St. Geertruydenberg where he found the Young Lady his Niece late Wife to the said Earl named Joan the Duke of Brabant's Eldest Daughter who being informed of this heavy loss went and lived disconsolate in the Land of Binche about three Leagues Eastward of Mons z Vid. c. 10. §. 6. p. 114. which had been assign'd her for her Dowry The Government of Hainalt was menag'd by the Lord John till the Empress Margaret his Niece came thither to take Possession in her own Person VIII After this News was spread abroad in France King Philip whom it became to be vigilant about this own Advantage began to think how he might bring over the Lord John of Hainalt to his Side now the Earl was dead with whom since his Invasion of his Lands he could never have hopes of Reconciliation But the Lord John's Resentments he knew were not so deep wherefore he spake to Guy Earl of Blois who had married the Lord John's Daughter and had by her three Sons Lewis John and Guy besides the Lord Charles whom he had by a former Venter to use his Interest with him to bring him over to the French Side and he himself also by his Royal Letters assured unto him greater Revenues in France than he had in England which he promised to assign unto him in Lands where he should think best himself But to all these Arguments the Noble Lord was wholly Deaf for he consider'd that he had spent all the slower of his Youth in the King of Englands Service and ever found great Favour and Love from him wherefore now he had no mind to leave him When the Earl of Blois saw there was no sixing on him this way he resolved to try another and first to win the Lord of Saginelles his Chief Companion and Counsellour and so by his means to work further upon the Lord of Beaumont This Man being soon gain'd as one that had no such Obligation to England it was agreed between him and the Earl of Blâ—is to make the Lord John believe that King Edward would no longer pay him his usual Pension but had absolutely refus'd upon Demand to pay it to his Use as he had been wont This Device took for the Lord John without enquiring into the Bottom of it was so displeas'd at this supposed Unkindness that he forthwith renounced his Service and Good-will which hitherto he had born to King Edward The French King hearing hereof sent immediately sufficient Deputies to him and chose him of his Council and retained him in his Service for War at certain Wages assigning him moreover in France as much Land or more than he had in England But to require the Loss of these four Friends of King Edward's Earl William his Uncle John the Marquess of Juliers and Jacob van Arteveld about a Frois c. 114. this very time came over to his Side the Couragious and Politick Lord Godfry of Harcourt Lord of St. Saviour le Vicount and Brother to John Earl of Harcourt He had been once as Dear to King Philip of France as any Lord of his whole Realm but on b Fabian p 271. Occasion of a Quarrel between his Brother and Sr. Robert Bertram Marshal of France which was hugely fomented by Partakers on both Sides he so greatly displeased King Philip that if he could have got him into his Power 't was concluded he had found no better usage than the Lord Clysson had done before But he having timely Notice from his Friends withdrew into Brabant to the Duke his Cousin by whom when all his Lands were seised on by King Philip he was advised to go into England and proffer his Service to the King there He did so and was welcome to the King who received him with large Demonstrations of Good-will and made much use of him in his following Wars And this Displeasure of his cost the Realm of France dearly especially the Dukedom of Normandy for there the sad Effects thereof were seen an hundred years after IX In the Close of the foregoing Year it may be remembred c c. 22. §. 1â— p. 312. how we spake of the Deliverance of John Earl of Montford who claim'd the Dukedom of Bretagne from Prison And that by Vertue of the Truce King Philip was obliged in a manner to give him his Liberty but it was done with this Proviso that he d â—â—bian p. 270. should not go into Bretagne nor make the least offer to intermeddle with the Affairs of that Country Notwithstanding this Tye of his Promise Earl Montford took the first Opportunity to make his Escape into England as he did about
displeas'd that he seised his Temporalities for a while And We find him the Year following a Ano. 1334. obliged to make use of all his Cunning and Sophistry b Vid. Apologiam Adae Orleton c. apud Hister Angl. Scriptâ—r Antig. p. 2763. Edit London Ano. 1652. to Answer an Appellation that then came out against him thô not in the King's Name and proved him Guilty of Felony c. Consisting of these Articles 1. That he Commanded and caused most Sacrilegiously Violent Hands to be laid on the King's Chancellour Robert Baldock Bishop of Norwich c. Item that in the City of Oxford in the Moneth of November he falsly and maliciously Preached and Taught and more than once Asserted that the Lord Edward of Famous Memory was a Tyrant c. Item that by his false and subtil Insinuations and Assertions he struck such a fear into the Lady the Queen Mother then at Wallingford that she durst not go to her Husband the foresaid King by occasion whereof the use of Matrimony both as to the Procreation of Children and as to the Faith and Sacrament thereof was render'd ineffectual All which with more he Answer'd for that time very plausibly suppressing the most Dangerous Articles and eluding and evading the Rest and at last concludes his appellant guilty of Perjury in offering to swear to the Truth of what he falsly laid to his Charge By these Means and by the Aid of the Clergy who c Holinshead Engl. Chron. p. 874. ad â—n 1324. once before took him with their Pastoral Crosiers in their Hands from the King's Tribunal when he was to be try'd for Treason he escaped Punishment in this World except that for d Walsing hist p. 155. n. 50. Godw. Gatal Bps p. 233. many Years before his Death he was stricken stark blind thô We can hardly think that without an unfeigned and thorough Repentance of which this his Apology gives Us little hope he could avoid those Torments which are prepared in the other World for Murderers and Traytors Nay e Sr. Winston Churchill's Drvi Britan. p. 239. some say that Horrour of Mind at his Death gave him as great Torture as if the burning-Iron which sear'd his Conscience had been thrust into his Bowels Which expression is no doubt allusive to the manner whereby King Edward the Seconds Death was effected thrô his Means and Contrivance However here now we fix him as an Example to deter Men of such Principles from the Consideration of the Evil Memory they are like to leave behind them He was succeeded by Dr. William Edingdon who was very Dear to King Edward and the Knights of the Garter being created in his time became the first Prelate of that most Noble Order The End of the First Book THE HISTORY OF King Edward IIId. AN. DOM. 1346. An. Regni Angliae XX. Franciae vii BOOK THE SECOND CHAPTER the FIRST The CONTENTS I. King Philip sends his Son John Duke of Normandy with a mighty Army against the Earl of Darby now since his Father's Death called Earl of Lancaster II. Duke John having retaken Miramont and Ville-Franche in Agenois goes and sits down before Angoulesme III. The Earl of Lancaster hearing the Enemy had left Ville-Franche void sends thither a new Garrison as also a Reinforcement to the strong Castle of Aiguillon IV. The Seneschal of Beaucaire with a Detachment from the French Host wins Ancenis and returns with a great Booty to the Camp. V. Sr. John Norwich the English Captain of Angoulesme by a neat Device escapes away thrô the French Army in the Day-time with Bag and Baggage and goes to Aiguillon After whose Departure the Duke takes the City to Mercy as also the Fortress of Damasan by Force and Tonneins by Composition VI. The Duke of Normandy takes Port St. Mary by Force and goes before the strong Castle of Aiguillon VII The Particulars of the Famous Siege of Aiguillon counted the most Notable of that Age. VIII The French Kings Seneschal of Guienne beaten and taken Prisoner by a Detachment from the Earl of Lancaster Which Earl hovering near the Duke cuts him short I. ALL this while we may wonder that between two such Potent Monarchs as Philip of France and Edward of England althô no less than a Kingdom was the Prize there seem'd rather a certain-Tendency and Disposition to War than any deadly and irreconcileable Rupture But this we should attribute to the Goodness of God who is always slow when he intends to strike home and partly also as well to the pious Assistance of the Pope King Robert of Sicily the Lady Jane of Valois and other Peace makers as in a manner to the Humanity of these Princes themselves and also to the weight of the Affair which required much Advice and vast Preparations But now at last all things being sufficiently ripened we shall presently see the Bloody Flag of War hung out in good earnest and the two Kings hastily opening the Way to their own several Destinies King a Frois c. 118. Philip of France was quickly alarum'd at those notable Conquests which the Earl of Darby whom henceforward we shall call the Earl of Lancaster had made in Gascogne the preceding Year and resolv'd with all Expedition to provide a wholsom Remedy against so devouring a Gangrene While therefore himself was busie in raising a Mighty Power for the Defence of his Kingdom he dispatched away his Eldest Son John Duke of Normandy with considerable Forces to stop the English Earls Career But when he began to approach he heard such Reports of the strength of the English the Terror of their Conquests belike encreasing their Numbers that for that time b Gaguin l. p. 140. Fabian p. 220. itâ Villani l. 12. c. 46. p. 856. Messer Giovanni di Francia no venne al sâ—ccerso ne tenne campo ma si ternò addietro he return'd back to his Father again without once looking the Fail of Lancaster in the Face And this was towards the Declining of the preceding Year King Philip was extreamly incensed at this Action of his Sons Wherefore to avoid his Fathers Displeasure he immediatly resolves to address himself with all his vigour to the War and rather to venture any thing than to hazard the loss of his Fathers Love and his own Reputation King c Frois c. 118. Philip also desiring to Reinforce him in the best manner sent forth his General Summons That all Nobles and Others on that side the Loire of such and such Qualifications and able for the War should laying aside all Excuse repair to Orleans and Bourges and the Parts thereabout by such a Day Whereupon there came to the King being at Paris Eudes Duke of Burgundy and his only Son Philip Earl of Artois and Boulogne with a 1000 Lances There came also the Duke of Bourbon and his Brother the Earl of Ponthieu Ralph Earl of Eu and Guisnes and Constable of France the
that the p Frois c. 122. Burgesses being terrified thereby to save the Lives of themselves their Wives and Children against the Mind of all the Souldiers yielded up the Town to the English and offer'd for security of their Lives all their Goods to their Discretion When the Souldiers saw the business of the Inhabitants and that against their Wills it was impossible for them to make good the Place they retired to the Castle but within two Days after were obliged to yield thô on better Conditions than the Townsmen for these obtained security for Life and Goods So the Town and Castle of Carentan were taken and all the Inhabitants sent to the Ships as Prisoners but when King q Dase res in Philip de Valois p. 7. Rosse's Continuation of Sr. Walter Raleigh p. 291. Edward understood that the Heads of some of his Friends whom the French King had murther'd were upon the Gates of that Town he commanded them to be taken down and buried Reverently And order'd both the Town and Castle as a Sacrifice to their Ghosts to be burnt and rased to the ground These things were done by the Earl of Warwicks Battalia which went along by the Sea-Coast while on the other r Frois ibid. side the Lord Godfry of Harcourt rode forth on the Kings Left Hand for he knew all the Avenues and Passages of Normandy better than any other He had in his Battalia 500 Men of Arms besides Archers and Footmen and sometimes ranged six or seven Leagues from the Kings Battail as far as the Sea-Coast Westward where Normandy looks on the Isles of Jersey and Garnesey burning and spoiling all before him with no less Hostility and Fury than the English Lords used on the other side They all found the Country very Rich and Plentifull the Granges and Barns full of Corn and Provender the Shops and Houses full of Rich Stuffs and other Goods and Commodities and the whole Country abounding with Chariots Carts Horses Swine Sheep Oxen and Poultry For there had been a long Peace and Security in those Parts The Souldiers now took of all this what they pleas'd and brought it to the King but of what Gold and Silver they found they gave no account either to him or his Officers but kept it to themselves In this manner the Lord Godfry of Harcourt and the Earl of Warwick rode forth by Day but at Night for the most part they both lay in the Kings Field or very near him When thus all things were clear'd behind as to the North-point of Normandy King Edward began to March Eastward and went directly to St. Lo in Coutantine but before he came thither he encamped by the River Vire till his two Battails might come up to him and then he proceeded VII The mean ſ Frois c. 123. while King Philip was not negligent on his Part but enforced his Summons to his Subjects and others who held of him any way and sent for all his Friends and Allies as to the Noble and Valiant Old King of Bohemia John of Luxemburgh Son to Henry the VII once Emperour of Germany and to his Eldest Son the Lord Charles Marquess of Moravia who about this time was called Caesar being advanced in Opposition to Lewis of Bavaria upon whose Death a Year after He was made Emperour King John and his Son Charles came speedily to King Philip's Assistance with a goodly Number of Bohemians Germans and Luxemburghers as did also upon the said Kings Request Ralph Duke of Lorraine King Philip's Nephew and James Son and Heir to Humbert the Old Dauphin of Vienna which two lead 300 Spears Then came the Lord John of Hainalt Lord of Beaumont who as we shew'd was lately brought over from the King of England's Service with a gallant Troop of Valiant Hainalders there was likewise Lewis Earl of Flanders who had but few Men under him and those only of the Gentry and Nobility of Flanders for the Commons of that Country held all for King Edward Thither came also James King of Majorica who being beaten out of his Kingdom by Peter King of Aragon had lately for an t Odoric Rainald ad an 1345. §. 13. 100000 Crowns of Gold sold unto King Philip of France his Right to Monpellier that thereby he might be enabled to give Battle to the King of Aragon But at this time he could not refuse with what Forces he had to Assist King Philip. While thus the French King was making himself strong on all sides he had full Information of the uncontroled Progress of his Adversary of England and sware openly That he should never return again into England without Battle And that all those Spoils Slaughters and Devastations should be dearly Revenged But many of his Auxiliary Friends came from far and so it was long before he had his full Assembly Wherefore the mean while King Edward went on without any considerable Opposition VIII The English Army still kept their first Order marching up toward High Normandy in three Battalions They went on fair and softly in Battle Array as if the Enemy was always before them and they took up their Lodgings every day early so that for the most part the whole Army except the Marshals Fore-runners was encamped betwixt Noon and Three of the Clock The Country was so Plentifull wheresoever they went that they had no need to look out for any other Provision but Wine and yet here and there they also found enough of that Althô the King to prevent the Worst had brought Provisions of all sorts along with him and besides u M.S. Vet. Latin. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantabr cui titulus Acta Edvardi Filii Edvardi Tertii he gave strict Command that none should presume to make any unnecessary waste of Victuals Drink or Forage It was no x Frois ibid. great Wonder if all the Country trembled at the sight of this Royal Army for till then they had seen nothing like War in those Parts nor knew any thing beyond the Ordinary Trainings of their Militia so that generally the People fled before the Face of the English as far as they might hear the sound of their Name leaving behind them their Houses full of Goods their Barns and Granaries full of Corn and their Cattle in the Fields for they knew not whither in that Hurry to bear them away Particularly the y M.S. Vet. Latin. id ibid. 29 Julii City of Bayeux for fear of him sending 15 Chief Citizens as their Deputies unto him and desiring to enter into his Homage and to be taken into his Protection were admitted And in this Manner King Edward rode forth burning wasting and ravaging the Country and leaving long tracks of Fire and Desolation behind him till he came to the Great Town of St. Lo the farthest z D'Avila p. 974. Port of Lower Normandy wherein were no less than Eight or Ninescore Rich Burgesses and exceeding much Drapery When the King came thither he
tast of his Courage and a free Opportunity of Enriching his own Men and ravaging the Lands of his Enemies Nor could he intend to retreat for safety to his own Lands in the Earldom of Ponthieu as b Mezeray ibid. some say because they as well as others that belonged to him were now in the Hands of the French King as may appear by the King of Englands frequent Complaints thereof in his Letters As for the Army of the Flemings which Others c Glov Villani l. 12. c. 64. p. 874 say he went forth to joyn in Picardy we cannot think that any such Design or Appointment was had or made because no such Effect appeared afterward even thô all Impediments were removed X. However d Frois c. 125. when the Parisians saw such Dreadfull Fires so near their own Walls they were in great doubt of themselves And King e Mezeray p. 26. ad hunc annum Philip himself was extreamly incensed to behold from his Capital City the heart of his Kingdom in Flames Wherefore he resolved forthwith to remove to St. Dennis having first commanded all the Penthouses in Paris to be pulled down But when the Parisians saw their King ready to leave them they came flocking to him and upon their knees said Ah Gracious Prince What means Your Majesty thus to forsake Your Royal Chamber of Paris The King reply'd Good People fear you nothing For the English shall come no nearer to you than they are already Why Sir said they they are not above 2 Leagues off now and when they shall hear of Your Departure they will come and Assault us and without You we are not able to hold out against them Sir for Gods sake tarry here still and defend your Loyal City of Paris Speak no more said the King of this Matter For I am resolved to go to St. Dennis to my Men of War and I will encounter the English and give them Battle whatsoever chance shall betide me And thereupon f Giov. Villani l. 12. c. 65. p. 875. having left for the Guard of the City and of his Queen and Children 1200 Men of Arms besides the Inhabitants and Footmen he rode forth to St. Dennis about 2 Leagues Northward of Paris where he g Frois Du Chesne c. found the King of Bohemia and his Son Charles Elected King of the Romans the Lord John of Hainalt the Duke of Lorraine the Earl of Flanders of Namur of Bleis and other great Lords and Knights with their Troops ready to serve him All this time King Edward while his Men were repairing the Bridge lay at h Frois ibid. Du Chesne p. 664. Poissy in the Nunnery where he kept the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady on the 15 of August and sat in his Royal Robes of Vermilion Scarlet furr'd with Ermines without sleeves having the day i M.S. Vetust Latin. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantabr before published by Proclamation that for Reverence of the approaching Solemnity no man whatsoever should offer during that Festival to commit any outrage by Fire or Depredations on pain of Life and Limbs But that all should devoutly solemnize the Praises of the Mother of God. While this Bridge was thus repaiting by the English the French King k Fabian p. 222. sent thither 2000 Souldiers to hinder the Workmen but the Archers by their continual shooting with their home-drawn Bows slew the greater part of them So that the Rest flying the Work was brought to Perfection Wherefore the Day after this Feast the Bridge being ready King Edward passed over in his former Array having l Fabian p. 221. fired the Town of Poissy but spared the Nunnery in Honour of its Founder Philip the Fair who was his Grandfather by the Mothers side Being thus passed over the Seyne and entred into le Vexin Francois he marched toward Pont-Oyse which is a City of great Defence but the Vanguard being past the Town the Rere-guard Assaulted it and took it where more than 300 Men of Arms of the Enemy were slain The next Day one of the English Marshals namely the Lord m Frois c. 125. Du Chesne p. 664. Godfry Harcourt together with the Earl of Suffolk and the Lord Hugh Spencer riding out on one Hand with 500 Men of Arms and 1300 Archers met by chance with a great Number of Burgesses of Amiens on Horseback who upon King Philips Command were riding to Paris for the better Defence of that City in case of Necessity The English immediately fell upon them with great Coâ—rage and the French Defended themselves a while as Valiantly for they had four good Knights of Amiens to their Captains and they exceeded the English in Number and were all very well armed So that at the beginning many were reversed on both parts and the Skirmish continued something doubtfull But at last the English by their obstinate Valour and great Experience prevailed and then the Burgesses were well-nigh all taken or slain so that about n Ashmole p. 655. Martin p. 118. Frois ibid. c. 1200 of them remain'd Dead in the Field and all their Carriage Baggage and Harness o Sr Tho. de la More apud Stow p. 242. being 302 Carts and Waggons laden with Crossbows Quarrels Armour and Victuals fell to the Conquerours share besides 60 Gentlemen Prisoners Thus the p Frois c. 125. fol. 62. King of England marched in Hostile Manner thrô Vexin Francois into Beauvaisis burning and destroying all before him Now it is to be remembred that on the Second Day after King Edward had passed the Seyne he being then at Aunevil within 3 Leagues of Beauvais there q Ashmole's Garter p. 655. ex Record came Letters unto him from King Philip signifying that he would give him Battle as on that Thursday or else on the Saturday Sunday or Monday following On Condition he would in the mean while forbear destroying the Country In Answer whereto King Edward immediately sent him this Letter following EDWARD by the Grace of God King of France and England and Lord of Ireland unto the Illustrious Lord Philip Earl of Valois r r Ex Original Gallico apud M.S. Vet. Lat. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantabr cui titulus Acta Edvardi Filii Edvardi Tertii Ret. Norman 20. Ed. 3. m. 21. in Derse Sr. Philip of Valois We have read your Letters wherein you signifie unto Us that You will Combat with our whole Power between St. Germaine de Prez and Valgirart de la Paris or between Franconville and Pont-Oyse this Thursday or on Saturday Sunday or Monday next following provided that neither We nor our People do any Damage Spoil or Waste Whereupon We give You to know that thrô Assurance in God and the Clear Right which We have to the Crown of France which You Usurp injuriously to the Disherison of Us our Country God and Right We are come not in any Pride or Presumption into
were Barons John Lord of Beaumont in Hainalt the Lord Charles Monmorency the Lord of Beaujeu the Lord of Aubigny and the Lord of Monfort l'Amaury besides the Archbishop of Rheimes the Bishop of Amiens and the Chancellor of France's Son all under the Standard of the Young Prince James Son of Humbert Dauphin of Vienna who was himself slain in the Battle The French Nation so well at that time allowed of this Flight of King Philips that as the Roman Senate approved of Terentius Varro who escaping from the Battle of Cannae did not yet despair of the Common-Wealth as his Collegue Aemylius had done by way of Commendation it hath been called to this Day m Walsingh Hyiâ—d Neusâ—r p. 119. Beau elim Masc Fâ—m Bel tunc Masc ut Philip le Bel. Nâ—nc le Beau la Belle. la Beau Retracte Thus slightly now attended this Unhappy Prince rode out of the Field till he came to the Castle of Broye on the Authie about two Leagues Northward from the Place of Battle The Castle was now shut up for it was by this time dark wherefore he called out for the Captain in haste who coming to the Walls demanded who it was that expected to be let in there at Dark Night The King reply'd Open your Gates quickly For I am the Fortune of France Perhaps secretly thereby taxing those Flatterers who had firnamed him le Bien-Fortunè or the Fortunate King which Title he holds to this Day thô as Mezeray observes at this time he was the Vnfortunate The Captain understanding by his Voice that it was the King made haste and open'd the Gate and let down the Bridge where he was Dutifully received but not without many sad Cries and condoling Lamentations of his sorrowfull Subjects who like poor frighted Children came flocking about the Distressed Father of their Country The Unhappy Prince could not long endure so pittifull a Spectacle and perhaps neither did he think himself secure so near the Enemy Wherefore having drank and taken some refreshment he departed thence about Midnight and by the help of his Guides which knew the Country came to Amiens the next Morning where having tarried a few Days he went to Paris But during his stay at Amiens instead of looking up to the Hand of God and Humbling himself under his Judgements the Passionate n Frois c. 134. King began to rail against several of his Captains but especially he was so Highly incensed at the Lord Gondemar du Fay that if he could have got him in his Fury it had cost him his Head for he said and believed that he did not do his Devoir truly in Defending the Passage at Blanchetteaque where the English went over the Somme Nor did the King only say thus but many of his Council also were of the Mind that he ought to die saying that he was a Traytor and the Chief Occasion of that Great Loss at Cressy But then John Lord of Beaumont began wisely to excuse him and to qualifie the Kings unjust Displeasure by putting in these few words only How could it lye in Gondemar's Power to Resist the whole Puissance of the King of England when a Royal Army it self and all the Flower of the Realm of France could not prevail against him This apt saying pacified the Kings Displeasure and soon after he return'd to Paris to consider of his Weighty Affairs in so sad a juncture XIII All that Saturday being the Day of Battle the English never broke their Ranks for taking of any Prisoners whatsoever but knowing how Numerous the Enemy was and that there were two or three Fresh Armies near those Parts they never offer'd to follow the Chace but stood ready upon their Defence And if o Knighton p. 2588. One says True they had need to do so for the French rallied upon them several times that Night thô they were still repulsed with Loss Certainly this Day King Edward shewed himself a most Accomplish'd Captain and all the Night too the greater Part of the Army especially all the Fresh Men who had not fought kept the Field standing to their Arms But I can no ways believe that the Frenchmen after so absolute a Discomfiture the Flight of their King and the Death of so many of their Prime Leaders could have the Courage to assault their Enemies Especially in the Night when all things are doubtfull even to a Conquerour Yet indeed the Earl of St. Paul had drawn off several entire Troops and had done more if in his last Attempt he had not been slain and more than Half the French Army escaped away thô in small scatter'd Parties that singly were no way formidable and some whereof by the errour of the Night fell among the English where they found no better Usage than they would have done in Battle Now p Frois c. 131. Edward the Young Prince of Wales whom from this time the French began to call Le Neoir or the q In the Records of 2 Riâ— 2. n. 12. he is called the 〈…〉 vid. M.S. Râ—t Parl. ad â—n praedict p. 171. Sr Rob. Câ—tton p. 168. Black-Prince when he heard no more of his Enemies for it was now so dark he could make no further Discovery began to repute the Victory his own and that all the French Host was totally discomfited Then he gave order for huge Fires to be made and Links Torches and Flambeaus to be lighted up all about At which time the King his Father being come down from the little Hill where he had stood with his Helmet on his Head which never came off till now all the time of the Battle drew near in the Head of all his Men and ran up to the Young Prince and embraced him in his Arms and kissed him and said My Fair Son God Almighty give you Grace to persevere as you have begun Now are you my Good Son and have acquitted your self right Nobly You are well worthy of a large Kingdom The Prince reply'd only by humbly enclining himself to the Earth honouring the King his Father That Night r Frois c. 131. the whole Army return'd their publique Thanks to God for their good Success and made no manner of Boasting for it was the express Command of the King that none should insult or make any Brags in Songs or otherwise but all humbly to give Thanks to God Almighty And Å¿ Giov. Villani l. 12. c. 66. p. 878. so the High Mass of the Holy Spirit was solemnly sung and the Victory acknowledged to the Author thereof Moreover the next Day for the sake of the Dead the Pious King * Id. ibid. caused the Place of Battle to be Consecrated for the decent Sepulture both of his Enemies and Friends and that the Wounded being removed from among the Dead should be dressed to the meaner sort of whom he afterward gave Money and sent them away That Morning being a Sunday t Frois ibid. there was such a
Leagues as also they did to the Suburbs of Boulogne After this the King with the Prince his Son went and encamped by Wissan on the Sea-side about 3 Leagues from Calais And having tarried here one Day to refresh his Army on the d Du Chesne c. Thursday being the last of August others say the e Knighton p. 2588. 7 of September he came and lay down before the strong Town of Calais which had been of old a great Nuisance both to Him and his Kingdom CHAPTER the FOURTH The CONTENTS I. The Description Scituation and Strength of Calais Which King Edward blocks up by Sea and Land The strength of his Navy II. The Calisians not yielding upon his Summons he lays a formal Siege the Plenty of Provision continually in his Camp. III. The Earl of Warwick takes Terouenne the Flemings at the same time besiege St. Omers IV. The Captain of Calais thrusts out 1700 poor and impotent People whom King Edward in pity relieves V. The Copies of two Letters written by one of the King of England's Chaplains and containing the Summ of all this Expedition from the Winning of Caen to the Siege of Calais VI. Iohn Duke of Normandy makes another Attempt upon Aiguillon but to his Loss VII King Philip sends his peremptory Command to his Son to rise from before Aiguillon and also urges the King of Scotland to invade England on that Side so to divert King Edward from the Siege of Calais VIII The true Manner of the Duke of Normandy's Leaving the Siege of Aiguillon IX He is cut off at the Reer by the Lord Walter Manny who agrees with a Prisoner of Quality to let him go free so that he will procure him a safe Conduct to ride thrô France to Calais with 20 Men only X. The Prisoner brings him the Duke of Normandy's Conduct and is himself acquitted Sr. Walter Manny riding in Confidence thereof towards Calais is by King Philips Order secured But the Duke of Normandy changes his Fathers Bloody Intentions against him and saves his Life c. XI The Earl of Lancaster upon the Duke of Normandy's Departure takes the Field and wins Towns and Castles at his Pleasure in Xaintogne Rochellois and Poictou XII An Instance of the Princely Munificence of the Earl of Lancaster XIII He wins the City of Poictiers and leaving it desolate returns by St. Jean D'Angely to Bourdeaux XIV An Army of Poictevins utterly discomfited by the English Garrison of Lusignan I. THE City a Sâ—â—n p. 243. Frois c. 133. vid. Ferrarâ—um in titulo Caletam c. of Calais thô of no considerable Extent is a famous Market-Town Rich and strongly Fortified being scituate on the Marches of Artois five Leagues Northward of Boulogne and three Westward of Gravelines and but little more than fourteen from the nearest Coast of England or Dover Castle which it directly confronts And the Sea between is by the English called the Strait of Calais and by the French La Manche It is furnished with a strong Castle and a spacious Haven where a considerable Navy may take safe Harbour and is also enclosed about with a Double Wall and a Double Ditch besides that on the West-side from Risban to Cologne it is fenced with b Marish grounds which are only passable by Xeâ—land Bridge an Arm of the Sea in a Semicircular manner This Town and Castle are reported to have been first built by Julius Caesar the Famous Roman Emperour after he had brought all France to do Homage to his Eagles As he is also said to have built the Castle of Chepstow in Monmouthshire in Venodocia or South-Wales and that of Dover in Kent when he was about the Conquest of Brittain now called England Wherefore thô it was of incredible Strength as well for its advantagious Scituation as those wonderfull Accessions of Art which made it almost Impregnable by any human Power yet because it was a most convenient Landing-place for any out of England to set Footing in France and had also by its Piracies exercised on the English Seas done many great Displeasures to King Edward and his People he resolved to lay Siege unto the Place knowing that having already given such a Blow to France if he could not be able to reduce them by Force he might yet overcome them by Famine which enters thrô the strongest Fortifications All along as the King marched hither by Land his Fleet being return'd out of England took the same way by Sea under the Command of William Clinton Earl of Huntington and then Lord High c Weever's Fun. Mon. p. 259 Admiral of England together with the Lord John Mongomery Vice-Admiral which Two at the very Instant of King Edward's Investing the Town of Calais by Land came and block'd it up also by Sea with a Mighty Navy consisting in all of d Hacluit's Voyages 1 Vol. p. 119. c. 738 Ships wherein were no less than 14956 Mariners together wich Souldiers and Provisions of all sorts accordingly II. Now the e Frois ibid. King knew that the strength of the Place and the Courage of the Garrison were likely enough to give him some trouble but considering the Opportunities he had while he lay here of receiving Assistance either from England or Flanders he resolved to starve them if they would not otherwise accept his Mercy First therefore by his Herald he Summons the Captain to yield up unto him as Rightfull King of France that his Castle and Town of Calais otherwise that he would put them all to the Sword for their Obstinacy The Captain Answer'd He knew but One King of France who had sent him thither to keep the Place for his behoof and him only was he resolved to obey being ready either to live or die in his Service Thô upon Occasion he doubted not but to have sufficient Assistance from him Upon this peremptory Answer of the Captain King Edward began to entrench himself strongly about the City setting his own Tent directly against the Chief Gates at which he intended to enter then he placed Bastions between the Town and the River and set out Regular Streets and reared up decent Buildings of strong Timber between the Trenches which he cover'd with Thatch Reed Broom and Skins Thus he encompassed the whole Town of Calais from Ruban on the Northwest side to Courgaine on the Northeast all along by Sangate at Port and Fort de Nieulay commonly by the English call'd Newland-Bridge down by Hammes Cologne and Marke So that his Camp look'd like a spacious City and was usually by Strangers that came thither to Market called New-Calais For this Prince's Reputation for Justice was so Great that to his Markets which he held in his Camp twice every Week viz. on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Flesh Fish Bread Wine and Ale with Cloth and all other Necessaries there came not only his Friends and Allies from England Flanders and Aquitain but even many of King Philips Subjects and
of Archimbald Douglas who fell in the Battle of Halliden Earl of Douglas and committed to his Charge the Leading of one Brigade III. The first e Holinshead Scotl. p. 240. c. â—t ante Fortress they came to near the Borders was Lidel round which they lay encamped for three Days but on the Fourth after a Vigorous Attack carried it by fine force where they put most of those they found to the Sword But the Captain Sr. Walter Selby before he would deliver his Sword compounded with a Scotch Knight to have his Life and the Lives of his Children saved which was thereupon assured him But when King f Stow p. 243. Holinshead ibid. c. David heard of the Captains being taken he gave order that his Head should be cut off Then the Scotch Knight who had taken him began to intreat in his behalf at least that he might be admitted into the Kings Presence this with much adoe being granted the English Knight upon his knees requested that his Life might be saved for a Ransom But notwithstanding he was again adjudged to die Nor only so but the Cruel Prince commanded two of his Children to be strangled in sight of their Father and having thereby afflicted his Mind almost to Madness with rage and grief he presently caused his Head to be stricken off not allowing him so much time as to make a Confession thô like a good Christian he instantly desired that Ghostly comfort Surely that hatred is Diabolical and Implacable nor only unworthy of a Christian but even exceeding the Barbarity of Infidels which extends beyond this Life and endeavours not only to destroy the Body but also to plunge the Soul into Eternal Ruine After this Merciless Execution the Scotch Army marched to Lenercost where they spoil'd the Abbey of all its Ornaments and whatever was valuable therein and so passing the River Irthing they went by Naworth Castle and leaving Cumberland enter'd on the other side the Picts-Wall into Northumberland wasting all along with fire and sword till they came to the Priory of Hexham which was also pillaged and sacked but the Town was saved from fire by the Kings Command for he was advised to spare four Towns from fire in his Passage to York whither he thought to go without Resistance namely this of Hexham Cerbridge Durham and Darlington to the end they might serve him as so many storehouses to lay in what quantities of Victuals and Provender he should find about in the Country therewith to sustain his Army upon Necessity if he should either stay long in England or be reduced to any extremity At Hexham he lay three Days and thence Marched to Ebchester beyond the River Derwen being one of the first Towns on that side within the Bishoprick of Durham As thus he marched wasting and spoiling the Country on every side toward the City of Durham he destroyed many of the Farms belonging to the Abbey of that City and had utterly ruin'd them all had g Knighten p. 2590. n. 40. Stow p. 243. not some of the Monks who were taken thereabouts and were kept as Prisoners to be Ransomed made an agreement for themselves and the rest of their Fraternity to pay the next Day ready down a 1000 pounds Sterling on Condition they would forbear spoiling the Residue of their Mannors or their Tenents But of all others they h Knighton ibid. n. 10. took one penny for every Head and one penny for every Foot which being done they were left free but otherwise put to the sword And thus they intended to do to every Soul they should meet with even to the River Trent but that they found a stop long before At last King David came and encamped by the Wood of Beare-Park within three Leagues of Durham not far from Nevils-Cross He took up his Lodgings in the Mannor there and daily sent forth strong Detachments to fetch in Booty and to burn and destroy Houses and Villages The Spoil Desolation and Slaughter which Rapine Fire and Sword spread along before the Enemy was both Barbarous and terrible for they spared neither Young nor Old neither Church Chappel nor Monastery but in their blind fury made one General Heap of both Sacred and Profane Not so much as the Goods and Lands belonging to the Patrimony of St. Cuthbert were exempted from Rapine and Plunder as the Scotch Writers themselves confess thô not only the Monks of the Abbey dedicated to that Saint had compounded for their exemption but also as Hector says King David was strictly admonished in a Dream by no means to presume to touch any thing belonging unto his Church IV. Now the Noble Queen of England Philippa being at that time in the North-parts about York when she heard of the first Motions of the Scots was not forgetfull of the King her Husbands Honour and of the Good of his Kingdom But putting on a Spirit worthy of Her that was Confort to King Edward and Mother to the Black-Prince sent out her Summons to all the Lords and Prelates of those Parts and others left by the King for the Defence of the Borders to repair with all speed unto her The Summons were sent forth in the Name of the King of England by the Queen and the Archbishop of York and soon after there came the Lords and Captains of England with their Retinues to York to the Queen where she made her General Musters Then the Queen and the Archbishop sent away an Herald at Arms to King David requiring him to desist from further invading the Country and to return into Scotland till some Reasonable Order for a final Peace might be agreed betwixt him and the King his Master Otherwise he should be sure to have Battle to the Uttermost within three Days after i Hector Beeth l. 15. fol. 324. But that if he refused all terms of Agreement he should remember that there was in Heaven a Just God of Power sufficient to Revenge the Injuries done unto England and especially to his Servants the Priests and other Holy Persons whom he had slain with the Sword neither sparing Church nor Church-Lands nor weak Women nor Innocent Children But all this signified little or nothing to that Prince who was not only stirr'd up by his Youth and an Emulation of his Fathers Glory but also provoked to Revenge as well by the former dealings of his English Enemies as by the manifold Benefits received of his Friend of France Wherefore he sends back a Mortal Defiance and the next Day set his Men in Order to receive their Enemies if they should come forward The first Battalia he committed to the Care of the Lord Robert Stuart Prince of Scotland as being Eldest Son of King Davids Eldest Sister Margaret Bruce with whom was the Lord Patrick Dumbar Earl of March The Second was commanded by John Randulph Earl of Murray and William Earl of Douglas And the Third he Lead himself having with him the French Auxiliaries
And immediately the Lord Robert Stuart Prince of Scotland joyn'd furiously with the English Van the other two Battails disposing themselves the same way This fight was well maintain'd and with much Bravery on both Sides And the English Archers and the Crossbows of Genoua brought up the first Course of this Martial Banquet but the English had much the better share for their Shot endured longer and did more Execution But Prince Robert resolving not to stand aloof at such Disadvantage pressed hard forward to come to handy Strokes so that the Archers were obliged to yield him Way as their manner was in Extremity by opening to the Right and Left Thô even at that instant they gall'd him on each Flank However now he joyn'd with the Lord Percy 's Battail and maintain'd the Fight with much Courage and Honour the Scots manfully laying about them with sharp and heavy Axes with which they gave mighty Strokes cleaving Helmets and Shields so that for a while the English were very hard put to it Which when King Bailiol saw as one that consider'd no such Danger being in other places the chief Power of the Scots lay here and not doubting but if the English were rendred absolute at the beginning so good an Omen would add Courage to them and Terrour to the Enemy he resolved presently to fall on here and accordingly comes up with 4000 Horse on a good round Trot in very dreadfull Order This new and unforeseen Enemy so amazed the Hearts of that Battalia of Scots who already had found themselves well enough match'd that all their Martial Ardour began to languish immediately and the English were exceedingly exalted in their Courages Which when Prince Robert and the Earl of March perceived and that already their Men began to give back in some Disorder hoping to bring them off by an early Care and so to prevent that Loss which else they saw inevitable they gave Order to Retreat and drew off not only pretty well but considering the Circumstances wisely Nor let any Man here reckon me Partial as if because our Present Soveraign King James the Second is derived from the Loyns of that Lord Robert Stuart I should appear diligent in putting a fair Gloss upon this his Flight which some Authors have condemned and for which King David afterwards for a while disinherited and excluded him in his Passion from the Right of Succession For I appeal to all that have duely consider'd the History of Robert Stuart as well before as after this Day not only in these Papers which yet are sincere but in any either Scotch or other Writer whether he was not generally reputed for a Person both of good Conduct and Courage unquestionable Insomuch that during King Davids Absence in France he had in a manner freed all Scotland from the English Yoke and when in time he came by Right of Succession to wear that Crown himself he certainly maintained his Honour and his Kingdom not only against King Edward himself but even to the very end of his Life But to return whatever King David whose Heat and Rashness could not let him see so clearly thought of this Matter either then or afterwards either his Military Skill or at least the Genius whose Care it was to preserve the Founder of the Illustrious Family of the Stuarts perswaded him to this timely Retreat Which Example had King David with the rest of his Army follow'd either their Loss had been nothing at all or very inconsiderable The English being not able to compell them to any thing against their Minds much less to pursue them too close without breaking their Order and perhaps exposing themselves to some notable Disadvantage VIII However King David disdained to follow those whom now he look'd on if not as Cowards yet as Traytors and Desertors For he was jealous that his Nephew Robert retreated thus with design to leave him expos'd to be cut off that so the Crown might fall to Him. Wherefore now he fought with the more Resolution being fully determin'd either to repair this Fault or not to survive it But at that instant his Adversary King Bailiol having clear'd his hands of the Van of the Enemy whom he thought not fit as yet to pursue comes in with his fresh Troops and falls upon King Davids Battail in the Flank the English Van pressing hard upon him in the Front which together with the late Disaster so discouraged the Scots that they were no longer able to endure unshaken but began by degrees to give back At what time the y Knighton p. 2590. n. 30 40. Monks of Durham being in the Steeple of their Church and upon the Leads and Battlements beholding the Scots upon the point of Loosing all and some actually flying and fled lifted up their Voices altogether and fill'd the Air with the Noise thereof crying aloud and praising God and singing for Joy even with weeping Tears Te Deum laudamus Which Voice the English hearing as if it had been just at their backs took thence a more confident Faith in God and resisted the Enemy more vigorously and trod them down more valiantly For whatever some say affirming that Durham was now destroy'd also it is certain that as we said before the Monks of that City had compounded with the Scots for themselves their Mannors and Tenants thereabouts on Consideration of a 1000 l. Sterling to be by them paid the next Day without any further Delay Which yet being deliver'd by this Victory they did not pay And it was King Davids Design to leave these Parts in pretty good Case till his Return for he z Knighton ib. thought to visit the Monastery of Beverly and other Religious Places in Yorkshire that abounded with Riches and even to attempt the City of York it self For he imagin'd there would be none able to resist him but that all the Strength of England was now before Calais When therefore King Davids Battail also was broken and the Scots began to fly the English fell more furiously on those that still kept the Field resolving not to hazard so glorious a Victory by an inconsiderate and rash Pursuit Wherefore many Scots were gather'd up by Prince Robert and Earl Patrick who hover'd a far off in so considerable a Body that the English durst not too freely follow the Chace especially the Victory not being yet clearly their own And yet neither could they by any means prevail with their Men to make another Attempt against the Enemy because their Friends came flying that way continually and so added to their former Discouragements As for King David he failed nothing either in the Duty of a Good Captain or of a Valiant Souldier but more than once rallied his disorder'd Men and encouraged them both by his Words and his Example So that those who were most near unto him were even asham'd to forsake so Valiant a Prince and therefore long they held together close in a Ring like a Tower of Steel
their Qualities Estates and Offices and ordained the like thrô the whole Kingdom They set also a general Tax upon the whole Clergy nor were they shie to make bold with what Sums had been gathered through France for the Holy War and with the Plate Shrines and other Riches and Profits of Abbeys and Monasteries Particularly the King having received a Subsidy which was required of the Monks of St. Dennis among certain other Jewels of that Place which he would needs have demanded a great Crucifix of Masse Gold standing over the High Altar of the Monastery But to this the Monks replied that it could not be taken away without great hazard of the Souls of those who should be concerned in that Action For Pope Eugenius the III more than 200 Years before had in the Days of Lewis the VII King of France solemnly accursed all those of any Degree whatsoever that should offer to lay violent hands upon that Crucifix sacrilegiously to take it away from its Place or to convert it to any Secular Use as f Fabian ibid. appeareth by a Plate engraven under the Pedestall of the Cross With which Answer King Philip was satisfied In this Parliament it was also Ordained that the King should send forth his general Summons throughout the whole Realm commanding all Persons who any way held of the Crown of France to be with the King at the City of Amiens by Whitsuntide next following g Kal. April Pasch Whitsunday falling on the 20 of May that Year there to attend at the Rendezvous with all their several Retinues in their best Array Nor did they forget to invite all the Friends and Allies of the House of France especially the Lord Charles of Luxemburgh Son to the late King of Bohemia and Elect Emperour or King of the Romans set up by the Pope and his Adherents against the Emperour Lewis of Bavaria who again lay under the Censures of the Church And lastly to enflame the Minds of the French Nation more eagerly to prosecute their Revenge against the English King Philip h Giov. Villani l. 12. c. 85. p. 894. caused to be brought from St. Dennis the sacred Banner of Oriflambe which of old was never taken down but in the Cause of Christ against Infidels or upon some great Distress or Necessity of the King and the Realm of France But now it was taken down to be used against King Edward and was committed to the Custody of a Burgundian Lord a Noble Gentleman and approved in Arms and having repeated his Commands to all Men to be ready to follow this Banner when he should require them for that time he dismist the Parliament II. Having seen in what manner King Philip bestirr'd himself to rear his Half-ruin'd Affairs let us now take notice how King Edward thô abroad influences Matters at home towards the Establishing what he had already done and was yet undertaking For both these Princes understood well that the time which was unfit for Action was the most proper for Counsel and that they could not better pass the Winter then in providing against the Casualties of the Summer Wherefore at King Edward's Command a Parliament was also called at Westminster by his second Son Prince Lionel then Lord Warden of England for the King his Father i M.S. Rec. Parl. 61. Sr. Rob. Cottens Abridgment p. 46. which Parliament began the third Day of the New-year on the Monday next after Christmas-day as if it was the best Auspice not only to end the Old-year but to begin the New by wholsome Advice and Counsel On which Day Command was given by Prince Lionel that Proclamation should be made against wearing of Armour and using of Games in and about Westminster during this Sessions Then also a time was appointed for all such as would exhibit any Petitions and Receivers also and Tryers were constituted to take and consider of the several Petitions referring to England Ireland Wales Scotland Gascogne and other Foreign Parts and Isles and thereupon Sr. Thomas Drayton being appointed Clerk of the Parliament because several of the Lords and Commons were not yet come they adjourn'd till next Day At which time the House being informed that Sr. Bartholomew Burwash Sr. John Darcy Lord Chamberlain Mr. John Thoresby and Mr. John Charleton were arrived as Messengers from the King then lying before Calais but could not be ready to make their appearance there till Wednesday next after the Morrow the Parliament was prorogued until that Day At which time Declaration was made in open Parliament that the Reasons of that their present meeting were because the King since his passing the Sea and his Attempts in France was now uncertain of his Condition that according to the Issue or Exigence of Affairs abroad Matters might be concerted at home for the safety of his Majesty and the Common Peace and Wealth of his Kingdom which latter was visibly damnified by the sufferance of false Money Then were produced the Kings Letters Patents Credential wherein among other Matters the foresaid Declaration was verbatim expressed the Letters bearing Date before Calais Which being read in open Parliament Sr. Bartholomew Burwash for and in the Name of himself and the rest of his Colleagues in presence of the Lord Warden of England and of the Three Estates declared the good Success of the King since his Arrival at la Hogue in Normandy as in surprising and taking of many Towns and Castles of War as well at Caën as elsewhere and also of the Great Victory obtain'd at Cressy where the whole Power of France was discomfited and how the King was now come before Calais from whence he intended not to depart till by the help of God he had won the same After which he intended to pursue the Enemy without return till the War should be fully ended This done he produced the Copy of an Order made by the King of France in reference to his Son the Duke of Normandy and others Nobles of that Country which was particularly recited being called the Ordinance of Normandy and was to this effect That the Duke of Normandy should pass as Chief with other Nobles of that Province into England with 40000 Men of Arms Knights Esquires and Persons of good Estate and 40000 Footmen Methods being there prescribed for keeping the Sea and an Order also added that the said Duke should remain in England with the said Forces for the space of ten Weeks And in case the Realm of England should in this Expedition be Conquer'd that then the Conquest should solely be to the Name Honour and Advantage of the said Duke and all whatsoever the King of England at that time had there should remain entirely to the said Duke and the Knights and Lords with him That all that which belonged to the Nobles and secular Persons of England should be bestowed on the Churches and Famous Towns of Normandy only of the Revenues of the Church of England the French King
together with an handsome Gratuity and a promise of much more upon his Return to him unto Reims with an Answer When this Indigent fellow had received the Letter he revolved many things in his mind considering of what consequence such a Matter might prove at last and he said to himself Well! Colinet thou may'st be poor but thou shalt never be a Traytor Wherefore now contrary to his Oath and Promise to Gawin but agreeable to the Duty he ow'd to his King and Country he took his way toward Paris and presented the Letter to the French King in which was set down the whole Manner Tune and Means how and when the City of Laon should be betray'd When the King understood the whole Series of this Black-Treason he instructed Colin how to behave himself in returning with an Answer and to fit his return according to the time as if he had been at Calais with the King of England and so at a convenient day to go to Reims according to Gawin's appointment During which Interval King Philip wrote secretly to the Provost of Reims that as soon as Colin Tomelin was come to Dr. Gawin with his Answer the said Gawin should be attached and had unto Prison all which was accordingly executed When Process was made against him forasmuch as he was in Holy Orders the Provost of Reims sent him to the City of Laon where he was put in the Bishops Prison But when the Commons of Laon heard how there was a Man Prisoner there who would have betrayed their City they rose in great uproar and would have broken up the Prison with intent to tear him in pieces But the Bishop who is an Earl and one of the Twelve Peers of France and of the Supream Judges so pacified them by his Officers that for that time they went back again to their several Houses The next day to quiet the People he was brought forth to his Judgement and there because he was a Clergyman only condemned to perpetual Prison But for his greater Infamy and shame he was further Order'd to be set up on high in a Tumbrel or Dung-Cart bare-headed to be seen of all Men and so with vile Instruments of wretched Musick as Bagpipes and the like to be carried thrô the High-street of the City unto the Bishops Prison aforesaid there to remain close Prisoner during his Life But he was not carried far in this Manner when the Common people fell upon him with great moutings pelting him with dirt and stones so rudely that before he had finished half his Progress he was stoned to Death after which his Body was buried in a filthy Moor hard by the City With him also his Only Son being in some measure guilty of his Fathers crime was condemned to perpetual Imprisonment But being excused the shamefull Riding was not expos'd so to the Fury of the Rabble wherefore he had his Life but lost his Liberty for ever Shortly afterward b Faban p. 275. there was also executed at Paris a Burgess of the said City who as was laid to his charge had undertaken to betray that great Metropolis of the Kingdom to King Edward For which Fact he was first dismembred of his Legs and Arms and afterwards hanged up by the Neck on the great Gallows of Paris called Monfaucon But in relation to these two supposed Treasons for my part I cannot see how onely one or two Persons can be supposed capable of Betraying such Considerable Places as Laon and Paris near which the King of England had no Garrisons and as for Himself he was then too far off being at Calais Nor could he be able with all his Forces to take and hold Possession of two such Cities especially of Paris even thô he had left the Siege of Calais Wherefore I rather think the whole Matter amounted to no more than this that some certain Persons who either shew'd small satisfaction in King Philips Government or were less carefull of their Carriage and Speech in such a Juncture or lay obnoxious to the Malice or Spight of any prosligate Wretches wanted not Evidences to swear home against them and lay Matters to their Charge which thô never so improbable were then accounted no less than Treason by a Prince so mortally jealous as King Philip was VIII Now the French King having found all his peacefull Overtures with the Flemings ineffectual especially now that they had proceeded so far as to quarrel with their young Lord the Earl of Flanders for the Sake of King Edward his Adversary as well to revenge his own and the Earls injuries as hoping by some notable Success against them to enduce them to some Reasonable Terms resolves c Serâ—es p. 12. in Phil. Val. is Speed p. 580. Fâ—x p. 506. c. to send his Son John Duke of Normandy with a Considerable Army against them But Duke John it seems was born under no better Stars than his Father for having besieged Cassel a Town between St. Omers and Ipres he was at last in a Sally set upon couragiously by the Flemings being joyned with a good Body of English from Calais and compelled to raise his Siege without Honour but not without considerable Loss For the Conflict enduring from Morning till high Noon the French were utterly vanquished and enforced to break up having left behind them many Hundreds of their Men as well slain as Prisoners whereas on the other Side rather by a Miraculous Protection of Heaven than any Chance of War not one is reported to have been grievously wounded among the Flemings and their English Auxiliaries To this Town above all the Towns of Flanders King Philip ow'd an ill-will because d Fabian p. 264. Jacob Meyer Ann. Flandr l. 12. p. 153. in the beginning of his Reign when he laid siege unto them in Person the Inhabitants had in derision of Him and his Title caused a Red Cock to be painted on a White Cloth under which in great Letters they wrote this following Rhyme and hung iâ— over the Walls Quand ce Coq icy chantera Le Roy Trouvé ca entrera Which signifies When this Cock shall crow clear The Found King shall enter here At which Lines the French King was horribly vexed especially because they Nick-named him the Found King as if having no manner of Title the Frenchmen had as it were upon diligent search found him out to hold Pretensions against King Edward After this Repulse at Cassel Duke John collecting his shatter'd Forces made yet another Attempt upon Lilers a Town of Flanders by the River Navez between Arien and Bethune But here also he received another Repulse so as he could hardly come off with the rest of his Troops to his Father who stormed and fretted exceedingly at these fresh Disgraces IX All this while was the Siege of Calais carried on with great Application but the Defendants held out with equal Obstinacy For thô King Edward's chief trust was to reduce them by Famine yet
in Hostile Manner is beaten by the Flemings and English IX King Edward inform'd of a Design to betray Calais pardons the Lombard Captain and gives him Instructions how to behave himself X. King Edward goes privately over Sea to Calais and discomfits the Frenchmen XI King Edward at Supper presents a Rich Chaplet of Pearls to the Lord Eustace de Ribemont a French Prisoner and in contemplation of his Valour acquits him his Ransome XII The Lombard Captain put to Death by the Frenchmen King Edward rewards his Friends and having settled Calais under a New Captain returns for England XIII The Death of the Queen of France and of the Dutchess of Normandy The French King and the Duke his Son marry again I. NOW doth King Edward the Third seem to stand in the full Zenith both of his Age and Glories He had but just past the 35 Year of his Life and yet was crown'd at Home in his Family with a Lovely Row of Hopefull Children and a Vertuous and Beautifull Consort in his Kingdoms with Peace and full Prosperity And abroad he was renowned above all the Kings of the Earth for his Notable Victories by Sea and by Land in Scotland France and Bretagne for set Battles or Taking of Towns for Kings slain Kings routed and Kings taken Captive Nor was his Moderation less admired and commended which he shew'd in Refusing the Title and Dignity of an Emperour This in my Opinion is the Brightest part of all his Reign thô yet another King remains to be Captive by his Arms and another King is destin'd to recover an Usurped Crown by the Aid of his Sword and Fortune For now a Walsingh Hypod 121. hist 159. Holinsh Engl. Chron. p. 943. Stow p. 245. by means of so honourable a Peace founded on so many remarkable Victories it seem'd as if the Golden Age was reduced to England and a New Sun began to shine in our Horizon So great Riches and Plenty the usual Attendants of Conquest being generally diffused over the face of the whole Land. For there was scarce a Lady or Gentlewoman of any Account which had not in her possession some precious Houshold-stuff as rich Gowns Beds Counterpains Hangings Linnen Silks Furs Cups of Gold and Silver Porcelain and Chrystal Bracelets Chains and Necklaces brought from Caen Calais or other Cities beyond Sea. And yet as the Roman Historians complain that they were overcome by the Luxury and Fashions of the Nations they had conquer'd So from this time the Native Candour and simplicity of the English Nation did visibly empair and Pride Superfluity and Vanity began to lift up their hatefull Heads till they provok'd the Author of the World to visit this Land also with his awakening Judgments Some whereof were not wanting even in the Days of this Great Monarch but did especially take rise in the Reign of his Successour from a Cruel and Unnatural civil War which was not wholly extinct till it had prey'd upon the Lives of Five Kings very many Princes Dukes and Earls and Hundreds of the Prime Nobility of England besides those many Thousands of the Common People who perished in the Quarrel even thrô the Reigns of Seven Kings till in a more mercifull Providence King Henry the VII happily united the two Roses and Peace and Humanity and Arts began again to revive and flourish among us II. But that the Blessings of Peace and Plenty might be preserved unto England as much as lay in King Edwards Power as well for the Support of his own Honour as for the Security of his People's Advantages and the Conservation of the good Laws of the Realm he begins this Year with a Parliament Which he b 14 Febr. Teste Rege apud Westminest M.S. Record p. 66. Sr. Rob. Gott n's Abridgâ—n p. 68. summons to meet him at Westminster on the Monday in Midlent From which time because several of the Peers were not then come the Parliament was continued from day to day untill Wednesday When Sr. William Thorp then Lord Chief Justice by the Kings Command declared in presence of the King and Lords for what Reasons the Parliament at that time was called As that the King had according to the Truce taken at Calais sent Commissioners to the Pope from whom he had long since expected some Satisfactory Answer but as yet had received none Also that sundry Articles of the Truce touching both the Kings and their Allies were not duely performed and further that the French were preparing a Puissant Army wherewith to invade the Realm From all which it appeared that the Truce was but very fickle and that it was neither safe nor prudent to rely upon it but rather betimes to be armed against the worst that might happen Besides he added that the Conservation of the Publique Peace at home was a main Point for their Consideration to employ it self about and that this must be done by wholsom Laws duely and impartially put in Execution Upon these Matters the Lords and Commons debated earnestly for several Days and at last answered the Kings Wants and prepared their own Petitions in manner following They c M.S. Record p. 68. Sr. Rob. Cottens Abidgment p. 69. first shew the great Charges laid upon the Commons as the Reasonable Aid being pardon'd in the 14 Edw. 3. Whereof every Fine was forty shillings whereas by Statute the same should be but twenty shillings also the setting forth of Men the taking up of Victuals without Ready Money and the Charge for keeping the Sea The very Subsidy of Wooll amounting to 60000 l. per annum and yet without Law the Lending of 20000 Sacks of Wooll and the Restraint of Exporting Wooll Notwithstanding they grant to the King Three Fifteens in three Years so as the Subsidy of Wooll might cease and on Condition that David Bruce William Douglas and other Chief Captains of Scotland be not deliver'd for Ransom or on their Faith Yet so that if the Wars do cease within three Years then their Grant might cease also this Condition being likewise understood that their following Petitions be granted and these their Conditions enrolled and exemplified Petitions of the Commons with their Answers Pet. That the Falseness of those who were appointed to gather the 20000 Sacks of Wooll lent to the King may be determin'd by some of the Parliament and that all Acquittances made to any such may be repealed Ans This Petition was answer'd in the last Parliament and therefore Command was given anew to execute the same Pet. That the King would command the Nobles in no wise to take any common Thief or Robber into their Protection And that in every Shire-Town two Knights and two Learned in the Law be appointed to determin all Offences and to enquire of False Money they to have some Fee to encourage them in their Duty and to prevent Receiving of Bribes But this also was said to have been answer'd in the last Parliament Pet. Whereupon the
so well that he absolutely rejected these honest and advantagious Conditions But it happen'd soon after that having bought a young mettlesome Horse for 300 Crowns he would needs try him himself and in riding so spurr'd him that the Horse ran away with him and in running fell in a great Ditch where poor Croquart brake his Neck to the infinite regret of his Men but to the full satisfaction of all the Country thereabouts which he had so wonderfully harassed ravaged and plunder'd X. As for the Affairs of Ireland I have all this while forbore to speak more particularly of them because neither is the Matter it self of any great Moment and there is not only much variety and confusion in the Relation but also what is related is done very imperfectly at least nothing that I have met with hitherto hath given me satisfaction But however I shall not omit one or two Occurrences that are coincident with this Year in that Kingdom The Kings Lieutenant of Ireland at this time was k Holinshead Chron. Ireland p. 72. Sr. Robert Darcy Second Son to John Lord Darcy deceased and Brother to John Lord Darcy Junior under whom Sr. Thomas Rokeby l L. 1. c. 1. §. 6. p. 11. of whose being Knighted we spake in the beginning of this our Work was now Deputy-Lieutenant He had besides his ordinary Retinue assign'd him by the King for the defence of his Person and Authority 30 Men of Arms and 200 Archers on Horseback so long as it should be judged needfull This Gentleman was a Person of great sincerity and integrity and being once twitted for suffering himself to be served in Cups of Wood answer'd These homely Cups and Dishes pay truly for what they contain I had rather drink out of Wooden Cups and pay Gold and Silver than drink out of Gold and Silver and make Wooden Payment In the time of this Mans Governance there dwelt in the Province of Vlster a substantial English Knight called Sr. Robert Savage who the better to preserve his own from the suddain Incursions of the Wild Irish began to enclose and fortifie his Mannor-Houses with strong Castles Piles and Trenches exhorting his Son and Heir Henry Savage to pursue the same Work as a thing likely to be beneficial to himself and his Posterity Father replied the young Savage I am for that Proverb which says a Castle of Bones is better than one of Stones When Strength and Courage of valiant Men may be found to help us never will I by the Grace of God seek to lurk behind dead Walls My Fort shall be wherever young Blood is stirring and where I can find room to fight in Upon this Answer his Father in a heat surceased the Building and sware never to proceed any further therein But however the gallant young Henry Savage maintain'd his Possessions by the Valour of his Hands as he had promised And among many other of his Acts all worthy of eternal Memory I shall choose to relate this one not doubting but it s own Worth may attone for the Digression Having one time gather'd a little Band of Men to go forth against the Irish he allow'd to every Souldier to drink before they began their March a good Draught of Aqua-Vitae Wine or strong Ale and for Provision against their Return had kill'd ready beforehand great store of Beef Venison and Fowl Whereupon some of his Officers considering the uncertainty of War told him it would be better Policy to poison the Meat or at least to destroy it than to leave it there perhaps to feed and cherish a sort of Rude Barbarians their Enemies at so splendid a rate if being a few against many they should as 't was most likely miscarry in this Adventure Now God have Mercy replied this Worthy Gentleman smiling You are too full of envy against your Fellow Creatures This World is but an Inn to which we can claim no Propriety but are only as Tenants at will to the Landlord If it please him to command us to leave it as it were our Lodgings which he had lent us and to set other good Fellows in our Room what harm is it for us if we leave them some meat for their Suppers of which we our selves have no Occasion Let them win it hardly and they deserve to eat it For if they enter our Dwellings common Civility would do no less than welcome them with such Fare as the Country affords and with all my Heart much good may it do them Notwithstanding I repose such an assurance in the Grace of God and in your noble Courages that I am fully perswaded in my Mind we shall return Conquerours at Night and feast our selves with our own Provision Thus he said and thus accordingly he returned at Night having with a small Number slain no less than Three Thousand of the Irish his Enemies But however this Valiant Gentleman was of the Opinion with the Lacedaemonians and scorned to be defended by any other thing than his own Courage it is certain that for want of Walls and other places of Strength not only the family of the Savages but also most of many other English Gentlemen have been greatly diminished in Vlster and other parts of Ireland the lack of Walled Towns being one of the Principal occasions of the rude barbarity of that People XI But before we close this Year we think fit to remember a remarkable Instance of the Generous Prince of Wales his Bounty to a Valiant Servant of his Sr. Henry Eam of Flanders which will best be discover'd from an Instrument made unto him by the said Prince two Years before and now confirmed by the King his Father the Copy whereof being to be seen according to the Original French and Latine in m Ashmole Instit Garter p. 707. ex Pat. an 23. Ed. 3. par 2. m. 24. Esquire Ashmole's noble Work of the Garter we shall take leave to set it down in English The King to all to whom these presents shall come Greeting We have seen the Letters Patents of our most Dear most Well-beloved and most Trusty Son Edward Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester in these Words EDWARD Eldest Son of the Noble King of England and of France Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester to all who shall see or heat these Letters Greeting Know that whereas our Thrice-Dear and Well-beloved St. Henry Eam from the time that he hath taken at our hands the Order of Knighthood hath offer'd and promis'd of his Free-will to be intending to our Service during his Life and while we shall sufficiently furnish him with Arms to go along with Us to what part We shall please as well in Peace as in War and to bear Arms with Us at our Pleasure against all Men except the Duke of Brabant his Liege Lord in defence of his own Lands We accepting of this his Offer and Promise and being willing to retain him for our Service
his Cardinals in Council yet it is likely that they enjoy'd the said Benefit at last h Odor Rainal ad an 1350. §. 2. for it appears that soon after the same was granted to King Edward of England and to his Son Edward Prince of Wales to the Queens of England Isabell and Philippa and to Elisabeth Queen of Hungary II. The Jubilee began i Knighton p. 2602. n 29. vid Walsingh Hist p. 160. on the 25 of March being the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and lasted until the said Feast of the Year following during the most part of which space especially about Easter Ascension-Day and Whatsuntide there was such a crowding rather than concourse of People at Rome k Vid. Matur Annot. ad D. Antenin Chron. p. 355. that Francis Petrarch who was then present says how it seem'd the late horria Plague had done little or no harm there came thither every day such Incredible Multitudes of Christian People from all parts of Europe Althö few or none went out of England upon that account except the l Dudg 1 Vol. p. 550. Lady Margaret Mother to William Lord Res of Hamlake King Edward m Knighton p. 26â—â— n. 30 40 50 c. expresly forbidding it as of ill Consequence to his Realm very considerable Sums of Money being necessarily on such occasions transported out of the Kingdom When the Pope understood this he sent his Nuntio's to the King of England desiring of him First that he would not hinder the Passage of those who desired to visit the Places of the Holy Apostles Item that he would grant a Truce that so the Earl of Lancaster might not act any Hostilities in Aquitain to the himdrance of those who desired to visit Holy Places Lastly that he would not hinder or permit to be hindred those who were promoted by his Bulls at the Court of Rome from receiving Benefices so incumbent on them To the first Article it was answer'd that the King being busied in his Wars did therefore Want to be Aided of what was his own and that it was necessary to provide for the Treasure of his Kingdom lest while the War endured it should be exported out of the Realm to the Prejudice of Him and of his Subjects And further as to this point the King caused to be proclaimed that all Englishmen as well at Rome as any other place beyond Sea should make haste to return home as soon as might be on pain of forfeiture of Life and Goods As to the second Article relating to the Truce it was answer'd that the King of France had often acted Hostilities during such a Truce upon the Lands of the King of England treacherously to the destruction of his People and contrary to the Conventions contained in the said Truce And as to the Third Article respecting the Provisors it was answer'd that the King would graciously receive Clergy-men making use of Papal Provision who were of good Condition and worthy of Promotion but not others And with this Answer the Popes Nuntio's returned III. About the n Vid. Odoric Rainald ad an 1349. §. 18. Albert. Argent in Chron. Ianquet Chron. ad an 1350. Walsing hist p. 160. Stow p. 246. same time there arose a certain Sect of People who were seised with a pious Frenzy and went about in several Parts of the World whipping themselves with four-corded Whips and Preaching Singing and Praying with much seeming Devotion but it proved no better than Hypocrisie or misguided Zeal at the best as may appear to any that shall consult the Places quoted in the Margin Wherefore the Pope wrote his Letters to the Archbishops and Bishops of Germany Poland Sweedland England and France enjoyning them to extinguish this Sect of Whippers and also to the several Kings that by their Kingly Authority they would uphold the said Prelates in this matter Particularly there are extant to our King Edward Letters from the Pope wherein he writes thus concerning the Rise of these Whippers o Tem. 8. Epist seer p. 104. apud Odor Rainal ad an 1349. §. 22. Latclym the Parts of Almain under the pretence of Piety and doing Penance there hath arisen a Superstitious and vain Generation and so having at large declared how they had been condemned by the Apostolick Decree and that Patriarchs and Archbishops had been enjoyned to pluck up that poisonous Plant which the Heavenly Husbandman had not planted he adds these Prayers Do You therefore ô most Dear Son not only drive away the same Wicked Persons if perhaps they should presume to come into your Kingdom out of the Limits of your said Kingdom but also that they may repent of their Follies and Errours and return to Modesty correct and punish them That so the Purity of the Catholick Faith may always shine forth and the leaven of the Malice of these Men may by your provident Care be taken away from among all your Subjects Dat. Avenion III Non. Decembris Anno Pontif VIII About p 〈…〉 p. 〈…〉 2â— b. Michaelmas this Year above an hundred and twenty Noblemen and Others Natives of Zealand Holland and Hainalt in the same blind Devotion passing thrô Flanders came into England and at London sometimes in the Cathedral of St. Paul sometimes in other Religious Places of the City made their procession all together being coverd from the Loins to the Heels with Linnen marked with Red Crosses before and behind and on their Hats all the rest of their Bodies being bare they had every one a Three-corded Whip in his hand well knotted wherewith twice or thrice in a Day they beat themselves on their bare bloody Bodies most cruelly Four of them singing all the while in their own Language and all the rest making up the Chorus King Edward thô he strictly forbad all others from joining with them inflicted no other Punishment on them than what was the effect of their own Folly seeing how severely they chastised themselves and knowing such Smarting Devotion could not hold out long if no manner of notice was taken of them I remember to have read q Vid. Diâ—gen Lâ—ert that when Diogenes the Cynick stood naked out of an Ostentatious humour in a very cold Season embracing a Pillar of Marble and all the People slocking about him pitied the poor Mans Condition the Divine Plato passing accidentally by told the Spectators If they really pitied him they should take no notice of him but pass regardless on and then they should see the Vain-glorious Philosopher make haste away and gladly â—un to a Fire In like manner these Enthusiasts when they saw none took notice of them and that but a few of the Common People afforded them any pity or respect the most part of them also flouting and deriding their Madness began to cool in their warm fit of Penance and at last vanished away as ashamed of their former folly Certainly the soundest and most effectual Devotion consisteth not
and many other Commodities II. About this time e Knighton p. 2606. n. 12. Dugd. 1. Vol. p. 161. the Cheshire-men had committed some great Insolence or Riot against the Servants of the Prince of Wales on what Occasion I have not found which were Officers under the Prince as he was Duke of Chester Wherefore the King being extreamly incensed against them and resolving to make them submit to Law or to the Sword sends forth Sr. Richard Willoughby and Sr. William Shareshull his Justices Itinerant to sit in Eyre at Chester At the same time ordering sufficient Forces under the Leading of his Son the Prince attended with Henry Duke of Lancaster and the Earls of Warwick and Stafford to go thither to prevent any Violence or Insurrection of the People But when the Cheshire men knew in their Consciences that they were in fault and saw plainly there was as little Contending in Battle as in Law against such Force and such Right they compounded with the Prince of Wales their Lord for 5060 Marks to be paid within four Years thence to come and gave him such Security as the Prince himself desired on Condition that the Justices should no longer continue their Circuit of Eyre upon them However because they would not according to their Duty submit to but capitulate with their Prince when they thought themselves quit and wholly free the Justices came and sat again upon the Inquisition of Traillebaston and leavied vast Summs of Money and seised many Lands and Tenements into the Hands of the Prince and raised Fines without number After which the Prince passing upon his return thrô the Abby of f Vid. Sr. Rich. Baker in Ed. 1. 〈◊〉 Works of Piety done in his Time. Vnde 〈◊〉 Deâ—uleneros in Vale Royal. Vale-Royal and seeing there a wonderfull Structure of the Fabrick of a Church which the good King Edward his Great Grandfather had begun of his meer Princely Good-will gave toward the Promotion of the said pious Work 500 Marks which Summ was esteemed a Tenth of his whole Perquisits in Cheshire III. About which time the King g Stow's Chron. p. 254. Survey of London p. 523. his Father also converted the Chappel of St. Stephen at Westminster founded by his Royal Progenitors into a College consisting of 38 Persons to serve God namely one Dean Twelve Secular Canons Vicars and other Ministers accordingly and endowed it with Revenues to the Summ of 500 l. per Annum for ever For the use of this Chappel thô out of the Palace Court some distance Westward in a little Sanctuary he also raised a mighty strong Bellfry or Steeple of Stone and Timber covered with Lead and placed therein three Great Bells which afterward were usually rung at Coronations Triumphs Funerals of Princes or their Obits Of which Bells Men fabled that their Ringing sowred all the Drink in the Town and it is said that about the Biggest of the Three there were written these Rhymes King Edward made me Thirty Thousand and Three Take me down and weigh me And more shall ye find me However when these Bells were taken down as they have been long since they were found all Three hardly to weigh Twenty Thousand Pound IV. We spake h Lib. 2. c. 10. §. 8. p. 455. vid. Knighton p. 2606. à n. 20. ad n. 30. cellat cum p. 2603. n. 10 c. before how the King of Scotland had liberty to return home from his Captivity in order to discourse with his Lords about his Ransom and that being not able to come to any Conclusion he rendred himself a Prisoner again Now it is to be consider'd that the Scots were not at all backward to redeem their King but that the Demands of King Edward were such as their free Souls could never brook for he would have them do Homage unto him as King David himself had sworn to do and as the Kings of Scotland before-time were accustomed to do But the Scots answered all with one Heart and Voice How as for their King they were willing and ready to redeem his Person at any Rate Except only by submitting themselves unto the King of England for that they would never do Whereupon King David for that time as we observed returned his Body back again to Prison in the Tower of London But now this Year again by King Edwards leave he resolved to try them once more in Person and having given a like Security went as before to Newcastle upon Tyne where he was met by such Scotch Lords as were thereto appointed in order to treat of a Final Peace between the two Realms and also of his Redemption But here as the Scottish Commissioners held still to their old Obstinacy so that King David was fain to upbraid them thereof and check them something roughly That bearing a Mind too high for the present Condition of Affairs they were too unreasonably stiff when both for his Sake and that of their bleeding Country they ought rather to bend and shew a little Complyance for the present the Debate grew hereupon so high that the Scots threatned to renounce both Him and his Authority unless he would wholly fall off from the Thoughts of paying any Submission to England and forbear to listen any longer to their Counsel And they further added That they would neither redeem him nor any way promote his Redemption unless he would first engage to pardon them all sorts of Quarrels and Grievances and all Offences by them done or committed since the time that he was taken at Durham Otherwise they threatned to set up another King over them King Edward and his Council upon this Backwardness of the Scots to close with them resolved that the Lords of the North should enter Scotland under the Leading of the Earl of Northampton and that all those who claim'd any Lands or Inheritance in Scotland should accompany the said Earl together with King. David into that Kingdom by Force to reduce the Scots to a more reasonable Submission Accordingly i Stow p. 254. c. the Earl of Northampton with King David in his Company and a formidable Power of Men of Arms and Archers entred the Marches of Scotland where he obliged the strong Fortress of Loughmaban and several other Places of Strength to yield unto him and took and slew and dissipated all the close Ambushes of the subtle Scots who not being able to check him in plain Field attempted by these Finenesses to gain some notable Advantage of him But this Lord was too expert a Captain to be trepan'd by those usual and well-known Stratagems Whereupon they were now again compell'd to endeavour an Accommodation and at last obtained an Hearing in order to a Treaty at which time they declared How they were most willing to redeem their King but not on that Condition as thereby to fling both Him and Them and all their Posterity into a far worse Captivity by Subjecting their Native Country to be held by
ensuing in order to hold a serious Treaty for a firm and final Peace On King i Knighton p. 2607 n. 50. c. Stow p. 254. b. Frois c. 154. fol. 76. Walsing hist p. 161. n. 33 Edwards Behalf there went Dr. William Bateman Bishop of Norwich Henry Duke of Lancaster Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel the Lord Guy Brian and other Nobles who coming with an Equipage of 200 Horse whereof 32 were cover'd with Harness toward Avignon were met on Christmas-Eve by the Archbishop of Roüen the Duke of Bourbon the Earl of Armagnac the Lord Geoffry Charny and Others who were sent Ambassadors from the French King all who being thus joyned were received with great Honour by several Cardinals Bishops Nobles Citizens and Others to the number of 2000 Horse who met them within two Miles of Avignon and brought them into the New-town called Villeneufe to the Pope's Palace but the Pomp of the Cavalcade was so great that from three of the Clock till Night they had scarce time to pass the Bridge The Noble Duke of Lancaster at his Entrance saluted all the People and rode forth to the Pope's Palace Where alighting from his horse without the Gate he made his Approach to his Holiness with all due Reverence which he was perfectly instructed how to perform by his Court-like and Princely Demeanour After some brief Discourse as the Time would permit he went thence for that time and took along with him his Holinesses Blessing to his Lodgings which had been prepared for him beforehand All the time of his Residence there which was more than six Weeks he kept such Hospitality that he was admired by the whole Court having laid in an Hundred Tuns of the best Bourdeaux Wine before his Coming and behaving himself during his Stay so obligingly to all Persons especially to the Pope and his Cardinals that they said of him how he had not his Fellow in the World. But as to the Business about which all these Great Personages came thither that being openly declared in the Consistory before the Pope and his Cardinals the English Ambassadors requested to have those Covenants now confirmed which had before been concluded upon between them at Calais To whom the Duke of Bourbon and the Earl of Armagnac retracting what they had themselves agreed to and sealed and confirmed with their Oaths in the Presence of Guy Cardinal of Bologna replied now That gladly they would have Peace if they might but as to the Disposal of Aquitain and the forefaid Counties neither said they can the French King himself nor any other whatsoever by any means alienate them from the Crown of France Nor yet could they or any of them give their consent that they should be dismembred from the entire Body of that Kingdom since both the King himself and they also had been sworn to maintain them with all their Power But yet if the King of England would cease to bear the Arms of France they were content that the Dominion and Profits of the said Dutchy and Counties should remain with King Edward in like manner as his Ancestors had held Aquitain that is to say provided always the Regality of the Crown of France should be reserved in Witness whereof Homage should be made as of old to the Kings of France for those Places To these new and unexpected Demands the Duke of Lancaster replied That as for the Oath wherewith they pretended to be so strictly bound never to alienate those Places from the Crown of France they might soon for the sake of Peace be by his Holiness absolved therefrom For having so fair a Pretence to the whole the King of England was resolved to have at least these Parts absolutely to himself to be restored unto him without any Limitation otherwise that those Arms of France which by the Advice and Consent of his Liegemen of Flanders he had undertaken to bear he would never relinquish for the fear or pleasure of any Man living And that the King of England would never do Homage to a Person over whom by Hereditary Right from his Mother he claimed Superiority But yet if they could conceive of any more equal and rational way of Agreement and resolve to be more consistent with themselves and more observant of their own Concessions than now they seemed to be King Edward as a Lover of Peace will be ready to embrace what was reasonable At this the Lords of France in a Huff replied That if so they were both ready and able to defend their Country against the English for ever And so they offer'd to rise up but thrô the urgent Importunities of the Pope and his Cardinals this bitterness was soon corrected and at last they agreed so far k Frois ibid. as that another short Truce was taken to endure till the Feast of St. John Baptist following the Pope in the mean time to endeavour what in him lay to promote the Peace and for that end by his Messengers to both the Kings to require them again to send their Ambassadors to conclude on some other Conditions that might be more acceptable to either Party And so they brake up for that time on both sides and the Duke of Lancaster having with l Knighton p. 2608. n. 30. much adoe escaped the snares laid by the French to entrap him returned with safety and Honour into England together with the Rest of his Company except only Dr. William Bateman Bishop of Norwich who m Godw. Catal. Bps p. 426. died at Avignon on Twelfth-Day and was there Honourably buried And that the perfecting of a Peace at this time was hindred by the French is witnessed by an n M.S. in Bibl. Vatican sign n. 2040. vid. Odor Rainal ad an 1353. §. 15. vid. M. S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 229 c. Ancient Anonymous M. S. in the Vatican-Library at Rome which accuses the French King of all saying In this Popes Innocent's time the Lord Guy Cardinal of Bologna by the Consent of the Pope and of his own Proper Motion went into France at his own expences to Treat of a Peace with the said King of France and Edward King of England For which Treaty the Duke of Bourbon with other Ambassadors on behalf of the King of France and the Duke of Lancaster with other Ambassadors on behalf of the King of England came to Avignon in the time of Innocent VI in the first Year of his Coronation to finish and compleat those things which had been ordained by the said Lord Cardinal concerning the said Peace between the said Kings to be had But finally they could not agree and the said Dukes with their Ambassadors went away in discord from the Court to their several Countries And this was done thrô default of the King of France as was commonly said He then denying those things which had been Treated Engrossed and Sealed by them and sworn to in the Hands and Presence of the said Lord
that when the Scots within the Town heard how King Edward himself was coming to its Relief they dismantled the Walls set fire on the Town and so fled away with all the Spoil they had gotten However King d Holinsh Engl. Chron. p. 955. Edward being now repossessed of the Place leaves behind him sufficient Hands both for the Defence thereof and to repair what was wanting in the Fortifications and himself in e Knighton p. 2611. three Great Battails marches forth into Scotland resolving f Buchan l. 9. p. 304. now to bring that Realm to terms of Agreement or to reduce them so low that He should never after stand in doubt of their Rebellion While he was at Roxborough Edward Bailiol King of Scotland considering g M. S. Vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantabr c 230. how God Almighty wrought graciously and miraculously for King Edward and being also wearied with so long contending for little more than the Empty name of a King which of himself he was not able to maintain reflecting likewise that himself was now well gone in Years and had no Child to leave the Kingdom to upon these thoughts he concluded it wholly vain to labour any longer and therefore coming unto Roxborough by his Charter of Resignation he submitted the Crown of Scotland and all the Right Title and Interest that ever he had or might have thereto unto King Edward of England and his Heirs for ever only out of this Grant h Speed p. 581. he reserved to himself an annual Pension of 2050 pounds to be paid unto him during his Natural Life And he earnestly beg'd that he would now pursue his own quarrel to the utmost and i Buchan l 9. p. 304. not forget those manifold Injuries which the Scots had done unto them both This Solemn k Hâ—lâ—â—sh Engl. Chron. p. 955. Resignation King Bailiol confirmed by his Letters Patents made and given under his Hand and Seal and bearing Date 25 Januarii Ano. Domini 1356 which he deliver'd with his own hands to King Edward of England in sight of all the Lords both of England and Scotland there present Thô King Edward bearing a particular Love for his Third Son born but Second living Prince Lionel l Knighton p. 2611. n. 22. according to some accepted the Kingdom for him he to hold it by Homage now of Him and hereafter of his Elder Brother the BLACK-PRINCE and his Heirs For so says Knighton that King Bailiol resign'd all the Right which He claim'd to the Crown of Scotland to the Lord Lionel Son to the King of England Thô others say that King Edward not only received the Realm of Scotland to his own behoof but also soon after took upon him the Royalties thereof being at Scone in Presence of all the Prelates Lords and other great Men of both Nations m M. S. Vâ—t Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 230. Crowned King of Scotland But We dare not averr so much our selves because We never find him to use the Title or any other way to signifie such a Matter II. However while King Edward and the Bailiol tarried at Roxborough Earl Douglas and many n Knighton p. 2611. n. 27. ad n. 50. of the Chief Nobles of Scotland came to him and treated with him as if they design'd to submit to his Peace and a Day was appointed for a full and final Agreement In order to which the King allow'd them 8 days Respite But the mean while these perfidious People convey'd the best of their Moveables beyond the Scottish Sea and then William Douglas sent word to the King That he would never submit himself to his Peace while he lived King Edward being thus again deluded marched forth with his Army divided into three Great Battails burning and destroying the Country on each side round about him as he passed till he came to Haddington But the Scots had removed out of the way all sorts of Provision so that for 15 days together the English could get no Drink but fresh Water wherefore they were obliged to return But the Scots were always ready both on their flank and Reer to cut off whosoever went forth from the main Host to forage While King Edward tarried at Haddington waiting for his Navy wherein the Provisions for his Army were his Men of War were not idle but ravaged about in the Country at their Pleasure doing much mischief to the Enemy but little good to themselves For there was neither Spoil to be met with of any Worth nor Victuals in any Quantity and Drink as We said before none but Water All that was good for any thing being carried away or consumed by the Scots The mean while the Northern Navy under the Command of the Lord o Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 26. Robert Morley their Admiral suffer'd great Damage at Sea for whether it was because they had spoil'd a Church of our Lady near Haddington called White-Kirk p Hector l. 15. fol. 326. n 6. Buchan l. 9. p. 304. Holinsh Engl. Chron. p. 955. as was said or for any other cause or by chance there arose such a Tempest and Vehement North-wind that many of their Vessels rushing together and beating rudely against the Banks and Sands were cast away with most of the Men and Provisions within them and the whole Fleet received much Damage being scatter'd so that hardly three Ships came into one Haven together For Displeasure whereof say the Scotch Writers King Edward fell to ravaging again and abundantly powred out his Anger upon Edinburgh Haddington and other Towns of Louthian Nor will I dissemble that he is here also said to have made terrible havock of Holy Places sparing it seems neither Church Abbey nor any other Religious House as if says Hector he was minded to make War against God and all his Saints But for this I must beg Hector's pardon if I do not so readily believe it partly because his Credit is not very great as We have frequently seen and partly because Buchanan says no such thing as also because that humour was contrary to King Edwards disposition who as Hector says thô falsly in one point slew his own Brother John of Eltham for the same sacrilegious humour and we have instanced more than once in this our History that he hath hanged several of his own Men for setting fire to Churches or Monasteries and lastly not to take Notice of Hector's superstitious humour I believe it not because of that notable Success which followed his Arms this Year in France and elsewhere as we shall shew presently However this is certain the King of England left at this time such Marks of his Resentments in those parts that because this Desolution happen'd about the Feast of the Purification of our Lady and so many Towns and Villages were fired by the English The Scots ever after q Hector ibid. sed ibi bruit malè pro brunt brunt pro burnt called it
with an Ax and to give Three Stabs with a Dagger And each of these Knights bare himself with such Expert Valour that they performed the Challenge without receiving any harm and so Honourably quitted the Field with equal stakes to their great Commendation from both Parties This while the Lord Charles of Blois being in the Country was very sollicitous to raise the Siege and besides his own Musters daily importun'd the Regent of France for a strong reinforcement But the Regent had his own hands so full that he was not at leisure to do any thing Material in that Case So the Siege lasted on and the City began to be greatly oppressed Wherefore q Knighton p. 2615. n. 44. on the 19 of June being the Monday before the Feast of St. John Baptist there came in all haste a Cardinal to the King at London who said My Lord it was agreed between your Son the Prince of Wales and King John when they were at Bourdeaux that the Siege before Rennes should be raised and a serious Treaty of Peace be set forward between the two Realms Now therefore if Your Majesty doth really design a Treaty command the Siege to be removed Hereupon the King by his Letters commanded the Duke of Lancaster upon forfeiture of Life and Limb and whatever else he could forfeit to desist from the Siege and to come home as soon as might be the French King also at the same time sending to his Subjects to desist a while from all Hostilities whatsoever This Cardinal r Ashmole p. 658. was Bishop of St. Jean de Maurienne in Savoy whose Letters of safe Conduct for himself and a Train of 30 Horse bore Date at Westminster the 26th of May this Year In that very juncture came Å¿ Frois c. 173. Knighton p. 2615. Walsing Hist p. 164. Ashmole p. 658. hither from Pope Innocent VI. Talayrand Bishop of Alby Cardinal of Perigort and Nicolas Cardinal of St. Vitalis to assist at a Treaty of Peace to be held about Midsummer this Year the Kings t Ashmole p. 658. ex Pat. 31 Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 25. Letters of safe Conduct for them and their Train consisting of 200 Horse bearing Date the Third of June These two Prelates together with the other Cardinal lately come from Bretagne as aforesaid addressed themselves to the King at Westminster and having u Knighton ibid. made their Salute in a kind of Adoration as he sat in great and terrible Majesty on his Throne One of them began to preach upon this Text x Psalm 99. v. 4. Honor Regis Judicium diligit i.e. The Kings Honour loveth Righteousness After which they discoursed about their Commission which contained thus much that King Edward should have all the Lands which his Predecessors held in France on Condition that Peace and Concord might be settled between the two Kings To which King Edward answer'd briefly That althô some of the Lands of his Predecessors had been lost for a time yet he doubted not of recovering them again when it should please God But that he would have nothing to do with them unless they came to the point in hand concerning the Crown of France which he claim'd They answer'd their Commission extended not so far wherefore the Matter rested till they might hear from the Pope again which they did not till the 29 of August or the Feast of the Decollation of St. John. But in all these Treaties the Pope was so notoriously partial in the French Kings Cause that by reason thereof and because of those many miraculous Victories which even in spite of his Holiness by an especial Providence of God the English obtained there were Rhymes scatter'd about the Pope's Court at Avignon and in other parts of France importing thus much in English y Or est le Pape devenu Fâ—anceis Et Jesu devenu Engleis Or serra veou qui fra plus Ou le Pape ou Jesus Knighton p. 2615. vid. The Pope is on the Frenchmens side With England Jesus doth abide 'T will soon be seen who 'll now prevail For Jesus or the Pope must fail And the truth of this sufficiently appear'd at the Return of the Pope's Answer at this time For thô outwardly the Cardinals were enjoyned only to look to the Negotiation of the Peace yet at the same time they had x Knighton p. 2617. n. 50. with them a Bull from his Holiness enjoyning every Bishop by Papal Authority to make a Visitation throughout their several Dioeceses and to pay their Procurations to the Cardinals and it was said how this Summ was by the Pope intended for the aid and sustaining of the French interest At the same time his Holiness was pleased to demand of the Realm of England the annuity of 1000 Marks granted by King John of England to the Court of Rome at the time when he resign'd his Crown to the Legate Pandulphus declaring upon his resuming thereof that for the future he would hold it of the Pope But since his days the said Summ of 1000 Marks remain'd unpaid even for the space of an 140 Years all which arrearages were now demanded in hopes that King Edward would so be terrified into an easie Complyance in behalf of the French King. But He who besides his own Couragious Heart had both a more Loving Clergy and Loyal Baronage then had that unfortunate King John answer'd wisely and roundly a Knighton p. 2617. n. 60. That he would never pay any tribute to any Mortal whatsoever because he held his Kingdom and would hold it freely and without subjection to any One but only to God Almighty And yet we shall find that in the 39th Year of this King this Pope's Successor made the same Demand and upon refusal threatned to cite him by Process to answer it at the Court of Rome but the King being strongly back'd by his Parliament neither did the one nor the other The Work of Peace-making was it seems so chargeable that b Knighton ibid. n. 46. at Michaelmas the Cardinals had of the Clergy of England 4 d. in the Mark as well of Spirituals as Temporals and yet no final Peace was made Only c Freis c. 173. at last with much adoe they procured a Truce between the two Kings and all their Allies except the Lord Philip of Navarre and his Allies and also the Countess of Monford and the Lord Charles of Blois to endure until the Feast of St. John Baptist or the 24 of June which was to be in the Year MCCCLIX Upon this Truce the French King had leave to remove with all his Houshold to Windsor Castle where he and his Son Philip diverted themselves with Hunting and Hawking at their pleasure But the other Prisoners continued still at London where they had the Liberty to go to Court when they pleas'd only they were sworn to be true Prisoners and by no means to endeavour an Escape About this time King Edward
Battle of Durham among whom the Lord Robert Stuart Prince of Scotland was especially numbred Thô both before that and since he had given sufficient Testimonies of his Courage and Conduct and had also by his Government during his Masters Imprisonment and his Care and at last Success in working his Delivery as plainly demonstrated his Loyalty But however King David rather than acknowledge his own Rashness in occasioning that Overthrow laid it so vehemently upon his Nephew Roberts Leaving the Field o Holinsh Chron. Scotl. p. 243. Hector l. 15. that now at last that Act whereby the Crown of Scotland for want of Lawfull Issue begotten of Davids Body was for ever entailed on the said Prince Robert and his Heirs was by his Procurement repealed disanulled and wholly made void and his other Nephew the young Lord p Odor Rainal vecat Alexand. alii Johann sed Rainaldi fides prastantior Alexander Son and Heir to the Earl of Southerland by his youngest Sister Jane was declared Heir Apparent to the Crown of Scotland in the Room of Prince Robert who was Eldest Son of the Lady Margaret King David's Eldest Sister Which Act all the Lords of Scotland were sworn to observe and maintain Whereupon the old Earl of Southerland Father to this Prince Alexander verily believing that his said Son could not now miss of the Crown of Scotland gave away the most part of his Lands dividing them among his Friends and Relations especially to the Noble Families of the Hayes the Sinclares the Ogilbies and the Gourdons thereby to bind them the faster unto his Sons Interest But all this Precaution fail'd for shortly after the Lord Alexander his Son being one of the Pledges then remaining in England for the Security of King David's Ransom together with most of the other Hostages died of the Plague which then again raged in this Kingdom as we shall see shortly Whereupon Prince Robert Stuart being then again easily reconciled to the King was once more acknowledged and by Act of Parliament established Rightfully the Heir Apparent to the Crown of Scotland in as full manner as he had been before The mean while especially at the Instance of the Pope the Clergy of Scotland agreed to contribute the Tenth Penny of all their Fruits and Revenues towards the payment of their Kings Ransom And at the same time the said King nothing unmindfull of his Promise made to King Edward before his Deliverance moved his Lords and Barons in a Matter which yet himself was not willing to succeed in thô being bound by Oath so to do he urged it notwithstanding with all the Application he could Namely q Odor Rainal ad ann 1358. §. 4. Scotici Scriptures Holinsh c. That provided he himself should decease without Issue they would agree that the Crown of Scotland and all the Rights thereof should be entirely transferred to the King of England's Eldest Son and to his Lawfull Heirs for ever But to this unexpected Proposal the Lords answer'd all with one Voice That as long as any of them were able to hold a Sword in their Hands they would never yield to be subject to England King David was well pleased with this their Resolution and look'd upon himself now as discharged from attempting any thing further that way Because he had only engaged to King Edward That if the Scotch Nobility would consent he would Entail the Crown upon his Eldest Son. IV. But we have too long left the Duke of Lancaster at the Siege of Rennes in Bretagne from whence as we shew'd r Vid. Lib. 3. c. 2. §. 2. p. 527. before King Edward at the Cardinals Remonstrance had sent him a peremptory Command to rise forthwith upon sight of his Letters Now the mean while the Duke by a strict and long Siege for it began on the 3d of December in the Year foregoing and ended not till the latter end of July in this Year had mightily straitned the Place having moreover ravaged and eaten up the Country all about to supply his Army but I dare not say with Å¿ Leland Collect. 1 Vol. p. 824. vid. Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 788. Leland that by a Detachment sent from the Siege he wan Autry and Semay lying on the River Aysne on the Marches of Lorraine for to any one that considers the Distance of those Parts from Bretagne it will seem ridiculous to imagin it I had rather in that Place read Vitray on the Vilaine on which River the City of Rennes also stands However t Knighton p. 2616. once Charles of Blois came thither with 10000 Men to raise the Siege but when he saw the English Duke ready to receive him in the Field and yet at the same time to make good the Siege with another Part of his Army holding it not likely to succeed as then he retired Whereupon the Besieged beginning to doubt of their Affairs sought for an occasion to parly with the Duke but they design'd to do it as it were by Chance that so they might obtain the better Conditions First therefore they request a safe Conduct for a Bishop and six Knights whom they sent to re-consecrate a Church without the Walls which being polluted by a Murther committed therein had been shut up for some time These seven having obtained a safe Conduct and the Work for which they went being done upon their return thrô the Camp were invited by the Duke to Dine with him and there at Table in Discourse it was question'd what might be the Meaning that the Defendants delay'd to yield up the Town since there was no Body able to succour them or to raise the Siege The Bishop having received Instructions before-hand said they should not refuse to yield upon good Conditions the Duke said they could not expect any better Conditions as things were now than to submit Themselves and Goods to his Clemency However after much Altercation Matters were brought at last to this Issue That the Inhabitants should give to the Duke an u Fab. say but 60000. a Scute 6 s. 8 d. i. e. a Noble English hundred thousand Scutes of Gold toward the Charges he had been at so that they should be otherwise free both in their Body and Goods and further that they should give Security that upon the Duke's Demanding the Town for the Use and Behoof of the King of England they would deliver it unto him to set what Captain he should please over them These things were established and agreed to on both sides and thereupon the Duke named them a Captain but because he would not expose the City to Plunder he appointed only certain Troops to go and take Possession of it in his Name he himself tarrying without the Town with the Gross of his Army One x Meâ—eray ad hunc annum says how he had sworn not to rise from before Rennes untill he had entred in Person and should see his Banners planted upon the Rampiers
and Robbers and Delinquents against the Laws of his Kingdom and as such out of his Protection nor could he justifie them And further there is found rather an instance of King John's Insincerity in this matter for the same n Knighton p. 2619. n. 24. Author assures us that when the English Ambassadors were returning from Avignon having compleated their Business it was found out that King John contrary to his Oath had sent Letters into France importing That whatsoever he had agreed to for Convenience sake in the present Necessity of Affairs it was never in his Mind to part with one Foot of the Land of France unto the King of England And the Bearer thereof was taken at Sea and upon Search these Letters found about him sealed with King John's Privy Seal Upon notice of this double Dealing King Edward thought fit to confine him a little more closely and so first order'd him to be convey'd to Hereford Castle from whence the next Year o Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 168. 1 Vol. p. 3â—â— Heimâ—â— Engl. Chron p. 964. Knightâ—n ibid. Ashmole p. 659. his Keeper Sr. John Kirketon was order'd to remove him to Somerton-Castle in Somersetshire where also for some time he remain'd under Custody of the Lord William Deincourt and Sr. William Colvile who therein supplied the Place of his Brother the Lord Robert Colvile he being indisposed at that time And lastly he was removed thence to the Tower of London his Son Philip being constantly with him But as we said before these Removes were made the next Year when King Edward was in France III. The mean while as if all the Vials of Gods Wrath were now to be poured out all together upon that unhappy Prince's People there arose in France another Plague more terrible than any hitherto mention'd For whether on occasion of the Oppression of the Great Men or the intoâ—erable Presumption of the Poor soon after the Deliverance of the King of Navarre p Frois c. 182. f. 88. c. Mezeray Da Serres c. a sort of Rascally Clowns began their seditious Assemblies in Beauvoisin and Brie about Soissons and the River of Marne which threatned a total Destruction to all the Nobility and Gentry of France For they prov'd just such Levellers as some twenty three Years after in the Days of King Richard II Wat Tyler and Jack Straw were here in England At first they were not passing an Hundred or such a matter who gathering together out of the little Villages without any Head or Captain and being met somewhere in Beavoisin said among themselves How their Nobles Knights Esquires and Gentlemen were a shame and burthen to the Land and that it would be as laudable to destroy them for their Villany as profitable for their Wealth And they all cried out that it was true and said with one Voice A shame on him that doth not his best to root out all the Gentlemen of the Land. Being thus suddenly gather'd and agreed without either Captain or Weapons except what their own ungodly Madness armed them with as Prongs Staves and the like they went forthwith to a Knights house hard by which having broke up they slew him and his Lady and all his Children great and small and fired the House upon them which done they proceeded to another House a Castle where they took the Captain thereof a Knight and bound him fast to a Stake and ravished his Wife and his Daughter before his Face and then slew the Lady and her Daughter and the rest of his Children and lastly tormented the Knight himself to Death and burnt and beat down the Castle the like whereof they did to several other Castles and Gentlemens Houses And still as they went on they encreased like a rowling Snow-ball so that presently they were grown to above 6000 in Number for all ungracious Villains like themselves fell to them Wherefore all the Gentlemen about the Country with their Wives and Children fled away before them ten or twenty Leagues off for their better Security leaving both their Houses and Goods at the discretion of these base Rascals Thus did this disorderly Multitude range about robbing and burning of Houses Palaces and Mansions murdering and tormenting all Gentlemen they could lay their hands on and ravishing young Ladies and Gentlewomen and committing such horrid Villanies as can hardly be imagin'd And he of their Company who was most daring and exquisite in Câ—uelty and Wickedness had the highest Esteem among them At first they had no Head to follow or obey but now there was found among them one Jaques of Clermont in Beauvotsin who was so diabolically excellent at these Damnable Inventions of doing Mischief that as the most ungracious of all they chose him for their King and Captain naming him Jaques the Good-Man And thence their whole Tribe obtain'd to be called q Cotgrave in his Dictionary says they had the name of la Jaquerie or les Jaquiers from a short Country Jacket worn in those days 〈…〉 hâ—c arridet Opinâ—e the Jaquerie This incarnate Devil of a King having first cruelly slain a Noble Knight of those Parts caused him to be spitted and roasted at a Fire in sight of the Lady his Wife and Children and after that ten or a dozen had in most shamefull manner violated the Lady they compelled her to eat her Husbands Flesh and then put to Death both her and her Children And at this rate they raged and prevailed in Beauvoisin about Corbie Amiens and Mondidier destroying and burning more than threescore good Houses and Castles And at the same time the like Fury seised the Peasants and other villanous Wretches in Brie and Artois but especially in Brie so that all the Ladies Knights and Esquires of those Parts were fain to fly away to Meaux on the Marne for their Defence And among them were the Dutchess of Normandy and the Dutchess of Orleans the one Sister in Law and the other Daughter in Law to King John with several other Ladies and Gentlewomen all who were obliged to fly thither for preservation of their Lives and Honours And all the Country on each side the Marne as between Paris and Noyon and about Soissons and Cressy en Valois and on the other side as far as Mortmireil and Espernay was overrun by these Wretched Creatures and more than an hundred Castles and strong Edifices belonging to the Nobility and Gentry utterly defaced and ruined Wherefore the Gentlemen of Beauvoisin Corbois and Vermandois being alarum'd at the horrible Outrage of these People sent to their Friends in Flanders Hainalt Brabant and Luxemburgh for their Assistance Whereupon being speedily re-enforced they took Courage and rode about the Country in strong Bodies and whereever they met with any of these ungracious Levellers they slew them without Mercy and hanged them on the trees in Clusters and surely it was high time to take them up for if they had all been joyned together they had
to this Point may refer themselves to the Authors quoted in the Margin of this latter part of the Chapter CHAPTER the FOURTH The CONTENTS I. AN. DOM. 1359. An. Regni Franciae XX. Angliae XXXIII A Method of Agreement pitch'd upon by the two Kings but rejected by the French Parliament whereupon King Edward resolves for War. II. St. Valery yielded up to the French. Prince Philip coming too late to its Rescue hardly gets off well III. Sr. Peter Audley attempts Chalons but gains little IV. The Earl of Roucy taken by the Navarrois a second time V. Melun besieged but the Quarrel is ended by the Reconciliation of the King of Navarre and the Regent VI. The Lord Eustace Dambreticourt taken Prisoner by the French. VII A strange Judgment upon a 〈◊〉 for Sacrilege VIII The Garrisons of the Navarrois decline suddenly IX Vpon the Death of Sr. Peter Audley Sr. Eustace Dambreticourt is redeemed by the English Navarrois and made their Captain X. Sr. Robert Knolles his Expedition he retires being overmatched Submits to the King and obtains his Pardon XI The Flemings revolt from King Edward XII A solemn Just held by King Edward his Four 〈◊〉 and Nineteen Great Lords in the name and stead of the Lord Mayor and Aldâ—râ—â—â— of London XIII John of Gaunt marries the Duke of Lancasters Daughter XIV King Edward chooses the place of his Sepulture in Westminster Abbey I. NOW on the Feast of St. John Baptist or the 24th of June the Truce between England and France which from the Battle of Poictiers had been continued till then with expectation that a full Peace should be established thereby was wholly a Frois c. 2â—1 f. 107. â— expired And thereupon all the Garrisons in France as well Navarrois as English began to make War in the Title of King Edward as before most of them had done in the Title of the King of Navarre who was now again outwardly reconciled to the Dauphin But least any way should be left untir'd for the prevention of those Miseries which are necessarily attendant upon War. Some Months before the Expiration of the said Truce King b 〈◊〉 f. ibid. Dâ— Chesne p. 681. D. 〈…〉 lyd 〈…〉 19 p. 3â—3 Edward with his Son the Black-Prince and King John with the Lord James of Bourbon held a friendly Treaty at London between themselves only Where at last a Peace was consented to and agreed on between both the Parties on these Conditions viz. 1. That Aquitain should remain entirely to King Edward and his Heirs for ever together with Gascogne Poictou Touraine Santogne Perigort Quercy Limosin Angoulesmois Calais Guisnes Boulonois and the Earldom of Ponthieu without any Resort or Homage or Tribute to be paid therefore even as Absolutely as he held his Kingdom of England 2. Item That King John should pay four Millions of Crowns of Gold for the Ransom of Himself and the other French Lords Prisoners that is to say three Millions for Himself and the Fourth for the Lords of France In Consideration of all which King Edward would give over and wholly remit all his Right in and to the Dutchy of Normandy Anjou and Maine and renounce and lay aside the Right which he had to that Crown and never after take upon him the Stile Quality or Title of King of France This Agreement was Signed and Sealed by both the Kings on the 24 of March and a Copy thereof sent into France to the Duke of Normandy by the Lord James of Bourbon and the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan which latter was still a Prisoner and lately before returned into England having obtained leave to visit France upon Parole These Lords crossing the Seas landed at Boulogne whence they rode to Paris where they found the Duke of Normandy and his Council together with the King of Navarre unto whom they produced King Johns Letters The Regent having perused them asked Counsel of the King of Navarre who remitted him to the Three Estates who being assembled it seem'd unto them that the Conditions of the Agreement were too grievous to be born whereupon with one Voice the King of Navarre and the Dauphin also concurring they returned this final Answer unto the two Lords That the Contents of the Letters which they had brought were so prejudicial to them and to their Country that they had much rather endure far greater misery than they had already done than ever suffer so considerable a loss and empairment of the Realm of France and that they could not either in Honour or Conscience desire the Liberty of their King himself when it could not be effected without Enslaving the Kingdom When this Answer was brought to King John into England he shook his Head for Anger and said Ah! Son Charles Son Charles You are lead by the King of Navarre who is too cunning for you and will deceive Fourty such as you are And therewithall turning to King Edward who was present he said Sir the fatal Obstinacy of my infatuated People is providing another Trophy for your Victorious Arms You must again shew them the Effects of War before they will understand the Advantages of Peace But thrice-unhappy I who cannot be at Liberty till I see my Subjects once more vanquished nor can oblige them to their Duty but by the Arms of my Conquerour King Edward was of himself sufficiently enraged at this Dealing of the French and sware that when the Truce was expired They should see War in the Bloodiest shape that he could dress it in Surely said he before next Winter be past over I shall invade the Realm of France with such a Power and shall tarry there so long that I will either end the War to my Satisfaction or make Peace to my Pleasure and Honour And then he sent Word to the Dauphin to look to Himself for when the Truce was out he would most certainly give him a Visit at Paris to see how able he was for a War which himself had thus pull'd upon his own Head. At which time he set about the greatest Preparations that ever he had made before in all his Life About which we shall now leave him for a while and resume somewhat of those Matters which we left unfinished in the preceding Year II. We then shew'd as we remember how the c Frois 〈◊〉 1â—â— f. 1â—4 Constable of France and the Earl of St. Paul with the Lords and Knights of Picardy Artois Ponthieu and Boulonois had sat down before St. Valery where they held a long and hard Siege and made many brisk Assaults employing at the same time Engines of Battery and other Instruments of War. Among other Chances that fell during this Siege it happen'd that the Lord of Baugency approaching the Castle one day in a Vessel to consider of its Strength that way was stricken with a Springal and slain Wherefore this Siege continued from the beginning of August 1358 untill March this Year the besiegers designing to reduce the Place by
they had such an Enemy in their very Bowels Why surely the Parliament being alarum'd with this Publick Danger began to be at Friends among themselves all the Lords and good Captains of France rose up vigorously in their Country's Defence and the Duke of Normandy with the Lords of his Council and other his Friends and Allies gather'd together a vast Number of Men of Arms to the Metropolis of that Kingdom and set sufficient Garrisons as we have partly intimated before in most of the other Cities and Fortresses where they suspected King Edward had an Eye But being warn'd by the late ill Success of his Father and the great Losses of his Grandfather the Duke resolved no more to give the King of England Battle but rather to hold him short by removing all manner of Provision into strong Places and in the mean while to stand only on the Defensive Part well knowing that Hunger and Delay would soon cool the Fury of the most Valiant Souldiers and that the mightiest Treasures of the Richest Kings would easily be exhausted by such a tedious War. The a Knighton p. 2622. n. 40. mean while as well to divert the War from his own Doors as to repay those Injuries he felt he had gather'd together into the Ports of Normandy a mighty Navy which had Orders to sail into England and exercise there all manner of Hostility Some of these Souldiers to the Number of 240 Lances were met about Honfleur by Sr. Thomas Fowkes an English Captain who with 27 Lances only and about an 100 Archers set upon them overthrew them and took of them Prisoners no less than 120 Men of Arms among whom were the Lord Lewis Harcourt Lieutenant of Normandy for the Regent the Lord John Bigott Marshal the Lord Baldwin de la Huse with two of his Brethren the Lord of Bracquemont and his Brother the Bailiff of le Caulx and another Baron his Kinsman But this was too small a Wound to be felt by the Navy of France who notwithstanding consisted of no less than b Matt. Villani l. 9. c. 83. p. 558. 120 Sail and c Knighton ib. 20000 Armed Men under the Conduct of the Earl of St. Paul who made for England and coasting about the d Fabian p. 234. Borders of Kent and Sussex landed at Rye and Hastings where they spoiled the Towns slew the People and did much harm to the poor Fishers But especially on St. Matthias his Day they suddenly took Land at Winchelsea e Walsing Hist p. 166. n. 30. Dom. Lit. E D. where they slew all they met with sparing neither Age Sex nor Order but only such Matrons or Virgins whose Youth and Beauty made them desirable were cruelly reserved for a Life far worse than Death Among many abominable and execrable Deeds done at this time by this Piratical Sort of Villains one most horrid and diabolically impious is related namely that upon their first Landing hearing that most of the Inhabitants were at Church it being time of Mass they ran immediately thither where without any Regard to the Place having committed many Murders and robbed the Altar and the Vestry at last they found there a very comely young Gentlewoman of exact Shape and Beauty who came thither with her Neighbours to hear Mass Her these unchristian Villains abused there in the very Church making use of her Body so long one after another till the unhappy Woman died under their hands An Abomination like f Judges c. 19. 20. c. that of the wicked Gibbeathites whose intemperate and barbarous Lust had well nigh occasion'd the total Extirpation of one of the Tribes of Israel But while these ungodly Wretches were thus busied in Spoiling Robbing Murdering and worse Matters the Townsmen who had fled had raised the Country g Knighton p. 2622. n. 60. in such Multitudes that the Frenchmen durst not stand them Yet before they could reach their Ships they fell so foul upon one another thrô the precipitant haste they made to the Water that what with those who were killed and those who were drownned they lost above 400 Men. Besides while the greater part of the Fleet was thus busied in the Plunder some of our Mariners came upon the rest and contended with them so well that they wan of them 13 Vessels laden with Wine and other Provision and carried them away Thô now at last the French also having set fire to the Town of Winchelsea which yet was presently quenched carried away great Spoils and many Prisoners among whom h Knighton p. 2623. n. 1. were Nine very Beautifull Women whom they so filthily abused that 't is shamefull to relate or think it II. All England i Knighton ib. n. 10. Walsin hist p. 166. was so alarum'd at this Action of the French especially because it was reported how they had a wonderfull strong Navy at Sea ready to do the like at other Places besides the perpetual infesting our Merchants that a Decree came forth from Prince Thomas of Woodstock King Edwards Son and Lieutenant in England by Advice of his Council that all Laymen whatsoever between the Age of sixteen and sixty should be arrayed for the Wars and of these the lustiest and the best Armed and the tall Archers should be sent to the Cinque Ports to the Kings Admirals for defence of the Kingdom The Archbishops also and Bishops thrô their respective Dioceses granted great Indulgences to all those who went to Sea against their Enemies particularly that every of them might choose his Confessor at his pleasure The Bishops also themselves the Abbots and Priors Rectors Vicars Chaplains and all Men of the Church were ready on the Land to defend the Country against the Common Enemy some as Men of Arms and others as Archers by injunction of the Church And all Persons Beneficed who could not serve in their own Persons were bound to maintain one in their stead able for the War all to be ready whenever the French should land and Necessity require them to march against the Enemy At which time the City k Walsing hist p. 167. n. 20. M. S. vet Angl. in Biblieth C.C.C. Cantabr c. 230. of London rigged forth a Navy of 80 Sail consisting of 14000 Men of Arms and Archers to revenge upon the Coasts of France the Mischief done at Winchelsea Thô l Knighton p. 2623. n. 30. Others say how this Fleet was commanded by the Kings Admiral and consisted of an 160 Sail which passing from London up the Thames scoured the Sea to Boulogne and after that to Harfleur in Normandy where they made great Spoil even over all the Region called le Pais de Caulx which is a Part of Normandy lying between the Rivers Seyne and Bresle and terminated by the Brittish Ocean on the one side and by the Bishoprick of Rouën on the other III. Now had King Edward lain before Rheims above m Frois f. 103. c. 209. §. 3.
Easter-Day Whereas Easter-Day that Year tell on the 5 of April and on the 1â— of April which was the Monday after Faster K. Edward left Paris Thô Mr. Ashmole thrô haste pastâ—r over this Fault of Stows Day being very dark and misty together with a great quantity of Hail there happen'd so bitter a Cold that several Men died as they sat on their Horses wherefore unto this time says my Author that Day is called the Black-Monday But this no doubt is a mistaken Relation of that horrible Storm and Cold which the King met withall afterwards as we shall shew in due Place These Actions being over the Lord Walter Manny returned to the Army which tarried still in those Fields all that Day and the Night following But the next Morning being a Monday and the 13 of April seeing no Provocations could bring the Dauphin to a Battle and that it was morally impossible to force otherwise than by Famine so great a City which was not only now well fortified but l Fabâ—an p. 239. ex Chron. â—â—anc furnished with great plenty of Souldiers besides the vast Numbers of Inhabitants the King therefore resolved to rise from thence till a more favourable season and the mean while to go forth with Fire and Sword through Beauce and le Maine till he came into Bretagne where having refreshed his Army he intended to return to the Siege of Paris in July or August at the furthest and so to famish them by a long Siege For as we shew'd before He had made a Vow never to return into England till he had brought France to his Terms either by Fair means or by Force Accordingly on the Monday after Easter m Frois c. 211. fol. 1â—4 he raised his Camp and began to march towards Mont-lehery VII The mean while certain Knights of England and of Gascogne having found a convenient place determin'd with themselves to lie in Ambush For they expected that among so many Valiant Lords and Gentlemen then in Paris some of them would not fail to follow the Army thô only to cut off straglers and such as lag'd behind Accordingly by the Kings Order the Ambush was laid in an empty old house about 3 Leagues from Paris consisting of 200 chosen Men of Arms English and Gascogners under these Captains the Lord Nevill the Lord Moubray Sr. Richard Pontchardon the Captal de Busche Sr. Edmund de Pamiers and the Lord of Courton the Three first of England and the other of Gascogne Now when the Frenchmen within Paris had seen the Decamping of the English Army it was thus discoursed among certain young Knights and Gentlemen there Surely it would be well worth our while to make a sally as secretly as we may and to follow the English Army at a distance for it s more than probable we may happen to win some notable Advantage Hereupon the Design was embrac'd by the Lord Ralph de Coucy Sr. Ralph de Ravenal the Lord of Monsault the Lord of Helay the Chastelan of Beauvais the Begue of Vilaine the Lord of Beaujeu the Lord Flamone du Roye Sr. Peter of Savoy and others to the Number of an n Vid. Frois c. 211. fol. 104. l. â—or 22. 150 Spears in their Company They fallied out in good order all very well Horsed taking the way of Bourg la Reine till they had passed beyond the English Ambush With that the Ambush brake forth from behind them and follow'd after them crying St. George England The Frenchmen look'd back in great surprize to be so taken tardy but when they saw there was no flinching they stood their ground with a ready Courage setting themselves in the best Order to receive them on the points of their Spears The Rencountre was very rough and many on both sides were reversed on the Earth for they were all well Horsed Such as could mounted again and after this brunt with Spears they drew their Swords and fell in among one another giving and receiving several rude stroaks so that the Action deserved more Spectators For many Noble Deeds of Arms were performed at this time and the Battle lasted for a while doubtfull On the English part the Captal of Busche is said to have approved himself most eminently that day as also on the French side the Lord of Ravenal fought like a truly Valiant Knight for he gave many gallant proofs of his Skill and Courage under his own Banner till his Standard-Bearer being slain he himself was taken Prisoner For now the English and Gascogners prevail'd so that the Victory was clearly theirs Thô indeed they exceeded the French in Number about one Fourth Part. The other seeing the Scales turn against them fled away directly toward Paris thô continually they were fain to face about and fight as they fled they were so closely pursu'd And if the English had not doubted a Rescue from Paris now that their Horses began to be weary every Man of them had been either taken or slain But upon that account they were content to follow the Chace no farther than Bourg la Reine where they took Nine Knights and Esquires more and having by this Success a little secur'd the Reer of the Army from the French Pursuers they return'd with what they had got to Mont-lehery where the King lay that Night and then very courteously set their Prisoners to their Ransom permitting them to go that same Night whither they pleased only engaging their Faith to pay them by such a time at the utmost On the English part o Dadg Bar. 2 Vol. p. 16. ad an 34. Ed. 3. m. 12. ex Aâ—tâ—gr penes Cler. Pâ—il we find about this time that the Lord Roger de la Warre was taken Prisoner by Monsieur John Haubert but that it was in this Action I have no warrant to affirm Thô this was the very last that we hear of till the Gates of Janus were shut in that Kingdom Now King Edward's p Frois c. 211. c. Design as we have already intimated was to march for the present into Beauce and so keeping along by the River of Loire to go into Bretagne q Pâ—l Virgâ— 19. p. 383 n. 4â— to the end he might subdue it wholly on the behalf of the young Earl of Montford his Son in Law for him to hold it of the Crown of England and the mean while to refresh his Army for now that Country had enjoy'd a long respite from the Wars Which done he thought to return about August at the time of Vintage and lay a formal Siege to Paris because of the Oath which he had made before his Departure out of England namely that he would never return alive till he had reduced France to terms agreeable to his Honour VIII And over and above the great Army he led along with him r Frois c. 211. fol. 104. he had sundry Garrisons in Champaigne and Brie in Picardy Normandy and almost over all the Realm of France besides
Places abovenamed which by this present Treaty ought to be deliver'd unto the King of England 29. Item It is agreed that the Towns Forts and whole County of Ponthieu the Towns Forts and whole County of Montrevil the City and Castle of Saincte the Castles Towns and Forts and all that which the King holdeth in Demaine in the Country of Sainctogne on this side and beyond the Charente the Castle and City of Angoulesme and the Castles Forts and Towns which the King of France holdeth in Demaine in the Country of Angoulesmois with Letters and Mandates of releasing of Fees being deliver'd to the King of England or to other especially deputed for him then the King of England at his own proper Costs and Charges shall deliver all the Forts taken and possessed by himself his Subjects Adherents and Allies in the Countries of x Lisle de la France France Anjou Touraine Maine Berry Auvergne Burgundy Champaigne Picardy and Normandy and in all other Parts Lands and Places of the Realm of France except those of the Dutchy of Bretagne and the Countries and Lands which by this present Treaty ought to belong and remain to the King of England 30. Item It is agreed that the King of France shall cause to be deliver'd to the King of England his Heirs or Deputies all the Towns Castles Forts and other Lands Countries and Places abovenamed with their Appurtenances at the proper Costs and Charges of the said King of France And also that if he shall have any Rebels and such as will not obey to render yield up or restore to the King of England any Cities Towns Castles Countries Places or Forts which by this Present Treaty ought to appertain unto Him then the King of France shall be obliged to cause them to be deliver'd to the King of England at his own Charges And in like manner the King of England shall cause those Forts which by this present Treaty ought to appertain to the King of France to be deliver'd at his own Charges the said Kings and their Subjects with them shall be obliged mutually to aid one another in this respect if they shall be thereto required at the Wages of the Party so Requiring Which shall be a Floren of Florence per diem for a Knight half a Floren for an Esquire and for others proportionably And of the surplus of double Wages it is agreed that if the pay aforesaid shall be too little respect being had to the Price of Victuals in the Country it shall be done at the Appointment of Four Knights elected thereto that is to say of two on the One Party and two on the Other 31. Item It is agreed that all the Archbishops Bishops and other Prelates of Holy Church shall in regard of their Temporalities be subject to that King of the two under whom they hold their Temporalities And if they have Temporalities under both the Kings they shall be subject to each of the two Kings for the Temporalities which they hold of either of them 32. Item It is agreed that good Alliance Friendship and Confederation shall be made between the two Kings of France and of England and their Realms in maintaining the Honour and Conscience of the One King and of the Other notwithstanding any Confederations which they have on this side or beyond the Sea with any Persons whether of Scotland or Flanders or of any other Country whatsoever 33. Item It is agreed that the King of France and the Regent his Eldest Son for themselves and for their Heirs Kings of France shall as much as may be done forsake and altogether depart from the Alliances which they have with the Scots and shall promise as much as may be that neither they nor their Heirs nor the Kings of France for the time being shall give or lend to the King of Scotland or to the Subjects thereof present or to come any aid favour or comfort against the said King of England or against his Heirs and Successors or against his Realm or Subjects in any sort And that they shall not make any Alliances with the said Scots against the said King of England and Realm of England in time to come And likewise the King of England and his Eldest Son so much as it can or may be done shall forsake and depart from all those Alliances which they have with the Flemmings and shall promise that neither they nor their Heirs nor the Kings of England for the time being shall give or lend to the Flemmings present or to come any aid favour or comfort against the King of France his Heirs or Successors or against his Kingdom or Subjects in any sort And that they shall not make any Alliances with the said Flemmings against the said King and Realm of France in time to come 34. Item It is agreed that the Collations and Provisions made by the One Party and by the other of Benefices falling void during the War shall hold good and remain in Force And that the Fruits Issues and Revenues received and levied of any Benefices and other Temporalities whatsoever in the said Realms of France and England by the One Party or by the Other during the said Wars shall be quitted on both sides 35. Item that the Kings aforesaid shall be obliged to cause to be confirmed all the Matters aforesaid by our Holy Father the Pope and they shall be Ratified by Oaths Sentences and Censures of the Court of Rome and by all other Tyes in the most binding manner that may be And there shall be obtained from the Court of Rome Dispensations Absolutions and Letters touching the Accomplishment and Perfection of this Present Treaty and they shall be deliver'd to the Parties at the farthest within three Weeks after the King shall be Arrived at Calais 36. Item That all the Subjects of the said Kings which will study at the studies and Universities of the Realms of France and of England shall enjoy the Privileges and Liberties of the said studies and Universities in like manner as they might have done before the Present Wars and as they do at present 37. Item To the end that the Matters aforesaid treated and discoursed may be more stable firm and valid there shall be done and given these Confirmations following that is to say Letters sealed with the Seals of the said Kings and of their Eldest Sons the best that can be made by the Councils of the said Kings And the said Kings and their Eldest Sons and their other Children and others of the Lineage of the said Kings and other Noblemen of their Realms to the number of Twenty on either Party shall swear that they will observe and endeavour to maintain as much as concerneth each of them without fraud or deceit the said Matters treated and agreed on and accomplish them without ever going to the Contrary and without empeaching the performance thereof And if there be any Persons 〈◊〉 the said Realms of France and of England
making his Complaint that Sr. John to build this House had pulled down many small ones which paid him Tithes the King ordained that House to pay the Parson in lieu thereof 40 s. per annum for ever On the x Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 74. c. 28 of the said Month died the Noble and Valiant Lord Thomas Holland Knight also of the Garter and in Right of his Wife Earl of Kent and Lord Wake thô it doth not appear that ever he had any Creation to that Dignity His Wife was that celebrated Beauty of the Age Joan commonly called the Fair Maid of Kent Daughter of Edmund Plantagenet Sirnamed of Woodstock Earl of Kent and after the Death of her two Brothers Edmund and John who died successively without Issue Countess of Kent But Common Historians call her Countess of Salisbury the small Foundation whereof We shall now examine This Lord Thomas Holland y Liber Islep dict in Arch. Cantuar. Bibl. Vid. Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 74. had first made a Contract with her upon which as he afterwards alledged Carnal Knowledge did ensue Whereupon understanding while he was in France that William the second Earl of Salisbury had a purpose to Wed her by his Petition to Pope Clement VI he complain'd of this injurious Design fairly representing his own Precontract and the knowledge he thereupon had of her But that for all this the said Earl taking Advantage of his Absence in Foreign Parts had made a second Contract with her and unjustly detain'd her from him At this his Holiness having sully discussed the Matter gave Sentence for him and accordingly he enjoy'd her the Earl of Salisbury as it seems acquiescing therein by an after Matriage z Catal. Honor. p. 1044. with Elizabeth second Daughter of John Lord Mohun of Dunstor Castle By this Princely Paragon he left behind him a Catal. Honor. p. 765. two Sons Thomas Holland Earl of Kent who lived many Years after John Holland in time Earl of Huntington and Duke of Excester and a Daughter Maud first Wife of Peter Courtney Nephew of Hugh Courtney first Earl of Devonshire and after his decease Married to Valeran Earl of St. Paul. The Incomparable Widow Mother of these Children was now about two and Thirty Years of Age but her Vertues were so singular and her Charms so strong and attractive that still she made shift to Captive no less a Man than him that had taken King John Prisoner for the Black-Prince took her to Wife the Year following as in due place We shall see At this time b Odor Rainal ad an 1360. §. 13. Hugh King of Cyprus died leaving his Kingdom and the Defence thereof to his Son Peter Hugh the Son of an Elder Son Guy being put by This King Peter was a Man of great Valour and Fortune in the Wars against the Saracens of whom We shall shortly have an occasion to take some Notice CHAPTER the SEVENTH AN. DOM. 1361. An. Regni Angliae XXXV The CONTENTS I. King Edward causes all his Lords and Prelates to swear to uphold the Peace and sends Ambassadors to the Pope for a confirmation of all II. The manner of King John's Reception at Paris after his long Imprisonment III. The unwillingness of the Frenchmen to admit of King Edward's Government IV. King Edward being put in Possession of all the Lands which were to fall to him by the Treaty makes the Lord John Chandos his Lieutenant in those parts the said Lords Praise and Character V. The English Garrisons deliver'd up to the French King many of the common Souldiers whereof joyning together turn Robbers They begin to do much mischief about Champaigne and Burgundy VI. King John sends against them the Lord James of Bourbon whom they overthrow VII Their formidable Progress the Pope fearing their Insolence procures them to be drawn off into Italy VIII A second Great Plague in England the strange Prodigies forerunning it It s excessive Fury it sweeps away the Good Duke of Lancaster the Lord John Moubray and Three other Lords with six Bishops and the Archbishop of Armagh IX The Black-Prince Marries the Lady Joan Countess of Kent X. Prince Lionel made the Kings Lieutenant of Ireland with his Behaviour in that Place XI King Edward restores unto the Priors Aliens what he took from them in the Eleventh Year of his Reign I. KING Edward of England a Walsing hist p. 170. n. 40. M. S. vet Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 231. having kept his Christmass in great Splendor at Woodstock near Oxford went after the Holydays to his Parliament which he had summon'd to meet him at Westminster on the b Stow p. 264. 24th of January Where he communicated unto the Three Estates all the Articles and the whole Process of the Peace which he had made with the King of France Both Houses were entirely satisfied with the whole Affair and on the last of January the Archbishop of Canterbury with great Solemnity celebrated the Mass of the Holy Trinity returning Thanks to Almighty God in which Service there was this small but comprehensive Scripture c 2 Cor. c. 13. v. 11 c. Brethren rejoyce be Perfect be of good Comfort be of one Mind live in Peace And the God of Love and Peace shall be with you The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with you all Amen After Mass the King and his Sons standing up in presence of the French Hostages Torches being lighted and Crosses held over the Eucharist and Missale all those of the Peers who had not sworn already to keep the Peace took now their Oath which also they read from Papers or Scrolls written and signed with their own Hands the Archbishop beginning thus viz. We Simon Archbishop of Canterbury do swear upon the Holy Body of God and his Holy Gospel firmly as much as in Vs lies to keep the Peace and Concord agreed on between the two Kings and to do nothing contrary thereto This being done every Man as he had taken the Oath gave up his Paper to the Kings Notaries to be laid up as a Witness to Posterity After the same Method King John made his Lords and Estates of Parliament to swear to uphold the said Peace to their Power and thereupon sent his Ambassadors to the Pope for his Apostolical Sanction and surer confirmation thereof As also King Edward did the like on his part and among his Ambassadors We find the Lord Guy d Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 151. Brian to be One. And thus at last was this Peace as fully established and as strongly bound on Earth as Humane Wisdom or Authority could Devise or secure II. But we should say something more particularly of the French King and his Affairs We waited on him from Calais to Boulogne and there left him thô he did not stay long in that place for in the e Frois c. 214. beginning
put all the Infidels to the Sword. This Peters Ancestor Guy of Lusignan King of Jerusalem k Speed p. 477. §. 40. in Ricardo Primo purchased the Island and Kingdom of Cyprus of our Richard the First King of England sirnamed Coeur du Lyon by Exchange for his Kingdom of Jerusalem ever since which it remain'd in the hands of the said Guy and his Descendants II. King Peter came to Avignon l Frois c. 217. about Candlemas in the beginning of this Year of whose Coming the whole Court was glad and most of the Cardinals together with the French King went forth to meet him and conducted him with much Honour to the Popes Palace where they were highly caressed and after a splendid entertainment the two Kings returned to their Lodgings prepared for them in Villeneufe Thus they tarried during all the season of Lent and made frequent Visits to the Pope and discoursed him of many serious Matters concerning which they came thither While the Kings were at Avignon there happen'd a Controversie in Arms which by the Court Martial was adjudged to be tried by Combat between two Noble and Experienced Knights namely Sr. Edmund de Pamiers and Sr. Fulk de Orillac the King of France being to sit as Judge of the Field Both the Knights behaved themselves with that Activity Skill and Resolution that is was no easie matter to say who was the Better So that when after a long and gallant Fight neither had any apparent Advantage of the other and both their Spears and Swords being broken they were proceeding to Pole-Axes King John presently flang down his Wardour and caused the Combat to cease after which He reconciled them together Now the King of Cyprus spake more than once to the Pope his Cardinals and the French King That it would be both an exceeding Honour and Advantage for all Christendom if some Powerfull Christian King would undertake to lead the Way over the Sea and rear his Banners against the Enemies of the Christian Faith who for want of such Opposition overran all Asia and hung now like a dreadfull Storm over Europe These Words the French King consider'd well and resolved with Himself if he might live Three Years longer to be One among the Foremost in this Holy Expedition not only out of a pious Consideration backed with the Words of the Pope and the King of Cyprus but also for two other Respects the one because his Father King Philip had made a Vow so to do to the m Odâ—r Rainal ad hunc an §. 14 Breach whereof he constantly attributed all the Miseries which had befell France since that time and the other that by so doing he should not only drain his own Country of those Evil Companions who harassed his People without any just Title or Pretence but also thereby prove an Instrument of saving their Souls by making them draw their Swords in the more righteous Cause of Christ These were his Reasons and this his Resolution which he kept secret to himself till Good-Fryday at which time Pope Vrban himself preached in his Chappel at Avignon in the Presence of both the Kings of Cyprus and of Frâ—nce and also of Waldemar King of Denmark who was newly come thither for the same purpose Sermon ended the French King in great Devotion stept forth and professed himself a Champion of Christ and took upon him the Croisade which he solemnly sware personally to set about and to begin the Voyage within two Years from that Time it n Pascha 2 Apr. Lit. Dom. A. being then the last of March. He also requested the Pope to yield his Consent and Furtherance thereto and by his Bulls to authorise this his pious Undertaking The Pope not only most readily agreed to this Request but also granted him his Pontifical Diploma Dat. Aven Pridie Kal. April Anno Pontif. I. Wherein he constitutes him Governour and Captain General of all the Christian Armies and produces these three Causes of that Expedition First the Indignity of the Matter that Christians should suffer those places which our Saviour had honoured with his Footsteps and the Mysteries of our Redemption to be defiled and trodden down of the Mahometans also the seasonable Occasion of Recovering Syria now that the strength of the Saracens was exhausted with a Pestilence and lastly the great Necessity of repressing the growing Tyranny of the Turks when 't was to be feared that all Christendom would be a prey unto them unless their Fury should meet with a timely Check Talayrand the Cardinal of Perigort was the Popes Legate in this Holy Expedition and then Methods were taken how to support the Design with Tithes and other pecuniary Collections the Prelates were commanded to publish this Croisade from their Pulpits and to distinguish those who took it upon them with the Sign of the Cross And then Excommunication and an Anathema was set forth against them who should offer to disswade the French King from his pious Design of recovering Syria On which account circular Letters were sent and solemn Prayers were appointed to engage the Divine Assistance The Pope also sent his Letters to the Emperour Charles to King Edward of England to Lewis of Hungary and to other Kings and Princes that they would now employ all their power and Conduct toward the reducing of Asia unto Christ and because King John could not conveniently set forth till about two Years after by reason that his Realm was so unsettled and he could not in less time finish his Musters and other vast Preparations thereupon wherefore he tied himself to a certain Day which was to be the Kalends of March in the Year of our Lord One Thousand three Hundred Sixty and five The King of Cyprus resolved in the mean time to go about and visit all the great Courts in Europe and as he should succeed to go over before the King of France to whom the Pope o â—dâ—r Rain ad hâ—nc ann §. 19. promised considerable Assistance And thus a mighty Resolution was taken up and the Cross of Jerusalem was worn by John King of France Waldemar King of Denmark and Peter King of Cyprus p Freis c. 217. also by Talayrand commonly called the Cardinal of Perigort thô he was Earl of Perigort and Bishop Cardinal of Alba the same was done by the Earl of Artois and the Earl of Eu the Earl of Tancarville the Earl of Dampmartin the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan the Lord Bouciquault and the Grand Prior of France and many other Lords and Knights then and there present The King of Cyprus was extreamly overjoy'd at the great Zeal he found in all these Christian Worthies and thought his Journey well bestow'd in so great a purchase towards the Advancement of Religion But yet not content with this he design'd to proceed and visit Charles the Emperour and all the Princes and Chief Lords of the Empire he intended likewise to see the King of England the Prince of Wales
the King was resolved to execute the Statute of Apparel and therefore charged them all to promote the same After which he demanded of both Houses whether they would have such Matters as they agreed on to be by way of Ordinance or of Statute they answer'd by way of Ordinance that they might amend the same at their Pleasure and so it was done Then the King thanked them for their Pains taken and so dismist them for that time VII A Convocation x Regist Arch. Cant. Simon Islip fol. 186. b. Selden's Titl Honor. c. 5. § 43. p. 815. of the Province of Canterbury being held this Year under Archbishop Islip the Holy-days were by a Canon retrenched to a far less Number than before which indeed amounted to few more than We now observe in England Excepting to particular places the Days of Dedication of Churches and the Saints days Patrons thereof and also the Double Festival of y Lindâ—ood de Feriis C. eâ— Scriptur is St. George liberty being left to Work on any other Saints Days VIII This Year z Knighton p. 2627. n. 40. departed this Life the Fair young Lady Elizabeth Dutchess of Clarence leaving one only Daughter behind her by Duke Lionel her Husband called Philippa who afterwards was Married to Edmund Mortimer Third Earl of March Lord and Baron of Wigmore Trim Clare and Connaught as also of the Lordship and Town of Ludlow By him She had Roger Mortimer Fourth Earl of March whose Son Edmund dying without Issue his Daughter Anne was Married to Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge Son to Edmund Langley Duke of York Fifth Son of King Edward the Third and so convey'd her Title to her Son Richard Duke of York who thereupon openly challenged the Crown of King Henry the Sixth the Son of Henry the Fifth the Son of Henry the Fourth the Son of John of Gaunt King Edwards Fourth Son when as by the Mothers side himself was the Son and Her of Anne Daughter and Heir of Roger Mortimer Son and Heir of Edmund Mortimer by the Lady Philippa sole Daughter and Heiress of Prince Lionel Duke of Clarence King Edward's Third Son. And thô this Richard failed in the attempt yet his Son Edward afterwards call'd the Fourth obtain'd the point having destroy'd the House of John of Gaunt in the Third Generation after his Son Henry of Bolingbroke had depos'd King Richard the Second by Rebellion King Edward solemnized the Funerals of this great Dutchess of Clarence and a Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 167. gave Command to the Keeper of his great Wardrobe to deliver out Four Cloths of Gold Baudekin or Tinsell and Nine of Baudekin of Lucca to be offer'd for himself and his Queen at her Funeral Her Body b Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 220. was solemnly interred in the Chancel of the Augustine Fryers at Clare in Suffolk Queen Philippa who together with the Lady Catherine Countess of Warwick and Daughter to Roger Mortimer First Earl of March had stood her Godmother took her young Daughter Philippa into her Care and Protection She being then in the Eighth Year of her Age. This Year also Edward Bailiol who was in his time King of Scotland till he resign'd his Title to King Edward of England c Knighton p. 2627. n 50. departed this Life at Doncaster in Yorkshire without Issue being the last of the Family of John Bailiol So that hereby there was no pretence left to any to disturb the Then-uncontroverted Right of David Bruce King of Scotland and consequently of Prince Robert Stuart who being the Eldest Son of King David's Eldest Sister succeeded him in the Kingdom upon King David's Dying also without Issue as we shall see about Ten Years hence On the d Gedw Catal. Bps p. 371. Walsing hist p. 173. Dagd Warw. p. 557. Fourteenth of August Dr. Ralph Shrewsbury Bishop of Bath and Wells departed this Life being succeeded by Dr. John Bernet who was translated thither from Worcester and William Wittlesey Bishop of Rochester supply'd his place at Worcester whose vacant See was filled by Dr. Thomas Trillick Dean of St. Pauls London IX About this time e Knighton p. 2627. n. 40. one Walter Winkeburne was for some Capital crime or other so violently prosecuted by one of the Knights Hospitallers that whether Guilty or no he received Judgment to be Hanged and Hanged he was Being after such a time cut down as he was carried for Dead to be laid in the Church-yard of St. Sepulchers at Leicester he began to revive in the Cart and being thereupon carried for safeguard into the Church was there perfectly recover'd and carefully watched by the Clergy of Leicester lest the Sheriff should take him away to hang him again while some were sent to tell the King who was then in those Parts of the Adventure and to beg his Charter of pardon since the Person had in a manner satisfied the Law and that his miraculous Recovery might seem no bad Argument of his Innocency Accordingly King Edward presently after granted him his Charter of pardon in the Abbey of Leicester saying these Words which Knighton affirms that himself heard from him Since God hath given him Life I 'll give him my Charter Such another Case happen'd at London in my Time about the Year 1670 upon the Body of one Savage an hopefull young Man who gave great testimony of his Repentance both before and at the place of Execution After he had hung a full Half Hour his Body being granted to his Friends for Burial they perceiving some signs of Life to remain put him into a warm Bed and at last perfectly recover'd him thô by his own Confession he had been guilty of the Murther and Robbery laid to his Charge But he had not such Fortune as this Walter Winkeburne for before King Charles the Second could be made acquainted with the Accident the Sheriff having an inkling of the matter by the indiscretion of his Friends came and took him away to the Gallows again where finally he died X. In this Season either because the Wars being now ended those who had been Souldiers had rather do any thing than return to their former Occupations or thrô relaxation of Discipline there Å¿ Knighton p. 2628. n. 10 c. arose Swarms of Theeves and High-way Men in several parts of England who set upon Travellers and brake up Houses and robbed Churches and the Shrines of Saints and carried away the more pretious Reliques and all the Rich Offerings Particularly they robbed the Abbey of Thornton in Leicestershire and took away the Image of our Lady of Mirivale out of her Chappel and the Image of our Lady of Monks-Kirkby and the like they did in many other places thô most of the Authors were taken and hanged Some of these People stole away the Head of St. Hugh formerly Bishop of Lincoln which after they had spoiled it of all the Gold Silver and precious Stones belonging unto it they
Opportunity of King Johns Sickness he sent his Letters to the Lord John Greilly Captal of Buche his Cousin who was at that time with the Earl of Foix desiring him to come unto him in Normandy for that he design'd to make him Generalissimo of all his Forces Whereupon the Captal presently set forward toward Normandy and gather'd up as he went along several Knights and Esquires English Gascogners and others who were willing to partake with so Renowned a Captain in his Adventures But they were not over many This mean while on the VI q Labbei Chron. Techn ad hanc annam of the Ides alià s on the 8 Day of April King John of France departed this Life at the Savoy in London whereat King Edward and the Queen and their Children were exceeding sorry because of the great Love and Friendship that was between them ever since the Peace of Bretigny One says r Knighton p. 2627. n. 60. that upon his Death-bed having one time sent for King Edward he began very earnestly to beg his Pardon confessing unto him That from his first Coming into England he had Confederates in London and other Places who secretly collected the Finest Gold of the Kingdom and made it into Plates and put it up in Barrels hooped with Iron to send into France and how they had bought up to the Number of 1000 Bows and Arrows and a great Quantity of other Arms to the same Purpose All which he now confessed to the King and in whose Hands the said Things now were and also that he had illegally and unjustly withheld from him the Crown of France untill the Peace made at Bretigny For all which he now most heartily beg'd his Pardon And King Edward forgave him with much Tenderness but caused all the Gold and Arms asoresaid to be seised on and severely punished those English Men whom he found offending in the Premises among whom were Å¿ Walsingh Hyp. p. 128. n. 40. many Lombard Merchants who being discovered by some of their Fellows were clapt up in the Tower till they had compounded as the King pleased VI. Immediately upon King Johns Death t Frois 〈◊〉 219. f. 115 a. the Duke of Orleans his Brother and the Duke of Berry his Son who were still in England among the Hostages and wonderfully dejected at his Departure wrote Word thereof to the Duke of Normandy whereat he was extreamly troubled But knowing that there was now no Remedy and that Himself was the next Heir to the Crown of France and that the King of Navarre was preparing to give him a Baffle at his first setting forth he thought it high time to rouse and put on the Spirit of a King and endeavour to establish his Affairs on all hands At that time there flourished a gallant Captain in Bretagne a Valiant and Hardy Knight named Sr. Bertram de Clequin of whose Name and Original it wâ—ll not be amiss for us to enquire a little thô only for the great Renown he afterwards arrived to and the many Noble Deeds of Arms which he performed as we shall see in the Process of this History About the Year of our Lord 800 u Frois l. ult c. 90. f. 103. Charlemain being then King of France there reigned in Bougie in Barbary a King called Aquin in whose time the said Charlemain was taken up in his Spanish Wars which lasted him in all for about Nine Years For the Kingdom of Spain is a large and great Country whose Beginning was reckon'd heretofore at St. Jean Pied de Port and so it went along including the Realms of Biscay Navarre Aragon and Portugal of Conimbria and Lisbon of Sevile Toledo Corduba Castille and Leon up as far as the Streights of Gibralter where is the shortest Passage into Barbary In this Country was that Great French Monarch when the foresaid Aquin an African King whose Dominions lay directly over Spain undertook to divert him from pursuing his Victories among the Saracens and went into Bretagne and landed at the Port of Vannes with a Mighty Army his Wife and Children being also in his Company On the Sea side hard by Vannes he built a great and strong Tower called by him Glay which in the Phoenician Tongue signifies a Castle and there he made his chief Residence but daily he sent forth his Captains and conquer'd about in Bretagne at his pleasure Charlemain heard in Spain how King Aquin proceeded without Opposition however he would not return back to make Head against him but said Let him alone in Bretagne for a while we shall easily rid the Country of him when once we have throughly established the Christian Faith in these Parts Accordingly when he had finished his Affairs there he returned into Bretagne and there one Day gave Battle to King Aquin and overthrew him with a mighty Slaughter so that he fled to his Castle of Glay where he found a good Ship ready for him at the Foot of the Tower into which he enter'd with his Wife and Children and a few of his Servants and escaped away But in such a Hurry that he forgot a young Son of his scarce a Year old who then lay asleep in the Tower. This Child was found and brought to Charlemain who received him gladly and caused him to be baptized Rowland and Oliver two Heroick Princes of those Days being his Godfathers who named him Oliver and the King gave unto him all the Lands that his Father Aquin had conquer'd in those Parts The same in process of Time became a most Valiant Knight and was called Sr. Oliver de Glay Aquin because he was found in the Tower of Glay and was Son to King Aquin. This Original whether true or false was afterwards assigned to Sr. Bertram de Clequin when he came to the height of his Honour but at this time he was not greatly taken Notice of except among the Knights of Bretagne that were of his Retinue with all whom he was highly esteemed and well beloved still making War in the Behalf of the Lord Charles of Blois by whom he was recommended to the Duke of Normandy and he had a little before employed him in those Parts VII Now when the x Frois c. 219. f. 115. Duke of Normandy heard of his Fathers Death and of the Preparations of the King of Navarre against France he said to his Marshal the Lord Bouciquault I would have you forthwith ride with your Troops into Normandy where you shall find a Valiant Knight a True and Loyal Frenchman called Sr. Bertram of Clequin and look that you and he together make up a sufficient Power of Good Souldiers to resist the King of Navarre and to guard the Passages of the River Seyne And therewithall he gave him some secret Orders how to proceed Sr. Bouciquault promised to do his Devoir and soon after went with a competent Number of Knights and Esquires and took his way toward Normandy by St. Germain having declared to his Men tho
carried out of the Field in a condition almost as hopeless as the Vicount Beaumonts The Lord Baldwin Danekin Master of the Cross-bows of France was slain together with Sr. Lewis of Pequescourt and divers others On the part of the Navarrois Sr. John Jones who began the Fight did that day all that was possible for a good Knight to perform but at last after he had received many grievous Hurts he was taken Prisoner by an Esquire of Breton of Sr. Bertram of Clequins Retinue and by him born out of the Field but he died of his Wounds before next Morning With him was slain the Lord of Salses and most of his Men and as we have shewn the Lord Bascels of Mareville there were taken the Lord William of Granville the Lord Peter of Samville the Lord Geoffry of Roussillon Sr. Bertram de la Franque and many Others and in short few or none of the Navarrois escaped being now ranked either among the Prisoners or the Dead This Battle was fought in Normandy h Mezeray Chr. Abridg. Tâ—m 3. Part. 2. p. 70. near to a Place named Cocherel and la Croix St. Leoffroy almost exactly between Eureux and Vernon on the Wednesday before Trinity-Sunday being the 15 of May in the Year of our Lord MCCCLXIV XII After this Discomfiture when all the Dead were spoiled and the Wounded dressed and the most part of the French Army had repassed the Bridge to draw to their Quarters to rest and refresh themselves after this hard Service there appeared in the Field another Body of Men marching up against them The Captain of this Company was Sr. Guy of Granville Son to the Lord William of Granville who had that morning left his Garrison of Conches and with fifty Spears rode with all convenient speed to the Captals aid if by any means he might come time enough to the Battle When the Frenchmen saw him they call'd out to their Fellows that had passed the River and sent several over to acquaint the whole Army saying Gentlemen turn hither again for here is a Fresh Body of our Enemies coming hitherward Now Sr. Bertram of Clequin and his Troops were still on this side but every of them extream weary However when Sr. Bertram saw this appearance of more Navarrois he raised his Standard on high upon a Bush that his Men might all draw thitherward and sounded his Trumpets and faced about toward the Enemy setting his Men in order with great Diligence But when Sr. Guy of Granville heard them cry our Lady of Clequin and saw neither the Captal nor any other of his Friends there but many Dead Men lying on the Ground he concluded that his Party had lost the day and so return'd back without doing any thing And surely this Valiant young Gentleman thô he came not time enough to save his Father from being a Prisoner did yet make a shift both to save his Life when he was in Danger of losing his Head and also to redeem him from Prison afterward For Charles the King of France i True Use of Armory in the Life of the Captal of Busche p. 129. who not being of that Honourable Disposition with his Father John was rather enclin'd to subtlety and unprince-like Cruelty shortly after caused the Lord Peter of Samville to lose his Head and had done the like to the Lord William of Granville the same who by stratagem won the strong Castle of Eureux in Normandy thô Prisoners of War and none of his Subjects But Sr. Guy of Granville sent word to the French King that if he put his Dear Father to Death or to any Bodily loss or pain he would serve the Lord De la Val a considerable French Nobleman then his Prisoner in the same manner and also all other Frenchmen that should ever after fall into his Hands By this means the Valiant young Gentleman commendably sav'd his Fathers Life and shortly after he was deliver'd in Exchange for the foresaid Lord of Bretagne The k Frois c. 222. Night ensuing the Battle the Frenchmen lodged in their own Camp on the other side the River and took good Care of their Prisoners and then there was much speaking and enquiring after the Archpriest it being now known that he was not present at the Fight but his Men excused him as he had directed them However they could not presently clear him from all suspicion of Treachery for his Courage no Man there could doubt in the least The next day the Frenchmen dislodged and went to Rouën where they left the greater Part of their Prisoners but the Captal was convey'd from Vernon to Paris XIII This was an auspicious Hansel to King Charles now upon the entrance of his Reign and we shall find him hereafter to have frequently such Successes against his Enemies thô mostly by Fineness and Stratagem and altogether without his Presence as this happen'd On the l Frois c. 223. Labbe Chron. Techn ad hunc ann Mezeray p. 69. Trinity-Sunday following this Success being the 19 of May Charles Duke of Normandy Eldest Son and Heir to John late King of France was Crowned and anointed King of the said Realm in the Cathedral Church of our Lady at Rheims and together with him his Beautifull Consort Queen m Mezer. p. 106 Jane Daughter to Peter Duke of Bourbon and the Lady Isabella de Valois The Ceremony was performed by the hands of the Archbishop of the said Place And it is n Mezeray p. 69 remarkable that the Emperours Son Wenceslaus of Bohemia Duke of Luxemburgh and Brabant John Duke of Lorraine and Robert Duke of Bar notwithstanding they were Strangers and Vassals of the Empire thô indeed related to the King did at that time perform the Office of Peers of France the first representing the Duke of Normandy the Second personating the Earl of Champagne and the Third the Earl of Tholouse The Duke of Burgundy which Philip his Brother was now in Title and Designation and Lewis Earl of Flanders held their usual Places and Lewis Duke of Anjou represented the Duke of Aquitaine Besides these Great Personages there were present at this Solemnity o Frois c. 223. Peter King of Cyprus Waldemar King of Denmark the Earls of Eu and of Dampmartin of Tancarville and of Vaudemont with the Chief Prelates of that Kingdom and many other Lords all who were Feasted for five days together On the Fryday following the New King return'd in great Pomp to Paris where he was received with infinite expressions of Publick Joy and satisfaction And then he put his younger Brother Philip into Possession of the Dutchy of Burgundy p Paradin Annal de Bâ—urgegne l. 3 p. 3â—2 who shortly after rode into those Parts with a great and splendid Retinue and took Livery and Seisin of the Country and received Homage of all the Barons Knights Cities Castles and good Towns of the said Dutchy and having settled all things there return'd to
them to be reasonable for the ease of his People That 3 s. 4 d. laid upon every Sack of Wooll at Calais and all other unreasonable Impositions may cease The King willeth that all unreasonable Impositions should cease It is agreed that One Staple be at l Melcomb Regis in 〈◊〉 Melcomb and another at Ipsewich and that all Merchants and others for their Ease may ship Woolls at Lewes where the Customers of Chichester shall take the Customs and the Customers of Yarmouth shall take in like manner at Lynn As for the Statutes made in this Parliament I shall refer those who desire to Inspect them to the Statute-Books in Print especially because those of this Year do more exactly agree with the Record Only for my self I must put in this Caution that whereas in the Record and Statute-Books this Parliament is rightly fixed to the 38 of Edward the Third considering that he began not to Reign till the 25 of January before which time the Parliament sat yet I have placed it here as well because I begin the Year constantly with January as because it was indeed the Thirty Ninth of this Kings Inchoate before the Parliament was adjourn'd For on the m Ita M.S. Feâ—â—rd Paâ—l â—â—d Sr. Rob. Câ—ttâ—â—'s Abrid pâ—â—ent Seventeenth legit Seventh of February after the King in Presence of the Lords and Commons had given his Royal Assent to all the Premises He gave his Thanks to the Three Estates and so gave them leave to depart VII Now is King Edward said to have finished all his Wars for he had full Peace with France and Scotland and all the Quarrels about the Dukedom of Bretagne were ended and Aquitaine gladly embraced the Government of his Son Prince Edward and his other Son the Duke of Clarence had brought Ireland to a very good Settlement Wherefore thô in the Midst of his Wars he always would find leisure to exercise Actions of Devotion Piety and Charity yet now he more seriously apply'd himself and in a manner wholly Dedicated his time to such Matters as in his Buildings at Windsor Castle Queenborough Castle and Town St. Stephen's Chappel at Westminster Aberconney in Wales Henley and East-Hamstead and his Royal Foundation of Kings-Hall in Cambridge which being afterwards augmented with the Addition of Two or Three other adjoyning Foundations was by King Henry VIII named Trinity-College and lastly by the Beautifull Accession of a Magnificent Building called the Library is rendred now the most August and Famous Structure that ever the Christian World hath seen Dedicated to the Studies of good Letters Which College is no less adorned with those Illustrious Lights of Learning that have continually shined there Nor have their Beams been confined to any Limits but have spread themselves like the Rays of the Sun over Earth and Heaven and enlightned the Church and State and the whole Universe 'T is now happily Govern'd by the Reverend Doctor John Montagu Brother to the Earl of Sandwich a Person no less conspicuous for his Eminent Parts and Vertues than for his Birth and Quality VIII This Flourishing Condition of our King Edward put the Pope it seems in mind of some Old Debts which he pretended to be due from England to the Apostolick See for the Kingdom of England and Lordship of Ireland which King John promised to hold of the Church as a Fee Farm for ever His n Extant apud Odor Rainald ad hunc an §. 13 Letters bear Date at Avignon Idibus Junii Ano. Pontif. III in which Letters it appears that the Sum demanded was but 1000 Marks sterling per annum and that the last payment was made by this King on the Seventh of July Ano. Dom. 1333 but had ever since by reason of the Wars been discontinued So that at this time there was due no less than 32000 Marks to the Apostolick Chamber Thô in good truth saving the Authority of these Letters I could never find o Vid. John Speed in the Reign of King John p. 500. §. 48. 49. that ever this Annual Pension was paid to Rome since the Days of King John. But in the next Year we shall see how King Edward now resented this Matter For the Pope had besides his foresaid Letters empower'd his Nuntio John Abbot of the Monastery St i Bavonis Gaudensis of the Order of St. Benedict in the Dioecese of Tournay by process to cite the King unto his Court to answer for his Default on Condition he should refuse to pay the Arrears But the effect of this daring Summons we shall see in the Parliament of the next Year IX At this time King Edward p Pat. 39. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 8. Ashmole p. 669. Sandford p. 178 Dugd. p. 761. Mills Catal. Hon. p. 440. Knighton p. 2628. n. 40. c. gave his Daughter the Lady Isabella in Marriage to the Young Lord Ingelram de Guisnes the Rites being performed with Great Pomp and Splendor at the Famous Castle of Windsor The said Lord was by Birth a Baron both of England and of France and his Titles were Lord and Baron of Coucy of Oisey and Mount-Mirabel of Doüilly of Beauraine and of Barques Earl of Soissons and of Nide and some Years after Arch-Duke of Austria Besides which the King at this time created him Earl of Albemarle to have and to hold the said Earldom for him and the Heirs Male of his and her Body for ever He also confirmed unto him the Mannor of Moreholme the Moieties of the Mannors of Wyersdale and Ashton with the Third Part of the Lordship of Whittington in the County of Lancaster to him and to the said Isabell and to the Heirs of their Bodies lawfully begotten I say he confirmed them unto him For the q Robert Glover Somerset Herald set forth by Tho. Mills Author of the Catalogue of Honour mistakes in saying they were now given him in the name of a Dowry since we find the said Places or the greatest part of them did belong unto his Grandfather r Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 761. William de Guisnes Lord Coucy What further Honours he obtain'd we shall see next Year wherefore at this time we shall only add this that the King gave him Å¿ Dugd. ibid. ex Pat. 39. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 8. leave to go over with his Lady into France declaring that whatever Children Male or Female they might have between them thô born beyond Sea they should enjoy and inherit all Lands descendible to them in this Realm as Freely as if they were born in England He bare for his Arms t Mill's Catal. Hon. p. 440. ubi haec Arma Periscelidi inveluta cernurtur the First and Fourth Barry of Viverry and Gules the Second and Third Gules A Fess Argent and in process of time he was elected into the Most Honourable Order of the Garter of which Grace he was well Worthy X. In these days King Edward caused the Lord
Chief Justice Sr. Henry Green and Sr. William Skipworth another of his Justices to be arrested and imprison'd on the account of many notorious Enormities which he understood they had committed against Law and Justice Nor could they redeem themselves from Prison without refunding to the King many large Sums of Money which by Injustice they had got from others But for ever after they were secluded both their Places and his Favour XI We have frequently heretofore mention'd the great Diligence which Peter King of Cyprus us'd in travelling to most Courts in Europe in Order to raise a Power sufficient to stem the furious Tide of Pagan Insolence which threatned a Bloody Inundation to all Christendom Now therefore being pretty well furnish'd with Valiant Souldiers of several Nations after that by the Pope's means he had made a Peace with Genoa which had some resentments against him u Philippus è Mazeriis c. 15. c. in Vità Becti Petri Thomx â—pud Bâ—llâ—nd Tâ—n 2. XXIX Januar. he went from Venice to Rhodes where he was Magnificently received by the Master of the Hospital and whither he had sent before many Ships laden with Armed Men and about 500 good Horses for the War. He had some Months before wrote to his own Brother the Prince of Antioch his Lieutenant in the Kingdom of Cyprus that having left a sufficient strength at home he would by such a time send an Army of his Realm of Cyprus to meet him at Rhodes which was done For the King had been but a little while in that Island when an Army of Cyprus came thither namely sixty sail one with another laden with Men of Arms Arrows Crossbows and other Weapons in good quantity to which the Master of the Hospital added an hundred chosen Knights of his Order and commanded his Gallies to be fitted up And all the while St. Peter Thomas Patriarch of Constantinople the Pope's Legate who had an extraordinary Zeal for the Work encouraged the King and his Souldiers and blessed them and pray'd and preach'd and signed them with the Cross and heard Confessions and absolved and reconciled Sinners one while labouring in the Kings Council another while among the Mariners and poor People now among the Lords and Knights and the Master of Rhodes and now again with the Common Souldiers in great humility Now he visited the sick and presently he fell to pacifying of Rumors sometimes he conversed with the English sometimes with the Cypriotes Venetians French Spaniards and Germans but always he exhorted to Unity and Charity to Faith and Courage and to the War of God And every Christian Soul in this small Army was by this Holy Legate a few days before they left Rhodes admitted to the Sacrament of Gods Body and strengthned with Divine Power by feeding on their Redeemer whose Cross they were going to advance At the time of their Departure from Rhodes the King in secret Council proposed to invade the Soldan of Babylon who usurped the Holy City of Jerusalem and his Inheritance not in the Tail but in the Head and to Steer his Course towards Alexandria and so taking leave of the Grand Master he went on board his Galley with a Fleet consisting of more than an 100 Vessels of all sorts above 10000 good Souldiers and about 1400 Nobles and Men of Arms with their Horses besides Mariners Being come to the Haven of Alexandria after about an hours resistance made by the Saracens they gain'd Land and soon after put all their Enemies to flight and made them retire into the City in great Confusion and shut their Gates But their Hearts were so lost that upon the Christians approach to the Walls and setting fire to their Gates they fled away towards Grand Cairo or New-Babylon Wherefore the City of Alexandria was taken by the Christians on the Fourth of October 1365 about Nine of the Clock in the Morning and all the Pagans found therein put to the Sword. But many of these Christians being now satiated with spoil began forthwith to cool in their Devotion and so were for leaving the City now it was rifled nor could the King of Cyprus nor the Zealous Legate with all their Endeavours prevail with them to the Contrary wherefore upon News of the Soldan's Arrival with the Prince of Assyria and a Mighty Army who were coming to relieve the City on the Fourth or Fifth day after he had won it he was forced to leave it to his great Grief The occasion of which dishonourable Departure is by the Legate in his x Eâ—tant apud Odor Rainal ad hâ—nc an § 20 Letters attributed to the English and to their Leader and by y Petrarch l. 8. Senil Fp. 8. l. 13. â—p 2. Petrarch to the Transalpine Auxiliaries in General who he says being always better at Enterprising than at Compleating forsook the King in the midst of a most Glorious Work and because they follow'd him not for Devotion but for Gain when they had laden themselves with spoils went away and being rendred Masters of their Greedy desire made him fail of his Godly Design The Prosecution of this Matter may be seen at large in the foremention'd Philip è Mazeriis who was himself present in this Expedition and also in z Odor Rainal ad 〈◊〉 §. 18. ad §. 22. Vid. Pan 〈◊〉 1. V 3. Odoricus Rainaldus We shall only add that the Englishmen and Gascogners who had been at the taking of Alexandria upon a Walsing â—â—st p. 174. n 30. Speed p. 584. §. 129. their return into England and Aquitaine brought many rich pieces of Cloth of Gold Velvets and Precious Stones as witnesses of their Success in those parts XII It is said by some b Therton's Nottinghamshire p. 116. that John Lord Roos after this Expedition died at Paphos in the Island of Cyprus leaving no Issue behind him by his Wife the Lady Mary de Orrebe So that his Brother William succeeded in his Honours Thô to say the Truth this Lord John was not Born till this Year For Sr. William Dugdale shews c Dugd. 1 Vol. Baren p. 551. that his Death happen'd about 28 Years after this viz. in the Seventeenth of Richard the Second at which time he was but d For 18 years old Ano. 7. Rich. 2. id Dugd. ibid. p. 550. ex Esc 7. R. 2. n. 68. 28 Years of Age. Notwithstanding I grant that about this time as e Thoroton Nottingh p. 455. Thoroton says there died the Lord Thomas Furnival Sirnamed the Hasty leaving no Issue behind him whereupon he was succeeded by his Brother William Lord Furnival Who about 17 Years after died also leaving behind only One Daughter Joan. Her Sr. Thomas Nevile Brother to Ralph Earl of Westmorland and Treasurer of England taking to Wife became in her Right Lord Furnival But here again I am fain to correct Thorton's many mistakes by comparing him f Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 727. with a more accurate and
therefore King Edward sent his Letters of Proclamation commanding them on their Allegiance to go out of France and no longer to infest that Kingdom Some few obey'd but others made answer that as they held nothing there of the King of England so neither for him would they leave their Garrisons and that Livelihood they had got with so much labour The King was so enraged at this piece of Insolence that immediately he prepared to Chastise them in Person with a Royal Army But when the French King heard of his vast Preparations he began to fear lest after he had destroy'd the Companions he himself might be prey'd upon by him to the hazard of his Crown under colour that he ought to pay the Wages of the Army or by whatever other pretence a Conquerour should please to make Wherefore he now again sent to him desiring him to desist and keep at home At which affront the King was so displeas'd that he sware by the Virgin Mary Never to stir again about aiding the King of France no thô the said Companions should endeavour to thrust him out of his Kingdom But yet soon after these outlaw'd Captains having at the King of England's Command deliver'd up their Fortresses and Castles were content to go along with Sr. Bertram of Clequin into Spain upon an occasion of which we shall discourse more fully by and by As yet the Wise Men of France could find no way to purge the Land of them but they saw evidently that unless they could think of a Remedy and a speedy One too either by beating them or buying them out of the Realm they would shortly prey upon the very Vitals of France and perhaps of a good part of Christendom for they were reckon'd to be about 60000 Fighting Men And by Success they were like to be augmented with new accessions of Men of their own ungracious Principles At that time ſ Vid. Odor-Rainal ad hunc ann §. 3 c. Lewis the Valiant King of Hungary having at Buda made an Alliance with John Palaeologus the Greek Emperour who requested his help against the Turks made great Preparations for the War and among others desired much to have these bold Fellows in his Service And thereupon t Frois c. 229. fol. 125. b. wrote to Pope Vrban V then at Avignon and to the French King and also to the Prince of Wales shewing how desirous he was to employ these Warriers in a more Righteous Cause against the Enemies of Christ and to give them good pay So these Three Grand Personages agreed together and offer'd the Companions Gold and Silver and free Passage and the Pope's Pardon but nothing would do they were not so devout to change their Quarters when they were well and they said they would not go so far to fight when they might do it nearer at home For they were well informed by some of their own Company who had already been in Hungary that in those Parts there were such straits that if among any of them they should meet with an Enemy they could never escape but must inevitably die a shamefull Death with which words whether true or false they were so terrified that they absolutely refused to go thither When the Pope and the French King saw they could not be rid of them this way they knew not what course to take till at last another occasion offer'd it self as we shall shew in the following Book more largely The End of the Third Book THE HISTORY OF King Edward IIId. BOOK THE FOURTH CHAPTER the FIRST The CONTENTS I. The Character and Manners of Don Pedro Sirnamed the Cruel King of Castille and Leon He is Excommunicated by the Pope and his Bastard Brother made Legitimate The Companions and others joyn to go and Depose him Sr. Bertram of Clequin being their General II. Don Pedro provides to oppose this Army but being forsaken of all flies to Seville thence to Portugal and thence escapes into Galizia where he absconds a while III. Don Henry the Bastard Conde of Trastamare is by General Consent accepted and Crowned King his Acts Liberality and Designs IV. Don Pedro advis'd to implore the Protection of the Black-Prince sends his Letters Supplicatory unto him for that purpose V. While the said Prince is fitting out a Fleet to fetch Don Pedro from Galizia to Aquitain in safety Don Pedro himself arrives at Bayonne VI. Prince Edward receives him with much Humanity VII The Prince's Council give their Reasons why they would not have him to meddle with Don Pedro with the Prince's Reasons why notwithstanding he thought himself obliged thereto VIII Don Pedro's great Promises to the Prince's Souldiers and Captains the Prince calls a Parliament of his Barons of Aquitain Which Parliament advises him first to learn his Fathers pleasure therein IX King Edward directs his Letters to the Prince and his Council wherein he Wills him to take in hand the Defence of the Exil'd King and Commands all his Subjects of those Parts to be aiding unto him in that his Vndertaking X. The King of Navarre his Friendship being found necessary to this Affair is on certain considerations brought over Don Pedro engages by Oath Bond and Pledges to make suitable Returns to the Prince XI A Copy of a Famous Grant of King Don Pedro's to King Edward and the Prince and to the Kings of England and their Eldest Sons for ever whereby the Memory of this Favour of the Prince's might be Honourably Recorded in Spain to all Generations XII Prince Edward sends to his Captains then in the Bastards service commanding them home the Bastards surprize at the News of the Prince's Design Sr. Bertram of Clequin gives him Counsel and hasts back into France to raise him Friends XIII Divers Opinions concerning this Vndertaking of the Prince's XIV The Bastard renews his Alliance with the King of Aragon which occasions great difficulties to the Companions that came out of Spain with Design to serve the Prince XV. Prince Edward sends the Lord Chandos to retain the Companions in his service and to get the Earl of Foix his leave that they might pass thrô his Country XVI The Prince's zeal for the War and his Methods for raising Money The Lord of Albret promises to bring a 1000 Spears to the service XVII The Companions being Besieged in Montauban beat the French Lords with a great overthrow XVIII They get at last into the Principality where yet they cannot forbear doing much Mischief XIX James King of Majorica comes to Bourdeaux to beg the Prince's aid against the King of Aragon who withheld Majorica from him XX. The Prince by advice of his Council having Men enow otherwise countermands 800 of the Lord Albret's 1000 Spears which prov'd the first occasion of Discontent to that Gascogne Lord. I. AT this time a Frois c. 229. fol. 126. a. there Reigned in Castille a Kingdom of Spain Don Pedro the Son of Alphonso the Eleventh who because of his many Barbarous
Inhumane and Unprincely Actions was Sirnamed The Cruel He had indeed b Rederic Sant Par. iv c. xiv §. 40 c. Vid. Marian. de Reb. Hispand 17. c. 7. many notable good Qualities and Perfections both of Body and Mind for he was Tall of Stature and of a strong and well-compacted Body of a Gracefull and Majestick Countenance and of a sharp and sound Wit He was Sweet and Persuasive of Language Affable and Judicious Able and Expert in Arms a severe Enemy to the Proud and Obstinate and especially to Thieves and Robbers on the High-way In short he had such Courage and other Endowments of Mind as set forth and adorn the Owner but cannot make him Happy without the Addition of Vertue For as to his Religion He either had none or seem'd to take no no ice of it but lived in continued Adulteries and rejected all Admonitions of his Clergy and united himself as was reported to the Moors and the Kings of Belmarine Tremisen and Granada He was always an inveterate Enemy to Pedro King of Aragon and had lately taken from him a part of his Kingdom intending at last to deprive him of the whole as indeed he had a desire to oppress all his Christian Neighbours Nay when c Oder Râ—inal ad an 1362. § 18. Ruffus Maurus King of Granada came to him under safe Conduct for Protection to his City of Sevil partly to obtain his Treasures which were reported to amount to 800000 pieces of Gold and also to gratifie his natural thirst of Blood he caused him to be carried into the Field on an Ass together with One and Fourty Moors his Servants and there he transfixed him thrô the Body with his own Lance and caused the rest of the Moors to be trod to Death by his Horsemen Moreover he had divorced and as some say caused to be dispatched his own Queen the Lady Blanche Daughter to d Philippus dicitur apud Odor Rainal ad an 1353. §. 16. Peter Duke of Bourbon and German Sister to the French Queen and to the Countess of Savoy whose Death was much bewailed by all that knew her especially those of her Family which was then one of the most Illustrious in the World. The occasion why he was so Cruel to a Lady of her Worth Youth and Beauty for she was but e Maria. de Reb. Hispan l. 17. c. 4 five and twenty when she died and once He himself lov'd her entirely is f Id. l. 16. c. 18. Innocent PP VI. Vitae Auther apud Bosq Vid. Oder Rainâ—l ad an 1353. § 16. attributed to the Enchantments of a certain Jew who at the Instigation of Don Pedro's Concubine Maria de Padilla by Magick so charmed a Rich embroidered Girdle which his Queen Blanche had given him that when he had it on it appeared both to himself and all others nothing else but a great and terrible Serpent From that time He could never endure his Queen who soon after either died for grief or as it is said was poisoned by him And thus being again at his own Dispose he took the said Maria de Padilla to Wife and made her his Queen Now this Don Pedro King of Castille and Leon had Three Bastard Brethren whom his Father Alphonso had gotten on the body of the Lady Leonora Gusman called the Ricco Drue the Eldest was named Henry Earl of Trastamare a Man who supply'd the Defect of his Birth by Vertue and an Honourable Inclination the Second was Tellius alià s Don Tello afterwards Earl of Sancelloni and the Third Sancho When these Three Brethren saw the many Murthers of the Prime Nobility perpetrated by the King their Brother and that he daily grew worse and how he had put to Death Three or Four of their Brethren gotten by King Alphonso on another Lady they began to doubt their own Lives and resolving to get out of his Reach fled for Protection to Pedro King of Aragon whom our Don Pedro so pursued with Bloody Wars that finding no further security there they were e'n fain to fly to the French King. Hereupon Don Pedro confiscated all their Estates and proscribed them as Traytors which prov'd an Occasion of his Ruine For now that all hope of Pardon was taken away they began to consider how by depriving him of his Life they might secure their own To which Resolution they were the more enflam'd because they heard he had lately put to Death the Lady Leonora Gusman their Mother having first caused to be burnt in her Presence a Jacobin of the Order of St. Domingo della Calcade g Favine le Parisien Theatre l'Henneur l. 6. c. 9 c. who had foretold that he himself should be slain by the hands of Henry of Castille Conde of Trastamare his Bastard Brother in Revenge of his other Brethren whom he had murdered About this time also the Prelates of Castille sent grievous Complaints to Avignon to the Pope importing that their King intended to overthrow Holy Church and had already taken away many Church Lands and Revenues and held several of the Clergy in Prison and oppressed the whole Land by Tyranny against all which they beg'd of his Holiness some Remedy And moreover having lately violated the Truce taken between him and the King of Aragon he refus'd to hearken to the Admonitions of the Pope who by his Letter bearing h Odor Rainal ad hunc ann §. 30 c. Dat. Aven Non. Februar Ano. Pontif IV. and sent unto him by William de Lynne alià s Lulimere Bishop of Chichester exhorted him earnestly to be at peace with the said King. Upon all these accounts Pope Urban being netled to the quick sent Messengers forthwith into Spain to the King citing him to appear by his Proxies in his Court there to answer what should be alledged against him and to excuse and purge himself of those horrible Matters laid to his Charge But Don Pedro in stead of bending a little for a while being full of Pride and Security not only flatly refus'd to obey this citation but also abus'd the Popes Messengers whereby he greatly incurred the Indignation of the Church and especially of the Chief Bishop thereof the Pope And in this manner he persever'd till at last i Frois c. 229. fol. 126. in the open Consistory at Avignon in the Chamber of Excommunication he was solemnly ejected from the Bosom of the Church and pronounced to be but as an Infidel And then after these Censures it was advised that he should be deposed by the Arms of the Companions who were at that time in France Hereupon the King of Aragon who was an Apparent Enemy to Don Pedro and Henry the Bastard who had little cause to be his Friend were sent for to come and confer with the Pope at Avignon Now this Henry the Bastard was a most Valiant and Couragious young Gentleman and had been many Years in France pursuing the Wars on the French Kings part with
Summons giving special Command thrô all his Dominions by his Letters Royal and by his Messengers which went Post into all Parts that without any delay they should come to him and help to resist the Publick Enemy who had invaded his Kingdom But when he thought to have had a Royal Army he found himself deceived for few or none came in to him Almost all the Lords and Knights of Spain forsook him and went over to his Bastard-Brother who was now generally adored as the Rising-Sun Upon this Don Pedro was forced immediately to fly or else he had been taken he was so much hated by his Enemies and even his own Friends were asham'd of him Yet at this very time l Od◠〈◊〉 ad 〈…〉 §. 31. meeting with Don Juan of Torres Brother to him who had yielded up the City of Calahorra to his Enemies he caused him to be put to Death There was no Person of Quality that would stick to a Prince of this Character in so ebbing a Fortune but only one Loyal Grandee Don Hernando del Castro he would by no means forsake his Lord and Master whatever came of it Thus Don Pedro being attended with this Lord and a small Troop of Loyal Gentlemen went with his Family and a good part of his Treasures to Seville on the River Guadalquivâ—r which was the best City then in Spain and from thence he went to his Kinsman Don Pedro Sirnamed the Justiceer King of Portugal with whom he might have been safe but that Don Henry m Odor Rainal ibid. §. 32. c. the Bastard made interest with Don Hernando the Infant of Portugal whereof the unhappy King of Castille being aware privately trussed up all his Treasure and put it into Coffers and took shipping at Lisbon with his Wife and Children and Don Hernando del Castro and a few others with him and left Portugal and set Sail for Galizia the Farthest Part of all Spain Westward where there is by the Sea-side a strong Castle called Corunna and here he and his Queen Maria de Padilla and his three Daughters the Ladies Beatrice Constance and Isabella arrived and took Harbour but of all the Great Lords of his Court and Council he had not One there except that never-enough-commended servant Don Hernando del Castro And yet during his stay in those parts he is said to have put to Death n Odor Rainal ibid. c. in the City of Compostella Suero the Archbishop and Pedro Dean of Toledo And thus we shall for a while leave this unhappy Prince and see what became of his Bastard Brother the Earl of Trastamare from whose face he now fled III. As soon o Frois c. 230. fol. 127. as the Castillians knew that Don Henry was enter'd the Land with so great an Army they all slock'd to him and acknowledged him for their Lord and so rode forth with him and all along as he went he caused the Cities Towns and Castles to be open'd to him and every man to do him Homage the Spaniards still crying out with one voice Live Don Henry and die Pedro the Cruel The Grandees of Spain led him thus thrô all the Realm of Castille as the Grand Master of Calatrava and the Master of St. Iago and all men every where obey'd him as their King. And so at last he was Crown'd in the City of p Alii dicunt Toleâ—â— alti Olgis cerâ—nam accepisse Astorga the Metropolis of the Kingdom of Leon all Prelates Earls Barons and Knights doing unto him as unto their Sovereign Reverence and Homage and swearing to uphold him as their King or else to die in the Quarrel Thus he rode a Progress thrô the Realms of Castille and Leon having Received a Kingdom without a stroke and being almost lifted up to Heaven by the Acclamations of the senseless Multitude Who as they are always the most instrumental in such sudden Revolutions do also commonly pay the dearest for their Rebellion when the just owner comes with Sword in hand to demand his Right against the Usurper Don Henry being thus Crowned distributed largely unto the Knights strangers such as came with him great Gifts and rich Jewels besides the Souldiers pay so that every Man confessed him to be a Prince of much Honour and Liberality And the English Normans Frenchmen and Bretons said among themselves frequently that he was the Fountain of Generosity and well Worthy to live and Reign over a great Realm as he did for a while in high Power and Prosperity Till the Prince of Wales and of Aquitain beat him out of his ill-gotten Possession and replaced Don Pedro in his Throne again as we shall see hereafter When now Don Henry saw himself well settled in this Estate Royal and that all the Land without Controversie obey'd him and acknowledged him for their only Sovereign he first q Odor Rainal ibid. §. 32. gain'd the Kings of Portugal and Granada of his side and then held a Parliament wherein he caused to be Enacted that if any thing should happen to him after the manner of Men his Eldest Son John should be look'd on and taken as the Right Heir of his Kingdom And at this time he advanced his two Brethren Tello and Sancho to the Dignity of Earls the Former being made Earl of Sancelloni upon whom together with their Titles he heaped large Revenues and Possessions Then he began to imagine and cast in his mind how he might Act most Worthy of the Supream Dignity which he had attained and render his Name and Memory as Dear as his Brother Don Pedro had made his Abominable He principally desired to exalt his Honour by good Actions and to maintain that Kingdom by Justice which the Injustice of another had occasion'd to fall to him But as for those Numbers of Companions which he had now with him he design'd shortly to employ them in an Expedition against Mahomet King of Granada notwithstanding the formal Alliance he had lately struck up with him And of this Design he spake frequently to several Lords and Knights who highly applauded as they reckon'd his Pious and Honourable Resolution And still he kept about him the Prince of Wales his Knights as Sr. Hugh Calverley Sr. Walter Hewet Sr. Matthew Gournay and Sr. Eustace Dambreticourt to whom he shew'd particular Favours and special Tokens of his Love and Respect in hopes to tie them the to his service in his intended Expedition to Granada But most of the Knights of France took their leave of him presently after his Coronation having first received many ample Rewards from his Hands as namely the Lord John of Bourbon Earl of Marche the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan the Lord of Beaujeu and others But Sr. Bertram of Clequin and Sr. Oliver Manny with all the Bretons and all the Companions tarried still with the King having convenient Quarters assign'd them and Sr. Bertram in consideration of his good Services was by King Henry with the Consent of
Reason hath made War upon the King of Aragon and also upon the King of Navarre and would have thrust them from their Inheritance by force of Arms and indeed his unreasonable Cruelty to his Bastard Brethren have forced them in their own defence to take Arms against him till now at last by his own Demerits he is thrust out of his Kingdom Wherefore Sir You are to consider that what he now suffers are but as so many Rods and strokes of Divine Vengeance to chastise him and to set him as an Example for all Christian Kings that they may be afraid to do as he hath done With these Words or the like was the Prince advised before Don Pedro arrived at Bayonne and the Prince was well enough satisfied of the truth of what was laid to his Charge but this was the thing that he was chiefly moved at to see a Bastard usurp a Crown from the Right Heir and so the Fundamental Law of Succession to be broken which he look'd upon as a Matter of high Concern to all Kings and Princes and that so ill a Precedent was not to be suffer'd My Lords said he I verily believe that this Advice of Yours is Cordial and proceeds from a good purpose and I question not but that You all intend my Honour and Interest as much as in You lies Nor will I deny but that I am well informed of the Life and Manners of this King Don Pedro and also I know and believe that He has committed horrible Crimes without Number whereby he has reduced himself to this forlorn Condition But that which stirreth Vs up and gives Vs Courage to take his Part is this It is no way convenient that a Bastard should hold a Kingdom as by Inheritance and thrust out his Legitimate Brother true Heir to the Land. For this violent and unlawfull Interruption of Rightfull Succession is a Matter which no Kings or Kings Sons ought by any means to permit or so much as connive at Because it is of unspeakable Prejudice to the State and Dignity Royal and of evil Example Not to say that the King my Father and this King Don Pedro have for several Years been ally'd together by frequent and manifold Confederations So that by all means We are bound to assist him in case that he require Vs so to do Thus was the Prince disposed in his Mind and thus he answer'd his Council and they could by no means remove him from his purpose for he was more and more resolved upon the Matter VIII But when King Don Pedro was now come to the Prince himself and was with him in his City of Bourdeaux he raised much Compassion also in the Prince and confirmed him much more in his Resolution For he humbled himself before him greatly and offer'd him many Royal Gifts promising to make him Lord of Biscay and of the Castle of Vrdiales and also to make his Son Edward King of Galizia and that he would present unto him and his Captains and Souldiers all his Goods and Riches which he had left behind him in the Realm of Castille because he durst not trust them under so small a Guard as his whole Retinue made But that they were in so sure Keeping that none knew where they were but himself And these Golden Promises especially pleased the Knights and Captains thereabout for most Men are moved by the consideration of Advantage but chiefly the Common sort of Souldiers who fight more for Booty than Honour Particularly Don Pedro declared publickly and solemnly before the Prince and his whole Council how Gratefull he would be and how he would not only be just but bountifull in satisfying every Man if the Prince would but undertake to bring him again into his Kingdom Then the Prince was advised to call together all his Barons throughout the Principality of Aquitaine and so Letters were written and Messengers sent forth and the Lords and Knights of the Country Summon'd in from all Parts as the Earl of Armagnac the Earl of Cominges the Lord of Albret the Vicount of Carmaine the Captal of Busche the Lord of Cande the Vicount of Chastillon the Lord del'Esparre the Lord de Lescar the Lord of Rozen the Lord of Chaumont the Lord of Mucidan the Lord of Courton the Lord of Pincornet and all the other Barons and Knights of Gascogne The Earl of Foix also was Summon'd in but he desired to be excused because of a disease in his leg which hindred him from riding however he sent thither certain of his Council to act and do as should seem requisite in his Name To this Parliament thus holden in the City of Bourdeaux came all the Earls Vicounts Barons and Wisemen of Aquitaine as from Sainctogne Poictou Quercy Limosin Gascogne and Guienne who being all met held a Council for three days about the business of King Don Pedro of Spain who was all the while present among them with the Prince his Cousin arguing and reasoning to confirm them on his side At last they advis'd the Prince to send into England to the King his Father to know his pleasure what was best to be done in that case So there were Four of the Prince's Knights pitch'd upon to do this Message to King Edward as the Lord Roger de la Warre Sr. Neale Loringe Sr. John Pamiers and Sr. Elias Pamiers and so for the present the Parliament brake up every Man returning home to his own place But King Don Pedro tarried still at Bourdeaux with the Prince and Princess who Honoured him and Feasted him Magnificently IX The mean while the Four Knights above named went on board and arrived safely at Southampton from thence they rode to London where they heard the King was at Windsor Being come thither they were extream Welcom to the King and Queen both for their Son the Prince's Sake and also their own for they were Persons of noted Worth and Honour Then they deliver'd their Letters to the King who open'd and read them and after a little pause upon the Matter said unto them Gentlemen go You for the present to your Lodgings and when I have confer'd with my Council I 'll return You an answer With these words the Knights were well satisfied and return'd the next day for London shortly after which the King also return'd to Westminster and with him the most and Chiefest of his Council as his Sons John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel William Montagu Earl of Salisbury the Lord Walter Manny the Lord Reginald Cobham the Lord Henry Piercy the Lord Ralph Nevil and several others besides these Three Prelates Simon Sudbury Bishop of London William Edington Bishop of Winchester and John Bokingham Bishop of Lincoln By all these after a long and serious debate upon the Subject of the Prince's Letters and the Request which he had made unto the King his Father it was at last concluded to be a thing both just
Pedro's Cruelty returned him Letters with full assurance that thô he should lose half his Realm therefore he would make no Agreement with the Prince which should be to his Prejudice but that he would never come to any manner of accord with Don Pedro And further he promised to keep his Country open for all Men of War that would come to his Assistance but to close all the Passages against those who came to trouble or molest him All which promises he kept very punctually For when he knew that Don Pedro was abetted by the Prince and that the Companions were marching toward Bourdeaux to joyn them he presently stopped all the Passages of his Kingdom and kept them strictly and set Men of War on the Mountains to defend the Passages and Streights of Catalunna so that none could pass without exposing themselves to imminent Danger But for all this the Companions found another way thô they suffer'd many Hazards and Difficulties before they could get rid of those traps set for them in Aragon Yet at last they came to the Marches of the Earldom of Foix where they found that Countrey also closed against them For the Earl would not by any means permit such a sort of Pillagers to pass thrô his Land. XV. The mean while Prince Edward employ'd all his thoughts Night and Day how he might to his Honour perform this Expedition and now he was concerned how these Companions who had already proffer'd him their Service might be safely brought into Aquitaine for he heard how the Passages of Aragon were closed up and that now they were upon the Marches of the Earldom of Foix in much trouble and more danger Wherefore he began to doubt lest the Bastard Henry and the King of Aragon together should by thus streightly dealing with these Companions who were in all to the Number of 12000 Men prevail so as either thrô fear of Danger or Hope of advantage to oblige them to act on the other side which he resolv'd if possible to prevent because they were all Expert and Valiant Men. Then he determin'd to send the Lord John Chandos to retain them for his Service and also to treat with the Earl of Foix desiring him in the Prince's Name to do no harm to them on which account he promis'd him that whatever Damage they should do in his Country he would make him double Amends therefore This Business Sr. John Chandos undertook to do for his Lord and so he first rode to the City of Dax in Gascogne whence he continued his journeys till he came to Foix and here he so well menaged the Earl that he consented to all that he requested of him Then the Lord Chandos rode onward till he came to Belcayne where he found the Companions and fully agreed with their Captains and retain'd them to serve the Prince in his Spanish Expedition for such and such Considerations which the Lord Chandos engaged by Oath should be performed This done he return'd to the Earl of Foix again and desired him that these People being now retained in the Prince's Service might find no lett or hindrance from him but that he would freely permit them to pass by one of the sides of his Country The Earl of Foix who had a great Respect for the Prince besides that he held his Lands of him to do him a pleasure consented on condition they should do no harm by Spoil or otherwise to him his Lands or People Sr. John engaged they should forbear all Violence and Rapine and then he sent an Esquire and an Herald to the Companions with the Articles of the Treaty made by him on their behalf with the Earl of Foix after which he return'd to the Prince and gave him an account of his Success wherewith the Prince was well satisfied For he was very earnestly bent on this Expedition XVI The Black-Prince was now in the Flower of lusty Manhood being in the Thirty sixth Year of his Age of full Strength of Body and in perfect Health of undaunted Courage and Resolution all well temper'd with Experience and Discretion and he was never weary nor cloy'd with War from the first time he bore Arms but was always greedy of hazardous Enterprises and honourable Dangers But to say the Truth as for this Expedition into Spain wherein he intended to advance and resettle King Pedro in his Throne from which he had been deposed by Violence he was moved thereto from Principles of Honour and Equity and out of a compassionate Regard to Don Pedro's miserable Change of Fortune For however he might perhaps seem to deserve as bad or worse measure yet he rightly concluded that no Subjects much less a Bastard-Brother had either Law or Reason to call their Sovereign Lord to an account much less to punish him in such a manner He often spake to his Lords and Knights especially to the Lord John Chandos and the Lord Thomas Felton concerning this his intended Journey and particularly once he demanded of them what they thought of the matter And those two Lords answer'd him how indeed they thought nothing but well for the Cause was just and his Counsels proportionable to the end but they continued Sir without doubt this is a greater Enterprise beyond Compare than it was to thrust King Pedro out of his Kingdom For he was generally hated and when he thought to have made his Part good all Men forsook him But now at this present the Bastard King is actually possest of all that Realm and is confirmed the more strongly in the said Possession by being Master of the Hearts and Affections of all the Nobles Prelates and the whole Body of the Kingdom For they have unanimously received him for their King and his Children after him having for ever excluded Don Pedro and his Heirs and they have promised to uphold him in that Estate to the utmost extent of their Lives and Fortunes Wherefore Sir it concerns You to take along with you a Royal Army for besides the Alliances which the Bastard hath made or may make You shall find the whole Power of Spain and Aragon against you These things said the Prince we have fully consider'd but what think you as to the Nerves of this War which ought not to be the last Consideration Sir replied the Lord Chandos I would advise your Royal Highness to break the best part of your Plate and Treasure of which you have great Abundance and convert it all to Money to bestow largely among the Companions and other your Souldiers because 't is only for your Sake that they are willing to go but as for Don Pedro they would not stirr a foot either for the Love they bear to his Person or the Faith they have in his Promises Besides all which You would do well Sir to send into England to the King your Father desiring him to furnish you towards this expensive Enterprise with an 100000 Franks which Summ the French King is obliged shortly to pay to
Chosen Men of Arms and 400 Archers at the News of whose Coming the Prince was very glad While things were thus preparing in the Principality there came unto the Prince to Bourdeaux James the Younger King of Majorica as he was called but at that time he had not one foot of his Kingdom in his own Possession For his Uncle Pedro King of Aragon who had before murther'd his Father as was said in Prison at Barcelona had hitherto by force excluded him from his Inheritance So that he had nothing in the World to live on saving that the Lady Joan Queen of Jerusalem Sicily and Naples had in consideration of his Youth Shape and Nobility p Vid. Odor Rainal ad an 1362. §. 10. c. taken him for her Third Husband about Four Years before this Wherefore he now applies himself to Prince Edward that by means of his Powerfull Arms he might be able to Revenge the Death and Injuries of his Father and to recover his Right as well in the Kingdom of Majorica as also in the Earldoms of Roussillon and Cerdanna The Prince made him very Welcom and gave him good hopes and comfort against the Present Difficulty of his Affairs and told him when he had heard his whole business Sir ô King being already embarqued in another Affair of like Consequence as yet I cannot possibly attend to your Cause but I promise you faithfully that after my safe Return out of Spain I shall forthwith take Care to restore you unto your full Right either by Treaty or by Force This Free and Generous Promise settled the Young Kings mind for the Present and so he tarried still with the Prince in Bourdeaux expecting when he would begin to march as others did for he intended to accompany him in this Expedition And the Prince considering his Quality allow'd him all that was necessary because he was a stranger and in Distress But daily there were brought to the Prince's Ears great Complaints of the Companions how they were exceeding troublesome to Men and Women of those Parts where they quarter'd wherefore they desired the Prince to begin his March as soon as he could which was his own Desire too But he was advis'd to stay and see Christmas over first that so he might have Winter at his Back and he agreed the rather to this reasonable motion because the Princess his Wife was big with Child again and very near her time and she was mightily concerned lest he should leave her before her Delivery Wherefore fearing that either she or the child might come to any harm he was content to stay till that Danger was over and she was extreamly pleas'd when she heard him promise so to do XX. All this while there was great Provision of Wine and Victuals and other Necessaries made over all the Country because they were to enter into a Kingdom where what for the season of the Year the Nature of the Soil and the Care of their Enemies they were likely to find but small purveyance Among other things while thus they tarried at Bourdeaux and all the Country was full of Souldiers the Prince of Wales by advice of his Council countermanded 800 of the Lord of Albret's 1000 Spears which before he had thought to have retained by his Letters sealed with his Seal the Tenor whereof followeth EDWARD by the Grace of God Prince of Aquitaine and Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester to his Right Trusty and Right-well-beloved Bernard Lord of Albret Greeting My Lord of Albret whereas of our meer Will and Pleasure We have taken upon Vs this Expedition in which We shortly intend to proceed considering the vast business charge and encombrance which We now have as well by reason of strangers who have offer'd themselves to our service as of the great Numbers of the Companions who are so numerous that we must not leave them behind Vs for fear of the Mischief which they may create among our Subjects That yet We may take sufficient Care of our Land in this our intended absence for as all may not stay behind so neither are all the Men of War to go lest the Country be left without Defence Vpon these Considerations after good Advice had it is ordained by Vs and our Council that for this time You only serve Vs with 200 Spears and You may discharge your self of the Residue and let them do as it shall please them And so God Almighty have you in his keeping Dated at Bourdeaux the 8th of December Ano. Dom. 1366. These Letters being sealed with the Prince's Great Seal were sent to the Lord of Albret who at that time was very busie in his Country about the Preparations for the Campaigne for it was now constantly affirmed that the Prince would begin his March very suddenly But when he saw the Prince's Letters he read them over twice the better to understand their meaning and then he was both amaz'd and displeas'd at what he found in them What saith he to himself how comes this to pass that my Lord the Prince makes a scorn and derision of me after this manner For now he would have me disband 800 Spears Knights and Esquires all whom by his own Command I have already retain'd and so diverted from other ways as well of Profit as of Honour Being in this heat he presently called for his Secretary and caused him to write an Answer to the Prince in these Words Most Illustrious and Dear Lord I am mightily surprised at the Letters You were pleased to send me and Sir I am in a great streight how I ought or may answer You in that point For it proves much to the prejudice and damage of me and all my Friends whom by your own Ordinance and Command I have already enter'd into service whereby I have hindred them of many fair Advantages which they might have reaped in other places For some of them were determin'd to have gone over Sea into Prussia to Constantinople to Jerusalem as most Knights and Esquires do in times of Peace at home to advance their Honour abroad Sir they are all very much surprised and displeased at me thus to be left out at this time and I also extreamly admire for what fault of mine I have deserved this severe Vsage Right Dear Sir May it please You to know that I cannot be sure of 200 unless I may be permitted to bring them all because I fear none will be willing to go when thus unhappily divided from their Friends I am the meanest and worst of them all and yet if any are left behind I doubt none will go God Almighty preserve your Royal Highness Dated c. When the Prince received this answer he look'd upon it as insolent and presumptuous and so did many English Lords and Knights of his Council whereupon the Prince shook his head and said in English Ah! this Lord of Albret is too great a Master in my Dominions when he will thus dare to
Men as the World could afford namely John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster the Lord John Chandos Sr. Gaischard Dangle Sr. Stephen Cossington the Lord John Greilly Captal of Busche the Lord Oliver Clisson the Lord William Beauchamp the Lord of Raix Sr. Hugh Calverley Sr. Matthew Gournay Sr. John Tyrrel Sr. William Clayton also the Lord Lewis of Harcourt the Earl of Armagnac the Lord of Pons the Lord of Partenay the Lord of Albret the Lord of Pamiers and his two Brethren the Lord of Mucidan the Lord of Rozan the Earl of Perigort the Earl of Cominges the Earl of Carmain the Lord of Coudon the Lord de L'Esparre the Lord of Chaumont Sr. Bartholomew du Cande the Lord of Pincornet Sr. Bertram de la Brett the Soldiche de l'Estarrac Sr. Petiton of Coutras and Others aforenamed who all deserve Immortal Memory A little beside the Prince was James the young King of Majorica and his Company nothing inferior to the Rest he fought with as much Animosity here as if the success of the Battle had been to restore his own Kingdom unto him but the Lord Martin Carre who represented the King of Navarre's Person was with the Prince doing Actions nothing unworthy of his Character There was none that time of all the Princes Army that did not his Best as indeed they had all need enough so to do for there were of Spaniards and Castillians and Others more than an 100000 in Harness and yet the Battle was fought in Plain Field without the benefit of any stratagem on either Side So that by reason of the vast Numbers of the Enemy and the Courage of their Captains which often obliged them to renew the Fight it was long before the Victory could be won King Don Pedro especially rag'd about like a wild Boar being much chafed by the stiff Opposition he met withall and extreamly desirous to meet his Brother the Bastard saying Where is this Son of a Whore that calls himself King of Castille Let me see his Face now if he dare And yet at the same time Don Henry fought nothing worse in the parts where he was thô his Lords would not let him cope with Don Pedro and yet besides he had much ado that Day to hold his Men together so long as he did Ah! Ye good People would he often say You have Crowned me your King therefore help me now to keep what your selves have given me and swore to preserve unto me And by these and other such Words as he spake he inspired many with an unusual Courage and made them stay and die in the Field because they could not for shame leave the place in his Sight Sr. Bertram b Frois â— 238. f. 139. b. of Clequins Battail fought the best and held the longest together entire for there were many noble and expert Knights and Gentlemen who behaved themselves with all the Courage imaginable And on the English side especially the Lord John Chandos gave pregnant Instances of his Personal Valour and Conduct for that Day he guided and menag'd the young Duke of Lancaster as he had done the Prince at the Battle of Poictiers and the Duke of Bretagne lately at the Fight before Auray in all which Cases he ought to be highly renowned And all that Day he had no care of taking any Prisoners with his own hands but he still sought and pressed forward toward the main Point And yet by his Men and under his Banner were taken many good Lords Knights and Esquires both of Aragon and France especially Sr. Bertram of Clequin himself with whom fell the Hope of that Battail and the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan Marshal of France the Beague of Villaine and above Threescore more Prisoners of note Among others the Earl of Denia in Valencia c Vid. Walshist in Ricard 2 p. 216. Weevers Fâ—n Mâ—num p. 438. M.S. Rot. Parl. 160. Sr. Rob. Cotton's Abridgm p. 157. was taken by the hands of Robert Hawley and John Shakel two Esquires of the Lord Chandos his Retinue the Story whereof with the ill Consequences ensuing thereupon and the Murther of Esquire Hawley and the Earl of Denia's Son 's wonderfull Fidelity to his Master Esquire Shakel with whom he was then left a Pledge for his Fathers Ransome All this is well worth the Relating but because those Tragical Matters happen'd not till after King Edwards Death and also is something over-long to tell it cannot by the Rules of History be properly inserted in this Place wherefore now We return again to the Matter in hand So then at last this strong Battail of Sr. Bertram of Clequin was by fine Force open'd and discomfited and all that were therein taken and slain as well the Frenchmen as Aragonians and Others There was slain the Beague of Villiers and many Hundreds with him and taken beside those aforemention'd the Lord Dantoign of Hainalt the Lord of Brusnel Sr. Guy Bailleul Sr. John of Bergues Sr. Almain of St. Venant and divers Others of Prime Note And this Battail being thus utterly overthrown the Duke of Lancaster the Lord John Chandos and the two Marshals rally'd their Men together under the Banner of St. George and then went freshly to succour the Prince of Wales and fell in on one side upon the Battail of Henry crying out all together with an High and terrible Voice St. George Guienne Then the Spaniards and their Associates who even before contended but faintly could no longer endure but began to give ground and open apace But We must say something of what was done in this Battail before the coming of the Duke of Lancaster and the Marshals The Captal of Busche and the Lord Clysson fought on their part with excessive Fury the same did the Lord Eustace Dambreticourt Sr. John Devereux the Soldiche of Estarrac and others But the Prince of Wales especially behav'd himself Worthy of his Name and Character encouraging and directing his Men and performing the Office both of a good Souldier and of an Accomplisht Captain He was always in the heat of Action and whereever the greatest stress of the Matter lay thither he constantly moved carrying along with him Assurance to his Friends and Terror to his Enemies King Henry for his part acquitted himself with much Honour and rallied and brought back his Men as we observ'd three times that day For upon the first flight of the Earl of Sancelloni with 3000 Horse who followed him the other Spaniards were so disheartned that it required all the Care in the World to keep them firm together wherefore King Henry was always ready now here and now there saying My Lords what is it You intend to do Why will You thus forsake and betray me whom You have made your King and set the Crown on my Head and put the Inheritance of Castille into the Hands of me and my Heirs Return back with Courage and help vigorously to defend me but a while and do but stand still by me and by
Lawfull King and that there were none who rebell'd or held out against him then he spake these Words unto him Sir Blessed be God You are now again peaceably established King over this your Realm without any Rebellion or Opposition And Sir I and my Men tarry here at our great Charge and Expence Wherefore I request you to provide Money to satisfie those who have holpen me to Reinstate you in your Throne as well as to compleat your Promise to which you have sworn and set your Hand and Seal And Sir the sooner this is done the more acceptable will it be to Vs and the more also to your Advantage For you cannot be ignorant that Men of War if they are not paid will make hold to pay themselves Sir We call not your Justice in question but only put you in Mind that at this time there are many Souldiers of Fortune among us and as it will be your Discretion to satisfie them so will it be just and equitable to be punctual in your Word to all who have been assistant to you in this Enterprise To this the King answer'd Fair Cousin We are firmly resolv'd to hold keep and perform to our power what We have sworn and sealed to But truly Sir as for the present We have no sufficient Quantity of Money ready at hand However now we intend to take our Progress toward the Marches of Sevil where we will make such provision of Gold and Silver as to be able to satisfie all Men. Onely Sir We desire you to tarry here in Valladolid where You will find a Plentifull Country and surely We shall return unto You as soon as We may conveniently but at the furthest by Whitsuntide This Answer was nothing disagreeable to the Prince and his Council who consider'd the hard Circumstances of that King and so within a few Days after Don Pedro took his leave of Prince Edward and rode toward Sevil the chief City of Andaluzia with a Design to raise Money to pay off the Men of War as he had covenanted and the Prince went and quarter'd in Valladolid his Lords and Captains being spread abroad in the Country at large the better to provide Victuals and other Necessaries for Themselves and their Horses Thus they tarried in Castilla Vieja not much to the advantage of the Country For whatever strict Discipline the rest of the Army kept the Companions could not for their Hearts forbear stealing plundering and defrauding the People XVIII The News presently spread abroad thrô England France Germany and other Countries far and near how the Prince of Wales had discomfited in Battle King Henry and all his Power having routed taken slain and drowned a well-Order'd and Royal Army consisting of more than an 100000 Men whereby the Prince was greatly renowned and his Valour and Conduct highly extolled in all Places whither the same flew especially in the Empire and in England for France had no cause to boast thereof But the Germans Flemings and Englishmen said that the Prince of Wales was the very Fairest Flower of Knighthood and that such a Prince was well worthy to govern all the World since by his exalted Prowess he had atchieved Three such extraordinary Enterprises as he had done First at the Battle of Cressey in Ponthieu where by Him the whole Power of France was broken Two Kings slain and a Third put to Hight Secondly at the Battle of Poictiers ten Years after where again he overcame the whole Power of France and took the King of the said Realm Prisoner And Thirdly now in Spain near Najara where at one Blow he decided the Fate of a Kingdom XIX But in England especially were great Triumphs made particularly in the Kings-Chamber the City of London Where the Lord Mayor and Aldermen celebrated the Memory of this Victory with great Solemnity and Triumphal Arches in like manner as they were formerly accustomed to do for their Kings when they had obtain'd any notable Success against their Enemies But in the Realm of France there was a quite different Scene representing nothing but deep Displeasure and unfeigned Sorrow because so many Gallant Knights of that Country were lost in that Battle And the taking of Sr. Bertra◠of Clequin and of the Lord Arnold D'Endreghan and other Frenchmen Prisoners at that time prov'd a great Corrosive to the minds of those who lov'd the Honour and Interest of France for they were all Persons of undoubted Worth and therefore now their Condition was lamented because they were little better than Dead to their Friends while thus buried in Captivity Thô surely they were all kept with much Courtesie and Respect and all of them shortly after put to easie Ransoms except only Sr. Bertram of Clequin who staid longer before he could be acquitted because the Lord John Chandos who had him in Keeping would not as yet deliver him for any Ransome and also Sr. Bertram did not much urge him to let him go XX. Now after the Battle of Najara Don Henry the Bastard escaped out of the Field as We intimated before from the reach of his Enemies and having with much difficulty got his Wife and Children about him went to the City of Valencia where he found King Pedro of Aragon his Godfather Friend and Ally and recounted unto him all his Evil Adventure with the Prince of Wales Within a while after the Aragonian advised him to go to Mompellier to Lewis Duke of Anjou and there to open his Case unto him and this Advice the Bastard was well pleased with because he knew the Duke of Anjou secretly maligned the Prince and all Englishmen in General Having therefore committed his Wife and Children to the Protection of the King of Aragon he took his leave and rode beyond Narbonne the First City of France on that side from thence he rode to Besiers and so to Mompellier in Languedoc where he found the Duke of Anjou who made him heartily welcome For he now lov'd him the more in despight of the English whom he naturally hated thô as yet he had no manner of Pretence to make any War against them When this Duke had fully heard all King Henry's losses and the present state of his Affairs he comforted him to his Power and while he tarried entertain'd him very obligingly indeed Shortly after Don Henry went to Avignon to visit Pope Vrban V and to have some secret Conference with him which done he return'd back again to Mompellier to the Duke of Anjou between whom there was a long and close Treaty held And as it was then reported and afterwards appeared to be manifest at that time King Henry obtain'd of the Duke of Anjou a Fortress bordering on the Principality of Aquitain called Castle-Moron where he assembled together Companions and other Men of War Bretons and Others who had not gone into Spain with the Prince so that presently he got about 300 Men of Arms. However all this was not carried on so privately but that News thereof
Esquire and others of his Domesticks and interred in the said Church of the Augustine-Fryars at Clare aforesaid near unto the Pody of his First Wife Elizabeth de Burgh But the Lord Edward Spencer who doubted some foul play had been used towards him tarried still in Italy and together with Sr. John Hawkwood and his Englishmen called the White-Company * Walsingh Hyped p. 131. n. 23 Frois c. 242. fol. 146. made fierce War upon the Dukes of Milain in Revenge of his Masters Death till at last he was fully satisfied of their Innocence as to that point and their great and unfeigned sorrow for the untimely loss of so Noble a Kinsman This was the first unkind Stroke of Fortune that ever King Edward felt and that no small one neither But he bore it with such Courage as might have obliged her if that Fickle Goddess was to be won by Gallantry to be more Respectfull unto Him for the future Though generally she is observed when once she grows Adverse to be much more extream in her Hate than before she had been in her Love. The Young Lady Violantis tried indeed to tast of Happiness after this Loss of her First Husband and was again m Elias Reasnerus ΒΑâ—ΙΑΙΚΩΠGenealegici Auctarium p. 196. Married to Otho Palaeologus Marquess of Monferrato But she did not long enjoy him neither for he was stabb'd by the hands of a base Hostler on the Mountains of Parma III. Before these things fell out namely on the n M.S. Rot. Par. p. 100 c. Sr. Rob. Cotton p. 105. 24 of February King Edward had issued forth his Summons for his Parliament to sit at Westminster on the First Day of May then next ensuing On which Day being a Monday Dr. Simon Langham Archbishop of Canterbury declared to the Lords and Commons then assembled in the Painted-Chamber that it was His Majesties Pleasure to adjourn them to the Thursday following At which time the said Arch-bishop in Presence of the King Lords and Commons then all assembled in the said Painted-Chamber declared how the King yielded unto God Almighty his most hearty Thanks for having given him Victory over all his Enemies also for the peaceable and flourishing Condition of his Realm and for the great Loyalty of his Subjects and their constant Readiness to serve Him both in Body and Goods all which Blessings as he desired what in him lay to continue or rather to encrease so that he might the better succeed in that Resolution he had at this time called his Parliament to confer with them in Matters relating to the Premises So the remainder of that Day was spent in appointing Receivers and Tryers of Petitions for England Ireland Wales Scotland and Gascogne with other Foreign Places and Isles The next Day the said Arch-bishop declared how after a long Treaty between the Kings Commissioners and David Bruce King of Scotland King David at last made this Offer To preserve a perpetual Peace with England so that he might freely enjoy to Him and his Heirs for ever the whole Realm of Scotland in Fee without any Subjection or Vassalage which might be accounted a perpetual Reproach to that Kingdom Of which Terms of Peace the Lords and Commons being demanded their Advice gave in their Answers severally that they could not assent to any such Peace without Disherison of the King and his Crown and to the great Danger of their own Souls as who were sworn to uphold and maintain the same to their Power After which the said Arch-bishop in the Kings Name gave thanks to the Three Estates for their ready Compliance in assisting the Kings Wants by their Aids and Subsidies and shew'd them farther how at that time the King stood in as great need of a Considerable Supply as ever Whereupon the Lords and Commons granted unto the King for two Years of every Wooll-Pack 36 s. 8 d. for every Twelve Score of Fells as much and of every Last of Skins 4 l. over and above the usual Custom of 6 s. 8 d. for every Wooll-Pack and the same for every Twelve Score of Fells and of 13 s. and 4 d. for every Last of Skins Then certain New Statutes were prepared and made Law by the King and certain Old ones explained and confirmed as may be seen in the Printed Books referring to those Days which for the most part agree exactly with the Records The Londoners by their Representatives desired that no Foreigner should retail any Merchandise as Wine or any other Provision but this was not granted On the 21 of May the King gave Thanks to the Lords and Commons for their Coming and Aid granted and that Day all the Lords and sundry of the Commons dined with the King. After which Dinner Sr. John Leigh was brought before the King Lords and Commons such as dined there to answer certain Objections made against him and first to the Complaint of William Latimer as followeth The King had granted the Wardship of Robert Latimer the Son and Heir of Sr. Robert Latimer with certain Mannors during his Minority to Dr. Robert Wyvill Bishop of Sarum which Estate descending to the said William Latimer the King afterward granted to Sr. John Leigh during the said William's Minority The said William surmised that the said Sr. John being then Steward of the Kings House and of Power sent for him to London where by duress of Imprisonment he compelled the said William to surrender his Estate up into his Hands But the same Sr. John by Recognisance excuseth himself for that the Grant was made unto him which was not allowed foâ—â—hat the said William was not put out by due Process of Law. Another Matter was objected against the said Sr. John forasmuch as during the time he was Steward of the Kings House he should cause sundry Men to be attached and to come before him as before the Kings Council in such Places as he pleased where being out of Council he caused Men to answer as in Council And that he as Steward having Authority only within the Verge did notwithstanding cause sundry to be attached out of the Verge as John Goddard and Others making them to answer in the Marshalsea for things done out of the Verge and other some he had committed to the Tower of his own Authority as John Sibill Edmund o Urdsales Sr. Rob. Cotton Vrdsalls and others That he had also of his own Head against the Justices Command discharged out of Newgate Hugh Lavenham Purveyor who had appealed sundry Men of Felony That he had bargain'd formerly with Sr. Nicolas Lovaine for the Keeping of the Mannor of Raynham in Kent the which the said Sr. Nicolas claimed to hold during the Minority of the Son and Heir of John Staunton whereas the said Sr. John Leigh knew that the said Mannor was holden of the King in Capite as of the Castle of Dover Of all which Points because the said Sr. John could not purge himself he was
the said Duke of Hainalt and yet by many other Ties were they obliged to the English Interest and each of them was by Covenant retain'd to serve King Edward with a 1000 Spears apiece at their own Charges And therefore they not only advised the King now to bring over Duke Albert but they also Themselves joyn'd their Perswasions so that what by their Means and the English Gold he was at first won to declare himself for England But when the Lord of Cominges who was then in the Court of France heard thereof he hasted into Hainalt where he menaged Matters so cunningly with the Lord John Verchin Seneschal of Hainalt by whose Advice all the Dukes Matters were chiefly order'd and who in his Heart lov'd the Interest of France beyond that of England that by the Concurrence of the Earl of Blois and the Lord John of Blois his Brother together with the Lord of Ligny and the Lord of Brabanson who were all well belov'd with the Duke and Dutchess of Hainalt King Edward's Design was wholly quash'd and the labour of his Ambassadors overthrown Thô even they could obtain no more of the Duke than this that both He and his Country would stand Neuter in the Affair and the same Answer was also return'd by the Lady Jane Dutchess of Brabant For at that time her Husband was absent being in France where he contracted secretly a League with that King. VI. And surely King Charles of France who was a notable Politician had secretly prepared himself many Friends both in Hainalt and Brabant almost two years before and had brought over to his Interest the greater part of the Chief Counsellors and Friends of all the Great Lords of both Dukedoms And now to put the better Gloss upon his renewing the War and to make his Cause more plausible in the Eyes of the World he copied out divers Extracts of the Letters relating to the Peace made at Bretigny and ratified at Calais and therein he set forth the Substance of what he according to his Obligation had done and of what the King of England and his Children had not done thô by Oath and Honour bound thereto All along producing such Articles and Points as made for Himself and against King Edward but cunningly concealing smothering or colouring what made to a contrary purpose So that his Cause seem'd only just and the English bare all the Blame And also he privately caused certain Learned in the Laws to be Feed to set forth their Opinions at large concerning the Right of the French King against the King of England both as to the Matter of the Crown and also to the Superiority and Resort of Aquitain and there are yet f M.S. Reverendi Dr. Joh. Spencer S.T.P. C.C.C. apud Cantab Magistri Decani Ecclesiae Cathed Eliensis Extant two Discourses on that Point written by two Famous Doctors of those Days belonging to the University of Bononia in Italy whose Names were John de Lyana and Richard de Salicete Many of which Papers and others of the like Nature together with his own Letters the French King procured to be published in the Courts of all the Princes and Great Lords his Neighbours the better to prepare them to allow of his Quarrel So that King Edward to save his Credit was obliged also to use his Pen against this New sort of Enemy and to justifie and defend his Claim and to prove the Breach of the Peace to lie wholly at the French Kings Doors which he performed notably by his Letters sent into Germany and other Places where he valued his Reputation or thought to have any Friends From which Humour of both the Kings g Paul. Aemyl p. 294. c. Paulus Aemylius rather ambitious to shew his Rhetorick than Historical Fidelity has invented two notable Declamations which he ingeniously enough fancies to have been said before Charles the Emperour and his Son Wenceslaus the one by an English Orator in Behalf of his Masters Cause and the other by a Frenchman who holds the contrary opinion Whereas if that Author had consulted Decorum he would have remembred that King Edward often protested to acknowledge no Mortal whether Pope or Emperour as Judge of his Controversie and that he had but little Reason to expect to find the Emperour any thing favourable to him since he slew his Father at the Battle of Cressy and could not be ignorant how mightily he was addicted as well as more nearly allied to King Charles and the House of France Wherefore we who religiously endeavour to avoid these Gaudy Vanities thô we have Matter enough of Authentick Arguments to fill up a Speech or two yet preferring the venerable simplicity of Truth to all the Fucoes of Vain-Glory shall here set down the Arguments on both Hands as they were then really stated by the Best Lawyers of both Kingdoms in which doing 〈◊〉 where our Authorities cannot be seen our Faith be called in question We declare not only that our selves are wholly ignorant in this as well as many other Sorts of Learning but that the Ancient Copies are to be seen in Latine in a M.S. of the Reverend Dr. Stillingfleet Dean of St. Pauls and in English in another M.S. of the Reverend Dr. Spencer Dean of Ely and Master of Corpus Christi College in Cambridge which English Copy appears to have been with much Care translated from the other by some Person of Quality for the Use of that Most Noble Prince of Wales Henry Eldest Son to King James the First And to omit the several Preambles touching Succession of Women and Succession by Representation as also touching Distance of Degrees and Collateral Succession I shall the readiest way come to the Matter but first thô in some measure we have more than once stated the Case before it is necessary for Evidence sake here again to set down the Matter of Fact as it happen'd in the Realm of France Videlicet That King Philip Son of St Lewis King of France had two Sons lawfully begotten Philip the Fair and Charles of Valois And that the said Philip being Eldest after the Death of his Father obtain'd the Kingdom and that Charles deceased leaving behind him Philip of Valois his Son lawfully begotten That afterwards Philip the Fair begat Three Lawfull Sons Lewis Philip and Charles and also One Daughter named Isabel who was married to the King of England and brought forth Edward the Third whilst the foresaid Philip Grandfather to the said Edward remain'd alive That at last Lewis and Philip Brothers to Isabell being Dead without Issue Male King h This to be favourably taken for Philip died first and then his Three Sons in order succeeded Arguments for the French Kings Right Philip their Father also died That after him reigned the foresaid Charles his only Son surviving who likewise died without Issue Now according to the State of the Fact the Question doth rise in Law to be this The Lady Isabell next
Collateral to her Brother King Charles being disabled to Succeed by a continued Custom of that Realm or by a Statute lawfully published which excludeth Women from Succession in the Kingdom whether Edward her Son or Philip Son of the First Charles who was Uncle to this Last King Charles should carry the Crown and Kingdom of France according to the Lawfull Rules of Succession In which doubtfull Case I shall first lay down certain Reasons on the Behalf of Philip But before other Matters because the whole Knot of the Business is rooted upon the Custom and Statute whereof I have spoken lest the Foundation should fail I will strengthen that Statute with certain Reasons and First thus This Statute as it is presupposed in the State of the Question was lawfully made and published the Nobility of the Realm being thereto called and all those who had any Right or Interest in this Case to be called So that it proceeded from the whole Council of the Realm lawfully assembled Therefore whether Authority to make Statutes be a Matter of meer or mixt Empire or else of simple Jurisdiction the Statute is of Force and Good i Arg. l. Illicicitus §. Qui universis ff de Offic. Prasid l. Hâ—manum C. de â—egibus l. Omnes populi ff de just jure junctis ibi nâ—tatis Barth in primâ questione principali saae repetitionis unà cum notatis ejusdem in l. Imperium in quaest suà quae incipit Quer. quibus Judicibas ff de Jurisdict Omnium Judic in Law. Again this Statute is greatly confirmed by the Apparent Profit which by the good Provision thereof is much procured to the Realm of France Lest if a Woman should succeed the Weakness of her Sex might become Fatal to the k Arg. ad haec Inst quibut alie licet non vel in Fi. primire State Whereto strongly maketh the Law Faeminae ff de Reg. Juris with other Laws which affirm l ff derpostuland l. 1. §. seâ—um junct ib. gl fac l. in multis ff de statu Heminâ—â— that Women must not exercise such Offices as appertain to Men. This is also made good in that Law which was in Force in the Middle Time of the Empire of Rome bearing more Favour unto Men in Succession of Collaterals of which Quality is this now in Question did sometimes dispose m Inst de Leg. Agnat succ §. Câ—terum ubi benè facit ratio ejusdem §. posita ibi Quod ideò C. de Leg. ber l. Lege XII Tab. that Inheritances should pass from one to another among the Male Kindred althô they were in a very distant Degree But the Women Kindred should then only succeed in case they were Sisters If they were more remote whether descended of Sisters or any other they were held incapable For if that Law could exclude Women Kindred from Lawfull Succession as it did because otherwise the Correction thereof comprised in these cited Laws had not been necessary for that which is not n ff de injâ—st rupt irrit test l. nam eâ—si cannot be abolished broken or corrected Then this o Arg. praemiss ff de Legibus l. non est novum l. de quibus cum similibus Statute may do the same in the Kingdom of France Again that the Right of a Kingdom is carried by Hereditary Succession or by Prerogative of Custom it is brought in only by Positive and Civil Law p Le. no. 8. q. 1. c. Moses ibi glo Archid. to wit Custom Therefore it followeth that it may be taken away by the same Law and consequently by the Law of this Statute q Ar. ff de Reg. jur l. Nil tam naturale Inst de jur natur Gent. Civ §. Sed Naturalia inst de legit Agnat tutela §. Fi. or Custom By which it seemeth to be as clear as the Light that the Lady Isabell could not come to the Crown of the Realm of France as being altogether disabled and excluded by Statute So then upon this Foundation thus laid beforehand many Reasons may be raised against King Edward For lawfull Successions proceed by Degrees that is from one Degree to another So that as a Man is nearer in Order of Degree so r Inst de legit Agnat Sâ—ccess §. Placebat ibi not is he stronger in Right of Succession But in Case of our Question the nearer and stronger Degree of Isabell is plainly disabled from Succession by Statute Therefore this Lawfull Succession as interrupted or stopped by Her cannot proceed to a further Degree viz. to King Edward Because Succession goeth on by Steps and not per saltum Å¿ In. tit qui feud da. poss §. quia facit l. ut Gradatim ff de munere oner injunct l. qui indignus ff de Senateribus as Baldus noteth And this Sequel is proved for t Lâ—tria praedia ff de servit rust praed that the Overthrow of Order is also the Overthrow of that which is to be Ordered And upon u ff de Officâ—ejus cui mandaest Jurisdictio l. 1. §. hajus rei argumentum Destruction of the Antecedent the Destruction of the Consequent doth ensue Again if King Edward should make Claim of any such Succession this must be by reason of the Royal Blood derived unto him from King Philip his Grandfather by the Mothers Side by the Mean of his Mother But the Mother had no such Blood in her self capable of Succession as it appeareth by that which hath been said Ergo x Arg. l. Nemo ff de Reg. Jur. l. traditio ff de acquirendo rerum Dommie She could not convey the same unto her Son. Again every y ff l. Plenum ff sinsus minister ii ff de usu hab Right by Derivation thereof is made more feeble Therefore if this Blood was not of Ability to succeed in the Mother as it appeareth before much less shall it be of that Ability being conveyed and deriv'd into King Edward The Form of Proof is taken à Majori ad Minus To the same Purpose an Argument may be drawn from z Filius familiâs ff de acquir Haered another Law where a Son being in the Power of his Father cannot appoint his Son and the Grandchild of his Father who holdeth Authority over both to take upon him to be the Heir of his Mother deceased upon Consideration of this Reason that the Father who giveth Authority is in that Case that by Himself in Person he cannot enter into such an Inheritance Therefore by parity of Reason in the Case of this Question the Mother Isabell cannot give Right of Succession to King Edward because by her Self in Person she is not able to succeed To the same purpose serveth the Law Filium habeo ff ad Senatusconsultum Macedonianum Again where a Nephew or Grandchild hath a Grandfather and a Father of divers Conditions the
conceived during the servitude of his Father q Inst de pa. po §. fi d. c. patrem he shall not be in the Power of his Grandfather because the Grandfather receiveth Power over the Nephew by the Father Here then he was free when he begat him of whom the question is made but afterwards he became r Vid. the Words of Joh. in his Collect. because the Book which I have seen is very false a slave And this maketh against the King of England For admitting that he might have Right in the Kingdom of France yet it is by no other way but by his Mother as the same King acknowledgeth But the Mother is disabled to succeed in the Kingdom Ergo. c. Also the Mother when living claimed nothing as in Right she could not therefore 't is impossible that King Edward should have any Right For it is hard and repugnant to reason that a Man should come to the extreams but by the Meane as it is expressed Å¿ Incip Vaam Sanctam in the Extravagant of Pope Boniface And hereof I have spoken in * C. Cum Marthâ— de Celebr Mis another place For if ye exclude him from whom I have or may have Title you t C. quamvis de sen re judicat do thereby also exclude me And if the Grandchild should succeed by the Person of his Mother she being excluded he cannot come in as in the Case propounded u Guliel Durandi in speculo Juris tit de Success ab Intest Versic Quid si Speculator hath also noted Thus far against England Here follow Arguments for King Edward's Right to the Crown of France To the Contrary for King Edward these Proofs do stand And First We may be induced to be of Opinion that the Statute beforemention'd should not be of force For that the Daughter should succeed in the Inheritance of her Parents it is a Precept of the Law of God as it is expressed Numbers XXVII V. 6 7 8. upon Petition of the Daughters of Zelophehad whereto served that of Tobit VI. V. 11. 12. It is also a Precept of the Law of Nature which x Auth. de Her. falc §. semper ibid. Glo. noâ— in ver filiis ff de Bon. Damnatorum l. cum ratio ibi similiter bena Gloss in verb. Parentes is also confirmed by the Canon Law and by the last Civil Law whereby all difference of Sex and of Kindred whether by Father or Mother is taken y D. Auth. post Liberos away Therefore seeing it is against the Law of God the Law of Nature the Law Canon and Civil to exclude a Woman from Succession to a Kingdom which is carried in Course of Succession by Right of Blood as the z In C. Grandi de sup negl prael lib. VI. Law expresseth and as Baldus after Inno a In Repertorio suo super Inno. in verb. Rex questione 2. firmly holdeth it followeth that this Statute is not of any strength in b Arg. Inst de Jur. Nat. Gent. Civili §. sed Naturalia ff de sepulchro viclato l. 3. §. Divus funct nâ—tat Bartholi in lâ—omnes populi in 3. quaest Principali suae Repetitionis ubi videte notat Cy. C. de precibus imp offerend l. rescriptum q. 3. unà cum notat Joh. Fabri in d. §. sed Naturaliq Law. But admitting that this Statute should be of strength yet shall it not hurt King Edward that his Mother althô disabled thereby should the less transmit the Right of Royalty unto him This is plain For where there is Ability in regard of the Common Law althô there be a Disability by a special Law yet this Impediment of Disability shall not be any hindrance that a Right should not be conveyed by such a disabled Person to another as appeareth by the Law where c ff de Legatis praestand l. 3. §. sed si proponas a Stranger being of Ability by the Common Law althô disabled by special Law to receive a Benefit by Title there expressed yet he transmitteth that Benefit to another Therefore seeing Isabell is of Ability by Common Law as it is manifest by the Premises althô I should confess that she is disabled by special Law of the said Statute yet this Right of the Kingdom may be carried from her unto King Edward Again by a Disabled Meane so it be not altogether of no Ability a Right may d ff Quod cujusque Vnivers nomine l. item eâ—rum §. si Decurienes be transmitted to another which the Interpreters of the Law do note in handling the Question of a Procurator not enabled having a Warrant to make a e Joh. And. in de Religiosis in fi de Procur ubi etiam Gessal in in verb. substituere Paulus in verb. Commissum Card. ext de usur c. 2. junct in c. fi de Procur Substitution But here the Meane which is Isabell is not altogether of no Ability as appeareth by that which hath been said Therefore c. And that Isabell being the Meane is not altogether disabled by the Statute whereof we spake it is plain For the Right of a Kingdom is carried by way of Inheritance in respect of the Royal Blood as it appeareth by that which hath been alledged and said in the First Reason of this part But the Right of Blood cannot by any Covenant of Man by any Civil Law be altogether broken or determin'd against Therefore the Right of Royal Blood which is in Isabell remaineth still enabled at least in Habit and Power to this Kind f Ar. l. Jus Agnationis ff de pactis l. Jura sengainis ff de Reg. Jur. l. Abdicatic C. de patrià petestate of Succession It seemeth also that this Royal Blood in Isabell is considerable two ways One as Royal Blood another as Royal Blood qualified Therefore althô such Blood may be said to be disabled from Succession to the Kingdom in regard it is in a Woman yet can it not be so said in regard that it is simply g Arg. l. Celsus ff de Arbitris Royal In which regard it shall be esteem'd of Ability to transmit and carry a Right to another But althô I should confess which yet I do not that by such Statute the Mother is altogether disabled from Succession yet it seemeth We may hold that King Edward is to be admitted to the same Right And that by a notable Law h ff ad Tertull. l. 2. §. fi where it is said that althô the Mother be incapable of the Succession there mentioned yet others who are descended of her must be admitted as if the Mother were not For that must not hurt or prejudice which cannot help or benefit a Man Ergò c. Yea althô We should grant that the Mother is so disabled that she can transmit no Right unto King Edward yet may he make claim from his
Grandfather by the Mother to wit from King Philip. This is proved by that i ff de Interdict Relegat l. 3. Law where the Father being banished the Sons do not lose those Rights which proceed from their Ancestors or else from Nature And therefore they shall be Lawfull Heirs to their Brethren and Tutors or Guardians to their Kindred notwithstanding the Misadventure of their Father In like sort the Royal Succession shall be due unto King Edward because it cometh to him by his Lineage and Blood notwithstanding the Calamity of his Mother To the same purpose serveth another Law k L. Emancipatum in fi ff de Senator where a Son begotten after that his Father hath lost thrô his own fault the Dignity of a Senator shall be the Off-spring of a Senator from the Person of his Grandfather who retaineth that Dignity Where the l ff de jus voc l. adoptivum in fi Father is Patron of a Libertine or Freed-Man and by whom Right of Patronage should be transported to the Son if he loseth his Right thrô his own Default because he compelleth his Freed-Man to take an Oath yet doth not the Son also lose his Right And so the Father may without Offence be sued by the Libertine but the Son cannot Divers other m ff de jure Patron l. Divi fratres §. fi ib. glo not facit glo in d. l. Adoptivum in fi l. Emancipatum in fi sup allegat â—b Bart. Will. de Cun. vit in l. Emancipatum facit similiter ff de bon lib. l. in servitutem §. si Patroni Laws to the same purpose may very aptly be alledged So then King Edward may make his Claim from the Person of his Ancestors althô he cannot from the Person of his Mother The Disability of his Mother is no hurt or hindrance unto him as it appeareth by the Law where n L. 1. C. de Praescript long temp the Prescription of the Second Possessor is not interrupted or any ways infested althô suit was brought against the First Possessor Because the Successor taketh no strength or encrease of Title from him that went before Ergò c. To the same purpose other o L. fi C. Vnde Liberi l. 1. C. de Edicto successorio cum similibus junct glo in d. l. finali Laws may be alledged but most specially the Law Filius ff de suis legitimis Hered which serveth fitly to this purpose by an Argument taken from the contrary sense For there it is said that if a Son be debarred from succeeding his Father and a Stranger appointed Heir upon Condition during the Dependency whereof the Son so debarred hath a Son Lawfully begotten who is Grandchild in respect of the Grandfather then deceased Althô the Condition should fail yet the Lawfull Inheritance shall not come to the Grandchild born after his Grandfathers Death the Reason is because he was conceived after the Death of his Grandfather Therefore from the Contrary sense if he had been conceived during the Life of his Grandfather his Lawfull Inheritance should have come unto him althô his Father being in the Middle should have been disabled before his Conception as there he was So consequently in the case here in Question seeing King Edward is said to have been conceived and also born during the Life of his Grandfather King Philip as it is presupposed in the State of the Question the Lawfull Inheritance of his Grandfather Philip which is the Kingdom should come unto him notwithstanding the Disability of his Mother Again that this Statute which disableth the Mother should in no case be hurtfull to King Edward it may thus be proved The Words of a Statute must not be extended to a case not expresly comprised p Ar. ff fol. Matr. l. si verò §. de viro. within the same Especially for that Statutes are taken in Law to be of strict Interpretation as q In l. omnes pepuli ff de just jure in 6. quaest principali circa med Bartholus noteth But by the Words of the Statute a Man is not excluded and the Feminine Gender doth never comprehend the Masculine especially in Matters that are r ff de leg 2. l. si ità sit script nota Cyn. c. de servis fugit l. quicunque Odious Ergò c. Again the Disposition of a Testator and of the Law are esteemed equal For the last Will of the Dead is a Å¿ Vt in Aut. C ◠§. dispenat Coll. IV. Law. But the Testator by excluding the next in Blood excludeth t ff de lib. posth l. signis Posthumus not thereby his Grandchildren and therefore a Law or Statute doth not so exclude Again wheresoever the Reason of a Law or of a Statute ceaseth the Law or Statute u L. Adigere §. quamvis ff de jure Patron doth cease But in the case in Question the Reason of the Statute ceaseth in regard of King Edward because it seemed to respect only the weakness of the Sex of Women of which Sex King Edward is not Again Statutes Laws and Customs which are brought in against common Reason are x L. quod non ratione junct l. quod contra ff de Legibus most strictly to be taken in their proper Terms and Cases and in no wise to be extended by Consequence to other Cases But this Statute is against common Reason as it is deduced in the first ground for this part Therefore seeing it speaketh only of a Woman it must not be extended to her Son. As in reason of Divine Justice Original Sin is propagated to Children from their Parents who are altogether freed from Sin by Baptism By the same Reason it seemeth that the Royal Succession may pass to the Son from his Mother who was altogether deprived of the same Again that in the Case now in Question King Edward is more strong in Right than King Philip his Great Uncles Son it is thus proved Althô the Son representeth the Person of his Father or Mother deceased when he joyneth with his Uncles surviving or their Sons in succeeding to an Uncle or Aunt deceased yet when he cometh to succeed with Kindred more remote to wit with his Great Uncle or his Sons as it is in the Case now question'd he shall exclude that remote Kindred and succeed alone by his own Person and shall not represent the Person of his Father or Mother and from thence receive either Benefit or y Not. Cyn. in d. Auth post Liberes Disadvantage Therefore althô in our Case the Mother of King Edward be disabled yet shall he in his own Person succeed and exclude the said Philip because he is further off in Degree to wit in the Fourth Degree from King Charles of whose Succession this Debate doth arise whereas King Edward is in the Third Degree Again it being granted that they are equal in Degree as
they are not yet it seemeth that King Edward is to be preferred For Right of Inheritance in proper Nature is principally due unto Descendants whereupon the Law z L. Nam eâ—si parentibus ff de inoff testam saith that in Succession to those who die intestate the First Place is given to Children because they are a Inst de Her. qui ab intest in princip Descendants But it is certain that in respect of King Charles of whose Succession we now do treat King Edward is in the Third Degree of the Collateral descending Line But Philip is in the Fourth Degree in the equal Collateral Line Therefore seeing that King Edward not only hath Prerogative of Degree but also is favoured by reason of Descent it followeth that He is to be preferred before Philip c. Nonnulla desiderantur VII The Reasons which the French alledge for excluding Edward the Third King of England and his Posterity both from the Kingdom and the rest of his Inheritance in France for Brevity sake I shall reduce to these few Heads That either a Woman had Right to succeed or not if a Woman had then the Three Daughters of Lewis Hutin Philip the Long and Charles the Fair should have had the Right before the Mother of King Edward who was but Sister to those three Brethren Kings because the Daughters ought to be preferred before the Sister in the Succession of their Fathers as every Man doth know But here lies the Fallacy that whereas 't is acknowledged on King Edward's Part that the Daughters Persons are excluded and the Sisters also but not their Male Issue those Daughters at the time of the Vacancy of the Kingdom by the Death of King Charles the Fair had neither of them any Issue Male but King Edward the Son of the Sister was then a Male and actually King of England Then is urged the Force of the Salique Law which is said to have been approved and confirmed by Charles the Great by which means say they King Edward could not be admitted to the Crown of France since he could lay no Claim but by his Mother who could not give that to Him which she her Self never had nor in Right could or ought to have And to this purpose or effect the Use and Custom hath been at all times notoriously observed within the Realm of France that when a Woman is expelled from any Succession or from Succeeding in a Fee the Sons which are descended of her are always precluded and excluded from the same Neither shall it ever be found that a Woman hath succeeded to the Crown of France or b The Falsity of this appears l. 1. c. 22. §. 1. p. 289. given Right of Succession to a Man or to a Woman And so it appeareth evidently that the Law whereby a Woman is utterly debarred from the Succession to the Realm of France was not made in the Time of King Edward nor of his Mother nor in Prejudice of them For in Case a Woman might or should succeed to the Crown of France that Law should have been prejudicial to the Daughters of the Three Brothers Kings who Reigned successively in France and not to the mother of Edward who was but Sister of the said Three Brothers Then it is urged that King Edward before he began the War had done Liege Homage unto King Philip de Valois and it could not stand that King Edward should be Supream Lord and also Vassal of one and the same Thing And that this Liege Homage remain'd in the Treasury of the Kings Charters at Paris in the Letters Patents of King Edward with a silk Label and green Wax the Transcript whereof is extant c Vid. Lib. 1. c. 3. §. 1. p. 37. in the former Part of our History That yet notwithstanding King Edward unjustly and without good Tittle made mortal War by notorious Attempts upon the King of France his Leige Lord he laid Hand also upon the Person of his said Lord incurring the Crime of Felony and Treason wherein the said King Edward grievously offended and so lost by way of Confiscation all that which he had within this Realm whether in Aquitain or any other Place Insomuch as yet further neither he nor his Successors were afterwards capable or ought in Terms of Justice to have the same Lands and Dominions So much is the Crime of Treason by all Laws by all Rights by all Men of just Judgment disallowed and condemned That afterwards King John being taken Prisoner by Misadventure of War a certain Treaty was made at Calais in the Year 1360 whereby the English had the Dutchy of Aquitain and the County of Ponthieu and Monstreul and should have had also a certain Summ of Money whereof they received Fourteen Thousand Pieces of Gold which was no otherwise consented unto but that they should avoid all the Villages and Fortresses which their Followers or other Adherents then held in the Realm of France And further King Edward should have sent his Messengers or Procurators unto Bruges within a Year after that Treaty to accomplish certain Matters which both He and his Sons and other Great Lords of England had taken Oath upon the Holy Evangelists and upon the Holy Sacrament to perform And yet they neither came nor sent to the said place of Bruges And so the Messengers of the King of France expected them a long time for performance and accomplishment of that which had been agreed and promised on his Part. And as for the Avoidance out of the said Towns and Castles many Knights and Esquires and Others yet alive do know and can testifie as they who oftentimes armed themselves and travelled for Recovery of them by Sieges Assaults and other Means to the great Charge of the King of France Whereupon it followeth that the English are bound to the Restitution of all that which was deliver'd unto them by the said Treaty of Calais upon Condition and Limitation before expressed together with the Charges and the Interest since that time and the same Treaty is to be held void in Law. Then 't is declared how King Philip who was Earl of Valois succeeded to the Crown of France as next Heir Male of the said Crown drawing his Descent from Male to Male by the Right Line of Holy King Lewis Whereas it is but 214 Years or thereabouts since the English had first any thing in Aquitain It is further alledged how the English by acting many Outrages and Mischiefs disabled themselves from holding the Dutchy of Aquitain and the County of Ponthieu and Monstreul unless they would acknowledge the King of France for their Sovereign Lord. And therefore that the said King of France hath resolved by strong Hand and by way of Affecting the Execution of Justice to cause the said Lands and Dominions to be reduced into his own Possession and to be annexed to the Right of the Crown of France For that a Soveraign Lord hath no clearer Means of Purchase
or Encrease than by way of Confiscation especially of that which riseth upon the Crime of Treason as it is in this present Case It was also set forth at large by the Letters and Rescripts of King Edward how the King of France never renounced either the Reversion or Soveraignty of those Lands which were deliver'd to the King of England by the Treaty of Calais And it was said by way of Corollary that neither the Dutchy of Aquitain nor any other Lands whatsoever ought ever to be deliver'd to the English upon any Respect because among other Reasons the English never yet had althô it were but one Foot of Land in France whether it were by Marriage or otherwise but in the end they always raised Wars and Troubles against the King and State of France And further there were noted and set down many Expeditions made into Aquitain both before and since the time of Charles the Great occasion'd by Justice of the Kings of France for Condemning and Depriving many Dukes of Aquitain because of their Rebellions and other bad Behaviour declaring manifestly that the said Dutchy of Aquitain was sometime the Proper Right and Inheritance of the Kings of France and that did evidently appear in that Charles the Great made and ordained Lewis the Gentle his Eldest Son King of the said Country of Aquitain as King Dagobert long before made Hubert his Brother by the Fathers side only Many other things are there contained which pretend to answer all that the English could say or alledge But We shall now hear what the King of England could say in his own Behalf when We have first set down a short Genealogical Table of the Descent from St. Lewis to King Edward and Philip of Valois VIII THE PEDIGREE OF THE Kings of FRANCE From Philip the Son of St. Lewis untill Charles the Fair. King Philip the Son of St Lewis King Philip the Fair. King Lewis Hutin Jane Countess of Eureux King Philip the Long. Margaret Countess of Artois King Charles the Fair. Blanch Dutchess of Orleans Isabell Queen of England Edward the III. K. of England Charles of Valois Philip of Valois IX Reasons alledged by the KING of ENGLAND for his Right and Title to the Kingdom of FRANCE UPON Supposal as it is evident and notorious in Fact that Philip of Famous Memory sometime King of France the Father of Charles of Honourable Remembrance King of France last deceased and of the most Gracious Lady Isabell Queen of England our Mother 1 Reason Proximity in the Descending Line was our Grandfather by the Mothers Side Then was no Male surviving nearer than We to the same King Charles at the time of his Death of all those who were descended with him from our Grandfather Philip Uncle to our Adversary Now the Person of a Woman is not capable of that Kingdom by a Law therein anciently observed which Law by way of final Cause respecting the Favour of that Realm lest the State thereof should decline under the Weak Government of a Woman by Excluding the Person of a Woman doth not therefore exclude the Person of a Man descended of a Woman so excluded Lest Matters Odious should be extended which is Odious in Law from Person to Person from Sex to Sex from Cause to Cause from Hatred to Favour And lest the Feminine Gender which is contrary to all Rules of Law should comprise the Masculine 2 Reason Restraint of things odiouâ— 3 Reason the Femin Gender compriseth not the Mascaline 4 Reason Derivation of Right from the Grandfather by the Mother 5 Reason Absurdity in Law. 6 Reason The Descending preferred before the Collateral 7 Reason the cause or reason of the Law ceasing especially in a case of an Odious Nature For to this end the Law before mention'd excludeth the Weakness of Women from bearing Rule that more Profitable Provision might be made for the State and that the next Male no otherwise debarred might be Assumed into her Place especially to that Right which did not first spring from the Mother so excluded but is originally derived and propagated from the Grandfather to the Grandchild Otherwise by this odious Enlarging another Absurdity in Justice would ensue that the Nearer Collateral should be excluded and the more distant and remote brought in Seeing that by the Law of Nature and of Nations Brothers and Sisters and their Sons are preferred in mutual Succession before other Collaterals in another Line So that upon this Statute which is made in Favour of the Kingdom and in Hatred of a Woman being debarred from the Kingdom Occasion should arise both of Violation to Law and of Injury to such Males as are descended from a Woman Neither can We conceive that the Intent of the Law here mention'd is so unjust as that the Mother and the Son upon Dislike Reason should be condemned and punished alike Yea by the Contrary Judgment of the same Law whereby the Mother is expelled from Succession the Son entring into the same Degree of his Mother succeedeth in her Place like unto that Son who riseth into the Degree of his Father or Mother deceased 8 Reason the Son entreth into the Degree of his Mother to succeed his Grandfather 9 Reason One vexation not to be added to another that he may be received in equal Terms with his Uncles to the Succession of his Grandfather That so the Sorrowfull Mother being stripped of her Royal Inheritance by Rigour of this Statute should in Right receive some Solâ—ce by Substitution of her Son and not one Heaviness to be heaped upon another which the Upright Consideration of Law doth abhorr as we see even where a Charge of Calamity cometh not by the Law but by Misadventure as in that Law whereby the Custom is condemned which permitteth another Man to take the Goods of them that suffer shipâ—reck By which Reason that which is corrected in express Disposition of Law for avoiding an Encrease of Grief is more strongly prohibited in the secret Disposition Let it therefore more than fully suffice that by the Law of the Realm of France the Mother is cut from the Royal Stem not by any Default in her Self but by the Fact of Nature which framed her a Woman And that by Express Law she suffereth a certain Shipwrock in her own Disinheriting althô she be not by any secret Consequence of the same Law contrary to the Course of Justice wrecked again with her Disinherited Son 10 Reason One not to be burthen'd with anothers Hate And so against all Rules and Reasons of Law one should be burthen'd with anothers Hate Whereas the Right from which the Mother is excluded is in such sort given unto the Son that the Mother receiveth nothing by this Office and Charge of the Son. So likewise we shall find Punishment enlarged without Offence whereas it should be mollified and restrained 11 Reason Punishments to be restrained 12 Reason from an Instance of great Authority even where there
is Offence Otherwise if we should understand that because the Mother is not to be admitted to the Kingdom the Son must be in Right expelled from the same the Kingdom of the Jews contrary to the Foundation of our Faith should not lawfully have come to JESVS CHRIST who not by Society of Man but by the Working of God was born of the Virgin Mary a Woman descended from the Royal Stock of David neither admitted nor perhaps to be admitted to that Kingdom yet we do assuredly believe that he was then True and Lawfull King of the Jews And far be it from our thoughts that JESVS the Son of David by Royal Succession should either break or unty the Knot of Observing the Law seeing he came to accomplish the Law and not to break it And this Excellent Example of Lawfull Succession may reasonably stop their Mouthes who babble against our Right to the Realm of France viz. That they be not separated either by Constitution or Construction of the Law in Regard of Lawfull Degree and Order of Succeeding whom in that Regard the same Reason joyneth as Equal Neither were we duly called in this Business 13 Reason because not called which did so greatly concern our Prejudice And moreover our Procurators who were then in France that for Us and in our Name they might propose and oppose what should be Expedient were not only not admitted in Judgment but repelled with terrible Commination of Death And so that which was passed by the Twelve Peers of France doth nothing relieve or justifie our Adversary And if the Examination of our Case had pertained to the said Peers which it did not because they are not our Competent Judges Yet they setting apart the Office of Judges did unjustly in regard of Us to whose Minority to whose Tender Age at that time Favour should have been afforded perform the office of open Spoilers whose Process in Prejudice of Us althô it had been made by Competent Judges our Minority should have rendred of no Effect 14 Reason because in Minority And yet the same could not stand in Force against a Man of Age being debarred from such Defence as proceedeth from the Law of Nature which cannot be taken away by any Prince or Positive Law of State. Let us see now what flattereth the Conscience of him that possesseth the Kingdom of France due and devolved unto Us by Right upon what Favour of Law he feedeth with what Colour of Justice he is cloaked when he wanteth Ground of Law to sustain the Justice of his Cause against Us. Among other things he is said to pretend Objections taken from Us Two Objections Homage and Oath the Homage which We acknowledged unto his Grandfather for the Dutchy of Aquitain and the Oath which We made unto him for the same That He who could say nothing in his proper Right might find somewhat to say by fetching Objections to oppose from Us Supposing it sufficient to supplant a Child as We were then that he had against Us Full and Free Rule in the Realm of France But the First of these is taken away by Authority of special and express Law The First Objection answered whereby a Minor is relieved in his Harms insomuch as an Act tending to his Grievance is altogether void Therefore the Acknowledgment of Homage done by a Minor over-carried by Weakness of Age to his Exceeding Loss and also as it appeareth by the great Prejudices upon the same Homage intended against Him circumvented doth not endammage that Minor whom the special and good Provision of Law preserveth from Harm For who will not say that a Minor is both harmed and deceived if by acknowledgment of Homage He shall unduly both subject his Dutchy and also lose the Kingdom of France when as it is said it is Notorious in Law that this Minor is King of France to whom alone and to none other as King that Dutchy is subject For when the Duke of Aquitain becometh also King of France the Dignity of a Duke settleth in the Kingdom and is incorporated and confounded with the Royal Dignity and the Name thereof is extinguished as being a less thing adjoyned to the Greater Even as when a small River runneth into a greater both the Waters and the Name are therein drowned For who will say that ever it was thought that a Minor in express Terms acknowledging Homage for a Dutchy shall secretly lose his Right to a most Excellent Kingdom And so in the Speech utter'd by a Minor exceedingly both damnified and deceived not only that shall be comprehended which is expressed being respectfully not great but that also which is very Great being neither expressed nor imagined Whereas if small Matters be expressed and a General Clause followeth the Clause compriseth no Matter of higher Nature than was before expressed Neither doth the Law intend that Thing to be spoken which appeareth not to have been meant The Second Objection of the Oath made by the Minor in acknowledging his Homage is altogether untrue as it may appear by sight of the Homage The second Colour removed which was acknowledged And that Argument which is said to be inforced against the same Minor viz. that Homage simply made is taken by Custom to presuppose and imply an Oath cannot work any Raim to the Minor For such Custom is deny'd and althô it should without prejudice be granted yet is it not of force as before is touched to hurt a Minor that by doing Homage he shall be said so to be engaged by his Oath that the Extremity of the Novell Constitution Sacramenta Impuberum should take place against him Answer to the Novel Constitation Sacramenta Impuberum For seeing that Authentick Constitution doth rigorously and newly dispose against Wretched Minors who are endamaged in that an Oath shall prejudice them in Contracts concerning Affairs of their Estates this must be understood of a true Corporal Oath Generally for restraint of things that are Odious and especially that those Acts which take away Religious Relief of Minors be not drawn into Consequence For a Civil or Imaginary Act is not of equal Force with a Natural Act which is required in an Oath to the Prejudice of a Minor where the Law doth not specially ordain what shall be held of like estimation Also the Words of the said Authentick do exclude the Reason of an imaginary Oath for that it saith not simply The Oaths of them under Age but The Oaths of them under Age voluntarily made For an Oath voluntarily made by a Minor is of such a Nature that it can by no reason be equall'd by an Oath which a Minor shall be imagin'd or supposed to have made except special Constitution of Law shall so provide Those Oaths likewise which are called Voluntary or are supposed by General Custom receive no derogation by special privilege granted unto Minors Also by Authority of Great Doctors the said Authentick requireth an Actual Oath to
when the News of this Treason was brought to the Lord Thomas Felton and the Captal of Busche These two Lords were mightily surprised at this Treachery of Sr. Thomas Batefoile but they said however they would be present at the Delivery of the Town by the Grace of God. And so before it was light they rode from Bergerac towards la Linde whither they came by break of Day and having caused the Gate to be open on that side rode quite thrô the Town in silence till they came to the other Gate where the Frenchmen were to enter at which very instant the Gate was opening for the French and Sr. Thomas Batefoile stood ready to receive them Then Sr. John Greilly Captal of Busche alighted from his Horse and stept forward with his Sword in his Hand to the Gate and said Ah! thou Perfidious Traitor Batefoil thou shalt first die by my hand and never more commit Treason against thy Good Lord and Master And with those Words gave him so sure a Blow that he fell Dead to the Earth When the Frenchmen perceived the Captal and his Banner and Sr. Thomas Felton with him they saw plainly how their Plot was discovered whereupon they hastily withdrew from the Gates like one that found a Lion in his way and then turn'd their Backs and fled to their main Host Then were the Gates closed again for none pursued them because of their great Army which lay near and so the Town continued English but was in great Danger of being plunder'd and burnt by these Captains who were enclin'd to do so and to put all the Inhabitants to the Sword because they consented to this Treason But they excus'd themselves by laying all the Fault upon Sr. Thomas Batefoile who they said over-aw'd them to it by Threats and how they did nothing but for Fear being compelled thereto and so at last they were pardon'd But these two Lords tarried there till the Duke of Anjou had remov'd his Siege and taken another way as we shall shew when we have cleared our Hands of other Matters which naturally fall in at this Place XIV On the h Hector Boet. l. 15. f. 327. n. 50. Buchan l. 9. p. 306. Holinsh Scotl. p. 244. Odor Rainal ad hunc ann §. 27. Favine le Paris Theatre of Honour l. 5. c. 3. p. 89. Seventh Day of May David Bruce King of Scotland departed this Mortal Life at his Castle of Edenburgh leaving no Lawfull Issue behind him wherefore the Lord Robert Stuart Eldest Son of the Lady Margaret aliàs Margery his Eldest Sister by True Right of Succession came to the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland Which have ever since continued in that Glorious Family down to our Most Gracious Sovereign His Present Majesty King JAMES the Seventh of Scotland and of England the Second To whom may God Almighty grant a Long Happy and Victorious Reign and of his Race and Name to wear the United Crowns of Great Brittain till all Earthly Kingdoms shall be swallowed up in the Eternal Kingdom of Heaven The Original of this Illustrious Family is thus traced by i Favine le Paris l. 5. c. 3. p. 89. c. Favine in his Theatre of Honour Banquho who was Thane i. e. President or Governor of Loquhaber in Scotland being slain by the Tyrannical Usurper Mackbeth his Son Fleance made shift to escape into Wales where of the Daughter of Prince Griffith he begat a Son named Walter and Sirnamed also Banquho as his Grandfather was At that time the Arms of this Family are said to have been Or a Fefs Checkie Argent and Sable of Four Pieces This Walter long after the Death of Mackbeth returning into Scotland fought valiantly for his King against the Island Rebels and the Savages of Scotland and was in recompence of his extraordinary Vertue and eminent Services made Great Provost and Treasurer of the Houshold Royal which the Scots signifie by the Name of Stuart or Steward And he so faithfully discharged the Trust reposed in him without the least Reproach or Embezling of the Kings Money that the Sirname of Stuart was imposed on him and transmitted to all his Posterity Walter begat Alan Stuart who was in the Expedition of Godfrey of Boulogne Alan begat Alexander I his Son was Walter who begat Alexander II and Robert Stuart by whom the Family ran into many Noble Branches Alexander the II Eldest Son of Walter the II begat John Stuart James and other Children by whom Scotland hath been replenished with a Numerous Encrease of Generous Souls John Stuart Eldest Son of Alexander the Second left one Daughter named Jane Stuart who brought unto her Husband the Lord of the Isle of Bute Walter Stuart Third of that Name who taking to Wife the Lady Margery Eldest Daughter to King Robert the First and Sister to King David Bruce gat of her this Robert Stuart King of Scotland by the Name of Robert the Second But because there is a gross Error in all the Scotch Historians concerning the immediate Successor of this King Robert of which many Wicked Men have in our days thought to make Advantage for the sake of Truth and Justice and the Honour of Majesty We shall here fairly state the Matter and faithfully and truly settle it It is the Assertion of all the Scotch Writers whom I have seen thô in some particulars they differ one from another that this Robert before he was King had by a certain Mistress named Elizabeth More Three Sons and Two Daughters that after by his Wife Euphemia Ross who was also Queen he had two Sons and a Daughter that upon the Death of his Queen his Former Mistress being then also by the Death of her Husband Giffard at Liberty was by him taken to Wife her Children legitimated and the Right of Succession by Act of Parliament settled first upon them This is the Effect of what the Scotch Writers say wherein there are many abominable Falsities as We shall make appear for We shall most evidently prove that the Lady Elizabeth More was his First and Lawfull Wife and died before he Married Euphemia that John who succeeded him by the Name of k When he came to the Crown he laid by the Name of John as unfortunate to two Kings of England and France and took upon him that of Robert Fortunate to his Father and Great Grandfather Robert Bruce Robert was his true and lawfully begotten Eldest Son and so reputed both by his Father and King David himself all along and that this Act for settling the Succession was only a Declaration of what was Right and Equity and done in the Life time of Queen Euphemia as is abundantly * P. 189. ad p. 201. made out in Sr. George Mackenzies Jus Regium and l Dr. Brady's True c. p. 309. ad p. 311. Dr. Brady's True and Exact History of the Succession of the Crown of England to whom I shall refer the Reader for the Original Record
and only set down here an Exact Translation of the said Record word for word that all the World may see upon what solid Grounds we go The Declaration Ordinance or Statute of the Succession to the Crown of Scotland made at Scone on the 4th of April in the Third Year of King Robert the Second Ano. Domini 1373. XV. In the Name of God Amen In the Year of the m Incarnationis ejusdem viz. Dei which went before Incarnation One Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Three and in the Third Year of the Reign of King Robert the Second the Fourth day of April the said King Robert the Second in his Parliament at Scone n Ac Cupiens c. sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ac super fluum being desirous to avoid to his Power the Uncertainty of Succession which hath formerly happened in most Kingdoms and Parts and for him and his as much as may be to prevent it for the Future of Deliberate Counsel and with the Consent and Assent of the Prelates Earls Barons and other Lords and Nobles and of all others of the Three Estates or Communities of the whole Realm there Assembled hath Declared Ordained and o Statuit Established that the Sons of the said King now begotten of his First and Second Wives and their Heirs shall p Succesive succedent in order succeed the said King in the Kingdom and in the Right of Reigning in manner under-written and under the form and conditions under-written Videlicet that the Lord John the Eldest Son Earl of Carrick and Steward of Scotland for whose Right of Succession Declaration was fully made in the q Hoc Parliamentum fuit coactum Ano. 1372 c. Vid. Statuta Roberti 11. c. 17. §. 2 3 4. Parliament immediately preceding and his Heirs after his Death shall succeed him in the Kingdom and in the Right of Reigning And the said Lord John and his Heirs failing perchance which God forbid the Lord Robert Earl of Fife and Menteith Second Son of the said Lord the King by his First Wife and his Heirs shall in Order and immediately succeed in the Kingdom and in the Right of Reigning And the said Lord Robert and his Heirs r Hic inseritur hujâ—smodi â—ticsè ut mihi videtur also failing perchance which God forbid the Lord Alexander Lord of Badenagh the Third-begotten Son of the said Lord the King by the same Wife and his Heirs only shall in the same manner successively and immediately after their Death succeed in the Kingdom and Right of Reigning But the said Lord Alexander and his Heirs aforesaid failing also perchance which God forbid the Lord David Earl of Strathern Son of the said Lord the King begotten of his Second Wife and his Heirs they so failing Å¿ Ex toto integrum in jus 〈◊〉 tâ—to in regnum c. shall ex toto succeed in like manner successively and immediately to the Kingdom and Right of Reigning But the said David and his Heirs aforesaid in like manner perchance failing Walter Son of the said Lord the King Brother German of the said Lord David and his Heirs shall succeed in like manner to the Kingdom and the Right of Reigning But the foresaid Five Brothers and the Heirs from them descending failing perchance in like manner and t Ex toto wholly which God forbid the True and Lawfull Heirs of the Blood and Stock Royal shall from thence succeed to the Kingdom and the Right of Reigning Which things being thus Established Ordained Declared and Done all the Prelates Earls and Barons and all of the Three Estates or Communities of the whole Realm in the said Parliament for that and other things there Assembled did Ratifie and approve them for them and their Heirs for ever And notwithstanding those underwritten namely Prelates Bishops of Churches the Lord William of St. Andrews Michael of Dunkelden Alexander of Aberdeen Patrick of Brechin Alexander of Murray Andrew of Dumblane Alexander of Rosse and Malcome of Cathanes on the Holy Gospels of God being present and open and the underwritten Earls Barons and Nobles namely First the Elder Sons of the said King that are of Age viz. the Lords John Robert and Alexander and also the Lord William Earl of Douglas George of Dumbar Earl of Marche John of Dumbar Earl of Murray Thomas Hayes Constable of Scotland the Lord William Keth Marshal of Scotland James Lindscy Lord of Crawford Archimbald Douglas Lord of Galloway James Douglas Lord of Dalkeith Robert de Irskin Hugh de Eglington Duncan Wallais David Graham Walter of Haliburton William Dissington Alan de Irskin Alan u Ità lacunam hìc suppleo Frazer James Frazer Alexander Frazer Robert Stuart of Innerness Roger Mortimer David Fitz-Walter Patrick Graham Andrew Vaux John Wallais John Maxwell Andrew Campbell William de Cunningham the Son and John Straquhan Knights John Kennedy and Alexander Cockburn Esquires and each of them on the said Holy Gospels by their Hands touched have corporally sworn that for them and their Heirs they will inviolably observe and by others to their Power cause to be observed for ever the foresaid Declarations Ordinations and Statutes Consequently and immediately whereto the whole Multitude of the Clergy and People being specially thereto called in the Church of Scone before the High Altar and the foresaid Declaration Ordination and Statute so sworn-to being read unto them openly and aloud Every One with his Hand lifted up in manner of giving Faith in token of the Universal Consent of all the Clergy and People did express and manifest publiquely their Consent and Assent In witness of all which the foresaid Lord the King commanded his Great Seal to be put to the present Writing or Instrument and for the Greater Evidence and Fuller Security all the Bishops Earls Barons and Nobles aforesaid caused their Seals to be put to the said Instrument for the sake of Testimony and to the perpetual Memory of those that are to come Acta fuerunt haec apud Sconam in pleno Parliamento Domini Regis Praedictis Anno Mense Die. superiùs annotatis Now if the pretended Defect be true as to the Children begotten on the Body of Elizabeth More it was a very palpable and undeniable One and could not but have been unanswerably known to the whole Nation And how then can We imagine that the whole Parliament would so unanimously draw upon themselves the dreadfull sin of Perjury by Excluding the Lawfull Heir against their National Oath taken in the Reign of King Kenneth the Third whereby they swore for ever to own the Immediate Heir Or that they would thus venture to entail upon themselves a Civil War by preferring even a Questionable Heir after the Miseries which they had so lately felt in the Competition betwixt the Bruce and the Bailiol Nay among these Seals We find the Seal of James Douglas Lord of Dalkeith is One and how ridiculous is it to think that
he would sit and declare a Bastard preferable to the Brother of his own Lady and also to his own Lady who would have succeeded if her Brothers had died without Issue And then it is most evident that when John was thus Designed Heir the Queen Euphemia Ross was not dead as the Scotch Writers say and the King Married to his Mother For as there is extant a Grant given by the said King to Paul Metine confirming unto him a Charter Granted by the Earl of Ross Father to Euphemia wherein the said John is Witness by the Name of Eldest-Son and Heir so there is a Charter granted unto Her by the King upon the very same day of the Lands of Lochleaven both Grants bearing Date Junii 1 mo Ano. Regni Primo And it is against all sense and reason to think he could have been acknowledged Heir Apparent during her Life if he had not been Legitimate Nay further we find by our Records that x Rot. Scotiae 25. Ed. 3. m. 3. Ashmole p. 657. Vid. Hujus Hist l. 2. c. 11. §. 8. p. 445. 19 Years before this he is stiled John Eldest Son and Heir of Robert Stuart as also seven Years after he bears the same Title being ranked * Vid. Hujus Hist l. 3. c. 2. § 3. § §. 4. p. 529. First among the Hostages which lay for King David And further to put all out of Question there is extant in Fourdons History a Charter granted by King David wherein the Witnesses are Robert Stuart Earl of Strathern our Nephew John Stuart Earl of Carric his Eldest Son and Heir Thomas Earl of Mar George of Dumbar Earl of March and William Earl of Douglass So that here again Buchanan is found Tardy who says that John was created Earl of Carrick by the King his Father after the Death of Ephemia Ross when here we find him stiled Earl of Carrick by his Great Uncle King David who also attests that he was Eldest Son and Heir to his Nephew Robert and surely he could be no wayâ— byassed in the Affair But if any one shall say what need then had there been of this Act or Declaration if the Title of John had not been Doubtfull We answer that King Robert could not forget y Hector Buchan ibid. c. how William Earl of Douglas by pretending a Right from the Bailiols and the Cumins had like to have disturbed his own Coronation but that he was not allowed in his Design by his Friends And therefore to stop all Controversies for the future he thought good to fortifie his Right and the Right of his Children for ever by a National Declaration as well as by Statute And thus much for this Important Matter in this Place we now return to the Point from whence we digressed XVI This King Robert the Second of Scotland who had been well acquainted with the Power and Force of King Edward and knew what Havock of that Nation he had made in time past being now in the beginning of his Reign desirous to establish his Kingdom in Peace made a Motion for a Treaty with England which King Edward most readily embraced because of the great War that he expected from France So that at last a firm Truce and Peace was taken and settled between the two Realms to endure for the space z But for 3 years Mezeray for 14 Buchan and 9 Frois of Nine Years All which time it might be lawfull for the Scots to take Arms at their Pleasure and to serve for Wages either the King of England or of France without any Imputation of Breach of Peace So that Sr. Robert Knolles whom King Edward design'd to send into France with a Considerable Army had now with him no less than a Frois Gall. f. 231. Angl. c. 278. an Hundred Spears all Chosen Men of that Warlike Nation In relation to which Expedition b 6 Maii. Claus 44. Ed. 3. m. 15. Derse Proclamation was sent forth that all Souldiers design'd for Picardy and other Parts of France under Sr. Roberts Command he being c Rot. Franc. 44. Ed. 3. m. 14. constituted the Kings Lieutenant in those Parts should be at Southhampton by the Octaves of St. John Baptist following ready fitted to take Shipping there with him So that in the beginning of July Sr. Robert finding all things ready went on Board at Southhampton and arrived safely and landed with all his Men at Calais where he was highly welcom'd by Sr. Nicolas Stambourn Captain of the Town Here he tarried seven Days to refresh his Men and to consider what Course to take on the eighth Day early in the Morning he began to march out of Calais with an Army of d Mezeray ità sed 12000 Holinsh ego priâ—rem praefere quia dicitur Exercitus magnus M.S. vet Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 234. Walsing hist p. 179. 30000 Men among whom were 1500 Men of Arms and 4000 Archers on Horseback the Chief Captains whereof were Sr. Alan Boxhull Sr. Thomas Grandison Sr. Walter Fitz-Walter Sr. Gilbert Gifford Sr. John Menstreworth Sr. John Bourchier Sr. Hugh Meinill Sr. Geoffry Vrswell and Others The first Day they reached Fiennes but Sr. Moreau de Fiennes Constable of France was then in the Place with a sufficient Number of Knights and Esquires all well provided and ready to receive their Enemies The next Morning the whole Army faced the Castle but when it plainly appear'd that much might be there lost and little or nothing won they passed by without attempting it and marching thrô the Earldom of Guisnes enter'd the Land of Fauquenberg burning all before them till they came to Teroüenne which yet they attempted not for seeing it well provided they thought 't would be but lost Labour Then they passed the River of Lys and began to enter Artois but they never went above four or five leagues a Day because of the Infantry and their Carriages still taking up their Lodgings early in the Afternoon and near some considerable Village or other At last they drew near to the City of Arras and took up their Lodgings in the Town of Mount St. Eloy near to the said City where they tarried two Days to refresh themselves all the while destroying and burning round about as far as the Marshals durst stretch Now the French King had already provided for all the Defensible Places in those Parts as well as elsewhere strictly enjoyning his Chief Officers not to be easily tempted out to a Battle but only to stand on the Defensive part Which Order was generally obey'd and prov'd more mischievous to the English than open Opposition could have done for by this means they could get very little Provision without Blows but could never come to a Battle as they desired and expected On the third Day they left St. Eloy and passed by Arras but Sr. Hugh Meinill and Sr. Geoffry Vrsewell who were the Marshals of the English Army resolved however to
and Defensive thereby to support himself the better against the Power of England The first Opportunity accordingly he dispatch'd away his Ambassadors to the Court of France who were graciously received at Paris by the French King and there between him and these Deputies who had Procurations from King Henry ready sealed whereby they were fully Authorised to treat and to proceed effectually in all Causes in the Name of their Master in any Parliament or Council whatsoever there were accorded ordained and confirmed certain mutual Alliances and Confederations Engrossed and solemnly sworn to on both Parties them firmly to hold and maintain nor by any means to infringe or do any thing contrary thereto But that the two Kings should for ever abide firmly in mutual Unity of Peace Love and Alliance and then and there the French King sware upon the Word of a King to aid and assist the King of Castille and his Heirs in all his Business and never to make any manner of Peace or Agreement with the King of England unless he should be comprised in the same And to this League Sr. Bertram of Clequin the Constable gave much furtherance for he as Dearly loved King Henry as King Charles loved and believed him So the Spanish Ambassadors return'd back to their Master whom they found at his City of Leon in Spain and he received extraordinary satisfaction from this his Alliance with France and entertain'd less doubt of the English than before However like a Wise Prince he neglected no means of Establishing his own Affairs but began to strengthen himself by Sea and Land as One that knew foreign Amities of small force as well as of slow approach where due Care is not taken at home Nor indeed was all this his Caution wholly needless or vain For soon after John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster in Right of this his Lady Eldest Daughter to Don Pedro the last Lawfull King of Spain took upon him the style of King of Castille and Leon and l Archbishop Abbet's Description of the World p. 7. Vid. Mr Sandford's Geneal Hist p. 238. p. 253. empaled the Arms of Castille and Leon with his Ducal Coat Nor only so but some Years after began a fierce War against the Bastard Usurper of his Crown which at last could no other ways be ended but by a Match between the Sole Daughter and Heiress of John of Gaunt by this Spanish Princess and Henry Grandson and Heir of the said Henry the Bastard in whose Line and Posterity thus legitimated that Kingdom hath ever since remained XIV Before this Solemn League was thus Established between France and Spain the Pope being alarum'd with the Wonderfull Success of the Turks against Christendom used all his Endeavours to close the Breach between England and France and especially to heal the exulcerated Mind of our King Edward To which end he wrote to the Duke of Lancaster and the Earl of Cambridge that they would joyn to move the King their Father to dispose himself towards a Peace with France he also wrote to the King himself the Form of his Letters m Extant apud Oder Rainald ad hunâ— ann §. 3. ex Tem. 1. Fp. secr p 112. being very near the same with those which Pope Innocent VI wrote n Vid. Hujus Hist Lib. 3 c. 1. § 14. p. 517. formerly to the Black-Prince upon his Victory at Poictiers wherefore we purposely omit them in this Place But I shall here set down another Letter which this Pope sent a little before he wrote to the King to that Renowned Warrier John Greilly Captal of Busche whom he knew to be very Gracious with King Edward and of a truly Heroick Mind thô most able for War yet exorable and apt to embrace an Honest Peace o Extant apud Odoric Rainald ad hunc an §. 8. GREGORY the Bishop Servant of the Servants of God to his most Beloved Son in Christ John Captal de Busche Greeting and Apostolick Benediction The Eastern Parts being exposed to heavy Dangers and in a manner obnoxious to utter Ruine do cry unto the Vicar of Christ unto Christian Princes and other Nobles The Holy Land also being violently possessed by the most impure Saracens of a long while basely detained and polluted by their filthy Touch doth cry unto them doth open her Wounds unto them with ardent Desire expecting an healing Assistance from them Certainly when late we understood those things p p In hâ—c leco voculam quae deleo concerning the miserable Condition of the said Parts and heard also those things which our Beloved Sons the Ambassadours of the whole City of Genoa sent unto Us particularly for this purpose did declare unto Us concerning this miserable State of the said Parts We were inwardly wounded with the Compunction of bitter Sorrow For it was their Assertion that the Turks and other Enemies of the Cross of Christ being gather'd together in a great Multitude do with heavy tempests of Wars afflict waste and consume the said Eastern Parts earnestly affecting to abolish the Christian Name and Worship in those Parts nay even utterly to exterminate from thence the poor Remainders of Christianity And that unless there be made in the next March Expedition a powerfull Resistance to the fury and malice of the said Insidels there will hardly be found in those Parts to invoke the Name of Christ And 't is probably feared nay 't is by many held for certain that the foresaid Turks and other Miscreants are preparing to invade Sicily and by Consequence other Countries of the Christians Wherefore the foresaid Genoans from an inward compassion of their Hearts condoling with the sad Tribulations of the foresaid Parts and together with the Aid of other Faithfull Christians willing to comfort them with the Remedy of a speedy Assistance neither sparing their own Goods nor Persons are now Rigging forth a mighty Fleet of Gallies to pass the Seas this next March-Expedition But they do not think themselves any ways able to resist in the Premises unless they are assisted by other Christians Oh! How unpleasant is the Memory of these things to Us O how bitter the Recollection considering these and other so great Dangers of the Faithfull For while we revolve these sad things in our Mind while with sollicitous thoughts We meditate thereon our Zeal is kindled like a Fire Tears being conceived spring forth as witnesses of our Grief nor can we forbear sighing chiefly for this that as to the Readiness of hasting with so great Succours the Measure of Possibility can no ways equal as We would the vastness of our Wishes many Confusions in the Parts on this side the Sea hindring and especially the heavy Discord which long since the Grand Disturber of Peace and Enemy to Charity hath stirred up between our most Dear Sons Edward and Charles the Illustrious Kings of England and France For the allaying whereof We have destin'd to send unto the said Kings two of our
Peace was now done we shall proceed orderly to the War. All this Winter l Frois c. 296. c. Gallicè f. 244. there were held in England by the King many Consultations how to carry on the War the Summer following for he design'd to send two Powerfull Armies the One to act about the Parts of Aquitaine and the other from Calais to March thrô Picardy into France And all the while he neglected not to Establish himself with Friends on every side as well in Almaine as the Marches of the Empire where he purchas'd many good Knights and Esquires to his Service And befides all this in England he made such Wonderfull Preparations that the like had hardly been seen before But it seems that God Almighty was willing to prepare this Glorious Monarch by some sensible Affliction for his final Dissolution and that He might by observing his own Weakness fall to a due Consideration of Gods Power and learn to despise the salse Grandeur and Painted Glories of the World he was pleased from this time to blast both his maturest Counsels and his strongest Preparations whereby as a Father doth his Child he weaned him from the Delights and Allurements of this Life and directed him to seek after a better For to say the Truth We cannot till this time Date the Full Birth of King Edward's Misfortunes But from henceforward We shall see his Great Web of Victories continually to unravel and the strong spring of his Success to run backwards with much more speed than ever it was wound up King Charles m Frois ibid. of France was perfectly informed of all King Edward's most secret Resolutions whereupon he provided in all Places accordingly And first he mightily fortified all his Towns Cities and Castles in Picardy and the Marches towards Flanders supplying all his Garrisons with good Captains and Souldiers and other necessaries Nor did he forget his Concerns in Guienne but besides the Armies on that side in Garrison which were able to resist any Encounter after his usual way of Artifice he tamper'd secretly with the Chief Burgesses of Rochelle and other Places and sent also to his New Confederate the King of Spain desiring him effectually to assist him with a strong Fleet the next Summer III. On the other hand King Edward when the Spring was enter'd and he had magnificently solemnised the Feast of St. George as was his constant Custom at Windsor having created Sr. Guischard Dangle Knight of the Garter in the Room of Sr. Walter Manny deceased return'd to London and at his Royal Palace at Westminster held a Great Council about the Affairs of his Realm Here he ordain'd the Duke of Lancaster as his Lieutenant to invade France with a great Army by the Plains of Picardy the Earl of Cambridge being to attend him Then at the instant request of the Lord Guischard Dangle and all the Poictevin Lords whom he and his fellows represented he order'd the Earl of Pembroke n Rot. Vasc 46. Ed. 3. m. 4. as his Lieutenant in Aquitaine to go into Poictou to preserve that Country and to make Powerfull War against the French on that side For the Gascogners and Poictevins had earnestly requested of the King both by their Letters and the Mouth of Sr. Guischard Dangle that if he could not spare some One of the Princes his Sons yet at least he would send the Earl of Pembroke unto them whom next to those they lov'd and honour'd most as having had good Experience of his Extraordinary Courage and Conduct Hereupon King Edward before all his Barons and Knights then assembled in Council said unto the Earl of Pembroke who thô now Husband to the Lord Manny's Daughter had for his first Wise a Daughter of the Kings My Fair Son John I here appoint You as my Lieutenant and Commander in Chief over all Aquitaine to go into Poictou along with my Lord Guischard of Angoulesme and there to be Captain of all my Forces as well of those whom I shall send with You as of such whom You shall find there ready to joyn You who are no small Number as I am credibly informed The young Earl kneeling down said Sir I heartily thank your Majesty for the great Honour You are pleased to confer upon me thô I should be glad to be employ'd in your Majesties Service either there or elsewhere as One of the meanest Officers of your Army IV. These Orders being thus settled and due Care taken for all things to be ready against the time appointed the Council brake up and the King return'd to his Beloved Seat of Windsor He took along with him among others the Noble Poictevin Lord Sr. Guischard Dangle with whom he frequently spake of the Affairs of Poictou and Guienne Sr. Guischard advis'd the King by no means to doubt the Loyalty of his Good Subjects there For Sir said he as soon as my Lord of Pembroke shall but once appear he shall find a Considerable Army in the Field to joyn him For We shall make up to the Number of Four or Five Hundred Spears at least with their several Retinues all at Your Majesties Service to live and die for You so they may have their Wages duly paid them Sr. Guischard Sr. Guischard reply'd the King take You no Care for Gold and Silver to maintain the War when You are once come thither For I thank God I have enough and I am well content to bestow it on such a Commodity as the Glory and Advantage of Me and my Kingdom In such o Frois c. 297. sed Gallicè fol. 244. b. Discourse the King past the time with Sr. Guischard Dangle whom he entirely respected and credited no less as indeed he deserved till the Fleet was ready and the Earl of Pembroke came thither to take his leave of the King in order to his going on Board The Captains that accompanied him were the Lord Thomas Grandison the Lord John Tuchet Sr. Thomas of St. Albans Sr. John Lawton Sr. Simon Whitaker Sr. John Curson Sr. Robert Beaufort Sr. John Grimston all Knights of England besides the Poictovins as the Lord Guischard Dangle the Lord of Pinan the Lord John of Mortagne Sr. Emery of Tarse and others but they had no great Company with them because Sr. Guischard Dangle had advis'd the King not to exhaust England of her Best Men at that time when there were enough ready to fight for him in Poictou provided he sent over sufficient for their Wages All the Captains and their Men were order'd to repair to Southampton where they were fain to tarry no less than fifteen days in expectance of a Wind and then they went on Board with a good merry Gale and set sail for Poictou as they said in the Name of God and St. George but most certainly in an unlucky Hour For King Charles of France being either inform'd of all this or thrô his great Insight into Matters guessing how things would fall or thrô doubt
the Destruction of Christians but hath also lately administred unto many Infidels the Courage to seise on the Lands of Christians and to extinguish the a a Lat. aliàs ad Religionem Christiani Nominis extinguendam Name of the Christian Religion and that if the said Infidels shall perceive that Discord shall endure between the said Kings of England and France and Concord shall be banished of their wonted madness they will arise more Couragiously and boldly against the Christians and their Lands and will assume the greater Confidence to bring upon Christian Kings Kingdoms and People more heavy and pernicious Troubles than before to the Execution whereof the foresaid most wicked Infidels do already as is said prepare and dispose themselves And not being able any longer to endure the like War and Discord as also weighing and often revolving that We and our Predecessors Popes of Rome by frequent sending both Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church and divers other Nuntio's of the Apostolick See to those Parts have in this point shewn what Diligence We could since We cannot see any further Remedy if this Concord and Peace cannot be perfected We intend not any longer to delay but forthwith to proceed without any Favour Justice always being our Guide against that Party of the two which shall appear to be the Occasion thereof and all its Favourers Counsellers and Assistants whatsoever by Ecclesiastical Censures and other Remedies of Law. Dat. Aven III Non. Jan. Ano. Pont. II. The same b Tom. 2. Episecret p. 237. Vid. Odoric Runald ibid. Letters only mutatis mutandis were sent to the Ambassadors of the French King at the same time But the Rancour of their Minds was too great and the Difficulty of adjusting Affairs to both their satisfaction too impracticable to admit of any tolerable Agreement at this time Thô Simon of the Title of St. Sixtus and John of the Title of the Four-Crowned-Saints being sent unto the Two Kings and much stirr'd up by the Popes Letters are reported to have spared no pains in the Affair This was in the beginning of the Year as appears by the Date of the Pope's Letters but now when the Duke of Lancaster was thus upon his March thrô France and all things tended to a Desperate War the Pope sent again into France his two Legates the Archbishop of Rouën and the Bishop of Carpentras to treat of a Peace if possible between the Two Kings These Pious Prelates took much Pains in riding too and fro between the French King and his Brethren on the One Part and the Duke of Lancaster on the other but all to no purpose For all the while the English Duke rode forward as we have partly shew'd piercing thrô and ravaging from Artois and Picardy thrô Champaigne Burgundy Beaujolois le Forestes Auvergne and Limosin by the Loire even to the Lot Dordogne and Garonne Rivers of Guienne XVI Much part c Frois Gallicè fol. 257. a. of this long way being at that time the whole extent of the Kingdom of France gave indeed great trouble to the English besides those few Losses We have related for not to mention the many Difficulties incident to such a long March especially when Provision was so hard to be got the Duke of Lancaster lost many both Men and Horses thrô some secret indisposition From which neither were the Frenchmen free for there died several of them and particularly three Lords of Hainalt as the Lord Fatieres of Berlammont the Lord Bridol of Montagne and the Begue of Werlan But there was no such Matter as some Historians too rashly report namely that the Duke of Lancaster's Army of 30000 was reduced only to 6000 by that time he came to Bourdeaux unless it be meant that he had no more Horses left For of them it must be confessed how there perished a great Number for want of Fodder as well because all Provender was convey'd away into strong Places as because the French King by his several flying Parties kept them from Foraging So that whatever they got was dearly bought and not fetch'd in to the Army without many Hands Wherefore more wisely doth Honest d Fabian p. 258. Fabian say from the French Writers themselves that thô indeed this Expedition was Honourable to the English because they rode thrô the whole Realm of France unfought withall yet was it also exceeding troublesome and chargeable unto them considering the many mischiefs they met withall in their long March especially the great Loss of Horses When the Duke of Lancaster had past the Loire about Roanne he was informed how the Frenchmen prepar'd to entertain him as they should find opportunity with sundry Ambuscadoes Wherefore he presently e Polyd. Virg. Holinsh p. 994. set his light Horsemen with a Division of Archers in the Front and in the Main Battail where he himself was with the Duke of Bretagne the whole Force of his Footmen and Men of Arms on each side for Wings to cover them The Rest of the Horse with the other Division of Archers he appointed to be in the Reer and having commanded them all to March close together in this Order he thus frustrated all further attempts of his Enemies and came in safety into Poictou where in Revenge of their Defection from England he began a new spoil killing and ransoming the people wasting the Country and firing the Towns where-ever he came till at last he arrived at Bergerac in his way to Bourdeaux the Frenchmen always following till he came thither at the tail and coasting him as they saw occasion without any further Advantage than what we have mention'd But the Duke of Anjou having left Paris and joyn'd the Constable rode above towards Rouvergue Rodez and Tholouse but at last they return'd to Perigort where the two Legates then were having rode between the two Parties preaching and laying many sound Reasons before them to bring them to some Agreement but they were both so harden'd that neither would admit of Peace without some apparent Advantage which the other would not grant So about the beginning of November the Duke of Lancaster came to Bourdeaux where both he and the Duke of Bretagne lay all that Winter and the Lent following only some few taking their leave now the Campaine was over among whom the Lord Ralph Basset of Sapcote with his Retinue went back into England whereat the King was much displeas'd and chode him severely that he would offer to return without his Lord and General Of this Expedition we are to observe that some thrô largeness of speech have made it to begin in Flanders whereas it is to be understood as We have shewn at Calais which confines on Flanders And so Sr. William Dugdale is to be expounded who speaks of an Expedition this Year made into Flanders wherein he f Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 396. says were present the Lord Edward Spencer the Lord * Id 2 Vol. p. 173. John
c. 236. Caxton c. that not long before the King had sent the Ambassadors aforesaid to Avignon to require of Pope Gregory that as to the Reservation of Benefices of England made in his Court he would supersede Medling for the future that Clergymen might freely enjoy their Elections to Episcopal Dignities and that it might be sufficient for them to be confirmed by their Metropolitans as was the Antient Custom Upon these and the like Abuses they required Remedy of the Pope concerning all which Articles the said Ambassadors had certain Answers from his Holiness touching which the Pope enjoyned them upon their Return into England to certifie him by their Letters of the King's Will and of his Realm and also that they would press the King to let him first know what he and his Council design'd to do before they proceeded to determine any thing as to the Premises The Result whereof we shall refer to the next Year However in this Parliament it was Enacted That Cathedral Churches should enjoy their own Elections and that for the future the King should not write against the Persons so Elected but rather by his Letters endeavour their Confirmation if need were But this Statute availed not much afterward The o M.S. Ret. Par. ut ante Sr. Rob. Cotton ibid. Burgesses of Bristow in this Parliament require that the said Town with the Suburbs thereof may be a County of it self and that the Perambulation of the same with the Bounds thereof returned into the Chancery with all the Liberties and Charters thereto granted may be confirmed by Act of Parliament The King is content to grant that the Charters Liberties and Perambulation aforesaid may be confirmed under the Great Seal That no French Prior Alien be permitted to dwell within twenty Miles of the Sea-Coast for several Reasons there specified The King by his Council will provide therefore That Remedy may be had that Men be not called into the Exchequer upon Suggestion without Process contrary to the Statute made in the 42 Year of the King. Let any particular Man complain and he shall find Remedy After this the Lord Chancellor in the Kings Name gave great Thanks to the Lords and Commons and so this Session ended It is to be observed that the Printed Statute touching the Assize of Broad Cloath Cap. 1. agreeth with the Record As also that Cap. 2. touching Scottish Silver Coin. XVIII This Year it is reported p Mezeray ad hunc ann p. 92. Odor Rainal ad an 1374. §. 13. ex Chron. Belg. Job Leyd c. that there happen'd in Italy France and England especially in the Lower Countries a certain Maniack Passion or Frenzy unknown to former Ages for those who were tormented therewith which for the most part were the Scum of the People stript themselves stark naked put Garlands of Flowers on their Heads and taking one another by the Hands went about in the streets and into the Churches dancing singing and turning round with such vehemence that they would fall down to the ground quite out of Breath This Agitation made them swell so prodigiously that within an Hours time they would burst unless some-body took care to bind their Bellies about with strong Swathing-bands Those who looked on them too earnestly were often tainted with the same Malady It was thought to have come by some Diabolical Operation and that Exorcisms did much prevail against it The Vulgar called it St. John's Dance XIX There died q Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 70. b. about this time a valiant Baron of England named the Lord Miles Stapleton one * Vid. Lib. 1. c. 22. §. 7. p. 298. of the Founders of the most Noble Order of the Garter leaving behind Thomas his Son and Heir then of full Age who yet died also this same Year without Issue leaving his Sister Elizabeth his next Heir she being then married to Sr. Thomas Metham Which Sr. Thomas having at that time Issue by her and doing his Homage had Livery of the Lands of her Inheritance There died r Walsing hist p. 183. Vid. Godwins Catal. Bish c. also this Year Dr. John Thoresby Archbishop of York and Dr. John Barnet Bishop of Ely besides the Bishop of Worcester of whose Death we spake at the beginning of the last Parliament Alexander Nevile succeeded in the See of York Thomas Fitz-Alan younger Son to the Earl of Arundel in that of Ely and Henry Wakefield in that of Worcester CHAPTER the ELEVENTH AN. DOM. 1374. An. Regni Angliae XLVIII Franciae XXXV The CONTENTS I. King Edward inquires into the Livings then in the Hands of Aliens with his Letters to the Bishop of Winchester for that purpose II. He sends Commissioners to treat with the Popes Legates about the Premisses with the Copy of their Commission and the Effect of their Treaty III. The Duke of Anjou's Expedition into Gascogne IV. A Truce between the Dukes of Lancaster and Anjou V. The Lords of High Gascosgne yield to the Duke of Anjou who takes in all 40 Towns and Castles from the English VI. Becherel for want of succour yields VII Sr. Hugh Chastillon Master of the Crossbows of France is redeem'd with an Adventure between him and the Lord of Gomegines Captain of Ardres for King Edward VIII A Treaty at Bruges concerning a Peace between the two Crowns wherein Care is had of the Earl of Pembroke and others taken formerly by the Spaniards with the Death of the said Earl of Pembroke and some Observations thereon IX The Death of Francis Petrarch Laureat Poet of Italy and some other Considerable Persons of England X. An Account of Madam Alice Perrers who was falsly said to be King Edward's Concubine I. KING Edward being perpetually alarum'd as well in Parliament as otherwise by his Subjects who complain'd of the many great Abuses done unto Him and his Authority by the See of Rome as of their Reservations and other Arts whereby they entrenched upon his Prerogative Royal and the Liberties of the Church of England exhausting his Kingdom to enrich Strangers and such as were his Enemies the King I say being now throughly awaken'd at these Cries of his People among other notable Ways whereby he encountred these Usurpations began a Fox Acts Monum p. 560. at this time to require an exact Survey of all Benefices and Dignities Ecclesiastical throughout his Dominions which were then in the Hands of Italians Frenchmen or other Aliens with a true Valuation of the same and sent unto all his Bishops his Royal Commission to make such Enquiry the Tenor whereof followeth EDWARD by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to the Right Reverend Father in God William by the same Grace Bishop of Winchester Greeting Being willing for certain Reasons Us thereunto moving to be certified what and how many Benefices as well Archdeaconries and other Dignities as Vicarages Parsonages Prebends and Chapters within your Dioecese there be
but the known Piety and Moderation which King Edward used thrô all his Life and that he could not easily be at this time unmindfull of Death may appear in that many Years before thrô a Pious consideration of Human Frailty he close the Place of his Sepulture as a Lib. 3. c. 4 §. 14. p. 564. Ano. Regni 1359. we have shewn and likewise settled the Point of Succession afterwards and had also so lately seen his Gallant Son go the same way before him not to mention the many Instances of his Piety of which we shall speak by and by And as for that solitary manner of his Death it is every whit as improbable for the Court of the Next Heir being then hard by at Kennington and the Three Sons of the King being thereabouts all the while if Piety and Duty could not have kept his Servants about Him yet a Care of their own Interest must have caution'd them at this time not to shew too much neglect of the Grandfather of the Young Prince and of the Duke of Lancaster's Father Not to say any thing of the Earl of Salisbury the Duke of Bretagne and Sr. Guischard Dangle who as we shew'd were just come unto him a little before his Departure And besides He was so far from being totally neglected that every Moment of his Sickness was particularly observed by his Sons and Others So that on that very Day whereon he died before his Soul had left the Body the Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council of London being certainly informed that his Case was now desperate sent certain of their Chief Citizens to Kennington where Prince Richard and his Mother resided to declare unto the said Prince their Loyal Affections to his Sacred Person and how ready upon his Grandfather's Death they should all be to accept of Him for their Lawfull King and Governour And yet had it been true that our Edward was thus left at his last Gasp by all his Waiters and Domesticks surely it would be very Hard Uncharitable and Unchristianlike to argue any thing against his Person therefore or to conclude his Death any whit the more miserable since then he could not be sensible of what happen'd and also it is very usual and ever will be for the Court to fall away from the Setting Sun and to turn toward the East XVII However thus died King Edward the Third of whom when his Enemy King Charles of France heard of his Death he gave this Testimony b Frâ—is c. 314. f. 196. Gallicè verò fol. 267. That He had Reigned most Nobly and Valiantly and well deserved to be added to the Number of the Antient Worthies And soon after he assembled all the Nobles and Prelates of his Realm with whom he Solemnly performed his Obsequies in the Holy Chappel of his Palace at Paris But in England there was great Sorrow made for his Death and immediately all the Ports were stopped lest the News thereof should reach France before the Affairs of the Kingdom might be settled A little before the Coronation of King Richard the Second the Body of King Edward was removed from Sheen and with a great Pomp of Sorrow his Three Sons John of Gaunt Edmund of Langley and Thomas of Woodstock and his Son-in-Law John the Valiant Duke of Bretagne and all the Barons and Prelates of England following the Herse was brought along thrô the City of London with Open Visage to Westminster where it was c Sandford p. 175. vid. Keep 's Mon. Westmonast solemnly interred on the South-side of the Royal Chappel in the Abbey of St. Peter near to the Body of his Beloved Queen Philippa as on her Death-Bed she had requested Where betwixt two Pillars parallel with the Tomb of King Edward the Confessor He hath his Monument of Grey Marble upon the Superficies whereof lies his Full Portraiture of Copper Gilt and upon the Verge of the Tomb these Old Verses are ingraven beginning on the North-side at the Foot being Latine Rhyme after the Manner of that Age. Hic Decus Anglorum Flos Regum Preteritorum Forma Futurorum Rex Clemens Pax Populorum Tertius Edvardus Regni complens Iubileum Invictus Pardus Bellis pollens Machabeum Prospere dum vixit Regnum Pietate revixit Armipotens Rexit Iam Câ—lo Coelice Rex sâ—t Tertius Edvardus Famâ super aethera Notus PVGNA PRO PATRIA MCCCLXXVII On both Sides of this Tomb are the Figures of all his Sons and Daughters in Solid Brass viz. On the South-side in several Niches are Edward Prince of Wales Joan of the Tower Entitled Queen of Spain Lionel Duke of Clarence Edmund of Langley Mary Dutchess of Bretagne and William of Hatfield under which their several Escutcheons of Arms Enamelled are placed And also under them the Arms of Saint George and of King Edward the Third interchangeably on Four large Shields of Brass Enamelled On the North-side were the Statues and still there remain the Arms of Isabell Lady Coucy William of Windsor John Duke of Lancaster Blanch of the Tower Margaret Countess of Pembroke and Thomas of Woodstock near unto which Sepulchre they will still shew you the Sword which it is said this King used in his Wars in France being only Cross-barr'd Seven Foot long and weighing Eighteen Pounds I will not dissemble d Cod. M. S. Misâ—ell R. Glover Somerset fol. 135. that there is somewhere attributed unto him one Natural Son besides his Twelve Legitimate Children named Nicolas Litlington who was Abbot of Westminster and lies buried in the said Abbey before the Altar of St. Blase But there are several Arguments which with me weigh down the Credit of this single Testimony as his Age he being made Abbot immediately after Simon Langham sixteen Years before this whereas usually Old Age is required for such and he survived King Edward but e He died 1386. Keep 's Men. West p. 52. Nine Years He bare for his Arms f Vid. Keep 's Mon. Westmonast p. 13. Quarterly Argent and Gules in the Second and Third a Fret Or on a Bend Azure Three Flowers de Luces of the Third His Character may best be gather'd from his History but however we shall again represent him in little according to those lively Colours wherewith the joynt Concurrence of the best g Walsing hist p. 189. Heur Knighton p. 2630. Foae Acts Mon. p. 394. Daniel's Hist p. 260. Ric. Dinothi Advers p. 92. Sr. Rich. Baker p. 144. Stow p. 269. Holinsh p. 999. Weever's Fun. Mon p. 466. c. Authors have represented him He was a Prince the soonest a Man and the longest that held so of any we meet with His Stature not exceeding the usual Bigness of Men but of the Middle sort h Vid. Hakewill's Apology for Providence p. 212. that is just six Foot or two Yards High his Limbs neat and well-made his Body strong his shape Exact his Visage something Long but exceeding Comely Gracefull and Angelical