gave the Danes many Battels and being of a hardy and couragious temper he greatâ—y raised the drooping hearts of his Subjects raising the Siege of London and worsting their Army four times in open fight so that Canute having Challenged him to a single Duel for the Kingdom he loyfully accepted the offer so that going into an Island called Alney near Glocester they fought valiantly but Canute finding himself over matched and having received some dangerous Wounds he desired a Parly which being granted he said What should move us most Valiant Prince that for the obtaining of a Title we should thus indanger our Lives better it were to lay Malice and Weapons aside and to condescend to a Loving Agreement Let us now therefore become sworn Brothers and divide the Kingdom between us in such League of Amity that each may use the other as his own so shall the Land be peaceably governed and we joyfully assist each other in necessity Upon these words they threw down their Arms and embraced as Friends in the fight of both Armys so that the Kingdom being divided Edmund had the South and Canute the North but in a while after Edrick the Treacherous Duke who had betrayed the Councels of Edmund thinking to ingratiate himself with the Danes run a Spear into the Body of the King as he was easing himself and having by that means killed him he cut off his Head and hastening with iâ— to Canute he cryed Hallsole Monarch of England behold the Head of thy Copartner upon which Canute promised to advance him above all the Nobles of England but whilst the Traytor was big with expectation of honour and preferment he caused him to be Arrested and cutting off his Head fixed it on the Tower advancing him in that sense as he deserved This Edmund was Third Son of Ethelfrid and Fifteenth sole Monarch his Reign exceeded not a year Thus the Great Saxon Monarchy did yield And with her slaughtered King gave up the Field To the Blood-thirsty Danes but three short Reigns Bring back the Saxons and expire the Danes The Danish Monarchy over England and what remarkably happened in the Reigns of the three Danish Kings c. THe Original of the Danes as indeed all Originals is variously reported by Historians some will have that People derived from the Scythians and others from Scandia an Island Northward however when they Invaded England they were populous as it appears by their continual repairing the great numbers they lost for their first Invasion was in the year of our Lord 787 and were about 230 years before they gained the sole Monarchy They were as to their Religion Pagans Canute their first sole Monarch was Crowned at London by Livingus Arch-bishop of Canterbury Anno 1017. he upon his coming to the Crown Banished Edwin Son of Ethelred and sent Edward and Edmund the two Sons of Eumund Ironside to his Brother then King of Sweedâ—n to be made away and proceeded to Mary Queen Emma who had been Wife to King Ethelred and was Sister to the Duke of Normandy upon condition the Heir gotten on her Body should succeed him in the English Throne upon which he assembled the Peers in Parliament at Oxford and there made many good Laws establishing the Christian Religion injoyning that all decent Ceremonies tending to Devotion and Dâ—vine Worship should be observed with reverence that the Lords day should be kept holy and a Clergyman that should kill a Layman or be found guilty of any other notorious Crime should be deprived of his Order and Dignity A married Woman committing Adultery to have her Nose and Ears cut off and a Widow marrying within a Twelvemonth to loose her Joynter and being great in power both by Sea and Land some of his Flatterers would needs go about to perswade him that not only the Earth but the Ocean was obedient to him and that he might raise or calm it at his pleasure and he then being at Southampton to upbraid them caused a Chair to be set on the Sand when the Sea was coming in and placing himself in it commanded the Sea to retire and not dare to wet his Garments but the regardless Waves roaling on dashed him to that degree that he was forced to remove when turning to his Parasites he said You well now perceive all the might and power of Kings is but vanity for none is worthy to have the name of King but he that keepeth Heaven Earth and Sea in obedience to his Will And from that time he declined to wear his Crown causing it to be placed on the Head of Christs Crucified Imageat Winchester and gave many large Gifts to the Church and Church-men building several Churches and going a Pilgrimage to Rome procured the taking off the excessive Charge the English Arch-bishops were at when they took the Pall. He Reigned eighteen years and was the 16. sole Monarch of England being Buried in the old Monastery at Winchester Harold succeeded his Father Canute though he was opposed at his Enterance by Earl Goodwin he was likewife Son to Queen Emma and Crowned at Oxford by Elmothius Arch-bishop of Canterbury using manâ— Dâ— vices to get Edward and Alfrâ—d the two So 〈…〉 into his hunds he decoyed over the latter in his Mothers Name but he landing in hopes to be joyned with the promised Forces was betrayed by Earl Goodwin and the King setting upon his small Forces at Guilford caused them all except every tenth man to be slain and taking Alfrid alive he made his Eyes be put out and fastening one end of his Bowels to a stake he was pricked round with Ponyards till such time as he had drawn out his Guts and so died this poor Prince Nor did he rest here but proceeded to Banish Queen Emma and Confiscate her Goods for reproaching him with the Death of her Son This Harrold was second Son of Canute and the seventeenth sole Monarch of England he began his Reign Anno 1036 and Reigned four years being buried according to Stow at Westminster Hardicanute succeeded Harrold being invited over from Denmark both by the Danes and English and Crowned at London by Elnoth Arch-bishop of Canterbury he caused the Body of Harrold to he digged up and cutting off the Head threw it into the Thames but it being found by some Fisher-men they decently Interred it in St. Clements-Danes so called for its being the chief Burial place of the Danes This King was given much to Eating and Drinking insomuch that he caused his Tables to be spread four times a day with all manner of Dainties and raised a Tax of 32147 pounds to maintain a great Fleet at Sea and in vain Ostentation Earl Goodwin sitted out one with a Golden stern and Men compleatly armed with guilt Arms and Armour but the King hearing the Tax was denied and that Thurston and Feader two of his Collectors were slain by the people at Worcester he expulsed the Bishop and burnt the City but as he was Revelling at a
they passed to Wood-street end in Cheapside and there Proclaimed a Third time and the like was done before the Royal Exchange in Cornhill and immediately the great Guns made it known to remote parts the Evening being concluded with the Ringing of Bells Bonfires and other demonstrations of Joy Nor was it less upon the like Proclamation of their Majestys in the principal Burroughs and Towns of England and Wales And two days following his Majesty was pleased to give the two Houses a further Assurance of his Care and Protection for the preservation of their Religion Laws and Liberties and that he was desirous to concur with them in any thing that should be for the good of the Kingdom and do what in him lay to advance the Glory and Welfare of the Nation And thereupon published his Royal Declaration to restrain disorderly persons who took the liberty to kill the Deer and cut down the Timber in divers Chaces and Forests causing the Ports in the West facing Ireland to be stopped to prevent disaffected persons from passing over to Tyrconnel And the City of London by the Lord Mayor Aldermen and divers of the Commons Congratulated their Majestys upon their happy Accession to the Throne and on the 18th of February the King went to the House of Lords Royally attended and too his Place on the Throne when the Gentleman â—sher of the Black Rod had order to Summon up the Commons and they accordingly attending at the Bar of the Lords House his Majesty let them know how sensible he was of their kindness and how much he esteemed and valued the confidence they had Reposed in him giving them Assurance that at no time he would do any thing that might lessen their good opinion of him recommending to them the Care of the Allies abroad and the dangerous state of Ireland c. And soon after his Majesty being waited on by the Bishop of London and about 100. of the London Clergy with an humble Tender of their duty and fidelity he was pleased to express his Gracious promise of Protection and Encouragement And the two Houses resolved into a free Parliament his Majesty gave the Royal Assent to an Act intituled an Act for the removing and preventing all questions and disputes about the Assembling and Sitting of this present Parliament putting out his Royal Declaration for bringing in and restoring Arms imbezled during the disbandings and disorder in the late King's Army During these prosperous proceedings we had frequent news from Ireland that the Earl of Tyrconnel laboured to increase his Army and to draw away those that yet remained unshaken to prevent which his Majesty was pleased to Issue out his Proclamation offering a pardon of Indemnity to all those that would lay down their Arms and retire to their respective habitations and there quietly and peaceably behave themselves and that according to Law they should enjoy their Estates and Possessions likewise those of the Roman persuasion to have all the liberty of private Exercise of Religion that the Law allows with a promise of calling a Parliament in that Kingdom But if any refused they were proclaimed Rebels and Traytors and their Lands forfeited to be distributed to those that should be aiding and assisting to the reducing the Kingdom But on the other hand Tyrconnel as much as lay in him to hinder this Gratious offer prevented its being dispersed in many parts of that Kingdom and published a Declaration of his own wherein he promised them wonders if they would persevere and laid before them the danger if they laid down their Arms whch animated them to great Outrages however the English Protestants defended Sligo and other places making strong opposition especially in the North expecting Succours from England where extraordinary Levys were making and the King the better to encourage his Subjects consented to the taking away the Act of Harth Money which had been a long time very grievous to the poorer sort of the Nation for which he received an Address of Thanks from both Houses and an other wherein they resolved to stand by him with their Lives and Fortunes in supporting his Allies abroad in reducing Ireland and to secure the Protestant Religion in that Kingdom which was very Graciously Received and his Majesty declared his Opinion as to what was requisite for the support of the Nations Glory abroad and at home And the two Houses for declaring to stand by his Majesty c. had two humble Addresses of Thanks from the City of London and they likewise tendred their Address of Thanks to his Majesty upon his Condescending to have the Harth Money taken away which was shortly after taken away by an Act for ever onely a Clause reserving to be collected what was due to the 25th of March before the publication of the said Act. During these proceedings the King had an Express that a considerable number of Soldiers of the Regiment once commanded by the Lord Dumbarton and some Companies of Fuziliers had had mutined near Ipswich and marched away with the Money sent to pay them and four Field Pieces in their way proclaiming King James when to prevent the disorder upon the Address of the Parliament they were proclaimed Rebels and a considerable force of Horse and Dragoons sent to suppress them and accordingly upon their inclosing those mutinous Soldiers they after some shew of resistence threw down their Arms and surrendred them yielding upon discretion when being disarmed they and their Officers were disposed of in divers prisons and an Act passed the Royal Assent impowering his Majesty to apprehend such persons as he should find just cause to suspect were conspiring against the Government and an other to take off the Attaindure of William Russell Esq commonly called William Lord Russell and many other Acts conducing to the good and settlement of the Kingdom were soon after passed Upon the death of Sir John Chapman Lord Mayor of London Thomas Pilkinton Esq since Sir Thomas Pilkinton was Elected at the Guild-Hall and presented to the Commissioners of the Great Seal and Sworn at the Hustings and after that by the Lieutenant of the Tower by reason at that time there was no Court held at Westminster Scotland at this time was not wanting for the Convention pursuant to the King 's Circular Letters meeting March 14th and chusing Duke Hamilton their Chairman they earnestly laboured for the settlement of that Kingdom which was fallen into some disorder upon the Grand Revolution Summoning the Duke of Gourdon to surrender the Castle of Edenburg and upon his refusal Proclaimed him and his adherents Traytors on great penalties prohibiting any to have intercourse with him securing divers suspected persons and raising Forces to secure the Kingdom with many other things too many here to be incerted And now the Coronation Solemnity of their Majestys being appointed on the 11th of April and a Proclamation issued out to the Peers and for all that could make Claims by right of Service or Tenure
to be sent Prisoner to the Tower and there to be poisoned for which Contrivance Sir Gervase Elwes and Mrs. Turner suffered Death the Earls and Countess were likewise sentenced but had by the King's Mercy Leases of their Lives granted them for 99 years and for ever banished the King's Presence The Fall of this Favourite made way for Mr. George Villiers a Gentleman of a good House who was soon after created Duke of Buckingham Anno 1618. Sir Walter Rawleigh was delivered from a long Imprisonment in the Tower and sent to discover a golden Mine in the West-Indies promising it should be no ways prejudicial to the Spaniards but failing in that Discovery and Sacking the Spanish Town of St. Thoms upon his Return to England at the continued Importunity of Gondamore the Spanish Ambassadour he was Beheaded upon a former Sentence and on the 2d of March 1618 Queen Anne died and was buried at Westminster her Death was preceeded by an extraordinary Blazing-Star And now the King being desirous to see Prince Charles Married sent him into Spain to render his Courtship to the Infanta but after a six Months stay being trifled with that Court insisting to have him change his Religion c. the King recalled him and prepared for War in order to recover the Palatinate and set on Foot a Treaty of Marriage with France but lived not to see it concluded for on the 7th of March Anno 1625 he died of an Ague at Theobalds in Scotland and was Buried at Westminster with great Solemnity much lamented of his Subjects being a Prince of extraordinary Learning Conduct and Prudence his Wife was Ann Daughter of Frederick the Second King of Denmark by whom he had Issue Henry Charles Elizabeth and two other Daughters Mary and Sophia who dyed young This King James was great Grand-Child by Father and Mother's side to Margaret Daughter to Henry the 7th of England He began his Reign over this Kingdom Anno 1602 Reigned 22 years 3 days and was the 44 sole Monarch of England and first of Great Britain whose antient Name he restored by uniting the Kingdoms He died in the 59 year of his Age. Thus to Death's Fury the wise Prince gave way And left this Twilight for eternal Day That Phenix-like he out of moulder'd Dust May Glorious rise to mingle with the Just The Life Reign and Actions of Charles the First King of Great Britain c. KIng James giving way by Death Prince Charles his only surviving Son was immediately Proclaimed and Crowned at Westminster soon after which he was solemnly Married to Henrietta Maria Daughter to Henry the Fourth French King whom he had seen in his Journey through Paris to the Court of Spain The Marriage being over the King began to shew his Resentments of the Affronts he had received in the Court of Spain and Anno 1625 a Parliament was called and Assembled at Westminster on the 8th of June wherein after some strong Debates about Petitions of Right and Religion the King had two Subsidies granted him and a Fleet was sent to Sea which spoiled and greatly indamaged the Spanish Coast but although the War was just and honourable yet upon the Meeting again of the Parliament in the August following they denyed a farther Supply whereupon he endeavoured with the Advice of his Lawyers to raise Money by way of Tonage but the Parliament forbid the Payment of it and many of the Merchants refused to obey the King's Mandates however the King making an Alliance with the united Provinces set out another Fleet and greatly distressed the Spaniards but amongst others some French Ships being sunk burnt or taken they seized the English Effects in their Ports by way of Reprisal whereupon the French were commanded to leave England but Monsieur Basompire coming Ambassadour prevailed to have many of them recalled yet all Commerce ceased between the two Kingdoms and the French greatly oppressed the Rochellers which made them humbly supplicate King Charles's Assistance who sent a good power under the leading of the Duke of Buckingham but the French being strongly Encamped and Fortified in Rhee the English returned without effecting any thing considerable and the Parliament again complained of several Grievances whereupon they were Dissolved and new Forces raised for the Relief of Rochell but as the Duke of Buckingham was about to Embark he was stabbed to the Heart by one John Felton an English Adventurer at Portsmouth for which the Murtherer was Executed seeming to approve off and glory in the Fact to the last and thus unhappily fell this Duke that had been the Darling Favourite of two Kings Anno 1630 the Queen on the 29th of May was brought to Bed of a Son afterward Christened by the Name of Charles and since our Soveraign Monarch as will appear in the next Reign at his Birth a bright Star appeared in the day-time and on the 14th of October 1633 the Queen was delivered of the Duke of York but the Joy of these Births were a little Eclipsed by the misunderstandings in Scotland and the oppositions made in payment of Ship-Money though Ten Judges had given their Vote for the legality of it the Occasion of great Commotions in Scotland arising about the Service-Book of Common-Prayer being sent thither to be read in Churches as usual in England for when the Dean came to read it in St. Giles's Church at Edenborough he narrowly escaped his Brains being beaten out by the People's throwing Stools Chairs and Cudgels at him nor did the Bishop who got up into the Pulpit to appease them fare any better and so great in a short time grew the Tumult that the Magistrates were not able to quell it which obliged the King to raise an Army but upon his Approach the Scots in Arms met him on the Lorders and submitted and a Peace thereupon was concluded but soon after fell to Covenanting and raised new Commotions the which and the Misunderstandings between the King and his Parliament gave the native Irish an opportunity to Rebel and commit a most horrible Massacre on the English throughout that Kingdom murthering about 200000 of all Ages and Sex before any Succours were sent to their Relief This happened in the year 1641 the same year the Earl of Strafford was beheaded upon an Attaindure of Parliament and about two years after William Laud Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was Executed in the same manner and the King having passed a Bill for the Parliament to sit during their Pleasure such Heats ensued and such Tumults withall that the King after he had endeavoured to give them all the satisfaction that could consist with his Honour and Conscience was obliged to retire to Windsor to avoid the Insolencies of the Multitude who threatened him in his Palace and committed many outrages pulling down the Organs and spoiling the Vestments and Ornaments of Worship in Westminster-Abby and during the King's Absence the Parliament having put the Country in Arms and took into their hands most of
Englands Chronicle OR THE LIVES REIGNS OF THE Kings and Queens From the time of JVLIVS CAESAR To the present Reign of K. WILLIAM and Q. MARY Containing The Remarkable Transactions and Revolutions in Peace and War both at Home and Abroad as they relate to this Kingdom with the Wars Policies Religion and Custom Success and Misfortunes as well of the Antient Britains as Roman Saxon Danish and Norman Conquerors with Copper Cuts and whatever else is conduceable to the Illustration of History By J. Heath LONDON Printed for Benj. Crayle at the Peacock and Bible at the West end of St. Pauls N. Bodington in Duck-lane and G. Conyers at the Ring on Ludgate-hill 1689. W Conq K Will 2 K Hen 1 K Ste K Hen 2 K Ric 1 K Iosor K Hen 3 K Ed 1 K Ed 2 K Ed 3 K Iames. 2. K Rich 2 England's Cronicle K Hen 4 Hen 5 or the Lives Reigns of all the KINGS QUEENS To the present Reign of K. William L. Mary K Hen 6 K Ed 4 K Ed 6 K Hen 8 K Hen 7 K Ric 3 K Ed 5 K Ch 2 K Ch 1 K Iames Q Eliz Q Mary Englands fam'd Monarchs thus pouriâ—â—â—â—â— behold Whose warlike Deeds this vollume does unfold For Wisdom and for Valour they were known Each had their Triumphs on the Brittish Throne Licensed July the 3d. 1689. And Entred according to Order THE PREFACE TO THE READER READER IN this Book you have the Recital of the past and present Glories of this famous Kingdom from the time it was first disâ—vered to this day continued in the renowned Actions of its Kings and Princes being a Series of History so remarkable and delightful that nothing material can be truly said to be omitted Here you may find the Original Manners Wars and Customs of the first Britains their contending with the Romans their Courage and various Success and whâ—â— and by what means this Nation became subject to the Roman Saxon Dane and Norman Conquerors with the sundry Revolutions of Church and State as well in Peace as War Transactions at home and abroad various Policies and Stratagems c. And indeed those things hat have made this Island lift her Head above other Nations blessed by the plenteous hand of Heaven and the Industry of her Natives her Renown has travel'd with the Sun scarce any corner of the habitable World where Fame has not breathed her Glories I need not much infist upon this to those who are daily Spectators of her Riches and Plenty as well of her own Product and Manufacture as accruing by Navigation c. from the remotest Oriental Parts nor of the Purity of Religion or Tranquility we enjoy under the Auspicious Reign of our Gracious King and Queen but it remains that I recommend to you the perusal of what cannot but aford as much satisfaction as any thing of this kind is capable of rendring So hoping it may prove very useful to all Lovers of History I am Reader yours to serve you J. Heath Englands CHRONICLE OR The Lives and Reigns of all the Kings and Queens from the time of JVLIVS CAESAR to the present Reign of K. William Qu. Mary c. A Discription of the Island of Britain with its Original Denomination c. THE Island of Great Britain whose Fame has travel'd with the Sun and reached the remotest Kingdoms of the Earth is bounded with Germany and Denmark on the East or properly with the German Ocian on the West with Ireland or the Irish Seas on the North with the Ducalidonian Seas and on the South with France and Normandy scituate in the eighth Climate of the North Latitude and placed in relation to Longitude between the Parrals of fourteen and sixteen Containing in length from Strathy-Head in the Kingdom of Scotland to the Lizard point in Cornwal Six Hundred Twenty Four Miles and in Breadth from the Isle of Thannet in Kent to the Lands end in Cernwal Three Hundred and Forty Miles though formerly its Limits were Fancied from the Orcadâ—s to the 〈…〉 Mountainâ— As for the time of its being peopled even the most curious Historians vary some hold it to be inhabited long before the Flood and that being a part of France it was by the Rapid Inundation of the Universe broken off from the Continent where now the Channel parts Dover from Calais and by that means being left by the Flood became an Island But this I conceive only conjectural without any warrantable Testimony and is grounded upon the Pariety of the Soils and Temprature of Air. Since that there are others that will have it possessed by one Albion a Gyant who beat out the Samotheans whose Gigantick Race increased till the time that King Brute Coasting these Seas with a powre of Trojans under his Command observing its spaciousness and fertility made a Descent and subdued it and of this latter Opinion is the so much Celebrate Antiquary and Historian Jeffry of Monmouth and from this Trojan Prince he would have us believe the Island took its Name But those who have seriously enquired into the Date he proposes for the Landing of Brute viz. In the 2887 Year of the worlds Creation find not any Foundation to Build a belief that such a Man was ever in these Parts but rather the Name was derived from the word Prith or Brith signifying Painting and probably the Greeks who were then the greatest Navigators Sailing along the Coast and perceiving the painted People that inhabited it might from that signification give it a Name as indeed they did to most Islands and Countries that were not Civilized where ever they came or it might be from the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mettals for its abounding with Mettals as it had done that of Albion from Albis Rupibus viz. White Rocks that appear towards the Coast of France These are the Conjecturals and we might run on in a maze of uncertainty till we tired the Reader considering that before the Landing of the Romans thâ— People were uncivilized keeping no Writings or Râ— cords of their Country or Actions to Druids or Priests themselves being a kind of Magicians or such as dealt in Spells and Charms preserving their Religious Rites and Ceremonies in Hieroglipicks and Figures after the manner of Egypt the better to create an Awe and Dread upon the more ignorant and raise an esteem and veneration of themselves which otherwise must have much abated the Credit they had gained But leaving things that are doubtful and have never been fully cleared by the most curious and industrious Writers we come to what is more warrantable and for what we have sureâ— grounds laying aside the Story of the Samothes sprung from the 〈◊〉 Son of Japhat perhaps as Fabulous as the rest and that is to the Year of the Worlds Creation 3873. Viz. Caius Julius Caesar by the prevailing Arms of the Roman Commonwealth having subdued Gallia now France and a great part of Germany thirsty of new Glory
But being a Cruel and Desolute Prince he was Killed by his Souldiers after he had continued seven Months in the Throne So that Maximus being then Deputy the Britains felt not the Effects of his Anger and thus Rome wanting a Head Marcus Sylvius Otho entred upon the Stage yet Reigned but three Months and five Days before he made way for Aulus Vitellus who after eight Months Reign was Killed by the Souldiers and Elavius Vespatian made Emperor in his stead So that in these short Revolutions the Britains had Peace yet in this last Reign the Brigantes and Silures were up in Arms but Julius Frontius over-powered them Petilius being Deputy the Famous City of Jerusalem after an obstinate and bloody Siege was Taken by the Romans under the Lâ—ading of Titus Vespatian who succeeded his Father in the Empire after he had Reigned about nine Years and Reigned two years and three months yet we find not that he had any War with the Britains but left the Empire to Domitian his Brother who raised a Persacution against the Christians by the Example of Nero Insomuch that Christianity then beginning to Flourish in this Island many were cut off for the Testimony they bore to their Lord and Master And Julius Agricola being Deputy he upon the Revolt of the Britains gave them â—… and in a fearful Overthrow slew Ten Thousand of them with the Loss of Three Bundred and Forty of his own Men and this is he that first discovered this Country to be an Island and Domitian after about fifteen years Reign dying Cocâ—eius Nerva came to the Throne of Empire being a very Charitable Prince but after ten Months he gave place to Trajan who raised the Third Persecution and Overthrew the Revolting Britains by Spartiaâ—us his Lieutenant Leaving the Stage of Honour after Twenty One Years Six Months when Adrianus was Proclaimed Emperor and although he had no War with the Britains he nevertheless raised a Persecution against the Christians and made the Church of Christ weep Tears of Blood in all Lands whither his Power extended yet he Reigned twenty two years But at length Antonius Pius who Succeeded him restrained re-called his Cruel Edicts yet in his time the Britains rising in Arms were Overthrown by Lollius Urbicus Marcus Aurelius taking next upon him the Administration of the Imperial Power revived the Persecution but had no War with the Britains and giving place after nineteen years Reign Commodius took upon him the Sway of the Empire and now the Almighty smiling upon this Land with the brightest Rays of Divine Love raised up a Christian King and the first that the World had seen viz. King Lucius Son to King Ceilus and Great Grand Child to Arviragius who Married the Emperor Drusius's Daughter and he being more mindful of Religion that dearest part of Government than of any other Consideration the better to Establish the Work so prosperously begun sent two Learned Men to Elutherus then Bishop of Rome to be further Instructed in the FAITH who thereupon sent him Fagarius and Damianus with his Letter in the following words You have received in the Kingdom of Britain by GOD's Mercy both the Law and Faith of Christ you have both the Old and New Testament out of the same through God's Grace by the Advice of your Realm take a Law and by the same through God's Sufferance Rule your Kingdom of Britain for in that Kingdom you are God's Vicar This I have mentioned to shew The honesty and plainness of the Bishops of Rome before they came to be Debauched and Corrupted with Pride and Avarice And this good King so far improved the Advice that he immediately Changed the Seats of the three Arch Flamens and twenty-eight Flamens into so many Archiepiscopal and Episcopal Sees appointing for the first three London York and Gloucester and thereupon the Christian Religion in spite of the Oppressors grew up like a stately Cedar and overspread the Land Helvius Pertinax the next Emperor did nothing of note having but a short Reign not exceeding eight Months and was Succeeded by Didius Julianus who continued not above two Months neither oâ— them having any War with the Britains Yet in the Reign of Septimus Severius the Calledonians were up in Arms and Heraclionus his Deputy not being able to Quell them the Emperor came over in Person yet could not Effect it by reason of the Fortresses and Marshes where they usually Fortified themselves with less than the Loss of fifty thousand oâ— his men and the better to Bridle them he caused a mighty Wall with Towrs to be run from Shorâ— to Shore but being come over a second time upon new Commotions he fell Sick and dyed at York and in his Reign the fifth Persecution was raised against the Christians Bassianus Caracala Reigneâ— after him six years and being made Co-Emperor with his Brother Geta he slew him yet the Britains werâ— not molested during his Reign and then he gave place to Opilius Maerinus who reigned about one year two months and was Succeeded by Heliogabilus a Lude Debauched and Luxurious Emperor whâ— had been formerly Priest to the Son yet he held the imperial Seat four years and then gave Place to Alexander Severus who gave Liberty to the Christiâ—ns to live peaceably and quiet without oppression or persecution but when he had reigned six months â—nd seven days he was killed by the Mutiny of the Almain Souldiers and made way for Maximinus who â—aised the sixth Persecution yet in his time the Briâ—ains were in Peace but three Years put a period to his Reign and Julius Varius Maximus mounted the Throne but he soon after was slain by the Souldiers And Gordianus who succeeded him Reigned but forty days For now the Petorian Souldiers began to commit all manner of Disorders setting the Empire to Sale raising any one to it for Money and then either Killing or Deposing them made room for more Gain and instead of One they sometimes set up Two in Co-partnership as Claudius Puppienus and Celius Balbinus who Reigned only a Year then Antonius Gordianus Reigned and after him Julius Philippus the one Reigning Four and the other Five Years Which short continuance and the Care they had to Secure themselves made them little mind what was done abroad and Lieutenants of Provinces perceiving things go thus unfortunately did not so much trouble themselves in Gathering the publick Taxes as to ingratiate in the Peoples Favour and enrich themselves by Presents and Offerings which were daily made them without runing the hazard of forcing them to Rebel And now Decius coming to the Imperial Seat stirred up by the Enemies of the Church of Christ he raised the seventh Persecution but his Fury continued not for he reigned but two years e're he gave way to Trebonianus and Voâ—usianius who stayed the Persecution and had Peace with the Britains But in two years they gave way to Aelmelianus who reigned not above two months and though Valerianus that succeeded
Mercians in Battle and drove the King of Kent out of his Kingdom and to his Conquering Arms the East Angles and East Saxons likewise submitted so that finding none oppose him he caused himself to be Crowned the first sole Saxon Monarch at Winchester and gave the Country the name of England and the Danes with 33 Ship Landing in the 14 of his Reign he gave them â—attle but was Obliged to retire with loss and the â—ext year being invited by the Britains they Landed â—… Wales against whom he Wared and was Victorious This was the 17 King of the West Saxons that had â—eigned successively and began his Reign as sole Monâ—rch Anno 819 and Reigned 17 years and in all 36 Thus the divided Kingdom did Unite And on one head her Crown shone Dazling bright An Account of the East Saxon Kingdom which contained Essex and Middlesex begining Anno 522 and continuing 305 years under the success of 14 Kings THe first that we find to Govern the East Saxons was Erchenwine who began not his Reign till Anno 527 and is held continued it Sixty years and â—hen gave place to Sladda who held it only 9 years when Sebert took upon him the Kingdom and being Converted to the Christian Faith by Miletus Bishop of St. Pauls in London which had been founded by himself and Ethelbert King of Kent in the place where â—he Temple of Diana had stood restored them their priveledges and free Exercise of Religion which had before been denyed them and Reigned 12 years noted to be the first Christian King of the East Saxons Seered succeeded him Anno 617. who contrary to his Predecessor put many Indignities upon the Christians as Prophaining their Communion-Tables and Offering to Idols for which being reproved be Miletus he banished that Bishop and fell heavey upon the rest of the Clergy but at the end of 6 years he was slain by Kingâ—ils King of the West Saxons and Sigesbert Reigned in this stead Continuing King of the East Saxons by the space of 23 years and after him Reigned Sigebert whom Oswye King of the Northumbers perswaded to be Baptixed and accordingly it was performed by Bishop Finnan but being of a wild and sordid naturâ—… when he had Reigned 15 years his Brothers Conspirâ—… against him and slew him and Swithâ—…lm succeedeâ—… Anno 661 who was Converted and Baptized â—… Bishop Cedda and Edelwald King of the East Anglâ—… stood his God-Father but he Reigned only 3 yearâ—… and then gave place to Sighere who after he had beeâ—… Baptized turned Apostate but brought again to â—… former Principles by the means of Woolfere King â—… Mercia he caused the Idol Temples to be Demolisheâ—… and in his time a Raging Plague continued for thâ—… space of 5 years Sebba succeeded him but havinâ—… Reigned about 30 years he layed down his Crown as more desirous of a Monastick Life and entred thâ—… Monastery of St. Pauls London and Sigherd took upon him the Government and Reigned 7 years Aâ—… the end of which Seofrid began his Reign which continued 7 years as the former yet in neither of theâ—… Reigns did any thing Memorable happen nor in theâ—… Successor Offa's for he when he had held the Scepteâ—… of the East Saxons 8 years went to Rome and theâ—… turned Monk and dyed in that state Selred began hiâ—… Reign 722 and Reigned 38 years without any thinâ—… Memorable except His Wars with the Mercians and leaving Cuthred his Successor Imbroyled in Troubles Egbert King of the West Saxons at the end of â—… years drove him out of his Kingdom so that after the Succession of 14 Kings it was in the year 872 made a part of the whole under a sole Monarch Thus Heaven by secret Wheels Winds on the Fates Of Empires Kingdoms and of petty States Turns all things as is in Wisdom thought That his Decrees be to perfection brought An account of the Northumber Kingdom and Succession of Kings THe Kingdom of the Northumbers contained Northumberland Cumberland Yorkshire Durham â—…ncashire Westmerland and some part of the Marches â—…d began in the year of our Lord 547 continuing 379 â—…ar but it does not Challenge a Succession of Kings â—…long for the number found are but 25 and of â—…ese in their order Ida and Ella took upon them to be Kings of the Norâ—…umbers Conjunctly Anno 547 and continued 24 â—…ars but were obliged after 15 years of that Term â—… take in 5 Partners Viz. Adda who held it 7 years â—…appa 5 years Theodwald 1 year Frethulf 7 years â—…odorick 7 years but of these some dying and others â—…ing dispossessed Ethelfride took place making great â—…ar upon the Britains and Subdued Edanaden King â—… the Scots whom he Overcame in a great Battle at â—…egsaston and at Westchester he slew not only the â—…uldiers of the Britains but even the Monks and Religious of all sorts to the Number of 1100 and Banâ—…ed Edwin the British Prince who fled to Redwold â—…ing of the East Angles who Joyning his Forces with â—…e Britains they fought against Ethelfride and slew â—…m when he had Reigned 33 years and Edwine was â—…aced in the Kingdom who at length turning Chriâ—…ian restrained the Persecutions that had been made in â—…ose parts against the Church he was Baptized by â—…aulâ—nus at York together with many of his Nobles but Reigned not above 7 years and then Osrick came to the throne whose reign was far shorter for within a year Waring on the Britains he was slain by Cadwal their King and so made way for â—…swald who slew Cadewal a British Prince but was Overthrown by Penda the Mâ—rcian King and slain at a place called from that Mifortune Oswaltree when he had Reigned 9 years â—…nd succeeded by Cswye this King gave Battle to Ofwine Prince of the Deirans at Wilfairs-Downs whâ—… flying the field was by one of his confidents deliveâ—…ed up and put to Death and altho' Ethelbald Son â—… Oswald and Egbert King of the East Angels Uniteâ—… their Forces with Penda King of Mercia he Oveâ—… threw them near Leads in York-shire Killing Peâ—… Ethclbald with 30 Dukes and Leaders giving thoâ—… United Armyes a great Overthrow and decided thâ—… long Controversy about the Celebration of Easter anâ—… founded the Cathedral Church in Litchfield for a Bishoâ—… See He Reigned 28 years and was succeeded bâ—… Egfride who raising a great Power and Waring upoâ—… Ethelred King of the Mercians he found not the Suâ—…cess of his Prodecessor nor being so contented â—… made an expedition against the Irish who then â—… small Barks perplexed the Coast but following theâ—… too far in the Mountains he was Intraped by an Ambushment and there slain after he had Reigned â—… years leaving his Kingdom to Alfride who thougâ—… he Reigned 20 years did nothing of Note he was suâ—…ceeded by Osred who gave himself up to Prodigiouâ—… Lusts Insomuch that he forced Nuns out of their Mâ—…nasteryes to satiate himself and commiting outrageâ—… he was at last slain by Kenred and Oswick when hâ—… had
the Revenge of some Courtiers whom he had iâ—jured and they soliciting the King to proceed further he commanded him to leave the Court and retire to York but as he was on his way he was overtaken and arrested by the Earl of Northumberland and his House and Furniture siezed Hiâ— Charge was for speaking Arrogant Words against the King which were interpreted that he meant to take revenge for his disgrace but at Leicester Abby in his way to London taking an Italian Confection to break Wind from his Stomach he dyed not without suspition of Poisoning himself rather than after so great a share of Power and Grandure as he had possessed to fall into the hands of his Enemies His last words were these viz. If I had served my God as faithfully as I have served my King he would not at this time cast me off As for his Birth it was mean being the Son of a Butcher at Ipswich rising from a low degree by his Policie Cuning and prompt Genus About this time Queen Ann was delivered of a Daughter Christened by the name of Elizabeth afterward our renowned Queen of England and two years after of a dead Child but the Popish party at Court perceiving this good Queen strongly to incline to the Lutheran Doctrine and encourage those of the Profession they found an opportunity to strike in with some displeasure of the King 's and accuse her of Incest and Adultery with her Brother the Lord Rochfort which appeared upon no other Foundation than his waiting upon her whilst she was in Bed to inquire of her Health and for joy of her recovery presuming to salute her however she was beheaded on Tower-Hill making a very Pious and Christian-like end and for the same Fact dyed Her Brother in like manner on the 19th of May 1536. and the next day the King gave a greater light into this cruel Execution by Marrying the Lady Jane Seymour Daughter to Sir John Seymour which looked as though the removing one from his Embraces was only to make way for the other Wolsey as is said being dead Thomas Cromwell a Black-smith's Son of Putney who had been an under Favourite of the Cardinals began to rise in the Kings esteem being first made Master of the Jewel-house then Barron of Okeham then Earl of Essex after that great Chamberlain of England and Vicar General of the Spiritualities he was a great favourer of the Reformed Religion and strove what in him lay to promote it but this and his greatness proved his downfall by raising powerfull Enemies at Court against him so that after he had done many great things for the King and Kingdom he was Arraigned Condemned and lost his Head however some change of the Face of the Romish Worship made the Monks and Fryars invite the Plebeans to take up Arms under pretence of redressing Grievances and reforming matters of State and were headed in Lincolnshire by one Mackarel a Monk but being promised by the King their requests should be partly answered they laid down their Arms but it was not long before another rout got together under the name of Pilgrims carrying in their Banner the Picture of Christ with his five Wounds the Chalice Cake and other foolish Devices declaring for Holy Mother Church and a Reformation in State These assembled in Yorkshire to the number of 40000 Commanded by one Diamond a Fisherman who Stiled himself the Earl of Poverty and one Robert Aske yet upon the approach of the King's Forces though they had for a time appeared very formidable being promised as the former some Redress of their Demands and a Pardon for what had passed they dispersed themselves yet upon these and the like stirs several of the Ringleaders were taken and Executed as four Abbots two Pryors three Monks and 3 Priests nor did Captain Mackerel escape this Execution and of Temporal Persons dyed the Lord Dacres Sir Robert Constable Sir Francis Bigod Robert Aske and divers others and now the Churches began to be purged of Images and other Trumpery which greatly inriched the King's Coffors for many of them were of Gold and Silver set with precious Stones and those of Wood were burnt nor were the Monasteries and Religious Houses long delayed of which there were suppressed Monasteries â—645 Colledges 90 Chanceries and Free Chapels â—374 So that the Bible was read in English Register Books appointed and Weddings and Christenâ—ngs Commenced in due order to hinder Clandestine Iniquities for upon their being demolished great numbers of Childrens Sculls and Bones were found which had been Murther'd stopt up in the Walls and other places to hide the Infamy of the Lascivious Nuns and Fryars c. But by this means the Revenues siezed swarms of Monasticks were turned out to shift which made them labour to incense not only many of the Commons but some Noblemen and Gentlemen against the King and the Pope sent a Bull Excommunicating the King but the Bull bearer being taken as he was fixing it upon the Bishop of Londons Palace he was as a Traytor conveyed to Tyburn and there hanged with the Bull about his Neck and the Marquess of Exceter the Lord Montacute and Sir Edward Nevile were Executed at Tower-Hill for Conspiring to depose Henry and place Cardinal Reignald Pool Grand-son to the Duke of Clarence in the Throne The Lady Jane Seymour whom Henry hade made â—his Queen dying in Child-bed with Prince Edward afterward our Edward the Sixth the King Married the Lady Ann Sister to the Duke of Cleve and she being sent over the King no sooner fixed his Eyes on her but he took dislike a to her Person and pretending he had been deceived in the Report of her Beauty the Beding was refrained and a Divorce procured in Parliament barring her the Tittle of Queen and he proceeded to Marry the Lady Catharine Howard Neice to the Duke of Norfolk but she soon after run the same Risque as Ann of Bulloin had done for she had not been Married much above a year before she was accused of Fornication and Adultery the one with Francis Derham before Marriage and the other with Thomas Culpeper after she was Queen for which she together with the Lady Jane Rochfort lost her head on Tower-Hill the latter suffering for Concealing the Fact of the former though the Queen declared to her Confessor to the last she was innocent as for Derham and Culpeper they were Executed at Tyburn nor did the Countiss of Salisbury Daughter to George Duke of Clarence and Mother to Cardinal Pool escape the cruelty of the King for upon a suspition she held Correspondence with her Son she was attainted in Parliament and beheaded upon that Attandure and about the same time the Lord Leonard Grey lost his Head for Treason and for refusing to deny the Pope's Supreamicy and acknowledge the King's upon a Statute acknowledging the King Supream Head in his own Kingdom John Fisher Bishop of Rochester and the famous Sir Thomas Moor Lord Chancellor
of England were beheaded and yet by the contrivance of the Papists the bloudy six Articles were brought in a sa Snare to those of the Reformed Religion upon which account many suffered the Flames and amongst others Dr. Barns and Mrs. Ann Askew who refusing after Tortures to comply were committed to the devouring Fire and the King Married the Lady Catharine Parr who favoured the Lutherans and was of the Reformed Church whose Life the Papists often put in danger but she escaped the Snare and out-lived the King who having invaded both Scotland and France upon the disappointment in the Match proposed and agreed on between Prince Edward and the Lady Mary of Scotland Heir and Heiress to the two Crowns and won Bulloin in France wasting Scotland wsth Fire and Sword and taking upon him the Title of King of Ireland he fell sick in January 1547. and made his Will that in default of Issue his Son and two Daughters should successively possess the Trone and giving great Sums to charitable Uses dyed the 28th of the same Month. This Henry was King of England France and Ireland second Son to Henry the Seventh he Reigned 37 Years 9 Months and six Days and was the forty sole Monarch of England the Issue he left behind him were Edward Mary and Elizabeth who succeeded him in the Sovereignty he dyed in the 56th year of his Age and was buried in the Chapell at Windsor Thus the Eighth Henry ends his bloudy Reign Beauty it self with him can't Pitty gain Yet met by Death amongst the Dead he lies And with his Life he ends his Cruelties The Life Reign and Actions of Edward the Sixth King of England c. PIous Edward the Sixth far from his Fathers temper was born on the 12th of Ostober 1537. occasioning by his Birth the Death of his Mother Queen Jane for in her hard labour King Henry having notice it was a Son for which he had passionately longed and that either the Child or the Mother must perish he intimated he could have more Wives but knew not whether he should have another Son whereupon the Chirurgeons having dozed the Queen with strong Spirits to make her senseless of the pain by making a large Incision took forth the Birth but by that usage the Queen soon after dyed This Prince was Crowned at Westminster on the 20th of February 1547. having the three Swords delivered to him as King of England France and Ireland and upon this he told them there was yet another Sword to be delivered to him viz. The Holy Bible which is the Sword of the Spirit and without which no King can Govern well Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Mothers Brother was made Protector over his Minority and hereupon it was concluded the Scots should be compelled to make good the Marriage which otherwise they refused to do wherefore a great Army was raised and led by the Lord Protector into Scotland and vanquished the Scots in Muschelborough Field after an obstinate and bloudy Fight with great slaughter of their men chasing them about five miles so that there dyed the Lord Fleming with sundry others of quality and ten thousand of lesser note and one thousand were taken Prisoners amongst whom of note were the Earl of Huntly the Lords Yester Hobby and Hamilton the Earl of Cassis and the Lord Weems so that the English without any farther opposition sacked and burnt Lieth the Island of St. Colmes Brougherag Roxborough Humes Castle and other places which obliged many of the Scotch Nobility and Gentry to come and cast themselves at the Proctor's Feet beseeching him to spare their Country entering into terms with him on condition of Peace whereupon he returned to England and a Parliament was called and the bloudy six Articles repealed those Colledges Chapells and Religious Houses that King Henry had spared were given to the King Edward and Commissioners appointed to purge the Churches of Images which accordingly was done but in the West Mr. Body one of the Commissioners was stabbed to the heart by a Priest and to justifie the murther 10000 of the Cornish and Devonshire Rusticks took Arms Headed by Humphry Aurundell six other Gentlemen and eight Priests who straightly besieged Exceter but were beaten off after they had done considerable mischief yet they continued in Arms â—nd sent the King sundry Articles to be aggreed to viz. That they might have Mass Celebrated as in times â—ast that they might have Holy Bread and Holy Water in â—membrance of Christ's Body and Bloud that the six Articles might be again in force with some others to which the young King pittying their ignorance returned them an answer with a general Pardon if they submitted but that not prevailing and the multitude still encreasing an Army was sent against them which put them to flight at Honiton and beat â—hem before Exceter and on Cliff-Heath utterly disâ—omfitted them with considerable slaughter and all the Popish Trumpery which the Priests had brought â—nto the Field to encourage them were trampled under Feet and Aurundel Holms Winsland and Bury â—our of their Ring-leaders were taken and Executed â—nd a Miller's man near Bodmin taking upon him by â—is Masters directions to personate him Sir Anthony Kingstone Marshal of the Field commanded him to â—e hanged the Fellow confidently affirming himself to be the Rebellious Miller till he came to the Gallows yet there declared he was but his man yet this late Confession stood him in no stead for Sir Anthony caused him to be hanged telling him he could never do his Master better Service but the troubles ended not thus for the Priests being unhived and deprived of their Roast-meat stir'd up the people in other parts of the Kingdom and especially those in Norfolk were Headed by one Robert Kett a Tanner who Stiled himself the King's Deputy to redress Grievances issuing out Writs and Warrants in the King's name and chusing an Old Oake to sit in Council called the Oake of Reformation to which Tribunal all Complaints and Grievances of the Rusticks were brought to be redressed and Orders were sent for the plundering Gentlemens Houses taking Arms and Amunition out of Ships c. making themselves Master of the City of Norwich over-throwing the Marques of Northampton but the Lord Dudly Earl of Warwick being sent against them forced the City and caused Sixty of such as he there had taken iâ— Arms to be immediately hanged however thâ— Rebels intrenched and fortified their Camp at the foot of a Hill called Duffin-dale encouraging themselves upon a vain Prophecy that Hob Dic and Hic meaning the Rusticks should with their Clubâ— fill up the Valley of Duffin-dale with the Bodys of the slain On the 27th of August the Earl prepared to give them Battel when the better to retard him the Rebels set in the head of their Battel all the Gentlemen and others that they had taken Prisoners coupled in Irons however Captain Drury with hiâ— Band of Almains broke in furiously and