DANIES
COLLECTION
HISTORY
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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The Fifth Edition Corrected.
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Printed by F. Leach, for Benj. Tookė at the Ship in S. Pauls
Church-yard, and Thomas Sambridge at the Three
Flower-de-Luces in Little-Britain. MDCLXXXV.
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To the MAJESTY of
Ann of Denmark,
Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland
Veens,the Mothers of our Kings,by whom is
continued the Bleſsing of ſucceſsion that
preſerves the Kingdom, having their parts
running in the times wherein they live, and like
wiſe intereſſed in the Hiſtories thereof, which con-
tàin their memories and all that is left of them,
when they have left to be in this World. And
therefore to you great Queen of England and the
greater by your love to the Nation and the bler
ſing you have brought forth for the continuation
of the future good thereof) do I-your humbleft
ſervánt addreſs this piece of our Hiſtory, which,
as it is a work of mine, appertains of right to
your Majeſty,being for the moſt part done under
your Roof, during
my attendance upon your fa-
cred Perſon; and if ever it ſhall come to be an
intire work, and merit any acceptation in the
World, it muſt remain among the memorials of
you and your time, as brought forth under the
fplendor of your goodneſs. Howſoever., this
which is done ſhall yet ſhew how deſirous I have
been to lay out my time and induſtry, as far as
my ability would extend to do your Maeſty
and my Country ſervice in this kind.
And though at high Altars,none but high Prieſts
ought to ſacrifice, yet vouchſafe mighty Queen,
to accept this poor Oblation from the hånd of
your Majeſties.
Humbleft Sérvant
SAMUEL DANIEL
The
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Certain Advertiſements to the READER..
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His piece of our Hiſtory, which here. I devulge not, but im-
part privately to ſuch Worthy. Perſons as have favoured my
indeavours herein, ſbauld lang ſince have been much more :
And: come abroad with Dedịcâțion, Preface, and all the Com-
plements of a Books had my Health and Means been anſwerable
to my deſire : But being otherwiſe, I muſt intreat my Friends, to
be content to be paid by pieces, as I may, and accept my. willing-
neſs to yeild as much as mine ability can perforni. It is more than
the Work of one man (were be of never ſo ſtrong Forces) to compoſe
a paſſable" Contexture of the whole Hiſtory of England. - For
though the inquiſition of ancient times, written by others, be pre-
pared; yet the Collection
and Diſpoſition I find moſt laborious. And,
I know, quam ſit-magnum dare aliquid in manus hominum.
Eſpecially in this kind, wherein more is expëcted thar hath been
delivered before. Curioſity will not be content with: Ordinaries:
For mine omi part I am ſo greedy of doing well
, as nothing Juffices
the appetīte of my care herein. I had rather be Maſter of: a ſmall
piece handſomely contrived, 'than of vaſt rooms ill proportioned and
unfurniſhed, and I know many others are of my mind.
Now for what I have done, which is the greateſt part of our
Hiſtory (and wherein, Idaredvom, is more together of the main,
than hath been yet:cóñtracted into onë piece). I ani to render an
Account whence I had niy. Furniture : Which if I have omitted to
charge. my Margin withal, I would have the Reader to know,
that in the lives of-VVilliam the Firſt, VVilliam the Second,
Henry the Firſt, and Stephen, I have eſpecially followed VVil-
liami Malmsbury, "Ingulphus, Roger Hoveden, Huntingdon,
with all fuch Colleztions, as have been made out of others for thoſe
times. In the Lives of. Henry the Second, Richard, the Firſt,
John and Henry--the Third : Giraldus Cambrenſis, Rulhan-
ger, Mat. Paris, Mat. VVeſtminſt. Nich. Trivet, Caxton, and
others. In the Lives of Edward the Firſt, Edward the Second
and Third: Froiſſart and V Valſingham, with ſuch Collections 05:
by: Polydere Virgil, Fabian, Grafton, Hall
, Holingſhead,
Stow and Speed, diligent and Famous Travellors in the ſearch
of our Hiſtory, have been made and divulged to the World. For
Foreign buſineſſes (eſpecially with France, where we had moſt to
do)
12
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To the Reader.
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t
do) I have for Authors, Paulus Emilius, Haillan, Fillet, and
others, without whom we cannot truely underſtand our own affairs.
And where otherwiſe I have had any ſupplies extraordinary, either
out of Record or ſuch Inftrunients of State, as I could procure,
I have given a true account of them in the Margin. So that
the Reader ſhall be ſure to be paid with no counterfeit Coyn, but
ſuch as ſhall have the Stamp of Antiquity, the approbation-of
Teftimony, and the allowance of Authority, ſo far as I ſball.pro-
ceed herein.
And for that I would have this Breviary to paſs with an un-
interrupted delivery of the eſpecial Affairs of the Kingdom (with-
out imbroyling the memory of the Reader) I have in a Body a-
part, under the Įitle of an Appendix, Colle&ted-all Treaties,
Letters, Articles, Charterş, Ordinances, Entertainments, provi-
ſions of Armies, buſineſſes of Commerce, with other paſſages of
State appertaining to our Hiſtory, which afſoon as I have means
to Print, Jhall
, for the better ſatisfying offúch Wörthy perſons, as
may make uſe of ſuch Materials, accompany this Colle&tion; and
to this Appendix, I have made references in the Margin“as occaſion
requires
For the Workit ſelf, I can challenge nothing therein but only
the fowing it together and the obſervation of thoſe neceſſary circun
ſtances and inferences which the Hiſtory, naturally miniſtersDe-
Jirowys to deliver things done, in as even, and quiet än Order,as ſuch
an heap will permit, with quarrelling with the Belief of Anti-
quity, depraving the actions of other Nations, to advance our
own, or keeping back thoſe Reaſons of State they had, for what
they did in thoſe times : "Kolding it fitteſt and beſt agreeing with
Integrity (the civiefeft duty of a Writer) to leave things to their
own Fame, and the Cenſure thereof to the Reader, as being his
part rather than mine, who am only to recite things done, not to
rule then.
Now for the errors hereiń commited, either by miné ovn mifia-
or the Printers overſight; I muſt crave Pardon of courſe; it is
a fate Common to Books and Book-men; and we cannot avoid it:
For beſides, our own faylings, we muſt here take up many thing up-
on other mens credits, which often comes imperfect to our hands:
As the ſumms:of Monies, numbers of Souldiers, Ships; the ſlain
in Battel, Computation of Times, differences of Names, Titles,
.doc.
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To the Reader
doc. wherein our Authors agree not. And it were to be wiſhed
that we had more aſſured notes of theſe particulars than we have,
eſpecially for Summs of Monies ( in regard it ſerves much for in-
ſtruction ) wherein I doubt many of our Colletors have been but
ill Accountants reckoning Marks for Pounds, and Pounds for
Märks. The Computation of. Times is not ofſo great ; moment
figures are eaſily miſtaken, the 10 of July, and the:6. of Auguft.
with a year over, or under, makes not a man the wiſer in the buſi-
neſs then done, which is only that he deſires
. But theſe things
being but of the By, the underſtanding Reader, will not much
care to ſet.attlem; and therefore I refer him to the Main, of
more important confideration.
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TH‘E
COLLECTION
OF THE
Hiſtory of ENGLAND:
Containing briefly the Eſpecial Affairs of the
GOVERNMEN T.
Compiled by SAMUEL DANIEL, one of the Grooms of the
Queens Majeſties moſt Honourable Privy Chamber.
Ndertaking to collect the principal affairs of this King-
dom, I had a deſire to have deduced the ſame from
the beginning of the firſt Brittiſh Kings, as they are
regiſtred in their Catalogue ; but finding no authen-
tical warrant how they came there, I did put off that
deſire with theſe conſiderations : That a leſſer part of
time, and better known (which was from William the
Firſt, Surnamed the Baſtard) was more than enough for my ability :
and how it was but our curioſity to ſearch further back into times paſt thán
we might diſcern, and whereof we could neither have proof nor profit ;
How the beginnings of all people and States were as uncertain as the
heads of great Rivers : and could not add to our Vertue, and peradventure
little to bur Reputation to know them. Conſidering, how commonly they
riſe from the Springs of Poverty, Pyracy, Robbery, and Violence; howſoever
fabulous Writers (to glorifie their Nations) ſtrive to abuſe the credulity of
after Ages with Heroical, or Miraculous beginnings. For States (as men) are
ever belt ſeen when they are up, and as they are, not as they were. Beſides,
(it ſeems) God in his providence to check our preſumptuous inquiſition,
Wraps up all things in uncertainty, bars us out from long Antiquity, and
bounds our ſearches within the compáſs of a few Ages, as if the ſame were
ſufficient, both for example, and inſtruction to the Government of men. For
had tve the particular occurrents of all Ages, and all Nations, it might more
ſtuff
, but not better our underſtanding. We ſhall find ſtill the ſame corre-
ſpondencies to hold in the actions of men : Vertues and Vices the ſame,
though riſing and falling, according to the worth, or weakneſs of Go-
vernours : The cauſes of the ruines and mutations of States to be alike: and
the
.
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The ſtate of Britain.
1
1
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1
Of the form
of Govern-
ment among
the Britains.
I
lib. s.
the train of affairs carried by precedent, in a courſe of Succeſſion, un-
der like Colours.
But yet, for that the Chain of this Collection liath a Link of dependency
with thoſe former times we ſhall ſhew the paſſage of things the better : if we
take but a ſuperficial view of that wide, and uncertainly related ſtate of
this Land, ſince the Candle of Lettersgave us ſome little light thereof. Which
was, ſince the Romans made it a tributary Province to their Empire. For be-
fore, as it lay ſecluded out of the way, ſo it ſeemed out of the knowledge of
the World. For Julius Cæſar, being but on the other fide in Gaule, could
not attain to any particular information of the ſtate of Britain, by any
means he could uſe,but by certain Merchants (of whom he got together as
many as he could) who told him ſomething of the Coaſt-towns, but of the
ſtate, and condition of the in-dwellers, they could ſay nothing: Either fo in-
curious were they of further knowledg than what concerned their Trade, or
the people here ſo wary to keep their ſtate reſerved and unknown to
ſtrangers. And yet Cæfar gave out that they ſub-aided the Gauls againſt him,
and made it the occaſion of his quarrel, and invaſion of the Land, whereof
he only ſubdued the South parts,and rather ſhewed it, then won it to the
Rom.1n Empire.
But now, what was the State, and form of government among the Bri-
tains before this ſubjection, the firſt certain notice we have is alſo by the
ſame Cæfar, who tells us how they were divided into many ſeveral ſtates :
nominates four Princes of Kent, by the title of Kings : how Calevellaunus, by
Caf
. Comment. the Common Council was elected, in this their publick danger, to have the
principal adminiſtration of the State with the buſineſs of War: And after-
ward, how the Cities ſent their hoſtages unto him. Whereby we perceive
Coraplures ſunt it was no Monarchy, as it is reported to have been, but like to the Gaules,
apud eos domi-
with whom it was then one in Rcligion (and much a like in faſhion,and lan-
guage) divided into a multitude of petty Regiments, without any intire rule,
or combination. And now we ſee all the Weſt World (lately diſcovered) to
be,and generally all other Countries are in their firſt, and in their free naked-
neſs, before they come to be taken in, either by ſome predominant power
from abroad, or grow to a head within themſelves, of ſtrength, and under-
ſtanding to over-maſter, and diſpoſe of all about them ; introducing ſuch
forms of rule, as Ambition, or their other neceſſities ſhall beget. And ſuch
was then the ſtate of Britain, Gaule, Spain, Germany, and all the Weſt parts
of Europe, before the Romans (overgrowing firſt the people of Italy in like
manner divided) did by Strength, and Cunning, unlock thoſe liberties of
theirs. And ſuch as were then termed Kings, were but as their Generals in
War, without any other great juriſdiction, within thoſe ſmall limits they
held. So that to tell us of the ſtate of a Monarchy in this Land before that
time (as if alone unlike, or more in ſtate than all other Nations) is to
give entertainment to thoſe narrow conceits,as apprehend not the progrel.
fes in the affairs of Mankind; and only the invention of ſuch, as take all
their reaſon from the example and Idea of the preſent Cuſtoms they ſee
in uſe. For had there been an abſolute Monarch in theſe parts, which
might have affronted the Romans with the power of a well united State, it
had been impoſſible for them (having oftentimes much to do even with
fome
poor Prince of a ſmall territory to have circumvented, or confound-
ed (with all their ſtratagems, and injuſtice) the peace, and liberty of the
World in ſuch ſort as they did. And though the Britains were then ſimple,
and had not that Fire-brand of letters, yet icemed they more juſt,and honeſt
,
and
nationes.Strabo
lib. 4.
1
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mint
1
The firſt notice of the Britains under the Romans.
3..
and brought forth on the Stage of action, men as magnanimous (and toucht
with as true a ſenſe of honour, and worthineſs) as-tliemſelves.
But having no firm combinements to chain them together in their pub-
lique dangers,they lay looſe to the advantage of the Common enemy;work-
ing upon
the factions, and emulations, uſual to ſuch diviſions, and were
made the inſtruments of their own ſubjection : For whileſt every one
defended them a part, the whole was overcome.
So that with what credit, the accompt of above a thouſand years from
Brute to Caſevellaunus (in a line of abſolute Xings) can be cleared, I do not
ſee; and therefore will leave it on the Book to ſuch as will be creditors,
according to the ſubſtance of their underſtanding. And yet, lei me
crave pardon, leſt being but to report, I might ſeem to contend, if I
make this inquiry: How the memory of thoſe former times,came to be pre- Cic. in Ep. ad
ſerved and delivered to poſterity, if they had not the uſe of Letters in this Articum, ubi
Land (as it ſeems by all probability they had not) before they were intro- exitum expectari
duced by the Romans;who ſure would have given us notice thereof, had they fcribit, nullius
found them here at their coming, and eſpecially of Schools and the Greek (ex ea fpem pra-
tongue, reported to have been planted here for many Ages Lefore. But cipis, aimer
they tell us of no ſuch thing: They inform us how that Druydes, (who quibus nullos
were the Miniſters of Religion and juſtice, the eſpecial men of knowledge) auto merciseris
committed not their myſteries to writing, but delivered them by tradition, ditos expeétare.
whereby the memory of them after their ſuppreſſion (firſt by Auguſtus, and Erlib.de Nat.
after by Claudius) came wholly to periſh with them. Which, had they had eos cumScithis
barbariei infi-
Letters and Books, could never by all the power and authority of the Roman
mular.
State,been ſo utterly extinct, but that we ſhould have heard ſomething more Ingenio Gal-
of them.
lorum partim
Beſides, it is ſtrange how the Greek tongue,and the knowledge of Philo- fimiles funt,
ſophy, ſhould be brought hither fo far off, and ſo foon; ſeeing it was late ciores, & magis
(as Livy faith) before it came into Italy, being ſo near at hand. Moreover, harbari. Strabo,
it is conſiderable, how it made that tranſmigration, whether by Sea or LandAnd it was af-
by Sea Hercules had ſet Pillars that ſhut up the World, many Ages after, for ter the ſubje-
paſling that way. If by Land, Germany, and other Countries on that ſide, that the cene
would have taken ſome part in the pafſing, but Germany then,we find had tertained Phi-
no letters at all; only Merſeilles, a Colony of the Greeks being in the mid- lolophers,and
way, might be a gate to let it into Gaule, and ſo hither: But they ſay thc Mer- publick Rea-
ſeillans uſed only Greek Characters at firſt, but for all their private ac-dings, and be-
compts and contracts in traffique, ard no otherwiſe. So'tliat it ſeems then came a ſchooi
the Britains received firſt Letters (with their ſubjection) from the Romans, as we may
and Agricola, Prxfect of the Province under Domitian, cauſed them here to perceive
by
be taught, (as Cornelius Tacitus, his Son in Law reports upon this occaſion.
" cidvice was taken, ſaith he, that the people diſperſed, rude, and ſo apt to Rebel-
lion, ſhould be inured to eaſe and quiet by their pleaſures: And therefore they ex-
horted privately, and aided.them publickly to the building of Temples, Bourſes,
Pallaces, commending whom they found forward, and correcting the unwilling,
so that the emulation of Honour was for neceffity: Then they cauſed the
principal
mens Sons to be taught the liberal Sciences, extolling their wits for Learning,
“ above the Gaules, infomuch as they who lately ſcorned the Roman tongue,
now deſired eloquence. Hereupon grew our habit in Honour, the Gown frequent,
" and by degrees, a general collapſion into thoſe ſoftnings of vices, fair houſes,
“ bathes, and delicate banquets, and that by the ignorant, was termed humanity,
“ when it was a part of ſervitude. Thus far he acquaints us with the introducti-
on,and cauſe of the Roman Learning in the Land. Which had it had the Greek
B2
tongue,
for thoſe parts
Strabo.lib. 2.
*
!
The ſtate of Britain
4
*
1
176.4. Regno-
rum quidam
+
litugus King of tlie Iceni,a great Prince,who at his death) had left Nero his
ongue, ſo many hundred years before) would have been as forward in the
liberal Sciences, as the Romans, and not needed this emollition by learning
Philoſophy would have prepared them to a ſufferance of ſubjection, that
they could not have bin ſo univerſally rude, and barbarous as they are repor-
ted to have been. So that I fear me, of all that lies beyond this time, we can
have no other intelligence, but by tradition. Which how we may credit for
ſo long paſt (when-letters, for all the aſſurance they can make, break faith
with us in the information of things even preſent) let it be judged.
And now for the time ſince, which ſeems to be all that amounts to our
knowledge of the State of Britain) we find it, during the domination of the
Romans governed by their Prefects: And if they had Kings of the Brittiſh na-
tion, they were tributary, and had their whole authority depending on that
Noſtra ætate,
Empire ; which as the ſame Tacitus faith, made it now their Cuſtom to have
inquit Strabo, Kings the inſtruments of ſervitude: Speaking of Cogedunus, to whom Clau-
dius gave certain Cities in Britain, with title of King. For now after Cæfar
Britannicorum, had opened the paſſage, and made tributary ſo much as he ſubdued; the reſt
legationibus could not long hold out againſt that al-incompaſſing State of Rome:Although
officiis amiciti-
am Auguſti during the time of the civil Wars,and change of government from a Repub-
Cæſ, confecu- lique to a Monarchy, this Country lay neglected the ſpace of. 20.*years :
Capitolio dedi yet
, after Auguſtus had ſetled the ſoveraignty, and poliéſt all the wide obe-
carunt : famili-dience of that Empire; the Princesand Cities of Britain (fearing to be en-
aremque Ro- forced) came in of their own accord, with their gifts and tributes, and the
pene infulam re- rather for that as yet they had found no other weight of Subjection, than a
degerunt. tolerable tribute, which it ſeemed they were content to endure with the reſt
time it ſeems of their neighbours. But after Auguſtus time, when the corruptions of that
bý: Strabo, hela State had bred miſerable inflammations in all parts of the world, the Bri-
the guarding, tains, what with their own factions, and thoſe of the Roman commanders,
remained in an uncertain obedience;till the time of Claudius the Emperour;
would notquit wigs, having inuch of the fume of glory, and little fire to raiſe it otherwhere,
caſt an eſpecial eye on this Province, to make it the pompous matter of his
triumph. And to prepare the way, without adventure of himſelf, foreſends
Publius Oſtorius Scapula a great Warrier, Pro-prætor into Britain, where he
met with many turbulencies; and a penple hardly to be driven, howſoever
they might be led: yet as one who well knew his maſter; and how the firſt
events are thoſe which incuſs a dauntingneſs,or daring, imployed all means
to make his expedition fyddain, and his executions evil. Notwithſtanding
did Caradocus Come of the Brittilh Kings) hold theſe great Romans work for
nine years together,& could not be ſurprized, till betrayed by his own nati-
on, he was delivered into their hands, and brought to Home captive, with his
wife & children to be the ſubject of their triumph:whereof notwithſtanding
the glory was his. But Claudius had the honour of taking in the whole Iſle of
Britain, to the Roman Empire, which though thus won, was not, till a long
time after, overcome. For now the Britains (underſtanding the miſery of
their diſſociation:How their fubmiſſion brought but the more oppreſſion)col-
league themſelves againſt the Romans, taking their occaſion upon the outra-
ges, committed on the perſon and ſtate of Queen Voadicia, widdow of Pra-
heir,& two daughters,hoping thereby to free his houſe from injury: but it
fell out contrary; for no ſooner was he dead, but the Kingdom was ſpoiled by
the Centurions, his houſe ranſackt by llaves, his wife beaten,& his daughters
raviſhed. Beſides, the chief men of the Iceni (as if all the Region had been
given in prey) were reſt of their goods, and the Kings kinſmen eſteemed
And at that
for that it
the charge.
as
4
Under the Romans.
5
now Maldon.
to
as captives: with which contumely, and fear of greater miſchief, they con-
ſpire with the Trizobantes and others (not yet inured to ſervitude) to reſume
their liberty. And firſt ſet upon the Garriſons of the Veteran ſouldiers
whom they moſt liated ) defeated the ninth legion, whereof they flew all
the foot, forced Cerialis the Legate and Leader to flight, and put to the Sword
leventy thouſand Romans and aſſociates, inhabiting their muncipal Towns,
London, Virolame, Camolodunum ; before Suetonius Governour of the Pro- Camolodunum
vince could aſſemble the reſt of the diſperſed forces, to make head againſt
their Army (conſiſting of 120000 Britains) conducted by Voadicla, who
(with lier two Daughters, brought into the field to move compaſſion and re-
venge ) incites them to that noble,and manly work of liberty : which to re-
cover, ſhe proteſts to hold her ſelf there but as one of the vulgar (without
weighing her great honour and birth ) reſolved either to win or die. Many
of there wives were likewiſe there, to be ſpectators and incouragers of their
husbands valour ; but in the end Suetonius got the victory with the ſlaughter
of fourſcore thouſand Britains; whereupon Voadicia Poyfons her ſelf,
and the miſerable Country with their heavy loſs, had alſo more weights
laid upon their servitude. And yet after this, made they many other defecti-
ons, and bravely itruggled with the Romans, upon all advantages they could
apprehend; but the continual ſupplies, ever ready upon all parts of that
mighty Empire, with ſuch, as the Britains (having no means, but their
own ſwords, in an uncompoſed State, laid all open to invaſion ) ſpent their
blood in vain. And in the end growing baſe with their fortune (as loſing De notitia utr:
.
Imper. Pancia-
their vertue with their liberty ) became utterly quailed, and miſerably held roul
down to ſubjection, by the powerful hand of fourteen Garriſons, diſpo-
ſed in ſeveral limits of the Land, with their companies, conſiſting of ſun-
dry ſtrange Nations, computed in all to be 52 thouſand foot,and 300 horſe;
beſides 37 Companies containing 23 thouſand foot, and 1300 horſe which
continually guarded the North parts, where that which is now Scotland, and
obeyed not the Roman Empire, was excluded from the reſt with a wall or
trench, firſt raiſed by Agricola,after reedified by Adrian, Severtus, and others.
And in this ſort continued the ſtate of Britain whileft the Romans held it;
enduring all the calamities that a dejected Nation could do under the domi-
nation of ſtrangers proud,greedy, and cruel : Who not only content by all
tyrannical means to extort their ſubſtance, but alſo conſtrained their bo-
dies to ſerve under their enligns, when or whereſoever their quarrellous
ambition would expoſe them. And beſides, they being at the will of their The miſery of
Rulers in their obedience, they were forced to follow them alſo in their
bellions. For after the election of the Emperours grew to be commonly mans.
made by the Armies, many poſſeſſing thoſe mighty Roman forces here, were
proclaimed Cæfars, and put for the whole Empire, as firſt Caraufius, and af-
ter him Ale&tus, whom Conſtantius (the aſſociate of Maximianus in the Em-
pire ) at this firſt coming into Britain, by Aſclepiodorus the Prætorian
Præféct vanquiſhed, with all ſuch as took part with him. After that, the Ca-
ledonians, and Picts from the North parts made irruptions into the State,
and much afflicted the Britains ; whom to repreſs, Conſtantius (then ſole
Emperour of the Weſt) came the ſecond time into this Land; and in an ex-
pedition inade againſt them, died at Tork, whither his ſon Conftantine ( a
little before his death ) repaired out of Illyria, eſcaping a train laid for him by
Galerius Emperor of the Eaſt, with whom he was in the Wars againſt the Sar-
matians, when his father came firſt into Britain againſt Alectus. And here
was he firſt ſaluted Emperour, for which it ſeems he much eſteemed the
Country
re-
the Britains
under the Rom
B 3
-
1
6
I be ſtate of Britain
Britain con-
ſumed in the
Country, as that they gave birth to his dignity. And reordering the govern-
ment thereof (for a future ſecurity) divides it into five Provinces to be ruled
by one Vice-gerent, five Rectors, two Conſulars, and three Preſidents. Af-
De Notitia it-
ter whoſe time, we have no certain and apparent mark to direct us which
trufq; Imper.
way the State went, till the reign of Valentinian the elder, who ſends Theo-
doſius (the father of him who was after Emperor of that time) into. Bri-
tain againſt the irruption of the Fiets, Attacotti, Scoti, Saxons and Franci,
which of all ſides invaded and ſpoiled the Countrey: and after Theodoſius
had by the forces of the Batavi, and Heruli cleared it, Civilis was ſent to
govern the Province, and Dulcitius the Army: Men of fair names for
good offices.
In theſe Wars with Theodoſius was one Maximus, a man born in Spain,
but of Roman education, who after, in the time of the younger Valentinian,
having the charge of the Army, was here proclaimed Cæſar, and to ſubvert
The people of the preſent Emperour, tranſports the whole power of Britain: and firſt in
his way ſubdues Gaule, and there furniſhes every place of defence with Brit-
factions of the tiſh ſouldiers : and they ſay, peopled the whole Countrey of Armorica (now
Emperours.
called Brittain in France ) with the ſame nation : Which yet retains their
language, in ſome kind to this day. And having ſpread one Arm to Spain,the
other to Germany, embraced ſo great a part of the Empire, as he drave Va-
lentinian to ſeek aid of Theodoſius, Emperour of the Eaſt, after the van-
quiſhment and death of his brother Gratianus at Lyons ; and by this immo-
derate vent, both of the Garriſons, and the ableſt people of the Land, he
diſ-furniſht and left it in that impotency, as it never recovered like powera-
gain. All thoſe great forces he took with him, either were left in Gaule, or
periſhed with him at Aquileia, where he was overthrown by Valentinian.
And yet again in the time of Honorius the Emperour, the Colony of the
Veteran ſouldiers fearing the invafion of the Vandals, made another defe-
ction, and tumultuarily proclaimed Emperour, one Marcus, whom ſhortly
after they ſlew; then Gratianus, who likewiſe within four months being
murdered, they gave the title to one Conſtantine, not ſo much for his me-
rit, as the omination of his name. This Conſtantine taking the ſame courſe
that Maximus did, whatſoever ſtrength was left, or lately in any fort reco-
vered, he emptied it wholly, and made himſelf of that power, ashe ſubdued
many of the Weſtern Provinces, gave his Son Conſtans ( a Monk) the title of
Auguſtus, and after many fortunes, & incounters with the forces of Honorius,
became vanquiſhed, and executed at Arles. Where alſo periſhed the whole
power he brought out of Britain. And ſo the State (having all the beſt
ſtrength exhauſted, and none, or ſmall ſupplies from the Romans ) lay open
to the rapine, and ſpoil of their Northern enemies: Who taking the ad-
vantage of this dif-furniſhment, never left till they had reduced them to ex-
tream miſeries: Which forced them to implore the aid of Aetius, Præfect
of Gaule, under Valentinian the third, and that in ſo lamentable manner,
(their Embaſſadours in torn garments, with fand on their Heads, to ſtir
compaſſion ) as Aetius was moved to ſend forces to ſuccour them, and cauſed
a wall to be raiſed upon the trench (formerly made by Adrian from Sea to
Sca )of eight foot thick, and twelve high, inter-ſet with Bulwarks, which
the Roman Touldiers, and an infinite number of Britains (fitter for that work
than War ) with.great labour effected. And ſo Aetius, left them again once
more freed, and defended from their enemies : adviſing them from thence-
forth to inure and imploy their own forces without any more expectation
of ſuccour from the Romans, who (over-wrought with other buſineſs) could
شنتنت
1
not
+
1h, WEMA
Under the Romans.
7
beats us to
Britain.
not attend Affairs that lay ſo far off. No ſooner had the enemy intelligence
of the departure of theſe ſuccours, but on they came (notwithſtanding this
fortification ) Battered down the wall, overthrew the defenders, and har-
rowed the Countrey worſe than before. Whereupon, again, this miſerable
people ſent to Aetius, uſing theſe words : To Aetius thrice Conſul, the fighs
of the Britains ; and after thus complain : The barbarous enemy
the Sea, the Sea beats us back to the enemy : Between theſe two kinds of deaths,
we are either murdered, or drowned. But their implorations prevailed not,
for Aetius at that time had enough to do to keep his own Head, and Valen-
tinian the Empire : Which now endured the laſt convulſions of a dying State,
having all the parts and Provinces thereof miſerably rent, and torn with
the violence of ſtrange Nations. So that this was alſo in the fate of Brittain
to be firſt made known to periſh by, and with the Roman State ; which ne-
ver ſuffering the people of the Land to have any uſe, or knowledge of arms
within their own Countrey, left them (upon their own diſſolution) naked,
expoſed to all that would affail them.
And ſo ended the Roman Government in Britain, which (from their firſt The end of
invaſion by Julius Cæfar to this Valentinianus the third ) had continned the the Romans
government in
ſpace of five hundred years. In all which time we find but theſe ſeven
Brittiſh Kings nominated to have reigned: Theomantius, Cunnobelinus, Guide-
rius, Arviragus, Marius, Choelus, and laſtly Lucius, who is crowned with
immortal honour, for planting Chriſtian Religion within this Land. All
other from Lucius to Vortigern, (who ſucceeds this relinquiſhment) were Anno 443.
Roman Governours.
This is briefly ſo much of eſpecial note, as I can collect out of the Roman
Hiſtory, concerning the State, and government of Britain : Finding elſe-
where little certainty, and from henceforth ( during the ſhort poſſeſſion of
this Land) far leſs. Wliereas Gildas the Britain complains, laying the Gildas de ex-
cidio Britaniæ.
cauſe on the barbariſm of their enemies, who had deſtroyed all their mo-
numents, and memorials of times paſt. And though himſelfwrote, about
forty years after the invaſion of the Saxons, and was next theſe times we
come now to remember, yet hath he left (in his enigmatical paſſions ) fo
ſmall light thereof, as we diſcern very little thereby. Nor have the Bri-
tains any honour by that Antiquity of his, which over-blacks them with
ſuch ugly deformities, as we can ſee no part clear : Accuſing them to be
neither ſtrong in Peace, nor faithful in War: And univerſally caſts thoſe af-
perſions on their manners, as if he laboured to inveigh, not to inform.
And though no doubt there was ( as ever is in theſe periods of States a con-
currency of diſorder, and a general looſeneſs of diſpoſition that met with
the fulneſs of time, yet were there no doubt, ſome mixtures of worth and o-
her notions of that age, wherewith after times would have been much
pleaſed to have had acquaintance. But it ſeems his zeal and paſſion (in that
reſpect ) wider than his charity, took up the whole room of his underſtan-
ding, to whom the reverence of Antiquity, and his title of Sapiens doth now
give Sanctuary, and we muſt not preſume to touch him.
the State of Britain left without Arms, or order ; when Vor-
tigern ( either by uſurpation or faction ) became King, and is ſaid to be the in the Saxons.
Vortigern calls
author of the firſt calling in (or imploying, being in ) the Saxons to make Anno 450.
good his own eſtabliſhment, and the ſafety of his Kingdom againſt the
Picts and Scots.
The Saxons at this time pofleft the third part of Germany, holding all the
Countrey between the Rivers Rene, and Elve, bounded on the North
by!
Such was
!
8
The ſtate of Britain
the Saxous.
Their firſt
Plantation,
1
by the Baltique Sea, and the Ocean. On the South by Silva Hircinia, and di-
vided by the River Viſurgis into Oſtphaliu, and Weſtphalia: governed by an
A deſcription Optimacy of twelve Princes, with an election of a Soveraign leader for the
of the ſtate of buſineſs of War. This being ſo ſpacious, populous and near a Countrey,
well furniſht with ſhipping ( which the Britains had not,) yeilded ever
plentiful means to ſupply the undertakers of this action (which were firſt
Hengiſt and
two brothers, Hengiſt, and Horſa .) with all neceſſary proviſions upon every
Horſe the Lea- fit occaſion. After they had bin here a while as ſtipendiaries and finding the
dersof the. debility of Prince, and people, their number foon increaſed, and firſt they
had the Iſle of Thanet allowed them to inhabit, then the whole Country of
Kent was made over to Hengiſt by tranſaction, under covenant, to defend
the Land againſt the Pięts, and Scots. And upon the marriage of Vortigern
with the Daughter, or Neece of Hengiſt
, an exceeding beautiful Lady,
( brought over of purpoſe to work on the dotage of a diſſolute Prince
larger priviledges were granted: So that by this alliance, and the fertility of
the Land,were drawn in ſo many of this populous and military nation, that
K’ent in ſhort time grew too narrow for them, and Hengiſt (to diſtend their
power into other parts) adviſed Vortigern to plant a Colony of them in
the North beyond Humber, to be a continual guard againſt all invaſions
that way. Which being granted, he ſends for Otha his brother, and fon E-
bufa, with great ſupplies out of Saxony to furniſh that deſign. And ſo came
the Saxons to have firſt domination in Kent, and Northumberland, which
contained all the Colintry from Humber, to Scotland.
And now became they of ſervants, maſters, to contemn their entertai-
ners, and commit many infolencies. Whereupon the Brittiſh Nobility com-
Vortigern is de bine themſelves, depaſe Vortigern (the Author of this improvident admiſ-
fion) and elect Vortimer his ſon, a Prince of great worth, who ( whileft he
Portimer ele-
Įived which was not.long) gave them
many fierce encounters: But all pre-
vailed not, for the Saxons ( being poſſeſt of the principal gate of the Land,
lying open on their own Country to recieve all ſupplies without reſiſtance
liad the advantage to wear them out of all in the end. And beſides force,
they are ſaid to have uſed treachery (in murdering three hundred of the
Brittiſh Nobility ) at an aſſembly of peace at Amesbury, where they took
their King priſoner, and would not releaſe him, but upon the grant of three
Provinces more. Alſo the long life of Hengiſt (a politique Leader) of almoſt
forty years continuance, made much for the ſetling here of their eſtate :
which yet they could not effect,but with much travel,and effuſion of blood.
For the Britains (now made martial by long practice and Battels) grew
in the end ſo enraged to ſee their Country ſurprized from under their
feet, as they ſold the inheritance thereof at a very dear rate. Wherein we
muſt attribute much to the worthineſs of their leaders (whence the ſpirit of
a people is raiſed.) who in theſe their greateſt actions were, eſpecially Am-
King Arthur. brohus the laſt of the Romans, and Arthur the nobleſt of the Britains : A
man in force and courage above man, and worthy to have been a ſubject of
truth to pofterity and not of fiction (as Legendary Writers have made him)
for whilft he ſtood, he bare up the ſinking State of luis Country, and is ſaid
to have incountred the Saxons in twelve fet Battels : wherein he had either
victory, or equal revenge. In the end himſelf overthrown by treaſon, the
beft men conſumed in the Wars, and the reſt unable to reſiſt, fled into the
mountains, and reinote deſerts on the Weſt parts of the Iſle, and left all to
the invadors, daily growing inore and more upon them.
For many principal men of Saxony (ſeeing the happy ſucceſs, and plan-
tation
poſed.
Eted King
Britain.
of
1
*
1
1
and part
.
The firſt
. Plantation of the Saxònis.
9
tation here of Hengiſt) entred likewiſe on diverſe coaſts to get for them-
felves with much multitudes of people as the Britains making head in one
place were aſſaulted in another, and every where overwhelmed with new
increaſing number.
For after Hengiſt had obtained the Dominion of Kent (which from him
became to be a Kingdom ) and Otha, and Ebuſe poſſeſt of the North-coun- The ſeveral
tries from Humber to Scotland: Ella, and his Sons Conquered the South- by the Saxons.
Eaft parts, and began the Kingdom of the South Saxons, containing Suſſex,
of Surrey. Then Cerdic, and his Sons landed at Portſmouth, inva-
ded the South, and Weſt parts, and began the Kingdom of the Weſt Sax-
ons, 'which after contained the Countries of Hampſhire, Barkſhire; Wiltſhire,
Dorcet ſhire, Sommerſet ſhire, and Devonſhire. And about the ſame time, Vfrá
invaded the North-Eaſt parts, and began the Kingdom of the Eaſt
Angles, containing Norfolke, Suffolk, Cambridgeſhire, and the Iſle of Ely;
Erkinwin began the Kingdom of the Eaſt Saxons, containing Elex, Mid-
dleſex, and a part of Harfordſhire.
Having thus (in a manner) ſurrounded the beſt of the whole ſtate of Bri-
tain ; they after invaded the inner and middle part. And Cridda began the
Kingdom of Mercna-land, or middle Angles, containing Lincolnſhire,
Northamptonſhire , Huntingdonſhire, Rutlandſhire, Bedford, Buckingham,
Oxfordſhire, Cheſhire, Derby, Nottingham, and Staffordſhire, with parts of
the ſhires of Hereford, and Hartford : Warwick, Shropſhire, Lancaſter, and
Gloceſterſhire.
And with all theſe Princes, and Leaders, before they could eſtabliſh their
Dominions, the Britains ſo deſperately grappled, as plant they could not,
but upon deſtruction and deſolation of the whole Country, whereof in the The Britains
end they extinguiſhed both the Religion, Laws, Language, and all, with led by the
the people and
name of Britain. Which having been ſo long a Province | Saxons.
of great honour, and benefit to the Roman Empire, could not but partake of
the magnificence of their goodly Structures, Thermes, Aquæducts, 'High-
ways, and all other their ornaments of delight, eaſe, and greatneſs : air
which came to be utterly razed, and confounded by the Saxons, as there
is not left ſtanding ſomuch as the ruines to point us where they were : for
they being a people of a rough breeding that would not be taken with theſe
delicacies of life, ſeemed to care for no other monuments but of earth, and
as born in the field, would build their fortunes only there. Witneſs ſó
many Intrenchments, Mounts, and Borroughs raiſed for Tombs, and defen-
ces upon the wild Champions, and eminent Hills of this Iſle, remaining yet
as ſcratches made on the whole face of our Country, to ſhew the hard
labour our Progenitors endured to get it for us.
Which general ſubverſion of a State is very ſeldom feen: Invaſion,
and devaſtation of Provinces have often been made, but in ſuch fort as they
continued, or recovered, with ſome commixtion of their own with the ge-
neration of the invadors. But in this, by reaſon of the vicinage and innume-
rous populacy of that Nation (tranſporting hither both ſexes) the incom-
patibility of Paganiſme, and Chriſtianity, with the immenſe blood-lhed
on both ſides, wrought ſuch an implacable hatred, as but one Nation muſt
poſſeſs all
. The conqueſt made by the Romans, was not to extirpate the
Natives, but to maſter them; the Danes, which afterwards invaded the Sax,
ons, made only at the firſt depredations on the coaſt, and therewith for a
time contented themſelves. When they grew to have further intereſt, they
ſought not the ſubverſion, but a community, and in the end a Soveraignty
of
10
The firſt Plantation of the Saxons.
curred with
mutation of
other States
Lombardie ſo
called of the
.
of the State, matching with the Women they here found, bringing few
of their own with them. The Normans dealt the like with the Province of
Nueſtria in France, who alſo after they had the Dominion, and what the vi-
ctory would yeild them in England, were content to ſuffer the people here
to have their being, intermatched with them,and ſo grew in ſhort ſpace into
The abſolute their Body. But this was an abſolute ſubverſion, and concurred with the u-
fubverſion of niverſal mutation, which about that time happened in all theſe parts of the
Britain, con
World ; whereof, there was no one Countrey or Province but changed
the general
Bounds, Inhabitants, Cuſtomes, Language, and in a manner all their Names
.
For upon the breaking up of the Roman Empire (firſt divided into two,
of the world. and then by faction disjoynted in each part) imploying the forces of many
ſtrange Nations to fortifie their Sides, were made ſo Wide Ruptures in the
North, and North-eaſt bounds of that Empire, as there burſt out infinite
Streams of ſtrange people that over-ran, and laid open the World again to
liberty, other forms, and limits of State: Whereapon followed all theſe
tranſmigrations, and ſhiftings of people from one Country to another. The
French and Burgognons diſpoffeft the Gaules, and gave the name of France,
and Burgogne to their Province. The Gaules tranſpanted themſelves on ſome
coaſts of Spain, where they could find, or make their habitation : And of
them had Gallicia and Portugal their name. The Huns and Avari ſubdued
Pannonia, and thereto gave the name of Hungary. The Longbeards a people
Longbeards.
of Germany, bórdered upon the Saxons, entred Italy, got the greateſt part
thereof, and left there their name to a principal Province, remaining to this
day. The Gothes and Vandales, miſerably afflicted the reſt, fackt Rome, and
after ſubdued, peopled, and poſſeft Spain. So that it was not in the fate of
Britain alone to be undone, but to periſh, almoſt, with the general diſlo-
lution of other States, which happened about the ſame age.
Wherefore, we are now here to begin with a new Body of people, with a
new State, and government of this Land, which retained nothing of the
former, nor held other memory but that of the diſſolution thereof: Where
ſcarce a City, Dwelling, River, Hill, or Mountain, but changing names.
Britain it ſelf was now no more Britain, but New Saxony, and ſhortly af-
ter, either of the Angles (the greateſt people of the invadors) or of Hengift,
called Engiftland, or England. The diſtance made by the rage of the War,
lay ſo Wide between the conquering and the conquered people, that no-
thing either of Laws, Rites, and Cuſtomes, came to paſs over unto us from
the Britains : Nor had our Anceſtors any thing from them, but their Coun-
try: Which was before divided into eight Kingdoms: All which continued
to the laſt extermination of the Britains under Caretius their King, with
whom they were driven over Scaverne, 136 years after the firſt enter-
tainment of Hengiſt. And ſoon after, the Saxons, encroaching upon each
their parts, or States
, (which never held certain bounds) and the ſtronger
uſurping upon their weaker Neighbours, reduced them to ſeven Kingdoms ;
that of the Northanimbraines,being made one of two: And then to ſix (the
Weſt Saxons taking in the Kingdom of Suſſex to their Dominion.) And ſo
it continued about 250 years.
At the firſt, by the ſpace of 150 years they were meerly governed by
their own Laws, without mixture of any Sther. But after Auguſtine the
Monk, ſent with forty others by Pope Gregory, had converted Athelbërt,
King of Kent, and ſome other, they all ſhortly after received the Chriſtian
faith, and had their Laws and Rites ordered according to Eccleſiaſtical
conſtitutions. Many of their Kings, when their ſtern afperity grew mol-
lified
11
1
!
The Saxons divide this Land.
II
ans, &c.
+
12
lified by humility of the Religion, began to raiſe preſently ſo many &
great
monuments of their piety, in all parts of the Land, as if they ſtrived who
ſhould exceed therein, and had no other glory : Divers of them renounced
their temporal dignities for. ſpiritual ſolitude, and became Monks: as
Aet heldred,and Kinred, Kings of Mercna-land; offa, King of the Eaſt Saxons;
Kadwalla, and Ina, Kings of the Weſt Saxons ; Eadbert King of Northumbri-
At length the Kingdoms of Mercna-land, and Weſt Sonxe, ſo far over-
grew the others in
poweras between them two it lay,who ſhould have all.
For Ina, a Martial, Wiſe, and Religious Prince,governing the Weſt Saxons,
firſt advanced that Kingdom to a preheminency, and did much to have
ſubdued Mercna-land: but yet Ofa, ( afterward King thereof) was in fair
poſſibility to have ſwallowed up both the Weſt Saxons
, and all the reſt of
the Kingdoms. For whilſt he lived, which was in the time of Carolus Mig-
nus, (with whom he held league and amity) he was eſteemed as the eſpeci-
al King of the Land.But the many wrongs he did, and the murder he com-
mitted in his houſe upon Aethelbert King of the Eaſt Angles,coming to him
under publick faith, and a Suitor to his Daughter, were juſtly revenged
upon his poſterity, which after him declining in the end loſt all. For Egbert
deſcended from İnegild, the brother of Ina, attaining the Kingdom of the
Weſt Saxons, began the way to bring all the reſt into ſubjection. And being
a Prince,who (from a private fortune,wherein he lived below,with, and not
above other men) had learned ſufferance and moderation;and by the eſtate
of an exiles experience, grew to have great advantage over the time and o-
thers born fortunes, and roſe by theſe means.
Ina, his great Uncle, renouncing the world, with his Kingdom, and dy-
ing without iſſue, left the ſucceſſion imbroiled, and out of the direct Royal
line as he found it. So that thoſe four Kings of the Weſt Saxons, who feve-
rally ſucceeded him ; Ethelard, Sigibert, Kenulph and Britric, were rather
Kings by election,and their own power,than by right of deſcent. And Bri-
tric knowing the weakneſs of his title, and the much promiſing forward-
neſs of Egbert ; with his propinquity in blood, to the former Kings, pra-
ctized to have him made away; which he perceiving, fled firſt to Ofa,
King of Mercna-land, where finding little ſecurity, in regard Britric had (tó
ſtrengthen himſelf)married the daughter of the King, he eſcaped into France,
and there remained till the death of Britric, and then returning, obtains
that Kingdom of the Weſt Saxons ; fubdues Cornewall, inhabited by the
Britains; and after ſets upon Bernulph,newly inveſted in the kingdom of
Mercna-land; a State (by the rupture of the Royal line) likewiſe grown
tottering. For Egferth, the ſon of Offa, enjoyed but four months, the
inheritance of his fathers immanity: whereby that Kingdom deſcended
to Kenulph, who left it to Kenelme, a child, after murdered by
his ſiſter Quinred. Ceolulph, brother to Kenulph, ſucceeding, after his firſt
ycars reign,was expelld by Bernulph, and Bernulph by Egbert, who made Robert obtain'd
that Kingdom tributary to the Weſt Saxons, as he did after that of the the Kingdom,
South, and Eaſt Saxors, with the Kingdom of Northumberland ; and by which bý him
this means in a manner) attained to a ſoveraignty of the whole Country. England.
But the Danes imbroiled his peace in the end of his reign, held him back Anno 802.
from enjoying ſuch a fulneſs of power,as that we may account him the ab-
ſolute Monarch of the Kingdom ; nor yet any of his ſucceſſors, ſo long at
the Danes continued unſubjected. For they having firſt made irruptions in-
to the State in the reign of the late King Britric (his predeceſſor) ever af-
collaterally
ter
1
12
The deſcrip-
tion of the
Danes.
The Reduction of ſeveral Principalities to a Kingdom.
ter held a part thereof, and afflicted the whole,till they liad attained the ab-
ſolute ſoveraignty to themſelves.
The Danes were a people of Germany, next neighbours to the Saxons, and
of Language and manners little different: Poſſeſſing beſides Cimbrica Ćher-
Soneſus (now called Denmark) all the Iſles adjacent in the Baltique Sea, and
ſometimes the Kingdom of Norway: A mighty, rough, and martial Na-
tion; ſtrong in Shipping, through their exerciſe of Piracy,and numerous in
people for all ſuppliments. Who perceiving here the happy ſucceſs, and
plantation of the Saxons, were drawn with defire and emulation, likewiſe,
to put in for a part;the coaſt lying open to invaſion, and the many diviſions
of the Land, with the diſcord of Princes, making them an eaſie way there-
unto. So that in a manner, as ſoon as the Saxons had ended their travels
with the Britains,and drew to ſetling of a Monarchy,the Danes,as if ordain-
ed to revenge their ſlaughters,began to aſſault them with the like afflictions.
The long, the many, and horrible encounters between theſe two fierce Na-
tions, with the bloudſhed, and infinite ſpoils committed in every part of
the Land, are of ſo diſordered and troublous memory, that what with their
aperſous name,together with the confuſion of place, times, and perſons, in-
tricately delivered, is yet a war to the Reader to overlook them. And
therefore to favour mine own pains and his, who ſhall get little profit
thereby, I paſs them over.
After the death of Egbert, Aethelwolph, his Son, ſucceeded in the State,
with the title of King of the Weſt Saxons only, and was a Prince more ad-
dicted to Devotion than action : As may be ſeen by his donation of the tenth
part of his Kingdom (with exemption of all regal ſervice) for the ſervice
of God: Beſides an annuity of 3 hundred marks, to be beſtowed in pious
uſes at Rome ; whither he went twice in perſon, with his youngeſt Son Alfred,
whom he eſpecially loved ; and whom (Pope Leo the fourth) annointed
a King,at eleven years of age, as if divining of his future fortune.
Upon his laſt Journey, and whole years ſtay at Rome, Aethelłald, his el-
deſt Son, combin'd with the Nobility of the Weſt Saxons, to keep him
out, and deprive him utterly of his government, and wrought ſo, as not-
withſtanding the great love his peopic bare him, he was brought to yeild
up the Kingdom of the Weſt Saxons, to Aethelbald, and retain only the
Kingdom of the Eaſt Angles, (a State of far leſs dignity) to himſelf
.
After which, reigning but two years, Aethelbald ſucceeded in the whole,&
with great infamy,marrying his fathers Widdow,fuditl,Daughter to Charles
le Chauve, King of France, enjoyed it but two years and a dialf; when Ae-
thelred, the ſecond Son of Aethelulph, entred to the government, which
he held five years in continual conflict with the Danes. After whom.
L FR E D,tlie mirrour of Princes (made a king before he had a King-
dom) at two and twenty years of his age (and in a year wherein
eight ſeveral Battels had been given to the Dane's by the Saxons)
bagan his troublous reign, wherein he was perpetually in War,either againſt
his Enemies, or elſe againſt Vices.
Firſt,after a great danger to loſe all, he was forced to yeild up a part of
the Kingdom (which was that of the Eaſt Angles, and Northumberland).to
Guthrum, leader of the Danes, whom (upon his baptization) he made his
confederate, an owner of that by right, which before he uſurped ky vio-
lenice.
And notwithſtanding all the continual, and intricate toyl he endured
amidſt the clattering and horrour of Arms, he performed all noble actions
of
+
Anno 872.
Alfred.
*
...
13
Alfred.
4
!
u
of peace, collecting firſt the Laws of his predeceſſors, and other the Kings King Alfred
of the Saxons (as thoſe of Offa,King of Mercna-land, and Aethelbert the firſt lection of the
Chriſtian Engliſh King) of which, by the grave advice and conſent of his Saxons Laws.
ſtates aſſeinbled, he makes choice of the fitteſt, abrogates thoſe of no uſe,
and addes other, according to the neceſſity of the time.
And for that the Wildneſs of War, by reaſon of theſe perpetual con-
flicts with ſtrangers; had ſo let out the people of the Land to unlawful ri-
ots, and rapine, that no man could travel without Convoy: He ordained the
diviſion of Shires;Hundreds,and Tithings that every Engliſh-man (now the
general name for all the Saxons) living legally,might be of a certain Hun- The firſt divi-
dred, or Tithing, out of which, he was not to remove without ſecurity: And fion of the
out of which, ifle were accuſed of any Crime, he was likewiſe to procure Shires, Hun-
ſureties for his Behaviour ; which if he could not find, he was to endure the dreds and
puniſhment of the Law. If any malefactor before,or after he had put in ſure-
Tithings.
ty eſcaped, all the Tithing, or Hundred were fined to the King, by which
means he ſecured Travellers, and the Peace of his Country.
The opinion he had of Learning, made him often complain the want there-
of, imputing it amongſt his greateſt misfortunes to have been bred without
it,and to have his Kingdom lo utterly deſtitute of Learned men, as it was,
through the long continuance of this barbarous War: Which made him ſend
out for fuch,as were any way famous for Letters and having gotten them,
he both highly preferred them, and alſo (as they do, who know not too
much themſelves) held them in great veneration : Rarereſs then, ſetting a
higher price on meaner parts, than after plenty did on more perfections:
Grimbald and Scotus,he drew out of France : Aſer(who wrote his life) out of
Wales, other from other parts: He was the firſt Lettered Prince we had in
England, by whoſe means and incouragements publick Schools had here Schools firſt
either their reviving or beginning.
Thoſe wants of his own,made him take a greater Care for the Education
of his Sons, with whom were bred under moſt diligent Maſters almoſt all
the Children of the Nobility within this Kingdom.
All his own time he could clear from other buſineſs, he beſtowed in
Study, and did himſelf, and cauſed others to tranſlate many things into the
vulgar tongue which he laboured (it ſeems) much to adorn; and eſpeci-
cially affected the Saxons meeters, whereby to glorifie that of a King, he at-
tained the title of a Poet.
Weſt Weſtm.
The natural day,conſiſting of 24 hours, he caſt into three parts: where
of eight he ſpent in Prayer, Study, and Writing ; eight in the ſervice of his
Body ; and eight in the affairs of his State. Which ſpaces (having then no
other Engine for it) he meaſured by a great Wax light,divided into ſo many
parts, receiving notice by the Keeper thereof, as the ſeveral hours paſſed
in the burning
With as fair an order did he proportion his revenues, equalling his libe-
ralities to his other expences, whereof to make the current run more cer-
tain, he took a preciſe notice of them, and made a ſurvay of the King- The firft fur-
dom, and had all the particulars of his eſtate regiſtred in a Book, which vay of the
he kept in his Treaſury at Wincheſter. And within this circumference of or- Kingdom.
der, he held him in that irregularity of fortune, with a weak diſpoſition of
Body, and reigned 27 years, leaving his Son Edward, a worthy ſucceſſor
to maintain the Line of Nobleneſs thus begun by him.
Publick
erected.
C.
EDWARD
14
Edward Senior.
Anno 900.
Edwardus SA
Inior.
E
Anno 924
A
before the
lawful Son.
DWARD, though he was far inferiour to him in Learning, went
much beyond him in Power: For he had all the Kingdom of Mercna-
land in poſſeſſion, whereof Alfred had but the homage, and as ſome
write, held foveraignty over the Eaſt Angles, and Northumbrians :
Though we find (in the joint Laws, that he and Guthrum made together)
they held the ſame Confederation afore concluded by Alfred. He alſo ſub-
dued the Britains in Wales; fortified and furniſhed with Garriſons divers
Towns in England, that lay fit to prevent the incurſions of the Danes :
and was all his Reign of 23 years in continual action, and ever before-
hand with fortune. And ſurely his Father, he, and many that ſucceeded
during this Daniſ War, though they loſt their eaſe, won much Glory and
Renown. For this affliction held them ſo in, as having little outlets or
leiſure for eaſe and luxury, they were made the more pious, juft, and care-
ful in their Government: Otherwiſe it had been impoſſible to have held out
againſt the Danes, as they did, being a people of that power and undaunta-
ble ſtomach, as no fortune could deter, or make to give over their hold.
And the imbecillity of ſome unactive Prince, at that time had been enough
to have let them quite into the whole : which may be the cauſe, that in
the ſucceſſion of ſome of theſe Kings were certain raptures made out of
courſe, in reſpect of their ableneſs
. As firſt, after the death of this renowned
King Edward Senior, his Son
T HELST AN of full Years and Spirit, was (notwithſtanding
Athelften a Ba-
ſtard, preferred
the brack in his birth) preferred before his legitimate Son Edmund
under age: Nor did Athelſtan diſapppoint the Kingdom in this work,
but performed all noble parts of Religion, Juſtice, and Magnanimi-
ty; and after ſixteen years Reign died without iſſue.
D MOND, his Brother, ſucceeded him: A Prince likely to have
equalled the worth of his Predeceſſors, had he not untimely periſlı-
ed by the hand of a baſe Out-law in his own Houſe, at a Feſtival,
amidſt his people that dearly loved and honoured him. And though
he left two Sons, yet was
DRED, his Brother, preferred to the Kingdom before them; who
(making no variation from the line of Vertue continued by his An-
ceſtors) was held perpetually in work by the Danes during the whole
time of his Reign, which was of ten years.
DWIN, his Nephew, the eldeſt Son of Edmond, ſucceeded h'm, (an
irregular youth) who interrupting the courſe of goodneſs, lived dif-
folutely, and died wiſhedly. Otherwiſe had Edgar (the other Son
of Edmond) continued that rare ſucceſſion of good Princes, without
the interpoſition of any ill, which is not in the Fate of a Kingdom.
DGAR, though he were but fixteen years of age, yet capable of
Counſel, was by the grave advice of his Biſhops (who in that time
of zeal held eſpecially the Reins on the Hearts and affections of Men)
put,
and directed in the way of goodneſs, and became a moſt he-
roical Prince.
Edgar provides Amongſt other his excellent actions of Government,he provided a mighty
for Shipping. Navy to ſecure his Coaſts from Invaſion, which now he found (though late)
was the only means to keep out thoſe miſeries from within, that thus la-
mentably afflicted the Land ever before negligent, or not inured to Sea-af-
fairs. For when the Romans firſt ſubdued the ſame, there was no Shipping but
a few ſmall Veſſels made of Wicker, and covered with Hides : whereby they,
and after the Danes (both mighty, as thoſe times gave, in Shipping) found
that
Anno 940.
Edmond.
E
1
Anno 950.
EdredorEldred.
Edwin.
Anno 959.
Edgar.
E
Ethelred,
15
that eaſie footing they had. Yet Egbert is ſaid to have provided a 'ſtrong Na-
vy, about the year 840. And Alfred thirty or forty years after did the
like. But either now dif-uſed, or conſumed by the Enemy; Edgar re-edifies,
and ſets forth a Fleet conſiſting (as ſome write) of 16000 fail, others a far
greater number; and thoſe he divides, and places in four parts of the A moſt uſeful
Realm, making his progreſs yearly, with part of his mighty Navy, round Progreſs.
about the whole Iſle, whereof he aſſumed the title of King.
And to reduce it to one name, and Monarchy, he was intituled King of all
Albion, as teſtifies his Charter granted to the Abbey of Malmesbury, in
theſe words : Ego Edgarus totius Albionis Bafilius, nec non Matrimorum, ſeu
infulanorum Regum circum habitantium, &c. For he having firſt of all other
made Peace with the Danes, and granted them quiet co-habitation through
all his Dominions, had the Soveraignty over them: And Kenneth, King of
Scots did him homage, whether for Cumberland, and Weſtmerland, given
to that Crown by King Edmond his Father, or for his whole Kingdoin, I
cannot fay. And five Kings of Wales did the like for their Country, and
came all to his Court at Cardiffe.
So that he ſeems the firſt, and moſt abſolute Monarch of this Land, that
hitherto we find : The general Peace that held all his time, 'honoured his
name with the Title of Pacificus ; and rendred his Kingdom (never before
acquainted with the glory of quietneſs) very flouriſhing. But as if the ſame
had been given to ſhew, and not to uſe (like a ſhort calm betwixt ſtorms)
it laſted but little beyond his Reign of fixteen years : being too ſhort He reigned
to cloſe the diſſevered joints of a commixed Kingdom ; which was
only to have been the work of time ; and that none of theſe late Princes
(who were beſt like to have advanced, and confirmed the State of a Monar-
chy) were ordained to have. But all (as if things would another way) were
put off from their ends, by their untimely deaths: as was this glorious young
Prince, in the two and thirtieth year of his Age : leaving his Son Edward, Saint Edward.
a Child, to undergo the miſeries of non-age, to be made a ſacrifice for Am-
bition, and a Saint by Perſecution, through the hand of a ſtep-mother ; who
to advance her own Son Ethelred, brake in over the bounds of Nature and
Right, to make his way ; and is faid her ſelf to have murthered him, coming Anno 975.
to her Houſe, eſtrayed in Hunting, and diſcompanied, in the. Iile of Purbeck.
1
.
ſixteen years.
Ethelred.
B
UT Ethelred, as if ill ſet, proſpered not on this ground, the en- Anno 978.
.
trance to whoſe Reign was Blood, the middle, Miſery ; and the
end, Confuſion. They write, Saint Danſtan Preaching at his Co-
ronation, Prophetically fore-told him) of the calamities would fol-
low this tranſgreſſion : Saying, For that thou haſt aſpired to the Crown ly
the death of thy Brother, murthered by thy Mother : T bus faith the Lord, The
Sword Mhall never depart from thy Houſe, raging againſt thee all the days of thy
life, Slaying thoſe of thy feed, till the Kingdom be transferred to another, whoſe
faſhion and language the people ſhall not know. Nor ſhall thy ſin, nor the fin of
thy ignominious Mother, with her Counſellors be expiated, but by long avenge-
ment. And this (whether ſo uttered or not) was ratified in the event. For
either this unjuſt diſordering the ſucceſſion, or the concurrency of hidden Two Con-
cauſes
meeting with it, fo wrought, as this late begun Monarchy fell quite queſts of this
aſunder, and begat the occaſion of two Conqueſts by foreign Nations, fifty years.
within the ſpace of fifty years.
C2
For
16
Ethelred,
Danes.
the firſt impo-
For the Danes, having now been ſo long inmates with the Engliſh, dii-
ſpread over all parts by intermatching with them, and multiplying with
the late Peace and Confederations, had their party (though not their rule)
greater than ever : So that this opportunity of a young and unſetled Prince,
in a new and brangling State, drew over ſuch multitudes of other of the
fame Nation, as every Coaſt and part of the Land,were miſerably made the
The ſpoils
made by the
open Roads of Spoil and fackage: In ſuch ſort,as the State knew not where
to make any certain head againſt them: For if encountred in one place, they
affailed another, and liad ſo ſure intelligence what,and where all prepara-
tions were raiſed, as nothing could be effected available to quell them :
Whereupon Ethelred in the end, was faine, ſeeing he could not prevail with
the Sword, to aſſail them with Money, and bought a piece for 10000
pounds : Which God wot, proved after, a very dear Pennyworth to the
Commonwealth, ſhewing the ſeller thereof, how much was in his
power,
and the Buyer,at how bad a rate his neceſſity was to be ſerved ; and yet not
ſure of his Bargain, longer then the Contractor would. Who having found
the benefit of this market,raiſed the Price thereof almoſt every year. And
yet had not Ethelred what he paid for : The Land in one part or other never
free from ſpoil and invaſion; but rather the more now oppreſt, both by
The original the War,and this taxation. Which was the firſt we find in our Annals, laid
of Dane gelt,
upon the Kingdom, and with heavy grievance raiſed in a poor diſtreſſed
Sition laid up- Itate, continuing many ages after the occaſion was extinct : And in the end
on the King- (though in another name) became the uſual ſuppliment, in the dangers of
the Kingdom, and the occaſions of Princes.
And hereby Ethelred both inlarged the means, and deſire of the Enemy,
ſo that at length came Swaine, King of Denmark, and Aulafe, King of Nor-
way, in perfon, as if likewiſe to receive hire for committing outrage ; and
were both returned with great ſumms, and Aulafe of a milder diſpoſition,
with Baptiſm. Theſe calamities from abroad, were made more by the
diſloyalties at home,faith and reſpect (being feldom found ſafe in loſt for-
tunes) held not in moſt of the principal men imployed in the defence. Ael-
fricke, Admiral of the Navy, is faid to have given intelligence of all Sea-
preparations, and diſappointed that Work. The Earls Fran, Frithigiſt,
Godwin, and Turkettle deſcended of Daniſh progeny, and of greateſt com-
mand, deceived the Armies by Land, and were the Authors of diſcourage-
ment to the people they led. Edric Earl of Marc-land,after them made Ge-
neral of the Kings forces, it branded with everlaſting ignominy, and the ti-
tle of Falſe,for his barbarous diſloyalty, fruſtrating all attempts, wherein he
was imployed.
Wolnod a Noble man, for his miſdemeanour Outlaw'd, made depredations
on the Coaſts with twenty Ships and was the cauſe that fourſcore men ſent
to take him in,were utterly conſumed. This defection of the Nobility,how-
ſoever it might be by their own Diſcontent, Emulation, Corruption,or Affe-
ction ; is laid to the Pride of Ethelred, whom yet we find more unfortunate
than weak, howſoever they have ſet his mark, and neglected no occaſion
to make reſiſtance and preparations againſt all events,bringing often his af
fairs to the very point of diſpatch, and yet put by, at an inſtant from all, as
if nothing went with him, but his will to do worthily: Which howſoever it
were, (beſides the miſery to loſe) he muſt have that which accompanies in-
felicity) Blame and Reproach. Though the many and deſperate Battels he
made and good conſtitutions for the government; the proviſions to ſupply
all important occaſions, ſhew,that he was not much behind the beſt Princes
but only in fortune.
By
.
-
ز
1
Ethelred.
17
By the example of Edgar his father, he procured a mighry Navy; cau-
ſing of every three hundred and ten Hide, or Plough-land throughout the
Kingdom, a Ship to be built, and of every eight, a Corſlet to be found:
Yet all this ſhipping ſtood him in little ſtead, but was either quafht with
Tempeſt, conſumed with Fire by the Enemy, or otherwiſe made unuſeful
by neglect or ignorance: whereby the hope and infinite charge of the State
were diſappointed. Famine, and Mortality, the attendants of War, with
flrange inundations, wrought likewiſe their part, as if Conſpirators of De-
ſtruction, all concurred to make a diſinal ſeaſon.
Many years it was not e're Swaine King of Danes, returned to raiſe again
new fumms by new aflictions; and tormenting here this poor turmoiled
people, more than ever, receives a fee for bloodfhed, to the fumm of
48000 pounds, granted in the general aſſembly of the States at London ;
and a peace, or rather paction of ſervitude concluded; with quiet cohabi-
tation, uſe of like fiberties, and a perfect union between the two Nations,
confirmed by Oaths of either part, and hoſtages delivered of ours.
But this as a breathing time, ſcarce held out the year: When the occa-
fion of greater miſchiefs was given by a univerſal maſſacre of the Danes
ſuddenly here contrived ; and effected by the Kings commandment, upon
the ſuggeſtion of Hune, a great Commander, and a violent Warriour of
that time: Urging the inſolency of the Danes, that now grown haughty
with this Peace, committed many outrages, violating the Wives and
Daughters of great men, with many other intolerable diſorders.
Such, and to ſudden was the general execution of this act, throughout The maſſacre
all
parts of the Kingdom at one inftant, as ſhewed the concurrency of an of the Danes.
inveterate rancour, and incompatibility of theſe two Nations, impoſſible to Anno 1002.
be conjoyned: So that neither Temples, Altars, Supplications, nor any band
of Alliance, were available to ſave them from ſlaughter. Wherein to in-
cenſe the more their King, Gunild, his Siſter, a woman of maſculine Courage,
who had a little before received. Chriſtendom, a mediator and pledge of
the Peace,having firſt her Husband and Son ſlain in her fight, rather with
a threatning, than appalled couritenance, met her death,making imprecation
for Revenge, and foretelling her Blood would, as it did, coſt England dear.
Soon was the notice of this enormous act given to Swaine ; and as ſoon
armed with rage and power,re-entred he the Kingdom,having now a fairer
ſhew to do foully than ever : wrong had made him a right, who had
none before; and the people of the Land, not ſo forward to maintain their
acts, as commit it, rather were content to give him the poſſeſſion of their
Country, than that he ſhould win it; the greateſt part of the Kingdom
fubmitting themſelves unto him ; only the City of London, which Ethel- Swaine wins
red held fortified,made noble reſiſtance till he left them; and conveyed him- Engeland
.
ſelf firſt into the Iſle of Wight, and after into Normandy, whither he had into Normandy.
ſent Emme his 'Queen, with her two Sons, Alfride and Edward before,
from the rage of this tempeſt. But within two months he was recalled home
by the
people of. England upon the death
of Sivaine, who at the point to have
been crowned King, and had generally taken Hoſtages and Oaths of fealty,di- Swaite's death.
ed ſuddenly;leaving his fon Knute to fucceed,& accomplish what he intended.
Elthelred returning was ſoon furniſht with an Army, ſets upon Knute Ethelred re-
in Lindſey; where he lay with his Fathers Shipping and Hoſtages, and drave
him to take the Seas; wherewith inraged making
about to Sandwich, he mi-
ſerably mangled and diſmembred thoſe Hoſtages, and foſent them home :
himſelf, with the ſpoils lis Father & he had gotten; returned to his Country,
Gunild ſtain.
L
!
C3
to
WK
18
Knute. Edmond Ironſide.
Knute returns.
to make
greater preparations for the proſecution of his purpoſe
. Ethelred in
the mean time, to increaſe the ſumm of revengement, with more wrath, at
a.general aſſembly at Oxford, cauſed many of the Danique Nobility to be
murdered: Among which were Sigifrith, and Morchar, Earls of Northum-
berland, whom the falſe Edric (who had a Hand on each ſide for miſcheif)
invited to his lodging, under presence of feaſting, barbarouſly cauſed to be
Nain : Their followers, after they had ſo long as they could deſperately de-
fended themſelves and their maſters, fled into a Church, where they
were with the fame Burnt. Knute, Armed with the greateſt of his own and
neighbours powers made his confederates, Landed again, within the year,
at Sandwich, and without reſiſtance, had all the Weſt parts rendered unto
him, with pledges of their obedience, and furniſhment with Horſe and Ar.
mour. Here the falſe Edric leaves his Liege-lord, and yeilds up forty Ships,
Ethelreds death and his perjur'd Faith to Knute. Ethelred, languiſhing in Mind and Body,
Edmond his Son, ſurnamed Ironſide (to oppoſe youth to youth) was im-
ployed againſt his rabious invador. A Prince worthy of a better time, and
had he found Faith, had made it ſo, and delivered his Country at that turri
from the worſt of miſeries, the conqueſt by ſtrangers.
Knute. Edmond Ironſide.
Edno:d Iron UT now upon the death of Ethelred (whoſe 37 years reign,
fide Son to E-
ſhews that infelicity ſhall have time too much, and happineſs too
thelred, by his
firſt Wife E-
little :) Knute, was by moſt of the Clergy and Nobility choſen
tbelgina.
King : Only the City of London, with ſome of the Nobility there-
Anno 1016.
about, made election of Edmond, ånd furniſhed him with that
power, as
thereby, with the couragious ardour of his youth (which commonly is
moſt in the firſt attempts ) he had the better in three eminent Battels
,
within three months, and had likewiſe obtained the fourth at Eſendon )
likely to have been the laſt with the Danes ) but that the diſloyal Edric
( late renouncing his new Lord) ſeeing Edmond's part in poſſibility to pre-
vail) again betrayed his truth, and withdrew himſelf
, and the charge he
had, to the Enemy. This fatal Battel loſt England : Here periſhed the
beſt flower of Honour it then had : Here amongſt the reſt, was ſlain Wlkil,
an Earl of Eſex, of ever memorable worth, who had long ſtood up for
the Kingdom, and in the time of Swaine, was the firſt that ſhewed that
there was hope and poſſibility to quail the Enemy, had there been an uni-
on in Loyalty.
From this bloody work Edmond eſcapes to Gloceſter, to recollect new
forces; nor was he ſo forſaken with this fortune, but he ſoon recovered
another Army, to re-affail the Enemy, that might be idle upon this Victory.
But Knute as provident in the proſecution of his buſineſs, as fortunate there-
in, makes after: Here when both Armies were at the point to encounter, a
motion of Peace •was propounded : Some ſay the two Kings by ſingle Com-
bat conſented to decide their Fortunes, and the overcomer to take all: and
E dinonds ſingle that (in an Iſle of the River Severne, their Armies, on either ſhore, ſpecta-
combate with tors of the act);hey tried the maſtery for the prize of a Kingdom. After
long and equal fight, finding each others worth, they caſt away their Wea-
Peace conclu- pons, embraced, and concluded the Peace. But howſoever ; it ſeems (both
lides tired with the miſery of a conſuming War, never like to be ended, but
by the utter extirpation of the one, and the danger of the other, and incer-
tainty of the future ) were eaſily perſwaded to embrace a preſent agree-
ment
1
1
Knulle.
ded.
1
#
Knute.
19
ment, which was made by parting England betwixt them two, and confirm-| England divi-
ed by Oath and Sacrament: putting on each others Apparel and Arms, them.
as a ceremony to expreſs the atonement of their minds, as if they made
tranſ-action of their perſons each to the other. Knute became Edmond, and
Edmond Knute. A fatal exchange, for fo free and magnanimous a:Prince as
Edmond: who indeed was now no more himſelf, and he being but half a
King, was in ſo few days after, none, as makes this Peace ſhew fouler than
War ; for that armed him for Life; this expoſed him naked to Death,
which The death of
was ſhortly after treacherouſly given him at Oxford: ſome ſay, by the Son Ironfide at Ox-
of Edric (as if to ſhew he would be the heir of his Father alſo in Treaſon) ford.
whereby both the hope, and the other half of England were utterly loſt,
as determinable with his Reign ; which (with all we have elſe of his mag-
nanimous actions) took up ſcarce the circuit of one whole year ; and yet
had that been ſpace enough for glory (whoſe meaſure is to be taken rather
by the profundity than the length, which feldom holds long and even)
could lie have had that clear: And better for his renown, to have died at
the Battel of Ejendon with England, than condeſcended to have made it
half Denmark.
Knuté.
B
cuation of
UT by this means Knute attained the abſolute dominion of the Anno 1018.
whole Kingdom, which he governed with better Juſtice than he Knute the firſt
Daniſh King.
got it, conforming his native roughneſs to a more civil and regular
faſhion of life : and to have England ſee that now he was hers, he
ſends away his Navy, and ſtipendary Souldiers home to their Countries,
and puts himſelf wholly upon this People; taking the way of mildneſs, a
better means for his eſtabliſhment than force; but the Land paid for the
remuneration of his people, and this evacuation of Strangers, 83000 pounds 83000 pounds
of Silver ; which it rather conſented to do at once, than to have them a paid to King
Knute for eva-
daily burtliten to peſter the Sțate for ever.
At his firſt coming to the Crown; he fought to rid himſelf as well of Strangers.
his Friends, as of thoſe that might prove his Enemies. Edric,who came firſt to
ſalute him ſole King of England ( as if to tell that he made him ſo he cau-
ſed his Head to be let upon the higheſt part of the Tower of London; there-
in performing his promiſe, of advancing him above any Lord of the Land,
and thereby diſcharged himſelf of ſuch a debt; which, though he ſhould
have paid, would never yet be held fully cleared ; giving a general fatisfa-
stion thereby to the people, that rejoiced to fee Treaſon ſo juſtly reward-
H. Like compenſation had ſhortly after, the Earls of Turkill and Erick, who
eing baniſhed the Land, were executed upon their arrival in Denmark.
fut the love, and high opinion of Juſtice he got in theſe, were loſt again
thoſe actions wherein he took counſel only of his fears, for extirpa-
ton of all thoſe of the Royal Blood of England; as of Edwin and Ed-
fard, the Sons of the late King Edmond (to whom appertained the moiety
of the Kingdom by contract) and of Edwin his Brother; which three he
lënt to be murthered abroad, to beguile the rumour at home: But which is
ſtrange, thoſe times, though rough, afforded not yet an inſtrument for the
execution of his deſire: and all theſe Princes were preſerved, and conveyed
out of danger, by thoſe who ſhould have made them away. The two laſt
were bred by Salomon, King of Hungary, where Edward (ſurviving his Bro- Edward marri-
ther) married Agatha Siſter to the Queen (and Daughter to the Emperour to Agatha
Henry 'Hungarys fifter.
!
20
Knute.
1
+
1
Henry the ſecond) by whom he had two Sons, Edmond and Edgar ; Daugh-
ters, Margaret and Chriſtian.
Alfredºard Edward, Sons of King Ethelred, by Emme, were preſerved
by Richard Duke of Normandy, their Uncle, and fo lay out of his way.
This private injuſtice (which often may be more incompaſſion, than hurt to
the State ) he ſought to recompence with all publick fatisfactions, repair-
His erection
of Churches ing the naufrage of the Commonwealth (made by the rage of War) both
and Church in ornament and order : erecting Churches and Monafteries with large pa-
government.
tents of proviſions; both for the expiation of his immanities fore-commit-
ted, and to memorize the places of his Victories with his thankfulneſs to God.
The Conſtitutions, Ecclefiaftical and Civil, divulged into the language of
that time,teſtifie his tender Piety, and care of Juſtice; and are ſo full of Reli-
gious admonitions, as it ſeems he held the beſt means to have Laws obſer-
ved,was, by having them firſt enacted in the Conſciences of men. Amongſt
others he inflicted exact puniſhment on all intemperances of his people; and
offences committed againſt publick manners. Severe he was, but not cruel;
few of his Laws fanguinary, as being not the cuſtome of the time, which
though rough, yet found means to maintain publick manners, without
that luctual remedy of Blood. No puniſhments Capital, unleſs Conſpira-
cies; the reſt were all Pecuniary mulets, Baniſhments, Bondage or Impri.
fonment. To fhew his clemency, this (amongſt many) is one example
There was a Law, that Whoſoever had committed Theft, and the goods found
in his houſe, all his Family were made hound, even to the Child in the Cradle :
This he abrogates as moſt unjuſt, and ordains, That only the Malefactor,
and ſuch as ſhould aid him, should indure the puniſhment; and that the Wife
(unleſs the thing ſtola were found under her Lock) ſhould not be guilty of her
Husbands offence.
Thus was he to his people, with whom he is ſaid to have ſo well cleared
himſelf (howſoever he did with God) that he became King of their Affe-
ctions, as well as of their Country. And to maintain this opinion, he did
many popular acts; as firſt of all Rites of Honour and Reverence to the me-
mory of the late King Edmaxd, his Confederate : beſides tle executing of all
ſuch as could be found to have had any hand in that murther. Then married
he here at home, Emme, late wife to King Ethelred (though it were more for
his honour, than hers, to accept his Bed, that had been the Perſecuter of
her Husband and Children,) whereby he held the Duke of Normandy from
attempting any thing for his Nephews, in regard his Siſter might have
other by him.
* Having, thus eſtabliſhed this mighty Kingdom,, occaſion prepares him
another. The people of Norway contemning
the debility of their King, and
conſpiring to depoſe him, grew into faction: whereupon he faſtens ; and
with the great forces he brought out of England, the might of Money, and
high eſtimation of his worthineſs, ſo prevailed, as he foon obtained that
Ringdom, and was now the moſt renowned and potent Prince in all theſe
Knute King of
England, Den parts of the World: intitled, King of England, Denmark, and Norway.
mark and Nor Here withal grew his magnificence, as wide as his power, and was ef-
pecially extended to the Church, which he laboured moſt to gratifie, either
for the Conſcience of his deeds, or that his people (generally addicted to
Devotion) might be made the more his. And holding it not cnough to pour
out his immenſe bounty here within the. Iuand; ſeeks to make Rome alſo
feel the fulnefs
, thereof, wlither he went in perſon, and performed many
works of Charity and Honour; both there, and in all his Voyage. He freed
the
1
way.
1
Harold. Hardiknute.
21
the Saxon School his Predeceſſors of England had founded, from all impo-
ſition; as he did likewiſe all Sraights and Paſſages, where Travellers were
with rigour conſtrained to pay Toll
.
Of his entertainment at Rome with the Pope, Conrade the Emperour, and
divers other Princes of the Chriſtian World, himſelf writes to the Biſhops
and Nobility of England, and withal exhorts them very powerfully to have
an eſpecial regard to the due adminiſtration of Juſtice, to all his ſubjects a-
like, without doing the leaſt wrong for his gain, having no need to advance
his Revenue by ſin: And alſo charges them to ſee all Church-ſcot and Rome-
ſcot fully cleared before his return.
The active Vertue of this Prince, being the mightieſt, and moſt abſolute Knute the moſt
Monarch that ever yet appeared in this Kingdom, the Author of a Sect, and narch of this
firſt of a new Government, is ſuch; as thews he ſtrives by all worthy Kingdom, of
ways, to lay the ground-work of a State ; which according to his frame, any that was
was liker to hold good to his poſterity, than not. And as likely was he tó
have been the root of a ſucceſſion, ſpreading into many deſcents
, as was
afterwards the Norman ; having as plentiful an iſſue maſculine as he: be-
ſides he reigned near as long, far better beloved, of diſpoſition more
bountiful, and of power larger to do good. But it was not his fate; his
Children miſcarried in the Succeſſion, and all this great work fell in a man-
ner with himſelf.
Harold.
H
1
,
1
I
Arold, the eldeſt Son of Knute ( ſome write by his Fathers Ordi- Anno 1038.
nance, others by the election of the Daniſh Nobility, in an Allem-
bly at Oxford) was made King; whereas Goodwin Earl of Kent,
and the Nobility of England would have choſen Hardiknute, born
of Queen Emme ; or elſe Alfred, the Son of Ethelred, who is ſaid to have
come out of Normandy, upon the death of Knute to claim the Crown;
but Harold being at hand, carried it : The firſt act of whoſe Reign was
the Baniſhment, and ſurprizing all the Treaſure of his ſtep-mother, Queen Haroldscruelty
Emme ; then the putting out the Eyes of Alfred her Son, his competitor ;
and committing him to a loathſome Priſon, where he died. For which
deed the Earl Goodwin bears a foul mark, as betraying him. Queen Emme
repairs to Baldovin, Earl of Flanders, her Kinſman, where ſhe remained
during the reign of Harold, which was but of four years, and then with
her Son Hardiknute (who came out of Denmark, as it ſeems, prepared for
ſomething elſe, than to viſit her at Bridges) returned into England.
Hardiknute.
T
Hiş Hardiknute inveſted in the Government, foon fruſtrated the Avno 1041.
hope and opinion fore-conceived of him, and firſt in like fort be-
gan with that degenerous act of Revenge (wherein none are ſaid
lo much to delight in, as Women) cauſing the Body of the late
King to be Untomb'd, the Head cut off, and thrown into the Thames;
then makes inquiſition for ſuch as were guilty of the death of Alfride, his
Brother by the Mother, whereof Earl Goodwin and the Biſliop of Wor-
ceſter are accuſed : The Biſhop is diſpoſſeft of his See, and the Earl with
a rich and rare deviſed preſent, in form of a Ship of Gold, appeaſed that
fury,
1
4
I
22
Hardiknute. Edward the Confeſſor .
1
The reaſon of
fury, making proteſtation of his innocency before the whole Nobility,
with whom, in reſpect his deep root had ſpread ſo many branches, he
ſtood firm, and all the blame was laid to the violence and rancour of the
late King
Beſides the offending theſe great men, he added a general grievance to
the whole Kingdom, by a prodigal largeſs, giving to every Marriner of his
Navy eight Marks, and to every Maſter ten, which he impoſed to be paid
by the Sate. But after having called home Edward, his other Half-Bro-
ther, out of Normandy, lived not long far farther violences ; dying ſud-
denly the ſecond year of his Reign, in the celebration of a Marriage at Lam-
beth in his greateſt jollity, not without ſuſpicion of Poyſon.
And with him ended the Government of the Danes in England (having on-
che extinction ly continued 26 years under theſe three laſt Kings ) and that without any
of the Danes in crack or noiſe, by reaſon the Nation had no predominate ſide that might
Anno 1042. ſway the State, in reſpect of the remiſſion of their power at home in the firn
year of Knute, and no great admiſſion of others after: and that ſuch as
were here before were now ſo incorporated with the Engliſh, as they made
one body ; and moſt of them planted in the remote parts of the Kingdom
that lay over againſt Denmark : whereby, that which with all the ſtruggling,
no power or diligence of man could reſiſt, expired of it ſelf; leaving En-
gland a King of her own, and Denmark to civil diſcord about the Succeſſion;
Norway likewiſe returning obedience to a Son of Olave, recovered quietneſs,
and a home-born King.
Edward the Confeſſor
.
DWARD (the Son of Ethelred) is ſent for into Normandy, and
by the whole State elected, and Crowned King of England at Win-
cheſter, by Edhire Archbiſhop of Canterbnry, Anno 10.42. being about
forty years of age. Godwin Earl of Kent, was a principal agent
in his preferment, but for his own ends. The Kingdom (as having dear-
ly paid for the admiſſion of ſtrangers) ordained, that he ſhould not bring
any Normans with him. The firſt act he did was the remiſſion of the
Danegelt, impoſed by his Father, which amounted to forty thouſand
pounds yearly, and had been paid for forty years paſt. He cauſed the
Laws to be collected out of thoſe of the Mercians, Weſt Saxons, Danes,
and Northumbrians, and to be written in Latin. He was a Prince moſt
highly renowned for his Piety; and fit for no other than the calm-time
he had. For having been ſo long brought up with the Nuns at Fumieges
in Normandy, he ſcarce knew to be a man when he came into England,
And to fhew how little he underſtood himſelf; they note, how in a
great anger he ſaid to a baſe fellow that diſturbed his Game in Hunting,
I would puniſh thee, were I able. And as if he had vowed their conti-
nency
with whom he was bred, he was ſo far from knowing other Wo-
His continen- men" (either through conſcience or debility ) as his own Wife, after his
death, proteſted her ſelf free from all carnal act done by him; and
yet lived he ( for the moſt part) with her in all formal ſhew of Mar-
riage.
The ſoft Simplicity of this King gave way to the greatneſs of the Earl
Earl Godwins Godwin and his Children, who for that he would ſeem the eſpecial man in
greatneſs.
his preferment to the Crown; and by matching his Daughter Edith to
him, fuay'd chiefly the wheel of that time; and yet not without oppoſition:
For
Edward the
Confeflor.
E
Anno 1942.
1
1
+
cy.
.
1
Edward the Confeſſor.
23
ward and Leo
111
For Syward, Earl of Northumberland, and Leofrike, Earl of Hereford ( men The Earl
Sy-
of as great State and Spirit) ſeeing him moſt for himſelf
, became more for
frike, men of
the King, and had their turn in performing very noble actions. Nor did noble actions.
their emulation, but much conduce to the preſent benefit, both of the King
and State ; for the Earl of Syward would not be behind hand, in effecting as
brave deeds in the North, as Harold, Earl of Weſtfexe, the Son of the Earl
Godwin, performed againſt the Welch, in the Weſt: For the firſt deprived of
Life and Crown, Mackbeth, an uſurper ; and inveſted Malcolin, in the King-
dom of Scotland; the other defBored Ris and Griffine, two Brothers, Kings
of Wales, and ſubdued that Province to this Crown.
Beſides, the Earl Godwin had to ſtruggle with an Archbiſhop of Canterbu-
ry, Robert, a Norman, preferred from a Monk, firſt to London, and after to
that See, by the King, inwardly affecting much that Nation, as being part
of their Blood, and bred amongſt them. Of whom it ſeemed (notwithſtand-
ing the former order taken to the contrary) he had many about his perſon,
whoſe nearneſs, being ſtrangers, whatſoever they did, could not avoid to
be thought to do all offices againſt the Earl, and the Engliſh in general:
whereby, what went not right in the Line of mens deſires,was thought to be
their cauſe. And in Stomachs full charged, this occaſion gave more fire. .
Euſtace Earl of Bullogne, who had married Goda the Kings Siſter, having Euftace Earl
been at the Court, and returning into France, his Harbenger in taking up
of Bologne
Goda
lodgings at Dover, upon his peremptory behaviour, was by a Citizen ſlain; the King Si-
the Earl arriving with all his train, purſues, and ſlew the homicide, with fter.
18 other. The City ſeeing this, took Arms, and in the bickering, the Ear)
loſt 22 of his men: Whereupon, back he haſtes to the King, aggravates the
inſolency of the Citizens ſo far, that Earl Godwin is ſent for, and com-
manded with a power of men, to make againſt the City of Dover, to Chia-
ſtiſe the people. The Earl (conſidering it was upon the information ofone
ſide) adviſed the King rather to ſend for the chief of the City, to under-
ſtand what they could ſay for themſelves, and accordingly to proceed ;
which (being taken for a coldneſs in the buſineſs
, and of favour to his
Countrymen( gave the King and his Enemies occaſion to ſuſpect his af-
fection.
Shortly after, the Earl is ſummoned to an aſſembly at Gloceſter, where Earl Godwins
neither he, nor any of his Sons would appear; and ſuſpecting ſome practice inſurrection.
againſt him by his Enemies,raiſes Forces, pretending to ſuppreſs the Welch,
who were not found to offend; whereupon the Aſſembly removes to Lok-
don, ſummons him again to make his appearance,to diſmiſs his forces; and
to come only attended with twelve perſons. He ſends them word; to dif-
miſs his forces he was content, or any thing elſe the King would command
him, ſo it were for the ſafety of his Life and Honour, but to come diſaccom-
panied, was for neither. Then was he commanded within five days to de-
part the Realm, which he did, and with Toulkine, and Swain his Sons, gets
him into Flanders, where Touſtaine married the Daughter of the Earl Baldo-
vin the 5. Harald his eldeſt Son,departs into Irelınd;the King puts away from
him the Queen, to be partaker of the diſgrace, and miſery of her houſe
who is defcribed (by the writers of thoſe times) to have been a Lady of
rare parts, excellently Learned, Beautiful, and as fair of Mind as Body.
The Earl Godwin in his deſperate fortune ( whilſt the French and his ene-
mies polſeſt tlie King) fell to Piracy, diſturbed the Coaſts, approached Lone
don, by the River; and being ſo popular, as no forces would oppoſe againſt
him, made at length his own peace with power ; in ſuch ſort, as the
French
;
24
Harald the Second.
queen Emme's
trial.
The French
French fearing Revenge, forſook both the Court and Kingdom.
forſook the
Court and
Thus (as
fore-pointing to a ſtorm that was gathering on that Coaſt) be-
Kingdom of
gan
the firſt difference with the French Nation : which thus acquainted
England. with the diſtraction of a Kingdom, and factions of great men, wrought
on thoſe advantages, and were inſtruments to draw on the fatal enterprize
to follow.
The weakneſs of the King, and the diſproportionate greatneſs of the
Earl Godwin, being riſen up from ſo great a fall (learning thereby to look
better to his Feet, and make his ſide ſtrong ) encreaſed theſe diſcontent-
ments and partialities in the State ; wherein many acts of injuſtice, by the
fway of Power and Paſſion, were committed; which did much blacken that
time of Peace, and made a good man (not doing, but enduring ill) held to
be a bad King
And it is ſaid, that Emme, the Queen-mother had her part of much af-
affliction and
fliction in his reign, ſuffering both in her goods and fame: and now to purge
her ſelf of a ſcandal raiſed on her with Alwyn Biſhop of Wincheſter, the
under-went the trial of Fire-Ordeal (which was to paſs blind-fold with
bare-feet over certain Plough-Ihares, made red hot, and laid an uneven
diſtance one before another)
which ſhe ſafely performed. And the reaſon
why both her Son and the State ſo little reſpected this great Lady, whoſe
many years had made her an actor in divers fortunes, was, for that ſhe ne-
veraffected King Ethelred, nor the Children ſlie had by him ; and for her
Marriage with Knute, the great enemy and ſubduer of the Kingdom, whom
ſhe ever much inore loved living, and commended dead.
It ſeemed theſe private grudges, with mens particular ends, held theſe
times ſo buſied that the publick was neglected, and an iſſue-leſs King gave
matter for Ambition and Power to build hopes and practices upon; though
for his part, he ſhewed to have had a care of the Succeſſion, in ſending for
his Nephew Edward, entituled the Out-law, with his Children, out of Hun-
gars. But Edward ſhortly after his arrival died, and Edgar his Son (furna-
med Atheling) to ſay Prince Edgar ) whom he had by his Wife Agatha,
Daughter to the Emperour Henry the Second, who either by reaſon of his
youth, which was yet no bar to his right, or being born and bred a ſtran-
ger, little knowing, or known to the Kingdom.) had his claim neglected
upon the death of this Pious King. Which was Anno 1065. when he had
King Edward Reigned 24 years. His Corpſe was interred in the Church of Weſtminfter,
Weſtminſter which he had newly founded.
Church
Harald the ſecond.
ND Harald, Son to Earl Godwin ( the next day after) was pre-
ferred to the Crown, whether by any title he might pretend from
Anno 1065
the Daniſh Kings, as deſcended from that Nation, and, as ſome
report, Šon to Githa (Siſter to Swaine, ) or by meer Election of
the greater part of the Nobility, we cannot ſay: but it ſeems, the pref-
fing neceſſity of the time, that required more than man to undergo the
burden of the War, and that trouble the World was like to fall into,
by reaſon of the claims now made, both by the Dane and Norman, caſt
it ſuddenly upon him ; as the moſt eminent man of the Kingdom,
both by the experience of his own deſervings, and the ſtrength alſo of
his own,
and the Alliance of his Wife Algith , Siſter of Edwin and
Morchar, Earls of Torkſhire and Cheſter. Neither did he fail (but in For-
tune)
Harald the Se-
cond.
A
1
:
of Norway.
Harald the Second.
.25
tune) to make good this election ; taking all the beſt courſes both for the
well ordering of the State, and all proviſions for deferice, that a politick
and active Prince could do. But being to deal in a broken World, where
the affections of men were all disjoynted, or daſht with the terrour of an
approaching miſchief, failing (as uſually is ſeen in theſe publick fears) both
in their diligence, and courage to withſtand it, ſoon found more than
enough to do.
And the firſt man which began to diſturb his new government, was his The Kings
own younger Brother Touſtaine, who (in the time of the late King Edward, Brocher tou-
having the government of Northumberland) was for his pride and immani- staine baniſhed
ties ſhewed in thoſe parts, baniſhed the Kingdom ; and now by reaſon
of his former conceived hatred againſt his Brother,caſily ſet on by the Duke
of Normandy,and Aldouin Baldouin, Earl of Flanders, (whoſe two Daughters
the Duke and he had married) aſſails firſt the Iſle of Wight, and after ſets
upon the Coaſt of Kent, whence he was chaſed by the power of Harald, and
forced to withdraw into the North parts ; and there ſeeking to land,
was likewiſe repulſed, by the Earls Morchar and Edwin. Then craves he
aid of the Scots,and after of Harald ſurnamed Harfager, King of Norway,be-
ing then taken in the Orcades, and exerciſing piracy in thoſe parts; whom
he induced with all his forces to invade England. And landing at T inmouth,
(diſcomfeiting their firſt incounters ) they marched into the heart of the
Kingdom without reſiſtance. Near Stamford, King Harald of England met
them with a puiſſant Army; and after long and eager fight, ended the day His death
with victory,and the death of his Brother Touſtaine, and the King of Norway. with the King
But from hence was he called with his weary and broken forces, to a
more fatal buſineſs in the South. For now William Duke of Normandy
(pretending a right to the Crown of England, by the teſtament of the late The Battel
King Edward, his Kinſman, upon the advantage of a buſie time, and the dif- was fought in
furniſhment of thoſe parts) landed at Pemſey, not far from Haſtings in from Haſtings,
Suſex; near to which place was tryed by the great Aflize of Gods judge- upon Saturday
the 14. of
ment in Battel (the right of power) between the Engliſh and Norman Na-
tion. A Battel (the moſt memorable of all other) and howſoever miſera-
bly loft, yet moſt Nobly fought on the part of England; and the many
wounds of Harald there ſlain, with 60 thouſand 9 hundred 74 of Engliſh,
ſhew how much was wrought to have ſaved their Country from the cala- The Kings va-
mity of foreign ſervitude.
And yet, how ſo great a Kingdom as England then was, could with one
blow be ſubdued by lo ſmall a Province as Normandy (in ſuch ſort,as it could
never after come to make any general head againſt the Conquerour)might
ſeem ſtrange, did not the circumſtances afore noted, and other concurrent
cauſes, hereafter to be declared, give us fair and probable reaſons thereof: WilliamMfalms-
Beſides
, the indiſpoſition of a diſeaſed time, as it is deſcribed by ſome that bury
.
lived neareſt it, may give us great evidence in this examination. For they
ſay, the people of this Kingdom, were (by their being ſecure from their
former Enemy the Dane and their long peace, which had held in a manner,
from the death of King Edmond Ironſide, almoſt fifty years) grown nçg-
lective of Arms, and generally debauched with luxury and idleneſs : The
Clergy licentious, and only content with a Tumultuary learning:The No-
bility, given to Gluttony, Venery, and Oppreſſion : The common ſort to
Drunkenneſs,and all diſorder : And they ſay, that in the laſt action of Ha-
rald at Stamford, the braveſt men periſhed, and himſelf
upon the victory (retaining the ſpoyls
, without diſtribution to his
Souldiers
October 1066.
lour and death
grew inſolent
D
26 The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
.
the day.
Souldiers,, not inured to be commanded by martial diſcipline) made them
diſcontent, and unruly; and coming to this Battel with many mercenary
men, and a diſcontented Army, gave great occaſion to the lamentable lofs
thereof.
Beſides the Normans had a peculiar fight with long bows, wherewith
the Engliſh (then altogether unacquainted) were eſpecially overthrown.
And yet their own Writers report, how the main Battalion of the Engliſh
(conſiſting of Bills, their chief and ancient weapon) held in a body ſo cloſe
lockt together as no force could diſſolve them; till the Normans(feigning to
flye) drew them to a diſordered rout. And ſo they excuſed the fortune of
King Harald
The body of King Harald, which at the fute of his Mother (who ſent two
buried at Wal- Monks of the Abbey of Waltham to entreat the fame of the Conquerour)
was after much ſearch, amongſt the heaps of the dead found, and interred
in the ſame Abbey, which himſelf had founded. He was a King which
fhews us nothing but miſery, reigned leaſt
, and loſt moſt of any other. He
left four Sons, Godwin, Edmond, Magnus, and Wolfe ; the two eldeſt
fled away after this Battel into Ireland, and from thence made ſome
attempts upon the Weſtern Coaſts of England, but to little effect. And
here ended the line of the Saxon Kings, about five hundred years after the
firſt coming in of Hengiſt, and their plantation in this Kingdom.
And thus liave I in the ſtraighteſt courſe (wherein that uneven compaſs
of Antiquity could direct me) got over the wide and intricate paſſage of
thoſe times that lay beyond the work I purpoſe more particularly to de
liver. And now,
thanı.
His iſſue.
The Life and Reign of VVilliam the firſt.
Anno 1066.
Englands ter-
ritories over-
ſhoots the
Ocean.
COME to write of a time, wherein the State of England recei-
ceived an alteration of Laws, Cuſtoms, Faſhion, manner of Li-
ving, Language, Writing, with new forms of Fights, Fortifica-
tions, Buildings, and generally an innovation in moſt things,
but Religion. So that from this mutation, which was the greateſt
it ever had, we are to begin with a new account of an England, more in
dominion abroad, more in State, and ability at home, and of more honour
and name in the World, than heretofore; which by being thus undone was
made, as if it were in the Fate thereof to get more by loſing, than other-
wiſe. For as firſt, the conqueſt of the Danes, brought it to the entireſt Go-
vernment it ever poſſeft at home, and made it moſt redoubted of all the
Kingdoms of the North; ſo did this of the Norman, by coming in upon
it, make a way to let out and ſtretch the mighty arms thereof over the Seas
into the goodly Provinces of the South : For before theſe times, the En-
gliſh Nation, from the firſt eſtabliſhment in this Land, about the ſpace of
500 years, never made any ſally out of the Ille, upon any other part of the
World, but buſied at home in a divided State, held a broken Government
with the Danes, and of no great regard, it ſeems with other Nations, till
Knute led them forth into the Kingdom of Norway, where they firſt
ſhewed effects of their valour, and what they would be were they
imployed.
But the Normans, having more of the Sun, and Civility (by their com-
mixion with the Engliſh) begat ſmoother faſhions, with quicker motions in
thiem than before.And being a Nation free from that dull diſeaſe of drink
where-
1
4
1
Milnisbury.
Church. Ben
fore this time
afterwards
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt. 27
wherewith their former Conquerours were naturally infected, induced a
more comely temperance with a nearer regard of reputation and honour. For
whereas before, the Engliſh lived looſe, in little liomely Cottages, where
they ſpent all their revenues in good fare, caring for little other gaicty at all.
Now after the Norman manner they build them goodly Churches,and ſtate- Mauricius, Bi-
ly Houſes of ſtone, provide better furniſhments, erect Caſtles, and Towers thop of 1.ondon
in other ſort than before. They incloſe Parks for their private pleaſure, new built eh?
being debard the general liberty of Hunting, which heretofore tlicy crijoy- Church of St.
ed: Whereupon all the terms of Building, Hunting, tools of Workmen, Lom of income
names of moſt Handy-crafts appertaining to the defences and adornments brought out of
of life, came all to be in French. And withal
, the Norman habits,and faſhion Normandy
.
of living, becime generally aſſumed, both in regard of novelty,and to take of William T.
2way the note of difference, which could not be well-look’t u pon in that granted to this
change.
And though the body of our language remained in the Sozxon, yet it came the Churches
ſo altered in the habit of the French tongue, as now we hardly know it in were moſt of
the ancient form it had ; and not ſo much as the Character whercin it was Wilian i.
written, but was altered to that of the Roman and French now uſed. But to built the
white Tower,
the end we may the better know the man, and the Nation that thus fubdu-
ed we muſt take our courſe up to the head of their original. The Nor-, walled and in-
nians, we find to have iſſued out of Norway and Denm.rk, and were oflike caſtelled un-
manners, as the reſt of thoſe Nortbern Countries, which by reaſon of the apt Williama.
mixture of their Phlegmatick and Sanguine complexions, with their pro- and Henry 1.
miſcuous ingendering, without any tye of marriage,yeilding that continual habitand
ſurchargements of people, as they were forced to unburden themſelves Characters
firſt altered.
on other Countries, whereſoever their violence could make them room.
The original
And out of this redundancy,Roul or Rou,a great Commander amongſt them of theNormans.
furniſhed a robuſtious power, in the time of King Alfrid, and firſt landed in Roiul, or Rou,
England (that ever lay in the Road to all theſe invaders) where finding no man that Vand-
room empty, nor any imployment, was content (upon ſome relief recei- ed in England.
ved) to uſe his forces other-where, which he did againſt Rambalt, Duke of The Hiltory
Frize, and Reignier Duke of Chaumont and Hennalt ; with whom he had Roul, the firſt
many violent incounters, and committed great ſpoyls in their Countries. Conquerour
Which done, he paſſed along the Coaſts of France, entred the mouth of from the rencin
Seine and fackt all the Country up to Roan: Where the people having been calling it Nor-
lately before miſerably afflicted by Haſting (another invador of the ſame man
.
Nation) were ſo terrified by the approach of theſe new forces, that the
Archbiſhop of Roan by the conſent of the people, offered him the obedience
of that City, and that Country about, on condition he would defend them,
and miniſter Juſtice according to the laws of Chriſt, and the Cuſtoms of
the Country. For Charles the Simple, then King of France, yeilding no pre
ſent ſuccour, (being otherwiſe imbroyled about the right of his Crown)
gave him the opportunity to plant in that place, and to grow ſo powerful,
as ſhortly after he attempted the conqueſt of Paris, and gave many notable
defeats to the French Leaders. So that in the end, Charles was fain to buy
his
peace with the price of an alliance, and the whole Countrey of Nueſtria,
(or Weſtrich) which of the Normans was after called Normandy. And there-
upon Roule became a Chriſtian, and Baptized,had the name of Robert,given
by Robert, Brother to Eudes late King of France, who then ſtood in compe-
tition for that Crown with Charles the Simple : And is ſaid to have under-
aided Roul fecretly, of purpoſe to make him friend his deſigns; though af-
ter he urged it in an article againſt Charles,the giving away. his Country,and
the favouring of ſtrangers.
And
.
D 2
28
.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
1
J
.
And thus came Roul to eſtablifh a State to his poſterity,ordering the ſame
with that judgement and equity, as he left his name in a perpetual reve-
rence, and his ſucceſſors a firm foundation to plant upon. From him, in a
direct line, deſcended fix Dukes of Normandy, in the ſpace of 120 years,
William 1. Richard 1. Richard 2. Who had two Sons, Richard and Robert,
that ſucceſſively inherited the Dukedom.
Robert after he had governed eight years, either meerly for devotion,
which Charity ought rather deem, or expiation for ſome ſecret guilt, where-
with his conſcience might ſtand charged about his Brothers death (which
becauſe it was untimely, might be thought unnatural) reſolves to viſit the
Holy Sepulchre ; and acquainting his Nobility. therewith, was by them
much diſlawaded, in regard he had no iſſue,and for that already (they faid)
Alain Earl of Britain, and the Earl of Burgogne, were in conteſtation,
who ſhould ſucceed him in the Dutchy : So that upon his death and their
ſtrife, the Country was like to become a prey to the Souldier, from which
in conſcience he was bound, by his beft means to ſecure it. The Duke wil-
led them to be content: I have ſaid he) a little Baſtard, of whoſe worthi-
neſs I have great hope,and I doubt not but he is of my begetting: Him I will
inveſt in the Dutchy as mine heir : And from henceforth I pray you take
him for your Lord. The Earl of Britain (notwithſtanding his competiti-
on) to flew the affiance I have in him, I will conſtitute his governour, and
Seneſchal of Normandy; the King of France ſhall be his Guardain, and ſo I
leave him to God, and your Loyalties.
Shortly after, the Biſhops and Barons did their Homage to his baſe Son,
named William, who was the ſixth Duke of Normandy after. Roule, begotten
on Arlette,a mean Women of Falaiſe. And Duke Robert taking his intend-
cd Journey, delivers the Child with his own hand, to Henry the firſt,, King
of France, whom before he had mainly aided in preſerving his, Crown
(left him by his Father King Roberts Teſtament) againſt his elder Brother,
and his Mother Conſtance which with a great fide of Nobility, ſtood for the
right of Primogeniture, according to the cuſtom of France : And therefore
might the more preſume. (if good turns done to Princes could weigh ſo
much, as their ſelf-reſpects would not turn the Scale) to have had a fair
diſcharge of his truſt : And him for a Protector, whoſe power was beſt able
to be ſo. And cauſing the Child to do Homage for his : Dutchy of Nor-
mandy, commits him to his Royal faith ; departs his Court, and ſhortly
after his life, in Aſia. Whereupon his ſucceſſor, but nine years of age; be-
came obnoxius to all the miſeries that afflict Princes in their pupillage, be-
ſides the reproach of his birth; which though his honour and vertue might
get over; yet lay it ever a Bar in his way, and hindred his ſtanding clear,
ſtood he never ſo high.
The Nobles of Normandy, foon (after his Fathers death, by much en-
treaty, got him out of the French Kings hands) thinking the having of him
amongſt them, would add more to his Councellors, and ſuch as were in of-
fice : And the State of a Court, awe his State the better. But ſoon they
found, having his perſon (without his power) was but to put them out into
more diſcord, and faction. For preſently followed the murdering and
poyſoning of Governours, diſplacing of Officers, Intruſion, Supplantation,
Surprizings, and recovering of his perſon, by a Nobility ſtubborn
haughty, and incompatible of each others precedency or nearneſs.
But this was the leaſt, as being done all for his perſon. Now fol-
lowed more dangerous practices contrived againſt him. His right was
quarrelled
2
+
5
*
I
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
29
+
Lords, turned the point of their malice upon him, who in their
favouring neither, made both to hate him ; and eaſily conſpire with
quarrelled by competitors, clear in blood, and great in means. Whereof
the firſt (though fartheſt off in deſcent) was Roger de Treſny, bringing a fair
line from Roule, and much proof of his own worth by having gotten
great experience, in the Sarazine War in Spain: Whereby upon his return,
entertaining and feaſting the great,and eſpecial men of worth, he was grown
powerful, well followed and beloved of many: Inſomuch that at lengti,
meaſuring his own height, he urges, What wrong it was that a Baſtard and a
Child ſhould be preferred before him, in the ſucceſſion of the Dutchy, his An-
ceſtors had nobly gotten, and what a ſhame the Normans (a people of that worth)
would endure to be ſo governed ; ſeeing they had others of the renovned race of
Roule, William, and Richard, Dukes of Normandy, of a lawfnl and direct line,
if they held him unvorthy to inherit the State. And being impatient (as is Am-
bition, that ever rides without reins) of any long delay, brings his claim
to a ſtrong Battel in the field, wbich by the valliancy of Roger de Beaumont,
Was utterly defeated, and himſelf with his two brethren Nain. Whereby
all fear that way was extinguiſhed, and the repntation of the Duke and
his, ſo much advanced, as the King of France (notwithſtanding his tutela-
ry charge) took from him the Caſtle of Thulliers, and demolliſht it, pre-
tending the inſolencies committed there, by the Garriſons upon his ſub-
jects and makes ſhew.as yet only to keep things even. But long it was
not ere he plainly bewrayed his minde ; aiding in perſon William Earl
of Arques, Brother to Duke Robert, and Son to Richard the ſecond,
making his claim to the Dutchy, and brings a mighty Army to ſuc-
cour Arques, aſſieged by Conte Guiffard, the Dukes General ; who ( by
a ſtratagem ſo trained the French into an ambuſh ) as he overthrew their
whole power, and returns the King to Paris, with great loſs and diſho-
nour : Leaving Arques (the firſt Arch of triumph) to this Conquerour, not
yet arrived to ſeventeen years of age; and the diſcomfeited competitor
to ſeek his fortune with Euſtace Earl of Bologne, finding upon his return
little grace in Court, where fortune ever alters credit, and few regard men
overthrown.
This ſtorm over-paſt, another ſucceeds more dangerous ; there lived
with Duke William, a young Lord of like years, named Guy ſon to Regnalt,
Earl of Burgogne, and Alix Daughter to Richard the ſecond ; who co-
ming to be ſenſible of his intereſt, was adviſed by ſome ſtirring ſpirits, to
attempt for the Dutchy, which they ſaid appertained to him in right, and
was wrongfully uſurped by the Baſtard: and to advance his purpoſe, there
happens deadly hoſtility between two of the greateſt Lords of Normandy,
(Viconte Neele and the Earl of Beſlin) whoſe debate Duke William did not,
or could not pacifie. · This Guy (lately made Earl of Bryorn, and Vernon
interpoſed himſelf to compoſe this diſcord, and by the advice of Grimoult
de Plelis ( a principal mover in this W.ork) ſo wrought that either of theſe
;
1
quarrel
and
Guy to murder him at unawares: Which they had done had not a cer-
tain Fool (whom for being held a Natural, they ſuſpected not) no-
ting their
preparations, got away in the dead of the night to Valogne, knock-
ing crying at the Gate, till he was admitted to the Dukes preſence,
whom he willed in haſte to Aye, or he would be murdered. The
Duke ſeeing the Fool in this affright, thought dangers were not to be
weighed by the worth of the Reporter, but by their likelihood, and know-! A conſpiracy
ing his Fortune was liable unto all fudden aſſaſſinations; inſtantly takes
Atrangely.
Horſe,
diſcovered
D3
30
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
--
!
Horſe, and all alone poſtes to Fallaiſe, his eſpecial place of ſtrength : on
the way, his Horfe being tired, about break of day, he comes to a little Vil-
lage called Rye, where by good Fortune, the Gentleman of the place, was
ſtanding at his door, ready to go abroad; of whom the Duke requires
the next way to Fallaiſe : The Gentleman perceiving who he was (though
as then very unwilling to be known) humbly craves the cauſe of his fo
ſtrange and untimely Riding alone: The Duke ſeeing himſelf diſcovered,
tells the occaſion: The Gentleman (whoſe name was Robert de Rye) furni-
(hes him witli a freſh Horſe, and ſends two of his Sons to conduct him
the neareſt way to Fallaiſe: No ſooner was he gone out of ſight, but after
poſt the Conſpirators, enquiring of the fame Gentleman whether he ſaw the
Duke; who anſwered he was gone a little before, ſuch a way (ſhetving
them a divers path) and rode on with them, offering his ſervice to Count
Bellin ; where they made themſelves ſo powerful, as the Duke withdrew
him to Roan, and from thence to the King of France, to crave his aid, put-
ting him in mind of the faithful ſervice his Father had done him: How he
was his Homager, under his tutelary charge,and had no other ſanctuary of
ſuccour to fly unto, in this caſe of his mutinous and turbulent Nobility;
the effect whereof was of dangerous conſequence to that Crown. And ſo
far urged the importancy of relief, as the King at length (who it ſeems
was yet content to have him be, though not too ſtrong, and peradventure
rather him than his Competitor Guy de Burgogne) aided him in Perſon
with a puiſſant Army againſt theſe Competitors, whom they found in
the vail of Dunes with as great power and reſolution to bid them Bartel,
as they to aſſail them. Here one Guillefon, Uncle to Viconte Neel by the
Mother, forced his Horſe into the Batallion of the French, and made at the
King, and ſtruck him down with his Lance : Which Conte Saint Paul
perceiving, haſtes to encounter him with that Violence, as both fell to the
Earth, but Guilleſon ſoon gets up, and though his Horſe was ſlain under
him,by Caſtillon, he eſcapes out of the preſs, and after fled into 'Apulia with
others. The King recovered, and more inkindled with this affront, ſpared
not his Perſon, to avenge his wrath. Duke William likewiſe (as it ſtood
him moſt upon) ſhewed effects of an all-daring and Magnanimous Prince.
And yet had not Ralph de Teſſon been falſe to his fellows to recover faith
with him, he had not carried (as he did) the victory.
After which divers of the Conſpirators (who had too great hearts to
yeild) paſſed the Mountains into Italy, to Robert Guiſcard their Country,
man (who of a private Gentleman, was now by his proweſs, become Lord
of Apulia, Calabria, and Sicile, within the ſpace of twelve years,) to whom
they were exceeding welcome, and eſpecially Guillefon, for laving incoun-
tred with a King in the midſt of his Battel, which made him of wider note
But the better to know what Star theſe Norman ſpirits had, as born for the
revolutions of thoſe times, it ſhall not lye out of our way to ſhew how
they firſt came into Italy upon this occaſion.
There happened a debate between one Oſmond Drengat, and William Re-
poſtell, Gentlemen both Valiant, and of great Parentage in Normandy,
wlio as tļey hunted in the Foreſt of Rouvery (near Rouan) with Duke Ro-
bert; Drengot flew Repoſtell
, in liis preſence ; and fearing the fury of the
Duke, and the friends of the ſlain, fled to Rome, and ſo to Naples, where he
with his ſmall Company of Normans that folllowed him, was entertained of
the Duke de Bonevento, to ſerve him againſt the Saraſins and Affricans, which
miſerably infeſted Apulia and Calabria,at tliat time. The bruit of which en-
tertainment
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
31
tertainment was no ſooner ſpread in Normandy, but divers Valiant Gentle-
men and Souldiers, allured with the hope of good Fortune, paſſed the
Alpes, got to their Nation; and ſo wrought, as they grew formidable to
theſe Barbarians, and in the end utterly chaſed and extinguiſhed them.
The Calabrians, and Apulians,fceing themſelves rid of their Enemies,would
have been glad likewiſe (their turn ſerved) to be rid of their Friends, and
ether uſing them more unkindly than of Cuſtom, or they preſuming more
of deſert, turned their Swords upon their Entertainers. And firſt got a little
place which they fortified for the Rendevous, and receipt of booty : And
ſo augmenting ſtill their Winnings, obtained Territories, Cities, and For-
treffes. And after the death of Drengot, ſueceeded other gallant Leaders, and
at length Tanered, Signior de Hauteville
, in Conſtantine, with his twelve
Sons, came into Apulia, of whom his third Son Robert, furnamed Guiſcard,
attained the command and was a man of fair ſtature, clear judgment, and
indefatigable courage. He conquered all Apulia, Calabria and Sicile
, paſſed
the Sea into Greece, relieved Michael Diocriſius, Emperour of Conſtanti-
nople, deſeated Nicephorus that uſurped the Empire, and ſhortly after Ale-
xius attempting the like ; and in one year vanquished two Emperours, the
one of Greece, the other of Germany; ſwayed the whole ſtate of Italy, and
was in a fair way to have obtained the Empire of Conſtantinople for him-
ſelf, had he not died in that expedition.
Beomond his eldeſt Son, by his firſt Wife, became after Prince of Antioch,
and is much renowned in the holy Wars, Roger (of his ſecond marriage
with the Daughter of the Prince of Salerno) ſucceeded in the ſtates of Italy,
as more theirs by birth and blood. His Daughters were all highly married,
thus from a private Gentleman, came this Famous Norman to leave a ſuc-
ceſſion of Kings and Princes after him, and died the ſame year as did this
William,his concurrent in the love and favour of Fortune. And to this man
fled all the diſcontented and deſperate Normans during theſe civil Wars
the Duke had with ſo many Competitors; and every overthrow he gave
them, augmented Guiſcards Forces in Italy; and eſpecially this Battel of
Dunes ; which ended not the Dukes travels, for Guy de Burgogne eſcaping
the Fight, fortified the Caſtles of Briorn and Verneville, but in the end was
fain to render them both,and himſelf, to the Dukes mercy, and became
his pentioner, who was his Competitor, which act of clemency in the Duke,
brought in many other to ſubmit themſelves; whereby they re-obtained
their Signiories, but had their Caſtles demoliſhed.
Having ended this work,new occaſion to keep him in action was miniſtred
by Geoffry Martle Earl of Anjoil, who Warring upon the Poidłovins, incroa-
ched alſo upon his neighbours States, and ulurped Alenſon, Dampfront and
Paſais, members of the Dutchy of Normandy; which to recover the Duke
leaves an Army, and firſt got Alenfon, (for that he was opprobriouſly
ſcorned by the beſieged, who when they ſaw him would cry La Pel
, La Pel
,
in reproach of the baſeneſs of his Mother, and the Trade of the place of his
birth) he ſhewed extreme cruelty. Then lays he fiege to Dampfront :
which to relieve, Count Martel comes with his greateſt Forces : and the
Duke to take notice of his ſtrength,fends out Roger de Mongomery, with two
other Knights to deliver this meſſage to the Earl, That if he came to victual
Dampfront, he ſhould find him there the Porter to keep him out: Whereto the
Earl returns this anſwer, Tell the Duke to morrow by day break, he ſhall have
me there on a white Horſe,ready to give him the Combat, and I will enter Damp-
front if I can ; And to the end he ſhall know me, I will wear a ſhield, without any
device.
Roger
1
11
r
32
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
Roger replies, Sir you ſhall not need to take that pains, for to morrow morn-
ing, you ſhall have the Duke in this place, mounted on a bay Horſe; and that
you may know him, he ſhall wear on the point of his Launce, a ſtreamer of Taffa-
ty, to wipe your face. Herewith returning, each fide prepares for the morn-
ing: When the Earl buſie in ordering his Battels, was advertiſed by
two Horſe-men, that came croſſing the field, how Dampfronte, for certain
was rendered to the Duke; whereupon in great rage he preſently departs
with his Army: whereof a part, was (in paſſing a ſtreight) cut off by Viconte
Neel, who for that ſervice redeemed his former offence, and was reſtored
to the Dukes favour, whom he ever after faithfully ſerved. Thoſe of Damp-
fronte, deſperate of ſuccour, preſently yeild themſelves to the Duke, who
with his Engines and Forces removes from thence to Hambrieres, a frontire
town of Count Martells, and by the way (had it not been by himſelf
diſcovered) he had been utterly overthrown by an ambuſh, which
gave
him much to do, and loſt him many brave men. Wherewith he grew loin-
raged, that he ruſhed into the troops of his Enemies; made at Count Mar-
tel, ſtruck him down with his Sword, clave his Helmet (and cut off an ear;
but
yet he eſcaped out of the preſs, though divers were taken, and the An-
jouins utterly defeated.
Whilſt thus he was travailed with an outward Enemy, two more were
found at home, to conſpire againſt him : William Guelan, Earl of Mortaigne,
deſcended from Richard the ſecond : And William Earl of Eu and Mon-
treul, iſſuing from William, the Brother of the ſame Richard, and of Elelin,
Counteſs of Montreul; the firſt upon ſuſpition, the other upon proof of
an intention was baniſhed, and their eſtates ſeized : The Earldom of Mor-
taigne he gave to Robert; that of Eu to Odo (after Biſhop of Bayeux) both
his brethren by the Mother. Theſe aſſaults from abroad, theſe ſcorns, con-
ſpiracies, and under-workings at home, he paſſed before he was full 22
years of age: And thus his Enemies made him, that ſought to undo him.
But now more to underſet and ſtrengthen his State,againſt future practices,
he convokes an aſſembly of his Prelates, Barons, and Gentlemen, cauſing
them to receive their oath of Fealty, and raze their Caſtles ; which done, he
married Matilde, the Daughter of Baldouin the fifth Earl of Flanders, but
marries Matil- not without conteſt and trouble: For his Uncle Manger, Arch-Biſhop of
de daughter of
Roan, excommunicates him, for matching within the forbidden degrees of
fifth Earl of kindred, ſhe being Daughter to Elenor, Daughter to Richard the ſecond, and
ſo his Fathers Siſters Daughter. To expiate for which offence (upon a diſpen-
ſation from Pope Viktor) they were enjoyned the building of certain Hof-
pitals for Blind people : And two Abbyes, the one for Men, the other for
Women, which were erected at Caen.
This match, and the over-matching his Enemies, ſet him ſo high a mark
of envy in the eye of France, which naturally loved not the Normans,
(whom in reproach they uſually called Trewans) as they eaſily incenſed
The reaſons their King, who of himſelf was forward enough, to abate a power, grown
why the Kings
ſo out of proportion with the reſt of the Princes of his Dominions, to find
a quarrel (which confiners eaſily do) to ſet upon him; and to make it
look the fairer,pretends to correct the inſolencies of the Normans commit-
ted upon his Territories, and to relieve Count Martel oppreſt by the Duke;
beſides alledging, it concerned him in honour and juſtice, to have that Province,
which held of his Crown, to be governed by a Prince of lawful blood, according
to Chriſtian order and Laws Ecclefiaftical.' And therefore reſolveth utterly
to exterininate the Duke, and eſtabliſh a legitimate Prince and the Dutchy.
For
The Duke
Baldouin the
Flanders.
of Franco wars
with the Nor-
mans.
.'
2
A
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
. 33
For which effect, two Armies are gathered from all parts of his Kingdom ;
the one ſent along the River Sein, the other into the Countrey of Beſen,as
meaning to incompaſs him.
The Duke likewiſe divides his Forces into two parts, ſends his Brother,
Odo Earl of Eu, Walter Guifford, Earl of Longuevil
, and others with the
one, to the Country of Caux; himſelf with the other takes towards Eu-
reux (to make head to the King that was at Mante) and withdraws all cat-
tel and proviſions out of the flat Country, into Cities and Fortreſſes for their
own ſtore, and disfurnishment of the Enemy. The Kings Army marching
from Beauvois, to Mortimer, and finding there a fat Country full of all pro-
viſion, betook them to make good cheer, and reſt there all that night;
thinking the Normans Forces were yet with the Duke at Eureux; which the
Army in Caux conducted by Othounderſtanding, marched all night, and by
break of day, gave them ſo hot an alarum, and ſo ſudden, as put them all
in a Rout,leaving Horſe and Armour,and all to the aſſailants, who made fuch The defeature
a deſtruction of them, that of forty thouſand, not the fourth part eſcaped. the King of
With this defeature, the King of France is again returned home, with France by the
great rageand grief, and the Duke, with the redemption of the Priſoners, Normans.
recovers his peace, and the Caſtle of Thuilliers, taken from him in his
under.age. Count Martel, though much diſmayed at the Kings overthrow,
yet leaves not to make ſome attempts for the recovering his Towns; but
with no ſucceſs. The Duke he ſaw was too well beloved and followed, for
bim to do any good without a ſtronger Arm. Wherefore the next Spring,
he does again importune the King of France, to aid him againſt the Duke:
who (he faid) Was now grown fo infolent upon this peace, and the victory be
bad ftoln, and not won, ihat there was no living for his neighbours near him :
Beſides, the Normans had the French in ſuch deriſion, and baſe eſteem, as
they made their act (at Mortimer) their only ſport, and the ſubject of
their Rhimes; asifa King of France, upon the loſs of a few men, was retired,
and durſt not break a difhonourable peace.
With which inftigation, and being ſtung with the touch of reproach, he
raiſes another Army far mightier than before, wherein were three Dukes,
and.twelve Earls, and notwithſtanding the ſolemn Peace made, and ſo
lately ſworn with the Duke, he enters Normandy in the harveſt time, over-
runs and ſpoils all the Countrey, along the Coaſt to Bellin ; from whence
marching to Bayeux, and Caen, with purpoſe to paſs the River Dive at Var-
neville, to deſtroy the Countries of Auge, Lieſeux, and Roumoys, even to
Roan, and finding the cauſy-way long and the bridge narrow,cauſed his vant-
guard to paſs over firſt,and to ſecure his Arier-guard conducted by the Duke
of Berry, himſelf ſtays behind in Caen, till his people and their carriages
Were paſſed. Duke William (who all this while, ſtores his Fortreſſes with
men and victual) makes himſelf as ſtrong in the Town of Falaiſe, as he
could ; hath no Army in the field, but a running Camp to be ready to take
all advantages ; lets the fury of the ſtorm ſpend it ſelf, and having adver-
tiſement of this paſſage,marched all night with ten thouſand men,and in the
morning carly,lets upon the Arier-guard, with ſo ſudden a cry and fury, as
fliey who were before on the cauſey-way hearing this noiſe behinel, thruſt
forward their fellows, haſting to get over the Bridge, with ſuch a crowd
and preſs,as they brake it,and many were drowned in the River. They who the King of
were got over,could not return to aid the reſt; nor the King (by reaſon of France over-
the Marſhes on both ſides) yeild any ſuccour to his people ; but ſtood a ſpe-thrown at
ctator of their ſlaughter, and the taking of fix of his Earls, of whom one the Normans.
!
1
1
1
The Army of
was
t
34 The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
1
The Duke
tertainment.
was the exiled Earl of Eu, whom the King (favouring his great worth) had
made Count De Soiſons.
The grief of this overthrow, ſhortly after gave the King of France his
death, and the Duke of Normandy a joyful peace, which he nobly employ-
ed in the ordering and adorning his State : Building, Endowing, and Deck-
ing Monaſteries and Churches ; gathering reliques from all parts to furniſh
his Abbyes at Caen ( wliere he alſo erected a Tomb for himſelf and his
Wife) feaſting and rewarding his Nobles and men of worth: Whereby he
ſo poſleft him of the hearts of his people generally, as they were intirely
his, for what he would.
During this calm of his life, he makes a journey over into England, as
if to viſit King Edward his kinſman ; who in regard of the preſervation,
comes to viſit and breeding he had in Normandy by Duke Richard the ſecond í Grandfa-
Kither to them both) gave him moſt royal entertainment: And here he ſhew-
ed himſelf; and here (no doubt) he found matter of his hopes to work on.
In this interview he diſcovered England, being to be preſuppoſed, he came
Harald goeth not to gather Cockle-Thells on the thore. Nor was it long after ere Harald
over into Nor-|(whether of purpoſe to ratifie ſome paction cloſely contrived betwixt them;
mindy. His en-
or by caſualty of weather driven into France,) and ſo fain to make it ſeem
a journey of purpoſe to the Duke, is not certainly delivered) was gallant-
ly entertained in Normandy, preſented with all ſhews of Arms, brought to
Paris, and there likewiſe fealted in that Court. And at his return to Rouen,
ſomething was concluded, either in likelihood to divide the Kingdom
between them, or that Harald being a Coaſt-dweller, and had the ſtrongeſt
hand in the State, thould let in the Duke, and do his beſt to help him to the
His promiſes Crown, upon conditions of his own greatneſs, or whatſoever it was; pro-
miſes were made and confirmed by oathes upon the Evangeliſts,and all the
ſacred Reliqnes at Rouen,in the preſence of divers great perſons
. Beſides, for
more aſſurance, Harald was fianced to Adeliza, the Dukes.Daughter, and
his Brother Wolnot left a pledge for the performance.
This intercourſe made the tranſaction of the fate of England, and ſo
much was done, either by King Edward or Harald (though neithers act, if
any
ſuch were, was of power to prejudice the State, or alter the courſe of a
right ſucceſſion) as gave the Duke a colour to claim the Crown, by a do-
nation made by Teſtament, which being againſt the Law and Cuſtom of
the Kingdom, could be of no validity at all. For the Crown of England
being held, not as Patrimonial, but in a ſucceſſion by remotion (which is
a fucceeding to another place) it was not in the power of King Edward to
collate the ſame by any diſpoſitive and teſtamentary will, the right deſcend-
ing to the next of blood, only by the Cuſtom and Law of the King-
dom: For the Succeffour is not ſaid to be the heir of the King, but the
Ringdom, which makes him ſo, and cannot be put from it by any act of his
Predeceſſour. But this was only his claim; the right was of his own ma-
king, and no otherwiſe. For as ſoon as he had heard of the death of Kirg
Edwird, with the Election, and Coronation of Harald, (for they came toch
together) he aſſembles the States of Normandy, and acquaints them with
the right he had to England, Soliciting an extention of their utmoſt means
for his recovery thereof, and avengement of the perjur’d uſurper Harald ; ſhew-
ing them apparant probability of ſucceſs, by infallible intelligence lie bad from
Speech to the the State, his ſtrong party thereix, with the debility and diſtraction of the people
:
What Glory, W’ealth, and Greatneſs, it would add to their Nation, the obtaining
of ſuch a Kingdom, as was that opportunely laid open for them, if they appre-
to the Duke.
The Dukes
affembly of
the States of
Normandy.
hended
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt. 35
1
hended the preſent occaſion. All which remonſtrances notwithſtanding, could
induce but very few to like of this attempt,& thoſe ſuch who liad long fol-
lowed him in the Wars, exhauſted their eſtates, and content to run upon
any adventure that might promiſe any likelihood of advancement. The reſt
were of divers opinions:Some,that it was ſufficient to hold and defend their
own Country ; without hazarding themſelves, to conquer others, and theſe
were men of the beſt ability : others were content to contribute, but ſo ſpa-
ringly,as would little advance the buſineſs;and for the moſt part they were
ſo tired with the former Wars, and ſo deſirous to embrace the bleſſing of
Peace, as they were unwilling to undergo a certain trouble, for an uncer-
tain good. And with theſe oppoſitions, or faint'offers, the Dukes purpoſe, The fubtil
at firſt, had ſo little way, as did much perplex him : At length fee- proceeding of
ing this protraction, and difficulty in general : He deals with his neareſt the Duke
and moſt truſty friends in particular,being ſuch as he knew affected the glo- Nobles
.
ry of action, and would adventure their whole eſtates with him. As William
fitz Auber, Conte de Brettevile, Guilter Guifford Earl of Longueville, Roger
de Beaumont, with others, eſpecially his own Brothers, Odo Biſhop of Bay-
eux, and Robert Earl of Mortaigne : Theſe in full aſſembly he wrought to
make their offers; which they did in ſo large a proportion; and cſpecially
William fitz Auber (who made the firſt offer, to furniſh forty Ships with
men and munition; the Biſhop of Bayeux forty, the Biſhop of Mans thirty,
and ſo others, according or beyond their abilities) as the reſt of the aſſem-
bly, doubting if the action ſucceeded without their help, the Duke (arri-
ving to that greatneſs) would bear in mind, what little mind they ſhewed
to advance his deſires,began to contribute more largely. The Duke, finding
them yeilding, though not in ſuch ſort as was requiſite for ſuch a work
dealt with the Biſhops,& great men a part,ſo effectually,as at length he got
of them ſeverally, which of altogether he could never have compaſſed ;
and cauſing each mans contribution to be regiſtred, inkindled ſuch an emu-
lation amongſt them, as they who lately would do nothing, now ſtrived
who ſhould do moſt.
And not only won the people of his own Provinces, to undertake The French
this action, but drew by his fair perſwaſion and large promiſes, moſt
of the greateſt Princes and Nobles of France, to adventure their perſons,
and much of their eſtate with him , as Robert fitz Harvays, Duke of Orleance,
the Earls of Britain, Ponthieu, Bologne, Poitou, Maine, Nevers, Hieſms,
Aumal, Le Signior de Tours, and even his mortal enemy Martel, Earl of
Anjou, became to be as forward as any. All which, be ſure could never have
induced, had not his vertues and greatneſs gained a wide opinion and repu-
tation amongſt them. Although in theſe advancements and turn of Princes,
there is a concurrency of diſpoſitions,and a ſtate of times prepared for it, yet
is it ſtrange, that ſo many mighty men of the French nation,would adventure
their lives and fortunes to add England to Normandy, to make it more than
France, and ſo great a Crown to a Duke, who was too great for them al-
ready. But where mutations are deſtined, the counſels of men muſt be cor-
rupted, and there will fall out all advantages to ſerve that buſineſs.
The King of France, who ſhould have ſtrangled this deſign in the birth, the Dukes
was a Child, and under the curature of Baldouin, Earl of Flanders, whoſe power.
Daugliter the Duke had married, and was ſure to have rather furtherance
than any oppoſition that way : Beſides to amuze that Court, and dazle a
young Prince, he promiſed faithfully, if he conquered this Kingdom, to
hold it of that King as he did the Dutchy of Normandy, and do him ho-
mage
likewiſe aid
the Duke.
The reaſon of
36
.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
#
Reaſons for
mage for the fame; which would add a great honour to that Crown. Then
was he before-hand with Pope Alexander (to make Religion give reputati-
on and avowment to his pretended right) promiſing likewiſe to hold it of
thie Apoftolick See, if he prevailed in his enterprize. Whereupon the Pope
ſent him a Banner of the Church, with an Agnus of Gold, and one of the
hairs of Saint Peter. The Emperour Henry the fourth, ſent him a Prince of
Almaine with forces, but of what name,or his number is not remembred, ſo
that we ſee it was not Normandy alone that ſubdued England, but a collected
power out of all France and Flanders with the aids of other Princes. And
by theſe means, made he good his undertaking; and within eight months
was ready furniſhed with a powerful Army at Valery in Normandy, whence
he tranſported the ſame into England in 896 Ships, as ſome write. And thus
was the man, and thus made to ſubdue England.
1066. And now having gotten the great and difficult Battel, before remem-
Anno Reg. 1. bred, at Haſtings the fourteenth of October 1066. He marched without
any oppoſition to London, where Edwin and Morchar, Earls of Northumber-
land, and Mercland (Brothers of eminent dignity and reſpect in the King-
dom) had laboured with all their power to ſtir the hearts of the people
for the conſervation of the State, and eſtabliſhing Edgar Atheling, the next
of the Royal iſſue, in his right of the Crown: Whereunto other of the
Nobility had likewiſe conſented; had they not ſeen the Biſhops averſe
or wavering. For, as then, to the Clergy, any King (ſo a Chriſtian) was all
the yeilding of one; they had their Province apart, divided from fecular domination :
the Clergy
and of a Prince(though a ſtranger)who had taken up ſo much of the world
beforc hand, upon credit and fame of his piety and bounty, they could not
but preſuine well for their eſtate : and ſo were content to give way to the
preſent Fortune.
The Nobility, conſidering they were ſo born, and muſt have a King :
not to take him (that was of power to make himſelf) would ſhew more
Jyeild.
of paſſion than providence; and to be now behind hand to receive him,
with more tlian ſubmiſſion, was as if to withſtand; which (with the diſtruſt
of each others faith) made them ſtrive and run head-long, who should be
the firſt to pre-occupate the grace.of ſervitude, and intrude them into fo-
reign ſubjection.
The Commons (like a ſtrong veſſel that might have been for good uſe)
were hereby left without a ſtern, and could not move regularly. So that
all eſtates in general, either corrupted with new hopes,or tranſported with
fear, forſook themſelves, and their diſtreſſed Country. Upon his approach
to London, the Gates were all ſet open ; the Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, Sti-
gand, with other Billops, the Nobility, Magiſtrates, and People, rendring
themſelves in all obedience unto him : And he returning plauſible Proteſta-
tion of his future Government, was on Chriſtmas day, then next following,
Crowned King of England, at Weſtminſter,by Aldred, Arch-Biſhop of York,
for that Srigand was not held Canonically inveſted in his See; and yet
thought to have been a' forward mover of this alteration.
Here, according to the accuſtomed form, at his Coronation, the Biſhops
and Barons of the Realm, took their oaths, to be his true and loyal Sub-
jects, and he reciprocally (being required thereunto by the Arch-Biſhop of
Tork) made his perſonal oath, before the Alter of Saint Peter, To defend
the Holy Church of God, and the Rectors of the ſame : To govern the Univer-
Jal people, ſubject unto him, juſtly: To eſtabliſh equal Laws, and to ſee them
duly executed. Nor did he ever claim any power by Conqueſt, but as a re-
gular
:
What moved
the Nobles to
The Corona-
tion and oath
of William I.
I
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
37
.
gular Prince ſubmitted himſelf to the orders of the Kingdom, deſirous ra-
ther to have his Teſtamentary Title ( howſoever weak) to make good his King Williams
fucceſſion, rather than his ſword. And though the ſtile of Conquerour by fubmifion to
the flattery of the time, was after given him, he ſhewed by all the courſe of the Kingdom
his government he aſſumed it not; introducing none of thoſe alterations of England.
(which followed by violence) but by a mild gathering upon the diſpoſition
of the State and the occaſions offered and that by way of reformation. And
now taking Hoſtages for his more ſecurity, and order for the defence and
government of his Kingdom, at the opening of the Spring next, he returns
into Normandy, ſo to ſettle his affairs there, as they might not diſtract him
from his buſineſs in England, that required his whole powers.
And to leave here all ſafe behind him, he commits the rule of the King-
dom,to his Brother the Biſhop of Bayeux, & to his Couſin Fitz* Auber,whom Or Os rre.
he had made Earl of Hereford, tåking with him all the Chief men of Eng-
land, who were likeſt to be heads to a revolt, as Edgar Atheling, the Archbi-
ſhop Stigand, lately diſcontented : Edwin, and Morchar, with many other King William
Bishops and Noble-men: Beſides, to unburden his charge,and dif-impeſter Normandy
his Court, he took back with him all the French Adventurers, and ſuch as with the chief
Nobility of
were men, rewarding them as far as his treaſure would extend, and the
England.
reſt he made up in fair promiſes.
In his abſence, which was all the whole Summer, nothing was here at-
tempted againſt him, but only that Edric ſurnamed the Foreſter, in the
County of Hereford, called in the Kings of the Welſh, to his aid, and for-
raged only the remote borders of that Country: The reſt of the King-
doin ſtood quiet, expecting what would become of the new World, where-
in as yet they found no grcat alteration, their Laws and Liberties remaining
the ſame they were before, and might hope by tļiis acceſſion of a new Pro-
vince, the State of England would be but inlarged in dominion abroad, and
not impaired in profit at home, by reaſon the Nation was but ſmall, and of
a plentiful and not overpeopled Country, likely to impeſter them.
Having diſpoſed liis affairs of Normandy, he returns towards winter in- King William
to England, where he was to ſatisfie three ſorts of men; Firſt, ſuch Adven- returns into
turers, with whom he had not yet cleared : Secondly, thoſe of his own prople, England.
whoſe merits or nearneß looked for recompence, whereof the number being só
great, many moſt bave their expectation fed, if not ſatisfied: Thirdly
, the peo-
ple of this Kingdom, by whom he muſt now ſubſist : For being not able with his
own Nation ſo to impeople the ſame, as to hold and defend it (if he ſhould
procctd to an extirpation of the natural inhabitants) he was likewiſe to
give them ſatisfaction.
Wherein he had more to do, than in his Battel at Haſtings ; ſeeing all
remunerations, with ſupplies of money, muſt be raiſed out of the ſtock of
this Kingdom, which could not but be irkſome to the State in general, and
all preferments and dignities conferred on his, to be either by vacancies, or
diſplacing others, which muſt needs breed very feeling grievances in parti-
cular. And yet we find no great men thruſt out of their rooms, but ſuch as
put themſelves out, by revolting, after his eſtabliſhment, and their fealty
given; as appears by the controverſie between Warren' the Norman, and
Sherburn of Sherburn Caſtle' in Norfolke, which Caſtle though the King had
given to Warren, yet (when Sherburn alledged, how he never bare arms a-
gainſt him, that he was his Subject as well as the
other, and held bis Lands by that
Cambden Norf.
Law which he had eſtabliſhed amongſt all bis Subjects) the King gave judge,
ment againſt Warren, and also commanded, that Sherburn ſhould
hold
#
E
38
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
M.
S.
hold his Land in peace : So that it ſeems he contented himſelf and his, for
the time, only with what he found here ready, and with filling up their
places, who were Nain in the Battel, or fled, as many were, with the ſons
of Harald out of the Kingdom. Such Gentlemen as he could not preſently
prefer, and had a purpoſe to advance, he diſperſed abroad into Abbys,
there to live till places fell out for them ;and 24 he ſent to the Abby of Ee-
ley, whereby he not only leſſened the multitude ofattendants and ſuitors at
Court,eaſed that Eye-ſore of ſtrangers, but alſo had them a watch over the
Clergy, who then were of great and eminent power in the Kingdom, and
might prevail with the people.
1067.
But the Engliſh Nobility, incompatible of theſe new concurrences,found
Anno Reg.2. notwithſtanding, ſuch a diſproportion of grace, and darkning of their dig-
The Engliſh nities, by the interpoſition of ſo many, as muſt needs leſſen their ſplendor;
Nobility for-
that many of the chiefeſt,doubting to be more impaired in hononr& eſtate,
deseche King- conſpired together, and fled, ſome into Scotland, and ſome into Denmark,
to try if by aid from abroad, they might recover themſelves, and their for:
tunes again at home. Among which the chief was Edgar Atheling (termed
Englands Dearling, which ſhewed the peoples zeal to his blood,) who with
his Mother Agatha, and his two Siſters, Margaret and Chriſtin, intending to
retire into Hungary (their native Country) were driven by tempeſt *on the
Coaſt of Scotland, where they were in all Hoſpitable manner entertained by
Malcolin the third, whoſe former ſufferings in his exile, had taught him
to compaſſionate others like diſtreſſes and whom it concerned now to look
to his own, his neighbours houſe being thus on fire ; and to foſter a party
againſt ſo dangerous an incomer, that was likomo thruſt them all out of
door. Which induced him not only to entertain this ‘Prince, diſpofſeſt of
his right, but to enter league with him for the publick ſafety ; he takes to
wife Margaret, the Siſter of Edgar, (a Lady indued with all bleſſed vertues)
The King of
by whom the blood of our ancient Kings was preſerved, and conjoyned
league with
with the Norman in Henry the ſecond, and ſo became Engliſh again. Unto
the Engliſh
Edgar in Scotland, repaired the Earls Edwin and Morchar, Hereward, Gof-
Nobility, and
married Ed- patric, Steward, with others; and ſhortly after Stigand and Alred, Arch-
biſhops, with divers of the Clergy ; who in the third year of this Kings
reign, raiſed very great commotions in the North, beyond Humber, and
wrought moſt eagerly to recover their loft Country:But being now too late,
and the occaſion not taken before the ſetling of the government, whilſt it
1058.
was new, and branling, they prevailed nothing, but gave advantage to
Anno Reg.3. the Conqueror, to make himſelf more than he was : For all conſpiracies
of Subjects, if they ſucceed not, advance the Soveraignty ; and nothing
gave root to the Norman planting here, more than the petty revolts made
by diſſcattered Troops, in ſeveral parts begun without order, and followed
without reſolution, whereas nothing could be done for a general recovery,
but by a general ſublevation of the people, for which all wary preventions
were uſed, and they had waits enough laid on, to hold them down. And
theſe Lords imbroiled themſelves and held him doing in the North ; yet he
having all the South parts ſettled under his dominion, with well practiſed
and prepared Forces, there could be a little hope of good, whilſt all their .
greateſtates furniſhit the Normans, both in ſtate and means to ruine them.
The Earldom, and the Lands which Edwin held in Torkſhire, were given
to Alain, Earl of Britain, kinſman to the Conqueror ; the Arch-bilhop-
rick of Canterbury, conferr'd on Lanfranc, Abbot of Caen : That of
Tork, on Thomas his Chaplain ; and all the reſt both of the Clergy
and
Scots enters
gars filter.
!
1
1
The Life and Reign of William the Firft
.
39
;
and others which were out, had their places within ſupplied by Normans.
And after, King William had appeaſed a commotion in the Weſt, which
the Sons of Harald with Forces out of Ireland had raiſed and alſo expreſſed
the Rebellion of Excejter and Oxford, he takes his Journey in perſon North-
ward with all expedition (left the enemy there ſhould grow too high in
hcartand opinion, upon the great ſlaughter of his people made at Tork
and the defeature of liis Brother and Lieutenant, Robert Earl of Mortaine,
Alain with ſeven hundred Normars at Durham :) where at de firfi
coming he fo wrought that he either diſcomfeited, or corrupted the GC-
nerals of the Daniſh Forces (newly arrived to aid the Lords, ſent by.
Sw.zin King of Denm.irk, under the conduct of his two Sons, Harold and
Knute with a Navy of three hundred Sail :) And after ſets upon the Ar-
iny of the Lords, weakned both in ſtrength and hope by this departure of
their contederates, and puts thein to flight. Which donc, he utterly waſted
and laid deſolate all that goodly Country between Tork and Durhain,
the ſpace of 60 Miles; as it might be no more a ſuccour to the Enemy; and
the like courſe he uſed on all the Coaſts where any apt landings lay for in-
vaſions ; and ſo returns to London.
Moſt of the Lords after this defeat, came in upon publick faith given
them, and were conducted to Barkhamſted, by the Abbot Fredrike : where,
upon their ſubmiſſion and Oath of Allegiance re-taken, they had their par-
don and reſtitution of grace granted by the King, who it ſeems was fo wil-
ling to acquier them, that again he takes his perſonal Oath before the
Arch-Biſhop Lanfrancke, and the Lords, To obſerve the ancient Laws of the
Realm, eſtablished by his Noble Predeceſſours, the Kings of England, and espe-
cially of Edward the Confeſſor. Whereupon theſe ſtormy diſpoſitions held
calm a while.
But long it was not ere many of theſe Lords (whether upon intelligence
of new hopes from Prince Edgar (who was ſtill in Scotland,) or grown
deſperate of new diſpleaſure at home, finding ſmall performance of promi-
ſes made, rupture of Oath, and all other reſpects, brake out again. The
Earl Edwin making towards Scotland, was murdered by his own people.
The Lords Morchar and Hereward, betook him to the Iſle of Ely, mean-
ing to make good that place for that Winter ; whither alſo repaired
the Earl Syward, and the Bilhop of Durham out of Scotland. But the King
who was no time-giver unto growing dangers, beſets all the Iſle with flat
Boats on the Eaſt, and made a Bridge of two miles long on the Weſt, and
ſafely brought in his people upon the Enemy, who ſeeing themſelves ſur-
prized ; yeilded all to the Kings mercy, except Hereward, who deſperately
marched with his people through the Fens, and recovered Scotland: The
reſt were ſent to divers Priſons, where they died, or remained during the
Kings life. Thoſe Lords who perſiſted loyal upon his laſt ſubmiſſion, were
atlemployed and well graced with the King, as Edric the Foreſter (and firſt
that rebelled in his reign) was held in a clear truſt, and near about him,
Goſpatric he made Earl of Northumberland; and ſent him againſt Malcolin,
who in this time ſubdues the Countries of Tiſdal, Cleveland, and Cumber-
land: Waltheof, Son to the Earl Syward, he held ſo worthy to be made
his, as he inarried him to his Neece Judith, though lie had been a principal
actor in the Northern commotion (& in defending the City of Tork againſt
him, is ſaid to have ſtriken off the heads of divers Normans, one by one, as
they entred a breach, to the admiration of all about him) ſhewing therein
that true touch of the nobleſt nature, to love vertue in his Enemies.
E2
And
1074.
Anna Reg.s.
40 The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
.
Scotland before
nour in Scot-
Land
And now ſeeing Scotland to be the eſpecial retreat for all Conſpirators,
and diſcontented in his Kingdom, yeilding them continual ſuccour, and
aſſiſtance, and where his competitor Edgar lived, to beget and nurſe perpe-
tual matter for their hopes, and at hand for all advantages; he enters that
Kingdom with a puiſſant army, which encountring with more neceſſities
than forces, ſoon grew tyred,and both Kings conſidering of what difficulties
the Victory would conſift,were willing to take the ſafeſt way to their ends,
and upon fair overturns, to conclude a Peace ; Articling for the bounds of
each Kingdom, with the ſame title of Dominion, as in former times : All
delinquents, and their partakers generally pardoned.
Here with the univerſal turn of alterarion thus wrought in England,
this time gene.
Scotland (being a part of the body of this Ille) is noted to have likewiſe had a
rally ſpake a ſhare ; and as in the Court of England, the French tongue became generally
kind of Iriſ?.
ſpoken; ſo in that of Scotland did the Engliſh by reaſon of the multitude of
this Nation, attending both the Qrieen and her Brother Edgar, and daily
repairing thither for their ſafety, and combination againſt the common
Enemy; of whom divers abandoning their native diſtreſſed Country, were
by the bounty of that King preferred ; and there planted, ſpread their off-
ſpring into many Noble Families, remaining to this day : The titles of di-
Titles of Ho- ftinguiſhing degrees of honour , as of Duke, Earl, Baron, Rider, or Knight,
were then (as is thought) firſt introduced ; and the Nobler ſort began to be
called by the title of their Signories, (according to the French manner)which
before bare the name of the Father, with the addition of Mac, after the faſhi-
on of Ireland.Other innovations, no doubt,entred there likewiſe at the open-
ing of this wide mutation of ours, faſhion and imitation like weeds grow-
ing in every ſoyl.
1175
Shortly after this late made Peace, Prince Edgar voluntarily came in, and
Anno Reg. 9. fubmitted himſelf to the King, being then in Normandy, and was reſto-
•1176.
red to grace, and a fair maintenance,which held him ever after quiet. And
it made
well at that time for the Fortune of the King, howſoever for his own,
being thought to have ill-timed his affairs (either througlı want of ſeaſona-
ble intelligence, or deſpair of ſucceſs) in making too ſoon that ſubmiſſion,
which was later or never to be done. For in this abſence of the King, Roger
Fitz Auber, the young Earl of Hereford, contrary to his expreſs Command-
ment, gave his Siſter in marriage to Ralph Waber, Earl of Norfolk, and Suf-
folk, and at the great Solemnization thereof,the two Earls conſpired with
Euſtace Earl of Boloigne (who ſecretly came over to this Feſtival) and with
the Earl of Waltheof, and other Engliſh Lords, to call in the Daniſh, and by
main power to keep out and diſpoſſeſs the King. Who having thus paſſed
over ſo many gulfs of Foreign dangers, might little imagine of any wrack
ſo near liome;
and that thoſe whom he had moſt advanced ſhould have the
eſpecial hand in his deſtruction : But no rewards are benefits (that are not
held ſo )nor can ever clear the accounts with them that overvalue their
merits. And had not this opportunely been diſcovered (which ſome ſay,
that by the E. Waltheof, moved with the uglineſs of ſo foul an ingratitude)
they had put him again to the winning of England. But now the fire bewrayed
before it Aamed, was ſoon quenched by the diligence of Odon the Kings
Vicegerent,the Biſhop of Worceſter & others who kept the conſpirators from
joyning their Forces: So that they never came to make head, but were ei-
ther ſurprized,or forceci to fly. The E.Rag. Fitz Aber was taken,and ſome ſay
executed,and ſo was ſhortly after the E.Waltheof, whoſe diflent from the act,
could not get his pardon for his confent,though much compaſſion in reſpect
of 4
Anno Reg.
10.
1177
Anno Reg.
II.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
. 41
:
of his great worthineſs. But the wide diſtance of theſe tumors, fed from
many ſecret veins, ſeemed to be of that danger, as required this extremi-
ty of Cure,eſpecially in a part ſo apt for infection, upon any the like humours.
For this Conſpiracy ſeems to take motion from a general League of all
the Neighbour Princes hereabout, às may well be gathered by their ſeveral
actions. Firſt in the King of France by defending Dole in Britain (a Caſtle
of Ralph de Waber ) againſt the King of England, and likelihood, imploying
the Earl of Bologne towards the Conſpirators: In Swaine King of Den-
mark, by ſending a Navy of two Hundred Sail, under the conduct of his
Son Knute and others. Drone King of Ireland, by furniſhing the Sons
of Harald with ſixty five Ships. In Malcoline,and the Kings of Wales, by their
readineſs to aſſiſt. But the Danes being on the Coaſt,and hearing how their
confederates had ſped, with the great preparations the King had made, af-
ter ſome pillage taken upon the Coaſts of England and Flanders
, returned
home,and never after arrived to diſturb this Land. Though in Anno Reg.19.
Knute,then King of Denmark, after the Death of Swaine (intending to repair
the diſhonour of his two laſt adventures paſt) and to put for the Crown of
England, his predeceſſours had holden, prepared a Navy of a. Thouſand Sail,
and was aided with ſix Hundred more by Robert le Friſon Earl of Flanders
(whoſe Daughter he had married.) But the Winds held fo contrary for two
years together, as utterly qualht that enterprize, and freed the King, and
his ſucceſſors for ever after, from future moleſtation that
way.
But this buſineſs put the State to an infinite charge, the King entertain 1078.
ing all that time (beſides his Normans) Hugh, Brother to the King of France, Anno Reg.
with many Companies of French, finding the Engliſh (in reſpect of many 12.
great Families allied to the Danes) to incline rather to that Nation, than the
Norman,and had experience of the great and near intelligence continually
paſſing between them.
And theſe were all the Wars he had within the Kingdom, faving in An.
1079.
he ſubdued Wales,and brought the Kings there,to do him Homage. Anno Reg.
His Wars abroad, were all about his Dominions in France, firſt raiſed by his 13.
own Son Robert,left Lieutenant Governor of the Dutchy of Normandy, and The Kings of
County of Mayne,who in his fathers abſence, taſting the glory of command, mage to King
grew to aſſume the abſolute rule of the Province, cauſing the Barons there, Williams
to do lim Homage (as Duke) not as Lieutenant, and leagues him with the
King of Faance,who working upon the eaſineſs of his youth and ambition,
was glad to apprehend that occaſion to disjoynt his eſtate, who was grown
too great for him. And the profuſe largeſs,and diſorderly expence, where-
to Robert was addicted, is nouriſhed by all ways poſſible as the means to
imbark him in thoſe difficulties, of ſtill getting money, that could not
but yeild continual occaſion to entertain both his own diſcontent and
theirs, from whom his fupplies muſt be raiſed. And though thereby he pur-
chaſed the title of Courtois, yet he loſt the opinion of good government, and Robert of Nor-
conſtrained the Eſtates of Normandy, to complain to his father of the mandy titled
great concuſſion, and violent exactions he uſed amongſt them.
The Ring underſtanding the Fire thus kindled in his own houſe, that had
ſet others all in cumbuftion, haſtes with his Forces into Normandy, to have
ſurprized his Son, who advertiſed of his coming, furniſht with 2000 men at
Arms by the King of France,lay in ambuſh where he ſhould paſs,ſets upon him
defeated moſt of his people, & in the purſuit hapned to incounter with him-
ſelf,whom he unhorſed,& wounded in the arm with his Lance, but perceiv-
ing by his voice it was his Father,he haſted to remount him,humbly craving
E 3
pardon
Regni 13.
Courtois,
42
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
Anno Reg.
14.
Father.
Anno Reg.
Anno Reg.
16.
pardon for his offence: Which the father (ſeeing in what a caſe he was gran-
ted howſoever he gave,and upon his ſubmiſſion took him with him to Rouen,
whence, after cured of his hurt, returned with his Son William (likewiſe
wounded in the Fight) into England.
Iolo. Long was it not ere he was again informed of his Sons remutining, and
how he exacted upon the Normans uſurpt the intire Government,and urged
his Fatliers promiſe thereof, made him before the King of France, upon his
Robert Rebels conqueſt of England : Which cauſed his little ſtay here, but to make prepa-
againſt his
rations for his return into thoſe parts: Whether in paſſing he was driven on
the Coaſt of Spain, but at length at Burdeaux, with his great preparations
1081.
his Son Robert came in, and ſubmitted himſelf the ſecond time : Whom
he now took with him into England to frame him to better obedience, im-
15.
ployed him in the hard and neceſſitous Wars of Scotland ( the late
peace
being between the two Kings again broken) and after ſent him back, and
his young Son Henry, with the aſſociation of charge and like. power (but
of more truſt) to the government of Normandy.
After the two Princes had been there a while, they went to viſit the
1082.
King of France at Conſtance, where feaſting certain days, upon and after din-
ner, Henry won ſo much at Cheſs of Louis, the Kings eldeſt Son, as he
Louis and Hen- grew into Choller, called him the Son of a Baſtard, and threw the Chefs
74 Sons of the in his Face. Henry takes up the Cheſs-board, and ſtruck Louis, with that
gland & France. force, as drew blood, and had killed him, had not his Brother Robert come
in the mean time, and interpoſed himſelf : Whereupon they ſuddenly
took Horſe, and with much ado they recovered Pontioiſe from the Kings peo-
ple that purſued them. This quarrel ariſing,upon the inter-meeting of theſe
Princes ( a thing that ſeldom breeds good blood amongſt them) re-enkin-
dled a heat of more Rancour in the Fathers, and began the firſt War be-
tween the Engliſh and the French. For preſently the King of France, complots
again with Robert (impatient of a partner) enters Normandy, and takes the
City of Vernon. The King of England invades France, ſubdues the Country
1086.
of Zaintonge and Poictou,and returns to Rouen, where the third time, his Son
Robert is reconciled unto him, which much diſappoints and vexes the King
of France, who thereupon, ſummons the King of England to do him homage
for the Kingdom of England, which he refuſed to do, ſaying, He had it of
King William
none but of God and his Sword. For the Dutchy of Normandy he offers him
Homage for Homage : But that would not ſatisfie the King of France, whom nothing
King of France. would, but what he could not have, the Maſtery, and ſeeks to make an
occaſion the motive of his quarrel : And again invades his territories, but
with more loſs than profit, in the end, they concluded a certain Crazy
peace, which held no longer than King William had recovered a ſickneſs,
whereinto (through his late Travel
, Age, and Corpulency) he was falne,at
which time, the King of France, then young and luſty, jeſting at his great
Belly, whereof he ſaid he lay in at Rouen, ſo irritated him, as he being re-
1087. covered, he gathers all his beſt Forces, enters France in the chiefeſt time of
their Fruits, making ſpoil of all in his way,till he came even to Paris,where
the King of France then was to whom he fends,to ſhew him of his up-fitting;
and from thence marches to the City of Mants, which he utterly fackt and
in the deſtruction thereof, got his own, by the ſtrain of his Horſe, among
the breaches, and was then conveyed Sick to Rouen ,and ſo ended his Wars.
Now for his government in peace, and the courſe he held in the eſta-
ment in peace. blishing the Kingdom thus gotten; firſt after he had repreſt the conſpira-
cies in the North, and well quieted all the other parts of the State (which
Anno Reg.
20.
denies to do
Anno Reg.
21.
His
govern-
now
1
+
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
. 43
What were
1
Societies of men, and ſerved the turn to hold them together in all Coun-
now being abſolutely his, lie would have to be ruled by his own Law) he
began to govern all by the Cuſtoms of Normandy. Whereupon the agrei-
ved Lords, and ſad people of England, tender their humble Petition, Be-
Seeching him in regard of bis Oath made at his Coronation: And by the Soul of
Saint Edward, from whom he had the Crown and Kingdom: Under whoſe Laws.
they were Born and Bred, that he would not add that miſery, to deliver them
up to be judged by a ſtrange Law they underſtood not. And ſo earneſtly
they wrought, that he was pleaſed to confirm that by his Charter, which
he had twice fore-promiſed by his Oath: And gave commandment unto the Laws of
his Juſticiaries to ſee thoſe Laws of Saint Edward (ſo called) not that he Englan.l
.
made them, but Collected them out of Merchen-law, Dane-law, and Weſt-
ſex-law, to be inviolably obſerved throughout the Kingdom. And yet not-
withſtanding this confirmation,and the Charters afterward granted by Hen-
ry the First, Henry the Second, and King Jolin, to the ſame efiect; there fol-
lowed a great innovation both in the Laws and Government in England,
ſo that this ſeems rather to be done to acquit the people, with a fhew of the
Continuation of their ancient Cuſtoms and Liberties,than that they enjoyed
them in effect. For the little conformity between them of foriner times,
and theſe that followed upon this change of State, flew from what head
they ſprang. And though there might be ſome veins iſſuing from former The original
originals
, yet the main Stream of our Common Law, with the practice of the Com-
thereof, ficwed out of Normandy, notwithſtanding all objections can be now uſed.
made to the contrary.For before theſe Collections of the Confeſſors, there was
no Univeríal Law of the Kingdom, but every ſeveral Province held their
own Cuſtoińs, all the inhabitants from Humber to Scotland uſed the Danique
Law : Mërchland,the midſt of the Country.;& the State of the Weſt Saxons,
had their ſeveral Conſtitutions, as being ſeveral Dominions; and though
for ſome few years, there feemed to be a reduction of the Heptarchy, into
a Monarcly, yet held it not ſo long together (as we may ſee in the ſucceſſi-
on of a broken government) as to ſettle one form or order currant over all,
but that every Province, according to their particular Founders, had their
Cuſtoms a part,and held nothing in common (beſides Religion and the con-
ſtitutions thereof) but with the univerſality of Merm & Tuum, ordered ac-
cording to the rites of Nations and that fus innatum,the Common Law of all
the World ; which we fee to be as Univerſal, as are the Cohabitations, and
trics; howſoever they may differ in their forms. So that by theſe paſſages,
we ſee what way we came, where we are, and the furtheft end we can dilco-
ver of the original of our Common Law,and to ſtrive to look beyond this,
is to look into an uncertain Vaftneſs, beyond our diſcerning. Nor can it
detract from the glory of good Cuſtoms, if they bring but a pedigree of
600 years to approve their gentillity ; ſeeing it is the Equity, and not the
Antiquity of Laws, that makes them venerable,and by the integrity of the
profeſſors thereof,the profeſſion honored. And it were well with mankind,
if days brought not their Corruptions, and good orders were continued
with that providence, as they were inſtituted. But this alteration of the
Laws of England bred moſt heavy Doleances, not only in this Rings time,
but long after : For whereas before, thoſe Laws they had, were writ-
ten in their own tongue, intelligible to all ; now are they tranſlated into
Latine and French, and practiſed wholly in the Norman form and Langua- The Law of
ges; thereby to draw the people of this Kingdom, to learn that ſpeech England put
into a Foreign
for their own need, which otherwiſe they would not do; and ſeeing a
Language.
difference
1
!
44 The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
difference in tongue,would not continue a difference in affections;all means
were wrought to reduce it to one Idiom, which yet was not in the power of
the Conqueror to do, without the extirpation, or over-laying the Land-
bred people ; who being ſo far in number (as they were) above the In-
vadors; both retain the main of the Language, and in few years, have
thoſe who ſubdued them, undiſtinguiſhably theirs. For notwithſtanding
the former Conqueſt by the Danes, and now this by the Norman (the ſolid
body of the Kingdom ſtill conſiſted of the Engliſ) and the acceſſion of
ſtrange people, was but as Rivers to the Ocean, that changed not it, but were
changed into it.And though the King laboured what he could, to turn all in-
to French, By enjoyning their Children here to uſe no other Language with their
Grammer in Schools,to have the Laws practiſed in French,all Petitions and buſi-
neſs of Court in French, no man graced but he that Spake French ; yet ſoon
after his days, all returns natural Engliſh again (but Law) and that ſtill
held Foreign, and became in the end wholly to be incloſed in that Langu-
age ; nor have we now other mark of our ſubjection and invaſſalage from
Normandy, but only that,and that ſtill ſpeaks French to us in England.
And herewithal, New Terms, New Conſtitutions, New forms of Pleas, New
Offices, and Courts, are now introduced by the Normans, a people more in-
ured to litigation, and of ſpirits more impatient and contentious, than were
the Engliſh who(by reaſon of their continual War, wherein law is not born,
and labour to defend the publick) were more at unity in their private, and
that ſmall time of Peace they had, Devotion, and good fellowſhip enter-
tained. For their Laws and Conſtitutions before, we ſee them, Plain,
Brief, and Simple, without perplexities, having neither fold nor pleit; com-
manding, not diſputing: Their grants and tranſactions as brief and ſimple,
which ſhewed them a clear-meaning people,retaining ſtill the nature of that
plain realneſs they brought with them, uncompoſed of other faſhion than
their own, and unaffecting imitation.
And for their Tryals (in caſes criminial) where manifeſt proof failed, they
continued their ancient Cuſtom, held from before their Chriſtianity (un-
til this great alteration) which Tryals they called Ordeal ; or (fignifying)
Right,Deale, Part,whereof they had theſe kinds, Ordeal by Fire which was for the
better fort, and by Water for the inferiour:That of Fire, was to go Blindfold over
The Engliſh certain Plough-ſpares, made red hot, and laid an uneven diſtance one from anc-
tryals in caſes ther. That of Water was either of hot or cold, in the one to put their Arms to the
Elbow, in the other to be caſt Headlong. According to their eſcapes or hurts,
they were adjudged : Such as were.caſt into tbe Rivers, if they Sunk, were held
Guiltleſs, if not, Culpable, as ejected by that Element. Theſe Trials they called
the judgments of God, and they were performed with folemn Oraiſons. In ſome
Men of ability caſes, the accuſed was admitted to clear himſelf by receiving the Euchariſt
, or
by his own Oatlı, or the Oathes of two or three ; but this was for eſpecial per-
their Oathes. fons, and ſuch, whoſe livings were of a rate allowable thereunto, the uſual
opinion perſwading them, that men of ability held a more regard of ho-
ncſty.
With theſe, they had the Trial of Camp-fight, or fingle Combat ( which
likewiſe the Lumbards, originally of the ſame German Nation, brought in-
to Ilaly, permitted by the Law, in caſes either of Safety, and Fame, or Poleſlions.
All which Trials, thewed them to be ignorant in any other form of Law,
or to neglect it ; nor would they be induced to forgo theſe Cuſtoms, and
determine their affairs by Imperial or Pontifical Conſtitutions, no more
than would the Lumbards forſake their duellary Laws in Italy, which their
Princes
Criminal
cleared by
+
1
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
. 45
The continua
peace.
Princes (againſt ſome of their wills) were conſtrained to ratifie, as Luyt-
prandus their King thus ingenuouſly confeſſes: We are uncertain of the judge-
ment of God, and we have heard many by fight to bave loſt their cauſe ; yet in
reſpet of the Cuſtom of our Nation, we cannot avoid an impious Law. But all
theſe Forms of judgements and Trials, had their ſeaſons; thoſe of Fire and
Water, in ſhort time after the Conqueſt
, grew dif-uſed, and in the end ut-
terly abrogated by the Pope, as derived from Paganiſm : That of Com-
The Engliſh
bate continued longer-lived, but of no ordinary uſe : And all actions now, Trials.
both criminal and real, began to be wholly adjudged by the verdict of
twelve men, according to the cuftom of Normandy, where the like form
is uſed, and called by the name of Enquejt, with the ſame cautions for the
Jurors, as it is here continued to this day. Although ſome hold opinion, that
this form of trial, was of uſe in this Kingdom from all Antiquity, and al-
ledge an Ordinance of King Ethelred (Father to the Confelor) willing in
their Gemote or conventions, monthly held in every Hundred, twelve grave
men of free Condition, Jhould with the Greve, the Chief Officer amongſt them,
ſwear upon the Evangeliſts, to judge every mans cauſe aright. But here we ſee
twelve men were to be aſſeſſors with the Greve to judge, and no Jurors,ac-
cording to this manner of Trial now uſed; beſides had there been any
ſuch form, we ſhould aſwel have heard thereof in their Laws and Practice,
ás of thoſe other kinds of Ordeal, only and uſually mentioned.
But whatſoever innovations were in all other things the government of the
peace and ſecurity of the Kingdom (which moſt imported the King to look tion of the
to) ſeems to be continued as before,& for that buſineſs he found here better Law for the
Laws eſtabliſhed, by the wary care of our former Kings, than any
he
could bring.Amongſt which eſpecially was the Borough Lay,whereby every Free
man of the Commons ſtood as furety for each others behaviour, in this fort.
The Borough
The Kingdom was divided into Slires or Shares, every Shire conſiſt-
ing of ſo many Hundreds, and every Hundred of a number of Boroughs,
Villages,or Tythings, containing ten houſholders, whereof, If any one ſhould
commit an unlawful act, the other nine were to attach and bring him to reaſon :
If he fled,thirty one days were enjoyned him to appear ; if in the mean time ap-
prehended, he was made to reſtore the Damage done ; otherwiſe the Free-borough-
bead(to ſay the Tything-man) was to take with him two of the fameVillage, and Saxon Laws.
out of three other Villages next adjoyning as many (that is, the Tything-man, and
two other of the principal men) and before the Officers of that Hundred, purge
himſelf and the Village of the fait, reſtoring the Damage done with the goods of Lambert
.
the malefactor ; which if they ſufficed not to ſatisfie, the Free-borough, or Tý-
thing, muſt make up the reſt, and beſides take an Oath to be no way acceſſary to the
fact; and to produce the Offender, if by any means they could recover him, or
know where he were. Beſides every Lord and Maſter, ſtood Borough, for all
his Family, whereof, if.any Servant were called in queſtion, the Maſter was to ſee
him anſwer it in the Hundred, where he was accuſed. If he fled, the Maſter was
to yeild ſuch goods as he had to the King. If himſelf were accuſed to be aiding or
privy to his Servants flight, he was to clear himſelf by five Men, otherwiſe to
forfeit all his goods to the King, and his Man to be Out-lawed.
Theſe links thus intermutually faſtened, made ſo ſtrong a Chain to hold
the whole Frame of the State together in peace and order, as all the moſt
politick regiments upon Earth, all the inter-leagued Societies of men,
cannot thew us a ſtraighter Form of combination. This might make the
Conquerour, coming upon a people (thus Law-bound Hand and Foot) to
eſtabliſh him ſo ſoon, and eaſily as he did; this Borough-law ( being as a
Cittadel
Law of the
Saxons.
:
+
46
.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
The order of
Cittadel, built to guard the Commonwealth ; coming to be pofTeft by a
Conquering Maſter) was made to turn all this Ordnance upon the State,
and Batter her ſelf with her own weapon, and this Law may be ſome cauſe,
No popularin we find no popular inſurrection before the Conqueſt. For had not this PCO-
fore the con- ple been bound with theſe Fetters and an idle peace (but had lived looſe,and
queſt. in action) it is like they would have done as nobly, and given as many, and
as deep wounds ere they loſt their Country, as ever the Britains did, ei-
ther againſt the Romans, or the Saxons, their predeceſſors, or themſelves had
done againſt the Danes, a people far more powerful, and numerous than
theſe. The Conquerour without this, had not made it the work of one day,
nör had Normandy ever been able to have yeilded thoſe multitude for ſup-
plies, that many Battels muſt have had.
The means u But now, Firſt, the executing this Law. Secondly, diſ-weaponing the Com-
fed by the Nor- mons. Thirdly, preventing their night-meetings with a heavy Penalty, that
blith his con- every man at the day cloſing, ſhould cover bis Fire, and depart to his rest
.
queſt, Altera- Fourthly, erecting divers Fortreſſes, in fit parts of the Kingdom. Fifthly, col-
Government. lating all offices,both of Command, and Judicature, on thoſe who were his ; made
his domination as he would have it.
And whereas before the Biſhop and the Aldermen were the abſolute
Judges to determine all buſineſs in every Shire,and the Biſhop in many caſes
hared in the benefits of the Mulcts with the King; now he confined the
Clergy, within the Province of their own Eccleſiaſtical juriſdiction, to
deal only in buſineſs concerning rule of Souls, according to the Canons,
and Laws Epiſcopal.
And whereas the cauſes of the Kingdom were before determined in eve-
deciding con ry Shire, and by a Law of King Edward Senior, all matters in queſtion
lhould, upon eſpecial Penalty, without further deferment, be finally deci-
ded in their Gemote, or conventions held monthly in every Hundred, now he
ordained; That four times in the year, for certain days the ſame buſineſſes
lhould be determined in ſuch place as he would appoint, where he conſtituted
Judges to attend for that purpoſe,and others, as from whom, as from the Boſom of
the Prince, all litigators ſhould have Juſtice, and from whom was no appeal. O-
inſtituted by
thers. he appointed for the punishment of malefactors, called Juſticiarij
Pacis.
What alteration was then made in the tenure of mens poſſeſſions, or ſince
on of Tenures. introduced, we may find by taking note of their former uſances. Our Ance-
Itors had only two kinds of tenures,Book-land, and Folk-land, the one a poſſeſſion
by writing the other without. That by writing was a free-hold, and by Charter, he-
reditary,with all immunities and for the free and nobler ſort, that without wri-
ting, was to hold at the will of the Lord, 'bound to rents and ſervices, and was
for the rurar people. The inheritances deſcended not alone, but after the Ger-
man manner, equally divided to all the Children, which they called Land-Skiſtan,
to ſay, Part-land, a Cuſtom yet continued in ſome places of Kent, by the name
of Gavel-kin, of Gifeal-kin: And hereupon ſome write how the people of
that Country, retained their ancient Laws and Liberties, by eſpecial grant
from the Conquerour, who after his Battel at Haſtings, coming to Dover,
to make all ſure on that fide,was incompaſſed by the whole people of that
The Cuſtoms Province,carrying Boughs of Trees in their hands,and marching round
abɔut
of Kene preſer-him like a moving wood. With which ſtrange and ſudden ſhew being much
ved by the me-moved, the Arch-Biſhop Stigand,and the Abbot Egelſin,who had raiſed this
Arch-bilhop commotion by ſhiewing the people in what danger they were, utterly to
Stigand. loſe their Liberties,& to endure the perpetual miſery of ſervitude, under the
domination
troverſies in
the Saxons
time,
New orders
the Normans.
W
The alterati-
Lanibert.
Free-hold.
1
The Tenure
of Guvel kin.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt. 47
domination of ſtrangers) preſent themſelves and declared, How they were the
univerſal people of the Country, gathered together in that manner with boughs
in their hands, either as Olive branches of interceſſion, for peace and liberty; or
to intangle him in his paſſage, with reſolution rather to leave their lives, than
that which was dearer, their freedom. Whereupon they ſay, the Conqueror
granted them the continuation of their former Cuſtoms and Liberties :
Whereof notwithſtanding they now retain no other, thian fuch as are com-
mon with the reſt of the Kingdom.
For ſuch as were Tenants at the will of their Lords (which now grown Geruafius
.
to a greater number, and more miſerable than before) upon their petition Tilburienfis.
and compaſſion of their oppreſſion he releived; their caſe was this. All ſuch Dialog. Scace.
as were diſcovered to have had a hand in any Rebellion,and were pardoned
only to enjoy the benefit of life, having all their livelihood taken from
them, became vaſſals unto thoſe Lords to whom the poſſeſſions were given,
of all ſuch Lands forfeited by attaindors. And if by their diligent ſervice,
they could attain any portion of ground, they held it but only ſo long as it Villanage
.
pleaſed their Lords, without having any eſtate for themſelves, or their chil-
dren ; and were oftentimes violently caſt out upon any ſmall diſpleaſure,
contrary to all right; whereupon it was ordained, that whatſoever they had
obtained of their Lords, by their obſequious ſervice, or agreed for by any
lawful pact, they ſhould hold by an inviolable Law, during their own lives
.
The next great work after the ordering his Laws, was the raiſing and
diſpoſing of his revenues, taking a courſe to make and know the utmoſt of
his eſtate, by a general ſurvey of his Kingdom, whereof he had a preſident A ſurvey
by the Dome Book of Wincheſter, taken before by King Alfred. But as one made ofthe
day informs another, ſo theſe actions of profit grew more exact in their af- Kingdom.
ter practice ; and a larger Commiſſion is granted, a choice of Skilfuller men
imployed, to take the particulars both of his own poſſeſſions, and every
mans elſe in the Kingdom, the nature and the quality of their Lands, their e-
ſtates, and abilitics, beſides the deſcriptions, bounds, and diviſions of Shires, Gervaſius Ti.-
and Hundreds, and this was drawn into one Book, and brought into his burienfis
.
Treaſury, then newly called the Exchequer (according to the foveraign deosebook
.
Court of that name of Normandy) before termed here Talee,and it was called
the Dome Book (Liber judicarius) for all occaſions concerning theſe parti-
culars.
All the Foreſts and Chaſes of the Kingdom, he ſeized into his own pof- Ibid.
ſeſſion; and exempted them from being under any other Law than his own
pleaſure, to ſerve as Penetralia Regum, the withdrawing Chambers of
to recreate them after their ſerious labours in the State, where none
other might preſume to have to do, and where all puniſhments and pardons
of delinquents were to be diſpoſed by himſelf abſolutely, and all former
cuſtoms abrogared; and to make his command the more, he increaſed the
number of them in all the parts of the Land,and on the South coaſt dil-peo-
pled the Country for above thirty miles fpace, making of old inhabited pof- The new for-
reſt in Hamp-
ſeſſions
, a new Foreſt, inflicting moſt ſevere puniſhments for hunting his fire
.
.
Deer, and thereby much advances his revenues. An act of the greateſt con-
cuſſion and Tyranny, le committed in his reign, and which purchaſed him
much hatred. And the ſame courſe held (almoſt every King near the Con-
queſt) till this heavy greivance was allayed by the Charter of Foreſts,
granted by Henry the third.
He impoſed
Beſides theſe, he impofed no new taxations on the State, and uſed thoſe
he found very moderately, as Danegelt an impoſition of two Shillings upon ons
.
every
Kings,
1
no new taxati-
48
.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt
.
A
1
The Cuſtoms
of Fifts.
means he in-
every Hide or Plough-land (raiſed firſt by King Ethelred, to bribe the Danes,
after to War upon them)he would not have it made an annual payment,but
only taken upon urgent occaſion, and it was ſeldom gathered in his time,
or his ſucceſſors (faith Gervaſius, ) yet we find in our annals, a tax of fix
íbillings upon every Head-land, levied preſently after the general ſurvey of
The occaſion
of paying E-
the Kingdom. Eſcuage (whether it were an impoſition formerly laid,
cuage.
though now newly named, I do not find) was a ſumm of money, taken
of every Knights Fee : In after times, eſpecially raiſed for the ſervice of
Scotland, and this alſo, faith Gervaſius, was ſeldom levied but on great oc,
caſion, for ſtipends, and donatives to Souldiers, yet was it at firſt a due, re-
ſerved out of ſuch Lands as were given by the Prince for ſervice of War, ac-
cording to the Cuſtoms of other Nations. As in the Romans time we find
Lands were given in reward of ſervices to the men of War, for term of
their lives, as they are at this day in Turkey. After they became patrimoni-
al, and hereditary to their Children. Severus the Emperour was the firſt
who permitted the children of men of War to enjoy their Fifts, provided
that they followed Arms. Conſtantine to reward his principal Captains,
granted them a perpetuity in the Lands aſſigned them. The eſtates which
were but for life,were made perpetual in France under the laſt Kings of the
By what
race of Charlemain. Thoſe Lords who had the great Fifts of the King, ſub-
creaſed his divided them to other perſons, of whom they were to have ſervice.
Revenues.
Mulctuary profits, beſides ſuch as might ariſe by the breach of the Fo-
reſt-laws, he had few or none new, unleſs that of murder, which aroſe
upon this occaſion. In the beginning of his reign, the rancour of the Engliſh
towards the new-come Normans, was ſuch, as finding them ſingle in Woods,
or remote places,they ſecretly murdered them,and the deed doers (for any
the feyereſt courſes taken) could never be diſcovered: Whereupon it was
The Law for ordained, that the Hundred, wherein a Norman was found Nain, and the
murder renu- murderer not taken,ſhould be condemned to pay the King, fome 26 pounds,
ed, fir it made ſome 28 pounds,according to the quantity of the Hundred, that the puniſh-
by .
ment being generally inflicted, might particularly deter them, and haſten
the diſcovery of the malefactor,by whom ſo many muſt (otherwiſe) be in-
tereffed.
For his proviſionary revenues, he continued the former Cuſtom held by
Gervaſius Til.
his Predeceſſors, which was in this manner. The Kings Tenants, who held
the Lands of the Crown, paid no money at all, but only Victuals, Wheat,
Beefs, Mutton, Hay,Oates,&c. And a juſt note of the quality and quantity
of
every mans ratement was taken throughout all the Shires of the King.
dom, and levied ever certain, for the maintenance of the Kings Houſe.
Other ordinary In-come of ready moneys was there none, but what was
aiſed by mulcts, and out of Cities and Caſtles where Agriculture was not
uſed ; what the Church yeilded him, was by extent of a power that never
King William reached ſo far before,and the firſt hand he laid upon that ſide, which weigh-
ed heavily, was his ſeizing upon the Plate, Jewels, and Treaſure within all
the Treaſury
committed to the Monaſteries of England, pretending the Rebels and their aſſiſtants had
put their riches into theſe Religious houſes ( as into places priviledged
conveyed from ſeizure ) to defraud'him thereof.
Beſides this, he made all Biſhopricks and Abbyes, that held Baronics
(before that time free from all ſecular ſervices ) contributary to his Wars,
and his other occaſions. And this may be the cauſe why they, who tlien
only held the Pen (the Scepter that rules over the memory of Kings) have
laid ſuch an eternal impoſition upon his name, of rigour, oppreſſion, and
ſeized upon
Monaſteries.
cven
+
The Life and Reign of William the Firft. 49
1
His Counſel-
even barbarous immanity,as they have done. When the nature and necef-
fary diſpoſition of his affairs (being as he was) may advocate for him, and
in many things much excuſe his courſes. But this name of Conqueſt,which
ever imports violence and miſery,is of ſo harſh a found,and ſo odious in na-
ture, as a people ſubdued cannot give a Conquerour his due (however wor-
tly) and eſpecially to a ſtranger,whom only time muſt naturalize,and incor-
porate by degrees, into their liking and opinion; and yet therein this King
was greatly advantaged,by reaſon of his twenty years government, which
had much impaired the Memory of former Cuſtoms in the younger fort,
and well inured the elder to the preſent uſances and form of State, whereby
the rule was made more eaſie to his Sons : Who (though they were far
inferiour to him in worth) were ſomewhat better beloved than he; and the
rather, for that their occaſions made them ſomewhat to unwreſt the Sove-
raignty from tliat height, wherсunto he had ſtrained it.
How he was underlet with able Miniſters for the managing of theſe great
affairs of his though time liath ſhut us out from the knowledge of ſome of
them (it being in the Fortune of Kings, to have their Miniſters like Rivers in
the Ocean,buried in their glory) yet no doubt,being of a ſtrong conſtitution
of Judgement, he could not but be ſtrongly furniſhed in that kind, for weak
Kings have ever weak ſides, and the moſt renowned Princes are always
beſt ſtored with able Miniſters. The principal of higheſt imployment, were
Odon Biſhop of Bayeux, and the Earl of Kent : Lanfranc Archbiſhop of Can-Tors.
terbury, and William Fitz Auber, Earl of Hereford: Odon ſupplied the place
of Viceroy in the Kings abſence and had the management of the Treaſury :
A man of a wide and agile ſpirit, let out into as ſpacious a conceit of
great-
neſs as the heighth of his place could ſhew him: And is rumoured by the in-
finite accumulation of money (which his avarice and length of office had
made) either to buy the Popedom, or to purchaſe the people of England
upon
the death of the King his Brother : Who (underſtanding he had a pur-
poſe of going to Rome, and ſeeing a mighty confluence of Followers gathe-
ring unto him) made a cloſe priſon ſtay his journey : excuſing it to the
Church, that he impriſoned not a Biſhop of Bayeux, but an Earl of Kent, an
Officer accomptant unto him. Yet upon his Death-bed ſhortly following(af- of Bayeux as
ter many
obſecrations that he would, in reſpect of blood and nature, be a an Earl of
kind mean for the future peace of his Sons) he releaſed him.
But the Biſhop failed his requeſt therein, and became the only kindle-fire
to ſet them all into more furious combuſtion. The motive of his diſcontent Reſerved for
(the engine wherewith all Ambition evermore turns about her intentions) greater miſ-
was the envy he bare to Lanfranc, whoſe counſel, in his greateſt affairs, the
King eſpecially uſed : And to oppoſe and over-bear him, he took all the
.contrary courſes,and part with Robert, his Nephew, whom (after many for-
tunes) he attended to the Holy War, and died in the ſiege of Antioch.
Lanfranc was a Man of as univerſal Goodneſs as Learning, born in Lom.
Lanfranc.
bardy, and came happily a ſtranger in theſe ſtrange times to do good to Eng-
land; upon whoſe obſervance, though the King might (in regard he raiſed
him) lay ſome tye, yet his affections could not but take part with his Piery
and Place: Infomuch as he feared not to oppoſe againſt Odon the Kings Bro-
ther, ſeeking to gripe from the State of his Church: And all he could, ſtood
ſo between the Kingdom and the Kings rigour, as ſtayed many precipitious
violences that he (whoſe power lay as wide as his will) might elſe have faln
into. For the Conquerour (howſoever auſtere to others) was to him always
mild and yeilding, as if ſubdued with gravity and vertue.
F
Hel
Kent, commit-
ted to Priſon.
T
50 The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
:
Ition of the
Laws in his
Province.
He reformed the irregularity and rudeneſs of the Clergy, introducing a
The reforma- more Southern formality and reſpect, according to his breeding, and the
Clergy by
Cuſtom of his Country : Concurring herein likewiſe to be an Actor of alte-
Lanfranc. ration (though in the beſt kind) with this change of State. And to give en-
tertainment to Devotion, he did all he could to furniſh his Church with the
moſt exquiſite ornaments might be procured : Added a more State & conve-
niency to the ſtructure of religious houſes and began the Founding of Hof-
pitals. Having long ſtruggled, with indefatigable
labour, to hold things in
an even courle, during the whole Reign of this buſie new. State-building
King : And after his Death, ſeeing his Succeſſour in the Crown (eſtabliſhed
eſpecially by his means) to fail his expectation ; out of the experience of
worldly cauſes, divining of future miſchiefs by preſent courſes, grew much
to lament (with his Friends) the tediouſneſs of life, which ſhortly after he
mildly left, with ſuch a ſickneſs,as neither hindred his ſpeech nor memory :
a thing he would often deſire of God.
William Fitz Auber (as is delivered) was a principal Counſellor and inſtru-
ment in this action for England, wherein he furnished forty Ships at his own
charge. A Man of great means, yet of a hcart greater, and a hand larger
than
any means would well ſuffice. His profuſe liberalities to men of Arms,
gave often ſharp offence to the King, who could not endure any ſuch impro-
vident expences. Amongſt the Laws he made (which ſhews the power
William Fire theſe Earls then had in their Provinces) he ordained, That in the County of
Hereford made Hereford, no man of War Cor Souldier) ſpould be fined for any offence whatſoever
above ſeven ſhillings : when in other countries, upon the leaſt occaſion
of diſobeying their Lords will, they were forced to pay 2.0.0r 25 ſhillings
.
But his eſtate ſeeming to beår no proportion with his mind, and enough it
was not to be an eminent Earl, an eſpecial Counſellor in all the affairs of
England and Normandy;a chief Favourite to ſogreat a Monarch, but that lar-
ger hopes drew him away, déſigning to marry Richeld, Counteſs Dowager
of Flanders,& to have the government of that Country, during the Non-age
of Arnulph her Son; of whom, with the King of France, he had the tutelary
clarge committed by Baldouin the fixth, Father to Arnulph; whoſe eſtate
Robert le Friſon his "Uncle (called by the people to the government, upon
the exactions inflicted on them
by Richeld) had uſurped. And againſt them
Fitz Auber oppoſing, was with Arnulph ſurprized and fļain.
And this was in the Fate of the Conquerour, to ſee moſt of all theſe
great Men, who had been the eſpecial Actors in all his Fortunes, ſpent
and extinct before him : As Beaumont, Monfort, Harcourt, Hugh de Gour-
ney, Vicount Nèéle; Hugh de Mortimer, Conté de Vannes, &c. And now
The death of himſelf
, after his being brought ſick to Rouan, and there diſpoſing his eſtate,
ended alſo his act in the 74 year of his age, and the one and twenty of his
Reigh.
His Corpſe
Three days the Corpſe of this great Monarch is ſaid to have lain
neg
lay unburied lected, while his ſervants attending to imbaſle his moveables : In the end
his youngeſt Son Henry, had it conveyed to the Abbey of Canç ,where firſt
at the entry into the Town, tlíey who carried the Corpſe, left it alone, and
ranto quench' a Houſe on fire ? afterward brought to be intombed, a Gen-
His interment tleman ſtands forth, & in ſtern manner, forbids the interment in that place,
claiming the ground to ķe his inheritance, deſcended from his Anceſtors,&
taken from him at the building of that Abbey, appealing to Row, their firſt
Founder for Juſtice: Whereupon they were fajn to compound with him
for an Annual reht. "Such ado had the Body of him after death (who
had
i
1
William the
firſt.
:0
ܕ ܐ ܐ
1
.
1
4
hindred.
The Life and Reign of William the Firſt.
51
His iſſue.
of Willi.in
1
had made fomuchi in his life) to be brouglit to the earth; and of all he attain-
ed, had not now a room to contain him, without being purchaſed at the
hand of another, men eſteeming a living Dog more than a dead Lyon.
He had a fair iſſue by Maud his Wife, four Sons, and fix Daughters. To
Robert his eldeſt,he left the Dutchy of Normandy: To William the third Son,
the Kingdom of England:to Henry the youngeſt,his treaſure, with an annu-
al penſion to be paid him by his Brother. Richard who was his ſecond Son
and his Darling, a Prince of great liope, was ſlain by a Stag hunting in the
new Foreſt, and began the fatalneſs that followed in that place,by the death
of William the ſecond, there ſlain with an arrow; and of Richard the Son of
Robert Duke of Normandy, who brake his Neck.
His eldeſt Daughter Cicile,became a Nun; Conſtance married to the Earl
of Brittain ; Adula to Stephen Earl of Blois, who likewiſe rendred her felf
a Nun in her age; ſuch was then their Devotion, and ſo much were theſe
ſolitary retires effected by the greateſt Ladies of thoſe times : Gundred mar-
ried to William de Warrein, the firſt Earl of Surry, the other two, Ela or
Adeliza and Margaret died before marriage.
Now, what he was in the circle of himſelf in his own continent, we find The diícripti-
him of an even ſtature, comely perſonage, of good preſence, riding, ſitting the first.
or ſtanding, till his corpulency increaſing with age, made him ſomewhat
unweildy,of fo ſtrong a conſtitution, as he was never fickly till a few months
before his death. His ſtrength ſuch, as few men could draw his Bow, and
being about fifty of his age, when he ſubdued this Kingdom, it ſeems by
his continual actions, he felt not the weight of years upon him till his laſt
year.
What was the compoſition of his mind; we ſee it (the faireſt) drawn in
his actions,and how his abilities of Nature, were anſwerable to his underta-
kings of Fortune, as pre-ordained for the great work he effected. And
though he might have ſome advantage of the time, wherein we often fee
men prevail more by the imbecillity of others, than their own worth ; yet
let the ſeaſon of that world be examined, and a juſt meaſure taken out of
his active vertues,they will appear of an exceeding proportion : Nor want-
ed he tlioſc encounters and concurrences of ſufficient able Princes, to put
him to the trial thereof: Having on one ſide the French to grapple withal,
on the other the Danes, far mightier in People and Shipping than liimſelf
,
ſtrongly ſided in this Kingdom, as eager to recover their former footing
here, as ever, and as well or better prepared.
För his Devotion and Mercy, the brighteſt Stars in the Sphere of Majeſty, His Devotion
they appear above all his other vertues, and the due obſervation of the and Mercy.
firſt, the Clergy, (that loved him not) confeſs : The other was ſeen, in
in the often pardoning, and receiving into grace, thoſe (who rebelled
againſt him) as if he held ſubmiſſion ſatisfactory, for the greateſt offence,
and fought not to defeat Men, but their enterprizes : For we find but one
Noble-man executed in all his Reign,and that was the Earl Waltheof, who Noble-man
had twice falſified his Faith before:And thoſe he held Priſoners in Normandy, Executed in
as the Earls Morchar & Syward, with Wolnoth,the Brother of Harald,& others all the time of
(upon compaſſion of their indurance) he releaſed a little before his death. Reign.
Beſides, he was as far from ſuſpicion, as cowardize,and of that confidence
an eſpecial note of liis Magnanimity) as he gave Edgar his Competitor
in the Crown, the liberty of his Court : And (upon his ſuit) ſent him well
furniſht to the Holy War, where he Nobly behaved himſelf, and attained
to great eſtimation, with the Emperours of Greece and Almaine: Which
F2
might
1
i
1
But one
1
11
52
The Life and Reign of William the Second.
His works of
Piety.
might have been held dangerous in reſpect of his alliances that way, being
Grand-child to the Emperour Henry the third.:But theſe may be as well ver-
tues of the Times,as of Men,and ſo the age muſt have part of this commen-
dations.
He was a Benefactor to nine Abbyes of Monks, and one of Nuns,
founded by his Predeceſſors.in Normandy, and during his own time were
founded in the ſaid Province,' feven Abbyes of Monks and fix of Nuns;
with which Fortreſſes (as he faid) he furniſht Normandy; to the end men
might therein Fight againſt the Fleſh and the Devil. In England he' founded
a goodly Abbey, where he fought his firſt Battel, whereof it had the Deno-
mination ; and twº Nunneries, one at Hinching-brook in Huntingdonſhire
and the other at Armet hewt in Cumberland, beſides his other publick
works.
Magnificent he was in his Feſtivals, which with great ſolemnity and Ce-
remony (the formal entertainers of reverence and reſpect) he duly obſer-
ved : Keeping his Chriſtmas at Gloceſter, his Eaſter at Wincheſter,and Pentecoſt
at Weſtminſter : Whether he ſummoned his whole Nobility; that Embaſſá-
dours and ſtrangers might ſee his State and largeſs
. Nor ever was he more
inild and indulgent, than at ſuch times. And theſe Ceremonies his firſt Suc-
ceflour obſerved ; but the ſecond omitted.
The end of the Life and Reign of William the firſt.
1087
Anno Reg. 1.
W
The Life and Reign of William the ſecond.
Illiam the ſecond, Son to William the firſt, not attending his
Fathers Funeral, háſtes into London to recover the Crown,
where (by the eſpecial mediation of the Arch-Biſhop Lanfranc,
his own large bounty,and wide promiſes) he obtained it, accord-
ing to his Fathers will ; to whom by his obſequiouſneſs he had much in-
deared himſelf, eſpecially after the abdication of his elder Brother Robert.
He was a Prince more gallant than good, and having been bred with the
Sword, always in action, and on the better ſide of Fortune, was of a Nature
rough and haughty, whereunto, his youth and Soveraignty added a greaer
wildneſs
. Coming to ſucceed in Government, fore-ruled - by Mature
and grave Counſel, he was ſo over-whelmed with his Fathers worth and
greatneſs, as made him appear of a leſſer Orb than otherwiſe he would
have done. And then the ſhortneſs of his Reign, being but of thirteen
years, allowed him not time to recover that opinion, which the errours
of his firſt government had loſt, or his neceſſities cauſed him to commit.
For the ſucceſſion in right of Primogeniture, being none of his, and the elder
Brother living: Howſoever his Fathers will was, he muſt now be put, and
held in poſſeſſion of the Crown of England, by the will of the Kingdom;
which to purchaſe (muſt be) by large conditions of relievements in general,
and profuſe gifts in particular. Wherein he had the more to do, being to
deal with a State conſiſting of a two-fold body, and different temperaments
(where any inflammation of diſcontent, was the more apt to take) having
a head whereunto it might readily gather. Which made, that unleſs he
would lay more to their hopes than another, he could not hope to have
them firmly his
. And therefore ſeeing the beſt way to win the Normans was
by money, and the Engliſh, with liberties, he ſpared not at firſt, to beſtow on
the one and to promiſe the other, more than befitted his eſtate and dignity;
which,when afterward failing, both in ſupplies (for great givers muſt always
give
1
The Life and Reign of William the Second.., 53
cond reſumes
his own grants
Brother Hen-
give) and alſo in performances, got him far more hatred than otherwiſe le
he could ever have had, being forced to all diſhonourable ſhifts for raiſing William the ſe-
moneys that could be deviſed, and even to reſume his own former grants.
And to begin at firſt to take the courſe to be ever needy,preſently after his
Coronation, he goes to Wincheſter, where his Fathers Treaſure lay, and emp-
ties out all that; which, with great providence was there amaſſed; whereby
though he won the love of many, he loſt more, being not able to con-
tent all. And now although his Brother Robert had not(this great engine)mo-
ney,he had to give hopes ; and there were here of the Normans, as Odon his
Uncle, Roger de Mongomery Earl of Shrewsbury, with others, who were
mainly for him,and work he doth all he can, to batter his Brothers Fortunes
upon their firſt Foundation. And for this purpoſe borrows great ſumms of
his younger Brother Henry(to whom the Father & the Mother had left much mandy borrows
treaſure)
and for the ſame, ingages the Country of Conſtantine, and levies an fumms of his
Army for England. But William newly inveſted in the Crown, though well
ry to purchaſe
prepared for all aſſaults,had rather purchaſe a preſent peace (by mediation the Kingdom
of the Nobles on both ſides)till.time had better ſettled him in his government of England.
than to raiſe ſpirits that could not eaſily be allayed. And an agreement be-
tween them is wrought, that William ſhould hold the Crown of Eng-
land during his life,paying to Robert three thouſand Marks per annum.
Robert having cloſed this buſineſs,reſumes by force the Country of Con-
ſtantine,out of his Brother Henries hands, without diſcharge of thoſe ſumms.
for which he had ingaged it. Whereupon King William upbraids Henry(with
the great gain he had made by his uſury)in lending money to deprive him of
his Crown.And ſo Henry got the hatred of both his Brothers,and'having rìo
place ſafe from their danger where to live, ſurprized the Caſtle of Mount
Saint Michel, fortifies him therein, gets aid of Hugh Earl of Brittain, and
for his money was ſerved with Brittains,who committed great ſpoyls in the
Countries of Conſtantine and Belin.
Odon Biſhop of Bayeux,returning into England after his impriſonment in Odon for
Normandy, and reſtored to his Earldom of Kent, finding himſelf ſo far un- malice to Lan-
der what he had been, and Lanfranc his concurrent, now the only man in franc, leeks to
counſel with the King, complots with as many Norman Lords as he found, Kings forces.
or made to effect change, and a new maſter and ſets them on work in divers
parts of the Realm, to diſtract the Kings Forces : As firſt Geffery Biſhop of
Conſtans, with his Nephew Robert de Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, for-
tifie themſelves in Briſtow,and take in all the Country about:Roger de Bigod,
made himſelf ſtrong in Northfolk : Huge de Grandemevil about Leiceſter :
Roger de Mongomery Earl of Shrewsbury with a power of Welſhmen, and o-
ther thereabout, ſets out accompanied with William Biſhop of Durham,Ber-
nard de Newmarh, Roger Lacie, and Ralph Mortimer, all Normans, and affail
the City of Worceſter, making themſelves ſtrong in thoſe parts. Odon, himſelf
fortifies the Caſtle of Rocheſter, makes gond all the Coaſts of Kent, ſolicits
Robert to uſe what ſpeed he could to come with all his power out of Nor-
mandy: Which had he done in time,and not given his Brother ſo large oppor-
tunity of prevention, he had carried the Kingdom; but his delay yeilds the
King time to confirm him Friends, under-work his Enemies, and make The King un-
himſelf ſtrong with the Engliſh, which he did by granting relaxation of derworks his
tribute, with other relievemerits of their doleances, and reſtoring them to Enemies by
their former freedom of Hunting in all his Woods and Foreſts, a thing doleances, and
they much eſteemed ; whereby ho made them ſo ſtrongly his, as ſoon he granting for-
brake the Neck of all the Norman conſpiracies(they being eager to revenge for the Engliſh.
them
3
+
F 3
54 The Life and Reign of William the Second.
-
-1
Duke Robert
driven to
peace.
them of that Nation) and here they learned firſt to beat their Conquerours,
having the fair advantage of this action, which cut the throats of many
of them.
Mongomery, being won from his complices, and the ſeveral conſpirators
1088.
in other parts, repreſt, the King comes with an Army into Kent, where the
Anno Reg 2.
head of the Faction lay, and firſt won the Caſtle of Tunbridge, and that of
Pemſey, which Odon was forced to yeild, and promiſe to cauſe thoſe which
defended that of Rocheſter, which were Euſtace Earl of Bologne, and the
Earl of Mortaigne, to render likewiſe the ſame. But being brought thither
to effect the buſineſs, they within, receiving him, detained him, as he pre-
tended priſoner, and held out ſtoutly againſt the King upon a falſe intelli-
gence given of the arrival of Duke Robert at Southampton ; but in the end
they were forced to quit the place, and to retire into France, and Odon to
abjure England.
And to keep off the like danger from hence, he tranſports his Forces in-
to Normandy,there to waſte and weaken his Brother at hoine.So,as he might
hold him from any further attempts abroad for ever after. Where firit he
obtains Saint Valery, and after Albemarle with the whole Country of Eu,
Feſcampe, the Abbathie of mount Saint Michel, Cherburge, and other places.
Robert ſeeks aid of Philip King of France, who comes down with an Army,
into Normandy; but overcome with the power of money wherewith Ring
William aſſailed him, did him little good, and ſo retired.
Whereupon Duke Robert,in the end, was driven to a diſhonourable peace,
concluded at Caen, with theſe Articles. Firſt, that King William ſhould hold
the Country of Eu, Feſcampe, and all other places which he had bought, and were
delivered unto him by William Earl of Eu,and Stephen Earl of Aumal
, Siſters
Sonto William the firſt.Secondly,he ſhould aid the Duke to recover all other peices
1089. which belonged to his Father, and were ufurped from the Dutchy. Thirdly, that
Anno Reg 3. Such Normans,as had loſt their eſtates in England, by taking part with the Duke,
1091. Thould be reſtored thereunto. Fourthly
, that the ſurviver of either of them ſhould
Amo Reg 4. Succeed in the Dominions both of England and Normandy. After this peace
made by the mediation of the King of France, whilft William had a ſtrong
Army in the field, Duke Robert requeſted his aid againſt their Brother Hen-
ry ;
who ſtill kept him in the Fort of Michel, upon his guard, holding it beſt
for his ſafety : For being a Prince that could not ſubſiſt of himſelf as an
earthen veſſel fet amongſt Iron pots) he was every way in danger to be
cruſht; and ſeeing he had loſt both hiš Brothers by doing the one a kind-
neſs, if he ſhould have took to either (their turn being ſerved) his own
might be in hazard: And ſo betook him to his defence. Forty days the
two Princes laid ſiege to this Caſtle; and one day, as the King was alone on
the ſhore, there fallies out of the Fort, a Company of Horſe; whereof thrce
ran at him ſo violently,and all ſtruck his Horſe together with their Lances,
as they brake Pectoral, Griſes, and all, that the Horſe flips away, and leaves
TheKings un-
the King,and the Saddle on the ground: The King takes up the Saddle with
both his hands, and therewith defends himſelf till reſcue came ; and being
blamed by ſome of his people for putting himſelf thus in peril of his life
to ſave his Saddle,anſwered : It would have angred him the Bretons ſhould have
bragged, they had won the Saddle from under him.; and how great an indignity
it was, for a King to ſuffer inferiors to force any thing from him.
The King and
In the end Henry grew to extream want of Drink and Water ; although he
had all other proviſion ſufficient within his Fort, and ſends to Duke Robert
thren agreed. that he might have his neceſſity ſupplied. The Duke ſends him a Tun of
wine,
daunte
valour.
his two bre-
4
The Life and Reign of William the Second. 55
#
.
Anno Reg 5.
1
1
Brother Henry
wine, and grants him truce for a day to furniſh him with water. Wherewith
William being diſpleaſed,Duke Robert told him:It was hard to deny a Brother
Meat and Drink which craved it ; and that if he periſht,they had not a Brother.
Wherewith William likewiſe relenting, they ſent for Henry, and agreement
is made: That he ſhould hold in morgage the Country of Conſtantine till the money
1092.
was paid, and a day appointed to receive it at Rouen.
Which accord King William the rather wrought, to draw as much from
Robert as he night, whom by this voyage he not only had waſted, but pof-
feſt himſelf of a ſafe and continual landing place, with a part of his Dut-
chy: And cauſed him to put from him and baniſh out of Normandy,Edgar 4-
theling, whom Robert hield his Penſioner,and as a ſtone in his hand, upon all
occaſions to threaten William with anothers right,if his own prevailed not:
And beſides he wrought ſo, as either through promiſe of money, or ſome
farther ratification to be made here,he brought his brother Robert with him
over into England, and took him along in an expedition againſt Malcolin,
who had incroached upon his territories, during his abſence. Which buſi-
neſs being determined without Battel, Robert, ſoon after returns much
diſcontented into Normandy, and as it ſeems, without money to ſatisfie his
Brother Henry. Who repairing at Rouen at a day appointed, inſtead of recei-
ving it, was committed to priſon,and before he could be releaſed, forced to
renounce the Country of Conſtantine, and ſware never to claim any thing Comkri shers
in Normandy.
Henry complains of his grofs injuſtice, to Philip King of France, who to priſon.
gave him a fair entertainment in his Court. Where he remained not long, 1093
but that a Knight of Normandy,named Hachard,undertaking to put him into Ammo Reg 6.
a Fort(maugre his Brother Robert) within the Dutchy, conveyed him dif-
guiſed out of the Court, and wrought ſo, as the Caſtle Dampfront was deli-
vered unto hiin, whereby ſhortly after he got all the Country of Paſſays, a-
bout it, and a good part of Conſtantine, by the ſecret aid of King William,
Richard de Rivieres,and Roger de Mannevile.
Duke Robert levies Forces, and eagerly wrought to recover Dampfront,
but finding how Henry was underſet, inveighs againſt the pefidy of his
Brother of
England infomuch as the flame of rancour burſt out again more
than ever. And over paſſes King William with a great Army, but rather to
terrifie, than to do any great matter, as a Prince that did more contend
than War: And would be great with the Sword, yet ſeldom deſired to uſe it;
if he could get to his ends by any other means, ſeeking rather to buy his
Peace than win it.
Many skirmiſhes interpaſſed, with ſurprizements of Caſtles, but in the
end a treaty of Peace was propounded;wherein to make his conditions,what
he would, King William ſeems hard to be wrought, and makes the more
thew of Force ; fending over into England for an Army of thirty thouſand
men, which being brought to the ſhore, ready to be shipped, an offer was
to be proclaimed by his Lieutenant, that giving ten ſhillings á man, whoſo-
ever, would, might depart home to his dwelling; whereby was raiſed ſo
much as diſcharged his expence, and ſerved to ſee the King of France, un-
der-hand, for his forbearing aid to Duke Robert, who ſeeing himſelf left
by the French,muſt needs make his peace as the other would have it.
Now for his affairs at home, the uncertain Wars with Wales and Scot-
land, gave
him more buſineſs than honour. Being driven in the one to in-
counter with mountains inſtead of men, to the great loſs and diſadvantage
of his people ; and in the other with as many neceſſities. Wales le ſought
.
>
i
to
1
56
The Life and Reign of William the Second.
1094.
Anxo Reg 7 .
.
Scots and his
Son Edward
queen Mar-
garet to die
to ſubdue ; Scotland ſo to reſtrain, as it might not hurt him.For the laſt,after
much broil
, both Kings ſeeming more willing to have peace than to ſeek
it, are brought to an interview: Malcolin upon publick faith, and ſafe con-
duct, came to Gloceſter; whereupon the haughtineſs of King William look-
ing to be ſatisfied in all his demands, and the unyeildingneſs of King Mal-
colin, ſtanding upon his regality within his own, though content to be or-
dered for the confinés, according to the judgement of the Primate of both
Kingdoms; nothing was effected, but a greater diſdain, and rancour of Mal-
colin, ſeeing himſelf deſpiſed, and ſcarce looked on by the King of England.
So that upon his return, Armed with rage, he raiſes an Army, enters Nor-
thumberland, which four times before he had depopulated ; and now the
aſth, ſeeking utterly to deſtroy it, and to have gone farther, was with his
The King of eldeſt Son Edward Nain, rather by fraud than power of Robert Mowbray
Earl of that Country : The grief of whoſe deaths, gave Margarite, that
flain, cauſes
bleſſed Queen, hers. After whom the State elected Dafnald, Brother to Mal-
colin, and chaſed out all the Engliſh, which attended the Queen, and were
with grief.
harboured or preferred by Malcolin. King William to ſet the line right,and to
Roger Hoveden. have a King there which ſhould be beholding to his power, aids Edgar, the
ſecond Son to Malcolin (who had ſerved him in his Wars) to obtain the
Crown due unto him in right of ſucceſſion : By whoſe means Dafnald was
expelld, and the State received Edgar, but killed all the aid he brought with
him out of England, and capitulated that he ſhould never entertain Engliſh
or Norm.in in his ſervice.
This buſineſs ſettled ; Wales ſtrugling for liberty, and revenge, gave new
1095 occaſion of work; whither he went in perſon, with purpoſe to depopulate
Anno Reg 8. the Country ; but they retiring into the Mountains and the Iſle of Angleſey)
avoided the preſent fury. But afterward, Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury,and
Hugh
Earl of Cheſter, ſurprizing the Iſle (their chiefeſt retreat) committing there
barbarous examples of cruelty, by exæcations, and miſerable diſmembring
the people; which immanity, was there ſuddenly avenged on the Earl of
Shrewsbury, with a double death, firſt shot into the eye, and then tumbling
overboard into the Sea, to the ſport and ſcorn of his Enemy the Kirg of
Norway, who either by chance, or of purpoſe, coming upon that Coaſt from
taking in the Orcades, encountred with him and that Force he had at Sea.
Theſe were the remote buſineſs, when a conſpiracy broke out within
the body of the Kingdom, complotted by Robert Mowbray Earl of Nor-
thumberland, William d'Ou and many other, which are ſaid to have fought the
deſtruction of the King, and the advancement of Stephen Earl of Albemare, his
Aunts Son to the Crown ; which gave the King more trouble than danger:
For by the ſpeedy and main proſecution of the buſineſs (wherein he uſed
the beſt ſtrength of England) it was ſoon ended, with the confuſion of the
undertakers. But it wrought an ill effect in his Nature, by hardening the
ſame to an extreme rigour : For after the fear was paſt,his wrath,and cruelty
were not ; but (which is hideous in a Prince) they grew to be numbred a-
smongſt incurable diſeaſes.
The Earl was committed to the Caſtle of Windſor, William d'Od, at a
Council at Salisbury, being overcome in Duel (the courſe of trial) had his
eyes put out, and his privy members cut off. William de Alveric, his Sewer,
a Man of goodly Perſonage,and allied unto him, was condemned to be hang-
ed : Though both in his Confeſſion to Oſmond the Biſhop there and to all the peo-
"ple as he palled to his Execution, he left a clear opinion of his innocency,and
the wrong he had by the King.
.But
1
1
The Life and Reign of William the Second. 57
mit gets
300000
Men
But now, whilſt theſe fractures were at home, the unrepairable breaches
abroad were ſuch) as could give the King no longer aſſuredneſs of quiet,
than.the attempters would : And that all the Chriſtian World was out, ei-
ther at diſcord amongſt themſelves, or in faction, by the ſchiſm of the
Church: Pope Urban, aſſembling a general Council at Cleirmont in A-
vergne, to compoſe the affairs of Chriſtendom, exhorted all the Princes
thereof to joyn themſelves in action, for the recovery of the Holy Land,
out of the hands of Infidels. Which motion, by the zealous negotiation of
Peter the Hermit of Amiens ; took ſo generally (meeting with the diſpoſi-
tion of an active and religious world)as turned all that fame,which had elfe
conſumed each other at home, upon unknown Nations that undid them
abroad.
Such, and ſo great grew the heat of this action, made by the perſwafion
of the Juſtice thereof, with the State and Glory it would bring on carth,and
the aſſuredneſs of Heaven to all the Pious undertakers,that none were eſtee-
med to contain any thing of worth, which would ſtay behind. Each gives
hand to other to lead them along, and example adds number. The for-
wardneſs of ſo many great Princes, paſſing away their whole eſtates, and Peter the Her-
leaving all what the dearneſs of their Country contained, drew to this
War 300000 Men; all which, thoughïn Arms, paſſed from divers Coun- to recover the
tries and Ports, with that quietneſs, as they ſeemed rather Pilgrims, than Holy Land.
Souldiers.
Godfrey of Bouillon, Nephew and Heir to the Duke of Lorraine, a Gene-
rous Prince, bred in the Wars of the Emperour Henry the fourth, was the
firſt that offered up himſelf to this Famous Voyage; and with him his two
Brothers, Euſtace and Baudouin ; by whoſe examples were drawn Hugh le
Grand, Count de Vermondois, Brother to Philip King of France ; Robert Duke
of Normandy, Robert le Friſon Earl of Flanders : Stephen Earl of Blois and
Charters; Aimar Biſhop of Puy; William Biſhop of Orange : Raimond Earl
of Tholouſe, Baudouin Earl of Hiinaut : Baudouin Earl of Rethel; and Gar-
mer Earl of Gretz : Harpin Earl of Bourges; Iſoard Earl of Die : Rambaud
Earl of Orange: Guillaum Count de Forreſts : Stephen Count d'. Aumaul :
Hugh Earl of S. Pol: Rotron Earl of Perche, and others. Theſe were for
France Germany and the Countries adjoyning. Italy had Bebemond Duke of
Apulia ; and England, Beauchampe with others, whoſe names are loſt : Spain
only had none; being afflicted at that time with the Sarazins.
Moſt of all theſe Princes and great Perſonages, to furniſh themſelves för
this expedition, fold, or ingaged their poffeßions. Godfrey fold the Dutchy Anno Regio
of Bologne to Hubert Biſhop of Leige, and Mitz to the Citizens : Beſides,
he ſold the Caſtle of Sarteny, and Monfa,to Richard Biſhop of Verdun ; and to
the fame Biſhop, Baldouin his Brother ſold the Earldom of Verdun; Euſtace
likewiſe ſold all his livelihood to the Church: Herpin Earl of Bourges, his
Earldom to Philip King of France; and Robert morgaged his Dutchy of
Normandy, the Earldom of Maine, and all he had, to his Brother King
William of England. Whereby the Pope not only weakned the Empire,
with whom the Church had (to the great affliction of Chriſtendom) held a
long and bloody buſineſs,about the inveſtitures of Biſhops ; took away and
infecsled his partiſans, abated, as if by Oſtraciſme, the power of any Prince
that might oppoſe him; but alſo advanced the State Eccleſiaſtical, by pur-
chaſing
theſe
great Temporalities, (more honourable for the ſellers than the
buyers.) unto a greater means than ever. For by adviſing the undertakers,
ſeeing their action was for Chriſt and his Church, rather to make over
their
:58 The Life and Reign of William the Second.
France with
1
fon.
their eſtates to the Clergy, of whom they might again redeem the ſame,
and be ſure to have the faireſt dealing, than unto lay-men; he effected this
work. Whereby the third part of the beſt Fiefs in France came to be poſſeſt
by the Clergy ; and afterwards upon the ſame occaſion, many things more
unto them in England, eſpecially when Richard the firſt undertook the
voy-
age, who paſſed over divers Mannors to Hugh Biſhop of Durham (and alſo,
for his money) created him Earl of Durham, as appears in his life.
An Emperour
This humour was kept up, and in motion almoſt 300 years, notwith-
of Germany,
ſtanding all the diſcouragement, by the difficulties paſſing, the difáſters there
two Kings of
through the contagion ariſing from a diſagreeing clime; and the multitudes
their Wives, of indigent people, caſt oftentimes into miſerable wants
. It conſumed in-
a King of Nor- finite Treaſure and moſt of the braveſt Men of all our Weſt world, and eſpe-
thither in per- cially France. For Germany and Italy, thoſe who were the Popes Friends,
and would have gone, were ſtayed at home by diſpenſation to make good
his party againſt the Emperour, who notwithſtanding ſtill ſtrugled with
him, but in the end, by this means the Pope prevailed. Yet thoſe were not
all the effects this voyage wrought : The Chriſtians who went out to ſeek
an Enemy in Afa, brought one thence: To the danger of all Chriſtendom,
and the loſs of the faireſt part thereof. For this long keeping it in a War,
that had many intermiſſions with fits of heats and coldneſles (as made by a
league, conſiſting of ſeveral Nations, emulous and unconcurrent in their
courſes) taught ſuch as were of an intire body, their weakneſſes, and the
way to Conquer them. This was the great effect this Voyage wrought.
And by this means King William here was now rid of an elder Brother,
and a Competitor ; had the poſſeſſion of Normandy during his Reign, and
more abſoluteneſs, and irregularity in England. Where now, in making
up
this great ſumm to pay Robert, he uſed all the extream means could be
deviſed: As he had done in all likė buſineſſes before. Whereby he incur-
red the hatred of his people in general, and eſpecially of the Clergy, being
the firſt King which ſhewed his ſucceſſors an evil precedent of keeping their
livings vacant, and receiving the profits of them himſelf, as he did that of
Canterbury; four years after the death of Lanfranc: and had holden it longer,
but thavbeing dangerouſly ſick at Gloceſter, the ſixth year of his Reign, his
Clergy,
in the weakneſs of his body, took to work upon his mind, ſo as
he vowed, upon his recovery to ſee all vacancies furniſhed; which he did,
1099.
but with ſo great a do, as lhewed that having eſcaped the danger le
Amo Rég 12 would ivillingly have deceived the Saint : And Anſelme, an Italian born,
thoughí bred in Normandy, is in the end preferred to that See. But, what
both with his own ſtiffneſs, and the Kings ſtanding on his regality, he
never enjoyed it quietly under him. For between them two, began the
firſt conteſtation about the inveſtitures of Biſhops, and other priviledges of
the Church, which gave much to do, to many of his ſucceſſors. Anfelme
not yeilding to the Kings will forlook the Land; whereupon his Biſhoprick
was re-aſſumed ; and the King held in his hands at one time, beſides that of
Canterbury, the "Biſhopricks of Wincheſter, Sarum, and elever Abbeys,
whercof lie took all the profits.
He uſually ſold all fpiritual preferments to thoſe would girë moſt, and
took fines of Prieſts for Fornication: He vexed Robert Bluet Biſhop of Lin-
colne in ſuite, till he paid him 5000 pound. And now the Clergy, upon this
tax, complaining their wants, were anſwered, That they harl Shrines of Gold
The Kings
in their Churches and for ſo holy a work as this War againſt infidels, they ſhould
gion. not spare them. He alſo took money of Jews, to cauſe fuch of them as were
converted
.
.
1
ſhew of Reli-
A
The Life and Reign of William the Second 59
1
Profufion ever
}
1
converted, to renounce Chriſtianity, as making more benefit by their un-
belief, than by their converſion. Wherein he diſcovered the worſt piece of
his nature, Irreligion.
Beſides his great taxations laid on the Layety, he ſets informers upon The antiquitý
them, and for ſmall tranſgreſſions made great penalties. Theſe were his of Informers.
courſes for raiſing moneys, wherein he failed not of fit Miniſters to execute
his will, among whom was chief, Ranulph Biſhop of Durham, whom he This Ranulph
had corrupted with other Biſhops, to counterpoiſe the Clergy, awe the land pounds
Layety, and countenance his proceedings. All which means, he exhauſted, for hisBiſhop-
either in his buildings (which were the new Caſtle upon Tine, the City of the Kings
Carlile, Weſtminſter-Hall, and the walls of the Tower of London) or elſe in Chancellor.
his prodigal-gifts to ſtrangers. Twice he appeaſed the King of France
with money,and his Profuſion was ſuch, as put him evermore into extream in want.
wants.
This one act, ſhews both his violence and magnanimity: As he was one
day hunting, a Meſſenger comes in all haſte out of Normandy, and tells him
how the City of Mans was ſurpriſed by Heley Conte de le Fleſche, who by his
Wife pretended right thereunto, and was aided by Fouques d'Angiers, the
ancient Enemy to the Dukes of Normandy; and that the Caſtle which held
out valiantly for him, was without preſent ſuccour, to be rendred. He ſends
back the Meſſenger inſtantly, wills him to make all the ſpeed he could, to
ſignifie to his people in the Caſtle, that he would be there within eight
days, if Fortune hindred him not. And ſuddenly he asks of his people
about him, which way Mans lay, anda Norman being by, ſhewed him: Pre-
fently he turns his Horſe towards that Coaſt, and in great haſte rides on,
when ſome adviſed him to ſtay for fit proviſions and people for his journey,
he ſaid; They who love me, will follow me. And coming to imbark at
Dartmoutb, the Mariners told him the weather was rough, and there was no
paſſing without eminent danger ; Tuſh, ſaid he, ſet forward I never yet heard
of King that was drowned.
By break of day he arrived at Harfleu, ſends for his Captains and Men of
War to attend him all at Mans, whither he came at the day appointed.
Conte de le Fleſche, having more right than power,
many Skirmiſhes,
was taken by a ſtratagem,and brought Priſoner to Rouan ; where more inra-
ged than diſmaid with his fortune, he let fall theſe words ; That had he
not been taken with a wilc, he would have left the King but little Land on
that ſide the Sea ; and were he again at liberty, they Thould not ſo eaſily
take him.' Which being reported; the King fent for him, Set him at liber-
ty, gave him a fair Horſe, bade him go his way, and do his worſt. Which act
overcame the Conte more than his taking, and a quiet end was made be-
tween them. That he effected things of coſt, even in the ſmalleſt matters( is
ſhewed) in the report of his finding fault with a Servant, which brought him
a new pair of Hoſe,whereof he demanding the price, was told how they coſt
three Shillings: Wherewith belng angry he asked his Servant if that were a
fit price of a pair of Hbfe for a King, and willed him to go preſently and
to buy thoſe of a Mark; which being brought him, though they were far
worſe, yet he liked them much better in regard they were ſaid to have coſt
more. An example of the wear of time, the humour of the Prince, and
the deceipt of the Servant.
The King returns into England with great jollity, as ever bringing home
better fortune out of Normandy, thań from any his Northern expeditions :
Feafts his Nobility with áll Magnificence, in his new Hall lately finiſhed at
Weſt-
1
after many
1
60
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt
ܪ
Weſtminſter, wherewith he found much fault for being Built too little ; fay-
ing, It was fitter for a Chamber than a Hall for a King of England, and takes a
plot for one far more ſpacious to be added unto it. And in this gayety of
State which he had got about all his buſineſs, betakes him wholly to the
pleaſure of peace: And being hunting with his Brother Henry in the new Fo-
reſt, Walter Terel, a Norman and his Kinſman, ſhooting at a Deer (whether
niiſtaking his mark,or not,is uncertain) ſtruck him to the heart, and ſo fell
this fierce King, in the 43 year of his age, when he had Reigned nigh 12
years. A Prince, who for the firſt two years of his reign (whilſt held in by
the
grave Counſel of Lanfranc and his own fears) bare himſelf moſt
worthily, and had been abſolute for State , had he not after ſought to be
abſolute in Power, which (meeting with an exorbitant will) makes both
Prince and People miſerable.
The end of the Life and Reign of William the ſecond.
The Life and Reign of Henry the firſt
1
IIOO.
H
Anno Reg 1
Enry the youngeſt ſon of William the firſt, being at hand, and born
in England (which made much for him) was elected and Crowned
within four days after his Brothers death ; it being given out, that
Robert, who ſhould have ſucceeded William was choſen King of
Feruſalem, and not like to give over that Kingdom for this. Wherefore to
ſettle Henry in the poſſeſſion of the Crown, all expedition poſſible was
uſed, left the report of Roberts returning from the Holy Wars (being now
in Apulia, coming home) might be noyſed abroad-to ſtagger the State,
which ſeemed generally willing to accept of Henry. The firſt actions of his
government tended all to bait the people, and ſugar their ſubjection (as
his predeceſſor) upon the like interpoſition had done, but with more mode-
ration and adviſedneſs : This being å Prince better rectified in judgement,
and of a Nature more alayed, both by his ſufferings, having ſighed with
other men under the hand of oppreſſion, that taught him patience : and
alſo, by having ſomewhat of the book, which got him opinion and the
Title of Beauclearke.
Firſt, to faſten the Clergy, He furniſhes with fit men all thoſe Vacancies
which bis Brother had kept empty, recalls Anſelme home to his Biſhoprick of
Canterbury, and reſtores them to all whatſoever priviledges had been infringed
by his Predeceſſour. And for the Layety, He not only pleaſed them in their re-
lievements, but in their paſion, by puniſhing the chief Miniſters of their exa&ti-
mns, which evermore eaſes the ſpleen of the people
, glad to diſcharge their
Princes of the evils done them (knowing how they cannot work without
hands) and lay them on their Officers, who have the active power, where
themſelves have but the paſſive only, and commonly turn as they are
I
The Miniſters
of exactions
Ipunilhed.
moved.
Ralph Biſhop
of Durham
committed to
Piſon..
Ralph Biſhop of Durham,chief Counſellor to the late King, a man riſen by
ſubtlety of his Tongue (from infamous condition, to the higheſt employ-
ments) was committed to a ſtraight and loathſome Priſon, being famed to
Diffolute per- have put his maſter into all theſe courſes of exaction and irregularities and
Cons expelled remains amongſt the examples of perpețualignominy. All diſſolute perſons
are expelled the Court : The people eaſed of their impoſitions,and reſtored
to their lights in the night, which after the Coverfeu Bell were forbidden
them upon great penalty, ſince the beginning of William the firſt. Many
other good orders for the government of the Kingdom are ordained, and
beſides
The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt. 61
the
IIOI.
C2
II02.
beſides to make him the more popular and beloved, he matches in the
Royal blood of England, taking to Wife Maude, Daughter of Margueret,
late Queen of Scots, and Neece to Edward Atheling, deſcended from
Edmond Ironſide. A Lady that brought with her the inheritance of good-
neſs ſhe had from a bleſſed Mother, and with much ado was won from
her Cloyſter, and her vow to God, to deſcend to the World, and be a
Wife to a King.
Thus ſtood he entrenched in the State of England, when his Brother Ro- Robert Duke of
bert returning from the Holy Wars, and received with great applauſe Normandymen
into his Dutchy of Normandy, ſhook the ground of all this buſineſs; the Holy War.
firſt year threatning, the ſecond, arriving with a ſtrong Army at. Portſ-
mouth, to recover the Crown, appertaining to him by the courſe of fuc- Anno Reg 2.
ceſſion, having a mighty party in England of the Norman Nobility ; who
either moved with Conſcience of their diſcontent ( a ſickneſs riſing of
ſelf opinion, and over expectation) made any light occaſion the motive
of revolt. "The Armies on both ſides meet, and are ready to encounter,
when for avoiding Chriſtian blood, a treaty of peace was moved, and in The agree-
the end concluded with theſe Articles : 1. That ſeeing Henry was born ſince ment between
his Father was King of England, which made him the eldeſt Son of a King, Brother.
though the laſt of a Duke, and now inveſted in the Crown by the act of the King-
dom, he should enjoy the ſame during his life, paying to Robert three thouſand Anno Reg 3.
marks per annum. 2. And Robert ſurviving, to ſucceed him. 3. That all who
had taken part with Robert ſhould have their pardons, and receive no de-
triment.
This buſineſs thus fairly paſſed over, Robert of a Generous and Free
Nature ſtays and Feaſts with his brother here in England, from the begin- Henry claims
ning of Auguſt till Michaelmas, and then returns into Normandy. When the inveſti-
Henry, ridd of this fear takes a higher ſtrain of Regality, and now ſtands cures of
Biſhops.
upon his Prerogative, for the inveſtitures of Biſhops, and collation of other
Anfelme op-
Eccleſiaſtical eſtates, within his Kingdom, oppugned by Anſelme who re- pugns the
fuſed to conſecrate ſuch as he preferred, alledging it to be a violation of the Kings pero-
ſacred Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, lately decreed concerning The King
this buſineſs : Inſomuch as the King diſpatches an Ambaſſage to Pope Paf fends to the
Pope.
chal, with declaration of the right he had to ſuch inveſtitures, from his
Predeceſſours the Kings of England, who evermore conferred the ſame with-
out interruption, till now of late.
Anſelme follows after theſe Ambaſſadours, goes likewiſe to Rome, make
IIO3
good the oppoſition. The King baniſhes him the Kingdom, and takes in- Anno Reg 4.
to his Hands his Biſhoprick. The Pope ſtands ſtifly to the power aſſumed Anſelme fol-
by the Church, but in the end, feeing the King faſt ſtrong, and lay too
far off out of his way to be conſtrained (and having much to do at that
time with the Emperour and other Princes, about the ſame buſineſs) takes
way
of perſwafion to draw him to his will, ſoliciting him with kind Let-
ters full of proteſtations, to further any deſigns of his that might concern
his State if he would deſiſt from his proceeding.
The King preſt with ſome other occaſions, that held him in, and having
purpoſes of that Nature, as by forbearance of the Church, might be the
better effected ; conſents to fatisfie the Popes will; and becomes an ex-
ample to other Princes, of yeilding in this caſe. Anſelme is re-called, after The King and
Anfelme accor-
a years baniſhment, and the Ambaſſadours return with large remune- dedo
rations.
Whileſt theſe things were managing at Rome, there burſt out here a fiame,
G
which
lows.
the
1
62
The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt.
1104
which conſumed the parties that raiſed it,and brought the King more eaſily
to his ends,than otherwiſe he ever could have expected, Robert de Beleſme,
The Earl of Earl of Shrewsbury,Son to Roger de Mongomery (a very fierce youth) preſum-
combination
. ing of his great Eſtate, and his Friends, fortifies his Caſtles of Shrewsbury,
Bridgenorth, Tickhill, and Arundel; with ſome other pieces in Wales
belonging to him ; and combines with the Welch, to oppoſe againſt
the preſent State (out of a deſire to fer all in combuſtion, for his own
ends, that were altogether uncertain :) which put the King to much tra-
vel and charge ; but within thirty days, by employing great Forces,
and terrours mixt with promiſes, he ſcattered his complices, and took
all his. Caſtles ; except that of Arundel, which rendred upon conditi-
on, that the Maſter might be permitted to retire ſafe into Normandy;
which the King eaſily granted, ſeeing now he was but the Body of a
ſilly naked Creature, that had loſt both Feathers and Wings. And it
made well for the King, his going thither. For, from the loſing of his
own eſtate in England, and thereby advancing the Kings revenues, he
goes to loſe Normandy alſo, and brings it to this Crown. For, as ſoon
as he came thither, he faſtens amity with one of like Condition and For-
Anno Regs. tunes as himſelf ( an exiled man,) whoſe inſolency had likewiſe ſtript him
out of all his eſtate in England, and much waſted that in Normandy,
which was William Earl of Mortaigne, Son to Robert, half. Brother to
King William the firſt. Who being alſo Earl of Cornewall, made ſure
likewiſe, to have that of Kent, which his Uncle Odon lately held: But be-
ing denied it, and alſo evicted by Law, of certain other parcels of Land,
which lie claimed, retires with great indignation into Normandy, where
not only he aſſaults the Kings Caſtles, but alſo uſurps upon the State
of Richard, the young Earl of Cheſter, than the Kings Ward. Theſe
two Earls combine themſelves, and with their Adherents committed
many outragious actions, to the great ſpoil and diſpleaſure of the Country,
whereof, though they complained to Duke Robert, they found little
remedy. For, he being now grown poor by his out-laviſhing humour,
began, it ſeems, to be little reſpected: Or elſe faln from action, and
thoſe greatneſſes his expectation had ſhewed him, was (as commonly
great minds daſht with ill Fortunes are) faln likewiſe in ſpirit, and given
over to his eaſe. Whereupon the people of Normandy make their
exclamations to the King of England, who ſends for his Brother Robert,
Reprehends him for the ſufferauoe of theſe diſorders : adviſes him to act the
part of a Prince, and not a Monk : And in concluſion, whether by detenti-
on of his Penſion, or drawing him, being of a facile Nature, to ſome
act of releaſing it : ſends him home ſo much diſcontented, as
he joyns with theſe mutinous Earls, and by their inſtigation, was ſet
I105 into that flame, as he raiſed alſo his utmoſt forces to be revenged on his
Anno Reg 6. Brother.
The King, touched in Conſcience with the foulneſs of a fraternal
War (which the World would take, he being the mightier, to
proceed out of his deſigns) ſtood doubtſul what to do, when
Pope Paſcal, by his Letters written with that eloquence ( faith
Malmsbury ) wherein he was very quick, perſwaded him, That
herein he ſhould not make a civil War, but do a Noble and memorable
benefit unto his Country : Whereby (paid for remitting the inveſtitures) he
held himſelf countenanced in this buſineſs ; whereon, now he ſets with
more alacrity and reſolution. And after many difficulties, and loſs of
divers
The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt. 63
divers worthy Men, in a mighty Battel, near the Caſtle of Tenechbray, his
Enemies with inuch ado were all defeated. Whereby England won Nor-
mandy, and on the ſame day, by Computation (wherein forty years before)
Normandy overcame England, fuch are the turnings in the affairs of England wins
Normandy.
Men.
And here Robert, who ſtood in a fair poſſibility of two Crowns, came Robert Duke
to be deprived of his Dutchy and all he had, brought Priſoner into England, of Normandy is
and committed to the Caſtle of Cardiffe. Where, to add to his miſery, he
impriſoned by
King Henry.
had the misfortune of a long life (ſurviving after he loſt himſelf 26 years)
1406.
whereof the moſt part he ſaw not, having his eyes put out, whereby he was Anno Reg 7
only left to his thoughts, a puniſhment barbarouſly inflicted on him, for at-
tempting an eſcape.
He was a Prince that gave out to the World very few notes of his ill, but
many of his Nobleneſs and Valour, eſpecially in his great voyage, wherein
he had the ſecond command, and was in election to have been the firſt pre-
ferred to the Crown of Jeruſalem, and miſſed it hardly. Only the diſobe-
dience in his youth ſhewed to his father (which yet might proceed from a
rough hand born over him,and the animation of others,rather than his own
Naturę) fets a ſtain upon him: And then, his profuſion (which ſome
would have liberality) fhewed his impotency, and put him into thoſe
courſes that overthrew hiin. All the Revenues of his Dutchy, which
ſhould ſerve for his maintenance, he ſold or engaged, and was upon
paſſing the City of Roan unto the Citizens, which made him be held un-
fit for the government, and gave occaſion to his Brother ta quarrel with
him.
And thus came Henry freed from this fear, an abſolute Duke of Nor-
King Henry
mandy: Had many years of quiet, gathered great Treaſure, and enter-Duke of Nor-
tained good intelligence with the Neighbour Princes. Scotland by his Match, mandy.
and doing their Princes good, he held from doing him hurt; clearing them
from uſurpations. Wales, though under his Title, yet not ſubjection, gave
him ſome exerciſe of action; which he ordered with great wiſdom. Firſt
he planted within the body of that Country, a Colony of Flemings, who
at that time much peſtred this Kingdom: Being admitted here in the reign
of King William the firſt, marrying their Country-woman, and uſing their
help in the action
of England; where they daily encreaſed, in ſuch ſort, as
gave great diſpleaſure to the people. By this means, both that grievance was
eaſed, and the uſe of thein made profitable to the State: For being ſo great a
number and a ſtrong people,they made room for themſelves and held it in
that fort,as they kept the Welch,all about them, in very good awe. Beſides,
the King took for hoſtages the chief Mens Sons of the Countryand hereby
quieted it. For France he ſtood ſecure, ſo long as Phillip the firſt lived: Who,
wholly given over to his eaſe and luxury,was not for other attempts out of
that courſe, but his Son he was to look unto, whenſoever he came to that
With the Earl of Flanders he had Tome debate, but it was only in words,
and upon this occaſion. King William the firſt, in fètribution of the good his
Father in Law,Baldouin the fifth had done,by aiding him in the action of Eng-
land,gave him yearly three hundred marks, and.likewiſe continued it to his
Son after him. Now, Robert Earl of Flanders, of a collateral Line, returning,
empty
from the Holy Wars, and finding this ſumm paid out of England
to his Predeceſſors, demands the ſame of King Henry, as his due
who not eaſie to part with money, fends him word, that it was not the
G2
cuſtom
Crown.
1107
Anno Reg 8.
.
U
ih
1
+
1
f
64 The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt
.
1
-
France.
Oath to the
cuſtom of the Kings of England to pay tribute: If they gave penſions they
were temporary, and according to deſert. Which anſwer ſo much diſplea-
ſed the Earl
, that though himſelf lived not to ſhew his hatred, yet his Son
did, and aided afterward William, the Son of Robert Curtoys, in his at-
tempts for recovery of the Dutchy of Normandy, againſt King Henry.
Thus ſtood this King in the firſt part of his reign : In the other, he had
King Henry
quarrels with more to do abroad tlían at home, where he had by his excellent wiſdom
che King of ſo ſetled the government as it held a ſteady courſe without interruption, all
his time. But now Lewis le Groſe,ſucceeding his Father Phillip the firſt,gave
him warning to look to his State of Normandy ; and for that he would not
attend a quarrel,he makes; taking occaſion about the City of Giſors, ſitu-
ate on the River Epre, in the confines of Normandy, whilſt Louys was troubled
with a ſtubborn Nobility, preſuming upon their Franchiſes, within their
own Signiories; wlfercof there were many, at that time about Paris, as the
Contes of Crelly, Paſaux, Dammartines, Champaign and others, who by exam-
ple, and Emulation, would.be abſolute Lords, without awe of a Maſter,
putting themſelves under the protection of Henry; who being near to alliſt
them, foſtred thoſe humours, which in fick Bodies moſt ſhew themſelves.
But after Louys, by years gathering ſtrength, diſſolved that compact, and
made his means the more, by their confiſcations.
Now to entertain theſe two great Princes in work, the quarrel between
the Pope and the Emperour, miniſtred freſh occaſion. The Emperour Hen-,
I108. ry the fifth,having (by the Popes inſtigation) banded againſt his Father, Hen-
Anno Reg 6. rý the fourth, who aſſociated him in the Empire,and held him Priſoner in that
The Popes
diſtreſs, as he died; toucht afterwards with remorſe of this act, and re-
Emperour. proach of the State, for abandoning the rights of the Empire, leives fixty
thouſand Foot, and thirty thouſand Horſe, for Italy; conſtrains the Pope
and his Colledge to acknowledge the right of the Empire in that form as
Leo the fourth had done to Otho the ſecond, and before that, Adrian to
Charlemaigne,according to the Decree of the Council of Rome,and made him
take his Oath of fidelity between his Hands,as to the true and lawful Em-
perour. The Pope, ſo ſoon as Henry was departed home,aſſembles a Coun-
cil, nullifies this acknowledgement, as done by force, and ſhortly after de-
ceaſed. The Emperour, to make himſelf the ſtronger againſt his ſucceſſors,
enters into alliance with the King of England, takes to Wife his Daughter
perour Hen. 5: Maude, being but 5 years of age: After this,Calixt Son of the Cont de Burgogne
marrriesMaud
. coming to be Pope, and being French (unto their great applauſe) aſſembles
a Council at Reimes; where, by Eccleſiaſtical ſentence, Henry the fifth is
declared enemy of the Church and degraded of his Emperial Dignity. The
King of England, ſeeing this Council was held in France, and compoſed
chiefly of the Gallicane Church, deſirous to over-maſter Louys, incenſes his
Son in Law the Emperour (ftung with this diſgrace) to ſet upon him (as the
Popes chief Pillar) on one ſide, and he would aſſail him on tlie other. The
Emperour eaſily wrought to ſuch a buſineſs prepares all his beſt Forces: The
King of England doth the like. The King of France ſeeing this ſtorm com-
Hiſtory of
ing ſo impetuouſly upon him, wrought ſo with the Princes of Germany, as
they, weighing the future miſchief of a War undertaken in a heat, with
the importance of a kind Neighbour-hood, : adviſe the Emperour
not to enter there-into, till he had ſignified to the King of France, the
cauſes of his diſcontent. Whereupon an Embaſſage is diſpatched: The King
of France anſwers, That he grieved much to ſee the two greateſt Pillars of the
Church, thus ſhaken with theſe diſſentions, whereby might be feared, the whole
frame
The Em-
---
EL
France.
1
2
+
*****
The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt. 65
1
1
bines with the
Earl of Flan-
1
joy of the ſucceſs. Williain the young Prince, the only hope of all the Nor- this diſaſter.
frame would be ruined that he was a friend to them both, and would gladly be an
inter-dealer for.concord, rather than to carry wood to a fire too fierce already,which
be deſired to extinguiſk, for the good and quiet of Chriſtendom. This Embaí-
fage wrouglit ſo, as it diſarined the Einperour, glad to have Louys a me- The King of
diator of the accord between the Pope and lim, to the great diſpleaſure of the Pope and
the King of England, who-expected greater matters to have riſen by this bu- Einperour.
fineſs. The accord is concluded at Wormes, to the Popes advantage, to
whom the Emperour®ycilds up the right of inveſtitures of Biſhops and o-
ther Benefices. But this was only to appeaſc, not cure the malady.
The King of England diſappointed thus of the Emperours aſſiſtance, pro-
coeds notwithftanding in his intentions againſt Louys
, And ſeeing he failed
of outward Forces,he lets yp a.party in his Kingdom,to confront him; aid-
ing Theobald Conte de Champaigne, with ſo great power, as he ſtood to do King Henry
him much diſpleaſure : Beſides
, he obtained a ſtrong ſide in that Kingdom, aids Conte
by his alliances, for Stephen Earl of Bloys, had married his Siſter Adela, to againſt the
whom this Theobald was Brother and had won Foulke, Earl of Anjoh (an im- King of France.
portant neighbour, and ever an enemy to Normandy) to be his, by matching
his Son William to his Daughter.
Louys on the other ſide,fails not to practiſe all means to under-work Hen-
The King of
ries eſtate in Normandy, and Combines with William Earl of Flanders, for France.com
the reſtoring of William, the Son of Robert Curtoys, to whom the ſame ap-
pertained by right of inheritance, and had the fairer Shew of his actions, by ders, aga intre
taking hold on the ſide of Juſtice.
King Henry.
Great and many were the conflicts of theſe two Princes, with the ex I116.
pence of much blood and charge. But in the end, being both tyred, a peace Anno Reg.
was concluded, by the mediation of the Earl of Anjou. And William Son 17.
to King Henry,did liomage to Louys for the Dutchy of Normandy; and Wil-
liain the Son of Robert Curtoys,is left to himſelf, and deſilts from his claim.
Upon the fair cloze of all theſe troubles, there followed preſently an ac-
cident, which ſeaſoned it with that ſowrenefs of grief, as over-came all the lived not to ſee
man race, at ſeventeen years of age, returning into England, in a Ship by
himſelf, accompanied with Richard his baſe Brother, Mary Counteſs of
Perch, their Siſter ; Richard Earl of Cheſter, with his Wife, the Kings Neece,
and
many other perſonages of honour, and their attendants, to the number
of 140. beſides 50 Marriners, ſetting out from Barbfleet, were all caſt away at
Sea,only a Butcher eſcaped. The Princc had recovered a Cock-boat, and in
poſſibility to have been faved, had not the compaſſion of his Siſters cries
drawn him back to the ſinkingShip to take her in,& periſh with his Company.
Which ſudden clap of Gods judgement, coming in a calm of glory, when
all theſe buſtlings ſeemed paſt over
, might make a conſcience Shrink. with
terror, to fee oppreſſion and ſupplantation repaid with the extinction of
that for which ſo much had been wrought, and the line Maſculine of Nor-
mandy expired in the third inheritor (as if to begin the fate, laid on all the
future ſucceſs hitherunto ; wherein the third heir in a right deſcent, fel-
dom or never enjoyed the Crown of England, but that either by uſurpa-
tion or extinction of the male blood, it received an alteration ;) which may
teach Princes to obſerve the ways of Righteouſneſs, and let Men alone
with their rights, and God with his providence.
After this heavy diſaſter this King is ſaid never to have bin ſeen to Laughi
,
though within 5 months after,in hope to reſtore his iſſue, he married Adali-
cia,a beautiful young Lady,Daughter to the Duke
of Lorrain of the houſe of
Lorrain
queen Mand
11
។
9
G3
66 The Life and Reign of Henry the Firſt.
Robert de Mel
cy.
V
Lorrain; but never had Child by her,nor long reſt from his troubles abroad.
For this rent at home, crackt all the chain of his courſes in France. Nors
mandy it ſelf became wavering, and many adhered to William the Nephew:
His great confederates are moſt regained to the King of France : Foulke
Tenis confpira- Earl of Anjou quarrels for his Daughters Dowry:Robert de Mellent his chief
Friend and Counſellor,a Man of great imployment, fell from him,conſpired
with Hugh Earl of Monfort, and wrought him great trouble.
I 24.
But ſuch was liis diligence and working ſpirit, thắt he ſoon made whole
Anno Reg 25. all thoſe Ruptures again. The two Earls himſelf ſurprizes ; and Anjou, death :
Maud the Em- which being ſo important a neighbour, as we may ſee, by matching a
preſs married
to Geffery
Prince of England there, the King faſtens upon it with another alliance, and
Plantagenet. deſcends to marry his Daughter and now only Child,
which had been Wife
to an Emperour,and deſired by the Princes of Lombardy and Lorrain to the
now Earl Geffery Plantagenet, the Son of Foulke.
1126.
The King of France to Fortifie his oppoſition,entertains William the Nes
Aniro Reg 27. phew, where now all the danger lay; and aids him in perſon, with great
power to obtain the Earldom of Flanders, whereunto he had a fair Title by
the defailance of iſſue in the late Earl Baldouin, ſlain in a Battel in France
againſt King Henry.But William as ifheir alſo of his Fathers fortunes, admit-
ted to the Earldom, miſcarried in the rule, was deprived, and ſlain in Bat-
tel ; 'and in him all of Robert Courtoys periſhed.
And now the whole care of King Henry, was the ſetling of the ſucceſſion
upon
Maude (of whom he lived to ſee two Sons born) for which he con-
vokes a Parliament in England, wherein an Oath is miniſtred to the Lords
of the Land, to be true to her and lier heirs and acknowledge them as the
rightinheritors of the Crown. This Oath was firſt.taken by David,King of
Scots, Uncle to Maude, and by Stephen Earl of Bolloigne and Mortaine, Ne-
I133
Anno Reg 34.
phew to the King, on whom he had beſtowed great poſſeſſions in England,
and advanced his Brother to the Biſhoprick of Wincheſter. And to make all
more faſt, this Oath was afterward miniſtred again at Northampton in ano-
ther Parliament.
So that now all ſeems ſafe and quiet, but his own ſleeps, which are ſaid
to have been very tumultuous, and full of affrightments, wherein he would
often riſe, take his Sword, and be in act, as if he defended himſelf againſt
aſſaults of his perſon; which ſhewed, all was not well within.
His government in peace, was ſuch as ranks him in the liſt amongſt our
ment in peace. Kings of the faireſt mark, holding the Kingdom ſo well ordered as during
all his reign, which was long, he had ever the leaſt to do at home. At the
firſt,the Competition with his Brother,after, the care to eſtablish his ſuccelli-
on, held him in,to obſerve all the beſt courſes,that might make for the good
and quiet of the State; having an eſpecial regard to the due adminiſtration
of Juſtice,that no corruption or oppreſſion might diſeaſe his people, where-
by things were carried with an evenneſs, between the Great Men and the
The firſt uſe Commons, as gave all fatisfaction. He made divers Progreſſes
, into remote
of Progreffes. parts of the Land, to ſee how the State was ordered. And for that purpoſe,
whienſoever he was in England, he kept no certain reſidence, but folemnni-
zed the great Feſtivals, in ſeveral and far diſtant places of the Kingdom,
tliat all might partake of him.
And for that he would not wreſt any thing by an Imperial power from the
Kingdom(which might breed Ulcers of dangerous nature he took a courſe
The begin to obtain their free conſents to ſerve his occaſions, in their general aſlem-
ning of Parli- blys of the three eſtates of the Land, which he firſt convoked at Salisbury,
His govern-
1
Jaments:
Anno
The Life and Reign of Henry the firſt
67
.
He allembles
1
T
His Refor-
means to
ars
Anno Reg: 15. and which had from his time the name of Parliament, accor-
ding to the manner of Normandy, and other States, where Princes keep the firft Par-
within their circles to the good of their people, their own glory, and ſecu- liament after
the Conqueſt:
rity of their poſterity.
He was a Prince that lived formally himſelf, and repreſſed thoſe exceſſes
in his Subjects which thoſe times entertained, as the wearing of long Hair, mation.
which though it were a gayeży of no charge (like thoſe fumptuous brave-
ries, that waſte Kingdoms in peace) yeț for the undecency thereof
, he re-
formed it, and all other diſſoluteneſs. His great Buſineſs, and his wants
taught him frugality, and warineſs of expence; and his Warš being fel-
dom invaſive, and ſo no getting, put him often to uſe hard courſes for his raiſe monies.
ſuppliments of treaſure. Towards the marriage of his Daughter with the
Emperour, and the charge of his War, he obtained (as it might ſeem at his
firſt Parliament at Salisbury) Anno Reg. 15. three ſhillings upon every hide-
land, but he had no inóre in all his reign, except one ſupply for his Wa
afterward in France. He kept Biſhopricks and Abbyes void in his hands ;
as that of Canterbury, five years together. By an act of Parliament at Lon-
don, Anno Reg.30. he had permiſſion to puniſh Marriage and incontinency of
Prieſts,whom (for fines notwithſtanding) he ſuffered to enjoy their Wives:
But hereby he diſpleaſed the Clergyjand diſappointed that reformation.
Puniſhments which were Mutilation of member, he made pecuniary:And Tilburienfis de
by reaſon of his often and long being in Normandy, tliðſe proviſions for his Scaccario.
houſe, which were uſed to be paid in kind, were rated at certain prizes and
received in money by the conſent of the State, and to the great content of
the ſubject; who by reaſon' that many dwelling far off, throughout all
Shires of England, were much moleſted with ſatisfying the ſame otherwiſe
.
He reſumed the liberties of hunting in his Foreſts, which took up muth
fair ground of the Kingdom; and beſides renewing for penalties, made an
Ediš,That if any Man in his own private woods,killed the Kings Deer be ſhould
forfeit his woods to the King. But he permitted them incloſures for Parks,
which under him ſeems to have had their Original, by the example of that
of his at: Woodſtock, the multitude whereof grew to be afterwards a diſeaſe
in the Kingdom.
His expences were chiefly in his Wars, and his many and great Fortifi- His expences
.
cations in Normandy. His buildings were the Abbey of Reading, the Mannor
of Woodſtock, and the great incloſure of that Park, with a Stone Wall ſeven
miles about.
The eminent Men of his Council were Roger Biſhop of Sarum, and the His Council-
Earl of Mellent, both Men of great experience in the affairs of the World : lors
.
Roger was ever as Vice-Roy, had the whole management of the Kingdom
in his abſence, which was ſometimes three and four years together. He
liad managed the Kings money and other affairs of his lioufe, when he
was a poor Prince, and a private Man; whereby he gained an eſpecial
truſt with him ever after, and diſcharged his part with great policy and
underſtanding ; had the 'Title of Juſticiarius totius Angliæ. Of whoſe
magnificence and ſpacious mind,' we have more memorials left in notes of cent buildings
Stone,than of any one Man,Prince or other of this Kingdom. The ruines yet of Roger Bi-
remaining of his ſtately ſtructures,eſpecially that of the Deviſes in Wiltſhire hop of Sdrum.
(hews us the carkaſs of a moſt Roman-like Fabrick. Beſides, he built the
Caſtles of Mamsbury and Shirburn, two ſtrong and ſumptuous peices ; new
walled and repaired the Caſtle of Salisbury, and all theſe he lived to ſee rent
from him, 'and ſeized into the next Kings hands, as being things done out of
his!
68
The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
+
Counſellor to
Hin. I.
1
great Men
doth much
his part and lye now deformed heaps of rubbiſh. Beſides, he walled old Salis-
bury, and repaired the Church there.
Robert Earl of Mellent, was Son of Roger Beaumont ; who of all the great
Robert Mellent Men which followed William the firſt in his civil Wars of Normandy,refuſed
an eſpecial
to attend him in his expedition for England, though with large promiſes in-
vited thereunto, ſaying, The inheritance left him by his predeceſſors, was ſuffi-
cient to maintain his eſtate at home ; and he deſired not to thruſt himſelf into
other Mens pollellions abroad. But his Son Robert was of another mind, and
had a mighty cſtate both in England and Normandy. Wasa man of great di-
rection in Council,and ever uled in all the weighty affairs of the State. His
The example frugality both in apparrel and dyet, was of ſuch example, being a Man of
of frugality in eminent note, as did much good to the Kingdom in thoſe days. But in the
end he fell into diſgrace, (the fate of Courtand eminency) oppoſed againſt
good in a the King, and dyed bereſt of his eſtate.
Kingdom.
Beſides theſe, this King was ſerved with a potent and martial Nobility,
whom his ſpirit led to effect thoſe great deſigns of his in France, for the
preſervation of his State in Normandy. Whither in the 32 year of his reign,
he makes his laſt voyage to dye there, and in his paſſage thither, happened
an exceeding great Eclipſe of the Sun, which was taken to fore-ſignifie his
King Henries death.;--for that it followed ſhortly after, in the thirty fifth year of his
reign.
He was of a graceful perſonage, quick-eyed, brown hair ( a different
His perſonage complexion from his Brothers ) and of a cloſe compacted temperament,
wherein dwelt a mind of a more follid conſtitution, with better ordered
affections. He had, in his youth, ſome taſte of Learning, but only,as if to ſer
his Stomach,not to over-charge it therewith. But this put many of his ſub-
jects into the faſhion of the Book,and divers Learned Men flouriſhed in his
time.
He had by Maude his Wife the Daughter of Malcolin the third, King of
Scotland,none other Children but Maude and William, of whom any certain
mention is made : But he is ſaid to have had of Children illegitimate ſeven
and as many Daughters, which ſhews us his incontinency: Two of
which Sons of moſt eſpecial note, Robert and Raynold-w'ere Earls
, the one
of Gloceſter (a great Champion and Defender of his Siſter Mand the Empreſs)
the other Earl of Cornwall, and Baron of Caſtle-combe. His Daughters were
all married to Princes and Noble-men of England and France, from whom
deſcended many worthy Families, as divers Writers report.
The end of the Life and Reign of Henry the firſt.
death.
1
His iflice.
Sons,
1136.
Anno Reg 1.
1
The Life and Reign of King Stephen."
"He Line Maſculine of the Norman extinct, and only a Daughter left;
and ſhe married to a French-man, Stephen Earl of Bologne and Mor-
taigne, Son of Stephen Earl of Blois, and of Adela Daughter to
William the firſt, was (notwithſtanding the former oath taken
for Maude) elected by the State and inveſted in the Crown of England,
within thirty days after the death of Henry. Upon what reaſons of
Council, we muſt gather out of thie Circumſtances of the courſes held in
that time.
Some imagine, The States refuſed Maude,
for not being then the Cuſtom of a-
ny Chriſtian Kingdom (whoſe Kings are anointed) to admit Women to inherit!
the Crown; and therefore they might pretend to be freed from their oath,
as
1
The Life and Reign of King Stephen. 69
+
as being unlawful. But Roger, Biſhop of Salisbury, one of the principal Men
then in Council, yeilded another reaſon for the diſcharge of this oath,
which was, That ſeeing the late King had married his Daughter out of the
Realm, without the conſent thereof, they might lawfully refuſe her. And ſo
was Stephen, having no title at all
, but as one of the blood, by meer electi-
on, advanced to the Crown. For if he could claim any right in the Suc-
ceſſion, as being the Son of Adela, then muſt Theobald, Earl of Blois, his
Elder Brother, have been preferred before him; and Henry Fitz Empreſs
(if they refuſed the Mother) was nearer in blood to the right Stem, than
either. But they had otlier reaſons that ruled that time. Stephen was a Man,
and of great poséſkons, both in England and France, had
one Brother Earl of Reaſons why
Blois, a Prince of great eſtate ; another, Biſhop of Wincheſter (the Popes Legat Stephen Earl
in England, of power eminent) was popular for his affability, goodly perſonage, was crowned
and activeneſs: And therefore acceptable to the Nobility, who at that time, King.
were altogether guided by the Clergy; and they (by the working of the
Biſhop of Wincheſter, induced to make choice of him) having an opinion,
that by preferring one, whoſe Title was leaſt, would make his obligation
the more to them; and ſo, they might ſtand better (ſecured of their liberties)
than under ſuch a one,as might prelume of an hereditary ſucceſſion. And to
be the more ſure thereof,before his admittance to the Crown he takes a pri-
vate oath before the Bishop of Canterbury,to reform the ancient liberties of the
Church; and had his Brother to undertake, betwixt God and him, for the
performance thereof.
But being now in the poſſeſſion of the Kingdom,and all the Treaſure his, King Stephen
Uncle had in many years gathered, which amounted to one hundred thou- pofleffes the
Sand pounıls of exquiſite Silver, beſides Plate, and Fewels, of ineſtimable value; Treaſure of
after the Funerals performed at Reading, he aſſembles a Parliament at Oxford, His firit Par-
wherein, He reſtored to the Clergy, all their former liberties, and freed the liament at 0x-
ford.
Laity from their tributes, exactions, or whatſoever grievances oppreſt them,
confirming the ſame by his Charter, which faithfully to obſerve, he took
a publick oath before all the aſſembly: Where likewiſe the Biſhops ſwore
fealty unto him, but with this condition, So long as he obſerved the Tenour of
And now as one that was to make good the hold that he had gotten, with
Power and his Sword, he prepares for all aſſaults, which he was ſure to have
come upon him. And firſt grants licence,to all that would, to build Caſtles upon
their own Land, thereby to Fortifie the Realm, and break the force of any
over-running invaſion, that ſhould maſter the field : Which in fetled times
might be of good effect, but in a ſeaſon of diſtraction and part-taking,
very dangerous. And being to ſubfiſt by Friends, he makes all he could:
Creates new Lords,gives to many great poſéſions, and having a full Purſe Spares
for no Coſt to buy Love and Fidelity: A purchaſe very uncertain when there
may be other conveyances made of more ſtrength to carry it.
he was to look for blows: From Scotland on one ſide, and
France on the other: Scotland wanted no inſtigations : David their King
moved both by Nature and his oath to his Neece, turns head upon him :
Stephen was preſently there, with the ſhew of a ſtrong Army, and appeaſed
him with the reſtitution of Cumberland, and his Son Henry Prince of Scot-
land, with the Earldom of Huntingdon : which with that of Northumber-
land (as Scottiſh Writers ſay) was to deſcend unto him by the right of his
Mother Maud, who was Daughter to Waltheof Earl of Huntingdon, and of
Judith, Neece to William the firſt, by whoſe gift he had that Earldom,
and
this Charter.
w
t
* Why
1
1
*
70
The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
and was the Son of Syward Earl of Northumberland: · And for this the Prince.
of Scotland, took his Oath of fealty to King Stephen which the Father refuſed
to do, as having firſt ſworn to Maude the Empreſs. Though otherwiſe he
might be indifferent, in reſpect that Stephen had married likewiſe his Neece,
which was Maude Daughter to the Earl of Bologne, and of Mary Siſter to this
King David, who by this means was Uncle both to Maude the Queen, and
Maude the Empreſs.
The King returning from this Voyage, found ſome defection of his No-
bility, which preſently put him into another action, that entertained him
ſometimes : After which, he falls dangerouſly ſick, inſomuch as he was
noyſed to be dead; by which ſickneſs, he loſt more than his Health : For
his Friends, put in danger thereby, caſt to ſeek another party to bear them
up; it wakened Anjou, and ſets him on to ſurprize certain pieces in Nor-
mandy, to prepare for the recovery of his Wives right, and made all this
Kingdom waver. Thus was his firſt year ſpent, which thewed how the
reſt of eighteen would prove, wherein we are to have no other repreſenta-
tions, But of revolts, beſieging of Caſtles, Surprizings, Recoverings, loſings again
,
with great Spoils, and deſtruction ; in brief, a moſt miſerable face of a di:
ſtracted State, that can yeild no other notes of inſtruction, but ſuch as are
general in all times of like diſpoſition ; and therefore herein we may the
better forbear the rehearſal of many particulars, being all under one head of
action, and like Nature.
The King, having recovered, would make the World know he was alive,
I137.
Anno Reg 2.
and preſently paſſes with Forces into Normandy,overcame the Earl of Anjou
in Battel: After makes Peace with him, and upon renouncing of the claim
of Maude, covenants to give him 5ooo Marks per annum; he entertains ami-
ty with King Louys the ſeventh, and cauſes his Son Euſtace to do him ho-
mage for the Dutchy of Normandy,wherein he was inveſted; beſides, to con
tent his eldeſt Brother Theobald, Earl of Blois,he gives him a Penſion of 2000
Marks, and ſo returns again into England, to a War againſt Scotland, which,
in the mean time, made incurſions on this Kingdom ; where whilſt he was
held buſie in work, Robert Earl of Gloceſter, baſe Son to Henry the firſt, a
Man of high Spirit, great Direction, and indefatigable Induſtry (an eſpecial
actor that
performed the greateſt part in theſe times, for his Siſter Maude
had ſurprized the Caſtle of Briſtow, and procured Confederates to make
good other pieces abroad in divers parts, as William Talbot the Caſtle of He-
reford ; Paynel, the Caſtle of Ludlow: Lovel that of Cary; Moon the Caſtle of
Dunſtor : Robert de Nichol that of Warham, Euſtace Fitz John that of Walton,
and William Fitz Allan the Caſtle of Shrewsbury.
Stephen leaves the proſecution of the Scottiſh Wars to Thruſtan Archbiſhop
of Tork, whom he made his Lieutenant, and furniſhed with many Valiant
Leaders, as Walter Earl of Albemary, William Peverel of Nottingham, Walter
and Gilbert Lacies: Himſelf bravely attended, abends all his power to re-
King Stephen
preſs the Conſpirators, which he did in one expedition ; recovers all the
repreſſes the
Conſpirators
. Caſtles (by reaſon of their diſtance, not able to ſuccour one another, and
drave the Earl of Gloceſter home to his siſter into Anjou.
No leſs ſucceſs had his Forces in the North, againſt the Scots, whom in a
great Battel they diſ-comfeited and put to fight : Which great Fortunes
He defeated
meeting together in one year, brought forth occaſion of bad, in that fol-
lowing : For now preſuming more of himſelf,he fell upon tloſe Rocks that
rent.all his greatneſs. He calls a Council at Oxford, where occaſion was
given to put him out with the Clergy, that had only ſethim into the State.
The
Robert Earl of
Glocefter the
natural Son
of Henry I.
I
che Scots.
1
The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
71
1138.
HE
Anno Reg 5
។
1
ſure.
The Biſhops upon the permiſſion of building Caſtles, fo out-went the Lords
in Magnificence, ſtrength and number of their erections, and eſpecially the
Biſhop of Salisbury, that their greatneſs was much maligned by them, put-
ting the King in head, that all theſe great Caſtles, eſpecially of Salisbury, Anno Řeg 3.
the Vies, Shirburn, Malmsbury, and Newarke, were only to entertain the
party
of Maude : Whereupon the King, whoſe fears were apt to take fire,
ſends for the Biſhop of Salisbury (moſt ſuſpected) to Oxford. The Biſhop, as
if fore-ſeeing the miſchief coming to him, would gladly have put off his
journey, and excuſed it by the debility of his age, but it would not ferve his
turn: Thither he comes, where his ſervants, about the taking up of Lodg-
ings, quarrel with the ſervants of the Earl of Brittain, and from words
fall to blows, ſo that in the bickering, one of them was ſlain, and the Ne-
I140.
phew of the Earl dangerouſly Wounded. Whereupon the King ſends for
the Billiop, to ſatisfie his Court, for the breach of peace, made by his fer-
vants: The fatisfaction required, was the yeilding up his Keys of his Caſtles,as
pledges of his fealty, but that being ſtood upon, the Biſhop with his Nephew,
Alexander Biſhop of Lincoln, were reſtrained of their liberty, and ſhortly
after ſent as Priſoners to the Caſtle of the Diviſes, whither (the Biſhop of
Eley, another of his Nephews) had retired himſelfbefore. The King ſeizes The King ſei-
into his Hands his Caſtles of Salisbury, Shirburn, Malmsbury, and after three Bithops Ca-
days aſſault, the Diviſes was likewiſe rendred; beſides, he took all his itles and Trea-
Treaſure, which amounted to forty thouſand Marks.
This action being of an extraordinary ſtrain, gave much occaſion of ru-
mour ; ſome ſaid : The King had done well in ſeizing upon theſe Caſtles ; it
being unfit,and againſt the Canons of the Church, that they wbo were Men of Reli-
gion
and Peace ſhould raiſe Fortresſes for War, and in that ſort as might be pre-
judicial to the King. Againſt this was the Biſhop of Wincheſter, the Popes Le-
gat,taking rather the part of his function,than that of a Biother;ſaying:That
if the Biſhops had transgreſſed, it was not the King but the Canons, that muſt Legate a Bi-
judge it : That they ought not to be deprived of their poſseſſions, without a pub- thop, takes
lick Ecclefiaftical Council; that the King had not done it
, out of the zeal of Juſtice, Ipare with Bi-
but for his own benefit, taking away that which had been built upon the Lands," the King his
and by the charge of the Church, to put it into the hands of Lay-men, little affected Brother
.
Malmsbury.
to Religion. And therefore to the end, the power of the Canons might be
examined, he appoints a Council to be called at Wincheſter, whither the
King is ſummoned : And thither repair moſt of all the Biſhops of the King-
dom,where firſt is read the Commiſſion of the Legatine power, granted by
Pope innocent to the Biſhops of Wincheſter, who there openly urged the in-
dignity offered to the Church, by the impriſoning of theſe Biſhops : An act
moſt baynous and ſhameful for the King, that in the peace of his Court,through the
inſtigation of evil Miniſters, would thus lay hands upon ſuch Men, Spoyl them of
their eſtates: which was a violence againſt God. And that ſeeing the King
would geild to no admonitions, he hadeat length called this Council
, where they
were to conſult what was to be done : That for his part, neither the love of the
King, though his Brother, nor the loſs of his living, or danger of his life, ſhouldl
make him fail in the executiou of what they ſhould decree.
The King, ſtanding upon this cauſe, ſends certain Earls to this Coun-
cil
, to know why he was called thither : Anſwer was made by the Legat:
That the King, who was ſubječt to the faith of Chriſt, ought not to take ill
, if
by the Miniſters of Chriſt, he was called to make ſatisfaction, being conſcious
of ſuch «en offence as that age had not known: that it was for times of the Gen-
tiles, for Biſhops to be impriſoned, and deprived of their poſſeſſions ; and there-
fore
LE
F
72
The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
1
The Kings
Reply.
fore then ſhould tell the King his Brother, that if he would vouchſafe to yeild con-
ſent to the Council, it ſhould be ſuch by the help of God, as neither the Roman
Church, the Court of the King of France, nor the Earl Theołald, Brother to
them both (a Man wiſe, and Religious ) ſhould, in reaſon diſlike ip: That the
King ſhould do adviſedly.to render the reaſon of his act, and unclergo a Canonical
judgement : That he ought in duty to favour the Church, into whoſe boſome being
taken, he was advanced to the Crown without any military hand.
With which anſwer the Earls departed, attended with Alberic de Ver,
a Man exerciſed in the Law; and having related the ſame, they returned
with the Kings reply: which Alberic utters, and urges the injuries Biſhop Ro-
ger had done to the King : How he feldom came to his Court ; tbat his Men, pre-
ſuming on his power, had offered violence to the Nephew and ſervants of the Earl
of Brittain, and to the ſervants of Herui de Lyons, a Man of that Nobility and
|toutneſ, as would never vouchſafe to come upon any requeſt to the late King,
and yet for the love of this, was deſrous to ſee England : Where, to have this vio-
lence offered,was an injury to the King, and diſhonour to the Realm; that the Bi-
Ihop of Lincoln, for the ancient hatred to the Earl of Brittain, was the author
of his Mens ſedition : That the Biſhop of Salisbury ſecretly favoured the Kings
Enemies ; and did but ſubtlely temporize, as the King had found by divers cir-
cumſtances ; eſpecially when Roger de Mortimer,ſent with the Kings Forces in
the great danger of Briſtow, he would not lodge him one night in Malmsbury:
that it was in every Mans mouth, as ſoon as the Empreſs came, he and his Ne-
phews would render their caſtles unto her. That he was arreſted, not as Biſhop,
but a ſervant to the King, and one that adminſtered his procurations
, and re-
ceived his monies. That the King took not his Caſtles by violence, but the Biſhop
voluntarily rendred them, to avoid the calumny of their tumults raiſed in his
Court: If the King found
fome money in his Caſtles, he might Lawfully ſeize on it,
regard Roger had collected it out of the revenues of the King his Uncle and pre-
deceſſor : And the Biſhop willingly
. yeilded up the ſame, as well as his Caſtles,
through fear of his offences ; and of this, wanted not witneſſes of the King's
part, who deſired that the covenants made between him and the Biſhop, might re-
main ratified.
Againſt this, Biſhop Roger oppoſes : That he was never ſervant to the King,
nor received his monies; and withal added thr eatings, as a Man, not yet broken,
though bent ivith his fortunes : That if he found not juſtice for his wrongs in that
Council, he would bring it to the hearing of a greater Court.
The Legat mildly, as he did other things, ſaid, That all what was Spoken
againſt the Biſhops, ought firſt to be examined in the Ecclefiaftical Council whether
they were true or.no, before ſentence ſhould have been given againſt them contrary
to the Canons ; and therefore the Kings should (as it is lawful in judicial trials
reveſt the Biſhops in their former Eſtates, otherwiſe by the Law of Nations being
deleifed, they ſhall not hold their
Plea.
After much debate, the Kings cauſe was (upon a motion) put off till the
next day, to the end the Arch-Biſhop of Roan, an eſpecial inſtrument for the
King,might be there;who delivering his opinion ſaid:That if the Biſhops could
rightly prove by the Canons, they ought to have Caſtles, they ſhould hold them
but if they could not, it proceeded of great improbity to ſtrive to do otherwiſe.And
be it (Said be) their right to have them; yet in a suſpected time, according to
the manner of other Nations, all great Men ought to deliver the Keys of their For-
treſes, to be at the Kings pleaſure, who is to Fight for the peace of all. But it is
not their right by the decree of the Canons to have Caſtles ; and if by the Princes in-
dulgence it be tolerated, yet in a time of neceſſity,they ought to deliver the Keys.
The
in
j
The Life and Reign of King Stephen. 73
Maude the
.
+
!
The Lawyer Elberic adds ; That it was fignified to the King, How the Bi-
thops threatned, and had furniſhed forre to go to Rome againſt him. But, faiid lie,
the i'ing would have you know, that none of you preſume to do it : For if any g?
out of England, contrary to his will, and the dignity of the Kingdom, it will be
bard returning. In concluſion the Council brake up, nothing was done.
Thc Biſhops durſt not excommunicate the King, without the Popes privi-
ty,and beſides, they ſaw the Swords too buſie about them,yet failed not the
Legat,and the Arch-biſhop to proſecute their parts, and from authority, fell Empreſs con-
to prayer,and (at the Rings feet in his Chamber) befought hini, that he would ducted into
pity the Church, pity bis own soul and his Fame; not to ſuffer diffention to be Englun.l.
between the Kingdom and the Preſt-hood. The King returned them fair words,
but held what he liad gotten.
Shortly after, througli grief, cried the Biſhop of Salisbury, and (according
to the fate of over eminent and greedy Officers) unpitied. He was a Man
(in his latter time) noted of inuch corruption, and unſatiable deſire of ha-
ving. For whom the preſent King in the beginning of his Reign had done
very much, making one of his Nephew's Chancellour, the other Treaſurer,
and upon his ſuit gave to himſelf the Borough of Malmsbury; inſomuch
as the King would lay to his Familiars about him: If this man will beg thus
ſtill, I will give him half the Kingdom but I will pleaſe him : and firſt ſhall be be
wcary of craving, ere I of granting. And ſure the King had great reaſon to ſuf-
pect his adhering to Maude, whoſe part he began to favour only,out of the
liatred lie b?re to Wincheſter, who yet was content to forſake his own Bro-
ther, in regard, by, his ingagement he was preferred to the Crown, rather
than to loſe his good will, and the reſt of the Clergy.
But yet this breaking of the King into the Church (which had made him)
The Legats
utterly deſſolved him. For preſently hereupon all his power fell a funder
The Empreſs found now a way open to let her in, and the Earl of Gloceſter Thops ſub-
preſumiug of a ſure ſide, conducted her into England only with 150 Men, million.
put her into the Caſtle of Arundel, and himſelf (attended but with twelve
Horſe) paſſed away clear through all the Country to Briſtow : And from
thence to Gloceſter, where he had leiſure without oppoſition, to raiſe all
the Country to take part with the Empreſs, who, from Arundel Caſtle was
afterward (by the Legat himſelf, and the Kings permiſſion) conveyed to
Briſtow ; received with all obedience, grew daily in ſtrength as ſhe went,
and came at length to lier Brother (who had taken in Hereford, made him-
ſelf ſtrong with the Welch,and ſetked thoſe parts) to gather up more of the
Kingdom, by ſhewing herſelfand her power in divers places
.
Stephen having no part clear (by reaſon the Caſtles,upon which he ſpent
both his time and means, lay ſo thick blocks in his way) as he could not
make that speed to ſtop the ſtream, as otherwiſe lie would, holding it not
ſafe to go forward, and leave dangers behind that might overtake him. And
firſt he lays ſiege to the Caſtle of Wallingford, wirich, Brian Son to the Ear]
of Gloce;tér,held againſt him: Then to the Caſtle of Briſtow and other places,
working much, but effecting little,which ſeeing, to got time and ſtagger the
ſwift proceeding of this new received Princels, he cauſes a treaty of peace
to be propounded at Bat), where the Legat (who likewiſe earneſtly ſolicited
the fame) with the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, were appointed Commiflio-
for the King,and the Earl of Gloceſter for the Empreſs, but nothing was
effected, both return to make good their ſides. The Empreſs ſeeks to reco-
ver inore, the King what he had loſt,and left the North parts might fall from
him, and the King of Scots come on, he repairs thitherward: And finding
H
the
:
and Archbi-
ners
5
74 The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
the Caſtle of Lincolne poſſeft by Ralph Earl of Cheſter, who had married a
daughter of the Earl of Gloceſter, and holding it not ſafe to be in the hands
of ſuch a Maſter, in ſuch a time, ſeeks to take it in by force. The Earl
of Chelter, who held neutral, attempting notliing againſt the King, took
it ill, and ſtood upon his defence; but being cverlaid by power, conveys
himſelf out of the Caſtle, leaves his Brother and Wife within to defend it,
and procures aid of his Father in Law the Earl of Gloceſter, to ſuccour
him.
The Earl takes in hand this buſineſs, ſets out of Gloceſter with an Army
of Welchmen and others, attended with Hugh Bigod, and Robert de Morley,
joyns with the Earl of Cheſter, marches to Lincolne, where, in the Battel,
King Stephen was taken, carried priſoner to Gloceſter, preſented to the Em-
preſs, and by her ſent to be kept in the Caſtle of Briſtow, but in all Honou-
rable faſhion, till his attempt to eſcape laid fetters on him.
She labours Hereupon the Empreſs (as at the top of her fortune) labours the Legat to
the Legat forbe admitted to the Kingdom,a s the Daughter of the late King, to whom the Realm
England.
had taken an oath to accept for Soveraign in the ſucceſſion ; and wrought ſo, as
a Parle was appointed for this purpoſe, on the Plain near to Ú'inchieſter,
where in a bluſtring fad day (like the fate of the buſineſs) they met and the
Empreſs ſwore, and made affidation to the Legat, that all the great buſineſſes,
and eſpectally the donation of Biſhopricks and Abbeys ſhould be at his diſpoſing, if
be(with the Church would receive her as Queen of England, and holding perpetual
fidelity unto her. The ſame oath and affidation took likewiſe her Brother
Robert Earl of Gloceſter, Brian his Son, Marqueſs of Wallingford ; Miles of
Gloceſter (after Earl of Hereford ( with many others for her. Nor did the
Biſhops ſtick to accept her as Queen (though ſhe never came to be fo) and
with ſome few other,made likewiſe affidation for his part,that ſo long as ſhe
infringed not her Covenant, he would alſo hold his fidelity to her.
The next day, ſhe was received with ſolemn proceſſion into the Bishops
Church at Wincheſter,the Biſhop leading her on the right hand, and Bernard
Biſhop of Saint Davids on the left
. There were preſent many other Biſhops;
as Alexander Biſhop of Lincoln, and Nigol Biſhop of Eley (the Nephews
of Roger, lately impriſoned) Robert Bishop of Bath and Robert Biſhop of Wor-
ceſter, with many Abbots.
Within a few days after came Theobald Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, to the
Empreſs,invited by the Legat ; but deferred to do fealty unto her, as hold-
ing it unworthy his perſon and place, without having conferred firſt with
the King. And therefore he with many Prelates, and ſome of the Layety (by
permiſſion obtained) went to the King to Briſtow. The Council brake
the Empreſs keeps her Eaſter at Oxford, being her own Town. Sliortly
upon Eaſter a Council of the Clergy is again called to Wincheſter, where
the firſt day the Legat had ſecret conference with every Bifhcp apart, and
The Legats
then with every Abbot and other; which were called to the Council. The
next day he makes a publick ſpeech, Shewing how the cauſe of their allem-
Clergy, to
bly)t was to conſult for the peace of their Country : in great danger of utter ruine.
Empreſs. Repeats the flouriſhing reign of his uncle, the peace, wealth and horicur of the
Kingdom in his time ; and how that renowned K'ing, many years before bis deat),
had received an oath both of England and Normandy, for the Succeſſion of his
Daughter Maude and her ijue ; but faith he,after his deceaſe
' his Daughter being
then in Normandy,making delay to come into England, where ( for that it ſeem
ed long to expect) order was to be taken for the peace of the Country, and my
Brother was permitted to Reign. And although I interpoſed my ſelf a ſurety between
God!
up,
ſpeech to the
Crown the
1
។
The Life and Reign of King Stephen;
73
1
4
H
God and him, that he ſhould bonour and exalt the Holy Church, keep and ordain
good Laws ; yet low lse hath behaved himſelf in the Kingdors, it grieves me
to remember, and I am aſhamed to repeat. And then recounts he all the Kings
courſes with the Biſhops, and all his or her mil-governments. : “And then, ſaid
he, every Man knows I ought to love my mortal Brother, but much more the cauſe
of my immortal Father ; and therefore ſeeing God hath ſhewed his judgements on
my Brother, and ſuffered bim (without này knowledge.) to fall into the Wrand of
Power : That the Kingdam may not miſcarry for want of.x Ruler, I brice called
you all bitlier by the power of my Legation. Teſterday the cauſe was moved in ſe-
cret, to the greateſt part of the Clergy,' to whom the right appertains toelest and
ordain a Prince. And therefore after having invoked (as' it is meet).the Divine
aid,we elect for Queen of England the Daughter of the Peaceful,Glorious,Rich, and
in our time the incompralke King and to lier, we promiſe our faith and allegiance:
When all, who were preſent, either modeſtly gave their voice, or by
their filence contradicted it not, the Legát adds: The Londoners, who are
(in reſpeit of ithre greatneſs af the City), as among the optimacy of England; we
have by our mefengersfummoned, and Itruft they will: not stay:beyond this day,
to morrow we will expect them)
The Londoners came, were brought into the Council, ſhewed, How they
were ſent froin the Commanilty of London, not to bring contention, but Prayer,
that rhe King' their Lord might be freed from captivity, tand the ſame did allthe
Barons (received within their Liberties } earneſtly befeech of my Lord Legat,
and all the Clergy there preſent. The Legatanſwers them at large and loftily,
according to his ſpeech the day before,and added, That they Londoners who
were held in thut degree in England, ought not to take their parts, who had for-
Saken their Lord in the War, hy whoſe: Counſel the Church bath been diſhonou-
red, and who favoured the Londoners but for their own gain.
Then ſtands their up a Chaplain to: Queen Maude, Wife to Stephen, and
deliversa:Letter to the Legat;which he ſilently read, and then ſaid aloud, That
it was not lawful in the aſſembly of ſa many:Reveèendi and Religious Perfons the
Same ſhould be publickly read, containing matter reprehenſible. The Chaplain
not to fail in his meſſage, boldly reads the Letter :himſelf, which was to
this effe&t: That the Queen earneſtly.intreats all the Clergy thene aſſembled, and
namely the Biſhop of Wincheſter, therBrother of her Lord, to reſtore him unto
the Kingdom, whom wicked men, which were alſo his ſubjects, held Priſoner.
To this the Legat anſwers. (as to the Londoners) and ſhortly after the
Council brake up, wherein many of the Kings part wore excommunicated,
namely William Martel, an eſpecial man about the King, who liad much
diſpleaſed the Legat.
...::.
Hercupon a great part of England willingly accepted of Maude, in whoſe
buſineſs lier Brother Robert împloys all his diligence and beſt care, reform-
ing Juſtice, reſtoring the Laws of England, promiſing-relievements, and what-
foever might be to win the people; thic Legat ſeconding all his courſes.
But now ſhe being at the point of obtaining the whole Kingdom,ail came
ſuddenly daiht by her over-laughty. and proud carriage, and by'the practice
of the Londoners, who adhering to the other ſide, began openly to inveigh
againſt her, who liad diſpleaſed them, and:they had plotted to ſurprize her
in their City; whereof ſhe having notice, fecretly withdraws herſelf
(accompanied with her Uncle David King of Scots, who was come to viſit
her and her Brother Robert) unto Oxfordlin place of more ſecurity. The Le-
himielt takes or makes an occaſion to be ſlack in her cauſe, upon her Thc Legat
denying him a ipie for his Nephew Euftace, the Son of Stephen, about the
Empreſs.
H2
inheritance
:: أن
2
1
1
1
1
gat
leaves the
1
-86 The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
the
queen reg-
nant.
inheritance of his Earldom of Mortaigne in Normandy. Beſides, the Queen
regnant,watchful over all opportunities, found means to parle with the Le-
gat, Sets upon him with her Tears,Intreaty,Promiſes and aſſurance for the Kings
With rears by Reformation : Inſomuch as she recalled him to the affection of Nature, brought
him about again to abſolve. Such of the Kings part, as he had lately Excommuni-
cated.
· The Earl of Gloceſter, ſeeing this ſudden and ſtrange Relaps of their af-
fairs, ſtrives by all means to hold up Opinion, and re-quicken the Legats
diſpoſition, which to keep ſound, was all. He brings the Empreſs to Win-
cheſter,ſettles her, and her guard in the Caſtle, where ſhe deſires to ſpeak with
the Legat,who firſt delays,then denies to come. Whereupon they call their
beſt Friends about themQueen Maude and the Lords incompaſs the
Town, and cut off all victual from the Empreſs, ſo that in the end, the
The Earl of Earl of Gloceſter wrought means to have her conveyed from thence to the
Gloceſter taken f Vies, but himſelf was taken, and in him moſt of her.
Priſoner.
This ſets the ſides both even again into the Liſts of their tryal : The two
Priſoners are to redeem each other: The diſproportion of the quality be-
tween them,ſhewed yet there was an evenneſs of power
and the Earl would
not conſent to the Kings delivery (who only in that was to have the Prece-
dence) but upon moſt ſecure cautions. The Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and
the Legat, undertook to yeild themſelves Priſoners for him, if the King re-
leaſed hiin not,according to liis promiſe:But that would not ſerve the turn,
till they both had written their Briefs to the Pope, to intimate the courſe
that was taken herein, and delivered the ſame unto him, under their Hands
and Seals. So that, if the King ſhould, as he might not care, to hold the Bi-
ſhops in Priſon; yet the Pope, if hard meaſure were offered, might relieve
them. Which ſhews the advantage of credit in the buſineſs, lay on this ſide,
and the King was to have his Fetters though at liberty.
The Queen and Euftace,her San the Prince, upon the inlargement of Ste-
1142.
phen, remain pledges in the Caſtle of Briſtow, till the Earl were releaſed,
Anno Reg. 7. which was done upon the Kings coming to Wincheſter. Where the Earí
in familiar conference, was, by all art poſſible, ſolicited to forſake the party
of Maude, with promiſe of all preferments of Honour and Eſtate : But no-
thing could move him being fixt to his courſes, and rather would he have
been content to remain a perpetual Priſoner, than that Stephen ſhould
have been releaſed, had not his Siſter wrought him to this concluſion.
The Legat, after this, calls a Council at London, where the Popes Letters,
written unto him, are openly Read; which argue him (but mildly) of ſome
neglect of his Brothers releaſing, and exhort him to uſe all means Eccleſi-
aſtical and Secular, to ſet him at liberty.
King Stephens
The King himſelf-came into the Council
, Complains, How his Subie&ts,
complaint. to whom he had never denied Juſtice, had taken him, and reproachfully afflicted
him even to death. The Legat, with great eloquence, labours to excuſe his own
courſes: Alledging, how he received not the Empreſs by his will
, but neceſity:
That preſently upon the Kings overthrow, whileft the Lords either were fled, or
ſtood in ſuspence attending the event, ſhe and her people came thundering to the
Walls of Wincheſter : And that, what past foever he had made with her, for the
right of the Church, She obſtinately brake all: Beſides, he was certainly
, infor-
mned, that she and hers had Plotted, both againſt his Dignity and Life : But God
in his mercy, contrary to his deſire; had turned the buſineſs, ſo as be eſcaped the
danger, and his Brother delivered out of bands. And therefore he, from the
part of God, and the Pope, willed them with all their, utmoſt power, to aid the
King,
11
h
"
The Life and Reign of King Stephen. 77
King, anointed by the conſent of the People and the See Apoſtolick, and excom-
municate all the diſturbers of the Peace that favoured the Counteſs of
Anjou.
There was in the Council a Lay Agent for the Empreſs, who openly
charged the Legat, That in reſpect of the faith he had given the Empreſs; to
p.ufs no at there, prejudicial to lier Honour : Having ſworn unto her never to
aid his Brother with above twenty Souldiers ; that her coming into England,
was upon his often Letters unto her : And his cause it was, that the King was t.1-
ken aild leld Priſoner. This, and much more ſaid the Agent with great au-
tlerity of words, therewith the Legat ſeemed not to be moved at all, nor
would ſtoop to reply.
But both parts thus ſet at liberty, were left to work for themſelves, hold-
ing tlie State broken between them ; and no means made to interpoſe
any bar to keep them in ſunder. Their borders lay every where, and then
the ingageinents of their Partakers, who (look all to be favers or to recover
their itakes when they were loſt, which makes them never give over) en-
tertain the contention.But the beſt was they were rather troubles than Wars,
and coſt more labour than blood. Every one fought with Bucklers, and fel.
dom camc to the ſharp in the field, which would ſoori have ended the
buſineſs.
Soine few months after theſe inlargements,ſtood both ſides at ſome reſt,
but not idle, caſting how to compaſs their ends. The Empreſs at the Vies
with her Council, reſolves to ſend over her Brother into Normandy, to fo-
licit her Husband the Earl of Anjou, to come to aid her with Forces from
thence: Her Brother the better to ſecure her in his abfence ſettles her in the The Earl of
Caſtle of Oxford well furniſhed for all aſſaults, and takes tvith him the Sons Glocefter gets
of the eſpecial Men about her,as pledges to hold them to their fidelity. Ste- to Normandy.
phen ſeeks to ſtop the Earls paſſage, but could not, and then lays ſiege to
the Caſtle of Oxford; which held him all the time that thie Earl was abroad.
Geffery Earl of Anjou, deſirous rather to have Normandy (whereof, in this
mcan time, he had attained the moſt part, and in poſſibility of the reſt)
than to adventure for England, which lay in danger, refuſed to come in
per-
ſon, but ſends ſome ſmall aid, and his eldeſt Son Henry being then but ele-
ven years of age, that he might look upon England, and be thewed to the
people, to try if that would move them to a conſideration of his right;
which proved of more effect than an Army.
The Earl of Gloceſter fafely returning, makes towards Oxford, to relieve The Eart re-
the Empreſs, who had ſecretly conveyed her ſelf diſguiſed out of a Poſtern turns with the
Gate, only with four perſons, got over the Thames, paſſed on foot to Ab- Empreſies
bington, and from thence conveyed to Walling ford, where her Brother and Heming
Son met her, to her more comfort after hard diſtreſſes.
Stephen ſeeing his Enemy thus ſupplied, and like to grow, labours to win Anno Regs.
friends, but inony fails, which made divers of his Lords, and eſpecially his
niercenaries, whereof he had many out of Flanders, to fall to the rifling of
Abbeys, which was of dangerous conſequence
. And for Armies there was
no means; only about Caſtles, with ſmall powers, lay all the buſineſs of
thoſe times, and they being ſo many were to ſmall effect, but only to hold
them doing, which was for many years.
The Earl of Gloceſter, the chief pillar of the Empreſs, within two years The Earl of
after his laſt coming out of Normandy died, and ſhortly after Miles Earl Glocefter dics.
of Hereford,an cſpecial Man of hers; which had utterly qualhit her, but that
inſtead of a Brother ſhe had a Son grew up to be of more eſtimation with
thel
1143
1
+
H 3
78
The Life and Reign of King Stephen.
the Nobility, and ſhortly after of ableneſs to undergo the travels of War.
His firſt expedition at ſixteen years of age was Northward to combine him
with David King of Scots his great Uncle, to whom his Mother had given
the Country of Northumberland. After him follows Stephen with an Army
to Tork, leſt he ſhould ſurprize that City, and to intercept him in his re-
turn : But according to his uſual manner, and French-like, after the firſt
heat of his undertakings, which were quick and brave, he quails, nothing
was effected, and both return without encountring.
Now to advance the State and means of Henry,Fortune,as if in Love with
young Princes, preſents this occaſion. Louys the ſeventh, King of France,
going in perſon to the Holy Wars,and taking witli him his Wife Elenor, the
only Daughter and heir of William Duke of Grien, grew into ſuch an odi-
ous conceit of her upon the notice of her laſcivious behaviour in thoſe parts
,
as tlie firſt work he doth upon his coming back, he repudiates, and turns
her home with all her great dowry, rather content to loſe the mighty eſtate
ſhe brought him, than to enjoy her perſon. With this great Lady matches
Henry Lefore he was twenty years of age, (being now Duke of Normandy,
A. 1151. his Father deceaſed, who had recovered it for him) and had by lier the poſ-
ſeſſion of all thoſe large and rich Countries, appertaining to the Dutchy of
Guien, beſides the Earldom of Poištou. Whereupon Louys inraged to ſee
him inlarged by this great acceſſion of State, who was ſo near, and like to
be ſo dangerous and eminent a neighbour, combines with Stephen, and aids
Euſtace his Son (whom he married to his Siſter Conſtance) with main power,
for the recovery of Normandy, wherein he was firſt poſſeſt
. But this young
Prince, furnished now with all this powerful means, leaves the
manage-
ment of the affairs of England to his friends, defends Normandy, wrought
ſo, as the King of France did him little hurt; and Euſtace: his Competitor,
returned home into England, where ſhortly after he dyed, about 18 years
of his age, born never to be out of the calamities of War, and was buried
at Feverſham, with his Mother, who deceaſed a little before, and had no
other joy nor glory of a Crown but what we ſee. Stephen whilſt Duke Hen-
ry was in Normandy, recovers what he could, and at length beſieges Wal-
lingford, which ſeems in theſe times to have been a piece of great impor-
tance and impregnable, and reduced the Defendants to that extremity, as
they ſent to Duke Henry for ſuccour,who preſently thereupon, in the midſt
of Winter arrives in England with 3000 Foot, and 140 Horſe. Where
firſt, to draw the King from Wallingford,he lays ſiege to Malmsbury,and had
moſt of all the great Men in the Weſt, and from other parts coming in un-
to him.Stephen now reſolved to put it to the tryal of a day, brings thither all
the power he could make; and far over-went his Enemy in number; but
Floods and Storms in an unſeaſonable Winter, kept the Armies from in-
countring,till the Biſhops,doubtful of the ſucceſs, and ſeeing how dangerous
it was for them,and the whole State, to have a young Prince get the maſtery
by his Sword, mediated a Peace, which was after concluded in a Parliament
at Wincheſter, upon theſe conditions.
1. That King Stephen, during his natural Life, ſhould remain King of Eng-
land, and Henry enjoy the Dukedom of Normandy, as deſcended unto him from
his Mother, and be proclaimed Heir apparent to the Kingdom of England as
the adopted Son of King Stephen.
2. That the Partizans of either, ſhould receive no damage, but enjoy their E-
ſtates according to their ancient Rights and Titles.
Reſumptions.
3. That the King ſhould reſume into his hands all parcels of inheritance be-
longing
+
-
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
79
1
note.
.
ten months.
longing to the Crown, as had been alienated by him, or uſurped in his time. And
that all theſe pollellions which by intruſion had been violently taken from the own-
ers ſince the days of King Henry, ſhould be reſtored unto them who were rightly
poljeled therein, when the ſaid King reigned.
4. That all ſuch Caſtles as had been built by the permiſſion of Stephen, and
in his time (which were found to be 1117) ſhould be demoliſhed, &c.
There is a Charter of this agreement in our Annals, which hath other
Articles of reſervation for the eſtates of particular perſons. And firſt for
Willian, the ſecond Son of Stephen, to enjoy all the poſſeſſions his Father
held before he was King of England, and many other particulars of special
After this pacification and all buſineſs here' ſetled, Duke Henry returns
into Normandy, and likewiſe there concludes a Peace with the King of France,
and for that he would be ſure to have it, buys it, with twenty thouſand
Marks.
And now King Stephen having attained (that he never had) Peace, which
yet, it ſeems, he enjoyed not a year after) uſes all the beſt means he could
to repair the ruines of the State, makes his progreſſes into moſt parts of the
Kingdom, to reform the miſchiefs that had grown up under the Sword :
And after this return calls a Parliament at London, to conſult of the beſt
A. 1154
means for the publick good. After the Parliament, he goes to meet the He reigned
Earl of Flanders at Dover, who deſired conference with him, and having 18. years, and
diſpatclit him, falls preſently ſick, dyes within few days after, and was
buried (in the Abbey he founded ) at Feverſham, with the unfortunate
Princes.
A Man fo continually in motion, as we cannot take his dimenſion, but
only in paſſing, and that but on one ſide, which was War. On the other,
we never ſaw but a glance of him, which yet, for the moſt part, was ſuch,
as ſhewed him to be a very worthy Prince for the Government. He kept
his word with the State concerning the relievements of Tributes, and never
had Subſidy that we find.
But which is more remarkable, having his Sword continually out, and
fo inany defections and rebellions againſt him, He never put any great Man
to death. Beſides it is noted, that notwithſtanding all theſe miſeries of War,
That here were more Abbeys built in his Reign, than in an hundred
years before,
which ſhews, though the times were bad, they were not impious.
The end of the Life and Reign of King Stephen.
The Life and Reign of Henry the ſecond ;
And firſt of the Line of Plantagenet.
Hat ſhort time of Peace, before the death of Stephen, had ſo allayed
the ſpirit of contention, and prepared the Kingdom (wearied and
defaced with War) to that diſpoſition of quietneſs, as Henry
I!55.
Plantagenet (though a French-man born, at that time out of the Anno Reg 1.
Land; long detained with contrary Winds, yet a Prince of ſo great poſ-
ſeſſions abroad, as migh make him feared, to be too mighty a Maſter at
home ; or doubtful, where he would ſet his feat : Whither carry England
thither, or bring thoſe great States to this) was, notwithſtanding gene-
rally admitted (without any oppoſition or capitulation, other than the
uſual oath) to the Crown of England : Which he received at the hands
of Theobald, Arch-biſhop of Canterbury, the twentieth day of De-
j
.
T
cena
..
80
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
Anno 1154
.
cember,
about the three and twentieth year of his
age.
And though he were a Prince Toung, Active, Powerful, and had all that
might make him high and preſuming : Yet the neceſſity of his own affairs,
were ſo ſtrong reins to hold him in, from all exorbitant courſes: As inade
him wary to obſerve at firſt, all means to get and retain the love and good
opinion of this Kingdom, by a regular and eaſie Government,being ſure to
have the King of France perpetually awake, for all advantages (both in re-
gard of the daily quarrels common to mighty neighbours, as alſo for match-
ing with her that came out of his bed,and brought away thoſe mighty Pro-
vinces from that Crown, whereby, he comes now to over-match him) be-
ing thus inveſted in this powerful Kingdom of England. Where, after ha-
ving made a choice of grave Counſellors, ſuch as beſt underſtood the ſtate
thereof; he began at a Council or Parliament held at Wallingford, with an
Act (that both ſerved his own turn, and much eaſed the Stomachs of his
Expulſion of people) which was the expulſion of Strangers, wherewith the Land was much
Strangers. peſtered,by reaſon of the late Wars that had drawn great numbers of them,
and eſpecially of Flemings and Picards, whom Xing Stephen eſpecially tru-
ſted in his greateſt actions, after he grew doubtful of the Engliſh fidelity,
and had made their Leader William d' Ipres, Earl of Kent, who likewiſe
was turned home, and his eſtate ſeized into the Kings hands.
Then that he might ſubliſt by his own means, without preſſure of his
Subjects, (whoſe voluntary ſervices, and contributions, would yeild him
more in meaſure than if exacted) he looks to the State, and ordering his re-
Reſumption venues, reforms the Exchequer, and revokes all ſuch Lands belonging to the
Crown, 'as had any way been alienated, or ufurped. And though ſome of the
great Lords ſtood out for the holding what they had in pofleſſion, as Hugh
de Mortimer for his Caſtles of Clebury, Wigmore, and Bridgenorth ; and Roger
Fitz Miles, Earl of Hereford for the City and Lands of Gloceſter ; yet the
King took them by force as appertaining to the Crown. Beſides, he re-
ſumed the Caſtle of Scarborough, which William Earl of Albemarle held, and
divers others Lands and Caſtles in Torkſhire, poſſeſſed by private Men.Hugh
Bigot reſigned his Caſtles into the Kings hands. And more, he took from
William Earl of Mortain, and Warren, baſe Son to King Stephen, the Caſtle
of Pemſey, the City of Norwich; with other Towns and Caſtles, notwith-
ſtanding himſelf granted the ſame in his agreement with Stephen ; alledging,
They were of the demaines of the Crown, and could not be alienated. Only he
ſuffered Irim to enjoy ſuch Lands, as his Father, King Stephen held in Eng-
land, in the time of Henry the firſt.
Then goes he Nortliward and recovers the City of Carlile, ſeizes all Cum-
berland into his hands; and after takes the Town of Newcaſtle, with the
Caſtle of Bamberge, and ſo reſumed all Northumberland, which his Mother
the Empreſs ) had before granted to David King of Scots, her Uncle
Grandfather to Malcolin, who now reigned) as being not in his Mothers
power, nor his, to give away any part of the Kingdom. Notwithſtanding,
he was content, Malcolin ſhould enjoy the Earldom of Huntingdon, which
King Stephen had given to Henry Prince of Scotlaid, Father of
Malcolin, aş
being a piece in the heart of England, whereof howould make no uſe, but at
the Kings pleaſure ; and beſides, was a means, to hold him his Homager,
and to perform thoſe ſervices belongiog to tliat Earldom.
And the ſame courſe took hie with the Alienations, and uſurpations for-
merly made of the Demaynes of the Dutchy of Normandy, and forced
Theobald
of Crown
Lands.
1
1
+
***
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second. 81
1
1
Earldom of
11
Theobald Earl of Bloys, to reſign into his hands, two Caſtles, and Petroch
Earl of Perch, other two. Thele revocations whereby ſo many were indama
ged in their eſtates,and grants both of bis Predeceſſors, and his own utterly nul-
lified, might ſeem to be an act of great injuſtice, and in a new Government
of little fafety. But in regard, the Common-wealth liad thereby a benefit;
and but few (though great) intereſſed, it paſſed as a work univerſally necelé
ſary, ſeeing his Maintenance otherwiſe, muſt be made up out of publick
taxations; which would turn to a general grievance. But the reſuming of The King re-
the Earldom of Anjou out of his Brother Geffryes hands, contrary to his oath, fumes the
cannot but be held a ſtrain beyond conſcience and good nature. For his Fa-
Anjou.
ther Geffrey Plantagenet deſirous to leave fome eſtate to his ſecond Son
Geffrey, ordained by h Teſtament, That when Henry had recovered the
Kingdom of England, the other ſhould have the County of Anjou ; And in the
mean time, put Geffrey in poſſeſſion of the Caſtles and Towns of Chinon,
Lodun, and Mirabel, whereby he might both have maintenance for his
eſtate, and a readier means to come to the reſt when occaſion ſerved. And
left his Son Henry tvould not perform his will, he got certain Biſhops and other
Nobles to ſwear, that they ſhould not ſuffer his Body to be interred, till Henry,
who was then abſent, had ſworn to fulfill his Teſtament: Henry, rather than
to ſuffer his Fathers Body to lye unburied, With great unwillingneſs takes this
oath. But after being inveſted in the Crown of England, and Geffery ſeizing
upon the Earldom of Anjou, he paſſes over into France, and not only takes
from him the Earldom, but alſo thoſe three-Towns he had in poſſeſſion ;
alledging, It was no reaſon,a forced oath (upon ſuch an occaſion) ſhould bind him to
forgo the inheritance of his birth-right (being all the Patrimony, that was to de-
Scend unto him from his Father) and though he had recovered the Kingdom of
England; that was not his Fathers work, but by another right. And although
be held his Brother dear unto him, yet having Children of his own, he was to pro-
vide, that what was his ſhould deſcend to them. But yet was content to allow
his Brother an honourable Penſion (of a thouſand pounds Engliſh, and two
thouſand pounds of Anjouin money yearly) for the maintenance of his
eſtate ; and obtained of Pope Adrian the fourth (an Engliſh Man born) a
diſpenſation for his Oath, made in this caſe.
And now the firſt occaſion, that put him here into action of War, was
1156.
the Rebellion of the Welch, who according to their uſual manner, ever at- Anno Reg 2.
tempted ſomething, in the beginning of the Reign of new Prinçcs, as if to His firſt expe-
try their ſpirits, and their own Fortunes
. Againſt whom he goes fo prepa,
red, as if he meant to go through with his work. wherein at firſt, he had
much to do, paſſing a ſtreight among the Mountains, where he loſt (with
many of his Men) Euſtace Fitz Fohn,and Robert Curcy,eminent perſons; and
himſelf noyſed to be ſain, ſo much diſcouraged that part of the Army,
which had not paſſed the Streights
, as Henryan Earl of Elex, threw down
the Rings Standard (which he bare by inheritance) and fled; but ſoon the
King made it known, he was alive, diſcomfited his Enemies, and brought
them to ſeek their Peace with ſubmiſſion. The Earl of Elex, was after ac-
The puniſh-
cuſed, by Robert de Monfort for this miſdeed, had the Combate, was over- ment of Co-
come, pardoned yet of life, but condemned to be ſhorn a Monk, put into wardize.
the Abbey of Reading, and had his Lands ſeized into the Kings hands.
It was now the fourth year of the reign of this King ; when, all his
affairs were in proſperous courſe, his State increaſing, his Queen fruitful, and
had born him shree Sons in England, Henry, Richard and Geffrey : His eldeſt
1158.
Son William (to whom he had cauſed the Kingdam, to take an Oath of
fealty)
dition into
Wales,
1
:
Anno Reg 4.
82 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
1
i
.
claim to the
Earldom of
tealty) died Thortly after his coming to the Crown, lo that now, the faine
Oath is rendred to Henry, and all is ſecure and well on this ſide.
The King of France, who would gladly have impeached the mighty cur-
rent of this Kings Fortunc, was held in, and fettered with his own neceſſi-
ties: His journey to the Holy Land, had exhauſted all his Treaſure; and
ſince his coming home, the Pope had exacted great ſumms of him for
diſpenſing with his ſecond marriage, which was with Conſtantina Daughter
to Alphonſo, King of Galicia, a fceble alliance, and far off, ſo that all concur-
red to increaſe the greatneſs of this King of England , who having now al-
che reſigna ti- moſt ſurrounded France (by poſſeſſing firſt all Normandy, with a great foot-
on of Nants to ing in Brittain by the reſignation of Nants, with the Country thereabout,
the King of
England.
whichi Conan the Duke was forced lately to make ito him, then the Earl-
dom of Maine, Poictou, Touraine, Anjou, with the Dutchy of Guien) he al-
ſo lays claim to the rich Earldom of Tholouſe upon this Title.
William Duke of Aquitain Grandfather to Queen Elinor, married the
Daughter and heir of the Earl of Tholouſe, and going to the Holy Wars,ingaged
King Henry's
that
Earldom to Raymond Earl of S. Giles, and never returned to redeem it.
William bis Son, Father to Queen Elinor either through want of means or negle&t,
Tholouſe
.
delayed likewiſe the redemption thereof; ſo that the Earl of St. Giles continu-
ing in poſſeſſion whilſt he lived, left it to his Son Raymond, of whom King Louys
of France (having married Elinor, the Daughter and heir of the laſt William)
demanded the reſtitution, with tender of the ſumm for which it was ingaged.
Raymond refuſes it, and ſtands to his poſſeſſion, as of a thing abſolutely fold
or forfeited: But being too weak to contend with a King of France, fell to an ac-
cord and married his Siſter Conſtance, Widdow of Euſtace Son to King Stephen,
and ſo continues the poſeſion. Now King Henry having married this Elinor,
and with her was to have all the Rights ſhe had, tendred likewiſe (as the
King of France had done, in the ſame caſe) the ſumm formerly disburſed,
upon the morgage of that Earldom. And withal makes ready his Sword to
recover it, and firſt combines in league and amity, with ſuch, whoſe Ter-
ritories bordred upon it, as with Raymond Earl of Barcelma, who had mar-
ried the Daughter and heir of the King of Aragon, a Man of great eſtate
in thoſe parts, entertained him with conference of a match between his fe-
cond Son Richard, and his Daughter, with Covenant, that Richard Mould
have the inheritance of the Dutchy of Aquitain, and the Earldom of Poictou.
Beſides,he takes into his protection William Lord of Trancheville ( poſſeſſing
likewiſe) many great Signories in the Countrey, and one who held himſelf
much wronged in his eſtate, by the Earl of Tholouſe.
Theſe aids prepared, he leives an Army, and goes in perſon to beſiege
1159
the City of Tholouſe, and takes along with him Malcolin, King of Scots, who
Anno Reg.s. (coming to his Court to do him homage, for the Earldom of Huntingdon,
and to make claim for thoſe other peices taken from his Crown) was enter-
tained with ſo many fair, words and promiſes of King Henry, as drew him
along to this War.
The Earl of Tholouſe underſtanding the intentions of the King of England,
craves aid of his Brother in Law the King of France, who likewiſe with a
ſtrong Army, comes down in perſon to fuccour Tholouſe, and was there
before the King of England could arrive with his Forces ; whereupon, ſeeing
himſelf prevented, and in dif-advantage, King Henry fell to ſpoiling the
Country, and takes in Cahors in Quercy, where he places a ſtrong Garriſon
to bridle the Tholouſians, and ſo returns into Normandy, gave the order
of Knight-hood to King Malcolin at Tours ; augments his Forces, and enters
the
12
+
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second. 82
The King
and the cauſe
1
1
thie Countrey of Beauvoiſin, where he deſtroys many Caſtles, and commits
great ſpoils. And to add more anoyance to the King of France, he ol-
tained of the Earl de Auranches, the two ſtrong Caſtles Rochford and Mon-
ford, which furniſhed with Garriſons, impcached the paſſage twixt Orleance
and Paris; inſomuch as the War and weather grey hot betwixt theſe two
great Princes and much effuſion of blood was like to follow, but that a me-
diation of peace was made and in the end concluded, With a match between
1160.
the young Prince Henry, not ſeven years of age, and the Lady Margaret eldeſt
Daughter to the King of France, ſearce three : Weak links, to hold in ſo migloty Prince mention
Princes
. The
young Lady was delivered rather as an Hoſtage than a Bride, to Ro contracted to
bert de Newburge, to be kept till her years would permit her to live with lier Margaret
Husband. In the mean time notwithſtanding, many ruptures happened Le- the King of
tween the Parents : The firſt whereof grew upon the king of Englands getting France
.
into lis own band the Caſtle of Giſors ; with two other Caſtles upon the River
Eata, in the Confines of Normandy ; delivered up before the due time by three
Knights Templars, to whom they were committed in truſt, till the marriage were
conſummated. And this coſt ſome blood:The Knight Templars are perfecuted
by the King of France, and the King of England receives them.
But now the advantage of power lying all on this ſide and the King ſecing ſeeks to abate
himſelf at large (and how much he was abroad) began to be more at the power of
the Clergy,
home, and to look to the Perogatives of his Crown, which as he was in-
formed.grew much infringed by the Clergy; which, ſince the time of Henry thereof
.
the firſt, were thought to have inlarged their juriſdi&tion beyond their vocation;
and himſelf had found their power, in the election of King Stephen, with
whom they made their own conditions with all advantages for themſelves,
whereby they deprived his Mother and hier iſſue, of their ſucceſſion to the
Crown. And though afterwards by their mediation, the peace twixt him
and Stephen was concluded and his ſucceſſion ratified: yet for that,might he
thank his Sword, the Juſtice of his cauſe, and ſtrong party in the Kingdom.
What they did therein thewed him rather their power than their affection;
and rather put him in mind of what they had done againſt him at firſt, then
laid any obligation on him, for what they did afterward. And his own ex-
ample, ſeeing them apt to ſurprize all advantages for their own advance-
ment, made him doubt how they might deal with his Poſterity, if they
found occafion; and therefore is he eaſily drawn to abate their power in
what he could.
To this motion of the Kings diſlike,the Lay Nobility, (emulous of the Complaints
others authority) laid more weights : Alledging how the immunities of the againſt the
Clergy.,
Clergy took up ſo much from the Royalty, as his cxecution of juſtice, could have no
general palage in the Kingdom : The Church held their Dominion apart, and
free from any other authority than their own ; and being exempt from ſecular pu-
niſhments,many enormous acts were committed by the Clergy men, without any re-
dreſs to be had; and it was notified to the King, that ſince the beginning of
his Reign, There had been above a hundred Man-Naughterscommitted within
the Realm of England by the Prieſts, and Men within orders.
Now had the King, a little before (upon the death of Theobald Arch-
1161.
Biſhop
of Canterbury) preferred Thomas Becket,a Creature and fervant of his Anno Reg:7
own, to that See. A Man whom firſt, from being Arch-Deacon of Canterbu- Thomas Becket
ry, he made his Chancellor, and finding him Diligent, Truſty and Wiſe, im- preferred to
ploys him in all his greateſt buſineſſes of the State; by which tryal of his
ſervice and fidelity; he might expect to have him ever the readier to ad-
vance his affairs, upon all occaſions. And beſides, to fhew lidw much he
reſpected
:
.
the See of
Canterbury,
+
84 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
}
A Parliament
reſpected his worthi and integrity, liecommits unto him the education of the
Prince, a charge of the gxeateſt conſequence in a Kingdom, which thall be ever
ſure to find their Kings as they are bred.At the beginning of this mans pro-
motion, this reformation of Ecclefiaftical juriſdiction is ſet upon, a nork
(in regard of that time of Devotion) of great difficulty:The Bishops having from
the beginning of Chriſtianity, firſt under the Saxon Kings, principally
ſwayed the State ; and though at the entrance of the Norman, they were
much abridged of their former liberties, they held themſelves if not content,
yet quict. For albeit they liad not that power in temporal buſineſs as be-
fore; yet, within their own circle, they held their own juriſdiction, and immu-
nities; and had ſince, both ly the Law, Civil Wars, and the occafion of Foreign
affairs Miuch inlarged them. So that any reſtriction, or diminution, of the
power they liad,could not but touch veins that were very ſenſible in that
part ; eſpecially, by reaſon of the univerſal participation of the Spirit that fed
then and therefore could not be but a buſineſs of much trouble.
The King convokes a Council at Weſtminiſter, and there firſt propounds
at Weſtminfter., to have it enacted, That all ſuch of the Clergy as flould be taken and convicted
Anno Reg.9. for any hainous offence, ſhould íaſe the priviledge of the Church, and be delivered
to the civil Magiſtrate, to be puniſhed for their offences, as other the K’ings ſub-
jects were. For,if after ſpiritual puniſhment, no ſecular correction ſhould te
uſed, there would be no ſufficient means to reſtrain them from doing miſ-
chief,ſeeing it was not likely, ſuch men would much care for their degra-
ding and loſs of Orders, whom the Conſcience of their calling did not
hold in awe.
The Archbiſhop and his ſuffragans, with the reſt of the Biſhops, ſhiewed
the King how they were not to yeild to any ſuch Alt, being againſt the liberties of
the Church, which bimſelf bad ſworn to defend and maintain ; and therefore
humbly befought him, that he would not urge any thing to the prejudice of their
juriſdiction, and ſuch immunities as they bad hitherto enjoyed, both under him
and bis Noble Progenitors.
Tļie King pot liking this anſwer, demands,Whether they would ſubmit them
ſelves to the Laws and Cuſtoms, which the Arch-Biſhops and Biſhops, in the
time of his Grandfather Henry the firſt did obferve? They anſwered, They
would, their Order,the honour of God, and Holy Church,and all things ſaved; with
which reſervation the King grew more diſpleaſed, the Parliament brake
up,
and nothing effected at that time, for he ſaw the Biſhops faſt to them-
ſelves, and the more by tlie animation of the Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury,
whom he thought (in regard of all thoſe his graces teſtowed on him) to have
found more yeilding to his courſes, and therefore his indignation was moſt
againſt hiin: And becauſe he would make him ſee what the diſpleaſure of
ſo mighty a King was, who could as well caſt down as advance: Firſt denies
him acceſs: Then
takes from him what he could poſlilly, countenances all ſuch as
were his oppoſites his buſineſſes in any the Kings Courts go againſt him, the Earl
of Clare is ſupported in a Conteſtation ke had with him, about his Homage for the
Caſtle of Tunbridgs, and prevails; nothing is left undone, that might te
thought to humble him. And beſides the King wrought ſo, As he unites the
knot, gains firſt the Arch-Biſhop, of York (the ancient Competitor with
Canterbury in dignity) and after the Biſhop of Liệcoln,Hereford and the efpe-
cial Prelates : And ſeparates them both from the Council, and Company of the
Arch-Biſhop Becket.
Notice of this jar being given abroad, a Meſſenger is ſent from the Pope,
and all the Cardinals to reconcile it,and to charge the Archbiſhop to make Peace
with
1
ܕ
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second. 85
at Clarendon.
to obſerve the
feth all means
Biſhop, whoin only he found, durſt bear up againſt his
with his Lord the King, and promiſe to obſerve his Laws without exception. The
Arch-Biſhop preiled with this meſſage, and the advice of many great men,
repairs to the King at Woodſtock, and there promiſes in good faith, with-
out any evil meaning, to obſerve the Kings Laws ſo far forth as was requi-
red
The King ſuppoſing now,things better prepared for his purpoſe than be-
fore, calls a general Aſſembly of the Biſhops, and Nobility at Clarendon,
where John of Oxford, the Kings Clerk was Preſident of the Council : And A Parliament
a very ſtrict charge is given from the King, That they might call to memory the
Laws of his Grand-Father Henry the firſt, and to reduce them into Writing : Anno Regio
1164.
Which being done,he willed the Arch-biſhop and Biſhops, to ſet their Seals
thereunto. Which when the reſt were content to do the Arch-Biſhop Becket
refuſed: Yet at length,by the perſwaſion of the Biſhops (urging him to ſatis-
fie the Kings pleaſure and appeaſe lis wrath,in regard of his preſent danger,
which, by the ruſhing up and down of the Kings lervants, with threatning
countenances, they ſuſpected themſelves likely to fall into) He took his
Oath to obſerve the Kings Laws without any reſervation : And for the writing The Archbi-
deſired to have a Copy, asif better to adviſe thereof. And taking it into his takes his oath
hand, he turns to the Clergy, and ſaid : Brethren ſtand faſt, you ſee the milice
of the King, and of whom we are to beware.
Kings Laws.
So the Council ended, but not the Kings diſpleaſure againſt the Arch-
The King u-
power, the reſt
all yeilding thereunto, and therefore proceeds he, by all means to vex and to Vex the
diſgrace him, and to advance his Concurrent the Arch-Biſhop of York, whom he Archbiſhop.
Solicits the Pope (by his Agents John of Oxford, and Geffery Riddle) to make
his Legat of all England. Which the Pope (fore-warned, acquainted with his
buſineſs) refuſed to do, yet at the petition of thoſe Agents, granted that
Legation to the King himſelf, but ſo as he ſhould do nothing to grieve the Arch-
Biſhop; which the King took as a great indignity, and ſent back his Agents
with the Popes Grant.
The Arch-biſhop Becket after his oath at Clarendon, fo repented, as he çus- The Archbi-
pended himſelf from the ſervice of the Altar, and did ſharp pennance till he had ſhop repents
obtained abſolution from the Pope. Which (upon liis information of the caſe) him of his
was ſent him.After this,as ſome write,he attempts to depart out of the King-
dom,contrary to a Law made at Clarendon (forbiding Arch-biſhops, Biſhops
,
and other perſons to depart out of the Realm without the Kings leave. Which, al-
though they obtained, yet were notwithſtanding to ſecure the King, neither in their
going, returning, or ſtaying there, to practiſe any thing prejudicious to his State
or Perfor.) But being by contrary winds brought back, he more exaſperates
the King againſt him.
After this, he is fummoned to an aſſembly at Northampton (holden about A Parliament
the ratification of the acts of Clarendon) where (to deſpite him the more) at Northampton
the Rings horſes are placed in his Inn, and there, Firſt had he a caſe adjudged
againſt him, concerning a Mannor, for which, one John the Kings Marſhal con-
tended with him in Law, and beſides the loſs of the Mannor,was caſt in arrerages,
five hundred Marks, which the King was ſaid to have ſent him ; but he al-
ledged how it was given, yet becauſe he confeſſed the receit, and could not
prove
the gift, he was condemned to pay it. Then was he called to render
an account to the King of all ſuch receits as in the time of his Chancellorſhip,he had The Archbi-
received for the King, of certain Biſhopricks and Abbeys during their vacancies; ſhop called to
which amounted to 3000 Marks. For theſe accounts, he alledged, How the King account.
knew well,h:e was diſcharged before his ele£tion to the See of Canterbury,and how
the
oath.
+
I
1
86 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
Roger Hoveden.
1
the Prince,the Barons of the Exchequer,and Robert de Lucy,Chief juſtice of Eng-
land had made him his acquittance for all accounts, and ſecular receits, in the be-
half of the King: and ſo (free and cleared) was he choſen to the adminiſtration
of that Office, and therefore would plead the fame no more.
The King, notwithſtanding, urging to have judgement paſs againſt him,
both for this, his late attempts and diſobedience, he was commanded the
next day to attend his Cenſure. The morning before he was to appear, he
celebrates early with great Devotion, the Maſs of St. Stephen Protomartyr,
which had theſe words : Etenim ſederunt Principes, & adverſum me loqueban-
tur; and ſo committing his cauſe to God ſets forward to the Court in his Stole,
his black Canonical hood, carrying the Croſs in his right hand, and guiding his
Horſe with the left. The people ſeeing him come in this faſhion, flock all about
him: he entring the great
Chamber, fate down amongſt them, the King be-
ing within, in his Privy Chamber with his Council, from whom firſt came
forth the Biſhop of London, and much blames him for coming ſo armed to
the Court, and offered to pull the Croſs out of his hand, but the Arch-
Bishop held it ſo faſt as he could not.
Which the Biſhop of Wincheſter
ſeeing, ſaid to London, Brother, let him alone, be ought well to bear the Croſs:
London replies,you ſpeak Brother againſt the King, and it will be ill for you. Áf-
ter this comes forth the Arch-Biſhop of Tork" (the heat of whoſe ancient
hatred, faith Hoveden, would not ſnffer him to ſpeak in peace, and rebukes
him very ſharply, for coming in that faſhion, as if to a Tyrant or heathen
Prince ; and told him, That the King had a Sword ſbarper than his Croſs
,
and if he would be adviſed by him, he ſhould take it from him. Canterbury replies,
the Kings Sword wounds Carnally
, but mine ſtrikes Spiritually, and ſends the foul
to Hell
After much debate, the Arch-Biſhop Becket inveighs againſt this Violent
proceeding againſt him: How no age ever heard before, that an Arch-Biſhop
of Canterbury had been adjudged in any of the Kings Courts for any cauſe what-
ſoever, in regard both of his Dignity and Place ; and for that he is the Spiritual
Father of the King, and all other bis ſubjects. Then to the Biſhops, you ſee the
World rageth againſt me,the enemy riſeth up; but I more lament,
the Sons of my
Mother fight againſt me. If I ſhould conceal it, the age to come will declare, how
you leave me alone in the
Battel, and have judged againſt me, being your Father,
though
, never ſo much a ſinner. But I charge you by vertue of your Obedience, and
peril of your Order, that you be not preſent in any
place of judgement, where my
Perfor, or cauſe comes to be adjudged. And bere I appeal
to the Pope : Charg-
ing you farther by Vertue of your Obedience, That if any Temporal man lay
hands on me, you exerciſe the Sentence of the Church, as it becomes you, for your
Father the Arch-Biſhop, who will not ſhrink howſoever, nor leave the Flock
committed unto him.
Complaints a-
Then were all theſe great complaints of his contempts,diſobedience and
Perjury,exhibited, and aggravated againſt him before the aſſembly,and they
Archbiſhop
cryed generally he was a Traytor that having received ſo many benefits at
the Rings hands, would refuſe to do him any earthly honour, and obſerve
his Laws as he had ſworn to do. The Biſhops likewiſe, ſeeing all thus bent
againſt him, Renounced their Eccleſiaſtical obedience unto him, cited him to
Rome, and condemned him as a perjured man and a Traytor.
Then the Earl of Leiceſter accompanied with Reginald Earl of Corn-
wall,came to the Arch-Biſhop, and charged him from the King to anſwer to
what was objected unto him, or elſe to hear his-judgement. Nay, Son Earl
faid he, firſt hear you: It is not unknown to your ſelf, how faithfully I have ſerved
thel
gainſt the
4
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second. 87
4
1
the King, and how in regard thereof he preferred me to the place I have (God is
my witneſs) againſt my will
. For 1 knew mine own infirmities, and was content
to take it upon me,rather for his pleaſure,than Gods cauſe,therefore now doth God
withdraw himſelf, and the King from me. At the time of my election he made me
free from all Court Bondage, and therefore touching thoſe things from which I am
delivered, I am not bound to anfiver, nor will I. How much the foul is worthier
than the body, ſo much are you bound to obey God, and me ratheç than any earthly
Creature : Neither will Law or Reaſon permit the Sons to condemn the Fa-
ther: And I refuſe to ſtand either to the judgement of the King or any other Per-
Son ; appealing to the preſence of the Pope by whom only on Earth Í ought to be
adjudged, committing all I have to Gods protection and his ; and under this au-
thority I depart off this place. And ſo went he out and took his Horſe,
not without ſome difficulty in paſſing, and many reproaches of the Kings
Servants.
Being gotten out of the Court,a great multitude of the Common people
(rejoycing to ſee him delivered) and divers of the Clergy conveyed him The Arch-biz
honourably to the Abbey of Saint Andreivs, whence diſguiſed (by the name Aled out of the
of Dereman) he eſcaped over into Flanders, and ſo to France.
Kingdom.
This buſineſs of the Church, I have the more particularly delivered
(according to the general report of the Writers of that time) in regard it
lay ſo chained to the Temporal affairs of the State, and bewrayed ſo much
of the face of that age, with the conſtitution both of the Soveraignty,
and the reſt of the body, as it could not well be omitted. Beſides, the ef-
fects it wrought in the ſucceeding Reign of this Prince, the vexa-
tion, Charge, and grievous burthen it layed upon him for many years,
is worthy of note, and ſhews us what ſpirit had predomination in that
ſeaſon of the World, and what Engines were uſed in this Oppugna-
tion.
Preſently upon the departure of this Great Prelate, the King ſends over
to the King of France, Gilbert Biſhop of London, and William Earl of Arux-
del, to entreat him, not only to forbid the Arch-biſhop his Kingdom, but to be a
means to the Pope, that his cauſe might not be favoured by the Church, being so
contumacious a rebel as he was againſt his Soveraign Lord.
The King of France notwithſtanding this intreaty,ſends Fryer Francis his
Almoner under hand to the Pope, to beſeech him, as he tendred the honour
of Holy Church, and the aid of the Kingdom of France, to ſupport the cauſe
of Thomas of Canterbury, againſt the Tyrant of England.
King Henry ſends likewiſe with all ſpeed, Roger Arch-biſhop of Tork,
thie Bilhops of Wincheſter, London, Cheſter and Exceſter: Guido Rufus,Richard The King
Juecheſter, and John of Oxford, Clerks : William Earl
of Arundel, Hugh de leaders Armbad
Gundeville, Barnard de Saint Walleric,and Henry Fitz Gerrard, to inform the Pope
.
Pope of the whole cauſe, and prevent the Arch-Biſhops complaint. The
multitude and greatneſs of the commiſſioners ſhewed the importance of
the Ambaſſage, and the Kings earneſt deſire to have his cauſe prevail
. They
find the Pope at the City of Sens, to whom they ſhewed how perverſe and
diſobedient the Arch-biſhop had behaved himſelf to bis Soveraign Lord the
King of England; how he alone refuſed to obey his Laws and Cuſtoms, which
be had ſworn to do; and that by his peeviſh waywardneſs, the Church and King-
dom were like to be diſturbed, which otherwiſe would agree in the reformation
thereof, as was fit and neceſſary; and therefore they befought him, as he tendred
the Peace of the Church of England, and the love of the King their Sovernigó,not
to give credit or grace to a Man of So turbulent and dangerous a Spirit.
This
-
12
1
88 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
on.
This information (notwithſtanding earneſtly urged) they found moved
not any diſpofition in the Pope to favour the Kings cauſe, ſo that in the end,
They befought him to ſend two Legats over into England, to examine the par-
ticulars of this buſineſs, and how it had been carried; and in the meantime, to ad-
mit no other information of the cauſe, but refer it to their relation. The Pope
refuſes to ſend any Legat;the Commiſſioners depart without any ſatisfacti-
And within four days after, comes the Arch-Biſhop and proftrates
himſelf at the Popes feet, delivers him a copy of thoſe Laws, which the
King called his Grandfathers Laws, which being openly read in the preſence
of all the Cardinals, Clergy and many other people, The Pope condemned
them for ever, and accurſed thofe who obeyed or any way favoured them.
Thoſe Laws among the Statures of Clarendon, which the Arch-Biſhop
ſo much oppugned and moſt offended the Clergy) were (as by his own
Letter to the Biſhop of London appears) theſe eſpecially: That there ſhould be
no appeal to the Apoſtolick See, without the Kings leave. That no Arch-Biſhop
or Biſhop ſhould go out of the Realm but by the Kings permißion. That no Biſhop
excommunicate any, who held of the King, in Capite; or interdi&t any Official
of his without the Kings leave, &c. That Clergy men ſhould be drawn to fècular
judgement. That Lay-men (as the King and others) ſhould handle cauſes of the
Church Titles, and ſuch like. And theſe were dangerous incroachments
upon their Liberties.
But now the King ſeeing his Ambaſſage to take no effect, and withal, in
a manner contemned, preſently makes his heavy diſpleaſure, and the ſcorn
he took, known by his ſevere Edicts, both againſt the Pope, and the Arch-
Biſhop,that they might ſee what edge his ſecular power had in this, ordain-
1166.
ing, That if any were found carrying Letters, or Mandate from the Pope, or
The Kings E- Arch-Biſhop, containing any interdi&tion of Chriſtianity in England, be ſhould
dicts againſt be taken, and without delay executed as a Traytor both to the King and Kingdom.
the Pope and That whatſoever Biſhop, Prieſt, Monk or converſer in any Order, Clergy; or
Layman, ſhould have and retain any ſuch Letters, ſhould forfeit all their pof-
seſſions, Goods and Chattels to the King, and be preſently baniſhed the Realm wit hy
their Kin. That no Clergyman, Monk or other ſhould be permitted to paſs
over Sea, or return out of Normandy into England, without Letters from the
Juſtices here, or from the King being there ; upon pain to be taken as a Malefatt-
or, and put in hold. That none ſhould appeal to the Pope. That all Clerks
which had any revenue in England, ſhould return into the Realm within three
months, upon pain of forfeiting their eſtates to the King.
That Peter Pence, ſhould be collected and
ſequeſtred till the Kings pleaſure were
further known.
Beſides this he baniſhes all that were found to be any way of Kin to the
Arch-Biſhop, without exception of condition, ſex, or years. And witbal,
takes occaſion upon the Schiſm which was then in the Church, to renounce
Pope Alexander,and incline to the Emperours faction,
which ſtood thus.
After the death of Adrian the fourth, Rowland a Geneveſe,and a great Ene-
pof two Popes. my of the Empire, is by two and twenty Cardinals elected Pope by name
of Alexander the third, to which election four Cardinals oppoſed, and
made choice of Oétavian a Citizen of Rome, that would be called Victor the
fifth.The Emperor Frederic Barbaroffa ſummons theſe two Popes to a Coun-
cil at Pavia, to underſtand and determine their right. Alexander makes the old
anſwer, That the Pope could not be judged by any man living, refuſes to appear
before the Emperour,and withdraws into Anagnia.Vi&tor conſents to appear
there or where ever the Emperor would appoint,ſo that,he was the man for
that
Anno Reg.12
his agent.
.
7
The election
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
89
that ſide. But all the other Princes. of Chriſtendom (except thoſe of the
Emperours faction) acknowledge Alexander for Pope, as elected by moſt
voices. And eſpecially by the King of France who called him thithér ; and
at Cocy upon Loyr,he and the King of England received him with all honour
and reverence,inſomuch as they are ſaid to have attended upon his Stirrop,
the one on the right Hand, the other on the Left,after this, he calls a Council
at Tours, whither the Kings of England, Spain, and Hungary,ſend their Am-
baſſadors, and there are the conſtitutions of the Council of Pavia, and the
Emperours confirmation of Victor nullified, ſo that Alexander having his
party daily increaſing in Italy, was ſhortly after received into Rome.
Notwithſtanding all this, the King of England finding him ſo averſe in this
buſineſs, falls off from him, renounces his Authority, turns to the Emperours
faction, ſeeks to ſtrengthen himſelf with the Princes of Germany, conſents to
match his Daughter Maude to the Duke of Saxony, at the motion of Reginald
Arch-Biſhop of Collen, ſent over by the Emperour for that purpoſe, and enter-
tains a motion for another Daughter to be matched with the Emperours Són.
But now by reaſon this contrary faction to Pope Alexander grew to be
but feeble,all this working did the King no good, but exaſperates the Pope,
arid ſets him on the more to ſupport the cauſe of the Arch-Biſhop, Who fou der's Letters to
Pope Alexan-
Licits the Clergy of England,Threatens,Entreats, Adjures them not to forſake their the Clergy of
hold, nor give way to the invador of their liberties, which fought to confound the England.
Prieſt-hood and the Kingdom : And if they oppoſed not mainly at the
firſt, but fuf-
fered the leaſt breach to be made upon them, they were undone. Then
excommu-
nicates he all the eſpecial Miniſters of the King that adhered to the Teuto-
nicque faction,or held intelligence with the Arch-Biſhop of Collen : As Fohn
of Oxford, Richard Juecheſter, Richard de Lucie, Joſling Balliol, Alan de Ne-
vile,and with theſe all ſuch as had entred upon the goods of the Church of
Canterbury, which he called the Patrimony of the Crucifix, and the food of the
Poor : And there were Ralph de Brocke, Hugh Saint Clare, and Thomas Fitz
Barnard. Thus are both ſides buſied in this dry War, wherein, though
there were no Sword, yet it gave vexation enough.
And
yet this was not all the work that took up the Kings time, for du- The King re-
ring this diſſention, the Welflı again revolt, and to ſuppreſs them he ſpent prelices
much labour, with the loſs of many great Men, and was himſelf in that
danger,as had not Hubert Saint Clere received a Wound for him, by an Ar-
row aimed directly at his own perſon, he had there finiſhed his part. In this
expedition he is ſaid, to have uſed extream cruelty.
After this, he paſſes into Normandy to be near his buſineſs, which now.
lay all on that ſide. And firſt to entertain the opinion of Piety (though he
1167
were faln out with the Pope) he obtains at an Aſſembly of his Biſhops and
Barons of Normandy,two pence in the Pound,of every mans Lands and Goods to
be paid that year 1167. and a penny of every Pound to be paid for four years fol-
lowing, which was levied for the relief of the Chriſtians in the Holy War,
and ſent unto them.
Then he raiſes Forces and takes in certain Caſtles in the Country of
Maine, and Marches of Brittain, from divers Lords and Barons that
had diſobeyed him. And whilſt he was buſie abroad, Matthew Son to the
Earl of Flanders (who had married the Lady Mary Abbelle of Ramſey,Daugh-
ter to King Stephen, and had by her the Country of Bologne) attempted
ſomething on the Coaſt of England, either to try the affections of the peo-
ple, or to make ſpoil and booty, but without any effect at all, the King be-
ing too mighty for any ſuch weak undertaker.
I 3
And
Anno Reg 13
.
90 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
The Death of
Maude the
Empreſs.
1
+
And to diſtend his power yet wider,falls out this occaſion : Conun Earl of
Brittain dies, and leaves one only Daughter (which he had by his Wiſc Con-
Stance Daughter to the King of Scots) to ſucceed him in his ſtate. The King
of England being then in Arms upon the Marches of Brittain, deals with
the Guardians of the young Lady to Match her to his third Son Geffery.
The Nobility of that Country being then of a rough and haughty diſpoſi-
tion (given to fewds and perpetual quarrelling one with another) were
wrought upon, and a ſide is won of ſuch as could do moſt in this buſineſs ;
which is effected to the great contentation of the King of England.
This fell out to be in the 13 year of his Reign, wherein, as ſome write,
died his Mother Maude the Empreſs, à Lady of an high and active Spirit,
illuſtrious by her birth, but more by her firſt match, and moſt by her Son,
whom ſhe lived to fee eſtabliſhed in all theſe mighty States, in the glory of
Greatneſs and Peace: Fertile in iſſue, having now had four Sons and three
Daughters,links of Love and Strength (oftentimes in private families through
feldom in Princes ;) and ſhe left him in the beſt time of his days before
any
great tempeſt overtook him.
Three years after this he imploys moſt in France, about the ordering
and clearing the bounds of his Dominions from uſurpation, or inchroach-
ments of neighbour Lords (whom his greatneſs held all in awe) and they
muſt have no more than he would, eſpecially he fettles and reforms the
State of Brittain, which was very much out of order, and in mutiny about
the late Match; which being ſomewhat appeaſed, he keeps a folemn
Chriſtmas at Nants, and Royally Feaſts the Nobility of the Country.
Then returns he into England, where,leſt peace (by reaſon of his long and
often abſence) might afflict and corrupt his ſubjects, he looks to that divine,
1169.
and Almighty work of Kings, the adminiſtration of Juſtice, appointed cer-
Anno Reg. 5. tain Commiſſioners as Syndicks 10 examine the abuſes and exceſſes com-
mitted by his Officers, and grievouſly puniſhes the Shrieffs of the Land, for
extortion and bribery.
His Eaſter, lie keeps at Windſor, whether repairs unto him William King
of Scots who lately ſucceeded Malcom his Brother, and brings with him his
younger Brother David,both to congratulate the King of Englands return,
and alſo continue his claim to thoſe pieces in the North, which he pretend-
ed to be unjuſtly detained from that Crown. The King entertains him, as
he had done his Brother with fair words,and tells him, How it was not in his
power to do any thing therein, without the conſent of the State in Parliament
which if he would attend, there would be that courſe taken, as he loped might
give him ſatisfaction. In expectation whereof this Ring came often into
England and once attended the King in an expedition into France, as his Pre-
deceſſor had done before..
But now all this while, the wratli of the Church continues, and the cloud
hangs ſtill over him,daily threarning the great Thunder-bolt. Although it
ſeemned the Pope of himſelf, was not very forward to proceed to that ex-
tremity, but would gladly have quieted the Arch-Biſhop otherwiſe; Who
(le faid) had taken an ill time for this buſineſs, the King being mighty, and the
The Pope
writes to the Church in trouble ; and therefore writes he his Letters to the Biſhops of Lon-
Biſhops of
don and Hereford, willing them to deal effectually with the King, and to admo-
England.
niſh him to defift from intruding upon the liberties of the Church, and to reſtore
the Arch-Biſhop to his See and Dignity.
The Biſhops
The Biſhops wiſely anſwer the Popes Letter, in ſubſtance thus : We bave
Popes Letter. (ſay they) done your Holineſs Meſage, and as much as was decent for the na-
jeſty
;
و
.
t
anſwer to the
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
21
1
1
jeſty of a King, inſtantly urged him to ſatisfie your deſire, made by us : And if he
had erred
from the way of Truth and Juſtice, that he would not delay to return
thereunto; that he would not inhibit ſuch as were deſirous to viſit the Church of
Rome, hinder appeals, oppreſs Churches and Church-men, or Suffer others ſo
to do: That he would call home our Father the Arch-Biſhop, &c. and perſiſt in
the works of Piety; that he by whom Kings Reign might preſerve unto him his
temporal Kingdom, and give him an eternal in Heaven : And that unleſs. We
would yeild to your Holy Admonitions, you,who had thitherto endured could in pa-
tience forbear no longer. Beſides, we added this of our ſelves, how it was to be
feared, if he amended not his errours, his Kingdom would not long ſtand, nor yet
proſper.
The King received your Admonitions with many thanks, , much temperance
and modeſty, and anſwers to every point. Firſt, he proteſted that in no fort be
averted his sind from your Holineſs, nor ever purpoſed ſo to do, but ſo long
as you (newed him Fatherly Grace, he wonld love you as a Father; reverence and
cheriſh the Church as his Mother. And bumbly obey your ſacred Decrees, ſa
ving his own Dignity, and that of his Kingdom; and if of late he had not re-
Spected you with any reverence, the cauſe was that, having with all his affection,
and all his power ſtood to you in, your neceſity, he was not anſivered worthily, to
bis deſerts upon his diſcourſe to you by his Ambaſſadour, but in every petition had
the repulſe. And for hindring any which are willing to viſit your Holineſs, be
anſwers he will not, nor hath hitherto done.
But for Appeals
, by the ancient cuſtom of the Kingdom, He challenges
that honour, and cumber to himſelf; that no Clergy man for any civil cauſe
shall go out of the Land till he had tried, whether he may obtain his right by his
Royal Authority, and Juſtice at home, which if he cannot, he may (without any
hinderance) when he will
, make his Appeal. Wherein, if any way he doth preju-
dice Your Honour, he offers, by the help of God to correct it as it ſhall be order-
ed by the Council of the whole Church of his Kingdom. And for the Emperour,
though he knew him a Shiſmatick, he never underſtood he was excommunicate.
But if he be by us informed thereof, or hath entred unlawful league with him, or
any other, he promiſes likewiſe to redreſs the ſame, by the faid Ecclefiaftical
Council of his Kingdom. And for our Father, the Lord of Canterbury (faid
he) that he never expelled him out of his Kingdom, but as be went out of his own
accord, ſo alſo at his pleaſure it was free for him to return to his Church in
Peace, provided, that his Majeſty might be ſatisfied concerning theſe complaints
of his, and have him to obſerve bis Royal Dignity; And if it can be proved,
that
any
Church or Church-man, hath been oppreſt by the King, or any of his, he
is ready to make full ſatisfaction, as ſhall be thought fit by the whole Council, of
the Church of his Kingdom.
This (ſay they) we have received in anſwer from our Lord the King, and wiſh
we could have bad it fully according to your deſire; but theſe things we thought
good to notifie to your Highneſs
, that your Diſcretion may perceive what is like
to be the concluſion of this buſineſs. The King Stands upon the juſtification of his
own cauſe, ready to obey the Council and judgement of the Church of England.
Whereupon we thought good to beſeech your Highneſs that you would moderate,
for
a time, that zeal (which by the fire of the Divine Spirit,is worthily inkindled, to
revenge any injury clone to the Church of God) and forbear to pronounce any fen-
tence of interdiction, or that laſt judgement of abſčifſion, whereby innumerable
Churches may be miſerably ſubverted, and both the King and an infinite number
of people with him, irrevocably (which God forbid) averted from your obedi-
.
ence.
Then
+
92
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
Then they tell him, That better it were to have a member bad, than cut off,
abfciffion brought deſperation : A skilful Chirurgion might recover an infected
part, and how it were fitter to imploy ſome means to heal thë Wound, than by
cutting off a moſt noble part of the Church of God, to bring more diſturbance to the
Same that hath too much already, though the King were ſtiff,they ought not to de-
Spair of tbe grace of God, that a Kings Stomach was then to be won,when he had won,
and might not bluſh to yeild, when he had overcome: Patience, and Meekneſs,
muſt pacifie him,&c. And in conclufion,we Speak fooliſhly (ſay they) but yet with
all Charity : If it come to paſs, that the Lord of Canterbury loſe both his goods;
and live beſides in perpetual exile ; ,and England (which God forbid) fall away
from your obedience, were it not better to forbear for a time, than with ſuch zeal
of ſeverity to foſter up a party? what if perſecution cannot ſeparate many of us
from
you ? yet will there not want Knees to bow to Baal, and receive the Pall of
Canterbury at the hands of an Idol, without choice of Religion or Juſtice,neither
will there want ſupplies of our Chayres that will obey him with all Devotion,and
already many devour theſe hopes; wiſhing that ſcandals may come, and ſtraight
ways be made crooked.
Thus much out of their Letters, which are the beſt pieces of Hiſtory in
the World, and ſhew us more of the inſide of affairs, than
any relations
elle. And by this we truly ſee what Bars kept theſe two mighty powers
back from their wills, and yet how loud they threaten, and both afraid of
each other.
But the King of England ſtood ſafe enough, and was like to have his buſi-
neſs run in a ſtrong and entire courſe, when by caſting to make things faſer
than faſt, he lays open a way both to disjoynt his own power, and im-
broyl his people with diviſion ; which was by the aſſociation of his Son
Henry in the Government, an act without example in this Kingdom,and ſtrange
Prince Herning that a Parliament ,an aſſembly of the Ståte,convoked from the ſame buſineſs
,
would in ſo wiſe times, conſent to communicate the Crown, and make the
1170.
Anno Reg 16 common-wealth a Monſter with two heads. But it ſeems, the ſtrong deſire
of the King was ſuch, for the love he bare his Son, as he would not be de-
nied in this motion, nor hold it a ſufficient Security, to have twice before
cauſed all the Kingdom to take an Oath of Fealty unto him,and to have re-
ſigned,unleſs he were crowned King, as he was, with all uſual ſolemnities
the 14. day of June, 1170. by Roger Arch-Biſhop of Tork, and had homage
done unto him that day by the King of Scots, David his Brother, and all the
Nobility of England. But now with what reſervations this was done, we
are not particulary informed : whether there was an equal participation of
rule, or only but of Title; and that the Father notwithſtanding this Act,
was to have the eſpecial manage of the Government, and the Son, though
a King, yet a ſon, with a limited power. Howſoever, this young King
ſhewed ſhortly after, That a Crown was no State to be made over in truſt, and
laid much grief, and repentance, upon his Fathers forwardneſs.
What moved the King with this precipitation (to be beforehand with
his Grave) may be deemed the jealouſie he had apprehended by his Mo-
thers example, who for all the Oath of Fealty ſo often taken for ſucceſsion, was
yet put by it, through the working of the Clergy; and now conſidering in
what terms he ſtood with them, and that although he had won ſome few
Biſhops unto him was ſure they loved him not, and what they might work
with the people, if himſelf ſhould fail, made him overdo his work.
The King of France,underſtanding that his daughter was not Crowned
with her husband (which by reaſon of her tender age was deferred) took it
ill,
!
T.be Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
-93
*
million to the
ill, and threatens King Henry the Father with War, if it were not preſently
done ; which cauſes him to make more haſt back again into Normandy
(leaving the young King in England) to ſatisfie or prevent this quarrelling
Prince.
And whilt he remained there,means was made that the Arch-Biſhop of
Canterbury, (who had been now ſix years in exile) was brought to have
conference with the King, by the mediation of the King of France,Theobald
Earl of Bloys,and divers great Biſliops; which the King of England was the
more willing to accept,in regard he ſaw this breach with the Church might
much prejudice his temporal buſineſſes, whenfoever they ſhould break
out: And how the Arch-Biſhop continually was working the Pope, and all
the great Prelates of the Chriſtian World againſt him, which, How much
ſuch a party as ſwayed the Empire of Souls might do in a time of zeal, againſt a
Ruler of Bodies, was to be conſidered. And therefore deſcends he from the
height of his will to his neceility, and they meet at Montmirial before the
King of France, where the Arch-Biſhop kneeling at the Feet of his Sove- Beckets ſub-
raign Lord the King of England, faid; He would commit the whole cauſe in
King.
controverſe to his Royal Order, Gods bonour only reſerved.
The King (who had been often uſed to that reſervation) grew into fome
Choler, and laid to the King of France, and the reſt, Whatſoever diſpleaſeth The Kings of-
this Man, he would have to be againſt Gods honour, and ſolby that ſhift, will chal- fer to Becket.
lenge to himſelf all that belongs to me: But becauſe, you ſhall not think me to go
about to refilt Gods honour, and him, in what ſhall be fit, look what the greateſt
and moſt holy of all his predeceſſors have done to the meaneſt of mine, let him do
the ſame to me and it ſhall ſuffice. Which anſwer being, beyond expectation, ſo
reaſonable, turn'd the opinion of all the company to the Kings cauſe, inſo-
much as the King of France; laid to the Arch-Bishop, Will you be greater than
Saints ? better than Saint Peter ? what can you ſtand upon? I ſee it is your fault,
if your Peace be not made. The Arch-Biſhop replies to this effect : That as
the authority of Kings had their beginning by degrees, ſo had that of the Church, Beckets reply.
which being now by the providence of God, come to that eſtate it was, they were
not: to follow the example of any that had been faint or yeilding in their places.
The Church had riſen, and increaſed out of many violent oppreſſions, and they were
now to hold what it had gotten. Our Fathers (faith he) Suffered all manner of af-
flictions becauſe they would not forſake.the name of Chriſt ; and ſhall 1, to be recon-
ciled to any mans favour living, derogate any thing from his honour.
This haughty reply of a ſubject to fo yeilding an offer of his Soveraign, ſo
much diſtaſted the hearers,as they held the maintenance of his cauſe, rather
to proceed from obſtinacy than zeal, and with that impreſſion, the confe-
rence for that time,brake up. But after this were many other meetings and
much debate about the buſineſs. And the Ring of France, (at whoſe charge
lay the Arch-Biſhop all this while) came to another conference with them,
upon the Confines of Normandy: Where the King of England took the Arch-
Biſhop.apart,and had long Speech with him;twice they alighted from their Horſes,
twice remounted, and twice the King held the Arch-Biſhops Bridle, and ſo again
they part, prepared for an atonement, but not concluding any. In the end by
mediation of the Arch-Biſhop of Rouen, the matters is quietly ended before
the Earl of Bloys, ' at Amboys. And thereupon Henry the Father, writes to The King and
Henry the Son, being then in England, in this wife: Know ye that Thomus Becket accord-
Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury. hath made Peace with me (to my will) and therefore
I charge you that he and all his have Peace; and that you cauſe to be reſtored unto
him, and to all ſuch (as for him) went out of England, all their ſubſtances, in as
full
1
1
ed.
94
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
!
full and bonourable manner, as they held it, three months before their going, &c.
and thus by this letter we ſee, in which King the command lay.
The Arch-biſhop returning into England (not as one who had fought his
Becket returns Peace, but inforced it) with larger power to his reſolution than before, Sub-
into England.
pends by the Popes Bull
, the Arch-Biſhop of York from all Epiſcopal Office, for
crowning the young King within the Province of Canterbury, without his leave,
and againſt the Popes Commandement; and without taking (according to the
Cuſtom) the cautionary Oath, for conſervation of the liberties of the Church.
He brought alſo letters to fuſpend in like manner, The Biſhops of London,
Salisbury, Oxford, Cheſter, Rocheſter, Saint Aſaph, and Landaffe, for doing
ſervice at the Coronation, and upholding the Kings cauſe againſt him. And by
theſe letters were they all to remain ſuſpended, till they had ſatisfied the
Arch-Biſhop inſomuch as he thought fit.
Thus to return home, ſhewed that he had the better of the time,and came
all untyed, which ſo terrified the Biſhops that preſently (having no other
refuge) they repair to the King in Normandy, and ſhewed him this Violent
proceeding of the Arch-Bishop, How ſince his return he was grown ſo imperi-
ous as there was no living under him. Wherewith the King was ſo much mo-
ved, as he is ſaid in extream paſſion to have uttered theſe words; In what a
miſerable State am I, that cannot be quiet, in mine own Kingdom, for one only
Prieſt? Is there no man will ridd me of this trouble? Whereupon (they report)
four Knights, Sir Hugh Morville, Sir William Tracy, Sir Richard Brittain,
and Sir Raynold Fitz Vrs,(then attending upon the King and gueſſing his de-
fire by his words) depart preſently into England, to be the unfortunate exe-
cutioners of the fame, but by ſome it ſeems rather, theſe four Gentlemen
were ſent with Commiſſion from
the King to deal with the Arch-Biſhop
in another manner, And firſt to wiſh him to take his Oath of Fealty to the young
King : Then to reſtore theſe Biſhops to the execution of their function ; and third-
ly to bear bimſelf with moderation in his place, whereby the Church might
have comfort upon his return, and the Kingdom quietneſs.
The murder-
But they finding the Arch-Biſhop not anſwering their humour, but pe-
ing of Becket. remptory and untractable, without regarding their Maſters meſſage, grew
into rage and firſt from threatning force, fell to commit it,and that in an ex-
ecrable manner, putting on their armour(to make the matter more hideous)
they entred into the Church, whither the Arch-Biſhop was withdrawn,
the Monks at divine Service;and there calling him Traytor,and furiouſly re-
viling him,gave him many wounds,and at length ſtruck out his Brains, that
with his blood he sprinkled the Altar. His behaviour in this act of death, his
courage to take it; his paſſion in committing the cauſe of the Church,with
his ſoul to God and his Saints; the place, the time, the manner and all,aggra-
vates the hatred of the deed, and makes compaſſion and opinion, to be
on this ſide.
The unfortunate Gentlemen (having effected this great ſervice, rifled
the Archi-Biſhops houſe, and after weighing the foulneſs of what they
had committed,and doubtful whether the King, though they had done him
a great pleaſure, would feem, ſo to acknowledge it) withdrew themſelves
rers miſerable into the North parts, and from thence purſued, fled into ſeveral Countries
where they all within four years after (as is reported) died miſerable Fu-
gitives..
The King of
Soon ran the rumour of this deed, with full mouth over all the Chriſti-
France informs an World, every pen that had paſſion, was preſently ſet on Work. The King
the Pope of of France (himſelf) informs the Pope of the whole manner ; with aggra-
Beckers mur-
vation
The murde-
end.
:
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
95
Bloys informs
vation of the foulneſs thereof, and incites him to uſe the moſt exquiſite
puniſhment he could,To unſheath Peters Sword,to revenge the death of the Mar-
tyr of Canterbury,whoſe blood cries out for all the Church and whoſe divine glo-
ry was already revealed in miracles.
Theobald Earl of Bloys, a great and grave Prince (elder Brother to King
Stephen) ſends likewiſe his information to the Pope, and thews him, How he The Earl of
was at the Peace-making between the King of England and this bleſſed Martyr; likewile.
and with what a chearful countenance, with what willingneſs the King confir-
med the agreement, granting him power to uſe his authority as it ſhould pleaſe the
Pope and
him again't thoſe Biſhops, which had contrary to the right and
dignity of
the Church of Canterbury, preſumed to intrude the New King into the Royal
throne. And this he would juſtifie by his Oath, or howſoever, and in this
peace
(faith he) the man of God doubting nothing, puts his neck under the Sword: this
innocent Lamb the morrow upon Saint Innocents day, ſuffered Martyrdom : the
juſt blood was ſhed, where the ſhot of our ſalvation, the blood of Chriſt is offered.
And then, hav Court dogs,the Kings familiars and domeſticks were his miniſters
to execute this horrible aft, concluding with an exhortation likewiſe of revenge.
But William Arch-Biſhop of Sens comes with a more main out-cry, as if The Archbi-
he would wake the Pope, were he never ſo dead aſleep,and tells him, Hov ihop of sens
he w.is appointed over Nations and Kingdoms to bind their Kings in Fetters, and writes to the
their Nobles with manacles of Iron : That all power both in Heaven and Earth was
given to his Apoſtleſhip: Bids him look how the Boar of the Wood bad rooted
ир
the Vineyard of the Lord of Sabbath, &c. and all,in that moſt powerful phraſe of
holy writ. And after, having bitterly enveighed againſt the King, uſes theſe
words: It imports you, O moſt mild keeper of the walls of Jeruſalem, to revenge
that which is paſt and provide for the future. What place Mall be ſafe, if the range
tyranny ſhall imbrew the Sancta Sanctorum with blood, and tear in pieces the
Vice-gerents of Chriſt, the foſter Children of the Church without puniſhment ?
Arm therefore all the Eccleſiaſtical power you may, &c.
Such and ſo great was the uprore of the Church raiſed upon theſe motives, The King de-
as notwithſtanding the King of England, (then the greateſt Prince of all the clares his in.
Chriſtian world) imployed the moſt eſpecial men could be choſen in all his nocency by
Dominions, for Reputation, Learning and Judgement, to declare his innocency to the Popes
the Pope,to vow and proteſt that he was ſo far from willing ſuch a deed to be donie, Pope and Car-
as he was from doing it himſelf, and how grievouſly be took the matter when be
audience,refu-
heard thereof; yet ſo deep was the impreſſion ſetled before-hand, and his ſed conference
name made foociouś 'at Rome,as not only the Pope denied Audience to his
Ambaſſadors,but every Cardinal,and all other his Miniſters,refuſed to have
any conference with them. Which, with the hard paſſage they had in going
thither, by the many dangers and reſtraints they indur'd, and now the com
tempt tliey found there,did (as they ſignified to the King) much diſcourage
them. Yet for all this, were there thoſe brave Spirits among them, (as great
Princes have always great Miniſters) that never gave over working to
clear their maſters honour by Apologies, Remonſtrances; and all whatſo-
ever wit could deviſe, and dealt ſo, as they kept off the great confounding
blow of the higheſt Cenſure, though it were every day threatned and ex-
pected. And having (by gravely urging the miſchiefs
, might follow in the
Church, if a King of ſo great a State and Stomach, ſhould be driven to take
deſperate courſes given ſome pauſe, and allay to the firſt heat, they ti
med it out all that Spring, and a great part of the next Summer; when,
although they could give the King no great ſecurity, yet they advertiſe
him of hope. But the fending of tivo Cardinals a Latere, Gratianus and
Vivianus
dinals denied
4
1
1
96
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
pre-
of Ireland.
Vivianus down into Normandy, did exceedingly vex him. For they were
rough againſt him,and would have interdicted him and his Dominions,but
being forewarned of their coming and intention, he appeals to the
fence of the Pope, and ſo put off that trouble. Returning out of Normandy,
into England, lie gives ſtrict commandement, That no brief-carrier of what
condition or order ſoever, without giving good ſecurity for his behaviour to the
King and Kingdom, be ſuffered to paſs the seas.
The conqueſt
Notwithſtanding all the vexation the Church put this King into, he
left nothing undone that concerned the advancement of his affairs, but as if
now the rather, to ſhew his power and greatneſs, takes this time for an ex-
pedition into Ireland (having commanded a Navy of four hundred Ships to
be ready at Milford Haven for the tranſportation of Men, Victuals, and Ar-
mour) and ſets forth in the beginning of November, an unſeaſonable time,
both for thoſe Seas, and the invaſion of a Countrey, not well known. But
the buſineſs (it ſeems) was well prepared for him, having had an inten-
tion thereof, ever ſince the ſecond year of his Reign, in which He ſent
a ſolemn Ambaſage to Pope Adrian the fourth, to crave leave for the fubdu-
ment of that Country, under pretence of reducing thoſe rude people from their vi-
cious faſhions to the faith and way of truth. Which the Pope willingly granted,
and returns the Ambaſſadours, with an authentical conceſſion thereof in
writing, to this effect.Firſt,ſhewing how laudable a thing it was, and how fitting
the magnificence of ſo mighty a King, to propagate his glorious name on earth,
and heap up reward of eternal felicity in Heaven, by extending the bounds of the
Church, reducing rude and unlettered people from their vicious manners, to the
verity of the Chriſtian faith and civility. And then gives him power to invade
the ſame, and to execute whatſoever ſhould be to the Honour of God, and good
of the Countrey, with reſervation of Church-rights, and Peter pence ( a pen-
ny of every houſe yearly, which he had promiſed by his Ambaſſadours)
and fo concludes, with an exhortation to plant men of good and examplar life
in the Clergy, &c.
But the King at that time, having other occaſions, left off the purpoſe of
plaint againſt this, which comes now of late to be again imbraced by this means: Der-
King Henry
mot Mac Murrgh one of the five Kings which then ruled that Iland,comes in-
to Aquitain to crave his aid againſt Rodorick the Great, called 0 Conor Dun
King of Connaught, who contended for the Soveraignty of the whole, had
chaſed him out of his Dominion of Lemſter.
The King of England (glad to find a door thus opened to his intention,
that might yeild paſſage of it ſelf without being broken up) entertażns this
ejected King with promiſes of aid ; and though he could not as then fur-
niſh him, being ingaged in other great affairs, he yet permits fuch of his
ſubjects as would, to adventure their Fortunes with him. But the occaſion
of diffention, between theſe two Irịſh Kings was indeed foul on the part of
Dermots offen-
Dermot, who had corrupted, and ſtoln away the Wife of Rodorick, and for that o-
dious injury,with his injuſtice to his people (the
Common cauſes of ruining & trans-
ferring Kingdoms) he was by ſtrong hand chaſed out of his Dominion of
Lemſter; and thereupon makes out for Foreign aid. And (having thus
dealt with the King of England) he betakes him into Wales, where firſt
he wrought one Robert Fitz Stephen, a man of a deſperate Fortune (yet a-
ble to draw many voluntaries) to contract with him, and afterward Richard
(of the Houſe of Clare) ſurnamed Strong-bow, Earl of Peinbrook, commonly
called (of his chief ſeat, in Monmouth-ſhire) Earl of Chepſtow, or Strigil
,
a Lord of high courage and worthineſs, which made him well followed
and!
Dermots com-
O Conor to
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The Life and
Reign of Henry the Second.
97
12
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and of great poſſeſſions botlı in England:and Normandy, which gave him
means for his entertainments. Fitz Stephen' was perſwaded by promiſe of
rich rewards ;-the Earl of marriage with Eva : the Daughter of Dermot; and
the ſucceſſion of the Kingdom of Lemſter....,
Fitz Stephen with Maurice Fitz Gerard, his half Brother by the Mo- The Conqueſt
ther, paſſed over firſt with a ſmall company, and landed aţthe place called of Ireland.
by the Iriſh Bag-ben, which in Engliſh ſignifies Holy, and therefore inter-
preted as preſaging good ſucceſs, whereof his Rhime retains yet the rhemo-
ry, At the head of Bagge and Bun, Ireland was loſt and won. And the next triginta Milli-
day after arrived at the ſame place, Maurice de Prendergaſt, with other men bus
.
at Arms, and many Archers in two Ships, parcel of Fitz Stephens Forces,
which from thence marched to the City of Weiſhford with Banners diſplay.
ed, in ſo ſtrange a form and order (though their number were not four
The begin-
hundred) as the Iriſh unacquainted witliſo.unuſual a face.of War;- were o- ning of play.
vercome with fear, and rendered up themſelves to their mercy, with their
City of Weiſtford, which with the Countrey about wasgiven by Dermot to
Robert Fitz Stephen, for an incouragement to him, and liope to others. And
there was planted the firſt Colony of the Engliſh, which ever ſince hath 1170.
continued, retaining ſtill in a ſort our ancient'attire, and much of our lan- Anno Reg.16
guage, proper only to that City and Countrey about, and called by a di-
ſtinct name, Weisford Speech..
The next year are new ſupplies ſent out of Wales, and after, upan'intelli-
gence
of good ſucceſs, the Earl of Pembrook arrives in the Bay of Water-
ford with two hundred men at Arms, and a thouſand other Soulaiers, takes
the Town, which was then called Porthlarge, puts the inhabitants to the
Sword, (to give terror to others and make room for his own people) and
there Dermot gives liim his Daughter in marriage, with the Dowry of his
Countrey, which, after his wickedneſs liad done, he lived not to ſee more AnhoReg.17
years (having. had too many by this) and dies miſerably, leaving the Stile
of Ningal (which ſignifies) the ſtrangers.friend, added to his name in memo-
ry of his unnatural forſaking his own Nation.
Ștrong-böw, after having ſecured the places gotten, marches with thoſe
ſmall forces he had over the Iſland without reſiſtance." Rodorick the great
(ſhewing himſelf but a little Prince) kept in the Wilds, and faſtneſſes of Con-
naught, and never came to appear before the enemy; who paſſing through
the Countſey at hiš
. pleàfure; takes what pledges he would of the inhabi-
tants to ſecure their obedience, and with as little labour poffeft himſelf of
the City of Dublin the head:of the INand,
Thus Wales got us firſt the Realm of) Ireland, and (which is moft ſtrange)
Without ſtroak of Battel, a thing ſcărce crédible, that a Countrey'fo popu-
a Nation of that diſpoſitioni Shouldiniotilifi upa hand to defend it felf
,
having it ſeems, either neglected the uſe of armour, or elſe never been ac-
quainted with them (other than in a naked thanner of domeſtick fight one
with
another) whereby, the terror of itrange and never before ſeen
Forces
in order of War, lạid them proſtrate to the mercy of the Over-runner!
· But tļie King of Exigland advertiſed of the proſperous ſucceſs of thefe Ad-
venturers;and the eſtate of the Countcey.grew in jealouſie of them, thinking
they preſumed, faſtlier than thieir, ſubjection would allow, and would make
themſelves that which they muſt be made by him;aad take away the glory
of the work that ſhould be only his
, cauſes proclamation to be inades That
no veſſel ſhould carry any thing out of his Dominions into Ireland, and that all bis
Subjects ſhould return from therice, and leave off their attempts; otherwife, to
forfeit
1171.
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
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from thenceforth,all divine things should be ordered and uſed in every part of Ire-
forfeit their Eſtates at home.And withal ſends over William Fitz Adelm, and Ro-
bert Fitz Bernard with ſome forces
' to prepare the way for him,who follow-
1172.
ed ſhortly after and lands eight miles from Waterford the Eve of Saint Luke,
Anno Reg.18
Anno 1 172,being the third year after the firſt Invaſion made by Fitz Stephen.
At his firſt landing,a white Hart ſtarting out of a Buſh was taken, and pre-
ſented to him, interpreted as a preſage of a white Victory. The next day he
marches to Waterford, where he ſtayed fifteen days; and thither came to
him of their own accord, the Kings of Corke, Linrick, Cxery, Meik, and all
of any power in Ireland (except Rodorick King of Connaught, writill kept
himſelf in the faſtneſs of his Countrey) and ſubmitted themſeizes with all the
The Irish
Clergytaking their Oath of fealty to him and the young. King, and their freccellcro
Kings fubmif- for ever, ſo theſe divided Princes holding no Common Council for the rüb.
lick ſafety, rather than to joyn thoſe hands that had ſo often ſcratched each
other, fell all from themſelves, and with the ſame emulation tiicy hard in li-
berty,ſtrove for their ſervitude, who ſhould be firſt to receive a foreign Ma-
ſter. From Waterford the King goes to Dublin, where he holds an Allembly
of all theſe ſubject Kings, with the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of Ire-
land, for the further ratification of their allegiance and the ordering and re-
formation of the State. Which done, he cauſes the Biſhops with the Clergy
there to aſſemble at Caſſel, and appoints an eſpecial Chaplain of his own,
with the Arch-Deacon of Landaffe to be aſſiſtants and adviſors unto them for
reforiration of Church buſineſſes, which ſeems to have been as diſorder-
Henries refor- ed as the people. For though the Iriſh had been long before Chriſtians, it
was after a wild and mixt faſhion, and therefore, according to his promiſe
made to the late Pope, and to do a work pleaſing to the preſent, it was de-
creed, That all Church-lands ſhould be free from exaction of ſecular men; and that
Ifion.
mation of Ire-
land.
0
:
land'according to the manner of the Church of England, being fit (as faith the Ca-
non) that as Ireland hath by Gods mercy obtained a Lord ärid King out of Eng-
land, fo from thencë they ſhould receive a better form of life and manners, than
heretofore they uſed.
His Chriſtmas he keeps at Dublin, where be Royally feaſts all Kings
and great men of the Country; the reſt of his being there he imploys
in fortifying and planting Garriſons where moſt need required: He makes
Hugh Lacy Juſtice of all Ireland,gives him the keeping of Dublin,and beſides
confirmed unto him and his heirs by his Charter, the Countrey of Meth to
hold the ſame in Fee, for the ſervice of an hundred Knights, he beſtow's on
Robert Fitz Bernard the keeping of the Towns of Waterford and Weisford
which he took from Fitz Stephen the firſt invador) with Charge to build
Caſtles in them, and to humble the Earl Strongbow, and level him with the
reſt of his ſubjects, he takes from him all his dependants, and makes them his.
So was it but this winters work to get a Kingdom,which though thus cafi-
ly won, it proved more difficult and coſtly in the keeping, by reaſon the
pro.
fecution of a füll eſtabliſhment thereof was neither by him nor his fuccef-
fors (having other divertments) ever, throughly accompliſhed.
On Eaſter Munday he ſets out for England, where he makes no ſtay, but
takes the young King along in his Company and paſſes over into Normandy,
to meet other two Legates (Theodinus and Albertus ) who were fent from
Pope Alexander (but in milder faſhion than the laſt) to examine the mur-
der of the late. Arch-biſhop Becket. Four months were ſpent in debating
the matter, and in the end the King by his Oath taken upon the Reliques of
Saints, and the Holy Evangeliſts, before the two Legates in the preſence
of
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Second ୨୨
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His purgation
&
murder.
{wear to theſe
Articles.
of. King Henry the Son; the Archbiſhop of Rouen, and all the Biſhops,
and Abbots of Normandy in the City of Auranches purged himſelf of
either commanding or conſenting to the murther. Yet for that he doubted
left they who committed the fame might be moved thereunto by ſeeing
him diſturbed, and in paſſion, he took the fame Oath, that in ſatisfaction for Beckers
thereof, he would faithfully perform theſe Articles following: Firſt, ne-
ver to forſake Pope Alexander, nor his Catholick ſucceſſors ſo long as they uſed
him as a Catholick King. Secondly, that Appeals ſhould freely be made to the
Pope, in caſes Eccleſiaſtical. Provided, that if any were ſuſpected to work
evil to him, or his Kingdom, they ſhould then put in ſecurity before they
departed. Thirdly, that he would (from Chriſtmas next for three years to
come) undertake.the Croſs, and the Summer following, in perſon to go to Jeru-
falem, unleſs he were ſtaid by the Pope or his ſucceſſors, or imployed againſt the
Saraſins in Spain. Fo::rthly, that in the mean time, he ſhould deliver ſo much
money into the Templars hands, as by their opinion would entertain 200 Souldi-
ers in the Holy War for one year. Fifthly, call home all ſuch as had endured ba-
niſhment
for the Archbiſhop. Sixthly, reſtore his polleſions. Seventhly and laſtly,
aboliſh all ſuch cuſtoms as in his time had been introduced to the prejudice of
the Church. After himſelf had ſworn,he cauſed King Henry his Son to ſwear Both Kings
to all theſe Articles, except ſuch as concerned his own profit. And for a
more memory in the Roman Church, he cauſed his Seal to be ſet unto them
with that of the two Cardinals. 'So 'ended this tedious buſineſs, that made
more noiſe in the World than any he had, and bowed him more ; being his
ill fortune to grapple with a man of that free reſolution as made his luffe-
rings his glory, had his ambition beyond this world, ſet up his reſt, 'not to
yeild to a King, was only ingaged to his cauſe, had opinion and belief to
take his part, which ſo much prevailed, as the King ſeeking to maſter him,
advanced him, and now is he fain to kneel and pray to his Shrine; whom
he had diſgraced in his perſon: And having had him above his will whilſt
he lived, hath him now over his faith being dead. And yet forty eight years
after this, faith the French Hiſtory, it was diſputed among the Doctors of
Paris, whether he were damned or ſaved,and one Roger a Norman maintain-
ed, he had juſtly deſerved death, for rebelling againſt his Soveraign the
Miniſter of Gode
To make the better way to the ending of this buſineſs, and content the
Henry the Son
King of France, Henry the Son is again crowned, and with him Margaret his-is
again
Wite,with permiſſion Shortly after to go and viſit Paris, where, this young crowned with
King,apt enoughi (though not to know himſelf):yet to know his State, recei Margaret his
ved thoſe inſtructions as made his ambition quite turn off his obedience,
and conceive, How to be a: King.ttas.to be a power abovej and undeniable.
And to further the birth of this apprehenſion, fell out this occaſion. The
Father ever awake to advance his greatneſs, takes his journey in perſon to
Avergnia, and; fo to Monferratto, and there purchaſes a match for the price
of five thousand Marks, for his youngeſt Son John, with Alice che eldeſt
Daughter of Hubert,Earl of Mauriena(then as it ſeems)Lord of Piemont and
Savoy; with
condition to have with her the inheritance of all thoſe Coun-
tries,containing many greatıSeignories, Cities, and Caſtles;ſpecified in Roger
Hoveden,with all the circumſtances and covenants;very remarkable of the
contract: So unto greatneſs (that eaſier increaſes than begins) is added more
means, and every way opens to this active and powerful Xings adväntages
of State, inſomuch, as the King of France was even ſurrounded with the
power and dependances of this mighty. King of England, whoſe Fortunes
moſt
.
--
Wife.
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I OO The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
dom of Tho-
his Father.
to give unto him the Caſtles of Chinon, Lodon and Mirable. Wherewith King
moſt of all the neighbour Princes (which ſubſiſt by other, than their own
power) now follow. And being returned from concluding this match in
1173
Piemont, there comes to him lying at Limoges, Raymond-Earl of Saint Gyles
Anno Reg.19 (by whom was given the firſt affront he had in France) now to do homage
The homage
unto him for the Earldom of Tholouſe: And there became the man of
of Raymond E.
pf Saint Gyles the King of England, and of his Son Richard Earl of Poičtou, to hold Tho-
for the Earl- louſe from them (by liereditary right) for ſervice of coming unto them up-
louſe.
on their ſummons, and remaining in their ſervice forty days at his own
charge: And if they would entertain him longer, to allow him reaſonable
expences. Beſides, the Earl ſhould yearly pay for Tholouſe and the apper-
tinances, a hundred Marks of ſilver,or ten horſes worth ten Marks apiece.
About the ſame time alſo came the Earl Hubert to Limoges (to know
what Land the King of England would aſſure his Son John) who reſolved
Henry the Son grew much diſpleaſed, and here moved his Father, either to
Henry the Son
takes diſplea- reſign unto him the Dutchy of Normandy, the Earldom of Anjou, or the
ſure againſt
Kingdom of England for his maintenance : In' which motion, he was the
more eager being incenſed by the King of France, and the diſcontented
Lords, both of England and Normandy,who were many,and fáln, or wrought
from his Father upon new hopės, and the advantage of a divided Sove-
raignty.
And though there were many other occaſions of this défection of the
Son, from the Father, yet, that this for theſe Caſtles ſhould firſt be taken
(may ſeem to be the work of Gods ſpecial judgement) being thoſe
pieces, which himſelf had taken from his own natural Brother Geffery,
contrary to his Oath made unto his Father, as is before related, ſo (as
if to
tell unjuſtice, that it muſt be duly repayed) the ſame Caſtles are 'made to
bring miſchief upon him, and to give a beginning to the fouleſt diſ-
cord that could be: Wherein he had not only the Children of his own
Body, but the Wife' of his own Bed to conſpire and practiſe againſt
bim.
For, hereupon the Son ſuddenly breaking away from the Father, came
to Paris, where, the King of France (who had no other means to prevent
the over-growing of a neighbour but to divide him) ſummons and follcites
the Princes of France, and all the friends ḥe could make, to aid King Henry
the Son againſt the Father,and to take their Oath, either to depoſe him of his
Eſtate, or bring him to their own conditions. The young King likewiſe fwears
unto them,never to have Peace with his Father without their conſents, and allo
ſwears to give unto -Philip Earl of Flanders for his aid, a thoafand pounds
Engliſh by the year, with the County of Kent, Dover, and Rocheſter Caſtles
to Matthew Earl of Bologne Brother to the ſaid Earl, for his ſervice, Kerton
Soake in Lindſey, the Earldom of Morton with the Honor of Heize. To
Theobald Earl of Bloys; two hundred pounds by year in Anjou: The Caſtle
of Amboys with all the right he preténded in Tureine, &c. 'And all theſe
Donations with divers others, he confirmed by his new Seal
, which'the
King of France cauſed to be madei Beſides; by the fame Seal: He confirm
ed to the King of Scots for his : aid all Northumberland unto Tyne, and
gave to the Brother of the fame King for- his fervice, the Earldoms of Hun
tingdon and Cambridge: To the Earl Hugli Bigot the Caftle" of Norwich
other Earls of England; as Robert Earl :of Leiceſter, Hughi Earl of Che
ſter; Roger Mowbray, &c. hads likewiſe their rewards and promiſes of the
Lions skin, that was yet alive.
11.10.
17:)
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
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Beſides,they draw into their party Richard and Geffery,whoſe youths(apt
to be wrought on for the increaſe of their allowance )are eaſily inticed,and
with them their Mother inraged with jealouſie, and diſdain for her Hus-
bands conceived abuſe of her bed. So that this great King in the middeſt of
his glory, about the twentieth year of his reign, comes luddenly forſaken
of his own people, and is driven through diſtruſt to hire, and entertain
ſtrange Forces, procuring twenty thouſand Brabanſins (which were certain
Mercenaries commonly called Routs or Coſterels) for the recovery and
holding of his Eſtate. And ſome few faithful Miniſters he had (notwith-
ftanding this general defection) who ſtuck firmly to him: as William Earl
Mandevile, Hugh de Lucy, Hugh de Beauchamp, &c.
But howſoever we have ſeen the beſt of this Rings glory, and though he
had after this, good ſucceſs, he had never happineſs, labour he did by all
means to have qualified the heat of his diſtempered Sori
, by many medi-
ations of peace , offering all convenient allowances for his Eſtate, but all
would not prevail: His Sword is drawn, and with him the King of France,
with all his Forces enters upon his Territories on that ſide the Sea ; on this
the King of Scots ſeizes upon Northumberland, and makes great ſpoyls
. The
old King complains to the Emperour, and all the neighbour Princes his
friends, of the unnatural courſes of his Son, and of his own improvident
advancing him. William Cing of Sicile writes and condoles his misfortunes,
but lay too far off to help him.
The King of France beſieges Vernoul, a.place of great ſtrength and im-
portance, which Hugh de Lacy
, and Hugh de Beauchamp valiantly defended,
and after a months ſiege, they of the Town (victuals failing) obtained
truce of the King of France, and permiſſion to ſend unto their Soveraign for
ſuccour, which if it came not within three days, tbey would render the City,
and in the. mean time their hoſtages. The pieremptory day was the Evc of
Saint Lawrence. The King of France with Xing Henry the Son, and with
divers great Lords and Biſhops ſwore, if they rendred the City at the day
appointed, their hoſtages ſhould be re-delivered, and no dammage done to
King Henry the Father with all the Forces he could make,came juſt at the
limited day, diſpoſes his Army to ſtrike Battel with bis enemies, but the
King of France (to avoid the fame) ſends the Arch-biſhop of Sens, and the
Earl of Bloys to mediate a parle, which was appointed the morrow, this
day loft, loft Vernoul. For; to the morrow-parle, the King of France neither
comes, nor ſends, bụt had entrance into the Town (according to cove-
nants) which contrary to his Oath the ſacks, takes with him the hoſtages,
and ſpoyl thereof, removes his Camp, and leaves the King of England
diſappointed, who that night, after having purſued the flying Army with
ſome ſpoyl;enters-into V.ernoul, and the morrow ſurpriſes Darvile a Caſtle
of his enemies, with many: Priſoners. Thence he goes to Rouen, whence he
ſent his Brabanfons into Brittain againſt Hugh Earl of Cheſter, and Ralph
Fulgiers, who had poffeſt themſelves almoſt of the whole Countrej.;- but
being not able to refift the Kings Forces in the Field, they with all the great
men in thoſe parts, and that ſide of France, recovered the Caſtles of Dole;
where, they fortified and kept themſelves, till King Henry the Father camé
in perſon, beſieged and took it; and with them, about fourſcore Lords,
men of name and action. Whereupon all the reſt of the Countrey yeilded
themſelves.
This overthrow. being of ſuch import; fo terrified the Adverfaries, as
they
the City.
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IO2 The Life and Reign of Henry.the Second.
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the
his vows for his victories. And they write how coming within light of the
they negotiate a. Peace, and a. Parle is appointed between Giſors and Try,
wherein the King of England, (though he had the better of the day) conde
ſcended to make offer to his Son Of half the revenues of the Crown of Eng.
land, with four convenient Caſtles therein; or if he had rather remain in
Normandy, half the revenues thereof, and all the revenues of the Earldom of
Anjou, &c. To his Son Richard be offers half the revenues of Aquitain, and
four Caſtles in the ſame. To Geffrey, the Land that ſhould come unto him by the
Daughter of the Earl Conon. Beſides, he ſubmitted himſelf to the arbitration of
the Archbiſhop of Tarento, and the Popes Legates, to add any allowance more as
in their judgements ſhould be held fit;reſerving unto himſelf his Fuſtice and Roy-
al power. Which yeilding grants, ſhewed how much he deſired this peace.
But it was not in the purpoſe of the King of France, that the ſame ſhould
take effect : For ſuch perverſneſs and indignity, was offered to King, Henry
in this Treaty,as Robert Earl of Leiceſter, is ſaid to have reproached him to
liis face, and offered to draw his Sword upon him, ſo that, they brake off in
turbulent manner, and their troops fell preſently to bickering between
Curteles, and Giſors, but the French had the worſe.
The Earl of Leiceſter with an Army makes over into England, is received
by Hugh Bigot into the Caſtle of Fremingham Richard de Lucy Chief Ju-
ſtice of England, and Humfrey Bohun the Rings Conſtable, being upon
borders of Scotland, hearing thereof, makes truce with the King of Scots,
and haſtes to Saint Edmonsbury, where the Earls of Cornwall, Gloceſter, and
Arundel joyn with them; they encounter the Earl of Leiceſter, at a
place called Farnham, overthrew his Army, ſlew ten thouſand Flemmings;
took him, his Wife, and divers great Priſoners, which were ſent unto the
King into Normandy, who, with his Army was not there Idle, but daily got
Caſtles, and Forts from his epemies; i-until Winter conſtrained both Kings
to take třuce till Eaſter: following and the like did the Biſhop of Dureſme
with the King of Scots, for which he gave him three thouſand Marks
of ſilver, to be payed out of the Lands of the Barons of Northumber-
land.
The Spring came on, and the truce expired: King Henry the Son, and
Philip Earl:of Flanders, are ready at Graveling, with a great Army for Eng-
land. : The King of Scots is tentred Northumberland, and ſends his Brother
David with a power ító fuccour the remnant of the Forces of the Earí of
1174 Leiceſter,which held the Town of Leiceſter, but without ſucceſs, for Richard
Anno Reg 20 Lucy, and the Earl of Cornwall had before razed the City, and taken Ro-
bert Mowbray, coming likewiſe to aid thoſe of the Caſtle.
King Henry, the Father upon his ons preparation for England, draws
in England. his Forces from his other employments and brings them down to Barbfleet,
arrivesrat?Southamptoni with his Priſoners; Queen Elioner, Margaret the
Wife.of his Son Henry-the Earloof Leiceſter and Cheſter, and from thence
goes to Canterbury to viſit the Sepulchre of his own Martyr; and perform
Churchi, He alights, and ivent three miles on his bare feet, whichwith the hard
KingHenry vi- ſtones were forced toyélld:bloody tokens of his Devotion on the way, -And, as if
lits Beckets to.recompence (the merit of the Work) they-note, How the very day when
Sepulchre
he departed from Canterbury, the King of Scots-to be overthrown and taken
at. Alkwick, by the Forces of the Knights of Torkſhire, which are named to
be; Robert
de Stutcuite, donel de Humfrevile,Williañ de Veſcy; Ralph de Glan-
vile, Ralph de Tilly, and Bernard Baliol
.
Lewis King of France hitäring of King Henriespalfage into England, and
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The Life and Reign of. Henry-the Second.
103
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Scots his Pri
foner.
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this War;
the taking of the King of Scots, calls back Henry the Son, and the Earl of
Flanders from Graveling, where they ſtayed expecting the Wind, and belieg.
ed Roan on all fides faving that of the River. The whilft King Henry is qui-
eting and ſe:ling the State of England, where he had firſt the Caſtle of Hun-
tingdon rendred unto his mercy,ſaving the lives and members of the Defen-
dants; then the Caſtles of Fremingham and Bungaie, which the Earl of
Bigot held by force of Flemings, for whom the Earls Yubmiſſion could
hardly obtain pardon,but in the end they were ſent home. From thence he
goes to Northampton, where he receives the King of Scots his priſoner, and
the Caſtles of Dureſme, Norham, and Alverton rendred into his hands by The King of
the Biſhop of Dureſme ; who, for all his ſervice done in the North, ſtood
not clear in the Kings opinion. There came likewiſe thither Roger de Mow-
bray, yeilding up himſelf with his Caſtle of Treske : The Earl Ferrers his
Caſtle of Tutsbury and Duffield : Anketill
, Mallory, and William Dive Con-
ſtables of the Earl of Leiceſter, the Caſtles of Leiceſter, Montſoril and
Groby; ſo that within three weeks all England was quieted, and all with-
out drawing of Sword, which in thoſe manly days ſeemed only reſerved
for the field.
This done, and ſupplied with one thouſand Welſhmen: King Henry with
his Priſoners, the King of Scots, the Earls of Leiceſter and Cheſter, paſſes over
into Normandy, to the relief of Roàn: Where thoſe thouſandWelſhmen
ſent over the River Siene, entred and made way through the Camp of the
King of France, flew a hundred of his men, and recovered a Wood without
any loſs of theirs.
After which exploit, the King of England (cauſing the
Gates of the City to be ſet open, the Barracadoes taken away, the trenches
they had made, between the French Camp and the City, to be filled up
again, with rubbiſh and timber) marched forth with troops, to provoke King Henry fa-
the Enemy, but without any anſwer at all. In the end, the King of France, vours the
ſends away the weakeſt of his people before, and followed after with the
French Army.
reſt,upon ſufferance of the King of England, by the mediation of the Arch-
biſhop of Sens, and the Earl of Bloys, who undertook that he ſhould the
next day come to a parle of peace, which he performed not.
· But ſhortly after (ſeeing this action had ſo little advantaged either him,or
thoſe for whom he pretended to have undertaken it) le imploys the for- The King and
mer Agents again to the King of England, and peace, with a reconciliation his Son recon-
is concluded between him and his Sons. But with more reſervation on Chartere boce
his part, than had been by the former treaty offered, as having now more Peace Thews.
of power,and the advantage of Fortune,and yet yeilding ſo much,'as ſhew- Roger Hoven.
ed,' The goodneſs of his nature was not over-fwayed with his ambition; all his
proceeding in his War witneſſing that neceſity did ever work more than
his will.
And at the ſigning of the Charter of this Peace, when his Son Henry
would have done him homage (which is perſonal ſervice) he refuſed to take
it; becauſe lie was a King, but received it of Richard and Geffery. Yet'after
this, Henry the Son to free his Father of all ſcruple,became his Liege-man,
and ſwore fealty unto him againſtall men in the preſence of the Archbiſhop
of Rouen the Biſhop of Bayeux,the Earl of Mandevile and a great Nobility,
At the concluding of this faine Peace, the Earl of Flanders yeilded up
to King Henry the Father, the Charter made unto him by the Son for the
remuneration and had another confirmed for the penfion he had yearly out
of England before which was 1000 Marks out of the Exchequer,
afterward granted-uponcondition of Homage, and for finding the Wing of
England
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104
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
-1
England yearly five hundred Souldiers for the ſpace of forty days, upon ſummoris
given.
This fame buſineſs ended, the Father and the Son makes their Pro-
grelles into all their Provinces on that ſide, to viſit and reform the diſor-
ders of War, and to ſettle their affairs there. Richard is ſent into Aqui-
tain, and Geffery into Brittain upon the fame buſineſs, and there left with
their Counſels to look to their own.
The two Kings, Father and Son, ſhortly after return into England,
where reformation in the Government needed as much as in France; and
1175 here had the Archbiſhop of Canterbury ſummoned a Council of the Cler-
Anno Reg:21
All vacancies
gy, wherein were many enormities of the Church reformed, as may be
ſupplied by leen in the Canons of the Synod. The King ſupplies all vacancies, and
the King gives to Folon de Oxenford (that great Miniſter of his the Biſhoprick of Nor-
wich: Then takes he into his hands all the Caſtles he could ſeize upon, a-
inongſt other the Tower of Briſtol, which was rendred by the Earl of
Gloceſter, and was never in his hands before. He takes penalties both of Clerks
and Lay-men,who had treſpasſed his Forreſts in time of hoſtility: For which he
is taxed of wrong, Richard Lucy Juſtice of England, having warrant by the
Kings precept to diſcharge them for the ſame. But the profit which they
yeilded him,made him take the ſtricter regard therein. For after the death
of Alaine de Nevile which had been chief Juſtice of all the Forreſts of
England, he divides them into divers parts, appointing to every part four
Juſtices, whereof two to be clerks, and two Knights, and two ſervants of his
Horſhold to be keepers of the Game over all other Forreſters, either of the Kings,
Knights, or Barons whatſoever, and gave them power to implea, according to the
Allize of the Forrelt.
The King being at Tork, there came unto him William King of Scots, with
1176.
almoſt all the Biſhops, Abbots, and Nobility of Scotland, and confirmed the
AnnoReg.22 Peace and final concord which had formerly been in the time of his impri-
ſonment at Faleiſe in Normandy, before all the greateſt Eſtates of both King-
doms; the Tenor whereof is to be ſeen in Roger Hovedon.
After this, a Council is called at Windſor, whither repair certain Bi-
ſhops of Ireland, and the Chancellour of Rodorick King of Connaught, for
whom a final concord is concluded, upon doing Homage,Fealty, and a Tri-
bute to be paid, which was, Of every ten Beaſts, one ſufficient Hide, within
his Kingdom, and thoſe Provinces that held thereof.
Within a while after, a Council of Parliament is aſſembled at Nottingham,
and by advice and conſent thereof, the King cauſed the Kingdom to be divided
The Kingdom into ſix parts,and conſtitutes for every part three Fuſtices itinerants, cauſing them
fix parts for
to take an Oath upon the holý Evangeliſts, faithfully for themſelves to obſerve,and
Juſtice. cauſe inviolably to be obſerved of all his fübjects of England the Affizes made at
Claringdone, and renewed at Northampton, which Aſſizes were chiefly for
Murther, Theft, Robbery, and their receivers : For deceits, and burning of
Houſes, which facts if found by the verdiet of twelve men, the accuſed were to
paſs the tryal of water Ordeil, whereby if not acquitted, their puniſhment
was loſs of a leg,or Baniſhment, that age ſeemed to hold it a greater exam-
ple of a Malefactor iniſerably living than of one dead, for as yet they came
not ſo far as blood in thoſe caſes.
And yet we find in the Reign of this King, that one Gilbert Plumton
Knight, accuſed for a Rape before Ranulph de Glanvile, Chief Juſtice of
England (deſirous (faith Hoveden) by unjuſt ſentence to condemn him) was
adjudged to be 'hanged on a Gibbet, whereunto, when he was brought, and
in
1
4
divided into
.
.
5
-
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
105.
1177.
in the harids of the Executioner, the people ran out crying, that an innocent
and juſt perſon ought not ſo to ſuffer. Balduin Biſhop of Worceſter, a religious
man and fearing God,hearing the clamour of the people and the injury done
to this miſerable Creature, came forth and forbade them, from the part of
Omnipotent God, and under pain of Excommunication, that they Jhould not put
bim to death that day being Holy, and the Feaſt of Saint Mary Magdalen,wliere-
upon
the execution was put off till the morrow. That night means was
wrought to the King, who commanded a ſtay to be made till other order were
taken, being informed that for the envy which Glanvile bare to this Plumton,
he was deſirous to put him to death, in regard he had married the Daughter
of Roger Gulwalt an inheritrix, whom he would have had Reiuer his Sheriff
of Torkſhire to have had, which act leaves a foul ſtain of injuſtice upon the
memory of this clief juſtice Glanvile, in the time of whoſe Office,a tract of
the Laws, and cuſtoms of the Kingdom of England was compoſed, which
now paſſes under his name.
The charge given for buſineſſes in theſe Allizes conſiſted but of very few
points beſides thoſe Tellonies, and was eſpecially for taking homage, and lige-
ancy of all the Subjects of England: Demoliſhing of Caſtles, the Rights of the AnnoReg.23
King, bis Crown and Exchequer. The multitude of actions which followed
in fucceeding times,grew out of new tranſgreſſions and the increaſe of Law
and Litigation, which was then but in the Cradle.
William King of Sicile ſends and craves to have Joan the Kings Daughter in William King
marriage. Whereupon the King calls a Parliament, and by the univerſal of Sicile mar-
ches with Foan
Council of the Kingdom, granted his Daughter to the King of Sicile; to the Kings
whom ſhe was ſhortly after ſent and there honourably indowed with Daughter.
many
Roger Hoved.
Cities and Caſtles, as may appear by the Charter of that King.
::
But the great Match that was provided for Earl John became fruſtrate
by the death of Alice, Daughter to the Earl of Mauriana, and he is married
of the Daughter of William Earl of Gloceſter, by whom he was to have that
Earldom This William wàs Son to Robert, Brother to Maud the Empreſs.
The ſame year alſo he-marries Elioner, another of his Daughters to AL
phonfo King of Caſtile, and takes up the controverſic between him and his
Uncle Sanctio King of Navarre, about the detention of certain bordering
pieces of each others kingdome, both the Kings having referred the buſineſs
to his arbitration:
Likewiſe the Marriage which ſhould have been between his Son Richard
and Alice Daughter to the French King, (committed heretofore to his
cuſtody and government) was again treated on; and urged hard by the
Popes Legate to be conſummated upon pain of interdiction. But yet it was 1178.
put off for that time,and both Kings notwithſtanding concluded a' perpetu- Anno Reg.24
al league and amity to aid each other againſt all men, and to be enemies to
each others enemies. Beſides, they both vowed an expedition to the Holy
Land in perſon; which they lived not to perform.
The King of France upon a dangerous ſickneſs of his Son Philip, vows
a Vifitation of the Sepulčkire of Thomas the Martyr,of Canterbury: And up-
onlicentc and Tafe conduct of the King of England, performs the ſame with
múch Devotion, and rich preſents. Firtt, Offering upon his Tomb am Ilie cup of A Sextary is
Gold, and after, gave and tonfirmed by his Charter three thouſand fix hundred eight. Engliſh
Sextaries of Wine for the Monks, annually to be received at Poiſli
, at the Sextaties is a
charge of the King of France, and beſide, freed them from all Toll and Modius of
Cuftort, for whatſoever they fliould buy in his Kingdom.
After having ſtayed there three days, he returns towards France, con-
ducted
.
f
'1
.
+
1
1
106 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
.
G
+
1
ducted by the King of England to Dover. The Son recovers health, but
the Father loft his in this journey, for coming to Saint Denis, he was ta-
1179
Anno Reg.25
ken with a pallie, and lived not long after. The weakneſs of his age and diſ.
eaſe moved him preſently to have his Son Philip (being but fifteen years
of age) to be crowned King in his life time, which was done at Reims, Anno
118.
Amo Rig.26 1179.
Henry Duke of Saxany who had married Maude Daughter to King Henry)
was expelled his Dutchy,and baniſhed by the Emperor Frederick tlie third,
for ſeven years, for detaining the revenues the Arch-biſhop of Cologne
had out of Saxony, and reſuſing to come unto tryal at the Imperial Cham-
ber, according to his Faith and promiſe made to the Emperour. So that he
was driven to come (for ſuccour with his wife and Children) to his Father in-
law into England. Where he remained three years, and upon the coming
of the Arch-biſhop of Cologne to viſit the ſepulchre of Thomas of Canterbury,
means was wrought to reſtore him to his Dutchy: And a motion is made
of marriage for Richard the Kings Son, with the Daughter of the Emperour
Frederick (notwithſtanding the contract made with Alice Daughter to the
King of France long before) but the laſt intention was made fruſtrate,by the
death of the Emperours Daughter.
King Henry ſends his Son John to reſide in Ireland, to the end (that the
Majeſty of a Court,and the number of the attendants which the fame would
draw thither) might both awe,and civilize that Countrey: But he being ac-
companied with many Gallants young as himſelf, who ſcorning and deri-
ding the Iriſh(in regard of their rude habits and faſhions)wróught an ill.ef-
fect. For it turned out three of their greateſt Kings [ Linimerick,Cona čt; and
Corke ] into open act of Rebellion, Gens enim hæc, ficut & natio quævis barba-
ra,quanquam honorem neſciant, honorari tamen fupra modum affectant, faith Ģi-
raldus Cambrenſis.
Now this fair time of peace which King Henry enjoyed, gave him leiſure
to ſeek out all means to ſupply his. Coffers, wherein he was very vigilant.
And hearing of the great ſumms (which Roger Arch-biſhop of York, had gi-
The King
ven by his Teſtament to godly uſes) ſends Commiſſioners to find out, and
to ſeize the ſame to his own uſes, alledging, That the Archbiſhop had given
to riousules Fudgement in his life time, that it was againft Law, any Ecclefiaftical perfon
by Teſtators Mould diſpoſe any thing by will (unleſs before he were fick) and that himſelf
of the Clergy. had done contrary to his own decree. The Commiſſioners having found
out,that Hugh Biſhop of Durham had received of the Archbiſhop three hun-
dred Marks of ſilver to be beſtowed in thoſe uſes, demand the ſame for the
King. The Biſhop replies, That having received it from the hands of the Arch-
biſhop,ke. had according to his will diſtributed the famie
. amongſt the léprous, blind,
and lame,in repairing Churches, Bridges and Hospitals: So that, who would have
it, muſt gather it up again of them. Which anſwer fo diſpleaſed
the King, as
(beſides his ſeizing upon the Caſtle of Duréſme), he wrought this Bilhop
much vexation. :-
His means certain (beſides the revenue of his Demeſne, and the benefit
of the Forreſts), were not then great in England; which cauſed him of
tentimes in his neceſſities to be bold with the Church, and to hold their
The vacancy
Benefices vacant ; as he did the. Biſhoprick of Lincoln eighteen years
.
of Lincoln held He made a new Coyn in England, which was round, decryed the old,
18 years to the and put all the Coyners to great ranſom for. corrupting the old money
King uſc.
And beſides, to ſave his purſe ( in regard every continual charge.of
Horſe and Armour was heavy unto him, he cauſed every mans Lands
andi
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I
The Life and Reign of Henry the Seconds
I 017
.
civs and the
and Silver,
and ſubſtance to be rated for the furniſhing thereof. And firſt began the
fame in his Dominions beyond the Seas, ordaining, That whoſoever had a
1181.
hundred pounds Anjouin money in Goods, and Chattel, ſhould find a Horſe, and Anno Reg:27
all Military furniture thereunto ; and whoſoever had in Chattel forty, thirty, or
twenty pounds Anjouin money, ſhould find a Corſlet, Head-piece, Launce, and
Sword; or Bow and Arrows, with a ſtrict prohibition, Thot no man Jhould ſell
or pawn his Armour, but be bound to leave it when he dyed to his next beir.
And this Order afterward he eſtabliſhed in England, by conſent of the
State. The King of France and the Earl of Flanders by his example did the
like in their Countries.
Great'and manifold were the expences of this mighty King, in reſpect of
his Entertainments, Penſions, and Rewards, having ſo wide an Eſtate, and ſo
many ever in his work, both of his own and others, who muſt always be
fed. And beſides, oftentimes he is fain to bribe the Popes Legates in his
buſineſs with the King of France, to have them favourable for his ends, to
fend many ſupplies, by their perſwaſions, and of his own reputation, to
the Holy War.
Anno 1182. (faith Walſingham) he releived the neceſſity of the Ferufolo-
IIS2.
mitans with two and forty thouſand Marks of ſilver, and five hundred
Marks of gold, which was in monty ſeven and forty thouſand, three hun- Henry 2. felei-
Anno Reg.28
dred, thirty three pounds, ſix ſhillings eight pence. And wlien Pope Lucius ved Pope Li-
diſtreſſed by the Romans, deſired an aid out of England, the King ſent him a
Ferufolomitans
mighty ſumm of Gold and Silver; in levying whereof, the Clergy here with great
dealt very circumſpectly; for when the Popes Nuncii came to deſire the ſums of Gold
fame, they adviſed the King, that according to his will and honour lie him-
ſelf ſhould ſupply the Popes
. occaſion, as well for himſelf as then, for tliat
it was more tolerable, that their Lord and King ſhould receive from them
the return of that aid, than that the Popes Nuncii ſhould, which might be
taken for a cuſtom to the detriment of the Kingdom,
Now (about eight years) had the peace continued between the two
Kings, Father and the Son, 'when again new flames of unnatural diſcord
began to break out, the occaſion whereof as far as can be diſcovered in
the uncertain paſſages of that time) we find to be this.
Anne Reg. 29. After a great Chriſtmas kept at Cane in Normandy, with his
1183.
Sons Henry, Richard, and Geffery, the Duke of Saxony with his wife and
Children, beſides a great Nobility of all parts: The King willed King Henry Great ferti
his Son, to take the Hömáges of his Brother Richard Earl of Poičkou,, and vals often-
Geffery Earl of Brittain. Richard refuſes to do it, (þut upon perſwalion)
up with great
being afterwards content, his Brother refuſes to take the fame. Whereup- diſcontent-
on withgreat indignation- Richard departs from his Fathers Court in Poi- ments.
clou : Mans and furniſhes his Caſtles'there. - The King his Brother fol-
lows by inſtigation of the Barons of Poictõu and Aquitain, who were
faln from Richard, and adhered.to the young King (as men that underſtood
wliat would become of younger Brothers Eſtates in ſuch dominions, where
the elder Brothers birth-riglit and Power, would carry all) and Geffery
Earl of Brittaine takes the King his Brothers part, comes with forces to
aid hiin.
Richard ſends for füccour to his father, who with a powerful Army (ra-
ther to conſtrain them to a peace, than to make. War).came down into
Poictou, where again his three Sons after the debatement of their grievances
ſwore to obey and ſerve their Father, and to hold perpetual Peace' among
themſelves. And for the farther ratification of this Concord; they meet | Henry and his
Sons accorded.
.
Anno Rég:29
times break
at
108 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
at Mirabel, where Henry the Son deſires, that the Barons of Poiciou and
Henry and his Aquitain (whom he had ſworn to defend againſt his Brother Richard
Sons accorded. might there be at the concluding this peace and to be pardoned for any
for
meract committed. Which requeſt is granted, and Geffery Earl of Brittain
ſent to bring the Barons thither. But the Barons (holding tliis peace, cither
not ſafe, or not profitable) ſo work as they win the meſlenger to take their
part againſt the Father, and keep him with them.
Henry the Son notwithftanding continues to mediate ſtill for the Barons,
and to get his father, and Brother Richard to receive them into grace. And
undertaking to bring in both them,and his Brother Geffery, is permitted by
the Father to go treat with them at Limoges, whither alſo, by another
way,and with ſmall company,it was agreed the Father ſhould coine, which
he did; but his approach was met with arrows ſo dangerouſly ſhot at his
perſon, as the next man to him was ſlain, and hiinſelf with his Son Richard
forced to retire from the place. And yet afterwards, deſirous out of a Fa-
therly affection to: have conference with his Sons for the quict ending of
this buſineſs
, (upon their aſſurance of his fafery) he enters into thc City :
When again from the Caſtle is ſhot a barbed arrow, which had took him
directly on the breſt, had not his Horſe by the ſudden lifting up his head,
received it in the forehead. "Which aet' his Sons never fought to find out
and puniſh,but ſtill under-hand held amity with the Barons. At length,not-
withſtanding King Henry the Son comes to the Father and proteits, that
unleſs the Barons would come and yeild themſelves at the Kings feet, he.
would utterly renounce them: And after; having again (upon his Fathers,
promiſe-of pardon and peace) dealt with them, and finding (as he avowed)
their obſtinacy, made fliew to forſạķe their party, and returns to his Father
with great ſubmiſſion, delivering up unto him his Horſe and Ar mour in
aſſurance thereof..
But many days he ſpent not with him, when again (either for the intend-
ed revenge he found his Father meant to proſecute againſt the Barons)
whoſe protection having undertaken, he held himſelf in his honour, en-
gaged to preſerye; or by the working of ſome mytinous Miniſters about
Henry the Son him, whoſe element was not peace. He ägain enters Oath and League with
them. But therein finding his power ſhort of his will, and deſperate of all
His Vow.
ſucceſs in his courſes:; he ſuddenly breaks out into an extream pallion
before his father,..falls proftrate at the Shrine of Saint Martial, and vow's
preſently to take upon him the croſs; and to give over all worldly buſineſs
beſide.
With which ſtranger and ſudden paſion, the Father much moved, be-
ſought his Son with tears to alter that ralh reſolution; -and to tell him tru-
ly, whether indignation or religion induced hmm thereunto: The Son
pro-
teſts; that it was meerly for the remiſſion of his fins, committed againſt
his perſon. And unleſs his Father: would now.give his leave (without which
he could not go) he would there inſtantly kill himſelf in his preſence.
His reſolution The Fatlier (after having uſed all
means to diſſwade him, and finding him
ftill obſtinate) ſaid unto him, Son Gods will be done
and yours, for your furniſhi
ing, I will take ſuch order as ſhall be fit your Eſtate.
The Son(whilſt the Fathers paſſion;lad made him tender) wrought there-
Hisrequeſt for upon, and beſought him; that he would deal mercifully with thoſe of the
the Barons of Caſtles of Limoges,the Barons of Aquitain,and pardon them. To which, the
Father in the end(though unwillingly)yeilds, ſo tļiat,they would put in their
pledges for ſecuring their fidelity, and the peace, which they ſeemed con-
!
The incon-
N
POD
1
1
tent!
The Life and Reign of Henry the ſecond.
109
1
His Death.
1
death.
1
tent to do : But upon the delivery, and receiving of theſe pledges, new ri-
ots were committed, but ſuch as could not endure the peace( which is never
faithful, but where men are voluntarily pacified :-) and theſe young Princes
again take part with their confederates, and are made the heads of rebelli-
on, committing rapine, and ſacriledge to ſupply their neceſſities, and feed
their followers. And in the end, the young King having much ſtruggled in
vain, through grief and vexation of ſpirit (which cauſed the diſtempera-
ture of body) fell into a burning fever with the flux, whereof, within few
days he died. A Prince of excellent parts, who was firſt caſt away by his
Fathers indulgence, and after by his rigour; not ſuffering him to be what
himſelf had made him ; neither got he ſo much by his Coronation, as to
have a name in the Catalogue of the Kings of England.
The ſorrow of the Father (although it be ſaid to be great) hindred not liis
revenge upon the Barons of Aquitaine ; whom he now moſt eagerly perſe-
cuted, ſeized on their Caſtles, and razed to the ground that of Lymoges.
Geffery upon his ſubmiſſion is received into grace, and the year after
died Earl Gefferies
at Paris : (having in a conflict) been trodden under horſes feet, and miſera- fubmiſſion and
bly cruſhed: ſo that half the male iſſue wherein this King was unfortunate,
he faw extinct before him, and that by.deaths as violent, as were their diſ-
poſitions. The other two, who ſurvived him, were no leſs miſerable in
their ends.
Now the young King of France, Philip the ſecond (in whoſe fate it was,
to do more than ever his Father could effect, upon the death of Henry the
Son ) requires the delivery of the Country of Vexlin, which was given in
dowry with his Siſter Margaret ; but the King of England, ( not apt to let
go any thing of what he had in poſſeſſion) was content to pay yearly to
the Queen Dowager, 17050. pounds Anjouin. And the more to hold fair
with this young King, whoſe ſpirit
, he ſaw, grew great and active, and with Anno Reg:30
whom he was like to have much to do, did homage unto him, for all he held Henry the ſe-
cond doth ho-
in France, which he never did to the Father, being the firſt deſcent of Ma-
jefty, he ever made to any ſecular power. And beſide, took his part a- King of France
gainſt Philip Earl of Flanders, who oppoſed againſt him, and was in thoſe
days a Prince of mighty power, and had ever ſtood faſt unto King Lewis the
Father. But now Philip the Son otherways led, or affectioned, quarrels
with him, and demands the Country of Vermemdois, as appertaining to the
Crown of France : and withal, upon allegation of conſanguinity, repudi-
ates his Wife, Neece to this Earl of Flanders, given unto him by his Fathers The Earl of
choice, a little before his death. The Earl 'followed by Odo Earl of Flanders com-
Burgogne, the Earls of Champaigüe, Hainalt, Namur, Saint Pol
, and others, pels the King
wars upon the King of France, and commits great ſpoils within his territo- compound.
ries, ſo that he was fain in vhe end to compound with him to his diſadvan-
tage. After this, The Kängs of England and France, meet between Giſors
and-Try; where the King of England ſwears to deliver Alice ; un-
to Richard his Son. And the King of France. her Brother grants lier
in dowry, the Country of Vexlin, which Margarei his other Sifter: had
before.
But theſe ties held them not long together; for the young King of France
ſo wrought with Richard, as he drew him from his Fathers obedience, and
1185.
they lived together in that amity,as one bed and board is ſaid to have férved ArroReg:31
them: both which ſo enjealouſed the old King; as he called homehis Son,
and before his Biſhops and Nobility, cauſed him to ſwear upon the Evan-
geliſts, to obſerve fealty unto him agaiuſtall perſons whatſoevers which ha-
L
ving
1184.
4
mage to Philip
4
1
1
i.
1
I IO The Life and Reign of Henry the ſecond.
.
led and pre-
។
preparation made by the King of France, who gave out, that he would isoil
ving done, and ready to paſs over into England, he is informed of the great
and ranſack both Normandy, and the reſt of the King of Englands territories
in France ; unleſs he would preſently deliver up his Siſter Alice unto R-i-
ch.rd, or render Giſors, and the Country of Vexlin into his hands. Where-
upon the King returns back, and comes again to a parle between Giſors and
The Kings of Try. Where the Archbiſhop of Try ( ſent from the Earl to call up aid for
France accord- the holy War ) did with that power of perſwaſion ſo urge his meſſage, as
it let out all the humour of private rancour and contention, Letween thele
pare for the
holy War. two great Kings, altered their whole Counſels, their pretenſions, their de-
ſigns turned them wholely to undertake in perſon this laborious action,
and reſolve to leave their Kingdoms, their Pleaſures, and all the things of
glory they had at home, to proſecute the ſame, through all the diſtempe-
ratures of Climes, and difficulties of Paſſages, whereunto that Voyage was
obnoxious : ſo that now, no other thing was thought or talked on, but
only preparations, and furniſhments for this buſineſs.
And to diſtinguiſh their people, and followers (who all ſtrove which
ſhould be moſt forward ) it was ordered that they who followed the King
of England, ſhould wear a white Croſs : France a red, and Flanders a green.
And for a further ingagement in the buſineſs, the King of England writės
to the Patriarch of Antioch, a moſt comfortable and pious Letter : In the
end whereof he hath theſe words, Amongſt other Princes, I and my Son, re-
jecting the glory of this world, and deſpiſing all the pleaſures thereof, in proper
Perſon , will
, God willing, viſit you ſhortly.
Then to raiſe mony to defray this great enterprize, it was ordained by the
two Kings, their Archbiſhops, Biſhops, Earls, and other in France, that all
whoſoever, as well Clerk as Lay (ſaving ſuch as went the Voyage ) ſhould
pay
the tenth of all their Revenues of that year, and the tenth of all their
Moveables and Chattels ; as well in Gold as Silver. And many excellent
orders were made for reſtraint of Licentiouſneſs both in Apparel, and Man-
ners, as were fitting for the undertakers of ſo civil and devout an action.
1186. The King of England having laid this Impoſition upon all his Dominions
AnnoReg:32 in France, comes over, calls a Council of his Biſhops, Abbots, Earls, Ba-
Proviſion by rons, both of the Clergy, and Laiety at Gaynington, and by their conſents
King Henry in
impoſes the ſame taxation upon his Subjects of England: Sub Eleemoſinæ ti-
England.
tulo vitium rapacitatis includens, faith Walfingham, and preſently ſends forthi
his Officers into every Sheir, to Collect the ſame according as it was done
in France. But of every City in England, he cauſed a voice to be made of
the richeſt Men : as in London of two hundred, in Yorkza: hundred, and ſo
ccording to the proportion of the reſt; and cauſed all theſe, at a certain
time and place to appear before him; of whom he took the tenth of all
their Moveables, by the eſtimatibn of credible Men which knew their e-
ſtates : ſuch as refuſed he impriſoned till they had paid it, "of which exam-
ple and exaction, we muſt only hold Piety guilty: otherwiſe thoſe times
had not yeilded it:
The King ſends likewiſe Hugh Biſhop of Dureſme, with other Commiſſi-
oners,to William-King of Scots to collect the tenths in His Country," which
he would not permit, but offered to give the King of England five thou-
ſand Marks of Silyer for thoſe tenths; and the: Caſtle which he claimed,
1
but the King of England refuſed the ſame. ;;
1187.
Whilſt thefe preparations were in hand,& the mony collecting, a quarrel
Anno Reg:33 arifes between Richard, Earl of Poićtou, and Raymond Earl of Tholouſe ,
L.
C
.
O
)
4
upon
MM Mhe.
1
1
4
1
I
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Second. . III
upon this occalion the Earl of Tholouſe by the perſwalion-ofione Peter Suil-
lar, had taken certain Mercliants of Aquitaine, and uſed them hardly. The
Earl of Poictor fürprizes this Peter, impriſons him, and would not ſuffer the
Earl of Tholoïſe ro redeem liim, upon any condition. Whereupon the Earl
impriſons two Gentlemen, ſervanits of the King of Englands, Robert and
Ralpli Poer, trậvelling through his Countryi(as Pilgrimsg from Saint James
de Compoſtella..
which Earl Krchard took fo .it,' as he enters into the Earls
Country with an army (prepared for a betreract) waſtsit with fire & ſword,
beſieges and takes liis Caſtles about Tholouſe: The King of France (upon the
lamentable complaint of the Tljoloufans) ſends to the King of England to un-
derſtand, whether his Son Richard did theſe things by liis will and Coun-
fel. The King of Eriglarid anſwers, That: he neither willeniaor. counſelled him A mean
thereunto, and that his Son ſent liim word (by the Archbiſhop of Dublin) rbạt le quarrel daſher
did nothing, but by the conſent of the King of France. Who (not latisfied with the great pre-
this anſwer enters preſently into Bery. With his Army, ſeizes upon the paration for
Country;
takes in divers Caſtles of the King of Englands, who makes him the holy Wari
felf ready to recover the fame. And thus that great intended enterpriſe, upon the fei
undertaken with ſuch fervour, became dalht and overthrown, at the very Kingdoms.
time they appointed to have fer forward.
All the means the Pope could uſe by.lvis Legats, nor all the perſwafions,
1188.
of other Princes mighé prevail to reconcile theſe two": inraged Kings mokig.24
though divers interviews were procured, divers overtures propounded,yet The King of
none took effect ; they ever depart more incenſed than they met: inſomuch France curs
as at length, theKing of France, in a rage, cut down the great Elm(between molt eminent
Giſors and Try) under whicli, the Kings of France, and Dukes of Normandy: 1.Im of
were ever uſed to parl, and-ſwore, There Should be no more meetings in that
l'rincely Para
place. But yet after this they were brought to another parl elſewhere, and
therein the Popes Leget tlirëatned to interdict the King of France, unleſs
he made peace with the King of England. The King of France., told him, that
he feared not his ſentence, being grounded upon no equity, and that it ap-
pertaineci not to the Church of Rome, by ſentence, or otherwiſe, to cliaftile
the Kingdom, or King of France, undertaking to revenge the demerits of :
the Rebellious, that diſhonoured his Crown; and flatly told the Cardinal,
That he ſmelled of the Starlings of England.
This interview, wrought a worſe effect than all the reft : for here the
Earl Richard
King of England ( abſolutely ) refuſes to render Alice to his Son Richard, I twith the
but offered to the King of France, to give her to his Son. Fohn, with larger King of
conditions, then ſhould be granted with the other : which ſo much alie-1 France) com-
nated the heart of his Son Richard as he becomes wholly Liege-man to his Father
the King of France, die hornage unto him for Aquitain, and they both joyn King Henry 2.
their forces againſt the Father.
And here now comes this mighty King of England ( the greatelt of all the
Chriſtian World in his time, or that the Kingdom ever ſaw, to fall quite a-
funder ; forſaker both of his ſubjects, and himſelf letting down his heart,
to yeild to an'y conditions whatſoever: he who pever ſaw fear (but in the
back of his enemies ) leaves now the defence of Mans, and, flys away with
ſeven hundred men) having promiſed the City, never to give it over, in re-
gard his Father was there buried, and himſelf born :) and afterward comes
to his laſt Parl with the King of France, between Turwin and Arras : where
at their firſt meeting (no man ſupecting the wratlı)a thunder-volt
, with ſo
terrible a crack liglated juſt between them, as it parted their conference in
a confuſed manner for that time.
Within
ley.
1
.
}
44
1
L 2
I I2 The Life and Reign of Henry the Second.
1
1
M
1
His Death.
ܪ
Within a while after they came together again, when ſuddenly began as
fearful a Thunder as the former, which ſo amazed the King of England as
he had fallen off from his Horſe) had he not been ſupported by thoſe about
him. And in this fort, began the proem of that Treaty, wherein, the King
of England yields to whatſoever conditions, the King of France required,
did him homage again for all his dominions on that fide(both Kings having
at the beginning of this War, renounced their mutual obligation in that
kind) tenders up Alice for whom he had been ſo much loden with ſcan-
dal and turmayl, upon condition, the ſhould be given in marriage to his
Son Richard at liis return from the holy war; and in the mean time to
emain in the cuſtody of any one of five whom Richard ſhould nominate:
grants that fealty be given unto him of all his Dominions, and pardons all
his partakers. Beſides, covenants to pay the King of France 20000. marks of
ſilver for dammage done during theſe laſt Wars. And that if he ſhould not per.
form theſe Articles, bis Barons should firear to renounce him, and betake them
to the part of the King of France and Earl Richard And for more caution, be
yeilds to deliver up the Cities of Mans and Tureyne, with divers Caſtles into
their hands, &c.
And here was an end of this buſineſs; and within three days after, of
this Kings life.: whoſe heart, not made of that temper to bow, burſt with
the weight of a declining Fortune. Some few hours before he dyed, he
law a Liſt of their names who conſpired with the King of France, and Earl
Richard againſt him; and finding therein liis Son Fohn to be the firſt, falls
into a grievous paſſion, both of curſing his Sons, and the day wherein him-
ſelf was born: and in that diſtemperature departs the World, which fo of-
ten himſelf had diſtempered ; having reigned thirty five years,
ſeven
monetlis, and five days.
1189.
His Son Richard approaching the Corps, as it was carrying to be interred
Anno Reg.35
(adorned according to the uſual manner of Kings, with all Royal Orna-
ments open faced) the blood guſhed out of the noſtrils of the Dead (a ſiga
uſually noted, of guiltineſs) as if Nature yet after Death, retained ſome in-
telligence in the veins, to give notice of wrong,and check the malice of an
unnatural Offender: at which fight, Richard ſurprized with horrour, is ſaid
to have burſt out into extream lamentaticns.
He had iſſue by his Wife Elioner
, four Sons, Henry,Richard, Geffery, and
John; beſides two other, William the eldeſt, and Philip the youngeſt but
one dyed young. Alſo three Daughters; Maude married to Henry Duke of
Saxony : Elioner the Wife of Alfonſo, the eighth of that name, King of Ca-
pide Fo. Sfeed. Stle : Foan given in marriage unto William King of Sicile. He had alſo two
natural Sons, by Rofamond Daughter of Walter Lord Clifford, William, ſur-
named Longeſpeezin Engliſh Long-ſword, and Gefferey Arch-Biſhop of Tork,
who after five years baniſhment in his Brother King Johns time dyed, An-
.70 1213.
The firſt Son William ſurnamed Longeſpee, Earl of Saliſbury (in right of
Eln his Wife, Daughter and heir of William Earl of that County, Son
of Earl Patrick, had iſſue William Earl of Salisbury , and Stephen Earl of
vlſter : Ela Counteſs of Warwick : Ida Lady Beauchampe of Bedford, and Iſa-
bel Lady Veicy, His Son, Earl William the Second, had. Earl William the
third, Father of Margeret Wife of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln.
It is ſaid,King Henry had alſo a third natural Son called Morgen)by the
Wife of one Rodulph Bloeth or Blewit a Knight;)he lived to be Provoſt of Be-
verly, and to be elected to the Biſhoprick of Dureſme ; and coming to
Rome
His ifluc.
1
+
1
The Life sind Reign of Richard the Firſt.
11
R
timno Rugil
of London wrouglit the like, miſchief upon the Fers in the Towns of Nóra
Rome for a diſpenſation (becauſe his Baſtardy made him otherwiſe uncapa-
ble) the Pope willed him to profefs himfeif Blewets lawful Son, and not
the Kings Natural, promiſing to Conſecrate him on that condition ; but he
(uſing the advice of one Willi.im Line his Clerk) told the Pope, that for no
worldly promotion he would renounce his Father, or deny himſelf to be
of the Blood Royal.
The end of the Life and Reign of Henry the ſecond.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt.
Ichard ſurnued Cour de Lyon (born at Oxford) ſucceeding his F?- He bezan ! i;
ther, firſt ſeizes upon his Treaſure in France, being in the hands reimatec cf
,
of Stephen Thurnham Seneſchal of Normandy, who lie impriſons juny, aged 35.
with Fetters, and manacles to extort the uttermoſt thereof. And
1139.
then repairs to Roan, where, by W'alter the Archbiſhop lie is girl with the
Sword of the Dutchy of Normandy, takes fcalty both of the Clergy and
Lay, and then goes to Parle and compoſe this buſineſs with the King of
Fiume, which he did by money; and obtained reſtitution of all ſuch pie-
€25 as had been gotten from his Father in the time of the late Wars. Be-
fides , for his better ſtrengthi , 'lie gives in marriage Mand his Necce,
Daughter to the Duke of Surxony, to Geffery Son to the Earl of
Perch.
During this ſtay and ſetling of his affairs in France, Queen Elioner his
Mother, frced from her impriſonment (which she had endured twelve
years) hath power to diſpoſe of the buſineſs of England, which eſpecially
The imployed in preparing the affections of the people by pardons and re-
lievement of oppreſſions, and then meets her Son at Wincheſter. Where (be-
ſides his Fathers Treaſure which was gooooo.pounds in Gold and Silver,
beſides Plate, Jewels and precious ſtones) there fell unto him by the death
of Geffery Ridly, Biſhop of Eley, dying inteftate, 3060 Marks of Silver, and
205 Gold, which came well to defray the charge of his Coronation, cele-
brated the third day of September 1189, at Weſtminſter, and imbrued with The laughtet
the iniſerable Naughter of the Jews inhabiting in and
about the City of of the fewes at
the coronation.
London, who coming to offer their preſents, as an afflicted people, in a
ſtrange Country, to a new King, in hope to get his favour, were ſet upon by.
the multitude, and many loſt both their lives and ſubſtance. The example
wich; Saint Edmo:rsbury, Lincoln, Stamford and Linnie
All this great Treaſure left to this King was not thought ſufficient for this
intended action of the Holy. War (wlich was ſtill on foor) búť tliat all
other ways were deviſed to raiſe more money, and the King ſells mučhiLand
of the Crown, both to the Clergy and otler. Godfrey de Lucie Biſhop of
Wincheſter bought two Majinors Weregrave and Meanes
. The Abbot' of Saint
Edmous bury,the
Manşor of Mildhall for one thouſand Marks of Silver: The
Biſhop of. Dure me the Mannor of Sadborožgh with the dignity Palatinate o
his whole Provence, which occafioncd the King jeſtinglý to ſay, what a cun-
ning work-man:he was tliat could make if än old Biſhop a new Earl.Bclides he
grants to William King of Scots, the Cándés of Barvick and Roxborough for
1:0000 Marks,and releaſetli hiin of thoſe covenants made and confirmed by
his Charter unto King Henry the ſecond; as extorted from him being then
his priſoner, reſerving to limſelf only ſuch rights as had been and were to
be performed, by his Brother Malcolin to-lis anceſtors the Kings of England.
L3
More-
Ak ---
TH
+
1
114 The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt.
1
great Sums
ward the Ho-
Vy War.
1
Moreover pretending to have loſt his Signet, made a new, and Proclama-
tion that Whoſoever would ſafely enjoy, what under the former Signet was grant-
ed, ſhould come to have it confirmed by the new, whereby he raiſed
of Mony to the grief of his Subjects. Then procures he a power from the
Pope, that whoſoever himſelf pleaſed to diſmiſs from the Journey, and
leave atliome, ſhould be free from taking the Croſs; and this likewiſe
got
him great Treaſure, which was levied with much expedition, by reaſon the
King of France, in November, after the Coronation, ſent the Earl of Perch,
with other Coinmiſſioners, to ſignifie to King Richard, how in a general Al-
ſembly at Paris, le liad folemnly ſworn upon the Evangeliſts to be ready at
Tours, with all the Princes and People of his Kingdom, who had undertaken
the Croſs, preſently upon Eaſter next following, thence to ſet forward for
the Holy Land. And for the aſſurance and teſtimony thereof, he ſends
the Charter of this Deed unto the King of England, requiring him and his
The Kings de Nobility, under their lands to aſſure him in like fort, to be ready at the fame
parture out of time and place, which was in like manner concluded at a general Council
England to lield at London. And in December ( having only ſtayed but Four Months in
England after his Coronation ) this King departs into Normandy, keeps his
Chriſtmas at Rouen, and preſently after hath a Parl with the King of France
at Reimes,where by Oath and Writing under their Hands and Seal, with the
Faith given by all their Nobility on both ſides, is confirmed a moſt ſtrict
Peace and Union betwixt both Kings, for the preſervation of each other
and their Eſtates, witli the others concluded for their Journey. Which done,
the King of England ſends for Queen Elionor his Mother, his Brother John,
and the Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, the Biſhops of Wincheſter , Dureſme,
Norwich, Bath, Salisbury, Eley, Cheſter, and others, which came unto him to
Rouen : where he commits the eſpecial charge of this Kingdom to William
Long ſhamp Biſhop of Eley, under
the Title of Chief Juſtice of England, and
gives him one of his Seals, and the Cuſtody of the Tower of London ; and
confers upon Hugh Biſhop of Dureſme the Juſticeſhip of the North, from
Humber to Scotland, with the keeping of Windſor Caſtle, which after gave
occaſion of diſſention, to theſe two Ambitious Prelates impatient of each
others greatneſs
. Hugh Bardolph, William Marſhall, Geffery Fitz Peter and
William Brewer, are joined in Commiſſion with the Biſhop of Eley.
And left his Brother John. (whoſe ſpirit he well underſtood) might in Bng-
land work upon the advantage of his abſence, he firſt cauſed him to take an
Oath not to come within this Kingdomifor the space of three Tears next following.
Which after, upon better conſideration, he releaſed, leaving him to his
liberty and natural reſpect. But liereby having given him firīt a wound by
his diſtruſt, his after regard could never heal it up again, nor all the Ho-
nours and State beſtowed on him, keep him within the limits of Obedience.
For this ſuſpition of his Faith, ſhewed him rather the way to break then
retain it; whenfoever occaſion were offered : And the greater means he
had beſtowed on him to make him content, did but arm him with greater
power for his deſigns. For this Earl John had conferred upon him in Eng-
Land, the Earldoms of Cornwall, Dorcet, Summerſet, Nottingham, Darby,
Eſtate left to Lancaſter; and by the Marriage with Iſabell, Daugliter to the Earl of Gloce-
Earl Fahn.
ſter, had likewiſe the Earldom ; moreover the Caſtles of Marlborow and
Lutgarſall, the Honours of Wallingford, Tichill and Eye, to the value of
Four Thouſand Marks per Annum, beſides the great Commands he held
thereby : which mighty Eſtate was not a means to ſatisfie, but increaſe his
deſires, and make him more dangerous at home.
Then
The great
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt. 115
1
Exactions by
many incom-
1
+
Then the more to ſtrengthen the reputation of the Vice-roy the Biſhop of
Eley, the King gets the Pope to make him his Legat of all England and Scot-
lind; and to the end his Government might not be diſturbed through the
emulation of another, he confines the elect Arch-biſhop of Torik (his baſe
Brother, whoſe turbulency he doubted) to remain in Normandy till his re-
turn, and takes his Oath to perform the ſame.
Having thus ordered his affairs, he ſends back into England this great
Biſhop, furniſhed with as great and abſolute a power,as he could give him,
to provide neceſſaries for his intended journey. Wherein to pleaſe the King,
he offended the people, and committed great exactions, .Clerum & populum
opprimebat,confundens falque nefaſque (faith Hovedon.) He took of every City the Vico-roya
in England two Palftyes, and two other Horſes of ſervice, and of every Ab,
bey one of each; likewiſe of every Mannor of the Kings, one of each for this
ſervice. And to fhew what he would prove, he took the Caſtle of Wind-
for from the Biſhop of Dureſm, and confined him within his Town of Howa
don, queſtions liis Authority, and works him much vexation, and for all
his means made to the King, overtopt him.
The King takes order for a Navy to convey people and proviſion to tlic
Holy Land, and commits the charge thercof to the Arch-biſhop of Auxere,
and the Biſhop of Bayon, Robert de Sabull
, Richard Canvile,which done, both
Kings, at the latter end of June, with their powers together,take their jour-
ney to Lyons, where their numbers growing ſo great, as bred
Lerments, and diſtemprings between the Nations, they part companies ;
the King of France takes the way of Genova by Land, the King of England,
of Merſeilles, wliere, after he had ſtaid eight days, expecting in vain the
coming about of his Navy withheld by tempeſt, he was forced to hire
twenty Gallies and ten other great Veſſels, to tranſport him into the Iſle of
Sicilia. The King of France takes Shipping at Genoua,and by tempeſt was dri-
ven to Land in the fame iſle,and arrived there before the King of England,
where, thoſe mighty companies of both theſe powerful Kings, fell foul on
each other, and themſelves taking part with their people enter in quarrel
and rancor, ſo that being of equal power and ſtomach,and alike emulous of
honour and revenge, they began to ſhew what ſucceſs their enterpriſe was
likely to yeild, the King of France repairing his wracked Navy, and the
The Kings
King of Englands long ſtaying for his, forced them
both to Winter in Sicilia, quarrel in the
to the great peſture and diſturbance of that people,themſelves and theirs.
William late King of Sici!e who had married Foan, Siſter to the King of
England, tvas dead (which made the entertainment of the Engliſh there, the
worſe) and Tancredi baſe Son of Roger, Grandfather to William, was’inveſt-
ed in the Kingdom, contrary to the will of the late King (dying without
iſſue;) and the fidelity of the people ſworn to Conſtantia the lawful Daugh-
ter of the ſaid Roger, married to Henry King of Almain, Son to the.Em-
perour Frederick Barbaroſſa, by which, occaſion, Tancredi was forced to uſe
all means to hold what he had gotten by ſtrong hand, and had much to do
againſt the Emperóur änd his Son Henry. The King of England after great
contention with him, to make the conditions of his Siſters Dowry the better,
enters into leagte with Tancrédi,againſt all men to preſerve his Eſtate, and
gets in concluſion 20000 Oances of Gold for his Siſters Dowry, and 20000
more, upon a match to be made between Arthur Earl of Brittain., Son
to Geffery his next Brotlier (who was to ſucceed him in the Crown of Eng-
land, if himfelf dyed without iffúe) and the Daughter of Tancredi.
At the opening of the Spring (both Kings having been reconciled, and conciled.
Me of Sicile.
The KiÆSIC
new
1
116
.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt
!
1
Bere 1.zuela -
lanced to King
/
new Articles of Peace and Concord ſigned and fworn) the King of France
ſcts firſt forward to the Holy Land, but the King of England ſtays in Sicile,
uutil Whitſontide after. And during his abode (which might therefore be
the longer) his Mother Queen Elioner, who'in her youth had well known
thie travel of the Eaſt) came unto him, bringing with her Berenguela, Daugh-
ter to the King of Navarre, who was there fianced unto him. Which done,
Qucen Elioner departs home by the way of Rome,and the young Lady with
the Queen Dowager of Sicile, take their journey
with the King; who ſets
forth with an hundred and thirty Shijs,ánd fifty Gallies,and was by tempeſt
driven to the Iſle of Cyprus; where Leing denied landing, he alfails the
Illc on all ſides, ſubdues it, places his Garriſons, therein and commits the
cuftody of the ſame to Richard de Canvile, and Robert de Turnham, taking
half the goods of the inhabitants from them: In lieu whereof le confirm-
ed the uſe of their own Laws. Aad here our Hiſtories ſay, he married thie
Lady Berenguela, and cauſed her to be Crowned Queen.
Theſe miſchiefs ſuffered theſe two famous Iſles of Cliriſtendom, in the
paſlage of thoſe migiity Princes againſt Pagans, who peradventure would
lave as well uſed them for their goods and treaſure as they did, But Armies.
and power know no inferiour friends; it was their Fate ſo to lie in the way of
great attempters, who, though in the cauſe of Piety, would not ſtick to do
any injuſtice.
from hence paſſes this famous King to the Holy Land, with the ſpoyls
and treaſure of three Noble rich Iſlands, England, Sicile,and Cyprus (beſides
what Normandy and Guien could furniſhi him withal) and there conſumes
that huge collected Maſs, even as violently as it was gotten, though to tlie
exceeding great renown of him and the Nation. Here for the better under-
ſtanding this buſineſs,it is not amiſs to deliver in what ſort ſtood the eſtate
of thoſe Affairs in Aſia,which ſo much troubled theſe mighty Pririces, and
drew them from the utmoſt bounds of Europe, thus to adventure them-
ſelves, and conſume their Eſtates.
It was now fourſcore and eight years ſince. Godfrey of Bologne, Prince of
Lorrrin, with his Company recovered the City of Jeruſalem, with the Coun-
try of Paleſtina, and a great part of Syria, out of the hands of the Sarazins
obtained the Kingdom tliercof, that was Crowned with a Crown of Tlioris
in example of Saviour, Reigned one year, dyed, and left to ſucceed lijm
his Brother Baldwin, who governed eighteen years, and left the Crown to
another of that name Baldwin de Bilrgo, who reigned thirteen ycars
, and left
a Daugliter, and his Kingdom in diſſention. Fulke Earl of Anjou marries
this Daugliter, and enjoys this Kingdom eleven,ycats, and left two Sons,
Baldwin and Almerique: Baldwin reigns four.andi twenty years, and aftor
him luis Brother Almerique
, twelye, and leaves. Baldwin his Son to ſucceed
him; ivho being ſick and deſpairing of iſſue, made Baldwin his Nephew,
Son to the Marqueſs of Monferrato-rand. Sibilla:his Siſters his ſucceſſour,
and commits the charge of him,with the adminiſtration of the Kingdom,
to Raymoird Earl of Tripoly, whom Guy de Luſignan, who had married si-
billa (the Widdow of Monferratv'). put from that charge, and ufurped tlie
Government,and at length the Kingdom, not without ſuſpitjon of poylon.
ing the young King. Raymond making War upqn him, Luignan draws in
Sultan Saladin of Egypt to his aids i who glad of that occaſion, to augment
his own State,deſtroyed them both;with thiciſ Kingdom;and won the City
of Ptolomeide, Afoto, Berytho,Aſcalon; and after one months Siege the City of
Jeruſalem,fourſcore and eight years after it had been conquered by Godfrey.
Now
1
The State of
Paltinu.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt
.
117
+
1
Now to recover this confounded State , : come theſe two great Kings
from a far and a different Clime, with an Army compoſed of ſeveral Na-
tions, and ſeveral Humours, Engliſh, French, Italians and Germans ; againſt
a mighty Prince of an united power, within his own Air, near at home,
bred and made by the Sword, inured to Victories, acquainted with the
Fights and Forces of the Chriſtians and poſſeſſed almoſt of all the beſt peices
of that Country.
And here they, ſit down before the City of Acon, defended by the power The Kings of
of Saladin, which had been before beſieged by the Chriſtians the ſpace of England and
three Years; and had coſt the Lives of many worthy Princes, and great Acom.
France beſiege
Perſonages, whoſe names are delivered by our Writers, amongſt whom I
will remember theſe few of ſpecial note : Conradus Duke of Suevia, Son of
Frederick the Emperour (which Frederick was alſo drowned coming thi-
ther ) with the Earls of Perch, Puntif, and old Theobald Earl of Bloys, that
famous Stickler between the Kings of England and France ; Stephen Earl of
Sancerre ; the Earl of Vandoſme, Bertoldus a Duke of Germany, Roger and
Foſelin Earls of Apulia, &c. And laſtly, Philip Earl of Flanders; and of our
Nation, Baldwin Archbiſliop of Canterbury; Robert Earl of Leiceſter, Ralph
de Glanvile, Chief Juſtice of England, Richard de Clare, Walter de Krime, &c.
And notwithllanding all the Forces of theſetwo Kings, they held out Four
Months after, and then rendred themſelves upon compoſition.
At their entring into the City, the Enſigns of Leopold Duke of Auſtrich,
being planted on the Walls, were with great ſcorn taken down by the com-
mandment of King Richard, and thoſe of the two Kings erected; which
bred great rancor, and was afterward the occaſion of much miſchief to the
King of England. Beſides, during this Şiege, divers ſtings were miniſtred, or
taken of diſpleaſure and malice between the two Kings, apt to be ſet on
fire, by the leaſt touches of conceit.
The King of France full of diſdain, for the rejection of his Siſter, and the
Marriage of the King of England with Berenguela; beſides competition of
Honour (which their inequality was ſubject unto) made any jot of the leaſt
diſproportion thercof, awound without cure : And daily occaſions in ſo
great hearts fell out to work the ſame. The Articles of equal dividing their
gains in this Voyage, concluded between them, is queſtioned. The King of
France claims half the Iſle of Cyprus, the King of England, half the Treaſure
and Goods of the Earl of Flanders, whereon the King of
France had ſeized; and
thierein, neither is fatisficd. Then are there two pretenders to the Crown
of Jeruſalem, Guy of Lifignan, and Conrade, Marquis of Monferrato : Guy
pleads the poſſeſſion thereof, which he had by his Wife Sibilla: the King of
England takes part with Guy: the King of France, with Conrade ; and with: The Kings of
theſe differences are they kept in imbroilments, and continually diſtem- England and
France dange-
pered, infomuch, as by their own Heats, and the Contagion of the Coun-
roully fick
try, they féll into a moſt dangerous Sickneſs, that coſt-them both their Hair,
being more than they got by the Voyage.
But being recovered, the King of France had no longer will to ſtay there,
where he raw no more likelihood of Honour or Profit; and at home, he
| knew was better good to be done with leſs danger, and the rather by the
death of the Earl of Flanders, whoſe ſtate fay fo near, as it took up part of
lis; whereof he had a purpoſe to abridg his ſucceſſor, and therefore, craves
leave of the King of England Cfor pithout leave of each other it was Covenant-
ed, neither of them ſhould depart) to return home which King Richard,
was hardly won to gränt, in reſpech he knew the danger, it might work
him
1
2
!
1
! IIS
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt
.
1
ly War.
Conrade mur-
chered.
him in his abſence, to lct ſuch an offended Lion looſe.
The King of
But in the end through the earneſt ſollicitation of the King of France, and
France ciep:res
froin the Ho- the aſſurance (confirmed by Oath) not to do any thing offenſive to his Do-
minions in France, during his abſence, the yeilds thereunto. And ſo departs
this great. Prince, leaving the Earl of Borgogne Lieutenant of liis Forces: And
King Ric..urd betakes him to the Siege of Aſcalon: 'writes invective Letters
againſt the King of France for leaving him: Who likewiſe defames King
Rich.ırd amongit his Neighbours at liome. And it máy be doubted whether
the Perjury of theſe two Kings did not add more to their Sin, than the
Action thy'undertook for the remiſſion thereof could take away, for that
d good work impiouſly managed, merits 110 more than an ill.
Ten Months the King of Englavid
, ſtays behind in theſe parts; conſuming
both his Men and Treaſure without any great ſucceſs
, though with much
noble Valour and exceeding Courage finding.ever great perverſneſs in
the Earl of Borgogne, who according to his Maſters inltructions frewed no
great deſire to advance the Action, where another muſt carry the Honour;
but willing always to return home ( pretending his want ) drew.back
when any Luſineſs of importance.was to be done ; and at length falls Sick,
and Dies at sicon.
Conrade, who was ſo much favoured by the King of France,in his Title for
that Kingslom, was Murthered by tivo Alaffini, whereof the King of Eng-
land was but very wrongļully) taxed," and the Earl of Champagne Marry-
ing his Widow, Siſter to Qucen Sibilla, ,was by King Richard preferred to
the Crown of Jeruſalem, and Guy of Luſignan (the other pretender). made
Ring of Cyprus, and ſo both contented: During this buſineſs abroad in the
Eaſt, the ſtate of England ſuffered mucli at Home under the government of
Longſhamp, who uſurping the whole Authority to himſelf without commu-
nicating any thing, either with the Nobility, or the reſt of the Commiſſio-
ners joined with him, did what he liſted, and with that Inſolency carried
himſelf
, as he incurred the Hatred of the.whole Kingdom, both Clergy and
Long Mamts
Lay. His Train was ſaid to be ſo great, and the Pomp of Attendants ſuch,
as where he lay in any Religious Houſe but one Night, three Years Reve-
nues would ſcárce fuffice to recover the Charge. Beſides, being a ſtranger
himſelf, and uſing only French Men about him, made his Courics tlie more
intolerable to the Engliſh; inſomuchi, as at length the whole Clergy, and
Nobility, oppoſe againſt his proceedings, and the Earl John taking advan-
tage upon theſe diſcontentments ( to make himſelf more popular, and pre-
pare the way to his intented Uſurpation) joins with the State against this
Billion, being the Man that had ever croſſed his courſes, having an eſpecial
Eye unto him, 'as the moſt dangerous perſon of the Kingdom, both in re-
ſpect of the Kings Charge, and his own Safety.
And now there. fell out a fit occaſion to Ruin the Chancellor by this
Anno Reg. 3
means. Geffery the Elect Arch-Biſhop of Tork, baſe Son to Henry the Se-
Geffery the cond, to whoſe preferment in England , King Richard was averſe (and
Lleet of Tork therefore had confined him within Normandy, during his abſence.) had by
priſoned bythe great labour to Pope Celeſtine, obtained a power to be inveſted in the Sce":
whoſe coming into England being advertiſed to the Chancellor Longſhamp,
he was at his Landing at Dover apprehended, and drawn by force out of
the Church which he had recovered, and from the Altar in his Pontifi-
cal Habit trailed into the Cartie iri moſt vile manner. Of which violence
the Earl John, and the Billiop taking notice, they command the Chan.
cellor not only to releaſe him, but alſo to anſwer the matter, before the
aſſembly!
+
train and
pomp.
A
I191.
+
Chancellor.
.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt
119
.
1
aſſembly of the Biſhops, and Nobility at Pauls : where, they article, and
urge againſt him many heinous actions committed, contrary to the Com-
iniilion given him, and the Weal of the King and Kingdom.
The Archbiſhop of Rouen, and William Marſhal Earl of Striguile, ſhewed
openly the Kings Letters Patents, dated at Meſlena in Sicile, whereby they
were made Com:nillioners with him in the Government of the Kingdom ;
which notwithſtanding, he would never ſuffer them to deal in any buſi-
neſs of the ſame; but by his own violent, and head-long will, do all him-
ſelf; wherefore in the end he was by the Aſſembly depoſed from his Of-
Long
ſhamph
fice; and the Archbiſhop of Rouen ( who would do nothing without the the Chancel-
Counſel of the State ) inſtituted therein. The Tower of London, and the lor depoſed
Caſtle of Windſor are taken from him, and delivered to the Arch biſhop. Office.
And ſo this great Officer preſuming too much in his place (having envy lo
near him, and a Maſter ſo far off) was thrown down from his State, fain
to reſign his Legantine Croſs at Canterbury, and to take up that for the ho-
ly War: and privily ſeeking to eſcape over Sea, was, in the Habit of a He flies and is
Woman, with a Web of Linnen-cloth under his Arm, taken upon the ſhore taken.
at Dover, and moſt opprobriouſly made a ſpectacle to the people, and
Conducted with all deriſion to the Caſtle ; whence after eight days he was
by the Earl John releaſed, and ſuffered to go on his Journey; wherein, be-
ing the Meſſenger of his own miſufage, he had the advantage of his adverſa-
ries, and prevailed againſt them with the Pope, who took it very tenderly,
the power Legantine ſhould be ſo vilified,
The Earl John, the Archbiſhop of Rouen, and the other Juſtices of the
King, grant unto the City of London their Common (or Liberties and the Ci-
tizens ſwore fealty to King Richard and his Heir ; and that if he died without
Iſſue, they would receive the Earl John for their Lord and King, and likewiſe
Swore fealty unto him againſt all men,reſerving their faith to King Richard.
In this forwardneſs was the Earl Folin for his Brothers Crown, 'whilſt he
is beleaguering Aſcalon, and grapling with Saladin Sultan in the Eaſt. But
having notice of this proceeding in England and how the King of France had. King Richards
taken in Giſors, and the Country of Vexlin, contrary to his Oath, he takes departure
from Paleſti-
he opportunity of an offer made by Saladine of a Truce for three years, na.
upon condition that he ſhould reſtore Aſcalon to the ſame State wherein he
found it before the Siege : which he did by the Council of Templars, and the
whole Army. And preſently leaving Wife, Siſter, and people to come af-
ter him (as they could provide ) takes a ſhip with ſome few followers, and
returns from his action, with as great precipitation as he undertook it : ha-
ving canſumed therein all that mighty Treaſure left him by his Father, and
all that otherwiſe he could tear from his ſubjects, and divers others, by vi-
olent extortion, or cunning practiſes
.
Pardon us Antiquity, if we miſ-cenſure your actions, which are ever (as thoſe
of Men) according to the vogue; and ſway of times, and have only their upholding
by the opinion of the preſent : We deal with you but as poſterity will with us
(which never thinks it ſelf the wiſer, that will judge likewiſe of our errors accordi
ing to the caſt of their imaginations. But for a King of England to return in
this faſhion, cannot be but a note of much inconſideration, and had as pitiful
an event, For having taken up by the way three Gallies to conduct him to
Raguſa for three hundred Marks of Silver, ( diſguiſed under the names of
Pilgrims) he had by his laviſh expences, diſcovered to be the King of Eng- His diſcovery.
land; which note once taken, it was impoſſible for him to lay any covering
thereon, that could ever hide him more: though upon warning thereof, he
preſently
.
***
1
y
1
I 20
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firft
.
nier,
ſelf of the
preſently left all his Compa ny, and with one Man only takes Horſe, and
through all the dangers of a wild Deſert, and rocky Country, travelling
day and night, paſſes into Auſtrich, where Fame, that was a ſpeedier Poſt
than himſelf, was before him. And coming to a Village near to Vienna
and repoſing himſelf in a poor hoſtery, was taken aſleep, by means of
his companion going forth to provide neceſſaries for him, who as he was
King Richard changing mony was known, taken, and brought before the Duke of Au-
taken priſo ſtrich, and upon examination confeſſed where his Maſter was ; of which
prize the Duke was moſt joyful, in reſpect of his revenge for the diſgrace
he did him at the entring of Acon, and preſently ſends him to the Emperour
Henry the ſixth,whom likewiſe he had offended for aiding Tancredi the baſe
Son of Roger , in the uſurpation of the Crown of Sicilia, againſt Conſtan-
tia the lawful daughter of the fame Roger, whom this Emperour had
Married.
News hereof is preſently ſent by the Emperour to the King of France,
that he might likewiſe rejoice at this Fortune,and he tells him, That now the
Enemy of his Empire, and the diſturber of the Kingdom of France, was faſt in
hold, and all the manner how. The State of England is likewiſe ſoon certified
of this lieavy diſaſter, and great means is made to redeem their King out
of Captivity, who is ſaid to have born his Fortune with that magnanimity,
and cleared himſelf of the ſcandals laid on him for the death of Conrade the
Emperors kinſman, and other liis actions in the Eaſt, in ſuch fort, as he won
the affection of the Emperour, ſo that he profeſſed a great deſire to reſtore
King Richard him, and reconcile him to the King of France. But yet we find, That King
depoſed him-
Richard depoſed himſelf of the Kingdom of England, and delivered the ſame to
Kingdom of the Emperour as his ſupreme Lord, and inveſted him therein by the delivering up
England. bis hat, which the Emperour returned unto him in the preſence of the No-
bility of Germany and England, to hold this Kingdom from him for fifty
thouſand pounds ſterling to be paid as an annual tribute.
And yet notwithſtanding all this, the King of France, combining with the
Earl John, prevailed ſo much with the Emperour, as he held him Priſoner
a whole year and ſix weeks, through the offer of mighty fumms they made
unto him. För he, and the Farl John fully accounted that he ſhould have
been held a perpetual priſoner, and upon that reckoning the Earl Folm
did homage to the King of France for the Dutchy of Normandy, and all the
aoth homage reſt of thoſe tranſmarine Territories, and for England as it is ſaid ; and be-
to the King
of
fides reſigns unto him Giſors, with the Country of Vexlin, ſwears to Marry
Normandy. his Siſter Alice, and to be Divorced from his other Wife, the Daughter of
the Earl of Gloceſter. The King of France covenants to give him with his Si-
ſter, that part of Flanders which he had taken from that Earldom, and
ſwears w aid him in the attaining both of England and whatſoever elſe the
Lands of his Brother.
Then goes the Earl Folm over into England, carrying many ſtrangers with
him, and preſently the Caſtles of Walling ford and Windfor, are rendred un-
to him: "then comes he to London and requires of the Archbiſhop of Rouen,
and other the Cồmmiſſioners, the Kingdom of England, and that fealty bé
made unto him, affirming his Brötlier was dead; but they not giving credit
unto him, and denying his deſire; with rage and ſtrong hand, he fortifies
his Caſtles, and in hoſtile manner invades the Lands of his Brother, finding
many partakers to join with him
The Queen Mother, the Juſtices of England, and all the faithful ſervants
of the King, guard'and defend the ports, againſt the invaſion of the French
and!
7
i
Earl John
France for
1
1
1
1
A
4
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt. 1.21
1
who with all his power, labours to ſubdue them, and by his large offers to
and Flemings, who in great numbers ſeek to aid the Earl John, and alſo
they labour the redemption of the King, whoſe ranfom the Emperour rates
at one hundred thouſand Marks, with the finding of fifty Gallies ready fur-
niſhed,and two hundred Souldiers to attend his ſervice in the Holy War for
one year.
In Normandy the Officers and Servants of the King of England,defend with
no leſs faith and courage the right of their Maſter againſt the King of France,
the Emperor prolongs his redemption, and inhaunces his ranſom. This toyl
and charge is the World put into, through the misfortune and weakneſs of
their hardy. King, who, only in reſpect of his Valour, (being otherwiſe not
worth ſo much, Jand the holy work he undertook, (whereby he obliged the
Clergy, which then managed all) got the opinion and love of his ſubjects,in
ſuch fort, as they ſtrain even beyond their ability to recover and preſerve
him, ſo wrought in the end that the Emperour compounds with King Ri-
chard in this manner : That he ſhould ſend his Commiſſioners to London, and re-
ceive an hundred thouſand Marks of pure Silver of Cologne weight, to be ſealed
up and Safely conducted to the bounds of the Empire, at the peril of the King of The Empe-
England, and other fifty thouſand Marks of Silver, whereof twenty thouſand for tion working
the Duke of Auſtrich, and thirty thouſand for the Emperour, to be paid at ſeven Richard.
months after, and pledges to be given, threeſcore to the Emperour, and seven to
the Duke. Beſides, the
King of England ſwears to ſend his Neece, the Sifter of
Arthur Earl of Brittain, to be married to the Duke of Auſtrich, &c.
And the Emperour granted to the King of England by his Charter the
Soveraignty of Provence, Vienne and Vienroys, Marſellis
, Narbona, Arls, Lyons,
and whatſoever he had in Burgogne, with the homages of the King of Arragon,
the Earls of Dijon, and Saint Giles, In which Countries were five Arch-bi-
ſhopricks,but theEmperor could never have domination over them,nor they
receive any Lord that he preſented them.So that this great gift conſiſted but
in Title, which yet pleaſed King Richard, that he might not ſeem to part
with all his ſubſtance for nothing. And the ſame wind he ſends to Hubert the
new Arch-biſhop of Canterbury, late made his Vicegerent in England, to be
!
blown over all the Kingdom, by a Letter wrote unto him, wherein he hath King Richards
theſe words,
For that ſure I am,you much defire our deliverance and greatly
rejoice England.
thercin,we will that
you be partaker of our joy,and thought fit to ſignifie to your be-
lovedneſs,that the Lord the Emperor hath prefixed the daythereof, to be upon Mun-
day.after the feaſt of the Nativity,
and the Sunday after we ſhall receive the Crown
of the Kingdom of Provence,which he hath given us whereof we ſend his Letters
Patents unto you, and other our friends and well willers, and do you in the mean
timejas much as in you lyeth,comfort thoſe you know love us, and deſire our promo-
tion. Teſte me ipſo apud Spiram 22. Sept.
II92.
The Emperour" likewiſe writes to the Biſhops, Earls, Barons,and other the ſub-
jects of England how he purpoſed to advance and magnificently to honour his eſpe-
cial friend their King, and in this Coyn are they paid home for what they were to
Lay out.
King Richard ſends after this for his Mother Queen Elioner (who is ſtill a
Traveller) and for the Arch-biſhop of Rouen with many others to come unto
him,about the time and buſineſs of his deliverance, for which there is impo-
ſed upon every Knights Fee twenty
. Shillings, the fourth part of all Laymens réve-
nues; and the fourth part of all the revenues of the Clergy, with a tenth of their
goods is enjoyned to be paid. The Chalices and Treaſure of all Churches are ta-
ken to make up the ſumm, the like is done in all his Territories beyond the Seas,
fo
Anno Reg. 4.
4
+
I
M-
1
I 22
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt.
.
France and
Earl Fahn
proffers great
Priſoner.
ſo dearly coſt the return of this King from his Eaſtern Voyage.
And his Queen Berenguela had likewiſe her part of affliction in this jour-
ney, for ſhe with her siſter in Law the Queen Dowager of Sicilia, fearing
the Emperours malice, were a whole year in traveling from Paleſtina,and at
length were conducted unto Poitou.The King of France hearing of this con-
cluſion made betwixt King Richard and the Emperour, writes to the Earl
The King of John, how the Devil was got looſe,willing him now to look to himſelf, and it vex-
ed them exceedingly botb, being diſappointed thus of their hopes:and thereupon
the Earl Fohn leaving his Caſtles in Englandwell defended, and encouraging
iumms to hold his Souldiers to hold out and credit no reports,departs into Normandy,where
King Richard
he with the King of France, whileſt King Richard is yet in the Emperours
Hands, ſollicites him, with the proffer of a hundred and fifty thouſand Marks,
or elſe a thouſand pounds a month, ſo long as he held him his Priſoner
. But it pre-
vailed not, though it ſtaggered the Emperour for a time, who in the end
ſhewed this Letter to King Richard (that he might ſee what care was taken
for him)& then delivers him to his MotlierElioner, receiving the pledges for
obſervation of peace, (and the reſt of the ranſoin unpaid) the Arch-biſhop of
Rouen, the Biſkop of Bath, with the Sons of many principal Earls and Barons.
King Rivbards And ſo in February,one year and ſix weeks after his Captivity,in the fourth
retur pinto year of his reign he returns into England, where the Billiops (in whoſe
England.
grace eſpecially he was) had excommunicated the Earl John & all his adhe-
rents, and taken in his Caſtles of Marleborow, Lancaſter, and a Fortreſs at St.
Michels mount in Cornewall defended by Henry de Pumeroy. But his Caſtle of
Nottingham, though ſtrongly aſſailed by Ralph Earl of Cheſter and the Earl
Ferrers, and the Caſtle of Tichil by the Biſhop of Durejme, held out for the
Earl Fohn, and found the King ſome work to do upon his return, who pre-
fently without any ſtay otherwhere, came before' Nottingham Caſtle with
all the ſhew of ſtate and greatneſs he could make; which yet could not ſo
terrifie the defendants,as to make them yeild, confident either in their own
ſtrength, or in opinion that there was no King ever to return to affault them,
and ſuppoſing it but a meer ſhew, reſolved to hold out for their maſter
j
which put the King to much travel, and great expence of blood before
I193 they rendered themſelves, which was alſo upon pardon. Thoſe of the
Amno Reg.5. Caſtle of Tichil yeilded to the Bifhop of Dureſme, their perſons and goods fa-
red.
The King aſſembles'a Parliament at Nottingham, where Queen Elionor
at Nottingham. was preſent and fare on his Right Hand. The firſt day of the Seſſion, he
diſeiſeth Girard de Ganvile of the Caſtle of Lincoln, and the Shriefwick of that
Shire: from Hugh Bardolph ke takes the Shriefwick of Yorkſhire, 'the Caſtles
of York, Scarborow, and the cuſtody of Weſtmerland, and expoſes them all to
Sale. The Arch-biſhop of York gives for the Shriefwick of Yorkſhire, three
thouſand Marks, with one hundred Marks of annual rent.
The ſecond day of the Seffion the King requires judgement upon the Earl
Fohn.for having contrary to his oath of fealty,ufurped his Caſtles,&c.& contracted
confederacy with the King of France againſt bim.And likewiſe jadgement againſt
Hugh de Navant Biſhop of Coventry, for adhering to the Earl John; and the
King's Enemies.And it was adjudged, they ſhould both appear at a peremptory day
to ſtand torhe Law,which if they
did not
the Earl John to be baniſhed, and the
Biſhop to undergo the judgement, both of the Clergy,as being a Biſhop, and of Layetý
being the Kings Sljeriff. But the Biſhop two years after, was reſtored to the
Kings favour and his Biſhoprick,for five thouſand Marks. The third day of
this Seſſion was granted to the King, of every Plough-land throughout England,
A Parliament
1
tivo
!
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt: I 23
4
1
4
i
!
two:Shil. Beſides, the King required the third part of the ſervice of every Knights
fee, for his attendance in Normandy,and all the wool that year of the Monks Ciſte-
aux,whicly for that it wasgrievous and inſupportable unto them, they fine for mony.
The fourth and laſt day,was for the hearing of grievances and accuſations and Richard again
ſo this aſſembly brake up. But here either to add more Majeſty after cala- Crowned at
mity,or elſe to nullifie his act done to the Emperour, is appointed the Kings Vinchejier.
recoronation to be ſolemnized at Wincheſter,preſently upon the Feaſt of Eaſt.
er next following. Whilſt tlie King was in theſe parts,William King of Scots,
repairs to him, and required the dignities and honour his predeceſors of, right
had in England, ard withal, the Counties of Northumberland, Cumberland,
Weſtmerland, and Lancaſter. To whom the King of England firſt anſwered,
that be would ſatisfie bin by the advice of his Council, which ſhortly after was
aſſembled at Northampton, where after deliberation, he told him,that bis, peti,
tion. cught not in reaſon, to be granted at that time, when almoſt all the Princes of
France were dis enemies.for it would be thought rather an act of fear,than any true
atještion, and to put it off for tliat time with fair promiſes, yet grants he by
the advice and conſent of the Council, under his Charter, to William King
of Scots and his heirs for ever : That wh:en byſummons they ſhould come to the
Court of the King of England, the Biſhop of Dureſme, and the Sheriff of Nor-
thumberland ſhould receive them at the River of Tweed and bring them under
Sofe conduct to the River of Teis, and there the Archbiſhop of York,and the Sheriff
of Yorkſhire ſhould receive and conduit them to the bounds of that County, and ſo
the Biſhops and Sheriffs of other ſhires till they came to the Court of the King of
England; and from the time that the King of Scots, firſt entred this Realm, he
should bave an hundred Shillings a day allowed him of gift for his charge, and
after he came to the Court, thirty Shillings' a day, and twelve Waſtels,and twelve
Simrels of the Kings, four Quarts of the Kings beſt Wine, and, ſix of ordinary
Wine, two pound of Pepper, and four pounds of.. Cinamon ; two pounds of Wax, or
four Wax Lights, forty great long Perchersiof
the Kings beſt Candles, and twenty
four of other ordinary, and at his return to be ſafely conducted as he came, and
with the ſame allowance.
From Northampton boțh the Kings go to Woodſtock;and thence to Winche-
ſter; where the Coronation is ſumptuouſly ſolemnized. And there King
Richard reſumes the two Mannors le ſold to the Biſhop of Wincheſter, at his Reſumptions
.
going to the Holy War, and likewiſe the Caſtle of Wincheſter and that
County, with whatſoever ſales he had made elſe of the Demains of the
Crown, alledging that it was not in his power to aliene any thing appertaining
to the ſame whereby his State was to fubfili. The Biſhop of Dureſme ſeeing thele
revocations, did voluntarily deliver up the Caſtle of Dureſme, with the
County of Northumberland, which the King willed to be delivered to Hugh
Bardolph. Hugh Biſhop of Lincoln gave for the liberty of the Church one
thouſand Marks of ſilver, redeeming thereby the cuſtome of giving to the
King of England every year a Cloak urred with Sables.
Here all ſuch who had taken part with the Earl John,and defended his Ca-
ſtles, were ſummoned to appear, and all the rich were put to their ranſom,
the poorer ſort let go at liberty, but under fureties of a hundred Marks a
picce, to anſwer in the Kings Court whenfoever they ſhould be called. The
King of Scots, ſeeing the King of England uſe all means for money, offers fif-
teen thouſand-Marks for Northumberland, with the appurtenances, alledg:
ing how King Henry the ſecond gave the ſame to Henry his Father and that af-
ter him, K'ing Malcolm enjoyed it five years. This large offer of mony tempted
King Richard ſo, as again he conſulted with his Council about the matter
M2
and
쿠
​1 24
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt.
1
a
his co-
1
and in concluſion was willing to ycild the ſame to the King of Scots, reſerving
to himſelf the Caſtles, but that, the King of Scots would not accept, and lo
with much diſcontent departs into Scotland : yet two years after this, King
Richard ſends Hubert Walter Archbiſhop of Canterbury to Tork, there to
treat with the King of Scots of a marriage between Otho his Nephew, and
Margaret Daughter
to the ſaid King, to have for her Dowry all Lynox, and
he would give with his Nephew, Northumberland; and the Earldom of Carlile,
with all the Caſtles; but the Queen of Scots in the time of this treaty, being
known to be with Child, it took no effect.
King Richard From Wincheſter, King Richard departs into Normandy with an hundred
departs into
Normandy with Ships, fo: tliat his ſtay in England was but from
the latter end of February to
100 Ships: the tenth of May,and that time only ſpent in gleaning out what poſſibly this
Kingdom could ycild, to conſume the fame in his buſineſs of France, which
took up all the reſt of his Reign, being in the whole but nine years, and
nine inonths, whereof he was never above eight months in England. Nor
do we find that ever his Wife Berenguela was here, or had any Dowry or
honour of a Queen of England, or otherwiſe of any regard with him, how
inuch focver ſhe had deſerved.
And now all affairs that eitlier concerned the State in general,or any mans
particular, was (to the great charge and travail of the lubjects of England,)
to be diſpatched in Normandy, and that gain we had by our large Domini-
ons abroad. The firſt action that King Richard undertook
upon
ming.over,was the relieving of Vernoult beſieged by the King of France,and
there his Brother John, by the mediation of their Mother Queen Elioner.is
reconciled unto him,and abjures the part of the King of France. And to make
his party the ſtronger in thoſe Countries,he firſt gives his Siſter Joan Queen
Dowager of Sicile, to Raymond Earl of Tholouſe, being the neareſt neigh-
bour of power to his Dutchy of Guien,and might moſt offend, him. Then en-
ters league with Baldwin Earl of Flanders, from whom the King of France
had taken Artois,and Ver Mandois,and on all ſides ſeeks to imbroyl his ene-
my: Four years at leaſt, hield this miſerable turmoyl betwixt theſe two
Kings, Surprizing, Recovering, Ruining and Spoiling each others Eſtate,often
deceiving both the World, and themſelves with thew of covenants reconci-
liatory which were evermore broken again upon all advantages according
to the Myſtery of War and Ambition.
King Philip of France to ſtrengthen himſelf with Shipping to oppoſe the
Engliſh, marries Botilda the Siſter of Knute King of Denmark, but this match,
made for his ends and not affection, turned to his more trouble, for the next
day after his Wedding he put her away,pretending(beſides other things(pro-
pinquity of blood, and for this,had he long and great contention with the
Church and the King of Denmark. The Emperour ſends to the King of
England a maſly Crown of Gold, and offers to come and aid him againſt
the King of France, and to invade his Kingdom, but the King returns him
only thanks, not willing to have him ſtir in this buſineſs, in regard lie fuf-
pected the Emperour affected to add France to the Empire, which would not
be ſafe to him,or that the King of France dealing with the Emperour might
win him withí money,and ſo in the end,joyn both together againſt him. Now
II 94:
címo Rig 6. to ſupply the charge of this great work, England was ſure Itill to bear the
heavieſt part, and no fliiſt is left unſought that might any way raiſe means
to the King from hence. Witneſs the omiſſion given to the Fuſtices itine-
rants ſent into évjery: Shire of England, for exactions upon pleas of the
Crown, for Fiſcheats, Wardſhips, Marriages, &c. with the improvement of the
Demains
1
The Life and Reign of Richard: the Firſt
. I 25
1
Means uſed
Demains, and the order taken for the exact knowing of the eſtates of men, eſpe-
cially of the Jews,on whom the King would have none to prey but himſelf.: "Then
the raiſing an impoſition upon allowance of Turnements, which was for every Earl
twenty Marks:of Silver,every Baron ten, every Knight having Lands, four, and
for fucb as had none, two Marks for a Licence. The collection whereof the
Archbiſhop of Canterbury commits to his Brother Theobald Walter, Beſides for money.
another new Seal, the old being loſt by the Vice-Chancellor at the taking of Cy-
prus, brings in a néi exaction.
But the proceeding in the pleas of the Crown, and extorting of penalties,
Anno Reg. 9. by Hugh Bardilph, Roger Arundle, and Geffery Hatchet, Juſtices
Itinerants for Lincolnſhire, Nottinghamſhire, Darbyſhire, Tórkſhire, Northum-
berland; Cumberland and Lancaſter, was of a higher ſtrain of exaction, and
more profound, as having more of time, and preſumption upon the peoples
fufferance;of whom,when once tryal was made that they would bear; were
ſure to have more laid on them than they were able to undergo. And with
theſe vexations (faith Hoveden) all England, from Sea to Sea was reduced to
extream poverty and yet it ended not here : Another torment is added to
the confuſion of the Subjects by the Juſtices of the Forreſts, Hugh Nevile,
Chief Juſtice, Hugh Wacand Erniſe de Nevile, who not only execute thoſe
hideous Laws.introduced by the Norman, but impoſé others of more tyran-
nical ſeverity, as the memory thereof being odious, deſerves to be utterly
forgotten, having afterwards by the hard labour of our Noble anceſtors and
the goodneſs of more regular Princes, been afſwaged; and now out of uſe.
Beſides, in the ſame year, this King impoſed 5 Shil. on every hide or plough land
(which contained an hundred. Acres : ) for the levying whereof a moſt ſtrict
courſe was taken: Likewiſe: he required by the Vicegerent the Archbiſhop
of Canterbury, that the people of England ſhould find 300 *Knights for one year
to remain in his ſervice, oriſo much money, allowing for every Knight:three Shil.
per Diem. Againſt which, Hugh Biſhop of Lincoln oppoſes, and ſays, That
We would never yeild to the Kings will in this for the detriment it might be to the
Church, and example of pofterity, that ſhould not complain thereof, and fay; Our
-Fathers
: bave eaten fowre Grapes; and the Childrens.teeth are ſet on edge; and
turning to the Archbiſhop, wiſhed him, that he would do nothing whereof be
might be aſhamed.
conThe Archbifhop. So husbånded the Kings buſineſs,that in Anno Reg. 7. he
yeilded an account unto him, that he had levied of the Kingdom within Hoved.
the ſpace of two years, eleven hundred-thouſand Marks of Silver, which,
confidering that time,is a moſt remarkable ſumm.And now, as the firſt act of
this King waslis violent proceeding in a buſineſs.of Treaſure with Stephen
Thruſtan, Seneſhall of Normandy;fo: was it likewiſe the laſt and the cauſe of his
deſtruction, for Widomare, Viſcount of Limoges, having found a great Trea-
ſure of Silveraand Gold in the ground ſends a good párt thereof to the King,
which he refuſes, laying claim to the whole: Widomare denying the ſame
the King-lays ſlege to his Caſtle where he imagined the Treaſure was hid,
they of the Caſtle being but weak, offered to render the ſame, their Lives,
Members, and Armour faved, which the King would not yeildsunto, but
fwore that he would ranſack the Caſtle, and hang them all
. Whereupon
deſperately they reſolvedito (tand to their defence. King: Richard with Mar-
chard General of the Brabanfons going about the Caſtle to view what place
was fitreftforian aſſault, Bertram de Gaurdun, from the walls ſhot a barbed
arrow that hit the King in the Arm, with ſuch a deadly blow, as he was.pre-
ſently ſent to his lodging:Notwithſtanding commands he his forces to proſe-
1
:
Undecies centena
millia Mory.
M 3
cute
126 I
.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Firſt
cute the aſſault, without intermiſſion, which they did, and took the Caſtle,
putting to execution all the defendants except Bertram, who by the Kings
command was reſerved.
But the arrow drawn out with great torture,left the head behind, which
being by a rude Chirurgion, after much mangling the fleſh hardly cut out,
brought the King to deſpair of life, and to diſpoſe of his eſtate, leaving to
his Brother John three parts of his Treaſure, and the fourth to his ſervants.
Which done, he willed Bertram Guardun to be brought unto him,of whom
he demanded wha: hurt he had done him, that provoked him to do this
miſchief, to whom Bertram replies,Thou baſi killed my Father and my two Bro-
thers with thine own hand, and now wouldſt have ſain me ; take
what revenge
thou wilt, I willingly endure what foever torture thou canſt inflict upon me; in
reſpect I have Nain thee, who haſt done ſuch and so great miſchief to the World.
The King notwithſtanding this rough and deſperate anſwer.cauſed him to
The Death of be let looſe, and not only forgave him his death, but commanded 100 thil-
King Richard.
lings ſtarling to be given unto him, but Marchard after the King was dead,
cauſed him to be hanged and flayed.
I 199.
This was the end of this Lyon-like King, when he had reigned nine years
AunoReg.io and nine months
and nine months ; wherein he exacted, and conſumed more of this King-
dom, than all his predeceſſors from the Norman had done before him, arid
yet leſs defarved than any, having neither lived here, neither left behind
him Monument of Piety, or of any other publick work, or ever ſhewed
love or care to this Common-wealth, but only to get what he could from it.
Never had Prince more given with leſs ado, and leſs noiſe than he: The
reaſon whereof, as I have ſaid, was his undertaking the Holy Wars, and the
cauſe of Chriſt, and his ſuffering therein; and that made the Clergy, which
then might do all
, to deny him nothing, and the people, fed with the report
of his miraculous valour, horrible encounters in his voyage abroad, Cand
then ſome victory in France) were brought to bear more than ever other-
wiſe they would have done.
Then had he ſuch Miniſters here to ſerye his turn as preferred his before
the ſervice of God, and did more for him in his abſence, than ever perad-
venture he would or could have done for himſelf by being here preſent. For
both to hold theſe places and his good opinion, they deviſe more ſhifts of
rapine, than had ever been practiſed before in this Kingdom, and cared not
ſo he were ſatisfied, what burthen they laid on the Subject, which rent and
torn by continual exactions was made the more miſerable, in that they
came betrayed with the ſhew of Religion and Law, the main ſupporters of
humane ſociety, ordained to preſerve the ſtate of a people, and not to con.
found.it. But the inſolent overcharging the State in theſe times;gave occaſi-
on to the future to provide for themſelves,excefſes ever procure alteration.
And the ſucceſſors of this King were but little beholding unto him, for out
of his and his Brothers irregularity, their boundleſneſs came to be brought
within ſome limits. Yet what this King would have proved, had his days al-
lowed him other than this rough part of War,we know not, but by the ope-
ration of a poor Hermits ſpeech made unto him, we are ſhewed that he was
convertible: For being by him vehemently urged to be mindful of the ſub-
verſion of Sodom, and to abſtain from things unlawful, thereby to avoid
the vengeance of God, he upon an inſuing ſickneſs (a founder Councellor
then health) remembring this advertiſement, vows a reformation of his life,
and did afterward upon his recovery, every Morning riſe early to hear Di-
vine Service.For which Hoveden hath this note: How glorious is it for a Prince
1
1
tol
1
I, F
The Life and Reign of King John. 127
1
1
1
grace.
:
t
to begin and end his actions in him who is beginning without beginning, and
judges the ends of the earth.Beſides,he grows hoſpitable to the poor and made
reſtitution of much Church veſſel, that had been taken and ſold for ranſom.
Though this King had no iſſue,yet was he told by a Prieſt in France,that he had His ifluc.
three evil Daughters,and admoniſhed to put them away,and beſtow them abroad, to
avoid the punilhment of God. The King gave him the lye,and ſaid, he knew none
he had. Yes, Sir,replies
the Prieſt,three Daughters you have and they are theſe,
Pride, Covetouſneſs,and Lechery.The King calling thoſe who were preſent about
him, and relating what the Prieſt had ſaid, willed them to be witneßes how he would
beſtow theſe three Daughters which the Prieſt charged him withall. The firſt, which
is Pride, I give to the Templars, and Hoſpitallers; Covetouſneſs
, to the
Monks of Ciſteaux Order, and Letchery to the Clergy: This ſudden retortion
Jhews us his quickneſs, and what kind of men were maligned, and out of his
The end of the Life and Reign of Richard the first.
The Life and Reign of King John.
Olin having his Brothers Army in the field, with all his ſervants and
followers, entertains them generally with promiſes of large rewards
, Anno Reg: 1.
and thereby had the advantages of Time, Power, and Opinion, to help
hiin on to his deſires. Hubert Archbiſhop of Canterbury being upon
buſineſs in thoſe parts, and the moſt potent Miniſter he could wiſh, for ſo
mighty a work, he preſently diſpatches for England, with William Marſhall
Earl of Striguil, Geffery Fitz Peter, &c. to prepare the people to receive
him for their King: Who, eſpecially dealing with thoſe were moſt doubt-
ed would oppoſe him, and undertaking for him that he ſhould reſtore
unto them their rights, and govern the Kingdom as he ought, with mo-
deration ; wrought ſo as they were all content upon thoſe conditions, to
ſwear fealty unto him againſt all men. Theſe undertakers likewiſe, ſend
word to William King of Scots (to hold him in from any attempt) that
he ſhould alſo have full ſatisfaction for what he claimed in England, up-
on the return of their new Maſter. And ſo were all things made clear
on this ſide. But on the otlier, the right of ſucceſſion, which was in
Arthur the elder Brothers Son, ſtirred affections of another nature, the
Nobility of Anjos, Maine, and Turein, maintaining the uſual cuſtom of in-
heritance, to adhere to Arthur, whom his Mother Conſtance puts under the
protection of the King of France, who receives him, and undertakes the
defence of his right.
John having his chief aim at the Crown of England; could have no time
of ſtay to cloſe thoſe ruptures that ſo violently brake out there, but having
King Fohns
received the inveſture of the Dutchy.of Normandy, and performing all thofe
rites,he ſpeedily with his Mother Elioner (who muſt have her part in every
act of her Sons) paſſes over into England, and by way of Election receives
thie Crown upon the Aſcention day, at the hands of Hubert Archbiſhop of
Canterbury,who in his Orațion, (as in it is recorded in Mat. Par.) before the
whole aſembly of the State, Thewed, That by'all reaſon, divire and humane,
none ought to ſucceed in the Kingdom, but who ſhould be for the worthineſs of his
virtues univerſally choſen by the State,as was this man, &c. which then ſeems
eſpecially urged in reſpect his title of ſucceſſion would not carry it.And the
Archbiſhop afterward, upon this point, being queſtioned, confeſſed to his
friends,That he foreſaw this man would what blood and miſchief foever it ſhould
coſt) in the end obtain the Crown. And therefore the ſafer way was to pre-
1
coronation.
+
vent
- 11
Puth
!
128 The Life and Reign of King John.
vent confuſion that the Land ſhould rather make him King than he make himſelf,
and that this election would be ſome tie upon him.
So came Fohn to the Crown of England, which he governed with asgreat
injuſtice as he got it, and imbarked the State and himſelf,in thoſe miſerable
imcumbrances, through his violences and oppreſſion, as produced deſperate
effects, and made way to thoſe great alterations in the government which .
followed. The Queen Mother, a Woman of an high and working Spirit,
was an eſpecial agent in this preferment of her Son John, in reſpect of her
own greatneſs, knowing how ſhe ſhould be more by him, than the could
be by her Grand-Child Arthur, who had a Mother would look to become
Regent here,and ſo overſhadow her eſtate, which was a thing not to be en-
dured.Beſides, Arthur was a Child,
born and bred a ſtranger,and never ſhew-
ed unto the Kingdom, ſo that he had nothing but his right to draw a party,
which could not be ſuch (in regard of the danger of the adventure, “things
ſtanding as they did) that could do him any great good.Men being content
rather to embrace the preſent, though wrong with ſafety, than ſeek to eſta-
bliſh anothers right, with the hazard of their own confuſion.
The State of England ſecured,King John returns into Normandy upon no-
England ſecu tice given of the defection wrought in thoſe parts by Phillip the French King,
red to King who had given the order of Knight-hood to Arthur, and taken his homage
olm.
for Anjou, Poictou,Main,Turein,and alſo for Normandy(in regard as he pretend-
ed) that King Fohn had neglected to come and do him Hoinage for the ſame
as members held of the Crown of France. King fchn, not willing upon his
new and doubtful admiſſion to the government to ingulph himſelf into a
ſudden War, mediates a parle with the King of France, who well under-
ſtanding the time, and his own advantages, requires ſo unreaſonable condi-
tions as King Fohn could not; without great diſhonour yeild unto,and ſo they
fall to the Sword. The King of France under pretence of working for Arthur
gets for himſelf, which being recovered, Arthur with his Mother Conſtance,
are brought (by the perſwalion of their chief Miniſter William de la Roche
to commit themſelves to the protection of King Fohn, of whom likewiſe con-
Anno Reg; 2.
ceiving a ſudden jealouſie, (or elſe informed of his purpoſe to impriſon
Prince Arthur them) the next night after their coming got ſecretly away and fled to An-
giers. So this young Prince; born to be cruſht betwixt theſe two potent
Angiers.
Kings (intending only their own ends) gave occaſion by leaving them both,
to make both his enemies.After many attempts and little gain on either ſide,
another treaty is mediated by the Popes Legats, wherein King John buys his
Peace upon theſe yeilding conditions: That Louys, eldeſt son to-King Phi-
lip, should marry his Neece Blanch, Daughter of Alphonſo King of Caftile, and
have with her. in Dowry the City and Country of Eureux, with ſundry Caſtles in
Normandy, and 30000 Marks in Silver. Beſides, Promiſes, if he died without
iſſue, to leave unto him all his Territories in France. And that he would not aid
his Nephew Otho (lately elected Emperour) againſt Philip-Brother to the laté
Emperour Henry the Sixth, whom the King of France favoured in oppoſition of
Pope Ionocent, who took the part of Otho.
After this peace made,Otho taking it unkindly to be thus forſaken of his
Uncle John, fends his two Brothers, Henry Duke of Saxony,and Williami Win-
tón (lo titled for having been born at Wincheſter) to require the City of Eu-
reux and the County of Poičtou,and two parts of the Treaſure which his Un-
cle King Richard had bequeathed unto him, beſides other moveables, but
they come too late, the obligation of blood and rendring of dues is hield to be
of an inferiour nature to the preſent intereſt of State. To this unkind and
unnatural
}
I 200.
and his Mo-
ther flee to
1
----
1
1
The Life and Reign of King John. 129
$
I201.
upon every
himſelf unto, in regard of his
unnatural act he preſently adds another: Repudiates his Wife (Daughter to KingFolm puts
away his Wife.
the Earl of Gloceſter, alledging conſanguinity in the third degree) and marries
Iſabel Daughter and inheritrix to the Earl of Angoleſme, fianced before to Anno Reg: 3.
Hugh le Brun, Earl of March (a Peer of great eſtate and alliance in France
by conſent of King Richard, in whoſe cuftody the then was. And having fi-
niſhed theſe diſtaſteful buſineſſes, he returns to give as little contentment
into England, where he impoſes three Shillings upon every Plough-land, to An impoſition
diſcharge the great Dowry of 30000 Marks he was to give with his Neece
Blanch, the Collection whereof Geffery Archbiſhop of Tork oppoſes within Plough-land.
his Province. For which, and for refu ling, upon ſummons to come unto this
late Treaty in France, the King cauſes his Sheriff James Potern, to ſeize upon
all his temporalities. The Archbiſhop interdicts the whole Province of Tork,
and Excommunicates the Sheriff. King John ſhortly after makes a Progreſs
with his Wife Queen Iſabel,over all the North parts unto Scotland, and exacts
great fines of offenders in his Forreſts. In his paſſing through York/hire, his
Brother the Archbiſhop, refuſed him Wine and the honour of the Bells at Be-
verley,but by the mediation of four Biſhops and four Barons,and a great ſumm
of money,a reconciliation is made between them, with promiſe of reforma-
tion of exceſſes on either part. Upon Eaſter day (after his return from the
North) the King again is Crowned at Canterbury, and with him Iſabel his Hisfecond
Queen, by the Archbiſhop Hubert. And there are the Earls and Barons of coronation.
England, ſummoned to be ready with Horſe and Arinour to paſs the Seas with
him preſently upon Whitſontide, but they holding a conference together at
Leiceſter, -by a general conſent fend him word, That unleſs he would render
them their Rights and Liberties, they would not attend him out of the Kingdom.
The King, faith Hoveden,ufing ill Council;required of them their Caſtles,and
begins with William de Aubenydemanded to have his Caſtle of Beauoyr ;
William delivers his Son in pledge, but kept his Caſtle. Notwithſtanding
this refuſal of the Lords, having taken order for the government, he paſſes
over with his Queen into Norinandy,where his preſence, with the great ſhew
of his preparations, cauſed the revolters to forbear their enterprizes for that
time,and a farther ratification with as ſtrong covenants,and cautious.as could
bedeviſed, is made of the agreements with King Philip of France,who fcaſts
the King of England and his Queen at Paris with all complements of amity.
And here both Kings, ſolicited by the Popes Legat grant a Subſidy of the
fortieth part of all their Subjects revenues for one year (by way of Alms)
to fuccour the Holy Land. For the levying whereof in-England, Geffery Anno Reg. 4.
Fitz Peter Chief Juſticiar ſends out his Writs by way of requeſt and perſwa-
fion, and not as of due or coačtion, to avoid example:
But many months paſſed not, e're a new.Conſpiracy brake out by the in-
itigation of Hugh le Brun,who ſtung with the rapture of his Wifc (a wrong of
the moſt ſenſible touch in nature)combines with Arthur,the Baron of Poittou
and Brittain,and raiſed a ſtrong ſide,which the King of France(notwithſtand-
ing all thoſe tyes wherein he ſtood ingaged to the King of England) betakes
bands could with-hold him; and again both theſe Kings are in Arms.
The King of France declares himſelf for Arthur, to whom he marries his
youngeſt Daughter; requires King John to deliver up unto him all his terri-
tories in France, and by a peremptory day fummons him to appear perſo-
nally at Paris to anſwer what ſhould be laid to his charge,and abide the Arreſt
of his Court,which King Folm refuſing, was by ſentence adjudged to loſe all
he held of that Crown.
Then
4
i
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4
+
He takes his
Nephew Ar-
Arthur mur-
dered.
1203.
fines the Ba-
rons,
130 The Life and Reign of King John.
Then is hie aſſailed on one ſide by the King of France in Normandy,on the
other by Arthwr, and the Barons of Anjou,who lay ſiege to Mirable, defend-
ed by Elioner the Queen Mother and were upon the point of taking it ;
when King John, with greater expedition and force than was expected, came
and defeated the whole Army of the aſſailants, took Priſoner the Earl Ar-
shur Priſoner. thur, Hugh le Brun with the Barons of Poičtou, and above 200 Knights, and
men of command, all which he carried away bound in Carts, and diſperſed
into divers Caſtles both of Norniandy and England.
This Victory, which might ſeem enough to have eſtabliſhed his eſtate,
undid him, for by the ill uſing thereof he loſt himſelf, and his reputation for
ever. Arthur is ſhortly after murdered in priſon, and the deed laid to his
charge, which, with the cruel execution of many his Priſoners and oſtages,
ſo exaſperates the Nobility of Brittain, Anjou, and Poičtou, as they all take
Arms againſt him, and ſummoned he is to anſwer in the Court of Juſtice, of
AnnoReg. 5. the King of France, to whom they appeal, which,' he refuſing, is condemnn-
ed both to loſe the Dutchy of Normandy (which his Anceſtors had held by
the ſpace of 300 years) and all his other Provinces in France, whereof the
next year after, either through his-negligence;. being (as they write) given
over to the pleaſures of his young Wife,or by the revolt of his own Miniſters
(incenſed likewiſe againſt him, he became wholly diſpoſſeſſed.
And in this diſaſterous estate, he returns into England, and charges the
King Fohn
Earls and Barons, with the reproach of his loſſes in France, and fines them
to pay the ſeventh part of all their goods for refuſing him aid. Neither
ſpared he the Church, or the commons in this impoſition, of which rapine
(ſaitli Mat.•Par.) were executors, Hubert Archbiſhop of Canterbury for the
Clergy,and Geffery Fitz Peter, Fuſticiar of England for the Laiety. But all this
treaſure collected, amounted not to anſwer his want, or the furniſhing of
freſh ſupplies for the recovery of liis loſſes(for which he urges the ſame to be
raiſed) and therefore again in leſs than the ſpace of a year, another levy
I 205.
but by a fairer wäy) is 'nade. A Parliament is convoked at Oxford; wherein
is granted two Marks and half of every Knights fee for military aid, neither
A Parliament departed the Clergy from thence,till they had likewiſe promiſed their part.
at Oxford.
No ſooner is this money gathered, but a way is opened into that all-devour-
ing Gulph of France to iffue it, through a revolt begun in Brittain,by Gui-
do now Husband to Conſtance, Mother of Arthur) Saveri de Malleon,and Almeric
Luſigniar,Confederates with many others, who receiving not that ſatisfaction
expected from their new Maſter, call in their old again, to ſhew us, tliar
mens private intereſts, howſoever Honour and Juſtice are pretended, only
ſway their affection, in ſuch actions as theſe.
And over haſtes King Folyn, and by the power he brought, and what he
found there,won the ſtrong
Cáſle of Mont, Alban,and after the
City of Angiers,
and was in a fair way to have recovered more, but that the King of France,
by the fortune of one day, (wherein he overthrew and took priſoners the
chief confederates, Guido, Almeric, and Saveri)forced him to takie truce for
1206. two years, and return into England for more ſupplies.
AnnoReg. 8. And here another impoſition
is laid of the thirteenth part of all moveables,
and other goods both of the Clergy and Layety,who now ſeeing their ſub-
ſtances thus conſumed without ſucceſs and likely ever to be made liable to the
Kingsideſperate courſes, begin to caſt for the recovery of their ancient im-
munities, which upon their former ſufferance had been uſurped by their late
Kings, and to eaſe themſelves of theſe burthens indirectly laid upon them.
and the firſt man that oppoſed the collection of this impoſition,was again
the
Anno Reg. 7:
1
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The Life and Reign of King John. 131
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1207.
11
1
the Arch-biſhop of York, who folemnly accurſed the receivers thereof with. The cauſe of
in bis Province, and ſecretly conveyed himſelf out of the Kingdom, de- between the
firous rather to live as an exile abroad, than to endure the miſery of oppreffi- King and his
on at home: Men accounting themſelves lefs injuriouſly rifled in a Wood, than in people. .
a place where they prefume of ſafetys
And hence grew the beginning of a miſerable breach, between a King
and his people, being both cut of proportion, and disjoynted in thoſe juſt Anno Reg. 9.
Ligaments of Command and Obedience that ſhould hold them together, tlie
reducing whereof into due form and order again, coſt more ado, and more
noble blood, than all the Wars forreign had done ſince the Conqueſt. For
this contention ceaſed not (though it often had ſome fair intermiſſions) till
the great Charter made to keep the beam right betwixt foveraignty and
ſubjection (firſt obtained of King John, aſter, of his Son Henry the third
(though obſerved truly of neither) was in the maturity of a judicial Prince
Edward the firſt, freely ratified Anno Reg. 27. which was above fourſcore
years; and was the firſt civil diſſention that ever we find, ſince the eſta-
bliſhing of the Englith Kingdom, between the King and his Nobles, of this
nature. For the better knowledge whereof, we are toʻtake a view of the
face of thoſe times, the better to judge of thie occaſions given and taken of
theſe turbulencies.
It was this time, aboạt 130 years'ſirice:William the firſt had here planted
the Norman Nobility, whoſe iſſue being now become meer Engliſh, were
grown to be of great numbers, of great means, and great ſpirits, ever cxer-
ciſed in the Wars of France, where moſt of them were commanders of
Caſtles, or owners of other Eſtates, beſides what they held in England; and
being by this violent and unſucceſsful King ſhut out from action, and their
means abroad, they practice to preſerve what was left, and to make them-
ſelves as much as they could at home.' Which, by their martial freedom,
and the priviledges of the Kingdom (nieceſfity now driving them to look into
it) they inore boldly preſume to attempt;in regard they law theniſelves and
the Kingdom brought to be perpetually harafled at the Kings will; and that
violence and corruption hath no faculty to preſcribe upon them: Wicrein
their cauſe was much better than their proſecution.For whilſt they ſtrive to
recover what they had loſt, and the King to keep what he by advantage of
time and ſufferance had gotten, many unjuſt and infolent courſes are uſed on
either ſide, which leave their ſtain to poſterity, and make foul the me-
mory of thoſe times. We can excuſe no part herein, all was ill, and out of
order. A diſeaſed head firſt made a diſtempered body , which Being not
to be recovered apart, rendred the fićkneſs ſo long and tedious as it was.
Beſides, the ſtrange corruption of the ſeaſon concurred, to add to this mif-
chief; an ambitious Clergy polluted with avarice, brought Piery in ſhew
to le a preſumptive party herein, and takes advantages upon the weakneſſes
they found, for which, the. Roman Church hears ill to this day. And the
occaſion of their interpofiţion in this buſineſs began about the election of a
new Arch=biflzop of Canterbury (Hubert being lately dead) which the Monks
of that Covent had inade ſecretly in the night;of one Reginald their Subpri- Reginald firſt
br, to prevent the King, whom they would not ſhould haře a hand in the choſen Arch-
buſineſs, which they pretended to appertain freely to themſelves by their an- Monks.
cient priviledges. And this Reginald(thus elected) they inſtantly diſpatch to-
wards Rome,taking his oath of ſecrecy before hand.But the fulneſs of his joy
burſt open that lock,and oùt comes the report of his advancement, upon his
landing in Flwiders,which the Monks liëaring, and fearing what would fol-
low,
1
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/
1
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132
The Life and Reign of King John. .
s
i
Innecmt the
fourth.
low, ſend to the King to crave leave to elect a fit man for that See. The King
nominates unto them John Gray Biſhop of Norwich, whom he eſpecially ta-
voured and perſwaded them (upon great promiſes of their good) to preferr,
the Kings deſire is propounded to the Covent,and after much debate,is Fohn
Gray advanced to the Chair.
Wherein their laſt errour (faith Mat. Par.) was worſe than their firſt and began
that diſcord,which after proved an irreparable damage to the Kingdom.
The King ſends to Rome certain of the Monks of Canterbury (amongſt
whom was one Helias de Brandfield,a moſt truſty ſervant of his) with boun-
tiful allowance, to obtain the Popes confirmation of this Election. And a-
bout the ſame time likewiſe ſend the Biſhops ſuffragans (of the Church of
Canterbury) their complaints to the Pope againſt the Monks, for preſuming
to make election without their aſſiſtance,as
by right and cuſtom they ought:
Alledging examples of three Arch-biſhops ſo clected. The Monks oppoſe
this allegation, offering to bring proof that they only, by the eſpecial privi-
ledge of the Roman Biſhops, were accuſtomed to make this election. The
Pope appoints a peremptory day, for deciding this Controverſie; wherein
the firſt election for being made in the night, out of due time, and
without folemn ceremony,is oppugned by the Kings procurators: The laſt
was urged by ſome of the Monks,to be ill
, by reaſon there was no ceſſation
of the firſt,which juſt or unjuſt,ought to have been,before any other electi-
on, could juridically be made.
The Pope ſeeing the procurators not to agree upon one perſon, by the
Council of the Cardinals adjudged both elections void, and preſents unto
them a third man, which was Stephen de Lancton, a Cardinal of great ſpirit,
and an Engliſh man born, who had all the voices of thoſe Monks which
were there, through the perſwafion of the Pope, alledging it was in their
power by his prerogative to make good this choice.
stephen Lanzon Stephen Lancton thus elected, and after conſecrated at Viterbo, the Pope
elected Arch-diſmiſſed the Monks and the reſt of the Agents with Letters to King John,
leifupp. of Can-exhorting him,
benignly to receive this Arch-biſhop canonically elečted, native
of this Kingdom, learned in all the Sciences, a Doctor of Theology; and, which
exceeded his learning, of a good life and converſation, a man fit, both for his body
and his ſoul, &c. Withal he writes to the Prior, and Monks of Canterbury,
charging them by the vertue of holy obedience to receive the Arch-biſhop to their
Paſtor, and humbly to obey him in all Spiritual and Temporal matters.
Theſe letters, with the notice of what was done at Rome, ſo inraged the
King as with all precipitation he ſends Fulke de Cantie,and Henry de Cornhill
,
two fierce Knights, with armed men, to expel the monks of Canterbury, 'as
Traytors, out of the Kingdom, and to ſeize upon all they had, which
pre-
ſently was as violently executed as commanded, and away pack the Prior
and all the Monks into. Flanders (except ſuch as were ſick and not able to
go) and all their goods confiſcated.
King Form of
Herewithal he writes a ſharp Letter to the Pope, accuſing him of the wrong
he did in caſting the ele£tion of Norwich,whom he eſpecially favoured, and
advar-
this election,
writes to the cing Stephen Lancton, a man unknown to him, bred ever in the Kingdom of
Pope. France, &c. among his enemies, and what was more to his prejudice,and
fubverſion
of the liberties appertaining to his Crown,without his conſent (given to the Monks)
which ſhould firjt have been required; he had preſumed raſhly to prefer him.fo that
be much marvelled that the Pope and the univerſal Court of Roine,would not call
to mind how neceſſary his friendſhip had hitherto bin to that See, and conſider that
the
Kingdom of England yeilded the
fame,greater profit, & commodity, than all the
Kingdoms
1
1
fended with
1
1
I be Life and Reign of King John.
133
in a
doms elſe on this ſide the Alpes.Beſides, that he would ſtand for the liberty of his
Crown to the death conſtantly affirming that he could not be revoked from the
Eleition and preferment of the Biſhop of Norwich, whom he knew every way fit
for the place. And in concluſion threatens, Tliat if he be not righted in the
prerailes, he would ficpap the palages of his people to Rome; and that if ne-
celity required, he had in the Kingdom of England, and other his Dominions,
Archbiſi:nps
, Bift:075; and other l’relates of fo ſufficient Learning, as they needed
1201 to beg juſtice, and judgement of ſtrangers. The Pope returns anſwer to
the Kings Letter and begins with theſe words, When about the buſineſs of the
Church of Canterbury, we wrote unto yoit, exhorting and requeſting you bum .
{:ly, Earneſtly, and Benignly, you again wrote back to us, (as I ſay, by your 12.1ve)
faſhion Threatning, Reproving, Contumacious, and very ſtubbornly; and
whilſt we took care to give you above your right, you regard not to give us
according to our right, reſpecting us leſs than becomes you. And if your Devo-
tion be most necefsiry for us, ſo is ours no leſs fit for you. When we in ſuch
a caſe !have honoured no Prince ſo much as you, you ſtick not to derogate from
our honour, more than any Prince in ſuch a caſe would have done, pretending
certain frivolous occaſions, wherein you alledge that you cannot conſent to the
eleition of our beloved Son Mr. Stephen Presbyter, by the title of Saint Clry-
fogonus Cardinal, celebrated by the Monks of Canterbury; for that he hath
been bred among/t your enemies, and his perſon is altogether unknown to you.
Then argues hie, That it was not to be imputed unto him for a fault, but was his
glory to have lived long at Paris, where be ſo profited in ſtudy, as he deſerved to
be Doctor, not only in the liberal Sciences, but alfo in Theology, and his life agree-
able to his Learning was thought fit to obtain a Prebend in Paris. Wherefore he
beld it a marvel if a Man of ſo great note, native of England, could be unknown
unto him,at leaſt in fame, ſince (faith he) you wrote thrice unto him after he was
by us preferred to be Cardinal, that though you had a deſire to call him to your Fa-
miliar attendance,yet you rejayced that he was exalted to a higher Office, &c.
Then excuſes he the point, that the Kings conſent was not required, in
regard that they sho ſhould have required the ſame, affirmed how their
Letters never came to his hands, &c. Although (frith he ) in eleftions cele-
brated at the 4poftolick See the confint of Princes is not to be expected, yet were two
Monks deputed to come to require your conſent, who were ſtayed at Dover, so
that they could not perform their melage injoyned them; with other #legati-
ons to this effect, ſo that at length (ſaith he) we were diſpoſed to do what the
Canonical Sanctions ordained to be done, without declining either to the right
Hand or to the Left, that there might be no delay or difficulty in right inten-
tions, left the Lords Flock ſhould be long without Paſtoral cure ; and there-
fore revoked it cannot be. In concluſion le uſeth theſe words. As 'we
have bad care of your Honour beyond right, endeavour to give us ours accord-
ing unto right, that you may more plentifully deſerve Gods grace, and ours,
leſt if you do otherwiſe, you caſt your self into thoſe difficulties, whence
you cannot eahly get cut : "Since lie in the end, must overcome, to whom all
Kneës bow in Heaven, Earth and Hell, whoſé Vicegerency here below
(though unvort Joy) we exerciſe. Teild not therefore to their Councels, who
defore youir disturbance, that themſelves might Fiſh in troubled Waters; but.
commit your ſelf to our pleaſure, which will redound to your Praiſe, Glory,
and Honour. Neither is it safe for you to repugn againſt God and the Church,
for which, the Bleſſed Martyr and Glorious Biſhop Thomas lately shed his
blood, eſpecially ſince your Father and Brother of clear memory, late Kings of
England, 1.ve in the Hands of the Legates of the Apoſtolick Séé, abjured that
impious
N
i
+
N
!
134
The Life and Reign of King John.
1
I
Mandate to
impious Cuftom. We, if you acquit your felf, will ſufficiently take care for you
and yours, that no prejudice hall ariſe unto you hereby. Dated at Liter.in the
10 year of our Pontificat.
Thus we ſee how theſe two mighty pow'ers ſtrive to inake good each
others prerogative, and defend their intereſts with words.But when the Pope
underſtood how the King of England had proceeded againſt the Church of
The Popes Canterbury, he fonds preſently his maridate to the Biſhops of London, Eley,
and Worceſter, to deal with the King by way of exhortation, to reform
the Biſhops.
himſelf: and if they found him ſtill contumacious, they ſhould interdict
the whole Kingdoin of England. If that would not correct him, then him-
ſelf would lav a ſevere land upon him: and withal charged the Biſhops
Suffragans of the Church of Canterbury, by vertue of their obedience,to re-
ceive for Father the Archbishop Stephen, and to obey him with all reſpect.
The Bithops as they were enjoyned, repair to the King, ſhew the Popes
Mandate, and with tears teſought him, As he had Ged before his eyes, to call
home the circl;liſhop, and the Monks of Canterbury to their Church , and
voiuchſafe to uſe them with honour and charity, thereby to azoid the ſcandal of
interdiction, &c.
The King interrupting the Bithops ſpeech, breaks out into violent
rage
againſt the Pope and the Cardinal, ſwearing by the teeth of God, That if
King Fohns
anfwer to the they or any other !hould dare to put the Kingdom under interdiction, he would
Bithops. preſently ſend all the Clergy of England to the Pope, and confiſcate their goods.
Beſides, If any of Rome were found within any part of his Land, he would
cauſe their eyes to be put out their noſes cut,and ſo fent-home, that by theſe marks
ther right be known of other Nations. Charging morcover the Biſhops pre-
fently to avoid his prefence, as they would avoid their own danger.
Of this their ill ſatisfaction the Biſhop certifies the Pope and ſhortly af-
ter the whole Kingdom of England is interdicted, all Eccleſiaſtical Sacra-
1208.
ments ccaſe, except Confeſſion, extream Unction, and Baptifin of Chil-
dren: the dead are carried out,and put into the earth without Prieſt or pray-
er. The Biſhops of London, Ely, Worceſter, Bathe, and Hereford, ſecretly get
outof the Kingdom.
To anſwer this violence with the like,the King ſends preſently his Sheriffs
and other his Miniſters. to coinmand all Prelates and their ſervants, forth-
with tødepart out of the Kingdom, deputes the Biſhopricks, Abbys, and
Priorics into the hands of Lay-men, confiſcating all their revenues, but the
Prelates themſelves get into Monaſteries,and would not out, except cxpel-
led by force, which the Officers would not do, having no Commiſſion for
tlie. ſame, but they ſeize on all their goods to the Kings uſe.
Here the Monaſtical Writers of that time by whom only we have notice
of theſe proceedings) aggravate the rigourous courſe taken in this buſineſs,
telling us, that religious men of what order ſoever, found travelling, were
pulled from their Horſes,Robbed,and vily treated by the Kings ſervants,and
none to do them juſtice. And how the ſervants of a Sheriff bringing bound
unto the King a Thief (who had robbed and killed a Prieſt) to know what
fhould be done with him ; the King ſaid, Looſe him and let him go, he hath
Killed our Enerny. But howſoever this were, there were Exceſſes too many
committed in a time fo untied as this was.
The King to prevent the defection of his Subjects, which he daily doubted
takes pledges
would follow upon this his breach with the Church, ſends with a military
power, to all the potent men of the Kingdom,to require pledges for the al-
lity": furance of their fidelity,wherein many of them ſatisfied theKings will,ſending
fome
Anno Reg. II.
T'le King
lof his Nobles
for their fide-
!
The Life and Reign of King John. 135
!
ſome their Sons, ſome their Nephews, other the neareſt of their Kin.
William de Brauſe, a Noble man being required to deliver his pledge,his Wife
prevonting her Husbands anſwer, tells the Commiſſioners
, That the King
ſhould have none of her Sons to keep, that was ſo ill a keeper of his own Brothers
Son, Arthur;for which ſudden and intemperate ſpeech, the Baron ſharply re-
prehending his Wife before the Kings Servants,told them, he was ready if he
had offended, to ſatisfie the King, without any pledge, according to the judg-
ment of his Court,or that of his Peers,at any time or place wherefocver.
Upon the report of this anſwer, the King ſends down privily to appre- His cruelty
hend the Baron,but he having notice,or doubting what would follow,fied thewed to the
with his wife and Children into Ireland, where, afterward this afflicted La-! Children of
dy to recover mercy of the King, is ſaid, to have ſent Queen Iſabell four Wiliam će
Brauje.
hundred Kine, and a Bull, which yet could not mediate her pardon, or
pa-
cifie his wrath. But in the end ſhe was there taken with her two Sons (the
Husband eſcaping into France) and ſent Priſoner to the Caſtle of Windſor,
where ſhe with her two innocent Children were famiſhed to death,ſo dear-
ly paid ſhe for the offence of her raſh tongue.
The King diſpleaſed with the Londoners , removed his Exchequer to The Exche-
Northampton, and with a great Army marches towards Scotland, to make quer removed
co Northaigton
War upon that King for receiving his Enemies, and aiding them againſt
him.But by inediation an accord is made in this fort, that the King of Scots
ſhould pay eleven thouſand Marks of Silver,and deliver up his two Daugh-
ters pledges for ſecuring the Peace.Returning back,he cauſed all incloſures
within his Forreſts to be laid open, a work of great grief to' his ſubjects;
whom,though in nothing he ſought to ſatisfie,yer ſeeks he what he may tó
faſten them in their obedience (whereof love and not rigour is the ſureſt
bond) and takes homage of all free Tenants yea even of Children of twelve
years of age, throughout the Kingdom.
Two years, to the great diſtraction of the State, the interdiction Ireld, King Johnėx-
when the Pope, ſeeing no yeilding in the King, proceeds to the excommuni-red.
cation of his perſon, that extream courſe of abſciſſion, which his predecef-
for Alexander, better adviſed, forbear to take, upon a ſuggeſtion of a more
heinous' act committed by Henry the ſecond, upon the perſon of Thomas
Becket,and by this violence, thinking to quail the heart of a moſt uninaſte-
rable King, put him into more deſperate rage with the Clergy,who notwith-
ſtanding the Popes mandate, durft not execute the ſame for many days af-
ter. And firſt one Geffery Arch-deacon of Norwich, ſerving in the Kings Ex-
chequer,conferring with the reſt of his Aſſiſtants about this Sentence,affirm-
ed, it was not ſafe for men beneficed to remain in the obedience of an ex-
communicated King, and ſo without leave retired himſelf home,and was the
The Arch-dea-
firſt ſubject of his Maſters wrath. Who preſently ſent Sir Will. Talbot with con of Norwich
force' to apprehend him, and lay him faſt in Fetters in a moſt ſtreight Priſon, forſakes the
,
and afterward, upon the Kings commandment, he was put into a ſheet of his torture and
Lead, wherein, with the weight and want of victuals he ſoon periſhed.
This Excommunication of the King of England, was accompanied the
The Emperour
fame year with that of the Emperor Otho his Nephew; and are noted to be oth excommu-
ftains of an unjuſt nature,especially for being both done in caſes of the Popes own ricated
.
particular intereſt, ſeeking to extend a predomination beyond the bounds
, allowed
unto Piety, which was, only to deal with mens ſouls, and not their eſtates. For in
the advancement of this Emperoạr Otho the third, the Pope had an eſpecial
Hand, Oppoſing, for his own ends the election of Philip, Son to the Empe-
rour Frederick Barbaroſa. And in the vacancy of the Empire had ſeized
upon
communica-
1
death.
1
1
N2
לו
.
I
30
The Life and Reign of King John.
1
1
.
t
I210.
upon certain pieces in Italy appertaining thereunto ; which, Otlo ſeeking !
to revoke, procur’d:undeſervedly the Popes diſpleaſure, who ſent unto him
divers meſſages, willing him to deſiſt both from the proſecution of this re-
covery,as alſo from that which Frederick King of Sicil (who was under the
tuition of the Apoftolick Sec) had ſeized upon.
The Emperour is ſaid to have anſwered the Popes Nuncii in this man-
nei”: If the Pope unjuſtly deſires to rifurp what appertains to the Empire, let
him abſolve me from the Oath he cuiufed me to take at my coronation; which was,
That I ſhould reyoke whatſoever rights" were distraited from the fame; and i
will defijt. But the Pope reluſing the one, and the Emperor not yeilding un-
to the other, the ſentence of Excommunication is pronounced againſt him.
And all the States, as well of Germany as the rest of the Roman Empire,are
abſolved of their ſealty unto him.Thus were theſe two mighty Princes, the
greateſt of all the Chriſtian World,left to the mercy of their Subjects ; who,
thouğlı they were by this means all untied from obedience,yet many were
not lo from their affections or other obligations that held them firm unto
their Soveraigits.For there are ſo many ligaments in a state that tie it to-
gether, as it is a hard thing to diſſolve them altogether,unleſs it be by an u-
niverſal concurrency of cauſes that produceth a general alteration thereof.
And it is ſeldom ſeen of what temper 'foever Kings are, but they find an e-
minent party in the greateſt defection of their people.As this King(the firſt
of England, we find put to this ſtraight) had yet many noble members of
power, Leſides the chie Officers of theKingdom(whom their places confirm)
that ſtuck unto him, whoſe names are recorded in Mat.Par.and other writers.
And the better to hold his reputation and his people in action, having now
Anno Reg.12 10 employment abroad, lie ſeeks to ſecure all other inembers of the Crown
King Foba re- of England, whicli were under his dominion. And having ranfickt great
Treaſure from the Fews;makes an expedition into Ireland, upon intelligence
of ſome revolt and diſorder tlitic, Andat his firſt arrival, áll.the
which licid the maritine Caſtles and the Champion Countries came in,and
did homage and ſealty unto him at Dublin : Such as inhabited the remote
parts, and faſtneſſes of the Kingdom, kept themſelves away, and refuſed to
come. Here to reduce the Country into better order, lie ordairs the ſame
to be governed by the Laus and Cuſtoms of England, cauſes Engliſh ino-
ney to be.coyned there,and to be of equal value witli that of this Kingdom,
and currant alike in both,with many other orders, which had they bin with
that care continued as they were adviſedly begun,would(as wiſe men deem
have ſetled that Kingdom in an intire obedience, and ſaved all
that
great
toyl and expence, which the neglect thereof coſt this State in ſucceeding a-
ges. And now having deputed Jolin Gray Biſhop of Norwich, Juſticier there,
alter only three months ſtay, he returns into England, where preſuining
The Clergy
now upon his new gatliered ſtrength;he ſummons all the Prelates of theking-
dom to appear lietore him at London; of whom, faith Mat. Par. he extorted
King 100600. for tiroir redemption,thie fümni of an hundred thouſand pound ſtarling..
And the next year, being the twelfth of his reign, with this Treaſure he
reduces Wales (that had rebelled) to his obedience, and takes eight:an.
twenty Children of the bett Families for pledges of their future ſubjection
Returning thence,cxacts of every Kniglitthatattended not his army.in thai
AnnoReg:13, expedition, two' Marks'; and at Northampton is plcaſed to receive the
Popes Agents , Pandolphus and Durándus (ſent to make peace between the
Kingdon and Prieſthood) Ly whoſe exhortation, and the confideration
of tiie Srate of his Kingdom, le conſented that the Archbiſhop and the
Monk:
.
great Men
$
1
pay to the
li. itcr.
M
I2II.
644
1
1
11
)
The Life and Reign of King John.
137
1
IL12.
ince,
1213
Anno Reg.15
Munks of Canterbury, with all the exiled Biſhops, ſhould in peace return to
jeir own. But refuſing to make fatisfaction for their goods confiſcated, the
Agents depart unſatisfied, tothe greater prejudice of the King, whom now
the Pope finding to be yeilding in any thing, falls to be more imperious to
conſtrain him to all whatſoever he deſired : And abſolves all' the Kings
ubjects of what condition ſoever from their obedience, ftri&ly forbidding
iem, under pain of excommunication, his Board, Counſel, and Confe-
Which notwithſtanding prevailed not to divert the Subjects from Anno Reg.14
che fervice of their King. Who about this time takes occafion, upon the
reaking out of certain poor Mountainers of Wales, that made pillage upon
he Borders, to raiſe another Army to invade the whole Country. And be-
ing at Nottingham, prepared for this action (before he would ſit down to
Doner cauſed thoſe eight and twenty Children,the innocent pledges of the
irelch, to be all hanged in his preſence. But before he had Dined, Letters
came that gave him intelligence of a conſpiracy intended for his own de-
fruction; and that if he went forward in this War, he would be either
lain of his own people, or betrayed to the enemy. Whereupon he returns
to London, again requires, and hath pledges of thoſe Nobles he ſuſpected,
and here Euſtace de Veſcy, and Robert Fitz Walter are accuſed of the conſpić
racy, who fled, the one into Scotland, the other into France.
But now the Pope, for the laſt and greateſt ſentence that ever yet was gi-
ven againſt any Soveraign King of this Kingdom, pronounces his abſolute
depoſition from the Royal government thereof, and writes to the King of the point
France, That as he looked to have remiſſion of his fins, he ſhould take the charge gives the
upon him, and expel King John out of the Kingdom of England, and polleſs the Kingdom of
Same for him, and his heirs for ever. To the ſame effect ſends he likewiſe his King of
Letters to the Princes, and great men of other Nations, That they should aid France
.
the King of France in the deje&tion of this contumacious King of England, in
revenge of the injuries done to the Univerſal Church, granting like remiſion of
their fins, as if they undertook the Holy War.
And with this Commiſſion is the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other
exiled Biſhops of England with Pandolphus , diſpatched to the King of
France for the execution thereof. Which, notwithſtanding, ſeems rather
done to terrifie King John, than any way to advance the King of France,
whom the Pope deſired not to make greater than he was, howſoever, to a-
mufe the World, he made fhew to ingage him in this buſineſs
. For he gave a
ſecret charge to Pandolphus apart, that if upon the preparation, and forces ga-
thered by the King of France for this dejection, he could work the King of Eng-
land to ſuch conditions as he ſhould propound, abſolution and reſtorement ſhould
begranted unto him.
The King of France,upon this Act of the Pope,and the ſollicitation of his
Miniſters commands all the Princes and Nobility within his Dominions, The King of
to aſſemble their forces with Horſe, Armour, and all Munition, fo aſſiſt him bles his forces
in this buſineſs, and be ready, under paip of exheredation, at the Spring of for England. ?
the
year; preparing likewiſe a great Navy for the tranſportation of theſe
forces into England. King Fohu, upon intelligence hereof ſends to all the ports
of his Kingdom commandment, to have I Shipping whatſoever poſſible to
be made ready with all expedition : Summoning likewiſe all Earls, Barons,
Knights, and who elſe could bear Arms of any, condition, to be ready at Dover
preſently upon Eaſter, furniſhed with Horſe, Armour and all military provifon td King Forms
defend him themſelves,and the Kingdom of England againft this intended Invas preparations
fion, under pain of Culvertage, and perpetual ſervitude.
Where?
for defence.
N3
1838
The Life and Reign of King Fobn.
-gyform
uis Crown to
5105T SET
The cauſes
that moved
Wherevſon fo greit nuntats reſorted to Dover, revertran, 1J1), ank
to crher places ioirected, es cxcceded the means both of furniſhment, and
proviſion to enteirain tlicın. So that multitudes were fenr home again of
unneteffary mcn, and only a clioice reſerved of tlic abler forts, which arolo
to the qumber of. fixty thonfand well appointed for Barrel. Beíides, to
mighty a Navy was inade ready, as exceeded that of France.
And thus prepared, King, John expects his Enemies, wlio ſecretly, two
Knights Templars, ſent by Pandolphus, ſo wrought with him, as notwith-
ſlanding all this great power of his, be deſcends to accept of a treaty with
him." Whercof Pandolphus is preſently advertiſed, and withdraws himſelf
out of the French Kings Army, comes over and ſo terrifies King Fuhn, with
tlie mighty forces bent againſt him, and the eminent danger wherein he
flood, as he ycilds to any conditions wliatſoever propounded unto him.
And not only grants reſtiturion and ſatisfaction of whatever liad teen ta-
ken from tlie Arch-bilhop, and the Monks of Canterbury; the Bifhops of
King Folm de- | London, Elv, Balls, and Lincoln, (who were fied to the Arch-biſhop) Lut alſo
Kingdom of I lays down his Crown, Scepter, Mantle, Sword, and Ring, the Enfigns of his
England with |-Royalty, at the fees of Pandolphus, delivering up therewithal the Kingdom
Pandolphus.
of England to the Pope, and ſubmits himſelf to the judgement and mercy
be
of the Church. 905
Two days (ſome write ſix) it was before the Legate reſtored him his
Crown: at the receiving whereof, hie ſwore (and his Earls undertaking
for him) that he and his Jaccelloers ſhould held the Kingdom of England, and
Lordſhip of Ireland, from the See of Rome, at the annual tribute of a thoujand
Marks of Silver And this, with his homage and fealty, he confirmed by his
20 mobetur
Charter át a houſe of the Icmplars, néar Dover. The eſpecial weights that
moved Ring Toba to this extream loveneſs, they of thoſe times note to be
King on to
Firſt, the conſideration of his offences to God, having lived five years ex-
communicated to the great deformity of his Kingdom. Secondly, the
great-
riers of his Enemy the King of France and his adherents. Thirdly,the doubt
ſul faith of his Nobilities, whom he had offended. Fourthly, for that the
Afeeitfon day was åt hand,after whici, one Peter a Hermit and Southſayer
had propheſied, 'ie ſhould be no more King of England. Which, though
miſtaken in the manner, was fulfilled in a forf by this reſignation,and a new
condition of Eſtare. Bur the Southlayer with his Son, ſuffered ſhortly
after the penalty of Death, for his otherwiſe interpreted divination.
Pandolphes ford Now, Rotwithſtanding this ad and ſubmiſſion of King Fohn, the inter-
bids the French
Kings pro-
diction of the Kingdom continues, and liis own åblolution deſerred, tillre-
ftitution and full ſatisfaction were performed to the Clergy,of which, eight
thouſand Marks of Silver was preſently delivered to Pandolphus; who at
the receiving thereof, tramples it under his feet, as contemning that Laſo
maites, in reſpect of the grace conferred upon the Tranſgreffor, and re-
molts **** turns with the fame into France. Iliere lie declares what'lad paſſed in Eng-
porno aid old land, and forbidfihe
King of Trenice upon pain of excommunication, to proceed'à
Imalna 100
py furter in this enterpriſe, lezing King John bad thus fubmitted himſelf to the
Chieri Hoo
2018 A 911w LITEEDIO
OTRE King of France, 'now all ** readineſs for this great invaſion, and,full
Witf hope of Victory, receiving fins ludden and unexpected meſſage, grew
into great rage and was, irrigard of his honour. and infinite charge, hardly
diverted Irom this Enterpriſe. Yer in the end, ſeeing his coniecerates and
ando gnistofb yets tuailed with this menace of the Church, erreamly diſcontent
DIBE
saates all the gives löver.
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sudu
ch
The Life and Reign of King Fohn.
132
The French
di to
Nowbilanding, for his own reputation and deſire of revenge, having
Ithele urcat forces on foot, and his Navy ready in the mouth of Seine, 9.0
vicultuwdertake ſomething to give, ſatisfaction both to the Adventurers, Fluniteis.
and his ou; n people interelled in this action. And for that, Ferrand Earl of
flanders, a:lhering to King Fobn, refuſed to follow him in this expedition,
17 lum:die falls (as being next him) enters into his Port of D.im, vowing that
anders. Ikould either be France, or France Flanders. Ferr.ind, ſceing this tem-
'eil come to light upon him, ſends for aid to King John, who glad, liaving
ofcaped at home the occaſion of a defenſive War, to enter into an offen-
five abroad, both to employ this great collected Navy of his, and alſo pue
his people in action, whoſe diſmiſſion without ſome ſatisfaction, he knew
would breed no faſe humour, diſpatches five hundred Sail, with ſeven
hundred Knights into Flanders under the conduct of his baſe Brocher Wil-
Luim Long ſword Eirl of Salisbury, Reginald Earl of Bologn, whom he had
lately entertained with a penſion, being for ſome demerit driven out of
Frience. And theſe arriving at the Port of Dam, where they found the French
Navy unorderly diſperſed, and without defence (their forces going out to
invade the Country) ſet upon, and utterly defeated the ſame, and after-
ward joyning their power with that of Ferrand, drave the King of France
home with great diſhonour, and exceeding loſs
.
King Fohn raiſed with this victory, and his peace with the Church, fets
upon great deſigns, taking opportunity of this diſaſter of the King of France,
whoin,in revenge of his injury, and hope of recovering his tranlınarine Do-
ininions, he plots to aſſail on all ſides, ſtirring up his Naphew Otho to aid
the Earl of Flanders, for an invaſion upon the Eaſt part, whilſt himſelf
with all his power ſhould enter upon the Weſt. For execution whereof
firſt he ſends ſupplies for treaſure to his Chieftains in Flanders, then
allembles a great Army, at Portſmouth, wherewith he reſolves to paſs the
Seas:
But his deſign contrary to his deſire and haſte,came to be delayed by the
withdrawing of his Nobility, who refuſed to aid or attend him, until he The Nobility
were abfolved, and had confirmed unto them their liberties : Wherewith refuſed to aid
King Fohr.
much inraged, ſeeing no other remedy, he ſpeediły fends for the Arch-bi-
hop of Canterbury,and Ebe other Biſhops which were yet in France, promi-
fing them preſentireftitution and ſatisfaction, under the hands and ſcals of
four and twenty Earls and Barons, undertaking for the performance, there-
rok according to the form of his Charter granted in this behalf. Pandolphus
witi the Bilbop and thereft
. of the exded Clergy,forthwith come over, and
Snd che:Kingat Wincheſter, where he goeth forth to meet them, and on his
yknees with wars receives them, Belekobing them to have compaſſion on him, and
pihe Kingdomof England.. Abſolved he is with great penitence and compaf-
$tion exprextwith tears of all the beholders, and ſwears upon the Evan-
bgeliftse dor dowė; Defendwand:Maintain holy Church, and the Miniſters thereof;
naguinst their adverſáries to the uttermoſt of bois: poyer : That he would renew the
goodi Lidis of his Predeceres; and especially thoſe of King Edward, abrogating
fach as where i unjuft ::Fudge all his fubje&ts according to the juſt judgement of his
Count e, That poe fertlysupa. Eafter next: following he would make plenary fatis-
faction of whatſoever had been taken from the Churcba
.
Franceyi.committing the government of the Kingdom to Geffry Fitz Peter,
30d the Bishop of Wincheſter, : Wita charge that they should order all buſi-
Arno Rigon
odifes; togatliet with the laounſel
of the Archbiſhop of Ganterbury.
And
!
4
fii
1214
i
H
140
The Life and Reign of King John.
to excommu-
nicate the
Subſcribers.
Edwardi vobis
emendarionibus
And here a numerous company of Souldiers repairing to him,complained
that by their long attendance their mony was ſpent, ſo that they could not
follow him, unleſs they might be ſupplied out of his Exchequer: Which
the King refuſing to do,in a great rage, with his private family, takes Ship,
and
puts forth to the Iſle of Jerſey, but ſeeing none of his Nobles or other to
follow him, was forced (having loſt the opportunity of the ſeaſon) to return
into England; where he gathers an Army, with intention to chaſtiſe the
Lords who had thus forſaken him. But the Arch-biſhop of Canterbury fol-
lows him to Northampton, urging, that it was againſt his Oath taken at his
abſolution, to proceed in that manner againſt any man, without the judgement of
his Court. To whom the King in great paſſion replyed, That he would not de-
for the buſineſs of the Kingdom for his pleaſure, ſeeing Lay judgement appertain-
ed not unto him; and ſo in fury marches to Nottingham.
The Archbi-
The Arch-biſhop follows him, and plainly told him, That unleſs be
ſhop threatens
would defift from this buſineſs, he would excommunicate all ſuch as should take
Arms againſt any before the releakng of the interdiction ; and would not leave
King. him, until he had obtained a convenient day for the Lords to come to his Court,
which ſhortly after they did, and a Parliament is aſſembled in Pauls, where-
in the Arch-bilhop of Canterbury produces a Charter of King Henry the firſt,
This Charter whereby he granted the ancient liberties of the Kingdom of England (which
is recorded in had by his predeceſſors been oppreſt with unjuſt exactions) according to
Mat. Par. with the Laws of King Edward, with thoſe emendations which his Father, by
the Council of his Barons did ratifie.. And this Charter being read before
the Barons they much rejoyced, and ſwore in the preſence of the Arch-biſhop,
Legem Regis that for theſe liberties they would if need required, spend their blood. And
reddo cum illis therewithal, concluding a confederation with the Arch-biſhop, the Parlia.
ment brake up
quibus Pater
Shortly after dyes Geffery Fitz Peter, Juſticiar of England, a man of a
ge-
nerous ſpirit, learned in the Laws, and skilful in government. Who in that
broken time, only held uncraſed, performing the part of an even Counſel.
lour and Officer between the King and Kingdom, whom though the King
moſt uſed, he moſt feared and leaſt loved, as ill Princes do their worthi-
eft Miniſters, whoſe gravity and judgement may ſeem to keep them in
awe. And hearing of his death, rejoycing ſaid; Now when he comes into
Hell, let him lalute the Arch-biſhop Hubert, whom aſſuredly he ſhall find
there. And turning to thoſe about him, ſwore by the feet of God, that now at
length he was King and Lord of England, having a freer power to untye him-
ſelf from thoſe knots which his oath had made to this great man againſt
his will, and to break all the bands of the late concluded peace, unto which
he repented to have ever condeſcended. And to fhew the deſperate malice
of this King (who rather than not to have an abſolute domination over his
people, to do what he liſted, would be any thing himſelf under
any
other
that would but fupport him in his violences) there'is recorded an embaſſage
(the moſt baſe impious thar eder yet was ſent by any free and Chriſtian
Òrince) unto Miramumalim the Moor, întitled the great King of Africa, Mo-
and Spain, wherein he offered to render unto him his Kingdom, and
to hold the fame by tribute from him, as his Soveraign Lord: To forgo
the Chriſtian Faith (which he held vàin) and receive that of Mahomet. In
which negotiation, the Commiſſioners are named to be Thomas Hardington,
Ralph Fitz Nicholas Knights, and Robert of London Clerk. The manner of
their acceſs to this great King is related, with the delivery of their meſſage,
and King Johns Charter to that effect.; and how Miramumalim ha-
ving
mens eum emen-
davit.
rocco,
Mai. Par.
1
*
1
The Life and Reign of King Folòn. 141
fcorns then:cf-
ving heard at large their meſſage, and the deſcription both of the King and dirememelim
Kingdom, with the nature and diſpoſition of the people, ſo much diſdained
fage of King
the baſeneſs and impiety of the offerer, as with ſcorn he commanded his 5cha.
Miniſters to depart inſtantly out of his preſence and Conrt. Yet afterward,
to underſtand ſome more particulars of the madneſs of this King of England,
he called for Robert the Clerk,and had private conférence with hima part, a-
bout many particulars which he himſelf revealed to many, in the hearing
of Mathew the Monk of Saint Albuns,wlio wrote and declared theſe things,
deſcribing thc perſon of this Robert, to be of a low ſtature, black, one arm
thorter than another,two fingers unnaturally growing together, of a viſage
like a few, &c. which relation we are not utterly to contemn, proceeding
from an Author of that gravity and credit, and living ſo ncar thoſe times,
though to us that are ſo far off both in-falhion and faith, it may ſeem im-
probable in ſome parts, yet if we conſider wherèto the deſperate violence of
this King(who had made utter wrack of conſcier:ce,and all humane reſpect)
might carry him, ſecing himſelf in that eſtate he was, we may not think it
void of likelihood to have had this dealing with an Heathen King (who, in
that time was formidable to all Chriſtendom; and had on foot the mighti-
eſt Army that ever the Moores had in Spain) which might.čither be to liold
amity with him, or entèttain him otherwiſe for his own ends. Though
for the point of offering to forgo the Chriſtian faith, we may in charity
forkear to make it a part of ours. Although this relator gives us a ņote (a-
mongſt other which he ſuppreſt) that-pointed at the irreligion of this King,
who at the opening of a fat Stag, jeſtingly faid, ſee how proſperouſly this
beaſt hath lived,and yet never heard Maſs. Which ſcoff, in regard of the
zeal then profeſſed, favoured of an impiety unfitting the mouth of a religi-
ous King, and gave ſcandal to the hearers, who took it according to their A note of the
apprehenſion, apt to cenſure whatſoever comes from the mouth of Prin- Kings irreligi-
ces; which may warn them to be wary wliat they utter in publick.
But this Emballage, either neglected by Miramumalim, or diſappointed
by the overthrow of his great Army, with the death of his Son, which
ſhortly after followed ; King Folm fets upon another courſe , aſails Pope Kiug Foln
Innocent' (prone to be wrought by gift to do any thing) with great fumms and renews his
of Money,and a re-aſſurance of his tributary ſubjection, which ſhortly after oath.
he confirms by a new oathi, and a new Charter before the Popes Legate
the Biſhop of Ts9fculin, fent over for the ſame purpoſe, and with ſull autho-
rity to conipoſe the diffentions between the Kingdom aud Prieſthood.
Which atmany aſſemblies in divers places was after debated and in thċend
order was taken for a plenary ſatisfaction to be made for the daṁmages
done to the Church. For which the King upon account already, had paid
twenty feven thouſand Marks, and thirteen thouſand more were under-
taken by lureties, to be anſwered by a certain day.
And hereupon is the interdiction releaſed , laving continued ſix years,
three months and fourteen days, to the ineſtimable loſs of the Church | The inter-
and Church-Men, whereof an innumerable multitude of all orders now re- fed.
diétion relea-
pair to the legate for ſatisfaction of daınmages received by the Kings Mi-
niſters during this interdiction. To whom the Legate anſwers : 'That it was
1214
20t in his Commiſſion to deal for reſtitution to beinade unto them all, but Annu Reg.16
adviſes them to complain to the Pope', and crave of him plenary Juſtice. :
Whereupon: they depart much diſcontented, holding the Legats proceeding
(for that he pleaſed not them) inclining only to pleaſe the King. Who now
is recommended to-Rome for a moſt tractable , obedient, and indulgent
Son.
01.
1
LF
I
:
1
#
1
1
142
The Life and Reign of King John.
Son of the Church, and the Clergy hears of blame for their obitınacy uted
towards him.
The King having referred the ending of all this controverſie to the Le-
gate, and ſome other of his own Miniſters (being aſſured of the Popes fa-
vour) was now gone into Poictou, to aſſail (according to his deſign) the
King of France on that ſide: Whilſt his forces with thoſe of the Emperour
Otho,by the way of Flanders,invaded him on the other. And being with his
Queen landed at Rochell, many principal Barons of Politou (apter to promiſe
than perform their faith came and ſwore fealty unto him: With whom
he marches forward into the Country, recovers many Caſtles and pieces
of importance. Whereof particularly by his own Letters from Parthenai,
he certifies his Juſtices of the Exchequer. And withal, ſhews them how
he had granted to the Son of the Earl of March, his Daughter Joan in mar-
riage, though, ſaid he, the King of France deſired her for his Son, but frau-
dulently, ởc.
After this he goes into Brittain, takes in the City of Naintes, prepares to
encounter with Louys the French Kings Son, who was come down with
a mighty Army to oppofe his proceeding. But the l'oiitouins diſtructing his
power, or he them (having diſcovered the forces of the Enemy) refuſed to
fight : Whereupon the King of England, to his extream grief, forſook
the field, and made a diſhonourable truce with the King of France, and this
was the laſt of his tranſmarine attempts. His forces into Flanders had far
worſe ſucceſs; for the King of France with all the power he could pollilly
make, eneounters them at the Bridge of Bovines, and overthrew the Empe-
Bateel of Barour Otho, and the whole Army of the confederates, wherein are reported
to have been an hundred and fifty thouſand Foot, beſides Horſe, and in the
Battel Nain a thouſand five hundred Knights, and taken Priſoners, Ferrand
Earl of Flanders, the Earls of Salisbury, and Bologne. And as report the
Annales of Flanders) the Earl of Savoy, the Dukes of Brabant and Limburg,
the Emperour and the Earl of Luxenburg ; the Emperour Otho the fourth hardly eſcaped,
and lived not long after.
Upon theſe misfortunes,and fearing the outrage of a neceſſitous and diſtem-
pered King, the Barons of England aſſemble themſelves at St. Edmonsbury,
where they confer of the late produced Charter of Henry the firſt, and
ſwore upon the high Altar,that if King Fohn refuſed to confirm and reſtore
unto them thoſe liberties, (the rights of the Kingdom) they would make
War upon him until he had ſatisfied them therein:And further agreed, that
after Chriſtmas next they would petition him for the ſame,and in the mean
time provide themſelves of Horſe and Furniture, to be ready if the King
ſhould ſtart from his Oath made at Wincheſter at the time of his abſolution,
for the confirmation of theſe liberties, and compel him to ſatisfie their de-
mand. After Chriſtmas they repair in a military manner to the King lying
King Fohn in the new Temple, urging their deſire with great vehemency : The King
him che crois ſeeing their reſolution and inclination to War,made anſwer,That for the mat-
to ſecure him-ſter they required, he would take confideration till after Eaſter next; and in the
mean time, he took upon him the Croſs (rather, as is ſaid, throngh fear than
Devotion) ſuppoſing himſelf to be more ſafe under that protection. But the
The reſoluti- Lords continuing their reſolution, foreſeeing nothing was to be obtained but
on of the Ba-by ſtrong hand, aſſemble an Army at Stamford, wherein are ſaid to be two
bling theirAr- thouſand Knights, beſides Esquires, with thoſe that ſerved on foot, and
my at Stamford from thence marched towards Oxford, where the King then expected their
coming, according to the appointed time, for anſwer to their demands.
And
The famous
vines.
b
The
ز
Otho.
1
ſelf from the
Barons.
1
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i
1
9
1
A Schedule of
the demands
1
The Lori's
1
The Life and Reign of King John.
143
And being come to Brackly with their Army, the Kings ſends the Archbiſhop
of Canterbury, and William Earl of Perbrooke Mareſchal, with other grave
Counſellors, to demand of them, what were thoſe Laws and Liberties
they required, to whom they ſhewed a Schedule of them, which the Com-
miſſioners deliver to the King, who having heard thein read, in great indig- of the Lords.
nation asked why.The Barons did not likewiſe demand the Kingdom, and Givere,
that he would never grant theſe Liberties whereby himſelf ſhould be made a fer-
Vint. So hardh a thing is it to a power that hath once gotten out into the
wide liberty of his will, to hear again of any reducing within his circle :
not conſidering how they who inherit Offices ſucceed in the obligation of
them,and that thic moſt certain means to preſerve unto a King his Kingdoms,
is to poſſeſs them with the ſame conditions that he hath inherited them.
The Barons upon his anſwer,being as haſty as he was averſe, refolve to
ſeize on his Caſtles, and preſently march towards Northampton, which they leize on the
beſiege, conſtituting Robert Fitz Walter their General, intituling him the Kings Caitles.
Mareſchal of the Army of God, and Holy Church. And after they allail the
Caſtle of Beriford, where William de Beauchamp rendring his charge,receives
them, and the Londoners ſend thither privy meſſage to joyn with them, and
deliver
up the City to be guarded by their diſcretion.
And thither they repair, and are joyfully received, under pact of their The Lords re-
indemnity, where daily increaſing in number of new confederates, they pair to London.
make their proteſtation, never to give over the proſecution of their deſire, till
they had conſtrained the King (whom they held perjured.) to grant them
their rights.
King Folm ſeeing Irimſelf in a manner generally forſaken, having ſcarce King Fohn for-
ſeven Knights faitliful unto him, counterfeits the Seals of the Biſhops, and laken of his
people,
writes in their names to all Nations that the Engliſh were all Apoftates, and
whoſoever would come to invade them, he, by the Popes conſent, would
conſer upon them all their lands and poſſeſſions. But this deviſe working
no effeci, in regard of the little confidence they had in the King, and the pow-
er of the Kingdom : A new mediation is made to the Barons by the Earl
Mareſchall and others, and a parle is had between Windſor and Stanes, in a The Earl
Meadow called Running-meade, (a place anciently uſed for ſuch conferen- Mareſchall &
çes whereafter many meetings and much debate,the King freely conſented,
for the glory of God, and emendation of the Kingdom, to confirm thoſe on. A Parlia-
laws and liberties formerly reſtored,and in part ordained by Henry the firſt. ment for re-
And to the end that all diſcord ſhould utterly ceaſe,he grants for the intire Rights and
and firm enjoying their Laws and Liberties, Security in this manner : That Liberties of
there ſhould be five and twenty Barons choſen of the Kingdom, ſuch as they would, the Kingdom,
who ſhould, to their utmoſt power, canſe the ſame to be held and obſerved. And that,
if either the King, or his Chief Juſticiar, ſhould tranſgrefs in any Article of the
Laws, and the offence ſhewed, four Barons of the five and twenty ſhould come Articles of the
to the. King, or in bis abſence out of the Kingdom, to his Chief Juſticiar, and de- agreement
confirmed by
clare the exceſs, requiring without delay, redreſs for the ſame : 'which if not
King Fabra.
made within the space of forty days after ſuch declaration, thoſe four Barons
ſhould refer the cauſe to the reſt of the five and twenty, who with the Commons
of the land might deſtrain and enforce him by all means they could, viz. by fei-
zing upoir lais Caſtles, Lands and Pofeſſions or other goods) ( his perſon excepted
and that of his Queen and Children till amends ſhould be made according to their
arbitration. And that whoſoever would, lhould take their Oath for the executi-
on hereof, and obey the Commandment of the five and twenty Barons herein
without prohibition, And if any of them diſſented, or could not aſſemble, the
major
1
1
other mediate
a reconcilati-
LI
a
144
The Life and Reign of King Foln:
frnſtrates his
;
major part to have the farne power of proceeding. Beſides, for more caution,
the four Chatelains of the Caſtles of Northampton, Kenelworth, Notting-
ham, and Skarborough, ſhould be ſworn to obey tbe Commandment of the five
and twenty Barons, or the major part of them, in whatſoever they thought
good concerning thoſe Caſtles. Wherejn none ſhould be placed but ſuch as were
faitliful, and wonld obſerve their Oath, &c. That all ſtrangers, whereof divers
are exprefsly nominated ſhould be moved out of the Kingdom. And a gene-
ral pardon granted for all tranſgreſſions committed, through the occaſion of this
diſcord, from the beginning thereof to this preſent time. And mutual Oathes ta-
ken of both hides, in folemn manner, for the inviolat:le obſerving all theſe Ar-
ticles. The King likewiſe ſends his Letters Patents to all the Sheriffs of the
Kingdom, to cauſe all men, of what degree foever, within their fever.il Shires, to
ſweat to obſerve thoſe Laws and Liberties thus granted by his Charter.
And in this manner (though it were to be wiſhed, it had not been in this
I 215.
manner) were recovered the rights of the Kingdom. Whereof, though they
Anno Reg.17
ſeem to have now the Livery they had not the Seiſin. For preſently the
King Fohn by ing being looſe from the doing, which he pretends to be by force, unlooſes
evil council
the Deed, and there wanted not thoſe about him,who obſerving which way
own Grants. his will bent, to turn him more violently upon that fide, not in regard of his
good, but their own intereſts, making more profit by his irregularity than
otherwiſe they could of his orderly courſes : Telling him, he was now a King
without a Kingdom, 'a Lord without a Dominion, and a ſubject to his Subjects.
Wicked Counſellours, as if it were not enough to be above men,but to be a-
bove mankind, as thoſe Princes would be, that would be under the Law
conſidering the preſervation of Kings and Kingdoms is to have the bal-
lance of ſatisfaction, both of the one and other equal. But by ſuch Coun-
ſellors is hie confirmed in his refractory humour. And worthily that Prince
deſerves to be deceived in his executions, who underſtands not, as well the
Counſellours as the Counſel.
Refolved he is (given over to Confuſion and Revenge) to diſſolve this tye,
and privily withdraws himſelf into the Iſle of Wight, from whence he
ſends his Agents to Rome (where now he could do any thing) to complain
Wight, and
of this inforcéd, act to the Pope, who by a definitive Sentence, firſt con-
Pope. demns and nullifies what was done, and after excommunicatesthe Barons :
The PopeEx who during this abſence and retire of their King, knowing the violence of
the Barons. his nature, and doubting their own danger, keep in and about the City of
London ; and there under colour of Turnements and exerciſe of Arms, in-
vite thoſe who were abroad to reſort unto them, and ſo retain themſelves
together in a combination for their own defence, without ſeeking farther to
interrupt their Kings courſes, either by ſurprize of his perſon, which they,
being of fo great ſtrength, might eaſily have done, or uſing means to inter-
cept his Agents, and take from him thoſe limbs of his power that might
work to offend them.
But this muſt either argue that their end wascnly to have (but what they
had obtained) the reſtitution of the Liberties of the Kingdom (which thoughi
of the Barons. thus recovered with violence they ſeemed deſirous to hold with peace) or elſe
their negligence, which may be thought ſtrange in thoſe wakeful and active
times, to be ſuch, as to leave a diſpleaſed King alone to his own working,
eſpecially removed to a place, where the Sea being open unto him, his out-
ſendings might be without view or noting : unleſs either they preſumed of
his little credit abroad, or their own power at home.
But during this his retire in the Iſle, which was three months, he ſlacks.
1
Retires into
the Ile of
writes to the
1
i
r
r
The Errour
no
1
1
See more
A
+
with them at
Dover.
1
Flinders
Drowned.
1
half a Year
recovers all
I he Life and Reign of King Fohn.
145
no one to put his desires in execution,& beſides his diſpatch to Rome, ſends | The King
the Di!hop of a orcejter, Chancellor of England, the Biſhop of Norwich, and Foreign Tips
others with his seal, to procure him Foreign Forces out of ſuch parts Le-ces
.
yond the seas, as held çorreſpondency with him, appointing them to repair
to Do erabout Michaelmas next. In the mean time, without any Koval dhew
of itir í attended with ſome borrowed Servants of the Biſhop of Norwich,
ard farriners of the Cinque-ports, whom he entertained) fie, as they write,
fell to Piracy, and exerciſed himſelf at Sea: whiles various reports are made
of him licre on Land; ſome giving out, that he was turned Fisher, ſome a
Merchant, others a Pyrate. But at the time appointed he meets at Duzer
with thoſe Foreign Forces drawn together out of Poiltou and Gaſcony, under He meets
the conduct of Suvarie de Malcom, Geffery and Oliver Butevile, Brothers :
with others out of Lovrine, and Brabant, under Walter Bucke, Gerrard Sotin,
and Gedſhall, all deſperate adventurers, leading an execrable ſort of people,
whoſe miſerable Fortunes at home, caſily drew them to any miſchiefs a-
broad; & with theſe is King folin furniſhed to ſet upon his own people. And, Hugh de Bouis
had not Hugls de Bouis (to whom the Countries of Suffolk and Norfolk were Men, &c.co
allotted for Service to be done ) ſetting forth from Calice with 40 thouſand ming out of
more (Men, Women and Children,) been by a ſudden Tempeſt drowned in
the Sea, le liad made an univerſal Conqueſt of the Kingdom, far more Mi-
ferable than the Normun: conſidering that with thoſe lie had, he wrought
so much as we ſhalll.car preſently he did.
For, after he had recovered the Caſtle of Rocheſter, which William de Albi- The King in
net, with memorabic Courage, held out three Months againſt all that mighty
power of his (the Barons not able, or not adventuring to ſuccour him) le his Caldes.
inarched over the moſt of the Kingdom, and within half a Year got in all
the Caſtles of the Barons, even to the borders of Scotland, and was abſolute
Maſter of all England, except the City of London, on which he forbare to ad-
venture, in regard of the cloſe united power of the Barons that reſolutely
held and vowed to Die together; and ſeparate them he could not, and there-
fore from Rocheſter le marches to S. Albanes, where the firſt publication of
the Popes Excommunication of the Barons is pronounced.
And here he divides his Army (conſiſting moſt of ravenous ſtrangers) in
I216.
two parts : appointing his Brother William Earl of Salisbury, with Falkaſíus, Arixo Reg. 18
Savary de Malcom Leader of the Poičtovians, Brewer and Buc, of the Flemings King Fohn at
and Brabantines to guard the Countries and Caſtles about the City of Londoi, Vides his ar
to cut off all Proviſions, and annoy the Barons by all ineans poſſible: him- my in two
ſelf with the other part of his Forces draws Northward, and lays waſte all parts.
the Countries before him, and both theſe Armies ſet only upon deſtruction,
inflict all thoſe Calamities, that the Rage of a diſorderly War could com-
mit, upon a Miſerable People that made no Head at all againſt them. :
All Countries ſuffer in this Affliction, and King Jolin marching as far as
Barwicke, had propoſed to have carried it farther (threatning Alexander King
of Scots, That he would hunt tle Fox to his hole, alluding to his red hair) had he
not been called from that attempt to come back to theſe parts, upon diſco-
very
of
new Deſigns practiſed by the Barons, who ſeeing themſelves. depri-
ved of their Eſtates (given away to ſtrangers) their Wives and Daughters vi-
olated, all their ſubſtance conſumed, deſperately fall upon another extream,
making out for ſuccour to Louys the French Kings Son, ſolliciting him to
take upon him the Crown of England, wherein they promiſed by their free
Election to inveſt him, and to ſend Pledges for the performance thereof, be-
ing perſwaded, that thoſe Forces of the French, which King Folm had en-
O
tertained
A
.
*
1
.
1
1
2
1
146 The Life and Reign of King John.
The Barons
ſollicite Louys
the French
writes to di-
vert Louys
1
*
Lollys Lands in
Rent, 21 of
May.
tertained, would upon the coming of thoſe Aids, for the King of France be-
ing their Soveraign, forſake him. This Meſſage is entertained, a Parliament
Kings Son, to is called at Lyons, by King Phillip the Father of Louys, the buſineſs conſulted
take upon him and reſolved upon. Louys, beſides the aſſurance made of his proffered Ele-
England.
ction, relies upon a Title which he claims by his Wife Blanch, Daughter to
the Siſter of King Jolin, and writes to the Barons that he would ſhortly fend
them Succour, and not be long behind, to be with them in Perſon.
The Pope
The intelligence of this deſign is foon intimated to the Pope, who
pre.
ſently ſends hisAgent to theKing
of France, with Letters to intreat him, not to
from the En- fuffer his Son to invade or diſquiet the King of England, but to defend him,
terpriſe.
in regard he was a Vaffal of the Roman Church, and the Kingdom, liy.rea.
ſon of Dominion appertaining thereunto. The King of France Anſwers
That the l'ingdom of England never was, nor is, cr ever
fall be, the Patrimony
of S. Peter, and that King Jolin was never layful King thereof; and if he were,
he had forfeited the ſame by the Murther of Arthur, for which he was condemned
in his Court; neither could he give away the Kingdom without the conſent of the
Quater Vigint. Barons, who are bound to defend the ſame. And if the Pope would maintain this
Coggis. Errour, it would be a pernicioiis Example to all Kingdenis.
Herewith the Popes Agent departs unſatisfied, Lollys having firſt diſpatch:-
ed Commiſſioners to Rome to declare his right, and juſtifie his undertaking
ſets forth from Calice with 600 Ships, and 8 other Veſſels, and Lands with
his Army at Sandwich. King John attends him at Dover, with purpoſe to en-
counter him at his Landing, but upon notice of his great power, & diſtruſt-
ing the Faith of his Mercenaries, having committed the keeping of the Caſtle
of Dover to Hubert de Burgh, forſakes the Field, (and with it himſelf) re-
tires firſt to Wincheſter, after to Gloceſter, and leaves all to the will of his
Enemy Louys: who after he had obtained the ſubmiſſion of all Kent (except
the Caſtle of Dover which he never could get ) he comes to London, where
he is joyfully received of the Barons, and upon his Oath taken, to reſtore
their Laws, and recover their Rights, hath Homage and Fealty done him,
as the Soveraign Lord : Thither came likewiſe the Earls Warrein, Arundel
,
Salisbury, William Mareſchall the younger, with many other (forſaking
King Föhn ) and rendred themſelves unto him.
Guallo the Popes Agent (notwithſtanding the Sword was out in all the way
fect the Popes of his paſſage) got to Gloceſter, thew's Ring Folin the Popes care of him, and
in folemn manner pronounces the Sentence of Excommunication againſt
wrought. Louys, and all that took part with him, which though it brought him ſome
comfort for the time, yet it took little or nothing from the Enemy: neither
could it ſo confirm his Mercenaries, but that moſt of them left him, & either
returned home into their Countries with ſuch ſpoils, as they had, or betook
themſelves to this new comer. King John was not yet ſo forſaken, but that
he had power enough remaining, to infeſt, though not incounter ủis Ene-
mies, and Faith he found abroad, amongſt many of his Miniſters that well
defended their charge.
Dover Caſtle with a ſmall Company holds out,
againſt all the force that Louys could bring againſt it. Windſor Caſtle guard-
ed but with Threeſcore Men could not be won'with all the
power
of
the Barons, ſome other peices, as Nottingham and Lincoln Caſtles, made ve-
ry reſolute reſiſtance. But nothing is effected, ſave the Ruin of the Country.
The moſt yeilding and fertil parts of the Kingdom, as about Gloceſter; the
Marcles of Wales, Lincolnſhire, Cambridgeſhire, Norfolk,Suffolk, Flex,Kent,&
all about London, are the Stages of this War, & here they act their Miſchiefs
,
which continued all that Summer ; And about élie latter end of October a
Lurning!
1
The little ef-
cation
:
0
The Life and Reign of. King John.
147
T
Mar. Par.
.
1
burning Fever makes an end of this fiery King, which took him upon an ex-
tream grief conceived for the loſs of his carriages funk in the Sands, pal-
ſing the Waſhes between Lin and Boſton ; and wasaugmented by a ſurfeit of
Peaches and new Ale, taken at the Abby of Swineſhead, from whence in
great weakneſs he is conveyed to Newarke, where, after he had received the
Euchariſt, and taken order for the ſucceſſion of his Son Henry, he departs The death of
*this life, having reigned 18 years five months, and four days.
King Fohn.
The Abbot of Crockeſton, a Man skilful in Phyſick, and at that time the
Kings Phyſician,distowelled his body, who; no doubt would have given no-
tice to the World,had hisMaſter, as it was in after ages vainly bruted) been
poiſoned by a Monk of Swineſhead Abby, but the Writers of thoſe times
report no ſuch matter. Howſoever, his Death takes not away the proach
of his life, nor the infamy that follows him, whereunto ill Princes are as
ſubject as their evil Subjects, and cannot eſcape the brute of a clamorous
Pen, witneſs this Diſticque.
Anglia ficut adhuc fordet fætore Johannis
,
Sordida fædatyr fædante Fohanne Gehenna.
He had iſſue by his Wife Iſabel (Daughter to Aymer Earl of Angoleſme) His iſſue.
two Sons, Henry and Richard, alſo three Daughters Foan, Elioner and Iſabel
.
Henry ſucceeded him in his Kingdom, Richard was Earl of Cornewall, and
Crowned King of the Romans, and had iſſue, Henry and John that died with-
out iſſue, allo Edward Earl of Cornewall and others.
Foan the eldeſt Daughter (married to Alexander the ſecond, King of Fobn Speed.
Scots) died without iſſue.
Elioner the ſecond Daughter(married to Simon Earl of Leiceſter)had iſſue
Henry, Simon, Almarick, Guy, Richard, and Elioner.Henry ſlain without iſſue.
Simon Earl of Bigorre,and Anceſtor to a Family of the Mountfords in France.
Almarick firſt a Prieſt, after a Knight Guy Earl of Angleria, in Italy, and
Progenitor of the Mountfords in Tuſcaine, and of the Earls of the Campo Bac-
chi in the Kingdom of Naples. Richard remaining privily in England, and
changing his name from Mountford, to Wellesborn,was AnceſtoroftheWelles-
bornes in England.Elioner born in England, brought up in France,married in-
to Wales to Prince Lewin ap Griffith.
Iſabel their youngeſt Daughter (married to the Emperour Fredrick the ſe-
cond) had iſſue, Henry appointed to be King of Sicile, and Margaret Wife of
Albert, Landgrave, Thurine. She died in Child-bed, after ſhe had been Em-
preſs. ſix years. He had alſo two natural.Sons. Geffery Fitz Roy, that
tranſported Souldiers into France, when Hubert forbad his father to gothi-
ther:Richard, (that married the
Daughter and Heir of Fulbert de Doverſ who
built Childham Caſtle) had iſſue by her, of which fome Families of good
eſteem' are deſcended. Likewiſe one natural Daughter Joan married to
Lewin Prince of Wales.
The end of the Life and Reign of King Foln.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
* He :Death of King Foln , though it much altered, yet it ended
not the miſerable buſineſs of the Kingdom: For Louys, not-
1216.
withſtanding held his hopes, and his party though much (ha- Anno Reg.I.
ken by the ſudden Coronation of Henry, eldeſt Son to
King John, folemnized in a great Aſſembly of State at Gloce-
ſter
1
1
T
/
-
crowned at
Gloceſter.
of
1
the
count Melun
at his death.
148
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
Henry the third fter the 28 of October, and committed to the tutelage of the great Marſhal,
William Earl of Pembrooke , the main Pillar of the Father, and now the
preſerver of the Crown to his Son, a man eminent both in Courage and
Counſel, who with Guallo the Popes Legate, the Biſhops of Wincheſter,
Bathe, and Worceſter, work all means to draw the Barons, and as many
power as they could to their new and natural King from this Excommuni-
cate ſtranger,and his adherents
. And bred great fluctuation in the minds of
moſt of them doubtful what to reſolve upon,in regard of the tender youth
of Henry, and their Oath made to Louys.
But ſuch was the inſolence of the French,making ſpoil and prey of what-
ſoever they could faſten on (and now invented by Louys , contrary to his
Oath, all thoſe places of importance they had recovered) as made many
of the Engliſh to relinquiſh their ſworn fidelity, and forſake his part. Which
more of them would have done, but for the ſhame of inconſtancy, and the
danger of their pledges, remaining in France, which were great tyes upon
them.Beſides, the popular bruit generally divulged concerning the confeſſi-
on of the Viſcount Melunaà French-Man, who lying at the point of death,
The confeffio touch with compunction is ſaid to reveal the intention, and vow of Louys
(which was utterly to extinguiſh the Engliſh Nation, whom he held vilc,
and never to be truſted, having forſaken their own Şovcraign Lord)
wrought a great averſion in the hearts of the Engliſh, which whether it were
indeed uttered, or given out of purpoſe, it was ſo to be expected, according
to the precedents of all inbrought Foreigners upon the diviſions of a diſtract-
ed people.
And firſt William Earl of Salisbury, moved in blood to ſuccour his Nepa
Divers Lords hew, took away a main piece from the ſide of Louys', and with him the
Earls of Arundel, Warren , William, Son and heir to the great Marſhal,
return to the fidelity of Henry, after ſix months they had revolted to the
ſervice of Louys,which now may be thought was done but to temporiſe, and
try the hazard of a doubtful game,otherwiſe a Brother would not have for-
ſaken a Brother, nor ſo Noble a Father and Son have divided their ſtars.
Notwithſtanding Louys found bands enough to hold London, with all the
Countries about it a whole year after,ſo that the young King was conſtrain-
ed to remain about Gloceſter, Worceſter, and Briſtow, where his wakeful
Miniſters fail not to imploy all means to gather upon whatſoever advanta-
ges could be eſpied, and at length fo wrought as they drew the Enemy from
the head of the Kingdom down into the body, firſt into Leiceſterſhire to re-
lieve the Caſtle of Montforel
, a piece appertaining to Saer de Quincy Earl of
Wincheſter, a great partiſan of Louys,and after by degrees to Lincoln, where
a Noble Lady called Phillippa (but of what Famílý; time hath injuriouſly be-
reft us the knowledge) had, more than with feminine courage defended the
Caſtle, the ſpace of a whole year, againſt Gilbert de Gant, and the French
Forces, which were pofſeft of the Town.
The Earl Marſial, Protector of the King and Kingdom, with his Son,
William, the Bishops Wincheſter, Salisbury and Cheſter, the Earls of Salisbury,
Ferrers, and Albermarle, William de Albinet, Fohn Marſhal, William de Cante-
lupe,Falſafius, Thomas Baffet,Robert Veypont, Brent de Liſle, Geffery Lucy, Phi-
lip de Albinet, and many other Barons and Marſhal Men, being with all the
The forces of power of the young King, (whoſe Forces as they marched grew daily great-
thrown.
er) come to a place called Stow within 8 miles of Lincoln, the Legat Guallo
(to add courage and reſolution to the Army cauſed upon confeſſion of their
lins,the Euchariſt to be miniſtred & gives them a plenary abſolution, folemnly
accurſing
revolt from
Lokys.
Louys over-
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
149
4
Lincoln.
j
concluded the
accurfing Louys with all his adherents , as ſeparated from the unity of the
Church, which done, they ſet forth, and with ſuch violence affail the City
on all ſides, as the defendants (after the Earl of Perch , valiantly fighting
was ſlain) were foon deſeated, and all the principal men taken Priſoners
whereof theſe are nominated, Saer Earl of Wincheſter, Henry de Bohun, Earl
of Hereford, Gilbert de Grant, lately made Earl of Lincoln by Louys, Robert
Fitz Walter, Richard Monfichet,William Mowbray,William Beauchamp,William
Maudit,Oliver Harcort, Roger de Crelly, William de Colevile, William de Ros,
Robert de Ropley, Ralph Chanduit, Barons, Leſides 400 Knights or men at
Arms, with their ſervants, horſe and foot. The number and quality of the
perſons taken, Thew the importance of the place, and the greatneſs of the
Victory, which gave Louys his main blow, and was the laſt of his Battels
in England.
The ſpoils were very great, being of a City at that time rich in Merchan- The ſpoil of
dize, whereupon the winners (in deriſion) termed it Louys his Fair. Many
of thoſe who eſcaped, and fled from this overthrow, were Nain by the
Country people in their diſorderly paſſing towards London unto Louys, who
upon notice of this great defeat,ſends preſentlyover for ſuccour into France,
and draws all the power he had in England, to the City of London, whither
the Earl Marſhal with the young King bend their courſe, with purpoſe ci-
ther to aſſail Louys upon this frelh diſmay of his loſs, and the diſtraction of
his partakers, or induce him by agreement to relinquiſh the Kingdom. The
firſt being found difficult, the laſt is propounded, whereunto Louys would The peace was
not be brought to yeild, until hearing how his ſuccours coming out of
11 of Septem-
France, were by Philip de Albeny, and Hugh de Burg), with the Forces of ber.
the Cinke-ports, all vanquiſhed at Sea, he then hopeleſs of any longer ſur 1218.
fiſting with ſafety, condeſcends to an accord, takes fifteen thouſand Marks Auno Reg.3.
for liis voyage, abjures his claim to the Kingdom ; promiſes by Oath to
work his Father, as far asin him lay, for the reſtitution of ſuch Provinces
in France, as appertained to this Crown; and that when himſelf ſhould be
King,to reſign them in peaceable manner.
On the other part King Henry takes his Oath,and for him the Legat,and
the Protector, to reſtore unto the Barons of this Realm, and other his Sub-
jects all their rights and hicritages, with thoſe liberties for which the diſcord
began between the late King and his people. General pardon is granted ,
and all priſoners freed on both ſides, Louys is honourably attended to Dover,
and departs out of England about Michaelmas, above two years after his firſt
arrival, having been liere in the greateſt part, received King, and was more
likely to have eſtabliſhed himſelf, and made a-Conqueſt of this Kingdom
(teing thus pulled in by others arıns) than the Norman that made way with
own, had not the All-difpoſer otherwiſe diverted it.
Such effects wrought the violence of an unruly King, and the deſperation
of an oppreſſed people, which now notwithſtanding the
Fathers iniquity,moſt
willingly imbrace the Son,as naturally inclined to love and obey their Prin-
ces. And in this recovery, the induſtry of Guallo the Legat wrought much,
though what lie did therein was for his own ends, and the pretended intereſt
of the Pope, whole ainbition had been firſt an eſpecial cauſe of this great anno Reg. 4.
combuſtion in the Kingdom; but as they who work the greateſt miſchiefs, are
oftentimes the men that can beſt repair them, fo was it in this and therefore the
leſs worthy of thanks. The Legat was well paid for his pains, and not-
withſtanding the great diſtreſs of this Kingdom carries away twelve thou-
fand Marks with him to Rome.
O;
But
met
!
*****
H
his
น
IIIO.
1
1
/
150 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
The death of
Earl Marthal.
I
But thus the longeſt afflicted ſtate began to have ſome peace, and yet
with many diſtemperatures at the firſt,ere thoſe virulent humors which the
War had bred were otherwiſe diverted. For many of the Nobles who
had taken part with the King , either unſatisfied in their expectations, or
knowing not how to maintain themſelves and theirs,but by iapine ; fall to
nuutiny, ſurprizing of Caſtles, and making ſpoyls in the Country, as the
Earl of Albemarle, Robert de Veypont,Foulke de Brent,Brian de Lillè, Taugh de
Batlioll, with many other, but at length, they are likewiſe appeaſed, And ſee-
ing the War muſt nurſe, whom it had bred, an action is undertaken for the
Holy Land, whither Ralph Earl of Cheſter, Saer de Quincy Earl of Winche-
ler, William de Albeny Earl of Arundel, Robert Fitz Walter, William de Har.
cort with many others,are ſent with great Forces, beſides, to unburthen the
Kingdom, all ſtrangers, unleſs ſuch as came with Merchandize, are com-
manded to avoid the Land, and all means uſed for the regaining the abili-
ty it had loſt.
And no ſconer had this provident Protector the Earl of Pembrook ſetled
the Protector the Kings affairs, but he dies,to the great regret of the Kingdom ; leaving
behind him a moſt Noble memory of his active worth,and is to be nunibred
amongſt the examples of the beſt of Men, to thew how much the wiſdom
and valour of a potent Subject may ſtead a diſtracted State in time of
danger:
The Biſhop of Wincheſter (imparting the charge with many other great
Councellors) is made Protector of the young King, who in Anno Reg. 4.is
The Kinsa again Crowned and the next year after,hath by Parliament granted for the
i Parliament. Escuage two marks of ſilver of every Knights fee, for the affairs of the
Kirgdom, and recovery of his tranſmarine Dominions, which now is
deſigned, and Malleon de Saveri the Poittouian withWilliam Long ſword Earl of
Salisbury, ſent over into Guien to try the affections of that people, whom
they find, for the moſt part inclinable to the obedience of this Crown. The
King of France is required to make reſtitution of what he had uſurped, but
returns anſwer,That what he had gotten both by forfeiture, and Law of Arms, he
would hold.
To retain amity with Scotlandand peace at home, foan, the Kings Siſter is
given in marriage to Alexander King of Stots; and Margaret, Sitter to the
20
fame King,to Hubert de Burgh, now made Juſticiar of England, and the eſpe-
AnroReg. 5. cal man who guided the greateſt affairs of the Kingdom. Wales, revolting
under their Prince Lewelin,gave occaſion of great charge and trouble to this
Anno Reg: 6.
State in the beginning of this Kings Reign,and long after till it was wholly
fubdued. And a commotion in Ireland, made by Hugh Lacy, is appeaſed by
William Earl of Pembrooke, Son' to the late great Marſhal; and ſome few
years after hath the Kingdom a kind of quierneſs; ſaving that Folcaſius Cor
Foulke de Brent) with certain Chatelains the dregs of War) fortifying the
Caſtle of Bedford, with ſome other pieces of ſtrength, and committing
many outrages, gave occaſion of buſineſs till they were gotten by hard
allault.
But now the King being come to ſome years of underſtanding, was, in a
Parliament holden at London, put in mind by the Archbiſhop of Canterbury
in behalf of the State of his Oath made, and taken by others for him, upon
the peace with Louys for confirmation of the liberties of the Kingdom; for
which the War began with his Father., and being the main baſe whereon
his own good, and that of his people muſt fubliſt, without which the whole
State would again fall aſunder,they would have him to know it be time, to
avoidl
I220.
I 221.
2
}
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
151
;
1
1
I
i
A
avoid thoſe miſerable inconveniences, which the diſunion of Ruleand Obe 1222.
dience might bring upon them all, which though it were impiouſly there Anno Reg*7.
2 Parliament
oppugned (as Princes thall ever find mouths , to expreſs their pleaſures in
what courſe ſoever they take) by ſome Miniſters of his (amongſt whom one
Williain Brewer a Councellor is named) who urged it to have been an Act of
conſtraint, and therefore not to be performed; was, notwithſtanding pro-
miſed at that time by the King to be ratified, and twelve Knights or other
Legat men of every Shire by Writs charged to examine, what were the Laws
and liberties which the Kingdom enjoyed under his Grandfather, and return the
Jame by a certain day, and lo by that uſual ſhift of Prolongation, the buſineſs
was put off for that time to the greater vexation of that following. For du-
ring all his Reign of ſix and fifty years (the longeſt of any king of England)
this put him to the greateſt imbroylment, made him ill beloved of his peo-
ple (ever croſt in his intendments) and far a leſs King, only by ſtriving to
be more than he was the juſt reward of violations.And even this firſt pauſe,
upon the lawſul requiſition thereof, turned the blood, and ſhewed how.ſen-
ſible the State was, in the leaſt ſtoppage of that tender vein: For preſently
the Earls of Cheſter and Albemarle with many other great Men,aſſemble at
Leiceſter with intent to remove from the King Hugh de Burgh chief Juſticiar
and other officers ſuppoſed to hinder this motion.But the Archbiſhop of Can-
terbury by his ſpiritual power,and the reſt of the Nobility, more careful to
preſerve the peace of the Kingdom, ſtood to the King, and would not füffer
any proceeding in this kind, ſo as the Lords effected nothing at that time, but
were conſtrained to come in and ſubmit themſelves. And here the King by Refumptions:
Parliament reſumes ſuch alienations as had been made by his Anceſtors, of
what had appertained to the Crown, whereby he might have the more
means of his own without preſſing his Subjects; but this ſerved not his
The next year after another Parliament is held at Weſtminſter, wherein is
I223.
required the fiftieth part of all moveables both of the Clergy and Layety, Anno Reg: 8 !
for the recovery of thoſe parts in France withheld from this Crown by 3 Parliament
Louys now King, contrary to his oath and promiſe made here in England at
his departure. Which motion, though it concerned the honour and dignity
of his Kingom,(being the inheritance of the King, and the eſtates of moſt
of the Nobility, and other the ſubjects, who had Lands and poſſeſſions in
thoſe parts , which no doubt, they deſired to recover with their utmoſt
means) yet would they not yeild to the grant of this Subſidy,but upon confir-
mation of their liberties, which in the end they obtain'd, in the ſame words
and form as King Folm had granted them in the two Charters before.
And twelve Knights
, or Legal men are choſen in every ſhire, upon their
Oath,to diſpárt the whole Forreſts from the new:: And all ſuch as were found ons.
to have been inforreſted ſince the firſt Coronation of Henry the ſecond to
be diſafforreſted, and diſpoſed at their pleaſure, who were to poſſeſs them.
Whereupon they were laid open, plowed and improved to the exceeding
comfort; and, benefit of the Subject, whereby men, infféad of wild beaſts,
were ſuſtained, and more room made for them to uſe their induſtry.
Two years with great quietneſs, and general content (the bleſſing of a
11:25
State) theſe liberties were enjoyed, when:the King at a Parliament at Oxford, AnnoReg. 10
declaring himſelf to be of lawful age,' and free from cuſtody, to diſpoſe of
the Affairs of the Kingdom, cancels and annuls the Charter of Forreſts, as
granted in his Nonage, having no power of himſelf,' or of his Seal, and
therefore of no validity:And cauſes Proclamation to be made that both the
l
turn.
1
T
7
Disforeſtati-
1
Clergy;
152 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1
the Charters
of Forreſts.
which bred a
4 Parliament. Clergy,and all others if they would enjoy thoſe liberties, ſhould renew their
Charters and have them confirmed under his new Seal.For which they were
conſtrained to pay, not according to their ability, but the will of the chief
Juſticiar, Hugh de Burgh, to whom is laid the blame of this miſchief, which
procured him the general hatred of the Kingdoms and bred a new inſur-
Trection of the Nobility, who, taking advantage upon a breach lately falo
out, between the King and his Brother Richard Earl of Cornewall about
the Caſtle of Barkamſted , appertaining to that Earldom which the King
liad committed to the keeping of one Walleran a Dutchman) joyned with
the Earl, and put themſelves in Arms. For the King maintaining the cauſe
of Walleran,commands his Brother to render the Caſtle which he had taken
from him; or elſe to depart the Kingdom.
The Earl anſwers that he would neither do the one or the other, with-
out the judgement of his Peers; and ſo departs to his lodging, leaving
the King much diſpleaſed with this anſwer. The chief Juſticiar fearing the
diſturbance of the peace, adviſes the King ſuddenly to apprehend the Earl,
and commit him to cloſe cuſtody, but the Earl either through notice, or
doubt thereof, flies preſently to Marleborough, where he finds William Earl
Marſhallhis friend,and confederate by Oath, with whom he haftes to Stam-
ford, and there meets with the Earls of Cheſter, Gloceſter, Waren, Hereford,
Ferrers, Warwick, with divers Barons, and Men at arms: From whence
they ſend to the King, adviſing him to right the injury done to his Brother
The revoking
The cauſe hereof, they impute to Hugh de Burgh, and not to himſelf: Be-
ſides, they require reſtitution to be made without delay, of the liberties of
the Forreſts lately cancelled at Oxford, otherwiſe they would compel him
new inſur-
thereunto by the Sword.
The King, to avoid this danger,appoints them a day to come to an Affem.
1226.
bly at Northampton,where a concord is concluded, and to ſatisfie his Brother,
Anno Reg. II (beſides the rendering unto him his Caſtle) he grants him all that his Mother
s Parliament.
had in Dowre, and whatſoever Land the Earl of Brittain held in England,
with thoſe of the Earl of Bologne lately, deceaſed, and ſo the Parliament
brake up. After this the general motion for the Holy Wars entertains ſome
time. Which ſo ſtrongly wrought in that credulous World, as ſixty thouſand
ſufficient men, are: reported to have undertaken that Voyage; of wliom
Peter Biſhop of Wincheſter, and William Biſhop of Exceſter, are the Lea-
ders.
1227. The King is folicited by Hugh le Brun Earl of March , who had married
Anno Reg.12 his Mother, and by other great Men of Normandy,to come over into France
to recover his right, upon the great alterations hapning in thoſe parts by
this occaſion.
Louys the eighth(who ſucceeded Philip the ſecond)being lately dead, after
his great ſiege of Avignon, and his Wars made againſt the Hereticks Albe-
geois in Provence , leaves the Kingdom to his Son Louys., of the age of
twelve years, in whoſe minority his Mother Blanch, taking uponi her the
Regency, ſo diſcontented the Princes of the blood, as they oppoſe them-
ſelves againſt her holding it both diſhonorable and dangerous, that a Woman
and a ſtranger, by the counſel of Spaniards (whom ſhe advanced above the
French. Hiftory. Naturals of the Kingdom) ſhould govern all according to her pleaſure, and
therefore enter league againſt her. The chief of whom were Philip Earl
of Bologne,'Uncle by the Father, to the King: Robert Earl of Champaigne, De-
ter de Dreux Duke of Brittaigne, and Robert Earl of Dreux his Brother, and
with theſe Hugh the Earl of March takes part, in regard the Queen Regent
liad
rection.
1
1
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third. 153
had erected the Country of Poidłou to a County, and made Earl thereof Al-
phonſo her Son, Brother to the young King, whereby finding himſelf in-
cloſed within that County, he refuſes to acknowledge Alphonfo for Lord, in-
ftigated thereunto by his Wife, a Queen Dowager of England, who could
not comport a ſuperior ſo near her door, inſomuch as they likewiſe draw
in the Earl of Luſignan, Brother to the Earl of March, whc alſo preſuming
upon the greatneſs of his houſe deſcended of Kings, was apt to take their
part, and theſe with the Earl of Brittaigne call in the King of England.
Who after he had exacted great ſumms of the Clergy, of the City of Lon.
don for redemption of their liberties,and taken the third part of all the goods
of the Fews,paſſes over with an Army, lands at St. Mallos, is met by many
Nobles of Poictou, who with the Earl of Brittaigne do homage unto him,
and great preparations are inade to recover ſuch pieces as had been obtain-
ed by the late King of France.
The Queen Regent ſets out a powerful Army to ſtop the proceeding of
the King of England and much miſchief is wrought on both ſides in Poičtou,
Xaintongs, Augoumois, where their Friends and Enemies ſuffer all alike. At
length, ſeeing n10 great good to ariſe by their travel, both weary of the bu-
ſineſs, either a peace or truce is concluded.
The King of England beſides an infinite expence of Treaſure, having loft
divers of his Nobles and other Valiant Men in the journey without any glory
returns home, bringing with him the Earl of Brittaigne and many Poicto-
vians to receive their promiſed reward, which notwithſtanding all the for-
mer expence muſt be wrung out of the ſubſtance of the poor Subjects of
England.
Upon his return, he entertains a purpoſe of marriage with a Siſter of the
King of Scots againſt'which the Earls and Barons of England generally op-
pofe ; alledging it to be unfit that he ſhould have the younger Siſter,when
Hubert his chief Juſticiar, had married the eldeſt; and the Earl of Brit.
taigne , by whoſe counſel he was now much directed, diſſwades him like-
wife from it. To this Earl (after ſupplies obtained towards his expences,and
debts in France) he gives five thouſand Marks, as if remaining of the ſumm
he had promiſed. And for the reſt of the Poičtovians, their preferments and The King
calls his Offi-
rewards were to be had by the diſplacing and ſpoils of his Officers, Recei-
vers,and others,whom now he calls to account,and caſts for defrauding him count
.
in their Offices, of whom Ralph Breton Treaſurer of his Chamber is firſt,
who was committed to priſon and grievouſly fined: Then Hubert de Burgh 1228.
his chief Juſticiar (a man who had long ruled all under him, in a place ever AnnoReg.13
obnoxious to defraction and envy) is called to account for ſuch Treaſure as
paſſed his Office (which was then for all reliefs, and ſubſidies, whatſoever
raiſed on the ſubject) and notwithſtanding he had the Kings Charter for it
during life, yet is he thruſt out of his Office,and beſides accurſed of hainous
Crimes of Treaſon.
No ſooner was this great Officer, and inward Counſellour faln into the
Kings diſpleaſure, but preſently a whole vally of accuſations (which fear in
time of favour held in) were diſcharged upon him, and every act of his exa-
mined,and urged according to the paſſion of the complainers. The City of
London, lays to his charge the execution of their Citizen Conſtantine (in the
time of a ryot committed between their people and thoſe of Weſtminſter, at
a wraſtling in Saint James's Fields, Amo Reg. 4.)as done without Warrant and
Law, and crave Juſtice for his blood, Hubert, 1o avoid this ſudden ſtorm
coming upon him, fled to the Church of Merton for Sanctuary, whence, by
Armed
1
1
cers to ac
154 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
2
ficers.
armed men ſent to purſue him, he is drawn out by force,and committed to
priſon. Of'which violence done contrary to the priviledge of that facred
place, the Biſhop of London, in whoſe Dioceſs it was, complains, and ſo
wrought that he is brought back again to the ſame Chappel. But yet all
that could not ſhelter him
from the Kings wrath, who gives ſtrict command-
ment to the Sheriffs of Hartford and Suſſex, to ſet a guard about the place,
that no ſuſtenance be brought him. Hunger in forces him to commit himſelf
to the Kings mercy and away he is ſent priſoner to the Vizes,his inony left
The King re-
in the cuſtody of the Templars, is brought forth, and ſeiſed into the Kings
moves his Of hands,claiming that, and much more as ſtoln out of his Exchequer. Stephen
de Segrave is put into his Office, a worſe Miniſter for the Common-wealth
(which ſeldom gaits by ſuch ſhiftings) and who muſt íhortly run the ſame
Fortune. Walter Biſhop of Carlile is likewiſe thruſt out of his Office of Trea-
ſurer,and William Rodou Knight, of his place of Marſhal of the Kings houſe,
and all the chief Councellors, Biſhops, Earls and Barons of the Kingdom,
are removed and diſturbed, and only ſtrangers preferred to their rooms.Peter
Biſhop of Wincheſter,lately returned from the Holy Wars,to be the Author
of moſt unholy diſcord at home,is charged to be the cauſé hereof, and with
him one Peter de Rivalis
, now the eſpecial minion about the King.
Theſe ſtrains of ſo ſtrange and inſufferable violences ſo exaſperate the
Nobility, as many (whereof Richard, now Earl Marſhal, upon the death of
his Brother William was chief) do combine themſelves for defence of the
publick,and boldly do ſhew the King his errour,and ill adviſed courſe in ſuffe-
ring Strangers about him, to the diſgrace and oppreſſion of his natural liege people
,
contrary to their Laws and liberties,and that unleſs
, he would reform this exceſs,
whereby his Crown and Kingdom was in eminent danger, he and the reſt of the
Nobility would withdraw themſelves from his Counſel: whereunto the Biſhop
of Wincheſter replies: That it was lawful for the King to call what ſtrangers be
che publick
liſted about him, for defence of his Crown and Kingdom, thereby to compel his
proud and rebellious ſubjects to their own due obedience. With which anſwer
King.
the Earl and the reſt depart with more indignation ; vowing that in this
cauſe which concerned them all, they would ſpend their lives.
Hereupon the King ſuddenly ſends over for whole legions of Poitto-
'vians,and withall ſummons a Parliament at Oxford,whither the Lords refuſe
The Lords re- to come, both in regard they found themſelves deſpiſed, and holding it not
to Parliament fafe by reaſon of thoſe multitudes of ſtrangers. Then was it decreed by the
Kings Counſel that they ſhould be the ſecond and third time ſummoned, to
try whether they would come or not.And here from the Pulpit,whence the
Voice of God to the people is uttered, the King is boldly ſhewed the way to
redreſs this miſchief of the Kingdom, by one Robert Bacon a Fryer Predi-
carit, but more Comically by Roger Bacon (in pleaſant diſcourſe) asking the
King : My Lord, what is moſt nocent to Seamen, and what feared they most? the
King replics : Seamen know that beſt themſelves : then my Lord, I will tell
you:Petre & Rupes,alledging to Petrus de Rupibus Biſhop of Wincheſter.
After this, the Lords were ſummoned to a Parliament at Weſtminſter :
Whither likewſſe they refuſed to come, unleſs the King would remove the
Biſhop of Wincheſter, and the Poiłtovians from the Court, otherwiſe, by the
I232.
Common Council of the Kingdom they ſend him expreſs word, they
Anno Reg.17 would expel him,and his evil Counſellors out of the Land, and deal for the
6 Parliamenti | Creation of a new King.
Upon this threatning, pledges are required of the Nobility to be delivered
by a certain day, for ſecurity of their allegiance. But no act paſſed in this
Parlia-
The Lords
combine for
defence a-
gainſt the
upon fum.
mons.
2
#
;
1
1
1
>
againſt the
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1155
Parliament though divers Lords came thither., as the Earls of Cornewall
Cheſter, Lincolne, Ferrers, and others. In regard the Earl Mareſihall, the Lord
Gilbert Balet, and other Nobles were not preſent. Then were Writs fent out
to all who held by Knights Service, to repair to the King at Gloceſter by a cer-
tain Day: which the Earls Mareſchall and his Aſſociates refuſing, the King
without the judgment of his Court and their Peers, cauſes to be proclaimed
Outlaws, ſeizes upon all their Lands, which he gives to his Poichovians, and
directs our Writs to Attach their Bodies whereſoever in the Kingdom.
The Billiop of Wincheſter to weaken the Party of the Mareſchall
, won
the Earls of Cheſterand Lincolne with a Thouſand Marks, and the King had
ſo pleaſed his Brother the Earl of Cornwall, as he likewiſe left them. Whère-
upon tliey withdrew them into Wales, and confederate with Lewelin and
other great Men in that: Country, (whether alſo came Hubert de Burgh.e-
ſcaping out of the Vizers Caſtle,& joins with them (taking their Oath inters
mutually, that no one without other ſhould make their Accord.)
The King goes himſelf in Perfon with an Army, againſt thoſe revolted The King
Lords into Wales, where he had the worſt of the buſineſs, and much diſho with an Army
nour, returns to Gloceſter, imploys new Forces of ſtrangers, but all without Lords.
ſucceſs. Whereupon a Fryer of the Order of Minors is imployed to confer
with the Earl Mareſchall, and to perſwade him to come in, and ſubmit liim-
ſelf to the Kings Mercy, whom he had lieard to ſay, notwithſtanding his
great Offences, he would Pardon, and reſtore to his Eſtate upon Submiſſi-
on; and beſides, give him ſo niuch of Herefordſhire, as ſhould convenient-
ly maintain him. Beſides, the Fryer told him that he heard other Counſel-
Jors about the King, concerning the wiſhing of his Submiſſion, and in what
form they deſired it ſhould be imparted in private. And then, as of him-
ſelf, he uſes all inducements poſſible to draw him thereunto, ſhewing how
it was his duty, his profit and ſafety, fo to do. Wherewithal the Earl no-
thing moved, told the Fryer what Injury he had received, and that he
could not truſt the King, ſo long as he had ſuch Counſellors about him:
who only fought the deſtruction of him and his Aſſociates, who ever. had
been his Loyal Subjects. And after many Objections made by the Fryer,
with urging the Kings Power, his own weakneſ, and the danger he was
in : the Earl concludes that he feared no danger: that he would never
yeild to the Kings will, that was guided by no reaſon: that he ſhould give
an i'l example, to relinquiſh the Juſtice of his Cauſe, to obey that Will which
wrought all Injuſtice, whereby it might appear, they Loved Worldly Pof-
ſeſſions more than Right and Honour, & c.
So nothing was done, the War continues with much effufion of Blood; all
the borders of Wales unto Shrewsbury, are miſerably waſted, and made deſo-
late. - At length means is uſed to draw the Earl Mareſchall over into Ire-
land to defend his ſtate there, which was likewiſe ſeized upon, by authority
given under the Kings Hand and Seal, and all thoſe great Poſſeſſions deſcen-
ded unto him from his Anceſtor the Earl Strongbow ( the firſt Conquerour
of that Countrey) ſpoiled and taken from him. And here, ſeeking to recover
his Livelihood he loſt his Life, circumvented by treachery: his Death gave
occaſion of Grief, both to his Friends and Enemies. The King diſavows the
ſending of his Cornmiſſion into Ireland, proteſting he never knew thereof, &
diſcharges himſelf upon his Counſellors. A poor ſhift of weak Princes.
After two years. Affliction,a Parliament is Aſſembled at Weſtminſter,where-
in the Biſhops gravely admoniſh the King (by his Fathers example, and his Anno Reg.191
own experience of the miſchief of Diſfention between him and his King- 7 Parliament.
dom,
i
N
0
1234
1
156 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1
1
dom, occaſioned through the ill counſel of his Ministers ) to le at union
with his people, to remove from him ſtrangers and others, by whoſe inſti-
gation, for their own ends, theſe diſturbances are foſtered, and his natu-
ral Subjects eſtranged from him, to the great alienation of their affections,
which was of dangerous conſequence. Wherefore (aſter recital of the
grievances of the State, and the abuſes of his Miniſters, which were ſuch
as all corrupted times produce ) they humbly beſought him to govern his
according to the example of other Kingdoms, by the Natives of the fame,
and their Laws;. Otherwiſe they would proceed by Ecclefiaftical cenſure,
both againſt his Counſellors and himſelf.
The King ſeeing no way to fubfift,and get to his ends, but l:y tein crizing.
conſents to call home theſe Lords out of Wales,reſtores them to their places
and poffeffions, removes thoſe ſtrangers from about him, and calls his new
Officers to account. The Biſhop of W'incheſter, Peter de, Rivallis and
Stephen Segrave thereupon take Sanctuary, but afterward upon Mediation,
the obtained with great Fines their Liberty, dearly paying for their two
Years Eminency and Grace.
Ilabel the Things thus appeaſed, the King gives his Siſter Iſabel in Marriage to the
Kings Sifter,
Married to
Empercur Frederick the Second Succeffor tQ Otho, and Grand-child to Fre-
che Emperour. derick Barbaroſſa :) the Archbiſhop of Cologne, and the Duke of Louaine were
ſent for licr. She is conducted by the King her Brother to Sandwich with
three thouſand Horſe. The Marriage is folemnized at Wormes. She was the
third Wife of this Emperour, an Alliance that yeilded neither ſtrength or be-
nefit ( though that were both their ends) to either Prince. The contrual
Broil which this Emperour held with all the Popes of his time, ( Innecent
the Third, Honorius, Innocent the Fourth, Gregory the Ninth) was ſuch and ſo
great, as all he could do, was not enough for himſelf. For, not to let
go
that hold of the Empire he had in Italy, with his Hereditary Kingdoms of
Naples and Sicile which the Popes wrought to draw to the Church, he was
put to be perpetually in conflict, never free from vcxations, thruſt from his
own courſes, enjoined to undertake the Holy Wars, to waſte him abroad,
weakned at home by Excommunications, and Fines for Abſolutions , for
which, at one time he paid Eleven Thouſand Marks of Gold.
And in the
end the Popes ſo prevailed, that in the Grave of this Frederick was buried
the Imperial Authority in Italy, after he had thus Reigned Four and Thirty
Years, leaving his Son Conrade Succeſſour, rather of his Miſeries, than his
Inheritance. He had a Son by Iſabel, named Henry, to whom he be-
queathed the Kingdom of Sicile, and a Hundred Thouſand Ounces of Gold,
but he Lived not to enjoy it.
To the Marriage of this Siſter,the King gives Thirty Thouſand Marks.bie-
1235. ſides an Imperial Crown, and other Ornaments of great Value: Touards
Anno Reg.201 which is raiſed two Marks upon every Hide Land. And the next Year af-
ter, himſelf Marries Elioner Daughter to Raymond Earl of Provence, a
Match, in regard of tlie diſtance of the place, with the means and degree
of Eſtate, little advantagious either to him or his Kingdom , but the cir-
cumſtance of Alliance drew it on, with ſome other Promiſes, which were
not obſerved. So that he is neither greater nor riclier by theſe Alliances;
but rather leſſened in his Means, having no Dowry with his Wife, full of
Poor Kindred that muſt draw Means from his Kingdoms.
After the folemnization of this Marriage(which was extraordinarily ſump-
tuous ) a Parliament is Aſſembled at London, which the King would have
held in tht Tower, whether the Lords refuſing to come, another place of
inore
1
1
.
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1 57
a
moved for
Corruption.
more freedom, is appointed : where, after many things propounded for the , Sheriffs re-
good of the Kingdom, order is taken that all Sheriffs are removed from
their Offices upon complaint of corruption : and others of more Integrity
and abler Means, (to avoid Bribery) put in their rooms, taking their Oaths
to receive no Gifts, but in Victuals, and thoſe without exceſs.
Here the King diſpleaſes liis Steward, and ſome other Counſellors, and
offers to take from the Biſhop of Chicheſter, then Chancellour, the Great
Seal; but the Biſhop refuſes to deliver it, alledging, how he had it by the
Common Council of the Kingdom, and without allent of the fame, would
not reſign it, and having carried himſelf irreprehenſible in his Office, is
much favoured by the people. Peter de Rivallis and Stephen Segrave , are
again received into grace : An argument of the Kings Levity and Irreſoluti-
on, moved, it ſeems, with any Engine to do and undo, and all out of time
and order, wherein he ever loſes ground. And now fain would he have
revoked, by the Popes Authority, ſome grants of his made heretofore, as
being done beyond his Power, and without the conſent of the Church,
which harſh Intention adds more to the already conceived diſpleaſure of
the People.
Anno Reg. 21. Another Parliament, or the ſame Adjourned is held at Lon y Parliament.
dors, where in regard of the great Expence for his Siſters Marriage, and his
I 237.
own, he requires the Thirtieth part of all Movcables, as well of the Clergy Anno Reg.22
as Laiety. "Whereunto great or poſition is made, and recital of the many
Levics liad been exacted of the Kingdom,now of the Twentieth, now of the
Thirtieth & Fortieth parts : And that it was a thing unworthy & injurious,
to permit a King, who was ſo lightly ſeducable, and never did good to the
Kingdom, either in expelling, or repreſſing Enemy, or amplifying the
bounds thereof, but rather leſſening and fubjugating the ſame to ſtrangers
,
that he ſhould extort by ſo many pretences, lo great ſums from his natural
people ( as from ſlaves of the baſeſt condition ) to their detriment, and bene-
fit of Aliens. Which when the King heard, deſirous to ſtop this general Mur-
mur, promiſed by Oath, that he would never more injure the Nobles of the
Kingdom, ſo that they would benignly relieve him at that preſent, with this
ſupply: in-regard he had exhauſted his Treaſure in the Marriage of hisSiſter,
and his own: whereunto they plainly anſwer, That the ſame was done without
their Counſel, reither ought they to be partakers of the puniſhment, who were free
from the fault : After FourDays conſultation, the King promiſing to uſe only
the Counſel of his natural Subjects, diſavowing and proteſting againſt the
revocation lately propounded, and freely granting the inviolable obferva-
tion of the Liberties, under pain of Excommunication, hath yeilded unto
luim the Thirtietha part of all Moveables (reſerving yet to every Man his
ready Coin, Horſe & Armour to be employed for the Commonwealth.) For
the Collection of this Subfidy, it was Ordained, that Four Knights of every Four Knights
Shire, and one Clerk of the Kings, ſhould upon their Oath, receive and de- of every Shire
liver the ſame, either unto ſome Abbey or Caſtle, to be reſerved there, that (Ordained to
if the King fáil in performance of his Grants, it might be reſtored to the the Subſidy.
Country whence it was collected : with this Condition often annexed, that
the King ſhould leave the Counſel of Aliens, and only uſe that of his Na-
tural Subjects. Wherein to make ſhew of his part, he ſuddenly cauſes the
Earls Warren and Ferrers, with John Fitz Geffery to be Sworn his Counſel-
jors: And ſo the Parliament ended, but not the buſineſs for which it was cal-
led; the King not giving that ſatisfaction to his Subjects, as he had promiſed,
concerning ſtrangers ; and beſides, that Order concluded in Parliament was
P..
3
1
h
not
#
1
ces of the
158 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
not obſerved, in the leaying & diſpoſing of the Subſidy, but ſtricter courſes
taken in the valuing of Mens Eſtates, than was held convenient. Moreover
William Valentine Uncle to the young Queen, is grown only the inward
Man with the King, and poſſeſſes him ſo, as nothing is done without his
Counſel : the Earl of Provence, the Father ; à poor Prince, is invited to
The coming
come over to participate of this Treaſure, which it ſeems was diſpoſed be-
of Simon Mont- fore it came in. Simon de Montfort a French Man Born (Banifhed out of
føre to England France by Queen Blanch ) is entertained in England, and preſerred fecretly
in Marriage to Elioner the Kings Siſter (Widow of William Earl of Pembrook
Great Marſhal) and inade Earl of Leiceſter by right of his Mother Amice
Daughter of Blanchman Earl of Leiceſter. Which courſe (with other) ſo
incenſe the Nobility, and generally all the Subjects, as put them out into a
new commotion ; & Richard the Kings Brother (whoſe Youth & Ambition
The grievan- apt to be wrought upon,) is made the Head thereof; who being as yet Heir
Kingdom.
apparent of the Kingdom (the Queen being young and Childleſs ) the
preſervation of the good thercof, is argued to concern him,& he is the-Man
imployed to the King, to impart the publick grievances, & to reprehend, firſt
the profuſion of his Treaſure (gotten by exaction from the Subject) & caſt
away upon Strangers who only guide him, then the infinite Sums he had
raiſed in his time: How there was no Archbiſhoprick, or Biſhoprick, except
Tork, Lincoln & Ba:be, but he had made benefit by their Vacancies: beſides
what fell Ly Allys, Earldoms, Baronies, Wardships, and other Eſcheats ;
and yet his treaſure, which ſhould be the ſtrength of the State, was nothing
increaſed. Moreover, how he, as if both deſpiſing his, and the Counſel of his
riatural Subjects, was ſo obſequious to the Will of the Romans, & eſpecially
of the Legat whom he had inconſiderately called in, as he ſeemed to
his Foot-lteps, and would do nothing eitlær in publick or private, but by his
conſent, ſo that he ſeemed abſolutely the Popes Feudary, which wounded
1233. the liearts of his people. The King upon this harſh remonſtrance of his Bro-
AnnoReg.23 ther,& the fear of a preſent Commoțion, after he had ſounded the Affecti-
10 Parliament. ons of the Londoners, whom he found reſolved to take part againft him, he
again (by the advice of the Legat, who had earneſtly dealt with the Earl of
Cirnwall to reconcile himſelf
to his Brother, but without effect) calls a Par-
liament at London. Whither the Lords came Armed, both for their own faſe-
ty, and to conſtrain the King (if he refuſed) to the obſervation of the pre-
miſes, and reformation of his courfes:
Here, afrer many debatements the King ( taking his Oatli) to refer the
buſineſs to the order of certain grave Men of the Kingdom, Articles are
drawn, ſealed and publickly ſet up to the view of all, with the Seals of the
Legat, and divers great Men. But before it came to effect, Simon Monfort
working his peace with the Earl of Cornwall, and the Earl of Lincoln like-
wiſe ( with whom he and the State were diſpleaſed) the Earl grows cold
in the buſineſs
. The Lords perceiving the ſtaff of their ſtrength to fail
them, failed themſelves, ſo that nothing is effected, and the Miſeries of the
Kingdom continue as they did.
Shortly after, the King takes diſpleaſure againſt Gilbert Earl of Pembrook
1239 ( the third Son of Williami the Great Marſhal) and cauſed his Gates to be
Annu Reg.24 uut againſt him at Wincheſter ,, whereupon the Earl retires into the North.
And to fhely how incönftant this King was in his favours, Simon Norman
(intituled Maſter of the Kings Seal, and not only ſo; but ſaid to be Màſter
of the Kingdom ; yea of the King, the Rector and Diſpoſer of Court)
is thrown out with diſgrace, the Seal taken from him, and given to
4
1
the
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1 59
t
'1
the Abbot of Eveſham. In like ſort,his Brother Geffery, a Knight Templar, is
put out of the Counſel, both of them much maligned by the Nobility: who
had often before laboured their amovement, as held to be corrupt Counſel-
lors, and Wrongers of the State, and now are they faln off themſelves. But
the cauſe of this their dejection may ſhew, that oftentimes Officers under
weak Princes are not ſo much faulty,as the World holds them to be; for not
yielding to paſs a Grant from the King, made unto Thomas Earl of Flanders
(the Queens Uncle) of four pence upon every ſack of Wool (an enormious
act then accounted) they both loſt their places, though not their reputations
in this ; their fall diſcovering what the envy that attended their Fortune,
hindered men to ſee. To this Earl of Flanders, the next year after the
King grants (notwithſtanding) 300 Marks to be.paid out of his Exchequer
annually for his homage.
Now, beſides the great exaction of the King, and his waſtes: The See of Thomas of sat
Rome extorts huge Summs, as if one Gulph ſufficed not to ſwallow up the woy marieth
ſubſtance of the Kingdom, which opened the mouths of our Clergy fo of the Early
wide, as they let out many exclamations againſt the avarice of' the Popes of dome of Flan-
that time : And the Roman Factors, who by permiſſion on the King, or by held but du-
his negligence, preſumed ſo far upon the eaſie-yieldingneſs of the State, ring hur lite.
as they wrung out what they liſted. Inſomuch, as beſides the Fleece, they
would now have the Bodies of their poſſeſſions. And the Pope ſends his
Mandate to have three hundred Romans preferred to the Benefices which
ſhould be firſt vacant in England; which ſo amazed the Clergy, and eſpecial-
ly Edmond Archbiſhop of Canterbury, as he, ſeeing no end of theſe Concur- Edmont Arch-
fions of the State,and Liberties of the Church ; and himſelf (on whom the bestmop of can-
Scandal of all muſt light, unable by reaſon of the Kings remiſneſs to with over his fee.
ſtand it,tyred with the vanity of worldly actions) gives over all ; and betakes
himſelf to a voluntary exile in the Abbey of Pontiniac in France ; and there
applies him to the Contemplation of a better life. But before his departure,
he yields, as a ranſome for his Church, eight hundred Marks by the Pope.
The Clergy, although thus left by their head, generally oppoſe what they Pope Gregory
could againſt the Popes rapine, who to get Money for his Wars with the Em-
perour, uſed daily new and inſolent preſſures upon them, inſomuch as they
repair to the King, declare how prejudicial and derogatory it was to his Roy-
alty, and the liberty of the Kingdom to ſuffer this proceeding, which none
of his Predeceſſors heretofore ever did; And of how dangerous conſequence
it was to his ſucceſſors. The King, either not apprehenſive of the miſchief
,
or content to joyn with the Pope to puniſh and awe the Kingdom, not
only refers them to the Legat, but offers to deliver the chief oppoſers
up unto him. Whereupon they ſeeing themſelves forſaken, and no power
to ſuccour them but their own, did what they could to withſtand the Le-
gats, proceeding, who now by the Kings animation, preſumes more peremp-
torily to urge them to ſupply the Popes preſent occaſion, and holds à convo-
cation at London for effecting the ſame; Wherein the Clergy declare how
this contribution now required by the Pope for the deſtruction of the Em-
perour,and effuſion of Chriſtian Blood was unlawful, he being notan Here-
tick, nor condemned by the judgement of the
Church, although excommu-
nicated : That it was againſt the Liberties of the Church of England, be-
ing required under pain of Eccleſiaſtical cenfure, as a thing of ſervitude
and compulſion : That they had heretofore given a Tenth to the Pope, on
condition, that never any ſuch exaction ſhould again be made, left it might
be drawn to a Cuſtome, foraſmuch as Binius actus inducat confuetudinem,
That
the ninth.
P a
160
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
Dal L. Ninio.
many Ene-
11
Edward eldeſt
Henry.
Richard Earl
of Cornewall,
undertakes the
Croſs.
William Long Sword Earl of Salisbury, and many other Noblemen. Theſe de-
That for their buſineſs in the Court of Rome, they were to paſs through the
00:1 de Epiſco- Emperours Countries, and the danger they might have thereby : That
it was not ſafe for the Kingdom to impoveriſh the King, who had
mies, againſt whom he muſt have to ſuſtain War : And beſides, how for the
furnithing
of divers Noble men, undertaking of late the buſineſs of the
Croſs, great contributions had been made: That the Church of England
was poor, and hardly able to ſuſtain it ſelf; That a general contribution
was to be made by a general Council, &c.
Notwithſtanding theſe reaſons, though at firſt they ſtaggered the Legat,
yet ſuch courſe was taken by winning ſome of them, upon hope of preter-
ment, as the reſt could not without the note of contumacy, but yield per-
force; ſo, by this treaſon of diviſion, the body of the Council is entred into,
and the Pope prevails in this buſineſs.
The King hath now a Son lately born, and Richard his Brother, Earl of
Son to King Cornwall having likewiſe iſſue(by permiſſion of the State, which heretofore
he could not obtain ) undertakes the Croſs, and with him his Uncle
parting out of England, Peter of Savoy, another Uncle to the Queen, comes
in,and hath the Earldom of Richmond beſtowed on him: with many other
gifts, he is Knighted and feaſted ſumptuoſly, for which the poor Jews by
way of redemption, pay 20000, Marks at two terms of that year. Boni-
face the Sou of Peter of Savoy, Nephew to the Queen, is preferred to the
Archbiſhoprick of Canterbury. After this the King makes an expedition into
Wales, which had often put him to great charge & trouble,having been very
unfortunate, in his many attempls againſt Lewellin, intituled Prince or King
'1240.
of North-Wales ; who being lately dead, had left his two Sons, David and
Anno Reg.25 Griffing, by divſion of State to be at diſcord between themſelves, whereby
he came to make an eaſier end of the buſineſs, & now only but with the ſhew
of his power,got that which heretofore he could not with much blood; hath
ſubmiilion, and fealty rendred unto him by David, with all his charges for
that journey; but now this ended, another attempt of great expence, but;
leſs benefit, is in hand.
The Earl of March with his Wife, the Queen Mother, and many other
great Lords of Poictou, ſo work by their earneſt ſollicitation, with asſurance
of ſucceſs, as the King is induced to undertake another expedition into
France. The matter is moved in Parliament, general oppoſition made
gainſt it,the great expence,and the ill it laſt brought to the Kingdom, ve-
hemently urged, How it was unlawful to break the truce made with the King of
France,. who w.1s now too ſtrong for them to do any good, &c.
Notwithſtanding many of the greateſt Peers, drawn by fair promiſes,
and their own hopes for recovery of their Eſtates, fo prevail
, as the action
is reſolved on, and an aid demanded for the ſame. The very motion for
money was ſo diſtaſteful, as preſently all the Kings ſupplies made from the
beginning of his Reign, are particularly again, and opprobriouſly rcliear-
A repetition ſed, as the 13.15.16.and 40, parts of all mens moveables, beſides Carucage,
of the Kings
Hydage, Eſcuage, Eſcheats
, Amercements, and ſuch like, which could not
ſupplys for-
merly made. but fill his Coffers
. Then the Popes continual exactions, with the inſi-
nite charge for thoſe who undertook the Holy War, are likewiſe re-
peated. Beſides, they declared how the 30 levyed about four years paft (in
regard it was to be laid up in certain Caſtles,and not to be iſſued but by the
allowance of four of the Pcers) was, as they held it, yet unſpent: The
King, to their knowledge, having had no neceſſary occaſion to employ the
fame!
1
ai
.
11 Parliament.
.
1
$
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
161
on into France.
with another
fame, for the uſe of the Commonwealth, for which it was granted, and
therefore reſolutely they denied to yeild him any more. Whereupon, the
King comes himſelf to the Parliament,and in moſt ſubmiſſive manner craves
their aid at this time, urging the Popes letter, which he had procured to
ſollicite and perſwade them thereunto.But all prevailed not, their yow made The King car-
to each other not to deſſever their voices,er to be drawn to a diſunion,held ty barrels of
them faſt together. Inſomuch as the King is driven to get what he could of ſilver into
particular Menneither by gift or loan, and uſes ſuch means, as notwithſtand- France.
ing, he carries over with him thirty Barrels of ſtarling coyn; and taking
with him hišQueen, leaves the government of the Kingdom to the Arch-
biſhop of Tork,having firſt, for his better quiet at home,contracted a match
between his Daughter Margaret (yet an infant) and Alexander eldeſt Son
to Alexander the third King of Scots, to whom he commits the govern-
ment of the Marches.
The ſecond expedition into France, had no better ſucceſs than the firſt
. The Kings ſe-
For therein lie likewiſe conſumed his treaſure upon ſtrangers, diſcontented cond expediti-
the Engliſh Nobility, was deceived in his truſt by the Poictovians, who fail-
ed him with his mony, and after more than a whole years ſtay (the Lords
of England leaving him) was driven to make a diſhonourable truce with the
King of France. And after having been relieved with much proviſion out of An impoſicion
England, and other impoſition of Eſcuage, hie returns, puts the Fews to
of elcuage
another redemption, .exacts of the Londoners, is viſited by his Wives Mo- redeir.ption of
ther,the Counteſs of Provence, who, bringing with her Zanchia her Daugh- the Fews.
ter, is (to add to his other expences) ſumptuonlly feaſted, and a marriage
ſolemnized between the young Lady and Richard Earl of Cornwall, whoſe
Wife was late dead, and he returned from the Holy Wars.
The old Counteſs at her return is preſented with many rich gifts, having The Counters
beſides,received an annual penſion of 4000 Marks out of England for five of Provence
years paſſed, in conſideration of a pact made,that King Henry ſhould, after
Queen comes
her deceaſe have the Earldom of Provence. But ſhortly after her return over into Eng-
land, to the
home, ſhe diſappoints him of that hope ; and beſtows the ſame
great charge
youngeſt Daughter: Beatrix,on Charles the French Kings Brother, who was of the King-
after King of Naples and Sicile. So that ſhe lived to ſee all her four Daugh- dom.
ters Queens : Richard Earl of Cornewall, coming afterwards to be elected
King of the Romans.
Means now upon theſe profuſions, to have freſh ſupply of Treaſure, was
1213
only by way of Parliament, which is again in Anno Reg. 28, aſſembled
at Westminſter, and therein the Kings wants, and the preſent occaſions ur- 2 Parliament.
ged for the neceſſary defence of the Kingdom, having now to do with
Wales and Scotland, whoſe Princes lately revolting, joyn together to an-
noy the famie; but nothing could be effected without the aſſurance of re-
formation, and the due execution of the Laws; notwithſtanding the
King comes again himſelf in perſon as before, and pleads his own ne-
ceſiities. Here they deſire to have ordained, that four of the moſt grave
and diſcreet Peers ſhould be choſen as Conſervators of the Kingdom, and
ſworn of the Kings Council, both to ſee Juſtice obſerved, and the Treaſure
iſſued, and theſe ſhould ever attend about the King, or at leaſt three or two
of them. Beſides, that the Lord chief Juſticiar, and the Lord Chancellour,
ſhould be choſen by the general voices of the States Aſſembled, or
elſe be one of the number of thoſe four. Beſides, they propound that
there might be two Juſtices of the Benches, two Barons of the Ex-
chequer, and one Juſtice for the Jews, and thoſe likewiſe to be choſen by
Parliament.
mother to the
upon her
•28
1
;
I
!
1
P 3
1
162
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
turn
1
letters to the
Parliament,That as their function was publick, ſo ſhould alſo be their election.
But whilcs theſc things were in debating, the Enemy of mankind and di-
ſturber of peace, the Devil (faith Mat. Par.) hindring the proceeding, by
the coming of Martin a new Legat ſent from the Pope, with a larger pow-
cr than ever any before, to exact upon the State; which he ſuppoſed now,
,
likewiſe ſhould be preſently ſupplyed. But making too much halte before
the firſt liad paſſage, he fruſtrates his own deſire, and receives a moſt He-
remptory repulſe of the whole Kingdom, inſomuch as his Agent was dif-
gracefully returned home, with this diſpleaſing meſſage, Tharithe Kingdom
was poor, had great Wars,the Church in debt, not able to yeild any more. Beſides,
this courſe was of dangerous conſequence to this State, which alone ſeemed expoſed
to the Popes will, and therefore ſeeing a general Council was ſhortly ro be held at
Lyons, if the Church would be relieved, it were fit the ſame ſhould be done by
a general conſent in that Council.
The Empe Beſides, at this time the Emperour Frederick, by his Letters which were
cour Fredericks openly read in this Aſſembly, firſt intreats, as before he had oftentimes done,
King.
that the Pope might have no ſupplies out of England, which he ſaid) were only
required to revive him,whom contrary to all Piety and Juſtice he had oppreffedely
Seiſing upon his Cities and Caſtles, appertaining to the Empire. And for many
years (notwithſtanding his often ſubmiſſion and deſire of peace) procecded in all
foul and Hoſtile manner againſt him, both by the ſword, and unjuſt excommuni-
cations. And ſeeing he could obtain no due hearing, bé had referred his cauſe
to be arbitrated by the Kings of England and France, and the Baronage of
both Kingdoms. And therefore deſires he might not receive detriment, whence
be expeited favour, as a Brother and friend: Adding in the end, that if the
King would be adviſed by him, he would by power free this Kingdom from that
unjuſt tribute which Innocentius the third, and other Popes had laid upon it..
Theſe Letters pleaſed thie Aſſembly, and animated them the rather to deny
the Popes Mandate.
The interpoſition of this buſineſs took up ſo much time, as nothing elſe
was done in this Parliament, only they granted an aid to the King, for the
Marriage of his Daughter,twenty Shillings ofevery Knights fee,and that with
much ado, and repetition of all his former aids.
After this,upon a light occaſion, the King undertakes an expedition of great
charge againſt Alexander King of Scots, for which every Baron which held
in Capite,Spiritual and Lay,were commanded to be ready with all Military
Another grie- proviſion due for that ſervice. Whereunto, likewiſe repairs Thomas Earl of
Barons.
Flanders with threeſcore Knights, and a hundred other ſervants (thirſting
for the Kings money) whoſe unneceſſary coming was ill taken ly the Ba-
rons of England, as if the ſtrength of the Kingdom without him, were not
ſufficient for that action, which was as ſuddenly ended as undertaken, by a
fair concluſion of Peace with King Alexander, a Prince highly commended
for his Vertues, by the Writers of that time.
Upon this return, again that Winter he aſſembles another Parliament,
13 Parliaincnt
wherein he moves for an aid, upon a deſign he had for Wales, and to ſup-
ply his wants, pay his debts, which were urged to be ſo great, as he could
not appear out of his Chamber for the infinite clamor of ſuch to whom he
oued for his Wine, Wax, and other neceſſaries of Houſe. But they all to his
face, with one voice, refuſed to grant him any thing. Whereupon other vio-
lent courſes are taken. An ancient quarrel is found out againſt the City of
London, for which they are commanded to pay fifteen thouſaud Marks.
And
vance of the
.
i
I
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third. 163
ces.
4
.
And Pallele:ve the Kings Clerk is imployed with others in a moſt perempto-, Air enquiry a-
bout Lands
ry Commiſſion to inquire of all ſuch Lands,as had been inforreſted, and ei-
inforreſted,
ther to fine the Occupiers thereof, at their pleaſure, or take it from them, which bred
and ſell the fame to others. Wherein ſuch rigour was uſed, as multitudes of great grievan-
people were undone. So unſafe are private mens eſtates, where Princes fall into
great wants. Paſeleve for his good ſervice in this buſineſs ſhould have been
preferred to the Biſhoprick of Chicheſter, but the Biſhops withſtood the
King herein. Now, in regard to Thew the King the eſtate of his Kingdom,
and the oppreſſion of Popes, inquiry was made of the revenues which the An enquiry of
Romans and Italians had in England; which was found to be annually fixty venues inEng-
thouſand Marks, being more than the yearly revenues of the Crown of land.
England, which fo moved the Ring, as he cauſed the ſame to be notified,
with all other exactions, by his procurators to the general Council now
aſſembled at Lyons, which (with the ill uſage of Martin) ſo vexed the Pope,
as he is faid to have uttered theſe words : It is fit that we make an end with the
I 244
Emperour,that we may cruſh theſe petty Kings, for the Dragon once appeaſed or de- Anno Reg.29
troyed, theſe leſer Sn.ikes w. il ſoon be trodden down. Which impious ſpeech
proceeding from ſuch a mouth, whence the Oracles of Peace and Charity
ought to be uttered, was as ill taken,bred great ſcandal,and gave warning to
Princes of prevention; who, though they maligned the corruptions of the
Court of Rome, they were yet ever at one with the Church.
And the Clergy of England were moſt forward to vindicate the State from
that miſerable oppreſſion which of late by degrees they were drawn unto;
through the humility of their zeal : For,ſuch is the nature of Domination,
wherefoever it ſits, that finding an yeildingneſs to endure, it never thinks
it hath power ſufficient, unleſs it hath more than enough: For if the Popes
(the profeſſed ſoveraigns of piety) upon the advantage of mens zeal,and be-
lief, grew to make their will, and their power equal (ſo that to queſtion
their fanctions was taught to be ſin againſt the Holy Ghoſt) no marvel if
fecular Princes, whoſe conſciences are untied, ſtrive to break out into the
wildneſs of their wills from thoſe bounds wherein by the law of the State.
they are placed.
But upon the Popes rejecting the conſideration of theſe grievances of
England which were particularly delivered into thisCouncil atLyons and de-
ſpiting thie Kings meſſage (who he ſaid, began to Frederize) it was abſolute-
ly here ordained under great penalty,that no contribution of mony ſhould
be given to the Pope by any ſubject of England ; and the King, for a time,
buſtles againſt the Foreign exactions, in ſuch ſort as it gave ſome hope of re-
dreſs
. But being of an irreſolute,and wavering nature, and afeard of threats,
ſoon woman-like gives over what he manfully undertook:So that the Pope I 245
continues his former rapine, though having by the continual exclamation of Anno Reg. 30
the Clergy, been brought to promiſe never to ſend any more Legats into
England, yet imploys he other Miniſters, under the titles of Clerks, who
had the ſame power, as had his former Agents, and effected underhand his
defires.
Now the other part of the State have new occaſions of complaint offered:
Peter of Savoy Earl of Richmond brings over certain maids to be married
to yoụng Noble men of England the Kings Wards, of which Edmond Earl
of Lincoln liath one, and Richard de Burgh another. And the ſame year three
of the Kings Brothers by the Mother,Guy de Luſignan, William de Valence and Anno Regzi
I 246.
Athelmar Clerk, are ſent for over to be provided of eſtates in England. Tho-
mas of Savoy (ſometimes Earl of Flanders by right of his Wife) comes with
his
i
1
1
164 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
That he took
froin his Sub-
habuerint in
fouleniis. Kila
ticorum enim
lit librum capit
1
!
M
OIVN.
his Siſter Beatrix Counteſs of Provence. The Queens Mother : and they are
1247
again feaſted and gifted:For which the King is taxed in the next Parliament
Anno Reg 32 convoked in London in Candlemas Term; and beſides ſharply reprehended
19 Parliament. For his breach of promiſe (upon his requiring of another aid) having vowed aud
declared (upon his laſt ſupply) ly his Charter, never more to injure the State in
ečts,quicquid that kind. Beſides they blamed him for his violent taking up of proviſions for dyet,
Wax, Silks, Robes, &c. and eſpecially for Wine, contrary to the will of the ſellers
whereby Marchants both of this, and other Kingdoms withdraw tbeir commo-
[quos, Bigas, dities, inſomuch as all trafique and commerce utterly ceaſes, to the detriment
pina,l'italia
and infamy of the Kingdom. That his Judges were ſent in Circuit under pre-
Rifh.nger. text of Fuſtice to flecce the people. That Robert de Falſeleve had wrung from
ihe borders of Forreſts, for incroachments of aſarts, great fumms of Money, and
therefore they wonder he ſhould now demand relief from the impoveriſhed Commons;
and adviſed him ſince his needleſs expences ( poftquam Regni cæpit eſſe dila-
pidator ( amounted to above 800. thouſand pounds ) that he ſhould pull from his
favourites inriched with this Treaſure of the Kingdom, and revoke the old Lands
of the Crown.
Then they reprove him for keeping vacant in his hands Biſhopricks and
Abbys, contrary to the literties of the Church and bis Oath made at his Coronati-
09. Laſtly, they all generally complain for that the Chief Juſticiar, Chancellor and
Treaſurer, were not made by the common Council of the Kingdom, according as
they were in the time of his Magnificent Predeceſors, and as it was fit and expe-
dient ; bitt fuck_advanced, as followed his will
, in what ſoever 'tended to his
gain, and fought not promotion for the good of the Kingdom, but their
The King patiently indures this reprehenſion, in hope to obtain his deſire
and gives them promiſe of redreſs, but nothing is effected, after many
meeetings and much debate the Parliament is prorogued till Midſommer for-
lowing, during which time, they would with Patience expect how the King
would bear himfelf towards them; that accordingly they might obey, and
ſatisfie his deſire.
But this delay wrought no good, the King through ill Counſel
grows
more obdurate, and harſh to his people, inſomuch as at the next Seſſion he
The Kings makes his ſpeech: Would you curb the King your Lord, at your uncivil pleaſure,
(peech in Par-
liament.
and impoſe a férvile condition upon him ? will you deny unto him what every one
of you, as you liſt may do : It is lawful for every one of you to uſe what counſel he
will
, and every maſter of a Family to prefer to any office in his houſe wbom he
pleaſes, and diſplace again when he lift , and will you” rafhly deny your Lord and
King to do the like : Whereas ſervants ought not to judge their maſter , and
Subjects their Prince, or hold them to their conditions. For the ſervant is not
above his Lord, nor the Diſciple abode his miſter.
Neither ſhould he be your King
but as your ſervant, who should ſo incline to your pleaſures: wherefore he will
neither remove the chief Juſticiar, Chancellor, nor Treaſurer, according to
their motion, In like manner finds he anſwers to the reſt of their Articles and
for the aid he required, it concern'd (he faith atheir Rights as well as his.
And ſo the Parliament break up in diſcontent.
The King is adviſed to furniſh his wants with the ſale of his Plate & Jewels
of the Crown,being told that as all Rivers have reflux to the Sea, ſo all theſe
Clans,anno 48, things, though ſold and diſperſed, would revert again unto him, and there-
49 Henry 3. fore it should not move him;and having with great loſs received money for
Bėginning
this ware he enquires who had brought it, anſwer was made the City of Lon-
don ; that City, faid he, is anunexhauſtible Gulph: if Octavius treaſure were to
bel
A
firit with fale
of Land.
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third. 165
layeth the or
nainents and
Edwardsthrine;
1
Å
4
be fold they would ſurely billy it, and therewithal inveighs againſt the City,, then of Jewels,
which had ſo often ſerved his turộ, and diviſes all means to vex the ſame, cognizand aliter
cauſing ſhortly after a new.Fair to be kept in Weſtminſter, forbidding under his Crown,
great Penalty all exerciſe of Merchandiſe within London for fifteen days, wetene har en
and all other Fairs in England, and namely that of Ely. This novelty came nor pawns of
to nothing, the incouveniency of the place, as.it was then, ad the foulneſs of his own, he
of the weather brouglit more affiction than benefit to the Traders.
That Chriſtmas alſo (without reſpect of Royal magnificence) he requires Levels of Saint
New years gifts of the Londoners, and ſhortly after Writes unto them his let-
gives over
ters imperiouſly deprecatory, to aid him with Money, which, with much houſe-keeping
grudging they do, to the ſumm of 20000 pounds, for which, the next 1218.
Year after craveth pardon of the City, ſending for them to Weſtminſter- Anno Reg.33
Hall. And notwithſtanding his continual taking up all proviſions for his The King re-
Houſe, he ſo much leffens his hoſpitality, (introducing, ſay they, the Ro-
years gitis.
man cuſtom of dyet) as was held very diſhonourable, and unuſal to the
Engliſh Magnificence of
Court
.
Then wliere le could obtain nothing of the States together, he calls un-
to liim, or writes to every Noblc-man apart, declaring liis Poverty,and how
he was bound by Charter in a Debt of 35. thouſand pounds to thoſe of Bur-
deaux, and the Gaſcoigns, ( who otherwiſe would not ſuffer him to depart
home at hiş laſt being in France ; notwitſtanding he required nothing but of
favour, which where he found, he would return with the like. And failing
likewiſe therein, he addreſſes his Letters to the Prelates, where he finds as lit-
ile relief. By much importunity, and his own preſence, he got of tee Aq-
Lot of Rair ſey. ioo pounds ; but the Abbot of Borough had a face to refuſe
him the like fum; though the King told him it was more Alms to give
unto, him, than to a begger that went from door to door : the Abbot of
St. Albanes yet was more kind, and gave him 60 Marks. To this lowneſs,
did the neceſſity of this indigent King (through his profuſion) decline him.
The Jews ever expoſed to his will, feel the weight of theſe his wants, and
their Eſtates are continually ranſackt. One Abraham founda Delinquent, re-
deems. himſelf for 700 Marks. Aaron another Jew, proteſts, the King had
ſince his laſt being in France, taken from him at times, thirty thou-
ſand Marks of tilver ; beſides he had given 200 Marks of Gold tº the
Queen.
The Lords Aſſemble again at London, and preſs him with his promiſe
made unto them, that the chief Juſticiảr, Chancellor, and Treaſurer might
be conſtituted by the general Council of the Kingdom; but, by reaſon of
1249.
the abſence of Richard Earl of Cornwall, which was thought to be of pur-
poſe, they return fruſtrate of their deſire. Șo that diſcontentment ſtill goes
on, and neither ſide get any thing but by hard wrestings which became thein both
ill
, and ſhew us the miſeries of a diſ-joynted time.
The King labours the Covent of Dureſm to prefer. his Brother Athelmar
to the Bilprick; the Covent refuſes him, in regard of his youth and in-
ſufficiency; the King anſwers that then he would keep the Biſhoprick eight or The Kings
nine years more in his hand, till bis Brother were of more maturity. Shortly af- speech to the
ter the Bishoprick of Wincheſter falls void; and thither he ſends preferit- Wincheſter
.
ly his ſolicitors to prepare the Monks of the Cathedral Church, to elect his
Brotlier; and for that he would not have alſo their repulſe, he ſuddenly goes
thither hiinſelf in perſon, enters the Chapterliouſe as a Biſhop or Prior,gets
up into the Preſidents Chair, begins a Sermon, takes his text: Juſtice and
Peace hath kiſſed each other,and'thereupon uſeth theſe words: Tome and other
Kings,
1
Anno Reg.34
1
1'
{
جا
1
166
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1
Kings, and to our Princes and Juſticiars, who are to govern the people, belongs the
rigour of Fudgment and Juſtice : to you, who are men of quiet and religion, peace
and tranquillity ; and this day I hear, you have (for your own good) been favor!-
rable to my requeſt. Juſtice and Peace hath kiſed each other. Once I was offended
with you for withſtanding me in the election of William Rale your late Biſhop, a
man I liked not; but now I am friends with you for this, and will both remember
and reward your kindneſs
. As by a Woman came deſtruction to the World, so
by a Woman came the remedy. I to ſatisfie my Wife,deſirous to prefer her Uncle
William Valentine, diſquieted and damnified you; ſo now, willing to advance my
Brother, by the Mother, will reconcile my ſelf unto you, &c. And you are to
conſider how in this City I was born, and in this Church Baptized. Wherefore
you are bound unto me in a ſtraighter bond of affection, SC. Then commends he
the high birth and good parts of his Brother, and what honour and benefit they
ſhould buve by electing him, but concludes with ſome threatning. So that the
Monks ſeeing him thius to require the Biſhoprick, held it in vain to deny him ;
and Athelmar is elected, though with this reſervation; if the Pope allowed there-
The cauſe of of. Shortly after follows the memorable cauſe of Sir Henry de Bath a Juſti-
Sir Henry Bath
ciar of the Kingdom,and an eſpecial Councellour to the King, who by cor-
ruption had attained to a mighty Eſtate, and is ſaid in one circuit to have
gotten 200 pound land per annum,he is accuſed by Sir Philip Darcy of falſe-
1250.
hood in the Kings Court,and the King ſo incenſed againſt him as in the Par-
Anno Reg: 35
liament about this time holden in London, Proclamation is made, that who-
15 Parliainent. foever had any action or complaint againſt Henry de Bath, ſhould come and
be heard:One of his fellow Juſticiarsaccuſed him of acquitting a malefactor
for a bribe. The King ſeeing the friends of the accuſed ſtrong, breaks out
into rage, proteſting that whoſoever would Kill Henry de Bath Thould be ac-
quitted for the deed , but afterwards he becomes pacified by the Earl of
Cornewall, and the Biſhop of London, Who urged the danger of the time, the diſ-
contentment of the Kingdom, and how the proceeding in ſuch a manner with one of
bis Council, whom he had uſed in ſo great bufineſs, would diſcourage other's
to ſerve ſuch a Maſter,who upon malicious accuſations ſhould ſo forſake them, whoſe
plüces were ever expoſed to envy and detraction. And thereupon Sir Henry is re-
lcafed paying 2000 Marks, and after reſtored to his former place and fa-
vour.
The King keeping his Chriſtmas at Tork, the marriage is ſolemnized
between Alexander King of Scots, and Margaret his Daughter, the ryot of
with Alexander which feaſt with the vain expences of apparel (the note of a diſeaſed time)
folemniz'd at is deſcribed by our author, who amongſt other things,reports how the Arch:
York.
biſhop gave 60 fat Oxen, which were ſpent at one meal, beſides, that feaſt
coſt him 4000 Marks, which ſhews, the poverty of the Church, was not.
ſo great as it was pretended to be ſeeing when they would ſhew that glory
they could find what they denied at other times.
The Pope ſollicites the King to undertake the Croſs, and ſo doth Alphon-
France priſoner Sus King of Caſtile : Offering to accompany him in Perſon to reſcue the King
by the soldiar. of France : Who having even emptied his Country both of Treaſure and
Nobility, was now taken priſoner by the Soldian,and held in miſerable cap-
tivity. A ranſom collected for him in France ; with great vexation, is by
tempeſt caſt away on the Sea, other means are made for Treafure, which
could not eaſily be had: The Captive King offers to reſtore Normandy to the
King of Englaud ſo he would come to his reſcue. Which, the Nobility of
France takes ill and diſdains the weakneſs of their King, upon the Popes ſol-
licitation and the grant of a Tenth of the Clergy and Layety for three years
1
The marriage
of Margaret
1
to
1
The Life and Reign of Henry. the Third. 167
1
+
I251.
1
5
1
to come to the King of England undertakes the Croſs , -råther it ſeems toget, The King of
the money than with any purpoſe to perform the journey. Which had it England under
been collected would (faith Paris) having amounted to 6oo thouſand pound, Croſs.
to the utter impoveriſhing of the Kingdom, which was. tliat they both
ſought,bur by ſeveral ways for many now began to diſcover that the Pope,
by this imbarking the Princes of Chriſtendom in this remote and conſuming
War, to waſte them, their Nobility and Kingdom, was only but to extend
his own power and domination.
The King by Proclamation calls the Londoners to Weſtminſter, and there
cauſes the. Biſhops of Worceſter and Chiceſter, to declare his intentions, and annoReģ.36.
exhort the people to undertake the Croſs and attend him; but few are
moved by their perſwalions, only three Knights ( and they of no great
note ).are nominated, whom the King preſently,in open view imbraces
, kiſ-
ſes and calls Brethren,checking the Londoners,as ignoble mercenaries,for that
few of them were forward in this action; notwithſtanding he there takes his
Oath for performing the fame, & to ſet forth preſently upon Midſummer
day next: In taking his oath, he lays hisright hand on his breaft (according
to the manner of a Prieſt) and after on the book,and kiſt it, as a Lay man.
A Parliament about this Tenth ( granted by the Pope but not the people)
is called at London, the Biſhops are firſt dealt withal ( as being a work of pie-
tyto induce the reſt; they abſolutely refuſe the fame:then the Lords are ſet
upon,they anſwer: What the Biſhops ( who were firſt to give their voice)confent
unto,they would allow the ſame: this ſhuffling put the King into fo great rage as and Lords -
he drave out all that were in his Chamber, as he hed been mad.Then falls he mythe Kirs,
to his former courſe,to, perſwade them apart, ſends(firſt for the Biſhop of Ely the tent, gran-
deals with him in all mild and kind manner, recounting the many'favours Pope.
he had received at his hands : how forward he had found him beretofore to ſupply
his occaſions; and intreats him now to give good example to others, &c. The Bi-
ſhop replies, He was glad at any time to have done him acceptable ſervice, but in
this, for himſelf, to go from that form, the univerſality of the ſtate had determia
ned; he held it a diſhoneſt act; and tberefore befought his Highneſs he would not
urge him thereunto, diſſwadirg him from that journey by the example of the
King of France, on whom he might ſee the puniſiment of God to be fáln, for his
rapine made on his peoples ſubſtance, wherewith he had now inriched his Enemies,
who were grown fat with the infinite treaſure of the Chriſtians transported into
thoſe parts.
The King ſeeing the teſolution of this grave Biſhop, in great paſſion com.
manded his fervants to thruſt him out of door, perceiving by this what
was to be expected of the reſt; and ſo falls to his former violent courſes. The ſpeech of
During this Parliament (an ill time for futors) Iſabel Counteſs of Arundel Iſabel Coun-
(Widow) comes unto him about a Ward detained from her, in regard of a .del to the King
ſmall parcel of Land held in Capite (which drew away all the reſt) the King
giving her a harſh anſwer and turning away,ſhe ſaid únto him: My Lord,why
turn you away your face from Juſtice , that we can obtain no right in your Court
. ?
you
are conſtituted in the midſt betwixt God and us ; but neither govern, your
ſelf nor us diſcreetly as you ought, you ſhamefully vex both the church and No-
bles of the Kingdom by all means you may. To which Speech the King diſdain-
fully replies: Lady Counteſs, hath the Lords made you a Charter and ſent
you (for
that you are an Eloquent ſpeaker. ) to be their advocate and
prolocutrix ? No Sir,
Sith ſhe) they have not made any Charter to.me. But the Charter which your.
father and you made, and ſwore ſo often to obſerve, and ſo often extorted from
your ſubjects their mony for the ſame, you unworthily tranfgreſs, as a manifeft:
breaker
ted by the
н
1
M
+
HI
1
"
yi
1
.
2
1
I
1
168
The Life and Reign of Henry, the Tbird. ,
1
4
.
proved by the
breaker of your Faith, Were are the Liberties of England, so often written, so
often granted, ſo.often bought? 1 (thoughn Woman, and with me all your natu:
ral and faithful Peoples : appeal againſt you to the Tribunal of that High Judg
above And Heaven and Earth ſhall be our Witneſsbithat you have moſt una
juftly dealt with us, and Lord God of Revenge; Avenge us. Herewithal the
King diſturbed, asked her, if ſhe expected no Grace from him, being his King-
woman: How ſhall I hope for Grace, faid ſhe, when you deny me right? And I
appeal before the face of Chriſt againſt thoſe Counſellers of yours; whd, orily.
greedy of their own gain, have bewitched and infatnated you.
Thc King se-
As boldly, though in fewer words, is he Reproved by the Maſter of the
Maſter of the Hoſpital of feruſalem in Clerken-well, who coming to complain of an In..
Hoſpital of jury committed againſt their Charter, the King told him: The P.relates, and
sferufalem. eſpecially the Templars and Hoſpitalers, had ſo many Liberties and Charters, that
their Riches made thèm Proud, and their Pride Mad, and that thoſe things whichi
were unidviſedly granted, were with diſcretion to be revoked; and alledges loiv!
the Pope had often recalled his own grants, with the Clauſe non obſtante, and why
ſhould not be calheer tköſe Charters inconſiderately granted by him, and his Pre-
deceffors ? What ſay you Sir ( ſaid the Prior,) God forbid To ill a word ſliould:
proceed'out of your
Mouth. So long as you obſerve Jéſtice you may be a King
and as ſoon as you violate the ſame, you ſhall leave to be a King.
The Fryer
Minors, to whom he had ſent a Load of Frees to Cloath them,
returned the ſame with this Meſſage: That lié ought not to give Alms of
what he had rent from the Poor, neither would they accept of that abomina-
ble gift
. With theſe and many ſuch like bold Incounters ( ill becoming the
Obedience of Subjects:) is this King affronted: to flew us the ill complexti-
' || :
on of the time, and how miſerable a thing it is for a Prince ro loſe his Re-"
putațion, and the Love of his People, whereby they botli liave their vexa-
tions.
Strangers And Daily more and more hardned he is againſt the Engliſh whereby
Stangers are made ſo Inſolent; as they commit inany Riots'anid Oppreſſions
in the Kingdom. William de Valeche ( whoſe Youth and Preſumption went
whicli way his Will led'ltim) goes from his Caſtle of Hartford to a Park of
the Biſhop of Eley, lying near his Mannor of Hatfield, where after having
ſpoiled much game he enters into the Biſhops Houſe,& finding no Drink but
Ale, cauſes the Cellar Door being ſtrongly barred, to be broken open:by his
people, who after they had drunk their fill, let out the reſt on the floor.
But a greater violence that this was offered to an Official of the Archbiſhop
of Canterbury.by the Commandment of the Elect of Wincheſter ( the one
Brötlier to the Queen, the other to the King ) which troubled them both &
gave them much to do before it was appeafedi, Guy de Lufignan, the other
Brother of the King coming as a gueſt to the Abbot of S. Albans, violates
thie Riglits of Hoſpitality, and many otlier Injuries are reported by our Au-
thor to have been committed by:Strangers, and much complaint is made of
that time, wherein, this was ſaid to be the uſual cxclamation ; 'Our Inheria
tance is given to Aliens
, and our Houſes to Strangers, which notwithſtanding
the King ſeeks ſtill to'prefer.
*A-Daughter of 6xyde Luſignan: Earl of Arigoleſme, is Married to Richard
(or Gilbert de Clare ) Earl of Gloceſter, a Man:Eminent, and dearly Loved of
tlie Nobility, Learnied in the Laws of the Land, and lield a great 'Patriot':
whichi Manacle of Alliance lock'd not yet his Hands from defending the
Liberties of liis Country ; the King promiſes her a Dowry of five Thouſand
Märks, which he fought to borrow of divers, but could not :
The
i....
commit Riots.
2
11
1
F
#
The Life and Reign of Henry the Tbird. 169
for it;
ment.
The City of London is again compelled to the Contribution of 1000 Marks ;
and the Gaſcoignes being upon Revolt (unleſs ſpeedy Remedy were taken)
general Maſters are made, and. Commandment given, that whoſoever could
diſpend thirteen Pounds per annum, ſhould furniſh out a Horſe-man. · This,
with the extream Wants of the King, occaſions another Parliament, wherein
the State began, it ſeems, wiſely to conſider, that all their Oppoſitions did
no good, the King's Turn muſt be ſerved one way or other, ſome muſt pay
and where it lighted on Particulars, it was far more heavy than it
could be in general: and therefore they agreed to relieve him, rather by the
uſual way, than force him to thoſe extravagant Courſes which he took. But
ſo, as the Reformation of the Government, and Ratification of their Laws,
might be once again folemnly confirmed.
And after fifteen days Conſultation to ſatisfie the King's Deſire, for his ho-
ly Expedition (a Tenth is granted by the Clergy) which yet by view of a Tenth and
the Lords, ſhould, upon his ſetting forth, be diſtributed for three Years; and Scurage grane-
ed by Parlia-
Scutage, three Marks of every Knights Fee, by the Laity for that Year. And
now again thoſe often confirmed Charters are ratified, and that in the moſt
ſolemn and ceremonial Manner, as Religion and State could ever deviſe
to do.
The King with all the great Nobility of England, all the Biſhops and chief
1253.
Prelates in their reverend Ornaments, with burning Candles in their Hands, Anno
aſſemble to hear the terrible. Sentence of Excommunication againſt the In- Reg. 37.
fringers of the fame. And, at the lighting of thoſe Candles, the King ha-
ving received one in his Hand, gives it to a Prelate that ſtood by, ſaying, It
becomes not me, being no Prieſt, to hold this Candle, my Heart fhall be a greater
Teſtimony, and withall, laid his Hand ſpread on his Breaſt the whole time the
Sentence was read, which was thus pronounced : Autoritate Dei omnipoten-
tis, &c. Which done, he cauſed the Charter of King John his Father, granted
by his free Conſent, to be likewiſe openly read. In the end, having thrown
away their Candles, (which lay ſmoaking on the Ground) they cryed out; So
let them who incur this Sentence be extinit, and ſtink in Kell : And the King
with a loud Voice ſaid, As God me help, I will, as I am a Man, a Chriſtian,
Knight, a King Crowned and Anointed, inviolably obſerve all theſe things. And
therewithal the Bells rung out, and all the People ſhouted with Joy.
Never were Laws amongſt Men (except thoſe Holy Commandments from
the Mount) eſtabliſhed with more Majeſty of Ceremony, to make them reve-
rend and reſpected, than were theſe: they wanted but Thunder and Light-
ning from Heaven (which if Prayers could have procured, they would like-
wilé have had ) to make the Sentence ghaſtly and hideous to the Infringers
thereof. The greateſt Security that could be given was an Oath (thc only
Chain on Earth, beſides Love, to tye the Conſcience of a Man and Humane
Society together) which, ſhould it not hold us, all the frame of Govern-
ment and other muſt needs fall quite aſunder.
Now the Buſineſs of Gaſcoigne (that required preſent care) is in Hand, The King re-
which the better to know, we muſt return to the Head whence it ſprung: fumes Gaſcoign
Twenty ſeven Years paſt, the King, by the Counſel of the Lords, freely grant ther Richard;
ed to his Brother Richard all that Province, who is there received as their Lord, gives it to his
with their Oaths of Fealty made unto him; and ſo continues, untill the King, Edweardo
having Iflue of his own, (by motion of the Queen) revokes bis Gift, and
confers it upon the eldeſt son Edward. Richard, tho he were deprived of
the Polleffions, would not yield to forego his Right, and at the Kings laſt be-
ing in Gaſcoigny, many of them ſtood doubtful whom to attend; the King
Q
in
1
170 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
*
in great Diſpleaſure commanded his Brother to reſign his Charter, and re-
nounce his Right; which he refuſing to do, the King commands thoſe of Bur-
deaux to take and impriſon him; but they (in regard of his high blood, the ho.
mage they had made him, and the King's Mutability, who might repent his
own Commandment) would not adventure thereon. Then he aſſails them with
Money, which effected more than his Commandiment: The Earl is in danger
to be ſurpriſed, eſcapes out of Burdeaux, and comes over into England.
The King aſſembles the Nobility of Gaſcoigny at Burdeaux ; inveighs a-
gainſt his Brother: A man, ſaid þe, was covetous and a great Oppreffur, a large
Promiſer, but a ſpare Payer ; and that he would provide them of a better Go-
vernour : Withall, promiſes them thirty thouſand Marks (as a price of their
Obedience) and fo nullifies the Charter of his former Donation, with their
Homage, and takes thereof Fealty to himſelf. Which yet they would not
make unto him, till he had inwrapt himſelf both by his Charter and Oath
for this promiſed Sum: whereunto they ſo held him, as thereby afterward
Simon Monfort, they loſt his Love. And to be revenged on them, he ſends Simon Monfort
Earl of Leice- Earl of Leiceſter, a rough and martial Man, to maſter their Pride: makes
fler, ſent into
him a Charter for ſix Years to come, and furniſhes him with 10000 Marks,
Gaſcony.
the better to effect his Command. Monfort, by his ſtern Government, ſo dif-
contents the Gaſcoigns, as after three Years ſuffering, they ſend the Arch-
Biſhop of Burdeaux, with other great Men, to complain of his hard dealing,
and accuſc him of heinous Crimes: Their Grievances are heard before the
King and his Council. Monfort is ſent for over, to anſwer for himſelf: the
Earl of Cornwal, for his received Wrong in thoſe Parts, and the Lords of
England for their Love to him, take Monfort's Part; and that ſo eagerly, as
the King comes about to favour and countenance the Gaſcoignes againſt Mon-
fort; not for his Love to them, but to awe and abate the other. Whereup-
on Monfort enters into úndutiful Conteſtation with the King, upbraids him
Monfort's Con
with his expenceful. Service; wherein he ſays, he had utterly conſumed his
teſtation with Eſtate; and how the King had broken his Word with him: and requires
the King.
hiin either to make it good according to his Charter, or render him his Ex-
pences. The King in great Rage told him, no Promiſe was to be oblerved
with an unworthy Traytor: Wherewith Monfort riſes up, proteſting, that
he lyed in that Word; and were he not protected by his Royal Dignity, he
would make him repent it. The King commands his Servants to lay hold on
him, which the Lords would not permit. Monfort thereupon grew more
audacious, ſaying, Who will believe you are a Chriſtian? Were you ever
confefled ? If you were, it was without Repentance and Satisfaction. The
King told him, he never repented him of any thing fo much, as to have per-
mitted him to enter into his Kingdom, and to have honoured and inſtated
him as he had done.
The Gaſcoignes, after this, are privately ſent for by the King, who gives
then all comfort, and encourages them againſt Monfort, whom yet he would
Monfort return again ſend over to his Charge, but with clip'd Wings, whereby both himſelf
and they might the better be revenged on him; and withal, confirms the
Charge.
ſtate of Gaſcoigne to his Son Edward, whom he promiſed them ſhortly to
ſend over, wherewith they are much pleaſed, and after they had done their ho-
mage to the Prince, depart. The Effect of this confuſed and ill-pack’d Buſineſs
was ſuch, as all indire&t Courſes produce. Monfort returns in flames to plague
the Gaſcoignas, and they in like manner him; but he, by his great Alliance in
France, draws together ſuch a Power, as beyond Expectation, he over-match-
es: the Gaſcoignes, whoſe Eſtates he expoſes to ſpoil, and therewithal
entertaing
ed to his
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
171
marries Elio-
ner, Siſter to
entertains great collected Armies. They again ſend over their Complaints,
and unleſs they were ſpeedily relieved, they of force muſt put their Coun-
try into ſome other hand, that would protect them.
And in this ſtate ſtood Gaſcoigne now at the time of this laſt Parliament,
whither the King, upon this late ſupply granted (omitting his Eaſtern Enter: The King goes
prize) goes with 300 Sail of great Ships, and lands at Burdeaux in Auguſt, coigne with
Anno Reg. 38. Having firſt depoſed Simon Monfort fron the Government 300 great
Ships.
there, and makes void this Charter by Proclamation. Monfort retires from
thence and is offered entertainnient by the French, but refuſes it. Before Win-
ter, the King had in ſome ſort appealed the Gaſcoignes, and taken in ſuch Ca-
ſtles as had long held out againſt him, and the late Governour. For they,ha-
ving put themſelves under the Protection of the King of Spain, who being
ſo near a Neighbour and the Diſcontents and Factions of the Country ſtrong,
cauſed the King of England, with more Haſt and Care, to look to his work, Alliance with
the King of
and the rather, for that the King of Spain pretended Title to Aquitain ; of
Spain.
whom that King Henry might be the more ſecure, he fends to treat with him
of a Marriage betwixt Prince Edward and his Siſter Elioner; whereunto the
King of Spain willingly conſents.
The King of England keeps his Chriſtmas at Burdeaux. The Queen fends 1254
him a New-years-gift of 500 Marks, and the next Summer, with the Anno.
Prince gocs over unto him. The Marriage is folemnized at Burgos, where Reg. 38.
the King of Spain Knights the Prince, and by his Charter quits his Claim to Prince Edward
Aquitain, for him and his Succeſſors for ever. The King of England inveſts
the Prince and his Wife therein, and beſides gives unto him Ireland, Males, the King of
Briſtol, Stamford and Grantham. This Buſineſs diſpatched, the King prepares
Spain.
to return, having conſumed all whatſoever he could get in his Journey, which
with the other two he had before made, was reckoned to have coſt him twen-
ty ſeven hundred thouſand pounds, and was ſaid to be more than all the
Lands he had there ſhould they be fold) were worth; which, when he
was told, he willed it might not be revealed in publick to his Diſgrace.
Now in regard of Danger by Sea, he obtains leave of the King of France King Henry
(lately returned from Captivity) to paſs through his Country, and comes comes to Paris
to Paris with a icoo Horſe, beſides Sumpters, and Carts, where he ſtays Horſe, is feaſt-
eight Days, is ſumptuouſly feaſted, and with as great Magnificence, feaſts the ed by the
King of France.
King of France. This meeting, in regard of the two Queens Siſters, and their
other two Siſters the Counteſs of Cornwal and Provence (who were like-
wife afterward Queen) was made the more triumphant and ſplendidous.
The King about Chriſtmas arrives in England, and the firſt that paid for his fines the Lon-
coming home were the Londoners and the Jews. The Londoners preſenting
him with a 100 pounds, were returned without thanks : then being perſwa-
ded, that Plate would be better welcome, they beſtowed 200 pounds in a
fair Veflel: that had ſome thanks, but yet ſerved not the turn. An offciice
is found, about the eſcaping of a Priſoner, for which they pay 3000 Marks.
Now complains he of his Debts, which he ſays to be 300000 Marks, and
how his own means was diminiſhed by the Preferment of the Prince, who
carried away 15000 Marks per Annum, and Money muſt be had howſoever.
Firſt, he begins to ſerve his preſent Turn with Loans and borrows great Sums
of the Earl of Cornwal, upon Pawn; and after the King had wrung what
he could from the Jews, he lets them out to Farm to his rich Earl to make
the beſt of them.
Then a Parliament is called in Eaſter Term, which yields nothing but
returns of Grievances, and Complaint of breach of Charter, which requiring
Q2
their
He rcrurns in-
to England,
doners.
1
+
172 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
their former pretended Rights in electing the Juſticiar, Chancellor, and
1275.
Treaſurer. After much Debate to no Purpoſe, the Parliament is Prorogued
Anno till Michaelmas after, when likewiſe the King's motion for Money is diſap-
Reg. 41. pointed, by reaſon of the Abſence of many Peers, being not, as was alledg-
16 Parliament ed, ſummoned according to the Tenor of Magni Charta. New Occaſions
adjourned.
of Charge and Diſlike ariſe: Thomas Earl of Savoy, the Queens Brother, hath
Wars with the City of Thuren, and muſt be ſupplied by the King and
Queen, and his Brother Boniface, Archbiſhop of Canterbury. The Elect Biſhop
of Toledo, Brother to the King of Spain, with other great Men, come over,
Pope Alex. 4. lye at the King's Charge, and are preſented with great Gifts. Shortly after,
Elioner the Prince's Wifé, arrives with a Multitude of Spaniards, and ſħe muſt
be
met, and received by the Londoners, in ſumptuous manner; and her People
after
many Feaſtings returned home with Preſents. The Pope ſends the Bi-
Edmond, the ſhop of Bononia with a Ring of Inveſtiture, to Edmond the ſecond Son for
King's ſecond
Son, is promi-
the Kingdom of Sicily (with the hope of which Kingdom his Predeceſſor
ſed the King-" Innocent the Fourth had before deluded the King himſelf) and he is returned
dom of Sicily, with a great Reward. Then comes Ruftandus with Power to collect the Tenth
of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to the uſe of the Pope and the King,and
to abſolve him from his Oath for the Holy War : So that he would come to
deſtroy Manfred Son to the Emperour Frederick, now in Poſſeſſion of the
Kingdom of Sicily and Apulia. And this Man likewiſe hath great Gifts beſtow-
ed on him, beſides a rich Prebend in Tork: but yet he obtained not what he
came for, of the Clergy, who proteſted, rather to loſe their Lives and Li-
vings, than to yield either to the will of the Pope or the King, who, they
faid, were as the Shepheard and the Wolf combined to macerate the Flock.
The Pope ſent likewiſe to borrow of the Earl of Cornwal 500 Marks, in
regard of his Nephews Preferment to the Kingdom of Sicily; but the Earl
refuſed it, ſaying, He would not lend his Money to one on whom he could not
diſtrain. So this Project came to nothing, though all means were uſed to
draw it on. News was ſpread, that Manfred's Forces were utterly defeated and
himſelf either ſlain or taken Priſoner: wherewith the King is ſo much joyed,
as he preſently vows with all ſpeed to make an Expedition thither, and gives
his Son Edmond no other Title but King of Sicily. This vain Hope had al-
ready, by the Cunning of the Popes, inwrap'd him in Obligations of a hun-
dred and fifty thouſand Marks. But ſhortly after, this News proves falſe, and
the contrary is notified. Manfred is victorious, and the Pope's Power defeat-
ed by thoſe of Apulia, who took ſuch Indignation that the Pope ſhould give
away their Country (without their conſent) to an unknown Stranger, as
with all their main Power they joyn to eſtabliſh Manfred, who is now found
to be the legitimate Son of Frederick, and confirmed in his Right, which a
ſtrong Sword will make howſoever.
The King keeps his Christmas at Wincheſter, where the Merchants of Gaf
The complaint coigne having their Wines taken from them by the King's Officers, without
chants of Gaf-
due Satisfaction, complain to the Prince, being now their Lord, and ſhew
coigne.
him, How they were better to trade with Saracens and Infidels, than thus to be
1.fed here, as they were. The Prince addreſſes him to his Father, and craves re-
dreſs herein; but the Officers having been with the King before to prevent
the Clamours of the Gaſcoigns, and telling him, How they falſely exclaim, re-
An ill Office Lying wholly upon the Princes Favour, who took upon him their unjuſt Cauſe (and
that there ought to be but one in England,to whom the ordering of Juſtice appertain-
ed) put him into ſo great a Rage with the Prince, as he breaks out into theſe
Words: See now my Blood and mine own Bowels impugn me, behold my Son, as my
brother
of the Mer-
of Officers.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Tbird.
173
1
*
1
X
brother hath done, is bent to afflict me, the Times of my Grand-father Henry |
the Second are again renewed, what will become of us? But this Paſſion being
allayed by Counſel, he diſſenbles the Matter, and gives order, that theſe In-
juries ſhould be redreſſed. But yet the Prince for more Caution, amplifying
his Train, rode with 200 Horſe. So eaſily are Jealouſies by evil Miniſters in-
fuſed into Kings who are of themſelves too apprehenſive in that kind, being
a thing that ſoon turns the Blood.
And now to add to the Miſery of theſe Times, there are new Miſchiefs
committed by the Inſolence of the Servants of the Prince, who being himſelf Inſolencies
young, was attended by many youthful and violent Spirits, many Strangers
, the prince's
and Men without Means; who, whereſoever he went, made Spoil, and took Servants.
for their own whatſoever they could faſten on, to the extream Vexation of
the Subject. And they report, How this Prince meeting a Young-man tra-
velling on the way, cauſed one of his Ears to be cut off, and one of his
Eyes to be put out; which foul Act, made many to ſuſpect his Diſpoſition,
and what he would prove hereafter. And indeed, had he not been endued
with an innate Nobleneſs of Nature (which, with his long Experience in Tra-
vel, and great Actions, overcame the Vices, the Looſneſs of the Time, and
his own Breeding contracted) he might have prov'd as bad as any other. For,
unleſs Princes of themſelves, by Inſtinction from above, be indued with a
Natural Goodneſs, they ſhall gain little by their Education, wherein they
are rather ſhewed what they are, than what they ſhould be; and are apter
to learn to know their Greatneſs than Themſelves; being ever ſoothed in
all whatſoever they do.
Theſe youthful Actions of this Prince, with his riotous Train (which are
ſaid to be more ravenous than thoſe which Louys brought out of France
with him) put out the Welſh (of whom he had now the Government) into
open Act of Rebellion, and to make ſpoil of the Engliſh, as he did of them:
Whereupon he craves means of his Father, the Queen, and his Uncle Richard,
to ſuppreſs them. But all was vented already, the King's Treaſure was gone
over the Alpes; Earl Richard had lent more than he could get in, and the
Earl of Savoy in his Wars had ſpent that of the Queen.
The King is ſtill at his Shifts to ſupply his everlaſting Neceſſities. Now
he comes bimſelf into his Exchequer, and with his own Voice pronounced,
That every Sheriff which appeared not yearly in the OFaves of S. Michael, with
his Money, as well of his Farmes as Amercements and other Dues; for the first
Day ſhould be amerced five Marks, for the ſecond ten, for the third fifteen, for
the fourth to be redeemed at the King's Pleaſure. In like fort, that all Cities and
Freedoms which anſwer by their Bailiffs, upon the ſame Default ſhould be amer-
ced, and the fourth Day to loſe their Freedoms. Beſides, every Sheriff through-
out England is amerced at five Marks, for that they did not deftrain within
their Countries upon whomſoever held ten Pound Land per annum, and came
not to be made Knight, or free'd by the King. Then falls he to the Examina-
tion of Meaſures for Wine and Ale, for Buihels and Weights, which likewiſe
brought in ſome ſmall thing; and every Year commonly hath one Quarrel
or other to the Londoners, and gets ſomething of them.
But now there fell out a Buſineſs that entertained ſome Time, and gave occa-
ſion to amaze the World with conceit of ſome great Advantage and Honour to The Earl of
the Kingdom, by the Election of Richard Earl of Cornwal, to be King of the Cornwal ele-
Romans, which was (as our Writers ſay) by the general Conſent of all the Ele the Ranans.
ctors; and by them is he ſent to receive that Crown: the matter is here de-
bated in Council. Some, who thought his Preſence neceſſary to ſway Buſi-
Q.3
nefles
174
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
neſſes in the Kingdom, were unwilling, and diſſwade him by example of the
miſerable deſtruction of two lately elected to that Dignity, Henry the Lant-
grave of Turing,and William Earl of Holland; but others,and eſpecially the King
( who was willing to be rid of him, as one he had often found too great for
Subje&t; and being a King abroad, he might make uſe of him) perſwades to
take it Apon him, which he is eaſily (tho ſeeming otherwiſe ) induced to
do.
But the German Writers (who are beſt Witneſſes of their own affairs ) de-
clare, how after the murther of the Earl of Holland, the Electors were divi-
ded about the choice of a Succeſſor. Some ſtiff to uphold their ancient Cu-
ſtom in electing one of their own Country, which was more natural. Others
of a Stranger, who might better ſupport their declining State, which was
more politick. Long were the Conflicts of their Counſels: Hereupon in the
end, their Voices who ſtood for Strangers were moſt, but they likewiſe dil-
agreed among themſelves
, ſome would have Richard Brother to the King of
England, others Alphonſus King of Spain, both of them not only contending
who ſhould have it, but who ſhould give moſt to buy it: in the end Ri-
chard being neareſt at hand, and his Money the readier, is preferred by the
Biſhop of Mentz,the Biſhop of Cologne, and the Palfegrave, whoſe Voyees he
is ſaid to have bought, and afterward is crowned at Aquiſgrave. Now to con-
Richard firm himſelf, ſay they, in his State, he proceeds in all violent and hoſtile
crowned at A.
quifgrave.
manner (according as he was ſet on )againſt thoſe who oppoſed his Election,and
having conſumed himſelf both by his exceſſive Gifts, in purchaſing the ſuf-
frages he had, and by this Proſecution, he came to be diſpoſſeſſed, forſaken,
and forced to return into England to his Brother Henry, then in War with
his Nobles. Thus they deliver it.
But before the Earl departed out of England, the Earl of Gloceſter, and
Sir John Manſell, were ſent into Germany to found their Affections, and how
they ſtood diſpoſed towards him. They return well perſwaded of the bu-
ſineſs, and ſhortly after the Arch-Biſhop of Cologne comes to conduct him
over, on whom the Earl beſtows 500 Marks towards his Charges, and a
rich Mitre ſet with precious Stones. This Prince, the Earl of Cornewall, is
reported able to diſpend 100 Marks a Day for ten years, beſides his Reve-
nues in England.
I 257.
The French, and eſpecially the King of Spain, are much diſpleaſed with
Anno
this Advancement, complaining to the Pope and the King of England of the
15 Parliament. Supplantation of the Earl of Cornwall
. Spain pretending to have been firſt
elected, but being, it ſeems, a Philoſopher, and ſtudious in the Mathema-
ticks (which he firſt revived in Europe ) he was drawing Lines when he ſhould
have drawn out his Purſe, and ſo came prevented of his Hopes
.
About the time of the departure of Earl Richard (in the jollity of the King-
dom upon this new Promotion, and to ſet forward another ) the King calls
a Parliament, wherein (bringing forth his Son Edmond clad in an Apulian
habit) he uſes theſe Words : Bebold, my good Subje&ts, here my Son Edmond,
whom God of his Grace hath called to the Dignity of Regal Excellency,how fitting
and worthy is he the Favour of you all and how inhumane and tyrannous mere he
who (in ſo important a Neceſſity) would deny him Counſel and Aid ? And then
ſhews them, how by the adviſe and benignity of the Pope, and the Church
of England, he had for attaining the Kingdom of Sicily bound himſelf under
Covenant of loſing his Kingdom of England, in the Sum of 140 thouſand
Marks. Moreover, how he had obtained the tenth of the Clergy, for
three years to come, of all their Benefices to be eſtimated according to the
2
Reg. 41.
new
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
175
1
new rate, without deduction of Expences unleſs very neceſſary: beſides
their firſt Fruits likewiſe for three years. Which Declaration, how plea-
ſing it was to the Clergy, may be judged by their former Grudgings. Not-
withſtanding after they had inade their pittiful Excuſes, in regard of their 32 Thouſand
Poverty, they promiſed upon the uſual Condition of Magna Charta, &c. fo Conditions
often ſworn, bought and redeemed, to give 52 thouſand Marks, but this promiſed by
the Clergy.
ſatisfied him not.
The next year after is another Parliament at London, wherein, upon the
1258.
Kings preſſing them again, for means to pay his Debts to the Pope: the
Anno
Lords tell him plainly : They will not yield' to pay him any thing. And if
unadviſedly he without their conſents and Counſel bought the Kingdom of Sicily,
and had been deccived, he should impute it to his own imbecillity, and been in-
Štructed by the Example of his provident Brother, who, when the ſame Kingdom
mas offered unto him by Albert the Popes Agent, abſolutely refisſed it, in re-
gard it lay So far off ; ſo many Nations between : the Cavils of the Popes : the
Infidelity of the People; and the Power of the Pretenders, &c. Then repeat they
their own Grievances, The breach of his Promiſes, contemning both the Keys
of the Church, and the Charter he had folemnly ſworn to obſerve: the Infolence
of his Brethren and other Strangers, againſt whom, by his Order, no Writ was
to paſs out of the Charcery for any cauſe whatſoever: How their Pride was intolle-
rable, especially that of William de Valence, who moſt reproachfully had given
the lye to the Earl of Leiceſter, for which he could not be righted upon his com-
plaint : How they abounded all in Riches, and himſelf was ſo poor, as he could
not repreſs the ſame forces of the Welch that wajted his Countrey, but going the
laſt year againſt them and effecting nothing, returned with diſhonour. The
King hearing this, (as he was apt upon rebukes ſoundly urged to be ſenſible,
and his own Neceflities conſtraining him thereunto) humbles himſelf, and
tells them : How he had often by ill Counſel been ſeduced, and promiſes by his
Oath, which he takes on the Tomb of St. Edward, to reform all theſe Errours.
But the Lords,not knowing how to hold their ever-changing Proteus ( faith
Paris ) in regard the buſineſs was difficult.get the Parliament to be adjourn
ed till St. Barnabas day, and then to aflemble at Oxford. In the mean time,
the Earls Gloceſter, Leiceſter, Hereford, the Earl Marſhal
, Bigod, Spencer,
and other great men confederate, and provide by Strength to effect their de-
fire. Whilſt the King, put to his ſhifts to obtain Money, gets the Abbot of
Weſtminſter, upon promiſe of high preferment to put his Seal, and that of
his Covenant to a Deed Obligatory as a Surety for three hundred Marks, that
by his Example he might draw on others to do the like. Sending his truſty
Counſellors and Clerk Simon Paſſeleve abroad with his Letters, and this
Deed unto other Monaſteries. But Paſſeleve, notwithſtanding all the Dili-
gerice and Skill he could uſe by Threats or otherwiſe ; telling them, How
all they had came from the Benignity of Kings, and how their Sovereign was
Lord
of all they had, they flatly refuſe to yield to any ſuch Deed, ſaying,
they acknowledge the King to be Lord of all they had, but ſo, as to defend not to
deſtroy the ſame. And thus he becomes likewiſe diſappointed in this Project.
The Prince, who likewiſe muſt participate in the wants of his Father, was
driven to morgage the Town of Stamford, Braham, and many other things, Stamford and
to William de Valence, who out of his ſtore ſupplied hini with Money,which
after turned to the good of neither, for it laid a reſentment on the Neceſſity Valence.
of the one, which made him break through his Bands, and envy on the
other, whoſe ſuperfluity made him odious.
But now comes aſſembled the Parliament at Oxford, and in a hot Seaſon
Prince Edward
morgages
other Towns
to William de
(the
176 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
The Barons
for their tor-
Henry, Eldeſt
Son to the
King of Ro-
1 (the worſt time for Conſultation) and here burſt out that great Impoſtume
of Diſcontent ſo long in gathering. The Train which the Lords brought with
them was pretended to be for ſome Exploit againſt the Welſh, upon the end
of the Parliament; and their ſecuring the Ports to prevent Forreigns: but the
taking Order for keeping of the Gates of London, and their Oaths and Hands
given to each other, ſhewed, that they were prepared to make the Day theirs.
Here they begin with the Expoſtulation of the former Liberties, and require
the Obſervation thereof, according unto the Oaths and Orders formerly
expoftulate
made. The chief Juſticiar, Chancellor, and Treaſurer to be ordained by pub-
mer Libertics. lick Choice: The twenty four Conſervators of the Kingdom to be confirm-
ed, twelve by the Election of the Lords, and twelve by the King, with
whatſoever elſe made for their own imagined Security. The King ſeeing
their Strength, and in what manner they required theſe things, ſwears again
ſolemnly to the Confirmation of them, and cauſes the Prince to take the
fame Oath.
But the Lords left not here; the King's Brethren, the Poičovins, and other
Strangers, muſt be preſently removed, and the Kingdom cleard of them, and
this they would have all the Peers of the Land ſworn to ſee done. Here
they found ſome Oppoſition in the Prince, the Earl Warrein, and Henry el-
delt Son to Richard now King of Romans, the laſt refuſing to take his Oath
without leave of his Father: they plainly told him, That if his Father would
Cron Lichfield, not conſent with the Baronage in this caſe, he should not
hold a Furrow of Land
in England. In the end, the King's Brethren and their Followers are deſpoild
of all their Fortunes, and exiled by Proſcription under the King's own hand,
mans, refuſed directed to the Earls of Hereford and Surrey, with Charge not to paſs either
Oath.Glans 49.
their Money, Arms, or Ornaments, but in ſuch fort as the Lords appointed ;
and after their Departure, he enjoyneth the City of Briſtol, and other Ports,
not to permit any Strangers or Kinſmen of his to arrive, unleſs they did ſo
behave themſelves, as both he and the Lords ſhould like,
The Poiclovins retiring to Bolagne in France, ſend to King Louys, to crave
ſafe pallage through his Country into Poičkou, which (in regard the Queen
of France had been informed how they had defamed her Siſter of England)
was, by her means, denied at that time, and Henry, Son to the Earl of Lez-
ceſter (whoſe Eſtimation was great in France) follows them with all Eager-
nefs thither, to incenſe the French againſt them. And as they whom Envy
tumbles down from high places, ſhall be ſure ever to have all the Thruſts
poſſible to ſet them head-long into Diſgrace with the World; fo now the
Death and Sickneſs of divers great Men and others happening in England ſoon
after this fatal Parliament, is imputed to Poyſons ſuppoſed to have been
pre-
pared by thoſe Gentlemen. The Earl of Gloceſter in a Sickneſs ſuddenly left
his Hair, his Teeth, his Nails, and his Brother hardly eſcaped Death; which
made many to ſuſpect their neareſt Servants, and the Cooks. Walter Scoiny,
the Earl's Steward being one, is ſtrictly Examined, committed to Priſon, and
after, without Confeſſion, Executed upon Preſumptions, at Wincheſter. Eli-
as, a converted Jew, is ſaid to have confeſſed, That in his Houſe the Poyſon
was confected; but it was when he was a Devil
, not a Chriſtian. Any thing
in the proſecution of Malice ſerves the turn. Every Man that had received
any wrong by thoſe great Men, now put up their Complaints and are heard,
to the Aggravation of their Inſolence and Injuſtice
. Guido de Rochfort, a Poi-
&tovin, to whom the King had given the Caſtle of Rocheſter, is baniſhed, and
all his Goodsconfiſcate. William Buffey, Steward to William de Valence, is com-
mitted to the Tower of London, and moſt reproachfully uſed, as an eſpeci-
to take his
H. 3.
Mat, Par.
:
al
1
h
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
177
al Miniſter of his Maſters Inſolencies. Richard Gray, whom the Lords had
made Captain of the Caſtle of Dover, is ſet to intercept whatſoever the Poi-
Tovins conveyed that way out of England ; and much Treaſure of theirs,
nd the Elect' of Wincheſter is by him there taken: beſides, great Suins com-
mitted to the new Temple are found out, and ſeiſed into the King's Hands.
And, as uſually in ſuch Heats, much Wrong is committed in theſe Proſecu-
tions of Wrongs. But now,(as an Amuzatory, to make the ill-governed Peo-
ple think they are not forgotten) the new Chief Juſticiar, Hugh Bigod, Bro-
ther to the Earl Marſhal (choſen this laſt Parliament by publick Voice) pro-
cures, That four Knights in every Shire ſhould enquire of the Oppreſſions
of the Poor done by Great Men, and under their Hands and Seals certifie the
ſame by a certain Day to the Baronage, that Redreſs might be made. More-
over, Order was taken, That from thenceforth no man ſhould give any thing
(beſides Proviſions) for Juſtice, or to hinder the ſame, and both the Corrupter
and Corrupted to be grievouſly puniſhed. Notwithſtanding this pretended Care
of the Publick, it is noted by the Writers and Records of that Time, how
the Lords inforced the Services of the Kings Tenants which dwelt near them,
and were Totidem Tyranni; how they furniſhed the eſpecial Fortreſſes of the Regill. in
Kingdom with Guardians of their own, ſworn to the common State, and Scacc. Will.
Rijhangar.
took the like Aſſurance of all Sheriffs, Bayliffs, Coroners, and other pub-
lick Miniſters, ſearching the Behaviour of many ſtrict Commiſſioners upon
Oath. And to make their Cauſe the more popular, it was rumoured, That
the Kings Neceſſity muſt be repaired out of the Eſtates of his People, and how he
muſt not want whilſt they had it. Whereupon, the King fends forth Proclama-
tion, How certain malicious Perſons had falſely and ſeditiouſly reported, That
he meant unlawfully to charge his Subjects, and ſubvert the Laws and Liberties
of the Kingdom; and by theſe ſubtle Suggeſtions, altogether falſe, averted the
Hearts of the People from him ; and therefore deſires them, not to give Credit to
ſuch Perturbers, for that he was ready to defend all Rights and Cuſtoms due un-
to them: and that they might rest of this ſecured, he cauſed, of his free Will, his
Leiters to be made Patents.
But now Monfort, Gloceſter, and Spencer, who had by the late Inſtitution
of the twenty four Conſervators, drawn the entire managing of the King-
dom into their Hands, inforce the King to call the Parliament at London,
where the Authority of the twenty four is delivered unto themſelves, and
I252.
Anno
order taken, that three at the leaſt ſhould attend in the Court, to diſpoſe of
the Cuſtody of Caſtles, and other Buſineſſes of the Kingdom, of the Chan- Reg. 42.
cellor, Chief Juſticiar, and Treaſurer, and of all Officers great and ſmall. at London.
And here they bind the King to looſe to them their Legal Obedience when- Ordinat. inter
ſoever he infringed his Charter.
In this ſtate ſtood the Kingdom, when Intelligence was given to the Lords, Liceat omnibus
de Regno noftro
that Richard King of Romans had a purpoſe to come over into England,
contra nos inſur-
which made them greatly to ſuſpect (being ignorant of the Occaſion) leſt he gere,& ad gra-
were ſent for by the King to come with Power to ſubvert them, by the Ex- wamen noftrum
ample of King John. Whereupon, they ſend to know the Cauſe of his Coming, dare ac Ji nobis
and to require of him an Oath before he ſhould land, not to prejudice the in nullo teneren-
now eſtabliſhed Orders of the Kingdom: which he ſtearnly refuſes to do, (Sib Sigillo
.
ſaying, He had no Peer in England, being the Son and Brother of a King, and The Lords re-
was above their Power; and if they would have reformed the Kingdom, they were an Oath
ought first to have ſent for him, and not ſo preſumptuouſly attempted a Buſineſs
of so high a Nature. The Lords, upon Return of this Anſwer, ſend preſently
to guard the Ports, and come ſtrongly to the Coaſt, prepared to encounter
him
Record. Civit,
Lond.
178
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
1
him if occaſion were offered. But finding his Train ſmall, accompanied on-
ly with his Queen, two German Earls, and eight Knights, they, upon his
Promiſe to take their propounded Oath, receive him to Land; but would
neither permit the King, (who came likewiſe thither to meet him).nor him-
ſelf, to enter into Dover Caſtle. At Canterbury they bring him into the
Chapter-houſe, where the Earl of Gloceſter ſtanding forth in the midſt, calls
out the Earl, not by the Name of King, but Richard Earl of Cornwal; who
in reverent manner coming forth, takes his Oath, miniſtred in this man-
ner.
The Oath of
the King of
Romans.
the King-
Hear all Men, that 1 Richard Earl of Cornwal, do here ſwear upon the
Holy Evangeliſts,that I Mall be Faithful and Diligent to reform with
you
dom of England, hitherto by the Counſel of wicked Perſons over-much diſordered;
be an effectualCoadjutor,to expell the Rebels and Diſturbers of the ſame; and this
Oath will inviolably obſerve under pain of loſing all the Land I have in England:
So help me God.
In this manner deal the Lords to bind this great Earl unto them, ſuppo-
ſing his power to have been inore than it was, which at length they found
to be nothing but an airy Title ; for having conſumed all that mighty Sub-
ſtance abroad, in two years, (which with great frugality he had been many
in gathering) he returns in this manner home, poor, and forſaken by the
Germans, without any other means to truſt unto, but only what he had in
England.
Notwithſtanding, upon his Return the King takes heart, and ſeeks all means
to vindicate his Power, diſpatching firſt Meſſengers ſecretly to Rome, to be
abſolved from his inforced Oath, then ſends into Scotland to the King, and
the Queen his Daughter for Aids to be ready upon his Occaſions. And to
1259.
have the more Aſſurance of the King of France, and be freed from Foreign
Anno
Buſineſs, he makes an abſolute reſignation of whatſoever Right he had to the
Re: 0944. Dutchey of Normandy, and the Earldoms of Anjou, Poi&ton, Tourene, and
Normandy, &c. Maine ; in regard whereof the King of France gives him three hundred thou-
1261. fand pounds (ſome ſay Crowns) of Anjouine Money,and grants him to enjoy
Anno.
. all Gnien beyond the River Garonne, all the Country of Xantonge to the Ri
ver of Charente, the Countries of Limofin and Quercy, for him and his Succef-
ſors during their Homage and Fealty to the Crown of France, as a Duke of
Aquitain, and a Peer of that Kingdom.
The Lords likewiſe on the other ſide ſeek to ſtrengthen their Aſſociaticn,
and hold in each other to their Oaths, and Obſervations of their Orders,
which was hard to do: for conſiſting of manifold Diſpoſitions, there was
daily wavering, ſometimes Piques among themſelves, in ſo much as the Earl
of Leiceſter (the chief Man that kept the fire of that Faction in ) told the
Earl of Gloceſter, finding him ſtaggering, That he cared not to live with ſuch
men,whom he found
ſo mutable and uncertain ; for, ſaid he, my Lord of Gloceſter,
againſt the
King.
as you are more eminent, ſo are you more bound to what you have undertaken for
the good of the Kingdom. And as he incenſed others, ſo had he thoſe that ani-
mated him, as Walter Biſhop of Worceſter,and Robert Biſhop of Lincoln, who
injoyned him upon Remiſſion of his Sins, to proſecute the Cauſe unto Death;
affirming, How the Peace of the Church of England could never be establiſhed but
Wil. Rifhanger.
by the material Sword.
But now many being the Temptations, many are drawn away from their
Gde, eſpecially after the Sentence given againſt them by the King of France,
made Arbiter of the Quarrel ; who yet, though he condemned the Proviſi-
ons of Oxford, allowed the Confirmation of King John's Charter: by which
Diſtinction
Reg. 45.
The Lords
combine
The Life and Reign of Henry the T-bird.
179
Reg. 47.
of the Wars.
Barons in thoſe Parts.
Diſtinction he left the matter as he found it: for thoſe Proviſions, as the Lords
pretended, were grounded upon that Charter. Howſoever, his Sentence much 1262.
Anno
advantaged the King of England, and made many to diſpence with their
Oath, and leave their Party. Amongſt whom was Herry Son to the Earl Reg. 46.
of Cornwal, (on whom the Prince had beſtowed the Honour of Tychkil )
who coming to the Earl of Leiceſter, told him, he would not be againſt
his Father, the King,nor his Allies: but, ſaid he, My Lord, I will never bear
Arms againſt you ; and therefore I crave leave to depart. The Earl chear-
1263.
Anno
fully replies : My Lord Henry, I am not ſorry for your departure, but for your
Inconſtancy; go, return with your Arms, I fear them not at all. About the
ſame time Roger Clifford, Roger de Leisborn, Hamoʻl Strange, and many other
(won with Gifts) depart from the Barons,
Shortly after, Roger de Mortimer of the Kings part breaks into open Act
of Hoftility, makes ſpoil of the Lands of the Earl of Leiceſter, who had
now combined himſelf with Lewellin Prince of Wales, and had ſent Forces
to invade the Lands of Mortimer in thoſe Parts. And here the Sword is firſt the beginning
drawn in this quarrel, about three years after the Parliament at Oxford.
The Prince takes part with Mortimer, ſurprizes the Caſtle of Brecknock:
with other Places of Strength, which he delivers to his Cuſtody. The Earl
of Leiceſter recovers the Town and Caſtle of Gloceſter, conſtrains the Ci-
tizens to pay a thouſand pounds for their Redemption, goes with an Army to
Worcester, poſſeſſes him of the Caſtle, thence to Shrewsbury, and ſo comes
1264.
Anno
about to the Iſle of Ely, ſubdues the ſame, and grows very powerful.
The King doubting his approach to London (being not yet ready for him)
Reg. 48.
works ſo as a Mediation of Peace is made, and agreed upon theſe Conditi-
ons: That all the Caſtles of the King should be delivered to the keeping of the
Barons ;' the Proviſions of Oxford, Should be inviolably obſerved : All Stran-
gers by a certain time should avoid the Kingdom, except ſuch as by a general
confent, should be held faithful and profitable for the ſame. Here was a little
pauſe, which ſeems was but as a breathing for a greater Rage. The Prince
had fortified Windſor Caſtle, victualled, and therein placed Strangers to de-
fend it, and himſelf inarches to the Town of Briſtol
, where, in a cofitenti-
on between the Citizens and his People, being put to the worſe, he ſends
for the Biſhop of Worceſter ( an eſpecial Partaker of the Barons) to protect
and conduct him back. When he comes near Windfor, he gets into the
Caſtle, which the Earl of Leicester comes to beſiege, and being about
Kingstone, the Prince meets him to treat of Peace, which the Earl refuſes,
and layes ſiege 10 the Caſtle, that was rendred unto him, the Strangers turn-
ed out, and lent home into France.
The King to get time, convokes another Parliament at London, wherein 17 Parliamen:
he won many Lords to take his part, and with them ( the Prince, Richard
Earl of Cornwal, Henry his Son, William Valence, with the reſt of bis
Brethren lately returned) he marches to Oxford, whither divers Lords of
Scotland repair to him, as John Comin, John Baliol ; Lords of Galloway, Robert Scottiſh Lords
Bruce and others; with many Barons of the North, Clifford, Piercy, Baffet: chce king of
&c. From Oxford with all his forces he goes to Northampton, where he took England.
Priſoners, Simon Monfort the younger, with fourteen other principal men;
thence to Nottingham, making ſpoyl of ſuch Poſſeſſions as appertained to the
The Earl of Leiceſter in the mean time draws towards London, to recover
and make good that part, as of chiefeſt importance, and ſeeks to ſecure Kent
and the Ports; which haſts the King to ſtop his Proceeding, and Succor the
Caſtle of Rocheſter beſieged.
Suc-
16 Parliament.
held at London,
1
1
180 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
The Barons
mediare a
Peace.
Lewis,
The King
Succeſs and Authority now grows ſtrong on this ſide, inſomuch as the
Earls of Leiceſter and Glocefter, in behalf of Themſelves, and their Party, write
to the King, humbly proteſting their Loyalty, And how they oppoſed only a-
gainſt ſuch as were Enemies to him and the Kingdom, and had belied them.
The King returns Anſwer, How themſelves were the Perturbers of Him and his
State; Eremies to his Perſon, and fought his and the Kingdoms Deſtruction,
and therefore defies them. The Prince and the Earl of Cornwal ſend likewiſe
their Letters of Defiance unto them. The Barons notwithſtanding, doubtful
of their Strength, or unwilling to put it to the hazard of a Battel, mediate
a Peace, and ſend the Biſhops of London and Worceſter with an Offer of 30
thouſand Marks to the King, for Damages done in theſe Wars, ſo that the
Statutes of Oxford might be obſerved ; which Yieldingneſs the other ſide fup-
poſing to argue their Debility, made them the more neglective,' and ſecurer
of their Power, which commonly brings the weaker ſide (more watchful of
Advantages) to have the better.
The Earl, ſeeing no other Means but to put it to a Day (being a Man skil.
ful in his Work) takes his Time to be earlier ready than was expected, and
The Barrel of ſupplies his want of Hands with his Wit, placing on the ſide of a Hill near
Lewis, where this Battel was fought, certain Enligns without Men, in ſuch
ſort as they might ſeem afar off, to be Squadrons of Succors to ſecond thoſe
be brought to the Encounter, whom he cauſed all to wear white Croſſes,
both for their own Notice, and the Signification of his Cauſe, which he
would have to be for Juſtice. Here the Fortune of the Day was his; the King,
the Prince, the Earl of Cornwal, and his Son Henry, the Earls of Arundel,
Hereford, and all the Scottiſh Lords are his Priſoners. The Earl Warreign,
William de Valence, Guy de Luſignan the King's Brethren, with Hugh Bigod
Earl Marſhal, fave themſelves by flight, five thouſand are ſlain in this De-
feat, which yet was not all the Blood and Deſtruction this Buſineſs coſt.
1265.
All this Year, and half of the other, is Simon Monfort in Pofleſſion of his
Anno Priſoners: the King he carries about with him to countenance his Actions,
till he had gotten in all the ſtrongeſt Caſtles of the Kingdom. And now (as
it uſually falls out in Confederations where all muſt be pleaſed or elſe the
Knot will diſſolve) Debate ariſes between the Earls of Leiceſter and Gloceſter
about their Dividend, according to their Agreement. Leiceſter (as Fortune
Monfort taxed makes Men to forget themſelves) is taxed to do more for his own particular,
than the common Good ; to take to himfelf the Benefit and Diſpoſition of the
King's Caſtles; to ufurp the Redemption of Priſoners at his Pleaſure ; to prolong
the Buſineſs, and not to uſe the means of a Parliament to end it: his Sons alſo
preſuming
upon his Greatneſs, grow inſolent ; which made Glocester to for-
Glocefter leaves | fake that lide, and betake him to the Prince, who lately eſcaping out of the
Caſtle of Hereford, had gotten a Power about him of ſuch as attended the
Opportunity of turning Fortune, and to revenge the Diſhonour of one Bat-
tel by another.
The Revolt of this Earl brought many Hands to the Prince, whereby ma-
ny Pieces of Strength are regained, both in Englard and Wales. The Earl
of Leiceſter, to ſtop the proceeding of this mighty growing Prince (being
now with his Army about Worcester) imbattels in a Plain near Eveſham, to
encounter him; and noting the manner of the Approach of his Army, ſaid
to thoſe about him: Theſe Men come bravely on, they learn it not of themſelves,
but of me. And ſeeing himſelf
. likely to be beſet, and over-laid with Numbers,
adviſed his Friends, Hugh Spencer, Ralph Baſſet, and others, to shift for them-
felvés ; which when he ſaw they refuſed to do, then ſaid he, Let us
Prince, and
others taken
Priſoners.
Reg. 49.
of Wrong
The Earl of
him.
COM-
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
181
1
Reg. 50.
?
commit our Souls to God, for our Bodies are beirs, and ſo undertaking the
main weight of the Battel, periſhed under it. And with him are ſiain his The Earl Mən-
Son Henry, eleven other Barons, with many thouſands of common Souldiers
. fort Nain.
At the Inſtant of his Death. there happened ſo terrible a Thunder, Lightning,
and Därkneſs, as it gave them as much Horror as their hideous Work.
And ſo ends Monfort this great Earl of Leiceſter, too great for a Subject;
which had he not been, he might have been numbred amongſt the Worthi-
eſt of his time. Howſoever, the People which honoured, and followed him
in his Life, would. (upon the Fame of his Miracles) have worſhipped bim
for a Saint after his Death; but it would not be permitted by Kings.
And here this Battel delivers the Captive King, (but yet with the loſs of
ſome of his own as well as his Subjects Blood, by a Wound caſually recei-
ved therein)'and"rid him of his Jaylor Monfort, whom he hated, and long
feared more than any man living, as himſelf confefied upon this Accident:
Paſſing one day (ſhortly after the Parliament at Oxford) upon Thames, there
hapned a ſudden Clap of Thunder, wherewith the King was much affright-
ed, and willed preſently to be ſet on ſhore at the next Landing, which was
at Durefme Houſe, where Monfort then lay, who ſeeing the King arriving,
haſts down to meet him, and perceiving hiin to be troubled at the Storm,
ſaid, That he needed not now to fear, the danger was past. No, Monfort,
1265.
ſaid the King, I fear thee more than I do all the Thunder and Tempest of the Anno
World. And now the King, with the victorious Prince, the redeemed of him
and the Kingdom, repairs to Wincheſter, where a Parliament is.convoked, 18. parliament
and all who adhered to Simon Monfort are dif-inherited, and their Eſtates held at Win-
conferred onmothers, at the King's Pleaſure. The Londoners have their Liber- who took
ties taken from them; Simon and Guy de Monfort, Sons of the Earl of Lei- part with Mon-
cester, with the diſ-inherited Barons, and others who eſcaped the Battel of Fore dil-inhe-
Eveſham, take and defend the Iſle of Ely. The Caſtle of Killingworth, de-
fended by the Servants of the lare Earl, although it were in the Heart of the
Kingdom, endured the Siege of half a Year againſt the King and his Army:
In the end, their victuals failing, they yield upon Condition to depart, their
X
Lives, Members, and Goods Saved. And it is worthy the note, That we find
no Execution of Blood, except in open Battel
, in all iheſe Combuſtions, or any
Noble-man to dye on a Scaffold, either in this King's Reign,or any other ſince Wil
liam the First, which is now almost 300 Years: only in Anno 26. of this King,
William Mariſc, the Son of Jeffery Mariſc, a Noble-man of Ireland, being con
demned for Pyracy and Treaſon, was hanged, beheaded, and quartered ; and
is the firſt Example of that kind of Puniſhment we find in our Hiſtories.
After the Parliament at Weſtminſter, the King goes with an Army againſt
the dif-inherired Barons, and their Pártakers, which were many reſolute and de-
fperate Perſons ſtrongly faſtned together. And being at. Northampton, Simon
atid Guy de Monfort, by Mediation of Friends, and Promiſes of Favour,
came in and fubmitted themſelves to the King, who, at the earneſt Suic of
the Earl of Cornwal their Uncle, and the Lord Philip Baſſet, had reſtored
them to their Eſtates, but for Gloceſter and others who(doubting their Spirits)
wrought to hold them down, where their Fortune had laid them. Infomuch
as they were fain in the end to flye the Kingdom, and work their Fortunes
otherwhere, which they did, the youngeſt in Italy, the elder in France; where
they were. Propagators of two great Families. Their Mother was baniſhed ſhort-
ly after the Battel of Eveſham: A Lady of eminent note, the Daughter and
Siſter of a King, nocent only by her Fortune, who from the Coronet of mile-
rable Glory, betook' her to thá'Vail of quiet Piecy, and died a Nun at Mon-
Three
rited.
t
1
1
R
targes in France.
182 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
Motions of
Peace made to
the dif-inhe-
rited Lords.
1267.
Arno
The Earl of
Gloceſter re-
yolcs.
Three years after this, the dibinherited Barons held out in thoſe Faſtneſſes
of the Kingdom where they could beſt defend themſelves, made many Ex-
curſions and Spoils to the great Charge and Vexation of the King; at length
Motions and Conditions of Render are propoſed, wherein the Council are
divided. Mortimer, now an eminent man in Grace, with others ſtated in the
Reg. 51. Pofieſſions of the dif-inherited, are averſe to any Reſtauration, alledging it A
great Ad of Injuſtice, for them to be forced to forgo what the King had, for their
Pains and Fidelity, beſtowed on them, and the other juſtly forfeited, and therefore
would hold what they had. Gloceſter, with the twelve ordained to deal for the
Peace of the State, and other his Friends, which were many, ſtand mainly for
Reſtauration, This cauſed new Piques of Diſpleaſure, inſomuch as Gloceſter,
who conceiving his turning, not ſo to ſerve his Turn as he expected, taking his
time, again changed Foot; retires from the Court, refuſes to come to the
King's Feaſt on S. Edward's Day: ſends Meſſengers to warn the King, To remove
Strangers from his Council, and obſerve the Proviſions of Oxford, according to
his laſt Promiſe made at Eveſham; otberwiſe, that he ſhould not marvel if him-
self did what he thought fit. Thus had Victory no Peace; the Diſtemperature
15 Parliament. of the Time was ſuch, as no Sword could cure it; Řecourſe is had to Parlia-
mert (the beſt way, if apy would ſerve, for remedy) and at Bury is the State
convoked, where likewiſe all who held by Knights Service, are ſummoned to
allemble, with ſufficient Horſeand Armor for the vanquiſhing of thoſe diſheri-
ted Perſons, which, contrary to the Peaceof the Kingdom, held the Iſle of Ely.
John de Warrein, Earl of Surry, and William de Valentia, are ſent to per-
ſwade the Earl of Glaceſter. (who had now levied an Army upon the Bor-
ders of Wales ) to come, in fair manner, to this Parliament; which he refuſes to
do, but
yet thus much the Earls had of him under his Hand and Seal: Never
to hear Árms against the King, ox bis Son Edward, but to defend bimſelf, and
purſue Roger Mortimer, and other his Enemies, for which he pretended to have
taken Arms. The firft Demand in the Parliament was made by the King and
the Legat;- For the Grant of a Tenth of, the Clergy for three Years to come and
for the Years past, so much as they gave the Barons før defending the Coafts a-
gainst the landing of Strangers. Whereto they anſwer, That the War was
begun by unjuſt Defires, phich yet continues, and neceffary it were to let paſs ſo
evil Demands, and ſo treat of the Peace of the Kingdom; to convert the Parlia.
ment to the Benefit thereof, and not to extort Money, conſidering the Land had
been ſo much deſtroyed by thisWar, as it could hardly be ever recovered. 2. Then
was it required, That the Clergy might be tax'd by. Lay men, according to the
just value of what appertained to them. They anſwer; It was no Reaſon, but a-
gainst all Juſtice, that Lay-men ſhould intermeddle in collecting Tenth, whichthey
would never conſent unto, but would have the ancient Taxation to ſtand. 3. Then
was it required, They ſhould give the Tenth of their Baronies and Lay-Fee,accorn
ding to the utmost value. They anſwer, Themſelves were impoveriſhed by attend.
ing the King in his Expeditions, and their Lands lay un-tilled by reaſon of the
Wars. 4. Then it was required, That the Clergy Jould, in lieu of a Tenth give
amongst them 30000 Marks to diſcharge the King's Debts contracted
for Sici-
lia, Calabria, ard Apulia
. They anſwer, They would give nothing, in regard.
all thoſe Taxations and Extortions formerly made by the King were never con-
verted to his own, or the Benefit of the Kingdom. 5. All this being depied,
Demand is made, That all Clergy men that held Baronies, or other Lay-Fee,
Should perſonally serve in the King's Wars. They anſwer, They were not to
fight with the Materiały, but the Spiritual Sword, and that their Baronies were
given of mere Alms, &c. 6. Then was it required, The whole Clergy ſhould
diſcharge
1
4, H.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
i 83
8
1
1
diſcharge the 9000 pounds, which the Biſhops of Rocheſter, Bath, and the Abbot
of Weltminſter ſtood bound to the Pope's Merchants for the Kings Service at
their being at the Court of Rome. They anſwer; They never conſented to any
ſuch Loan, and therefore were not bound to diſcharge it. 7. Then the Legate,
from the Part of the Pope, required, That without delay Predication ſhould be
made throughout the Kingdom to incite Men to take the Croſs for the Holy War:
whereunto Anſwer was made, That the greateſt part of the People of the Land
were already conſumed by the Sword, and that if they ſhould undertake this a&ti-
on, fer or none would be left to defend the Kingdom, and that the legate here-
by Shewed a deſire to extirpate the Natives thereof, and introduce Strangers.
8. Lastly, it was urged, That the Prelates were bound to yield to all the Kings
Demands, by their Oath at Coventry; where they furore to aid him by all
means poſſible they could. They anſwer, That when they took that Oath, they
underſtood no other Aid than spiritual and wholſome Counſel. So nothing was
obtained, but Denials, in this Parliament.
The Legate likewiſe employs Sollicitors to perſwade the diſ-herited L.L.
which held the Iſle of Ely, to return to the Faith, and Unity of the Church,
the-Peace of the King, according to the Form provided at Coventry, for redeem-
ing their Inheritances from ſuch as held them by gift from the King for ſeven
Tears Profits, and to leave off their Robberies. The Dif-herited return Anſwer
to the Legate, Firſt, That they held the Faith they received from their Catho-
lick Fathers, and their Obedience to the Roman Church, as the Head of all
Chriſtianity ; but not to the Avarice and willful Exaction of thoſe who ought to
goverr. the ſame. And how their Predeceffors (whoſe Heirs they were, having
conquered this Land by the Sword) they held themſelves unjuſtly diſ-herited,
that it was against the Pope's Mandate they ſhould be ſo dealt withal.
That they had formerly taken their Oaths to defend the Kingdom and Holy
Church, all the Prelates thundring the Sentence of Excommunication against
ſuch as withſtood the ſame, and according to that Oath they were prepared to
Spend their Lives
. And ſeeing they warred for the Benefit of the Kingdom, and
Holy Church, they were to ſuſtain their Lives by the Goods of their Enemies, who
detained their Lands, which the Legat ought to cauſe to be reſtored unto them,
that they might not be driven to make depredation in that manner, which yet
was not ſo great as was reported; for that many of the Kings and Princes Fol-
lowers made Roads, and committed great Robberies, which to make them odi-
ous, were imputed, and given out to be done by them; wherefore they wiſh the Le-
gate to give no Credit to ſuch Repgrts: for if they ſhould find any ſuch amongſt
them, they world themſelves do Juſtice upon them without delay.
Beſides
, they declare to the Legate, That he had irreverently ejected out of
the Kingdom the Bifhops of Wincheſter, London, and Cheſter, Men circı:mſpect
and of deep Judgmemt, whereby the Counſel of the Kingdom was in great part
weakned to the Danger thereof, and therefore willed him to look to the Reforma-
tion of the ſame : and that they might be reſtored to their Lands without redemp-
tion. That the Proviſions of Oxford might be obſerved. That they might have
Oſtages delivered them into the Iſland to hold the ſame peaceably for five Years
to come, intill they might perceive how the King would perform his Promiſes.
Tlius they treat, not like Men whom their Fortunes had laid on the ground,
but as they had been ſtill ſtanding; ſo much wrought either the Opinion
of their Cauſe, or the hope of their Party. But this Stubbornneſs ſo exal-
perates the King, as the next Year following he prepares a mighty Army,
beſets the Iſle ſo that he ſhuts them up; and Prince Edward, with Bridges
made on Boats enters the ſame in divers Places, and conſtrains them to
yield:
1
i
+
4
14
1
R 2
!
184 The Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
The Earl of
Glocefter re-
conciled.
Prince Ed-
ward, his Bro.
ther, and o-
thers, under-
yield. In the mean time, the Earl of Gloceſter, with his Army collected on
the Borders of Wales to aid them, marched to London, where by the Citi-
zens he was received: but the Legate who kept his Reſidence in the Tower,
ro prevailed with him, as he again renders himſelf to the King, to whom he
was afterward reconciled, by, the Mediation of the King of Romans, and
the Lord Philip Baſſet,, upon forfeiture of twelve thouſand Marks, if ever
after he ſhould raiſe any Commotion.
This effected, the King goes with an Army into Wales, againſt Lewellin,
for aiding Simon Monfort and the Earl of Gloceſter, in their late Attempts
againſt him; but his Wrath, being by the gift of thirty two thouſand Pounds
Sterling, appeaſed, Peace is concluded betwixt them, and four Cantreds,
which had by right of War, been taken from him, reſtored.
And here was an end of the first Baronis l'ars of England, wherein we fee
what Effects it wrought, how no ſide got but Miſery and Vexation, whilji the
one ſtruggle to do more than it ſhould, and the other to do leſs than it ought,
they both had the worst, according to the uſual Events of ſuch Imbroilments
.
The next Year after this Appeaſement, the Legate Ottobon figns with the
Croiſſado, both the King's Sons, Edward and Edmond, the Earl of Gloce-
1267.
ſter, and divers Noblemen induced to undertake the Holy War by the Sol-
Anno licitation of him; and the King of France, who notwithſtanding his former
Reg. 53. Calamities indured in that Action, would again adventure therein: ſo much
either the deſire of Revenge, with the Recovery of his Fame and Honour,
or the hope of enjoying another
World provoked him to forgo this, and haſte
to his final Deſtruction. And for that Prince Edward wanted means for his
taker the Holy preſent Furniſhment, this King of France lent him 30 thouſand Marks, for
which he morgaged unto him Gaſcoigny. An Act, which ſubtler times would
interpret to be rather of Policy than Piety, in this King, to engage in ſuch
upon ſo eſpecial a Caution, a young ſtirring Prince, likely in
his Abſence to imbroil his Eſtate at home, and to draw him along in the
ſame Adventure with himſelf, without any deſire otherwiſe, either of his
Company or Aid, conſidering the Inconveniencies that ſtung theſe ſeveral
Nations heretofore by their Incompetibility in the ſame Action; but here
it were Sin to think they diſguiſed their ends, or had other Coverings for
their Deſigns than thoſe through which they were ſeen ; their Spirits ſeem
to have been warmed with a Nobler Flame.
And now.whilſt this Preparation is in hand, King Henry labours to eſta-
bliſh the Peace of the Kingdom, and reform thoſe Excelles the War had
bred, cauſing by Proclamation Stealth of Cattel to be made a Crime Capital,
and the firſt that ſuffered for the ſame was one of Dunſtable, who had ſtol’n
twelve Oxen from the Inhabitants of Colne; and being purſued to Redburn,
was by a Bailiff of Saint Albans (according to the King's Proclamation
21 Parliament condemned and beheaded. And the ſame Year the King aſſembles his last
at Marlborough Parliament at Marleborough, where the Statutes of that Title were enacted.
Near two Years it ſeems to have been after the undertaking the Croſs,
before Prince Edward ſet forth, a time long enough (if thoſe Reſolutions
would have been ſhaken) to have bred an Alteration ; but To ſtrong
1270. was the Current of this Húmour, as no worldly Reſpects could give any
Anno
the leaſt Stoppage thereunto. Otherwiſe a Prince ſo well acquainted with
Reg. 55. Action, fo well underſtanding the World, fo forward in Years (being then
thirty two) ſo near the Poſſeſſion of a Kingdom, would not have left it, and
an aged Father, broken with Days and Travel,to have betaken himſelf (with
his dear and tender Conſort Elioner, and as it ſeems then young with Child) to a
Voyage
manner, and
!
.
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Tbird. 185
1
.
Voyage that could promiſe nothing but Danger, Toil, Miſery, and Affliction.
So powerful are the Operations of the Mind, as they make Men neglect the
eaſe of their Bodies, eſpecially in times not diſſolved with thoſe Softnings
of Luxury and Idleneſs which unmanners them. And we cannot but admire
the undauntable Conſtancy of this Prince, whom all the ſad Examples of o-
thers Calamities (croſſing even the beginning of Action) could not deter from
proceeding therein. For, firſt the King of France, who with two of his Sons,
the King of Navarr and a mighty Army, being ſet out before, and by the
way beſieging the City of Tunis in Africa (poſſeſs’d then by the Saracens
that infeſted Chriſtendom) periſhed miſerably by the Peſtilence that raged
in his Army, and with him one of his Sons and many of his Nobles, where-
by all their Enterpriſe was daſh'd and utterly overthrown. Beſides, Charles
King of Sicily, Brother. to this King of France, who likewiſe came to aid
him, returning home, loſt the greateſt part of his Navy by Tempeſt. More-
over, many of this Prince's own People were deſirous to leave him and re-
turn home. Whereupon he is ſaid to have ſtricken his Breaſt, and ſwore, The reſoluti-
That if all his Followers forſook hin, he would yet enter Ptolemais or Acon, on of Prince
though but only with his Horſe-keeper Fowin.
By which Speech they were again incenſed to proceed ; but yet his
Couſin Henry, Son to the King of Romans, obtains leave of him to depart,
and was ſet on ſhore in Italy: where, notwithſtanding, he found what he
1272.
ſought to avoid, Death; and was flain in the Church at Viterbo (being at Di-
Anno
vine Service) by his own Coulin-German Guy de Monfort (Son to Simon late Reg
. 57.
Earl of Leiceſter) in revenge of his Father's Death. The News of which un-
natural Murther ſeems to haſten the End of Richard King of the Romans,
who died ſhortly after, and the next Year following, finiſhed likewiſe Henry
the Third of England his Act, in the 65th, of his Age, having Reigned 56
Years and 20 Days. A Time that hath held us long, and taken up more than a
tenth part from the Norman Invaſion to this Preſent; and yielded Notes of
great variety, with many Examples of a crafie and diſeaſed State
, bred both by
the Inequality of this Princes Manners, and the Impatience of a ſtubborn Nobilitý.
He had by his Wife Elioner fix Sons, whereof only two ſurvived him, His Iſſue.
Edward and Edmond; and two Daughters, who lived to be Married, Mar-
garet, the Eldeſt, to Alexander King of Scots : Beatrice, the other, to John
the firſt, intituled Duke of Britain.
The End of the Life and Reign of Henry the Third.
Edward.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Firſt
.
UP
Pon the Death of Henry, the State aſſembles at the New Temple, and
Proclaims his Son Edward King, tho they knew not whether he were
living: ſwears Fealty unto him ; cauſes a new Seal to be made; and ap 1272.
Anno
points fit Miniſters for the Cuſtody of his Treaſure, and his Peace, whilſt
himſelf remains in Paleſtine, where, by an Afaſſin, (making thew of deliver- Reg. 1.
ing Letters) he receives three Wounds with a poyſoned Knife, whereof
he was hardly re-cured. After three Years Travel, from the time of his
ſetting forth, and many Conflicts without any great Effect, diſappoint-
ed of his Aids, and his Ends, he leaves Acon, (which he went to relieve)
well fortified and manned, returns homeward, lands in Sicily, is royally
feaſted by Charles the King thereof; paſſes through Italy, with all the Ho-
nour could be Thewed him, both by the Pope and the Princes there.
Thence
110
R 3
+
186 The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
His Coro-
nation.
1274
Anno
Reg. 3.
Thence deſcends into Burgogne; where, at the foot of the Alps, he is met by
the Nobility of England, and there challenged by the Earl of Chalboun ( a
fierce Man at Arms) to a Turneament: Wherein again he hazards his Per-
ſon to ſuew his Valour, which may ſeem to be more than became his Eſtate,
and Dignity. From thence he comes down into France, where he is ſump-
tuouſly entertained, and feaſted by Philip the Third (ſurnamed the Hardy)
to whom he doth homage for all the Territories he held of that
Crown.
Thence he departs into Aquitain, where he ſpent much time in ſetling
bis Affairs. And after ſix years, from his firſt ſetting out, he returns into
England: Recieves the Crown ( without which he had been a King al-
moſt three years ) at the hands of Robert Arch-biſhop of Canterbury, in Sep-
tember 1275. And with him is Elioner his Queen likewiſe Crowned at Weſt-
minſter, Alexander King of Scots, and John Duke of Brittain, (who both
had married his Siſters) being preſent at the Solemnity.
The Spirit and Abilities of this Prince ſhewed in the beginning of his Adi-
ons under his Father, after the great defeat he gave the Barons at Eveſham:
The Proſecution of the diſ-herited Mutiners of the Kingdom: The
expo-
ſition of his Perſon to all hazards and travel: His ſingle Combate with Adam
Gurdun the Out-law near Farnham: His great Adventure and Attempts in the
Eaſt: and finally, His long Experience in the Affair of the World, with his
Maturity of years ( being about thirty five before he came to the Crown)
might well preſage what an able Maſter he would prove in the manage
thereof. And how (by theſe Advantages of Opinion and Reputation ) he was
likely ( as he did ) to make a higher improvement of the Royalty; having
won, or worn out, the greateſt of thoſe who heretofore oppoſed the ſame.
Infomuch as he ſeems the firſt Conquerour, after the Conquerour, that
got
the Domination of this State in that eminent manner, as by his Government
appears.
And even at his firſt Parliament,held ſhortly after his
Coronation at Weſt-
minster, he made tryal of their Patience; and had the fifteenth of all their
Goods (Clergy and Lay ) granted unto him, without any Noiſe as we hear of;
The Clergy having yielded before a Tenth for two years to be paid him,
and his Brother Edmond, towards the charge of the Holy War. But
yet
all
Quint am Deci-
this could not divert the Deſigns he had to abate the Power Eccleſiaſtical,
which by Experience of former times, he fouud to be a part grown too
banimum Temper ſtrong for the Sovereignty, whenſoever they combined with the Lay Nobili-
ty: And therefore now at firſt (whilſt he was in the Exaltation both of Opini-
on and Eſtimation with the World) he began to ſet upon their Priviledges
.
And in Anno Reg. 6. ( to extend, faith the Monkiſh Hiſtory, the Royal Au-
thority) he deprived many famous Monaſteries throughout England of their
confifcari
, Ma. Liberries, and took from the Abbot and Covent of Westminſter, the return
Wefit.
of Writs, granted them by the Charter of his Father King Henry the Third.
ceeding
The next year after, he got to be enacted the Statute of Mortmain, to hinder
againſt the
Clergy.
the encreaſe of their temporal Poſſeſſions ( which made them ſo powerful)
as being detrimental to the Kingdom, and the Military Service of the fame.
In the ſecond Statute of Westminſter,he defalked the Juriſdiction of Eccleſi-
aſtical Judges. He left not here, but afterward growing more upon them,
he required the Moiety of all their Goods, as well Temporal as Spiritual,
for one year: which (though it put them into extream Perplexity and
Grief) they yet were fain to yield to his demand. And at the firſt
pro-
pounding thereof, one Sir John Havering, Knight, ſtands up againſt them,
mam omnium
ricorum quam
Laicoruin in an
dito more ad un-
ghem taxatam
Rex juſſerat
His pro-
as
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
.1.87
1
F
1
as they were aſſembled in the Refectory of the Monks at Weſtminſter (and , Mat. Welt
.
faid) Reverend Fathers, if any here will contradict the King's Demand in this
Buſineſs, let himn ſtand out in the midst of the Aſſembly, that his Perſon may
be known, and ſeen, as one guilty of the Kings Peace. At which Speech they
all fat mute.
So much were the times altered ſince the late Reign of the
Father, wherein ſuch a Buſineſs could not have ſo paſſed. But now this
Active King being come home, and having compoſed his Affairs abroad,
muſt needs be working, both to ſatisfie his own Deſire in amplifying his
Power, and entertaining his People in thoſe Times incompatible of reſt;
and therefore ſome Action muſt be taken in hand.
Wales, that lay neareſt the danger of a ſuperiour Prince, and had ever an occaſion
ſtrugled for Liberty, and the Rule of a Native Government, had always been taken of fub-
.
the Řeceptacle, and Aid of the Rebellions of England; had ever Combined
with Scotland to diſturb the Peace and Government thereof: Having never
her Borders without Blood and Miſchief; was an apt Subject to be wrought
upon in this time. And Occaſions are eaſily taken, where there is a Pur-
poſe to quarrel, eſpecially with an inferiour. Leoline, now Prince of that
Province, who had ſo long held in the Fire of the late Civil Wars of Eng-
land (and dearly payed for it) having refuſed upon Summons to come to the
Kings Coronation, and after to his firſt Parliament, alledged, he well remem-
bred how his Father Griffin burſt his Neck out of the Tower of London, for
which he brooked not that place, and therefore returned Anſwer, That in any
other, upon Hoſtages given him, or Commiſſioners ſent to take his Fealty, he
would (as it should pleaſe the King) be ready to render it. This gave Occa-
ſion that King Edward the next Year after, goes with a powerful Army; en-
ters his Country with Fire and Sword in ſo fierce manner, as Leoline (unable
I 275
to reliſt) ſues for Peace, and obtains it, but upon thoſe Conditions, as made
Anno
his: Principality little different from the Tenour of a Subject. And beſides, he
was fined in.Fifty thouſand Pound Sterling, and to pay 1000 Pounds per
An-
num for what he held, which was but for his own Life. But yet the King,
to gratifie him in ſomething that might be a tye to this Peace, reſtored unto
him Elioner (Daughter to Simon Monfort late Earl of Leiceſter) who, with
her Brother Elmerick had been lately taken Priſoner by certain Ships of Bri-
ſtol, as ſhe was paſſing out of France into Wales, to be made the miſerable
Wife of this unfortunate Prince. Whoſe Reſtraint and Affliction might per-
haps be a Motive, the rather to incline him to his Lowneſs of Submiſſion,
and Accord: Which, as it was made by Force (an unſure Contractor of Co-
venants) ſo was it by Diſdain, as ill an Obſerver, ſoon broken. And either
the ill Adminiſtration of Juſtice upon the Marches (the perpetual Fire-
matches of bordering Princes) or the ever-working Paſſion of deſire of Li-
berty in the Welſh, threw open again (within three Years ) this ill infenced
Cloſure. And out is Leoline in Arms ; Lurprizes the Caſtles of Flint and Rut-
land, with the Perſon of the Lord Clifford lent Juſticiar into thoſe Parts;
and commits all Acts of Hoſtility. With bim joyns his Brother David, on 1277
whom King Edward (to make him his, finding him of a more ſtirring Spi-
Anno
rit) had beſtowed, after the laſt Accord, the Honour of Knighthood ; match. Reg. 6.
ed him to the Daughter of the Earl of Derby, a rich Widdow; and given
him, inſtead of his other Lands, the Caſtle of Denbeigh, with 1000 Pounds
per Annum. All which Graces could not yet hold him back from thoſe pow.
erful Inclinationis of Nature, The aiding his Country, the partaking with his
Brother, and the attempting of Liberty.
King Edward advertiſed of this Revolt (being at the Vizes in Wiltſhire)
prepares
Reg. 4.
1
188
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
The death of
of the Wellh
Princes.
1
prepares an Army to repreſs it. But before his ſetting forth, he privately
goes to viſit his Mother Queen Elioner, living in the Nunnery at Amsbury;
with whom whilſt he conferred, there was brought into the Chamber one
who feigned himſelf (being blind) to have received his Sight at the Tomb
of Henry the Third. Alloon as the King law the Man, he formerly knew
him to be a moſt notorious lying Villain ; and wiſhed his Mother in no Cafe
to believe him. His Mother, who much rejoyced to hear of this Miracle (for
the Glory of her Husband) grew ſuddenly into Rage, and willed the King
to avoid her Chamber. The King obeys, and going forth ineets with a Cler-
gy-man, to whom he tells the Story of this Impoſtor, and merrily ſaid, He
knew the Juſtice of his Father to be ſuch, that he would rather pull out the Eyes
(being whole) of ſuch a wicked Wretch, than reſtore them to their Sight.
The Arch-biſhop of Canterbury (to whom the Welſh had before ſent a
1282.
Roll of their Grievances, and the Cauſes that drave them to revolt) of him-
ſelf goes, and labours to bring in Leoline, and his Brother, to a Ré-ſubmiſ-
Anno
ſion, and ſtay the Ruine which he foreſaw would light upon the Nation.
Reg. 11.
But nothing could he effect, certain petty Defeats Leoline had given to the
Leoline,the laſt Engliſh; the Inſtigation of his People, the Conceit of a Prophecy of Mer.
lin (that Gin of Error) how he ſhould ſhortly be Crowned with the Diadem of
Brute, ſo over-weighed this poor Prince, as he had no Ear for Peace, and
ſhortly after, no Head; the ſame being cut off (after he was ſlain in Bat-
tel by a common Souldier) and ſent to King Edward: who, as if his
Death were not ſufficient without his Reproach ) cauſed the ſame to be
crowned with Ivy, and ſet upon the Tower of London. This was the End
of Leoline, the laſt of the Welſh Princes, betrayed (as they write) by the
Men af Buelth.
Shortly after, to finiſh this Work of Blood, is David his Brother taken in
Wales, and judg'd in England to an ignominious Death: firſt drawn'at a
Horſe-Tail about the City of Shrewsbury, then beheaded, the Trunk of his
ar Shrewsbury,
Body divided, his Heart and Bowels burnt, his Head ſent to accompany that
of his Brothers on the Tower of London, bis four Quarters to four Cities,
Briſtol, Northampton, York, and Wincheſter; a manitold Execution, and
the firſt ſhewed in that kind to this Kingdom, in the Perſon of the Son of
a Prince, or any other Nobleman, that we read of in our Hiſtory.
But this Example made of one,and th'other, grew after to be uſual to this
Nation. And even this King (under whom it began) had the Blood of his
own, and his Brothers Race, miſerably ſhed on many a Scaffold. And juſt at
The death of the ſealing of this Conqueſt, Alphonſus, his eldeſt Son, of the Age of twelve
Years (a Prince of great hope) is taken away by Death. And Edward, late-
Alphonſus.
ly born at Carnarvan (an Infant, uncertain how to prove ) his Heir of the
Kingdom ; and the firit of the Engliſh entituled Prince of Wales, whoſe un-
natural Deſtruction we ſhall likewiſe hear of in his Time.
But thus came Wales (all that ſmall Portion left unto the Britains (the an-
to England. cient Poffeflors of this Ille) to be united to the Crown of England, Anno
Reg. 11. And ſtrange it is how it could ſo long ſubſiſt of it felf, as it did, ha-
ving litile or no Aid of others, little or no Shipping (the hereditary defect
of their Anceſtors) no Alliance, no confederation, no Intelligence with
any
Foreign Princes of Power out of this Iſle: and being by ſo potent a King-
dom as this, ſo often invaded, ſo often reduced to extremity, ſo eagerly pur-
ſued, almoſt by every King, and ſaid to have been (by many of them) ſub-
dued, when it was not ; muſt needs ſhew the worthineſs of the Nation,
and their Noble Courage to preſerve their Liberty. And how it was now
The Executi-
on of David
his Brother
the firſt in
that kind.
the Prince
Wales united
at
The Life and Reign of Edward the First. 189
1284.
1
at laſt gotten, and upon what Ground we ſee; But the Effect proves bet-
ter than the Cauſe, and hath made it good. For in ſuch Acquiſitions as theſe,
the Sword is not to give an Account to Juſtice; the publick Benefit makes
amends. Thoſe miſerable Miſchiefs that afflicted both Nations, come here-
by extinguiſhed'; the Diviſion and Plurality of States in this Ille, having
ever made it the Stage of Blood and Confuſion: as if Nature, that had' or-
dained it but one Piece, would have it to be governed but by one Prince,
and one Law, as the moſt abſolute Glory and Strength thereof, which
otherwiſe it could never enjoy. And now this prudent King (no leſs pro.
vided to preſerve than ſubdue this Province) eſtabliſhed the Government
thereof according to the Laws of England, as may be ſeen by the Statute
of Rutland, Anno Reg. 12.
This Work effected and ſetled, King Edward paſſes over into France (up-
on notice of the Death of Philip le Hardy) to renew and confirm ſuch Con Anno
ditions, as iris State required in thoſe Parts with the new King Philip the
Reg. 13
Fourth (intituled le Bel) to whom he doth Homage for Aquitain, having
before quitted his Claim to Normandy for ever. And afterwards accommo-
dates the differences between the Kings of Sicily and Arragon in Spain (to
both of whom he was allied) and redeems Charis,entituled Prince of Achaia,
(the Son of Charles King of Sicily) Priſoner in Arragon, paying for his
Ranſome thirty thouſand pounds.
After three years and a half being abroad, he returns into England,
1287
which muſt now ſupply his Coffers, emptied in this Voyage. And occaſi Anno
on is given (by the general Complaints made unto him of the ill Admini-
Reg. 16.
ſtration of Juſtice in his Abſence) to inflict Penalties upon the chief Miniſters
thereof;whoſe manifeſt Corruptions, the Hatred of the People to Men of that
Profeſſion (apt to abuſe their Science and Authority) the Neceſſity of re-
forming fo grievous a Miſchief in the Kingdom, gave eaſie way thereunto
by the Parliament then aſſembled; wherein, upon due Examinations and
proof of their Extortions, they are fined to pay to the King theſe Sums fol-
lowing.
Firſt, Sir Ralph Hengham, Chief Juſtice of the higher Bench, ſeven thou- Sir Ralph
ſand Marks; Sir John Loveton, Juſtice of the lower Bench, three thouſand Hengham a
Marks ; Sir William Bromton, Juſtice, 6000 Marks; Sir Solomon Rocheſter millioner for
4000 Marks; Sir Richard Boyland 4000 Marks ; Sir Thomas Sodington the Govern-
two thouſand Marks ; Sir Walter Hopton two thouſand Marks: Theſe Kingdom in
four laſt were Juſtices Itinerants. Sir William Sahani three thouſand the King's Ab-
Marks ; Robert L.ithbury, Maſter of the Rolls, one thouſand Marks; Ro- officers fined
ger Leiceſter one thouſand Marks ; Henry Bray Eſcheater, and Judge for the for Bribery
one thouſand Marks; but Sir Adam Stratton, Chief Baron of the and Extortion,
Exchequer, was fined in 34000 Marks : and Thomas Wayland, (found the
greateſt Délinquent, and of the greateſt Subſtance) hath all his Goods and
whole Eſtate confiſcated to the King ; which, were it but equal to that of
Sir Adam Stratton, theſe Fines bring to the King's Coffers above one hun-
dred thouſand Marks; which, at the rate (as Money goes now) amounts to
above 300000 Marks: a mighty Treaſure to be gotten out of the hands of
ſo few men. Which, how they could aniaſs in thoſe Days, when Litiga-
tion and Law had not ſpread it ſelf into thoſe infinite Wreathings of Con-
tention (as ſince it hath ) may ſeem ſtrange even to our greater getting
times. But peradventure now the number of Lawyers, being grown bigger
than the Law (as all Trades of Profit come over-peſtred with multitude of
Traders) is the Cauſe (that like a huge River diſperſed into many little
Rilles)
Jews,
2
190 The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
The Baniſh-
ment of the
Jews.
Rilles) their Subſtances are of a ſmaller Proportion than thoſe of former
times í and now Offices of. Judicature peradventure more piouſly exe-
cuted.
Of no leſs Grievance, the King the next Year after eaſed his People, by the
Baniſhment of the Jews; for which the Kingdom willingly granted him a
Fifteenth. Having before (in Anno Reg. 9.) offered a fifth part of their Goods
to have them expelled; but then the Jews gave more, and ſo ſtayed till
this time, wnich brought him a greater benefit by confiſcating all their Im.
moveables with their Tallies and Obligations, which amounted to infinite
Value. But now hath he made his laſt Commodity of this miſerable Peo-
ple, which having been never under other Cover than the Will of the
Prince, had continually ſerved the Turn in all the neceſſary Occaſions of
his Predeceflors, but eſpecially of his father and himſelf. And in theſe Re-
formations that are eaſeful, and pleaſing to the State in general, the Juſtice
of the Prince is more noted than any other Motive which may be for his
Profit. And howſoever ſome particular Men ſuffer (as ſome muſt ever ſuffer)
yet they are the faireſt, and ſafeſt ways of getting; in regard the Hatred of
the Abuſes, not only diſcharges the Prince of all imputation of Rigor, but
renders him more beloved and reſpected of his People. And this King, ha-
ving much to do for Money (coming to an empty Crown) was driven to
all Shifts poſſible to get it, and great Supplies we find he had already drawn
from his Subjects
. As in the firſt Year of his Reign, Pope Gregory procured
him a Tenth of the Clergy for two Years; beſides a Fifteenth of them, and
the Temporality. In the third likewiſe another Fifteenth of both. In the fifth,
His many Sup. 1 a Twentieth of their Goods towards the Welſh Wars. In the ſeventh
means for Mo- the old Money was called in, and new coined, in regard it had been much
defaced by the Jews, for which 297.were at one time Executed at Lon-
don, and this brought him in a great Benefit. In Anno Reg. 8. ſeeking to
examine Mens Titles to their Lands, by a Writ of Quo Warranto (which
oppoſed by the Earl Warrein, who drew out his Sword upon the Writ, fay-
ing, How by the ſame he held his Land, and thereby would make good his Te-
nure) the King deſiſts and obtains a fifteenth of the Clergy. In the eleventh
he had a thirtieth of the Temporality, and a Twentieth of the Clergy
for the Welſ Wars. In the thirteenth, Eſcuage, forty Shillings for every
Knights Fee for the ſame purpoſe. In the fourteenth, he had a thouſand
Marks of certain Merchants fined for falſe Weights. In the ſeventeenth,
thoſe. Fines fore-declared of the Judges. In the eighteenth, this Con-
fiſcation of Jews, and a fifteenth of the Engliſh. After this, Anno Reg. 19.
pretending a Voyage to the Holy Land, the Clergy grants him an eleventh
part of all Moveables, and ſhortly after the Pope procures him a tenth for
ſix Years to be collected in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and laid
Monaſteries untill he were entred into Mare Maggior. But he inade the
Collectors pay him the Money gather'd for three Years, without going
ſo far, having Occaſion to uſe it at home, about the Purchaſe of a new
Kingdom.
For, the Crown of Scotland (upon the Death of King Alexander, and of
the Daughter of his Daughter Margaret, who was to inherit) was now in
Controverſie. Six Competitors pretend Title thereunto, all deſcending from
David Earl of Huntingdon, younger Brother to William King of Scots, and
1288.
Anno
grcat Uncle to this late King Alexander. This Title King Edward takes
upon
Reg. 17.
him to decide, pretending a Right of Superiority from his Anceſtors over
that Kingdom. The Scots, which ſway'd the Interregrum, are conſtrained
for
ney:
up in
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Firſt, 197
1
1
1.
for avoiding further Irconveniences, to make him Arbiter thereof, and the The Occaſion
fix Competitors bound to ſtand to his Award. Two are eſpecially found, with Scotland.
between whom the Right lay: John Baliol Lord of Galloway, and Robert
Bruce : the one deſcending from an elder Daughter, the other from a
Son of a younger Daughter of Alan, who had married the eldeſt
Daughter of this David, brother to King William. The Controverſie King Edward
held long. Twelve of either Kingdom, learned in the Laws, are elect- Scors to arbvi-
ed to debate the ſame at Barwick: All the beſt Civilians in the Univerſities crate the right
of France, are ſollicited to give their Opinions, the Differences and ders to that
Perplexedneſs whereof made the.. Deciſion more difficult : Accor- Crown.
ding to the Nature of Litigation, that ever begets rather Doubts than
Reſolutions, and never knows well nor certainly how to make an
end.
King Edward, the better to ſway his Buſineſs by his Preſence, takes his
1289.
Anno
Journey North-ward, and whilſt he ſought to compaſs greater Felicity, be
loſt the better part of what he had in this world, his dear Confort Elioner Reg. 18.
(who had ever attended him in all his Fortunes, the Paragon of Queens, dies.
Queen Eliorer
and the honour of Woman-hood : who is ſaid to have fucked the Poyſon Her Praiſe.
out of the Wound given him by the Afalin in the Eaſt, when no other
means could preſerve his Life) dies by the way in Lincolnſhire. With thoſe
Corps, in extream Grief he returns back to Weſtminſter, cauſing ( at all
cſpecial Places, where it geſted by the way) goodly engraven Croſles, with
"her Statue to be erected; As at Stamford, Waltham, Weſt-cheap, Charing,
and others, grateful Monuments of bis Affection, and her renowned Faith-
fulneſs.
Her Funerals performed, back he returns to his Scottiſh Buſineſs: And Scottiſh Hiſto-
now ſix years it was ſince the Death of King Alexander, and much time ba-
ving been ſpent,and nothing.concluded in this controverſie : King Edward,
that would be ſure ( wholoever prevailed) to have the Hand that ſhould
make him, deals privately with Bruce, who had the weaker Title, but the
more Friends) and promiſes him,if he would yield Fealty and Homage to the
Crown of England, he would inveſt him in that of Scotland, Bruce án-
ſwers, He was
not ſo deſirous to rule, as thereby to infringe the Liberties of bis
Country. Then with the like offer he ſets ưpon Baliola who having bet- King of Scot-
ter, right, but leſs Love of the People, and more greedy, of a Kingdom land
.
than Honour,yields thereunto : is Crowned King at Scone: hath Fealty done 1294
him by all the chief Nobility, except Bruce: comes to New-Caſtle upon
Anno
Tine, where King Edward then lay, and there ( with many of his Nobles) Reg. 21.
ſwears Fealty, and did , Homage unto him, as his Sovereign Lord.
Which Ad, as he thought, done, to ſecure him everthrew him. For
being little beloved before, hereby. he became leſs :. ſuch as ſtood for
Bruce; and others of the Nobility ( moretender of the Preſervation of their
Countries Liberty ) grew into Stomack againſt him; as having not only
diſcontented them in this AQ, but ſhortly after in his Juſtice, in the caſe of
the Earl of Fife, one of the fix, Governoyrs in the Time of Anarchy wbo
bad been hain by the Family of Alberneth. And the Brother of this
Earl row proſecuted in Law, before the King Baliol, in his high Court of
Parliament (where having no right dose him, King Baliol giving Judgment
on the ſide of the Alberneths-) the wronged Gentleman appeals to the
Court of the King of England. King Baliol is thither ſummoned; .ap-
pears, fits with King Edward, in his, Parliament till his Cauſe was to be
tryed, and then is he çîted by an Officer to ariſe and ſtand at the Place
appoint-
ry.
1
Baliol made
+
1
.
+
1
1
1
Baliol diſcon-
tented returns
into Scotland.
1296.
Anno
2
Wars
between Eng-
land and Scot.
land.
1
192 The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
appointed for pleading : He craves to anſwer by a Procurator : it is de-
nied : then himſelf ariſes, and deſcends to the ordinary place, and defends
his Cauſc.
With which Indignity (as he took it ) he returns home, with a Breaſt
full charged with Indignation : Meditates revenge, renews the Ancient
League with France : Confirms it with the iftarriage of his Son Edward
with a Daughter of Charles, Brother to King Philip, glad in regard of late
Reg. 23. Offences taken againſt the King of England, to embrace the ſame : Which
done, Baliol defies King Edward; renounces his Allegiance as unlawfully
done, being not in his Power ( without the conſent of the State) to do
any ſuch act. Hereupon brake out that mortal diffention between the two
Nations ( which during the Reign of the three laſt Scotiſh Kings had held
fair correſpondence together that conſumed more Chriſtian Blood
wrought more ſpoyl and deſtruction, and contiñued longer than ever quar-
rel we read of did between any two People in the World. For he
that began it, could not end in it.' That Rancor which the Sword had
The occafion bred, and the perpetually-working deſire of Revenge of Wrongs ( that
ever beget wrongs) Jáſted almoſt three hundred years. And, all the Suc-
ceſſors.of this King (even to the laſt, before this bleſſed Union ) have had
their Thares more or leſs in this miſerable Affliction, both to their great ex-
pence of Treaſure, and extream hinderance in all other their Deſigns. Al-
though the intention of this great and Martial King, for reducing this whole
Ille-under one Government,was Noble,and according to the Nature of Pow-
er, and Greatneſs, that ever ſeeks to extend it ſelf as far as it can: Yet
all ſuch Actions have much of Iniquity, ſo had this, and we ſee it was not
Force or the Sword could effect it. God had fore-decreed to make it his
own work by a cleaner way, and ordained it for an unſtained hand, to ſet
it together in Peace that it might take the more ſure, and laſting höld;which
otherwiſe it could never have done. Violence may joyn Territories, but ne-
ver Affections together; which only muſt grow voluntarily,and be the work
of it ſelf. And yet no doubt it was in the Deſign of this King to have ob-
tained it in the fairéſt manner he could. As firſt;ſhews his ſeeking to match
his Son Edward with Margaret, Daugtiter to the King of Norway, Grand-child
and Heir to the läſt King Alexander, who (dying an Infant ſoon after her
Grând father ) diſappointed his hopes that way; and drave hini to haverc-
courſe to his Sovereignty, which being oppoſed; he was forced to take the
way of Violence, both to maintain his own Honour, and to effect what he
had begun : Whereof the miſerable Events were ſuch as now we may
well ſpare their Memory, and be content thoſe bloody Relations ſhould be
razed out of all. Records ; but that they ſerve to Thew.us tủië woful Cala
mities of our Separation, and the comfortable bleſſings we enjoy by
this our happy Union. Neither doth: it 'now' concern us to ſtand upon
any points of Honour, whether of the Nations did the braveſt Exploits
in thoſe times, ſeeing who had the better was beaten, neither did the Over
comer Conquer, when he had done what he could': That little which
was gained, coſt ſo much more than it was worth, as it had been
better not to have been had at all. And if any ſide had the Honour, it
was the invaded Nation, which being the weaker, and ſmaller, ſeems ne
ver to have been ſubdued, though often overcome, Continuing (rot-
withſtanding all their Miſerics ) reſolute to preſerve their Liberties; which
never People of the World 'moře nobly defended, againſt ſo porent, and
richa Kingdom as this, by the which, without an admirable hardinėſs,
and
: 1
N
.
;ܪܝܝܺܝ
1
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The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
193
V
put all
and conſtancy, it had been impoſſible but they muſt have been brought to
an utter Confternation.
For all what the Power of this Kingdom could do ( which then
the ſtrength to do what it could) was fhewed in this Kings time: Who now King Edward's
Cupon this Defection of King Baliol,and his League made with France) Coun- Concubines
ter-leagues with all the Princes he could draw in either by Gifts or Alliance, Princes
.
to ſtrengthen his Party abroad. As firſt with Guy Earl of Flanders, with
whoſe Daughter he ſeeks to match his Son Edward. Then with Adolph
de Naſaw the Emperour, to whom he ſends fifteen thouſand pounds Ster-
ling, to recover certain Lands of the Empire which Adolph claimed in
France : He had likewiſe married one of his Daughters to the Duke of
Barre, who pretends Title to Campaigne, another to John Duke of Brabant: An Army ſent
All which, with many other confining Princes, he ſets upon the King of into France.
France, who had (for certain Spoils committed on the Coaſt of Normandy
by the Engliſh, and no Redreſs obtained ) ſummoned King Edward, as ow-
ing Homage to that Crown, to appear and anſwer it in his Court; which
he refuſing to do, is by an Arreſt condemned to forfeit all his Territories in
France: and an Army is preſently ſent forth to ſeize upon the ſame, led by
Charles de Valois, and Arnold de Neele Conſtable of France. Burdeaux, with
divers other Places of Importance, are taken and fortified. To the Recovery
whereof, the King of England ſends over his Brother Edmond Earl of Lan-
caſter, the Earls of Lincoln and Richmond, with eight and twenty Banners,
ſeven hundred Men at Arms, and a Navy of three hundred and fixty Sail.
And notwithſtanding all this mighty Charge and Forces employed in thoſe | Another in
Parts, King Edmård ſets upon King Baliol, (refuſing upon Summons to ap-
pe at his Court at Newcaſtle, ſtanding upon his own Defence) and enter
Scotland with an Army ſufficient to conquer a far mightier Kingdom, con-
fiſting of four thouſand Men at Arms on Horſe, and thirty thouſand Foot,
beſides five hundred Horſe, and one thouſand Foot of the Biſhop of Du I 295.
reſme; iotending here to make ſpeedy work, that he might afterward Anno
paſs over Sea to aid his Confederates, and be revenged" of the King of Reg. 24.
France.
Barwick is firſt won, with the Death of fifteen thouſand Scots, (our King Edward's
Writers
report more) but nothing is more uncertain than the Number of victories in
the ſlain in Battels; and after that the Caſtles of Dinbarre, Roxborough, Eden-
borongh,Sterling and Saint Johns Town,were won or yielded unto him: King
Baliol ſues for Peace, ſubmits himſelf, takes again his Oath of Fealty to
King Edward, as his Sovereign Lord. Which done, a Parliament
for Scotland was held at Barwick, wherein the Nobility did likewiſe
unto him, confirming the ſame by their Charter under their
Hand and Seals. Only William Dowglaſs refuſes, content rather to en-
dure the Miſery of a Priſon, than yield to the Subjection of England. King
Baliol (notwithſtanding his Submiſſion) is ſent Priſoner into England, af
his four Years Dignity, I cannot fay Reign ; for it ſeems he had but lit-
tle Power: and King Edward returns from this Expedition, leaving John
Warrein, Earl of Surrey and Suſſex, Warden of all Scotland, Hugh Cref
fingham Treaſurer, and Ormefly Chief Juſtice, with Commiſſion to take,
in his Name, the Homages and Fealties of all ſuch as held Lands of that
Crown.
And here this Conqueſt might ſeem to have been effected, which yet
was not. It muſt coſt infinite more Blood, Travel, and Treaſure, and all to as
little Effect. And now the French Buſineſſes (that require ſpeedy help) are
Scotland,
+
Homage
t
ter
1
3
S
wholly
194 The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
!
of his Prote&ti.
on.
1296. wholly intended. For which King Edward calls a Parliament at Saint Ed.
Anno monds Bury, wherein the Citizens and Burgeſſes of good Towns granted
Reg. 25. the eighth part of their Goods, and other of the People a twelfth part. But the
Clergy, ( upon a Prohibition from Pope Boniface that no Tallage or Impoſi-
tion, laid by any Prince,upon whatſoever appertaind to the Church, ſhould
be paid ) abſolutely refuſe to give any thing. Which Prohibition may ſeem
to have been produced by themſelves, in regard of the many Levies lately
made upon the Eſtate EccleGaſtical. As in Anno Reg. 22. they paid the
Moiety of their Goods : of which the Abbey of Canterbury yielded 596
pounds 7 Shillings and 10 Pence; and beſides furniſhed ſix Horſes for the
Sea-Coaſts. This Leavy,as Stow notes in his Collection,amounted to fix han-
dred thouſand Pounds. And in Anno Reg. 23. the King leized into his hands,
all the Priories, Aliens, and their Goods. Beſides, he hath a loan of the
Clergy, which amounted to 100 thouſand Pounds, whereof the Abbot of
The King pur | Bury paid 655 pounds.
the Clergy our
Notwithſtanding now, upon this their Refuſal,the King puts the Clergy
out of his Protection, whereby they were to have no Juſtice in any
of his
Courts ( a ſtrain of State beyond any of his predeceſſors) which ſo ama-
zed them, being expoſed to all Offences and Injuries whatſoever and no means
to redreſs themſelves, as the Archbiſhop of York, with the Biſhop of Dis-
reſme, Ely, Salisbury, Lincoln, yield to lay down in their Churches the
fifth
part of all their Goods, towards the maintenance of the Kings Wars :
whereby they appeaſed his Wrath, and were received into Grace. But the
Archbiſhop of Canterbury,by whoſe Animation the reſt ſtood out, had all his
Goods ſeized on,and all the Monaſteries within his Dioceſs, and
coln, taken into the King's Hands, and Wardens appointed to miniſter only
Neceſſaries to the Monks,converting the reſt to the Kings uſe
. At length, by
much Suit,the Abbots and Prieſts giving the fourth part of their Goods, re-
deem themſelves, and the Kings Favour. Thus will martial Princes have
their Turns ſerved by their Subjects in the times of their Neceſſities, how-
ſoever they oppoſe it.
During this Contract with the Clergy, the King calls a Parliainent of his
Nobles at Salisbury, without Admiſſion of any Church-men; wherein, He
requires certain of the great Lords to go unto the Wars of Gaſcoigne, which
required a preſent ſupply, upon the Death of his Brother Edmond, who ha-
ving ſpent much Treaſure and Time in the Siege of Burdeaux, without any
Succeſs, retires to Bayon, then in poſſeſſion of the Engliſh, and there ends
his Life. But they all making their excuſes every man for himſelf; the King in
great Anger threatned, They ſhould either go, or he would give their Lands to
The Lords re others that ſhould. Whereupon, Humfrey Bohun, Earl of Hereford, high Con-
Gaſcoigne, ex. ſtable, and Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk, Marſhal of England, make their
cept the King Declaration, that if the King went in Perſon they would attend him.otherwiſe
not. Which Anſwer more offends: and being urged again, The Earl Mar-
ſmal proteſted, He would willingly go thither with the King, and march' before
Mat. Weft.
him in the Vant.guard, as by right of Inheritance he ought to do. But the King
told him plainly, He ſhould go with any other, although himſelf went. not in
Perſon. I am not ſo bound, ſaid the Earl,neither will I take that Journey without
you. The King ſwore by God, Sir Earl, yon fhall go or hang. And I ſwear by the
fame Oath, I will neither go nor hang, ſaid the Earl ; and ſo without leave
departs.
Shortly after, the two Earls aſſembled many Noble-men, and others
their Friends, to the number of thirty Bannerets, ſo that they were fifteen
hundred
part of Lin.
ز
ſon.
1
ht
Ibe Life and Reign of Edward the First. +
1.
S
1
Earl of
+
+
"1
ders,
1.4
1
195
dréd Men at Arms well appointed, and ſtood upon their own Guard. The
King, like a prudent Prince, who knew his times, proſecutes them not as then,
but lets the matter paſs, in regard that both his Buſineſs in France, and the
preſſing Neceſſity of aiding his Confederates (whereon his Honour and whole
Eſtate abroad depended) called him over into Flanders, which the King of The French
France had now invaded ; pretending the ſame Title of Sovereignty to that the
King invites
Province, as King Edward did to Scotland. And having had Intelligence Flanders tą
of the intended Alliance, and other Deſigns of the Earl Gwy, ſends for him Paris, and
(as if knowing nothing thereof) to come with his wife and Daughter to fons him.
make merry with him at Paris: where, inſtead of Feaſting, he makes him
Priſoner, and takes from him his Daughter, in regard he ſought, being his
Vaffal, to match her to the Son of his Capital Enemy. The Earl excuſes it
the beſt he could, and by much Mediation is releaſed, and ſuffered to de-
part, but without his Daughter; of whoſe Surpriſe and Detention (contrary
to the Law of Nations.) he complains to the Pope, and other Princes, who
earneſtly urge the Releaſe of the young Lady, but all in vain: and thereup-
on this Earl (preſuming on the Aid of his Confederates) takes Arms, and 'The French in-
dcfies the King of France; who now comes with an Army of ſixty thouſand yades Flan-
agaiņſt him: which cauſed the King of England to make what ſpeed he
could to relieve this diſtreſſed:Earl, and to leave all his other Buſineſſes at
home in that broken Eſtate which he did; the Scots in Revolt, and his own
People in Diſcontent. For which yet he took the beſt Order he could, lea-
ving the Adminiſtration of the Kingdom, during his Abſence, to the Prince
,
and
certain eſpecial Counſellors, as the Bilbop of London, the Earl of War:
wick, the Lord Reginald Gray and Clifford, and beſides
, to recover the
Clergy, received the Arch-biſhop of Canterbury into Favour,
And being ready now to take Ship, the Arch-bilhops, Biſhops, Earls, Bar | This Roll of
rons, and the Commonis
, ſent him in a Roll of the general Grievances of his Grievances iş
Subjects: Concerning his Taxes, Subſidies, and other impoſitions; with his Tho. Wa. viz.
ſeeking to force their Services by unlawful Courſes ; his laſt Impoſt laid of forty 1297:
Shillings upon every Sack of Wool, being before but half a Mark, eſtimating the Anna
Waol of England to a fifth part of all the Subſtance thereof
. The King fends Reg. 26.
Anſwer, That he could not alter. any thing without the Advice of his Council
,
which were not now about him: And therefore required them, ſeeing they would
not attend him in this Journey (which they abſolutely refuſed to do, tho he went
in. Perſon, unleß he had gone into France or Scotland) that they would yet do
nothing in his Abſence prejudicial to the Peace of the Kingdom. And that
upon
bis Return he would ſet all things.in.good Order as should be fit.
| And ſo with 500 Sail, eighteen thouſand Men at Arms, he puts out for King Edward
this Journey, wherein Fortune ſhewed him, how ſhe ſhould not be always partes poster in
his, for, contrary to his Expectation, he found the Country of Flanders diftra to the aid of
Åted into popular Factions; a rich and proud People, who, tho they were
willing to aid their Prince, and defend their Liberties (which they reſpect-
ed more than their Obedience), yet would they not be commanded other-
wiſe than themſelves pleaſed. And now the King of France, daily-getting
upon them..(having won Liſle, Doway, Courtray
, Bruges, and Dans and
the Emperor Adolph failing of his Aid and perſonal Alliſtance, as uninter-
eſſed Confederates often do, eſpecially having received their Gage before
band, as had this. Emperour to the Sum of an 100 thouſand Marks ) drave the
King of England into great Perplexity, and held him within long Delays,
to his extream Travel and. Expences; which forced him to ſend over for
more Supply of Treaſure, and give Order for a Parliament to be held at
S2
York
the Eari Gwy:
1
+
1
arte
1
. 196
The Life and Reign of Edward the Firſt.
in the abſence
The Gantois
take Arms
againſt the
He returns in-
I
York by the Prince, and ſuch as had the manage of the State in his abſence;
A Parliament Wherein, for that he would not be diſappointed, he condeſcends to all ſuch
held at York Articles as were demanded concerning the great Charter: promiſing from
of the King.
thenceforth never to charge his Subjects otherwiſe than by their Conſents
in Parliament,and to pardon ſuch as had denied to attend him in this Journey.
For which the Commons of the Rcalm granted him the ninth penny of
their Goods : The Archbiſhop of Canterbury, with the Clergy of the Pro-
vince, the tenth Penny: York and his Province the fifth: 1o the Kings inſtant
wants are relieved, and the Kingdom ſatisfied for a preſent ſhift. But it is
not well with a State where the Prince and People ſeek but to obtain their
ſeveral ends, and work upon the Advantages of each others Neceſſities, for
as it is unſincere, ſo it is often unſucceſsful, and the Good ſo done hurts
more than it pleaſures.
The King thus ſupplied, ſtays all this Winter in Gaunt, where his People
committing many outrages
, ſo exaſperates the Gantois, as they took Arms,
made head againſt them, New many,and put the Kings Perſon in great Dan-
Engliſh.
King Edward
ger : ſo that, do what the Earl Guy and himſelf could to appeale them, in
in Danger
ſatisfying ſuch as had received wrong, and giving the reſt fair Words, he
to England.
hardly could eſcape fafe out he Country, which rather defired to have
the Engliſh Commodities in their Companies. This was the ſucceſs of
his Journey into Flanders, which he leaves at the Spring of the year,having
concluded a Truce with the King of France for two years. And the
Earl Guy left to himſelf, is ſhortly after made the Prey of his Enemy, and
is Priſoner in Paris ; where he, and his Daughter both died of Grief. And
Flanders is reduced to a Poſſeſſion, though not to the Sụbjection of the King
of France. For after they had received him for their Lord, bis Exactions
and Oppreſſions upon them, contrary to their ancient Liberties, ſo armed
the whole People, being rich and mighty, as they gave France the greateſt
Wound that ever before it received at one Blow ; which was at the famous
Battel of Courtray, wherein the Earl of Artoiſe, General of the Army,
Arnold de Nell, Conſtable of France, and all the Leaders, with twelve thou-
The Hiſtory
ſand Gentlemen, were ſlain. And to fhew what the King of France got, by
ſeeking.to attain his Sovereignty of Flanders, as well as we ſhall hear of
the King of Englands getting upon Scotland for the ſame Title: It is recorded
in their Hiſtories that in the ſpace of eleven years, this quarrel coſt the Lives
of a hundred thouſand French men. Beſides, it drave the King likewiſe to
conſume the ſubſtances of his People, as well as their Blood, and to load
them with new Impoſitions, as that of Malletofte, and the tenth Denier upon
livre of all Merchandiſes, which in the Collection bred great Out-crics, and
dangerous Seditions among his Subje&s : And theſe were the Fruits of theſe
great Attempters.
1298.
Now for King Edward of England, he preſently after his Return, falls a.
Anno
new upon Scotland, which in his Abſence had beaten his Officers, and Peow
ple, almoſt out of the Country, Nain Sir Hugh Creſligham with 6000 Engliſh,
recovered many Caſtles, and regained the Town of Berwick: and ali
King Edward
profecutes his by the Animation and Conduct of William Wallice, a poor private Gentle:
man (though nobly deſcended ) who ſeeing his Country without a Head, .
and thereby without a Heart ( all the great men either in Captivity or Sub-
lice animates jection) aſſembles certain of as poor and deſperate eſtate as himſelf, and
againſt the
leads them to attempt upon whatſoever Advantages they could diſcover, to
Subje&tion of annoy the Engliſh. And having therein good Succeſs, it fo.encreaſed both
England.
his Courage and Company, as he afterwards comes to be the general
Guardian
.
1
i
of France,
Reg. 27
Scottiſh Buſi-
nefs.
William Wal-
1
the Scots
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
197
Guardian of the whole Kingdom: leads their Armies, effects thoſe great
Defcats
upon tlie Enemy,and was in poffibility to have abſolutely redeemed
his Country from the Subjection of England, had not ſome private Emula-
tion amongſt themſelves, and the ſpeedy comming of King Edward with
all his Power prevented him. So much could the Spirit of one brave man
work, to ſet up a whole Nation upon their Feet, that lay utterly caſt
down. And as well might he at that time have gotten the Dominion for
himſelf, as the place he had ; but that he held it more Glory to preſerve
his Country, than to get a Crown. For which he hath his immortal ho-
nour; and whatſoever Praiſe can be given to meer Vertue, muſt be ever
due to hiin.
And now King Edward, to bring his work near together, removes his King Edward
Exchequer and Courts of Juſtice to York, where they continued above ſix removes his
years. And thither calls he a Parliament, requiring all his Subje&ts that and Courts of
held of him by Knights Service, to be ready at Boxborough by a Peremptory Juſtice to
day : where are allembled three thouſand men at Arms on barded Horſes,
York.
and four thouſand other armed men on Horſe without Bards, with an Army
on Foot anſwerable, confiſting moſt of Welſh and Iriſh: beſides five hun.
dred men at Arms out of Gaſconie,and with this Power makes he his ſecond
Expedition into Scotland.
The Earls of Hereford and Norfolk, notwithſtanding their former con-
tempts, attend him. And although he were thus girt with all this ſtrength
and in the midſt of his mightinelš, they urge the Ratification of two Char-
ters, and their Pardons : which they held not ſufficient to ſecure them in re-
gard the King was out of the Realm at the late granting thereof. The Bi-
ſhop of Dureſon; the Earls of Surrey, Warwick, and Gloceſter undertook
for the King, that after he had ſubdued his Enemies and was return'd, he
ſhould ſatisfie them therein. And ſo theſe two Earls, with the Earl of Lin. The famous
coln, led his Vauntguard at the famous Battel of Fonkirk, which the King kirke
of England got, wherein are reported to be ſlain 200 Knights, and forty The Scots
thouſand Foot of the Scots. But William Wallice with ſome few eſcaped to
make more work.
And here again that Kingdom might ſeem as if quite overcome. Moſt
of the Eſtates of the Earls and Barons of Scotland (with their Titles) that
had ſtood out, were beſtowed on the Engliſh Nobility, to make them the
A Parliament
more eager to maintain and proſecute this Conqueſt. And a Parliament is at St. Andrews.
called at Saint Andrews, where all the great men of that Kingdom (except
only Wallice ) again ſwear Fealty to the King of England.
The Scotish Writers here ſet a wide mark of Tyranny upon King Edward
in this Expedition, As not content to carry away captive all fizch as might ſeem Writers in-
to have
any the leaſt ability to ſtir, but alſo endeavour to extinguiſh, if it were weigh againſt
poſſible
, the very memory of the Nation, aboliſhing all their ancient Laws, tra- decking teams
ducing their Eccleſiaſtical Rights to the Cuſtom of England, diſpoyling them of ward.
their Hiſtories, their Inſtruments of State, their Antique Monuments, left either
by the Romans, or erected by themſelves : tranſporting all their Books and
Book.men into England : Sending to London the Marble-ſtone, wherein ( as
the vulgar were perſwaded ) the Fate of the Kingdom conſiſted ; and left them
nothing that night either incite them to remember their former fortune,or inſtruct
generous Spirits in the way of Vertue andWorthineſs i ſo that he bereaved them
not only of their Strength, but of their Minds, fuppoſing thereby to eſtabliſh a
perpetual Dominion over that Kingdom.
This Journey ended,a Parliament is called at Westminſter, wherein the
pro-
S 3
miſed
Battel of Fon
overthrown.
The Scottiſh
198 The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
Reg. 28.
1
A Parliament miſed confirmation of the two Charters, and the allowance of what disfor-
at WeAminfter. reſtation had heretofore been made, was earneſty urged, and in the end
with much adoe granted, with Omiſſion of the Clauſe, Salvo Jure Coronæ no-
ſtre, which the King laboured to have inſerted, but the People would not
endure the ſame : the Perambulation of the Forreſts of England is commit-
ted to three Biſhops, three Earls, and three Barons.
In this little pauſe of Peace at home, a Concord is, by the Mediation of
Pope Boniface, concluded with the King of France : whoſe ſiſter Margaret
1299. the King of England takes to Wife in the ſixty
two Year of his Age (lome-
Anno
thing too late for ſo young a Match) and the Daughter of the fame King is
likewiſe affianced to the Prince. And thereupon Reſtitution made of what
had been uſurped by the French King in Gaſcoigne. Burdeaux returns to
the Obedience of the King of England, to the Merchants of which City he
paid 150 thouſand pounds for his Brother Edmonds Expences in the late
Wars, and all is well on that ſide. Beſides, the fame Pope obtained permiſ-
ſion for John Baliol, the captive King of Scots,to depart and live in France upon
certa in Lands he had there, and undertook for his Obſervation of the Peace,
and his Confinement; who ſhortly after dies, having bad little joy of a
Crown, or ſcarce leiſure to know he was a King. The decrying and calling
in of a certain baſe Coin, named Crocard and Pollard, with the new ſtamp-
ing them again, yielded ſomething to the Kings' Coffers: which muſt be
emptied in Scotland, whither again ( having been ſcarce eighteen Months
at home ) he makes his third Expedition, but did little,beſides the regaining
of Sterling Caſtle, which held out three Months ſiege againſt all his
Power, and Engines reared with infinite Charge and Labour. And in the
end not won, but yielded up by the Defendant William Oliver, upon pro-
miſe, which was not kept with him. The reſt of the Scots made no head,
but kept in the Mountains and Faſtneſſes of their Country, whereby the
Kings Army, having more to do with Barrenneſs than Men, ſuffered much
Affliction, and many Horſes were ſtarved.
Now upon this Peace with France, the Scots being excluded, and having
none to relieve them, ſend their lamentable Complaints to Pope Boniface,
ſhewing him the affli&ed ſtate of their Country: the Uſurpation of the King of
England upon them, and his moſt tyrannical Proceeding with them, contrary to
all Right and Equity: Proteſting, they never knew of any Sovereignty he had
over them, but that they were a free Kingdom of themſelves; and ſo at firſt he
dealt with them, upon the death of their laſt King Alexander, both in the Treaty
of the marriage for his Son Edward with Margaret Heir of Scotland ; and
alſo after her Death, for the deciſion of the Title,wherein he fought by their conſents
to be made Arbiter,as he was. Howſoever afterward they were conſtrained to give
way to his Will; yet,what they ever yielded unto,was by reaſon they were otherwiſe
unable to reſiſt, &c. Upon this Remonſtrance of the Scots,the Pope writes his
powerful Letters to the King of England, to forbear any further proceeding
againſt them ; claiming withall the Sovereignty of that Kingdom, as be-
longing to the Church.
The King anſwers the Popes Letters at large, alledging from all antiqui
ty, how the dire&t and ſuperiour Dominion of Scotland had ever appertained to
this Crown, even from Brute to his own line. And withall, the whole Nobility
writ to the Pope, avowing the ſame right ; and abſolutely conclude that the
King their Lord ſhould in no Sort undergo his Holineſs Judgment therein.
Neither ſend his Procurators ( as was required) about that Buſineſs, whereby it
might ſeem that doubt were made of their Kings Title, to the prejudice of the
Crown,
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
199
1
Reg. 32.
Crown, the Royal Dignity, the Liberties, Cuſtoms, and Laws of England;
websich by their Oath and Duty they were bound to obſerve, and would defend with
their Lives. Neither would they permit, nor could, any unuſual, unlawful, and
detrimental Proceedirg; nor ſiffer their King, if he would, to do, or any way
to attempt the ſame. And therefore befought his Holineſs to intermeddle no more
in this matter. Theſe Letters ſubſcribed with all their Names, were dated at
Lincoln; where then was held the Parliament, Anno Domini 1301.
The Pope, upon this Anſwer, or rather having his Hands full of other bu-
lineſs, ſtirs no more in this. The King of France, whom he had excominu-
nicated, and given away his Kingdom to the Emperour Albert of Auſtrich,
ſhortly after ſo wrought, as his Spirituality was ſurprized at Anagne, a City
of Abruzzo, whither he was retired from the Troubles of Rome, and ſo vio-
lently treated by Sciarra Colonneſſe, a Banditto of Rome, and Nogoret and Al-
bigeoye (whom he had both perſecuted) as in extream Rage and Anguiſh
within few days he ends his turbulent Life.
And the King of England (having been ſupplied with a Fifteenth upon
Confirmation of the Charters again, at the Parliament at Lincoln ) he makes
his fourth Expedition into Scotland, and as it were the fourth Conqueſt there-
of, having had four times Homage and Fealty ſworn unto him. Which
might ſeem ſufficient to confirm his Sovereignty, whereof now he reſts fe-
1303
cure, and Home returns in triumphant manner; removes his Exchequer Anno
from York, feaſts his Nobility at Lincoln with all Magnificence: From
thence he comes to London, and renders folemn Thanks to God and St. Ed-
ward for Victory. Which to make it ſeem the more intire, ſhortly after Wil-
liam Wallice (that renowned Guardian of Scotland, betrayed by his Com-
panion) is ſent up Priſoner to London; adjudged according to the Laws of
England, to be drawn, hang’d, and quartered, for his Treaſons committed
againſt the King, (whom at his Arraignment he would not yet acknowledge
to be his King) proteſting never to have ſworn Fealty unto him.
Thus ſuffered that worthy Man for the Defence of his own, in a ſtrange
Country, and remains amongſt the beſt Examples of Fortitude and Piety
in that kind. And now King Edward, being (as he ſuppoſed) at an end of
all his Buſineſs, an univerſal Lord at home, ſtrongʻin Alliance, and Peace
abroad, begins to look more ſeverely to the Government of this Kingdom,
and to draw Profit out of thoſe Diſorders which the Licence of War and
Trouble had bred therein. And firſt, amongſt other Examples of his Power
which it ſeems he would have equal to his Will) is the Caſe of Sir Nicholas
Šegrave, one of the greateſt Knights then of the Kingdom, who being ac-
cuſed of Treaſon by Sir John Crombwell, offers to juſtifie himſelf by Duel
, Sir Nicholas
which the King refuſes to grant, in regard of the preſent War then in hand! Segrave.
Whereupon, Segrave
, without Licence, and contrary to the King's Prohibiti-
on, leaves the King's Camp, and goes over Sea to fight with his Enemy, for
which the King (as againſt one that had not only contemned him, but as
much as in him lay, expoſed him to Death, and left him to his Enemies) would
have Juſtice to proceed againſt him. Three Days the Judges conſulted of
the Matter, and in the end adjudged Segrave guilty of Death, and all his Move-
ables and Immoveables forfeited to the King. Notwithſtanding, in regard of
the Greatneſs of his Blood, they added ; He went not out of England in
contempt of the King, but only to be revenged of his Accuſer, and therefore
it was in the King's Power to ſhew Mercy unto him in this Caſe. The King
hereto, in great Wrath, replied, Have you been all this while conſulting of this?
I know it is in my Power to confer Grace, and on whom I will to have mercy, but
The Care of
not
200 1
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
fon.
not the more for your fakes than for a Dog. Who hath ever ſubmitted himſelf to
my Grace, and had repulſe ? But let this your Judgment be recorded, and for
ever held as a Law. And ſo the Knight, for Example and Terror to others,
M.zt. Ieſt. was committed to Priſon, tho ſhortly after, by the Labour of many Noble-
men of the Kingdom, thirty of his Peers with their Swords ſtanding out to
be bound Body for Body, and Goods for Goods, to bring him forth when-
ſoever he ſhould be called, the King reſtored him to his Eſtate.
The Inquiſiti Shortly after, the King likewiſe ſends out a new Writ of Inquiſition, call-
on of Trailba.. ed Trailbaſton, for Intruders on other Mens Lands, who to oppreſs the right
Owner, would make over their Land to great Men; for Batterers hired to
beat Men; for Breakers of the Peace; for Raviſhers, Incendiaries, Murther-
ers, Fighters, falſe Alliſors, and other ſuch Malefactors
. Which Inquiſition
was ſo (tri&ly executed, and ſuch Fines taken, as it brought in exceeding
much Treaſure to the King. So did likewiſe another Commiſſion, the ſame
time ſent forth to examine the Behaviour of Officers, and Miniſters of Ju-
ſtice, wherein many were found Delinquents, and paid dearly for it. Infor-
mers here, as fruitful Agents for the Fiske ( and never more imployed than
in ſhifting times) were in great requeſt. Beſides theſe Means for Treaſure .
above Ground, this King made ſome Profit of certain Silver Mines in De-
vonſhire, as is to be ſeen in Hollingſhead; but it ſeems the Charge amount-
ing to more than the Benefit, they afterwards came diſcontinued.
1304.
The King likewiſe now begins to ſhew his Refentment of the ſtubborn
Anno Behaviour of his Nobles towards him in Times paſt, and ſo terrifies Roger Bi-
Reg. 33. god, Earl Marſhal, as, to recover his Favour, the Earl made hiin the Heir of
his Lands (though he had a Brother living) reſerving to himſelf a 1000 !.
Penſion per annum during his Life. Of others likewiſe, he
got great Sums
for the ſame Offence. The Earl of Hereford eſcapes by Death. But the Arch-
biſhop of Canterbury (whom he accuſed to have diſturbed his Peace in his
Abſence) he ſends over to Pope Clement the Fifth (who ſucceeded Boniface)
that he might be cruſh'd with a double Power. This Pope was Native of
Burdeaux, and ſo the more regardful of the King's Deſire, and the King
more confident of his Favour; which to entertain and increaſe, he ſends him
a whole Furniture of M1 Veſſels for his Chamber of clean Gold: which great
Gift fo wrought with the Pope, as he let looſe this Lyon, untied the King
from the Covenant made with his Subjects concerning their Charters, con-
firmed unto them by his three laſt Acts of Parliament, and abſolved him
from his Oath: an A&t of little Piety in the Pope, and of as little Conſcience
in the King, who ( as if he ſhould now have no more need of his Subjicts)
difcovered with what Sincerity he granted what he did.
But ſuddenly hereupon there fell out an Occaſion that brought him back
to his right Orb again, made him fee his Error and reform it, finding the
Love of his People, lawfully ordered, to be that which gave him all his Pow-
er and Means he had, and to know how their Subſtances were intermutual.
The News of a new King made and crowned in Scotland, was that which
Wrought the Effect hereof. Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, Son to that Ro-
bert who was Competitor with Baliol, eſcaping out of England, becomes
Head to the confuſed Body of that People, which, having been ſo long with-
out any to guide them, any intire Counſel, ſcattered in Power, diſunited in
Mind, never at one together, were caſt into that miſerable Eſtate as they
were. For, had they had a King as well as their Enemies, to have led them,
held them together, and managed their Affairs accordingly; that which
they did in this Diſtraction ſhews how much more they would have done
otherwiſe.
f
L
HA
The Life and Reign of Edward the First 201
on
this
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the Church,
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1
:
ſends and pre-
I
.
otherwile. . And therefore no ſooner did Bruce appear in his Deſign, but
he effected it, had the Crown and Hands ready to help him at an Inſtant;
and that before, Rumour could get out to report any thing of it. Although
John: Cumyn his Couſin German being a Titler himſelf, a Man of great Love
and Alliance in Scotland, wrote to have bewrayed Bruce's Intention to the
King of England, in whoſe Court they both had lived, and were his Penfi-
oners. But Bruce (as great Undertakers are ever awake, and ready at all Bruce marders
Hours) prevents him by ſpeed ; and, cither to be avenged on hinn for his foln Cumyn in
Falſhood, or rid of him as a Competitor, finding him at Dunfraies, ſéts-up-
on and murthers him in the Church.
Which Foundation laid on Blood (the Place, the Perſon, and the Manner
making it more odious, much ſtained his Beginning, and effected not that Se-
curity-for which he did it, but raiſed a mighty Party in Scotland againſt him.
King Edward (tho ſo late acquainted herewith, as he could not be before-
hand with him, yet would he not be long behind to overtake him) ſends
King Edward
Amjer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, the Lords Clifford and Percy, with a
ſtrong Power, to relieve his Wardens of Scotland; wlio, upon his Revolt, :pares for Scor-
were all retired to Berwick, whilſt himſelf prepares an Army to follow.
Wherein to be the more free, and nobly attended, Proclamation is made,
that whoſoever ought by their paternal Succeſſion, or otherwiſe had means
of their own for Service, ſhould repair to Veſtminſter at the Feaſt of Pen-
tecost, to receive the Order of Knighthood, and a Military Ornament out
of the King's Ward-robe:
Three hundred young, Gentlemen, all the Sons of Earls, Barons, and
Knights, allemble at the appointed Day, and receive Purples, Silks, Sindons,
Scarfs wrought with Gold or Silver, according to every Man's Eſtate; for
which Train (the King's Houſe being too little,by reaſon a great part there-
of was burnt upon his coming out of Flanders ) Room is made, and the Ap-
ple-trees cut down at the new Temple for their Tents, where they attire
themſelves and keep their Vigil. The Prince (whom the King then likewiſe
Knighted, and girt him with a Military Belt, asán Ornainent of that Honour;
and withall gave him the Dutchy of Aquitain) kept his Vigil with his Train The Prince
at Weſtminſter, and the next Day girds theſe three hundred Knights with gives the Ho
the Militarý: Belt, in that manner as himſelf received it. At which Ceremo: hood to 300
ny the Preſs was ſo great, as the Prince was fain to ſtand upon the High Al-: Gentlemen,
tar (a place for a more Divine Honour) to perform this: Which being ſo-
lemnized with all the State and Magnificence could be deviſed, the Kingbe-
fore them all makes his Vow, That alive, or dead, he would revenge the
Death of Cumyn upon Bruce, and the perjured Scots: iAdjuring bis Son, and
all the Nobles about him, upon their Fealtý, that if he died in this Journey,
they ſhould carry his Corps with them about Scotland, and not ſuffer it to
be interred till they had vanquiſhed the Ulurper, and abſolutely ſubdued
the Country. A Deſire more Martial than Chriſtian, ſhewinga Mind ſo bent
the World, as he would not make an end when he had done with it, but
deſigns bis Trayel beyond his Life.
The Prince and all his Nobles promiſe, upon their Faith; to employ their
utmoſt Power to perform his Vow, and ſo upon; Grant of the thirtieth Pen-
ny of the Clergy and Laity, and the Twentieth of all Merchants, he ſets forth
1305,
with a potenc Army preſently upon Whitſundtide, and makes his laſt Expedi Anno
tion into Scotland, Anno Reg. 34. The Earl of Pembroke, with that: Power Reg. 341"
fent before, and the Aid of the Scottiſh Party ( which was now greater by
thie Partakers of the Family of Cumyn, being many, mighty, and eager to re-
venge
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A
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1
1
1
1
202 The Life and Reign of Edward the Firſt.
venge his Death) had, before the King arrived in Scotland, defeated in a
Battel; near S. John's Town, the whole Army of the new King, and narrowly
miſſed the taking of his Perſon: who eſcaping in Diſguiſe, recovered an Ob-
ſcure Shelter, and was reſerved for more and greater Battelş: His Brother
A great Exe- Nigel Bruce, and ſhortly after Thomas, and Alexander a Prieſt, were taken
and executed after the manner of Traytors at Berwick; ſo that King Edward
at his coming, had not ſo much to do as he expected. But yet he paſſed over
the Country, to ſhow them his Power, and to terrifie his Enemies, cauſing
ſtrie Inquiſition to be made for all who had been aiding to the Murther of
Cumyn, and the Advancement of Bruce. Many and great Perſonages are found
out (it being impoſſible amongſt a broken People for any to remain undir-
covered) and were all cxecuted in cruel manner to the Terror of the reſt.
The Age of the King of England, his Choler, Wrath, and deſire of Revenge,
made him vow inexorable, and to ſpare none, of what Degree foever they
were. The Earl of Athol (tho of the Royal Blood, and allied unto him) was
ſent to London, and preferred to a higher Gallows than any of the reſt.
The Wife of Robert Bruce, taken by the Lord Roſe, is ſent Priſoner to Lon-
don, and his Daughter to a Monaſtery in Lindſey. The Counteſs of Boughan,
that was aiding at the Coronation of Bruce, is put into a wooden Cage,
and hung out upon the Walls of Berwick for People to gaze on.
Which rigorous Proceeding rather exaſperates the Enemy, and adds to
the Party of Bruce, than any way quailed it; Deſperation being of a ſharper
Edge than Hope. And tho Bruce now appeared not, but ſhifted privily
from place to place, in a diſtreſſed manner (attended only with two noble
Gentlemen, who never forſook him in his Fortunes, the Earl of Lenox, and
Gilbert Hay) yet ſtill Expectation, Love; and the Well-wiſhing of his Friends,
went with him, and ſo long as he was alive they held him not loft. This Affli-
&tion did but harden him for future Labours, which his Enemies (who now
neglected to look after him, as either holding him dead, or ſo down as ne-
ver to riſe again) found afterward to their coſt: for this Man, from being
thus laid on the Ground, within few Years after gets up to give the greateſt
Overthrow to the grcateſt Army that ever the Engliſh brought into the Field,
and to repay the meaſure of Blood in as full manner as it was given.
All this Summer the King ſpends in Scotland, and winters in Carlile to be
ready the next Spring if any Fire ſhould break out, to quench it. For reſol-
ved he is not to depart till he had ſet ſuch an end to this Work, as it ſhould
A Parliament need no more. And here he holds his laſt Parliament, wherein the State
was mindful of the Popes late Action, got many Ordinances to paſs for Re-
formation of the Abuſes of his Miniſters, and his own former Exactions ;
who being but poor, ſought to get where it was to be had, wringing from
the elect Arch-biſhop of York, in one Year, nine thouſand five hundred
Marks : And beſides, Anthony Biſhop of Dureſme, to be made Patriarch of
Jeruſalem, gave him and his Cardinals mighty Sums. This Biſhop Anthony
is ſaid to have had in Purchaſes, and Inheritances, five thouſand Marks per
annum, beſides what belonged to his Mitre; which ſhewed the Pope the
Riches of this Kingdom, and moved him to require the Fruits of one Years
Revenue, of every Benefice that ſhould fall void in England, Scotland,
Wales, and Ireland; and the like of Abbies, Priories, and Monaſteries:
which, though it were denied him, yet ſomething he had; the King and he
The King and divided it betwixt them. · The Pope granted the King the Tenth of all the
Pope divide
Churches of England for two Years: and the King yielded, that the Pope
ſhould have the firſt. Fruits of thoſe Churches. And the better to effect this
Buſineſs,
ih
I
id
1
1
at Carlile.
1
I
401
1
the Bencfit, of
the Clergy
au
1
}
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the First.
203
Forces.
buſineſs, the Pope makcs an Errand, and ſends Petrus Hifpanus Cardinal, a
Latere, to call upon the King for Conſummation of the Marriage between
Prince Edward, and Iſabel Daughter to the King of France. And this Car-
dinal
got ſomething, but not ſo much as he expected.
Whilſt they were thus buſie at Carliſle, about the opening of the Spring,
opens hintſelf the hidden King Robert Brice, and with ſome Forces he had | King Bruce
gotten together, ſuddenly allails the Earl of Pembroke at unawares, and recovers new
gave him a great Defeat; and within three Days after, chaſes the Earl of
Gloceſter into the Caſtle of Ayr, where he beſieged him, till by the King's
Forces, he was driven again to his former retire. But this ſhewed, that to
long as he was (in what Eſtate foever he was ) there would be no end of
this War.
Which cauſed King Edward to ſend out his firſt Commandment, That
'whoſoever ought him Service, ſhould preſently upon the Midſummer after
attend him at Carlife. And withall, he ſends the Prince to London, about the
buſineſs of his Marriage. In July, although he found himſelf not well, he
enters Scotland with a freſh Army, which he led not far ; for falling into a King Edward
Dyſentery, he dies at Borough upon the Sands, as if to ſlew on what Foun- enters Scotland
dation he had built all his Glory in this World; having reigned thirty four 1306.
Years and ſeven Months ; aged ſixty eight. A Prince of a generous Spirit, Anno
wherein the Fire held out even to the very laſt; born and bred for Ađion Reg. 35.
and milįtary Affairs, which he managed with great Judgment: ever wary,
and provident for his own Buſineſs: watchful and eager to enlarge his Pow-
er: and was more for the Greatncfs of England, than the Quict thereof.
And this we may juſtly fay of him, that never King, before or ſince, ſhed
ſo much Chriſtian Blood within this Iſle of Britain, as this Chriſtian Warri-
our did in his time, and was the Cauſe of more in that following.
He had Iſſue by his firſt Wife Queen Elioner four Sons, whereof only Ed. His Iflue.
ward ſurvived him; and nine Daughters, Elioner married firſt to John Earl
of Bar; Joan to Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloceſter; Margaret to John Duke of
Brabant ; Mary lived a Nun in the Monaſtery of Amsbury ; Élizabeth mar-
ried firſt to John Earl of Holland, after to Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford;
the reſt died young. He had by his ſecond Wife two Sons, Thomas furna-
med Brotherton, which was Marſhal and Earl of Norfolk; and Edmond Earl
of Kent.
The End of the Life and Reign of Edward the First.
ز
and dies there.
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
E Dward of Carnarvan, removed more than one Degree from the Father
in height of Spirit, and nearer the Grand-father in Flexibility, and
Ealineſs of Nature (which made him apt to be taken) began his Reign in
July 1307, in the three and twentieth Year of his Age. A Prince which
îhews us what Confuſion and Miſchief attends Riot, Diſorder, neglect of
the State, and advancing unworthy or ill diſpoſed Minions, to the Preju-
dice of others, the Grief of the People, and the Diminution of the Royal
Majeſty. And though his Youth might ſomewhat excuſe the firſt Sick-
neſs of his private Favours, yet thoſe often Relapſes of his, ſliewed it
was an habitual Indiſpoſition in the whole Eſtate of kis Mind, not to be
cured.
Never was Prince received with greater Love and Opinion of all, or cver
any
1307
Anno
Reg. 1.
204 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
the Firſt im-
led Pierce Ga.
vefton.
An. Reg. 33
Pierce Gave-
A Parliament
held before
the Coronari-
on.
any that ſooner loſt it. For his very firſt Actions diſcovered a head-ſtrong
King Edward Wilfulneſs that was uncounſellable; whereof the entertaining again his old
Companion Pierce Gaveſton, was one, whom his Father had baniſhed the
Son, and exi- Kingdom, finding him to have corrupted the Youth of his Son, and led him
to commit any Riots: amongſt which was the breaking of the Park of the
Biſliop of Cheſter, for which he both impriſoned his Son, and exiled Gave-
ſton. Beſides, this provident King (as if fore-ſeeing the Miſchief might en-
ſue) at his Death charged his Son (upon his Bleſſing) never to recall or en-
tertain Pierce Gaveſton again about him, and required the Lords (who were
and preferred preſent) to ſee his Will cbſerved therein : which notwithſtanding, he brake
by the King before his Fathers Funerals were performed ; and not only entertains, but
inveſts Gaveſton in the Earldom of Cornwal and the Lordſhip of Man; be-
ing both of the Demains of the Crown, and makes him his chief Chamber-
lain. Then to be revenged on the Biſhop of Cheſter, his Father's Treaſurer,
(who had bridged his Expences, and complained of him for his Riot ) he
cauſed him to be arreſted; committed to Priſon, and feiſes upon all his
Goods, which he gave to Gavešton: makes a ņew Treaſurer of his own; re-
moves moſt of his Fathers Officers; and all without the Advice or Conſent
of his Council, which gave them their firſt Diſcontent, and bewrayed his
Diſpoſition.
Before his Coronation, a Parliament was held at Northampton, wherein
at Northampion was ordained, that the Monies of his Father (notwithſtanding the People
held them baſe) ſhould be Current, and a Fifteenth of the Clergy, a Twen-
tieth of the Temporality is there granted. After the Funerals performed at
The Marriage Weſtminſter, he paſles over to Bologne, where his Nuptials with Iſibel,
ward "Polemni- Daughter to Philip le Bel, are ſumptuouſly folemnized, at which were pre
zed at Balogne. ſent the King of France, the King of Navarr, his Son, the King of Almain,
the King of Sicily, and three Queens beſides the Bride, with an extraordi-
nary Concourſe of other Princes. At which Feaſt Gaveſton is ſaid to have
exceeded them all in Bravery and daintineſs of Attire, wherewith afterward
he infected the Court of England: a Miſchief the moſt contagious to breed
Conſumption in a State, that can be introduced. For, the Iinitation thereof
preſently diſtends it ſelf over all, and paſſes beyond the Example, and at
length all Means to maintain it. And had he done no other Hurt to the
Kingdom than this, it had been enough to have made him (as he was) odi-
Gateſton cor ous thereunto. But beſides, he afterwards filled the Court with Buffoons,
rupes the King. Paraſites, Minſtrels, Players, and all kind of diffolute Perſons, to entertain
and diffolve the King with Delights and Pleaſures. Whereby he lo poſieſt
him, as he regarded no other Company, no other Exerciſe, but continual-
ly, Day and Night, ſpent his Time and Treaſure in all Wantonneſs, Riot,
and Diſorder
, neglecting the Affairs of the State, and the Company and
Counſel of all the reſt of the Nobles: who afiembling together (at the In-
ſtant, when he was to be Crown'd with his Queen at Westminster, Anno
Reg. 2.) require him that Gaveſton might be removed from out the Court and
with Gaveston. Kingdom; otherwiſe they purpoſed to hinder his Coronation at that time. Where-
upon, the King, to avoid ſo great a Diſgrace, promiſes on his Faith, to yield
to what they deſired in the next Parliament; and the Solemnity, with much
Feſtination, and little Reverence, is performed: wherein Gaveſton, for car-
rying St. Edward's Crown before the King, aggravates the Hatred of the
Clergy and Nobility againſt him.
Shortly after his Coronation, all the Knights Templers throughout Eng-
land are at once arreſted, and committed to Priſon. "Then were an Order
1
1
The Lords are
+
*
cf
܀܀ -
.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second. 205
of Knights inſtituted by Baldwin, the fourth King of Jeruſalem, about two
The Knights
Templers ar-
hundred years .paſt, and firſt appointed for the Defence of that City reſted and
and the fate conveying of all ſuch as travelled thither : afterwards they commited to
wote diſperſed through all the Kingdoms of Chriſtendom, and by the Their Diſolu-
pivus Bounty of Princes, and others, inriched with infinite Poſſeſſions, tion.
which made them to degenerate from their firſt Inſtitution, and become
execrably vicious. So that all the Kings of Chriſtendom at one inſtant,
("combining together, ) cauſed them to be apprehended within their Do-
minions, and put out of their Order, and Eſtates. The King of France
began, having a Purpoſe to make one of his Sons King of Jeruſalem, and
polleſs him of their Revenues. Their Accuſation follows their Apprehen-
ſion, and Condemned they are ( rather by Faine then Proof ) in the
gene-
ral Councel at l'ienna ; as appears by the Condemnatory Bull of Pope Cle-
ment the Third wherein he hath this Clauſe, Quanquam de Jure non poffu-
mus, tamen ad Plenitudinem, Poteſtatis, Dictum ordinem-reprobamus. Their
Eſtates are after given to the Hoſpitaliers.
Theſe Buſineſles paſſed over, the Lords proſecute their purpoſe againſt The Lords
Gaveſton, whoſe Inſolency, and Preſumption upon the Kings Favour, made proſecute Ga-
vefton.
him ſo far to forget himſelf, as he ſcorned the beſt of them all, as much as
they hated him ; Terming Thomas Earl of Lancaſter, the Stage-Player ;
Aymer de Valence Earl of Pembroke, Joſeph the Jew: and Guy Earl of War
wick, the Black Dog of Ardern : Which ſcoffs, leaving behind them the ſting
of Revenge ( eſpecially where they touch ) drew ſuch a Party upon him,
as in the next Parliament, the whole Aſſembly Humbly befought the King to
adviſe, and treat with his Nobles, concerning the State of the Kingdom, for
the avoiding of eminent Miſchief, likely to enſue through neglest of Govern 1309.
ment ; and ſo far urges the Matter, as the King conſents thereunto, and Anno
not only grants them Liberty to draw into Articles what was requiſite for
the Kingdom, but takes his Oath to ratifie whatſoever they ſhould con-
The King takes
clude. Whereupon, they elect certain choice Men, both of the Clergy,No his Oath to
bility and Commons, to compoſe thoſe Articles. Which done, the Arch- rarific whatſo-
biſhop of Canterbury, lately recalled from Exile, with the reſt of his Suffra- ever Articles
gans, folemnly pronounce the Sentence of Excommunication againſt all ſuch would con-
who ſhould contradict thoſe Articles which are there publickly read before flude in Par-
the Barons and Commons of the Realm, in the Preſence of the King. A-
mongſt which, the Obſervation and Execution of Magna Charta is required with
all other Ordinances neceſſary for the Church and Kingdom. And that as the
late King had done,ali Strangers ſhould bebaniſhed the Court and Kingdom,
and all ill Counſellers removed. Tbat the Buſineſs of the State ſhould be treated
on by the Counjel of the Clergy,and the Nobles. That the King ſhouldinot begin
any War, or go any way out of the Kingdom, without the common Counſel of
Which Articles, though they ſeemed harſh to the King, yet to avoid fur-
ther trouble, he yields unto them, but eſpecially to the Baniſhment of his
Minion, as if that would excuſe him for all the reſt; and away is he ſent into Gaveſton ba-
Ireland, where he lived a while, not as a man exiled; but as the Lieutenant
of the Country. The King not enduring to be without his Company, ne
Gaveſton re-
ver ceaſed working till he had recalled him back again : which within called
a few months after he did. And to make him (as he thought) to ſtand
the faſter on his Feet, he marries him to his Neece ( the Daughter of Joan
de Acres) Siſter to Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloceſter, a. Man beloved and
highly eſteemed of all the Nobility: for whoſe fake he hoped Gaveſton ſhould
T
find
Reg. 3
A Parliament.
.
the fame.
niſhed into
Ireland
206 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
The Lords
threaten the
King.
baniſhed.
Gaveſton re-
turns.
find the more Favour amongſt them, but all this could not ſhelter him. Ei-
ther his Behaviour, or their Malice, was ſuch, as they could not endure to
have him about the King, who by making him ſo great leflened him, and
the more he was enriched the worſe was his Eſtate. The Subjects, Spectators
of their King's immoderate Gifts, held it to be taken ont of the Bowels of
the Common-wealth, and as it were of their Subſtance that was ſo waſted.
For it is reported, the King gave him the Jewels of the Crown, which he
ſold to Merchant Strangers, and conveyed much Treaſure out of the King-
dom; whereby the King ſuſtained great Wants, and the Queen' is abridg-
ed of her Allowance, whereof the complains to the King of France her
Father.
Theſe Stings put the Barons on to ſend plain Word to the King, That
unleſs be put from him Pierce Gaveſton, and obſerve the late Articles, they would
all, with one Conſent, riſe in Arms against him, as a perjured Prince. The King
(whom they found was apt to be terrified) yields again, upon this Mellage,
to the Baniſhment of his Minion; whoſe Fortune being to have a weak Ma-
ſter, was driven to theſe ſudden Extremities and diſgraceful Expulſions, at
Gavelion again their Will who were his Enviers; and who now obtain this Clauſe, That if
hereafter he were found again within the Kingdom, he should be condemned to
Death as an Enemy to the State. Ireland was now no more to protect him ;
France moſt unſafe for him (wait being there laid to apprehend him;) in
Flanders he lurks a while, but in great Danger: and finding no where any
ſecurity, back again he adventures upon England, and into the King's Bo-
ſome (the Sanctuary he thought would not be violated) he puts himſelf, and
there is he received with as great Joy as ever Man could be. And, to be as far
out of the Way and Eye of Envy as might be, the King carries him into the
North Parts; where, notwithſtanding, the Lords ſhortly after found him
out: for, no ſooner had they heard of his Return, and receiving into Grace,
but they preſently combine and take Arms, electing Thomas Earl of Lanca-
fter for their Leader. This Thomas was the Son of Edmond, the ſecond Son
of Henry the Third, and was likewiſe Earl of Leiceſter, Ferrers, and Lincoln,
a moſt powerful and popular Subject; with whom joyns Humfrey Bohun
Earl of Hereford, Amyer de Valence Earl of Pembroke, Guy de Beaucham
Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Arundel (with many other Barons:) But Gil-
bert Earl of Gloceſter, the King's Nephew, for that he would neither offend
him, nor be wanting to his Peers, ſtands as Mediator for their Liberties, and
the Peace of the Kingdom. The Earl Warrein remained a while doubtſul,
and. favouring rather the King's Part, till the Arch-biſhop of Canterbury in
duced him to conſent with the Lords; who being thus prepared, ſend to the
King in the behalf of the whole Commonaley, Beſeeching him to deliver
up unto
them Pierce Gaveſton, or elſe to ſend him away with his Train out of England. .
The King neglecting their Petition, they ſet forward in Arms toward the
Gaveston taken North. The King and Gaveſton withdraw to Newcaſtle, and there being ad-
and beheaded. vertiſed of the Strength of the Lords, they take Ship (leaving the Queen in
much Grief behind) and land at Scarborough Caſtle; whereinto the King
puts Gaveston with the beſt Forces he could provide for his Defence, and
departs himſelf towards Warwickſhire.
The Earls of Pembroke and Warrein ſent by the Earl of Lancaſter to lay
Siege to the Caſtle, Gaveſton is forced to render himſelf into their Hands,but
intreats thus much, That he might be brought once more to ſpeak with the
King, and then after they ſhould do with him what they pleaſed. The Earl of
Pembroke undertakes upon his Honour he ſhould; but as his Servants were
The Lords
take Arms.
con-
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
207
+
tion of Pierce
conducting him towards the King, the Earl of Warwick took him from
them by force, and commits him to the Caſtle of Warwick; where, after
ſome Conſultation among the Lords (notwithſtanding the King's earneſt Sol-
licitation for his Life,) they condemned him to the Block, and took off his
Head.
This was the end of Pierce Gaveston, who, for that he was the firſt Priva-
do of this kind ever noted in our Hiſtory, and was above a King in his Life, The Deſcrip-
deſerves to have his Character amongſt Princes being dead. Native he was
Gaveston.
of Gaſcoigne, and for the great Service his Father had done to this Crown,
entertained and bred up by King Edward the Firſt, in Company with his
Son, this Prince, which was the means that inveſted him into that high Fa-
vour of his. He was of a goodly Perſonage, of an haughty and undauntable
Spirit, brave and hardy at Arms, as he ſhewed himſelf in that Turnament
which he held at Wallingford, wherein he challenged the beſt of the No-
bility, and is ſaid to have foiled them all, which inflamed the more their
Malice towards him. In Ireland, where he was Lieutenant during the ſhort
time of his Baniſhment, he made a Journey into the Mountains of Dublin,
brake and ſubdued the Rebels there, built Newcastle in the Kerns Coun-
try, repaired Caſtle Keuin, and after paſſed up into Munſter and Thomond,
performing every where great Service with much Valour and Worthineſs.
He ſeems to have been a Courtier which could not fawn nor ſtoop to thoſe
he loved not, or put on any Diſguiſe upon bis Nature to temporize with
his Enemies; but preſuming upon his Fortune (the Misfortune of ſuch
Men) grew in the end to that Arrogancy as was intolerable; which the
Privacy of a King's Favour uſually begets in their Minions, whoſe Under- The miſerable
ſtanding and Judgment being dazled therewith, as is their fight who ſtand
and look down from of high Places, never diſcern the Ground from whence
they aſcended. And this extraordinary Favour ſkewed to one, though he
were the beſt of Men, when it ariſes to an Exceſs, is like the Predominati-
on of one Humour alone in the Body, which endangers the Health of the
whole, and eſpecially if it light upon Unworthineſs, or where is no Deſert;
and commouly Princes raiſe Men rather for Appetite than Merit, for that
in the one they ſhew the Freedom of their Power, in the other they may
ſeem but to pay their Debt.
But this violent part of the Lords (hewed the nature of a rough time,and
was the beginning of the ſecond Civil War of England : for now having. The peremp,
had their Deſire in this, and finding their own Power, and the Weakneſs of cory Proceed-
the King, they peremptorily require the Confirmation and Execution of all Lords.
thoſe Articles formerly granted ; threatning the King, That unleſs he pre-
ſently performed the ſame, they would conſtrain him thereunto by ſtrong
hand. Thus will Liberty never ceaſe till it grow licentious, and ſuch is the
Miſery of a State, where a King hath once loſt his Reputation with his Peo-
ple, and where his Nature agrees not with his Office, nor anſwers the Du-
ties thereunto belonging. And with this menacing Meſſage they had their
Swords likewiſe ready drawn, and with ſtrong Forces aſſemble about Dun-
ſtable, making towards London, where the King then lay.
The great Prelates of the Kingdom, with the Earl of Gluceſter, labour to
appeale them, and (with two Cardinals, which at that time were ſent by the and the Earl
Pope to reform theſe Diſorders of the Kingdom) they repair to Saint Al- of Glocefter
labourro paci-
bans, and deſire Conference with the Lords, who receive them very peacea fie and bring
bly; bụt the Letters which the Pope had written unto them they refuſe to
receive; ſaying, They were Men of the Sword, and cared not for reading of Lettersz
that
Eſtate of Mi-
nions.
។
1
The Prelares
in the Lords.
T2
208 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
fion.
A Parliament
at London
:
that there were many worthy and learned Men in the Kingdom, whoſe Counſels
Their Submif- they would uſe; and not Strangers, who knew not the Cauſe of their Commotion :
abſolutely concluding, that they would not permit Forreigners and Aliens to in-
termeddle in their A&tions, or in any Buſineſs that concerned the Kingdom :
with which Anſwer the Cardinals returned to London. But the Prelates of
1311. England fo labour the Buſineſs, as the Lords were content to yield up to the
Anno King ſuch Horſes, Treaſure, and Jewels, as they had taken of Pierce Gave-
Reg. 5. fton at Newcaſtle, ſo that the King would grant their Petitions. And there-
upon, John Sandal Treaſurer of the Kingdom, and Ingelard Warle Keeper
of the Wardrobe, are ſent to Saint Albans to receive thoſe things at their
Hands.
Qucen Iſabel About this time Queen Iſabel is delivered of a Son at Windſor, whom
delivered of a Louys her Brother, and other great Men and Ladies of France, would have
had Chriſtned by the Name of her Father Philip; but the Nobility of Eng-
land had him named Edward. And herò the King keeps his Christmas, feaſts
the French with great Magnificence, and is ſaid (or rather ſuſpected) to be
evil counſelled by them againſt his Nobles, between whom there being ſo
ill Correſpondence already, any Imagination ſerves to make it worſe, Sufpi-
tion cauſing all things to be taken in ill part.
Shortly after, a Parliament is called at London, wherein the King com-
plains of the great Contempt was had of him by the Barons, their riſing in Arms,
their taking and murthering Pierce Gaveſton, &c. Whereupon, with one Ac-
cord they anſwer ; How they had not offended therein, but rather merited his
Love and Favour, having taken Arms not for any Contempt of his Royal Perſon,
but to deſtroy the publick Enemy of the Kingdom, baniſhed before by the Conſent
of two Kings; a Man by whom his Fame and Honour was moſt highly diſpa-
raged; his Subſtance, and that of the Kingdom wasted, and a moſt dangerous
Diſertion between him and his Subjects raiſed: whereof otherwiſe, with all their
Labour and Travel, they could never have had an end. Beſides, they tell him
plainly, they would now no longer attend vain Promiſes, nor be deluded with
Delays, as they had hitherto been concerning their required Articles. Which ſtout
The Lords are Reſolution of theirs, the Queen, with the Prelates, and the Earl of Gloceſter
ſeeing, they ſeek by all Perſwalions to qualifie their Heat, and at length ſo
1312.
far prevailed with them and their Confederates in open Parliament, to hum-
Anno
ble themſelves to the King, and to crave Pardon for what they had done;
Reg. 6.
which they obtained, and the King receives them into Grace, as his Loyal
Subjects, grants them their Articles, and particular Pardons by his Charter,
for their Indemnity concerning the Death of Gaveston. And for this, the
A Fifteenth · State, upon his great Wants, granted him a Fifteenth. Guy de Beaucham,
granted. Earl of Warwick, is here appointed to be one of the King's Council; who
being a Man much envied by ſuch as poſſeſt the King, ſhortly after dies, not
without Sufpition of Poyſon.
Whilſt the State of England ſtood thus diſeaſed at home, through the In-
grows strong firmity of a weak Head, that of Scotland grew ſtrong by the Providence of
a vigilant King, who had not only overcome the Scotiſh Faction, and re-
King Edward
covered the moſt of his own Country, but alſo made Spoils on this, waſting
mighty Army | all Northumberland in ſuch ſort, as King Edward, wakened with the Out-
into Scotland. cțies of his people, and the great Diſhonour of the Kingdom, is drawn to
tåke Arms for Redreſs thereof, and enters Scotland with
the greateſt Army
that ever yet went thither,conſiſting, as the Scottiſh Writers report of an 100
thouſand Men, whereof were great Numbers of Flenings, Gaſcoignes, Welſh,and
Iriſh, who in Imagination had devoured the Country before they came thi-
ther,
Pardoned.
in Scotland.
goes with a
។
-
+
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second. 209
ther, and thought not of Battels but of dividing the Prey. Beſides
, the King
had with him moſt of the Nobility, and eſpecial Men of England, except
Thomas Earl of Lancaſter, the Earls .of Warwick, Warrein, and Arundel,
who refuſed to go, for the King protracted the Execution of the foreſaid
Aricles.
The Caſtle of Sterling is the Place that is to be relieved, which chiefly
now held out, defended by Philip Mowbray a valiant Knight, who ſeeing
the daily Succeſs of Bruce, had inanned and victualled the ſame for many
Mon:hs. Near to this place, upon the River Bannock, is encountred this
great Army of England by Bruce, with thirty thouſand Scots; a ſmall num-
ber, ſay their Writers, in reſpect of their Enemies; but as Men hardned with
daily uſe of War and Domeſtical Evils, fierce and reſolute, carrying all
their Hopes in their Hands, of Life, Eſtate, and whatſoever was dear unto
them. The Advantage of the Ground was theirs, having behind unacceſſable
Rocks to defend them, before, a Mooriſh uncertain Ground wherein they
digged Trenches, which they pitched full of ſharp. Stakes, and covered
them over with Hurdles, ſo that the Foot-men might paſs over ſafely with.
out Impediment; but it ſo confounded the Horſe, as it gave the Scots the
Day, and the greateſt Overthrow to England that ever it received. There
periſhed in this Batrel (called of Bannocks-Borough) Gilbert the laſt Clare The Barcel of
Earl of Gloceſter, a main Arch of the State of England, and Robert Lord | Bannocks-Bo-
Clifford the Nobleſt of our Barons, with the Lord Tiptoft, the Lord Mar- rough.
Shal, the Lord Giies de Argenton, the Lord Edmond de Maule, and 700 The Defeat of
the Engliſh.
Knights, Eſquires, and Gentlemen of worth; of Common Souldiers,theirs ſay
fifty thouſand, ours ten; taken Priſoners, Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford,
Ralph de Morthelmere (who married Joan de Acres, Counteſs Dowager of
Gloceſter) with many others: the King, and thoſe who were preſerved, el-
caped by Flight.
This Defeat put Scotland both into Arms and Wealth, ſo that they held
their own the better for a long time after, and diſcouraged ſo much this
Kingdom for many Years, as it wrought not (tho it often attempted) any
great Revenge. King Edward, upon his coming back to York, ſhewed a
great deſire to repair
this Diſhonour, but nothing was done ; his People
grew cold, home they return, and ſit down by their lofs. The
The poor Bor
derers have the worſt of it, and become ſo dejected, as 100 of them would
fly from three Scots, ſaith Ilalfingham. To ſuch a ſudden Faintneſs are the
Inferiours brought, when the Nobler Parts of a State, which ſhould give
them Spirit, are ill affected.
This Diſaſter (a Miſchief never comes alone) was attended with Inunda-
tions, which brought forth Dearth, Dearth Famine, Famine Peſtilence, all
which exceeded any that ever before had been known. A Parliament is
called at London upon the beginning of this Dearth, to abate the Prices of at London.
Victuals, which ſuddenly grew to be exceſſive: and therefore it was or-
1314
dained, That an Oxe fatted with Graſs ſhould be ſold for fifteen Shillings, Anno
fatted with Corn for twenty Shillings, the beſt Cow for twelve Shillings, a
Reg. 8.
fat Hog of two Years old three Shillings four pence, a fat Sheep ſhorn four- Rates for Vi-
teen Pence, with the Fleece twenty Pence, a fat Gooſe for two Pence half Guals
.
penny, a fat Capon two Pence, a fat Hen a Penny, four Pidgeons a Pen-
ny;
whoſoever fold above ſhould forfeit their Ware to the King. Here ſeems
then to have been no Calves, Lambs, Goſlings, Chickens, young Pigs, to
bę fold; thoſe Dainties were not in uſe.
After theſe Rates impoſed, all kind of Vi&uals grew more ſcarce than be-
fore,
A Parliament
T 3
210 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
A Dearth
which laſted
three years.
the Earl of
fore, and ſuch a Murren followed of all kind of Cattel, with a general fal-
ling of all Fruits of the Earth, by the exceſſive Rains and unſeaſonable Wea-
ther, as Proviſion could not be had for the King's Houſe, nor means for other
great Men to maintain their Tables (ſuch a jult Puniſhment had Exceſs and
1316.
Riot inflicted thereon in thoſe days) inſomuch as Men put away their Ser-
Anno
vants in great Numbers, who having been daintily bred, and now not able
Reg. 10.
to work, ſcorning to beg, fell to Robbery and Spoil, which adds more Mi-
ſery to the Kingdom. Three Years this Affliction held, and was attended
with ſo great a Peſtilence, and general Sickneſs of the common Sort, cauſed
by the ill Nutriment they received, as the Living ſcarce ſufficed to bury the
Dead.
Notwithſtanding could all this extinguiſh the Rancor between the King
and his Nobles, but daily one Miſchief or other brake out, to hold in and
The Wife of encreaſe the ſame. The Wife of Thomas Earl of Lancaſter is taken out of
Lancaſter ta-
his Houſe at Canford in Dorſetſhire, by one Richard Saint-Martin, a deform-
ken out of his ed 'Dwarf (as he is deſcribed) a Follower of the Earl ll'arrein; claiming
Houſe at Can- her for his Wife, and avowing how he had lain with her before ſhe was
ford.
married to the Earl; which the Lady her ſelf, to her perpetual Ignominy, and
the ſhame of Honour, voluntarily averred. This baſe Creature claims by
her the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury, whereunto ſhe was Heir; which
without being ſupported by great Abettors, he would never have preſu-
med to attempt. The King is noted an Actor hercin ; which being in ſo
tender and reſerved a Buſineſs as Marriage, added much to his other viola-
tions of Order; and gave Occaſion and Hardineſs to inferiour Perſons to
reprove his Courſes, as may be noted by this Paſſage. Being at the Cele-
bration of the Feaſt of Pentecoſt, at Dinner in the open Hall at Westminster,
The King ads a Woman fantaſtically diſguiſed enters on Horſe-back, and riding about the
vertiſed of his Table delivers him a Letter, wherein was ſignified the great Neglect he had
of ſuch as had done Him and his Father noble Services, taxing him for ad-
vancing Men of unworthy Parts, &c. which Letter read, and the Woman
departed, put the King into a great Rage. They who guarded the Door
being ſharply reprehended for ſuffering her to enter in that manner, excuſed
themſelves, alledging it not to be the Faſhion of the King's Houſe in times
of Feſtivals, to keep out any which came in that manner, as they thought to
make Sport. Search being made for this Woman, ſhe is found, and exami-
ned who ſet her on. She confeſſed a Knight gave her Money to do as ſhe
did. The Knight is found, and upon Examination boldly confeſſed, he did
it for the King's Honour and to none other end; and eſcapes without
any
further ado.
This while the North Parts were not only infeſted with the Scots, but
likewiſe by ſuch of the Engliſh as under colour of uſing Aid for Reſiſtance,
the Borderers. robbed and ſpoiled all where they came, to the miſerable undoing of the
People. Beſides, Robert Bruce, now abſolute King of Scots, ſends his Brother
Edward with a mighty Power into Ireland, whereof he got a great Part,
and the Title of a King, which he held three years. Thus all things went
ill, as evermore it doth in diſſolute and diſſentious times, wherein the Pub-
lick is alway neglected.
But theſe Miſchiefs abroad was the Occaſion that a Reconciliation between
the King and the Earl of Lancaſter is made, by the Mediation of two Car-
the King and dinals, upon ſuch Conditions as were ſoon after unjuſtly broken by the King.
A Knight is taken paſſing by Pomfret with Letters ſealed with the King's
fion of trouble. Seal, directed to the King of Scots about Murthering the Earl; which
Metlen-
Errors.
The miſerable
affliction of
A Reconcilia-
tion between
the Nobles.
And new occa-
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
2 II
at London.
Meſſenger is executed, his Head is ſet upon the top of the Caſtle, and the 1317.
Letters reſerved to Witneſs the intended Plot. Which, whether it were fain-, Anno
ed or not, the report thereof caſt an Aſperſion upon the King and won'many Reg. II.
to take part with the Earl. After this,upon an Invaſion of the Scots forraging A Parliament
as far as Tork, a Parliament is aſſembled at London, wherein again the
King, by the working of the Cardinal, and Clergy of England, yields faith-
fully to obſerve all the former required Articles
. Whercupon an Aid is
granted him of armed men to go againſt the Scots. London ſets forth 200.
Canterbury 40. Saint Albans 10. and fo of all Cities and Boroughs according
to their Proportion, whereby a great Army was levied. Which coming
to York; through Munity,Emulation, and other Impediments, was diſlolved,
and turned back without effecting any thing.
The next year after, upon the rendring up of Berwick to the Scots,by the
Treaſon of Peter Spalding who had the Cuſtody thereof, the King of England 1318,
raiſes an Army, and beleaguers it: the Scots,to divert his Forces enter upon
Anno
England, by other wayes, and were like to have ſurprized the Perſon of the Reg. 12.
Quieen, lying near York. The Siege notwithſtanding is eagerly continued, The Lord
and the King in great poſſibility to have regained the Town, bad not the the younger
Earl of Lancaſter with Followers • with-drawn himſelf upon diſcontent, ſucceeded Ga-
hearing the King ſay, how he would give the keeping thereof to the Lord Cilice of Lord
Hugh Spencer the younger ; Who was now grown an eſpecial Minionſ the Chamberlain.
Succeſſor both of the Office, and private Favour of Gaveſton) and therefore
not to be indured by the Ear).
Thoſe of York and the Country adjacent, having received ineſtimable
Damages by the Scots, collect an Army of 10000 Men,and incounter them at
Milton on Smale: but being pot well led, nor experienced, they received the
Defeat, with the loſs of 3000 Men. Wherefore the King being certified and
ſeeing all things to ſucceed ill with him, concludes a Truce with the Scots
for two years, and again returns with diſhonour from thoſe Parts. In the
time of this Peace, a great flame ariſes from a ſmall Spark, and took be-
ginning upon this Occaſion. A Baron named William Brewes, having in his
licentious age waſted his Eſtate, offers to ſell untodivers men a part of his
Inheritance called Porres. Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford, in regard the
1320.
Land lay near bis, obtains leave of the King to buy it, and bargains for the
Anno
fame. The two Roger Mortimers, Uncle and Nephew,great Men likewiſe in
Reg. 14.
thoſe Parts, not underſtanding (it ſeems ) any thing of the former Bargain, Another Occa-
contract alſo for the fame Land, with the ſaid Sir William Brewes. Hugh fion of revolt.
Spencer the younger hearing of this ſale, and the Land adjoyning to part of
his, obtains a more eſpecial leave of the King, being now his Chamberlain,
and buyes it out of all their Hands.
The Earl of Hereford complains himſelf to the Earl of Lancaſter ( the re-
fuge of all diſcontented Men) who at Sherborn enters into a Confederation
with divers Barons there Aſſembled, taking their Oaths intermutually to live The Lords op-
and die together, in maintaining the Right of the Kingdom, and to pro- poſe the Spen-
cure the Baniſhment of the two Spencers, Father and Son, whom they now
held to be the great Seducers of the King and Oppreſſors of the State,diſpo-
ſing of all things in Court at their Will,and ſuffering nothing to be obtained,
but by their means: Which the State accounted a Miſchief moſt intolera-
ble and grievous unto them, ſeeing all Graces and Diſpatches were to paſs
out but at one Door, whereby the Kings Benignity and Power is diminiſhed,
the Kingdom diſhonoured, all Corruptions introduced, to the overthrow of
Juſtice and good Order.
And
+
cers: And take
Arms.
3
1
2 1 2 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
!
ceys.
Denics the
Lords their
And under this Pretence they take Arms , wherein themſelves proceed
not in that even way of Right as they made ſhew,but follow the Fury of their
Wills, being once out and aſtray, they ſeize upon, and make ſpoyl of the
Lands and Goods of thoſe Perſons they proſecuted, and all ſuch as had
Friendſhip and Affinity with them, killing their Servants, and diſpoſing their
Caſtles at their Pleaſure. And coming armed thus to St. Albans, they ſend
to their King, reſiding then at London, the Bishops of London,Salisbury, He.
reford and Chicheſter (who were there aſſembled to conſult for Peace) requiring
him, as he tendred the quiet of the Realm, to rid his Court of thoſe Traytors the
Spencers, condemned in many Articles of High Treaſon by the Communalty of
The Kingex-
the Land and withall to grant his Letters Patents of Pardon and Indemnity both
cuſes the Spen to them and all ſuch as took part with them, and that for no Offences paſtor preſent
they ſhould hereafter be puniſhed. The King returns Anſwer, That Hugh Spen-
cer,the Father, was now beyond the Seas imployed in his Buſineſs, and the Son
Demands.
was guarding the Cinque-Ports according to his Office and that it was againſt Lam
and Cuſtom, they ſhould be baniſhed without being heard. Moreover, that their
Requeſt was void of Juſtice and Reaſon, for that the ſaid Spencers were ever
ready to anſwer to all Complaints made againſt them, according to the forin of
Law, and if the L L. could prove they bad offended the Statutes of the Realm,
they were willing to ſubmit themſelves to the trial thereof. And beſides ſwore hé
would never violate the Oath made at his Coronation,by granting Letters of Par-
dons to ſuch notorious Offenders who contemned his Perſon, diſturbed the King-
dom, and violated the Royal Majeſty. Which anſwer to exaſperated the
Lords, as preſently they approached to London, and lodged in the Suburbs,
till they obtained leave of the King to enter into the City: Where they
peremptorily urge their Demands, which at length, by Mediation of the
yields unto
Queen and the chief Prelates, the King is wrought to condeſcend unto,
and by his Edict publiſhed in Weſtminſter Hall by the Earl of Hereford, are
Hereford public the Spencers baniſhed the Kingdom, Hugh the Father keeps beyond the Seas,
Thes the Kings
Edi& in Weft-
but the Son ſecretly hides himſelf in England, expecting the turn of a better
Seaſon. The Lords having thus obtained their Deſire, with the Kings Let-
ters of Impunity) depart home, but yet not with ſuch Security, as they
Diſplcalure gave over the Proviſion for their own defence.
Shortly after,there fell out an unexpected accident, that ſuddenly wrought
their Confuſion. The Queen, who had ever been the Nurſe of Peace, and
Lodging in the laboured to accord the King and his Barons, making her Progreſs towards
Canterbury, was diſpoſed to lodge in the Caſtle of Leeds, appertaining to
The King takes the Lord Badleſmere ( who had been long the Kings Steyard, but lately
took part with the Barons ) and ſending her Marſhal to make ready for her
Grows ſtrong. and her Train, they who kept the Caſtle, told him plainly, that neither the
Queen, or any elſe ſhould enter there, without Letters from their Lord.
The Queen herſelf goes to the Caſtle, and receives the like anſwer, whercup-
on (he is driven to take ſuch Lodging otherwhere as could be provided. Of
which Indignity ſhe complains to the King, who took it ſo to Heart, as pre-
ſently with a Power of Armed men out of London, he laies Siege to the Ca-
ſtle, takes it, hangs the Keeper, Thomas Culpeper, ſends the Wife and Children
of the Lord Badleſmere to the Tower,and ſeizes upon all his Goods and Trea-
ſure. And having this Power about him, and warmed with Succeſs, and the
Inſtigation of the Queen, ſuddenly directs his courſe to Chicheſter, where he
keeps his Chriſtmas, and there provides for an Army againſt the Barons,
whereof many (ſeeing the Kings Power encreaſing) left their Aſſociates,and
yield themſelves to his Mercy, amongſt whom were the two Roger Morti.
The Lords
come armed
co London.
The King
them.
The Earl of
minder Hall.
The Occaſion
of the Qucens
with the
Lords.
She is denied
Caſtle of
Leeds,
the Caſtle of
Leeds.
mers,
3
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
213
.
The Lords
withdraw into
over-thrown.
11
1
1
mers, men of great Might and Means,the Lord Hugh Audeley, the Lord Mau-
rice Barkley, and others, who notwithſtanding, contrary to their Expectation,
were ſent to divers Priſons. The Earl of Lancaſter and Hereford ſeeing this
ſudden change, withdrew themſelves and their Companies from about Glo-
cester, towards the North Parts. The King follows them with his Army,
wherein were the Earls of Athol and Angus, and at Burton upon Trent, the North
where they had made head, diſcomfited their Forces, and put them all to Parts, and are
flight. Whereupon, ſeeking to eſcape they retire further North and ar Bur-
rough Brigs are encountred by Sir Simon Ward Sheriff of York,and Sir Andrew
Harckley Conſtable of Carliſle, who ( after the Earl of Hereford was ſlain, in
ſtriving to paſs the Bridge ) took the Earl of Lancaſter, with divers other
Lords, and brought them to Pomfret,where the third day after the King lit-
ting himſelf in Judgment, with Edmond Earl of Kent, his Brother, the Earl
of Pembrook , the Earl Warrein, Hugh Spencer, lately created Earl of IVinche- The Executi-
ter, and others, Sentence of Death is given againſt Thomas Earl of Lanca- 1 of Lancaſter,
ſter, by drawing, hanging and beheading, as a Traytor. The two firſt puniſh- with divers
ments are pardoned, in regard he was of the Royal Blood, and only behea- divers Places.
ded he was the ſame day without the Town of Pomfret, before his own Ca-
ſtle. And by the like Judgment were Condemned, the Lord Roger Clifford,
the Lord Warrein Liſle, the Lord William Tuchet, Thomas Maudit, Henry
Bradburn, William Fitz-Williams; William Lord Cheyny,Thomas Lord Mom-
bray, Joſeline Lord Danyll, all which were executed at Tork. Shortly after
the Lord Henry Teyes is taken, drawn, hanged and quartered at London,the
Lord Aldenham at Windſor, the Lord Badleſmere and Afhburnham at Canter-
bury, the Lord Clifford at Gloceſter; principal Men in principal Places, to
ſpread the more Terrour over the Kingdom. All their Eſtates and Inheritan-
ces are Confifcated, and many new Men advanced by the ſame. And this is
any Earl or
the firſt Blood of Nobility, that ever was ſhed in this Manner in England, Baron of Eng-
ſince Williant the firſt, which being ſuch, and ſo much as it was, opened was executed
Veins for more to follow, and procured a moſt hideous Revenge, which upon Scaffolds,
ſhortly after enſued. Thus is the Beam of Power turned, and Regalty (now since the time
in the heavier Sale) weighs down all.
And preſently upon this Maſter-work, the King, both to buſie the Minds firſt
.
The Kings ill
of his People, and to keep their Hands doing, whilſt the Terrour thereof Succeſs in
laſted, marches from York with a mighty Hoſt ( but ſmall Proviſions) into Scotland.
Scotland. Where the Scots, conveying theinſelves, and all Succours out of his 1322.
Anno
way,put
that want upon him,as confounded his great Army without blows,
forcing him to return with much Diſhonour: And having paſſed far with-
in his own Country, they aſjailed him at unawares,and had like to have ta-
ken bis Perſon, as well as they did his Treaſure, with the Earl of Richmond
with whom having miſerably ranſackt all the Countrey over, even to the
Walls of York) they return loaden with mighty Spoils ſafe into Scotlard ;
and this was the Succeſs of this.unfortunate King ( not born for Triumphs )
in his third Scotiſh Expedition.
And now being at leiſure, in a calmer Humour it ſeems he began to have
a Senſe of the Execution of the Earl.of Lancaſter, which he diſcovers upon
this Occaſion. Some about him making earneſt Suit to grant a Pardon to one
of the Earls Followers, C a Man of mean Eſtate) and preſſing him hard there-
unto, he falls into a great Paſſion,exclaiming againſt them as unjuſt and wick-
ed Councellors, which would urge him ſo to ſave the Life of a moſt notori .
ous Varlet, and would not ſpeak one Word for his near Kinſman the Earl
of Lancaſter: Who, ſaid he, had he lived, might have been uſeful to me,
and
The firſt of
.
of William the
Reg. 16
!
214
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
The Earl of
ded and exe-
cured.
A Parliament.
and the whole Kingdom; but this Fellow, the longer he lives, the more
Miſchief he will commit, and therefore, by the Soul of God, he ſhould die
the Death he had deſerved. Sir Andrew Harkley, who was the man which
took Priſoner the Earl of Lancaſter at Burrough. Brigges, being advanced for
his Service to the Earldom of Carliſle, enjoyed his Honour but a while: For
the next year after, either thruſt out into Diſcontent, by the Spencers envy-
ing his high Preferment,or combining with the Scots, allured with the hope
of a great Match (as he was accuſed)
is degraded of all his Hộnours,drawn,
Carliſle degra- hanged, and quartered at London, for Treaſon, and remains amongſt the Ex-
amples of ſudden down-falls from high Places, under an inconſtant, and ill-
governing Prince.
1323
Occaſion drew on a Parliament to conſult, amongſt other important Bu-
Anno ſineſſes, concerning the Summons lately ſent to King Edward, from the new
Reg. 17. King of France Charles le Bell, (who ſucceeded his Brother Phillip de Long)
to come and do his Homage for Gaſcoigne, and it was by the common con-
fent of all decreed, that the King ſhould not go in Perſon at that time, but
ſend ſome ſpecial Men to excuſe or deferr his Appearance.
Beſides, in this Parliament, the King required a Subſidy both of the Cler-
gy and Laity, for the Redemption of John Britain Earl of Richmond, late-
The King is ly taken Priſoner by the Scots. But it was denied, and alledged, that no Con-
denied a Sub- tribution ought of Right to be made,but for the Redemption of the King, the Queen,
fidy.
or Prince,and ſo nothing was there gotten but more Diſpleaſure.
The Biſhop
The Biſhop of of Hereford was arreſted, and accuſed of High Treaſon, before the King and
Hereford acca- his Counſel, for aiding the Kings Enemies in their late Rebellion, but he re-
fuſed to anſwer ( being a conſecrated Biſhop) without leave of the Arch-
Biſhop of Canterbury, whoſe Suffragar he was ( and who, he ſaid,
was his di-
rect Judge, next the Pope ) or without the Conſent of the reſt of his Fel-
low Biſhops,who then all aroſe, and humbly craved the Kings Clemency in
his behalf; but finding him implacable,they took away their Fellow Biſhop
The Biſhop ta.
from the Bar,and delivered him to the Cuſtody of the Archbiſhop of Canter-
bury,till ſome other time the King ſhould appoint for his anſwer to what he
was charged withall. Shortly after he was again taken and convented as be-
fore,which the Clergy underſtanding, the Archbiſhops, Canterbury, York, and
Dublin,with ten other Biſhops, all which, with their Croſſes erected, went to
the Place of Judgment, and again took him away with them, charging all
Men,upon Pain of Excommunication, to forbear to lay violent Hands on
The Biſhop
him;with which audacious Act the King was much diſpleaſed,and preſently
being abſent is commanded inquiry to be made ex Officio Judicis concerning thoſe Objecti-
Oficio. .
ons againſt the Biſhop, wherein he was found guilty, though abſent,and had
all his Goods and Poſſeſſions ſeiſed into the Kings Hands.
This A& loft him the Clergy,and added Power to the diſcontented Party,
The Preſump- which was now grown to be all in general, except the Spencers and their
Spencers.
Followers, who, inriched with the Spoils of the Barons, governed all at their
Pleaſure, ſelling the Kings Favour, and ſhutting him up from any others, but
where they pleaſed to Thew him: and in this Violence which knows no
Bounds, they preſume to abridge the Queen of her Maintenance and leſſen-
ed her Houſhold Train, which was the Rock whereon they periſhed.
The Proceeding of the King of France againſt the King of England for the
Omiſſion of his Homage, was grown ſo far, as that all his Territories there
were adjudged to be forfeited, and many Places of Importance ſeiſed on by
the French,whereupon Edmond Earl of Kent, the Kings Brother, is ſent into
Kent ſent into Gaſcoigne, but to little Effect the King of France was before hand, his Power
Gaſcoigne.
ready,
fed of Treaſon.
He refuſed to
anſwer.
ken from the
Bar,
condemned ex
The Earl of
1
11
vers the
The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
215
ready and his People in thoſe Parts yielding that way where they ſaw
more Force. So that, either the King of England muſt go in Perſon to ap-
peaſe this Trouble, or ſend his Queen to her Brother to mediate an Accord,
Otherwiſe all was there in danger to be loſt. For the King's going in Perſon,
the Spencers held it unſafe both for him and them, if he ſhould leave his
Kingdom at home in ſo great and general Diſcontents as then it was. Where-
fore the Quieen with a ſmall Train is ſent over to accommodate the Buſineſs ; The Queen is
which ſhe negotiates ſo well, as all Quarrels ſhould be ended upon Condi- fence to acom-
tion the King of England would give. to his Son Edward the Dutchy of Bufinels of
Aquitain with the Earldom of Ponthien, and ſend him over to do him Ho- France.
mage for the ſame; which after many Conſultations the King is wrought
to yield unto.
The Prince is ſent, with the Biſhop of Exeter, and others, to the Court The Prince is
of the King of France, where he was moſt welcome to his Mother, who ſent to do his
herein had her Deſire; and being wholly bent to Revenge (whereof none Homage for
are ſaid to be more eager than Women) found there, beſides her great Party Aquitain.
in England, thoſe who nouriſhed that Humour in her, amongſt whom was
chief Roger Mortimer Lord of Il'igmor, lately eſcaped out of the Tower of
London, a gallant young Gentleman whom ſhe eſpecially favoured. The Bi-
ihop of Exeter perciiving ſome Plots to be in hand, and their cloſe Conſul-
tations made without him, withdraws ſecretly from thence, and diſcovers The Biſhop of
to the King ſo much as he obſerved of thcir Courſes
. The King ſends pre- Exeter diſco-
ſently for the Queen and Prince, ſolliciting withall the King of France to
Queens Plots.
haften their Return; which when he ſaw was neglected and delayed, he
cauſed them openly to be proclaimed Enemies to the Kingdom, baniſhed The Queen
them and all their Adherents out of the Land ; and withall cauſes all the proclaimed
Enemy to the
Ports to be ſtrongly kept, and ſends three Admirals to attend on ſeveral Kingdom.
Coaſts to oppoſe their Landing:
The Queen, to imflame her the more, is informed of a Plot laid to mur- The Queen re-
ther her and the Prince; and either doubting how much the Money of Eng-
land might work in thoſe ſhould be tempted therewith, or elſe finding lit-
tle forwardneſs in her Brother to aid or countenance her Courſe againſt her
Hulband, withdraws to the Earl of Haynault, being then a Prince of great
Means, and likewiſe the Earl of Holland, to whoſe Daughter Philippa ſhe
contracts her Son the Prince, and gets Aid and Money of him to tranſport
her into England. Arriving at Harwich with the Prince, the Earl of Kent
the King's Brother (whom ſhe brought with her from the Court of France)
the Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Roger Mortimer, and John Brother to the
Earl of Haynault, with 2500 Henawayes and Flemings, ſhe was received
great Joy and Concourſe of all the diſconted Nobility and others, and
eſpecially by the Biſhops of Hereford and Lincoln, who foon reſorted unto
her, as Men who had loſt, to recover their Fortunes.
The King, upon notice of this ſudden and ſafe Arrival of the Queen, de-
mands Aid of the City of London ; which returns Anſwer, That they would 1325
with all Duty honour the King, Queen, and Prince, but their Gates they would Anno
fout againſt all Foreigners and Traytors to the Realm, and with all their Power Reg. 19.
withſtand them. The King, with his ſmall Council about him, repoſing no af- The King de-
ſurance in this Anſwer after Proclamation made that none upon Pain of the City of
Death ſhould aid the Queen and Commandment given to deſtroy all her Ad- London.
herents, only her own Perſon, the Prince, and his Brother the Earl of Kent
excepted, and that whoſoever brought the Head of Roger Mortimer ſhould
have 1000 pounds ) he leaves the City, committing the keeping of the
Tower
turns wich
Forces.
.
with
216 The Life and Reign of Edward the Second.
parts towards
the Weſt.
The Queen
follows.
com-
Proclamation.
Tower to Sir John Wenſton, with the Guard of his younger Son John Eltham,
and his Neece the Counteſs of Gloceſter (firſt Wife to Pierce Gaveſton, now
of High Spencer the younger ; a Lady unfortunate by the over-great For-
The King de tunes of both her Hulbands) and departs towards the Weſt, hoping to find
Aid in thoſe Parts as formerly he had done againſt the Barons; but he ſaw
the World was altered, and no Man there to regard him.
The Queen advertiſed of his Courſe, marched after him (growing daily
greater as ſhe marched) and comes to Oxford, where the Biſhop of Hereford
preached before her and the whole.Aſſembly, and delivers the Cauſe of her
2 Kings 24.
Proceeding, taking for his Text, My Head acheth, My Head acheth; and con-
cludes moff undivinely, that an aching and ſick Head of a Kingdom was of ne-
ceſſity to be taken off, and not otherwiſe to be cured. A moſt execrable Do-
trine, and repugnant to the Sacred Word, which in all corrupted times is
evermore produced, to abuſe Mens Credulity and juſtifie Impiety in whatſoe-
ver Ambition or Malice ſhall attempt ; a Sin beyond all other that can be
mitted
upon
Earth. And the more to countenance the Queens Proceeding, it
was noiſed, two Cardinals were ſeen in her Camp, ſent by the Pope to Ex-
communicate ſuch as took Arms againſt her, and the Cauſe of hers to be for
the delivering the Kingdom from the Milleaders of the King, the Spencers,
the Lord Chancellor, and their Adherents, all others to be fafe. And here
Proclamation is made, That nothing fhould be taken from any Subječt without
The Queens
paying ready Money, and a Penalty impoſed on whomſoever did the contrary,
as for the value of 3 d. to loſe a Finger, 6 d. the Hand, 12*d. the Head, and
that whoſoever brought to the Queen the younger Spencers Head, ſhould
have 2000 Pounds. Thus is a bad Cauſe defended with ſhew of Juſtice, and
an unnatural Preſumption made to ſeem Right by Power and Authority :
An impotent Woman led with Paſſion, and abuſed by wicked Council,' is
brought to make Head againſt her own Head, to conduct an innocent son
againſt the Father, to undertake an Action (be knew not how to
manage,
her ſelf into their hands, who having other Ends than hers, would
work beyond, tho under her Authority, what pleaſed themſelves. And tho
the Event (as commonly it doth in ſuch Attempts) prove worſe than the In-
tention of the Undertaker; yet howſoever, the Infamy of all what was act-
ed lies foul and open upon her Memory, and no Apology extant any way
to cover it, and therefore we muſt leave the ſame as we find it. And better
had it been for the Honour of the State of England to have been without
her
great Dowry, than to have had her Example, the worſt of a Queen it
ever yet had. The miſerable King having his Reputation (the main Support
of Majeſty) blown up with the Hurl-wind of his Purſuers, found few or no
Hands to aid him: ſo that, after he had put Hugh Spencer the Father into
the Caſtle of Briſtol, with what Defence could be provided for the guard-
ing thereof; he leaves to truſt the Land, and commits himſelf to a more un-
The King be- faithful Element, the Sea, with purpoſe either to hide himſelf a while in the
Iſle of Lundy, or to paſs over into Ireland ; but toſt to and fro with con-
trary Winds (after Sir Thomas Blunt his Steward, with others, were ſhrunk
from him) he lands in Wales in Glamorgan-fhire; where, tho he found not
Safety, he found Love, and was hidden in the Abbey of Neth.
The Queen, with her Army from Oxford, goes to Gloceſter, where the Lord
Pierce and Wake, with aid from the North, met her; and thence to Briſtol,
aflails and wins the Caſtle; puts to Death the Defender Hugh Spencer Earl of
Hugh Spencer Wincheſter, without Form or Tryal of Law; cauſing him to be drawn, and
hanged on the common Gallows in his Coat of Armour, cut up before he
hanged at Bri-
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Second. ,
217
was dead, headed and quartered. This done, ſhe paſſes to Hereford; and the
King being not to be found, Proclamation is made, That if he would return,
and conform himſelf to rule the State as he ought to do, he ſhould come
and receive the Governmerit chereof, by the general Conſent of his People.
But he, either not daring (as deftitute both of Courage and
Counſel) to truſt
toj this Offer, or not well informed thereof, keeps himſelf ſtill concealed.
Whereupon (as may ſeem was intended) advantage is taken to diſpoſe of
the Government, and the Prince, who is now under their guard, is made
Guardian of the Kingdom, hath Fealty ſworn unto him, and a new Chan-
cellor and Treaſurer are appointed.
Long it was not 'ere the King came to be diſcovered, as a Perſon too great
for any cover, and was by Henry Earl of Lancaſter; Brother to the late Tho- The King ta-
mas, William Lord Zouch, and Ries ap Howell taken, and conveyed to the Caken Priloner
.
ſtle of Kenelworth. The younger Spencer, with Baldock the Chancellor, and
Simon Reading apprehended with him, are ſent to the Queen to Herëford.
Spencer (who was now Earl of Gloceſter) is draw), and hanged on a Gal-
lows fifty Foot high (wherein he was exalted above his Father, otherwiſe
had the like Execution and likewiſe in his Coat-armor, whereon was writ-
ten.Quid gloriaris in malitia, PS. 52. Simon Reading was hanged ten foot low-
er than he; but Baldock, in regard he was a Prieſt, had the favour to be pined
to Death in Newgate. And here likewiſe a little before was the Earl of Arundel
with two Barons, John Danyll
, and Thomas Micheldewer, executed as Tray-
tors, by the Procurement of Roger Mortimer, for adhering to the King's Part
To accompany theſe Miſchiefs of the Country, tỉe Commons of London: A Parliament
their part, let out all Priſoners, poſſeſſes them of the Tower, put to Death: Prince is cle-
the Conſtable thereof, Sir John Weſton ; murther the Biſhop of Exeter, 'to
whom they bare 'an eſpecial Hatred, for that being the King's Treaſurer, he 1326.
cauſed the Juſtices Itinerants to ſit in London, by whom they were grievouſly Anno
fined: and thus all is let out to Liberty and Confuſion.
Reg: 20.
After a Months ſtay at Hereford, the Queen with her Son returning, kept
Chriſtmas at Wallingford, their Candlemas at London; where the Parliament
being aſſembled, * agreed to depoſe the King, as unfit to govern) objecting
mány Articles againſt him) and to eleet his eldeſt Son Edward: which they
did in the great Hall at Weſtminſter, with the univerſal Conſent of the Peo
ple there preſent ; and the Archbiſhop of Canterbury makes a Sermon upon
this Text, Vox Populi, Vox Dei, exhorting the People to invoke the King of
Kings for him they had there choſen.
The Queen, either out of the conſideration of the Difference of a Huſbånd
and a Son, (whom now ſhe was not like long to guide) or through Re-
morſe of Conſcience, looking back upon what ſhe had done, takes the Ele-
{tion grievouſly to Heart; inſomuch, as her Son, to re-comfort her, ſwore
he would never accept of the Crown without the conſent of his father
whereupon, by a common Decree, three Biſhops, two Earls
, two Abbots,
four Barons, three Knights of every Shire, with a certain Number of Bur-
geſſes of every: City and Borough, and eſpecially of the Cinque-Ports
, are
ſent to the impriſoned King.at Kenelworth, 'to declare unto him the Electi-
'on of his Son, and to require the Renuntiation of his Crown and Royal
Dignity; whereunto it he would not conſent, the State was reſolved to
proceed as it thought good. The King being firſt privately made acquaint-
ed with the Meſſage the moſt barſh to Nature that could be impárted)
and by two, whom he eſpecially, hated: (for having eſpecially offen-
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
ded them) the Biſhops of Hereford and Lincoln were bruight before the
The King is Aſſembly; to whom afſoon as his Paſſion (wherewith he was over char-
brought to re- ged) would give him leave, he confeſſed, How he had been mij uided. (the
common Excuſe of a poor Spirit); and done. many things whereof.ow Suria
pented, which if he were to govern again, he would become a new Mar, and
mas, moſt.forrowful to have ſo much offended the State, as it-ſhould thus aliens
reject him, but yet gave them Thanks that they were ſo gracious unto har,
as to elect his eldeſt son for King; having ſpoken to this Purpoſe, they
proceed to the Ceremony of his Reſignation (which chiefly.conſiſted in the
Surrender of his Crown ;) for the form whereof, being the firſt that ever
was ſeen in England, they could follow no Precedent but muſt make one;
and William Truſel, a Judge, put it into the Stile of Law, to render it the
more authentical, and pronounced the ſame in this manner: "I William
his Refigna-
Truffel, in the Name of all Men of the Land of England, and of all the Par-
ac liament Procurator, reſign to thee Edward the Homage that was made to
“ thee Tometime; and from this time forwards
now following, I defie thee,
s and prive thee of all thy Royal Power, and I ſhall never be tendant on thee
as King after this time. This was the laſt A&t and the firſt Example of a
depoſed King, no leſs diſhonourable to the State than to him. He was a
Prince more weak than evil; and thoſe Exorbitances of his met with as
great or greater in his people, who, as we ſee, dealt over-roughly and un-
civilly with him. He is reported by ſome to have been Learned (which per-
haps might make him the ſofter) to have written Verſes when he was in Pri:
fori
, to have Founded:Orial Colledge, and St. Mary Hall in Oxford.
He had by his Wife Iſabel two Sons, Edward born at Windſor, who fuc-
ceeded him, and John ſírnamed of Eltham, who was created Earl of Corn-
wal, An. 1315, and died in the Flower of his Youth in Scotland. And al-
So, two Daughters, Joan married to. David Prince of Scotland, and Elionor
to the Duke of Gelders.
The end of the Life and Reign of Edward:the Second.
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
UPA
Pon the Reſignation of Edward the Second, Edward his Son; of the
1327
Age of fourteen Years, began his Reign, the 20th of January 13272
Anno
and ſends
forth Proclamations of his Peace into all Shires, in this forni: Eď
Reg. 1.
ward by the Grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Aqui-
tain; to N. N. our Sheriff of S. greeting. Whereas the Lord Edward; late King
of England, four Father, by the Common Counſel and Affent of the Prelates,
Earls, Barons, and other Chief "men, " with the whole" Commonalty of this
Realm, did voluntarily-amove himſelf from the Government thereof, Willing
and Granting, that We, as his eldėjt Son and Heir, ſhould afſime the same, &c.
Which Proclamation made to palliate a Wrong, did but the more dif
cover it. Within five Dayes after he was Crowned at Weſtminſter by.
Walter Archbiſhop of Canterbury: At which Solemnity the Queen made
ſhew. of great Sorrow and Heavineſs; but being after pacified by the
Enlargement of hér "Joynture, (which took up three Parts of the King's
fuard hnen Jorom. Revenues ) ſhe began to be of better cheer. Twelve eſpecial Men
are here appointed to manage the Affairs of the Kingdom, till the King
were of fit Years to govern of himſelf: The Archbiſhops of Canterbury
and York, the Biſhops of Wincheſter, Hereford, and Wörceſter, Thomas Bro-
therton
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
219
land.
therton Earl Marſhal, Edmond Earl of Kent, John Earl Warrein, Thomas
Lord Wake, Henry Lord Piercy, Oliver Lord Ingham, and John Lord Roſe;
but the Queen and Roger Lord Mortimer uſurped this Charge, and took all
wholly to themſelves. And to buſie the preſent and uphold this Change, an
An Expediti-
Expedition inſtantly is undertaken for Scotland, wherein (thoſe Strangers on into Scor-
ſtill retained which the Queen brought over with her) are imployed under
the Conduct of the Lord John Beaumont, Brother to the Earl of Haynault,
and at Tork the whole Army were to meet, where the Engliſh' (being not all
of a Party) quarrel with thoſe Strangers, and ſo great a Conflict aroſe be-
tween them as coſt ſome Blood, and was hardly appeaſed; an ill Preſage of
that Journey.
Ať Stanhop Park the Engliſh Army encounter the Scotiſh; and though The Scors re-
the Engliſh were thrice greater, and might preſently have vanquiſhed them, hospe Park, and
yet by the Treaſon of ſome great Men ( as it was bruited) they eſcaped all nothing done.
away and nothing was done; ſo that the young King, born for Victories,
was deprived the Honour of his firſt A&tion, which yet, being not conduct-
ed by his own Spirit, was held more diſhonourable to others than to him.
Upon their Return, all the Hannowayes and Stipendiaries are ſent home in-
to their own Countries..
During this Buſineſs, the depoſed King remains Priſoner at Killingworth,
with the allowance of an hundred Marks a Month for his Expences, depri-
ved of all thoſe Comforts the World ſhould yield him. His Wife whom he
loved (though now the Author of all his Miſery) ſends unto him Letters and
Apparel, but excuſes her coming, as being not permitted by the State: nei-
ther was he thought ſafe enough where he was, nor ſo ſtraitly look'd unto
as they deſired to have him, being in the Cuſtody of his Uncle the Earl of
Lancaſter; and therefore they commit him to other Guardians, and Men of
the moſt rough Natures could be found, the Lord Matrevers and Thomas
Gourney, who from thence removed him to the Caſtle of Berkley in Gloce-
ſterſhme, where long he ſtay'd not, but was conveyed to Corfe Caſtle, and
thence to other Places, up and down, to beguile and diſappoint his Friends,
by the uncertainty of his Being, if any Plot were laid (which they doubted)
to reſtore him. Beſides, to diſguiſe him the more, and that he might not be The miſerable
eaſily known, they ſhave his Head and Beard, which, as a Servant of his, Sir ſtate of the
impriſoned
Thomas de la More, a Knight of Gloceſterſhire, reports, (who wrote his Life)
was done in the open Fields, by the Commandment of Gourney, who moſt
barbaroully cauſed the miſerable
' King to fit on a Mole-hill whilſt the
Barber ſhaved him, and to take cold Water out of a Ditch to waſh him with-
all, which the patient King (faith this Reporter ) ſeeing, told them, That in
Despight of them he would have warm Water at his Barbing, and therewithall
ſhed abundance of Tears. Other vile Reproaches this ſavage Jaylor put upon
his anointed Sovereign, as he re-conveyed him back to Berkley Caſtle, where
ſhortly. after he and Matrevers cauſed him to be murthered in a moſt hide-
ous manner, by thruſting up a hot Iron into his Bowels through an hol- He is murther-
low Inſtrument, whereby no outward Note might appear to bewray how cd, at Berkley
he came by his Death: fór the Body being after laid forth, and viewed by
many ſubſtantial Citizens of Briſtol and Gloceſter (called thither for that
purpoſe ) they could find no Sign either of Wound or Poyſon ; ſothat their
Evidence confirmed the Report that was given out, how he died of extream
Grief. This was the End of Edward the Second, within eight Months after
his depoſing.
The deed-doers, Matrevers and Gourney, though they had Commiſſion
and
21
King.
Caſtle.
1
V 2
220 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
ac-
at North.
A diſhonoura-
ble Peace
made with
Scotland,
and great Hopes given them to do as they did, yet being by thoſe who were
albamed to vow it, they durſt not abide the Tryal; but as Fugitives, fled pre-
ſently their Country: Gourney three Years after was taken at Marſeilles, and
murthered on the Sea before he came to England, that he might tell no
Tales who ſet him on work. But this was not all the Blood this Deed coſt,
the Judgment of God fell heavily, not only upon the
great Contrivers, but
even upon the whole Kingdom; and what the Iſſue of this preſent Prince,
whoſe Throne (though without his guilt) was thus ſet up on his Fathers
Blood, ſuſtained in After-ages, the many imbrued Scaffolds, the divers bloo-
dy Fields, the infinite Slaughters in the civil Diſcord of their divided Fa-
milies, with the conſumed Race of the moſt part of all this preſent Nobili-
ty, will teſtifie. But now for the preſent, the Authors of this Change uſe all
means to increaſe and fortifie their own Fortunes, whilſt the State in gene-
ral receives no great Satisfaction thereby. Mens Expectations are not anſwer-
cd in that inanner as they were conceived. The Queen Mother and her Mi-
nion Mortimer (lately created Earl of the Marches of Wales) guide all; and
all that is not well done, or amiſs in the Government, is now attributed to
them and their Council: ſo that Diſcontentments engender new Factions
cording to the nature of turbulent Times.
1328. The King's Marriage with Philippa of Haynault is ſolemnized, and a Par-
Anno liament is held at Northampton, where a diſhonourable Peace is concluded
Reg. 2.
with the Scots, and confirmed by a Match between David Bruce Prince of
A Parliament Scotland, Son to Robert Bruce, and Joan Siſter to the King of England,
which match, by reaſon of tủe tender Age of the Prince, being but ſeven years
old, could promiſe little good. Beſides, by the ſecret working of the Queen,
Mother, the Earl of March, and Șir James Douglaſs, the King ſurrenders by
his Charter bis Title of Sovereignty to the Kingdom of Scotland, reſtores di.
vers Deeds, and Inſtruments of their former Homages and Fealties, with the
famous evidence called the Ragman Role, and many ancient Jewels and Mo-
numents, amongſt which was the Black Crofs of Scotland, &c. Moreover, any
Engliſh-man is prohibited to hold Landsm Scotland, unleſs he dwelt there. In
conſideration whereof, King Bruce was to May 30 thouſand Marks
. Shortly af-
ter another Parliament is held at Wincheſter, where Edmond Earl of Kent,
Brother to the late depoſed King, is accuſed and condemned upon his Con-
feſſion for intending the Reſtauration of his Brother, and conferring with divers
great Men concerning the ſame, but without ariy manner of Fact. This mifera-
ble Earl ſtood on the Scaffold from one till five, and no Executioner could be
found to diſpatch him; at length a ſilly Wretch of the Marſhalſey cut offhis head.
Theſe Violences and•unpleaſing Courſes in a new Alteration, could not
long hold without effecting another, which the next year
produced. A Par-
liament is held at Nottingham, wherein all the Power and Glory of the Queen
at Notringhwn. and Mortimer (being ſcarce of three Years growth) were overthrown; the
Quecn hath all her great Joynture taken from her, and put to her Penſion of
a 1000 Pounds per annumz Mortimer is accuſed to have procured the late Kings
gainſt Morri Death; to be the Author of the Scots Safe eſcaping from Stanhope Park, cor-
rupted with the gift of 20000 pounds; to have procured the late Marriage, and
Peace with Scotland, ſo diſhonourable to the King and Kingdom: to have con-
ſumed the King's Treaſure, beſides all what was taken from the Spencers, to
have been too familiar with the Queen, &c. And for theſe bainous Oriences is
condemned of High Treaſon, ſent up to London, drawn and hanged at the
He is hanged
common Gallows at the Elmes, now called Tybærn, where his Body remain-
ed two days as an opprobrious Spectacle for all Beholders. Such were the
tragical
A Parliament
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Third. 221
tragical and bloody returns, thoſe Ambitious Supplanters of others, got by
exchange of the time, which now, may ſeem, made the World weary of
ſuch Violences, and more wary to run into them. And the King growing
to years of more Ability to govern of isimſelf, wrought a greater reſpect of
his Service in thoſe who were of Power about him, ſeeing him to be of a
Spirit likely to go through with his work, and therefore they uſe their
beſt Advice to put him into Courſes that might be moſt honourable for him
and the Kingdom. The Stains which his Youth had received by ſuch as go-
verned the fame, are now diſcovered, and Means deviſed how to take them
off, and withall, Occaſions fall out to put into action.
And firſt, a new King of France lately Crowned (upon the Death of Charles King Èdward
le Bell without Iſſue Male) requires his Homage according to the Cuſtom is fummoned
for the Dutchy of Guien, and his other Land in France held of that Crown: co do his Ho:
whereunto though King Edward was ſuppoſed to have the better Right, yet de Valois King
ſeeing Philip de Valois was now in Poffefſion of the fame, and himſelf then of France.
young, his own Kingdom factious, turbulent, and unſettled, he was not as
yet, otherwiſe than by Law (which ſeldom gets a Crown) able to debate
his Title; and therefore is content to temporize, and go over in Perſon to
perform his Ceremony, which did much prejudice his after Claim, laid an
Imputation upon the juſtneſs of his Cauſe, having thereby acknowledged
and made good the Right of his Competitor.
The Difference between them ſtood thus: Philip le Bell, Father to Iſabel The Title of
Mother to King Edward, had three Sons, Louys, Philip, and Charles, which King Edward
all; were ſucceſſively Kings of France, and died without any Iſſue Male to of France.
inherit the Kingdom; and notwithſtanding Louys the eldeſt son had a Daugh-
ter, whom Eudes Earl of Bologne, her Uncle by the Mother, laboured to have
crowned Queen ; yet for that it was adjudged contrary to the Salique Law,
which debarred Women from the Succeſſion, Philip, the younger Brother
of Louys, is admitted to the Crown. This Philip likewiſe left four Daugh-
ters, and yet doth Charles his Brother ſucceed him by the force of the
fame Law (which paſſed now as a Caſe adjudged) without any controver-
ſie. Charles
, dying, leaves his Wife young with Child : differences ariſe
about the Regency of that Kingdom, between King Edward of England, the
Nepbew, and Philip de Valois, Couſin-German to the laſt King Charles. This
Philip was the firſt Prince of the Blood, Son to Charles de Valois, Brother
to Philip'le Bell. And though King Edward was in degree: nearer than he,
yet was the Regency adjudged to Philip (if the Queen brought forth a
Son.) as deſcending from a Brother more capable of the Crown, than
King Edward; deſcending from a Daughter that was uncapable as they al-
ledged. ,!
The Queen at length delivered of a: Daughter, the Proceſs is ended, and
P:bilip received and crowned King of France by their Salique Law, main-
rained to be unviolable. Robert de Artois, a Peer ºf great Power, was a
ſpeciali Means of his Preferinent, and the Excluſion of King Edward, who
ſhortly after, upon Summons given Cas
, is aforeſaid) goes over and meets
King Philip.at Amiens; where, by the Counſels of both Kings
, two eſpe-
cial Points are debated. The one concerning the quality of the Homagė
, pre-
tended Liege by: the Council of King Philip, bit denied by that of King Ed-
ward. The ſecond point, For the Lands in Guien, which the last King Charles
1331.
had detained as his, whereof the Council.of King Edward demanded Reftituti-
Anino
on, as appertaining to that Dutchy. The Compofition for this laſt Point was
eaſie in regard of the Treaty of Peace made between the ſaid King Charles
,
and
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I
The form of
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I
222 The Life-and-Reign of. Edwards the Third.
and Edward the Second, the laſt of May 1325, wherein their Rights were fa-
ved by Proteſtations, reciprocal, adviſed; and received in offer and accep-
tànce of Homage made to the ſaid: "King Charles by this Edward before he
was King, which Proteſtations were agreed to be followed and repeated in
this, with Covenant, That if King Edward would purſue his Right in Parlia-
ment, he ſhould have Juſtice done him accordingly for thoſe things in con-
troverſie. Now for the firſt point concerning the quality of his Homage, it
was accorded without ſpecifying the ſame, that it ſhould be done and re-
ceived according to the uſual manner of former. Kings,' with ſufficient Time
granted to King Edward to enquire of the ſaid Quality, and to make his
Fean Tiller. Declaration thereof. And thereupon, the 6th of June 1329, King Edward
King Edward
doth Homage
in a Crimſon Velvet Gown embroydered with Leopards, with his Crown
on his Head, his Sword by his ſide, and golden Spurs on his Heels, preſents
himſelf in the Body of the Cathedral Church at Amiens, before King Phi-
lip, ſitting in a Chair of Eſtate, in a Velvet Gown of a Violet Colour,
embroydered with Flowers “de lis of Gold, his Crown on his Head, and
his Scepter in his Hand, with all his Princes and Peers about him. The
Viſcount Melun, Chamberlain of France, firſt commands King Edward' to
put off his Crown, his Sword, and his Spurs, and to kneel down, which
he did on a crimſon Velvet Cuſhion before King Philip; and then the Vir-
count putting both his Hands together between the Hands of the King of
France, pronounced the Words of the Homage, which were theſe; You
become Liegeman to the King my Maſter here preſent, as Duke of Guyene and
Peer of France," and You promiſe to bear Faith and Loyalty unto him: Say
.
Yea: and King Edward ſaid Tea, and kiſſes the King of France (as the Lord
of the Fee) in the Mouth: The like Homage he then did for the Earldom
of Ponthieu.
This Act of Submiſſion performed in the Perſon of a King, young, ađive,
haughty, and powerful, who held himſelf wronged in doing it to whom he
did,
bred that Rancor in his Heart, as it had been better for all Chriſtendomë
that Ceremony had been ſpared at this time, and not ſo: punctually been
exacted by King Philip; whom their own Hiſtorians blame for ſtanding. To
much upon his Regality, with one as mighty as himſelf, and more able and
likely to ſhake his new gotten Throne than any other whatſoever : to whoſe
Paſſion, conſidering the fiery Heat of his Youth, he ſhould rather have mini-
ſtred Ojl than Vinegar, and more Hoſpitably entertained him in his Court:
coming with the State and Magnificence as he did, attended with the beſt
of all the Kingdom of England to ſhew what he was, and to beget a reſpeď
of his high Eltate. But theſe are the Errors of improvident:Princes, who
carried with the Sway of their own Will, imbroyl themſelves and their Sub"
jects, that ever ſuffer the worſt, and are ſure to pay dearly for others Faults
.
King Edward And now thus wounded in Reputation, with a Mind:ſwoln for Revenge,
France
, enter the King of England returns to ſettle his Affairs at home, where Scotiſh Bù
tains the Sco- fineffes fall out to entertain him. The late Peace concluded with them is
tiſh Buſineſs.
held ſo difhonourable, as it muſt not hold; and to break the fame followed
an occaſion begun upon their own Quarrels. The tender Age of their King
(the Affliction of Kingdoms) with the Emulation and Factions in great men,
Edward Baliol put Edward Baliol
, Son to John Baliol (ſometimie King of Scotland) thirty
comes out of two years after his Fathers Depoſition, to attempt the Recovery of that
France, defeat-
Crown: and out of France, where he had all that while remained, - he
ſers, and is comes by the Sollicitation of his Friends into England, where he was per:
crowned King mitted under-hand toʻget Aid, and had all ſuch Scots and Engliſh who were
of
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The Life and. Reign of Edward the Tbird.
223
of the Factions againſt: Bruce, to take his Part, and with them he ſuddenly
affails thoſe who had the Government of that Kingdom, during the: Nonage
of the young King David ( being at that time with the King of France) and
overcame them in a Battel, with the Slaughter of many Noble men, and
thouſands of the common People, and thereupon was immediately crown-
ed King of Scotland at Sconė... But this Party being not ſo potent, as they
'could maintain and defend his quarrel againſt all thoſe which: oppoſed it,
he was forced notwithſtanding this great Defeat, to retire him into England,
to get more aid of King Edward; who now ſhews himſelf in the A&ion,
joyns with Baliol againſt his Brother-in-Law King David, goes in Perſon with
a ſtrong Army to recover Berwick; which after three Months Siege, being Berwick reco-
valiantly defended by the Lord Seton, was again taken in, and the Army of
the Scots, which came to the reſcue thereof, at Hallidown Hill utterly defeated : The Battel of
where were ſlain ſeven Earls, ninety Knights and Baronets, four hundred. Hillidown Hill.
Eſquires,and about two and thirty thouſand.common Souldiers, as our Wri-
ters report, theirs fourteen thouſand. And with the Effuſion of Blood is
Baliol returned to his miſerable Kingdom.
In this oppugnation of Berwick, though my haſte be great, I muſt not fo. A memoroble
much treſpaſs
. Vertue, as to overpaſs one memorable particular, recorded pugnation of
by the Scotiſh Writers, which is, how the Lord Seton ſeeing all Relief fail-Berwick
ing, and the Affaults violent, as he could not long hold out, Conditions with
King Edward if Reſcue came not at ſuch a Day,to render him up the Town;
and for Aſſurance delivers bim two of his Sons. Shortly after, King Edward,
baving notice of the Scotiſh Army, approaching with greater Power and
Speed then he expected, and likely to be there before the Day, Summonsi
the Lord Seton do render the Town preſently, otherwiſe he should ſee his two
Sons executed before his Face. And withall, a Gallows is made ready within
ſight of the Town,the young Gentlemen brought forth, and under the Hand
of the Executioner ; Wherewith the diſtrefled Lord, rent between thoſe
powerful Paſſions of Nature and Honour, ſtanding doubtful: what to do,
his Wife, the Mother of thoſe Sons, a Lady, more than a Woman, comes
unto him, exhorts him To remember his Fealty Sworn to the King, his Charity
to bis Countrey,the Dignity of his noble Family, that they had other Children left
,
though theſe were deſtroyed; and beſides, themſelves were not ſo, old, but that they
might have more. How, thöfe, if they foould be preſerved from Death at this
Time, might ot berwiſe Shortly periſh, by. Some morje Occaſion: And what a ſtain
he should lay on the Name of Seton, and their poſterity for ever, by:a baſe
AĞ of yielding and betraying the Place committed unto him : Whereby..alſo be
mas not certain whether he ſhould preſerve bis Children or no: For how could
he hope that this King, who had violated his firſt Promiſe with him, would
perform the laſt. And therefore befought him that he would not prefer an uncer-
tain and momentany Benefit," before a certain and perpetual Ignominy. And ſo
recovering lier Lords Reſolution for holding out, withdrew him from the
Walls, into ſome other Parts, aſide, that he might not be Spectator of the
Execution of his Innocent Children.
The next year after this Defeat at Hallidown.Hill
, Edward Baliol. King of
1333
Scots, at New.Caſtle doth Homage to the King of England, as his Superiour Anno
Lord, and takes his Oath of.Fealty, binding himſelf and his Heirs to hold that
Reg. 7
Kingdom of him and his Succeſſors for ever, with the Inheritance of fivė.Coun- Edward Balist
tries next adjoyning to the Borders. So large a Part yields.be to forego, ra- doth Homage
ther than to be in Danger to loſe the whole,which yet could not ſecure his dom of Scor-
Eſtate, but rather imbroil'd it the more, by Reaſon of the Diſcontent which land.
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224 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
moſt
part
of the Nobles of Scotland conceived upon this. Ad of Alienation,
and Subjection of their Countrey ; inſomuch as it gave both Kings continual
Occaſion of Trouble, for a long time after with the expence of infinite Trea-
ſure. There was granted to the King of England for theſe Wars, a fifteenth
of the Temporality, a twelfth of Citics and Boroughs, and a tenth of the
Clergy, in a Parliament holden at London. And three years together the
King goes in Perſon, with Armies into thoſe Parts and never returned with-
out Deſtruction and Blood-ſhed of that afflicted People: infomuch as it may
move us to admire, how it could be poſſible, that little Corner of this ille,
A remarkable being no more fertile,and withall ſo often waſted, could breed ſo many (had
it bred- nothing but Men) as had been Nain in Battel within this fifty years
paſt; and yet ſtill to be able to ſupply and furniſh thèir Field with ſuch
numbers as they did, both to maintain their own Quarrels; defend their Li-
berties, and that poor Ground they dwelt upon, which was not worth ſo
much Blood as it coſt them, deſerving to have had a better piece of Earth,
and a more perſpicuous Place in the World, to have ſhewed thoſe Acts of
Magnanimity and Courage, as they did.
The Reaſon that moved King Edward with ſuch Violence to proſecute the
Buſineſs of Scotland, was out of a Deſire fo to ſettle the ſame as he might be
1336. wholly for the Deſigns he had upon France, which chiefly he intended, and
Anne
was the ſooner put thereunto by the Inſtigation of Robert de Artois, who
Reg. 10. being chaſed from thence by King Philip his Brother-in-Law,comes over into
England; and here is entertained with great Honour.
This Robert, a Prince of the Blood of France, deſcended from Robert, Son
to Louis the eighth; Brother to S. Louis, had long Contention with Mand his
Reiserouten Aunt Counteſs of Burgogne about the Earldom of Artois ; and preſu-
ming upon his own Power, his Alliance with King Philip, who bad married
French King. his Šifter, and the Service he had done in advancing him to the Crown,
Counterfeits a Deed, thereby to overthrow his Aunts Right, which being
afterward diſcovered, made it the more, and moved the French King to
give Judgment on her ſide, ſo that the County of Artois was by arreſt of
Parliament confirmed upon Mand, which ſo offended Robert, as in his
Rage, he openly ſaid, He would unmake the King by the ſame Power he made him:
Which raſh Menace, uttered before many Witneſſes, ſo ſung the French
King, as preſently, he laies to apprehend him, but failing therein, cauſes him
Jean Tillet.
to be proclaimed Traitor, confiſcates all his Eſtate, forbids bis 'Subjects,
whoſoever, either without or within the Kingdom, which held of that
Crown, in any fort to receive him, comfort, counſel, or aid him, upon Pain
of Confiſcation of Body and Goods : And withall charges them by any
means to ſeiſe upon his Perſon, and to ſend bim Priſoner unto him.
Whereupon this chaſed Prince, finding no Place on that ſide ſafe for him ,
Robert de Ar- over he comes into England, is joyfully entertained by King Edward made
tois: comes in of his Council, inveſted in the Earldom of Richmond, and here is he the
to .
Kindle-fire between theſe two mighty. Nations, and began ſuch a flame, as
laſted above an hundred years after, and the ſmoak, thereof much lon-
ger. Firſt, he diſcovers to King Edward the ſecrets of their Councels at
France, and what means had been uſed for the Advancement of King Phi-
lip, whoſe Title he now diſapproves, and prefers that of King Edward,
as moſt jult; and a Declaration is publiſhed, and ſent to the Pope, and all
the Neighbour Princes, (hewing the Uſurpation of Philip de Valois upon that
Crown,
Now had King Edward ever ſince his return from Amiens, prepared to
make
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
225
made Vicar
General of the
?
make good his Party to oppoſe the French King, and by the Affıſtance of his
Father in-law Willian Earl of Haynault, combined with the Dukes of Bra-
bunt and Gelders, the Earl of Juliers, the Archbiſhop of Cologne, Valeran his
Brother, John of Haynault, and other Princes of Germany. And beſides, had King Edward
of late obtained by great gifts of Louys de Bavier, the preſent Emperour, to
be Vicar-general of the Empire, whereby he was to have all thoſe Princes Empire.
Confiners upon France, who held of the fame, to do him Service. And this
Grace the Emperour did him, the rather for that he had ſtood for him againſt
his Competitor Frederick of Auſtrich, with whom the French King took
part; and beſides he had married King Edward's Wives Siſter, which might
be a motive to procure him this Honour. Then ſeeks he to gain and draw
in the Flemings, whoſe Earl though adhering to the French King as his Val-
fal, yet the Cities which ever entertained a kind of Liberty among them-
ſelves, were eaſily won to take part with. King Edward, in regard their
Wealth chiefly grew by the Wools of this Kingdom, which by a Parliament
holden at London, Anno Reg. 9. were prohibited to be tranſported unwrought;
That Cloths ſhould be made here, and Habitation with all Priviledges and Li- The making of
berties allowed to fuch Artificers as would.come from other Parts to inhabit. Be- Cloch introdu-
Gilcs it was enacted, That none should wear other than Engliſh Cloth, except Kingdom.
the King, Queen, and their Children; That no man ſhould wear any facing of The firſt
Silks or Furs, but ſuch as could diſpend 100 pounds per onnam. But thoſe Or- Liwwe find
dinances (inore beneficial to this Kingdom than theſe. Wars will be) were in our Hiſtory,
upon this new entertained Correſpondence with the People of Flanders,
ſoon after neglected; but yet the making of Cloth continued, and many
come out of Flanders to exerciſe that Trade in England.
Now there was among the Flemings one Jaques de Artevile, Citizen of King Edward
Gannt, a Brewer as ſome ſay (but of more than Beer) a man of greateſt Efti- wins Jaques
mation among the People, and was at their Tribute or Chieftain in their
Tuinults; him King Edward gets, by great Rewards, to take his part, and
thereby had them all ready to affail the French King upon iny occaſion.
Having thus prepared his Party abroad, all means are deviſed to raiſe
Monies at home to ſupply this Buſineſs
. A tenth penny of Towns and Bo- Means uſed
roughs, a fifteenth of others, and a tenth of the Clergy, is granted in a Parliament for Money.
at Northampton. All ſuch Treaſure as was committed to Churches throughout
England for the Holy War, is taken out for the Kirgs uſe in this
. The next year
after, all the Goods of three Orders of Monks, Lombards, Cluniaques, and Ci-
ſtercerces, are likewiſe ſeiſed into the King's hands, and the like Subfidy as before
granted at Nottingham. Honours are likewiſe beſtowed on many Noblemen to en-
courage
them in this intended Action ; Henry of Lancaſter, the younger, is cre-
ated Earl of Derby, William Mountacute Earl of Salisbury, Hugh Andley Earl
1338.
of Gloceſter, William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon, William Bohun Earl of
Anno
Northampton, Robert Ufford Earl of Suffolk : Prince Edward was likewiſe
Reg. 12.
at this time created Earl of Cheſter, and Duke of Cornwal. In Anno Reg. 12. A Subſidy of
at a Parliament at Northampton (as ſome write in the Abſence of the King)
granted by the Laity, one half of their Wools, but of the Clergy was
was levied
the whole, and they were cauſed to pay nine Marks for every Sack of fine ders with his
l'ool. The next Year after a fifteenth was likewiſe paid in Wool by the Commo- Children.
11 alty. And now for the better managing of this work abroad (having
well accommodated the Scotiſh Affairs (he goes over into Flanders, takes
with him the Queen and Children, lies at Antwerp, where, by perſwalion of
the Flemings, he took upon him the Stile, Title, and Arms of the King of
France, whereby they held they might the better juſtifie their partaking in
his!
Wool.
was
King Edward
goes into Flan-
226
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
The French
Kings Parta-
kers.
Means to ap-
The French
King reiſes on
Guyen.
enters into
France,
his Quarrel, and diſpenſe with their Oath formerly made to the French
King, having beſides bound themſelves in twenty hundred thouſand
Crowns, never to bear Arms againſt the King of France, and thereupon
the League was eſtabliſhed between them and King Edward. The French
King was not behind in his Preparations and Confederacies, having to take
his Part, the King of Bohemia, the Count Palatine of Rhine (who covenant-
ed to ſerve him againſt King Edward and his Adherents with three hundred
Horſe for 5600 Florins.) The Biſhop of Mentz, Albert and Otho Dukes of
Aiſtrich, Theodore Marqueſs of Monferat, Amè Earl of Geneva, beſides ma-
ny
Princes of Eſtate, and divers great Captains out of Germany, French-
County, Savoy, Dauphine, Spain, and other Countries. So that all the best
of the Chriſtian World are either in Arms, or aiding in this Quarrel, be-
peale there
tween theſe two mighty Kings. Long were they preparing and making a
two Kings.
noiſe before they came to grapple: and much was wrought by the Pope,
and the King of Sicily, a great Aſtrologer, who divined by Skill he had in
the Stars, of much future Calamity to France, to have accorded them, which
would not be.
The Preface of this War began on the Borders of each others State: On
this fide King Edward ſets upon Cambray, defended by the French. Philip
on the other ſide, feiſes on the Dutchy of Guyen, and thither ſends Conte d'Eu
the Durchy of
Conſtable of France
, with the Earls of Foix and Arminiaque, who ſurpri-
zes many ſtrong Places thereof; beſides, he hath a great Navy at Sea which
King Edward committed much Spoil on the Coaſt of England. King Edward enters
France by the way of Vermandois and Thierache, approaches near to King
Philip: Both Armies were lodged between Viron-fofe, and la Flamenguere,
the day of the Fight appointed upon the Friday after, the Battels on both
Gides made ready, the Advantage of Number was on the French; but both
Armies furniſhed with brave Men of War, and circumſpect, depart with-
out Encounter; the French eſteeming it no Diſcretion to put the Perſon
and State of their King to the Hazard of Battel within his own Kingdom:
Froiffart. and the Englijß conſiſting of leſs Number, thought fit not to aſſail them:
and ſo they paſſed the Day in Countenances, and nothing was done. Only
this Accident fell out, which after gave matter of Sport: A Hare ſtarting
before the Head of the French Ariny, a great Shout was ſuddenly made,
which they who were behind ſuppoſing to have been upon the On-ſet of a
· Battel, diſpoſed themſelves to fight; ſome Eſquires, for their more Encou-
ragement, are according to the Cuſtom preſently Knighted, who were ever
The Knights after called Knights of the Hare.
The next Morning early both Knights diſlodge, the French retires to Pa-
ris, the King of England into Brabant ; where after he had ſtrongly faſtened
his Confederates, and diſpoſed of his Affairs, he leaves the Queen, and re-
turns into England about Candlemaſs, having been in: Brabant about a year,
1330.
lands at the Tower about Midnight, and finding it unguarded, was much
Anno diſpleaſed) ſends for the Mayor of London, whom he commanded to bring
Reg. 14. before him the Chancellor and Treaſurer, with John S. Paul, Michael Watch,
Philip Thorp, Henry Stratford, Clergy-men (who it ſeems were Officers for
his Receipts) and John Sconer Juſtice of the Bench; all which, except the
Chancellor, were arreſted and committed to Priſon, as were afterward in
like manner divers Officers of Juſtice, and Accountants, upon inquiry made
of their unjuſt Proceeding.
Then calls he a Parliament at London in Lent, which granted unto him for
Cuſtom of every Sack of Wool 40 shillings; for every 300 Wool-felis 40 Shillings;
for
of the Hare.
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Tbird.
2.27
for every Laſt of Leather
, forty Shillings; and of other Merchandizes according. Great Subra
to that rate the ſame to endure from that Eaſter to the Whitſuntide twelve- dies granted.
month after. Beſides, there was granted of Citizens and Burgeſſes; a ninth Cuftoms at
part of Goods ;: of Foreign Merchants and others, a fifteenth, of Husbandmen
the ninth Sheaf, the ninth Fleece, and, ninth Lamb, for two Years. Alſo ano-
ther. Tenth of the Clergy. And for his preſent Supply, he had Loans of divers
Perſons, and the City of London lent 20g0o Marks. For the Grant of which
iignty Subſidy, the King (beſides his Pardon to diversi kinds of Offenders) Pardons and
remits all Amercements for Tranſgreſſion in his Foreſts, Reliefs and Scntage Remillions of
anto the first time of his going into Flanders: befides
: all Aids for the Marria- ancient Debrs.
ges of his Sonsi and Daughters during his Reign; pardoning and remitting all
ancient Dębts
, and Arrearages, both of his Farmers and others, any-way due in
the time of his Progenitors and his own, till the tenth Year of his Reign; (ex:
cepting ſuch as were compounded for, and determined to be paid into his Ex-Retributio:.
chequer) and here be likewiſe confirms the great Charter.
During. King Edward's Abode in England, William Montague Earl of Sa-
lisbury, and Robert Ufford Earl of Suffolk, left in Flanders to oppoſe the
Proceeding of the French, having performed divers_great Exploits with The Earls of
happy fucceſs; and preſuming over-much upon their Fortune, were in an Salisbury and
Encounter about Life ſo over-laid by multitude, as they were both taken Priſoners in
and ſent Priſoners to Paris, to the great Joy of the French King: who now France.
to impeach the King of England's Return, had prepared a mighty Navy.in
the Haven of Sluce, conſiſting of two hundred Sail of Ships (belídes many
Galleys) and two thouſand armed Men in the Port, ready to encounter him
upon his Landing: Whereof King Edward being advertiſed, provides great
Strength, with the like nuinber of Ships, and ſets out to Sea upon
Midſum-
mer Eve, is met the morrow after with a Navy likewiſe from the North Parts, King Edroard
conducted by Sir Robert Morley, and Encounters his Enemy which lay to vanquiſhes the
intercept, him, with ſuch force and courage, and advantage of Wind and French King's
great Navy.
Sun, as he utterly defeated their whole Navy, took or ſunk all their Ships,
New thirty thouſand men, and landed with as great glory, as ſuch a Victory
the grcateſt that ever before was gotten by the Engliſh at Sea) could yield.
Moſt of the French, rather than to endure the Arrows and ſharp Swords of
the Engliſh, or be taken, deſperately leap into the Sea. Whereupon
the Forench King's Jeſter, ſet on to give him notice of his overthrow (which
being ſo ill news, none elſe willingly would impart on the ſudden) fàid, and
oftentimes reiterated the ſame; Cowardly Engliſhmen, Daſtardly Engliſhmen, Jean Tilet.
Faint-hearted Engliſhmen. The King at length asked him, Why? For that,
ſaid he, They duršt not leap out of their Ships into the Sea, as our brave
. French
men.did. By, which Speech, the King apprehended a motion of this Over-
throw : which the French attribute to Nicholas Bucket, one of their chief
Commanders, who had armed his Ships with Men of baſe Condition (con-
tent with ſmall Pay) and refuſed Gentlemen and ſufficient Souldiersin regard
they required greater Wages; and it often happens, that the Avarice of
Commanders have been the occaſion of great Defeats.
But this Loſs much abated the Power of the French King; who notwith-
ſtanding, in theſe Martial Times, was ſoon ſupplied, both out of his own
Dominions, and thoſe of his Confederates, and makes a mighty Head againſt King Edward
this victorious, powerful, and freſhly furniſhed. King of England; who ſud- beſieges Jour-
denly ſet down before Tourney, with all his own and bis Adherents Forces. his Challenge
And from Chyn ( a place nearby where he lodged) ſends his Cartill the to the French
17th of July, to Philip de Valois, lodging at Saint Andrew les Aire with his King
.
puiſſant
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+
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228
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The French
to the Chal-
I
+
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
puiffant Army, declaring how he, with the Power of his one Kingdom, and
Aid of the Flemings, was come to recover his Right in the Kingdom
of France,
unjuſtly detained from him, contrary to the Laws of God and Man and that
ſeeing no other means would ſerve, he was forced in this manner to have recourſe
to his Sword. Notwithſtanding, ſeeing the Buſineſ. was between them two, he
offers, for the avoiding of Chriſtian Blood, and devaſtation of the Country, to
try the ſame by Combate in cloje Camp Body to Body, or each of them accompa-
nied with.100 choice Perſons : which if the ſaid Philip refuſed, then to ſtrike
Battel within ten Days after, before the City of Tournay.
Philip de Valois returns Anſwer the laſt of July in this manner; Philip by
King's Anſwer the Grace of God King of France, to Edward King of England: We have pera
lenge.
uſed your Letters ſent to the Court of
, Philip de Valois, containing certain Re-
queſts to the ſaid Philip: and for that it appears thoſe Letters and Requeſts were
not written or made unto. us, we will in no fort anſwer you. But ſeeing by thoſe
Letters, and otherwiſe, we underſtand how you, led by Wilfulneſs, without all
reaſon, have entred our Kingdom of France with armed Power, and committed
no ſmall Damage in the ſame, and on our People, contrary to the Duty of a Liege-
man; having.lately ſworn Homage unto us, acknowledging 15, as by Right, King
of France, and have promiſed that Obedience which is due from the Vaffal to his
Liege-lord, as is manifest by your Letters Patents under your great Seal, which
we have with us, and
you likewiſe ought to have the ſame with you. And there-
fore our Intention is, as becomes our Honour; to chaſe you out of our Kingdom,
as we firmly hope in Chriſt (from whom we have our Power) to do: for that by
this
your . War, moſt wickedly begun, our Journey undertaken for the East is
hindred, no ſmall number of Chriſtians there murdered, the holy Service ne-
glected, and i he Church diſhonoured. And whereas you alledge you
poſleſs the Aid
of the Flemings, we are aſſuredly perſwaded, that they, with the Commonalty of
their Country, will ſo bear themſelves towards our Couſin their Earl, and Us their
ſuperiour Lords, as they will not omit to obſerve their Honour and Fidelity,
whatſoever hath been by Some, through ill Counſel
, perpetrated for their öron pri-
vate, contrary to the coninion Good.
The French write, how King Philip with this Letter ſent word to King
Edward, how by his Cartel he adventured nothing of his own, but only expoſed
the Dominion of another, which was without all reaſon. If he would hazard the
Kingdom of England, Ctho it were leß) against the Kingdom of France, the ſaid
King Philip would enter Combate in cloſe Camp with him, on Condition the Vi.
&or ſhould enjoy both Kingdoms. But that, they ſay, K. Edward would not do.
Three Months the Siege of Tournay had continued (and nothing effected
but the waſte of the Country about) all the Eyes of Chriſtendome bent up-
on this Action, both Kingdonis deeply engaged, expeding with Anxiety the
doubtful Event thereof; when Jane de Valois, Siſter to Philip, Widow of Willi-
am late Duke of Haynault, and Mother to Philippa Wife to King Edward, a
Princeſs of excellent Vertue, came from Fountenelles, where ſhe had render-
ed her ſelf a Nun, vowed to God to mediate a Peace between theſe two
inraged, Kings, her Brother and her Son-in-law, and labours to ſtay the
Sword of Deſtruction lift up for Blood, travelling from one to another (Itub-
bornly bent to their Intentions) and never left them (though often denied)
till ſhe had with great Patience, and wife Counſel, qualified their boyling Paffi-
A Truce con. ons, in ſuch ſort as ſhe obtained day and place for both Kings to parle toge-
ther. A memorable Work to be effected by a Woman, eſpecially in ſuch an
Age of Iron as that was. This Parle brought forth a Truce for one Year,
Reg. 35. and both theſe great Armies are diſſolved. The French King returns home,
and
!
IN
+
1
LI
,
A Mediation
for Peace.
F
dr
.
,
1
hr
cluded.
Anno
1
-
i
The Life and Reign of Edward the Tbird.
229
and ſo doth the King of England with his Queen; who had remained in thoſe
Parts three Years, and had there brought forth two Sons, Lionel, afterwards
Duke of Clarence, and John born at Gaunt, who firſt was Earl of Richmond,
and after Duke of Lancaſter.
But King Edward's condeſcending to this ſudden Truce, had indeed no John Stratford
other Motive than the want of his Supplies of Treaſure, which came ſhortly Archbijhop of
to his Expectation, notwithſtanding thoſe mighty Impoſitions which were Letter to
laid on his Subjects. And whereas he had upon his laſt Return into England, King Edward.
in great diſpleaſure, removed his Chancellor, and impriſoned his Treaſurer,
with other Officers (moſt of them Clergy-men) and ſtill held them in du-
rance, John Stratford Archbiſhop of Canterbury (on whom the King laid the
Blame of his Wants) writes him a moſt bold and peremptory Letter to this
Effect; firſt ſhewing him, How it was for the Safety of Kings and their King-
doms, to uſe grave and wiſe Counſellors, alledging many Examples out of koly
Writ of the flouriſhing Happineſs of ſuch as took that Courſe, and their Infelicity
who followed the contrary. Then wills him to remember, how his Father, led by
evil Counſel
, vexed the Kingdom, putting to death, contrary to the Law of the
Land, divers of the Nobility, and wiſhed him to conſider what hapned thereby
1!t? bim. Alſo to call to mind, how himſelf at first, through evil Counſel about
him, had al mojt loſt the Hearts of his People. But afterwards, by the great
Circumſpection and Care of his Prelates and Nobles, his Affairs were reduced
into ſo good Order, as he recovered them, and now posſeſſed them in ſuch fort, as
they all, both Clergy and Lay, have yielded their helping hands, more to him than
to any of his Progenitors, whereby he had gloriouſly triumphed over his Exemies,
the French and Scots, and is reputed the nobleſt Prince of Chriſtendome. But
now at this preſent, through the wicked Counſel of ſuch as affect their own Profit
more than his Honour, or the Welfare of his People, he had cauſed Clergy-men and
others to be arreſted, and held in Priſon by undue Proceedings, contrary to the
Laws of England (which he was bound by his Oath at his Coronation to obſerve)
and againſt
Magna Charta, which whoſoever ſhall preſume to infringe, are to
be by the Prelates (according to the Bull of Pope Innocent the 4th.) Excom-
municate. So that hereby be incurred no ſmall Danger to his Soul, and Detri-
ment to his State and Honour. Then he tells him, how he doubted, that if the
King proceeded in this manner, he should loſe both the Hearts of his People and
their Help, in ſuch fort as he should not be able to proſecute his War in hand, and
thereby give his Enemies Heart and Occaſion to riſe againſt him, to the hazzard
of his Honour and the Kingdom. And therefore adviſes him to aſſemble the Nobles
and prudent Men of the Land, and to conſult with them (without whoſe Aid and
Counſel he could not govern his Kingdom, or perform his Enterpriſes) concerning
what was amiſs. And whereas, ſaid he, certain near about you, by their Adulation
and Soothing, fall, betray and deceive you, we here denounce them excommuni-
cate, and beſeech you, as your ſpiritual Father, that you hold them ſo. Beſides,
he urges him, that whereas through the Negligence of ſome Miniſters of his the
City of Turney was not gotten, the matter might be examined in Parliament,
and Inquiry made to whoſe Hands, from the beginning of the War, the Wools
and Monies are committed to be beſtowed, and by whoſe Default the City of Turney
was not ſubdued, but left in ſuch manner as it was ; and that as an equal and wiſe
Lord he would chaſtiſé ſuch as were culpable, and not condemn or miſdeem his
Subjects without ſufficient Tryal, &c. The Letter bare date the 1ſt of January.
Then writes he alſo to Robert Bouſer Chancellor of England, ſhewing him
what Contribution the Clergy had yielded to the King by their free Conſents,
and that none other were to be exacted of them. Requiring him to do no-
X
thing
J
1
230 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
Quatenus de
Jure porerunt
excufari.
1
thing prejudicial to the Law of Magna Charta; and that if any 1Vrit, Com-
million, or Precept, had gone out of the Chancery contrary thercunto, or the
Priviledges and Liberties of the Church or Kingdom, he should within ten days
after the receipt of theſe his Letters ( as he ſaid the Chancellor was bound to do)
revoke and annull the ſame. This bare date the 28th of January.
Another Letter he likewiſe ſends to the King and his whole Council, de-
claring, tijat whereas contrary to the Priviledges and Liberties of the Church and
Kingdom contained in Magna Charta, John de Saint Paul, Michael de Wath,
Robert Chickwill, John Thorpe, and Henry Stratford, were arreſted, commit-
ted to Priſon, and there detained without being indicted, or convicted of any no-
torious Crime; and that whoſoever were aiding or counſelling to this Proceeding,
had incurred the Sentence of the Canon, which he had cauſed to be publiſhed
both in his own Dioceſe, and in all.other of his Suffragans. And therefore be-
fought the King and his whole Council
, without delay to deliver the ſaid Priſon-
ers, otherwiſe (he plainly writes) that according to his paſtoral Charge, he muſt
proceed to the Execution of the Sentence. Concluding, how notwithſtanding it
was not his Intention to include the King, Queen, or their Children, so far
they might by Law be excuſed.
To this purpoſe he likewiſe ſends to the Biſhop of London, and other his
Suffragan Biſhops, (whom after having complained of the great Exactions
and Wrongs done to the Church by Lay-men) he charged him not only to
denounce and publiſh in their Church, but fix up in all eminent Places the
Sentece of Exconmunication, againſt all Offenders in thoſe Articles of Mag-
na Charta; which are at large added to his Letter, to the end (as he ſaid) that
every Man might know the danger, and none pretend to be ignorant thereof.
The King, wakerred with this Clamour of the Archbihop, is fain to apo-
King Edward logize for himſelf, by his Letters written to the Biſhop.of London ; wherein,
after having declared how much he had ever honoured and truſted the Arch-
falle Dealing. biſhop, he accuſes him of manifeſt Wrong, for that Relying upon his Counſel,
he was put at firſt upon this Action against the French King, and by him a ſit-
red he ſhould not want Treaſure and Means for the performance thereof, and that
he needed not to care but only to provide Men, to execute the IVork. And how
notwithſtanding, through the negligence or Malice of the ſaid Archbiſhop and his
Officials, thoſe proviſions granted him by his Subjects in Parliament, were in so
Slender proportion levied, and with ſuch Delays ſent over, as he was preſt of ne-
ceflity (to his great Grief and Shame) to condeſcend to the late Truce, and through
extream wants (charged with mighty Debts ) forced to throw himſelf into the
Gulph of the VJürers; in ſuch fort, as having juſt cauſe, he began to look into
the dealing of his Officers; ſome of whom, upon apparent notice of their. ill Ad-
miniſtration of Juſtice, their Corruptions and Oppreſſions of his Subjects, he re-
moved from their Places, and ſome of inferiour degree culpable of the ſame offen-
ces, he committed to Priſon, and there detained them, to the end he might find
ont by their Examinations, the truth of their Proceedings,whereof none could ſo well
inform him as the Archbiſhop, to whom of long time he had committed the whole
Adminiſtration of the Kingdom. And therefore deſirous to confer with him at Lon-
don, he had of late ſent an eſpecial Meſſenger, his truſty Servant Nicholas de Can-
telupe, that he should repair thither: which the Archbiſhop refuſed to do, alledg-
ing how he ſtood in fear of ſome about the King, and therefore would not endanger
himſelf, nor depart from his Church. Then the King ſent Ralph Stafford,Steward
of his Houſe, with ſafe Conduct under his great Seal for the Archbiſhops Security:
notwithſtanding he refuſes to come, returning word, he would have no conference
with the King but in open Parliament: which at that time ( ſaid the King) was not for
eſpecial
accuſes the
11
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
231
eſpecial reaſons convenient to be called. Then aggravates he the undutiful Con-
tempt of the Archbiſhop and his hypocritical dealing with him ; avowing, that
although by hereditary Right, and the Divine Grace, he was advanced to that
fublimity of regal Power, be held it always to have been a deteſtable thing to abuſe
the Greatneſs thereof, and how he affe&ted nothing more in the World, i han to go-
vern his Subjects with Mildneſs, Clemency, and moderation of Juſtice; that he
might with Peace enjoy their Love. And how notwithſtanding the Archbiſhop had
moſt injuriouſly (by his Letters publiſhed in divers Parts ) torn his Innocency,
and findered the faithful Service of his Counſellers and Officers, who executed
his regal Juſtice, exclaiming how the People were opprest, the Clergy confounded,
the Kingdom agrieved with Taxations and all kind of Exactions. Which the
King argues, was to no other end, but to raiſe Sedition amongſt his People, and
to withdraw their Love and Obedience from him. Laſtly, to give notice of the
Archbiſhops Corruption, he declares how himſelf being under Age, had through his
Counſel made ſo many prodigal Donations, prohibited Alienations, and exceflive
Gifts, as thereby his Treaſury was utterly exhauſted, and his Revenues diminiſh-
ed, and how the Archbiſhop, corrupted with Bribes, remitted without reaſonable
Cauſe, great Sums which were due unto him, applying to his proper uſe
, or to
Perſons ill-deſerving, many Commodities and Revenues which ſhould have been
preſerved for his necesſiry Proviſions. And therefore concluded, Unleß he de-
ſiſted from this his rebellious Obſtinacy, he intended in due Time and Place
more
openly to proceed against him: enjoyning them to publiſh all and ſingular theſe
his Malignities, and to cauſe others to do the like, for the manifeſtation of his
own Pions and Princely Intention, in relieving his own and his Subjects Wrongs.
This Letter was ſaid to have been penned by Adam Biſhop of Wincheſter,
and bare date the 12th of February, Anno Reg. 15.
Thus the King and his Officers, whoſe Proceedings muſt not receive a check,
are cleared, and the Imputation reſts upon the Arch-biſhop, who is charged
with great Accounts, and preſſed by ſuch as lent the King Money, to render
the ſame. But ſhortly after the King found much to do in the Parliament held
at London, being earneſtly petitioned by the whole Aſſembly of the three
Eſtates, that the great Charter of Liberties, and the Charter of Forreſts
, might
de duely obſerved, and that whoſoever of the King's Officers infringed the
fame, ſhould loſe their Place : that the high Officers of the Kingdom, ſhould
as in former times, be elected by Parliament. The King ſtood ſtiff upon his
own Election and Prerogative, but yet
yielded (in regard to have his pre-
ſent turn ſerved, as himſelf after confeſſed) theſe Officers ſhould receive an Vid. Stat. Is.
Oath in Parliament, to do Juſtice unto all Men in their Offices; and there Edward 3
upon a Statute was made and confirmed with the King's Seal; both for that
many other Grants of his to the Subjects, which notwithſtanding wera
for the moſt part preſently after revoked.
The Truce agreed on before Tourney for one Year, was by the Commiſſi- The Articles.
oners of both Kings, and two Cardinals from the Pope, concluded at Arras, Vid. Append.
which yielded ſome Cellation of Arms, but not of plotting more Miſchief
.
Louys of Bavier (entituled Emperour) is won to the Party of the French The Empe-
King, becomes his ſworn Confederate, and revokes the Vicarſhip of the Em- rour revokes
pire, formerly confirmed on the King of England, pretending the Cauſe to the rcafon
be for concluding the late Truce without him, as appears by his Letters to why.
Vid. Append.
King Edward, which are again by him fully and diſcreetly anſwered.
But inſtead of this remote and unconſtant Confederate (whoſe Power ſay
without the Limits of France) Fortune brought in another more near, and
of readier means to offend, within the Body of that Kingdom. The In-
X 2
heritance
1
and
232
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
when
The Contro-
verſie for the
Durchy of Bri-
tain.
Britain to King
Ednard.
Priſoner.
His Wife pro-
ſecures her
Husband's
heritance of the Dutchy of Britain is in controverſie between Charles de
Blois, Nephew to King Philip, and John de Monfort, upon this Title: Arthur
Duke of Britain had by Beatrix his firſt Wife, two Sons, Johm and Guy, by
Yoland Counteſs of Monfort, his ſecond Wife, John de Monfort. John the el-
deſt Son of Arthur having no lllue, ordained Jane his Neece, Daughter to
his Brother Guy (who died before him) to ſucceed him in the Dutchy. This
Jane, Charles de Blois marries, on condition bis Iſſue by her 1hould inherit
the ſame; wherein, after Conſummation of the Marriage he is inveſted, and
had Homage done unto him during the Life of John their Uncle. But after
Monfort doth
Homage for
his Death, John de Monfort claims the Dutchy, comes to Paris to do Ho-
the Dürchy of mage for the ſame to the French King. Charles de Blois, in the right of his Wife,
oppoſes him, the Controverſie is referred to the Parliament. Sentence paſſes
on the ſide of Charles. Monfort enraged, repairs to the King of England,
doth his Homage unto him for the Dutchy, is received with great Applauſe,
and his Title (howſoever held bad at home) is here made to be good. Return
Monfort taken ing back into Brittain, both with comfort and means, after ſome Encoun-
ters with his Enemy, he is taken and committed Priſoner to the Louvre in
Paris : His Wife the Counteſs of Monfort, Siſter to Louis Earl of Flanders
Ca Lady who ſeemed to have more of the Man than her Brother ) proſe-
Quarrci.
cutes her Husband's Quarrel, puts on Armour, leads and encourages her
People, ſurpriſes, and defends many ſtrong pieces of Brittain : but in the
end, like to be overlaid by the Power of Charles de Blois, She craves aid
of the King of England, and hath it ſent, under the Conduct of the Lord
Walter de Nanny, which relieved her for the Preſent, but the Future requi-
red more: whereof King Edward was not ſparing, in regard of his own de-
Gigns, for Aids are ſeldom ſent to Foreigners but for the Senders Benefit.
The Lady her ſelf comes over into England to treat both for Supplies and Al-
liance, tendring a Match between her Son and a Daughter of King Edwird.
The Earls of Salisbury, Pembroke and Suffolk, the Lords Stafford, Spencer,
over into Bri- and Bourchier, with Robert de Artois Earl of Richmond, are ſent with great
Forces back with the Lady. Many were the Encounters, Surpriſes, and Re-
coverings of Forces between the Engliſh and the French; and in this Action
Robert de Artois received his laſt Wound, at the Siege of Vannes, but yet
was brought to die in England, it being not in his Fate, that his Country
(which by his nicans had ſuffered fo much Affliction) ſhould have his Bones,
though it had his Blood, which he loſt with little Honour, though with much
Valour, leaving behind him but the Fame of a Rebel, after he had ſerved
the Engliſh about ſix Years.
King Edward ſhortly after theſe Supplies fent into Britain, goes himſelf
in Perſon with more, and lying before Vannes (lately recovered by the
French) John Duke of Normandy eldeſt Son to the French King, ſent to
aid Charles de Blois, with an Army of forty thouſand, came to give him Bat-
tel; and being upon the Point of Encounter, a Mediation of Truce is made
by two Cardinals, fent from Pope Clement the Sixth, and concluded for three
Years, upon many Conditions, with a reference to the Pope, and the Court
of Rome, to hear and examine the Differences betwixt the two Kingdoms,
but not to determine them without the Conſent of both Kings. This Pauſe
again gives them more time to work for greater Wounds, and nothing is left
unpračtiſed that might advance the ſame. And though the People now ſeem-
ed to put off their Armour, they left not off Arms, but had divers Bicker-
ings, both in Britain and Gaſcony, for which either ſide accuſed other.
Forces ſenc
tain.
Thic death of
Robert de Ar-
tois.
King
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
233
Rrg. 17
der at the
Garter,
King Edward returning, makes an expedition into Scotland againſt King Di-
vid, whom he chaſed into the Ilands: And here the Iſle of Man is conque-
red by Wiliam Montachte Earl of Sulisbury, whom King Edward cauſed to be
ſtiled King thereof; and returning back, ſolemn Turnaments are held at
Dunſtable, where he is attended with 230 Knights. For now all the Paſtiine
and Exerciſe in England were Juſts and Turnaments held in Smithfield,
Witidſor, and other places. A Society of Knights of the Round Table, in imi-
tation of King Arthur, is deſigned, and a magnificent Chamber of 200 foot
round, erected for the ſame at Windſor; and to this Society niany Strangers
of other countries are allured. The French King alſo practiſes the like Mar-
cial Aflociation in France.
An
And about this time began the Order of the Garter, inſtituted at llindfor The Instituci
upon a ſolemn Feaſt there celebrated (which held for many days) and ſerved on of the Or-
that time as an Emblem of a Tye and Combinement in honour of ſuch as were
admitted thererinto, which was the end of the Conſtitution thereof: Howſo-
ever, the Garter of the Counteſs of Salisbury, taken up by the King in dan
cing with her, was ſaid to have been the Occaſion. But it were ſome Diro-
gation to that noble Inſtitution, to impute the Original thereof to an Ad of
Levity, ſeeing with what a grave and religious Ceremony it is performed :
although we fee oftentimes, Accidents of little conſequence give Beginnings
to things of great Eſtimation, which Time makes venerable.
But beſides theſe Exerciſes of Arms, this great and provident King, during
this Truce, takes eſpecial Care for the Government of the Kingdom, and Refor-
mation of the Abuſes thereof, which daily grow as Diſeaſes in full Bodies, and
mult of neceſſity have ſometimes their Cure, otherwiſe there will be no health
in a State. A Parliament is called at Weſtminſter, wherein, upon the grievous
Complaint exhibited by the Earls, Barons, Knights and Burgelles, againſt the
Collation of Benefices on Strangers, a Letter was ſent to Pope Clement the
Sixth, in humble manner beſeeching him to conſider how inconvenient and de-
The Nobility
rogatory it was to the State of the Kingdom of England, that ſuch Reſervations, wrice to the
Proviſions, and Collations of Benefices as had been formerly uſed, should Pope concern-
in ſuch fort be continued. For that the Churches of England had in times tion of Bene-
past been endowed by noble and worthy Perſons; to the end the People might be fices in Eng-
inſtruīted by ſuch as were of their own Language: and how by the Uſurpation
of ſome of his Predeceſſors, Strangers, and ſometimes Enemies to the Realm,
were preferred to many of them, whereby the Money and Profits were tranſported,
the Cures unfurniſhed, Alms and Hoſpitality unuſed, the Edifices ruinated, the
Charity and Devotion of the People
diminiſhed, and many other grievous En-
ormities, contrary to the Will of the Founders, occaſioned: which they could not
ſuffer any longer, and therefore befought his Holineſs wholly to revoké ſuch Re-
ſervations, Proviſions, and Collations, that meet and Native Perſons might ex-
erciſe thoſe Cures, and without Delay to ſignifie his Intention therein ; otherwiſe
they meant to employ their Diligence, thai Remedy and Redreſ might be had ac-
cording to reaſon. The Date of theſe Letters was in full Parliament at Weſtmin-
ſter the 28. of May, 1343. with which were likewiſe ſent the King's Letters to
the ſame Effect by Sir John Shordich, a grave Perſon, and of great Underſtand. Sir John Shor-
ing in the Law;whoſe Meſſage made him ſo unwelcome to that Court, as he de- dich fent with
parted without Leave, or Anſwer, which tho the Pope afterwards ſent, yet the
King proceeded to the Prohibition of all ſuch Proviſions and Collations with-
in his Realm, on pain of Impriſonment, or Death, to whomſoever ſhould in
time to come preſent or admit any ſuch Perſon or Perſons, who by the Pope
were ſo preferred to the prejudice of the King's Prerogative. And to this effe&i
land.
theſe Letters.
X 3
were
234 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
2
The Archbi-
ſhop of Can-
terbury recon-
ciled.
Prince Edward
of Wales,
Gencral Mu.
ſters and ap-
Armour.
were Writs directed to all Archbiſhops, Biſhops, and others to whom it
ap-
pertained, inhibiting them in no wiſe to attempt any thing prejudicial to this
Ordinance.
Here is the Archbiſhop Stratford, with much ado, upon his Submiſſion re-
conciled to the King's Favour. And much debating there is in this Parlia-
ment concerning Wools, and the Aſſeſſment of certain Prices upon the fame,
more or leſs, according to the ſeveral Parts of the Realm: and concerning
Cuſtoms to be impoſed on them, as át three Marks and a lialf upon the Trani-
portation of every Sack: but it ſeems nothing was done in this Buſineſs.
Prince Edward, about the Age of Thirteen, is created Prince of Wales;
created Prince and Commiſſioners are appointed to be ſent to the Pope to treat of Peace
between the two Kings, according to the Arụcles concluded in the Truce,
which were John Biſhop of Exceſter, Henry de Lancaſter Earl of Derby, Hugh
le Diſpencier Lord of Glamorgan, Couſins to the King, Ralph Lord Stafford,
with others.
Reg. 18.
The next year after, another Parliment, or the ſame prorogued, is held at
An. 1344. London, wherein, after much altercation, a Tenth was granted by the Clergy,
A Parliament, and a Fifteenth by the Laity, for one year; and a certain Coin of Gold cal-
led the Florin, of baſe Alloy, which had been for the Wars in France, is de-
cried, and Nobles of finer coined, to the great liking of the Subjects. And
for their better Commodity, the Exchange of Moneys at London, Canterbury,
and York, is ordained. Shortly after, general Muſters are taken throughout
the Kingdom, and Certificate made of all ſufficient and able Bow-men, and
pointing of
of all other fit to bear Arms. Beſides, a Commiſſion is ſent into every Coun-
try to'enquire of Mens Abilities; and all of five Pounds to ten of lay Fee,
were appointed to find an Archer on Horſe-back; of 25 Pounds, a Demi-
lance, and ſo ratably above. The King himſelf goes in Perſon to confirm
and make the Flemings faſt unto him: and at Sluce, Jaques van Artevile, with
other Commiſſioners from their chief Towns, repair unto him, where a Mo-
tion is made, that either Louys their Earl ſhould do Homage to the King
of England, or elſe to be diſinherited, and Edward Prince of Wales received
for their Lord: for which King Edward promiſes to erect their County to
a Dukedome. Artevile was forward to entertain this Motion; but the reſt
of the Commiſſioners require leave to acquaint therewith the Towns that
ſent them ; which, though they were all deſirous to have the Protection of
the King of England, yet diſliked the diſinheriting of their Natural Lord. Ar-
tevile notwithſtanding undertakes to induce them unto it, and returns to
Gaunt, guarded with five hundred Welſh, which he deſired to have, for that
one Gerrard Denyſe, Provoſt of the Weavers, oppoſed him, and ſought his De-
ſtruction. The People, whom he had ſo often led to Mutiny againſt others,
now upon his Return roſe againſt himſelf, and a Cobler with an Axe ſtruck
out his Brains. And ſo King Edward loſt his great Agent, which much dif-
pleaſed him, and diſappointed his Buſineſs in thoſe Parts
. Yet the Towns
ſent to excuſe themſelves of this Accident, laying the Fault on the turbulent
Gauntoys, and in all things vowed their faithful Service unto him: only to the
diſinheriting of their Earl they could not conſent. But they hoped to per-
ſwade him to become his Homager, and to procure a Match between the Son
of their Earl, and his Daughter. And thus pacifying his preſent Diſpleaſure,
the League is renewed betwixt them, and King Edward returns to proſecute
his other Deſigns.
But now the Wars in Guien grew hot, the Earl of Derby, General of the
Army, afaults and takes in Ville-Franche, Agenois, Angoleſme, Rions, Saint
Baſile,
The Life and Reign of Edward the Tbird.
235
1
An. 1346.
The King goes
Bafile, with many other cities and Caſtles. The French King ſends his eldeſt
Son John Duke of Normandy, to encounter him, who recovers the Cities of
Angoleſine and Ville-Franche ; and thus is the Sword out before the Truce is
expired; the Breach whereof, the French King layes on the King of England,
and he the ſame on him, for entertaining King David, and ſetting the Scots
upon Attempts of Invaſion of his Realm. So that it ſeems both were prepared
to break, not able to hold their Hands any longer from the fatal Work of De-
ſtruction.
It was now the twentieth Year of this mighty and active King's Reign,
wherein he had prepared the greateſt Fleet that ever yet croſſed the Seas for
Reg. 20.
France, and over he paſſes into Normandy in July, leaving for Wardens of
England, in his Abſence, the Lords Piercy and Nevile, taking the young Prince with a mighty
with him, about the Age of fifteen Ycars, to learn him the way of Men, and Army into
Normandy.
what Travel Greatneſs was born to endure, to attain Glory in this world.
His Army conſiſted of four thouſand Men at Arms, and ten thouſand Arch-
ers, beſides Welsh and Iriſh, which followed on foot; he had of Earls, He-
reford, Northampton, Arundel, Huntingdon, Warwick, Suffolk, and Oxford;
of Barons, Mortimer, (who was after Earl of Marche) John, Low;s, and Ro-
ger Beauchamp, Cobham, Lucy, Baſſet, Berkley, and Willoughly, with divers
other both Knights and gallant Captains. He had of late entertained God-
frey de Harecourt, who had been a Minion to the French King, and became
another Robert de Artois, upon ſome Diſcontent, or doubt of ſome Diſcove-
ries of favouring the Engliſh Party in Britain, for which Cauſe the French
King had a little before executed Oliver de Cliſſon, Bacon, Piercy, Geofry de
Maleſtroit, men of eſpecial Mark, whom he had there employed. And now
inſtead of this, Harecourt had won from King Edward the Lord John de
Beaumont, who had long ferved him, was his Wives Uncle, and acquainted John de Beau-
with all his courſes. Such is the Truſt of Mercenaries, who fell their Faith King Edward
for better Entertainment. Neither did this Harecourt long hold out, but had made him
changed colours, and made his Peace with the French King his Natural Lord:
bridge, takes
but in the mean time did him and his Country much miſchief. For upon King the French
Edward's landing with his mighty Army in the Ille of Conſtantine in Nor-
King's Part.
mandy by his conduction, he made him one of his Marſhals, and the Earl of
Warwick the other. The Earl of Arundel is appointed Conſtable. He divides
his People into threc Battels, one to march on his left hand, along the Sea-
coaſt; the other on the right, conducted by the two Marſhals, and himſelf in
the midſt, with his main Army. The Earl of Huntingdon, employed for Ad-
miral of his Fleet, was to take all the Ships he found on the Sea-coaſt. The manner
The three Armies by Land lodged every Night in one Field. And firſt he of King Ed-
facks the City of Caranton, flew all he found, armed or diſarmed, therein, ceeding with
burns, razes, deſolates the City, ſaying he ſacrificed thoſe Oblations to Ba- his Army.
con, Piercy, and others (wḥoſe Heads he found ſet upon the principal Gate)
unjuſtly maſlacred by Philip. Thence he marches forward, and took
Saint Lo, a rich Town of Merchandize, and pillaged the ſame. Then, after
ſome Bickering, became Maſter of Caen, and put all that Country into ſo great
terror, as Falaiſe, Lyſeaux, Honfleur, ſtrong walled Towns, rendred them-
ſelves unto him. This done, he ſpread his Power in the Iſle of France, to
draw out Philip to the Combate, giving out that he would wreſtle with him
in the Eye of all Franct, on the great Theatre before his Capital City of
Earl of Cam-
Paris.
Philip this while held not his Arms in his Boſome, but had ramaſſed one of the French
the faireſt Armies, faith the French Hiſtory, that ever was ſeen in France, King prepares
to oppoſe King
compoſed Edward.
236
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
French.
put them
The French
to encounter
compoſed of French, Lorrains, Alemains, Genouys, which he led towards
veulan, where King Edward was faid to have made a Stard, and attended
him; but upon report of his coming on, retires: it was ſuppoſed he fled
for fear, but the Event ſhewed that the great God of Armies had deſtined
his Victory for another place. King Philip follows, and overtakes him at a Vil-
lage called Arenes, a Name remarkable (ſignifying the Sand) to fhew on what
unſtable Earth all the Truſt of Humane Forces, and the Deſigns of the Great
are founded. This mighty Army of King Philip, having the Advantage to
be at home where all was theirs, made him account the Victory certain. King
Edward retires to gain the River of Some at Blanquetaque, but the Paſſage
was to be diſputed by the Sword. For Philip had before ſent thither Gunde-
mar de Fay, with a thouſand Horſe, and ſix thouſand Foot. King Edward
King Edward | notwithſtanding reſolves to paſs or periſh, and plunges formoſt into the Ri-
goes over the ver, crying out, They who love me will follow me: At which Voice, all thruſt
River of somes in without diſpute, ſtriving who ſhould be formoſt, and loe preſently the
Shore gained by the Engliſh. Gundemar aſtoniſhed with this unexpected and
bold Adventure, aſtoniſhes his People by his fearful Countenance. So that the
Engliſh encountring the French all in diſorder, fell upon them and
to Hight. But the Retreat was near to Abbe-Ville and Saint Requier. The loſs
was not ſo great as the ſhame, but ſerved as a Preſage for a greater miſchief
to France. Theſe diſrouted men, all affrighted, flock into Abbe-Ville. Where
King Philip, enraged with this Diſhonour, reſolves to revenge it, and preſent-
King reſolves ly to provoke King Edward to the Combate. The advice of his Council was
otherwiſe; to ſuffer lis Troops to repoſe ſome few days, and recover their
King Edward.
Spirits, and King Edward to cool and ſpend his in the mean while. But
His Impati hardly had this King the Patience to ſtay in Abbe-Ville one day, whilſt the
Bridge to paſs over his Arny was repairing. And with this Precipitation
Hope.
and Fury, into the Field he marches, elevated with an aſſured hope of a tri-
umphant Victory.
King Edward, better tempered, manages his Work with admirable Diſcre-
tion and Vigilancy, and had now encamped in a Village called Crecy, and
there entrenched and fortified himſelf, not only with the Trees of the Forreſt
about it, but with deep Rampiers, and other Defences beſides; cauſing alſo
a Park to be paled under the Wood Gde behind his Hoſt, wherein were pla-
ced all the Carts and Carriages. His Army conſiſted of thirty thoufand Men,
but in Order and Courage double the number. The Vauntguard he gave to
The ordering the Prince, and for Guides the Earl of Warwick, Godfrey de Harecourt, the
of King Ed-
Lords Stafford, De la Ware, Bourcheir, Clifford, Cobham, Holland, Sir John
mard's Army.
Chandos, Sir Bartholomew Burwaſh, Sir Robert Nevile, with eight hundred men
at Arms, and two thouſand Archers, beſides a thouſand other, moſt of them
Ielch men.
The ſecond Battel was committed to the Earls Arundel and Nor-
thampton, the Lords Roſe, Willoughly, Baſſet, Saint Albin, Multon, and others;
wherein were cight hundred men at Arms, and twelve hundred Archers.
The third Battel the King led himſelf
, having ſeven hundred men at Arms,
and two thouſand Archers. Theſe Battels thus ordered, mounted on a white
Hobby, he rode from Rank to Rank to view them, the one Marſhal on his
right hand, the other on his left, encouraging every man that day to have re-
gard to his Right and Honour.
The French King's Army was greater both in Luſtre and Advantage, com
poſed of above fixty thouſand Combatants well armed, whereof the chief
were
Charles Earl of Alanſon the King's Brother, John de Luxembourg King of
Bohemia, Charles de Bloys the King's Nephew, Ralph Duke of Lorrain, the
Earl
ence and his
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
237
1
at the Lattel
Earl of Flanders, Nevers, Sancerre, the Dolphin de Viennois : of Barons,
Knights, and Gentlemen, about three thouſand: and on the Eve of the Bat-
tel, Amè Earl of Savoy arrived with a thouſand men at Arms more, which
made the French King ſwell with aſſurance of the Maſtery, ſo that he long-
ed to be at the Encounter. The Vauntguard he commits to his Brother Conte The ordering
ď Alanfon, the Reer to the Earl of Savoy, the main Battel he leads himſelf: of the French
his Heat would ſcarce permit time for a little Counſel what was fit to be
King's Army
done. The old King of Bohemia adviſed that the Army ſhould firſt take of Creſty.
ſome Repaſt, and that the Infantry conſiſting of Genoueſe (which were about
fifteen thouſand Croſs-bows, and ſure men) ihould make the firſt Front, and
the Cavallary to follow, . which was agreed on. After their Repart the
Vauntguard ſet on, the Conte d' Alanſon, contrary to this Order, took it ill
that the Genoveſe were in the firſt Rank, and in Fury cauſed them to change
place ; which changed the Seat of the Army, and wrought that Diſcontent,
as it irritated them more againſt the Leader than the Enemy: beſides, there
fell at the Inſtant a piercing Shower of Rain, which diſſolved their Strings
and made their Bows unuſeful; and at the breaking up of the Shower, the
Sun ſhone full in the face of the French (dazling their Sight) and on the
Backs of the Engliſh, as if all made for them.
King Edward who had gotten to a Wind-mill, beholding as from a Senti- King Edward
nel, with a fetled Spirit, the Countenance of the Enemy, and diſcovering both diſcovers the
this Accident and the Hurlement made by the change of Place, Nacks not to the French.
take advantage thereof, and inſtantly ſends to charge that part, without gi-
ving them time to re-accommodate themſelves; inſomuch as the diſcouraged
Genoueſe recoil ; which the Conte d Alanſon perceiving, and coming on
with the Horſe, in great Rage cries out, On, on, let us make way upon the
Bellies of theſe Genoueſe, who do but hinder us; and inſtantly pricks on with
a full Cårreer through the midſt of them, attended with the Earls of Lorrain,
Savoy, and the Dolphin de Viennois, and never takes Breath till he came up
to the English Bartel, where the Prince was, which they found better ſetled;
their Horſes flanked with Troops of Archers, whoſe Strings having not felt
the Rain, rained ſuch a Shower of 'Steel upon them, as cooled their Heat and
all diſordertd them. The French King ſeeing his Brother thus endangered,
makes up to diſingage him; whereupon the Fight grew hotiind doubtful, in-
ſomuch as the Commanders about the Prince ſends to King Edward to come
up with his power to aid them : the King demands of the Meſſenger, whc-
ther his Son were Nain or hurt? The Mellenger anſwered no, but he was like
to be over-laid. Well then, ſaid the King, return, and tell them who ſent
you, that ſo long as my Son is alive, they fend no more to me whatever happen,
for I will that the Honour of this day be his. And ſo being left to try for them-
ſelves, they wrought it out with the Sword, and recovered the Advantage,
by reaſon the French King (having his Horſe llain under him, and in danger
to be troden to death, had he not been recovered by the Lord John Beau-
mont, his new Penſioner) was to the great Diſcouragement of his People
withdrawn out of the field. Whereof notice being once taken by the Eng- King Edward
liſh, the Day was ſoon after theirs, and the greateſt Victory they ever had obtains the
yet againſt the French; and ſo bloody as there is not mention made of one great Barrel of
Priſoner taken in the Battel: for they being once put to rout, were all, Crefly.
whom the Sword could over-take, Naughtered out-right
. Some few Troops
that held together ſaved themſelves by retiring to Places near adjoyning.
The French King himſelf, with a ſmall Company, got to Bray in the night;
and in approaching the Walls, the Guard asked, 'Who goes there? He anſwer- King Hics.
ed,
f
The French
238
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
The number
of the Slain.
ed, The Fortune of France. His Voice being known, the Gates are opened,
and in is he received with the Tears and Lamentations of his People, whom
yet he ſeeks to comfort all he could. The number of the Slain on the place
are certified to be 30000. The chief Men were Charles d'Alanſon, John Duke
of Borbone, Ralph Earl of Lorrain, Louys Earl of Flanders, Jaques Dauphin
de Viennois, Son to Imbert (who after gave Dauphin to the Crown of France)
the Earls of Sancerre, Harecourt (Brother to Geofry) and many other Earls,
Barons, and Gentlemen, to the number of 1500. This memorable Victory
hapned upon the Saturday after Bartholomew-day, being the 26th of Aug. 1346.
All the Marks of an entire Overthrow reſted with King Edward ; the
Field of the Battel, the Bodies of the Slain, and their Spoils. The Occaſion
of this great Deftat (according to humane Conje&ture) the French attribute
to the Choler, Raſhneſs, and precipitation of their King and his Brother; and
ſure, Temerity and Preſumption have ever been the ruine of great Actions,
eſpecially in War.
King Edward managed this Victory with as great Moderation as he won
it; and firſt, having embraced his Son, commending his Valour ſhewed that
day, he renders Thanks to God after, as he had invoked his Aid before at
the beginning of the Battel; and early in the Morning, being Sunday, he
ſent out 300 Lances, and 2000 Archers, to diſcover what was become of the
Enemy, who found great Troops of ſuch as were coming from Abbe-Ville,
Saint Requier, Roan, and Beauvoys, (ignorant of what had hapned) led by the
Archbiſhop of Roan, and the Prior of France, whom they likewiſe defeated,
and ſlew 7000. Our Writers report, that of Straglers which were fled from
the Battel, or coming on, (having loſt their way by reaſon of a thick Miſt
which hapned that Morning) were ſlain many more than in the field the day
before, which ſheweth us the wonderful Loſs this afflicted Country ſuſtained
at one fatal Blow.
But this was not all the Victories that fell to King Edward that Year, there
was another of more Importance gotten in England, by the Queen and his
People at home againſt the King of Scots; who being ſet on by the French
to divert the War there, entred upon this Kingdom with 60 thouſand Men,
as our Writers report, aſſuring himſelf or Succeſs, in regard (as he ſuppoſed)
the main Strength thereof was now gone into France. But he found the con-
frary; the Lords of the North, as Gilbert de Humfrivile Earl of Angos, Hen-
ry Percy, Ralph Nevile, William Dayncourt, with the Archbiſhop of York, the
Biſhop of Durham, and others of the Clergy, gathered ſo great Force, and
ſo well ordered them by the Animation of the Queen (who was there in
Perſon, as they utterly defeated this great Army, took David their King
Priſoner, with the Earls of Fife, Menteth, Murry, Sutherland, the Lord
Douglas, the Archbiſhop of Saint Andrewrs and others
, and put to the Sword
fifteen thouſand Scots. This Victory fell likewiſe upon a Saturday, and ſix
Weeks after that of Creſly. And as if all concurred to make this Year trium-
phant, the Aids ſent to the Counteſs of Monfort in Britain, lead by Tho-
mas Dugworth, overthrew and took Priſoner, Charles de Bloys, Pretender to
that Dutchy, and with him Monſieur la Val
, the Lords Rochford, Beaumanoyr,
Loyacque, with many other Barons, Knights
, and Eſquires: there were Nain
in the Encounter the Lord De la Val (Father of him which was taken) Vi-
count Rohan, Monſieur de Chafteau Brian, de Maleſtroit, de Quintin, de
Direval, great Lords, beſides many other worthy Men at Arms, Knights,
and Eſquires, to the number of about 700. Thus all fell before the Sword
of England.
Now
King David
overchrown
and taken Pri-
foner.
Charles de
Bloys taken
Priſoner.
+
1
239
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
ز
+
France.
.
Now King Edward, without medling with the great Cities, Amiens and
Abbe Ville, which were both near, marches on directly and ſets down be-
fore Calais, a Town of more Importance for England, and the Gate to all King Edward
the reſt ; wherein John de Vienne, Marſhal of France, and the Lord ď' Andre-l be fingech Ca-
ghen, a great Man in his time, commanded. All that Winter King Edward ha-
ving ſheltred his People as in another Town, furniſhed with all Proviſions,
lay without any moleſtation of the French King, who this while was like
wife beſieged with the Afliction of his own State. Misfortune is ever held
a great Fault, both in mighty Men and mean, and opens the Mouths of thoſe The State of
whole Hearts are perverſe. The People of France were in extream Pover-
ty, yet notwithſtanding, the neceſſity of the King's Affairs muſt conſtrain
freſh Supplies. The ill managing the publick Treaſure, the Falſhood of the
Financiers, the decrying of Moneys, the diminiſhing of Traffick, augmen-
tation of Impoſts, Subſidies, Gabels, &c. were the Cauſes of this publick
Murmur, and put the People in deſpair, ſeeing no end of the Troubles where-
in their King was daily more and more engaged. And now was no way to
help him, but by an Aſſembly of the States: wherein the Financiers, Recei-
vers, and Managers of Monies, are called to render an Account, and the
Treaſure conmitted to the diſpoſing of the Clergy and the Nobles, to take
away ſuſpicion in the People of ill dealing. Four Biſhops, two Abbots, and
four Knights
, are choſen for that Buſineſs
. Pierre des Fillers, Treaſurer of
France, is committed to Priſon; condemned in a great Fine to the King.
Other Officers and Accountants reſtore at once what they were long in ga
thering: the Banquiers, Lombards, and other Uſurers, are put to the Preſs
for their unlawful Exactions: the Intereſts are proved to exceed the Princi-
pal, which is confiſcate to the King, and the Intereſt given to the Debtors.
Courſes wherewith indigent Kings, in expenſive times, uſe to ſerve their
Turns, and pleaſe their oppreſſed People. Which I have the rather noted,
tho it lye without our circle, to ſhew that other Kings likewiſe laid hand
upon what they could faſten, as well as ours have done, and made Benefit
of Mens Offences: only this of the Uſurer is new to us, but yet like to that
practiſed heretofore upon the Jews, and might ſerve a Turn with as much
content to the People, and as fair a ſhew of a juſt Correction as theirs did,
the nature of the Extorturs being alike.
Aided with this means, and the ready Service of his Nobles and ableſt
Subjects, the French King, in the Spring, hath an Army in the Field, ap-
proaches Calais, but finds no way open to come to relieve it. The King of
England was both Maſter of the Haven, and poffeſt all other ways whatſoe-
ver were paffable, and had the Flemings his Friends, who with a huge Army
had beſieged Ayre, and did much miſchief on the Confines of France. To
oppoſe them, is John Duke of Normandy, the Prince, ſent for out of Guien,
who being no ſooner removed from thence, but Henry of Lancaſter, Earl of
Derby, became Maſter of the Field (having an Army conſiſting of twelve
hundred Men at Arms, two thouſand Archers, and three thouſand other foot,
Engliſh and Gaſcoines) takes in moſt of the Towns of Zaintongue, and Poičkovi
,
in the end beſieged and ſacked. Poyčiers, and ſo returns to Burdeaux with
more Pillage than his People could well bear. Thus the French ſuffer every
where. The King, not being able to approach to grapple with the King of
England, ſends to follicite him to appoint ſome place of Battel, and he
would incounter him. King Edward returns Anſwer
, If he would make his
own way to come thither to him, there he should find aim; for, from thence be
would not part, having there lain ſo long to his great Labour and Charge, and
being
1
240 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
of Caliiis.
being now jo near the point of gaining the Place. The two. Cardinals ſent from
the Pope labour to mediate a Peace, and Commiſſioners on either ſide meet
to treat ; but nothing could be effected. So that the French King was
forced to break up his Army, and retire to Paris, leaving Calais, and the
Defendants unrelieved, to the Mercy of the Beſieger; which when they un-
derſtood, they ſent to deſire Parle, had it granted, and therein received this
Anal Sentence: That ſix of the chief Burgefles ſhould be ſent to the King bare-
headed, bare-footed, in their Shirts, with Halters about their Necks, the
Keys of the Town and Caſtle in their hands, and ſubmit themſelves to the
Conditions for King's Will; for the Reſidue he was content to take to Mercy. This Sentence
the rendering intimated to the miſerable Townſmen, they all in lamentable manner looking
each on other, who ſhould be choſen for this Sacrifice, one amongſt the reſt
ſtands up, and boldly ſpake to this Effect: Fellow Citizens, for mine own part,
I that have ſo often expoſed my Life in this long Siege for my Country (and have
been every day to die) am now moſt willing to ſacrifice the ſame for my laſt Ob-
ligation thereunto, and will chiefly carry my Head to the Victory of the King of
England, not defiring to ſurvive the Perdition of my miſerable Country. Which
free and reſolute Speech ſo wrought with this amazed People, as now they
ſtrive who ſhould be one of the ſix; and cried, Let us go, let us go unto Death,
it is the laſt Dusty we ought to render to our native Soyl. Six are preſently cho-
ſen, and ſent according to the Sentence, preſenting themſelves on their knees
to the King, and beſeeching him to ſhew Mercy unto them. The King com-
mands them inſtantly to be carried to their Execution, and would not (al-
though great Supplication was made for them by his Council) be diverted;
in regard, as he ſaid, of his Oath: till the Queen, great with Child, fell on
lier Knees before him, and with Tears obtained their Pardon, and had them
TheQueen ob. given unto her; which done, ſhe cauſes them to be clothed, gave them their
Dinner, and fix Nobles a Man, appointing them to be ſafely conveyed out
gelſes of ca-
of the Army, and ſet at Liberty: an Act worthy of ſo great a Queen, and the
greater by this her deed of Mercy. The King, though in this he were ſtern,
yet was he more ſparing of Blood than his Grand-father Edward the firſt, and
had more of Compaſſion, as ſhewed an Act in this Siege. When Victuals
within the Town began to fail, and all unuſeful Perſons, as old Men, Wo-
men, and Children put out of the Gates, he forced them not back again,
King Edward's
Clemency.
which he might have done, the ſooner to conſume their Store, but ſuffered
them to paſs through his Army, gave them to eat, and two pence a piece to
every one.
And thus was that ſtrong Town of Calais, the Third of Auguſt, 1347,
gotten, after almoſt an Years Siege, with infinite Coſt and Labour : All the
The Conqueſt Inhabitants are turned out, and ſent away to ſeek new Dwellings; a Colony
of the Engliſh planted therein, and ſo it remained in the Poſſeſſion of the
Crown of England 210 Years after. And now this triumphant King, ha-
ving made Truce for ſome few Months, and taken order for the ſafe keeping
of his hard gotten Prize, returns with his Queen, the Prince, and his Deo-
King Edward
ple, inio England, to make Holy-day, and enjoy the Benefit of their Booties
England.
brought home out of France, which are ſaid to be ſo great, as every Houſe
had ſome part, and the Wives of England now flouriſh with the Stuff and
Ornaments of thoſe of France, who in the mean time lament their Loſſes ;
and here is nothing but Feaſts and Triumphs throughout the Kingdom. And
King Edward
to add to this Glory, the Princes Electors ſend to ſignifie, that they had
choſen King Edward King of the Romans; which great Dignity, notwithſtand-
King of the ing he refuſed, being it ſeemed out of his way, or cumberſome to deal withall.
But
rains Pardon
for the Bur-
lais.
of the Town
of Calais.
.
1
returns into
1
1,
refuieth the
Election of
Roinans.
A
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
241
The firſt grcat
Reg. 23.
goes over to
The French
circumvented
aiſe.
But before that Year ended, this great Jollity here in England turned to the
ſadeſt Mourning that could be poſſible. The inviſible Sword of Heaven
makes ſuch a Ravage upon Mankind, as had not been known before. A con-
tagious Peſtilence ariſeth in the Eaſt and South parts of the World, that di-
ſpreads it ſelf over all Chriſtendome. And in England they write that it took
away more than the half of Men: as if the Divine Providence, ſeeing them
thus violently bent to deſtroy and maſlacre one another, would leſſen their
Numbers for their Fields, and take to it ſelf the Vengeance of Bloodſhed in
this terrible manner: Church-yards could not here ſuffice to bury the Dead,
new Grounds are purchaſed for that purpoſe. It is noted, there died in Lon-
don, between the firſt of January and the firſt of July, 57374 perſons. Other
Cities and Towos ſuffered the like, according to their portions. All which Peſtilence.
Calamity notwithſtanding, could not deterr thoſe eager Princes from proſe-
cuting their Quarrel, nor yet ſo unfurniſh their Fields, but that they found
ſtill freſh Hands for Bloodlhed, as ſhewed their many Conflicts ſhortly after.
But
yet
it
gave
ſome Pauſe, till the fervour of the Contagion allwaged, which
was alſo attended with a miſerable Famine, murrain of Cattel, and ſterility
of the Earth, cauſed through the Indiſpoſition of the Heavens, and want of
Anno
Culture.
The firſt Action after this was the King's going over to Calais, upon an In-
King Edward
formation of a practiſe to ſurpriſe the Town, contrived by the French,
which was thus: Monſieur de Charmy, Guvernour of Saint Omers, had dealt Calais
.
with Americo de Pavić, whom King Edward had left Captain of the Caſtle
of Calais, offering him twenty thouſand Crowns to be received into the Ca. in their Pra-
ſtle. Americo
Americo accepts the Offer, and appoints a Night for the Buſineſs. In
which Night (by Advertiſement from Americo) King Edward arrives with
three hundred Men at Arms, and fix hundred Archers. Monſieur Charmy ſets
out likewiſe the fame Night from Saint Omers with his Forces, and ſent a
hundred armed Men before with the Crowns of Americo, and to poſſeſs the
Caſtle. The Men are let in at a Poſtern Gate, the Crowns received, and
themſelves laid in hold Which done, the Gates of the Town are opened,
and out marches the King before day, to encounter Monſieur de Charmy co-
ming on with his Forces, who perceiving himſelf betrayed, put his people to
the beſt Defence he could, and the King of England to a hard Bickring; who
for that he would not be known there in Perſon, put Himſelf and the Prince
under the Colours of the Lord Walter Manny, and was twice beaten down
of his Knees, by Monſieur de Riboumont, a hardy Knight (with whom he
fought hand to hand) and yet recovered, and in the end took Riboumont
Priſoner. Charmy was likewiſe taken, and all his Forces defeated. King Ed-
ward the night after which was the firſt of the new Year) feaſted with the
Priſoners, and gave Riboumont, in honour of his Valour (wherein he honour-
ed his own) a rich Chaplet of Pearl, which himſelf wöre on his Head (for
a New-years-gift) forgave him his Ranſome, and ſet him at liberty. The reſt
pay dearly for what they got not, and were well warned how to traffick
in that kind. Yet the Engliſh not long after in the like Practiſe had
better Succeſs, and got the Caſtle of Guiſnes (a piece of great Impor-
rance near Calais ) for a Sum of Money given to one Beauconroy a
French-man. Of which Caſtle, when the French King demanded Reſti-
tution, in regard of the Truce; King Edward returns Anſwer: That for
things bought and ſold between their People, therein was no Exception; and ſo
held it.
Shortly after, the French King, not born to live to ſee
any
better Fortune,
dies
X
1
$1
Y
I
242
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
1305.
Anno
Reg. 24
The French
King dies.
King Edward
in AAion at
Sea againſt
the Spaniards.
2
Alterations of
Monies.
dies, leaving that diſtreſſed Kingdom to his Son John ; who found far worſe.
For theſe forenoted Wounds, were but as ſcratches to that State, compared
with thoſe horrible maims it indured in his, and after in the Reigns of
Charles 6th and 7th,till the Sword of England was turned home upon it ſelf,
to let out the Blood of revenge with as Tragical Miſchiefs, on the Succeſſors
of theſe Actors, who now thus wrought others Ruines abroad.
King Edward, the next year after, is again in Perſon with a Fleet on the
Sca, to incounter certain Spaniſh Ships, paſſing from Flanders loaden with
Cloth and other Commodities; whom, after a great fight, and much Blood
ſhed on either ſide, he took with all their Subſtance: For that the Spani-
ards the year before, entered the River Garanne, and took away certain
Engliſh Ships, loaden with Wines, and flew all the Engliſh. His Forces in
Guyen were not idle this while, but many Conflicts paſſed between the French
and them: notwithſtanding the Truce which was renewed. The Wars
in Brittain likewiſe continue, and are hotly maintained between the two
Ladies, the Widdow of Monfort, and the Wife of Charles de Bloys ( whoſe
Husband remains Priſoner in England) eager Defenders of eithers pretended
Right.
Divers overtures of Peace had been made by Legates ſent from the Pope,
and Commiſſioners often met, to the great expence of both Kings, but no-
thing could be concluded (the winner and the looſer ſeldom agreeing upon
Conditions, in regard the one will have more then the other is willing to yield
unto) and ſo Temporary Truces ( which were but ſlenderly obſerved) are
only taken to win time. Theſe Actions not only conſumed our men,but the
Treaſure of the Kingdom. The War, though invaſive, could not maintain it
ſelf. The Monies here are altered, and abated in weight, and yet made to
paſs according to the former value. Before this time there were none other
pieces but Nobles and half Nobles, with the ſmall pieces of Silver called
Sterlings, but now Groats or four Pence,and half Groats of two Pence,equi-
valent to the Sterling Mony, are coined, which inhanced the Prices of things,
that riſe or fall according to the plenty or ſcarcity of Coin. Which made Ser-
vants and Labourers to raiſe their Wages accordingly. Whereupon a Statute
was "made in the Parliament, now held at Weſtminſter, to reduce the ſame to
the accuſtomed rate which was given before the late Mortality. This cauſed
much murmuring amongſt them, imputing the cauſe thereof, to William
Edington Biſhop of Wincheſter, the Kings Treaſurer, whom they held to be
the Author of the abatement of the Coin.
The King conceiving diſpleaſure againſt the Flemings, for being diſap-
pointed of the Match between a Daughter of his, and their young Earl
Louys ( who was eſcaped into France, and beſtowed on a Daughter of the
Duke of Brabant ) withdraws the Mart of Staple or Wools from their
Towns, greatly inriched thereby, and cauſed the ſame to be kept at Weft-
minſter, Chicheſter, Canterbury, Lincolne,Warwick , York, New-caſtle, Exceſter,
Carmarden, Briſtol, and Hull. Holding it fitter to advance his own
Towns then Strangers, by the Commodities of the Kingdom. And here
are provident Ordinances enacted, for the governiug and ordering this
Ståple.
An Ad is alſo made in this Parliament, that all Wears, Mills, and other
ſtoppages of Rivers, 'hindering the Pallages of Boats, Lighters, and other
Vellets, ſhould be removed. An Act moſt commodious to the King-
dom; but it took little effect, ſaith my Author, by reaſon of bribing
and corrupting Lords and great men, who regarded more their own,
than
A Parliamert,
Anno.
Reg. 27.
I
The Staple
eſtabliſhed in
England.
11
L
Wallingham.
-
Mathi
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
243
than the publick Benefit: a Miſchief fatal to all good Ordinances; and yet
it is an Honour to that time, that ſo behooveful an Act was ordained. For,
this eaſie conveying and paſſing of Commodities from Place to Place, to im-
part the Tame more generally, would (no doubt) be an infinite Benefit to
this State: And ſeeing God hath made us Rivers proper for the ſame, it is
our Negligence, or Sloth, if we marr them, or make them not uſeful in that
kind, as other Nations do with far leſſer Streams.
There is mention alſo of an Act to be made, at the Inſtance of the Lon- Stom.
doners, that no Common Whore ſhould wear any Hood, except raged, or
ſtriped with divers Colours, or Furrs; but Garments reverſed, the wrong lide
outward: wherein they did well to ſet a deformed Mark upon Foulneſs
, to
make it appear the more odious.
After this Parliament, Henry Earl of Derby is created Duke of Lancaster, The Earl of
and Ralph Lord Stafford Earl of Stafford; and here Charles de Bloys, a long Duke ofrezcan-
Priſoner in England, agreed for his Ranſome, which was forty thouſand Flo- caſter.
rins, and was permitted to return into Britain to provide the ſame. Great
Mediation is made by the Pope to accord the two Kings, and Commiſſioners
meet on both fides to treat and conclude a Peace. The chief Article in de-
liberation was, That the King of England ſhould cnjoy all the Lands of his Treaty of
Dutchy of Aquitaine, without holding the ſame by Reſort or Homage of the Peace.
Crown of France; and in conſideration thereof, ſhould reſign all his Claim and
Tule to that Kingdom. And this was in a manner then fully agreed on, yet in
the end broken off by the French ( Alledging, they could not alienate any thing
from the Body of that.Crown) to their farther Confuſion and Miſchief, having
been better to have ſpured a formal Ceremony appertaining to a part, than to have
had the whole fo miferably rent and torn in pieces as it was. And yet in the
end they were fain to make their Agreement upon the ſame very Article, at
the Treaty of Britain.
But now the Commiſſioners returning without effecting any thing, the Anno
King of England grew fo diſpleaſed, as he would not hearken to any further
Prorogation of Truce, though it were moſt inſtantly urged by two Cardinals
ſent from Avignion by Pope Clement the Sixth, (who being a French-man
born, laboured much for the Peace of his Country) and Preparation is made
for freſh Wars. The Prince of Wales now grown a Man, is appointed by
Parliament to go into Gaſcoigne with 1000 Men at Arms, 2000 Archers, and
a great Number of Welſhmen; and in June following, ſets forth with 300 Sail
,
attended with the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, and Oxford, the
Lord Chandos, the Lord James Audley, Sir Robert Knoles, Sir France de Hall
,
with many others.
About Micbaelmas following, the King himſelfpaſſes over to Calais with ano- King Edward
ther Army, taking with him two of his Sons, Lionel of Antwerp, now Earl of pafes with an
Vifter. (by the Right of his Wife Elizabeth, Daughter and Heir to William France.
Brugh) and John of Gant, Earl of Richmond. There met him at Calais, of
Mercenaries out of Germany, Flanders, and Brabant, a 1000 Men at Arms.
So that his Army conſiſted of three thouſand men of Arms, and two thouſand
Archers on Horſe-back, beſides Archers on foot. The City of London ſent 300 Returns with-
out doing any
Men at Armes, and 500 Archers all in one Livery, at their own Charge. Bu
ching.
all this great Power effected nothing at that time, the French King would not
be drawn to any Encounter; both in regard of the Potency of his Enemy,
and ſome Turbulences happening amongit his own People; but he ſo disfur-
niſhes the Country (where the Engliſh were to paſs) of all Proviſions to ſu-
ſtain them, as the King of England was forced to return.
The
further Reg. 37
Y 2
244 The Life and Reeign of Edward the Third.
The King of
Navarrc di-
ſturbs the
French King
The Diſtemperatures of France that this time diſeaſed it, grew from the
violent Humours of Charles King of Navarre, who had married Jane the
French King's Daughter, a Prince of a ſtirring Spirit, fubtil, haughty, and
preſuming upon his great Eſtate, and high Blood, being the Son of Louys
Conte ď Eureux and Jane Daughter to King Loyis
Huttin, which Jane was
put.by the Inheritance of the Crown of France by Philip de Long her Uncle,
in regard of the Salique Law, and by him preferred to be Queen of Na-
varre ; in whoſe Right this Charles her Son, bare both the Title and State
of that Kingdom, with many other great Inheritances : all which could
not yet content him, but holding himſelf wronged that he had not alſo the
Counties of Champagne and Bry, which appertained to his Mother by the
ſame Right as did the Kingdom of Navarre, enters into violent Courſes.
And (daring not to complain directly of the King) he falls upon the Conſta-
ble of France, as chief of his Council
, and one of whom he was jealous,
in regard of the King's particular Favour unto him, and in the end cauſed
him to be murdered in his Bed at L'Aigile in Normandy, ruſhing himſelf
up
into his. Chamber, accompanied with his Brother Philip of Navarre, two
of the Harecourts, and divers other of his own Retinue. After the Deed
done, he retires to his own City of Eurcux, and juſtifies the Act to be law-
ful.
The French King tho extreamly ſtung herewith, yet was fain to tempo-
riſe, and promiſes the King of Navarre, if he would come and crave Pardon,
he ſhould have it. Whereupon, he appears at Paris before the Counſel, to
render Reaſon for his Act, is condemned, as guilty of Treaſon (notwith-
ſtanding the King's Promiſe) and committed Priſoner. Three Queens are
earneſt Suitors for him, his Mother (the old Queen of Navarre) his Siſter
(the Widow of the late King Philip de Valois ) and his own Wife, Daughter
to the French King. His Releaſe is obtained, and away he goes with the
Rancour of this Wound (which had been better not given, unleſs it had been
home) he offers his Service to the King of England (who
knew well how to
make uſe of ſuch a powerful Member) and withall ſurpriſes certain Pieces in
Normandy, practiſing all he could to withdraw the Peoples Affections and
Aids from their King, when he had moſt need of them. Theſe Infolencies
norwithſtanding the French King is fain to endure and diſſemble, untill he
might again take him upon ſome Advantage: to uſe Force he ſaw was dan-
gerous, both in regard of his party and the Time. An Occaſion at length
fell out, whereon he ſeiſes. Charles his eldeſt son being lately inveſted in
the Dutchy of Normandy, is viſited by all the great Men in the Country :
amongſt whom, as chief, comes, the King of Navarre, and is royally feaſted
at Roan. Whereof the French King having notice, ſets out of Paris ſudden-
King commits ly, takes him at Dinner with his Son, and without farther Proceſs
, cauſes
Navarre Priſo- four of the principal which maſſacred the Conſtable, to be preſently ex-
ecuted; of which, two were the Harecourts, Brethren: and withall
, ſends
away
Navarre under fure Guard to Arras, and his chiefeſt Servants to divers
Priſons.
This ſudden Execution, though it gave a preſent Amazement, yet it wake-
Lancaſter fent ned the Partizans of Navarre, and eſpecially Philip his Brother, who with
to and the king Feofry Harecourt (Uncle to the two Brethren) paſt over into England, ex-
of Navarre's claiming againſt this violent Murther, invoking King Edward, in a Cake of
ſo notorious Injuſtice, to aid them : offering their Hearts, their Goods,
their Towns and Havens, to let him into Normandy. The Occaſion is
entertained, the Duke of Lancaſter is ſent over with four thouſand
Men
Thc French
ner.
The Duke of
Brother and
others,
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third. 245
+
years,
Kingdom to
himſelf a
Penſion.
Reg. 20.
men at Arms, and by the aſſiſtance of this great Party, wins many ſtrong
Towns.
1335.
King Edward to be furniſhed for ſo great Actions, hath by Parliament grant Anno
ed unto him fifty Shillings upon every Sack of. Wool, for ſix years next en-
Reg. 29.
ſuing: by which Impoſition it was thought, (ſay our Hiſtories) the King might Fifty Shillings
diſpend a thouſand Marks ſterling a day. Such vent of Wools were in that Parliament of
time. And preſently after the Parliament, in Winter (to ſhew that he was for every Sack of
all. Weathers ) he goes with an Army to recover Berwick, which had been Wool
, for fix
ſurpriſed by the Scots, whilft he was laſt at Calais; and here hath he not on-
ly his Town, but the whole Kingdom of Scotland reſigned unto him, by Edward Balioi
Edward Baliol, who held himſelf
King thereof by the beſt Title, but not beſt reſigns the
regarded: for King Alexander (though now Priſoner in England ) had the
King Edward,
moſt powerful Party there: and ſo both were Kings to their ſeveral ſides reſerving to
that held them fo: a miſerable diſtraction to that poor Kingdom. And
every where dwelt affli&tion but in England, and here was nothing but Tri-
umphs, Vanquiſhings, and recoverings in all Parts.
The Prince enters Guien, paſſes over Languedoc to Tholouſe,Narbonne, Bur-
ges, without any encounter in the Field; facks, ſpoyls, deſtroys where he
goes, and loaden with booty returns to Burdeaux.
The French King thus aſfaulted on all ſides, gathers what Power he poſſi-
56
bly could, and firſt makes againſt his Enemies in Normandy, recovers many 13200
of his loſt' Towns; and was likely to have there prevailed, but that he was
Anno
drawn of force to oppoſe this freſh Invader, the Prince of Wales, who was
again abroad, and come up into Toureyne ; againſt whom he brings his whole The French
Armie,cauſing all the Towns and Paſláges upon the River Loyr to be ſtrong Price of
ly guarded : Whereupon the Prince, whoſe Forces were not to encounter
Advantage.
thoſe ſo mighty, was adviſed to withdraw again thorow Toureyne and Pcy-
Eou, towards Burdeaux. The French King to prevent his courſe, follows,
and within two Leagues of Pojatiers •hath him at a great Advantage. Two
Cardinals at that inſtant came from the Pope to mediate a Peace. The French
King, ſuppoſing he had his Enemy now in his Mercy, would accept of none
other Conditions, but that the Prince ſhould deliver him four Ho-
ſtages, and, as vanquiſhed, render himſelf and his Army to his diſcre-
tion.
The Prince was content to reſtore unto him what he had gained upon him,
but without prejudice of his Honour ; wherein he ſaid : He ſtood accompta-
ble to his Father, and to his Country. So the Legates perſwalions (though ear-
neſtly urged) could prevail nothing upon the French Kings Obſtinacy: who
preſúming of Victory (in regard his Army was ſix to one) would inſtantly (as Poyétiers fought
loth to loſe time to loſe himſelf) ſet upon the Prince: who, reduced to this the 19 of Sep-
ſtreight, takes what advantage he could of the Ground, and providently got
the benefit of Vines, Shrubs and Buſhes, on that part, he was like to be aſlail-
ed, to impeſter and intangle the French Horſe, which he ſaw were to come fu-
riouſly upon him. The Succeſs anſwered his expectation, for behold the Ca
vallary of his Enemies upon their firſt aſſault,wrapt and incumbred amongſt
the Vines
, ſo that his Archers without danger, gall and annoy them at their
Pleaſure.
For the French King, to give the honour of the day to his Cavallarie
(whereof he had cauſed a choice to be elected out of every Company, to
the diſcontent of the reſt) imployed them only without his Infanterya: So
that they being diſordered, and put to rouț, his whole Army came to be
Wales at an
The Battel of
tember, 138
+
utterly defeated.
Y3
The
246 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
The French
King taken
Pritoncr.
The number
of Priſoners
taken.
the Dactel.
The Errors committed in the Battel of Crefly could not warn the King to
avoid the like: for had he had the Patience to have timed it out a while,
the Prince could not have poſſibly ſubſiſted, being thus environed; and ſhut
up
from all Succours as he was : and now thus furiouſly aſſaulted, and ha-
ving no Safety but what was to be wrought by the Sword (which Deſpera-
tion ever makes the ſharper,) he and his ſhewed that admirable Courage that
day, as purchaſed them the moſt memorable Glory that ever any Martial
Action did, that was atchieved by the Engliſh with ſo few Hands.
Here was now the Head of that great Kingdom claimed, taken Priſoner,
with his youngeſt Son Philip (who valiantly
defended his Father, when his
other Brothers forſook him, had afterward the Title of Hardy, and became
Duke of Burgogne) Jaques de Borbon, Conte de Ponthien, the Archbiſhop of
Sens, John de Artois, Conte de Eu, Charles de Artois, his Brother Conte de
Longueville, Charles Conte de Tancarville, the Conts of Vendoſme, Salbourg,
Dampmartin, and La Roche, with many other Lords of mark, beſides 2000
Knights
, Eſquires, and Gentlemen; inſomuch as the Conquerors, holding
it not ſafe to retain ſo many, let many of them go. The French, who can
give beſt account of their own Loſles, resort, there died in the Battel a
thouſand ſeven hundred Gentlemen, amongſt which were fifty two Banne-
The Slain ini rets; the moſt eminent, Peter de Borbon, the Duke de Athens Conſtable of
France, Jan de Clermont Marſhal, Geffrey de Charmy High Chamberlain.
There eſcaped from this Battel three of the French King's Sons (for he
brought them all thither) Charles Prince Dauphin (and the firſt ſo entituled)
Louys, after Duke of Anjou, John Duke of Berry, all great Actors in the time
following
This Blow might ſeem to have been enough to have utterly overthrown
that Kingdom, and abſolutely ſubdued it to the Crown of England, but
that it was a Body which consiſted of ſo many ſtrong Limbs, had ſuch ſtore
of Spirits diſperſed in ſeveral Parts, and contained ſo wide an extent of ſtate,
as all this Blood-letting could not diſlolve it, or make it faint to give over.
And ſure theſe powerful Kingdoms, howſoever they may be diſeaſed, and
ſuffer, either through the Diſtemperature of their Heads, or Diſtractions of
their other Parts, can never (unleſs by a general Diſſolution) be ſo low
brought, but they will recover again in the end: their Frame holds by ma-
ny Nails, which never fail all together.
The Prince of Wales, in this Battel, hath a double Victory; the one by the
Sword, the other by his Courteſie: firſt, he viſits the Captive King, with all
Reverence and regard of Majeſty, comforts him by examples of War, and af-
ſures him of all fair Entertainment according to his Dignity. The eſpecial
great Men who were Actors in this work muſt not paſs unremembred, the
Earls Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, Oxford, Stafford: the Lords Cobham, Spencer,
Barkley, Baffet: of Gaſcoignes, Le Capital de Beuf, the Lords Pumier, Chaumont,
A memorable and others. And here the Lord James Audley is renowned both for his Valor
Act of James
arid Bounty, who having vowed to be foremoſt in this Fight, performed his
Word and ſealed it with many Wounds: for which the Prince having reward-
ed him with the Gift of five hundred Marks, Fee-ſimple in England, he pre-
ſently gave it to four of his Eſquires, who had with him endured the Brunt
of the Day. Whereupon, the Prince demanding whether he accepted not
his Gift, he anſwered, how theſe Men had deſerved the ſame as well as him-
felf, and had morè need thereof. The Prince pleaſed with this Reply, gave
him 500 Marks more in the ſame kind: An Example of the Worthineſs of
the Time, wherein good Deſervings went nat uprewarded.
All
4
1
Lord Audley.
+
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
247
vering
All things providently accommodated after the Battel, the Prince, with
57
his Priſoners, firſt retires to Burdeaux, and then paſſes with great Glory in 1357
to England, now the Theatre of Triumph. The French King is lodged at the Anno
Savoy, then a goodly Palace of Henry Duke of Lancaſter. Many Priſoners Reg. 31.
upon reaſonable Ranſome, and many upon the French King's Word (under-
taking for them) are delivered and ſent home honourably. David King of
Scots, who had remained Priſoner eleven Years in England, is ſhortly after,
by the earneſt Sollicitation of Joan his Wife, Siſter to King Edward, ſet
likewiſe at liberty for the Ranſome of a hundred thouſand Marks Sterling, to
be paid in ten Years. The Security now had of France gave way to this
Prince's Liberty.
Above four" Years the French King remained Priſoner in England, in
which time were many Overtures, and great Offers made for his Delivery, but
nothing effected. Charles the Dauphin, who managed that Kingdom (during
the Captivity of his Father) a Prince of great diſcretion, wrought all means
poſſible to bring that factious People to yield their Contribution, for ranſom-
ing their King, but little prevailed. The Parliament there called to conſult
thereof, rather augments the Miſery of the State, than provides Remedy. The State of
Wherein, after the Dauphin had gravely delivered the Deſolation and Danger France during
their King's
they were in, being thus deprived of their Head, and the neceſſity of reco-
Captivity.
and relieving the fame by their utmoſt means; there was a Chcice re-
quired of fifty (to avoid confufion) to be made out of all the Provinces, to
conſult of what was propounded, according to the Inſtructions they ſhould
receive. Theſe fifty, after many Meetings, ſend for ţhe Dauphin to bear
their Reſolution, which was much otherwiſe than he expected. For inſtead
of Aid and Subvention, they require Reformation in the State. And firſt the
Biſhop of Laon, choſen their Speaker, befought him to keep ſecret what
ſhould be uttered unto him by the States. The young Prince anſwers, That
it were much prejudicial to the Degree he held in the Kingdom, to take Law of
his Father's Subjects; and therefore commanded them (by their Allegiance)
openly to reveal what they had in their Hearts. The Biſhop thereupon, de-
clares the evil managing of the Publick Revenues, demands Redreſs, and
Commiſſioners appointed to call ſuch as were anſwerable, to yield their Ac-
counts, That all who had managed the Treaſury ſhould be depoſed from their
Office; That both the Moneys, and all the Affairs of the State, should from
thenceforth be directed by four Biſhops, and twelve Burgeſſes; whereof the City of
Paris ſhould be chief; and that without this Counſel the Dauphin ſhould do no-
thing : And in concluſion, they inſtantly require, That the King of Navarr
might be ſet at liberty; 'On which Conditions, they would yield any reaſona-
ble Subvention for redeeming their King.
To theſe harſh Demands, the Dauphin requires time to anſwer; which he
ſo
put off from day to day (in hope thereby to ſeparate and dif-unite their
Counſels) as the Deputies, at length, tyred with delay, grew cold, and the
Aſſembly brake up without doing any thing.
But this left ſuch a Poyſon as infected the People, and ſpecially thoſe of
Paris, who ſhortly after preſumptuouſly demanded to have the King of Na-
The King of
varre delivered, according to the Decree of the Deputies; and without de- Navarre te
lay they ſo wrought with Pinquigny, the Governour of Artois ( who had the überty
.
keeping of this Firebrand) as he was delivered after 19 Months Impri-
fonment, and comes to Paris ſo accompanied as ſhewed both of what Spi-
rit and State he was, and that he meant to take his time of Revenge. Here
is he welcom'd with the Applauſe of the whole City, to whom in publick
man-
her
248
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
1
manner with great eloquence, he declares the Wrongs he had received ; and
beſides intimates, what right he had to the Crown of France, thereby to
imbroyl the Affairs of that State, which were already too much in com-
buſtion. This put the buſineſs of redeeming the Captive King quite out of
their minds for that time; and the Dauphin is conſtrained (by an Act of Abo-
lition) to acquit the King of Navarre and his Complices, of all former offen-
ces. And ſeeing the perverſeneſs of the Pariſians, goes to ſollicit other Ci-
ties, and Provinces : travelling from place to place for Aid and Succour,lea-
ving his Brother Philip, Duke of Orleance, at Paris, to keep them in (the beſt
he could) during his abſence.
The Province of Languedoc, is renowned in their Hiſtories, for being the
firſt that made the largeſt offer of Aid towards the Redemption of their
King, in the Aſſembly of the three States at Tholouſe, wherein they promiſed
to their Governour, the Conte – Arminiacque.not only to imploy their Re-
venue, but their moveables, and even to ſell their Wives Jewels to raiſe the
ſame. Beſides, to witneſs their publick forrow, they ordain, that no coſtly
Apparel, Feaſting, Playes, or other jollities, ſhould be uſed within their Pro-
vince, during the time of their Kings Captivity. Champagne by their example
doth the like. But nothing could move the Pariſians to yield any thing.
The King of Navarre had won them, both from their Obedience, and all
Humanity, and put them into ſuch Flames of Rebellion, as when the Dauphin
came back to the City, the Provoſt of Merchants aſſaulted his Houſe with
three thouſand Artificers in Arms, and ruſhed himſelf up into his Chamber
with certain of his Train : wherewith the Dauphin beirg amazed, the Pro-
voſt bids him be content, it was reſolved it muſt be ſo. And preſently upon
Signal given, Jan de Conflans, and Robert de Claremont,Marſial of France,and
his chief Counſellors, are ſlain in his Preſence. The Dauphin cries out;
What mean you? Will you ſet upon the Blood of France? Sir (ſaid the Provoſt)
Fear you not, It is not you we ſeek, it is your difoyal Servants, who have evil
counſelled you. And here withall he takes (and puts on) the Dauphins Hat,
edged with Gold, and fets his own, which was partly coloured, Red and
Peach-colour (as the Livery of the City) upon the Dauphins Head,and out he
goes adorned with the Hat of a Prince, as a ſign of Diūtatorſhip, cauſing the
Bodies of theſe two noble Men to be trailed along the Streets to the Court
of the Palace, for all the furious multitude which ran to applaude the Mur-
ther, to gazę on.
This done, the Provoſt writes in the Name of the whole City, to all the
great Towns, ſolliciting them to joyn with theirs (the principal of the
Kingdom) and take their Livery, as the Dauphin had done, for the reforma-
tion of the State. Beſides, they compoſe a Counſel of themſelves, where-
of the Biſhop of Laon, the Primier Preſident, the Provoſt, with ſome of the
Univerſity, were «hief, aſſuming a Sovereign Power to order all Affairs of
the State, as a Common-wealth; ſo that we ſee in what a miſerable confu-
lion that Kingdom ſtood, being without a Head, and how apt it was then to
ſhake off all Authority, and diſſolve the Government into. Parts : ſhewing us
that it was no new project amongſt them to Cantonize, as the
and the Princes of late practiſed to do, in their Leagues during their Civil
Combuſtions.
The Dauphin thus diſgraced, with much ado, gets out of this tumultu-
ous City, and retires into Campaigne, and at Vertus aſſembles the States of
the Country, whom he found Loyal,and ready to yield him all Succour: The
reſt of the great Towns refuſing ( with much diſdain ) to joyn with the
City
great Towns
Dn
The Life and Reign of Edward the I bird.
249
City of Paris, offer him likewiſe their Aid: So that he was put into ſome
heart, and likely to effect his Deſires in ſhort time, had not the King of
Navarre, who fought his Deſtruction, ſtill raiſed new Broyls in the State,
and taken Arms againſt him.
Now beſides theſe Conſuſions, greater Miſchiefs aroſe in that miſerable
Kingdom: the poor Payſants that had been eaten out by the Souldiers, and France ſpoiled
troden under foot by their Lords, colleague and arm themſelves in the by the Souldi-
Country of Beauvoyſis, and turn head upon the Gentry, and ſuch as had done on all fides.
them Wrong, ſpoiling, ſacking, burning their Houſes, killing their Wives
and Children in moſt outragious manner. This was not all,. Troops of Soul-
diers which had no work nor means to live, joyn together in mighty Com-
panies, over-run and ravage moft Parts of the Kingdom. The Forces in Bri-
tain under the conduct of Sir Robert Knoles, break out upon the confining
Countries, and return loaden with ineſtimable Booties of Wealth.* All which
miſerable Calamities (enough to have utterly diffolved a State) prolong the
Impriſonment of their King in England; ſo that nothing could be effected
for his Ranſome, which King Edward thinks long till he have in his Trea-
ſury: and urges likewiſe for his part very hard Conditions ; requiring, ſay
they, beſides infinite Sums, that King John ſhould do Homage, and hold the
Kingdom of France of the Crown of England: which he with great Diſdain
refuſes, as being not in his Power to alien what was unalienable, vowing
that no Miſery of his ſhould conſtrain him to do any thing prejudicial to his
Succeſſors, to whom he would lefve the State as he received it. But
yet at
length offers other and more large Conditions than the French were willing
to yield unto, which being long in debating, and nothing concluded (af King Edward
ter four Years Expectation) King Edward in great Diſpleaſure, reſolves to goes to take
make an end of this Work with the Sword, and to take Poſſeſſion of the the Kingdom
Kingdom of France; and over he paſſes to Calais, with a Fleet of eleven of France.
hundred Sail. His Army he divides into three Battels, one he commits to the
Anno
Prince of Wales, another to the Duke of Lancaſter, and the third he leads
Himſelf. And firſt he marches to the City of Arras, which he takes within
three days ; thence into Champagne, where the Cities of Sens and Nevers are
rendred unto him. The Dutchy of Burgogne terrified with theſe Exam-
ples,, redeems it ſelf from ſpoil, upon paying two hundred thouſand Florins
of Gold. Furniſhed with which Treaſure, and Booties by the way, up
King Edward marches to Paris, where the Dauphin (who had now the
Title of Regent, having lately overcome the Faction, and executed the prin-
cipal of the Mutiners) was with great Forces (which in the common danger
flocked together to defend their Country) and would not by the Example
of his Father and Grandfather) be drawn out to hazard upon any Attempt,
but ſtood only upon his Defences: which the King of England feeing, after
many Provocations, raiſed his Siege, and returns into Britain to refreſh his
Army. In the mean time the Regent lays in inigbry ſtore of Victuals, pro-
vides that the Souldiers ſhould have enough without preſſing the Inha-
bitants, and with extream Diligence ſo fortifies the City, as King Ed-
ward returning with all his refreſhed Power, was utterly diſappointed of
his Hopes, to do any good there. Thus that great City which was like to
have indangered the whole Kingdom of France, was the only means to pre-
ſerve it.
From hence King Edward takes his way towards Charters, with purpoſe to be-
Liege that City; burbeing by an horrible Tempeſt of Hail, Thunder, and Light-
ning, that fell upon his Army ſo terrified, as he vowed to make Peace with
the
Reg. 34
+
250 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
Accord con-
cluded at Bri.
tigny,
the French King, upon any reaſonable Conditions, as he ſhortly after did, at
The Treaty of the Treaty of Britigny near Chartres, upon theſe Articles. That the Country
of Poictoi,the Fiefes of Thovars,and Belleville, the Country of Gaſcoigne, Age-
nois, Perigort, Limofin; Cahors, Torbe, Bigorre, Rovergne, Angoulmois in love-
reignty with the Homages of the Lords within thoſe Territories, Monſtruel
on the Sea, Ponthieu, Calais, Guines, La Merk, Sangote, Boulogne, Hames,
Vales and Onis, ſhould be to the King of England: who beſides was to have
three Millions of Scutes of Gold : whereof fix hundred thouſand preſently
in hand, four hundred thouſand the year following, and the Surplus in two
years after enſuing, upon reaſonable payment.
And for this, the King of England, and his Son the Prince of Wales, as
V'id. Append.
well for them, as their Succeſſors for ever, ſhould renounce all their Right
pretended to the Crown of France, the Dutchy of Normandy, the Coun-
tries of Touraine, Anjoil
, Maine,the Sovereignty and Homage of the Dutchy
of Brittain, and the Earldom of Flanders ; and within three weeks King
John to be rendred at Calais, at the charge of the King of England, except
the Expences of his Houſe. For aſſurance of which accord ſhould be given
into his Hand Hoſtages : Lonys Duke of Anjou, John Duke Berry (King
Johns Sons) Philip Duke of Orleance his Brother, John Duke of Burgogne,
the Conts of Bloys, Alenfon, Saint Paul, Harecourt, Poncian, Valentinois, Grand,
Pre, de Brenne des Forrejts the Lords Vandemont, Couſcy, Piennez, de Saint Ve.
mant,de Preaux,de Alomerancy,de Garanciecis, La Roche guion, Eſtou-treville, Le
Dauphin di Andrigil, de Craon, ſufficient Cautions for the laid Sums, and
Conditions. The Scots not to be aided by the French King, nor the Flemings
by the Englif). Charles King of Navarr, and his Brother Philip are compre-
hended likewiſe in theſe Articles, c.
King John This Treaty of good accord and finall Peace, ſignified by both Kings, was
ratified by their two eldeſt Sons; Edward and Charles : and ſworn unto
by the Nobility of both Kingdoms. The Hoſtages are delivered unto King
Edward, who departing from Honfleur, brought them into England, leaving
the Earl of Warwick in France, to have a Hand in the Execution of the Ac-
cord. King John is honourably conducted to Calais, attending the promiſed
1361.
Sum, the hirit gage of his Liberty. The City of Paris ytelds one thouſand
Anno
Royals ; by whole Example other Cities contribute according to their Pro-
portions. And thus is King John delivered, after having renained Priſoner
in England near about five years. And both Kings depart in kind manner,
with all Demonſtrations of brotherly Love.
King Edward returning with his Crowns calls a Parliament, wherein, the
form of the Accord was read, and allowed of all the Eſtates, and an Oath
taken by the Nobles to obſerve the ſame for their Parts. Here the King te
ſtores to the Priors Aliens, their Houſes, Lands, Tenements, which he had taken
from them Anno Reg. 12. for the maintenance of his French Wars: which
now being ended, he grants by his Letters Patents, in as free manner,as be-
fore they held them. A rare Example of a juſt King, being ſeldom ſeen that
Princes let go any thing, whereon they have once faſtned.
Now again, was the Joy and Glory that England received by their get-
tings, ſeaſoned with the lowrneſs of another Mortality, called 'The ſecond
Pejtilence, whereof died many · Noble Men; the chief was. Henry Duke of
Lancaſter, of the Royal Blood, a Prince of great note for Wiſdom and Va-
lour: who had been an eſpecial Actor in all theſe Wars, and a principal Pillar
of the Crown of England : whoſe Daughter and Heir was a little before
married to J hn of Gaunt (by diſpenſation, being near of conſanguinity )
whereby
deliverd.
Reg. 35.
The ſecond
great Petti-
lence.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
251
cuous,
whereby he is made Duke of Lancaſter ; And ſhortly after, by the like Diſ-
penſation, the Prince of Wales marries the Counteſs of Kent, Daughter to Anno
Edmond, Brother to Edward the Second. And ſo both are provided of Match. Reg. 36.
es within the Kingdom. The King gives to the Prince of Wales the Dutchy
of Aquitaine, reſerving to himſelf Homage and Fealty, and Mortly after ſends
him over with his wife and Court to live there. His Son Lionel, Earl of
Ulſter, is ſent into Ireland with a Regiment of 1500 Men, to guard his Earl-
don againſt the Iriſh, and was created Duke of Clarence in the next Parlia-
ment held at Weſtminſter in November, which continued untill the Feaſt of
St. Brice, King Edwards Birth-day, and the fiftieth Year of his Age. Where-
in for a Jubilee, he ſhews himſelf extraordinarily gracious to his People, free-
ly pardoning many Offences,' releaſing Priſoners, revoking Exiles, &c. And,
upon Petition of the Commons, cauſes Pleas which before were in French to
be made in Engliſh, that the Subject might underſtand the Law, by which he
holds what he hath, and is to know what he doth: a bleſſed Act, and worthy
fo great a King, who if he could thereby have rendred the ſame alſo perſpi-
it had been a work of eternal Honour: but ſuch is the fate of Law,
that in what Language foever it ſpeaks, it never ſpeaks plain, but is wrapt
up in ſuch Difficulties and Myſteries (as all Profeſſions of Profit are) as it
gives more Affliction to the People than it doth Remedy. Here was alſo an Vid
. Stat.
Ad paſſed for Purveyours (as there had been many before in his time) that
nothing ſhould be taken up but for ready Money, upon ſtrict Puniſhment.
For Retribution of which Relievements, the Parliament granted ſix and twen-
ty Shillings eight Pence for Tranſportation of every Sack of Wool for three
Years. Thus all were pleaſed, ſaving the removing of the Staple, from the
Towns of England to Calais, was ſome Grievance to thoſe whom it concern-
ed. Yet the King's deſire to enrich that Town, being of his own Acquiſition,
and now a Member of the Crown of England, might herein well be borne
withall. And ſure this King the moſt renowned for Valour and Goodneſs, that
ever reigned in this Kingdom, not only laboured to advance the State by en-
larging the Dominions thereof, but to make his People as well good as great,
by reforming their Vices (whereunto fortunate and opulent States are ever-
more ſubject) as may be noted in the next Parliament held at Weſtminſter,
Anno Reg. 37. where for the publick Good,certain Sumptuary Laws,the moſt
neceſſary to prevent Riot (that diſſolving sickneſs, the Fever Hectick of a
State) were ordained both for Apparel and Dyet ; appointing every degree
of Men from the Shepheard to the Prince, the Stuff and Habits they ſhould
wear: prohibiting the adornments of Gold and Silver, Silks, and rich Furres Vid. Stat.
to all, except eminent Perſons. Whereby foreign ſuperfluities were ſhut out,
and home-made Commodities only uſed. The Labourer and Huſbandman is
appointed but one Meal a day, and what Meats he ſhould eat, &c. where-
by Gluttony and Drunkenneſ, thoſe hideous Evils which have ſince utter-
ly disfaſhioried and infeebled the Engliſh Nation, were avoided. So care-
ful was this frugal King for preſerving the Eſtate of his Subjects from Ex-
ceſs.
And as provident was he for the ordering of his own,committing his Trea-
x
ſure to the ſafeſt Cheſt that Religion could keep lock'd. For by a certifi- Clergy-men
cate, Anno Reg. 39. ſent to Pope Vrbane, concerning Pluralities, and the Officers to the
Eſtates of Church-men in England, there were found more of the Spirituality
which bare Office about this King, then any other of Chriſtendom beſide.
As firſt, Simon Langham, Archbiſhop of Canterbury, was Chancellor of
England, William Wickham, Archdeacon of Lincolne, Keeper of the Privy
Seal :
King
t
252 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
9
William Mulſe Dean of St. Mar-
tins le Grand, chief Chamberlain of the Exchequer, Receiver and Keeper of
Seal : David Il'iller, Parſon of Somerſham, Maſter of the Rolls : Ten bene
che King's Treaſure and Jewels: William Askby Archdeacon of Northampton,
Chancellor of the Exchequer: William Dighton Prebendary of St. Martins,
Clark of the Privy Seal: Richard Cheſterfield Prebend of St. Stephens, Trea-
ſurer of the King's Houſe: Henry Snatch Parſon of Oundel, Maſter of the
King's Ward-robe : John Newnham, Parſon of Fenni-Stanton, one of the
Chamberlains of the Exchequer, and Keeper of the King's Treaſury and Jew-
els: John Rousby, Parſon of Harwick, Surveyer and Comptroler of the King's
Works: Thomas Britingham Parſon of Asby, Treaſurer to the King for the
Parts of Guiſmes, and the Marches of Calais : John Troys Treaſurer of Ireland,
a Prieſt, and beneficed there. Theſe men, being without thoſe Feminine
Ginnes of Attraction and Conſumption, devoted only to Sanctity, were
thought then fitteſt to be Husbands for his Profit.
Shortly after, three Kings came to viſit the King of England, the King of
France, the King of Scots, and the King of Cyprus: The Occaſions that mo-
ved the French King might be divers, but it ſeems the ſpecial were to free
Come Hoſtages that remained here, and to clear ſuch Imputations as were had
of him, for not obſerving in all Points the late Accord; wherewith his No
bles were much diſcontented, and many Difficulties aroſe among them: ſo
that in an Aſſembly of the States at Paris, certain particular Lords, whoſe
Homages were pafled over to the King of England, proteſted againſt it; Al
ledging, how that the King could not diſpoſe of the Sovereignty of the Kingdoši,
nor alien his Demain, and therefore they would not obey it
. The French King
notwithſtanding, leſt King Edward ſhould think this but a Colluſion between
him and his Subjects, publiſfies his Commandment for the Obſervation of the
Accord, and thereof certifies King Edward. Beſides, he had undertaken
Journey for the Holy Wars, and deſired to ſettle all things in Peace at home
before his going. And this might be the occaſion of his coming, and not his
Love to the Counteſs of Salisbury, as is reported. But howſoever, this King
ſhewed a ſtrange Diſpoſition to return to the Goal where he had endured to
much Affliction, and where ſhortly after his comir;: he ended his Life, much
lamented of the King of. England, who folomiy attended his Corps to
Dover, whence it was conveyed to Saint Dinis, and cntombed with his Ap-
ceſtors.
The Debate for the Dutchy of Britain is about this time determined by
the Death of Charles de Bloys ilain in a Bariri near Vannes, by John de Mon-
call herra Juliun fort, and the Engliſh Forces led by the Lord Latimer, Sir John Chandos, and
Sir Hugh Caverley. John de Monfort marries Mary Daughter to King Edward,
and by his Conſent doth his Homage for the Dutchy, to Charles (now King
of France) compounding with the Widow of Charles de Bloys for a Sum of
Moncy, and ſome Eſtate in Land.
And here we have ſome time of Reſt, which the Souldiers whom the War
had bred could not well brook. The caſt Companies in France, tho they had
no Head, yet had ſtrong Bodies, and did much Miſchief in many Parts of
that Kingdom, till they were employed in the Wars of Spain, which fell out
ſhortly after. A Company of them paſſed over into Italy, under the Con-
duct of Sir John Hancut, a great Warriour, who found ſuch Entertainment
with the Princes there (where he revived Military Diſcipline, that had lain
long unuſed among them) and got fuch Honour and Eſtate by his Valour,
as his Fame remains to this day, and his Statue among their memorable
Prin-
a
The Death of
King John of
Frunce.
1364.
Anno
Rig. 38.
The Italians
The Bulneſs
of Britain ac-
commodated
for a time.
X
f
+
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
253
1
Reg. 40.
1
1
Reg. 41.
Princes for Action and Vertue, though he went but a Taylor out of this King-
dom, which in thoſe Days could have furniſhed the whole world with Lea-
ders, and expert Military Men.
And now here have we brought this mighty King to the fortieth Year of Anno
his Reign, which had it been his laſt, we had left him the moſt glorious and
triumphant Prince in the World, to whom Fortune never yet ſhewed her
back, never was retrograde. But now theſe laſt ten Years preſent us with a
turning of the Beam, a declination from that height of Glory, with certain
Blemiſhes that Age and Frailty brought upon him. This new King of France,
Charles the 5th. intituled, The Wiſe, recovered great Advantages upon him,
having in the Life-time of his Father ſtrugled ſo with Affli&tion (a better Mi-
ſtreſs of Wiſdom than Proſperity) and learned ſo well to know a Crown be-
fore he had it, as' now he manages the ſame with great Temperance and Vi.
giſancy: and finding the Preſervation of that State conſiſted more in Coun.
fel than Force (which had been too adventurouſly employed by his Father
and Grand-father) he works his Fortune by lying ſtill, having excellent
Aids and Miniſters to execute his Deſigns, and labour for him: of whom
for his Wars, Gueſclin a Britain, whom he made Conſtable of France, was
of eſpecial note, and firſt ſhewed the way how that State was to be reco-
vered.
The Prince of Wales remaining in his Dutchy of Aquitain, with a great
1367.
Court, which required great Expences, and many military Attendants, with-
Anno
out work, is ſollicited by Peter King of Caſtile, chaſed out of his Kingdom
by his Baſtard-Brother Henry, to aid him to recover the ſame; which the The Prince of
Prince upon great Promiſes of Remuneration, undertakes, by the Conſent of Wales aids the
King of Caftile.
his Father. The Cauſe was better than the Perſon. For this Peter, Son to Al-
phonſo 11. King of Caſtile, had committed ſo tyrannical Outrages, as were
intolerable to his Subjects, oppreſſing and deſtroying his Nobles, to enrich
himſelf, putting away, and after murthering his wife ( which was Daugh-
ter to Peter Duke of Burbon, and Siſter to the now Queen of France) by
the Inſtigation of his Concubine Maria de Padilla, whom he afterwards
married. Whereupon the State adhering to his Brother Henry ( who
though he were a Baſtard by his Birth, was more Legitimate by his Virtues
than lie, who was more a Baſtard by his Vices) Crowned him King of Spain
at Bargos, and forced Peter to fly the Kingdom. This Peter thus rejected,
the Prince of Wales, with an Army of thirty thouſand, attended by his
Brother John Duke of Lancaſter, and many Lords of England, goes to re-
inveſt in his Kingdom. Henry is aided by the French, and thoſe floting Com-
panies fore-remember'd, led by Gueſclin Conſtable, and Dandrehen Marſhal
of France; having beſides of Caſtilians, Chriſtians, and Saracens, ſo many,
as his Army conſiſted of near an hundred thouſand Men. Upon the Borders
of Caſtile it came to a Battel, the Prince of Wales hath the Victory; Henry The Prince
is put to flight, the French Leaders taken Priſoners, and Peter put into his obrains the Vi-
Throne again at Bargos.
Aory in Spain.
The Work done, Reward for the ſame is required by the Prince, which
Peter could not, or cared not to provide, but ſtarving him with Delays, in-
forced him in the end to return to Burdeaux, without Money to pay his Ar-
my; and which was worſe, without Health, which he never after recovered.
This Succeſs had this unfortunate Action, undertaken to right an ungrateful
Tyrant, who afterward notwithſtanding, was again diſpoſleſſed, taken, and
put to Death, by his Brother Henry. It is written, that to ſtrengthen him-
ſelf, he combined with a Prince of the Sarazins, married his Daughter,
Z
and |
254 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
The ill Succeſs
ncy:
Reg. 43.
and renounced the Chriſtian Faith : but it is commonly the Reward of evil
Princes to be made worſe than they are.
The Prince of Wales returning thus out of Spain, charged with more debt
of that Jour-
than before, and deſtitute of means to content his People, falls upon another
Misfortune (as commonly Men in theſe Declinations, ſeeking Remedies in-
creaſe Maladies) impoſing a new Taxation upon the Gaſcoines, of Fevage, or
Chimney-Money, ſo diſcontented the People, as they exclaim againſt the Go-
vernment of the Engliſh, and appeal to the King and Court of France for
Redreſs. The King of France, at the inſtance of the great Lords, and
others who were turned over by the accord to hold of the Crown of
England, ſends a Gentleman to the Prince of Wales at Bourdeaux, with
Summons to anſwer before him and his Court at Paris, to theſe Complaints
Now had the Lords of Arminique, D' Albert, Peregort, Cominges, and
1369.
many others, made their Proteſtations againſt the King of England, for the
Ann10
Crown of France, which, they ſay, they were by Nature to obey, and not to
a ſtrange Sovereign: that it was abſolutely againſt the Fundamental Law of the
Kingdom, to diſever them from the Crown : that the Contraŭ was made in
Priſon, and therefore incivil
, and not to be held by the right of Nations. So
that they were reſolved to ſpend their Lives and Eſtates, rather than be un-
der the Government of England. By their Example the Cities of the Coun-
ty of Ponthieu rendered themſelves to Guy Conte de Saint Poll, and Guy de
Caſtillon.
The Empe.... The King of England complains of this breach of Accord to the Pope, and
rouf Charlest: the Emperour Charles 4. who made a Journey into France to reconcile the
two Kings, and determine the Buſineſs. Before whom our Ambaſſadours firſt
declare, How this Accord having been more for the good of France than us, in
tivo Kings. regard we reſigned thereby, not only our Title to Normandy, Touraine, and
The allegati Anjou, the faireſt and richest Countries of France; but alſo our Title to the
gliſs Amballa- Crown, to the end we might hold in Sovereignty the Dutchy of Aquitaine, the
County of Ponthieu, with ſome other pieces, which by Hereditary Right apper-
tlie Emperour. tained to the Crown of England, whereby the Effuſion of Chriſtian Blood was
ſtayed, France had Peace, and their King reſtored in fair manner, after a fair
Impriſonment, and upon the most reaſonable Condition could be deviſed : 'not-
withſtanding, the French King, (who himſelf, with the whole Council of France
contracted the Accord, and ſolemnly ſwore to obſerve the ſame) hath contrary to
the Law. of God and Nations (after he had recovered his Hoſtages by Fraud)
Vid. Append. ſeized both upon the Dutchy of Aquitaine, and the Country of Ponthieu, with-
out denouncing War by his Heralds, &c.
The French Reply: How we by the Accord, were bound immediately to with-
dram our Army out of France, which they ſay we did not during all the Reign
The Reply of
of their King John: That the Peace was thereby made more offenſive than the W
they being conſtrained to purchaſe the Departure of our Souldiers with greater
Charge than would have maintained an Army : That the Breach was on our ſide,
for that the Souldiers were ours: that King Edward was bound to renounce his
Title to the Crown of France, in open Aſſembly of the States of both Realms,
which they ſay was not done. And concerning the releaſing of their King: they
ſay, it coſt France more Gold than the redeeming of St.Louys their King, his Bro-
ther, the Peers, and the whole Army, taken by the Soldan, an Infidel. Thus both
lides defend their Cauſe, being eaſie for Princes who will break out of their
Covenants, to find Evaſions. The French King (it ſeems) though willing to
get in what he could, yet was very loath to renue a War, and therefore with
many Preſents courts the King of England: who ſeeing himſelf thus deluded,
ney into
France to re-
concile the
dours before
the French.
ar,
+
pre-
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
255
.
to France.
prepares to have out his Sword. And having borrowed great Sums of the
Clergy, ſends over John Duke of Lancaſter, and Humphry Bohun Earl of He Anno
reford, with a mighty Army to Calais, to invade France on this ſide, whiles Reg. 44.
the Prince of Wales works to recover the revolted Towns on the other. But Forces ſent in-
little was effected ; the Duke ſhortly returns. And then Thomas Beauchampe
Earl of Warwick, with freſh Supplies is ſent over, who dies in the Journey.
Sir Robert Knoles, a Man renowned in thoſe Times for Valour and Counſel,
is made Leader of an Army, conſiſting of many great Lords, who diſdaining
to be commanded by him whom they held their Inferiour, overthrew them-
ſelves, and Action.
Thus all went back, and the French King grows both in State and Alli Anno
ance. Margueret, ſole Daughter and Heir to Lonys Earl of Flanders, to Reg. 45.
whom King Edward ſought to match his Son Edmond, is won to marry A Subſidy
Philip le hardy Duke of Burgogue, Brother to the French King. And this Parliament
,
much vexes King Edward, who the better to furniſh himſelf for Revenge, and the man-
calls a Parliament at Weſtminſter, wherein he reſumes his Claim to the Crown ner of ſeizing
of France, and requires Aid of his Subjects, and hath it. The Clergy grant-
ed him fifty thouſand Pounds, to be paid the ſame Year ; the Laity as much.
For the levying whereof, every Pariſh in England was rated firſt to pay
23 Shillings, four Pence (the great helping the leſs) upon ſuppoſition there
had been Pariſhes enough to have made up the Sum. But by Certificate up-
on the King's Writs ſent out to examine what number of Pariſh Churches
were in every Shire, they found it came ſhort; and then rated every Pariſh
at five Pound, fixteen Shillings (the greater to help the leſs;) and ſo, of
8600 Pariſhes, found to be in the thirty ſeven Shires, 50 thouſand, '181 1.
8 d. was raiſed. But in regard of the great Poverty of Suffolk and Devon-
Shire, the 181 Pounds was abated, and the King anſwered fifty thouſand
Pounds for the Laity.
Upon this Supply, the King grants that the great Charter, and the Charter
of Forreſts, ſhould be obſerved in all points; which in moſt Parliaments of
his, is ever the firſt Act, as may be ſeen in the printed Statųes
. And now
And now The Duke of
John Duke of Lancaſter, and Edmond Earl of Cambridge, are ſent with For-
into Aquitaine.
ces into Aquitaine, to aid the Prince of Wales; who after he had ſacked the
City of Lemoges that was revolted, his Health failing to perform any more,
leaves the Proſecution of the War to his Brother: and with his Wife, and
young
Son Richard born at Bourdeaux, returns home into England, and here 'The Prince of
reſigns unto his Father the Dutchy of Aquitaine.
into England.
The Duke of Lancaſter, after the Departure of the Paince, did little ; but
being now a Widdower (his Wife dying two Years before, in the third
great
Peſtilence, in which Year alſo Philip Wife to King Edward ended her Life)
he marries Conſtance eldeſt Daughter to Peter King of Caſtile, by whom he had The Dake of
the
empty
Title of King, and was (after the Death of his Father-in-Law) ſti- Lancaſter mar-
led King of Caſtile and Leon. This Conſtance, though ſhe were the Daughter Daughter to
of a wicked Father and infamous Mother, yet was ſo happy, that the Daugh- the King of
ter ſhe had by the Duke of Lancaſter, named Katherine, became after Queen
1372.
of Caſtile and Leon, (being married to Henry, third in Poſſeſſion before, and
Anno
in her Right King of both thoſe Realms) and left her Poſterity Kings of
Reg. 46.
Spain. Edmond Earl of Cambridge, married alſo at the ſame time Iſabel the
youngeſt Daughter of King Peter, and both ſhortly after returned into Eng-
land, though without Victory, yet with Wives. "Lionel Duke of Clarence,
a little before, marries Violenta, the Duke of Millaines Daughter in Italy,
where they feaſted him ſo as ſhortly after he died.
Z 2
The
Lancaſter fent
Wales returns
Sicily.
256 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
The Earl of
Pembroke ta-
ken Priſoner
ard.
Another Sub-
by Parliament.
The City of Rochel, that yet held out for the Engliſh, had endured a long
Siege both by Sea and Land; to relieve which important piece, the Earl of
Pembroke is ſent with forty Ships well manned and victualled, and beſides
by the Spani- furniſhed with twenty thouſand Marks to defray the Voyage; who incoun-
tring the Spaniſh Armiado ſent to aid the French in this Siege (by Henry now
1373
King of Caſtile) after a long and cruel Conflict, is taken Priſoner, and his
Anno
Navy utterly deſtroyed. King Edward himſelf, though now aged, fets
Reg. 47. | forth with a mighty Army to recover theſe Loſſes, but thereby loft more,
the Winds with his Fortune being againſt him, beat him back, having ſpent
in this Preparation nine hundred thouſand Marks.
Shortly after, John Duke of Lancaſter paſies over again to Calais with ano.
ther Army, which he leads through France, hy the way of Avergne, where
amongſt the Mountains, he loſt many of his People for want of Victuals
, and
almoſt all his Horſe, ſo that he came to Burdeaux with a ſtarved and diſtreſ-
ſed Company, which after ſome time he relieves, and made certain Attempts
upon the Enemy, but effected nothing, the Date of Victories was out, all
went ill with the Engliſh. The Duke returns the next Year, and all Gaſcoign
revolts except Burdeaux and Bayon.
King Edward hain another Supply by Parliament, a Tenth of the Clergy,
fidy granted
and a Fifteenth of the Laity, towards theſe Wars; which now are ſought to
be ended by Trusty, an unlikely way to do any good. Two Years are
ſpent therein, at Burges and other Places
, with great charge of Commiſſion-
ers, and much Debate. The French having now the advantage of the time,
would make their own Conditions ; they require the Town of Calais (from
whence King Edward had now removed his Staple, in regard of the danger
of Merchants Goods) and Reſtitution of great Sums of Money, which were
not to be yielded: ſo that nothing but temporary Truces were to be
got-
ten to ſerve preſent Shifts, wherein the Engliſh, and their Party, had ever
the worſe.
And here at home, beſides the Sickneſs of the Prince (which grew deſpe-
1376. rate) the State is diſeaſed, the King's Age is milled, his Treaſure exhauſted,
and his Affairs ill managed. A Parliament to cure theſe Evils is called at
Reg. 50. Weſtminſter, the King's Wants are opened, and Supplies required: the whole
A Parliament Body of the Aſſembly, weary to bear theſe continual Burthens, inſtead of
whicen minster Contributions, exhibit Complaints, charging the King's Officers with Fraud,
and humbly crave that the Duke of Lancaſter, the Lord Latimer, then Lord
Chamberlain, Dame Alice Pierce the King's Concubine, and one Sir Richard
The Duke of Sturry, might be amoved from Court. Their Complaints and Deſires are ſo
Lancaster, with vehemently urged by their Speaker, Sir Peter la Mare, as the King, rather
than not be ſupplied, gave way unto them, and all theſe Perſons are pre-
fently put from Court. The Prince was held to favour their Proceeding;
for there ſeems to be no good Correſpondence between him and his Brother
the Duke of Lancaster, who now managed all under his aged Father, and
whoſe Ambition might be dangerous to his young Son Richard, whom he
was like to leave to his Mercy.
The King in this Parliament, being the fiftieth Year of his Reign, to gra-
Another Jubi- tifie his Subjects, grants another general Pardon, as another Jubilee; where-
in only William (Vincham, Biſhop of Wincheſter, is excepted, being lately,
by the Procurement of the Duke of Lancaster, fallen into the King's Dil-
pleaſure, and forbidden to come to the Parliament. But this Jubilee was ſoon
The Death of turned to Sorrow, by the Death of the Prince of Wales, which happened in
this Parliament time. A heavy loſs to the State, being a Prince of whom
Anno
called the
good Parlia-
ment.
ed the Courr.
lee.
the Prince of
Wales.
we
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third. 257
!
of Alice Pierce
we never heard any ill, neither received other note than of Goodneſs, and
the nobleſt Performances that Magnanimity and Wiſdom could ever ſhew :
inſomuch, as what Praiſe can be given to Vertue is due unto him. His Death
changed the Face of Affairs. The late excluded Parties return to Court and The Duke of
their former Places. This Parliament, called the Good Parliament, now turns with the
wrought all Effects. Sir Peter de la Mare, at the Suit of Alice Pierce, an im- reſt to the
pudent Woman (working upon the King's Impotencies) is committed to per- The Revenge
petual Impriſonment at Nottingham. An Act without Example of former and Behaviour
times, and did no Good in this, eſpecially
being wrought by ſuch a Subject.
This Woman, preſuming upon the King's Favour, whom ſhe had fubdued,
grew ſo inſolent (the common Evil of ſuch Fortunes) that ſhe intermedled
with Courts of Juſtice and other Offices, where ſhe her ſelf would fit to ef.
fect her Deſire: which, though in all who are ſo exalted are ever exceſſive,
yet in a Woman moſt immoderate, as having leſs of Diſcretion, and more of
Greedineſs.
The Duke of Lancaſter is come how to have the Regency, and to manage The Duke of
all the Affairs of the Kingdom, and might thereby preſume farther. But Lancaſter go-
King Edward,. to prevent the Miſchiefs, which by diſordering the Succeſſi- Richard of
on might grow in the Kingdom, providently ſetled the ſame in the Parlia- Burdeaux cre-
ment, upon Richard of Burdeaux, creating him firſt Earl of Cheſter and welde Prince of
Cornwal, and then Prince of Wales ; which made much for his preſent Safe-
ty, leſt John Earl of Lancaſter ſhould ſupplant him, as Earl John did his Ne-
phew Arthur in the like Cafe. For (ſure it ſeems) the Duke had his Deſign
that
way bent: but this Confirmation by the Parliament (which he had of-
fended) and ſhortly after a Breach with the Citizens of London, put him ſo
by, as he durſt not now attempt that which his Son after effected. But
yet
he behaves himſelf very imperiouſly in this State he had. And firſt ſhews The Earl of
his Authority on the Earl of March, commanding him over to the guarding March reſigns
of Calais, and the Parts thereabout. Which the Earl refuſes; and rather
Marſhal,
yields up his Rod, with the Office of Marſhal, than obey his Commandment which is given
therein. The Duke takes his Rod, and gives it, with the Office, to Sir Henry Pieres
.
Piercy, a Man moſt inward with him.
Shortly after, the Parliament is aſſembled again at Weſtminſter (whether John Stow.
a new one, or the laſt prorogued, I know not) and thither the Duke himſelf The Prince
brings Prince Richard (of the Age of eleven Years) places him in the King's fidy in divers
Seat, and taught him to demand a Subſidy. Which was two Tenths, to be
paid in one Year: or twelve Pence in the Pound of all Merchandizes ſold for
one Year ; and one pound of Silver for every Knights Fee ; and of every
Fire-houſe one Penny. And this Demand the Duke earneſtly urges, ſaying,
One of them ought of Neceſſity to be granted, in regard the Enemy pro-
claiming War, purpoſed to invade the Realm.
The Knights of the Parliament (whom the Duke, they ſay, had by practiſe The Parlia-
made, and put by all of the laſt Aſſembly, except twelve which he could inche divided.
not alter) require Reſpite to anſwer: a Day is appointed. The major part
make choice of one Hungerford, a Creature of the Dukes, to deliver their
Anſwer. The other would have Sir Peter de la Mare to be enlarged, and de-
liver theirs; and alſo anſwer to what could be objected againſt him, before the
Lords in Parliament, and there to ſubmit themſelves. Then the Duke de-
mands Aids of the Biſhops ; they refuſe to treat therein without their Bro-
ther the Biſhop of Wincheſter, prohibited from coming to the Parliament.
Now there fell out an Accident, that beſides gave Interruption to this Bu-
Gineſs
. A certain Divine, named John Wickliffe, deprived by the Archbiſhop
of
to Sir Henry
kinds.
2 3
258 The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
1
The Duke of
Lancalier ta-
of Canterbury of a Benefice in Oxford, which he was found unjuſtly to hold,
A Diffention had, heretofore, being diſcontented (the Humour that commonly breeds
about 7ohn Schiſm) inveighed in his Serinons, and other Acts in the Schools, againſt
Wickliffe.
the Abuſes of Church-men, Monks, and other Religious Orders (which were
not then ſo free from ſcandal, but might well be taxed) and had by this Do-
&trine there, and in London, won many Diſciples unto him (who
after were
called Lollards) profeſſing Poverty, going bare-footed, and poorly clad in
Ruſlet, which made them (as Extreams are) the more noted, and
get
Pal-
ſage into the Opinion of the People, apt to embrace Novelties, and uſually
His Do&rinc. beguiled by Diſguiſes, in regard they rather Believe than Judge. Amongſt
other his Doctrines, he taught that neither King or other Secular Lord,
could give any thing in Perpetuity unto Church-men, and that Temporal
Lords, if they need, might lawfully take the Goods of fuch Religious Per-
ſons to relieve them in their neceſſities, by the Example of William Rufus, &c.
A Doctrine very pleaſing to great Men, who commonly embrace Sects
, ci-
ther for Ambition to get, or for Jealouſie not to loſe, or for Hatred to re-
venge.
This Man, the Duke of Lancaſter, and Sir Henry Piercy, much favour and
cheriſh, extolling him both for his Learning and Integrity of Life, which
vours Wickliffe,
and why.
made him ſo far preſume, as he daily, in one Church or other, publiſhed
his Opinions without Fear: whereupon, at length he is cited to anſwer before
the Archbiſhop, the Biſhop of London and others, in Pauls. At the day ap-
pointed, the Duke of Lancaſter, and the Lord Marſhal, go to conduct him:
by the way he is animated by his Followers not to fear the Biſhops ; and en-
Oh of Wickeliste tring into Pauls, the Preſs is ſo great, as hardly any Paffage could be made,
before the Bic whereupon the Marſbal uſing ſome violence, thruſt in upon the People, which
ſhops in Pauls. Courtney, Biſhop of London, prohibited him to do; ſaying. If he had known
he would have behaved himſelf ſo in that place, he should not have come into the
Charch. The Duke hearing theſe Words, angerly replied, That the Mar-
Mal ſhould execute his Authority, whether he would or not. When they were
come to our Ladies Chappel, the Duke and Barons, with the Biſhops, Geting
down, John Wickliffe (ſent for in by the Lord Marſhal) was by himſelf will-
ed to ſit down, in regard he ſaid, the Man had much to anſwer, and need-
ed a convenient Seat. The Biſhop of London told him, it was againſt all
Law and Reaſon, that he who was there cited before his Ordinary, ſhould
ſit: Hereupon contumelious Words aroſe between the Lord Marſhal and the
Biſhop, the Duke takes the Marſhal's Part, and ſharply reprehended the Bi-
ſhop; the Biſhop returns the like to the Duke, who in great Rage, ſeeing
he could not prevail, ſwore he would pull down the Pride of him, and of all
the Biſhops of England: You truſt, ſaid he, in your Parents, but they can profit
you nothing. I truſt not in my parents, ſaid the Biſhop, nor in any Man living,
but in God in whom I ought to truſt. The Duke, as if whiſpering in his Ear,
told him, he had rather pull him out of the Church by the Hair of the Head, than
ſuffer theſe Indignities; which Words the Londoners over-hearing, ſwore with
a loud Voice, they would rather loſe their Lives, than ſuffer their Biſhop to be
thus injuriouſly uſed, and threatned to be pulled out of his oton Church. Their Fu-
ry was the more incenſed againſt the Duke, for that the Day before in the
Parliament (whereof ho was Preſident) it was required in the King's Name,
that from thenceforth there ſhould be no more a Mayor of London, but a
Captain appointed for the Government of the City, and that the Lord Marſhal
of England ſhould arreſt Offenders within the Liberties, as in other Places..
About this Buſineſs, and this Wrong offered to their Biſhop, the Citizens
aſſem-
1
The Citizens
of London cake
their Biſhops
Part.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
259
1
Lancaſter in
r
aſſembled the morrow after, to conſult among themſelves, it happened the
Lord Fitz-Water, and Guido Brian, came into the City; which the People
ſeeing, furiouſly ran upon them, and were like to beat them down for The Citizens
coming unſent for at that time. The Lord Fitz-Water proteſted he came to in Uproar.
no other end, but to offer his Service to the City, being by Inheritance
their Standard-Bearer, and was to take Injuries offered to them as to himſelf,
and therefore willed them to look to their Defence. Whereupon, they
preſently take Arms, aſſail the Marſhal's Inn, break open the Gates, brought
forth a Priſoner in his Gyves, and let him at liberty, but found not the
Lord Marſhal, who with the Duke that day, were to dine with one John de
Ypres. Then this furious Multitude ran to affail the Savoy, which a Knight
of the Dukes ſeeing, haftes to the Place where his Maſter dined, and acquaints
him with this Uproar in the City. The Duke leaps from the Table ſo ha- The Duke of
ſtily, that he hurt both his Shins on the Form, and with Sir Henry Piercy,
alone takes Boat, and away he gets to Kennington, near Lambeth, where the the Princeſs
danger flees to
Princeſs with the young Prince lay; to whom he complains of this Riot,
and the Violence offered him. In the mean time the Multitude coming to
the Savoy, a Prieſt inquiſitive to know the Bufineſs, was anſwered, They went
to take the Duke and the Lord Marſhal, and compell them to deliver Sir Peter
de la Mare, unjuſtly detained in Priſon. The Prieſt replied, that Sir Peter
was a Traytor to the King, and worthy to be hanged. At which words they
all cried out, This is Piercy, This is the Traytor of England, his Speech be-
wrays him though his Apparel be diſguiſed; and preſently they run upon him, and
wounded him to Death.
The Biſhop of London hearing of this Out-rage, leaves his Dinner, haſtes The Biſhop of
to the Savoy, Admoniſhes them to be mindful of the holy Time ( being Lent) London appea.
and for the love of Chriſt to deſiſt from ſuch ſeditious A&s; aſuring them, all foutie Tu-
things ſhould be fairly ended for the good of the City. Whereupon they were
ſomething pacified, and forbear to aſſault the Duke's Houſe, whoſe Perſon
(if they could have found) they had no doubt) made an end of him, and
the Lord Marſhal in this their Fury, at that time; but miſſing him, they yet
hung up his Arms reverſed, in ſign of Treaſon, in all the principal Streets of
the City.
The Princeſs from Kennington ſent Albert de Vere, Louys Clifford, and
Simon Burleigh, to the Citizens, perſwading them to make their Peace with
the Duke. They returned this Anſwer, That for her Honour they would do
whatſoever ſhe commanded: but yet enjoyned the Knights to will the Duke,
to permit the Biſhop of Wincheſter, and Peter de la Mare, to come to their
Anſwer, according to the Cuſtom of the Laws of England. They ſent likewiſe
of the chief Citizens to the Gick King to excuſe them of this Tumult, proteſt-
ing themſelves not to be privy thereunto, but ſought all means to ſuppreſs the ſame, The Citizens
which they could not do (the whole Commonalty being in commotion ) upon an ſend to the
Information that their liberties ſhould be taken from them by Parliament. The King.
King told them, It never was in his Thought to infringe their Liberties, but he
rather deſired to enlarge then. And therefore willed them not to fear, but to
return to appeaſe the Citizens, and keep them in Peace and Order: which
they did, and were well pleaſed with this Anſwer. But yet they could
not ſtop the Paſſage of Rhimes and Libels (thoſe ſecret ſtings that wound
unſeen) but that they were daily ſpread in the City to the Defamation of
the Duke, and to make his Name odious to the People. For which, he pro-
cured the Biſhops to excommunicate the Authors of ſuch Rhimes and Libels.
Notwithſtanding, this harſh Proceeding of the Duke with the State, and in a
time
ز
260
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
1
Parliament.
.
time ſo unſeaſonable, both for his own ends, and the publick Buſineſs he
A Subſidy
undertook: The Commons in Parliament, deſirous to aid their King, grant-
granted in this ed a Subſidy on this Condition, that being levied, it ſhould be committed
to certain Earls and Barons to ſee it iſſued, according to the Occaſions of
the Kingdom. But this Subſidy was of a new Nature, neither in any of thoſe
kinds propounded. Every Perſon, Man and Woman, within the Kingdom,
above the Age of 14 Years, were to pay four pence, thoſe who lived by
Alms only excepted. The Clergy likewiſe grants 12 pence of
every Parſon
Beneficed, and of all other Religious Perſons four pence of the Head ; a
mighty and unknown Aid, ſuch as never was granted to any King of Eng-
land before, and became a Precedent for the next Reign; wherein it cauſed
the firſt and greateſt popular Inſurrection that ever was ſeen in this Kingdom:
ſo tender a thing is it to tax the People by the Poul.
And now hereupon the Parliament ended, but not the Duke's Diſpleaſure
againſt the City. The Mayor and Aldermen are brought before the King at
Shene, and adviſed to ſubmit themſelves to the Duke, and crave Pardon for
their grievous Offences. They proteſt
, as before, they could not ſtay the Rage
of the Multitude, who committed thoſe Inſolencies, beſeeching the King not
to puniſh ſuch as were innocent and ignorant of the Fact, promiſing the Duke
they would endeavour by all means to bring in the Malefactors, and compell
them to make Satisfaction, to the Honour of the Duke; and more, ſaid they,
we cannot do. Whereupon they were diſmiſſed the Court, and ſhortly after
from all their Places, by Power of the Duke of Lancaſter : Sir Nicholas
Brember was elected Mayor inſtead of Adam Staple, and other Aldeřmen
ap-
pointed in their Places who were put out.
The King was deſirous to have reconciled them to his Son; but Sickneſs
having now vanquiſhed him, he is forced to give over the World, as the ſame
did bin, before his Breath left him. And firſt, his Concubine, packing away
what ſhe could ſnatch, even to the Rings of his Fingers, left him; then his o-
The Death of ther Attendants, by her Example, feiſing on what they could faſten, ſhift away,
King Edward, and all his Counſellors and others forſook him in his laſt Agony when moſt
he needed them, leaving his Chamber quite empty; which a poor Prieſt in
the Houſe ſeeing, by chance, as he paſſes by, approaches to the King's Bed-fide,
and finding him yet breathing, calls upon him to remember his Saviour, and
to ask Mercy for his Offences; which none before about him would do, but
every one putting him ſtill in hope of Life, though they knew Death was up-
on him
(a miſery fatal to Princes and great Perſons, whom Flattery will ne-
ver ſuffer to know themſelves nor their own State either in Health or Sick-
neſs) made him neglective of thoſe ſpiritual Cogitations fit for a dying Chri-
ſtian. But now, ſtirred up by the Voice of this Prieſt, he ſhews all Signs of
Contrition, and at his laſt Breath expreſſes the Name of Jefu. Thus died this
mighty and victorious King, at his manner of Shene (now Richmond) the 21
day of June, Anno Dom. 1377. in the 64 Year of his Age, having reigned
fifty Years, four Months, and odd Days.
His Character we find beſt expreſt in his A&ions; yet thus briefly. He was
His Charaéter. a Prince the ſooneſt a Man, and the longeſt that held ſo, of any we read. He
His Juftice. was of Perſonage comely, of an even Stature, graceful, reſpectively affable,
and well expreſſing himſelf; a Prince who loved, 1. Juſtice, 2. Order, and
People
, the Supream Vertues of a Sovereign. 1. His Love of Juſtice was
ſcen by the many Statutes he made for the due Execution thereof, and the
moſt ſtraight binding Oath he ordained to be miniſtred unto his Judges and
Juſtices; the Puniſhment inflicted on them for corruption in their Offices,
cauſing
and the man-
ner thereof.
3. his
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third. 261
A
cauſing fome to be thruſt out, and others grievouſly fined, as Sir Henry
Greene, and Sir William Skipwith, Anno Reg. 39. He bettered alſo that form His Love to
of publick Juſtice which his Grand-father firſt began (and ihich remains to
his people.
this day) making alſo excellent Laws for the ſame. 2. His regard to the Ob-
ſervation of Order amongſt his People, witneſs ſo many Laws, as were made
to reſtrain them from Excelles in all kinds. 3. His Love to his Subjects, was
expreſt in the often eaſing of their Grievances, and his willingneſs to give
them all fair Satisfaction, as appears by the continual granting of the due
Obſervation of their Charters, in moſt of his Parliaments. And when ( Anno
Reg. 14.) they were jealous upon his aſſuming the Title of the Kingdom of
France, leſt England ſhould thereby come to be under the Subjcction of that
Crown, as being the greater, he to clear them of that doubt paſſed a Statute,
in the firmeſt manner could be deviſed, that this Kingdom ſhould remain en-
tire as before, without Violation of the Rights it had.
Provident he was in all his Actions, never undertaking any thing before His Provi-
he had firſt furniſhed himſelf with means to perform it. And therein his Sub-dence.
jects allowed himn more, with leſs adoe, than ever any of his Predeceſſors
had: and he as fairly iſſued what he received from them, having none other
private vent of Profuſion, than his Enterpriſes for advancing the State, and
Honour of the Kingdom. True it is, that moſt attent and careful he was to
ger Monies, but yet it was without Sackage of any Man, ſuch as his Grand-
father made upon the Offices of Juſtice, the Jews and Officers.
For his Gifts, we find them not ſuch as either hurt his own Fame and Re-
putation, or any way diſtaſted the State. To be ſhort, he was a Prince who
knew his work, and did it; and therefore was he better obeyed, better re-
ſpected and ſerved, than any of his Predeceſſors.
His Works of Piety were great and many, as the founding of Eaſt-minſter, His Works of
and Abbey (of the Ciſteaux Order) near the Tower; an Abbey for Nuns at Piery.
Deptford; the King's Hall in Cambridge for poor Schollars; an Hoſpital for
the Poor at Calais ; the Building of Saint Stephen's Chappel at Westminſter,
with the Endowment of 300 pound per annnm to that Church; his augment-
ing the Chappel at Windſor, and Proviſions there for Church-men, and
24
poor Knights, &c. Theſe were his publick Works, the beſt Monuments,
and moſt laſting to glorifie the Memory of Princes. Beſides theſe, his private His Buildings.
Buildings are great and many; as the Caſtle of Windſor, which he re-edified
and enlarged ; the Caſtle of Quinborough, Fortifications at Calais, and other
Places.
His Magnificence was ſhewed in his Triumphs and Feaſts
, which were His Magnifi-
ſumptuoully celebrated with all due Rites and Ceremonies, the Preſervers of cence.
Reverence and Majeſty. To conclude, he was a Prince, whoſe Nature agreed X
with his Office as only. made for it. Thoſe Defaillances we find in him at
laſt, we muſt not attribute to him, but his Age, wherein we never yet faw
Prince happy. When their Vigour fails them (which is commonly about 60.)
their Fortune doth. Whilſt this Prince held together, he was indiſſoluble;
and as he was then we take his Figure.
Fortunate he was alſo in his Wife, a Lady of excellent Vertue, who tho His Wife and
ſhe brought him little or no Eſtate, ſhe brought him much Content, ſome his lluc.
benefit by Alliance, and a fair Iſſue. She drew evenly with him in every
courſe of Honour that appertained to her ſide, and ſeems a Piece ſo juſt cut
for him, as anſwered him rightly in every Joynt. Gracious and loving ſhe
ever ſhewed her ſelf to this Nation, and did many Works of Piety, amongſt
which Queens Colledge in Oxford remains eſpecially a Monument of her
Name
4
WY
262
The Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
#
Name and Renown. And it is worthy the Mark, that this King and his
Grand-father Edward the firſt, the beſt of our Kings, had the two beſt Wives.
Which ſhews, that Worthineſſ is ſuch an Elixer, as by Contraction (if there
be
any diſpoſition of Goodneſs in the ſame Metal) it will render it of the
Property: ſo that theſe Queens could be no otherwiſe than they were, ha-
ving ſo excellent Huſbands.
She bare unto him leven Sons, whereof five lived to have Iſſue: Edward
Prince of Wales, Lionel Duke of Clarence, John Duke of Lancaster, Edmond
Earl of Cambridge, after Duke of York, and Thomas of Woodſtock, which
became Duke of Gloceſter. Four Daughters (of five ſhe bare) lived to be
married: Iſabel, the eldeſt, to Ingerlam Lord of Covey, Earl of Soifans and
Bedford; Joan to Alphonſo 11. King of Caftile
, but ſhe died before ſhe lay
with him; Mary, to John Monford Duke of Britain; Margaret, to John Ha-
ſtings, Earl of Pembroke, and the alſo died without illue.
Thus have we ſeen the end of this great King; who, how he came to the
Crown we know, and now how he left it we ſee: in both are conſiderati-
ons of Importance. His ſtepping over his Father's Head to come to his Throne,
though it were not bis fault, yet had it a Puniſhment, and that in a moſt
high kind; for having ſo plentiful, and ſo able an Iſſue Male, he had not
yet a Son of his own to ſit on his Seat; but left the ſame (worſe than he
found it) to a Child of eleven Years of Age, expoſed to the Ambition of his
Uncles, which over-weighed him, to a factious and diſcontented State at
home, to broken and diſtracted Inheritances abroad; himfelf having ſeen all
his great Gettings purchaſed with much Expence, Travel, and Blood- ſhed,
rent clean from him, and nothing remaining, but only the poor Town of
Calais : to ſhew that our Bounds are preſcribed us, and Pillar ſet by him
who bears up the Heavens, which we are not to treſpaſs.
The End of the Life and Reign of Edward the Third.
-
T
Hus far have I brought this Collection of our Hiſto-
ry,
and am now come to the highest Exaltation of
this Kingdom, to a State full built
, to a Government rear-
ed up with all tboſe main Couplements of Form and Order
as bave held it together ever ſince; notwithſtanding thoſe
Dilapidations made by our civil Diſcord, by the Non-age
or Negligence of Princes, by the Alterations of Religion,
by all thoſe Corruptions which Time bath brought forth to
fret and canker-eat the ſame. And bere I leave, unleſs
by this which is done I find Encouragement to go on.
1
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A
CONTINUATION
OF THE
Collection
OF THE
1
HISTORY
ENGLAND
OF
BEGINNING
Where SAMUEL DANIEL Eſq; ended
with the Reign of EDWARD the Third :
And ending where the Honourable Vicount St. ALBANES
began with the Life of HENRY the Seventh.
Being a compleat Hiſtory of the beginning and end of the
Diſſention betwixt the two Houſes of York and Lancaſter.
With the Matches and Illue of all the Kings, Princes, Dukes,
Marqueſſes, Earls, and Vicounts of this Nation deceaſed, during thoſe
1
times.
1
YA
By JOHN TRUSS E L.
The Fifth Edition Reviled.
Sequitur non paſſibus equis
Aſcanius
Virgil.
LONDON
Printed by Tho. Hodgkin, for Richard Chiſwell at the Roſe and Crown in
St. Paul's Church Yard, MDCLXXXV.
1
។
1
៧
T
T
TO THE
Honourable, Reverend, and Right Worſhipful,
Sir John Bramſton K,
Lord Chief Ju STICE
OF
His MAJESTIE'S BENCH
1
WILLIAM JONES
Sir GEORGE CROOKE'
ROBERT BARCKLET
Knights,
The Learned Judges of that Court.
ICENSE me (I humbly beſeech your
Reverend Fatherhoods) with the con-
trite Penitent, ingeniouſly to acknow-
ledge my Errour, which is over-much
preſumption in undertaking, more in
Publihing, but moſt in thus preſenting this my Col-
le&tion: But withal to appeal from the Bar of Ri-
gor to the Board of Favour, and thereat to obtain
this extenuation of Cenſure : That being it was be-
gun with a good intenr, proſecuted to a feerning good
end, and is now in all befitting humbleneſs preſented
to procure protection, that I may paſs without pub-
lick reprehenſion: And ſithence Words and Wri-
ting are not real according as they are ſpoke or writ,
but as they are approved by others : Let
diſpoſicions but make a favourable expoſition of what
A 2
I
your noble
is
r;
The Epiſtle Dedicatory.
is done: And then I am confident I ſhall untoucht
paſs the pikes of ſcorn and reproof : In earneſt ex-
pectation whereof, humble and hearty Prayers to
God, the giver of all good Gifts, for your long
Lives, in Health and Hearts eaſe here, and fempi-
ternal Happineſs hereafter, ſhall not want daily to
be poured out, by him that hourly reſts,
Your Lordſhips
realleſt in all Service
and Duty,
1
John TRUSSELL.
1
To
1
TO THE
Courteous Reader.
M
Y natural propenſion to the reading of Hiſto-
ry, was the occaſion that I left no Chronicle of
this land, that purſe, or prayer could purchaſe
or procure, unperuſed: whereby I found that
verified that Prince Henry(now with God)
complained of, which was, that of all Nations the Engliſh
were moſt blame-wortby: That being inferiour to none for
praiſe-worthy atchievements, yet were furpaſſed by all, in
leaving the memory of theſe their praiſe-worthy actions
to poſterity, I his tooke to heart, but every way unable
to remedy it, I reſted ſilent, until of late it came into niy
anind; That that part of the Hiſtory of great Britain,
which was moſt intricate and troubleſome, which was the
beginning of that Story was happily begun and as ingeni-
ouſly followed by that every way well deſerving Gentle-
man Samuel Daniel : And thereby all thoſe rubbes and
bawkes which the deluge of time had raiſed and left ontke
plat form, were inade ſinooth or taken away, and that Vi-
count Saint Albones bad fo fufficiently perfected that of
all other the moſt doubtful (if not dangerous piece) of later
times to be undertaken the bappy Conjunction of the ſo long
ſevered houſes of York and Lancaſter; and that many
others, Reverend and judicious men, bad by way of Annals
purſued the Hiſtory unto the bleſed Uniting of the two
Neighbour, but long before divided Kingdoms of Eng-
land and Scotland, ſo that now there wanted not bing to
make
A 3
1
1
THE EPISTLE
7
make the hiſtory compleat,for ſo much as was requiſite un-
til ibat time, but only the paſſages from Richard the fe-
cond to the period of Richard the third, a great part where-
of was likewiſe accurately done by Sir John Heyward and
Sir Thomas More, ſo that now with little labour that
gap might eaſily be filled up, and the kiſtory made paſſable ;
Whereupon I have adventured to add my piece of ordi-
nary valuré, to tboſe rich remnants of three pildVelvet,
by enterweaving the times of Richard the ſecond, Henry
the fourth, Henry the fifth, Henry the ſixth, Edward the
fourth, Edward the fifth, and the Uſurper Richard the
third, Wherein though I prove but a botcher, yet as
the old ſaying is, better a courſe clout than a holeout
And to clear my ſelf though not à toto, yet à tanto, from
that eſperſion that kappily might be caſt upon my endea-
vours, tbat bow foever not ignorant of my own manifold
imperfe&tions, jet like blind bayard, I ſhould over -boldly
venture to tread in that Maze, which ought not to bave
been undertaken, but by a more able body and a more active
brain, and thereby bave forgetfully brought my felf
mithin the number of thoſe over-forward Writers,which
Doctor Heyward in bis Epiſtle Dedicatory to his firſt
three Norman Kings affirmeth, bath ſulled the beauty
of the Engliſh hiſtory.
Give me leave gentle Reader, (1 beſeecht bee) as be-
fore I have yielded the reaſon, that incited me to the un-
dertaking of this work, ſo to give tbee an account of my
proceeding therein.
Firſt, I have forborn to affume unto myſelf the liberty
of an Hiſtorian to obtrude upon thee any thing of my own
invention, quia maluị aliena imprudenter dicere, quam
propria impudenter ingerere: And for that Hiſtory is,or
ought to be a perfect regiſter of things formerly done
truly,
LI
+
TO THE READER.
an-
mean,
truly, or at leaſt warantable by probability: I bave
pro
poſſe meo examined, though not all, (yet without touch
of Arrogance, I may ſpeak it) the moſt and beſt, that
bave written of thoſe times, and culling out the truth as
near as I could gather it, like an Eccho, Voces quas ac-
cepi fideliſsimè reddidi
Secondly, I have pared off theſe ſuperfluous exubera
ces, which like Wenns upon a beautiful facë, diſgrace
the otherwiſe graceful comelineſs of the countenance; I
1. Matters of Ceremony,as Coronations, Chriſtenings,
Marriages, Funeralls, ſolemn Feafts, and ſuch like
.
2. Matters of Triumph, as Tiltings, Maskings, Bar-
riers, Pageants, Gallefoiſts, and the like.
3. Matters of novelty, as, great inundations ſuddenri-
fing and falling of prizes of Corn, ſtrange Monſters, fuft-
ice done on petty offenders, and ſuch like executions, with
wbich the Cacoethes of the Writers of thoſe times have
mingled matters of State.
And laſtly, I have inſerted the matches and iſſue of all
above the degree of a Baron, that have ended their dayes
during thoſe times, with the number of Nain, during the
diviſion of the two Roſes; which hovv far it may con-
duce to the better underſtanding of the Hiſtory, I leave
to thy capacity, and my ſelf to thy courteſie, and ſo ex-
pečting a favourable cenſure, reſt thine,
i
John
OHN TRUSSELL.
+
April 24. 1635
Perlegi hoc Opus Hiſtoricum duobus volun:ribus comprehenſum, cui
titulus, A Continuation of the Collection of the Hiſtory of
England, &c. quod quidem in toto continet folia 418. aut circiter,in
quibus nihil reperio fane doctrine, ant bonis moribus contrarium,
9189 minis cum utilitate publica imprimi poffit : Sub ea tamen conditi-
one, ut fi non intra triennium typis mandetur, hæc licentia fit omnino
irrita.
..
GULIELMUS HEYWOOD Capel
.
domeft. R. R. P, Cant.
..
1
1
A Continuation
OF THE
HISTORY
OF
ENGLAND
Liber Tertius.
RICHARD THE SECOND.
Van
R. I.
R
Ichard the Second, born at Burdeaux, Son of Edward An. 1377 .
the Black Prince, and Joan the Daughter of Edmond
Earl of Kent, and grandchild to Edward the Third,
being eleven years old, was Crowned King at Weft-
minſter the 21. day of June 1377. by Simon Sudbury
Archbiſhop of Canterbury, at the time of whoſe Coro-
nation the Duke of Lancaſter, per nomen Johannis Regis
Caſtiliæ & Legionis Ducis Lancaſtrie, put his claim as Earl of Leiceſter
,
to have the place of Earl Marſhal of England; as Duke of Lancaſter, to
carry the Sword at the Coronation called Curtana ; as Earl of Lincoln,
to be Carver that day : all which to be executed by himſelf, or his fufé
ficient Deputy : which with the Fees thereunto belonging, were confirmed
unto him, and he accordingly did then and there in Perſon execute the
place of high Marſhal.
At tuch years as this King was then off, the mind of man is like unto the
potters earth, apt to be wrought into any faſhion, and then which
way
fo-
ever it hardenech by cuſtom, it ſeldom ſwerves from the ſame. The Go-
vernınce of the King at the firſt was commited to certain Biſhops, Earls,
Barons, and Juſtices; but either by niceneſs and fear of diſcontencing
the King, or ncgligenceto diſcharge their duty, or both, everyone was more
ready to pleaſe him with delightful Conceits, than with profitable Coun-
fel to do him good : for ſmooth and pleaſing ſpeeches need ſmall endea-
vour, and always find favour : whereas to adviſe that which is moſt meet,
is a point of ſome pains, and many( if not moſt) times but a thankleſs of
fice. Hereupon two dangerous evils did enſue: Flattery brake in, and pri-
vate reſpects (as ever ſince it hath done) did paſs under publick pretences.
At
2
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
A». 1378.
R. 2.
:
At his Coronation he created four Earls ; Thomas Woodſtock,
King
Edward the thirds youngeſt Son, Earl of Buckingham and Northamp-
ton; Thomas Mowbray; younger Brother of John Lord Mombray, was crca-
ted Earl of Nottingham; Gifford Angoliſme a Gaſcoine, Earl of Hunting-
ton; and Henry Pierry, Son of Henry Lord Piercy, was created Earl of
Northumberland.
In the beginuing of this Kings Reign, the French on the one ſide, and
the Scots on the other, did cruclly infeſt this Land, the one making depre.
da:ions in the Iſle of Wight, harrying the ſame, and attempting the Caſtle
from whence tiiey were manfully repulſed by a Captain whoſe name I will
fuibear, hxcauſe in fome Authors I find him ſtiled by another appellati-
on: the other forraged the Countrey round about, and burnt the Town of
Rocksborough. This courſe of each ſide, ſpoiling the Engliſh, they (both
French and Sccts conibining) continued by Sea, until John Philpot, Citi-
zen and Alderman of London, (lamenting the miſery of the times, occafion-
ed by common neglect of ſecuring the Coaſts, and ſcouring the Seas:
whereby the Márchant durſt not traffick abroad for fear of Pyrats
, which
hovered in every corner, but eſpecially of one Merrer a Scottiſh Rover, who
had drawn together a great Fleet of French, Scots and Spaniards, and with
them did rob and ſpril all they net, and did great miſchief) complained
hercef to the Kings Councel, and demonſtrated to then the daily wrong
ſuſtained by the ſaid Mercer, imploring their aid; but receiving from them
no relief, he at his own proper coſts victualled and manned forth a com-
sany of tall ſhips, himfelf in perſon going with them to Sea; and in ſhort
time took the laid Mercer, and recovered all the prizes formerly taken,
with fifteen Spaniſh Bottoms well fraught with riches, beſides many
French and Scotiſh Ships ; for which action he incurred the hard cenſure
of moſt of the Noble men, from whom he ſeemed to have ſnatcht by this
his fortunate attempt the native cogniſance of true Nobility; Amongſt
whom Fligh Earl of Stafford nettled with the general commendations gi-
ven to Philpot for this deſign, publickly at the Councel Table, objccted
againſt him, the unlawfulneſs of the act, without authority, being but a
private man, to attempt to levy Arms. But Philpot with a kind of indaun-
ied rtlulution, not only juſtified the act, as though not altogether lauful,
yet very expedient, being done for the blonour of God, and the King, and the
ſecurity of the publick, but retorted the objection of improvidence, and
Nothful neglect, upon the Earl and the reſt of the Councel, ſo that they
viere much to ſeek for a reply, and he returned with the general applauſe
of the Citizens, and moſt of the Courtiers.
The King of France preſuming of the Kings minority with ſome Spaniſh
aid, landed in the Southweſt part of England, and ranſackt and burnt the
Towns of Plimmouth, Dartmouth, Portſmouth, Rye, and divers other Coaſt-
Towns, and marched further into the main, until, by the Earl of Cam-
bridge, the Kings Uncle, and the Earls of Salisbury and Buckingham, and
their forces, they were encountered, and beat back unto their Ships
.
About that time alſo by the King of France his inſtigation, Alexander
Rimſey, a brave Scot, with forty of his Countrey men, in the night ſurpri-
ſed the Caſtle of Barwick, and intended to have faln upon the Town ; but
the Inhabitants ſuſpecting ſome treaſon by the noiſe they heard, endeavour-
ed to prevent miſchief, hewed down the ſtayes of the draw-bridge, on the
Town fide, ſo that when the Scots let fall the Bridge, the chains breaking,
in
.
An. 1379.
R. 3
they
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
3
followers when it hath no furtherancers; much more when it doth flouriſh
the Bridge fell into the ditch, by means whereof the Scots were impriſoned ! An. 1378.
by their own conqueſt; yet as well as they were able, they fortified them- R. 2.
ſelves in the Caſtle, which preſently was beſieged and aſſaulted, and
(though valiantly defended) was with ſome loſs at length ſurpriſed : upon
the taking whereof, not one man, but the Captain Ramſey was ſpared.
In the third year of this Kings Reign, it was concluded, that to avoid An, 1379.
unneceſſary charge, the tutelage of the King ſhould be committed but to
one man; and by the whole conſent of the Parliament allembled, this office The tail of
was deputed to Lord Thomas Beauchamțe, Earl cf Warwick, and a com made foc Tu-
petent penſion was aſſigned him out of the Kings Exchcquer for his pains or to the
and care thereabouts to be taken. But the King being plunged in the gulf of
pleaſure, did in moderately bend himſelf, to advance and favour ſuch per-
ſons as were reproveable for life, and generally condemned for deboiſument ;
and this was the cauſe of two great inconveniences
, for many of the young
lings of the Nobility, obſerving the ſecret favours and diſtaſtes of the King,
gave over themſelves to a diffolute and difl'oneſt courſe, which findeth ſome
R: 3
King.
4
1
CI
moved.
and thrive by countenanceand abetment: The King alſo by favouring theſe,
was himſelf little favoured, and leſs loved by many; For it is as dangerous
to a Prince, to have evil and deſpiſed adherents, as to be evil and deſpicable
himſelf. The chief actors in this ſcene were Nevill Archbiſhop of York,
Robert Vere, Earl of Oxford, Michael Delapoole, Robert Trejſilian Lord
Chicf Juſtice, Nicholas Bramber, Alderman of London, and others, neither
emincnt by birth or deſert, but obfervant and plyable to the Kings humour:
Theſe were highly in credit with the King, both in company and councel
always next him : By theſe he ordered his private actions, by theſe he ma-
naged his affaires of Sate; he ſpared neither the dignity, nor death of any
man whoſe authority of life interpoſed their pleaſure or profit. He re-
moved Sir Richard Scroope from being Lord Chancellor of England (to. Scroape L.
which place he was appointed by the Parliament) becauſe he refuſed to Chancellor re.
ſet the great Seal to the grant of certain lands, which had been abuſively
drawn from the King : alledging for his ſo doing, the great debts of the
King, the ſmall demerits of the grauntees
, upon whom the King might con-
ſume much, but orderly give nothing; wiſhing the King might be well ad-
vertiſed, that ryot might deceive him under the terms of bounty, and that
gilts well ordered procure not ſo much love, as indiſcreetly imparted incite
envy. This Chancellor uſed not to cauterize his conſcienc: with partia)
maintaining of ſuch as were mighty, but being alike to all, was the looner
d:llıked of all that were lewd.
The deſtruction of the Duke of Lancaſter was plotted upon the likediſ
.
like by Juſtice Trejſilian, offences were ſuggeſted, appellors appointed.
Peers named, ſudden arreſt intended, and preſent arraignment, condemna.
tion, and execution concluded ; But the Duke upon notice of theſe con-
trivances, eſcaped to Pomfret Caſtle, and there made preparation for his de-
fcnuë againit the King; from hence grew a head of divitiu, which the
common people at that time very buſily ſought. But the Kings Mother in-
celfın:ly travelling between the King and the Duke (notwithitanding hur
unwcildineſs and age) drew them both to reconcilement ; The King in re-
gard of the dangerous and diſcontented times, the Duke in reſpect of his
duty and allegiance, the more eaſie to be made inclinable; and ſo partly
by her intreaty and counſel, and partly by their inclination, bending to the
fafeft--
1
I
4
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 3.
-
An. 1381. | fafeſt courſe, all appearence of diſpleaſure on the one part, and diſtruſt on
the other, was for that time removed. The Frenchmen again land in Eng-
land, and did much harm at Dover, Winckelſey, Haſtings, and at Graves-
End; and unincountred, returned to France : For prevention of which
out-rages and revenge of thoſe injuries offered, a Parliament is allembled
at Weſtminſter ; in which a Subſidy of four pence per poll of each Sex
throughout the Kingdom (above the age of fourteen years) is granted to
the King. The levying whereof procured much heart-burning, and did
much alien the hearts of the Subjects from the King. With that money
preparation is made, and eight thouſand men ſent over into France, under
the conduct of Thomas of ll’oodſtock the Kings Uncle; who paſſing over
Soam, Oyſe, and Marne, Rivers, ſpoyled and burnt all the Countrey, and
ranſomed the Inhabitants, untill he came to Britanie; where by the Duke
John Momford, he was joyfully received and royally entertained.
About this time one John Ball, a factious Clergy man, a Scholar of
Wickliff, obſerving the Common people much to murmur at the paiment
of the foreſaid Subſidy ; in all places where he came, uſed fecretly to in-
form the inferiour ſort of people, ſuch as were poor and needy, That by
deſcent from Adam, all men were of one condition, that the Laws of this
Kingdom were injurious, and much hindered us of participating Chriſtian
liberty; nay, moſt unjuft, by making ſo great a difference of mens eſtate,
preferring ſome to be Peers and Potentates, giving to fume others large au-
thority, and enlarging others potleſſions, and taking advantage of the
humble and plyable condition and carriage of others, kept them in ſervility
and baſeneſs
, hardly giving them allowance of ſuſtenance; and not that
neither, but with ſweat and hard labour; where amor.gſt Chriſtians' there
ſhould be an equal ſhare of all things, and that in common, taking this for
his theame; When Adam delvd and Eve Span, who was then a Gentleman?
With ſuch like trayterous perlwaſions, he did prepare the Vulgar (apt to
entertain the proffers of rebellion) and fit them for inſurrection upon the
ſlighteſt occaſion: This Do&rine once on foot, run from Ruſtick to Gentile,
and from Shire to Shire; that at length, it infatuated them, and infected
the City of London, the Commons whereof, I mean the poorer ſort of Me-
chanicks and Handicrafts, deſperately inclined to mutiny upon the reaſons
aforeſaid, incited and invited the multitude, prepared as aforeſaid, to come
thither, promiſing their beſt aſſiſtance and furtherance : Whereupon a rude
rout of raſcalls
, under the leading of Wat Tyler a Taylor, who command.
mons infurre ed in chief, with their grave Miniſter Jolin Ball, Jack Straw a Threſher,
Jack Sheppard of the Councel of War, under the Title of the Kings men,
leading
and the firvants of the Common-Wealth of England, came to London,
ranſacking by the way, and demoliſhing from Flex ſide, all the fair Stru-
Etures and great Buildings of the Nobility and Gentry : They ſummoned
the King to give them a meeting; who accordingly accompanied with the
moſt of his beſt Councellors, took his Barge and went to Graves-End, but
ſeeing the rabble ſo ragged and rogue-like, a Company of ſwads, compact
of the off-ſeum of the people; it was held no diſcretion for the King to ven-
(ture his Perſon among them, and ſo returned to the Tower from whence he
cáme.
An. 1482.
The next day theſe unruly rake-ſhames approached London, but finding
the Gates lockt, and the bridg drawn, and well guarded, they ihreatned the
Naughter of Man, Woman and Child, on Southwark ſide, the lacking of their
houſes,
The Com
ion under
Wat Tjlers
:
R. 4
1
1
1
.
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
5
R.4.
houſes, and laſtly the firing of the Borough and Churches there. For preven-, An. 1382.
tion whereof, and ſomewhat to keep the ſtaggering Commons from preci-
pitate running with them into rebellion, the Gates were opened and the
bridge let down, and by permiſſion they entred, where their fury (with fair
words and kind uſage ) was for that night pacified; only the Commander
Tjler ſent for his quondam Maſter Richard Lyon, an antient grave Citizen,
and in thankful requital of moderate and deſerved puniſhment given him in
his Apprentiſhip, he cauſed his head to be ſtruck off, and pitched upon a
pole, and in triumph born before him the next day when he went to the Sa-
voy (a houſe belonging to John of Gaunt the Kings Uncle) which they rifled,
burnt, and inhumanly murthered all the chief Officers they found there:
They commit Sacriledge in all Churches and religious Houſes, robbing the
Houſes of the Students in the Law, committing to the fire all their Books
and Records, proclaiming death to any that ſhould be found to know Law,
or literature; they ſpoiled all Forrainers inhabiting in or near London; and
their numbers increaſing to threeſcore thouſand, they came to Saint Kathe-
rines, from thence ſending to the King to attend their pleaſure at Mile End;
who accordingly went. But no ſooner was the King gone forth of the
Tower to the place appointed; when Tyler with ſome of his comrades,
entred the Tower-gates, rifled the Kings lodging, barbarouſly entreating
the Kings Mother both with bad language, and worſe blows, where they
apprehended, as he was performing the Ceremonies of the Church, the
Reverend Simon Archbiſhop of Canterbury ( who formerly had convented
their Proloquutor John Ball, for promulgacing his dangerous, if not dam-
nable, poſitions, and ſtrook off his head. They broke up all the Priſons,
and ſet at liberty all the Malefactors there, and then came to meet the
King at Mile End. The King demanded what it was that was with ſuch ' In miſſ a cele-
hoſtile manner required, when with a confuſed noiſe ſome cried manumif- ; bratione depre.
fion, others maintenance, other to have their Lands freed from Service;
every one what he thought would moſt conduce to his own particular end.
The King promiſeth to call a Parliament, and thereby (which now he gran-
ted) promiſed to eſtabliſh what to that purpoſe ſhould be ſet down in
writing, and further gave a general Pardon and ſafe conducts for their re
turn every man to his own habitation; whereupon the moſt of the feem-
ing beſt of theſe bad Rebels, diſbanded and went homeward, and the Lon-
doners returned. But Tyler (whoſe aim was the robbing of the City of
London, and the extirpation of all any way noted for Learning) with
twenty thouſand of the dregs, and skum of his rake-hels, came to Smith-
field. To whom the King ( guarded with a ſmall ſtrength) attended on
amongſt others, by William Walworth Major, Folsn Philpot the darling of the
Mariners, and Nicholas Bramber, Aldermen of London, and Sir John Newton,
and ſome few others (men of reſolute and brave ſpirits ) preſented himſelf,
but was by that traitourly Tyler received in that
baſe and ſcornful manner,
and with ſo many affronts to his followers, that John Philpot told the King
the abuſes were inſufferable, and ſo pleaſe him but to command his Lieure-
nant, meaning the Major, to arreſt the Traytor, he would loſe his life, if it
were not accordingly performed. Nevertheleſs the King doubting the ſequel,
was unwilling to provoke a mad Dog, and with fair ſpeeches and pleaſing
countenance, he began to expoſtulate with Tyler, and was willing to con.
deſcend to ſome diſhonourable condicions ( being betwixt Soveraign and
Subje&t) to content him; but the more he found the King pliable, the more
arrogantly
B
6
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R.5.
ad moto,
An. 1382. ( arrogantly did he inſult, and the more unreaſonable were his demands, and
too too inſolent his behaviour; amongſt other this was one of his demands,
to have all Law aboliſhed, affirming with an execrable oath, before night all
the Law of England ſhould paſs through this ſtraight, clapping his hand to
his mouth; in the mean time Philpot had fent into the City to Sir Robert
Digito lahiis
Knowles who was left behind to keep the multitude quiet, to make known
the Kings danger and his own, conjuring them by their duty to the King and
love to him, to make all poflibie ſpeed to their reskues; and afterward
prompt.
ing the Mayor what to do, having by Sir John Newtons help covertly drawn
cloſe together as many of the Kings followers as were p:eſent, he attended
the ſequel. Tyler perlifting in his inſupportable arrogance, demanded the
Kings dagger of his Eſquire that held it, which being by the Kings conni
vance delivered liim: he further preſumed to command the Eſquire to give
bim the Sword alſo :" to whom the young Spark bravely ſaid, a Kings
Sword would but ill become a knaves hand; wherewith Tyler riſing up, of
The Mayor
fering to approach towards the Kings Page: The Mayor of London that only
Nayeih vat.
Tyler.
awaighted the occalion of hazzarding his life in fupriſing ſo proud a Tray-
tor, fiarcheth the Kings dagger out of the il:eath in Tylers hand, and then
Meathes the ſame in 1 ylers body, whereupon Philpot with his tword faluted
him on the cockſcomb that he feli to the ground flain. This ſudden action at
firſt dilmaid the King, but being allured of prefent ſuccour of the Citizens,
he took courage, and being rounded by his Nobles, they gave defiance to
the headleſs rout, which wanted not will, nor means to revenge their Cap-
tains death: but each one expecting when another ſhould begin they ſtayed
looking one upon another, until news was brought that the Londoners un-
der the conduct of Sir Robert Knowles in battel array approached : and
then they fling down their weapons, and every one ſhifted for himſelf, and
quit the field, at which the King wonderfully rejoyced, and in the ſame place
mide William IV alworth, John Philpot, Ralph Standiſh, John Laund, Nicholas
Twifield and Nicholas Bramber Knights; whilſt thele tumults were thus in
agitation, by the procurement of Yohn Wall that pernicious Prieſt, one
pernitinis
Presbyter. John Wrap (a whelp of the ſame litter, a Chaplain for the Devils good
grace) was fent into Norfolk and the adjacent Countries, to incite upon
the like motives the Commons to inſurrection, and to joyn with Tyler;
which took ſo luddenly, that in Hartfordſhire about Saint Albins, and at
Saint Edmonds bury in Suffo'k, upon Corpus Chriſti day, to the number of
fifty thouſani were aſſembled; and unler the conduct of one Robert Weſt-
borne an Inn-keeper: They outragioully deſtroyed and demoliſhed all the
Noble and Gentlemen houſes of note: And put to death all the Profeſſors
of Law they could find.
They took Sir John Cavendiſh Lord Chief Juſtice of the Kings Bench,
Chief Justice ſtrook off his head, and placed the fame uşon the Pillory in S. Edmonds-bil-
(laio by rebels ry. They beheaded likewile John of Cambridge the Prior thereof, and John
de Laking uith, one of the Priors Commoignes
, carrying them in triumph,
and place i them on poles upon the ſaid Pillory.
They cauſed the Covent to ſurrender upall Obligations and writings obli-
gatory in their cuſtody, and all their Charters of priviledge which Canut us
their Founder had beſtowed upon that Houſe, which the more to endear
themſelves to their favour, they delivered cancelled to the Townſmen.
In like manner in Norfolk under the command of 7 kn Litiftar a Dyer of
Norwich the like outrages are committed, from whole fury the Earl of
Suffolk
Perditues gang
The Lord
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
7
R.5.
ex-
The Biſhop
of Norwich
.
Suffolk narrowly eſcaped, at Northwaltham in Norfolk; they ſtiled their Cap- An. 1382.
tain King of the Commons, and enforced the Lords, Scales and Morley with
divers worſhipful Knights to attend upon him at the Table, which for that
Sir Robert Saul refufed to do, they beat out his brains.
Henry Spencer Biſhop of Norwich, to ſuppreſs theſe inſolents, by his
ample drew the Knights and Gentlemen reſiding thereabout, to arm them-
fupprefferh
ſelves, and to take the field, who afterwards routed the Rebels, and took the Rebels in
their Captain (whoſe head he cauſed preſently to be ſtrook off,) and their Norfolk.
Chaplain Wraw priſoners; from thence Wram was ſent to London to receive
his Trial, where he was afterwards according to his demerits hanged, drawn
and quartered.
Likewiſe, upon the Saturday following Corpus Chriſti day, the Townſmen Cambridge
of Cambridge by threatsenforced one James Granceſter to be their Leader,ex- fpoiled by the
acting an oath from him and his brother Thomas to be loyal to their Encorpo-
ration, and to joyn with them in execution of any their deſigns. And pre-
ſently they fell upon Corpus Chriſti College, which they miſerably ranſackt,
tearing, burning, or ſpoiling, whatſoever Writings, Charters and Books they
could come at ; and did take away all the Plate, Veſtments, Treaſure they
could find, enforcing the Seniors and Students of that College, by oath to
renounce and diſclaim all, and whatſoever Charters, Grants, Privileges, and
Franchiſes had been formerly beſtowed upon that Houſe, and to acknow-
ledge from thenceforth ſubjection to the Mayor and Burgeſſes of Cambridge.
From thence they went like a torrent to Saint Maries Church, where they
broke up the Cheſts, and from thence took out all the Treaſure and Church
ornaments; fury being on foot, left nothing undone that was barbarous, and
paffion having drowned reaſon, they cared not what miſchief
they did, nor
to whom, ſo as they might make their malice ſufficiently perſpicuous to the
Clergy. From Cambridge they went to the Priory of Bernwell, a mile off,
which they like Sarazens defaced, felling down the Trees, ſpoiling the Walks,
and ſetting fire to what remained there undefaced. Tired with doing, but
not ſorry for having done ſo many crimes, they retired to Cambridge, where
in the Market place they conſumed with fire, all the Ordinances, Conſtituti
ons and Statutes of the Univerſity, and all other the particular Books, Rowls,
Parchments and Leidgers they could come at, taking up the aſhes, and fling-
ing them in the Air, crying away with theſe Clerks cunning; and then in the
dark of the night, every one ſhifted for one, and ſtole away.
The King for puniſhment of theſe and other like offenders, ſent the Lord An. 1383.
Chief Juſtice Treſilian and Sir Roger Sales, and other Commiſſioners into all
thoſe parts where Inſurrection had been made.
From Coven!ry, John Wall
, who had ſeconded Wall and Mraw in inciting
the multitude to Inſurrection, is fent to the King, againſt whoſe frowardnels
in practiſe towards Authority and forwardneſs in profeſſion to ſow ſuch ſeeds
of Sedition in his Sermons, that thereby the people were both incited and in-
couraged to Rebellion, ſuch ſufficient information was given that he was ex-
ecuted for high Treaſon.
This general flame of combuſtion being extinct, the King ſtudieth the
advancement of his Favourites, ſo that within ſhort time after Michael de
la Poole, fon and heir of Sir "l'illian de la Poole Knight and Banneret
(lay fome, but others one of that name, a Merchant in London ) was
made Lord Chancellor of England, and created Earl of Suffolk: and Ro-
bert Veax Earl of Oxford, the fourth of that name, and ninth Earl thereof,
B 2
R. 5.
was
-
4
R.3.
8
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
An. 1383. was created Marqueſs of Dublin (being the firſt man within this Realm that
was enobled with that title :) But they grew in hate, as they did in honour;
The firſt Mar- for many of ancient Nobility did ſtomach their undeſerved (as they deem-
quels created.
ed it) advancement, and with theſe the votes of the people generally went;
But the Kings intemperate affection was peremptory and violent,not regard-
ing envy until he could not reſiſt it.
An. 1384.
The year following, the new Marqueſs was created Duke of Ireland: The
R.6.
lower Houſe of Parliament exhibited a Bill of grievances againſt the Chan-
cellor, deſiring his anſwer thereto, and Tryal thereupon; the particulars
whereof were 1. For that he had abuſed the Kingin farming the profits and
revenues of the Crown; 2. For profuſely waſting the Treaſure in ryotous
prodigality, and unneceſſary expences; 3. For being dived deep into the
Kings debt; 4. For being careleſs and corrupt in his Office; 5. For deceiving
and diſcrediting the King in his accounts and diſburſement (the particulars
whereof were annext to the Bill) with divers objections of, both diſhoneſty
of body, and diſhonour in his private actions, and publick Office. This Earl
from London ſent a Student to Oxford, returned, well clothed to the Court,
and there ſuddenly grown great, could not moderate his change, but in his
heighth of proſperity, layed open the baſeneſs of his inclination and condi-
tion, which before were either cupningly covered or craftily cloked from
being diſcovered; And ſerving a weak Ruler, in an eminent place, with an
ill mind, he made open ſale of his Princes honour; But the King willing to
connive at, or remit the offences, ſilently let the complaints flip, with a ſhort
audience and no examination, expreſſing himſelf thereby neither much grie-
A Subſidy de ved at the offences, nor well pleaſed with the complaint : A Subſidy is re-
quired, but anſwer was made, there was no rieed of it, ſince the Kings wants
might be furniſhed and ſupplied with his own debts due from the Chancellor,
if called in, neither was it if otherwiſe, to any purpoſe, to be granted ſo long
as the monies ſhould be iſſued by ſuch perſons as formerly had been, and was
likely to be again.
The complaints againſt the Chancellor are recontinued with that earneſt-
neſs, that the King is perſwaded, that it is neither for his Honour, or ſafety, to
juſtifie him; for to private men it is ſufficient, if themſelves abſtain from
wrong; but Princes muſt provide that none do wrong under them; For by
conniving and abetting the faults of their Officers, they make them too often
ſeem their own: and they will be objected againſt them, upon the firſt occa-
ſion. The importunity of both Houſes, wrought the Kings conſent to a
Commiſſion, to authorize divers Noble men, to hear and determine all grie-
vances and objections againſt the Chancellor ; Thereupon a Subſidy .is gran-
ted, but with Proviſo, that the money be diſpoſed of by the Commiſſioners
agreed upon, to the benefit of the Realm.
The King moved that the heirs of Charles Bloyes, who laid claim to the
Dutchy of Britain, ſhould be delivered to the French, upon the receit of
300co Marks by them to that purpoſe offered, the ſame to be delivered to
the Duke of Ireland, for the recovery of thoſe poſſeſſions the King had given
him in Ireland, which was aſſented unto, ſo as before the Feaſt of Eaſter
following the Duke ſhould depart thither, and there remain; at ſo high a
ners appoin rate they valued his riddance out of the Realm ; The charge of receit illu-
the Subſidy.
ing of the Subſidy, was committed to Richard Earl of Arundel.
The Duke of Gloceſter and the ſaid Earl, were made Commiſſioners con-
cerning the Earl of Suffolk, who by the Kings abſence is left to himſelf,
manded and
depicd.
Commiſſio
ied to receive
to
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
9
Treaturer re-
ز
to anſwer the objected miſdemeanours, whereof he made the Kings blind An. 1384.
favour his priviledge and protection, preſuming never to ſee that either al-
R.6.
tered or over-ruled : He is convict of many crimes, depoſed from his Of-
fice, his goods are confiſcate to the King, and himſelf adjudged to execu-
tion, which was ſubmitted to the Kings pleaſure, and under ſureties the Earl
of Suffolk was permitted to go at large.
John Fourd Bilh. of Durham,another minion of the Kings,is removed from The Lord
being Lord Treaſurer ; he was a man of little depth either in learning or moved by
judgement, only one that had the art of ſeeming, making a formal (hew of Parliament.
whatſoever he ſpake or did, and riſing from a poor eſtatc to ſo high a pitch
of honour: he too exceſſively exerciſed his ryot, and ambition, not able
to qualific the luſts and deſires his former wants had kindled.
This buſineſs blown over : the King returns to London, and preſently
receives the Earl of Suffolk, the Duke of Ireland, and the Archbiſhop of
York to greater grace and familiarity than before ; Theſe Triumvirs incenſe
the King againſt the Nobles, that were beſt deſerving, partly upondiſgraces
deſertfully done unto them; partly upon malicious emulation, to ſee others
ſo generally beloved (except of the King) and themſelves fo contemptible;
And that their private ſpleen might carry ſome ſhew of publick reſpect,
they ſuggeſted to the King, he was but half, yea not halt a King; For
(faid they) if we reſpect matters of State, you bear the ſword, but they
ſway it ; you have the ſhow, but they the authority of a Prince, uſing your
name as a colourable pretext to their proceedings, and your Perſon as a ci
pher to make their number the greater by the addition thereof, without
which they could be nothing, neither are you any thing more by being ſo
placed; Look you to the duties of your Subjects, and you ſhall find it is at
their devotion; for you cannot command nor demand, but with ſuch limitati-
ons and exceptions as they pleaſe to propoſe ; And for your private actions,
your bounty (the moſt to be obſerved good vertue in a Prince,) is reſtrain
ed, your expences meaſured, and your affections confined, to frown, ani
favour, as they ſhall pleaſe to preſcribe you. What Ward is ſo much under
government of his Guardian? Wherein will they, or can they more abridge
you: Except they ſhould take from you the place, as they have done the
power of a Prince ; And in this we think they inay juſtly be feared, ha-
ving ſo great might, and means to give wings to ambitious minds ; Power
is never tafe when it doth exceed: Ambition is like the Crocodile, growing
as long as it liveth ; or like the Ivy, which riſing at the foot, will overpeer
the higheſt wall; it is already grown from a ſpark, to a flame, and more
than time it is ſuch increaſe were ſtayed ; For ſuch over-ruling Princes pre-
ſage their overthrow, and ſuch cutting them ſhort hath turned to cutting
them off'; their minds are ſuſpicious, their power dangerous, and therefore
the opportunity muſt warily be prevented. The Kings youth, and weak-
neſs
, made him apprehenſive, and framed his mind to a full (but needleſs)
fear; he was much moved with the removal of his Chancellor, and
Treaſurer out of their offices, and the Duke of Ireland out of the Realm,
ſuppoſing it a reſtraint to his regal authority, not to have abſolute power in
all things, to give, and forgive, at his pleaſure; when theſe privy incenfers
perceived the Kings humor once ſharpned, they fo plied him with plauſi-
ble perſuaſions, that (though naturally he was of no cruel diſpoſition, yet
they drew him to many violent, and indirect courſes ) partly upon negligence
to ſearch out the truth, partly upon deliglit to be flattered, neither did they
lung
B 3
IO
The Life and Reign of Richard the Se. mnd.
R.9.
greater in Blood; Ireland in favour; this being Uncle to the
An. 1326. long defer their ſtratagem.. At firſt it was plotted, that the Duke of Glo-
R.6. ciſter and certain others of that part, ſhould be invited to ſupper in London,
and there made away, Sir Nicholas Brember, who had been late Mayor of the
City, whoſe abundance of wealth ſupplied the want of honeſt qualities in
him, was a buſie agent in that butcherly buſineſs; But Richard Exon then
Mayor, diſcovered the plot, and thereof warned the Dukt to avoid the
pre-
ſent peril
, and afterwards to be wary of the like.
An. 1387.
Richard Earl of Arundel, and Thomas Earl of Nottingham, commanded
at Sea the Kings Fleet, and took an hundred Sail of the Enemies Ships,
well fraught with Wines, and well appointed for Fight; they alſo relieved
and fortified Breſt, and demoliſhed two Forts the Enemies had placed
againſt it. The Earls in this ſervice for their Valour and Curtefie, gor great
reputation ; and their actions did by ſo much appear the more honourable,
by how much the infortunate inſufficiency of other Generals before by
whoſe cither raſhneſs, or cowardize, or both, many Souldiers had been de-
feated, and every year) had been famous before for one loſs or other. At
their return, the King more inclinable to revenge diſpleaſure, than reward
deſert, (for it is troubleſom to be grateful, but revenge is pleaſant, and
preferred before gain) entertained them with ſtrangeneſs of ſpecch, and
by his countenance ſeemed he was ill pleaſed for that they had deſerved ſo
well.
The King ac-
About this time the Duke of Ireland repudiated his Wife, whoſe Mother
companicth ( Iſabel ) was Daughter to Edward the Third, and took in her place a Vint-
ners Daughter a Bohemian. The King little regarded this indignity done un-
to his Couſin German (though by her often petitioned for redreſs.) And in
this fo great confuſion of State, let it paſs unreproved, as obſcured with
greater vices. But Gloceſter her Uncle took it in diſdain, as an indignity of
fered to the Blood Royal, and intended revenge, and ſo much did intimate
to the Duke of Ireland, who plotted under hand the deſtruction of Gloce-
ſter; the one openly and manlike perſecuted his enmity: but the other
cowardly and covertly, and therefore the more dangeroully; Gloceſter was
the Duke of
Ireland, 10-
wards Wales.
nearer and
King: that bearing himſelf as the Kings Fellow ; the one pretended all he
did for the honour of the State, the other for humour of the King; much
malice did paſs; but in oppoſition of ſuch equal powers, there is ſeldom
ſmall difference in harms.
The term aſſigned the Duke l’ear for his departure into Ireland is paſt,
and left his ſtay might breed ſome ſtir in England, he ſtill ſhewed hintelf
buſie for preparing for his journy, and at laſt (though long firſt,) madde a
ſhow of letting forth; the King went in great ſtate to accompany him to
Ship; and the Earl of Suffolk with Juſtice Treilian and the reſt of that lide
either for favour followed, or for ftar durſt not ſtay behind; together they
went to l'ales, and there the Dukes Iriſh journey was finiſhed. There they
debate in Councel, how the Lords might belt be ſurpriſed; many Plots
were invented, all that were worſt pleaſed well, without reſpect of danger
or diſgrace, but few ſtood without likelihood of event to their deſires, and
therefore none was fully concluded on; at length they leave Wales and come
to Nottingham Caſtle, where the high Sheriffs of every County are tim
moned to appear, and ſtrictly interrogated what ſtrength if necd ihould re-
quire, they were able to back the King with againſt the Lords ; the King
was generaliy anſwered that the Commons did ſo favour the Lords, and
were
.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
II
R.9.
1
were ſo well reſolved of their dutiful Love and Loyalty to their Soveraign, An. 1387.
that they durſt make promiſe of no power to be raiſed againſt them. Then
they were commanded to elect no Knights, Citizens, or Burgeſſes for the
Parliament, but only ſuch as the King ſhould approve; whereto they ſaid, it
was an hard matter in times of ſuſpect to rob the people of their ancient
privilege for chooſing Knights and Burgeſſes for the Parliament; and after
ſome few other matters which were either unſeaſonably moved, or unrea-
ſonably obtained, to ſmall purpoſe, the Sheriffs were licenſed to depart.
Then were aſſembled Treſilian Chief Juſtice of the Kings Bench, Belknap
Chief Juſtice of the Common Pleas, Holt, Stilthorp, Burgh, Juſtices of the
Common Pleas, men learned in Court-law, to pleaſe thoſe in higheſt place ;
theſe were charged upon their allegiance particularly to anſwer theſe pro-
poſitions.
1. Whether the Statute, Ordinance, and Commiſſion (meaning that gran-
ted againſt the Duke of Suffolk) ſet out the laſt Parliament, did derogate
from the Royal Prerogative of the King?
2. How they were to be puniſhed that did procure that Statute to be
Enacted ?
3. How they were to be dealt with that provoked the King to conſent
thereto?
4. What puni ſhment did they deſerve that compelled the King to yield
conſent?
5. What did they merit that reſiſted the King to exerciſe his regal autho
rity, in remitting or releaſing any penalties or debts due to him?
6. When a Parliament is aſſembled, and the affairs of the State, and
cauſe of convoking the Parliament declared, and Articles limited by the
King, upon which only the Lords and Commons ſhould meddle, the Lords
and Commons will proceed upon other and not thoſe by the King appointed,
until the King hath given anſwer to the other by them propounded; whe-
ther in this caſe the King ought to have the rule of the Parliament, and ſo to
order the fact, that the Lords and Commons upon the Articles limited by
the King; or that they ſhould firſt have anſwer of the King to the Articles
by them propounded before they proceeded any further?
7. Whether may the King at his pleaſure diſſolve the Parliament, and
command the Lords and Commons to depart?
8. Since the King may at his pleaſure remove any Officers and Juſtices, and
puniſh them for their offences, whether may the Lords and Commons, with
out his leave, accuſe his Officers and Juſtices in Parliament, yea or no?
9. What puniſhment have they deſerved who moved a Parliament, that
the Statute whereby King Edw. Carnarvan was depoſed, ſhould be brought
forth, by view whereof the laſt Statute and Commiſſion aforeſaid were
framed?
10. Whether the judgment given in the laſt Parliament againſt Michael
de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, were erroneous and revocable yea or no?
Theſe Propoſitions were drawn by the direction of the Chief Juſtice
Treſilian, to which the aforenamed Juſtices anſwer as followeth.
1. They did derogate from the Honour of the King, becauſe extorted
againſt his will.
2. 3. That they deſerved to be puniſhed by death, except the King in
mercy would remit.
4. 5. Worthy to be puniſhed as Traitors.
6. Who-
12
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
An. 1387.
6. Whoſoever reſiſteth the Kings rule in that point, was puniſhable as a
R.9.
Traitor:
7. That the King nay at his pleaſure diſſolve the Parliament, and whoſo
afterwards ſhall preſume to proceed againſt the Kings manifeſt will, as in a
Parliament, is worthy the puniſhment of a Traitor.
2. That they cannot; whoſoever doth the contrary, deſerves a Traitors
purshment.
Ø. As well the mover as the bringer of that Statute to the houſe, are wor-
thy the ſame death.
10. And laſtly, that the ſaid judgment ſeemed erroneous and revocable;
in witneſs whereof they with John Lockton the Kings Sergeant at Law ſub-
ſcribed, and founder their Seals at Arms ſent it.
When thoſe hard ſentences of Death and Treaſon were under general and
large terms thus faftoed upon the Lords, the King ſuppoſed his attempts
againſt them, whether by violence, or colour of Law, fufficiently warranted,
but his power both ways (as it was terrible againſt weak reſiſters, fo againſt
ſuch mighty defendants) was of ſmall force to effect that which he ſo much
affccted; yet he did not omit his beſt endeavours
, and firſt accounting the
Lords as condemned perſons, he made diviſion of their Lands and Goods
amongſt thoſe he favoured: then he waged Souldiers to be in readineſs for
his aſliſtance, and ferit the Earl of Northumberland to arreſt the Earl of A-
rundell at his Caſtle in Rygate, where he then lay; but he, either upon adver-
tiſement, or ſuſpicion of the Kings intent, bandied himſelf ſo ſtrong, that
when the Earl of Northumberland came thither to him, he diſſembled his
intent, and left his errand untold. The Duke of Glocefter having ſecret in-
telligence of the Kings diſpleaſure, and of his projects, ſent the Biſhop of
London to perſuade the King to entertain a more favourable opinion of him,
ſolemnly ſwearing unto the Biſhop, that he never intended any thing againſt
A good Office the King, either in perſon or ſtate: the Biſhop, not unskilful to joyn pro-
of the Biſhop fitable perſuaſions with honeſty, declared to the King, that the ground of
his diſpleaſure againſt the Lords was either by falle ſuggeſtions of their
enemies, or mil-conſtruction of ſome of their actions by himſelf. Then
declared he how deſirous they were of his grace and favour, how faithful
and forward they promiſed to perſiſt in all dutiful ſervice; and further in-
timated how honorable this agreement would be to the King, and how pro-
fitable to the Kingdom ; nay, which was above both, how pleaſing it would
be to God, and how diſplealing to him, and dangerous it would be to both
fides
, if theſe troubles ſhould increaſe. The King by this ſpeech ſeemed
inclinable to atonement; but De la Poole Earl of Suffolk, a turbulent
per-
ſon againſt quiet counſel, ſtanding near the King, quickly hardned his
mind againſt all impreſſion of friendſhip, by means whereof contention
arofa betwixt the Biſhop and the Earl, which violently brake out into heat
of words. The Earl reproached the Lords with the ordinary objection
againſt great Men (popularity and ambition:) ſparing no ſpight of ſpeech,
but uſing all Rhetorick to aggravate matters againſt them.
The Biſhop re
plieil, the Earl was thus fiercely bent, not upon any neceſſity of his own, or
reſpect unto the King, but only to facisfie his bloody and ambitious hu-
inour, wherein he was ſo immoderate, that rather than the Lords ſhould
not be de{troyed, he would overwhelm them with the ruins of the State.
For tunults might bu indeed raiſed by nin cf little courage like himſelf
,
but muſt be maintained by hizard, and ended with the loſs of the moſt
valiant:
of London.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
13
R.9.
valiant: that neither his counſel againſt what was deſired in this cauſe, was | An. 1387.
to be followed, (being the principal firebrand of the diſturbance ) nor his
complaints againſt any man in any thing to be regarded, being himſelf a
condemned perſon, and one that held his life, and livelihood, of the Kings
favourable mercy, wherewith the King was ſo exceedingly wroth, that he
commanded the Biſhop out of his preſence. The Duke of Gloceſter hear-
ing this, ſignifies the danger to the Earls of Arundel
, Warwick, and Darby,
inciting them to Arms: and thereupon they confederate themſelves, for a
common defence : For in ſo doubtful and ſuſpected peace, open war (ſaid
they) was the better ſafety. The King having intelligence of their cour-
ſes, indeavoured to prevent the Lords in joyning their Forces; and to that
end ſent ſome power, either to ſet upon the Earl of Arundel in his lodging,
or to intercept him in his paſſage to the Duke. But the Earl had marched
all night, before their coming; and ſo unencountred he came to the Duke,
with whom he found the Earls with a ſufficient company, as well to make
an attempt, as to ſtand upon reſiſtance. This much diſtracted the King;
being now in choice either to relent or reſiſt, much diſdaining the one,
and diſtruſting the other; his followers alſo were divided in counſel, ſome
fretting at the diſgrace, others fainting at the danger. The Archbiſhop of
Tork perſwaded with the King, that occaſion was now offered to thew
himſelf a King indeed. If he would raiſe a Royal Army; and by main
might, beat down the boldneſs of their preſumption. This was more rea-
dily adviſed, than done, faith another. The adverſaries Army is mighty, the
Commanders are great Men, both for courage and skill, and greatly favour-
ed by the Commons; whereby that which is accounted ſo ready pay, may
prove a deſperate debt: Therefore it were better with ſome ſhow of yield-
ing to enter into conditions of quiet, than by ſtanding upon too nice pun-
etilioes of Honor, to hazzard the doubtful event of battel, wherein the
King cannot joyn, but by his weakning; nor looſe without danger of his
undoing. There was preſent old Sir Hugh Linne, a good Souldier, but a ſhut-
tle brain, of whom the King in merriment demanded in this caſe what was
as he thought fitteſt to be done? Sir Hugh ſwore, blood and wounds, let us
charge home, and kill every mothers ſon, and ſo we ſhall make quick dif-
patch of the beſt friends you have in the Kingdom. This giddy anſwer,
more wayed with the King, than if it had been ſpoken in grave and ſober
ſort. And thus it often hapneth, that wiſe counſel is more ſweetly followed,
when it is tempered with folly: and earneſt is the leſs offenſive, if it be de-
livered in jeſt. In the end the raiſing of Arms is laid aſide, not as deſpleaſing
( being ſo agreeable to former proceeding) but as deſpairing to prevail
thereby. The Archbiſhop of Canterbury with the Biſhop of Ely Lord
Chancellor, were ſent unto the Lords, to underſtand the cauſe of their Al-
ſembly: Anſwer was made, that it was for the ſafety of themſelves, the ho-
nour of the King, and the overthrow of thoſe that ſought deſtruction of
both: but by the mediation of the Biſhops it was concluded, that the Lords
ſhould come before the King at Weſtminſter upon caution of his protection:
and there have publick audience, concerning their grievances. The Biſhop of
Ely giving private promiſe, faithfully to diſcover any danger he could def-
cry, who accordingly gave notice (a little before the Lords were appointed
to come,) of an await, that was purpoſed for their entrapping, at the place
called the Mews near London, adviſed them either to make ſtay, or to come
provided, but rather to make ſtay than to come forward, leſt further
provo-
14
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R.9.
ſent to the Ba.
rons.
.
R.10.
The Lord
Lords.
An. 1387. provocation might make reconciliation more difficult: whereupon they came
not at the time appointed. The King marvelling at their failance, demanded
The Biſhops of the Bilhop of Ely the cauſe: who boldly anſwered that the Lords found
want of true meaning; and that they neither did, nor durſt repoſe aſſurance
in the Kings words; which they apparently ſaw was but a means to enſnare
them. The King made the matter very ſtrange unto him, proteſting that he
was free from deceit both in conſent and knowledge: and preſently gave
command to the Sheriffs of London to go to that place, and to ſlay or take all
ſuch as they found there in wait ; whether this was but a countenance of his,
or whether he was not privy to the practice, it is not alluredly known, but
the matter was not falſe, but the place miſtaken. For Sir Thomas Tryvet, and
Sir Nicolas Bramber, had aſſembled divers arined men at Weſtminſter, to af-
ſault the Lords at their beſt advantage: but perceiving the diſcovery of their
plot, they ſecretly diffolved their company, and ſent them away.
Then the Lords upon new faith for their ſecurity, came to the King to
Weſtminſter, but brought a guard with them, ſo many as in a place where they
were entirely favoured, was able to defend them from any ſudden defeat. The
An. 1388. King upon their coming, entred into Weſtminſter great Hall, apparelled in
his Royal robes: and when he was placed in his feat, and compoſed himſelf
to Majeſty and State, the Lord Chancellor made a large Oration to the
fpccich to the Lords in the Kings name, wherein he declared the heinouſneſs of their of-
fence, and the greatneſs of their peril: how eaſie a matter it had been for the
King, to have levyed a power
ſufficient to have deſtroyed them, and yet for
the general ſpare of his Subjects blood, and in particular favour, to the Duke
and other Nobles, he made choice to encounter, and overcome them rather
by friendſhip, than by force, and therefore was willing not only to pardon
their riot, but alſo to hear their grief, and in a quiet and peaceable way to
redreſs them. The Lords for
anſwer, alledged the cauſe of their taking Arms,
to be, firſt, the neceſſity of their own defence; ſecondly, their true love
both to King and Realm, whoſe fame and fortune did daily decline, by means
of certain Traytors, who lived only by the diſhonour of the one, and decay
of the other, like moths in Books and Garments, that thrive by others loſs.
Thoſe whom they particularly challenged to be Traytors, were Robert Vear
Duke of Ireland, Nevill Archbiſhop of York, De la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Ro-
bert Treſilian Lord Chief Juſtice, Sir Nicholas Bramber, with certain others
more ſecret, but little better. And to juſtifie this their appeal, they threw
down their gloves, and offered themſelves to the tryal of the Combate.
The King replied, that oftentimes the cauſes of action being good, yet if
the means want moderation and judgment, the ends prove pernitious; and
therefore though theſe complaints ſhould be true, yet were theſe courtes
not tolerable, which did bear an open face of Rebellion, and by the licen-
tiouſneſs of the multitude might foon have ſorted to ſuch a period; for it is
more eaſie to raiſe the people than to rule them, whoſe fury, being once
ſtirred, will commonly be diſcharged ſome ways. But (ſaith he) ſince we
have broken this broil, we will not by combating, give occaſion of new;
but at our Parliament which I will inſtantly convoke, both you and they ſhall
be preſent, and Juſtice indifferently done to all. In the mean time I take you
all into my Protection, that neither of you ſhall endanger or endamage
other,wiſhing the Lords to remember, that as Princes muſt rule without limi-
tation, fo Chriſtian Subjects muſt uſe a mean in their liberty. Then he cauſed
the Dukes and the Earls, which all this while kreeled, to ariſe and go with
him
4
1 r 1 Y--
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
IS
R. 10.
Darbiy x
him into his private Chamber, where they talked together, and after with a , An. 1388.
moſt friendly farewel, he licenſed them to depart. They of the adverſe
part, were abſent at this meeting, and if they had not, it might have been
feared, the Kings preſence ſhould have been but a poor protection unto
them.
The Kings demeanour herein was divers ways cenſured; ſome argued
him fearful, others moderate and merciful, in preventing the effuſion of
his ſubjects blood. The Lords were well pleaſed with his good will and fa-
vour ; which as by baſe and ſervile means they would not ſeek, being thus
gotten, they did highly eſteem ; yet they thought it the ſafeſt courſe, not
to ſeparate themſelves, ſuſpecting the mutability of the King, and the ma-
lice of their enemies, of whom, neither knew they where they were, nor
what they did intend, and being perſons of great wealth, and
wealth, and greater power,
but molt bent to hurtful practiſes, they were feared not without cauſe. For
the Duke of Ireland, either by ſetting on, or ſufferance of the King, was all
this time muſtering of Souldiers in Cheſhire, or Wales, where he gathered an
Army, both f. r number, and goodneſs of men fufficient, if an. ther had
been General, to have carried aſide; whereof the Lords advertiſed, they
divided themſelves, and beſet the ways by which the Duke ſhould paſs to
London, with an intent to encounter him before he did increaſe his
power,
and countenance his action with the name of the King. The Earl of
met him, at a place called Babbelake near Burford, where the Earls Souldiers,
full of hearty courage, dilliking nothing more than delay, thinking loſs of
time was a procraſtinating of the victory, came on bravely. But the Duke
being mutinous, but not fit for action, apter to ſtir ſtrife, than ſtint it, upon
right of their approach would have fled: But Sir Thomas Mullineux, an ap-
proved Souldier, Conſtable of Cheſter, upon whoſe leading all the Country
men did depend, perſwaded the Dukethat this was but a part of the Forces,
led only by the Earl of Durby a man no way eminent; and if they could not
bear through that reſiſtance, it was in vain to expect any archievement of
honour by arms. Whereupon the Duke made ſtay, but his fuint ſpirits were
moved by this ſpeech, rather to delire victory than hope it ; his Souldiers alſo
were dull
, filent, and fad; and ſuch as were rather ready to interpret, than
exccute the Captains command. They joyned Battel, but ſcarce ten ounces
of blood was loſt on both ſides, before the Duke of Ireland fet ſpurs to his
Horſe, and forlook the field: his souldiers thereupon, mere out of indigna.
tion than tsar, refuſed their ranks: yielded to the Earl the honour of the
field; Sir Thomas Mullineux flying, was overtaken and llain by Sir I homos
Mortimer: the reſt ſubmitted themſelves to the diſcretion of the Congue.
rours, making them the Lords of their lives and death: yielding was no too.
ner offered, than accep ed by the Earl, who commande t that none ſhould
be reproached or ill intreated, but the obftinate: which was obeyed, the
Souldiers willing to ſhew favour to their Country-mens who were led into
this action, partiy upon ſimplicity, partly for company fake. The Gentlemen
and thoſe of the better fort, were retained by the Earl; the reſt unarmed,
were licenſed at their pleaſure to depart.
The Duke in his fight was enforced to take a River, and in the midſt of
the ſtream forſook his Horſe, and ſwam to the otherſide: and by the benefit
of the night eſcaped, firſt into Scotland, then into Flanders, and laſtly into
Fr.ince,fium whence he never returned; his horſe with his helmet and
lets with other abiliments of his were found; whereupon it was generally
conceived
gaunt-
TIS
1
1
16
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 10.
an
An. 1388. conceived that he was drowned; and as in great uncertainties it often hap
neth, ſome affirmed they ſaw him die with the manner thereof, which other
men, either glad to hear, or not too curious to ſearch, did eaſily believe. His
Trunk alſo was taken with certain Letters of the Kings therein, the con-
tents whereof were for his preſent repair to London, with all power and
ſpeed he could make, and the King would be there ready to die in his de-
fence, ſo unskilful was the Kings government, that to pleaſure a few, he did
not reſpect to give diſcontent to many. The Earl of Suffolk hereupon dif-
guiſed, fled to Calice, from whence he never returned; he was a cruel
ſpoiler, and a careleſs ſpender: in war contemptible, in peace inſupportable,
enemy
to all counſel of others, and in his own conceit wondrouſly wiſe,
obſtinately contentious, of a quick wit, and ready ſpeech, both which he
abuſed, to the cunning commending of himſelf, and crafty depraving of
others; he was leſs loved, but more heard of the King, than the Duke, the
more hurtful man, and the more hateful. The Duke being indeed guilty of
no great fault
, but the Kings exceſſive favour, in their courſe of good and
bad fortune, both of them alike famous.
This Duke of Ireland was Robert de Vere the fourth of that name, and
ninth Earl of Oxford; he married Philip the Daughter of Ingeram de Guif-
nes by Iſabel his wife, the Daughter of Edward the third, from whom he was
divorced, and took to his ſecond wife Lantegorine a Bohemian, of an un-
known Parentage, but died without iſſue.
This Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk married Iſabel Daughter of Sir 7.
Wingfield, and had iſſue five Sons, Thomas, William, Michael, Richard, and
John, and three Daughters, Margaret married to William Lord Ferrers of
Groby, Elizabeth and Anne.
The Archbiſhop of York, Juſtice Treſilian, and others of that faction ran
every man like Conies to their covert; yea, the King betook himſelf to the
Tower of London, and there made proviſion for his Winter abode, having
all his courſes now croſſed; firſt, by raſhneſs in taking of arms, and after-
ward by cowardlineſs in maintaining them.
The Earl of Darby fignified this ſucceſs to his Aſſociates by Letters, but
without vaunting : his ſpeeches alſo were moderate, rather extenuating than
extolling his fact, but by ſtopping his fame it increaſed; men eſteeming his
high thoughts by his humble words, and his conqueſt of greater attempts by
contempt of this. The Lords met and marched together to London, whi-
ther with forty thouſand men they came upon Saint Stepkens day, and firſt
they ſhewed themſelves in battel array, in the fields within view of the
King then encamped in the Suburbs. The Majur of London and his brethren
came forth and offered the Lords free entertainment within the City, but
not accepted. They give liberal allowance of victual and ncceflaries to the
Souldiers.
This diſcord ſeemed to draw to a dangerous diſtraction of the Common-
wealth, the vanquiſhed part being full of malice, and the Conquerors of
pre-
ſumption: the one wanting power, the other right to command and rule.
The Archbiſhop of Canterbury and certain others of the neutrality fear-
ing the ſequel, perſwaded the King to come to a treaty with the Lords;
but he made ſhew but of a ſlight regard he made of theſe dealings ; let them
(faith he) ſtay until their numerous power have wearied them, and eat out
their proviſion: and then we will find a time to talk with them at my
leaſure. But the Lords ſuſpecting the device, ſtopt all pallages, and beſet
the
$
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
17
R. 12.
neg.
}
the Thames: generally proteſting not to depart, without conference with | An. 1388.
the King face to face. The King having neither ſtrength to reſiſt
, nor room
to ſcape, conſented to a Treaty : And to that end deſired the Lords to
come to him into the Tower; bnt they refuſed that place of meeting, up-
on fear of falſe meaſure, until the King permitted them to ſearch dili-
gemly, and come as ſtrongly as they thought meet; then they came to the
King well guarded, and after a few cold Complements, and ſtrange Salutati-
ons, they laid before him his proceedings againſt them at Nottingham, his
Letters u bich he ſent to the Duke of Ireland, contrary to his word, for the
riling of Arms againſt them: His agreement with the French King for the
yielding up of Callice, and other ſtrong Holds which he had in pofleſion in
thoſe Parts, with divers other points of diſhonourable dealing, and
ligent Government. What ſhould the King then have done orlaid ? allthele
objections were ſo evident and evil, that there was no place left either for
denial or defence. Therefore ingenuoully firſt with ſilence and patience ,
afterwards with tears and dejected countenance, he confeſſed his errours
.
And certainly the ſtiff ſtomachs of the Lords, more relented to thoſe luke-
warm drops, than they would have done to his greateſt violence. A mee-
ting was concluded the next day at Weſtminster, there to treat of theſe and
other necellary affairs of the Realm: Then the Duke and the reſt of the
Lords departed, except the Earl of Darby, who ſtayed Supper with the
King ; and all time kept him in his propoſed reſolution: But when he was
allo
gone,
ſome of the abuſers of the King's care, ſuggeſted that his going
thither, was neither ſeemly nor ſafe, and would not only bring to his Perſon
prelent danger and contempt, but afterwards abaſement, and abridgment to
his Authority ; whereupon the King's mind turned. But the Lords being
now nettled, feeling the King's hand weak to govern the reins, became
the more violent, and ſent him word that if he did vacillate with them, and
not come according to agreement, that they would chuſe a new King, who
ſhould be more reſpective to his Nobility. This peremptory meſiage ſo
terrified the King, that he not only went thither, but permitted the Lords to
take their pleaſure; they cauſed him much againſt his liking to remove out of
the Court, Nevil Archbiſhop of Tork, Ford, Biſhop of Dareſme, the Biſhop
of Chicheſter the King's Confeſſor, the Lord Souch, the Lord Harmyworth',
Lord Burnell, Lord Beamont, Sir Alberick Vear, Sir Baldwyne Bereford, Sir
Richurd Alderbury, Sir John Worth, Sir Thomas Clifford, and Sir John Lovell,
taking caution of them for their appearance, at the next Seſſions of Parlia-
ment. And certain Ladies likewiſe were expelled the Court ,
under ſureties, the Ladies, Mowen, Moling, Poynings, wife to Sir John Worth.
They put under arreſt Sim;n Burly, William Ellingham, John Salisbury, Tho-
mas Trivet, James Bernis, Nicholas Dagworih, and Nicholas Bramber Knights;
Richard Clifford, John Lincoln, and Richard Motford Clerks; John Beachane
the King's private Purſe-bearer, Nicholas Lake Dean of the Chappel
, and
join Blake Barriſter, were all committed to divers Priſons, to be forth com-
ing at the next Parliament.
The Parliament began at London (though the King uſed many means to An. 1389.
daſh or deferr the fame) to which the Lords came attended with full
ſtrength, pretending to repreſs any ryot that might ariſe, but in truth by ter-
ror thercof to draw all the manage of affairs to themſelves. The Aſſembly
continued from Candlemas untill Whitfontide, with great fear of fome,
and hope of others, and expectation of all: There Treſilian by the Counceli
C
of
*
and went
R. 13.
X
.
18
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
riccs.
aded from the
An, 1389. of the Lords againſt the Kings mind, was condemned to be drawn and
R. 13. hanged; which judgment was preſently executed. The like paſſed againſt
Proceeding in and upon Nich. Bramber, John Salisbury, James Barns, John Beauchamp, and
againt Favou John Blake, Robert Belknap, John Holt, Roger Fult horpe,and Will. Burgh, which
laſt four were condemned to perpetual exile, though they oppoſed not, but
intermeddled by conſtraint, to ſubſcribe their opinions againſt the Lords.
Sir Simon Burly Captain of Dover Caſtle, was beheaded for conſpiring
to deliver the ſame to the Frenchmen; he was infinitely proud, equal to
the meaneſt in Virtue, but in Port and Bravery not inferior to any
Duke:
Divers others were put to death or exile, and ſome (as it hapneth when the
reins of fury are let looſe) without any great cauſe.
The modeſty The Earl of Darby promoved no mans puniſhment, but did labour the
of the Earl of Life and Liberty of many ; inſomuch that harſh language did paſs be-
Darby.
twixt the Duke of Gloceſter and him for ſo doing: whereby he purchaſed a
favourable opinion amongſt thoſe of the contrary part. There was then alſo
An Oath ex- an Oath exacted from the King (an Example without Preſident) to ſtand to
the Government of the Lords; and an Oath of the Subjects to be loyal to
King.
the King. The King in taking this Oath of the Lords, diſcovered his in-
ward conceit by his overt Countenance, looking pleaſantly on thoſe he
favoured, and frowningly on others; by which untimely diſcovery, he
made them more heedful, and himſelf more hateful : which was the occa-
ſion that afterward the revenge was prevented, which he ſo deſired, and
the miſchief was procured which he ſo little feared. Laftly, a Subſidy was
granted, and ſo the King coming (as it were) to capitulation, had allow-
ance of the Name of a King, and the Lords the Authority and Majeſty : So
the Contention for that time ceaſed.
The Year following, the King began to take upon him more Liberty and
Rule: And upon extreme diſdain, that both his Power and Pleaſure were
thus reſtrained, he bore a hard conceit againſt the partaking Lords, and ha-
ving aſſembled them in the Council Chamber, he demanded of the Lords,
of what years they took him to be ? Being anſwered that he was ſome-
what above One and Twenty; then (replyed he) I am of lawful Age to make
uſe of my Birthright, and to have the Regiment in my own hands; and
therefore you do me wrong to hold me ſtill under tutelage, as though the
condition of a King were harder than that of a Subject. This the Lords were
unwilling to grant, and more unable to deny, and therefore they either kept
ſilence, or ſpake to little or no purpoſe. Well, ſaid the King, ſince I am no
longer an Infant, I here renounce your Rule, and take upon me ſuch free
adminiſtration of the Juſtice of this Realm, as the Kings thereof, my Prede-
ceflors, heretofore lawfully uſed. And then commanding the Biſhop of Ely,
then Lord Chancellor, to reſign the Great Seal; which received, the King
put it up, and departed out of the Chamber; but returning, delivered the
fame to William of Wickham Biſhop of Wincheſter, thereby conſtituting him
Lord Chancellor : Other Officers he likewile diſplaced, placing others in
their room, partly to manifeſt his Authority, partly to ſatisfie his diſpleaſure.
He ſuſpended Gloceſter, Warwick, and others from his Privy Council
, and
took in their rooms ſuch as humor'd him more, but honour'd him leſs.
He (10.Octob.An. Regni fui 14.) Created John Beauchamp of Holt, Baron
Baro:as by Let- of Kedermijter by Letters Patents, before which time all Barons were cho-
ſen by Writ: it was ſuggeſted to the King, that the Duke of Glocester was
raiſing a power againſt him, which the King in private queſtioned the
Duke
An. 1390.
R. 14
t
Creation of
t
ters Patents.
.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
19
R.
14.
í
Duke about ; but upon examination it was found a tale; the Duke would not | An. 1390.
have pocketted up ſuch dangerous reports, but that the Kings either delight-
ing to be tickled with ſuch falſe rumors, or upon ſome particular deſire to
pick a quarrel to the Duke, upon his Allegiance injoyns him not to expoſtu-
late the matter, or to queſtion the reporters.
The Citizens of Geneva implore aid againſt the Barbarians of Africk. The
King ſends a Company of choice Souldiers under the conduct of Henry Earl
of Darby, who wish'them paſſed into France, and there joyned with the
French Forces, when with might and minds united, they failed together into an expediti-
Africk; at their arrival the Barbarians were ready on the ſhore to impeach on foto Burbs-
their landing; but the Earl commanded his Archers to beat the Enemy from "y.
the ſhore, while he landed his other Forces. The French ſeconded the Eng-
liſh; and ſo whilſt both Companies contended, the one to be accounted an
help, and the other to ſeem to need no help: The Enemies were forced to
Alie and leave the ſhore to the Chriſtians. In this conflict were ſlain and
taken ſeven Dukes of the Barbarians, and an infinite number of common
people. The Chriſtians márched directly to Tunis, which they laid ſeige to,
and in ſhort uime toek; the Engliſh firſt skaled the Walls, and reared there
on the Engliſh colours. In this City were taken and llain, above four thou-
ſand Barbarians; the Kings brother alſo was flain, but he himſelf fled into
the Caſtle which was ſtrongly ſited, well fortified and furniſhed with men
and an:unition ſufficielt for a competent number, for ſome good
good ſpace.
This they belieged by the ſpace of ſix weeks, in which ſpace they loſt
many
of their men by ſicknef; the Barbarians alſo were diſtreiled for want of
beverage, having too too many unprofitable mouthes to conſume it: They
ſent to the Chriſtians to deſire peace, offering them a great ſum of money
to depart their Country. This was accepted upon condition, that they
might freely carry with them all their prey and priſoners, and that the Bar-
barians ſhould from thenceforth furceaſe pillaging the Coaſts of Italy and
France. This voyage had a proſperous and ſpeedy end: The only ſervice
which the Engliſh and French performed together without breach of amity
or jar in good quarter keeping.
About theſe times certain diſcontentments grew betwixt the King and the
Londoners, which ſet the favour of the one, and the faith of the other at
great diſtance: The one was denying of the King the loan of one thou.
fand pound (though offered to be lent by a Lombard, which received but
a harſh language for his forwardneſs; ) another came upon the neck of that
thus: one of the Biſhop of Salisburies ſervants, took a loaf of horſe-bread
out of a Bakers basket in the open Street, and by the rude demand of the
one, and the rough denial of the other, choler was kindled, and the Ba-
kers head bled: the neighbours would have ſtayed the Biſhops man, but he
fled into the Biſhops houſe: The Conſtable came and demanded a peace-
able delivery of the offender: The Biſhops men ſhut the Gates and made
reſiſtance; then niany threatned to fire their way, and began to uſe vio-
lence; but the Mayor and Officers upon notice, preſently repaired thither,
and partly by perſuaſions, that it was not courage,
but outrage
ſhewed, and chiefly by their Preſence and Authority, they repreſſed the
multitude, and preſerved the Kings peace for that time: hitherto the harm
was but ſmall
, and all might have been quieted without much ado, had not
the Biſhop kindled the fuell of unkindneſs afreſh; for the Londoners were
not only ſecretly ſuſpected, but openly noted to be favourers and followers
C2
of
A
that they
x Х
"In -
20
The Life and Reign of Richard the Secorid.
41. 1392. fot Hicklitt's but then new broched opinions, for which doing they were
R.16. much maligned by the Clergy, eſpecially by Jolin Biſhop of Salisbury Lord
Treaſurer, who made a grievous complaint hereof to Thomas Archbiſcop
of York, and the Lord Chancellor affirming, that if upon every light pre-
ter:ce, the Citizens might be ſuffered in this fort to infult upon the Biſhops,
without reproof and puniſhment, they would bring into hazzard not only
the Dignity and State, but the liberty alſo of the whole Church. Hereupon
thy went to the King and ſo incenſed his diſpleaſure againſt the Citizens
(being prepared thereto by former provocations) that he was once reſolved
to make ſpoil of the City, and utterly raze it: But being perſuaded to ſome
more moderation in revenge, he cauſed the Mayor, Sheriffs
, and Aldernen
to be convented, who were at firſt reſolved to have juſtified their innocency;
and to that end had plighted faith cach to defend o her; but there was fall-
hood in fellowſhip, and one peached the other, and were all committed to
priſon, and then all the liberties of the City were ſeized and taken into his
own hands, ordaining, that no Mayor ſhould from thence forth be elected,
but it ſhould be at his pleaſure to appoint a Warden: This Office was firſt
conferred upon Sir Edward Darlirgton, who for his gentleneſs towards the
Citizens, was ſhortly removed, and Sir Buldmyne Radington, a man of a more
rugged diſpoſition, placed in his room. The King likewiſe induced by the
Archbiſhop of York, did remove the Terms and Courts of Juſtice from
Lordon to be kept at York, where they continued from Midſummer, Anno
1393. until Ckrijin:aſs following, to the great hindrance of the Citizens of
The privi London. At laſt, the King at the earneſt entreaty of the Dukes of Lancaſter
liders of in and Gloceſter, callid the Lordörers before him to ll’indſor, and there he cau-
to the kings ſed a'l their privileges of the City', both old and new, to be brought forth,
hinds, arc whereof he reſtored line and riſt:ained the reſt that might prove any way
abridged, and
advantagious un.( him: Nevertheil the Londoners were not fully received
to favour, neither recovered they at that time, the Title or dignity of their
Mayor. But ilzortly after tile King come to London, where the Citizens en
tertained him wjib ſuch ſhovs of triumphs, and rich preſents, as if it had
becn the day of his Coronation ; for ihey.ſuppoſed with their courtelies
and coſt, to have removed his diſpleaſure; yet were they not fully reſtored
to their liberties again, until they had paid ten thouſand pound. Thus did
thưy manifeſt in themſelves a ſtrange diverſity of diſpoſition, the Inferiors li-
centioully to commit offence, and the Superiors patiently to endure puniſh-
ment; having raihneſs and rage tempered with obedience: ſo were they at
laſt eaſily punihed, that could not at firſt poſſibly be ruled. The King paf-
A intervenew fed over to Callice; the King of France came down to Arde; between the
Kings of
two Towns, a place was appointed and Tents created for the Kings meeting,
where after interchange of complement and expences, a cellation of Arms
England.
between them for thirty years was concluded: And the King eſpouſeth Iſa-
bel the French Kings Daughter, of the age of eight years. The Duke of
Gloceſter was fo offended, both with the Match and Truce, that he loſt all
patience, exclaiming that it was more meet to be in Arms than amity with
the French, who bring inferior to the Engliſh in courage, did ever out-
reach them in craft: and being too weak for var, did ofrentimes prevail
by peace. That the French Kings Daughter (being but a child) was an
unmeet Match for King Richard, as well for the diſparity of age, as for
that the King had no illue by his firſt Wife, and was not like to have any
by this, except perhaps in his old age: But when the Duke law his
argu-
part restored.
1
between the
France and
ments
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
2 I
R. 17
R. 20.
ments would not avail ought, he ſuborned the Londoners to make petition | An. 1393.
to the King, that ſeeing there was peace with France, he would releaſe, .
them of the Subſidie, which was granted unto him in the laſt Parliament in
reſpect of thoſe warres to have been maintained. This fuit was by them
importunately followed, and much perplexed the King, untill at length the
Duke of Lancaſter aflured them, that the procuring of this peace, had ſpent
and loſt the King three hundred thouſand pounds, wherewith they were pa-
cified, though not well pleaſed.
Guido Earl of Saint Paul
, was ſent by King Charles to viſit and ſalute in An. 1396.
his name, King Richard and his Queen Iſabel ; To this Earl, the King did
relate with what fervency Gloceſter contended to diſturbthe peace, be-
twixt England and France, and that becauſe his opinion was not therein fol.
lowed, he moved the people to feditious attempts
, bending himſelf whol-
ly to maintain diſcord in his own Countrey, rather than not at all; he further
reported what ſtiff ſtrife the Duke in former times had ſtirred, which how-
ſoever they were done, yet as they were delivered, ſounded harſh and odi-
ous:Whereupon, the Earl replyed, that the Duke was too dangerous a Sub- The Earl of
ject to be permitted to live: that greatneſs was never ſafe, if once it grew vice to the
exceſſive and bold : That the King ought not to affect the poor commen-King-
dation of Clemency with his own peril, and that it touched him both in
honour, to revenge the diſgrace which he had by him formerly received: and
in policy to prevent the dangers which he had ſome cauſe to fear. This
fet ſuch an edge on the Kings diſpleaſure, that from thenceforth he buſied
his brains about no one thing more than how to bring the Duke to his end.
Whereupon, he begun to pry more narrowly into his deportment, to watch
his words, to obſerve his actions, and to interpret them to the worſt, framing
unto himſelf many vain, and needleſs fears: often would he to the Dukes
of Lancaſter and York complain of the Duke of Gloceſters averſneſs in
actions, and croſſneſs in ſpeech; whoſe anſwer thereunto was, that their
brother indeed was more vehement than they could commend yet.his fierce-
neſs was joyned with faithfulneſs
, and his croſineſs proceeded from care,
leſt the Common-wealth ſhould decreaſe either in honour or pofleffions:
and therefore the King had neither cauſe to fear or diſlike him. The King
ſeemeth to approve of their anſwers, and to be ſatisfied, that Gloceſter was
what they reported him. And in the mean time Lancaſter and York with-
drew themſelves to their private houſes : The Duke of Gloceſter alſo went to
Plafhey in F ſex. Upon this accidental ſeparation, the King entred into Coun-
fel with John Holland Earl of Huntington, his brother by the Mothers ſide,
and Thomas Moubray Earl of Nottingham, how the Duke of Glocefter might
be ſuppreſſed; the cruelty which was but wavering (nay wanting in the
King) was foon confirmed by evil advice, and being once thereby inclina-
ble to blood, he did not fail either of lewd example of vile action to fol-
low, or direction of cruel counſel what to do. The plot is contrived, and
according thereunto the King and the Earl of Nottingham ride together
into Ellex, as though they went or hunting: When they were in the Forreſt,
the Earl with a ſelected troop made ſtay in the Forreſt, while the King
with a ſmall and unſuspected train came to Plafhey, and thereby the Duke
of Glocrſter was lovingly entertained and freely feaſted, pretending action The Duke of
of preſent return; the King deſires the Duke to accompany him to London, Glocefter be-
the Duke ſuppoſing that only to be intended indeed, which was in words trayed.
and ſhew pretended, went to horſe-back with the King, with a very finall
company
C3
1
22
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
An. 1396 | company, appointing the reſt to follow him to London. They pleaſantly rode
R. 18. together in familiar conference, until they came near the Earls Ambuſca-
do, and then the King ſuddenly put ſpurs to his horſe; the Duke following
eaſily, was ſuddenly intercepted and ſtayed, and with violence hurryed tothe
Thames ſide, and there blind-folded, unvoluntarily ſhipped, and conveyed to
Callice. The next day the King did invite the Earl of IVarwick to dinner, and
gave him gracious countenance, but in his return he was arreſted and ſent to
priſon; and ſo a double breach of hoſpitality is committed: when feaſted by
the Duke of Gloceſter the Hoſt is committed, and feaſting the Earl of War-
wick the Gueſt is impriſoned. In the like manner was the Earl of Arundel
and his Son entrapped and impriſoned. In the Iſle of Wight, the Common-
people having notice of the apprehenſion of theſe three Noble men (whom
they only affected) were in a great confuſion, and there then wanted but a
head, to draw them to commotion; every man murmured,and during no fur-
ther, ſtood waiting for one to lead them the way, every one being ready to
follow, that which any one was loth to begin. The Dukes of Lancaſter and
York upon information of theſe ſtrange proceedings, gathered a ſtrong Ar-
my, and came therewith to London, where they were readily received by the
Citizens, contrary to the Kings expreſs command. But this ſeemed to be a
guard to themſelves, rather than a regard to other. The King lay within
four miles of London, with a great power of armed men drawn out of Che-
Shire and Wales; and to pacifie the people, cauſed to be proclaimed, That the
foreſaid Lords were not queſtioned upon any old diſpleaſures, but for of-
fences lately committed : and for which they ſhould be orderly appealed by
the courſe of Law, and receive open and legal tryal in the next Parliament
preſently to begin. The like meſſage was ſent to London to the Dukes, to
whom the King made faith, for the lafety of their perſons
, and indemnity of
their goods, and that nothing ſhould be done without their privity and ad-
vice; all this was as raſhly believed, as readily given out. Whereupon, the
Dukes difſembled their feares, and diſlolved their forces, in expectancy of
what would enſue. The Parliament began at London, wherein Sir John Buſhay,
Sir William Bagot, and Sir Henry Greene, were principal Agents for the Kings
purpoſe. Theſe were the Kings chief Schoolmaſters, both of cruelty and de-
ceit:they were proud, ignorant, and ambitious, and preſuming on the Kings
favour, profeſſed themſelves enemies to the antient Nobility, to the end,
that being but Muſhrumes lately ſtarted up, they might become famous, by
maintaining contention with greater perſons. At firſt, by their importunate
travel
, eſpecially of Sir John Buſhy, who had procured himſelf to be made
Speaker of that Parliament, all the Chartels of pardon formerly granted by
the King, were in this Parliament annulled. The Prelates preceiving the in-
tention of drawing divers of the Nobility, and others in queſtion for their
lives, did Conſtitute Sir Henry Piercy their Procurator, and depart the houſe,
becauſe they might not be preſent at judgement of blood. Then the Earls
of Arundel and Warwick were arraigned for thoſe offences for which they
were formerly pardoned, and thereupon were condemned to be hanged,
drawn, and quartered; but the King ſo moderated the ſeverity of this len-
tence, that the Earl of Arundel was only beheaded, and the Earl of War-
wick committed to perpetual impriſonment in the Iſle of man; It was
Gloceſter mur thought a point of policy and peace, not to bring the Ďuke of Gloce-
ſter to publick tryal, but ſecretly to put him to death, and ſo he was ſtrang-
led between two feather-beds, by the appointment of Nottingham Earl
Marſhall
thered, not
exccured.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
23
R. 20.
tyr.
Marſhall of Callice; which death howſoever it might be thought to him, An. 1396.
deſerved, yet dying as he did not legally called or heard, he may be truly
ſaid to die guiltleſs. Thomas Archbiſhop of Canterbury was likewiſe there
accuſed for executing the Commiſſion againſt Michael de la pool; for which
cauſes his temporalities were ſeized, his lands and goods forfeited, and he
himſelf adjudged to exile, and to depart the Realm within ſix weeks.
The Lord Cobham was baniſhed into the Ille of Gernſey, and Sir Regi-
nold Cobhan condemned to death, not for any attempt againſt the King,
but becauſe he was appointed by the Lords to be one of his Governours
,
in the eleventh year of his Reign: Now the King fallly ſuppoſing him-
ſelf free from danger, and that the humour againſt him was clean pur-
ged away, conceived more ſecret content than he could openly bewray, as
more able to dillemble his joy than conceal his fear, being ſo blinded and
bewitched with continual cuſtom of flatteries, that he perceived not, That
the ſtate of a Prince is never ſtabliſhed with cruelty, nor confirmed by craft.
The common people were much diſmayd, having now loſt their only helps,
and hopes, as well for private affairs, as ſupport of the publick ſtate: The
Plebeians were much incenſed againſt the King: And to make their deaths The Earl of
ſeem the more foul, the Earl of Arundel hath the reputation of a Mar- Arundel fup-
pored a Mar-
tyr, and Pilgrimages are made to the place of his interrment; yea, ir went
for currant likewiſe, that his head was miraculoully joyned to the body :This
being generally affirmed, but without any ground; the Corps therefore are
taken up ten dayes after the burial; and findingthe ſame to be fabulous, the
King cauſed the ground to be paved, where the body was laid, publickly
forbidding all further ſpeeches thereof afterward to be uſed : But this ré-
ſtraint raiſed fame the more, and they, that if it had been lawful, would
have been ſilent, being now forbidden, could not forbear to talk.
The King Createth five Dukes : Henry Earl of Darby, was created Duke An. 1397
of Hereford; Edward firſt Earl of Rutland, was created Duke of Ammerlo R.
and Corke in Ireland, Thomas Holland the Earl of Kent, was created Five Dukes
Duke of Southry; Sir John Holland Earl of Huntington, was created
Duke of Exceter; John Lord Moubrey Earl of Nottingham, was created
Duke of Norfolk. This Title of Honour long time after the Conqueſt,
amongſt the Normans (whoſe chiefeſt Rulers had no greater Title) was
accounted too high for a Subject to bear : the form of the R. P. being fra-
med by the Conquerour, far from equality of all, and yet the King exempt-
ed from a like eminency of any. The King likewile created Margaret,daugh-
ter and heir of Thomas Brockerſon, Counteſs of Norfolk, Dutcheſs of
Norfolk; John Bewfort Son of John of Gaunt, Earl of Sommerſet, was
created Marqueſs of Sommerſet; Thomas Lord Spencer, was created Earl
of Gloceſter ; Ralph Lord Nevill, was created Earl of Weſtmerland;
William Lord Scroope, Son of Richard Lord Scroope, Lord Chancellor,
was created Earl of Wilts; Sir Thomas Piercy Vice-Chamberlain, was
created Earl of Worceſter; Amongſt whom was made a diſtribution of a
great part of the Lands of the Duke of Gloceſter, and of the Earls of A-
rundel and Warwick, ſuppoſing by this double bounty of Honour, and
mcans to maintain it, to have tied them with a double obligation of duty
and affection; but hired friends for the moſt part are ſeldom either ſatisfied,
or ſure, but like the Ravens in Arabia, that fullgorged, have a tuneable ſweet
record ; but empty, ſcriech horribly.
The Duke of Hereford, as it were to raiſe his deſires to his dignities, ei-
ther
I.
created.
Х
X
24
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
----
R. 21.
the Govern-
1
An. 1397. {ther upon the diſdain of the undeſerved favo!irs and advancement of ſome
perſons about the King, or dilliking that his Soveraign ſhould be ſo abuſed
Herefords and abaſed by ſuch, or elſe to make known his own fufficiency, in matters of
complaint of
controlęment, and direction, one day having familiar conference with the
ment' to Nor. Duke of Norfolk, complained that the King too much undervalued the
folk.
Princes of the blood Royal, and much diſcouraged the reſt of the Nobility
from intermedling in publick affaires. That inſtead of theſe, he was wholly
guided by a few new-found, and new-fangled Favourites, of dunghill-breed,
of baſe qualities, having no ſufficiency, either for Counſel for peace, or Cou-
rage for War, who being of all men both the inolt unhoneſt, and moſt una-
ble, which hatefulneſs of the one, and contempt of the other, were general-
ly deſpiſed in all the Realm, whereby the Honour of the Kings perſon was
much blemiſhed; for ungrate and ungracious adherents to a King, are always
the path to hatred and contempt. Secondly, the ſafety of his eltate might be
endangered ; for extraordinary favours to men of apparent weak or bad de-
ſert, doth breed infolency in them, and diſcontentment in others, two dange-
rous humours in a Commonwealth. Thirdly, the dignity of the Realm
was much impaired, whoſe valour and ſucceſs being guided by the ill ſuc-
ceſs of ſuch unlucky Leaders, ſtood never in the like doubts of danger and
diſtreſs, as now it did, forhat matters of peace were tumultuous and uncer-
tain, and archievments in War were never brought to honourable conclu-
ſions: And that it was high time that the King ſhould look unto them, for
the Nobility grew out of heart, the Commons out of hope, and all the peo-
ple were fallen into a diſcontented murmuring. And this he affirmed, he
ſaid, not for any grudge to any particular perſon, but for grief for the pub-
lick grievance, and good will to his Soveraign, and there fore deſired the
Duke, who was one of the King's Cabinet Counſel, to diſcover unto him
theſe deformities and dangers, that by repairing the one, he might happily
repel the other. Theſe words procured to the Duke of Hereford, both great
offence
, and great glory. At the delivery whereof the Duke of Norfolk
made ſhew of good liking, well approving them, and made promiſe of fin-
cere dealing therein, And had they afterward by him been as faithfully re-
lated, and by the King as friendly taken, as they were freely and friendly in-
tended, many miſchiefs had been avoided; but both failed. For though the
Duke of Norfolk had formerly ſided with the Lords: yet afterwards, af-
fecting rather to be lifted amongſt great, than good men, he made ſale of
his Honour, with his honeſty, to nurſe his pleaſure, and hold grace with the
King ; wherein he was ſo ſeated, that the murthering of the Duke of Gloce-
ſter, and the execution of the Earl of Arundel, was committed principally
to his care and charge; and now the more to wind himſelf into the Princes
favour, he exaggerated the late relation, and intermixed with ſome truth,
many lies
, making the truth ſeem worſe than it was ; whereby the King not
enduring the ſearching of his fores by any private obſerver, endeavoured ra-
ther to puniſh the boldneſs, than examine the truth of theſe
reports, his ears
being ſo dulld with continuation of Flatteries, that he accounted all too
ſharp,that was but favoury, approving only that which was preſently pleaſant,
though afterwards it proved moſt poiſonous. This obſervation from hence
may ariſe, that no ſtrange accident doth at any time happen, but it is ſome
way, either foreſhown, or foretold. But becauſe theſe warnings are oftentimes
either not marked, or miſconſtrued, or contemned, the events are accounted
inevitable, and the premonition vain. The King being touched with one
Duke
The Life arid Reign of Richard the Second.
25.
Duke, and tickled by another, was not at firſt reſolved what to do. Ac | An. 1397.
length he convokes the Dukes before his Councel, demands of Norfolk if R. 21:
he would publickly avouch what he had ſecretly ſuggeſted: Norfolk think-
ing it at that time no point of wiſdom, to ſhrink from, or ſhuffle in his tale,
repeated with a confident brow, all what ſo ever he had formerly related.
But the Duke of Hereford who could not be daſht out of countenance, when
he was in a good cauſe, after a ſhort pauſe, as ſeeming rather amazed at the
ſtrangeneſs of the matter, than abaſhed at the guilt, humbly thanked the
King that he had not given over-haſty credit to matters of ſuch tender touch,
defiring him to continue yet a while, the reſpite of his diſpleaſure, and to
reſerve his judgment from prejudicating. Then he orderly repeats the truth
of the paflages in the primer conference, the occaſion and the end thereof;
and what was related more than what he now repeated, he reſolutely denies,
affirming it fallly furmiſed by his adverſary, either uçon malica to pick a
quarrel, or ſycophancy to pick a rhank, for which he pronounced him a
falſe unworthy forger of ſcandalous and ſeditious lies, thereby treacherouſly
machinating to reduce the King, to deſtroy his Nobility, and to raiſs fome
diſturbance in the Kingdom; which ( by his Suveraigns reimillion) he
offered to juſtifie againit him, by Order of the Field; Norfolks (tomacknot
inured to undergo fcorns, could not digeſt thife ternis of diſgrace, but
ſtifily ſtood in defence of his relation; and für the maintaining chereof,
accepted and craved the combate. The King made thew as though he
would have other ways quieted the contention; but when the Dukes per-
ſevered reſolutely; to demand the trial by Duell, and that thereupon they
had flung down their gages : The King gives way theriunto, aſſigns the
place at Coventry, the time, the month of Auguſt following, agamit which
time preparation was made accordingly. At the day prefixed the parties ap-
peared, well affociared with Friends and Allies : The Duke of Armrle was
appointed for that time high Conſtable; the Duke of Surry high Marſhal,
who came to the Liſts honorably attended in ſutable liveries, each of their
ſervants carrying Tip-ſtaves, for clearing the field and ordering thereof.
About the time of prime, the Duke of Pureford mounted upon a white
Courſer, his Capariſon of blew and green Velvet, embroidered thick with
Swans and Antelops, armed at all points with his ſword drawn, approacheth
the Lifts: To whom the Conſtable and Marſhal addreſſed themſelves, ma.
king demand who he was: He anſwered, I am Henry Duke of Hereford,
and am come to do my devoire againſt Thomas Monoray Duke of Norfolk,
as a Traytor to God, the King, the Realm, and Me. And then taking his
Oath upon the Evangeliſts that his quarrel was right and juſt, he deſired li-
berty to enter; which granted, he put up his Sword, pulled down his Bever,
ſigned himſelf on the fore-head with the Croſs,taketh his Spear, and paſſing
the Barriers, diſmounted and ſat down in a chair of green Velvet, placed
in a Travers of green and blew Velvet, at one er.d «f the Liſts. King
Richard enters the field with great pomſ, accompanied with the Earl of
Saint Paul, who came purpoſely out of France to ſee the Combate. The King
was attended with all his Nobles and a guard of ten thouſand men in Arms,
to prevent all ſudden and finiſter tumults
. His Majeſty being ſeated, a king
at Arms makes proclamation in King Richards name; that no man, except
ſuch as were appointed to marſhal the field, ſhould touch any part of the
Liſts, upon pain of death; which ended, another Herald cryath: Behold
here Henry of Lancaſter, Duke of Hereford Appellant, who is entred into
the
23
The Life aid Reion of Richard the Second. ,
An. 1377.
R.21.
he Liits fiosal, to do his devoire. againſt Thomas Moubray Duke of Nor-
lolk, up:n pain to be accounted falſe and recreant.
Wen the Duke of Norfolk mounted the Capariſons of his Horſe of crim-
ſon Velvet, embroidered with Lions of lilver, and Mulberry-trees proper :
taking his oath before the Conſtable and the Marſhal, that this quarrel was
just and true, entred the field,crying aloud, God aid the right; and then light-
ed from his Horſe, placing himſelf in a chair of crimſon Velver, oppolite at
the other end of the Liſts. The Marſhal viewed their Spears, and carried the
one himſelf to the Duke of Hereford, and ſent the other by Sir Alberick
Trufjell to the Duke of Norfolk: This done, Proclamation was made to ad
dreis themſelves to the encounter. The Dukes ſpecdily mounted, and clo-
fed their buvers, caſting their Spears into their reſts: when the Trumpets
ſounk d, and the Duke of Hireford put his Horſe forward. But before Nor-
folk ſtirred, the King caſt down his Warder, and the Combatants had their
Spears taken from them, and returned to their Chairs, where they remained
by the ſpace of two hours, whilſt the King was in Councel: At laſt Sir John
Banray (afier ſilence proclaimed ) read their doom, which was, that in as
much as the Dukes Appellant and Defendant had honorably appeared in the
Royal Liſts, and were not only ready, but forward to detain the Combate:
For that this was a buſineſs of great Conſequence, for the avoiding the effu-
(10:1 of Chriſtian blood, the King by the advice of his Councel, had decreed
ihat Henry Duke of Hereford ſhould within fifreen days, depart the Realm,
and within the ſpace of ten years not to return, upon pain of death, with-
out the Kings ſpecial leave firſt obtained: Then upon a ſecond Proclama-
mition, the Secretary pronounced the decree of Baniſhment againſt the
Duke of Norfolk, for that he had uſed ſeditious words, whereof he could
produce no proof; and that the King ſhould take the revenews of his land,
until he was ſatisfied of ſuch ſums of money, as he had received out of the
Kings Coffers, for the payment of the Garriſon of Callice : And he further
faid, That the King commanded upon pain of his high diſpleaſure, that no
man from thenceforth ſhould preſume to petition the King in behalf of
either of thoſe Dukes, to alter this Decree. The ſentence thus read, the
King called the exiles before him, and took of them a ſolemn oath, that
they ſhould never converſe together, nor willingly come into each others
company, leſt common diſcontent ſhould draw firſt reconcilement, and af
ter de fire of revenge. But this policy is ever weak to prevent ſuch purpo-
ſes; for oaths are often ſpurned aſide, when they lye like rubs, to ſtop the
way to honour, or revenge: Therefore the Princes of this Realm, have with
more ſafety for the moſt part, aboliſ:ed the uſe of abjuration, and either
by death extinguiſh the power, or by pardon alter the will of great offen-
ders from entring into deſperate and dangerous attempts, which men in miſe
ry and diſgrace, with more vehemency begin, and with more obſtinacy
continue. When the Samnites had ſo encloſed the Roman Legions, that they
had neither ſpace to fight, nor means to flye, and without fight had enforced
them to yield: they ſent for advice to one Pontius, an ancient Ruler of their
State, what to do with them : His anſwer was, That the Romans ſhould be
permitted to depart without loſs, or deriſion. But this not pleaſing thoſe
that were cither cruel or covetous, Pontius was the ſecond time conſulted
with: whole anſwer then was, That the Romans ſhould be generally ſlaugh-
tered, and not one ſpared: This contrariety of advice, brought Pontius into
ſulpition of dotage; which he ſuſpecting, came in perſon, and maintained
both
VYRI
LL TWINITY
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
i
R. 21.
both to be advantageous: The firſt by an unexpected favour,might provoke | Ali. 13;
the Romans to a perpetual friendſhip; the ſecond would defer the Wars för
many years: The third, Counſel (quoth he) there cannot be given, that
may be ſafely followed : Yes, ſay the Samnites, to grant them their lives
,
but to take away their Arms and Booty. This is a way, replies old Pontius,
which can neither win Friends, nor weaken Enemies, but may increaſe fury,
but not diminiſh force: So that that courſe of puniſhment is out of courſe,
which doth neither reclaim the mind of man, nor reſtrain the might from
miſchievous endeavours.
The Duke of Norfolk with great grief and perturbation of mind, now
proving it to be true, that Greatneſs abuſed by whiſpering untruths, draw-
eth, if diſcovered, certainty of deſtruction, departed into Almaine : and
from thence travelled to Venice, where ſhortly after he ended his days. It is
obſerved that this Duke was baniſhed the ſame day of the year, wherein
the Duke of York by his contriving, was ſtrangled at Calice.
The Duke of Hereford took his leave of the King at Eltham, where four
years of his exilement were ſtrook off. The Dukes deportment was with
that moderation, that in his Countenance he made ſhew neither of ſorrow
or ſtupidity, and at his departure let not fall any, either intemperate, or
unſeemly ſyllable. The Commons much lamented his departure, not (paring
to exclaim, that it was againſt the Law of Arms, the cuſtom of the Realm,
and all Juſtice, that he ſhould be exild, who had honourably endeavoured
to maintain his appeal, according to the Law of the Field. Their affection
was the more exceſſive, by reaſon the ground of his Speech was againſt thoſe
that the People hated, and he was the only Survivor of the Popular Faction.
The Duke of Hereford ſaileth to Calice, and from thence to Paris, where
he was honourably received by the King of France: and in ſhort time found
that favour with him, that he was offered for Wife the only Daughter of
John, Duke of Berry, Uncle to the French King. But the King of England,
upon notice thereof, made ſuch means that the Marriage was
ſtopt.
Many things hapned this year, which were interpreted to preſage the re-
volt of the people, which hapned the year following: Obſervation likewiſe
was taken, that when King Richard brought his firſt Wife with him out of
Beanne, ſhe was no ſooner on ſtore, but ſuch a Tempeſt aroſe, as the like
thereof had not been ſeen in many years before, wherein many Ships, and
amongſt them the Ship the Queen came in, was caſt away. The like ſtorm,
and the like loſs did betide, when the King brought his ſecond Wife out of
France. Many prodigies are likewiſe ſtoried to appear about theſe times,
both ſtrange and fearful: Idare not avouch them all to be true, neither will
I detract all truth from ſuch things ſo anciently reported : Many are per-
ſwaded that theſe things which are fatally allotted, though they are unavoi-
dable, yet are they ſometimes foreſhown ; not ſo much that we may pre-
vent them, as that we ſhould prepare our ſelves againſt them.
About this time died John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaſter, who was buried
on the North ſide of the high Altar of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul in
London : He was a man adviſed, and wary, liking better ſafe courſes with
reaſon, than happy by hazard; neither unreſpective nor ambitioully careful
of his own Glory : He carried himſelf towards the King in terms honoura-
ble enough for a moderate Prince, and yet not ſo plauſible as an uncollected
man might deſire,whereby nothing hapned unto him extraordinary,either in
prejudice or preferment: This John of Gaunt (ſo named of the place where
he
28
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
1
I.
2.
3.
An. 1398. he was born) fourth Son of Edward the Third, did write in his ſtile, John
R. 22. Son to the King of England, Duke of Aquitain, and Lancaſter, Earl of
Richmond, Darby, Lincoln, Leiceſter, and high Conſtable of England:
he married three Wives ; Blanch Daughter and co-heir of Henry firſt Duke
of Lancaſter, by whom he had iſſue.
Henry, afterwards King of England.
Philip, married to John King of Portugal
.
Elizabeth, married to John Holland Duke of Exeter.
His ſecond Wife was Conſtance, Daughter and one of the Co-heirs of
Peter King of Caſtile, by whom he had iſſue Katherine, married to Henry
Son of John King of Spain.
His third Wife was Katherine, Daughter of Puyne Rurt King of Arms,
and Widow of Sir Otes Swinford Knight, by whom he had iſſue :
John Bewford, Earl of Somerſet, and Marqueſs Somerſet.
Henry Bewford, Biſhop of Wincheſter.
Thomas Bemfort, Earl of Dorſet, and Duke of Exeter.
Joane, married firſt to Ralph Nevill Earl of Chefter, and afterwards to
Robert Ferrers, Lord of Oulley; all theſe Children, though born before
eſpouſal, by a Bull from Rome were made legitimate. After his death, the
Dutchy of Lancaſter did lineally deſcend to his eldeſt Son, the Duke of
Hereford. But' (as the nature of man is prone to hate thoſe whom he hath in-
jured) the King ſeized all the Lands, and Goods of the deceafed Duke, and
endeavoured to perpetuate the baniſhment of the young Duke: revoked
the Letters Patents granted and conſented unto, whereby his Attornies had
been enabled to fue out his Ouſter le maine, and Livery of thoſe Lands,
which during his exile, might fall untahim, his homage being formerly con
cluded upon, to be reſpited at a reaſonable fine. But theſe violent proceed-
ings were rather a means to provoke, than prevent miſchief
.
Edmond Duke of York, the King's only Uncle that ſurvived, who hither-
to had enforced his patience to endure many things againſt his liking; now
either in diſdain of this indignity, or diſtruſt of his own ſafety, and the
Realms diſturbance; he with the Duke of Anm rle his Son retired them-
ſelves to his houſe at Langley. At this time the whole frame of the State
was much ſhaken, and matters of greateſt conſequence hung but on ſlender
threads: The King was plunged in pleaſure and ſloth, by whoſe example
others alſo gave themſelves over to eaſe and luxury; whereby cowardice
and effeminacy crept in: and ſhipwrack was made both of manhood and
reputation. The chiefeſt affairs of State, had been for a long time ordered
according to private reſpects; whereby the Commonwealth loſt both the
fat and the favour, and ſeemed not at ſeaſons, and by degrees, but with a
main courſe and at once, to be ruinate and fall. The North parts were many
times canvaſſed,and by ſmall
, yet often loſſes, almoſt conſumed by the Scits,
who had taken many Caſtles and Towns, and defaced all the Country, with
ſlaughter and ſpoil. The South parts were divers times pillaged by the
French, and in France many ſtrong holds were loſt for want of convenient
ſuccour; it was much about theſe times
, that there was a ſecret pact renewed
between the two Kings, for the delivery of Callice, and other places there-
about to the French. But the performance thereof was reſiſted, both by the
Court and Co:incel. Ireland, ifhich in the time of Edward the third, was
kept in order and awe, and the people were taught Religion and Civility,and
well reclaimed, yielding to the Kings Coffers thirty thouſind pounds per
a an111!1i11
25
PE, ET
The Life and Reig11:08Richard, the Second.
29
1399.
R. 23.
1
!
annum, was ſuffered now to be looſe and licentious, and thereby the people An.
grown rude and untractable, ſo that now the King in ſtead of receiving, was
enforced to be at the charge to expend thirty-thoufand pounds: yearly. Ma-
ny ſuccours wereevery day fent abroad, but ſo ſcatteringly, and at ſuch un-
ſeaſonable times, and often ſo ill accommodated; that they were occaſions
rather of loſs than help, whereupon the King endeavoured ſome expedition
in perſon, with great preparation, and much charge ; but his reputation being
oncecryed.down, whatſoever therejri ſucceeded well, was attributed to his
Commanders, but all misfortunes only to him;:912-the other Qde, if any ex,
ploit were well atchieved by any of the:Nobility, it received,miſconſtructi-
on by the Court Paraſites, and by them (to whom Military vertye was alto-
gether unşkalant) ſo extenuated, depraved, or envied, that it feldom times
received recompence or proiſe, yea. ſometime it drew on ſuſpixion and dan,
ger, it being whiſpered to the King, that to command well in the field, and
to be skilful and valiant, was a vertue merly to be appropriated to a
Prince, and that it was perilous to have the name of a private ſubject fa-
mous for ſuch experience in every mans mouth : whereby few ſought to raiſe
their fortunes by vertue and valour, when the way::was,eaſer.fo to riſe by
humouring the Prince. Affaires of State in peace, were managed by thoſe of
weakeſt apprehenſion, by whoſe corrupt or ignorant, counſel, the overthrow
of the well-minded Nobility, was many times, attempted, and at the laſt
wrought. The Profits and Revenues:of the Crown were let to farm, the
King making himſelf Landlord of the Realm, challenging no greater pri-
viledge by his Reign, but a dillolụte and uncontrouled life. Great ſummes
of money were by new found and unwanted means every day rather exa-
Eted, than voluntarily granted from the Subjęćt : whereof no good did en-
ſue, but the Kings private pleaſures maintained, and his unworthy. Favourites
advanced:To theſe he was beyond expectation too liberal -to continue, for
which he was inforced to borrow, beg, and extort in many places, but pur-
chaſed not ſo much love by the one, as he procured thereby hatred from the
other, over and above. Teoths and Fifteens, which were many times gathe-
red double in one year, ſtrange Impoſitions were deviſed and put in practiſe,
ſometimes exaćting twelve pence per poll of every Subject throughout the
Realm, ſometimes of every religious perfon, male and female, vi. s. viii. d.
of every ſucular Prieſt as much. Under the favourable term of benevolence,
he drew from the people great ſummes of money, he borrowed ſo much
upon Privy Seals, that no man of ability could eſcape his loan, but ſel-
dome and to few was repayment made. He ſent certain Commiſſioners, Bi-
ſhops and Lords temporal, to all Shires and Corporations within the King-
dom, to make known the Kings heavy diſpleaſure againſt them, for having
abctted the Duke of Gloceſter, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwick, which
without due acknowledgement of the offence, and ſubmiſſion to his mercy,
could not be pacified: Whereupon the chief in every Shire, and all Corpo.
rations, made their acknowledgement and ſubmiſſion, under their hands and
ſcals : for the redemption whereof
, and for procuring of the Kings favour,
inſupportable fines were payd, and all ſo impoveriſhed, that few or none
were able to ſubſít, none to reſiſt. Strange and unhcard of Oaths were ob-
truded
upon the Commons for performance of what was under their hands
and ſeals promiſed by them ; nay, to add affliction, to affliction blanck Char-
ters were ſealed, and delivered to the Kings uſe, wherein whatſoever he
pleaſed might be inſerted. Theſe courſes were quite contrary to the Go-
D
T
1
vernment
i
30
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
PA.
R. 23.
An. 1399. /vernment of Henry the ſecond, who though born a ſtranger, and coming
young to the Crown, and in a ſcarce ſettled time, maintained great Wars
,
won large Dominions, more than ever were hereditary to any his Prede-
ceſſors, had many Children, and always maintained a Kingly port, yet never
demanded Subſidy of his Subjects : nevertheleſs he left nine hundred thou-
fand pounds, beſides jewels and Plate of ineſtimable value in his Treaſury,
having in all his life-time held a good correſpondency betwixt his care and
reſpect towards his Subje&s, and of their obedience and loyalty to him. But
this King bearing a heavy hand over his people, they bear an hard heart to-
wards him; and he being ſhallow in judgement, not of ſufficiency enough
to cover his vices, but with, or by a cloke of ſeeming powerful, at length
to revolt, whoſe reſolution was rather to run the hazard of
ruin by rebellion, than to continue ſafery with ſlavery, and did but await
occaſion to begin, which was thus offered : The King received advertiſement
out of Ireland, that the wild Iriſh had mallacred all his gariſon ſouldiers,
and barbaroully Ilain Roger Mortymer Earl of Marſlo (who had been
declared heir to the Crown) and that they proceeded with that cruelty,
that wrath and rage being maſter of the field could incite, or cowardly con-
querours practiſe. This loſs being great, was much increaſed by the re-
port of the ill-affected multitude. The King calleth his Council, where it
is much debated, whether were more convenient, for the King in perſon to
go, or to ſend his General; it was diſputed, that wholly to ſubdue Ireland,
ſtood neither with poſſibility nor policy ; for if it were quiet in pofleſſion,
the Governour might grow to that greatneſs, that he might make himſelf
abſolute Monarch thereof, and therefore it was better to hold it certain by
feeble enemies, than uncertain by over-potent friends. But how ſhould
thoſe bogs and woods, which are more impregnable than the beſt fortified
Towns in other Countries, be compafled or conquered?. And if the purpofe
were only to repreſs thoſe Savage people, the War was not ſo weighty,
as ſhould draw the King in perſon into the field : And therefore it was more
convenient for him to ſtay in ſome place, from whence he might Thew his
readineſs, than to be preſent indeed. But others were of opinion (and that
not without good ground) that to ſubdue, and people Ireland, was a matter
neither difficult or dangerous, but acceptable and honourable to God and
the King: For his Realm of England is truly ſtoried, to have been as un-
paſſable for boys and woods, as Ireland. But the Conquerours kept not
their ſouldiers idle in gariſon, whereby the bodies might be made diſea-
fed, and ſo unfit for labour, or hard travel : But they held as well them, as
the Natives, continually in action, either in exerciſing their arms, or in rai-
ſing fortifications, or making mighty high ways, or elſe in drayning and pi-
ling of bogs; by which means the Country was made habitable, and the
ways paſſable; and the people found it better to prefer ſubjection with
plenty, before liberty with penury. That the Romans kept many more
large Territories in quiet Obedience (ſo long as there was amity amongſt
themſelves) withour either fear or danger of popular Governours, either by
ſevering them into divers ſmall Provinces
, or attigning to every province di-
vers Officers of inferiour ranks, as Lieutenants and Provoſts, whereof one
was able to reſtrain the other, or by making their offices but annual : But
chiefly by retaining their wives and children, as pledges of their dutiful
obedience. That the danger was the more to be feared, left a weak enemy,
whilſt he is contemned, ſhould gather ſtrength, and be able to ſtand
up-
on
The Life aird Reign of Richard the Second.
31
R. 23.
my,
on terms of withſtanding : That it was a pittiful policy for aſſurance of An. 1399.
peace, to make all waſte likca Wilderneſs, and inſtead of Men to have do.
mination of nothing but Trees and Beaſts. That by ſo doing, the King
thould loſe the revenew of a fruitful Country, and the benefit of wealthy
Subjects
, which are the fure ſt Treaſure of a Prince: That hereby alſo the
Majeſty of his eſtate would be impaired: For (as Solomon faith) the honour
of a Kingdom conſiſteth in the multitude of Subjects. That the Country
being unfurniſhed of People, was open to all Nations invaſion, and a great
mcans to invite forraign and unfent-for gueſts. Laſtly, if none of theſe re-
ſpects would move, the King was bound in Conſcience to reduce thoſe wilde
People to the true Knowledge and Worſhip of God, who did then cither
prophandly contcmn him, or ſuperſtitiouſly ſerve him.
Thife reaſons fo prevailed wish the King, that he gathered a mighty Ar-
with intention to go in perſon into Ireland; but all his proviſion was at
the Subjects charge. And where in times of danger, a diſcreet Ruler when
neceílity ſhall enforce his abſence, will give leaſt cauſe of diſtaſte unto his
people: This King in Peace having been no provider for War, was forced to
offend, when he ſhould have been moſt careful to win their fivour. About
the Feaſt of Pentecoſt he ſet forward on his Voyage with mary Men, but few
Souldiers; he carried with him all his Treaſure, Jewels, Plate and Kingly
Ross; there went with him alſo the Duke of Anmerle and the Duke of Ex-
ctcr, with divers of the Nobles, and many Mitred Prelates, amongſt whom
was the Abbot of Weſtminſter, a chief favourite. He alſo took with him the
Sons of the Duke of Gloceſter and Hereford, whoſe favourers he chiefly
ſuſpected. When he came to Briſtoll (whether upon ſome matter, or meer
malice, at firſt, it is uncertain; ) 'ic was put into the Kings head, That Henry
Piercy Earl of Northumberland, with ſome other, intended ſome diſloyal at-
tempt againſt him: And therefore did not tender their ſervice unto him in
this expedition. Hereupon he by his Purſevant commanded the Earl with all
his Power, that could conveniently be raiſed, to come unto him in Polon to
Briſtoll; The Earl by Letter returneth anſwer, deſiring thereby his Majeſty
to take it into his more lerious cogitation, that it was inconvenient for the
Iriſh Service, to drw Men from ſuch remote places, in regard the Rebels
were neither ſo many, nor ſo mighty, but that the King haci ſtrengih ſuffi
cient at land to ſuppreſs them: That it was dangerous to disfurniſh the
North parts of their ſtrength, thereby to offer opportunity to the Scottiſ,
borderer» (who were uncertain Friends in extremity, and allured to be Ene-
mies upon any fuch advantage) to inake an inrode; therefore craved to be
excufe at that time for not attending.
The King conceiving his command in this to be contraried, yea contemned,
would not land to reaſon the matter, though he had (mall reaſon ( hings be-
ing as they were ) not to have done fo: but in an unadviſed heat, Proclaims
the Earl and all his Confederates Traitors, and commands all their Lands and
Goods to be failed to his uſe; the Earl much ſtomaching this diſgrace, makes
good the Information, and breaks out into open hoſtility, whillt the King pro-
coeds in his Voyage for Ireland, where upon his firſt arrival, all things ſucceed-
ed proſperoully, the King obtaining many victories, yet without battel
. For
the Iriſh not being under one Government, were divided into many factions,
fo that ſeldom three Sects joyned their ſtrength, and ſtudy to one point ; ſo
that whilſt they fought one by one, they were all eaſily ſubdued or llain.
In the mean time, ſome of the Nobility of England, with moſt of the
D 2
common
1
32
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
1
vnd
R. 23.
t
An. 1399. common people groaning under the burthen of their oppreſſion, taking ad-
vantage of the Kings abſence, conſpired to cut off that authority, that
would not be confined, and to beſtow it upon ſome other, who was iikely to
repair what Richard had ruined, reſolving if they fell ſhort of titir wiihi,
they would ſell that with glory in the Field, which with certainty in Peace
they could not enjoy. The only man upon whom they all pitcht, was Henry
7
Duke of Hereford's not upon any motion or deſire of his; but becauſe he
was of the Blood Royal, and next heir male by diſcent, to the ſucceſlion of
the Crown, of whoſe valour and vertue, honorable proof had been made:
The only ſurviving man of quality, that had ſtood up againſt the King for
the behoof of the Common-wealth, for which he had ſuffered much, both
in Honour and State. The attempt pleaſed, as poſſible to prove, and of ne.
ceſſity to be followed. Letters are ſecretly diſpatched to the Duke, whoſe
ſpeedy return into England they importune: affirming that as well for tile
publick good of the Realm, as for their own particular ſifeties, they were
forced to uſe force againſt their King: folliciting him to be pleaſed but to
make the head, and they would furnith the body with an able Army, to ex-
pel the miſgoverned King from his unbefitting Government, and to ferile
the Crown upon his Head, who was more apt and able to manage the fane:
That they would not only help him, in bare wiſhes, and advice, but would
joyn Hearts and Hands to adventure their lives, ſo that the peril ſhould be
common to all, the glory only his.
Theſe Letters were cunningly compild, and cloſely conveyed, by ſuch as
had more than common intereſt in the Dukes reſpect. Amongſt whom was
principal, Thomas Arundel
, late Archbiſhop of Canterbury, the ſon of Robert
Earl of Arundel, and Warren, who had been firſt Biſhop of Ely, and then
Archbiſhop of Tork, and laſtly of Canterbury, who being amongſt others the
Biſhops in the higher Houſe of Parliament, at what time the Duke of Glov-
ceſter, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Arundel, the Brother to the
Archbiſhop, were convented, at leaſt queſtioned, bccaule Clergy-men, by the
the Canons are commanded not to be preſent at any Trial, or Judgmcnt of
Life and Death, he with they reſt, as they before had ufed, departed the
Houſe: upon this occaſion being ablent, he with his Brother were condemi-
ed of High Treaſon, and after his Brothers Exccution, the Archbiſhop was
baniſhed the Realm, his goods forfeited and ſeized,and his place confered up
on Roger Walden. The Archbiſhop with his Confederates by ſeveral ways,
and in ſtrange diſguiſes came to Paris, and in the Houſe of one Clomiger
(where the Duke ſojourned) met together, where having obtained privacy
and ſilence, the Archbiſhop uſed theſe words, or the like in ſenſe.
Archbiſhop We are ſent unto you (right High and moſt Noble Prince) from the
chief Lords and Peers, and people of our Kingdom, who groan under the
ſpeech to Hen.
burthen of tyrannous oppreſſion; yet not to vindicate injurics againſt
our Soveraign, upon private wrongs or diſpleaſures, nor upon deſperate
diſcontent, to ſet the State in combuſtion, to put the King in fear, the
Kingdom into a flame, nor to ſecond the ambitious deſigns of any par-
ticular perſon: But to open unto you the deformities and decays of our
diſlected Eſtate, and to implore your aid, for the ſtay of the precipitace
ruine of the fame. The remembrance of our honorable atchievements,
and your deſerved reputation, thereby gained as well in others as in
our Country, doth nothing elſe but make the remembrance of our pre-
ſent baſeneſs bitter unto us.
Our victorious Armies have heretofore
becn
1
Arundels
ry.
A)
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
33
R. 23.
.
with the Sword. What unwonted, nay what unheard of projects are
been famous and renowned, not only in the Iſlands adjoyning, but in all parts, An. 1399.
of Europe, yea in Aia and Africa againſt the Infidels and Barbarians, ſo that all
Chriſtian Princes have been willing to imbrace our friendſhip, or unwilling
to provoke us to hoſtility. But now both Welch and Scots, whom we have
ſo often beaten, and brought upon their knees, do not only ſcorn and de
ride us, but the weak and miſerable Iriſh have ſhaken off their ſhackles, and
glutted and enriched themſelves with our blood and ſpoils; with theſe we
are now enforced to fight, not for glory, but for leave but to live, in ſo
much as that we are pittied by our friends, flouted by our enemies, and hated
of our felves. It is confeſt that King Richard hath led and fent great powers
into theſe Countries, but after ſuch a manner that they have much walted the
Kingdom with their maintenance, but have by Arms neither relieved friends,
or revenged us on our enemies. And no marvel, ſince all our diſcreet and
diligent Commanders (the finews and nerves of an Army) are either be
headed, baniſhed, or buried in diſgrace and obſcurity, and the managing
of Martial affairs is committed (without reſpect of abilities or deſert) to
the conduct and counſel of ſuch as can beſt comply with the Kings variable
diſpoſition. Amongſt whom antient Nobility is eſteemed but as a vain
bubble : vertue, and ſufficiency, are but a trap to enſnare their poſſeſſors
.
It is a grief to me to ſpeak it, but it helpeth not to hide that which every
one ſveth. Our Anceſtors lived in the higheſt pitch of perfect liberty; and
we of dejected ſervility, being uſed not like Subjects but abjects, yea, flat
llaves, not to one only unreſpective Prince, but to many his proud and
pre-
ſumptuous favourites, not always the ſame, but every day freſh ones: And
no ſooner have we contented one, but new greedy ſtomachs are provided,
whoſe extortion and exactions have devoured more by Bribes than the Ene-
my
now invented, and daily practiſed, without either meaſure or end, yea often-
times without need? But if any be, it proceedeth rather from riotous ex-
pence, than neceſſary charges : great ſums of money are every minute pil-
led, and pulled from the honeſt-minded Subject, to be unprofitably waſted
upon prodigal ſpend-thrifts; and if any man impugn theſe moſt inſuppor-
table taxations, or but ſpeak in the defence of the Liberty of a Subject :
Then either by ſurmiſed imputation of capital crime, or by aggravation of
ſmall cauſes by far-fetcht circumſtances, and ſtrained conſtructions, or elſe by
open cruelty and force, his life or liberty, or both, is called in queſtion; it
were too tedious, too odious, too frivolous, to produce particular examples.
The lamentable loſs of your noble Uncles and other honorable Friends, and
your own preſent eſtate, cannot eaſily be forgotten ; nay, I preſume, there is
no man of rank or faſhion within the Realm, who either in his own Perſon,
or Children, or in his dear Friends, or near Allies, but may eaſily find that no
man hath certainty to enjoy the ſafeguard of his goods, or the uſe of his
Liberty, or ſurety of his head: but rich men of the one, and good men of
the other, are continually in hazard. This is our caſe, but what is the reme-
dy? We have patiently ſuffered, and ſued humbly for eaſe; but our patience
hath procured increaſe of puniſhment, and our complaints more ſtripes : By
the one our Livings, by the other our Lives are daily devoured. Now there-
fore are we unwillingly compelled, to endeavour to ſhake from our ſhoulders
this too too uneafie yoke, and ſubmit our Lives and Eſtates to the command
of ſome more moderate and worthy perſon, not ſo much for the grief of
our miſeries which are part, nor for the pain of our preſent diſtreſles, as for
fear
4
D 3
1
.34
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
An. 1399.1 fear of worſe dangers, which are moſt likely to follow the chief of the anci-
R. 23. ent Nobility. The King hath cut off the chief of the Nobility, and the Com-
mons he hath pared to the quick; and ſtill he harroweth the Country, as if
now but newly conquered; whereby our nakedneſs is bared to our Adver-
ſaries, and we are inade utterly unable, either to recover that which is loſt,
or retain that little that is left. To whom ſhall we now complain? From
whence ſhall we ſeek ſuccour? From whence expect aid ? You ( Royal Sir)
are only he, which in right ſhould, in wiſdom can, and in goodneſs (we
preſume) will relieve us: to the King in blood you are the neareſt, to us
in love deareſt, you ought therefore to undertake the rule of that that his
weakneſs cannot well weild. Your years are well ſtaid, from the looſe fa
garies of youth, and have been ſo ſpent, that your former actions have
made ſufficient proof of your full abilities for Government of greateſt
charge; nothing therein by you paſt needeth excuſe, and it is vain to fear
what is to come : Your pains and peril formerly undergone for the good
of your Country, putteth us all in good hope, that in this extremity you
will not forſake us: we are in a leaky Ship ready to ſink, in an old Houſe
ready to fall, and therefore humbly call and crave for your help to ſuccor
and ſave us : now or never ſhow your ſelf to favour your Country-men,
and free us, free your ſelf, and the whole State from dangers and decays,
by taking into your hards the Scepter and ſway thereof, and to reduce the
now tyrannous Government to a Princely freed:n, in combining the Sove-
raignty in one with the liberty of all. Omit not this occ.l1:"n, b:it make
your vertue and valour appear; by relieving moſt miſerable wretches, from
their unmerciful oppreſſors
. This we are conſtrained to offer and intreat;
this is both honorable for you to accept, and eaſie to perform, bưing a tak
worthy your toil: And ſo much the rather, ſince no Prince by any peuple,
hath been deſired with greater affection, nor ſhall more dutifully be obeyed
than your Royal Self.
This ſpeech the Dake heard with attention, and entertained with great
moderation and modeſty; his anſwer to that part that touched the King, was
reſpective and well tempered, rather lamenting his weakneſs, than blaming his
malice; as touching himſelf, he ſpake fo ſoberly, that he ſeemed rather wor-
thy of a Kingdom than deſirous thereof; he affirmed his life had been always
free from malicious, and ambitious attempts, that ſtayedneſs of years had
now ſettled his mind from aſpiring thoughts: That experience of former
dangers, had bred in him a wary regard, in ſuch a weighty buſineſs, that to
caſt a King out of his State, was an enterpriſe, not haſtily to be attempted,
nor eaſily effected. And though the matter were neither impoſſible, nor dif-
ficult, yet the rareneſs of the fact, as wanting preſident, would make the
action ſeem injurious to all indifferent mind: And he that ſhall attain a
Kingdom, upon opinion of deſert, doth charge himſelf with greater expecta-
tion; and how honorably ſoever he ſhall comport himſelf, he íball never
want his deadly enviers; Beſides this, in civil diſſentions, the faith of the
multitude is flitting, and danger is to be doubted from every particular per-
ſon: That it is poſſible that all may fallaway, but impoſſible to be ſafe from
every one, how ever friendly in ſemblance. Therefore he rather wiſht to
ſpend the remainder of his years, as he did, obſcurely, in a ſafe and certain
eſtate, than to thruſt himſelf upon thoſe pikes of perils, which being once
entred into, are dangerous to follow, and deadly to forſake: whereas in
private attempts a man may ſtep, and ſtop when, and how, and as often as he
pleaſeth:
Earl Henries
anſwer,
***
í
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
35
R. 23.
5
pleaſeth: But the aim at a Kingdom, hath no middle courſe betwixt the life | An, 1399.
of a Prince, or the death of a Traytor. The Archbiſhop replied, ſaying, The
ſtate wherein you now ſtand, is neither ſo fafe or certain as you conceive:
Indeed by rejecting our requeſt, you may avoid certain dignity, and with
that uncertain and contingent dangers: Buc ſhall procure moſt certain de-
ſtruction, both to your ſelf and us; for this attempt cannot be kept ſecret
long from the King: And the beſt Princes are tender in points of Sove-
raignty, and bear a nimble ear to the touch of that ſtring; and it prejudi-
cech more a Subject, to be thought worthy of a Kingdom, than it will
pro-
fit him to have refuſed the offer of it. What then will he do, that putteth the
chiefeſt ſecurity of his Reign in the baſeneſs, and bareneſs of his Subjects :
who being perpetually poſſeſſed with jealoulie, maketh every preſumption a
proof, and every light ſurmiſe a ſtrong fufpition againſt them? And of cer-
tainty, if the general favour and the love which the people beareth you,
hath as now bereaved you of your liberty: This their general deſire, will not
leave your life untouched. As for us, if we faint in our intent, or fail in the
cnterpriſe, farewel all; we ſhall but be like Lambs amongſt Lyons: And no
loſs by Conqueſt can be more grievous unto us, than the Kings reign over
us: alluredly, now we have gone on too far to go back. And the time is
long ſince paſt, when you for ambition, and we for envy, might ſeem to at-
tempt againſt the King. The poſſeſſion of the Crown, muſt now be the fule
fanctuary, and refuge for us beth. Examples of the like attempts, are nei-
ther rare, nor worn out of practiſe, nor ſo far off to be fetched: We might
inſtance in Germany, the Emperor Adulphus, in Denmark and Swed!and, in
the Netherlands, in this Kingdom, both before and ſince the Conqueſt
, in-
ſtance were to be given of the like; there is always difficulty in things that
tend to much excellency: But they that are afraid of every ſhadow, will
hardly at firſt truly apprehend the ſubſtance.
And as he was about to proceed to juſtifie the lawfulneſs, the Duke inter-
rupted him, and ſaid, Where neceſſity doth enforce, it is needleſs to uſe
ſpeech, either of eaſineſs or lawfulneſs: Neceſſity will run through brazen
walls, and cannot be bounded by Laws: I have had my full ſhare in theſe
calamities, and I will you knew, with what grief I have beheld you. What
recompence have I received, for all my labour and expence in the Kings
ſervice, but the death of my dear Uncles, and neareſt Friends, my own Ba-
niſhment, the baſe Impriſonment of my Children, and the loſs of my Goods
and Inheritance ? And what hath been returned unto you for your Blood,
ſo often ſpent in theſe unfortunate Wars, but perpetual payments of unne-
ceſſary Exactions, daily Maſſacres, and inſupportable Slavery. I have tired
my patience in apprehenſion of my own miſeries and pitying yours: reme-
dy them hitherto I could not (had I been never ſo willing :) if now I
can, I will not refuſe, to ſuſtain that part, which your importunity doth
If we prevail, we ſhall regain our Liberties : If we miſs
,
our Eſtate can be no worſe than it is: And if we muſt periſh, either guilty
or guiltleſs, it is more Noble to hazard our Selves, either to win our Lives,
or Dye in defence of our Liberties. And though our lives were ſafe, which
in truth they are not, yet to deſert the State, and ſleep ſtill in this ſlavery,
would
argue either negligence, or ſtupidity in us, or both. It remaineth
now that we uſe ſecrecy, and celerity, taking hold of that opportunity
the Kings abſence preſents unto us : For in enterprizes, which never are
commended before atchieved, delays are dangerous: And ſafer it is, to be
found
enforce upon me.
T
36
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 23.
t
tech forward.
An. 1399. found in open action, than private Counſel: For they that deliberare only
to rebel, have rebelled already. Hereupon the Confederatis return for Eng-
land, to provide Arms, and prepare neceſſaries againſt the Dukes, arrival:
who preſently acquaints the King of France, that he intended to go to viſit
his kinſman, John Duke of Britain; and obtained from him Letters of ſafe
Conduct. There he waged ſome Souldiers, with whom front Callice he made
for England, giving forth at his coming abroad, that he only endeavoured
to regain the Dutchy of Lancaſter, and the reſt of his lawful inheritance,
The Duke of which King Richard wrongfully detained from him. With him cime Arun-
Hereford fer-
del Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and Thomas heir to Richard late Earl of
Arundel; the reſidue of his retinue exceeded not twenty Lances, ſo that it
is hard to judge, whether was the greater marvel, either that he durſt at-
tempt, or that he did prevail with ſo ſmall a company. But his confidence
was in the favour, and aſſiſtance of the people in the Rcalm: He for a time
did bear up for. England; but not in a ſtraight courſe, but hulling about the
ſhore, making ſhow to land ſometimes on one Coaſt, ſometimes on another,
thereby to diſcover what Forces were in readineſs, either to receive, or re-
fiſt him.
In the mean time Edmond Duke of York the Kings Uncle, and Vicege
rent, having intelligence of the Duke of Hereforels deſign, Convoked Staf
ford Biſhop of Chicheſter, Lord Chancellor, William Scrocpe Earl of Wilt-
ſhire, the Lord Treaſurer, Sir John Bifloy, Sir Flenry Greene, Sir William
Bagot, Sir John Ruſſell, and others of the Kings Privy Council, and entred
into Counſel, what was beſt to be done: Where it was concluded deceitful-
ly by ſome, unskilfully by others, and by all perniciouſly for King Richard
to quit the Sea coaſts, to leave London, and to make the randevow at Saint
Hereford land- Albones, to gather Forces to oppoſe the Duke, who was lately landed about
the Feaſt of Saint Martine, without any reſiſtance or rub, at Ravenſpur in
Holderneſe; whoſe ſide was by nothing more advantaged, than by that dif-
ſembling and deceitful deliberation of the Kings Counſel. Upon his arrival,
Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, and Henry furnamed Hotſpur his ſon,
the Earl of Weſtmerland, the Lords, Nevill
, Roffe and Hillonghby, and many
other Perſonages of Honour came unto him, whoſe acceſſion both increa-
ſed reputation to their cauſe, and was a great countenance and ſtrength to
the Dukes further purpoſes. But firſt they took an oath of him, that he
Hereford ſhould neither procure, nor permit any bodily harm to be done to King Ri-
[voro not to chard, and thereupon they pawned to the Duke of Hereford their Honours,
to joyn with him in all extremity, to proſecute the Kings miſchievous Coun-
to be donc to cellors. The Common-people deſperate upon new delires, head and head-
King Richard.
long flocked-to theſe Noblemen. The better fort for love to the Common-
wealth, ſome upon levity, and itching deſire of change, others to repair their
diſtreſſed and decayed Eſtates, who all ſetting up their reſts upon a general
diſturbance, were (in conceit ) then moſt fafe, when the common ſtate was
moſt unſure : So between the one and the other, the number in ſhort time
increaſed to thirty thouſand able Souldiers. The Duke finding ſucceſs to fa-
vour him, not only beyond expectation, but even above his wilh, he follon.
ed the channel whilſt the current went ſtrong; and cutting oti unneceſſary
delays, with all celerity he haſted to London, that poflefling himſelf thereof,
being the chief place within the Kingdom for ſtrength and ſtore, he might
beſt there make the ſeat of War, and be caſieſt accommodated with Provi.
fion and Amrnunition,
In
The Duke of
neſs.
The Duke of
, or
any violence
+
Uli P
11
*
Z.
-T.
R.23.
+
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
37
In this expedition, no oppoſition was ſeen, nor hoſtiltity ſhown; but in | An. 1399.
his paſſage the Gentlemen of beſt rank and quality, joyned themſelves unto
him, ſome for affection, others for fear, but moſt in hope of reward after
victory, every one, though upon cauſes diſ-like, yet with like ardent defire
contending, leſt any ſhould ſeem more forward than they. In every place
alſo where he made ſtay, rich gifts, and pleaſant deviſes were preſented unto
him, with large ſupply of neceflaries, far above his neceſſity. The common
people with ſouts and acclamations gave their applauſe, extolling the Duke
as the only man of courage, faluting him King: with contumelious terms
depraving Richard, as a ſimple and iluggiſh Man, a daſtard, nyding, and al-
together unworthy to bear Rule; without rule, railing at the one, and with-
out reaſon flattering the other. The Duke was no niggard of his complement,
nor negligent of popular behaviour, knowing the common people are much
delighted with affable geſtures, accounting that for courteſie which the feve-
rer ſort reckon abaſement. At London he was richly and Royally entertained,
with Proceſſions and Pageants, and many triumphant devices and Shows, and
the unable multitude (who otherwiſe could not) by their words, wiſhes, and
wills, did teſtifie their loving affection towards him.
At which time there appeared not any memory of Faith or Allegiance to
King Richard. But (as in Sedition it always appeareth) as the moſt ſwayed,
all went. The Duke of York was muſtering at St. Albanes for the King; but
as the people out of divers Countries were drawn thither, many of them pro
teſted that they would do nothing to the prejudice of the Duke of Lanca.
ſter, who they affirmed was unjuſtly expelled his Country, and unlawfully
kept from his inheritance. Then the Earl of Wiltſhire, Sir John Buſhy, Sir
William Bagot, and Sir Henry Greene, forſook the Duke of York, and fled
to Briſtol, intending to paſs the Seas into Ireland to the King.
Thele four were they that were ſuppoſed to have taken of the King, bis
Kingdom to farm, and therefore were ſo odious to the people, that their pre
ſence turned away many of the Subjects hearts. Nay, it is probable, that more
for diſpleaſure taken againſt them, than againſt the King, the revolt was en-
terpriſed. For they being the only Men of credit, and authority with the
King, under falſe cover of obedience, they wholly governed both the Realm
and him, abuſing his Name, either againſt his Will, or without his Know-
ledge, in ſo much that he was clearly innocerit of many things, which paſſed
under his Commandment: But the people could not indure, that two or
three ſhould rule all, not becauſe they were not ſufficient, but becauſe they
were in favour: and they diſtaſted the King, in that he permitted them whom
he might have bridled, to run without reſpect, or at leaſt for that he was
ignorant of that he ſhould have known, and by conniving at their faults,
made them his own, and opened thereby the gap to his deſtruction. For it is
as dangerous to a Prince, to have hurtful and hateful Officers-in eminent
places, as to be hurtful and hateful to himſelf. The Duke of York either ama-
zed at the ſudden change, or fearing his adventure, 'if he ſhould proceed to
reſiſtance, gave over the cauſe, and preferred preſent ſecurity before duty
with danger, giving occaſion thereby to be ſuſpected to favour the Duke of
Lancaſters proceeding, and thereupon all the other Councellors, either
open-
ly declared for the Duke, or ſecretly wiſhed his welfair. And abandoning
all private directions and advice, adjoyned themſelves to the common courſe,
hoping thereby of greater ſafety.
In the mean time Duke Henry being at London, éntred into conſultation
with
+
1
38
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 23.
treth into
Councel at
.
Oration.
Briſtoll Caſtle, ſuckers, that had abuſed the King, and undone his Subjects to enrich them-
An. 1399.) with his Confederates what way was beſt to take, amongſt whom it was then
concluded, finally to uncrown King Richard, and conſtitute Duke Henry
The Duke of King in his ſtead: And to that end open War was Proclaimed againſt King
Hereford co-
Richard, and all his partakers, as Enemies to the peace and quiet of the King-
dom ; Pardon alſo was promiſed, to all thoſe that would ſubmit themſelves
London. War to follow the preſent courſe, otherwiſe no favour to be expected ; not one
againſt King of the Nobility durſt oppoſe bimſelf in theſe deſigns; ſome unwilling to
Richard. play all their Eſtate at one caſt, kept themſelves at liberty, to be directed by
ſucceſs of future event; others conſented in terms of doubtful conſtruction,
with intent to interpret them afterwards, as occaſion ſhould change: But
the moſt part directly, and reſolutely entred into the action, and made their
fortunes ſharers with Duke Henries, in the danger, though not in the Ho-
nour, to whom Duke Henry uſed this ſpeech.
Lancaſilys
I am, as you ſee, at your procurement returned, and by your means have
undertaken Arms, to vindicate our common Liberty; hitherto we have pro-
ſperouſly proceeded : But in what terms we now ſtand, I am altogether un-
acquainted. As a private Man I would be loth to be reckoned, being by you
deſigned to be a King; Prince I cannot be eſteemed, whilſt another poſtel-
ſeth the Crown ; your Title likewiſe is in fufpence, whether to be termed
Rebels, or Subjects, until you have made manifeſt, that your Allegeance was
bound rather to the State of the Realm, than the Perſon of the Prince;
now you are they, that have both cauſed this doubtfulneſs, and muſt clear the
point ; your part ſtill remaineth to be acted, your vertue and valour muſt
add ſtrength to this action; we have already ventured ſo far, that all hope
of pardon is drowned, ſo that if we ſhrink back, and break this enterpriſe,
no mercy is to be expected, but butchery and gibbets; if we delay the en
terpriſe, we ſhall loſe the opportunity, that now is offered, and give occa-
fion of advantage to our adverſaries. The peoples blood is up now on our
ſides, and nothing is wanting, but our care and your diligence; let us there-
fore now, not trifle more time in talking; but let us ſtrike whilſt the iron is
hot, let us reſolutely ſet forward, and poſſeſs our ſelves ſpeedily of all parts
of the Realm, ſo ſhall we be either able to keep out our concurrent, or
elle to entertain him little to his liking. Hereupon, Troops of Men are
ſpeedily ſent into all quarters of the Kingdom, to keep King Richards party
from drawing to a head. The vulgar (as Men broken with many burthens)
readily entertained the firſt commers, and were not over-curious to fide
with the ſtronger : Duke Henry purſued the Treaſurer, and his complices to
purſued to
Briſtoll
, where he found the Caſtle fortified againſt him; but in four days
he forced it, and therein ſurpriſed the Lord Treaſurer, Sir John Buſhy, and
Sir Henry Greene, whom the common people eagerly pụrſued to execution;
John Buſhy, no defence could be admitted, no excuſe heard; no reſpite obtained, but ſtill
{urpriſed in
their rage continued, crying againſt them, that they were Traitors, blood-
t
The Lord
Treaſurer
Briſt:ll.
The Trealu-
rer with Sir
and afrer-
ted.
wards cxccu- ſelves : And through their clamorous and importunate inſtance, the day
following, the Earl of Wiltſhire with the reſt were beheaded. This Earl of
Wiltſhire was. William Lord Siroope, in the twenty one year of Richard
the ſecond; Created Earl of Wiltſhire, and made Lord Treaſurer; he pur-
chaſed the Iſle of Man, and died without iſſue. Sir William Bagot, whilſt
the other went to Briſtolly poſted to Cheſter, and purſuit being made after
the moſt, he alone eſcaped into Ireland. This execution partly becauſe it
pleaſed the people, and partly becauſe it excluded all hope of the Kings par-
don
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
39
Havco.
don, cauſed them to cleave more firm unto the Duke, which greatly increa- An. 1399.
ſed both his hope,and glory as having offers of ſo large aid,and ſo little need.
R. 23.
In the mean time the news of the Dukes arrival, and occurrences there-
upon, part true, part falſe, and all enlarged by many circumſtances (as fame
increaſeth by going) was related to the King, he then being intangled with
other broyles in Ireland ; at the receit whereof, he cauſed the Sons of the
Dukes of Gloceſter and Lancaſter, to be impriſoned at the Caſtle at Trim,
and for the ſpeedier diſpatch to go into England, left moſt of the proviſion The Sons of
behind, haſting and ſhuttling together, as his preſent haſte did enforce, being Gloceller and
both unskilful, and unfortunate himſelf
, and void of all good direction Lancaſter im-
from others; and with more haſte than good ſpeed, he took Thipping, and priſoned in
within the ſpace of three nights, with the Dukes Anmerle, Exeter, and Ireland.
Surry, the Biſhop of London, Lincoln, and Carliſle, and ſome others, he
arrived at Milford haven in Wales, in which Countrey-men he repoſed his
chief truſt for safety ; But when he ſaw, that contrary to expectation, that
King Richard
as well there, as in all other places, the people flocked to the Duke, and Aled arriveth ar
from him, and thoſe that were with him were all wavering, and ſome revol- Milford
ted, all devices were diſturbed, and he unreſolved what courſe to take; on
the one ſide he was confident his cauſe was right, his conſcience being clear
from any great bad demerit : on the other ſide, he ſaw the adverſaries great
ſtrength, and the whole power of the Realm bent againſt him: And being Diſcouraged.
more abaſhed by the one, than incouraged by the other, he was perplexed
in uncertain terms, either where to ſtay, or whither to ſtir, wanting both
knowledge and reſolution himſelf, in caſes of ſuch difficulty, and obnoxi-
ous to unfaithful counſel: Some adviſed him to march further into the land,
before his own forces fell from him, alledging, that fortune ſeconds valour;
That in all places he ſhould find ſome, who of duty, for favour, or hire,
would joyn with him; others perſwaded him to return into Ireland, and fours diſagree
from thence to return when ſufficiently ſtrengthened. But the King unac-
quainted with Martial affairs, reje&ted both counſels, and in taking a mid-
dle courſe (which alwaysin extremes of that kind is the worſt) he reſolved Lancaller mar-
to ſtay in Wales, to attend to what head this humour would riſe
. The Duke check the wards
upon advertiſement of the Kings landing, with great power ſpeeds to Che Lord Steward
ſter, whereupon Thomas Piercy Earl of Worceſter, Steward of the Kings diffolveth the
houſhold, to vindicate the proclaiming his brother the Earl of Northum- hold
berland traytor, openly in the Hall before all the Kings ſervants broke his
ſtaff of office, and departed to the Duke, willing the reſt to ſhift for them-
ſelves in time; hereby he loſt his reputation on both ſides, being by theone
accounted a corrupter, by the other a betrayer of the King : The reſt by his
Example, more fearful than faithful, took every man his own way, and
ſcattered. And they that in che Kings proſperity, would have contended to
be foremoſt, now together draw back, and like Swallows forſake that houſe
in Winter, where all the Summer they did feed and foyl. Between faint
ſouldiers, and falſe friends, the King is abandoned: Look on he might, remedy
it he could not, as not of force to puniſh that which he never forced to pre-
vent; his preſent remedy is patience (a cold comfort;) his only revenge,
complaint (a weak weapon;) Between both, thus he vents his paſſion.
And do (faith he) all forláke me? doth their faith and my good fortune
both end together? Had I forſaken them in time, I had not been forſaken of King Richard
others, who once loved me better, but now are able to hurt me more. I con- ¡ with himſelf.
feſs the blindneſs of my judgment, and ſee there is no friendſhip in flattery,
Hls Councel.
4
nor
(
40
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 23.
:
+
his followers.
Añ. 1399. nor treachery in' plain truth, and wiſh I had but as much ſpace to reform
this error, as I am like to have time to repent it ; But ah ! they would not
ſuffer me to be wiſe when I might, and now they have made me wretched,
they flye from me; they were content to be the cauſes, but will not be compa
nions of my calamitiës; ſuch attendants are like Crows'to a dead carcaſs,
which flock toit, dot to defend it; but to devourit, and no ſooner have they
bared the bonés, but they are gone.
Thus having 1bff both the fear and affection of his Subjects, diſtracted,
without comfort, counſel, or courage, like an:Exile in his own Kingdom,
he remaineth in Wales, not daring to go to London, and tio man deſirous to
come to him, thiftech' ſtill from place to place, fearing all things, but moſt
miflikitiġ the preſent. The Duke purſueth bim with all his power, but the
King was too weak to do any thing by force, and yet too great to be undiſ-
covered; neither Bact be any aſſurance of thoſe few he had. At length he
came tö'the Caſtle of Conoway, and there utterly deſtitute of help or hope,
heiſtööd-divided in mind, which way to bend his courſe; his followers
were more ready to oppugn the opinion of others, than to give direction
themſelves, as ſeeing better what to ſhun, than what to follow:and as it al-
Conſults with wayes chanceth in deſperate cauſes, that courſe is commonly made choice
of, whereof the opportunity is already paft
. Some adviſed him that it was
then timė, rather to think of ſaving of life, than recovering his eſtate; give
place (ſay they) to the current of this fury, let it have its full ſource, and when
it is at the higheſt, it will turn again, and then you ſhall have the tyde as
ſtrong with you, as it is now againſt you : therefore give a little ſpace, for
the bad to draw back, for the good to put forward. Treaſon gets ground at
the firſt, but good counſell gathers ſtrength by cunctation. The minds of the
multitude are only conſtant in unconſtancy and perſevere only in changes in
diſlike of things perſent, they deſire new, wherewith they reſt not loog con-
tented; but are many times glutted with the firſt ſight: And how can they long
endure the Reign of him, who mounting the Throne only by their favour,
and ſtrength, ſhall hold the ſame in a manner at their courteſie; every unplea-
fant command ſhall be deemed ingratitude, every ſuit (though never ſo un-
reaſonable) if denyed, Thall charge him with unkindneſs: if honour be not
offered, they will be much diſcontented, and upon every occaſion of diſtàſte,
think themſelves as able to diſplace him, as they were to let him up; You
may therefore (ſay they) for a time return to Ireland, or go to your Fa-
ther-in-law into France; you may bffure your ſelf of his aſliſtance to ſtand
upon your ſide to recover your loffes. Others who were enemies to any
counſell
, how good foever it was, whereof themſelves were not authors,
perſwaded the King, that his enemies would rather die than defift, not fó
much for enmity to him, as for caution to themſelves : For it is a hard matter
to forgive, but impoſſible to forget the indignities and injuries they have of-
fered. And to omit what ſome Princes have done, what all will promiſe to
do : They will ſoon find freſh and bleeding examples, what you are like to
do : Glocefter, Arundel, Warwick, made inſurrection, not to move you
from the Crown, but to remove from your certain milleaders of your affe-
ctions: an action more diſpleaſing, than prejudicial unto you. Atonement
was made, Charters of free pardon were granted under the great Seals : Bụt
what followed ? wasthe breach ever perfectly made up? did diſpleaſure die,
or wasit only diſſembled? but the preſent wants of their lives, have fully
revenged their deaths. For had they lived, their countenance and authority
would
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
41
1
R: 23.
x
would eaſily have ſtinted theſe ſtrifes; but the manner of their death, per-| An. 1399.
ſuades an obſtinate reſiſtance in all your adverſaries: As for the refuge to
forrain Princes, you may peradventure receive of them fair entertainment,
and allowance ; yet growing burdenſom, it may perchance fail : But it is
hard to draw a Prince into ſuch a quarrel, and more hard by that means to
prevail: Or if you ſhould, it is to be feared, that the Vidors will hold the
benefit of the Conqueſt to themſelves, and not yield it over to you. Few
Countries (that have required ſuch aid) but have been by Forrainers ſub-
dued. This drew the Saxons into the Land, who fo aſſiſted the Britons,
that they could not be reſiſted from poſſeſſing their Kingdom; yet help of
ſtrangers in caſes of extremity, is not altogether to be contemned, but it is
a remedy laſt to be truſted to, leaſt to be tried, but in no caſe altogether to
be relied upon. What then if you procure a Treaty, to ſee in what terms
the people ſtand againſt you ? it may be upon fair quarter, they will ſubmit,
but if they will perſiſt to uncrown you, an honorable ſtipend may be pro-
cured you; what ſhall you loſe thereby? You have no child to be diſ-in-
herited, the chief motive to make men greedy to get, and careful to retain.
And as for your ſelf, you ſhall be but tranſlated from a ſteep and ſlippery
hill, to a ſmooth and pleaſant plain; from dangerous travel, to ſecure reſt
.
And if there be ro ſolace without ſafety, no felicity without firmneſs, you
ſhall find the private life, not only more pleaſant, but more happy than
your
princely ſtate. The talleſt Trees are weakeſt in the tops, and envy always
aimeth at the higheſt: But you ſhall loſe (you will ſay ) the credit and coun-
tenance of a King, lo fall you the cares and caſualties: The Crown and
Scepter are things moſt weighty to weild; if a Prince be good, he is laden
with labour; if evil, with infamy, howſoever with perils, and toſſed with
ſtrong and ſturdy tempeſts; ſo that to be freed from theſe fears, is to be
eſteemed a gain, rather than a loſs. Examples to prove this, are thoſe of our
own Country (without ſeeking of others) as may appear by Kinigellus,
Ina, Ceonulphe, Eadbert 15, Etheldredus, Kenredus,. Offa, Sebba, and Sigi-
bertus; who of their own accord, laid down their Diadems, and betook
themſelves to private and ſolitary lives. Many Princes have held their Eſtate
with better fortune, but none with greater honour did leave it; others have
either abandoned their Rule for eaſe, or to avoid danger, or 'upon ſome
pretended devotion ; but you for love to your Country, may ſeem to for-
bear to ſeek your remedy, to maintain War, wherein much blood may be
ſpilt and the Realm deprived of many able Warriours: Let others be per-
fuaded to forſake their Kingdoms, when they had no longer pleaſure to
hold them; but your praiſe
will be for giving over, when it is to the
eſt benefit of the people, and the more hope you have to prevail
, if you liſt
to contend; the greater commendations will it be to yield, as rather being
voluntary than compulſive. The King commended the courage of the firſt,
but this laſt counſel agreed beſt with his faint ſpirit, which was more incli-
nable to fear, than forward in hope; preferring abject and baſe ſafety, before
hazard with honour; others thereupon earneſtly aſſevered, That all condi-
tions of yielding, were both diſhonorable and dangerous ; that in extremi-
ties noble Spirits will not ſuddenly give off, but labour couragiouſly to repel
the danger, or wiſely to decline it; alleaging.that none ſhould ſo little eſteem
honour, as without battel or blow ſtricken, to be creſt-faln, and ſtoop to
miſerable mercy ; others paſſionately ſaid, if the honour of your noble
Houſe nothing move you, yet let danger and deſpair arm you with bold.
E
neſs,
great-
1
/
.
1
42
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
+
R. 23
.
*
*
An. 1399. (neſs
, neither the Duke nor his adherents dare be ſo confident, to think
themſelves fafe, ſo long as you ſhall remain (though in private ſtate ) alive;
you may aſſure your felf, fair words will be given, and large offers made,
but the performance reſts in the courteſie of the Conqueror: and nothing
ought to be thought unlawful to him that hath Power. King Edward the
ſecond, one of your Progenitors, could not be endured by his own Son:
many
have uſed violence to themſelves, rather than to fall into the power of
their Corrivals; expect not then better fortune, than others have found;
never be perſuaded that a Prince may live ſafely (if known) in a private
eſtate ; betwixt Cafar and nothing, the higheſt honour, and the deadlieſt
downfal, there is no mean: omit not therefore all, or any means unaſlaid,
to maintain your party by Arms ; you can but die if vanquiſhed, and dié
you ſhall if you yield; but by the one you ſhall end your life with glory,
by the other
with perpetual reproach: And though now you equally eſteem
of both, yet when you ſhall be pent in priſon, daily in fear, expecting the
deadly meſſenger, you will find a difference in death, and the weakneſs of
that counſel you are now about to follow. But the Kings ears were ſtopped
againſt all impreſſion of Valour, and being unable to Govern himſelf in
Proſperity, he was now leſs ſufficient to wind himſelf out of this labyrinth
of Troubles: And being ſo beſet, that he could neither eſcape, nor ſtand
out; he deſired conference with the Archbiſhop, and Northumberland; the
one he had formerly Baniſhed, the other proclaimed Traytor. Theſe came
unto him, but perceiving by little conference, how much they were bent
againſt him; he demanded not, what he ſaw no likelihood to obtain, and
agreed to relinquiſh his Eftate, to have a competency of means, and the
Lives of but eight ſuch perſons as he ſhould nominate allowed unto him. This
was readily and faithfully promiſed by them, and afterward ratified by the
Duke, The King deſireth conference with the Duke, which likewiſe was
promiſed, and ſo they departing, the King removed to Flint Caſtle, about
eight miles from Cheſter, whither the Duke came; at whoſe enterview, the
countenance and words of both were obſerved. The King ſeemed abject,
the Duke neither inſulting nor relenting, but rather comforting and promi-
ling friendly. The King repeated many benefits and courteſies that he had
formerly ſhewed, that he had ſpared the Dukes own life, and now.his Sons';
in recompence whereof he with ſuch ſubmiſneſs (as agreed rather with ne-
ceſſity than honour) deſired the Duke to ſhew pitty to him, from whom
he had received favour, and to permit him to live with the allowance of
ſome fitting, but private eſtate of maintenance. The Duke to comfort him,
gave him aſſurance to provide for his fafety : For which he was contented
to receive thanks as for a benefit. The King from that time was kept ſafe, and
ſure enough from hindering the Dukes projects: Neither could it ſo eaſily
have been diſcerned, what had been beſt for him to do, as that this which he
did, was the very worſt; for the ſame night he was brought to Cheſter, and
from thence ſecretly conveyed to the Tower of London, there to remain
until the Parliament; which was appointed ſhould be ſhortly after holden at
Weſtminſter.
King Richard
The King yielded himſelf the twentieth day of Auguſt, being the for-
yields to ty ſeventh day after the Dukes arrival, ſo that conſidering his journies
Lancaſters ca- from Holderneſs in the North to London, from thence to Briſtoll, and ſo
ſic Conqueft. into Wales, and back again to Cheſter ; a Man ſhall not more eaſily tra-
vel over it, then he Conquered it; To propitious were his Stars unto him,
that
Duke Henry.
1
1
The Life and Reign of. Richard the Second.
43.
R. 23
I perſuade my ſelf, that s
that he either found, or made a ready.paffage through all'hinderance and ob- | An. 1399.
Atacles ; and it ſeemed; he only needed but to open his Arms, aod Fortune
would flie: into his bolam. All the Kings Treaſure and Jewels, with his Horſe
and fardage came to the Dukes hands and many that were of his company,
were dilpoiled by the Squldiers of Northumberland and Wales. Some Wri-
ters barely upon conjecturés affirm, that the King did:not yield himielf, but
was ſurpriſed, pafling from Flint to Cheſter : But the Authority of ſuch as
lived at that time, and eitber ſaw it, or had perfect intelligence of theſe af-
fairs, ſuch as for their place could not but know, and for their profeſſion
would not but deliver the very truth; ſo prevailed with Sir John Heyroood,
the Penner of this Hiſtory, that he followed their teport. As the King was
in his journy towards London, fome had conſpired toʻlie in ambuſh by the
way, to have flain bin ; But the Mayor of London upon intelligence there-
of, prevented the practice, and went in perſon, and with conveniejít power,
brought him to the Tower. Shortly after, the Duke came to London in To- A Parliament
lemn Eſtate, and ſent fort la ſummons in the Kings name, for a Parliament to the Duke in
ſummoned by
be holden the laſt day of September in the ſame year g in the mean time he the Kings
conſulted with his dear Friends, and near Kindred, for order to be taken in Name.
his proccedings. The Duke of York; who but a little before, had beth Go-
vernor of the Realm for the King, was now the Dukes chief director, he
thought it beſt that King Richard ſhould both voluntarily reſign; and allo
ſolemnly be depoſed, by conſent of all the States of the Realm. För teſigna-
tion would be imputed only to fear, deprivation to force; whereof the one
is always pitied, and the other envied. But if both concur, and his dėlirebe
combined with his deſert, being willing to forſake that; which he is ad judg.
ed worthy to forego; then it will appear that he is neither expelléd his
Kingdom by meer conſtraint, nor leavcth it without juſt cauſe; this advice
generally pleaſed. And for execution thereof, upon the Feaſt of St. Michael,
which was the day before the Parliament ſhould begin) there aſſembled at
the Tower, Thomas Arundell, Archbiſhop of Canterbriry; Richard Scroope,
Archbiſhop of York; John, Biſhop of Hereford; Henry Duke of Lancaſter,
Henry Earl of Northumberland, Radulph Earl of Weſtmerland, Lord Hugh
Burnell
, Lord Thomas Berkiej, Lord Rofje, Lord "l'illowbigh, Lord of Aber-
gany, the Abbot of Weſtminſter, the Prior of Canterbury, William Thirmings,
and jok:n Markham Chief Juſtices, Thomas Stokey and Burbacke, Doctors of
the Law, Thomas Flerpingiam, Thomas Gray Knights, Williani Ferly and
Dioniſe Lophane Notaries publick; and divers others, neither noted nor re.
membred. When all were ſet in their places, King Richard' was brought
forth, apparelled in a Royal Robe, the Diadem on his Head, and his Scep
ter in his Hand, and was placed amongſt them in a Chair of State; never
Was Prince fo gorgeous with leſs glory and more grief; to whom it was
not thought diſgrace ſufficient, to loſe both the honour and ornaments of a
King; but he muſt openly to his greater ſcorn, renounce the one, and ſur-
render up the other. After he had fat a while and pawſed, he uſed theſe
words to the Aſſembly:
will account my caſe lamentable, either that I have deſerved this dejection; Speech.
if it be juſt, or if it be wrongful that I could not avoid it ; I confefs with
Thame and grief, that many times I have appeared, both leſs provident, and
leſs painful for the benefit of the Republick, than I ſhould or might, or
would have been hereafter; and have in many actiotis
; more reſpected' the
E 2
ſatisfying
X
+
1
4.4
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R. 23.
An. 1399. | fatisfying my own particular humour, or ſome private perſons, than the rules
of juſtice, or the common good of all; yet did I not at any time, either al-
together omit duty, or commit grievance, upon ſupine dulneſs, or ſet malice,
but partly by abuſe of corrupt Counſellors, chiefly by error of my youthful
raſh conceit without true judgment. The remembrance of theſe over-lights
,
are to no man ſo unpleaſant, as to my ſelf; and the rather, becauſe I have
no means left, either to recompence the injuries done, or to teſtifie to the
World my reformed affections, which experience and maturity of years had
already begun to correct, and would I aflure my ſelf, have grown to a more
perfect frame, if but permitted to have continued. But whether all imputed
to me, be true, either in ſubſtance or quality, according as they are ſuggeft.
ed; or whether being true, they be ſo exorbitant, as to enforce theſe ex-
tremities; or whether any other Prince, eſpecially in youthful blood, and
in the ſpace of two and twenty years (the time of my unfortunate reign)
doth not ſometimes, either for advantage or difpleaſure, in as deep manner
grieve ſome particular ſubject, I will not now examine: it boots not to uſe
defence, nor much availeth to make complaint: there is left no place for
the one, nor pity for the other : And therefore I refer all to Gods pleaſure,
and your more collected conſiderations: I accuſe no man, I blame not for-
tune, I complain of nothing. There is no pleaſure in ſuch airy comforts; it
may be if I had had will to have ſtood upon terms, I could have procured
great favours abroad, and (preſume) ſome good friends at home, who
would have been ready, (it may be too forward) on my behalf, to ſet up
a dangerous and doubtful War: But I eſtimate not worldly dignity at ſo
high a rate, to hazzard the ſpilling of ſo much Chriſtian blood, and the
ſpoiling of ſo flouriſhing a Country, as thereby might have been occaſioned
in my quarrel. Therefore that the Common-wealth may rather riſe by my
fall, than I ſtand by the ruine thereof, I willingly ſubmit to your deſires,
and am here come to diſpoſſeſs my ſelf of all Regal and publick Authority
or title: And to make it free and lawful for you to Elect, and Create for
your King, Henry Duke of Lancaſter, my Uncles Son, whom I know
to be as worthy to take that place, as I ſee you willing to confer it
upon
him.
Then he read openly and diſtinctly, the form of his Ceſſion, wherein he
did declare that he had diſcharged his Subjects from their obligations of Feal-
ty and homage, and all other tyes whatſoever: And of his own will and
free motion, did repudiate the Title, Dignity, and Authority of a King, and
rendred up the polſeſſion of the Realm, with the uſe and title thereof, and
all the rites thereunto appertaining ; and thereunto ſubſcribed and made oath
for the performance; and then with his own Hands delivered the Crown,
Scepter, Robe, and Ornaments to the Duke of Lancaſter, ſaying ; Couſin, i
wiſh you more happineſs herewith, than ever hapned to my felf
. Then did
he conſtitute the Archbiſhop of Tork, and the Biſhop of Hereford his
Procurators, to intimate and declare this his reſignation to all the States
of the Parliament. Laſtly, He gave all his Treaſure to the ſum of three
hundred thouſand pounds in Coin, beſides his Jewels and Plate, for ſatis-
faction of injuries done, defiring the Duke and thoſe preſent, ſeverally by
their names, not altogether to forget that he had been their King, nor yet
too much to think upon it; but to retain a moderate remembrance of
him, and in recompence of the caſe he had done them by this volun-
tary reſignation, to permit him to live ſafely, in a private life: with the
contem-
1
45
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
R: 23.
1
1
contemplation whereof he was ſo taken, that from thenceforth he would | An. 1399.
prefer it before any worldly preferment. This was done with voyce and
countenance ſo conſonant to his preſent paſſion, that not any preſent, not un-
mindful of humane inſtability, which was not in ſome meaſure moved there-
at:inſomach that ſome few tears ſecretly dropped from many eyes there pre-
ſent, in whoſe thoughts a confuſed, but obſcure alteration already began to
take riſing; ſo prone is mankind to pity miſery, though by themſelves pro-
cured, and to envy proſperity, even in thoſe themſelves have raiſed.
The Monday following, the Parliament began at Weſtminſter, and there
the Archbiſhop of Tork, and the Biſhop of Hereford (the late Kings At-
torneys for this purpoſe) openly declared to the States (there Allembled
the late Kings voluntary reſignation; and demanded whether they would
aſſent, and agree thereunto ? The Barons of the Realm, by particular allent,
the Commons with general voice, accepted and admitted the ſame : Then it
was thought requiſite, that ſome defects and miſdemeanours in point of
go-
vernment, ſhould be objected againſt the late King, for which he might be
adjudged, as unworthy, as he leemed unwilling to retain the Sovereignty:
whereupon certain Articles were ingroſſed and publickly read, in which
was contained how unprofitable he had been to the Realm, how unjuſ:
and grievous to the Subjects, repugnant both to his Cath and Honour.
The principal of which Articles were:
1 That he had waſtfully ſpent the Treaſure of the Realm, and had to
unworthy perſons given the potleſſions of the Crown, by reaſon whereof
many great and grievous Taxes were daily laid upon the Commons.
2 That whereas divers Lurds, as well Spiritual as Temporal, were by
the high Court of Parliament, appointed to treat of matters concerning
the State of the Kingdom; they being bufied about the ſame Commiſſion,
he with others of his accomplices, went about to appeach them of high
Treaſon.
3 That by force and threats he enforced the Judges of the Realm at
Shrewsbury, to condeſcend to his way, for the deſtruction of the ſaid Lords.
That thereupon he railed War againſt John Duke of Lancaſter, Thomas
Earl of sirundel, Rickard Earl of Warwick, and others, contrary to his
promiſe, in derogation of the honour of the King : That he cauſed his fa-
thers own brother, the Duke of Gloceſter, without law to be attached and
ſent to Callice, and there without reaſon ſecretly murthered: That notwith-
ſtanding the Earl of Arundel at his arraignment, pleaded his Charter of
pardon, le could not be heard, but was Thamefully and ſuddenly set to
death : That he alicmblcd certain Lancaſhire and Cheſhire men, to make
War
upon
the foreſaid Lords, and ſuffered them to rob and ſpoyl, with
out reproof or prohibition.
4 That though he dillembled, and had made Proclamation, That the
Lords were not attached for any crime of Treaſon, but for oppreſſion done
within the Realm: yet he objected againſt them in the Parliament, Trcalon
and Rebellion.
5. That notwithſtanding his Pardon granted to them, he enforced divers
of the Lords partakers, to be again intolerably fined, to their utter undoing.
6 That contrary to his promiſe in Parliament, he to his great diſhonour
kept away divers Rowls and Records, which by agreement ſhouid have
been ſhown to certain Commiſſioners, appointed to treat of the affairs
of the Commonwealth..
i
1
1
E 3
7 That
1
46
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
.
An. 1399.
R. 23.
7 That he commanded that no man upon pain of death, ſhould intreat
for the return of Henry now Duke of Lancaſter.
8 That whereas the Realm is immediately holden of God, he after he
had obtained in Parliament divers Acts for his own particular ends, procured
Bulls and heavy cenſures from Rome, to ci mpel his Subjects, to obſerve
and perform them, contrary to the honour and ancient priviledge of this
Kingdom.
9 That though the Duke of Lancaſter had done his devoir againſt the
Duke of Norfolk in defence of his quarrel, yet he baniſhed him the Land,
without ſhowing juſt cauſe : contrary to equity and the Law of Arms.
10 That having under the great Seal given leave to the ſaid Duke of
Hereford, to make Proxies and Attornies to proſecute and defend his cauſes:
The riid King after the Dukes departure, would not permit any to appear
for him.
11 That he had put out divers high Sheriffs
, having been lawfully elect-
ed, pu'ting into their rooms, fom:of his Favourites, ſubverting the courſe
of the Law,, contrary to his Oath and Honour.
12 He borrowed great ſums, and bound himſelf for repayment, but
no penny thereof paid.
13 That he laid taxations upon his Subjects at his pleaſure, conſuming
the Treaſure in idle expences, but not paying the poor Subject for his own
viands.
14 That he affirmed all the Law lay in his head and breaſt, by which
phrenetical conceit, divers of the Nobility were deſtroyed, and the poor
Commons fleeced,
15 That he procured by his Solicitors in the Parliament, an Act to be
eſtabliſhed, that no Act of Parliament thould be more prejudicial to him,
than it was to his Predeceffors; through which Proviſo, he did what he liſt
,
and not what the Law did allow.
16 That for his ends, he would keep Sheriffs of Shires longer than one
or two year in the Office.
17 That he put out divers Knights and Burgeſſcs legally Elected, and
put others of his own choice in their rooms, to ſerve his own turn.
18. That he had ſpies and informers in every Countrey, to hear and ob-
ſerve the words and demeanours of the people : And if any reproved his
looſe and licentious courſes, they were convented and grievouſly fined.
19 The ſpirituality objected againſt him, that at his going into Ireland,
he ſqueezed out from them many ſums of money, beſides Jewels and Plate,
without Law or Cuſtom, contrary to his Oath at his Coronation : That
divers Lords and Juſtices, being ſworn to ſpeak the truth in divers things
oncerning the Honour and Safety of the Realm, and profit of the King, he
did ſo threaten them, that no man would, or durſt deliver the truth.
20 That without the allent of the Peers, he carried the Juwels and
Plate of this Kingdom into Ireland, to the great impoveriſhing of the
Realm, many of them being there loſt.
21 That he cauled all remembrances of the great exactions and extorti-
ons by him uſed, and ſafely depoſited amongſt the Parliamentary Records,
to be privily imbeazeled and carried
away.
22 That in all his Letters to the Pope, and other Princes, his ſtile was
cunning and obſcure, that neither they, nor his own Subjects were certain
of his true meaning.
1
។
1
1
+
+
23 That
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
47
R. 23
3
1
23 Thát he forgetfully affirmed, that all the Lives of his Subjects were An. 1399.
in his hands, to diſpoſe at pleaſure.
24 That he contrary to the great Charter of England, procured divers
able men, to appeal aged people, upon matters determinable at Common
Law in the Marſhals Court, becauſe in that Court there is no tryal but by
battel, whereby ſuch Appealers, knowing their inſufficiency, ſubmitted
themſelves to his mercy, whom he at his pleaſure unreaſonably fined.
25 That he deviſed ſtrange forms of Oaths, contrary to Law, and en-
forced divers his Subjects to take and obſerve the ſame, and to that end
bound them by Recognizance, to the great hinderance of many poor men,
and the diſhonour of God.
26 That where the Chancellour, upon good grounds, denied a prohibi-
tion, to a certain perſon moving for the ſame: yet hegranted it to the ſame
perfon, under the privy Seal, with a grievous pain if not obeyed.
27 That he baniſhed the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, without juſt cauſe,
or judgement, and kept him with armed meniņ the Parliament Chamber.
28 That he granted all his Goods to his Succeſſors, conditionally that he
ſhould maintain all the Statutes made Anno 21. at Shrewsbury, and the 22.
year of his reign at Coventry.
29 That upon the firſt convention of the Biſhop of Canterbury, he cun-
ningly perſwaded the Archbiſhop to make no anſwer: for he woula be his
warrant, perſwading him to decline the Parliament: And ſo without anſwer
he was condemned to be exiled, and his Goods ſeized on; four other Arti-
cles in behalf of the Biſhops, were laid againſt him, by whoſe doings only
the King was utterly undone.
Then was demanded of the Nobility, and Commons of the Realm,
what they judged of the ſubſtance and truth of theſe Articles? who alí
agreed, that the crimes were notorious : And that the King was worthy for
the ſame, to be depoſed from his Princely dignity. The Noblemen partly
corrupted by favour, partly over-awed by fear, gave their voices. And the
Commons, who commonly are like a flock of Cranes, as the firſt fly, all
follow, did the like. Commiſſioners are appointed by both Houſes, who
pronounced ſentence of Depoſition againſt King Richard, in manner and
form as followeth.
In the name of God, Amen. We John Biſhop of Aſaph, John Abbot of
Glaffenbury, Thomas Earl of Gloceſter, Thomas Lord Barkley, Sir Tho.
m is Erpingham, and Sir Thomas Gray Knights, and William Thirning Ju
ſtice, Commiſſioners for the cauſes hereafter ſpecified : By the Lords Spiri-
tualand Temporal, and the Commons of the Realm of England, repreſen-
ting all the States of our Kingdom, ſpecially deputed, fitting in place of
judgement, conſidering the manifold perjuries, and cruelties, and many o-
ther the crimes and offences, by Richard late King of this Realm commit-
ted and done (contrary to good Government) in the Realms and Dominions
aforeſaid, during thc time of his reign: Allo conſidering the Articles which
were openly exhibited and read, before the ſaid States, which were ſo publick,
notorious, manifeſt, and famous, that they neither could, nor can by any ſhift,
or cover, be concealed, or avoided : conſidering alſo the Confeſſion of the
faid King,acknowledging and reputing,and truly upon his certain knowledge,
judging himſelf to have been, and to be altogether inſufficient, and unskil-
ful for the Rule and Government of the Realm and Dominionsaforeſaid, and
not unworthy tobe Depoſed, for the notorious demerits by the ſaid Richard
firſt
1
48
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
1
A fained
Title.
An. 1399. / firſt acknowledged, and after by his will and mandate before the ſaid States
R. 23. publiſhed, and to them opened and declared in Engliſh tongue, upon theſe
and other matters which were done, concerning the ſame buſineſs, before
the ſaid States and Us, by the delegation, place, name and Authority to Us in
this part committed: in purſuance whereof We pronounce, decree, and de-
clare the ſaid Richard, to have been, and be unprofitable, unable and alto-
gether unſufficient, and unworthy for the Rule and Government of the ſaid
Realms ; and in regard and reſpect of the premiſſes, worthy to be depoſed
from all Kingly dignity and honour (if any ſuch dignity and honour remain-
eth in him:) And for the like cautele, We do depoſe him by our ſentence
definitive in this Writing, inhibiting from henceforth, exprefly, all and lin-
gular Lords, Archbiſhops, Biſhops
, Prelates, Dukes, Marquelies, Earls, Ba-
rons, Knights, Vaſlals, and all other Perſons whatſoever of the ſaid Realms,
heretofore the Subjects of the fame, and every of them, that from henceforth
none obey, or intend to obey the ſaid Richard, as King or Lord of the Domi-
nions aforeſaid. And afrerwards the fame Commiſlioners by the conſent and
ſuffrage of both Houſis, were conſtituted Procurators joyntly and ſeverally,
for all the States of the Realm, to reſign, and ſurrender unto King Richard
for them, and all other homagers of the Realm, all the homages and fealties,
which were both due, and done unto him, as King and Sovercign : And alſo
to declare unto him all the premiſies concerning his Depoſition. Now Hen-
7'y Duke of Lancaſter, that he might be repered, or reported at the leaſt,
not to attain the Kingdom by intruſion and wrong, was counlelled by his
friends, to pretend fome lawful challenge, or claim thereunto: And being
in power, it was no ſooner adviſed what was to be done, but it was preſent-
ly deviled how to do it : So a Title was drawn from Edmond, Son to
King Henrythe third, whom they nicknamed Crook-back, affirming, that he
was the eldeſt Son of King Henry, and that he for his deformity was put
from his right of ſucceflion, which was for that caule given to King Edward
the firſt. To this Edmond the Duke was next of blood, by his Mother Blanch,
ſole Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Lancaſter, and Son to the ſame
Edmond. This cunning conveyance was perceived by most; but ſeeming not
to perceive it, was a point of friendſhip in fome, and of obedience in the reſt.
Therefore the Crown of England, being ſuppoſed unfofielled, both by the
reſignation, and alſo by the depoſition of King Richard; Duke Henry aroſe
from off his feat, and ſtanding in the moſt view of the Allembly, making the
ſign of the Croſs on his forehead, and breaſt, ſaid as followeth :
In the name of God, Amen. I Henry of Lancaſter, claim as my right,
the Crown, and Realm of England, with all the Dooinions and appen-
dices to the ſame, as being lineally deſcended, by the right line, from the
Blood Royal, coming from that good Lord, King Henry the third, and
through the right that
God of his grace hath ſent me, by his atſiſtance, and
the help of my ready kindred, and noble friends, have adventured to reco-
ver the lame,which was in point of deſtruction, for want ofgood Government,
and orderly diſtribution of juſtice therein. And therewith reſeated himſelf.
Then was it demanded in both Houſes, upper and lower, whether they
did conſent, that the Duke ſhould reign over then, who all with one voice
cepted for
King accepted of him for their King. Then the Archbiſhop of Canterbury took
him by the hand, and placed him in the Throne of State, the Archbiſhop
of Tork aſſiſting him; and all the Parliament teſtifying their own joy, and
wiſhing his. Then the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, upon this place of Scrip-
D. Lincaſter
laveth his
claim to the
Crown.
1
The Duke of
Lancaſter ac-
ture
1
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Second.
49
"
ſioners ac-
ture, 1 Reg.9.17. See, this is the man whom I ſpake to thee of, this ſame ſtall An. 1399.
reign over my people : did make a paraphraſtical expoſition ; which ended, R. 23.
the Duke was generally Proclaimed King by the Name of Henry the Fourth,
King of England, and France, Lord of Ireland. The Common people void
of cares, not ſearching into ſequels
, but
without difference of right or wrong,
inclinable to follow the mighty, with ſhouts and clamors gave their applauſe,
not all upon judgment, or.faithful meaning, but only upon received cuſtom
at firſt to flatter the Prince, whatſoever he be: But left the humour thereof
ſhould allay by delay, it was forthwith Proclaimed, that upon the thirteenth
of September next enſuing, the Coronation of the King
ſhould be celebra Loctober
ted at Weſtminſter. Theſe matters being thus diſpatched, the Proclaimed
King roſe from his Seat, and went to Whitehall, where he feaſted thc Aflem-
bly Royally: yet he made no ſhow of ſtatelineſs, or pride, or change of de-
portment, in this ſo great change of fortune. Upon Wedneſday following
the before remembred Procurators, went to the depoſed King to the Tower, The Commir-
and declared to him the admiſſion of his reſignation, and the manner of his
quaint Klog
Depoſition; and in the Name of the States of the Realm, did ſurrender Richard with
back the Homage and Fealty formerly due unto him, with this atteſtation, of the House.
that no Man from thenceforth would bear unto him Faith and Allegeance,
as due to a King: The King anſwered that he little regarded titular cir-
cumſtances, but contented himſelf with hope, that his Couſin would be a
gracious Lord, and good Friend unto him. And accordingly, upon the day
appointed, which was upon the day of the tranſlation of King Edward the
Confeſſor, the Duke of Lancaſter with all accuſtomed Ceremonies, was by
the Archbiſhop of Canterbury Sacred and Anointed, and Crowned upon the Henry the
that the yeaș before he had been baniſhed the Realm ; he led.
was Anointed with an Oyl which a religious Man had given to Henry the firſt
Duke of Lancaſter (Grand-father to the King by the Mothers ſide ) when
he ſerved in the Wars of King Edward the third in France, together with
this Propheſie, that thoſe Kings which ſhould be Anointed therewith at
their Coronation, ſhould be the Champions of the Church. Duke Henrg
delivered this (yl in a golden Viol to Prince Edward, eldeſt Son of King
Edward the third, who locked up the ſame, in a barred Cheſt in the Tower,
with a Ticket of the prediction, with intent to be therewith at his Corona.
tion Anointed : But he dying before his Father, it remained there, either not
remembred, or not regarded, until this preſent year, wherein the King be-
ing on his Voyage into Ireland, and making diligent ſearch, for the Jewels
and Rcliques of his Progenitors, found this Viol and Propheſie: And un-
derſtanding the myſtery thereof, was deſirous to be Anointed again with
that Oyl: But the Archbiſhop of Canterbury perſuaded him that both the
fact was unlawful, and the preſident never ſeen, that a King ſhould be Anoin-
ted twice : Whereupon the King took the Viol with him into Ireland, and
when he yielded himſelf at Flint, the Archbiſhop of Canterbury demanded
it of him, and receiving it, reſerved the ſame, until the Coronation of Hen-
ry the fourth, who was the firſt King that ever was Anointed therewith. To
diſcourſe either of the authority, or certainty of theſe Propheſies, I preſume
mot; but this is obſerved, many of them fail, or are fulfilled in another
ſenſe, than as they are ordinarily conceived and taken. During the time of 7
+
this King's Reign, execution by fire was firſt put in practice within this
Realm for Controverſies in point of Religion: in any other matter he did Burning of
make the Church as much Champane, as ſhow himſelf Champion of the
practiſed.
Church:
fourth AOWO-
very ſame
។
+
Herericks firſt
1
:50
The Life and Reign of Richard. the Second.
w
R. 23.
An. 1399. Church: But afterwards his Succeſſors were Entitled Defenders of the Faith:
And how in Action the firſt receiver of that Title did verifie the fame, I re-
fer to the report of thoſe times. Upon mature conſideration it was found,
that the Title derived from Edmond Grnamed Crouch back, to Henry, would
upon examination appear but a jear, for that the ſaid Edmund was neither
cldeſt Son to Henry the third, nor yet a deformed perſon, but a proper Gen-
tleman, and a brave Çommander in the Field, and to reſpected of his Father,
that he gave him both the Heritage and Honours of Simon Mumford, Earl
of Leiceſter; of Ferrare, Earl of Darby; and of Jobn Baron.of Monmoth;
who to their own ruin had diſplayed (edicions Enſigns againſt the King;
under which Leiceſter was ſlain at the Battel of Evilham: and to engratiate
him to Blaunch, the Queen of Navarre, he firſt created him Earl of Lan-
caſter, and gave unto him the County, Caſtle and Town of Lancaſter, with
the Forreſts
of Wirejdale, Lonſdale, New caſtle beneath the Line,the Mannor,
Caſtle and Forreſts of Pickering, the Mannor of Scalby, the Town of G!o-
ceſter, of Huntingdon, &c. and made him high. Steward of England, with
many Privileges and other Titles of Honour. Therefore King Henry, upon
the day of hi. Coronation, cauſed to be Proclaimed, That he claimed the
Crown of England, Firſt, By right of Conqueſt; Secondly, Becauſe King
Richard had reſigned his Eſtate, and deſigned him for his Succellor ; Laſtly,
Becauſe he was of the Blood Royal, and next Heir-male to King Richard,
Heres malus indeed cried Edmond Mortimer Earl of Murch, to ſome of his
familiars, and ſo is a Pirat to a Merchant, when he diſpoileth himn of all that
ever he hath. This Edmond Earl of March, was. Son to Roger, not long be-
fore Nain in Ireland, who had been publickly declareed Heir to the Crown,
in caſe King Richard ſhould have died without iſſue, as deſcended by his
Mother Philip, from Lionel Duke of Clarence, who was elder Brother to
John Duke of Lancaſter, King Henries Father; and therefore the ſaid Ed.
mond thought himſelf (as in truth he:was) nearer Heir-male to Succeſſion of
the Crown, than he that by colour of right claiming it, carried it by dint of
Forcę. But the condition of the time was ſuch, that he ſuppoſed it was in
vain for him to ſtir, where King Richard could not ſtand; whereupon he
diſſembled, either that he ſaw his wrong, or that he regarded it, and chore
rather to ſuppreſs his Title for a tinc, than by untimely oppoſing himſelf to
have it oppreſſed, and depreſſed for ever: He withdrew himſelf therefore
from London, to his Lordilip of Wigmore in the Weſt parts of this Realm,
and there ſettled himſelf to a quiet and retired life; he counted it a point of
wiſdom to meddle with nothing, whereof any man was chargeable to ren-
der account: in revenues he was not great, in apparel moderate, in com-
pany and train not exceſſive (yet in all theſe honorable, and according to
his degree) ſo that they that eſteemed Men by the outward appearance on-
ly, could ſee in him no great ſhow of wit, or courage to be teared, or of
wealth or honour, in his Eſtate to be envied. And thus whilſt that a greater
enemy was feared, he paſſed unregarded, making himſelf ſafe by contempt,
where nothing was ſo dangerous as popular opinion, and raked up thoſe
coles in ſecurity for a time, which afterward ſet all the Realm on fire. King
Richard being now depoſed, was ſent after his reſignation to Leeds in Kent,
but afterwards to Pomfert Caſtle, whcre we leave him.
I
1
THE
1
51
THE
LIFE and REIGN
OF
1
King HENRY IV
An. 1399.
H. 1.
SHARE THE
ENRY, firnamed Bullingbrook, Duke of He-
reford, and Son of John of Gannt. Duke of
Lancaſter, fourth Son of King Edward the
Third ; beginning his Reign the-29-of Sep-
tember 1399. preſently after his Coronation,
H created his eldeſt son, Lord Henry, being
about thirteen years of age, Prince of Wales,
级 ​Duke of Cornwall
, and Earl of Cheſter; and
ſoon after, Duke of Aquitaine; he made allo
many new Officers: His ſecond Son Thomas,
he made Lord High Steward of England; ap-
pointing the Earl of Worceſter his Aſſiſtant, during the Minority of the
ſaid Thomas : The Earl of Northumberland, he made Lord High Conſta-
ble: The Earl of Weſtmerland, Marſhal of England. He was crowned at
Weſtminſter the thirteenth of O&tober following, being, Munday, the day
kept holy in commemoration of Saint Edward the Confeſſor. The Dukes
of York, Surrey, Albemerle, with the Earl of Glocefter, bare the Canopy
over him, (which Office the Barons of the Cinque-ports do at this day
execute) Sir Thomas Dymock was Champion, and armed Cap-a-pe, road
about the Hall, challenging any that ſhould gain-lay the Kings right to the
Crown of England. The King likewiſe made Sir John Shirley, Lord Chan-
cellor; John Norbury Eſquire, Lord Treaſurer; Sir Richard Clifford, Lord
Privy Seal. Upon the fourth of OEF ober, the Lord High Steward, by his
Fathers command, ſat in the Kings Hall at Weſtminſter, and cauſed Procla-
mation to be made, That any that could juſtly
claim any Office at the ſolem-
nization of the Kings Coronation, ſhould prefer their Petitions ; whereupon
divers claimed Offices and Fees : And thoſe to whom the rights of ſuch
claims appertained, were admitted accordingly. The Parliament was pro-
rogued to the morrow after Saint Edwards day, upon their re-aſſembly, it
was enacted, that the Inheritance of the Grown and Realm of England,
and of all the Dominions to the King of England appertaining, ſhould be
united, and remain in the perſon of King Henry, and in the Heirs of his
body lawfully begotten: And that Prince Henry his eldeſt Son, ſhould be
his
!
1
2
T
1
52
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
An.. 1399. This Heir apparent, and Succeſſor in the premiſſes; and if he ſhould die with-
HI.
out iſſue, then they were entailed to his other Sons ſucceſſively in order, and
to the Heirs of their bodies ; ſo that nothing was left undone, that the wit
of Man could invent, and authority refulcitate, for the ſetting of the right
to the Crown in him and his Heirs. In this Parliament were deprived of
their digoities, the Dukes of Surrey, Aumerle, and Exeter, the Marqueſs
Dorſet,' and Earl of Gloceſter underwent the like ſentence. The Inheritance
of the Kingdom fettled, and ſome exemplary puniſhments of ſome the late
Kings ill Counſellers made: A motion was made in Parliament, what ſhould
be done with the depoſed King.
The Biſhop
Thomas Merks the Biſhop of Carliſle, a Man that ufed both liberty and
of Carliſes
conſtancy in a good cauſe; in his private judgment, having never allowed
Oration.
theſe proceedings, but diſſembled his diſlike, till fic time to declare it, be-
ing in a place to be heard, and by the order of the Houſe, not to be in-
terrupted of any, roſe up, and with a grave countenance and ſettled
courage, ſaid, This queſtion (right Honorable) concerneth a matter of
great conſequence and weight, the determining whereof will aſſuredly
procure either quiet or turmoile, both to the publick State, and our particu-
lar conſciences. Therefore ;before any reſolution thereof be given, I be-
ſeech you to take into your more ſerious conſideration, theſe two things:
Firſt
, Whether King : Richard.be: ſufficiently depoſed or not: "Secondly,
Whether King Henry be by Juſtice and good adviſement feated in the Suc-
cefſion: In the firſt point is to be examined, whether a King by lineal Suc-
ceſſion, Crowned,Anointed, and lawfully Inveſted, may upon imputation,
either of Negligence or Tyranny; be depoſed by his Subjects 2 Secondly,
What Richard had omitted in the one, or committed in the other, that
might deſerve that heavy judgment? I will not diſpute what may be done,
in a Popular, or Conſular eſtate, in which though one beareth the Title and
Honour of a Prince, yet he hath no Supream power of a King: But in the
one the Nobility and chief Men of State, in the other the People have great-
eſt Prerogative; in neither the Prince. Of the laſt fort was the Common-
wealth of the Lacedæmonians, who by that form of Government which. Li-
curgus framed, oftentimes fined, ſometimes fettered their Princes, ſometimes
put them to death; ſuch were the petty Kings.in France in Cæfars time, who
were oftentimes arraigned and executed: and the Princes of the Leodienfes,
as Ambiorix confeſſed, had no greater power over their Subjects, than their
Subjects had over them. And of the ſecond condition were the Roman Em-
perors at the firſt, being ſubject to the cenſure of the Senate; and ſuch are
now the Emperors of Germany; whom the other Princes by their Ariſtocra-
tical
power, do not only reſtrain, but ſometimes remove; ſuch are the
Kings of Denmark and Sweveland, who are many times by their Nobility. de-
jected, either into priſon or exile : ſuch are the Dukes of Venice, and ſome
other free States of Italy: And the chiefeſt cauſe why Lewis Earl of Flan-
ders, was lately expelled, was for aſſuming unto himſelf the Cognizance
of life and death, which Authority was never incident to his Dignity. In
theſe, and ſuch like Governments, the Prince hath not abſolute Regality,
but is himſelf ſubject to that power, which is more tranſcendent than his,
whether it be in the Nobility or Multitude. But if the Soveraign Majeſty
be in the Prince, as it was in the firſt three Emperors, and in the Kingdoms
of Judea and Iſrael, and is now in the Kingdoms of England, France, Scot-
land, Spain, Muſcovid, Turky, Tartary, Perſia, Ethiopia, and almoſt all
the
1
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
53
>
+
R....
1
1
the Kingdoms of Aſia and Africa; although for his vices, he be unprofita- | An. 1399.
ble to the Subjects, yea hurtful, yea untolerable; yet can they neither hazard
his power, nor harm his Perſon, either by judicial proceedings, or by force;
for neither one, nor all Magiſtrates, have any Authority over the Prince,
from whom all Authority is derived, and whoſe only preſence doth ſilence
and ſuſpend all inferiour juriſdi&ion and force, And for power, what Subject
can aſſiſt or counſel, or conceal violence againſt his Prince, and not incur the
high and heinous crime of fawſonry or treaſon; itisa common ſaying, thought
is free, free indred from puniſhment of ſecular Laws,except by word or deed
it break forth into action; yet the ſecret thoughts againſt the Sacred Majeſty of
a Prince, without attempt, without endeavour, have been adjudged to death.
Aud ſome, who in auricular confeſſion, have diſcovered their treacherous de-
vices againſt the King in perſon, have for the ſame been executed. All Laws do
exempt a mad man from puniſhment, becauſe their actions are not governed
by their will, and the will of man being ſet apart, all his deeds are indifferent;
neither can the body offend without a corrupt or erroneous mind ; yet if a
mad-man but draw his weapon upon his King, it hath been adjudged worthy
death. And left any man ſhould ſurmiſe, that Princes, for the maintenance of
their own ſafety, and ſovereignty, are the only authors of theſe judgements;
Let us examine with conſideration, the patterns and precepts, to this pur-
poſe ſet forth in the ſacred Text. Nabuchadnezzar King of Aſſyria, waſted all
Paleſtine with fire and fword, oppugned the holy City a great while, and at
the laſt expugned it; ſlaughtered the King, burnt the Temple, carried away
the holy Vefſels and Treaſure, and permitted the Souldiers with unmerciful
cruelty to ſpoyl and ranſack all the people with fire and ſword, and whom
from thence had eſcaped, and the peſtilence had ſpared, he led captive into
Chaldea, and there erected his golden Image, commanding thoſe that refu-
ſed to worſhip it, to be caſt into the fiery Furnace; notwithſtanding God
callerh Nabuchadnezzar his ſervant, and promiſeth him wages for his ſervice.
And the Prophets Jeremiah and Baruck, did write unto the femes to pray gerem. 25. 9.
for the life of him and of Balthazar his Son, that their days upon earth
might be as the days of heaven : and Ezechiel with bitter terms upbraid-
eth the diſloyalty of Zedechiah, for revolting from Nabuchadnezzar, after
homage:done unto him, Did not Saul put all the Prieſts to death, becauſe
one of them did relieve holy and hörmleſs David? did he not proſecute his
faithful ſervant; and dutiful Son-in-law, yet was not he ſpared, nay, prote-
cted by him? And was nor David much grieved for but taking away the lap
of his garment, and afterwards cauſed the meſſenger to be flain; that upon
requeſt, and for pity did lend his hand Cas himſelf reported) to haſten the
yoluntary death of that ſacred King? As for the contrary examples of John,
they were done by expreſs Oracle and revelation from God, and are no
more fęc down for our imitation, than the robbing the Egyptians, or any
other particular or priviledged commandement, but in the general precept,
which all men muſt ordinarily follow; not only our actions, but our ſpeeches
alſo, and our very thoughts are ſtrictly charged, withi duty and obedience to
Princes, whether they be good or evil. The Law of God ordaineth, That
he that doth preſumptiouſly againſt the Ruler of the people
; ſhall die. And the
Prophet David forbiddeth both by precept. and practice, to touch the
Lords anointed; Thou ſhalt not (faith the Lord) rayl:upon the Judges,
neither speak evil of the Ruler of the people. And the Apoſtles do demand
further; "that even our thoughts and ſouls, bě obedient to higher Powers
: Rom. i3. :12
F
And
Deu.t 17. 12.
illi.
7
+
3
.
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
54
2
Sap. 6.
An. 1399. And left any ſhould imagine, that they meant of good Princes only; they
R., 1.
ſpeak generally of all.. And further, to take away all doubt, they make ex-
preſs mention of the evil: For the power and authority of wicked Princes,
is the ordinance of God. And therefore Chriſt told Pilat; That the power
which he had, was given him from above. And the Prophet Eſay called Cj-
rus, being a prophane and heathen Prince, the Lords annointed: For, God
turneth the hearts even of wicked Princes to do his will. And as Jehofa-
phat ſaid to his Rulers, They execute not the judgement of man, but of the
Lord. In regard whereof David calleth them gods, becauſe they have the
rule and authority even from God, which if they do abuſe, they are not to
be adjudged by their Subjects; for no power within their Dominion is ſupe-
riour to theirs. But God reſerveth them to their foreſt tryal, Horribly and
Juddenly (faith the Wiſe man) will the Lord appear to them, and a hard
judgement ſhall they have. The Law of God commandeth, that the child
ſhould be put to death, for any contumely done unto the Parents; but
what if the Father be a robber if a martherer? if for exceſs of villanies,
odious and execrable both to God and Man? ſurely he deſerveth the grea-
teſt degree of puniſhment, and yet muſt not the Son lift up his hand againſt
him, for no offence can be ſo great, as to be puniſhed by parricide. But our
Countrey is (or ought to be more dear to us than our Parents. And the
Prince is the Father of the Countrey, and therefore more ſacred and dear to
us than our Parents by nature, and muſt not be violated, how imperious, how
impious ſoever he be: doth he command or demand our purſes or per-
fons, we muſt not ſhun the one, nor ſhrink from the other; .for as Ne-
hemiah faith, Kings have dominion over the cattle.of their Subjects at their
pleaſure. Doch he enjoyn thoſe actions, which are contrary to the Laws of
God, we muſt neither wholly obey, nor violently reſiſt, but with a conſtant
courage,
ſubmit our ſelves to all manner of puniſhment, and ſhew our ſub-
jection, by ſuffering and not performing: yca, the Church hath declared it to
be an hereſie, to hold, that a Prince may be ſlain, or depoſed by his Subjects,
for any default or diſorder of life, or default in government. There will be
faults to long as there be men: and as we endure with patience a barren
year, if it happen, and unſeaſonable weather ; ſo muſt we tolerate the im-
perfections of Rulers, and quietly expect either reformation or alteration
But alas ! what ſuch cruelty, what ſuch impiety, hath King Richard commit-
ted? examine the imputations objected, with the falſe circumſtance of ag:
gravation, and you ſhall find but little of truth, or of great moment; it may
be many overſights have eſcaped (as who lives without offending) yet none
ſo grievous to be termed tyranny, as proceeding rather from unexperien-
ced ignorance, or corrupt counſel,. than from any natural or wilful malice.
Oh ! how ſhould the world be peſtered with tyrants, if Subjects might be
permitted to rebel, upon pretence of tyranny? how many good Princes
Thould often be ſuppreſſed bythoſe by whom they ought to be ſupported?
if they but levy a Subſidie, or any other Taxation, it ſhall be judged oppreſſi-
on; if they put any to death for traiterous attempts againſt their perſons, it
ſhall be exclaimed at for cruelty, if they ſhall do any thing againſt the
good liking of their people, it ſhall be proclaimed tyranny.
..
But let it be that without deſert in him, orauthority in us, King-Richard
muſt be depoſed; yet what right hath the Duke of Lancaſter to the Crown?
or what reaſon have we, withoạt right, to give it him? If he make Title as
Heir to King Richard, then muſt he ſtay King Richards death ; for no man
A
can
.
1
The Life and Reign of. Henry the Fourth.
55
1
R 1.
can ſucceed as Heir to the living ; but 'tis well known to all Men, who are | An: 1399.
not wilfully blind, or grofly ignorant: that, there are ſome yet aliye, lineal-
ly deſcended from Lionel Duke of Clarence, whoſe iſſue by the judgment
of the high Court of Parliament, in the eighth year of King Richárds reigni,
was declared Heir apparent to the Crown in caſe King: Richard ſhould die
without iſſue. The claim from Edmond Crouchback, I paſs over the authors
thereof, themſelves being aſhamed of ſo abſurd an abuſe; and, therefore
all the pretence now on foot is by right of Conqueſt; and the Kings reſig.
nation and grant, and the conſent of the many: it is bad ftuff that will take
no colour, what Conqueſt cana Subje& make again a Soveraign, where the
War is Inſurrection, and the Victory high Treaſon?:King Richards.reſignati-
on being in Priſon, is an act of Exačtion by force, and therefore of. na force to
bind him; and by the Laws of this Realm, the King by himſelf cannot alie,
nate the ancient Jewels and Ornaments of the Crown, much leſs give away
his Crown and Kingdom. And cuſtom we have nonė, for the Vulgar to
Elect their King, but they are always tyde to accept of him, whom the
right of Succellion enables to the Crown, much leſs can they make good
that Title, which is by violence Uſurped; for nothing can be ſaid to be free-
done, when Liberty is reſtrained by Fear: As for the depoſing of Edward
the Second, it is no more to be urged, than the poiſoning of King John, or
the murdering of a lawful Prince: We muſt live according to Laws, not ex-
amples, yet the Kingdom then was not taken from lawful Succeffors ; but
if we look back to times paſt, we ſhall find that theſe Ticles were more
ſtrong in King Stephen, than they are now in the Duke of Lancaſter; for
King Henry the firſt being at Liberty, neither reſtrained, nor conſtrained, the
people aſſented to this delignment, and thereupon without fear or force he
was anointed, and crowned King. Yet Henry Fitzempreſe, having a near-
er right to the Crown by his Mother (notwithſtanding his Father was a
ſtranger, and he born beyond the Seas ) never ceaſed the proſecution of
bloody Wars, to the great effuſion of Blood, and ſpoiling the Country, un-
til his lawful Inheritance was aſſured him. It terrifieth me but to think, how
many flouriſhing Kingdoms have been by ſuch contentions, ether rent by
Inteſtine diviſion, or ſubdued to forrain Princes, under pretence of affift-
ance and aid. This Kingdom hath had too woful experience of theſe ſe-
veral miſchiefs, and yet neither examples of other countries, or miſeries
of our own, are ſufficient to make us be wary. Certainly, I fear, it will be-
tide us, as it did to Elops Frogs, who being deſirous to have a King, had a
beam given them, the firſt fall whereof affrighted them, but when they ſaw
it lie ſtill, they contemptuoully inſulted thereon, and deſired a King of
more active ſpirit; then a Stork was ſent them, which ſtalking amongſt
them, daily devoured them. King Richards mildneſs hath bred in us this
ſcorn, interpreting it to be cowardiſe and dulneſs of nature; I dare not ſay
(yét give me leave to ſuſpect ) with greater courage, we may find great-
er cruelty: And thus have I declared my opinion, with more words, you
may perhaps conjecture, than Wiſdom; yet fewer than the weight of the
cauſe doth require : And I do reſolutely conclude, that we have neither
Power, nor Policy, either to Depoſe King Richard, or in his place to Elect
Duke Henry; that King Richard remaineth ſtill our Soveraign Lord, and
therefore it is not lawful for us to give judgment againſt him ; that the
Duke whom you are pleaſed to ſtile King, hath more.tranſgrefled the King
and Realm, than Richard hath done either againſt him or us; for he being
Baniſhed
?
F 2
1
so
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
+
An. 1399. 1 Baniſhed the Realm for ten years by the King and Councel (amongſt whom
R.I. his own Father was chief) and given oath not to return without ſpecial Li-
cenſe; he hath not only broken his oath, but diſturbed the peace of the
Land, diſpoſſeſſed the King of his Royal Eſtate, and now demandeth judge-
ment againſt his perſon, without offence proved; or defence heard ; if this
perjury, and this injury move not, yet let both our private and publick dan-
gers ſomewhat withdraw.us from theſe violent proceedings
This ſpeech was diverfly taken, as Mens affections were diverſly hurried,
betwixt hope, fear, and ſhame; but the moſt part did ſeem to ſtand for Duke
The Biſhop Henry. Whereupon the Biſhop was attached by the Earl Marſhal, and com-
mitted to the keeping of the Abbot of Weſtminſter, but preſently after to
Priſon in the Abby of Saint Albanes ; his Counſel and conjecture then con-
temned; "was after approved of (when too late) both in the Kings time,
during whoſe Reign, no year paſſed without ſlaughter and executions, but
more in the time ſucceeding, when within the ſpace of thirty ſix years
,
twelve ſet Battels upon this quarrel were fought within the Realm by Na-
tives only, and above fourſcore Princes of the Blood Royal, fell by each
others Sword.
It was concluded notwithſtanding what the Biſhop had ſpoken, that King
Richard ſhould be kept in a large Priſon, with all manner of Princely main-
tenance; and if any ſhould attempt to rere War for his deliverance, that he
ſhould be the firſt man ſhould ſuffer for that attempt. The Acts of Parlia-
ment of the eleventh year of King Richard were revived, and thoſe of the
one and twentieth wholly repealed, and all in that Parliament attainted, were
reſtored to their Titles and Inheritances, without ſuing Livery; and alſo to
ſuch goods whereof the King had not been anſwered, except the Rents and
Illues of their Lands.
Hereupon Richard Earl of Warwick, is delivered out of priſon, and the
Earl of Arundels Son reſtored to his Inheritance; others alſo that ſtood Ba-
niſhed, or were in Priſon, recovered their Liberty and Eſtate; it was Enacted,
That none that came with Henry againſt Richard, ſhould be impeached or
troubled. To the Earl of Weſtmerland, the King gave the County of Rich-
mond, to the Earl of Northumberland the Iſle of Man, to hold of him by the
ſervice of bearing the Sword, wherewith he entred into this Kingdom before
him. Divers others his followers he advanced to places of higheſt note, ſome
for deſert, but moſt to win their favour, and perhaps projecting a Plot for
partakers, if times ſhould change ; for in many actions, Men take more care
to prevent Revenge, than to lead an innocent Life.
It is likewiſe ordered, that the Plotters and procurers of the Duke of Glo .
ceſters murther ſhould be ſtrictly enquired after, and ſeverely puniſhed. And
judgment was given againſt the Appellants of the Earls of Warwick and
Arundell
, and that the Dukes of Aumerles, Suſſex, and Exeter, the Marqueſs
Nobles degra. Dorſet, and the Earl of Gloceſter, who were there preſent, ſhould loſe
their Titles of Honour, and forfeit their Eſtate in all the Lands they had,
which was formerly belonging to the Appellees; and that all their Letters
Patents concerning the ſame, ſhould be ſurrendred into the Chancery to be
cancelled ; and for their own Inheritance to be at the mercy of the King.
That they ſhould give no Liveries to retainers, nor keep more than ſhould
be neceſſary ; that if any of them did adhear or aſſiſt the Depoſed King
Richard, againſt the Decree of his Depoſition, that they ſhould ſuffer as in
high Treaſon: And for that, many of the common people did murmur:
That
#
I
ded of their
Titles.
S
i
A
A
L'
.
1
moved,
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
57
That
many the Officers had grievouſly extorted, either by connivency or le., An. 1399.
cret ſupport of the Lords; thoſe Officers were removed, and the corrupti-
R. i.
on purged. Then were Proclamations made, that if any Man had by ſtrong Officers se-
hand been opprefled by any of the Lords, or by any under Officers to them,
been wronged or abuſed, his complaint proved, the delinquent thould give
him plenary recompence.
The Execution of theſe Nobles was much queſtioned. The importunity
of the People, and the perfuations of many great ones drew that way, buc
Policy was againſt it, eſpecially the opinion of Clemency, which ſeemed need-
ful in a new, not well fettled Eſtate. In this Parliament the Lord Fitzwater
appealed the Duke of Armerle upon points of high Treaſon; the like did
the Lord Morley to the Earl of Salisbury, and above twenty Appellants
more gaged Battel
, but the King purpoſing to lay the foundation of his Go.
vernment by Favour,and not by Force, gave Pardon and Reſtitution alike to
all, upon Security for their Allegiance; and moderately admonilhed, and as
it were intreated the one part, that old griets and grudges ſhould not be re-
newed, but altogether buried; the other part he delired to be afterwards
more circumſpect of their actions; and for the time paft rather to forget they
ever were in fault, than to remember that they
were pardoned: No puniſh-
ment was inflicted on any, only the Earl of Şarum and the Lord Morley
,
who had been in eſpecial Grace with King Richard. Theſe two were com
mitted, but at the Interceſſion of their friends they were quickly releaſed,
the reſt (but eſpecially the Duke of Aumerle, and the Duke of Exeter, the
Governour of Callice) he received freely to favour. Armerle was Couſin
German to both Kings. Exeter half Brother to King Richard, and Bruther-
in-law to King Henry, as having eſpouſed his Siſter, the Lady Elizabeth. The
greateſt crime they could enforce againſt them, was their being firm to King
Richard, becauſe they did not
only ſtomach his dejection,
but ſtir more
than others
, and eſſay to raiſe Forces on his behalf
. The Dukes confefled
the firſt accuſation, affirming they were unfortunately faithful to King Ri.
chard; but as they that are once talle, prove ſeldom after firmly ſound, ſo they
that have approved themſelves true to one Prince, may be the better truſted
by another. The King did rather admit this as a defence, than remit it as a
fáult, affirming that ſuch examples were not not to be miſliked of Princes,
and did afterwards by courtelie and liberality, endeavour to make them firm
and faithful unto him.
This fact was diverlly interpreted, according to Mens ſeveral diſpoſitions,
ſome admiring the Kings moderation, others diſallowing his confidence :
And though theſe means have to that purpoſe prevailed with ſome, yet the
common courſe may move us to conjecture, that there is ſmall aſſurance to
be had in reconciled Enemies, whoſe affections for the moſt part, are like to
Glaſs, which being once crackt, will never be otherwiſe than crazed and
ever unfound. During this time of Parliament held at Weſtminſter, the Arch-
biſhop had convoked a Synod, which was held in S. Pauls Church, to whom
the King ſent the Earls of Northumberland and Weſtmerland, who declared
to the Clergy, that they were not ſent to them from the King to require any
monies from them, but to acquaint them with the Kings reſolution, which
was to confirm all their Privileges and Immunities unto them, and to joyn
with them as they ſhould deſire him, in the puniſhment of all Hercticks and
oppoſites to their Religion received; for which ſo doing, he craved but
their ſupplications to God for the ſafety of him and his poſterity, and pro-
ſperity
?
1
F 3
58
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
An
a
An. 1400. ſperity of the Kingdom, which was by all there preſent Religioully promiſed.
R. 2. Now tó palliate all prejudice and hard opinion which other Princes might
haply conceive of theſe his proceedings, he diſpatched Emballadors to di.
vers his, bordering Neighbours, intimating to them reſpectively, both by
what Title, and whoſe favour he had obtained the Kingdom: To Rome bie
ſent the Biſhop of Hereford, Sir John Cheney Knight, and John Chency Eſq;
To France, the Biſhop of Durham, and the Earl of Worceſter ; into Spain,
the Biſhop of Saint Ajaphs, and Sir William Par; into Almaine, the Bishop
of Bangor, and others; moſt of theſe Princes (as in a matter which little
concerned them, either in point of honour or hatred, ſeemed to take no
notice of what was done, or were eaſily perſuaded, that all was done well.
But Charles of France was ſo diſquieted with this diſhonorable dealing with
his Son-in-law, that his paſſion, upon the firſt relation thereof, put him into
his old fit of phrenzy, but recovered thereof, he provided for to revenge
the injury. Many of the Nobility of France were forward, to ſet afoot
this enterpriſe
, but eſpecially the Earl of Saint Paul
, who had married King
Richards half Siſter; ſo that defiance is fent, and on both ſides preparation
for War is made. Theſe novelties much animated the Aquitains ( being un-
der the Engliſh cornmand) ſome were grieved at the infamous blemiin of
diſloyalty, which was caſt upon the Nation; others feared their being made
prey to the Tyranny of the French, againſt whom they had cauſe to ſuſpect,
that England being diſtracted by Civil Factions, either would not attend, or
could not be able to bear them out; but the Burdifians were principally
perplexed with King Richards wrongs, becauſe he was born and bred in their
City. The Frenchmen generally were nothing diſpleaſed at this diſcontent-
ment of the Aquitains, ſuppoſing that opportunity was now offered, to
regain the poſſeſſion of the Dutchy of Guian, if either Power or Policy
were ſeaſonably applied. Hereupon Lewis Duke of Burbon, came down to
Angiers, who from thence ſolicited the chief Towns of Guian by fair
Speeches
, and large promiſes, to change their Allegiance, but the Lieutenant
there, Sir Robert Knowles, with all diligence and induſtry, laboured to ſuppreſs
the mutinous, to ſtay the doubtful, to confirm the good, and to retain all in
Sue obedience and order: But he prevailed very little, his Army being but
weak, and the people ſtiff-necked 3. neither did Burbon much prevail, due
conſideration being had, how heavy the yoke of France was, above the ſub-
jection of the Engliſh, having been well acquainted with the Tributes, and
Taxes, wherewith the Frenchmen were uſually Taxed, who had in every
Country afligned Lieutenants and Treaſurers, the one to draw the Blond, the
other the Subſtance of the flaviſh-made Subjects, whoſe cruelty and cove-
touſneſs
, laid hold, without exceptions, of all, the one tormenting by Force,
the other by Law. Thus like a Shipihat the Tide driveth one way, and the
Wind another; betwixt obedience and revolt, ſtood the Aquitains, they
were willing enough to difpleaſe the Engliſh, but moſt unwilling to indanger
or undo themſelves, by adhering to the French; upon advertiſement
whereof, the Earl of Worceſter, with a Company of able and willing Soul-
The Earl of diers, is ſent into Guyan, who not by unſeaſonable exprobrating their fault, but
to Guyan. by reaſon convincing it, partly by his Wiſdom and Credit, and partly by his
Authority and Power, fo terrified the wavering multitude, that he won them
to his Opinion, and kept their Allegeance; the graver ſort with reſpect of
Duty and Faith, the reſt with regard of Fear and Danger. Then he took
their Oaths for Obedience unto King Henry, and planted Garriſons in places,
of
Burbon ſolicit-
eth the Inla.
biraprs of
Guyan to re-
yolc.
Forceſter rent
!
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
59
1
R. 2.
F
1
+
of import without moleſtation, if they remained dutiful; and yet of force | An. 1400.
fufficient to keep them under, if they ſhould attempt to rebel; and then re-
turned to England, there ſhewing a fair example of moderation, in ſeeming
rather to have found than made the Aquitains dutiful Subjects. This ſtir no
ſuoner ſtinted, when another more deſperately dangerous did ariſe ; for di-
vers who had diſlembled, or did repent the furtherance they had uſed to the
advancement of King Henry, conſpired to compaſs his deſtruction, whether
for favour to King Richard (as the nature of Man is to behold ſudden
miſeries with the Eyes of pity) or for envy to King Henry, as commonly
we can endure exceſlive fortune no where ſo little, as in thoſe that have
been in equal degrees with our ſelves; or whether upon diſtaſte received in
the late Parliament, or in diſdain, to ſee others go before them in the Prin-
ces favour, it is uncertain; many ſought to revenge their unjuſt anger with
revolting.
There was in thoſe times an Abbot of Weſtminſter that imployed his Stu-
dies, not as others, to cloak their idleneſs and Noth under pretext of Religi-
on, making a ſeeming ſhew of Sanctity, and a ſolid practice of Gain and
Promotion, but to enable himſelf for Counſel and Direction in publick Af-
fairs, who for the general opinion of his Wiſdom and Integrity, was in
good credit with King Richard, and had accompanied him in his laſt expe-
dition into Ireland. This Abbot calling to mind a Speech of King Henries
.
when he was but Earl of Derby, That Princes had too little, and religious
Men too much, knowing the ſaying to be too true; for at that time the riches
of the Clergy was grown ſo great, that they were beheld by the Eyes of envy:
and withal obſerving the general paſſages in thoſe times tended to the abridg.
ing of the regular Power, wherein, leſt Avariceſhould appear open faced,
Policy was pretended, and the exceſs thought dangerous, both to the
King and Clergy, as likely to cauſe want in the one, and wantonneſs in the
other; and that thereupon in Parliament divers Bills were formerly put up
in King Richards time, to repreſs the increaſe of religious Poſſeſſions, and
that inquiſition, and redreſs might be had againſt ſuch of the Clergy, as un-
der licenſe to purchaſe ten pounds, did purchaſe forty and more per annum;
and againſt ſuch Eccleſiaſtical Perſons, as cauſed their Villains to marry free
Women inheritable, whereby their Lands might come to thoſe Religious
Perſons poſſeſſionand that it was there.likewiſe moved, that the King
ſhould ſeize into his Hands, all Temporal Livings of Religious Houſes, as
being rather a burden, than benefit to Religion. And that upon theſe, and
ſuch like Petitions, the Archbiſhops of Canterbury and York, in behalf of
the Clergy of their Provinces, were often-times enforced to make their
folemn Proteſtations in Parliament; that if any thing were attempted, in
reſtraint of the Liberty of the Church, they would in no wife affent, but
utterly diſclaim the fame; which Proteſtations were reſpectively enrolled :
So that now, partly upon love to King Richard, and partly upon fear, leſt
King Henry would be as ready to invade, as he was to inveigh againſt the
riches of the Church. This Abbot blew the firſt Coals, and brought fewel to The Abbor of
the fire of this Confederacy ; be invited to his Houſé, upon a ſolemn Feaſt Werminſters
proceedings.
day in Michaelmas Term, thoſe that he had founded to be moſt found to
his purpoſe: The chief of which were ſuch as in the Parliament before had
in ſome ſort been touched.in Reputation, although by Pardon and Re-
conciliation, the harm did ſeem to be cloſed up: Their Names were John
Holland Duke of Exeter, Thomas Holland his Brothers Son, Duke of
1
Surry;
.
1
+
d
60
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth,
The Duke of
Exitrys per-
ſuaſions to re-
bel.
An. 1400. Surry; Edward, Duke of Aumerle; John Monkacute, Earl of Sarum; Hugh
R.2. Spe icer, Earl of Gloceſter ; John, Biſhop of Carlile; Sir Tiomas Blunt,
and Magdalen, one of King Richard's Chaplains, who in feature and ta
vour, ſo reſembled King Richard, that he was afterwards affirmed to be
him indeed.
After Dinner they withdrew themſelves into a private Chamber to Coun-
cel, where the Duke of Exeter (who was mainly bent to reſtore or revenge
the cauſe of his depoſed Brother) declared to the reſt, the Allegiance they
had ſworn to King Richard, the honours and preferments whereunto they
were by him advanced: That they were therefore bound both in Conſcience
by the one, and kindneſs by the other, to take his part againſt all Men. That
King Henry, contrary to both, had diſpoiled him of his Royal Dignity, and
unjuſtly poſſeſſed himſelf thereof, whilſt they ſtood looking on, and ſhew-
ed neither the obedience of Subjects, nor love of Friends: That King Henry
by violent 'invading, fraudulently inſinuating himſelf into the Kingdom of
his ſole Sovereign, was but a Tyrant and an Uſurper, and ſuch an one, as it
was lawful for any one, at any time, by any means to throw down, without
reſpect whether he be good or evil; for it is lawful for no Man, under the
pre-
tence and ſhew of goodneſs, to draw Sovereignty to himſelt; that the exani-
ples of beſt governed Common-wealths, did not only permit this action,
but highly honored the Actor with Statues and Garlands, and alſo rewarded
them with Titles of Nobility, and all the wealth of the ſuppreſled Tyrant :
and leſs he could not eſteem King Henry..
That this Enterpriſe, would be very profitable to the Republick, by extin-
guiſhing thoſe Wars that the Scots menaced, the French prepared for, and
the Welſhmen had already begun uson this quarrel. That he did not diſtruſt,
but it might be accompliſhed by open hoſtility; but he thought it more ſure
for him, and ſafe for the Commonwealth, to put firſt in practice ſome ſecret
Policy : And to that purpoſe it was propoſed and approved, that a ſolemn
Juſts ſhould be notified to be kept at Oxford in Chriſtmaſs Holy-days, be-
tween him and twenty more on his part, and the Earl of Salisbury and
twenty more on his part, to which King Henry ſhould be invited; and
when he was therein obſerved to be moſt intentive, he ſhould ſuddenly be
ſurprized by ſuch; which without ſuſpition might at that time be aſſembled,
both for number and-preparation "ſufficient for the exploit: and thereby
King Richard preſently reſtored to Liberty and State.
Thc Conſpi This device was at once uttered and approved, and ſo reſolving on
the
terpriſe, they took a ſolemn Oath of Faith and Secrecy, to the hour of Death,
each to other; and an Indenture Sextipartite was likewiſe made betwixt the
Lords, wherein they bound themſelves reſpectively each to other, to do the
beſt of their Devoir, for the deſtruction of the one, and delivery of the
other King; which was interchangeably ſubſcribed, ſealed, and delivered:
They likewiſe concluded, what Forces ſhould be gathered, where and by
whom they ſhould be ordered and placed, and to whoſe truſt the execution
of this exploit ſhould be committed.
In purſuance hereof, the Duke of Exeter came to the King åt Windſor,
and deſired that he would vouchſafe to honour.with his Preſence, the Mar-
tial exerciſe that was intended betwixt him and the Earl of Sarum at Ost-
ford; and be pleaſed to be Judge of their performance, if any controverſie
ſhould ariſe. - The King perſuading himſelf
, that that was really intended,
which was ſo-formally pretended, eaſily yielded to his requeſt; where-
upon,
t
rators Plot.
en-
#-
1
1
WAN
1
L
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
61
R: 2.
1
upon
the Duke with the reſt of the Confederates did diſperſe themſelves; and ( An. 1400.
according to direction made their preparations, and fürniſhed themſelves
with all things néceſſary for the accompliſhment of their Plot; and at the
time agreed upon, addreſſed themſelves to Oxford, well accompanied with
Horſe and Foot, where they all meet except the Duke of Aumerle.
The King hearing of their departure, determined the day following to fol-
low, according to promiſe and appointment: The Duke of Aumerles ab.
fence gave juſt cauſe of doubt to the reſt of his Complices
, and to be aſcer-
tained of the cauſe of his ſtay, they ſend a Poſt unto him, but before his arri-
val the Duke was departed from his Houſe towards Oxford, but by the way
went to viſit his Father, the Duke of York. As they ſat at Dinner, his Father
eſpied a label of one of the ſextipartite Indentures hanging out of his boſom,
and demanded what it was; the Son humbly craved pardon, and ſaid, it was
nothing tliat any way concerned him; the young Dukes change of counte-
nance argued ſome guilt
, which bred ſome ſuſpition in York, and thereup-
on ſwore and ſaid, By ſaint George, but I will ſee it; and then whether upon The Duke of
precedent jealouſie,or ſome preſent cauſe to doubt of ſome ſtrange ſtratagem, to this son.
it is uncertain, but he took it away from him by Force; the Contents where-
of when he had perceived, with a fierce Countenance and Speech, he ſaid, I
ſee Traitour, that idleneſs hath made thee ſo mutinous, that thou playeſt
with thy Faith as Children with ſticks: Thou haſt already once been Faith-
leſs to King Richard, and turnſt thou falſe again now to King Henry? Thou
knoweſt in open Parliament I became bound, Body and Gouds for thy Alle-
giance, and can neither thy own Duty, nor my Déſert, reſtrain thee from
leeking both our Deſtructions? In Faith, but I will rather help forward thine;
and calling to make ready his Horſe, he prepared to Port to the King. It was
no time now for the Duke to conſult with his Friends, or to conſider with
himſelf, what was beſt to be done, but takes Horſe and Poſts towards Wind
for another way; and was gotten thither before his Father, and pretending
ſome ſtrange and tudden occaſion, cauſed the Gates of the Caſtle to be lockt:
and alleging ſome caufe ſo to do, taketh the Keys thereof with him to the
King: in whoſe preſence when he came, he proftrates upon the ground, be-
ſeecheth the King of mercy and forgiveneſs ; the King no ſooner demanded The Duke of
the Offence, when he with diſturbed Countenance and Speech, diſcovered to
the King all the Plot, and the Names of the Conſpirators.
Conſpiracy
The King neither ſeemed ralhly to believe, nor negligently to diſtruſt the
Dukes relation, and with pellicy it ſtood not to entertain the Diſcovery,
with harſh and violent terms. Therefore with gracious Speeches he comfor-
ted the Duke; And if this be true, ſaid he, We pardon you, if feined, be it
at your peril. By this time the Duke of York is arrived, and admitted into
the Kings preſence, to whom he delivered the Counterpane of the Confede-
racy; which when the King had read, he complained of the unconſtant
diſpoſition of thoſe Men, whom neither cruelty could make firm to King
Richard, nor clemency to him, but upon miſlike of every preſent Govern-
ment, were deſirous of any change. Whereupon he deferred his journey, and
determined to attend at Windſor, what courſe the Conſpirators would take:
knowing right well
, that in Čivil Tumults, an adviſed Patience, and Op.
portunity well taken, are the only Weapons of advantage: and that it is an
eſpecial point of Policy, to make uſe of an adverſaries overſight; in the mean
time, de directs his Letters to the Earl of Northumberland his high Con-
ſtable, and the Earl of Cumberland his high Marſhal, and to other his
Friends,
Aumerle dir-
covereth the
1
+
62
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourts.
1
'
1
An. 1400. Friends, of theſe ſudden and unexpected accidents. All this time the Confe:
R. 2. derates hearing nothing of Aymerle, and ſeeing no preparatįgn for the Kings
coming, were reſolyed that their conſpiracy. was diſcovered, and calling to
mind, that once before they had been pardoned the guilt of this their Rebels
lion, excluded all hope of furtheç mercy; whereupon they deſperately reſol:
ved, ta proſecute that by open Arms, wherein their prixy-practiſes had fail-
ed;
firſt
, they apparelled Magdalen in Princely attire, and gave forth that he
was King Richard, who-by favour or negligence of his Keepers, was eſcaped
out of Priſon, and now implored the faith and aid of his loving Subjects
.
Then they diſpatched Meſſengers to Charles King:of France, deſiring his af-
ſiſtance in behalf of hiş:Son-in-law. The common people commonly change
able, as prone to pity, as afore they were too forward in cruelty; earneſtly
wilhed the enlargment of King Richard, and wiſhing it, were eaſily drawn
to believe it; in which imaginary copçeit, the preſence of Magdalen did
ſtrongly confirm them; and to either ypon ignorance of truth; or delight in
trouble, they joyned themſelves in great Troops-to the Lords, defiring no-
thing more, than to be a means, by which Richard might be reſtored. Then
the Conſpirators with great Force, but with greater Fame, as the manner is
of matters unknown, advanced forward in battạil array towards Windſor
againſt King Henry, as againſt an Enemy to the State, they being forty thou,
The King lea- fand ſtrong; upon notice of their approach, the King ſecretly with a ſmall
veth Windſor. train, the next Sunday-night after New-years day, departed from Windfor
Caſtle to the Tower of London, and the ſame night before day the Conſpira-
tors came to the Caſtle, where miſſing their expected prey, they were divi-
ded in opinions, which way to take, ſome adviſed ſpeedily to follow to Lon-
don, and not to permit him liberty to unite his Forces; that Winter could
not properly be called a let, but in idle and peaceable times; that in civil
diflenţions, nothing is ſo ſafe as ſpeed, and advantage increaſeth moręby dif-
patching than deferring; that whilſt ſome were in fear, ſome in doubt, and
others ſuſpitiouſly ignorant, the City (nay the whole Realm) might be
poſſeſſed, and that many Armies whoſe fury at firſt ruſh, could not be reſiſt-
ed, by delays did diſſipate and waſte to nothing.
Others that would ſeem to be, but were not, out of a daſtardly diſpoſiti-
on, perſuaded rather firſt to fet King Richard at liberty, for if their counter-
feiting ſhould be diſcovered, before they had really his perſon in pofleflion,
the people would fall from them, which would be to their utter confufion.
By their perſuaſion they gave over the purſuit, and retịred to Colbrook, and
there delayed the time of action in deliberation, neither being couragiouſly
quick, nor conſiderately ſtayed, but ſubject to vacillation: and thereby be-
gan every day more than other to be vilipended, decreaſing both in opinion,
The Mayor of power and hope. The Mayor of London is commanded by the King, to levy
power in Arms for his aſſiſtance, who preſently furniſhed him with three
niſheth King
thouſand Archers; beſides a fufficient guard left for and in the City, Thus
affiſted, the King with twenty thouſand able Souldiers from London, came
to Hounſlow-Heath, there ſtaying, braved his Enemies, and contemņing
their diſorderly multitude; but the Enemies, either for fear of their Kings
power, or diſtruſt of their own, or lingring until their expected aid was
come out of France, refuſed to joyn. And it is queſtionable, whether they
ſhewed greater courage in ſetting up the danger, or cowardiſein declining it
when it was preſented unto them; from thence they went to Sunning, near
Reading, where Queen. Iſabel lay : to whom upon the plain fong aforeſaid,
fame
London fur-
Henry with
Archers.
1
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
63
R. 2.
per aſſault the
1
fame had deſcanted, that King Richard was at Pomfret with an hundred thou- | An.
1400.
ſand men well appointed; and that for fear of him, King Herry with his was
fled to the Tower of London. All which was as lightly believed, as it was
idly told. Whereupon ſhe defaced King Henrys Arms, and plucked away Queen Ifabels
his Cognizance from thoſe, that as his fervants attended upon her; and ha- womaniſh
ving therewith ſomewhat eaſed her ſwoln heart, ſhe with the Lords depar- courkc.
ted to Wallingford, and from thence to Abington, ſtirring up by the way the
people, to take Arms in aid of King Richard. At length they came to Cia
ceſter and there took up their lodgings. The Duke of Surry, and the. Earl
of Salisbury in one Inn; the Duke of Exeter, and the Earl of Gloceſter in
another Inn; the Army encamped in the fields. The Bayliff of the Town The Inhabi-
ſuſpecting what was true, that theſe gueſts were no good Subjects, beſets the tants of Cice-
houſe where the Duke of Surry lay, who with his Retinue grown deſperate-
Confpirators.
ly bold, made ſtrong defence againſt the aſſaylants. The Duke of Exceter
and his Company, had not force enough to reſcue their Companions.
Whereupon a Prieſt of their confort, ſuppoſing thereby to divert the
Townſmen from theaſſault, fet divers houſes on fire ; but the fire more in-
flamed the Townſmens fury, and made them inſiſt more obſtinately in the
attempt, ſwearing not to reſcue their loſſes, but revenge them; and quench
the flames with the Traytors blood. The Earl of Excter, and they that
were with him, perceiving the force of the affaylants to increaſe, and that it
was impoſlible for ſo few to ſuſtain the fury of ſo many obſtinately bent,
they filed out of the back ſide towards the Camp, intending to bring the
Army to the reſcue. But the Souldiers baving heard the alarum, and ſeeing
the fire within the Town, ſuppoſing the King was entred with his Forces,
were ſtruck with a ſudden and cauſleſs fear, and wanting Commanders of
courage to confirm them, they disbanded and fled; and whilſt every one
ſought to ſave one, they brought themſelves and all to confuſion.
The Duke of Surryand his company manfully maintained the fight, with
great bloodſhed on all ſides, from midnight until three of the clock the next
after-noon, and then being inferiour in number and fortune, the Dukeand
the Earl of Salisbury were both wounded to death, and taken, and that eve-
ning dying, their heads were ſtrook off and ſent to the King to London.
There were then taken priſoners, Sir Bennet Sherley, Sir Berward Brockas,
Sir Thomas Blount, and twenty eight Lords, and men of note, who were af
terwards upon King Henrys.coming to Oxford ſent thither unto him,
and there executed. The Duke of Exeter, with Sir John Sherley fled into
Efex, from whence many times they attempted to have eſcaped to France,
but by contrary winds were driven back again, and then lurkirig in ſecret
places, the Duke was taken and lead to Plafbey, and there beheaded. There
wanted not ſome in thoſe times that made conjectures, that now the Duke of
Gloceſters death, was brought to be reckoned for, who by Exeters coun-
fel and cốntrivance, in the ſame place had been wrongfully apprehended.
An example for thoſe which ſquare out their actions by the crooked line of
their pleaſure, or power, to other mens diſprofit or diſparagement; but pu-
niſhment of ſuch impiety, though it be prolonged, doth never fail, but
cometh at length, and then ſurely, though perhaps lowly. This Duike of
Exeter was a man of high Parentage, great power, and honourable Alli-
ance, Created Earl of Hantington in the eleventh year of King Richard
now depoſed in the one and twentieth be was Created Duke of Exeter,
and upon the reſignation of the place, and releaſe of the right thereto, by
Aubrey
1
64
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
R. 2.
1
An. 1400. Aubrey.de Vere, Earl of Oxford, was made that year Lord Chamberlain
of England, and married Elizabeth the Daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke
of Lancaſter, and Blaunch his wife; by whom he had iſſue, Richard that
died young, John afterwards Duke of Exeter, and Earl of Huntington; Ed-
ward that died without iſſue, and a Daughter named Conſtance, firſt married
to Thomas Mowbray, Son and Heir of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk,
and after to John Lord Gray of Ruthyn.
He was popular, and openly praiſe-worthy, but his ſecret actions were hard-
ly cenſured; he was partaker of all his brothers vices, and of counſel to ma-
ny of them, yet ſomewhat more circumſpect and cloſe, and not ſo much par-
taker of his proſperity, as
violently carried with the torrent of his miſery.
Thomas Spencer Earl of Glocefter fled towards Wales, but in the way was
taken and beheaded at Briſtol; he married Conſtance, Daughter of Edmond
of Langly Duke of York, and had iſſuė, Richard that died young, Elizabeth
died young, and Iſabel who was born ſeven months after her Fathers
death, and
was firſt married to Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Worceſter, by
whom ſhe had iſſue, Elizabeth; but her ſecond husband was Richard Bean-
champ Earl of Warwick (cofin-german to her firſt husband) by whom ſhe
had illue," Henry, afterwards Earlof Warwick.
The counterfeit of King Richard Aying into Scotland, was apprehended,
committed to the Tower, and from thence drawn, and hanged, and quar-
tered, and one Ferby, another of King Richards Chaplains, with him:divers
others of all ſorts, Lords and Gentlemen, with a great number of common
Souldiers, were in other places put to death, inſomuch, that the King, though
otherwiſe of a moderate and peaceable diſpoſition, ſeemed in this too, too
vindicative of his own injury, or rather in maintaining the injary that he
had done.
The heads of the chief Conſpirators were pitched upon poles, and ſet
over London-bridge; lamentable ſpectacles of heads and quarters of unfor-
tunate diſmembred wretches, were viſible in many parts of this Realm, pu-
trifying above ground, not all for deſert, but many to ſatisfie either the ma-
lice, or want of King Henryes friends; Inſomuch, that ſome of thoſe of deep-
eſt apprehenſion, openly gave forth, That in ſhort time there would be juſt
cauſe to wiſh King Richard again, as being more tolerable, to endure the
cruelty of one, than of many; and to live where nothing, than where any
thing might bé permitted, was moſt fafe.
The Abbot of Weſtminster, in whole houſe and head this Conſpiracy took
life and light, hearing of theſe diſaſters, going from his Monaſtery, Grange
near Weſtminster,.,was taken with a dead Pallie, and ſuddenly died ſpeech
leſs
. And although in this enterpriſe, accident gave policy the check, and
by a ſtrange fortune, which wiſdom could not prevent, overturned the pro-
ject; yet it is apparent, that this Abbot firſt moved the ſtone, that rowling a
long, was likely to turn King Henry out of his chair
. The Biſhop of: Cara
lile was condemned for his treaſon, but the extremity of his paſſion, cloſed
up his dayes, and prevented the violence and ſhame of publique execution.
King Richard as afore having abdicated his Regality, did but a ſhort time in-
joy that ſweet ſecurity, wherewith he ſo flattered himſelf;. For firſt his
goods, which he had given in ſatisfaction of the wrongs by bim done, were
ſhared amongſt his enemies, and he removed firſt to the Tower of London,
and then from thence to the Caſtle of Leeds in Kent, and from thence to
Pomfret, where being kept in ſtraight priſon, innocent and ignorant of this
offence,
14
1
*****.4¢. d...".
1
I
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
65
R. 3.
offence, was notwithſtanding made a partner in the puniſhmerit; for King | An. 1401:
Henry obſerving how far the Lords might have prevailed with their late ſtra-
tagem, for if their ſtomachs had been but anſwerable to their ſtrength; and
their bold beginning had not ended in fäintneſs and ſloth, they might have
driven him to an hard hazard; he cauſed King Richard to be put to death,
thereby to make ſure, that no man ſhould cloak open Rebellion, under the
colour of following ſides; nor countenance his conſpiracy, either with the
Perſon or Name of King Richard: But whether he did.exprelly, command
his death or no, it is a queſtion; but out of queſtion he ſhewed ſome liking
and deſire to the action, and gave approvement thereto when it was done.
The report went that King Richard' was Princely ſerved every day with
abundance of coſtly diſhes, but was not ſuffered to touch oř' taſte one of
them, and ſo periſhed with famine: I perſuade my ſelf this is meerly fabulous,
for ſuch barbarous and urinatural cruelty againſt a King and a kinſman, is
not likely to proceed from
King Henry a Chriſtian ; but it is more probable,
which a Writer about thoſe times affirmeth, That King Henry ſitting at his
Table fad and penſive, after a deep figh, ſaid, Have I never a faithful friend
that will rid me of him, whoſe life will breed deſtruction to me and diſquiet
to the Realm, and whoſe death will be a means of ſafety and quiet to both?
And how can I be freed from fear, ſo long as the cauſe of my danger doth
continue? What ſecurity, what hope ſhall
we have of peace, unleſs the root
of rebellion be plucked up? A Knight, called Sir Pierce of Exton, hearing
this, with eight of his followers poſteth to Pomphret, and pretending War-
rant from the King, had entrance into the Caſtle, where he commanded
the Eſquire who fewed to King Richard, to ſurceaſe his ſervice; whereup-
on, when King Richard, being ſet at Table, ſaw that he was not ſerved as
afore with aſſay, and demanded of the Eſquire the reaſon of this his neglect
of duty therein; he was anſwered, "That Sir Pierce had brought ſuch ordér
from King Henry, coming lately from the Court: Richard moved with this
act and anſwer, ſaid, The Devil take thee, and Henry Duke of Lancaſter;
with that Sir Pierce, with his retinue before him, entred into the Chamber,
and locked the Door after them; whereupon King Richard ſpying their
drift, and ſuſpecting his own danger, ſtepped couragiouſly to the firle Man,
and wreſting the Halbert out of his Hands, therewith ſlew four of his mil-
chievous aſſailants
, and with admirable reſolution fought with the other, un-
til coming by the chair where the King'uſed to ſit, in which the cowardly
Knight himſelf was got for his own ſafety, he was by him ſtrucken with a
Pole-ax on the hinder part of the Head, who being at the point of death,
groaned forth theſe words; Edward the Second, my great Grandfather was
in this manner Depoſed, Impriſoned, and Murthered, whereby my Grand.
father Edward the Third, obtained the Crown, and now is this puniſhment
upon me his next Succeſſor. This is right for me to ſuffer, but not for
you to do. Your King may for a time joy at my death, and enjoy his deſire,
but let bỉm qualifie his pleaſure with expectation of the like juſtice ; for
God, who meaſureth all our actions byrithe malice of our minds will not
ſuffer this violence to paſs unrevenged. Whether theſe words did proceed
from a diſtempered deſiré, or from the judgment of his fore-fight, they were
not altogether idle. Siri Pierce expecting great rewards for his ungracious
ſervice, was fruſtrate of both; and not only miſſed that countenance
, for
which he hoped, but loſt that which before he hadi; lo odious are crying
ſins, even to him for whom they were committed. Hereupon at firſt he grew
G
dif-
ز
fallen
**
0
66
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
rage would
R.3
j
An. 1401. (diſcontented, and afterwards tormented in Conſcience, and in a
often exclaim That to pleaſure one ungrateful perſon, he had made both him-
ſelf and poſterity infamous and odious to all the World. King Henry, with
diſquiet held the Kingdom during his life, and ſo did his Son, King Henry
the Fifth, in whoſe time, by continual War with France, the malice of the
humour was otherwiſe exerciſed and ſpent. But his ſecond Succeſſor, King
Henry the Sixth, was diſpoſſeſſed thereof, and together with his young Son
Prince Henry, impriſoned and put to death, either by command or conni-
vance of Edward the Fourth; and he alſo eſcaped not free, for he died not
without many and manifeſt fufpitions of poylon : And after his death his
two Sons were diſinherited, impriſoned and butchered by the Uſurper, the
Duke of Gloceſter, who was ſain at Boſworth Field, and ſo in his Perſon
(having no Iflue) the Tragedy ended. Theſe are excellent examples, both
to comfort them that are Oppreſſed, and of Terror to violent Oppreſſors;
that God in his ſecret judgment doth not always ſo certainly provide for
our ſafety, as revenge our wrongs and oppreſſions; and that all our unjuſt
actions have a day of payment, and many times, by way of retaliation, even
in the ſame manner and meaſure they were committed
Thus, as moſt of the chief Writers do agree, was King Richard by vio-
lence brought to his end, although all Hiſtorians agree not of the manner
of the violence. He was a Man of perſonage rather well proportioned than
tall, of graceful and comely preſence, of good ſtrength, and no abject Spi-
rit; but the one by caſe, the other by flattery, were much abuſed and abaſed
he deſerved many Friends, but found but few, becauſe he bought them by his
bounty, not fought them by vertuous behaviour; he was unfortunate in all
his actions, which may be imputed to his flothful careleſneſs; for he that is
not provident, can ſeldom proſper; for his looſneſs will loſe whatſoever
fortune or other Mens labours do caſt upon him: He lived three and thirty
years, and reigned two and twenty. In his younger years he was too much
ruled by green Heads, little regarding the counſel of the grave and judicious
Councellors, which turned to the diſquiet of the Realm, and his own de-
ſtruction. He married two Wives, the firſt was Anne, the Daughter of
Charles the Fourth, and Siſter of Winceſlaus King of Bohemia; ihe was
Crowned, Queen the twenty ſecond of January, 1384. but died without If.
fue: The ſecond Wife was Iſabel, Daughter of Charles, the Sixth King of
France, an Infant of ſeven years of age, who after his death was returned
into France, but without Dower, becauſe the Marriage was never conſum-
mate for want of Copulation: The Lord Henry Piercy had the conveying of
her over, in Anno 1401. His dead body was embalmed and ceared, and cove-
red with Lead, all ſave the Face, and carried to London, where he had a ſo-
lemn Obſequy kept in the Church of St. Paul, the King being preſent, and
the chief, Companies of the City: From thence he was conveyed to Langley
Abby in Buckinghamſhire, and there obſcurely interred by the Biſhop of
Cheſter, the Abbots of Saint Albanes and Waltham, without preſence of the
Nobility, or confluence of the Commons, and without the expence of a din-
ner after the celebrating of the Funeral. But Henry the Fifth cauſed his Bo-
dy to be taken up and removed to Weſtminſter and there interred amongſt the
Anceſtors
, with Queen Anne his firſt Wife, in expiation of his Fathers vio-
lent and unfaithful dealing. It was not amil, in regard of the Common-
wealth, that he was dead, yet they who were actors in his death, had ſmall
reaſon to reckon it among their good deeds. Theſe accidents attend ſuch
Princes
}
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
67
--
R. 3.
ز
Princes, as being abſolute in power, will be too reſalute in Will, and dif, An. 1401.
ſolute in life.
Humphrey, the Son and Heir of the Duke of Gloceſter, in his return out
of Ireland, where King Richard had left him priſoner, died of the Plague
at Cheſter, the news whereof killd the Ducheſs his Mother. About this time
died Thomas Mowbray the exiled Duke of Norfolk, who had out-lived his
honour: he married two wives, both named Elizabeth; the firſt the Daugh-
ter of the Lord Strange, who died without iſſue; the ſecond, Siſter and
Co-heir of Thomas Fitzallain,Earl of Arundel,by whom he had iſſue, Thomas
and John, Margaret and Iſabel. In this year alſo deceaſed John, Duke of Bri-
tain, who had taken to Wife Mary Daughter to King Edward the Third, but
by her he had no Iſſue. Alſo this year died Edmond, Duke of York, ſirnamed
of Langley, the firſt Son of Edward the Third ; his reputation he kept un-
blemiſhed, and honour untainted; he was not careleſs of good fame, nor
greedy of greatneſs; wary and circumſpect in his behaviour ; not delirous
of other Mens wealth, nor too parcimonious of his own; he did not by
obſtinate oppoſing himſelf againſt the torrent of the time, rafhly hazard his
fame or fall; but by moderation attained ſafely that degree of praiſe, which
others aſpiring unto, by deſperate courſes won an ambitious death, without
further profit: He married two Wives, the firſt was Iſabel
, fecond Daugh-
ter and Co-heir of Peter King of Caſtile
, by whom he had iſſue Edward
Duke of Albemarle, Richard Earl of Cambridge, and Conſtance firſt mar-
ried to Thomas Spencer Earl of Gloceſter, and afterwards to Thomas Hol-
land Earl of Kent: his ſecond Wife was Joane, Daughter of Thomas Hol-
land Earl of Kent, and Siſter and Co-heir of Edmond Earl of Kent, but
by her had no iſſue.
King Charles, though Lucidus per inter-valla, yet ſenſible of diſhonour,
moved with his Daughters diſgrace, made preparation to invade England,
and brought down his Army into Picardy; but upon the certain relation of
King Richard's death, he gave over the enterpriſe, and ſent over Embaſſa-
dors into England, to treat, or rather intreat, that his Daughter, with her
Dowry, might be reſtored to him again. King Henry gave them audience
and anſwer, that he would ſpeed Commiſſioners to Callice, to commune
and conclude with them, both of this and other weighty affairs concerning
both the Realms; whither he ſent Edward, Duke of Tork, and Henry, Earl
of Northumberland. The French King ſent the Duke of Burbon, and cer-
tain others, to Bulloigne. Theſe Commiſſioniers often met, ſometimes at one
place, ſometimes at the other. The Frenchmen inſtantly required their
Kings Daughter to be reſtored, without the doing whereof they had no
order to treat of any thing. The Engliſhmen made a proffer to have a match
betwixt Prince Henry and the Lady, alleging, that there was no diſparage-
ment of birth, nor diſparity of years betwixt them; but thereto they would
give no conſent, neither would they agree to the Propoſition of a perpetual
amity : But in the end it was concluded, that Queen Ijabel ſhould be re-de-
livered to her father, but fans Dowry, becauſe the marriage betwixt her and
King Richard was never conſummate, by reaſon whereof ſhe was not Dow-
able upon the Treaty of the marriage: The ſurceaſe from Arms was agreed
upon in King Richard's days, for thirty years, which was now mutually con-
firmed for the term of theſe years unexpired.
Shortly after King Henry ſent the Lady Iſabella, under the conduct of Tho.
mas Lord Piercy, Earl of Worceſter, in Royal State to Callice, being accom-
G2
panied
68
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
R: 3:
An. 1401. panied with a brave Troop of honorable Perſonages of both ſexes ; lhecar-
ried with her all the Jewels and Plate which ſhe brought into England, with
a great ſurpluſage of rich gifts beſtowed upon her by the King. At Callice
ſhe was received by Valerian Earl of Saint Paul
, Lieutenant in Picardy, and
by him conducted to her father, who afterwards gave her in marriage to
Charles, Son to Lewis Duke of Orleans ; and ſo was reſt, or rather reſpite
of War ina France procured.
But the fire and fury of the late. fedition was hardly.quenched, when the
Welihnen upon advantage of the doubtful and unſetled eſtate of King
Henry, brake forth into a defection, before the King could either lay the
ground work of his Authority, or the people frame themſelves to a new
obedience; and having been taught, that common cauſes muſt be maintain-
ed by concord, they fought by Allemblies to eſtabliſh an Affociation, and to
ſet
up their own principality again : they Created for their Prince Owen
Glendour, a fellow of a turbulent ſpirit
, and factious diſpoſition, and apt to
ftir
up
fedition and ſtrife; and though he was of no great Eſtate by birth, he
was ſfout in ſtomach, of an aſpiring fpirit, and wit ſomewhat above the-or-
dinary rank of thoſe untrained people; bold, crafty, agile, and as he liſt to
bend his mind, miſchievous or induftrious in equal degree; in deſires im-
moderate, and rafhly adventurous; more deſirous to do, than circumſpect
what to do; in his younger years he was a Student at the Inns of Court at
London, and being incenſed by a verdict given againſt him for title of Land
betwixt him and the Lord Gray of Ruthin; and, by nature, being a Man not
of the mildeſt diſpoſition, by this provocation he was
made favage and rough,
and determined either to repair or revenge his loſs, by ſetting the whole
State on fire. Alſo his expences had béen too exceſſive for a great Man to
continue, which brought him to bareneſs, too baſe for a mean Mán to en-
dúre, and therefore he was neceſſitated to do or dare ſomething more than
ordinary, and more danger he thought there was in orderly dealing, than
in hazarding rafhly: and now opportunity is preſented; for troubleſom
times are moſt fit for ſuch attempts. And ſome likelihood there was, whilſt
the King and his Nobles were at variance, that harm might be eaſily wrought
to them both: upon theſe cauſes his deſires were founded, and upon theſe
troubles his hopes. But that his ambitious humor might bear ſome
pretext
of honeſt meaning, he pretended to his Countrymen the recovery of their
freedom, the deſire whereof is fo naturally pleaſing, that birds will rather
live hardly abroad in the cold fields, than be daintily dieted in a warm cage;
and that now occaſion was fitly offered, or elſe never to be expected to rid
them of their ſervility (fallly entituled peace ) whilſt the Kings power was
wayning, and the other not yet fully waxen, either being growing weak by
waſting each other; neither was there any odds which did prevail, ſince the
War touched both alike; inſomuch that War would ruin the one, and
victory the other: and like the Vulture ſitting on the Tree, whilſt the Bear
and Lion fought, they need not fear prey if either fell
.
Thus he exhorted them to take Courage and Arms. And for the intro-
duction, to kill all the Engliſh within their Territories, for Liberty and Lords
were incompatible: then to reſume their ancient Laws and Cuſtoms, where-
by, more than by Arms, Common-wealths are confirmed and continued,
eſtabliſhed and enlarged; ſo ſhould they be a Nation uncorrupt, without
commixture of forrein Manners or Blood, and ſo forgetting ſervitude,
they might either live at liberty, or be Lords over others. Upon this many
flocked
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
69
R. 3.
flocked unto him, the better ſort for love of liberty, other in hope of booty,' An. 1401,
inſomuch that in ſhort time he had under his command a competent Army
wherewith to take the field, and to make ſome proof of his Souldiers reſo.
lution, he ſet upon his old adverſary the Lord Gray, flew many of his men,
and took him priſoner, yet promiſed him releaſment, if he would take his
daughter to wife. But the Lord at firſt did not ſo much refuſe, as ſcorn the
offer, ſaying, He was too old to be a Ward, to have his marriage obtruded
upon him :Well, quoth Owen, though you be not my Ward, yet you are in
my Ward, and your Ouſter le maine ſhall coſt you double the marriage mo-
ney you ſhall procure elſewhere. The Lord Gray ſeeing no other means of
his deliverance, at length accepted the condition, and took the Damoſel
to wife, yet his death preceded his enlargement.
The Wellhmen proceed, and break into the borders of Hereford-ſhire,
doing much ſpoil therein, againſt whom Edmond Mortimer Earl of
Marob, (withdrawn for his quiet to Wigmore Caſtle) with the Gentle-
men of the Countrey to him aſſembled, did draw head, between whom
was a cruel conflict, not in form of a looſe skirmiſh, but making a main
ſtand, they endeavoured by might and main to break and bear down each
other. The courage and reſolution on both ſides was equal, but the Welſh
exceeded in number and direction ; for they were commanded by one
known Leader, who with his preſence every where aſſiſted at need, inci-
ting his Souldiers, ſome with ſhame and reproof, others with praiſe and en-
couragement, all with hope and large promiſes : But the Engliſh had no cer-
tain General, but many confuſed Commanders; yea, every man was a
Commander to himſelf, preſſing on, or drawing back, as courage or fear
did move; inſomuch that they had taken a great blow that day, by ill-go-
verned boldneſs, had not Glendour upon their beginning to rout, ceaſed to
purſue the execution, ſhewing himſelf more able to get the victory, than
skilful to uſe it : But his men being moſt wounded, all weary, the night ap-
proaching, and being in his
enemies Country, may in good judgments quit
him from that aſperſion. The night befriended the Engliſh with liberty to
retire, without running away, no man appearing to follow the chaſe
. They
loſt about a thouſand men, who fold their lives at ſuch a rate, that when man-
hood had done the worſt againſt them, ſome manniſh, or rather devilliſh wo-
rage and malice are implacable, and immortal, exerciſed a vain,
but barbarous revenge upon their dead bodies; firſt by ſtripping them, then
cutting off their privy parts and noles, the one they ſtuffed into their
mouths, and preſſed the other between their buttocks, yet would not fuffer
their carkalles, thus mangled, to be buried, until they were ranſomed by a
ſum of money ; by which unheard of cruel covetouſneſs, the faction loft
teputation and credit with the moderate ſort of their own people, who
had treaſon to ſuſpect, that it was not liberty but licentiouſneſs which was
deſired; and that ſubjection to ſuch inhuman minds, would be more inſup-
portable than any bondage.
In this conflict the Earl of March was taken priſoner, and kept cloſe in a
dark dungeon, which was cold and dampiſh, where he was overburdened,
with daily wants, and much miſery, which were with the greater extremity,
and in more abundance inflicted upon him, that thereby King Henry his Kinf-
man ſhould be the ſooner perſwaded to redeem and ranſome him; he was
earneſtly ſolicited by many of the Nobility, but principally by his Kinſmen
the Piercies, for to procure this enlargement ; but the King would not hear
of)
men, whoſe
G 3
70
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
A
An. 1401. of that ear, he could have been well contented that his Siſters had been
R. 3. with him there, or that all three were in heaven; for then the only blemiſh
of his Title had been covered over : ſo that it appeared thereby, that he
more deſired his deſtruction, than to procure his deliverance.
Glendour, by his proſperous ſucceſs, was grown now more hard to be
dealt withal : proceeding further to invade the Marſhes on the Weſt ſide of
Severne, where he burnt many Towns, and llew much people, and returned
with prey, and praiſes of his adherents where ever he came; for he found
that weak reſiſtance, that he ſeemed rather to exerciſe a ſpoil
, than main-
tain a War; King Henry being then detained with his chiefeſt forces, in
another more dangerous ſervice, which beſides theſe former vexations and ha-
zards, this firſt year of his Reign had hapned unto him : For the Scots
knowing that changes of Princes Reigns was a time moſt apt for depreda-
tions, attempts, (taking advantage of the abſence of all the chief Englith
borderers, partly by occaſion of the Parliament, and partly by reaſon of the
Peſtilence which was that year very hot in the North parts of the King-
dom) they made a road into the County of Northumberland, and there did
much harm; they ſurprized the Caſtle of Marke (the Captain whereof
,
Sir Thomas Gray, was one of the Knights of the Shire for that Parliament)
which they held a while, and then plundred and diſmantled it, and departed's
in requital whereof, the Engliſh invaded, burnt and ſpoiled certain Illands
of Orkney, whereupon the Scots ſet forth a feet under the conduct of Sir
Robert Logon, with direction to attempt, as occaſion ſhould be offered.
He purpoſed to have begun upon our Fiſhermen, but by the way he was en-
countred by certain ſhips of Linne, and the greateſt part of his Fleet was
ſunk or taken. Thus though peace continued ſtill between both the Realms,
yet a kind of theevilh hoſtility was daily practiſed, which after brake forth
in open War, upon this occaſion.
George of Dunbar, Earl of the Marches of Scotland, had affianced Eliza-
beth his daughter, to David the Son and Heir apparent of Robert King of
Scots, and in conſideration of marriage ſhortly to be celebrated, he had de-
livered into the Kings hands a great ſum of money for his daughters Por-
tion : But Archibald Earl of Doreglaſs, diſdaining that Dunbars blood
ſhould be preferred before his, ſo wrought with the King, that Prince Da-
vid refuſed the Earl of the Marches Daughter, and took to Wife Mariel,
Daughter to Dowglaſs. Earl George not being uſed to be confronted, or
ſit down with diſgrace, could hardly enforce his patience to endure this
ſcorn. And firſt he demanded reſtitution of his money, not ſo much for
deſire to have it, as to pick an occaſion to break his alleageance. The King
refuſed to make payment, or give promiſe, but deluded him with frivolous
delayes, whereupon, with his family, he fled to the Earlof Northumberland,
intending by diſloyalty to revenge the indignity; and to repair his loſies
by his Enemies ruine, if poſſible : The Engliſh, with wide and open Arms,
embrace the opportunity, with whoſe help and aſſiſtance the Earl made
divers incurſions into Scotland, where he burnt many Towns, and flew
much people, enriching himfelf with booty and ſpoil. King Robert de:
priveth the Earl of his Honour, ſeizeth all his lands and pofleffions, and
writes to King.Henry, that as he would have the truce between them longer
to continue, either to deliver unto him the Earl of March and his adherents
,
or elſe to baniſh them the Realm. King Henry perceiving, that theſe Wars
ariſing, had almoſt put the Peace out of joynt, was determined not to loſe
the
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
71
R. 3.
the benefic of the diſcontented Subjects of his adverſary; whereupon he re- | An. 1401.
turned anſwer to the Herald of Scotland, that he was neither weary of Peace;
nor fearful of War, and ready, as occaſion ſhould change, either to hold
the one, or hazard the other : But the word of a Prince was (or ought to be)
of great weight; and therefore ſince he had granted unto the Earl of March
bis fàfe conduct, it would be a great impeachment to his honour, without
juſt cauſe, to violate the fame. Hereupon the King of Scots did preſently
proclaim open War againſt the the King of England, who thought it policy
rather to begin the War in the Enemies Countrey,than to expect it in his own;
becauſe that Land which is the Seat of War, doth commonly furniſh both
ſides with neceſſary Supplies, the Friend by Contribution, the Enemy by
Spoil ; lending certain Troops of Horſemen before him, both to eſpy and
to induce an uncertain torror upon the Enemy; he entred into Scotland with
a puillant Army, and with Fire and Sword proceeded, ſparing not Caſtle,
Town or City, but burned Churches and Religious houſes, ſo that in all
places that he pafled, the ſpectacle was ugly and grilly which he left behind
him, being ſuch as commonly accompany the Chariot of War. They that
fled before the Army filled all places with fear and terror, extolling, above
truth, the Engliſh Forces, to diminiſh thereby their ſhame in running from
them. About the end of September, he beſieged the Caſtle of Maidens in
Edenburgh, where Prince David and the Earl Dowglaſs were ; the Incon-
ſtancy of the one, and the Ambition of the other, being the principal mo-
vers of all this loſs of Blood. During this Siege, Robert Duke of Albany, the
Governour (during the King of Scots inability through ſickneſs to manage
the buſineſs) ſent an Herald to King Henry, proteſting upon his Honour,
that if he would abide but five dayes at the moſt, he would either remove
the Siege, or loſe his Life. The King bountifully rewarded the Herald, and
promiled in the word of a Prince, to abide there during the time by him pre-
fixed. But fix times ſix dayes were paſt, but neither Governour nor other
appeared : Winter came on, Victual in the Camp failed, the Countrey was
cold and comfortleſs, it rained every day in great abundance, which diſtem-
perature of weather, and warit of befitting ſuſtenance, cauſed the death of
many a tall Souldier. It may be theſe diſcommodities ariſing, ſtayed the Go-
vernour from performing his promiſe; for policy was againlt it, to hazard his
Men to fight, when Winter and Want, two forcible Foes, had given the
Charge upon his Enemy : ſure it is, that they moved the King to remove his
Siege, and depart out of Scotland unfought with ; Both the Wardens of the
Marches were all this time in Scotland with the King, upon which advan-
tage, the Scots did break into Northumberland, and did ſome ſpoil in
Banborough-ſhire, the Engliſ quickly took the Alarum, but the Scots with
as much ſpeed retired : But when King Henry had diſcharged his-Army, the
Scots not lo deſirous of Life, as Revenge, made a ſpeedy Road into England,
under the conduct of Sir Thomas Habbarton of Dirleton, and Sir Patrick
Heborne of Hales; but all the hurt they did, did rather waken than weaken
the Engliſh, and they themſelves were ſomewhat encouraged, but nothing
enriched by what they had got: But Sir Patrick puft up with deſire and hope,
reſolved upon a greater exploit; The People, which are eaſily led by Proſpe
rity, in great Numbers reſorted unto him, but he was loth to have more fel-
lows in the ſpoils than he thought he ſhould need in the danger; therefore
with a competent Army of the Men of Loughdeane," he invaded Northumber-
land, where he made great ſpoil, and loaded his Souldiers with Priſoners and
prey.
I
,
72
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
R. 3.
An. 1401. prey. They thought of no peril that might be in the retreat: ſo they march-
ed loofely and licentiouſly, neither keeping themſelves to their colours or
ranks : but the Earl of Northumberlands Vice-warden, and other borde-
rers in good array, ſet upon them at a Town called Nesbyt : The Scots vali-
antly received the charge, aud the battel was ſharp; in the end the Scots
ranks grew thin, as being rather confuſedly ſhuffled together, than orderly
compoſed; which when the Vice-warden felt, with a company which he pur-
poſely retained about him for ſudden diſpatches, he charged them home and
routed them. Sir Patrick bereaved of counſel and comfort, rån up and
down from place to place, commanding many things, and preſently forbid.
ing them; and the leſs of force his directions were, the oftener did he
change them; at laſt (as it hapneth in loft and deſperate caſes) every man be-
came a Commander, but none a putter in execution, ſo the ranks looſed and
brake, and could not be re-united : the Victor cloſely purſuing the advan-
çage, Sir Patrick thinking of nothing leſs than either flying or yielding,
but thruſting himſelf amongſt the thickeſt of the enemies, honourably
loſt his life : many of his linage, and the flower of Longhdeane were like-
wife ſlain: there were taken Sir John and Willian Cockbourne, Sir William
Baſle, John and Thomas Hablington Eſquires, and a multitude of common
Souldiers : On the Engliſh part no great number were ſlain, and none of
rank or quality.
About this time King Henry ſent his eldeſt daughter Blanch, accompa-
nied with the Earl of Somerſet, the Biſhop of Worceſter, the Lord Clifford,
and others, into Almaine, who brought her into Celleine, where, with great
triumph ſhe was married to William Duke of Bavier, Son and Hcir to
Lewis the Emperour.
About the midſt of Auguſt, the King with a great power went into Wales
to purſue Owen Glendour, but loſt his labour, for Glendour had conveyed
himſelf into his lurking holes amongſt the mountains. The King through
the extremity of foul weather was
enforced to retire, having ſpoiled and
burnt a great part of the Countrey round about.
The Scots under the leading of Archibald Dowglaſs, about the number
of twenty thouſand, with barbarous cruelty entred into Northumberland,
making havock by the way, but at a place called Homildon they were en-
countred by the Engliſh, under the leading of Henry Lord Piercy, ſirnamed
Hotſpur, and George Earl of March, on Holy.rood day in harveſt, who
put
them to flight, and took priſoners (after the ſlaughter of ten thouſand of
them) five hundred; whereof Mordack Earl of Fife (the Son of the Ge-
neral, who in the fight loſt one of his eyes) Thomas Earl of Murrey, Robert
Earl of Angus, the Earls of Athol and Mentits were chief; and amongſt
the ſlain were Sir John Swinton, Sir Adam Gordon, Sir John Leviſton, Sir Alex-
ander Ramſey. of Dalehowſey, and twenty three other Knights. Piercy having
put his priſoners in ſafe keeping, entred Tividale, waſting all in the
way,
and there beſieged the Caſtle of Cockclawes, of which Sir John Greenlom
was Captain, who upon condition that if he were not relieved within three
months, compounded to ſurrender the Caſtle. The firſt two months were
paſt and no reſcue or likelihood thereof appeared; but before the expi-
ration of the third month, the Souldiers were fent for to attend the King
in his expedition, as before, againſt Glendorr , and ſo He raiſed the fiege,
and departed with a plentiful booty:
The French King to back Glendour in his traiterous deſignes (not ſo
much
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
73
L.
R. 3.
married.
1
much for love of him, as hatred to King Henry) ſent twelve hundred Men
of Quality, to be Captains and Commanders to thoſe rebellious diſorderly
Troops ; but the Winds were ſo contrary, and the violence of the ſtorm
ſuch that they loſt twelve of their
beſt Ships, with their fraught, and the reſt
with great difficulty returned to France; the Engliſh deriding, the whilſt,
the French Kings ill ſucceſs, whoſe enterpriſes, though they threatned much,
yet they always vaniſhed to nothing: The report whereof ſo exaſperated
his reſolutions, that forthwith he ſent into Wales twelve thouſand Men, who
ſafely landed, and joyned with the Welch: But upon notice of the Engliſh
Armies approach, ſuſpecting their own ſtrength, or their partakers fidelity,
amazed and heartleſs they ran to their Ships, and without any ſervice done,
diſgracefully turned home.
King Henry's Embaffadors lately ſent into Britain for the Lady Jane de An. 1403.
Navar, Ducheſs of Britain, the relict of Fohn de Mountford, ſirnamed the
Conqueror, with whom the King, by Procurators, had contracted matrimo. The King
ny, in the beginning of February returned with her in ſafety. The King met
her at W’incheſter,where, the ſeventh of February, the Marriage was folemni-
zed. In the mean time Valarian Earl of S. Paul, out of a malicious hatred
to King Henry, with ſeventeen hundred Men of War, from Harflew landed
in the ille of Wight, where burning two Villages, and ſome few Cottages,
in token of Triumph he made ſome Knights: But hearing the people of the
Iſland to have allembled, he hafted to his Ships and retired.
About that time John Earl of Cleromont (the Heirof Bourbon) won from
the Engliſh the Cattles of Saint Peter and Saint Mary, and the new Caſtle.
The Lord de la Bret won the Caſtle of Calafyn, of great conſequence furthe
honour of England to be queſtioned.
The Piercies, Earls of Northumberland and Worceſter, with Henry Hot-
Spur, which in the iniciation of King Henry's attempts, had been both advi-
ſers and coadjutors in his proceedings, about this time began to turn retro-
grade to obedience ; their reaſon was, for that the King not only refuſed at
their requeſt to redeem their Kinſman Mortimer from Glendours lavery,
though often by them and their friends to that purpoſe ſolicited; but like
wiſe contrary to the Law of the field and martial cuſtom, as they pretended,
had challenged, as of right pertaining to him, all ſuch priſoners as by their
martial proweſs had been taken of the Scots, either at Homildon or Nesbyt,
of which they formerly (whether of curteſie or duty by them, it was diſpu-
table ) only had
delivered unto him Morduk, the Duke of Albany's Son. Ne-
vertheleſs they came to the King at Windſor, where (of purpoſe to prove
him ) they required, that either by ranſom, or otherwiſe, he would procure
the liberty and enlargement of their couſin German, Edmond Mortimer, ſla-
viſhly ſhackled and abuſed, as they affirmed, for being true to him. The King
made anſwer, That the Earl of March was not taken priſoner in defence of
his Title, nor in his Service, but willingly ſuffered himſelf to be taken, be-
cauſe he would not withitand the attempts of the Traitor Owen and his
Complices, and therefore neither would relieve nor ranſom him: Where-
upon Henry Hotſpur brake forth, and in paſſion ſaid, The Heir of the Realm
is bereaved of his right, and the robber will not allow him part of his own
for his redemption, and therewith the Piercies departed the Kings preſence,
and preſently procured Mortimer's delivery. And to add more weight có
King Henry's diſpleaſure, they entred into a League Offenſive and Defenſive
with Glendour : And by their Proxies, in the Houſe of the Archdeacon of
Bangor,
x
X
74
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
R.3.
11
An. 1403. | Bangor, they agreed upon a Tripartite Indenture under their Hands and Seals,
reſpectively to be made, to divide the Kingdom into three parts; whereby
all England, from Severne and Trent South and Eaſtward, was aſſigned for
the portion of the Earl of March; all Wales, and the Lands beyond Severn
Weſtward, were aſſigned to be the portion of Owen Glendour; and all the
remainder of Land from Trent Northward, to be allotted to Lord Piercy.
This was deviſed or adviſed, ſay fome, by Glendour (whom they would make
a Sooth-layer) by occaſion of a Propheſie, as though King Henry was the
Mouldwarp, curſed of Gods own-mouth, and they three muſt be the Lion,
the Dragon, and the Wolf
, which ſhould divide the Land among them. But
the event proved thoſe blind fantaſtical dreams of the Welſh Sooth-layers
to be Deviationes non divinationes. In the mean time, King Henry not ac-
quainted with theſe Conſpiracies, cauſed a Proclamation to be made, inti-
mating thereby, that the Earl of March had voluntary cauſed himſelf to be
taken Priſoner. That the Rebels having him in their cuſtody and company,
might pretend ſome colour wherewith to varniſh ſuch conſpiracies as fecret:
ly they had complotted and contrived againſt his Crown and him; and
therefore his diſcretion for his ſafety adviſed him not to hearken to any
motion for his being redeemed.
Hereupon the Piercies, aſſiſted with a company of Scots ( whom they,
by ſetting their Scottiſh priſoners at liberty, had procured ) drew to their
party the
Earl of Stafford, and Richard Scroop, Archbiſhop of York, Brother
to the beheaded Earl of Salisbury, and many others; and with them purpo.
ſed to joyn with the Captain of the Welſh. And to ſet the better Gloſs to
their trcaſonable attempts, they framed, by way of accuſation, certain Ar-
ticles againſt the King, which they publiſhed, and to this effect ſent them
unto him in Writing.
Articles againſt King HENRY.
own
Mprimis, That when he returned from his exilement, he made faith only
to challenge and recover his Inheritance and his Wives, and not to inter-
meddle with the King nor with his Crown, by reaſon of which Oath, divers
Loyal and good Subjects to King Richard, reſorted unto him, not having
any Treaſonable intent: But after, when he ſaw his power ſo much increa-
ſed, that he might do what he pleaſed, he wickedly brake his Oath, and
without any right, or colour-like right, procured himſelf to be made and
Crowned King.
2. Item, That not only as an Arch-traitor he had impriſoned his
Liege Lord, and undoubted Maſter, King Richard, but had cauſed him to
be barbarouſly murthered, that ſo with the greater ſecurity he might enjoy
his Maſters Crown and Kingdom.
3. Item, That ever ſince the death of King Richard, he had unjuſtly kept
the Kingdom and the Crown from his Kinſman Edmond Mortimer Earl of
March, who was the Son and Heir apparent of Philip, the Daughter and
Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence, elder Brother to John of Gaunt, Father
of the new uſurping King.
4. Item, That when neither preſent occaſion nor need compelled him, he
had impoſed divers Taxes and Subſidies upon the people to their great grief
and impoveriſhing, whereof they willingly would, but durſt not complain.
5. Item, That no juſtice could be expected at his Hand, becauſe that con-
trary
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
75
1
R.3.
1
trary to the Oath which he had taken when he was Crowned, he had by Let-, An.
1403.
ters ſent into ſundry Shires, and thereby procured certain Burgelles of the
Parliament, and Knights of the Shire to be choſen, whom he knew would
not fail to ſerve his turn, as occaſion ſhould be offered.
6. And laſtly, That where in honour, and for affinities fake, he ought to
have ranſomed or redeemed his ſaid Couſin, the Earl of March, from his
loathſom impriſonment (being by ſome of his Privy Council thereto often
ſolicited) he not only denied the ſaid requeſt, but fallly and untruly pub-
liſhed and declared, That the Earl himſelf, was of his own accord become a
voluntary priſoner, to the end that Traitors and Rebels joyning with him,
might have ſomewhat wherewith to colour ſuch Treaſons as they would
Conſpire or Plot againſt him.
· For which cauſes, and many others as bad, they defied him as an ufurping
Traitor ; and as an utter Enemy they vowed his deſtruction, and the reſtoring
of the ſaid Earl to his right.
The King perceiving that nothing but ſtrength of blows could end this
ftrife; and being perſuaded that if he could victoriouſly ſuppreſs this Re-
bellion, he ſhould bereave his enemies from future hope to prevail in the like
attempts; with a great and well compoſed Army, he marched towards the
Lords forecaſting in his march, how to prevent the Engliſh from joyning with
the Welſh, which with a provident care he prevented ; and about Shrewsbury,
on Saturday, Saint Mary Magdalens Eve, he encountred the Piercies: the
Scots gave a brave onſet on the King, but he ſo welcomed them, that
ſcarce one was left unhurt, but moſt of them Nain ; yet the Conſpirators
ſtoutly maintained the Fight, and purſued it with that courage and reſolu-
tion, that they were confident of good ſucceſs, until the King, with the
young Prince Henry, and ſome young branches of honorable, ſtocks in their
company (bravely reſolving, rather to die
honorably than to live diſgrace-
fully) put to their ſtrengths to joyn with Valour, and with a noble emula-
tion, to give fair example each to other, they fo ſhook the Enemjes Vant-
guard, that Hotſpur, and ſome other chief Commanders on his ſide, and
many thouſands more, were flain. The Earl of Worceſter was taken Pri-
ſoner in the Field, together with Sir Richard Vernon, Sir Theobald Truffell,
and the Baron of Kindarton, and the reſt fled. On the Kings part (beſides
the Earl of Stafford, who had but that Morning revolted from the other
ſide ) were flain Sir Hugh Sherley, Sir John Clifton, Sir John Cockaine,
Sir Nicholas Ganſel, Sir Walter Blunt, Sir John Calverley, Sir John Maf
Sey of Puddington, Sir Hugh Mortimer, and Sir Robert Gauſel, all which
had been but that morning before dubbed Knights, with Sir Thomas Wen-
defley, who afterwards died of the wounds there received. This Edmond
Stafford was third Son of Earl Hugh, and after the death of Thomas and
William, who died without Iſſue, was Earl of Stafford and Lord of Tun-
bridge ; he married Anne, the Daughter of Thomas of Woodſtock, Duke
of Gloceſter, by whom he had Illue Humphrey, afterwards Duke of Buck
ingham, and Philip that died young, and Anne, firſt married to Edmond
Mortimer, Earl of March, but had no Iffue by him; and after was married
to John Holland Earl of Huntington, by whom ſhe had Iflue, Henry Duke
of Exeter. Of common Souldiers the King loſt about ſixteen hundred, but
had made ſlaughter of above ſix thouſand of the Conſpirators (whereof
thirty ſix fell by his own Sword) nevertheleſs Donglaſſe once unhorſed
him, and in his preſence ſlew Sir Walter Blunt, who with divers others that
day,
+
76
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
1
1
An. 1403. day were in all things habited alike to the King; for which ſo brave exploit,
R. 3. after Dowglaſle by the unfortunate fall of his Horſe (having broken two of
his Ribs ) being taken priſoner, was by the Kings ſpecial command carefully
dreſſed and attended, and ranſomleſs, with great commendation, ſet at liber-
ty; ſo far can Vertue prevail with a generous Foc.
The day following, the King with the whole Army, with great ſhew of
zeal, gave God thanks for this Victory, by his aſſiſtance ſo happily atchieved,
and then cauſed the Earl of Worceſter to be beheaded, and many of the
Ring-leaders of that Rebellion to be drawn, hanged and quartered, and their
Heads placed on London Bridge. This Thomas Piercy Earl of Worceſter, and
Lord high Admiral of England, married Elizabeth, eldeſt Siſter and Co-heir
of David Earl of Athol, by whom he had Iſſue, Henry Earl of Athol. After
this the King ſent Henry, Prince of Wales, with the whole Army into that
Country ; but before his coming, Owen Glendour was abandoned by all his
company, and lurking in the Woods, was there famiſhed; many of his Al-
ſociates were taken, and there put to death, and the Prince joyfully returned
to the King.
Whilſt the Prince was in Wales, Henry Pierry, the Earl of Northumber-
land, of his own accord, came and ſubmitted himſelf to the King, with many
oaths and proteſtations of his innocency, as not being once acquainted with
any intent of Treaſon and Rebellion. And though the King conceived not
the leaſt thought that might excuſe him, yet for that time he gave him a ſeem-
ing ſhew of fair entertainment, and for that time with gentle language and
kind countenance, as it was thought, fór that he had the poſſeſſion of Ber-
wick Caſtle, and other places of Itrength in his power, permitted to gofree,
and come at his pleaſure.
The Britains, under the leading of the Lord of Caſtiles, ſpoiled and burnt
the Town of Plimouth, and returned. unfought with; his ſpeed was the
more, and his fortune the better : But leſt he Thould boaſt too much of his
Conqueſt, the Weſtern Men, under the Command of William Wilford Efq;
by order from the King, fent forth a Fleet, which arriving in Britain, took
forty Ships laden with Oyl, Sope, and Rochel Wines, and burnt about forty
more, and then landed at Pennarch, burning Towns and Villages ſix leagues
within the Country, together with the Town of Saint Matthew, and all the
building there three leagues about the ſame, and returned laden with ſpoil
and booty, ſufficient, with advantage, to recompence the loſſes received at
Plimouth."
A Parliament was called at Coventry about the Feaſt of All Saints, but at
R.4.
St. Andrews tide, for want of good accommodation, there the ſame was
Prorogued to London, until the Feaſt of Epiphany.
The Frenchmen, about that time, attempted to have ranſacked the Iſle of
Wight, and to that end ſeton Land one thouſand Footmen, who having got
together a great booty of Cattel, the Illanders enforced them to their Ships,
and to leave their prey behind them, with many of their Men, to helpto pay
+ the damage done. An unaccuſtomed ſurcharging Subſidy of every Knights
fee, whether the ſame were held by Meſnalty, or otherwiſe, twenty ſhillings
to the King; every one that could diſpend twenty ſhillings per annum ultra
A biting Sub-
fidy.
repriſes, and ſo upward of what holding ſoever, twelve pence the pound;
and above twenty pounds in goods, according to the rate, twelve pence in the
pound, is in this Parliament granted, but with this caution and proteſtation,
that it ſhould not hereafter be drawn for a Preſident, and that no Records
thereof
An. 1404
+
A
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
77
.
R. 4.
X
thereof, ſhould be kept in the Treaſury or Exchequer ; but that preſentlyi An. 1404.
upon the account made, all the Rowls thereof to be burnt.
This year there died that ever to be reverenced with grateful remem-
brance, William of Wickham Biſhop of Wincheſter, who more affecting by
Works of Piety and Charity, to do good unto his Countrey, than to pro-
pagate poſterity, left behind him inany monuments of his zeal to Religi-
on, and love to the Church; howſoever his primitive name is uncertain and
diſputable. For the diſcordancy of Writers of thoſe times, have left too
many ſcrupulous queſtions about his decent and Original Surname; I have
therefore as near (as God hath enabled me) endeavoured to clear the
point, and what with ſome ſearch I have found hereof, to ſet down the
truth. And though to ſome it may here appear impertinent, yet I preſume
it will not altogether prove unprofitable.
In the year of our Lord God 1324. William the Son of John Long, The original
was born at Wickham in the County of Southamton; This John was Pariſh of William
Clerk of Wickham aforeſaid, in which place he taught Children to write, of Wickham.
and amongſt others his own Son, who profited ſo well, that he attained
to the writing of a very fair hand; a quality in thoſe days much reſpected,
and by the better ſort greatly deſired,
From Wickbam this John with his wife and family removed to Titchfield:
and there as a foretime he continued the courſe aforeſaid.And thither amongſt
others, did one Nicholas Woodall, then Conſtable of the Caſtle of Wincheſter,
ſend a Son of his to be inſtructed; who upon his return, making relation
to his Father, of this William his skill of fair writing, was a means that
this Conſtable of the Caſtle procured the ſaid William of his Father, and
kept him together with his own child at School in Wincheſter, where he learn-
ed his Latine and French Tongues,. in both which he profited exceedingly.
From Wincheſter ad Maſter Woodhalls charge, he is ſent to Oxford, where
he applyed himſelf to the ſtudy of the Cannon Laws; but from them, be-
fore any degree in School taken, he by his Patron was ſent for, who being
made Surveyor General of His Majeſties Works (a place in thoſe dayes of
more than ordinary regard) he is by him imployed as his Clerk, and in
ſhort time grew ſo expert therein that he far furpalled all others, in order-
ly keeping
the Account book, and fair engroſſing of the ſame. Inſomuch,
that King
Edward the Third, about that time much addicted to rearing mag-
nificent Structures: coming in Progreſs, and lodging at the Caſtle at Win-
cheſter , heard a large commendation from the Biſhop of Wincheſter, Adam
de Orleton, of this William Longs ſufficiency in ſurveying; who affirmed un-
to the King, that he had divers times, by his Maſters leave, imployed the
young man; and upon full proof, found him every way of ſufficiency to do
His Majeſty any requirable ſervice. Whereupon the King told the Biſhop,
Thațif without doing wrong to his Maſter he might obtain it, he was de-
ſirous to have this William to ſerve him; The Biſhop thereupon perſwadeth
and prevaileth with Maſter Woodhall, to prefer this his ſervant to the Kings
who more tendring his Clerks preferment, than his own eaſe or ſervice,
a courſe not over frequent in this Age) accordingly tendreth him; whom
the King graciouſly entertaineth, and preſently imployeth him in contriving
and overlooking his Fortifications at Dover and Quinborough. Çaſtles, and
afterwards made him Surveyor of his Buildings at Windſor Caſtle, and bis
Houſes of Henley, and Eaſt-Hamſted; in all which his imploymentş,he lo
dexterouſly behaved himſelf, that he not only gót the general good will
con
H
1
+
of
78
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
R. 4.
257
An. 1404. of his contemporary Officers and Workmen, but, alſo the Favour of the King,
and his Councel
, and all the Courtiers; of whom by diſcreet obſervation he
had ſufficiently learned to make uſe of the time to his beſt advantage. And
having ſufficiently ſeen proved by others experience, that ſervice is no cer-
tain Heritage; and that only to depend on the Kings Favour, and the peoples
praiſe, « was but a brittle and ſlippery courſe to run in; wiſely therewithal ob.
ſerving, that ſpiritual promotions (the wind blowing as it did) was eaſily
to be obtained; preſuming the King would not be offended, if he ſhould
enter into orders, when thereby preferment was every day promiſed; no
doubt inwardly feeling himſelf to be ſufficiently called, he entred into Ho-
ly Function : and according to the cuſtom of the Clergy-Men of thoſe
times, he was from thenceforth written, and called by the name of William
of Wickham; and by that name was inſtituted firſt Parfon of Saint Martins
in the field ; then made Maſter of Saint Martins le grand; afterwards
Arcbiepifc.
Parker. fol.
Archdeacon of Lincoln, Provoſt of VVells, and Rector of Manyhent in De-
vonſhire.
But within ſhort time after, notwithſtanding his watchful care in his de-
portment, to give no occaſion of offence (as near as poſſible to any) much
leſs to the King; yer he was fallen into the Jaws of Envy (a common
plague to Court-Favorites) and by ſome or others traduced to the King,
for over-ambitiouſly affecting vain-glory, as arrogating the renown of the
Kings choice-piece of Building, to be the Work of Wickham only; and for
an inſtance thereof, they produce a ſculpture in a ſtone of the Wall in VVin-
cheſter Tower in VVindſor Caſtle; ſet up at that time, when he was imploy-
ed in that Work, which imported, This made VVilliam of Wickham:And this
upon the firſt relation gave juſt cauſe of indignation to the King, as dero-
gating much from his Honour, to have a Subject to attribute the Building of
the Wall to his Soveraigns Houſe, to be done at his charge. For which ſo
ſaying, the King ſharply reprehendeth VVickham ; To whom VVickham mo-
deſtly replieth, That it was far from his thought, to aſcribe by that inſcrip-
tion, the Honour of Building that Tower to himſelf
, but his own good
hap, for being preferred to that Work, for not by any indifferent conſtru&ti-
on, the words may ſeem to import, that VVickham Built that Tower ; but
his imployment thereabouts, was the cauſe of making and preferring of
VVickham; for thereby he had gained His Majeſties Gracious Favour and
Countenance.
By this anſwer the King was pacified, and as it were to make VVickham
amends, and deter his calumniators from further perſiſting in ſuch their
envious courſes, the Kings Favour is daily increaſed towards him, and he is
enriched with many fair preferments : Inſomuch, that within few years, by
the aſſiſtance and Plotting of John Buckingham, Biſhop of Lincoln, and Sír
Simon Burleigh, Knight, two of his ancient and moſt intimate acquain-
tance in Oxford, he had gotten into his poſſeſſion, beſides the Spiritual Li-
vings before remembred, twelve ſeveral Prebendlhips; and by diſpenſation
from Pope Vrban, and qualification by being the Kings Chaplain, he held
at one time in his hands, ſo many Eccleſiaſtical Livings and promotions, as
the value of them did amount, in the Kings Books, to the ſum of eight
hundred ſeventy fix Pounds thirteen ſhillings and four pence; in thoſe
In regift. Sic days a great lum. Such was his behaviour, that he held the Kings Favour
firm unto him, and the Nobility for the moſt part did well approve his
fol. 12.
courſes: beſides theſe Spiritual promotions, the King had likewiſe honoured
him
mons, Larg.
--
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
79
1
R.4.
fol. 1 100.
but great
"
184.
A
him with many Temporal places of both profit and reſpect, as being his Prin- | An. 1404.
cipal Secretary, Keeper of the Privy Seal, Maſter of the Wards and Liveries,
Treaſurer of the Kings Revenues in France, and ſome other Offices of leſs Fox. Mart.
eminency. Now whilſt his Wealth and Worſhip every day increaſed, in
Anno 1356. William Edendon, Biſhop of Wincheſter departed this life, lea-
ving the Sea void; whereupon (the King deſiring the fame) the Monks of
Saint Swithins in IVincheſter elected William of Wickham to that Sea: But Ur-
ban the then Pope, being fufficiently informed of the Elects little Learning,
great livelihood, deferr’d by the ſpace of a whole year, the confirmati-
on of the Election ; in which time, Wickham's good Angels interceding for
him in the Court of Rome, he is permitted to take the benefit of the Spiri-
tualties, and to have the Temporalties in the mean time fequeſtred. The
King hearing how much the inſufficiency of Scholarſhip was obtruded
up-
on Wickham, began to expoſtulate with him to ſurceaſe further ſuit for the Godwyr. fol.
place, which required to be ſupplied by a Man of more ſufficiency in Clerk-
İhip, than he was reckoned of to be ; to whom Wickham replied, That ſo
pleaſe his Majeſty to continue his gracious favour towards him, ſo that he
might obtain his deſire therein, he doubted not, but by Gods ſpecial aſſiſt-
ance,
lo to behave himſelf, that he would ſupply all defects of Scholarihip
in himſelf
, by providing for others means and maintenance, to make and
keep able perſons for the ſervice of the State, and the good of the King-
dom; wherewith the King was ſo taken, that he wrought ſo effe&tually, that
in the year 1367. he was conſecrated Biſhop of Wincheſter, and was reſtored
to all profits of that Biſhoprick during the vacancy.
Within ſhort time after he was made Lord Treaſurer, and was imployed
and truſted with all the affairs of the Kingdom, and had the diſpoſition of
all the Kings Treaſure, which was the occaſion to advantage his Enemies to
ſtrike the more eaſily at him. For the King by the new Biſhops care, being
rid of many troubles, yet took a further benefit thereby; for whatſoever
was done that diſpleaſed the Council, or the Commons, that was objected to
the Biſhop, whereby when the Kings wants were preſling, it was held the beſt
policy at that time, to give the King a ſupply, by ſqueezing the full moiſtned
ſpunge of the Biſhops Coffers
. And to yield ſome colour for their fu doing;
the Biſhop is charged to give account for eleven hundred ninety ſix thou-
Land pounds received, during the time of his being Treaſurer ; b«iides a hun-
dred thouſand Francks, delivered him by Galeaze Duke of Milliin, which
muſt be ſuddenly performed; and the more to puzzle him at that very in-
ſtant, divers untrue and feigned cavillations, by way of complaint, are put
up againſt him at the Council Board; to the anſwering whereof he is in-
ſtantly convented, where, whilſt he is intentive to ſave the bye, he hazarded
the loſs of the main; for whilſt he indeavoureth to give fatisfactory anſwers
to the aforeſaid calumniations, Judgment is through the earneſt importunity
of the Duke of Lancaſter, by iWilliam Skipwith, Lord Chief Juſtice, upon
an Information of deceit ſuggeſted, awarded in the Kings Bench againſt
him; by means whereof, all his Temporalties were ſeized upon, taken into
the Kings Hands, and given to the Prince of Wales.
And for a further addition to bis affliction, by John of Gaunts means, he
is in the Kings Name commanded upon pain of his Majeſties high diſplea-
ſure, not to come within twenty miles of the Court. The Biſhop with a
clear Conſcience, and a conſtant Reſolution, awaits a fitter time to crave re-
view of this ſentence againſt him; and like a diſcreet Pilat, playeth with the
H 2
wave, ,
1
1
-
80
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
Continuator
257
An. 1404. (wave, which if he ſhould meet, might indanger him, and by giving way
R.4. thereto, eſcapeth the hazard. Acceſs to the King he knew not how to ob
tain; to pacifie the Duke of Lancaſter, he ſaw no poſſibility; and how to
procure any courſe to be taken for his benefit, he was altogether ignorant.
His Train therefore he diſmiſſeth, excepting ſome few, of whoſe honeſt fi-
delity, and otherways fufficiency he had made ſufficient proof; theſe he
imployeth to write out and ballaſt his accounts, and ſuch anſwers as he had
made to the accuſations and informations, which as aforeſaid were exhibited
againſt him; which perfected, the Copies thereof he privately diſperſeth
amongſt his Brethren of the Clergy, and ſuch other as he preſumed would
without prejudice to his cauſe, vouchſafe the reading of them. And therein
amongſt other things, he at large ſetteth forth the ground, or occaſion of the
Duke of Lancaſters irreconcilable malice againſt him, which was thus :
Queen Philip, Wife to Edward the Third, upon her death-bed, by way of
hiſt. Ranulphi. Confeſſion, delivered unto Wincheſter, That John of Gaunt was not the
Parker.Ar.fol. lawful Iſſue of King Edward, but a ſuppoſitious Son; for when ſhe was
brought to bed at Gaunt of a maiden Child, knowing how much the King
deſired to have a male iſſue, the conſulted with one of her Maids of ho-
nour, by, whoſe induſtry the Daughter was exchanged with a Dutch Wo-
man for a boy, whereof ſhe had been delivered about the ſame hour with the
Queens. Thus much lhe confeſſed, and withal conjured the Biſhup, that if
the ſaid John of Garnt, ſhould at any time directly or indirectly attempt
or affect the wearing of the Crown; or that rightfully for want of Illueid
ſhould devolve unto him, That the Biſhop ſhould diſcover the fame, and
make it known to the King and the Councel: afterwards the Queen be-
ing dead, and John of Gaunt during the weakneſs of the King, did take
up-
on him ſo much, that he gave juſt
cauſe of fufpition to the lookers on, of his
Antiquitates ambitious affecting the Crown. The Biſhop firſt in ſilent and ſecret manner
Brit. fol. 257. by way of Ghoſtly countel, dilluaded the Duke from nurſing the leaſt hope
of ever attaining the Crown; and withal, uſed his beſt perſuaſions to him to
content himſelf privately to live without further intermedling than needs
muſt, with the affairs of the Kingdom; and then he would keep unreveal-
ed, what otherwiſe by tie of duty to his Profeſſion, he muſt and would
diſcover, which would redound much to the Dukes diſparagement. This ſo
nettled the Duke, that paſſion confounded reaſon; and in the height thereof
he waded as far as he durſt, for fear of undergoing the centure of the
Church, for reviling one of the Fathers thereof: Nevertheleſs, he did not
ſo temper his words, but that he gave juſt occaſion to the Biſhop to provide
for his ſafety, and to look to himſelf; hereof he gave intimation to the reſt
of the Biſhops.
. And ſo it chanced, that within ſhort time after, a Parliament is convoked,
wherein the Kings neceſſity of preſent ſupply of money is much preſt. But
the Clergy unanimouſly affirm, that without their Brother the Biſhop of
Wincheſters preſence, they neither can, nor will conſult of any thing; and
therefore crave that he might be permitted to come. The King being told
that he being a principal Member of the Houſe of Parliament, could not
with conveniency be excluded. Whereupon he is ſent for.
The Biſhop upon notice of the Kings pleaſure repaireth to London, but in
that obſcure manner,and with that ſmall Retinue, that he miniſtred occaſion
of commiferation to the beholders: which ſo incenſed the Duke of Lanca-
(ter, that he not only continued his indignation againſt the Biſhop of Win-
cheſter
1
I
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
8 i
R. 4.
1
cheſter, but openly did oppoſe all the Biſhops in general
, protecting and An. 1404.
countenancing Wickcliff, a Man of more zeal than diſcretion, in all his over-
bold and undutiful carriages towards them. In the mean time Wincheſter
having ſufficiently learned, that the King now in his declining time, did ſo
dote
upon
Alice Pierce, that in a manner he was altogether governed by her,
complies himſelf wholly to her, and ſo effectually ant prece aut pretio, or
both, made his way with her, that mauger all what the Duke could ſay, or
do to the contrary; after two years being kept out of his Livings by her
means, the Biſhop is reſtored fully to whatſoever had been taken, or was de-
tained from him.
The Parliament diſſolved, the Biſhop cometh to Wincheſter, where as
well by the Citizens, as Prior and Covent, he is joyfully with kind welcom,
and general proceſſion received and entertained.' Then and there alſo he
receiveth of the Executors of his Predeceſſor, Biſhop Edington, ſatisfaction
for the ſum of one thouſand one hundred ſixty two pounds ten ſhillings;
and for the value of one thouſand five hundred fifty ſix Rother beaſts;
three thouſand eight hundred ſeventy fix Weather-lheep, four thouſand
ſeven hundred and ſeventeen Ews, three thouſand five hundred twenty one
Lambs, and one thouſand one hundred twenty ſeven Swine, formerly reco- Vbi fupra.
vered againſt them for dilapidations, before the Official of William Witeſley
Archbiſhop of Canterbury.
King Edward being dead, and Alice Pierce being baniſhed the Court,
John of Gaunt confident now to work his malicious deſigns againſt Win-
cheſter, taking the advantage of his Nephew King Richards infancy, muſters
afreſh his old Forces, and with ſmall addition of ſome new furmiſed cavil-
lations, reinforms and again accuſeth the Biſhop of Wincheſter: But the Stow 562.
Dukes malice was not more diſcernable, but the Biſhops innocency was every
way as perſpicuous; by means whereof he eſcaped all the Gauntiſh machi-
nations, and by the help of his trueſt Friend (his
open but full purſe) he ob-
tained a general Pardon under the great Seal of England, and together with
that, from thenceforth a quiet and unperturbed eſtate; during which time,
he made preparations to forward his preintended goodly buildings, provi-
ding himſelf of all needful materials, and furniſhing himſelf with ſome of
them, and all his chief Workmen, for Stone work out of France; having
made trial of his Artificers skill in their own Country, where at Roven he
built a ſtately Conventual Church, and furniſhed the ſame with all needful
and befitting ornaments and maintenance.
And now having in readineſs all requirable Utenſils, his firſt work was the.
building of a Chappel at Tytchfield, where his Father, Mother, and Siſter Per-
rot were buried, endowing the ſame with proportionable maintenance for a
Prieſt, to perform the Ceremonies in thoſe days uſed for the benefit of the
Souls departed.
He founded at Southwick in the County of Southampton, near the Town
of Wickham, the place of his birth, as a ſupplement to the Priory of South-
wick, a Chauntry, with ſufficient aliment, and all other neceffaries for five
He beſtowed twenty thouſand Marks, in orderly repairing the Houſes be-
longing to the Biſhoprick.
He diſcharged out of priſon, in all places of his Dioceſs, all ſuch
poor
priſoners as lay in execution for debt under twenty pounds, about which he
expended two thouſand pounds.
He
Prieſts for ever:
H 3
!
82
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
An. 1404.
R.4.
arere, and
He fufficiently amended all the high ways from Wincheſter to London, on
both ſides the River.
He procured large Immunities to the See of Wincheſter, and purchaſed
Lands thereto, to the value of two hundred Marks per annum, with a Li-
cence in Mortmain for two hundred pounds per annum more.
In the eleventh year of the Reign of Richard the Second, he receiveth
from the Kings own Hands the great Seal of England, and is made Lord
Chancellor, whereby it appeareth that King Richard was not altogether ſo
void of judgment in the choice of his Officers of eminency, as the Writers
of his time would ſeem to make him.
At his return from Court, he called all his Officers to account, amongſt
whom he remitted the ſum of four thouſand pounds, in which they were
gave to every one of them reſpectively, a general releaſe of all
demands until that time.
He likewiſe remitted unto the Tenants of the Biſhoprick, all ſuch cuſto-
mary payments of knowledge money, as were by his Officers affirmed to be
due unto hiin; in the whole, amounting to the ſum of five hundred and
twenty pounds.
But now, as if whatſoever was done before had been but an eſlay of what
he intended to do after, he began to lay the foundation of that magnifi-
cint Structure in Oxford, at that, and till this time called, New College.
And upon the fift day of March, Anno Dom. 1379. he in perſon laid the
firſt ſtone thereof. And afterward having finibed and ſufficiently furniſhed
the ſame with all befitting accommodation, and endowed with
propor-
tionable means, for the liberal maintenance of a Warden, Threeſcore
and ten Students, twelve Chaplains, three Clerks, ſixteen Choriſters,
one Organiſt', and all other Officers requirable , either in Church or
College.
He dedicated the ſame to the honour of God, in the memory of the Vir-
gin Mary. And upon the fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord
God 1386. at three of the clock in the Morning, he gave the poſſeſſion
thereof tv them whom he had made choice of to be the Warden and Fel-
lows therein. Leland and Fox in his Martyrology affirm, that in this
place before it, there{tood Nætius College, built by Aluredus at Natius in-
treaty, and that for the affinity of the Name, it came to be called Nem
College.
The next year following, that is to ſay, the 26 day of March 1387. he
likewiſe in perfon laid the firſt ſtone of the like foundation, near the Bi-
ſhop of Wincheſters Palace in the Soak by Il'inckeſter, called Woolveſey, to
be in manner of a Nurſery or Seminary of Grammarians, to be fitted and
made ready for his College in Oxford. And in the like ſpace of ſix years
finiſhed the fame, and Dedicated the fame as that other in Oxford, and as
afore at three of the clock upon the 28 of March 1393. he
thereof unto them by him then choſen Warden, Fellows, and Scholars,
John Morrice Clerk being the firſt Warden, John Milton the firſt School-
maſter.
His provident care likewiſe was ſuch, that he not only finiſhed theſe two
ſo renowned Colleges, and every way for the preſent furniſhed the ſame
with all needful and necellary accommodations for the maintenance of them
in a moſt liberal proportion: But deviſed and appointed ſuch, and ſo many
directory Rules and Statutes for the well ordering and good Government of
the
1/2. Wake, fol.
go.
gave feizen
The Life and Reign of. Henry the Fourth.
83
ܪ
R.4.
}
the fame: That it miniſtred juſt occaſicn to a moſt reverend Archbiſhop to An. 1404.
write, and give this true teftimony of him and them.
Qu£ Collegia conſtructa & abſoluta, tam præclaris legibus ftatutiſque funda-
vit, terriſque ac pofſeffionibus ita locupletavit, ut cæteris literarum Collegia poſtea
ſtatuentibus tanquam cxemplar, atque ſpeciem quod imitarentur propoſuiſſe videa-
tur. Ita quod à præcipuis Collegiorum Oxonia, Cantabrigiæque Patronis pofteà
obfervatum eft, ut in his que fundaverunt Collegiis Wickham, jura & ſtatuta
pancijjimis verbis mutatis verbatin deſcriberent. Que res, prudentiam ejus fin-
gularım, hiſque qnæ in R.P. geſſit muneribus dignum indicavit quod ad bona-
rum literarum incrementum in quibus ne mediocriter eruditus exiſtimabatur,
tam accommodata ci appoſita ftatuta excogitaverit, &c.
Over and above the immenſe charges of thoſe his two ſo ſtately and
unparalleld foundation of Colleges; the one for Prophets, the other for
Prophets children, obſerving by his excellent knowledge in Architecture,
that the ſmall Marble pillars that ſtood in the body of Saint Swithins
Church, were of the weakeſt to ſupport the Roof thereof, he began where
Biſhop Edingtou ended, which was at the Weſt end of the Tower, where
the bells hang, and from thence to the Weſt end of the Church all along
to incloſe the Marble pillars with ſquare hard ſtone, and raiſed the Roof
bioher, and beautified the ſame; adding to the North and South-ſide there-
of, two fair ſpatious Iles, covering all that part with Lead; and made a
moſt beautiful Window at the Weſt end, where in coloured glaſs was de
portraited the line from Jeffe to Joſeph, the Huſband of the Virgin Mary;
and further, ornately glazed both thoſe Iles with the portraitures of all the
preceding Biſhops of Wincheſter; and ſtories out of the Old Teſtament in
like glaſs.
About the later end of his days, the then Pope having ſent over his
Proxies, to perſuade the Engliſh to joyn with other Chriſtian Princes, and
undertake the Cruſadı. This Biſhop (through age and ſickneſs, unable and
unfit to attempt a journy of that nature) would not nevertheleſs be thought
backward in the ſervice, but made his purſe ſupply the defect of his perſon;
and to encourage others of more agile Bodies to the buſineſs, he delivered á
great maſs of mony, to be reſpectively diſtributed amongſt ſuch as would
undertake the ſervice, and wanted wherewith to furniſh themſelves accor-
dingly for the journy.
And then ſome few years before his death, he appointed in the lower end
of the South Ile of the body of the Church of Saint Swithins, beautified by
him as aforeſaid, a decent and well-befitting Monument for himſelf
, wherein
afterward he was buried. At that time alſo, at the end of the North lle,
there he made a commodious place for keeping the Conſiſtory Court.
At length, knowing the uncertainty of the day, but the certainty of his
departure out of this life, he made his laſt Will and Teſtament; whereby in the Col-
lege Library.
it appeared, that notwithſtanding all thoſe infinite occaſions of exhauſting
his Treaſure, he-thereby expreſſed to bequeath reſpective Legacies, to the
full value of ſix thouſand two hundred ſeventy two pounds; for the orderly
payment whereof he had provided before hand in ready caſh in his Coffers,
ſo much Coin, beſides Plate, Jewels, Books, Veſtments, and all manner of
Utenſils of houſhold, and an almoſt incredible ſtock and ſtare of Corn and
Cattel.
Amongſt
#
1
84
The Life and Reign of. Henry the Fourth.
An. 1404
R.4.
1
Amongſt other of his Legacies he bequeathed Alicie Perrot confanguined
fua, centum libras. Quæ an eadem fixerit, quam Aliciam Perres, quidem Hiſto-
riographi nuncupant, cujus gratia regi reconciliatus fuerat, incertum eſt, faith
the Author, Britannicarım Antiquit. fol
. 258. But the contrary thereof
ap-
peareth, in that it is manifeſt, that William Perrot, who had married Biſhop
Wickhams Siſter, had a Daughter then living, whoſe Name was Alicia Perrot.
He likewiſe left unto Thomas Perrot, whom he adopted to be his Heir by
the Name of Thomas W’ickham, one hundred pounds Land per annum, to him
and his Heirs for ever: Together with all the furniture of Houſe and houf-
hold-ſtuff, at the time of his deceaſe, that ſhould be in that Houſe wherein
he ſhould happen to depart this mortal life, which was at South-Waltham
now called Waltham Epiſc. in the County of Southampton.
This 7 homas Perrot alias Wickham, was the youngeſt Son of William Per-
rot, that married Agnes the Daughter of John Long and Sibill his Wife: for
by her he had three Sons, Nicholas Perrot, who entred into Orders, and lived
at Rome or Roven beyond the Seas, John, and this Thomas, who was after-
ward Knighted by the Name of Sir Thomas Wickham, and married the Heir
of Viilliam VVilkes, unde, non conſtat, and a Daughter called Alice, by ſome
ſuppoſed, to be Abbateſs of Romſey; but untruly, for her Name that was
Abbateſs, was Felitia, Daughter of Ralph Long, whether Brother or Uncle to
Biſhop Wickham, is not for ought I can learn determined.
Before I go further, give
me leave pro poſſe, to remove an objection, that
may prima facie, ſeem to croſs the credit, of what hath been affirmed about his
repairing St. Swithins Church, when as it appeareth by the expreſs words of
his Will, that he left the doing thereof to his Executors. But ſo pleaſe thoſe,
that ſhall ſeem to move that queſtion, to obſerve the time of the date of his
Teſtament, and the date of the Codicil to the ſame annexed, by which it is
appointed by him, that whatſoever he in his life-time ſhall undertake, that
therewith his Executors ſhall not be chargeable, though by the Will he hath
given them order to do it, ſo that notwithſtanding by his Will he appoint-
ed his Executors to repair the Church, and erect his Tomb, yet he lived to
do both himſelf.
And now after all theſe ſo memorable actions, faith Biſhop Godwine in his
lives of Biſhops, fol. 187. he having run the courſe of a long, happy, and
moſt honorable life, he ended the days of his Pilgrimage in peace, in the
year 1404. aged above 80 years, when he had fate Biſhop of VVincheſter 37
years.
I have heard it reported, that this pious Biſhop did beſtow upon the King,
many rich Jewels of ineſtimable price: And to every Officer of houſhold at-
tending upon the King, to every one of them one Jewel or other.
And that he likewile diſtributed to every Pariſh Church within his Dio-
ccſs, and of Salisbury, amounting in the whole to the number of ſix hun-
dred fifty and four Churches, a decent Sattin Cope imbroidered, with a Chal-
lice and pix of Silver; whereon was engraven, Ex dono VVill.de V Vickham;
but upon what ground to build the truth of this relation, certainly I know
not more than this. That in Salisbury I ſaw in the Houſe of Thomas Grafton,
one of the Aldermen thereof, an old Challice, whereon was engraven, Ex
dono Guil. de V Vickham.
And it appears in Howes proſecution of Stows Abſtract, fol. 561.
That Biſhop VVickham gave many things to the King, to his Courtiers, to
every Church in his Dioceſs, to his own ſervants, and to his Colleges :
And
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
85
1
R. 5.
thers chal-
lenge.
And therefore doubts not, but that he that thus lived, now liveth with God; | An. 1404.
whom he beſeecheth to raiſe up many more ſuch good Benefactors in this
Kingdom, to whoſe good wiſh with all my heart, I ſay, So be it. Amen.
The French afreſh caſt Anchor before the Iſle of Wight, and ſent Mellen-
gers on ſhore to demand
the delivery of the lile to their poſſeſſion, but upon
the ſtout anſwer of the Illanders, and notice of their preparation and reſolu-
tion to fight, the French weighed Anchor and departed.
Preſently upon this, Monlieur Lewis, the proud Duke of Orleance, Bro- The French
ther to the French King, in a vain-glorious ſtile, fent a Challenge to King King's Bro-
Henry, requiring him with an hundred Men of Name, and Coat-armor, ar-
med at all Points, with Spears, Axes, Swords, and Ponyards, to fight the
Combate to yielding, every Victor to have his Priſoner, and his Ranſom at
pleaſure, offering to come to Anguleſme, if the King would come to Bour-
deaux to defend
the Challenge. The King with great
moderation, made him
this diſcreet anſwer, That his former actions in Martial exploits (he pre-
ſumed) had ſufficiently acquired him from any the leaſt touch of cowandiſe;
and withal, that Kings, Sacred and Anointed, as he was, ought not to be ſo
careleſs of the People committed to their charge, for any cauſe to fight,
except for furtherance or maintenance of true Religion, or for preſervati-
on of their Rights, or defence of their Kingdoms from depredations, or to
revenge injuries obtruded, or other ſuch like important cauſes; neither was
he by the Law of Honour or Arms, bound to anſwer in Camp-fight, ex-
cept upon good ground, and with his equal indignity and Office; but
added withal, that he would be at times prepared to repulſe, or reprefs any
that unadviſedly or otherwiſe ſhould attempt, to offer him or his, either
violence or diſgrace. To this the Duke replies, and the King rejoyns, but
not without ſome unfitting taunts and jears, which ſo nettled the over-
paſſionate Duke, that with all expedition he falls upon Vergy, a Town in
Guian, which for the ſpace of three months, notwithſtanding many de-
fperate allaults, was bravely defended by Sir Robert Ant field, and three hun-
dred Engliſhmen; inſomuch, that the Duke after the loſs of many Men,
deſpairing to carry it, without honour or ſpoil returned into France. Pre
ſently upon that, the Admiral of Britain ( who the year before had taken
from the Engliſh certain Ships laden with Wine ) accompanied with the
Lord du Caščile, and ſome thirty ſail of Ships, attempted to Land at
Dartmouth, but were repelled ; in which Service the Lord Caſtile and two month, and are
of his Brethren, and four hundred of his Men were ſlain, and two hundred repulſed.
taken priſoners ; amongſt whom the Lord Baquevile, Marſhal of Britain,
Five hundred Men of Arms, five hundred Croſs-bows, and one thoufand
Flemings on Foot, under the conduct of the Earl of Saint Paul, ſaid ſiege
to the Caſtle of Mark, three leagues from Callice. Sir Philip Hall the Cap-
tain thereof, with fourſcore Archers, and four and twenty other Souldiers
,
valiantly defended the ſame, and put off the firſt aſſault; the next day the
French entred the baſe Court, where they took ſome Kine, Horſes, and
other Cattel. But they having notice that Sir Richard Aſton, Lieutenant of
the Engliſh pale, under the Earl of Somerſet, with two hundred Men of Armis,
three hundred Footmen, and ten Waggons of Ammunition approached, kept
cloſe in their Trenches; from whence (being beaten upon by the Bow-men
on both ſides) they were forced and fled. The Earl of Saint Paul eſcaped
to St. Omers; but left threeſcore (moſt Men of quality ) dead behind, and
fourſcore
The French
was one.
3
1
86
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
.
An. 1404
R. 5.
third Son
with ſome
Forces land
at Sluice.
Three Car-
taken.
t
Northumber.
land and o.
thers with
him rebel.
fourſcore Priſoners, beſides his Camp to be rifled by the Souldiers, with the
ſpoil whereof they retreated to Callice : And within five days after their
return thither, they isſued forth, in hope to have ſurpriſed Arde, but by the
Valour of Sir Manfrid de Boyes the Captain, they retired with the loſs of
forty of their fellows, whoſe carkalles they burned in an old houſe, that the
French ſhould not certainly know their loſs.
The Kings The Lord Thomas of Lancaſter, the Kings third Son, and the Earl of Kent,
the two and twentieth day of May, with competent Forces entred the Ha-
ven of Sluice, burnt four great Ships riding at Anchor, and in expectation
to have met the Duke of Burgoigne, they landed, but without reſiſtance, ha-
ving ſpoiled the
Country round about, they returned to the relief of Callice,
which by the French was beſieged; in the way they were encountred by
three Carracks of Genoa, one of which, with Wind, Tide, and full Sail, bare
racks of Genoa ſo hard upon the Ship wherein the Lord Lancaſter was, that had not his Pi-
lat been the perfecter, he had been in danger to have been overborn, for his
Vellel was much bruiled; the Fight was doubtful, until the Earl of Kent
bare with them, and then they took the thrce Carracks richly laden, and
brought them to the Chamber at Rye, where one of them by misfortune
was tired, and to the gain of neither ſide, periſhed.
The Coals of the Northern Rebellion was not ſo clean extinguiſhed, but
that by removing of the aſhes under which they were hid, the 1parks there.
of were afreth discovered. For Envy, which always lyeth beneath, ſtaring
upward, had fo infected their Eyes, that they could not endure to lock
upon
King Henries ſo great proſperity, ſo that by the watring thereof, the foreneſs
was diſcovered ; amongſt whom Henry Piercy, Earl of Northuniberland, Ri.
chard Scroop, Archbiſhop of York, Thomas Mowbray, Earl Marſhal, the Lords
Haſtings; Fawconbridge, Bardolfe, and divers others conſpired at a time
ap-
pointed, to meet upon Yorkſwould Downs, with all the Forces they could
raiſe; and that under the leading of old Northumberland, they ſhould bid
defiance to King Henry. The Earl Marſhal invented, and the Archbiſhop
contrived divers Articles of Grievances, both general and particular, where-
with they ſpared not to calumniate the King; theſe firſt they covertly
ſhewed amongſt themſelves, but afterwards fent Copies of them to their
Friends further off, with theſe proteſtations, That to vindicate ſuch inju-
ries, and to redreſs ſuch oppreſſions, they would, if need were, not ſpare the
laſt drop of their beſt Blood. Then theſe Articles are ſet up in the publick
Streets, and upon the Gates and entrances into Churches and Monaſteries,
that thereby all men might be throughly informed, what they would endea-
vour to reform, and what they were thus reſolved, by force of Arms, to un-
dertake; hope of Reformation of ſome, and deſire of Innovation of others,
drew on multitudes of all ſides, to be partakers of this enterpriſe ; to whom
the Archbiſhop, clad in abiliments of War
, preſents himſelf, and firſt giving
them his Benediction and plenary Indulgence to all ſuch as ſhould dye in the
The Archbl- exploit, he exhorted ſome, and encouraged others to undertake and proceed
ſhop of 709k with him in this enterpriſe: The gravity of his countenance, the perſwalion
people to riſe of his integrity of Life, and the opinion of his deep Learning, were motives
againſt the ſufficient to induce many to accompany him, and all Men to reverence him.
King. His fervor erected his zeal
, but diſcretion did not direct his fervor ; for he
too ſuddenly diſcovered their projects ; ſo that the King about to make an
expedition into Wales, upon notice of theſe paſſages, turned his march
Northwards.
Ralph
1
1
he
87
R. 5:
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
Ralph Nevill, Earl of VVeſtmerland, with Lord John the Kings ſecond Son, An. 1404.
having had intelligence of this inſurrection, aſſembled what Forces they
conveniently could, and with the aid of the Lords Henry Fitz-Hughes,
Ralph Eevers, and Robert Umbrevile, they made head againſt the Rebels,
and coming into a plain in the Forreſt of Galtree, they ſate down right
againſt the Archbiſhop and his retinue, who were twenty thouſand ſtrong:
Weſtmerland perceiving the Enemies Forces to exceed theirs, endeavoured to
ſowe the Foxes tail to the Lyons skin, and by a politick device to circum-
vent the Archbiſhop; to this end he ſent a meſſenger unto him, demanding
the cauſe why he a Churchman, and a grave Prelate, ſhould draw ſo great
a confluence of people together, and in that manner in Arms to fright the
Kings Subjects, and diſquiet his peaceable Government. The Archbiſhop
returned anſwer, That he neither had or would do any thing, that ſhould
tend to the breach of the Kings Peace, but that he always had, and ever
would pray for the continuance of the ſame without violation; and that
the cauſe of his being armed, was for his own Defence, whom the King had
without juſt cauſe threatned, by the inſtigations of ſuch ſycophants, as in too
too great multitude ſwarned daily about him, whereby his acceſs unto him
without ſuch Forces could not be obtained ; and herewith he ſends unto
VVeftmerland a ſcrowl of the Articles, deſiring his patience to read them:
whích upon the meſſengers return, when Weftmerland had read, he made
ſhew of approving the Archbiſhops pious purpoſe , promiſing with his
aſſiſtance to proſecute the ſame, and deſired ſome conference privately to be
had between them ; in the mean time, acquainting Lord John the Kings
Son with his intention. The credulous Archbiſhop, though a great Clerk,
none of the wiſeſt men, was ſo forward to believe what was propoſed, that
he perſwaded the Earl Marſhal, though moſt unwilling to do ſo, to go
with him to the place appointed to confer, where with equal company
they met. The Articles are read, and allowed of, and reformation reſolved
on all hands to be endeavoured. Whereupon V Veſtmerland ſeemed to com-
miſerate the Souldiers, being in Armour all day, and weary, wifht the Arch-
biſhop to acquaint his party, as he would his, with the mutual agreement,
and ſo ſhaking hands, in moſt courtly friendſhip drank unto him : Where-
Pelmerland
upon the Souldiers were willed to diſarm, and to repair to their Lodgings, circumvents
which they willingly obeyed; but were no ſooner gone, when a Troop of the Archbi;
ſhop of York,
Horſe, which in colourable manner ſeeming to depart, wheeled about, but
afterwards returned, and being now in ſight, the Earl of Weſtmerland ar-
reſted both the Archbiſhop and Earl Marſhal, and brought them both Pri-
ſoners to Pomfret to the King; who was advanced ſo far with his power,
and from thence marched to Tork, whither the Priſoners likewiſe were
brought, and the next day both the Archbiſhop and the Earl Marílial, who
died a Batchelor, were beheaded. The Archbiſhop took his death with that
patience and conſtancy, that the common people did not fear to affirm he ed at York.
From Tork after the Citizens had been put to their Fines and Ranſoms,
the King departed thence thirty ſeven thouland ſtrong, every way well ap;
pointed and furniſhed, and marched towards the Earl of Northumberland.
At Durham the Lords, Haſtings and Fauconbridg, with two other Knights;
(being convict of the Conſpiracy) were executed. Northumberland hear:
ing his Plots diſcovered, with three hundred Horſe 'ſped him to Bermick,
from whence after he heard that the King followed him, and had taken the
Caſtle
He is behead.
died a Martyr.
88
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
1
R. 5.
Northumber-
Land his par.
cakers pros
claimed tray.
tours.
Scotland ta-
ken Priſoner,
and ſent to
the Tower.
1408.
An. 1404. ( Caſtle of Wareworth, he with the Lord Bardolfe Red into Scotland, where
they were entertained by David Lord Fleming. The King gave ſummons to
the Caſtle of Barwick, which they refuſed to obey; he planted a great
Piece, which being diſcharged againſt one of the Towers of the Battlement,
ſo ſhook the ſame, that preſently, they within yielded without compoſiti-
on. Whereupon William Greyſtock, Henry Baynton, and John Blinkinlop,
Knights, and fiveothers, were put to preſent execution, and many other put
into ſeveral priſons. In his return he took in all ſuch Caſtles and picces
of ſtrength, as had been belonging to the Earl of Northumberland, or any
other his partakers, who were all proclaimed Traytors.
James, Son and Heir of Robert King of Scotland, attended on by the
Earlof Orckney, and a Mitred Prelate, fayling towards France, (whither the
Prince, being an Infant of nine years old, was ſent by his father for to be
An. 1408. inſtructed in ſafety,) was taken by certain Mariners of Norfolk, and
pre-
The Prince of ſented to the King at Windſor, the thirtieth of March 1408. from whence
the Prince and Earl were fent for ſafe keeping to the Tower of London, but
the Biſhop eſcaped.
Roger de Walden, the Tennis-ball of Fortune, who had lived to turn the
wheel of chance about its circle, died this year : who from a mean De-
ſcent, and but a poor Scholar in the now but new founded Colledge of
Saint Marzes in Oxford, at length came to be Chaplain there, and ſtepping
on by degrees, attained to the Deanry of York, and finding the ginge of the
Court, made ſuch uſe thereof, that he thereby got to be Lord Treaſurer of
England. And after that Richard the ſecond had baniſhed Thomas Arundel,
Archbiſhop of Canterbury the Realm, who in Parliament before but minùs
juftè, was attaint of Treaſon, Walden was Conſecrate and enthronized Arch-
biſhop of Canterbury, and ſo for the ſpace of two years continued; but
after a depoſal of King Richard, Arundel by King Henry was reſtored
and by Pope Boniface, Roger was pronounced an intruder, who now being
Archbiſhop, but without a Biſhoprick; as afflictions ſeldom come un-
coupled; he was called to account for the Treaſurer-ſhip, and though he
produced his quiet us eſt, yet were all his Temporalties ſeized, and he im-
priſoned; yet from thence being delivered by the charitable condition of
the pow Archbiſhop, he led a private life, but then was made Treaſurer of
Callice, and then with great hope of re-riſing, he was promoted to be Bilhop
of London.
The Duke of Orleans beſieged the Towns of Burgh and Bloy in Gaſcoigne
with a great Power, but afçer eight weeks Siege, and the loſs of ſix thou-
ſand of his Souldiers, he raiſed his Siege and departed.
The Lord Camozes being arraigned before the Earl of Kent, for that day
Lord High Steward (upon ſuppoſition without ground, which ſome forget-
Treaſon, is
ful perſons had accuſed) to have Plotted the Kings ſurpriſal by Pirats up-
acquit by his
on the Thames, in a lþip whereof he bad the charge, was by his Peers ac.
Peers. 1408.
quit, and reſtored to his Goods, Lands, Offices, and the King's Favour.
Northumberland and v Bardolfe, after they had been in Wales, France,
and Flanders, to raiſe a Power againſt King Henry, returned back to Scot.
land; where after they had continued a year, with a great Power of Scot's
and ſtrangers, they returned into England, recovered divers Caſtles formerly
belonging to the Earl, to whom great multitudes of people reſorted, where-
with they came into York-fhire, making great ſpoil : by the way, making
proclamation, That they were come for the comfort of the Engliſh, and the
relief
The Lord
Camoyes ar-
raigned for
17
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the. Fourth.
89
R. 9.
t
R. 10.
to be creded.
bout any
relief of the Common-wealth, therefore willed all'that deſired to retain | Ax. 1408.
their liberty, to repair unto them.
Sir Thomas Rokesby High-Sheriff of York, having levied the power of
the County, with that only upon Bramham Moor gave the Rebels Battel ;
wherein Northumberland was llain, Bardolf taken, but wounded to death,
and the reſt put to flight. This Henry Earl of Northumberland had two
Wives; the firſt was Margaret Daughter of Ralph Lord Nevill of Raby, by
whom he had iſſue Henry Hotſpur, lain as afore, Sir Thomas Piercy, Sir
Ralph Alane, that died young : his ſecond Wife was Mand, Daughter of Tho-
mas Lord Lucy, by whom he had no iſſue.
This year a Parliament began, in which the Commons preferred a Petiti- An. 1410.
on to the King and the Upper-houſe, therein expreſſing their deſire, that the
King might have the Temporal poſſeſſions which the Biſhops and Clergy A Petition by
conſumed in unneceſſary courſes ; the value thereof they pretended would againſt the
be ſufficient maintenance for one hundred and fifty Earls, one thouſand Biſhops
five hundred Knights
, fix thouſand two hundred Eſquires
, and one hundred Means into
Hoſpitals for maimed Souldiers, beſides them already erected. They craved 150. Knights
likewiſe, that the Clerks convict ſhould not be delivered to the Biſhops 1500. Esquires
Priſon, and that the Statute made in the ſecond year of the King, againſt hundred Ho-
Lollards, might be repealed, which ſavoured of too much curioſity, and ſpirals of new
too little charity.
The King upon adviſed conſideration juſtly diſtaſting their diſtempered
zeal, denied their Petitions, and in perſon commanded them, upon pain of
his indignation, from thenceforth not to preſume to trouble their brain a-
ſuch buſineſs. In this Parliament the King moved, in every year
wherin there was no Parliament kept, to have allowed him a tenth of the
Clergy, and a fifteenth of the Laity : the Biſhops aſſented, but the Com-
mons would not agree thereto.
Sir Robert Umfrevile the Vice-Admiral of England, with ten men of
War entred the Ports in Scotland, lying there fourteen days together,
landing every day on one ſide or other, taking great preys, and doing grea-
ter hurt: he burnt the great Gallyot of Scotland, and many ſhips over againſt
Lieth, and carried away with him fourteen tall ſhips, laden with Corn and
other Staple commodities, which at his return he ſent to the Markets round
about, which brought down the prices of all things, and purchaſed to him Sir Robert Um-
the name of Mend-market. He likewiſe made a road by Land into Scotland, frevile termed
and burnt ledworth, and moſt part of Tividale.
The King created his Son Thomas
, Duke of Clarence; his Brother Tho-
mas Benfort, third Son of John of Gannt, he created Earl of Dorſet. The Prince of
Upon ſome diſtaſte taken, not given, againſt the young Prince, whoſe youth-wales remov-
ful carriage was wem-near cenſured, by the graver ſort, to be wild and ed from being
uncivil, the King removed him from the place of Preſident of the Coun the Counccl.
cel, and gave it to his third Son, John; and giving too much ear to his ſeve-
rer Councellours againſt the ſaid Prince, he made (at leaftwiſe was faid
to make) a miſconſtruction of all his actions, ſeaſoning the ſame with jealou-
ſy, that he ambitioully affected the Crown,and that he would not ſtay the lei-
ſure of time to have it after the Kings death, but would uſe ſome ſtratagem
(though with the loſs of his Fathers Life) to take preſent poſſeſſion thereof.
To feed this ſuſpicion, all the youthfúl actions of the Prince are ſet on the
tentors, and exemplified beyond the degree of wildneſs; his merriments
are termed ryots, his company are ſtiled Swaggerers, his behaviour branded
1
with
Mend-marker.
An. 1411.
R. II.
to
TEIL 1 FT
R. II.
1
From hence
90.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
An. 1411. with diſſoluteneſs, and his words and geſture dangerous : whereupon a vi-
gilant eye is carried over him, and a note taken of all his followers and fa-
Thions. · The Prince all this while innocent, would not ſeem (though he
had intelligence of thus much) to take notice of theſe paſſages, but conti-
nued his ſporting, merriments, with his old companions, amongſt whom (as
in all Ages ſome ſuch bave been there were thoſe that would dare, and do
many forgetful prankes, the blame whereof ſtill was laid on the Prince his
ſhoulders, whoſe greatneſs was able to countenance their great follies,
which he many times (and not unwillingly) did undergo. At length be-
ing informed that two things were neceſſary for a Chriſtian to obſerve, Cre-
dic and Conſcience ; the one for his acquaintancc fake, the other for his
own; and that he would be cenſured to be cruel to himſelf, if that he
neglected the opinion of others, as relying only on the aſſurance of his own
Conſcience; he reſolved to give this ſatisfaction to the World, that ſuch as
had given his father intimation of any ſiniſter intention on his part, were in
an errour utideniable: he firſt by ſeveral Letters of his own both inditing
and writing, expoſtulated with ſuch as he knew to be guilty of doing iil
offices betwixt him and his Father, laying before them the unſufferable
wrongs done unto him, that had devifed to diſcredit him in thoſe miſreports
.
And laſtly,: upon the nine and twentieth day of June, with a train of all his
friends and ſervants, the number whereof was very great, in a garment of
blew Sattin, wrought all with eyletholes of black filk, at every hole tho
needle hanging by which it was ſowed, and about his arm a thing in faſhi-
on of an hounds collar, ſtudded with S. S. of gold, and the tyrots of the ſame,
was the hope he came to the Kings Court at Westminster; where being entred into the
Hall, according as he had formerly given direction, not one of his company
collar of S. S. advanced himſelf (though often by the Kings ſervants requeſted) above
savorem bychere the fire-place, he himſelf, attended by the Kings own fervants only, was
places, in re brought into the preſence: the King (though afflicted with fickneſs) cauſed
membrance of himſelf in a Chair to be brought into the Privy Chamber, where in pre-
reconcilement ſence of but three or four of his Privy Councel, he demanded of the
to his Father, Prince the cauſe of his ſo unwonted habit and coming; to whom the
Prince with a moſt humble and filial reverence upon his knees ſaid, Dread
preſents him. Sovereign and dear Father, thus proſtrate upon my knees, as a loyal Sub-
ject and dutiful Son, with all befitting humiliation, and requirable reve-
King.
rence, I render my ſelf in all things liable to your command.
Having of late received information, by the relation of ſome neareſt about
your Majeſty, that my forgetful carriage hath given unto your Grace cauſe
of ſuſpicion, that my heart Thould not be right, normy affections toward your
Highneſs ſo placed, as duty and obedience on my part do require and expect;
and being allured, that if I knew any one within your Kingdom of whom
your Highneſs ſhould juſtly have cauſe to ſtand in fear, that I hold
my
felf
bound by the Law of God and nature to puniſh that perſon, and, quantum in
me eſt, to remove the cauſe of doubt from your heart ; now much more
then is that requirable by the Laws of filial reſpect, and natural proximi-
ty of blood and duty, that I your Son and ſervant, in my own particular
am ty’d to prevent the leaſt ſuſpicioja of unthankfulneſs in me, and danger
thereby to you, ſhould, for the better ſecuring your quict, tender my life as a
forfeit to your Highneſs, for giving cauſe of queſtion of Loyalty to you,
that that being taken away, and the ground of your jealouſy being removed,
you might with more ſecurity enjoy the quiet of an undiſturbed mind.
To
ment of the
deviſed.
Thc Prince
lelf to the
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
91
R. 11.
Prince recon-
cilcd.
To this end, having this Morning with a Chriſtian preparation of humble | An. 1411
Confeſſion, and receiving the bleſſed Sacrament of the blood and paſſion
of my Lord and Saviour Chriſt Jeſus, fitted my ſelf to be made a ſacrifice, to
exterminate your jealouſie, I have preſumed to approach your ſeat of Maje-
ſty; and therefore I humbly beſeech you to eaſe your Heart, and hereby to
take aſſurance of your future quiet, by giving a period to my grief and
your fear; and to give this Ponyard a paliage thorow my Heart (and there-
withal reached his dagger, holding it by the point, to his Father) for I deſire
not to live longer, than to be juſtly thought to be what I am, and ſhall ever be
your faithful and obedient Vaffal,which if you ſhall vouchſafe to do here in
the preſence of your Nobility, I do clearly forgive the fact in this world, and
before God and his holy Angels at the day of Judgment will acquit you
thereof. Theſe words had that penetrating property, and the King there.
with was ſo moved, that caſting the dagger away, he roſe out of his chair,
but for weakneſs not able to ſtand, fell upon his Sons neck, and with many
tears embracing him, confeſſed that his Ears had been too open to receive re The King and
ports againſt him, and promiſing by the love of a Father, and the faith of a
King, from thenceforth that miſreport ſhould not cauſe his diſaffe&ion; he
allured him, that at the next Parliament thoſe whiſperers againſt him ſhould
undergo the cenſure of their Peers, and ſtand at his mercy for the ſcandals
by them againſt him raiſed; to whom the Prince replied, God forgive them,
I'do; and ſo with general content they departed.
And from that time forth, until his departure out of this life, the King en-
joyed a calm from all hoſtility, either at home or abroad; and to expreſ his
great thankfulneſs to God, for this his greater goodneſs to him, he took upon The King ha-
him the Cruſado; and complaining of the inconſiderate courſes of the Prin-ving taken
ces of Chriſtendom, that were more intentive to waſte and weary one cruſado, pre.
another with inteſtine and civil broils, rather than to joyn hand in hand to parech accor-
.
oppoſe themſelves againſt the common Enemy of their Faith, the Turk ;
whereto he was perſuaded that in conſcience they were bound ) To ani-
mate them therefore by his cxample to do the like, he made great prepara-
tions both of Men, Mony and Amunition, for that ſervice, with intention
the next Spring to ſet forward to recover Jeruſalem. To this purpoſe he cal-
led a Council in the White-Friers, where order was taken for the proviſion
of all things ready for the voyage by Sea to the Holy Land; and convoked
a Parliament to begin on Candlema's day following: And now all things be.
ing ready for the expedition againſt the Turks, the Enemy. of mankind
fized upon him with an Apoplexy, the fits whereof divers times would
ſhew him dead to thoſe about him, yet ever upon his recovery again of
ſenſe, he would demand for his Crown, which he appointed all the time
of his ſickneſs to be placed on a cuſhion in is light: At length the extre-
mity of the Diſeaſe increaſing, he lay as though all his vital ipirits had for-
ſaken him, in ſo much that thoſe that were about him deemed him dead, and
covered his Face. The Prince having notice thereof, came and took away
the Crown, and departed; the Father reviving, demanded for the Crown,
and hearing that the Prince had taken it, he ſends, for him, and angerly de-
mandeth his reaſon of his ſo doing; to whom the Prince with a confident
brow made anſwer, That in his and all Mens judgment there preſent he was
dead, and then I being next Heir apparent to the ſame, took it as my indu-
bitate right, not as yours, but mine; well ſaid the King, and lighed, Fair Sun,
what right I had to it, God knoweth: But, faith the Prince, if you die King,
1
+
1 2
I
:
12 POL
F
R.13.
I.
2.
92
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
An. 1412. I doubt not to hold the Garland, as you have done, with my Swo:d, againſt all
R. 13. oppoſers: Then faith the King, I refer all to God, but charge thee on my bleſ-
fing, and as thou wilt anſwer it before the Tribunal of God; that thou mini-
fter the Laws indifferently; that thou caſe the oppreſſed; that thou avoid
flatterers; that thou do not defer Juſtice, nor be ſparing of Mercy, but pu.
niſh the Oppreſſors of thy People and ſuffer not Officers to make their places
the ſtalking-horſes to their will; To ſhalt thou obtain favour of God, and
love of thy Subjects, who whilſt they have wealth, ſo long ſhalt thou have
Obedience; but being made poor by Oppreſſion, will be ever ready to ſtir
The death of and make Inſurrections : And.ro turning about, ſaid, God bleſs thee, and
Henry the IV. have mercy on me; and ſo he gave up the Ghoſt, in a Chamber of the Abbot
of Weſtminſter, which the ſervants there called Jeruſalem, the 20. of March,
.
1412. in the forty ſixth year of his Age, when he had reigned thirteen years
,
ſix months, lacking ten days: His Body with all funeral pomp was conveys
ed to Canterbury, and there ſolemnly buried.
He had been twice married, his firſt Wife was Mary, Daughter and Co-
heir of Humphrey de Bohan, Earl of Hereford, Flex, and Northampton, and
Conſtable of England : ſhe died Anno 1394. and was buried at Canterbury;
he had Iſſue by her:
Henry his eldeſt Son, who ſucceeded him.
I homas Plantagenet, his ſecond Son, who was created Duke of Clarence,
in the eleventh year of his Fathers Reign:
he was ſlain at Bongy-bridge in
France, by the Duke of Orleance : This Thomas took to Wife Margaret
Daughter of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, and Widow of Fohn Beuford
Earl of Pomphret, who died without Iſſue.
John Plantagenet, his third Son, was made Duke of Bedford, tbe eleventh
3.
year of his Fathers Reign, and Earl of Richmord, and Lord of Kendal; he
married to his firſt Wife Anne, Daughter of John Duke of Burgondy, who
died without Illue; his ſecond Wife was Jaquellyne, Daughter of Peter Earl
of Saint Paul, and by her had no Iſſue ; ſhe was after married to Richard
Woodvile Earl Rivers, and had Iſſue Elizabeth, Wife to King Edward the
Fourth. This John, as Conſtable of England, determined the controverſie
betwixt Reignold Lord Gray of Ruthen, and Sir Edward Haſtings, for the
bearing of the Arms of Haſtings, and at Vernojle
, together with the ſame
Town, took the Duke of Alanfon priſoner; and with the loſs of two thou-
fand one hundred private Souldiers, llew of the adverſe part, five Earls,
two Vicounts, one and twenty Barons, feven thouſand French, and two
thouſand five hundred Scots; and died at Paris, the 14. of September; 1435.
and was buried at Roan, under a ſumptuous Monument; which when Lewis
the eleventh King of France, being adviſed by ſome of his Nobles to deface,
he ſaid, What. honour will it to us or you, to demoliſh the Monument,
and pull out thereof the Bones of him, whom in his life-time, neither my
Father nor your Progenitors were of ability to make budgeone Foot back-
ward? Wherefore let his Body now reſt in quiet, which if he were alive,
would have diſquieted the proudeſt of us all į ſuch reſpect to well gat ho-
nour, he obtained in the minds of his Enemies.
Humphrey Plantagenet, fourth Son, who was ſtiled, Humphrey by the
grace of God, Son, Brother, and Uncle to Kings; he was Duke of
Gloceſter, Henault, Holland, Zealand, and Earl of Pembrooke, Lord of
Freezland; great Chamberlain of England, Protector of the Realm, and
Defender of the Church of England : He had two Wives, the firſt was
Jaquet,
3
I
+
!
4.
11
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fourth.
93
ters.
Jaquiet, Daughter and Heir of William Duke of Bavaria, who being before An. 1412.
betrothed to John Duke of Brabant, was divorced from this Humphry be. R. 13.
fore Illue. His ſecond Wife was Elianor, Daughter of Reignold Lord Cobham
of Sterburgh in Surry, who for Sorcery and Poyfoning was much defamed.
He was found murthered in his bed at Bury in Suffolk, and was buried at
Saint Albanes in Hartfordſhire.
Blanch, King Henry's eldeſt Daughter, was married, as afore, at Collen, to
Two Daugh-
William Duke of Bavaria ; after his death ſhe was married to the King of
Arragon, and afterwards to the Duke of Barre, but died without Iſſue.
Philip, ſecond Daughter of King Henry, was married to John King of
Denmark, but died without Iſſue.
King Henry's ſecond Wife was Joan , Daughter of Charles King of Na-
varre, and Widow of John Momford Duke of Britain; ſhe died at Haver-
ing in the Bower in Efex, without Illue, the 10. of Fuly, 1437. and was bu-
ried at Canterbury.
King Henry was of a middle ſtature, well proportioned, and formally
compact; of a quick conceit and active ſpirit, of reſolution and cou-
rage. In his later days, with courteſie and affable cariage, he purchaſed a
great deal more love and reſpect amongſt the Nobility, than he had in all
the beginning of his Reign with his auſterity and rigorous courſes, and re-
deemed from the common people a great portion of good opinion, which
he by his Impoſitions and Taxes had formerly loſt among them: But if their
payments had been more, and his exactions greater, in my opinion they
were not undeſerved, that were ſo ready to alter the due courſe of Succelli-
on, to joyn Hands with him in the depoſing of the rightful and natural
Liege-Lord, whoſe only fault, that could be truly objected, was this, that
he had been too bountiful to his Friends, too merciful to his Foes, but moſt
unreſpective of himſelf.
great
1
I 3
THE
نم
94
THE
*
LIFE and REIGN
OF
+
King HENRY V.
An. 1413.
R.I.
t
taketh leave
of his ancient
lowed you
you in
ENRT the Fifth, firnamed of the place of his Birth,
which was a Town in Wales, upon the River of Wye)
Monmouth, took upon him the Regality over England,
the 20 day of March, and the next day was Proclaimed
King; and the ninth day of April he was Crowned
King at Weſtminſter, by Thomas of Arundel, Archbiſhop
of Canterbury, with all uſual Rites and Ceremonies. Af .
ter the folemnity paſt, the next day he cauſed all his wonted Companions
King Henry to come into his preſence, to whom he uſed theſe words; it is ſufficient
that for many years together I have faſhioned my ſelf to your unruly diſ-
companions. poſitions, and have (not without ſome reluctation in the very action) fol.
your deboſht and ſwaggering courſes; I have to my forrow
and ſhame, I may fay, to think of it, irregularly wandred in all rude and
unſeemly manner, in the vaſt wilderneſs of riot and unthriftineſs, whereby
I was made almoſt an alien to the Hearts of my Father and Allies, and, in
their opinions, violently carried away by your means, from grace, by keep-
ing you company; therein I have fo vilipended myſelf
, that in the Eyes of
Men my preſence was vulgar and ſtale; and like the Cuckow in June, heard,
but not regarded. One of you being convented before the Lord Chief Juſtice,
for miſuſing a ſober-minded Citizen, I went to the publick Seſſions houſe,
and ſtrook him on the Face, and being by him deſervedly committed to the
Fleet (for which act of Juſtice I ſhall ever hold him worthy the place, and
my favour, and wiſh all my Judges to have the like undaunted courage, to
puniſh offenders, of what rank foever) it occaſioned my Father to put me
from my place in Council, appointing it to be ſupplied by my younger Bro-
ther. How often have I, by your animation, committed thefts, even on my
Fathers and my own Receivers, and robbed them of the mony provided for
publick appointments
, to maintain your midnight revellings, and noon be-
ſellings; but it is time now to give a period to theſe exorbitant and unbe-
fitting courſes, and to ſalve the wounds my intcmperance hath made in my
reputation, and to turn over a new Icaf; and not only to decline the com-
pany of ſuch milleaders of youth, but deſert their conditions; I ſtraightly
therefore charge and command you, and every one of you, that from hence-
you have ſetled your ſelves in a more orderly courſe of life,
and
1
forth, until
The Life and Reign of Henry the Ffifth.
95
}
and redeemed your pawn'dcredits, with fair and regarded behaviour, here- | An. 1413.
after upon pain of forfeiture of your Heads, not to appear in my preſence, R:1.
nor to come within the verge of my Court: For what is paſt I will grant
you my Pardon; and withal, becauſe I know ſometimes neceſſity will crip-
ple honeſty, I will allow each of you a competency of maintenance, as a ſtock
to begin a courſe whereby to live orderly hereafter : But take heed of re-
lapſing, for the leaſt juſt complaint of ill behaviour of any of you hereafter,
if proved, ſhall forfeit your pārdons, and exclude my favour for ever: which
reſolution of mine I will never break: and ſo without attending any reply,
he departed. And afterwards, to ſhew others the way, he diſpoſed himſelf
to a new courſe of deportment, qualifying his carriage with ſuch magnani-
mous and heroical vertues
, as might beſt become the perſon of ſo great a
Potentate : and knowing that howſoever we ought to live by Laws, and
not by Examples, yet Mans nature is preſently carried away with Imitation,
he preferred to places of Judicature, and publick adminiſtration of Juſtice,
ſuch as were truly Noble, Wife, Diſcreet, Modeſt and Temperate, well able
to Command others, and to Rule themſelves; out of which he ſelected a
choice number of the ableſt Brains, to be of his Privy Council. He indu.
ſtriouſly endeavoured to reform the Pride, Covetouſneſs
, Sloth, and other
abuſes crept among the Clergy, enjoyning them to more regular Life, and
ſincere ſerving of Almighty God; commanding the reformation of Diſor-
ders, renovation of Diſcipline, puniſhment of Irregularity, and amendment
of Life : And with moderate ſeverity cauſed ſuch adminiſtrations of the
Laws to be made, both Spiritualty and Laity, tractable to the performance
of their ſeveral duties: Then to eſtabliſh ſafety at home, that he might not
be moleſted either with the Welſh or Scots, he erected divers Fortifica-
tions and Bulwarks upon their Frontires, and furniſhed them both with
neceſſaries, and able Commanders, ſo that he was ſtill powerfully ready to
ſuppreſs all Inſurrections or Rebellions that might be attempted from
thence.
Immediately after Eafter he called a Parliament, but in the interim, moſt The forward-
of the Nobility before his Coronation ( an unuſual courſe, never before Nobility to
done) did ſtrive to out-go each other in forward, tender, and doing their ter:der their
homage.
homage, all moſt willingly Swearing to him. Allegeance, and doing Fealty.
On Trinity Sunday the Obſequies of his father were ſolemnly performed,
himſelf and moſt of the Nobility being at Canterbury, at the Offering
preſent.
Shortly after he cauſed the Body of King Richard the Second to be brought
from Langley to Weſtminſter, and there buried with great Solemnity, by his
firſt Wife Queen Anne.
About this time the opinion of Wickliff (notwithſtanding the care taken
to ſuppreſs it by the Wiſdom of the Parliament, and the courſes appointed in
their Convocation-houſe by the Clergy) began to be generally diſperſed, in
ſo much that Sir John Oldcaſtle, in right of his Wife, called in courteſie, Lord
Cobham, a Man of a bold and reſolute diſpoſition, and a ſtout Souldier, was
Convented before the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, for broching and maintain The Lord Oid-
ing many novel Poſitions, againſt the received Tenet of the Church, the te- red.
nor of whoſe accuſation, was by Henry Chichley, then Archbiſhop of Can.
terbury, preſented unto the King; who in commiſeration of the Knight, re-
quired the Prelates, that if he were a ſtrayed Sheep, to reduce him to the
fold, rather by gentle courſes than ſeverity: And himſelf afterwards fend-
ing
.
+
calle Conven
t
96
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
the Tower.
An. 1414.
An. 1413. (ing for him, did earneſtly exhort bim to reconcile himſelf to God and the
R.I. Church, and to ſubmit himſelf to the Conſtitutions thereof; but Sir John,
firſt by word of mouth, then by writing, ſeemed to juſtifie his aſſertions, af
firming, that his Grace was ſupream Head, and his competent Judge, and no
other; and that he would come to his purgation with an hundred Knights
and Eſquires, or fight in defence of his juſt cauſe in open Liſt.
But the King by his Counſel being informed, That by the Law, accuſati-
ons touching queſtions of belief, ought to be tried by the Spiritual Jurif-
diction, he ſent him to the Tower of London: And afterward upon the three
and twentieth day of September, a Convocation was held in the Church of
S. Paul in London, and upon the five and twentieth day following, another in
Oldcaſtle eſca- the Hall of the Black-friers, in which places the Lord Cobham was fully heard
peth out of
to vent a Spittle of diſeaſed opinions, and thereupon was by the Archbiſhop
convict of Herelie, and denounced an Heretick, and remanded back to the
Tower, from whence he eſcaped and fled into Wales.
The King keeping his Court and Chriſtmaſs at Elvethan, was advertiſed
R. 2. that divers had conlpired againſt Him, his Brethren, and the Biſhops ; and
that Sir Roger Acł on Knight, John Brown Eſquire, and John Beverley Clerk,
were with a great company in Arms, on the backſide of Saint Giles, allem
bled for that purpoſe. Whereupon the King ſecretly poſted to London, and
drawing ſome Companies of Souldiers together, he laid an ambulh, near
the place, where the Conſpirators, about twelve of the clock.at Night, were
appointed to make their Rendezvous, where accordingly many of them
were taken, and ſome ſlain. The Mayor of London likewiſe according to
directions, gave order to every Alderman in his ſeveral Ward, to apprehend
all ſuſpitious perſons; himſelf about ten of the clock at Night in perſon,
took at Biſhopſgate, at the Sign of the Ax there, one John Burgate, a Car-
penter, and ſeven other, whom he ſent to the King, before whom they
confelled, that they were of the Confederacy with Sir John Oldcaſtle
, to
have fought with the King in Saint Giles's field. The Captain likewiſe of the
Commotion being taken, confeſſed the Treaſon, and impeached many of
their Complices. The Gates of London were watcht and guarded, ſo that
none had paſſage without the Word; by which means all their
there were kept from coming forth; divers being met upon the ways,
coming from ſundry parts of the Realm, upon examination confeſled, that
they came to meet their Captain, the Lord Cobham; but he could not be
heard of, though the King by Proclamation offered a thouſand Marks to
him that could bring him ; beſides large privileges to the Town where he
ſhould be attached. Amongſt other, there was one William Morley of Dun-
ſtable taken, who diſcovered what was the chiefeſt motive of that Commo-
tign, which was pride and ambition of preferment; for he being buta Malt-
ſter, had two Horſes trapped with gilt harneſs led after him, and a pair of
gilt ſpurs įn his boſom, an ornament for none in thoſe days, under the de-
gree
of a Knight, to wear; for he it ſeems was promiſed, and allured him-
Puniſhment of leif of Knighthood at the leaſt
. The Ring-leaders were attaint of Hereſie by
the Clergy, and of high Treaſon by the Laity; whereupon they were con-
demned to be hanged and burnt Gallows and all; which judgment was ac-
cordingly executed upon Sir Roger Acton, and eight and twenty of the Re-
bels in Smithfield;' moſt of the Priſons in and about London, were filled
with theſe Lob-lords, or Lollards, which nick-name, faith Tritemius, was de-
duced at firſt from one Gualter Lolhard, a German, howſoever Linwood deri-
veth
paitakers
1
1
I
Treaſon and
Hereſie.
t
.
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
97
VE
R. 2.
+
+
1
veth it a lolio, quia ficut lòliúm inficit Jegetes, ſic Lollardi multoties inficiunt ; An. 14.14.
fieléles ſiinplices inter quos converfantur.
In this time the Parliament continuing, the King (as his father was be-
fore) was much importuned, by ſome ſomewhàt infected with Oldcaftle's
Opinion, and therefore not well pleaſed with the greatneſs of the Clergy,
to ſuppreſs the Religious Houſe of this Kingdom, becauſe, as they affirmed,
they were made the Nurſes of Idleneſs, and Cages of unclean Birds. To di-
vert this ſtorm into another quarter, it was adviſed that Chichley, Archbi-
ſhop of Canterbiery, ſhould ſet on foot the Kings Title to France, which thus
he ſets forth.
Philip the fourth, called Philip the Fair, eldeſt Brother of Charles Earl of
Välois
, ivas the forty fixth King of France ; he married foan, Queen of
Navarre, and by her had iſſue, thrée fons.
Lewis, ſirnamed Hutyñ, or Mútyrcere.
Philip the Long, and
Charles thie Fair : and one only Daughter, chriſtned
: Iſabel
, which was ma-
ried to your Majeſties Predecellor, Edward the ſecond ;, ſhe ſurvived her
three Brothers, who ſucceſſively, one after the other, had enjoyed the Crown
of Frånce. But after the death of Charles, upon a pretended fundamental
Law of that Kingdom, Philip of Valois, Son of Charles the younger
Brother of Philip the Fair, endeavouring to exclude all Females from So-
veräign inheritance
, laid hold of the Imperial Diadem, againſt whom,
in right of his Mother, Edward the third oppoſed, and quartering the
Arms, which was Semi de luces, proclajmeth his Title to be King of France
and England, and in hoſtile manner entred France with Banners diſpļayed,
where he performed thoſe' honourable exploits
, that whilſt'any Records laſt,
can never be forgotten; there he continued victorious during the time
of Valois, and left his Sori, the Black Prince, to proſecute his Claim, who,
to his eternal Commendations, did ſo, that he took not only John the
French King priſoner, but braved Charles the fifth, at his great City of Pe-
ris, to his teeth, and unanſwered, the wife King thinking it no good polli-
су to meet a roaring Lion in the Field: and had not God,
on whoſe will de-
pends all things, ſtaid'this ever to be renowned Prince in his courſe, by ſtop-
ping his Breath the Queſtion had long ſince been decided, and England had
totally brought France to fubje&tion, but he being dead, and his Father but
a ſhort time ſurviving, left his Ġrand-Ton, an Infant, to finiſh what his Father
and Grand father had ſo happily commenced, and ſo gloriouſly had continu-
ed : But unleſs the Lord build the Houſe the Work-men Labour but in vain;
ſo the Lord diſpleaſed with the diſorder of thoſe times, gave France a
time to breath and gather ſtrength, and opportunity to Charles the ſixth to
change theArms of France from
the Semi de luces to the three Flower-de luces,
yet'is the Title to France the ſame that it was before, and though your
Royal Father otherwiſe imployed, did not proſecute the Claim, yet he did
not diſclaim the Right, but hath to you (for whom I reſt aſſured God hath
reſerved Victóry) both left that
, and the means to obtain it. Then went
he on learnedly and pathetically, and reféllèd that unjuſt ſurmiſe of the
Salick Law, both by reaſon and example; and firſt whereas, in terram Sa-
licam mulieres nè ſuccedant, was the Text whereon they build their poſition;
he proved that that was made in Germany, in diſdain of the diſhoneſt man-
ners of the German Women, and had no relation to France; for that Pha-
ramond, whom they affirmed to be maker of that Law deceaſed above three
hundred
1
X
1
1
1
98
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
+
Motives for
Emballadors
An. 1414. | hundred and fifty years before the Frenchmen were placed beyond the Ri-
R.I.
ver Sala, the one dying at 426. and the other being ſeated there Anno 805.
And for example, he cited Pepyn, Hugh Capet, and others, who neither had
right, nor colour-like right to the Crown of France, but as Heirs general,
as their own Stories manifeſt: he fortified likewiſe his aſſertions with Scrip-
ture out of the Book of Numbex's, When a Man dieth without a Son, ict
the King to
lay claim co his Inheritance deſcend unto the Daughter: To this he added, That if the
the Crown of King would be pleaſed to advance his Banner in France, to challenge bis
Francia
rightful Inheritance, the War being juſt, the Cauſe good, and his Claim un-
deniable, his Clergy would furniſh him, of their own free gift, with ſuch a
maſs of Mony, as never Subjects at one time preſented King with the like.
This motion took on all ſides, and the offer of Mony wherewith to pay
the Souldiers, To pleaſed the King, thật nothing was now thought of but the
Conqueſt of France. He begins therefore to alter the bearing of his Semi
de Luces, and quarters what the then French King bare; and then ſendeth
ſenc to France. the Duke of Exeter, the Archbiſhop of Dublin, the Lord Gray, the
Lord
high Admiral, and the Biſhop of Norwich, with five hundred Horſe, Embal-
fadors to Charles the Sixth, to require in peaceable manner ( for the avoiding
the effuſion of Chriſtian blood) the ſurrender of the Crown of France,
with the Members thereof; which if the King would yield unto, then King
Henry would be pleaſed to take to Wife Katherine the Daughter of Charles,
and endow her with all the Dutchies belonging to the Crown of France:
but if Charles refuſed fo to do, that then Henry would with Fire and Sword
inforce it from him, or loſe his life. The ſtrangeneſs of this meſſage amazed
the King, and amuzed his Council : they craved time to anſwer; and the
King of France promiſed to ſpeed Embaſſadors with his anſwer to the King
of England.
The Dolphin, like one that'cuts another Man meat and his own Fingers,
having wit, but wanting diſcretion, deriding as it were the King of Englands
youth, às deening him fitter to play, than to attempt matters of ſuch conſe-
quence, ſent him a Tun of Tennis balls: which King Henry diſtaſting, pro-
miſed with an Oath, before many months were paſt, to tofs ſuch iron Balls
among them, that the beſt Arms in France ſhould be unable to hold a Racket
to return them. And forthwith due proviſion being made, and all things
prepared, he draws together his Forces; and in his abſence to ſecure the
Scots and Welſh from attempting his prejudice, he appointeth an Army to at-
tend the Marches and upon all alarums to be ready; he ordains his Mother in
Law Joan Daughter of Charles King of Arragon, Governor in his abſence;
and whilſt he is diſpatching, he ſends Richard Earl of Warwick, the Biſhops
of Salisbury, Bath and Hereford, with the Abbot of Weſtminſter, to the ge-
neral Council appointed at Conſtance.
Conſtance.
The Dolphin ſent as'Emballadors (the King of France being weak and
ſickly) the Earl of Vandome, with others ; who having audience, the Arch-
biſhop of Bruges made a long Oration in praiſe of Peace, and diffuaded
War, concluding with a tender of the Lady Katherine with a ſum of
mony, and ſome Towns of no great wealth or importance. The King of
England Feaſts them at his own Table, and intertains them Royally, and
took order with the Archbiſhop of Canterbury to give them anſwer to
this effect. That if the King of France would not give his Daughter, and
with her the Lands and Seigniories demanded, that he would not dil-band,
but, with all extremities that follow War, proſecute his right, and never
give
Emballadors
ſent to the
Council at
more
3.
3
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fiftli
99
+.41
.
R. 2.
France.
give over till he had recovered his · Patrimony, or loſt his life, the King An, 1414.
avowing the Archbiſhops ſpeeches, promiſing by the word of a Prince to
perform the ſame, and to viſit them ſooner than they ſhould have cauſe to
bid him welcome, and ſo he diſmiſſed them. All things prepared and in rea-
dineſs for France, as the King (having ſhipt his men) was ready to go on
ſhip-board himſelf, a Plot of Treaſon is diſcovered, ſet on foot by Richard
Earl of Cambridge, Henry Lord Scroope of Maſhan, Lord Treaſurer, and
Sir Thomas Gray of Northumberland, and plotted and procured by the French
Agents: Theſe he cauſed to be apprehended ; and upon examinatioîi they
confelled the Treaſon, and the ſum of money by them to that end recei-
ved, and were immediately executed. This Richard of Connesburgh, ſecond
Son of Edmond of Langley, married Annė, Siſter and Heir opEdmond Mor-
timer Earl of March, and had iſſue, Richard Earl of Cambridge, Duke of
York, and Iſabel, married to Henry Lord Bourchier Earl of Eſſex. Some
ga-
ther, and I muſt confeſs it is ſomewhat probable, that the Earl of Cam-
bridge was not ſo mercenary, as to commit Treaſon for money, but would
have confeſſed the cauſe, had it not been for fear to bring the Earl of.
March in queſtion that his Title was by him and others intended to have been
ſet on foot, and ſtrongly backt by Sir John Oldcaſtle and others, if not, as a-
fore, prevented; but hereby were the ſparkes dikerned, that afterwards
blazed ſo ragingly over the Lancaftrian Family.
The wind blowing a fair gale, King Henry weighs Anchor, and with his The King ar-
whole fleet puts to Sea, and on our Lady Eve landech at Carx, where the Ri- rives in
ver of Sayne runneth into the Sea: without reſiſtance being come on ſhore,
he cauſed Proclamation to be made, that none, upon pain of death, ſhould
take any thing out of any Church or Chappel, or offer any violence to any
that ſhould be found unarmed, and that no quarrel ſhould be renewed where:
by any affray may be made. Then lays he Siegeto Harflew, the Lords Toute-
Harflere be-
vile and Gailcourts being within the ſame. The French King, advertiſed of fieged.
the arrival of the Engliſh, fent the Conſtable, the Seneſchal, and Marſhal
of France, with others, to the Caſtle of Caudebeck, from thence, as occaſion
ſhould be offered, to relieve Harflew : but the Engliſh ceaſed not daily to
forrage, whilſt the Duke of Gloceſter, to whom
the ordering of the Siege
was
committed, ceaſed not to ply the battery, and ſo kept them in the Town
waking with continual affaults.
The Captains of the Town, perceiving that they were not able long to
hold out, the Walls being undermined, and the Earls of Huntington and
Kent pofleſt of the breaſt, and thereon had pitcht their Colours, about mid-
night ſent to crave parley: wliereupon the Duke of Exeter, the Lord Fitc-
hugh, and Sir Thomas Erpingham, were ſent with this inſtruction, that if
they would not inſtantly ſurrender the Town without condition, there
ſhould no time be ſpent in communication ; yet upon the Lords importu-
nity, the King gave them five days reſpite, in which time, if no reſcue came,
they ſhould ſurrender the Town into the Kings hand, and for their Lives and
Goods to ſtand to the Kings mercy. Hereupon the Lord Bacquevile was fent
to the French King to acquaint him with the compoſition, but no relief
coming, they ſurrendred within three day's; the Souldiers were ranfomed,and Harflew taken
the Town facked : the Duke of Exeter was appointed Captain thereof,
wholeft there for his Lieutenant Sir John Falstaff with fifteen hundred men.
The dead of Winter approaching, the King cauſed all thoſe Souldiers, that
had not payed their ranſoms, to ſwear to render themíelves Priſoners at
Callica
th
..
1
100
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
The Pealants
Henry.
An. 1414. Callice at the Feaſt of Saint Martin following: whereupon two Forts which
R. 2. ſtood on the North ſide of Harflex, which till then expecting aid ſtood out,
rendred likewiſe: and then, having repaired the Bulwark, and furniſhed it
with all things neceſſary, he marched to Porthouſe, intending to paſs the
River there before the Bridges were broken.
The Dolphin had taken order to carry into places of fafety all kind of
proviſion which might be uſeful for the relief of the Engliſh ; But King
Henry kept on his way, enforcing the Towns as he went to ſupply his
wants; and coming to the River of Soame, he found all the Bridges broken,
and the Foords ſtakt: he marched to Arams in that orderly manner, that the
Enemy dyrſt not offer to impeach his paffage, until he came to the Bridge
of Saint Maxtha, where thirty thouſand French appearing, he pitcht his
Camp, expecting to be fought with; where, the more to encourage his
men, he gave the order
of Knighthood to John Lord Ferrers of Groby, Reig-
nold Graystock, Percy Tempest, Christopher Morisby, Thomas Pickering, Willi-
am Hadvešten, John Hofhalton, Henry Mortimer, and divers others :'But
not perceiving the French to have any great will to come on, he, marched
by the Town of Amiens to another place of ſtrength called Bowes, and
there ſtayed two dayes, expecting battel: and from thence marched to
affailed King Corby
, where the Peaſants in multitudes (relying upon their numbers, and
the aid of the Garriſons of Corby) gave the King a Camiſado; and having
foreſtald the paſſage in a ſtreight, with certain men of Arms, ſent from
the Dolphin, they charged the Right Wing of the Engliſh, which was led by
Sir Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier, ſo hotly, that they won away his Stani-
dard : but the ſame was again recovered by John Bromley of Bromley, who
being a Commander in Staffords Regiment, not only made the retiring
Troops to ſtand, but, renewing the fight, with his ownſword flew him that
had the Lord Bourchiers Colours; and taking them up, diſplayed the fame,
with fight whereof the Engliſh were ſo much encouraged, that they fell in
with that vehemence upon the French, that they preſently routed and fled :
the Lord Stafford recompenced the valiant exploit of his Kinſman, and for
the ſame gave to him an Annuity of fifty pounds per annum, aſſigned out
of all his Lands in Staffordſhire, as by the enrolment of that deed is extant;
Pro recupera. . the Seal is a Cheuron charged with a Muller, about the ſame
, engraven,
tione figilli fuio Signa Hugonis de Stafford militis.
The ſame night, after the retreat ſounded, the King found a ſhallow Foord
betwixt Corby and Peron, never ſpied before, at which the night following
he paſſed ſafe, making what march he could without Alte towards Callice.
Notwithſtanding the extremities which attend his Army, marching through
an Enemies Countrey, where no forrage could be found, and ſmall ſtore of
pillage, yer did the King ſo ſtrictly obſerve the due performance of his firſt
Proclamation, againſt Church-robbing, that hearing one complained of to
the Marſhal, for having ſtoln, or, as the phraſe of them is, made booty of a
ſilver Pix out of the Church, he not only cauſed the ſame to be reſtored, but
the Souldier alſo to be hanged; which due juſtice at that time done, kept the
reſt from offending in that kind, and provoked the people under-hand to re-
lieve his men with neceflaries.
The French King, hearing that King Henry had paſs’d the River Soame, af-
ſembled his Councel, whereof thirty five appearing, to the point in que-
ſtion, thirty of them adviſed, that the Engliſh ſhould not depart without be-
ing fought with : but five (whereof the Dolphin was one) were of a con-
trary
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
IOI
R. 2.
very
trary opinion; and though they aſſented not, yet by the major voyces enfor- | An. 1414
ced to conſent
. Montjoy the French King at Arms, was ſent to defie the
King of England, as an Enemy to France, and to tell him he ſhould be
fought with. King Henry's anſwer was, he was unwilling to provoke Bat-
tel, yet too confident in God to fear it; by whoſe good leave, he would
proceed in his journey: and if the French, or any other would oppoſe him,
if he could not find his way, he would make it, or his Sword ſhould fail
him: and ſo fuffered the Herald (being well rewarded) to depart
. King
Henry having notice, that he muſt of force paſs another River in his way,
over which there was but one paffable Bridge ; he commanded certain
Troops of Horſe to go thit her on the ſpur, and ſome foot Companies to
ſpeed thither, to ſecond them, and to make good the ſame until the Army
ſhould come. When the horſe came thither, they found the French
bu-
fie in breaking down the bridge; but perceiving the approach of the Eng-
liſh, they left their work and fled. The paſſage being cleared, upon the two
and twentieth of O&tober, the King of England palled over with his Army.
The Duke of York, that led the rereward, ſent word to the King, that
his Skowts had diſcovered the Enemy to come on apace; whereupon he
made a ſtand, and gave direction to the Officers, what courſe to take, to ac-
quaint their Souldiers, that to fly would but cauſe a lingring death; for their
flight would be out of the pan into the fire, there being no place of refuge
near; and the way thither (if any were) was altogether unknown. And
ſo mounting on horſeback, he road from place to place, afſuring them of
his reſolution to live and die with them; and ſo with his word and counte-
nance, he ſo encouraged his men, that they were generally reſolved to con-
quer or die; and accordingly prepared themſelves; reconciling themſelves
to God by confeſſion, and receiving the Sacrament ; and laſtly, embracing
each other with conſtant proteſtations, to be firm and faithful one to the
other: ſo upon Friday the five and twentieth of O&tober, being derayned in
order of Battel
, they attended the ſignal to begin.
The Conſtable of France divided his Companies into three Battels | The order of
In the firſt were placed eight thouſand men at Arms, four thouſand Ar- the Battel of
chers, and fifteen hundred Croſsbowes; the Wings conſiſting of two thou-
ſand two hundred men at Arms: this Battel was led by himſelf, the Dukes
of Orleance, and Burbon, the Earls of Ewe, Richmond, and Vandolme, the
Lord Dampier, the Admiral of France, the Marſhal Bouciqualle, and others.
2. The middle Battel, wherein were more men at Arms, was comman-
ded by the Dukes of Barre and Alanſon, and by the Earls of Vammont, Sa-
lings, Blamont, Grantpee, and Rufey.
3. In the rereward were all the remainder of the French Forces,and guided
by the Earls of Marle, Dampmortyne, Fauconbridge, and the Lord Lonray,
Captain of Ards. The Frenchmen thus ordered, conſiſting of ſixfold the
Number of the Engliſh, thought of nothing but the booty they ſhould get.
In the mean time, King Henry having made choice of a piece of grond,
half fenced on his back with the Village wherein they had encamped the
night before, on both ſides having ſtrong hedges and ditches, began there
to order his Battels : But firſt he appointed an ambuſh of two hundred
bold Archers which ſhould upon a watch-word given, make a whole flight The Duke of
upon the flanck of the Enemies Horle. The Vantguard conſiſting of Ar- Tork leads
the Engliſh
chers only, was conducted by the Duke of York, who out of a brave and he
Vantguard.
roick courage, had made entreaty for that place; with him were the Lords
K
Beaumont,
the French
1
ܐܘ1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
R. 2.
of the French.
An. 1414. Beaumont, Willoughby, and Fanhop. The main Battel was led by the King in
perſon, which conſiſted of Bill-men, and ſome Bow-men: With him were
the Duke of Gloceſter, his Brother the Earl Marlhal, Oxford and Suffolk.
The rereward was led by Thomas Duke of Exeter, the Kings Uncle,
conſiſting of all ſorts of weapons; the Horſemen as Wings Guarded the
Companies on both ſides.
The King to prevent the fury of the French Cavalry, by the direction of
the Duke of York, appointed divers Stakes, ſhod with iron at both ends, of
fix foot long, to be pitched behind the Archers, and appointed the Pioners
to attend, to remove them, as occaſion and direction gave order. Theſe
The begin things thus ordered, publick Prayers were humbly made, and the onſet was
ping of the
fight. expected; which was preſently performed by the French horſemen, who gave
on with a furious bravado; but Sir Walter Orpington, who was thereunto
appointed, giving the ſignal
, the Engliſh gave a great ſhowt, whereupon
according to direction, the Bow-men behind the hedges ſent forth ſuch a
ſhowr of Arrows, that the French horſe thereby galled, were ſo unruly,
that their riders could not force them to give againſt the ditch, to come at
thoſe that were beyond the ditch. Whereupon the Vantguard of the Eng-
lijk; taking advantage of their diſorder, made forward, and powred another
volley of Arrows among them, by means whereof the horſe throughly gald
either caſt their riders, or through their unrulineſs ſo opened their rancks,
that the Right Wing of the Engliſh horſe gave in ſo manly, that the French
The diſorder horſe diſorderly retiring, broke the array of their foot, who were miſerably
trod down, and diſrangked with their own company. By this the two
hundred Bow-men having emptied their quivers, flung away their Bowes,
and with their Swords fell upon the Enemy, and wreſting from them their
own weapons, made a great flaughter among them: and putting the Vant-
The Engliſh guard to flight, they adventured upon the middle Battel, which the French
having rowe horſemen taking in ſcorn to be charged with ſo ſmall a company, bravely
ed the Van,
charge the gave on. Whereupon the Engliſh made ſhew of retiring; but when they
Bartel of the came where the Bowmen were impaled with the Armed Stakes, they made
a ſtand: and as the horſmen were thereby gored, they were ready to help
them forward with a pat on the pate, with a brown Bill, to their laſt home;
whereby their main Battel was broken and diſordered; when preſently the
King with his main Battel gave on with that reſolution, that himſelf in
Perſon charged the duke of Alanſon, by whom he was in his carere well-nie
unhorſed : but afterward he having ſlain two of the Dukes men that were
nearer to him than the Duke; he charged the Duke again, and with his
Sword beat him from his horſe, whom the Kings Guard, notwithſtanding the
King cryed out to the contrary, flew out-right; and with his fall the main
Battel of the French firſt gave ground, then turned their backs, and laſtly
flung away their weapons and fled. The Kings Rear being come
fell upon the Rereguardof the French, which conſiſted of the greater num-
ber, but the weakeſt men, and the worſtármed; but their courage with long
ſtanding was dropt to their knees, ſo that many of them humbled themſelves
thereon and ſubmitted to mercy; the reſt preſuming that the Engliſh with
three hours fight, for ſo long the Battel continued, could not be able to fol-
low, manfully ran away. In the mean time, certain of the French horſemen,
of thoſe that ran firſt away, led on by Robinet Bondile, and the Captain of
Agincourt, preſuming to redeem their credit, from running away from
Souldiers, by fighting with boys, ſet upon the Pages and Laundrelles, and
fick
French.
I
am
The Frencb
ſubmit
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
103
R. 3.
ſick Souldiers that were left in the Camp, who gave ſuch a lamentable fhreek, | An. 1415.
that King Henry ſuppoſed either that the Conſtable had rallied his Troops, or
that ſome freſh Succors had been come: howſoever he ſuppoſed he muſt have
a ſecond fight; he cauſed therefore all the Arrows that were ſticking in the
field to be gathered, and the ſtakes to be plucked up, and prepared ready to
be again uſed: amongſt whom was found the Duke of York miſerably hack-
ed and lain; the light whereof, and the danger of a ſecond charge, made
King Henry give order, that the Priſoners ſhould be all llain, ſaving ſuch as
were principal Men, and thoſe were all bound back to back, and
ſo left ;
neither could the King be for this juſtly taxed of cruelty, for this killing his
Enemies in cold Blood, when the number of the Priſoners exceeded his
Souldiers, and the uncertainty of either their honeſty, or the Enemies har-
diment, that were then expected to charge them, could give the King no af-
ſurance of ſafety without their ſlaughter. Then the King again embattelled
his weary, but willing Souldiers ; upon whom the Earls of Marle and Fan-
conbridge, with ſix hundred good Men at Arms, which had ſtood ſtill all day,
gave a brave charge, and had they had more number, they would have trou-
bled King Henry, but being ſo few, and the ſtakes having galled ſo many of
their Horſes, they were quickly diſpatched; bụt to their honour, it is recor-
ded, that they fought valiantly, and died honorably; all being ſlain or taken,
and flew more of the Engliſh, than the whole Army had done. The King
being ſatisfied by the skouts, that no Enemy was to be ſeen, cauſed the Army
in their array, as they were to give God thanks for the Victory, cauſing the
Clergy preſent to ſing the Pſalm of David, In exity Iſrael de Egipto ; and
made Proclamation, that every one at the verſe, Non nobis Domine, fed no-
mini tuo da gloriam, ſhould kneel upon their knees, and the Horſmen to bow
their bodies, and then ſinging Te Deum, and other holy Hymns, they march-
ed to the Enemies Camp, where they found plenty of all things; with
which, having well refreſhed themſelves, thc King gave them liberty to make
booty, and take the ſpoil.
Next day came Mountjoy, and four Haralds more, to have leave to give the
dead burial, and to know the number of the llain; which (after he had feaſt-
ed them at their Country-mens coſt) he granted unto them: with whom the
Engliſh Haralds were appointed to ſearch, who made return, that there were
flain 12000 and odd, whereof 126 were of the Nobility, bearing Banners;
there were of Knights and Gentlemen of Coat-armo 7874 whereof 500
were Knighted the Night before the Battail; and of the common Souldiers
about 1600. Amongſt the ſlain of the Nobility, were Ch. le Brets, high Con-
ſtable, Jaques of Chatilon, Admiral of France, the great Maſter of France, the
Maſter of the Croſs-bows, the Dukes of Alanſon, Brabant, Bar, the Earls of
Nevers, Marle,Vaxdmont, Beaumont, Grand per, Rouſey, Fanconbridge, Foys, * Edward
and Leftreuck. There were taken Priſoners, Charles Duke of Orleauce, John Plantagener
Duke of Burbon, the Lords Donvert, Foffeux, Humiers, Rog, Cawny, Ham- Duke of pork,
court, Noell, Bonciqualt, and many others
.
lip Daugher
On the Engliſh part were ſlain, * Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of and Co heir of
Suffolk, and not full 600 of all; who were all buried in Chriſtian burial. But Fix Mchun,
Philip Earl Choroloys was out of charity inforced at his own coſt, to bury in a ler
, but died
ſquare plot of ground of his own, of 1500 yards compaſs, in three graves
by poll accounted 5800 and odd Souldiers, and yet ſent many yer alive, Poul Earl of
though grievouſly wounded, to Vall merſens de dieu.
Sifill died
King Henry having well refreſhed himſelf and Souldiers, and laden them without Iſſue
all
1
1
TAU
narricd Phi
without iſſue.
Michael de la
!
alſo.
K 2
1
104
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
R. 5.
accd
A
n. 1416. | all with ſpoils of great value, and rich priſoners, in fair order marched to
Callice. From whence on the ſixth of November, with his priſoners, which
cording to their Oaths rendred themſelves from Harflue, as thofe taken
at Agincourt, with the dead Corps of the Duke of York, and the Earl of
Suffolk, whereof one was buried afterward at Fordinghey, the other at new
Elme; he ſet ſail and arrived at Dover the ſame day: after his landing he
gave ſtraight order, that no Ballad or Songs ſhould be made or ſung, more
than of thanſgiving to the Lord, for his happy victory, and ſafe return;
and that nothing that might tend to oſtentation, or boaſting of the valiant,
or cowardly act of any in that ſervice, ſhould be either ſaid or ſung. Never
the leſs, the ſhame of his ill daring thoughts, did ſo vilely vex the Dolphin,
that he died ſuddenly.
Thomas Duke of Exeter, Captain of Harfine, with three hundred Engliſh,
made a road into Normandy, and returning laden with prey, was incountred
by the Earl of Arminacke, with five thouſand Horſe, who took their booty
from them over-night; but in the Morning, when they indeavoured, from
out the vantage of a thick incloſed-Orchard, wherein they had reſted all
Night to march away, they were eftſoons charged by the French, whom
with a deſparate reſolution they entertained, and in that manner behaved
themſelves, that they not only eſcaped ſafe to Harflue, but recovered a great
part of the loſt booty, and made a great ſlaughter of their Enemies, and re-
turned without much loſs.
Sigiſmond the Emperor, Couſin German to King Henry, accompanied with
the Archbiſhop of Remes, Ambaſſador from the French King, arrived at Cal-
lice, to whom were ſent thirty great Ships to waft him over. At Dover the
The Duke of Duke of Gloceſter, with a brave company of Gallants, upon his approaching
Glocefter en to Land, with their Swords drawn, ſtept up to the Knées in Water, ſaying,
Emperor at
If he came as the King's Friend, or for his honour to move ought he ſhould
be welcom; but if, as Emperor, he claimed any juriſdiction, they were rea-
dy to reſiſt him to the death. Whereupon the Emperor renounceth all Impe-
rial Authority, and is received with all befitting honour: he was afterwards
with Albert Duke of Holland, who was lately likewiſe arrived at Windſor,
elected Companions of the noble Order of the Garter, and late in their
Stalls at the ſolemnity of the Feaſt. The Emperor after the departure of the
Duke, ſtayed to mediate a Peace between England and France : which the
King (being adverted of the hard eſcape of his Men in Normandy) would
not liſten unto. Nevertheleſs, the Emperor very politickly awaited his time,
where to take his beſt hint to perſuade an agreement, which might fortu-
dately have been found, had not news come of the beſieging of Harflue; ſo
all was daſht.
The new Conſtable with a great Power ſuddenly clapt down before the
Town, when the Vice-admiral of France brought up the whole Navy, with
Harflue beſieg.
ed by the intent whilſt the Conſtable ſhould affail it ba Land, to have entred the
Town by the Water ſide. But the Duke of Exeter defended the Town
valiantly; by whoſe valour and indefatigable diligence, they were defeated
of their expectation. King Henry in perſon was preparing to Sea with all
ſpeed; but being by the Emperor diſſuaded, he ſent his Brother the Duke
Relleved by of Bedford, accompanied with the Earls of March, Oxford, Huntington,
the topluke of Warwick, Árundel
, Salisbury, Devonſhire
, and divers Lords and Barons, with
Bedford.
two hundred fails, to the reſcue of Harfine; they made fail from Rye, and
not without ſome croſſes at Sea, upon the Feaſt day of the Allumption of
tertaideth the
Dover.
French.
our
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
105
our Lady, came to the mouth of the River Seyne ; Upon notice of the ap- | An. 1416.
proach of the Engliſh Navy, Narbon ſet forward, and got the mouth of the R. 4.
Haven; The Duke ſent before his ſtrongeſt Ships; Two French Ships advan-
cing too forward, were'laid aboard and taken; The fight was continued and
reſolutely maintained, until the Engliſh having funk five hundred Veſſels
one and other, and taken three great Carricks of Genoa, won the harbour,
and notwithſtanding ſome oppoſition made by the Gallies, which had the
advantage with Oars to run out of the reach of the Artillery of the Engliſh,
they relieved Harflue. Upon notice hereof, the Duke of Arminack rayſed
his Siege, and departed to Paris, leaving ſomewhat more than a little pro-
viſion of amunition behind him, which they of Harfine took and ſtowed
up for them.
The Duke of Bedford having finiſhed what he came about, returned to
the King, who with the Emperour gave him great, but no more than deſer-
ved commendation. Whilſt theſe broyls were honourably managed abroad,
two too uxorious Husbands, the Lord Strange, and Sir John Truſſel of War-
mingham in Cheſhire, who had married the Daughter of Sir John Strange,
moſt diſhonorably fought in maintaining their Wives folly (forgetfully ſtri-
ving for place) at a Sermon in Saint Dunſtons Church in the Eaſt, by occaſi-
on whereof, there was much partaking on both ſides, whereby the Congre.
gation was much diſturbed, a great tumult rayſed, ſome ſlaughter and more
bloodſhed done; the delinquents were committed to the Counter; the Penance done.
Church ſuſpended; and upon examination the Lord Strange was found guil-
ty, and by the Archbiſhop of Canterbury adjudged to penance, which was
thus performed; All the Lords ſervants in their bair Shirts, from St. Pauls
Church, where the ſentence was given, followed the Parſon of Saint Dun-
ſtons; after them the Lord bare-headed, with a wax taper in his hand, the
Lady bare-footed, the Archdeacon Reignold Renwoodofollowing laſt, went
to Saint Dunſtons in the Eaſt, where at the rehallowing thereof, the Lady
filled all the Veſſels with water, and according to the fentence, The offered
to the Altaran Ornament of the value of ten pounds, and the Lord a Pixe
of ſilver of five pounds. There was then belike in uſe no commutation of
penance; Surely I am perſwaded, that if they might have bought out their
penance for money, they would have trebled their offerings; I could wiſh
that ſuch ſeverity of diſcipline might now be practiſed againſt ſuch delin-
quents, we ſhould then have devotion with more humility, and leſs ſtri-
ving for places in the Church.
The Emperour deſſtech
from further mėdiation of peace with France, and
entreth in a League defenſive and offenſive with King Henry, wherein only
the Pope is excepted : which concluded upon the nineteenth of October,
Anno 1416. he returned towards Germany; King Henry accompanied him King Henry ac-
to Callice, whither the Duke of Burgondy came, to confirm the League companieth
the Emperour
concluded on before by the Earl of Warwick, and other the Kings Ambaf-
ſadours and him concerning Flanders, and Arthouſe only, from Midfun-
mer 1416. until Michaelmas following, where it was prolonged further
till Michaelmas 1419. which gave occaſion of fufpition to France, that
the Duke was no firm friend of theirs.
The Emperour takes his Journey to Holland, the Duke returns to Grave-
ling, and King Henry to Dover, where he landed on Saint Lukes Eve;
upon his arrival he ſent new Ambaſſadours, viz. the Earl of Warwick,
the Biſhops of Salisbury, Bathe, and Hereford, the Abbot of Weſtminſter, and
the
T
។
to Calice.
K 3
106
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
1
R. 4
1
cel accounted i demned.
ro he ore of
Tii: Duke of
The Earl of
An. 1416. i the Pryor of Worceſter, to the Councel of Conſtance; whither the Emperour
in perſon likewiſe went; in this Councel it was decreed, that England from
thenceforth ſhould have the Title of the Engliſh Nation, and ſhould be ac-
Erg!aud at a
counted one of the five principal Nations, which oſten before had been mo-
general Coun ved, but never granted till then; and herein were all Wickliffes Poſitions con-
demned. At this Councel the Antipope John was proſcribed, and all his
the five prin-Goods and Treaſure, amounting to the ſum of 750000.l. were ſeiſed.
cipal Nacions. The Parliament, (by reaſon of the Emperours being in the Land, proro-
gucd) bun again the nineteenth of October, wherein towards the profe-
cuting or Wars in France, was voluntarily granted unto the King from the
Clingy, iwo whole Tenrhs, and from the Laity a whole Fifteen. In this
E d.od do Parliament, during the Kings abſence, John Duke of Bedford was made Re-
Piagcile.
gent of the Realm, having out of the Kings Coffers allowance of one thou-
land pounds per annum, and forty pounds a year more out of the Fee-farm
of Exeter.
Whilſt King Henry is preparing for invaſion, the Frenchmen had waged
divers Carracks, and other great Ships of the Genoaes and Italians, which
joyning with the French Fleet, lay at the mouth of the River of Seyne, under
the coinmand of Jaques Baſtard of Burbon, to bar all ſuccour from Her-
flem.
John Earl of Huntington, Son to the Duke of Exeter, beheaded at Cice-
Huntinglons ſter, is ſent to Sea to skour the Coaſts, who encountring with the Baſtard
fortune at Sca. 'Burbon, after a long fight, took the ſaid Baftard, and three of his great Car-
racks, with all the money for the half years pay for the Fleet: and bowged
three other Carracks, and diſperſing the reſt, cleared the mouth of Seyne,
and returned to the King at Southampton ; And upon the 23. of July, the
King with the Dukes of Clarence and Gloceſter, the Earls of Huntington, War-
wick, Devonſhire, Salisbury, Suffolk and Somerſet ; The Lords Roſſe,Willough-
by, Fitzhugh, Clynton, Scroope, Matrevers,Bpurcher, Ferrers of Groby,and Fer-
r:rs of Chartler, Fanhope, Gray of Codnor, Sir Gilbert Umphrevile, Sir Gilbert
Talbot, anda brave well-furniſhed Army, from Portſmouth took ſhipping,
and upon the firſt of Auguſt landed in Normandy, near to the Caſtle of
Forcke. The Kings Army corifiſted of fiveand twenty thoufand, five hundred
and eight and twenty fighting men, beſides a thouſand Artificers and Pio-
ners. The Nobility and Gentry having at their own charges furniſhed hirn
with eleven thouſand, one hundred and eight and twenty men, whereof eve-
гу
fourth man was a Launccer. The King beſieged the Caſtle of Tonque;
which upon the ninth of Auguſt yielded; at which time the Earl of Saliſ
bury took the Caſtle of Aliervilleirs, which the King gave to him and his
Heirs, being the firſt Land given by the King in France.
The King at the winning of Tonque, made eight and twenty Knights; and
Captain thercot, Sir Robert Circkley. From thence the Army marched to
Cane, whither to prevent the Citizens from burning the Suburbs, the Duke
of Clarence with a thouſand men was ſent, who found them firing thereof,
but diove them away, quenched the fire, reſcued the Abby Church of Saint
Stephens from being thrown down, and took in the Cell of Nans, which
they had ſtrongly fenced. The King fitting down before the Town, en
trenched himſelf, and caſt up a mount to prevent the Citizens from tàlly.
irg. The King made many aſſaults, but finding the loſs thereby, more than
the gains, he only kept them buſied with often alarums, whilſt his Pioners
laboured to undermine the Walls, which being effected, upon the fourth of
September
t
1
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
107
i
September, he offered the beſieged their lives, in caſe they would but ſubmit; An. 1416.
but they refuſing, he made ſhew of giving a general affault, whilſt many of R. 4.
his men entred the City under the foundation. The Duke of Clarence with
his Company, was the firſt that entred, and came upon the backs of thofe Cane taker.
that defended the Walls, whereby they were eaſily vanquiſhed, and the whole
Army entred without reſiſtance. The King cauſed all the Armes in the
Town to be brought together to the Market place, where he cauſed his
men in battel array to ſtand all night; in the morning he cauſed all the Ma-
giſtrates and principal men of the Town to come before him at their Se-
nate houſe, where ſuine of them for their ſtubborn refuſal of grace proffe-
red, were adjudged to death, and all the reſt fined. The ſpoil of the Town
he diſtributed among the Souldiers. The Captain of the Caſtle made ſhew
of ſtanding ar defence ; but having advertiſement, that the King had ſworn
to ſhew no quercy, if he did not ſurrender, upon aſſurance to depart with life,
bag and baggage, the habiliments of War excepted, he made compoſition,
and accordingly gave twelve hoſtages, that if he were not fully relieved be-
fore the twentieth of Sept. to render up the Caſtle, which not being done,
he performed, and ſo the King had pofleſſion both of Cane and the Caſtle.
In the mean time of the Kings abſence, the Scots in great numbers en-
tred the Engliſh pale; but hearing the Duke of Exeter, with the Lord
Wardens, were marching towards them with a great power, they retired
without much hurt doing.
Charles the Dolphin being about ſeventeen years of age, being bare
both of men and money, yet in the time of his Fathers weakneſs, ſtudied
how to put off this ſtorm that hung over the Commonwealth, and by the
counſel of the Conſtable, found a means to poffeſs himſelf of all his Mo-
thers Jewels, Plate, and money, which was great ; which he orderly expen-
ded in waging of Souldiers, and making preparation for things neceſſary, for
the defence of the Kingdom. But what can an alone woman do toward the
good or ſafety of the King or Commonwealth, ſhe knoweth no good but
gold, nor reckoneth any thing worthy the preſerving, but beauty and coſtly
apparel
, ſhe therefore being bereaved of thoſe Ornaments of womans great-
neſs
, Jewels) forgetting the peril wherein both her ſelf and Nation ſtood,
moſt intemperately paſſionate, began to work her yvomaniſh malice, pla-
ceth the Duke of Burgondy in the chiefeſt authority about the King, vvho
having the Svvord in his ovvn hands to revenge old injuries, reſolveth firſt to
tame the young gallant, and then to repulſe the common Enemy. The Dol.
plin likevvjſe ſtomacking the inconſiderate folly of the Duke, to prefer
private quarrels before publick preſervation, minded firſt to repreſs his in-
folency, and then to attend the repelling of the forrain foe. In the mean
time, King Fienry purſueth his victorious ſucceſs, fendeth the Duke of Cla- Bayeux taken.
rence further into the Countrey, vvho vvith great difficulty took in Bayeux,
vvhereof he made the Lord Matrevers Captain. The Duke of Glocefter like-
vviſe took the City of Lyſeux.
The King remained ſtill at Cane, repayring the Towvn, and fortifying the
Caſtle, putting out the Natives that ởvere impotent, or young infants
, to the
number of fifteen hundred; and in their places did ſettle Engliſh people ;
and finding a great maſs of money and plate, depoſited by the Citizens in
the Caſtle, he cauſed the ſame, upon proof, to be reſpectively delivered un-
to all ſuch as came to make claim unto the ſame, and vvould acknoyvledge
him for their Sovercign.
His
1
1
108
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
An. 1416.
R. 4.
to allure the
French.
1.
7
Sees ſubmits
His merciful and moderate carriage, won him the good report of his
4 Enemies; nay,it incited moſt of the Captains and Governours nearer adjoyn-
ing, to render their commands unto him, which he accepted of as teſtimo-
The Kings
nials of their duty. And upon coming into thoſe parts ſo rendred unto
good policy
him, he reſtored to many of them upon Oath of due fidelity, their places of
charge and command again, making always proteſtation, whoſoever would
become his Subjects, and ſwear allegiance unto him, they ſhould enjoy their
lands and liberties, in as large, if not in more free and ample manner than
they enjoyed them before; an excellent policy to win the Normans, whoſe
rugged condition is, and was always eaſier to be led with facile and gentle
courſes
, than to be driven by compulſary and harſh means; for hereby they
were contented to forſake the French, and turn to the Engliſh Crown.
The King having orderly ſettled things in Cane, made Sir Gilbert Umphre-
vile Captain of the Town, and Sir John Popham Bailiff, and Sir Gilbert
Talbot Captain of the Caſtle; and ſo the firſt of October departed to Cour-
Courfez Caſtle
yielded
fey Caſtle, which within three dayes yielded. The fourth of O&tober, he
came to Argenton, the Town and Caſtle whereof made compoſition, that
if they were not reſcued by the day, then to ſurrender : thoſe that would
become ſubject to England, to ſtay, the reſt to depart with their moveables;
for want of ſuccour at the prefixed time, both were yielded, and Covenants
on all parts performed. The Lord Gray of Codnor, was made Governour
there, whilſt the King marched to Sees, a populous'place, which together
tą King Henry. with many adjoyning pieces, acknowledge King Henry for their Sove-
reign, and were kindly received, and fairly entreated. The Town of A-
lanfon endured the brunt of eight dayes Siege, but in the end took out a
Copy from the former places for ſubmiſſion ; the Duke of Gloceſter was
made Captain thereof, and Sir Ralph Lentell his Lieutenant : certain over-
tures of peace were made by the Dauphin at Tonque Caſtle, but none con-
cluded, only a truce was made for certain time, betwixt King Henry and the
Duke of Britain, who came in perſon to require the fame; and the like was
granted to the Queen of Jeruſalem, and her Son Lewis, for Anjou and
Mayne, the Duke of Britain being their Proxie for the obtaining the ſame.
From Alanfon the Earl of Salisbury was ſent to Falays, to view the ſtrength
thereof, and to keep the inhabitants from coming forth : the King with
his Army followed, and entrenched themſelves to avoid excurſions, and in-
curſions. The King made his approaches to his beſt advantage: and though
it was in the hard of Winter, made proviſion ſufficient for his men, both
againſt cold and hunger ; whereupon the beſieged concluded, if ſuccour came
not before the ſecond of January next following, to yield the Town : the
Falays taken. ſuccour not coming, the Town was yielded, but the Caſtle held out, into
which the Governour, and moſt of the beſt able men were gotten; but be-
ing fiercely followed, and kept in continual action by aſſaults and myning,
they were driven to make compoſition of ſurrender, if not reſcued before
the ſixth of February; the Souldiers to depart with their lives only, and the
Captain to be Ranſomed. The prefixed time come, the Caſtle was füren-
dred, and the Captain detained Priſoner, until the Caſtle was ſufficiently
repaired; his name was Oliver de Many. The King leaving for Captain
there, Sir Henry Fitzhugh, returned to Cane, to put in execution a Procla-
mation formerly made, that if the inhabitants of Normandy that were fled,
returned not by a day to them prefixed, to grant their land to his Souldiers;
thereupon he gave to the Duke of Clarence during life the Vicounties of
Ange,
+
ܪ
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
109
R.40
*
Ange, Orber and Pontinz, Oe, Mere; with all the Lands of thoſe that were | An. 1418.
not returned according to Proclamation.
All the whole Lent the King lay at Bazenx with part of his Army, but the
reſidue were volant upon exploits abroad. The Kings Navy ſtill kept the Seas,
ſcowring the Coaſts, daily taking the French Bottoms they met. But upon A great ſtorm.
the ſixteenth of July, ſuch a ſtorm took them, that had they not by Gods
good favour faln
in with Southampton, the whole Navy had been in great
danger; yet in that Haven two Ballingers, and two great Carracks, laden
with Merchandize, were drowned; and the Maft of one of the great Ships
was with the ſtorm blown over the Town Wall: when the fury of the
tempeſt was paſt, the Earls of March and Huntington wafted over to Nor-
mandy, and landing there, marched up the Country to the King. The Earl 6. Reg.
of Warwick and the Lord Talbot, beſieged the ſtrong Caſtle of Dampfront.
The Duke of Clarence at that time took Courton and Burny, and in the firſt, Captains
placed Captain Aubyn, and Captain William Houghton in the other; he like- made over ſe-
veral places.
wife appointed in Chombis, Captaiħ James Nevill ; in Bechelovin for Captain,
the Earl Marſhal; in Harcourt, Captain Richard Woodvile; in Fantgernon,
for Captain John Saint Albon; in Crevener, Sir John Kirby, to whom the ſame
was after given for ever; in Anvillyers, Captain Robert Hornby; in Bagles,
Sir John Arthure was made
Captain, and alſo of Freſny, Sir Robert Brent,
lately made Vicount, was Captain.
The Duke of Glocefter, with the Earl of March, and the Lord Codnor,
march into the Iſle of Conſtantine, wherein he likewiſe placed Captains of
ſuch places as he took in; as at Corentine, the Lord Botreux; at Saint Lowe,
Captain Reignold Weſt; at Valoignes, Captain Thomas Burgh; at Pontdone,
Captain David Howell; at Hay de Paps, Sir John Aſton; at Saint Savior,
Sir John Robfert, lately made Vicount; at Pantarſon, Sir Robert Gargraus; at
Hambery, the Earl of Suffolk, (to whom afterwards the King gave that and
Brokevill); at Axronchos, Sir Philip Hall; at:Vire the Lord Matreers,who was
likewiſe Captain of Saint James de Bumeron. And ſo having taken in the
whole INand, except Chereburgh, he returned to the King, but was ſent back
to the Siege thereof, which held out about the ſpace of five months, though
in the mean time, all warlike ſtratagems and means were uſed to take it ; at
laſt they made compoſition, that if not reſcued within threeſcore and two
days, to ſurrender and ſtand to the mercy of the King. In the mean time, the
Duke cauſed his Camp to be ſtrongly fenced with Rampiers and Bulwarks,
leaving nothing for the ſafeguard thereof
, either unforeſeen or unprepared.
And whilſt he was providing thus, the Dolphin and the Duke of Burgoigne, The Dolphin
by the mediation of the Pope and his Cardinals, were fully reconciled, and
Burgoigne re-
began to conſult about the relieving their beſieged Friend. The King to conciled.
prevent any danger that might betide his Brother, had taken order with the
Lieutenant in the Weſt Country of England to ſend over two thouſand Men
out of thoſe parts, whom when the beſieged at Chierburgh perceived at Sea to
approach, they preſumed of Succor, but their hope failing, they ſurrendred
both the Town and Caſtle ; whereof the Lord Gray of Codnoſ was made
the Rings Lieutenant for the time, but afterwards the king made Captain
thereof John Bromley Eſquire; and for his hardy valour, and commendable
forwardneſs, both at this Siege and other places, he gave him the Order
of Knighthood, gåve him fair poſſeſſions in the Illand, and made him Con-
ſtable of Boſſevile de Roſje: This was the ſame party, that at Corby by his Va-
lour recovered the Lord Stafford's Colours from the French; and for the
remem-
1
and Duke of
1
*
110
T
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
ed.
+
Loveirs be-
rendred.
.
ter.
An. 1416. remembrance of that ſervice, had an honorable adjunct to his Arms. The
R. 6. King intending to proſecute his intendments to the full, being of equal Spi-
rit to dare, and power to do, had ſent for his Uncle the Duke of Exeter,
who with fifteen thouſand Men within few days of Trinity Sunday came to
Eureux beſieg- the King; by whom he was commanded to beſiege the City of Eureux,
which he took in, and appointed Captain thereof, Sir Gilbert Halfall
. The
Earl of Kyme then alſo took in the ſtrong Caſtle of Milley le Vesko. The
Siege of Roan was the next thing attempted; which place was now fully
fortified, and furniſhed for defence, both with Men and Amunition; thither,
for the more ſafety, had all the neighbours conveyed all their riches, as be-
ing their ſole place of refuge now. The King, to have his paffage clear, laid
Siege to the City of Loveirs, which upon theſe conditious, that if they were
ſieged and
not relieved within ſeven days, then the Souldiers to ſerve King Henry; the
Inhabitants to remain there, as Subjects to England; only all ſuch Gunners as
had diſcharged any piece of Ordnance to be hanged: no ſuccour appearing
at the day, the Covenants were performed accordingly.
The King marched to Pont de Larch, where he arrived the 27. of June.
There was a Stone-bridge which hindred the approach to Roan, being ex-
ceeding ſtrongly guarded; King Henry deviſed therefore floats of wicker,
New io venti- covered with Beaſts hides, by w hich the Duke of Clarence with his quarter
fage over wa- paſſed the River, and then laid Siege to the Town on that ſide; but to pre-
vent the inconvenience that might come, by the River dividing the Army,
there were more ſuch floats made, and other devites with Hogſheads and
Pipes faftned to Fir-poles and Barges, and ſuch like conveyances, with which
he paſt over his Men at pleaſure ; in the mean time, he cauſed divers Soul-
diers that could ſwim, to make ſhow of paſſing the River, three miles off
another
way; to which place, the French-men drew all their Forces, but
were deluded: whereupon preſently the Fort at the Bridge-foot was ſur-
Roan beſieged. rendred, and the Souldiers taken to the Kings grace. From thence the Duke
of Exeter with certain Horſe, was ſent to view the places about Roan, and
with him l'indfor the Herald, which ſummoned the Citizens to ſurrender
the Town, and to ſubmit themſelves to the Kings mercy; but they proud-
ly returned anſwer, they received none from England, nor none they would
give the Engliſh; and inſtantly made a ſally forth, but were beaten in with
the loſs of thirty of their Men. The Town of Loveirs the King gave to his
Brother Clarence, who made his Deputy there, Sir John Goddard; after the
return of the Duke of Exeter, the Roanions fired the Suburbs, demoliſhed
all Churches, Chantries, and Hoſtels, leaving nothing without the City,
which upon the laſt of July the King ſtraightly belieged. The King's
quarter was the Charteux; the Duke of Clarence at Saint Gervays ; the
Duke of Exeter at Port Saint Dennis ; between the Duke of Exeter and
the Duke of Clarence, lay Earl Maríhal, to whom were joyned the Earl of
Ormond, the Lords Harington and Talbot ; from the Duke of Exeter to-
wards the King, were encamped the Lords Rolle, Willoughby, Fitz-Hugh,
and Sir William Porter, with the Northern Prickers; the Earl of Salis-
hury and Mortaignes quarter lay at the Abby of Saint Katherine ; Sir John
Gray was lodged againſt the Chappel of Mount Saint Michael ; Sir Philip
Leech, Treaſurer of the Army, kept the Hill next the Abby, and the Baron
Carew, held the paſſage on the River of Seine, with whom was Squire
Jenito Dortoyes ; on the further ſide the River, were quartered the Earls of
Warraine and Huntington, the Lords Nevill and Ferrers, Sir Gilbert Um-
phrevile,
ܪ
Lichenes
1
1
III
1
!
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
phrevile, with his Company lay before the Port de Ponte. . A great chain of An. 1418.
iron ſet upon piles, and a new forced bridge for paſſage from one Camp to R. 6.
the other, was made over the River.
The Earl of Warwick was ſent to Cawdbeck, ſtanding betwixt Roan and
the Sea. The Earl of Warwick ſent Sir John Bromley and George Umphre-
vile, with an hundred Archers, and two hundred Bill-men, to a little Caſtle
called the Strow, and in the way were met by eight hundred French: Where-
upon Sir John Bromley caſting his Bow-men in a Limaſſon or looſe Ring, and
his Bill-men in two ſquares, which in cloſe order marched towards the Ene-
my, who ſeeing the number to appear ſo ſmall, gave on in that diſorderly
manner, that their Captain the Lord of Eſtrijles was ſlain, before
any
of
his company could come to the reſcues. The Bow-men opening their or-
der, delivered ſuch a ſhole of arrows, even in the middeſt of their Enemies,
that they ſtood amazed, until they were awakened with a ſecond. The
Bow-men as long as the Arrows laſted, kept the Enemy aloof, but at length
they were enforced to make uſe of their flain Enemies weapons, with which
they cloſing to the Bill-men, made it appear, that they could make uſe of
more weapons than one, and after three hours fight, the French fainécd,
and
gave
the Engliſh leave to take the ſpoil of two hundred that were
ſlain, and the Ranſome of two hundred more taken Priſoners. In this fight
was ſlain George Vmpkrevile, and thirty more, all the reſt being hurt more
orleſs : amongſt whom, Sir John Bromley was hurt in the face and body:
They were not able to go forth of the field, but continued there all night;
and in the morning ſome freſh men being come to them, they marched to
the Caſtle, and ſo plyed them with aflaults, and minings, that at length the
beſieged were glad to ſuffer the Engliß Navy to paſs by to Roan; where- The Engliſh
of one hundred Sail paſſed by; and likewiſe they gave hoſtages, that they the River.
would not intermeddle, to aid or aſſiſt Roan any way, but to follow her
fortune, to render if ſhe did; wherewith Sir John Bromley went into the
Caſtle, with two Eſquires, and a Surgeon, and the Company back to the
King. By this time, the Duke of Gloceſter was come to the Camp, and
quartered before the Port Saint Hillary, nearer the Enemy by forty roades.
The Earl of Kilmayne, with ſixteen hundred Iriſh, armed after their The good fer-
faſhion, came from Harfine where they landed, to the King; who were by Hills
him aſſigned for quarter, the North ſide of the Army, upon the way
that
cometh from the Forreſt of Lyons. This charge the Earl joyfully accept-
ed, and as proud of the employment, did many brave exploits, to the
more damage of the Enemy, than all the Troops of Horſe.
The Kings Couſin.german, the King of Portugal
, likewiſe ſent a Navy
of well appointed Ships, to the mouth of the River of Seine, to ſtop all
paffage of ſuccour to Roar. There were in Roan two hundred and ten
thouland perſons, at the beginning of the Siege, which made them fo con-
fident, that they ſwear each to other, never to deliver up the City, as long
as they could hold Sword, or handle Pike. The King acquainted herewith,
ſtopped all pallages, both by land and water, caſting deep Trenches, and
rayſing Bulwarks, to hinder all fallyes or receipt of relief.
The French, in the mean time, made many attempts upon divers pieces
in the Kings hands; as upon Kilbuife, Eureux, and Loviers, but were repulſed
with great loſs, but more diſgrace. Before Roan no enterpriſe is left un-
practiſed, no policy unattempted, how either party might indamage
other. But now the many mouths within the City, had devoured, a great
part
vice of the
1
1
X
.
4
II2
X
conſent unto;
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
An. 1418. part of their proviſion, and for the better ſaving of the reſt, a great number
R.6. of aged impotent
creatures, were turned out of the Gates, whom the Eng-
liſh would not ſuffer to paſs the Trenches : betwixt which and the Walls,
X
the miſerable people ſtarved and died, without help of friend or foe.
Ring Henrys Upon Chriſtmaſs day, in Honour of the Birth of our Saviour, the King re-
Charity lieved, and ſuffered to paſs as many as were at firſt put out, but ſuffered
others that were thruſtout a ſecond time to famiſh, except relieved by the
Town. The unwonted noiſe of Bells Ringing, gave the King occaſion to
expect an Enemy at his back ; for prevention therefore of that danger,
he gave order to Sir Robert Bapthorpe, Controller of the Army, to provide
a deep Trench well ſtaked, and with baſtils to round the Camp, and to
make defences both behind and before, to withſtand all ſudden approa-
ches. The famine began now to rage pittifully within the City; and the
Dolphins promiſe to relieve them, now paſt hope of performance, a Parley
is deſired and obtained, but fruitleſs at the firſt; the demands of the be-
ſieged being more than ſtood with the Kings Honour or Pleafure to give
upon the Commiſſioners return into the Town, the
ſtarved multitude began to upbraid the Commanders, and to tell them,
that they muſt be famiſhed to death for their obſtinacies, and with threat-
ning ſpeeches, they told them, they would, if they would not, compound
for their redemption upon any terms ; enforced therefore to give way to
their implacable furies, the Commiſſioners concluded, that after the nine-
Roan comes to teenth day of that inſtant January, the City and Caſtle of Roan ſhould
compoſition. be delivered to the King of Englands hands; and that all ſhould ſubmit
to the Kings mercy, and ſhould pay to him three hundred thouſand
Skutes of gold; every two to be of the value of the Engliſh Noble.
Every Souldier to ſwear never to bear Arms againſt the King of
England.
That the ſtarved creatures expulſed, ſhould be admitted entrance, and re-
ceive relief during the time prefixed, if not before that time reſcuſed.
Upon the day agreed upon, Sir Guy de Butler, and the Burgelles delive-
red up the keyes of the City and Caſtle, craving Grace and Favour. The
Duke of Exeter was appointed to take poſſeſſion of the ſame, who ac-
cordingly entred with his souldiers.
The next day after, being Friday the twentieth of January, the King tri-
umphantly made his entry, with four Dukes, ten Earls, eight Biſhops,
ſixteen Barons, &c. He was received with the Clergy, with two and for-
ty Croſſes, and by them was conducted to our Lady Church, where after
publick Thankſgiving, he took homage and fealty of the Burgeſſes and
Inhabitantts, making Proclamation, that all that would come and acknow-
ledge him to be their Liege Lord, ſhould enjoy the benefit of his protecti-
on,
and retain their pofieflions : whereupon many came in; and many
Towns were ſurrendred. The Duke of Britain forecaſting the danger of
having too potent a Neighbour (except a friend) plant near him, upon
ſafe conduct obtained, came to Roan where a League is agreed upon,
that neither ſhould make War upon other, except upon denuntiation
thereof ſix moneths before any attempt : this concluded, the Duke re-
turned.
Whilſt the King lay at Roan, to perfect all things, the Duke of Clu-
rence took Vernon and Naunt, making Sir William Porter Captain of the
firſt, and the Earl of March of the other. The Earl of Salisbury took
1
Surrendred.
in
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
113
in Hunflew ( which was afterward given to the Duke of Clarence) Münſter An. 1416.
de Villiers, Ewe, Nem.Caſtle
, whereof Sir Philip Lecch was made Captain. R: 6.
An Overture agreed upon for an interview, betwixt the King of Eng. An Overture
land, and the Dolphin of France, failed through the Dolphins default
, very croreca
which diſpleaſed King Henry, who had in expectation thereof, gone from by the Dol-
Roan to Eureux, from whence he ſent the Earl of Warwick, to take in phins default.
la Roche Guyon, which he accordingly (but not without ſome lofs) did,
and thereof made owner of the Kings free gift Sir Grey de Bolyleeré, late-
ly Captain of Roan. In all places the King's Commanders prevailed, and
by conſtraint or conſent all pieces of ſtrength, that were ſummoned,
opened their Gates unto the Engliſh: and it is worthy the obſervation, that
when there is (as now there was a mutual intercourſe of diſcreet directi-
on, and diligent execution, warlike deſigns ſeldom but proſper; on the
other ſide, where there is a want of skill to Command, and want of will
to Obey, nothing can thrive, and theſe wants now hid, ſo clouded the
affairs of France, that all lay at ſix and ſeven. The Duke of Burgoyne
ſolicites an interview betwixt the Kings of England and France; Emballa-
dors on both ſides are ſent, King Henry is content to come to Maunt, fo
as the French King came to Ponthoys, which is conſented to. King Hen-
rg kept his Feaſt of Whitſuntide at Maunts, where he made the ſtout Gaf
cayne, Captain le Buife, Earl of Longevile; Sir John Gray, Earl of Tanc-
kervile; and the Lord Bourcher, Earl of Ewe: upon the laſt day of May
at the day appointed, King Henry accompanied with the Dukes of Cla-
rence, Glocefter
, and Exeter, his Uncle Bewford, the great Clerk and rich
Biſhop of Wincheſter, with the Earls of March and Salisbury, with a thou-
fänd Men at Arms, entred the place appointed. The French Queen, her
Husband being taken with his phrenzy, with the Duke of Burgoyne, and
the Earl of Saint Paul, and a company of fair Ladies, amongſt whom
as a bait to intangle the Kings youthful affection, the Queens beauti-
ful Daughter, the Lady Katherine throughly Inſtructed, and gorgeouſly
Attired, preſented her ſelf, with whoſe light though the King was ar-
dently taken, yet with that moderation he behaved himſelf, that though
he were reſolved to make the enjoyment of her for Wife, a chief Ar-
ticle to be granted, yet he made no ſuch apparent Thow thereof, but that
the other things requirable to be concluded at that Treaty, ſhould be
firſt Agreed upon, but nothing was effected; for the Dolphin under-hand,
had made means to the Duke of Burgoyne to hinder all Agreement;
which King Henry obſerving, at their departure told the Duke of
Burgoyne,
that he would have his demands and the Lady, or elſe drive the King
out of his Kingdom, and make the Duke ſeek another Dukedom. The
Treaty becoming fruitleſs and diſſolved, the Dolphin and the Duke up-
on the ſixth of July are reconciled, and the Articles thereof, Signed, and
Sealed.
In the mean time a Conſpiracy in Roan was timely diſcovered, and
wiſely prevented, and the Conſpirators upon examination and proof duly
puniſhed.
By direction from the King, the Earl of Longevile did valiantly ſur-
priſe the Town of Poynthoys, with fifteen hundred Men, there being at A Conspiracy
that time within the Town, a thouſand Launceers, and two thouſand vered.
Arcubaliſters; but had not the Earl of Huntington come in good time. Pontboys-ſur-
to ſecond them, their valour oppreſt by multitude, could not have perfect by the
L
made
An. 1419.
R.7.
:*
I. MI
117
· The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
1
An. 141.9.
R. 7.
made good what they had atchieved: neither could they both have loog
ſubliſted, had not the Duke of Clarence come in their reſcue, who to re-
compence the brave Spirits of the firſt entrers, gave the ſpoil of the Town
amongſt them. From thence the Duke marched to Paris, and there ſtayed
by the ſpace of two days, but perceiving no ſhow of Sally to be made, he
returned to Ponthoys : King Henry coming thither, after he had ſufficiently
furniſhed the fame with Vi&tuals and Artillery, he with his main Army
marched further into the Country, and in the way forced the Caſtle of Va.
nion Villeirs, but at the interceſſion of divers Ladies, the Garriſon permitted
without Arms or Weapon to depart; hereof was appointed Captain John
de Burgh: upon the approach of the Army which was upon the laſt of All
guft, to the Caſtle of Gyſors, the only piece that now ſtood forth in thoſe
parts; the Garriſon there made a Sally, and much hindred the Engliſh in
their ſitting down, by reaſon of the inacceſſible paſſage thorow the Már-
flies, which in a manner ſurrounded the ſame; yet at length when they per-
ceived the Kings reſolution, not to depart without Conqueſt, and calling to
mind, that no place had been of ſtrength ſufficient to withſtand his Power,
they agreed if not reſcued by a day (which they were not) to deliver
both Town and Caſtle to the King : The Soldiers of the Garriſon, and
many of the Burgers took an Oath of Fidelity to the King of England,
and remained there ſtill, the Earl of Worceſter was made Captain there-
of. The well defenced Caſtle of Galiard, ſtrong both by Scituation and Art,
after ſix months Siege, was ſurrendred to the Duke of Exeter, and
thereof the King made the Lord Roffe Captain, all the Country of Velo
queſfeine ſubmitted, the King putting in Men of Valour and Truſt into
the chief Holds, as into Goierney, Sir Gilbert Umphrevile; the Earl of Wor-
cefter, at Newty.
The Caſtle of Dumall ( yielded to the Earl of Warwick) and was gi-
ven him by the King, ſo that now all Normandy (Mount Saint Michael
only excepted ) was reduced to the poſſeſſion of the King of England,
which had been detained wrongfully until then, from him ever ſince the
year 1207.
:The Dolphin all this while, notwithſtanding the Agreement Sealed,
and ſetled as might be thought, being perſuaded that the Duke of Bur-
goyne was a bar to his ambitious deſires, ſtudied not ſo much to ſtop the
over-flowing current, of the King of Englands Victories, as the effect-
ing of his own ends of Revenge againſt the Duke, (a miſerable' thing,
when one Man's riſing is grounded on the deſired overthrow of another;)
To that end therefore, covering his private malice, with the long Robe of
publick Service, he made ſhow of removal of all rankour betwixt the
Duke and him, and to that end, appointed a meeting of all the Peers at
Mountſtrew al fault you, where the Duke was barbarouſly murthered,
whilſt he humbled himſelf, in reverence, to the Dolphin on his Knee:
Which act was by ſo much the leſs to be pittied in the Duke, by how
much he in the like kind upon the like enterview, had cauſed Lewis the
Duke of Orleance to be murthered : But this recrimination of Burgojnė,
for the murther of Orleance, can be no excuſation of the Dolphins per-
fidious Treachery; hereupon Philip Earl of Caroloys, the Heir of-Búr-
gojne, did 'forbear for a time the company of his Wife; the Dolphins
Siſter, but' upon due conſideration of her pliable and obſequious dif-
poſition, and the Religious admonition of his Mother in Law, and ex-
hortation
t
1
I
+
.
The.Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
115
1
into three
parts.
hortation of his chiefeſt Councellors, the gave her ever after all requi-
rable reſpect and obſervance, and turned his juſtly incenſed anger againſt
the Dolphin, but without choler or diſtemperature, either in words or
geſtures, howſoever his kindred and allies threatned revenge; But this di-
ſtraction ſettled at home, and danger threatned abroad, drew a double
fear or deſtruction upon the quieter minded Nobility, who uſed the im-
ployment of their uttermoſt endeavours; to procure a reconciliation be-
twixt the Queen, and the Dolphin, and a pacification of the King of
Englands and by their mediation, Embaſſadours are ſent to Gyfors, where The Engliſh
King Henry lay; who gave them audience, and honourable entertainment, Army ſevered
and was pleaſed to condeſcend, that Commiſſioners might have commu-
nication, but no ceſſation of War. No ſooner were they returned, but he
drew his forces to Maiint, where he divided them into three
parts, fen-
ding the Duke of Gloceſter with one part to Saint German in lay, which
was delivered unto him. The Duke of Clarence with another was ſent to
Mountjoy, which after ſome ſhow of great reſiſtance, was given over unto
him. The third, under the conduct of the Duke of Exeter, went to Mem-
lancke, which was ſtrongly defenced, and compaſſed in with the great Ri-
ver of Seyme : but by the invention of wooden Towers reared upon Boats,
bridges, and floats, the Frenchmen were ſo terrified, that for want of
ſuccour at the time agreed upon, they ſurrendred the Town, and gave
Hoſtages, and Oath to remain true Subjects to the King of England, and
ſo were permitted to remain there ſtill; the many rivolets cut out, and
running in the ſeveral Forts and Caſtles, as are aforeſaid, might have
much drained the great River of the Kings Army, had not daily ſupplies An. 1419.
from all forrain parts (drawn by the general report of his honoura-
ble uſage of Souldiers) of Men, Amumnition, and Money, out of his Domi-
nions, been brought unto him; but ſuch was his providence, and his Of-
ficers obedience and care, that nothing wanted that was needful or né-
ceffary.
But now the new Duke of Burgoyne (a Wiſe and Politick Prince) há-
ving debated with himſelf what courſe to take, to revenge bis Fathers
murther, and being aſſured, that if he ſhould oppoſe the Dolphin, and
the Dolphin him, the King of France would loſe by both, and King Henry
would
carry away all; he endeavoured to purpoſe an overture of peace be-
tween the two Kings, which he was the more likely to obtain, by rea-
ſon of bis powerfulneſs amongſt the Peers, and the aſſurance of the
Lady Katherines readineſs (who had more power over her Mothers af
fection than her own) to joyn with him in any thing that might con-
duce to her obtaining the effect of her wiſhes, which was as well the love
of King Henry, as the peace and quiet of her Father and Country, beſides,
the advantage the Duke had of the Dolphin, who was now obſerved to be
more cunning and revengeful, than wiſe and valiant, and by the laté muf-
ther made obnoxious to the diſeſteem of his neareſt friends; Embaſſá- French Embal-
dors are again-fent from the King of France, and the young Duke of ladors fent
to King Henry.
Burgoyne , who were returned with gracious countenance, and ſome tokens
of courtelie to the Duke, but withal a kind of intimation that there
was ſmall hope of obtaining any thing at his hands concerning trucé, if
not deſired by the Lady Katherine, whoſe innocency, as he ſaid, knew
not how to abuſe his credulity, as the others had done. Whilſt theſe
things are in agitation, his Armies lay not idle.
L 2
The
R. 7.
1
I
:.
116
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
An. 1420.
7
+
ſends to thic
Duke of
Burgoyne.
The Earl of Salisbury took in Freſney.
R. 8. The Earls Marſhal, and Huntington, with their powers entred into
Maine, and approaching Mentz, they were encountred by the power of
the Dolphin, whereof they flew five thouſand, and took two hundred Pris
ſoners; theſe tydings being brought to Roan, whither the King was come,
to ſolemnize the Feaſt of Chriſts Birth; thankſgivings to God were pub
lickly made, and, in the inſtant thereof, arrived other Embaſſadors from
the King and Queen of France, who having audience, and the Tenour of
their Emballage delivered, a Letter from the Lady Katherine to the King
of England, was ſecretly by the Biſhop of Arras delivered; the contents
whereot being conſidered, the King openly ſaid, that he would wipe a-
way the diſrepute caſt upon his actions, as though he ſhould be the cauſe
of effuſion of ſo much Chriſtian Blood, as every day was likely to be
made, if the Wars ſhould continue for his quarrel; and would turn the
ſame upon the King of France, and his Adherents
, if either they rnade
not propoſitions, ſuch as with ſafety of his honour might be granted, or
did not condeſcend to ſuch Articles, as he would reaſonably tender
them; he therefore returned the Embaſſadors with good content, and
King Henry ſent the Earl of Warwick, and the Biſhop of Rocheſter to the Duke of Bur-
goyne, between whom an accord was made, in caſe the King of France
and his Peers, with the Commons, would approve thereof; they being to
that purpoſe by the Duke of Burgogne ſolicited, willingly gave their con.
ſent, and appointed the Duke of Burgoyne to ſend his Embaſſadors, ſuffi-
ciently authorized, to meet with King Henrys Emballadors, at Troyes, in
Campaigne, and to that end, the King of England was carneſtly entreated ſo
to do, who thereupon ſent his Uncle the Duke of Exeter, the Earl of Sa-
lisbury with others, to the number of five hundred horſe, to the Duke of
Burgoyne, who from thence came together with them to Troyes, upon the
eleventh of March, where they were in that manner received, as where
affection, and loving deſire are the entertainers; there it was quickly con-
cluded, that the King of England ſhould ſpeed himſelf to Troyes, there to
be eſpouſed to the fair Lady Katherine, and to have aſſurance of the Crown
of France, after the deceaſe of the deceaſed Charles; whereupon with a Guard
of Fifteen thouſand choice Souldiers, accompanied with the Dukes of
Clarence and Glocefter, with the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Huntington,
Longevile, Tankervile
, and Ewe, the King of England came to Troyes upon
the eighteenth day of May, where he was met by the Duke of Burgoyne, and
King Henry divers of the French Nobility, who attended him to the Pallace, where the
giveth meer.
ing at Troyes, Queen with her Daughters, the Dutcheſs of Burgogne; and the Lady Kathe-
to the Queen. rine, gave him Princely entertainment, where after ſome little pauſe, whilſt
the intercourſe of complement was paſſing betwixt the French and the
Engliſh, the King addreſſed himſelf to the Dutcheſs of Burgoyne, deman-
ding of her in befitting terms, if ſhe thought her Siſter Katherines affecti-
on was free, and not in bondage to any, to whom the Dutcheſs with a
graceful ſmile made anſwer, that ſhe durſt pawn her ſoul, her Siſter, till
that hour ſhe firſt ſaw his Highneſs; was as free as any Virgin might be, but
how ſhe ſtood affected now, ſhe referred him to her own anſwer, oppor-
tunity giving way (as when minds are willing, it may be eaſily apprehen-
ded) the Lady Katherine was by the King interrogated, how ſhe ſtood af.
fected to marriage, anſwered, ſhe was to be diſpled of by the King other-
wiſe, if ſhe might have the liberty of her own will, ſhe would give him a
more
1
}
t
+
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
117
1
fianced to the
more full anſwer, and ſo making offer to depart, King Henry with an amiable | An. 1420.
voice, ſaid, give but your conſent, and I will by Gods leave make all the reſt
R. 8.
agree, or leave them landleſs or liveleſs
, and thereof reſt aſſured, by this
pledge of my Faith; and ſo tendred unto her a Ring of a great price,
which ſhe not without ſome bluſhing received, and making a Courtly
conge unto him, left him, and he the company: being come to his lodg-
ing, he gave order to his Commiſſioners to make ſpeed in their con-
ſultations, and not to give the leaſt way to any procraſtinations; where-
upon
that ſpeed was uſed in their conferences, that upon the 20. day of May,
the Lady Katherine was affianced unto him in Saint Peters Church ; after King Henry af-
this the two Kings with their Privy Counſellors divers times met, and all
Lady Kathe-
points of accord, were reduced to a certainty and concluded; to which rine.
agreement the Kings and all preſent made Faith for the performance, and
the Duke of Burgoigny for bis particular, made Oath as followeth j
I Philip
Duke of Burgoigny, for my Self and my Heirs, upon the holy Evan- The Duke of
geliſts of God, ſwear to Henry King of England, and Regent of France un-
der King Charles, that we ſhall humbly and faithfully obey King Henry in all
things, which concern the Crown of France, and Common-wealth thereof, and
after the deceaſe of our now Sovereign Charles, Mall remain faithful Leigemen to
the ſaid King Henry and his Succeffors for ever; neither ſhall we admit or al.
low of any other Lord, or Supreme King of France, but Henry of England
and his Heirs : neither ſhall we counſel or conſent to any
that
may be prejudicial
to the ſaid King Henry or his Succeffors, or may be damagefil to his Life or
Limb, but shall with all speed give notice thereof, and endeavonr to pre-
vent it.
1
Burgoynes
Oath.
certified.
The Morrow after Trinity Sunday, being the 3. of June, the Marriage
with all befitting Ceremonies was ſolemnized, and the King of England na-
med and Proclaimed Heir, and Regent of the Realm of France, of this ac.
cord, and the Articles ſubſequent, the French King ſent Copies all over
France, and King Henry the like into England, in thefe words.
Henry by the grace of God, King of England, Heir and Regent of France, The Articles
of agreement
and Lord of Ireland, to be perpetually remembred of all Chriſtians under
our Obeyſance, do notifie and declare, That whereas there hath been divers
Treaties, betwixt our Royal Father King Charles, for peace and quiet to be
eſtabliſhed betwixt the Realms of France and England, which have proved
fruitleſs; conſidering the many detriments thereby fallen, not only to thoſe
Realms, but the diſturbance of Holy Church: we have no concluded with
our faid Royal Father, for removing all diſtractions, and accorded that our
ſaid Royal Father, and his ever to be honored Queen "Iſabell
, ſhall be entitu-
led the Father and Mother of us, and reverenced and reſpected in all things
as ſuch Alliance ſhall require.
That the ſaid King Charles, ſhall, during life, hold and enjoy, in peace and
tranquillity, his Royal Dignity, Crown and Revenues of all France; and
that all Writs, Proceſs, and Commiſſions, and ſuch like proceedings ſhall paſs
under his Name and Seal as King; and that his Queen Iſabell in caſe the ſur-
vive him, ſhall keep her Eſtate and Title, and all ſuch Rights and Revenues,
as were formerly enjoyed by Blaunch Queen Dowager to Philip, Graridfa-
ther to King Charles.
That
1
L3
ing;
A
118
11. 1.420.
R.8.
f
9
invetohl-Lo GW...
+
{
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth. .
That Queen Katherine ſhall with all convenient ſpeed be fufficiently en-
dowed in England, with twenty thouſand Marks per annum.
That during the Life of Charles, King Henry ſhall not aſſume the Title of
King of France, and that the French King ſhould write and intitle him;
Our thrice noble Son, Henry King of England, and Heir of France.
That after the death of Charles, the Crown of France ſhall really and en-
tirely remain to King Henry and his Heirs for ever.
That in regard of the inability of King Charles, by himſelf to Rule, and
manage the affairs of the Kingdom, King Henry ſhall be Regent and go-
vern the ſame, as to him ſhould ſeem expedient for the Kings honour, and
the commodity of the Realm and Common wealth.
That the Eſtate of Parliament in France ſhall retain, all accuſtomed Pri-
viledges, Power and Authority.
That King Henry ſhall to his Power, faithfully aſſiſt both Peers and Peo
ple, to regain all ſuch things, as did of right belong unto them, and ſhall
protect all the Preheminences, Priviledges, and Poſſeſſions of the Crown of
France,
That King Henry ſhall ſupport the Subjects of France, againſt all forrain
Enemies, and labour the ſuppreſſion of all inteſtine debates and Civil Wars,
and endeavour the increaſe of the Proſperity and Peace of France, by im-
partially adminiſtring Juſtice to all.
That King Henry in places of Juſtice, and Charge, ſhall place Perſons,
generally taken for Wiſc, Faithful, and fit to adminiſter and manage thoſe
things unto them committed.
That King Henry ſhall ſpeedily indeavour to reduce the Dolphin, and the
Earl of Arminacke, and all their Confederates, to their due Obedience to
the Crown of France.
That King Henry ſhall cauſe all perſons, of what degree, condition, or
quality ſoever, to take a corporal Oath. for their true Obedience to King
Charles during Life, and after his Death to King Henry and his Heirs, and to
admit no other King or Regent, nor conſpire any thing againſt his or their
Perſons or Eſtates, but diſcloſe all miſchiefs plotted or intended, for his or
their hurt or loſs.
That all poſſeſſions King Henry ſhall gain from any Rebel to King Charles
(except in Normandy) Iall be to the uſe and benefit of the French King :
But upon voluntary taking the before mentioned Oaths to be tendred and
taken, then to retain their poſſeſſions freely.
That after the death of King Charles, the Dutchy of Normandy, and what
elſe had been Conquered by King Henry, ſhall return to the Obeyſance of
the Crown of France,
That King Henry hall not over-burthen his Subjects of France with im-
poſitions, but in caſes of urgent neceſſity, and then the ſame to be aſſeſſed
and levied, according to the cuſtom and manner of France, and not
otherwiſe.
That after the death of King Charles, the two Realms of France, and
England, ſhall Sovereignly be Ruled but by one Man, and not to admit two
Kings, and that neither Crown ſhould be ſubject to other, but each of them
to retain, and enjoy their particular Cuftoms, Privileges, Liberties, Immuni-
ties, Laws, and Preheminencies.
That diligent obſervation be uſed, to retain both Nations in fraternal con-
cord, and mutual friendſhip, as Brethren and Friends.
That
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
119
1
That neither King ſhall conclude any Peace, and make any truce with the An. 1420 .
Dolphin, except they and the Duke of Burgoyne, all three conſent thereto. R. 8.
That none ſhall be placed about the French Kings perſon, but Frenchmen
ſuch as he by his Council ſhall make choice of, and ſhall reſide wherefoever
in the Kingdom at his pleaſure.
And laſtly, That both the Kings under their great Seals, and all their
Peers, Prelates, Comminalties, Gentry, and Corporations, under their uſual
Seals, ſhall ratifieand confirm the Articles of Agreement, and ſhall all Swear
to obſerve them, to their uttermoſt Abilities and Power.
the Duke of
Burgoyne.
Theſe thus concluded, were Proclaimed publickly, both in England and
France, the Kings with their Nobility preſent, being ſolemnly Sworn to the
obſervation of them.
This cauſed a folemn Proceſſion, upon the fourteenth of June following
in London, and a Sermon at St. Pauls Croſs being Friday, wherein the
Preacher amongſt other things, affirmed that for perpetual manifeſtation of
this ſo honorable an accord, that the old Seal was to be broken, and a new
Great Seal to be made, wherein the Kings Title as Regent of France, and
Heir apparant to the Crown thereof, and three Flower-de-Luces , in-
ſtead of ſix formerly born in the Scutcheon of Arms was to be in-
graven.
There was likewiſe a private League contracted between King Henry and A League with
the Duke of Burgoyne, to this effect;
That the Duke to the uttermoſt of his beſt Abilities, ſhould endeavour
the continuation of the former Agreements, that one of the Dukes Siſters
ſhould be Matched to one of the King's Brothers, that after the death
of Charles, he ſhould do Fealty to the King of England; that King Hen-
ry ſhould proſecute the murtherers of the Duke's Father, with all ex-
tremity; and that if any of them, or the Dolphin ſhould in any place
be taken, that they ſhould not be delivered without condigne puniſh-
ment, without the conſent of the two Kings, and the three Eſtates of both
Kingdoms.
That the Duke ſhould have aſſurance of Lands, for the annual payment,
of the fee of twenty thouſand pounds Paris, to him and his Wife, and the
Heirs males betwixt them to be begotten; and that King Henry upon the
receiving his homage, ſhould confirm the ſame.
This thus finiſhed, King Henry invites the King and Queen of France,
with the Duke and Dutcheſs of Burgoyne, with all the Nobles of France
there, to a ſtately Banquet, the Ceremonies whereof ended, he made unto
them ſo pithy and pathetical Oration, declaring therein the utility of the
union of the two Kingdoms, his right to them, on the ſurer ſide, with
proteſtation of as true love, and affection to France, as if a Native there-
of, and promiſes of tender regard, to be always by him extended to-
wards them, with all Filial reſpect, and Dutiful obſervance to his Father
and Mother in Law; and the true performance of all and every part of the
Agreement; and ſo perſuading them to mutual Love, and Friendſhip
amongſt themſelves, and Truth and Loyalty to their Sovereign; with an
expreſſion of deteſtation of the late murther of the Duke of Burgoyne,
and giving aſſurance of this deſire to procure the revengement thereof he
concluded.
The next day following, James the young King of Scots arrived; and
upon
120
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
1
1
1
of Garter,
An. 1420. upon the fourth day of Fune, King Henry with the French King, the King
R. 8. of Scots, the Duke of Burgoyne, the Prince of Orange, one and twenty
Earls, five and forty Barons, with many Knights and Gentlemen, with an
Army conſiſting of French, Engliſh, Scottiſh, Iriſh, and Dutch, to the
number of ſixty ſix thouſand, marched towards the Dolphin, and upon
the ſeventh day laid Siege to the Town of Seins, that fided with the Dol-
phin, which after four days Siege yielded, and thereof the Lord Bonvile
was made Captain; from thence they removed, having the Duke of Bed.
ford in their company, who had brought out of England, large fupplies of
Men and Mony to Monſtreau en falte Yon, which was taken by Eſcalado;
here the murthered Duke of Burgoyne being buried, from thence his Son
cauſed his bones to be taken up, and carried to Digeon in high Burgoyne,
and there interred by his Father Philip ; The Caſtle held out; and during
The Crcation the Siege thereof, King Henry Created an Officer of Arms, to be King
of Heralds over the Engliſhmen, and entitled him Garter, whom he had
principal
King of Arms. formerly ſent with offers of mercy to the Caſtle, but was by the Cap-
tain thereof reproachfully upbraided, for puniſhment of which his pre-
ſumption, a Gibbet was ere&ed, and in view of Mounſieur Guitry the
Caſtle Captain, Twelve of his Friends were Executed; whereupon the
Caſtilions treated for peace, but the King in eight days together would
not vouchſafe a Parle; fo that after they had born the brunt of ſix
weeks Siege, they were inforced, with ſaving of Lives, fimply to yield.
The Earl of Warwick was appointed to examine by poll all the Priſo-
ners, and others that yielded, to find out any that had been privy, or
parties to the murther of the Duke of Burgoyne ; and was afterward
made Governour both of Caſtle and Town. From thence the King march-
ed to Melun upon Seine, which was beſieged the thirteenth of July, the
Captain whereof was Barbaſon a Gaſcoyne, a skilful Souldier, and of
ap-
proved valiancy; and as Hannibal in War, was not more ready to in-
vent ſtratagems, then Quintus Fabius to prevent them; fo King Henries
Counſel could not be more wilely to win, then Burbaſon was. wary to
defend.
The King by Land and Water ſtopped all paſſages, making uſe of his be-
fore-mentioned floats, to paſs his Souldiers over the River ; yet Barbuo
fon ſallied out, and fell upon the Earl of Warwicks Quarter, where if he
had not been the more valiantly reſiſted; the Duke of Burgoynes Men
had taſted of their fury. The Duke of Bavier, another of King Charles Son
in Law, (bur his Dutcheſs was dead) with ſeven hundred well-appointed
Horſe
men, came to the Camp, which were preſently liſted under the
Kings pay. Barbafon fountermined fome, and ſtopt other mines made by
the Engliſh, and fou ht Hand to Hand in the Barriers with King Henry
yet notwithſtanding all his circumſpect care, and praiſe worthy diligence;
when he found he was to fight againſt the two bitter Arrows of Gods
wrath, Famine and Peſtilence, he humbled himſelf to the King, who
pardoned all that were not guilty of the forenamed murther, where-
of Barbafon being ſuſpected, and others that were found faulty, were
ſent to Paris under the conduct of the Duke of Clarence, whom King
Charles made Captain of Delea that City, and was accordingly admitted
into the poſſeſſion of all the ſtrength thereof; and preſently thereupon
both the Kings with their Queens, the Duke of Burgoyne and his Dutcheſs,
with a Royal Train caine thither, where they were moſt magnifi-
cently
ز
2
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
I 2 I
R.9.
cently entertained; the French King was lodged in the Houſe of Saint
Paul, and the King of England, in the Caſtle of Lover ; Here the three The ratificati
States of France, apew under their Hands and Seal, in moſt authentick on of the a-
manner, ratified the former Agreement, the inſtruments
, whereof were de- up in this
livered to the King of England, who ſent them to be kept in his Treaſury Treaſury at
at Westminſter,
Westminſter.
Now King Henry began to exerciſe his Regency, and as a badge of his
authority, he cauſed a new coin, which was called a Salute, to be made,
whereon the Arms of France and England were quarterly ſtamped; He
there heard the appeal of the Dowager of Burgoyne againſt the Dolphin,
whoſe Advocates in his behalf, made large offers for ſatisfaction, but
they were adjourned to another day. He placed and diſplaced divers Of
ficers, and appointed the Duke of Exeter, with five hundred men, to the
guard of Paris. Sir Gilbert Umphrevile was made Captain of Melun, and
the Earl of Huntington, of Bloyes de Vinces, King Henry awarded out Pro.
ceſs againſt the Dolphin, to appear at the Marble Table at Paris, which
he not obeying, ſentence was denounced againſt him, as guilty of the
murther of the Duke of Burgoyne, and by the ſentence of the Parliament,
the Dolphin was baniſhed the Realm.
The King with his beloved Queen Katherine, the ſixth of January, feft An.
1421.
Paris, and came to Roan, where he received homage of all the Nobility,
as well ſuch as were enobled by deſcent of the French, as ſuch as were dig.
nified by deſert of the Engliſh; and making Thomas, Duke of Clarence,
Lieutenant general of France and Normandy, and his Deputy in Normandy,
the Earl of Salisbury : having finiſhed his Chriſtmas, he with his Queen
went to Amiens, and from thence to Callice, and thence landing at Dover,
came to Canterbury, and afterward thorow London to Weſtminſter, where
the Queen upon Saint Mathewes day, the fourth of February, with all Queen Katbe-
Ceremonies, Rites, and accuſtomed Solemnities was Crowned. The King rine Crowned.
of Scots ſitting at dinner in his Eſtate, but on his left hand the Queen ;
the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and the Kings Uncle the Biſhop of Win-
chefter being on his right hand, all were ſerved with covered Meſſes of ſilver,
but all the Feaſt was Filh, in obſervation of the Lent Seaſon.
King Henry, by his Ghoſtly Father being inſtructed, that the ſureſt ſtone
that can be laid for the foundation of future felicity, muſt be digged out of
the quarry of Piety, firſt viſited many places of devotion, by way of Pil- King Henrys
grimage, and then took his progreſs through the Land, and knowing Piety.
that great evils may grow out of the ſmalleſt cauſes, if neglected, he by
the
way
reformed all miſdemeanours, whereof he received notice, hea-
ring with a diligent ear, the complaints .of his poor Subjects, taking
order for the adminiſtring of juſtice, to high and poor, neither ſparing
the great for might, nor the mean for miſery : And Thewing that exam- An. 1421.
ples are the beſt Lectures, and vertue the beſt example; after he had ſet his
Miniſters a Copy thereof, he gave meeting to the Queen at Leiceſter,
where they kept their Eaſter.
In the mean time, the Duke of Clarence making à Road into Anjon,
with the Garriſons of Normandy, came to the City of. Angers, where he
Knighted Sir William Roffe, Sir Henry Goddard, Sir RowlandVider, Sir Tho-
mas Bedford, his natural Son:And returning home laden with prey, was
advertiſed, that the Duke of Alanfon, intended to intercept his paffage; he
therefore ſent the Skowt-maſter, Andrew Fogola, to diſcover the face of the
Ene-
R. 9.
+
A
IL2
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
Clarence be.
trayed.
kime.
.
1
Enemy who being a treacherous Lombard, and having been corrupted by the
Enemy, at his return reporteth their number to be but ſmall
, meanly ar-
med, and worſe ordered; ſo that if preſently, charged, there could be no
reſiſtance. The Dukes credulity cauſeth him to draw all his horſes
toge
ther , leaving the ſtrength of the field, his Bowes and Bills behind, with
them he makes towards the Enemy; the Traytour leading to a ſtraight,
where by his appointment an ambuſh was laid, that the Duke could nei-
The Duke of ther retreat nor fee, which perceiving, the Duke with a valiant courage
told the Earl of Tanckervile, that their chance was very hard, when no
means was left, but to ſell their Lives at the deareſt rate to their Enemies,
and ſo ſerting ſpurs to his horſe, charged upon the Enemy : but over-laid
with multitude, and over-wearied with fight, the Duke of Clarence, the
Robert Vmpbre. Earl of Tarckervile , the Lord Roffe, the Earl of Angus Kyme, Sir John
was both Ear: Lumley, and Sir John Verend; with above two thouſand Engliſh were
of Angus and; Hain; the Earls of Somerſet, Suffolk, and Pearch, Sir John Berckley, Sir Ralph
Nevile, Sir William Bowes, and threeſcore Gentlemen were taken Prilo-
ners. The Baſtard Clarence having an inckling of the Lombards treachery,
brought on his Archers, whom the French perceiving to approach, fléd
with their Priſoners, leaving the dead undiſpoyled, by which means the
Lord Fitz-water, and fome others were found wounded, and almoſt ſti-
Med amongſt the carkaſles; The bodies of the dead were by the foot-men
buried, except the Duke of Clarence, who by Sir John Beauford, his baſe
142F.
Son. the Duke dying without other iſſue, was conveyed to England, and
buried at Canterbury, by his Father. This happened upon Eaſter Eve.
The King was at Beverly, when he had notice of his Brothers death, and
preſently thereupon,• he diſpatched away Edmond Earl of Mortaigne into
Normandy, making him Lieutenant thereof. Then calls he his high Court
of Parliament to V’eſtminſter, whereiti he enforced the neceſſity of ſpeedy
at Weftmënſter. purſua: ce of the Dolphin and his Adherents, and eaſineſs of revenging
the loſs of his Brother, and their friends and allies, in caſe they would
furnith him with Money,. Men and Animunition, being in readineſs provi-
ded; whereupon the Clergy chearfully granted two Tenths, and the Tem-
poralty readily one,Fifteen, and for that the Kings haſte could not well
ſtay the wonted courſe of collection thereof by Parliamentary way.
The Biſhop of Wincheſter layed forth to be received again of the
diſmes of the Spiritualty twenty thouſand pounds, ſo willing was the rich
Cardinal to have his Brother Clarence death revenged.
The King thus provided with money, ſent his Brother the Duke of
Bedford, with the Army to Callice, conſiſting of four thouſand men at
Arms, and four and twenty thouſand Archers, himſelf about the mid-
dle of May followeth, and ſafely Arriving at Callice he hafted to relieve
King Henry
Chartres, whom the Dolphin with ſeven thouſand men had beſieged, and
coming to Maunt , heard that the Dolphin was retired to Yours. The
Duke of Burgogne, who had received and feaſted the King, with his Fa-
ther and Mother-in-law at Monſtruell, and from thence came with the
An.
1421.
King to Muunt, went back to Piccardy, to reſiſt the inſolencies of Sir Ja-
The King of Scots, with the Duke of Gloceſter, about the eighth of July,
ficged.
beſieged Dreux, which upon the eighth of Auguſt compounded; That if
they were not reſcued before the tvventieth of that morieth; to deliver up
the Town, the Souldiers with their goods, to march whicher they.vvould,
upon
A Parliament
returns to
France.
R. 9.
ques de Harcounts.
Dyeux be.
S
հ
17
R.9.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
I 23
upon which day no reſcue came, they had all leave to depart, except one | An. 1422
Searl an Engliſhman, fled
thither for Treaſon out of Roan, whom they pre-
ſently Executed, and the Town was delivered to the King of Scots, whereof
the Earl of Worceſter was made Captain, and Sir Henry Mortimer Bailiff.
The King purſued the Dolphin from place to place, but he was too fleet of
Foot, to be eaſily overtaken: In the way King Henry ſurprized the Town of
Bangency, but took them all to mercy. that craved it; the like he did at Rit-
gemounte, from thence Victual failing, he went to Orleans, and from thence
to Vignei Sainct Yon, where he ſtajed a while to refreſh his Men, and from
thence to Paris, and having there fitted himſelf with ſupplies, he went and
fat down before Menix in Brye, a Town no leſs well Victualled then Man-
ned, and no better furniſhed then fortified, nevertbeleſs
, after many aſſaults,
the beſieged forſook the Walls
, and drew into the Market-place, where they
began Works for their defence; from whence being likewiſe beaten, the
King had potleſſion of that, and all the Fortreſſes in the Ille of France, in
Lonvaus, in Brge, and.in Champaine.
The Duke of Bedford in the Kings abſence, called a Parliament in Eng- in the langs
land, in which was granted to the King, towards the maintenance of his abſence called
Wars, one Fifteen to be paid in ſuch monies, as at the time of the grant were
1
A Parliament
current.
m«y.
Upon St. Nicholas day, Queen Katherine was brought to bed of a Son The birth of
at Windſor, who was by the Duke of Bedford, and Henry Biſhop of Win- Henry the VI.
cheſter, and the Counteſs of Holland, Chriſtned by the Name of Henry,
whereof when the King had notice, out of a Prophetick diſpoſition, he
ſaid, Good Lord, I Henry born at Monmouth, ſhall fmall time Reign, and
much get; and Henry born at Windſor, ſhall long Reign and loſe all, but
Gods will be done.
Divers Frenchmen under the leading of Oliver de Many, who had given
Faith never to bear Arms againſt the King of England, entred Normundy,
and did rob and ſpoil the Country; but being by the Earl of Suffolk en-
countred, he was after a long and deſperate Fight taken, and all his Confede-
rates routed; the King notwithſtanding his breach of Faith, put him not to
death, but ſent him Priſoner to England, where he died.
The Dolphin laid Siege to Coſney, who made compoſition, that if they bregredo com
were not reſcued.by the King of England, within ten days to ſurrender.
The King was ſo intentive to the reſcuc, that he over-heat himſelf with tra-
vel, and coming to Senlis, found himſelf ſo diſtempered, that he was in.
forced to remain there, and ſend his Brother Duke of Bedford, to proſecute
the deſign, who effected the ſame : The Dolphin upon his approach, raiſed
the Siege, and diſhonorably retired into Berry, whereof in mockage he was
after called King of Berry. The Queens untimely viſit
, who not long before
having taken Shipping at Southampton, with a gallant Company of freſh-men
raiſed, and furniſhed at her own charge, under the conduct of the Duke of
Bedford, was come into France, whoſe coming did much increaſe the Kings
Fever, in ſo much that by the perſuaſion of the Doctors, and direction of
the Kings Council againſt her own will
, and the Kings deſire, whoſe ardent
affection unto her could hardly brook her abſence, the left the King, who
after her departure, growing worſe and worſe, was removed to Blo;'s,
where within few days he yielded up his Conqueſts, to the all-Conqueror,
who ſent him Crowned with never-dying Victory to the place of ever-li-
King Henry
ving Glory:
?
dieth.
Some-
i
i
I 24
The Life and Reign of Henry the'Fifth.
An. 1422.
R.9.
General of
Gloceſter Pro.
redor.
C.
Somewhat before his departure out of this World, he made the Duke of
Bedford, Lieutenant General of Normandy, and Regent of the Kingdom of
The Duke of France; and the Duke of Gloceſter, Protector of England, and his Sons
Bedford, made
Perſon, exhorting all to be true and friendly to the Duke of Burgoine, to
Normandy be at unity amongſt themſelves, to be Loyal to their young Prince, to be
the Duke of ſerviceable to his dearly beloved Queen, to hold and preſerve, what he by
his Valour and Gods aſſiſtance had wan; never to conclude contract of
amity with the Dolphin, or the Duke of Alanſon, until they had ſubmitted
themſelves to the Kings grace : and ſo giving God thanks for all his former
favours, and bleſſings beſtowed upon him, he died the laſt of Auguſt,
1422. in the eight and thirtieth year of his age, when he had reigned
nine years, five months, and four and twenty days.; his Body was carried
to Weſtminſter, and there buried amongſt bis Anceſtors
, his character ap-
peareth belt when it is referred to his recollection of himſelf; for as he
was in youth the moſt untowardly, ſo in his riper years he approved him-
ſelf of great nobleneſs and vertue: his Stature was tall, his Perſonage flen-
der, but very ſtrong and active; he was, faith Walſingham, mødeſtus vultus,
actu magnanimus, of courage Invincible, and fortunately Victorious in ali
his Battels, never receiving check in any; of nature Liberal, of diſpoſition
Affable, of a generous Spirit, of indefatigable Conſtancy; he was Wiſe
and Provident in Counſel, in Judgment Upright and Juſt, in his Speech
Sober, in Countenance Majeſtick, in Comportment Magnanimous, born
and bred for Conqueſt, of Life Unreprovable, and in his Death generally
greatly lamented ; in brief, his deeds gave cauſe of admiration to Con-
temporaries, and imitation to others, as having Spirit to dare, and a
Power to do bravely: he was married to Katharine, Daughter of Charles
the ſixth King of France, whoſe company ſhe enjoyed but two years and
three months, by whom he had Iſſue only Henry, that ſucceeded him in
the Crown: Her affections after tyed her to Owen Theodor, a Gentleman of
no extraordinary Linage, but abſolute for the lineaments of his Body, by
whom ſhe had Iſſue three Sons, Edmond, Jaſper, and Owen: Edmond was
after Earl of Richmond, and married Margaret, Daughter and ſole Heir of
John Duke of Somerſet, Grand-child to John of Gaunt (by his Son John)
and by her had Iſſue Henry Earl of Richmond, afterward King of England,
by the Name of Henry the Seventh. This Margaret by the approvement or
command of her Son, made orders, yet extant, for great Eſtates of Noble
Women and Ladies, for Preçedency and Attire, which orders at this day
are greatly abuſed by mean perſons to the wrong and diſhonour of true
defervers. 2. Jaſper was Earl of Pembroke, and Duke of Bedford.
:
1
7
+
1
THE
7
.
125
THE
11
1
LIFE and REIGN
1
OF
King HENRY VI
1
។
1'
H
oli
的​。
ENRY the Sixth, born at Windſor, an Infant of nine An. 1422.
Rhe
months old, began his Reign the laſt of August, Anno
R. I.
Dom. 1422. The Government of the Realms pre-appoin-
ted by the Father on his death-bed, and after confirmed
by the Nobility, was committed to Humphrey Duke of
Gloceſter. The guard of his Perſon, to Thomas Duke of
Exeter, and Henry Bewford, Biſhop of Wincheſter; and to
John Duke of Bedford, was appointed the Regency of France. This
triple twine, until the time unhappily untwiſted, kept the Wheels in order-
ly motion, that guided the Clock of good Government in this Realm ;
ſo that there was in the beginning of their proceeding, no diſproportion
or diſagreement betwixt them, but all things were continued adviſedly and
well. The Protectors knowing that it is Treachery to Wiſdom in mana-
ging great Affairs, not to be directed by the dew of adviſe, made choiſe of
grave and diſcreet Councellors ; bywhoſe approvement he ma de proviſion
of all things neceſſary, as well for quiet Governing the Engliſh, as for re-
taining the Conquered parts of France in obedience, and further Con-
queſt of ſuch as yet were refractory: leaving nothing undone that might
.conduce to the honour and happineſs of the Eftate of the young King and
the Realm:
The Regent of France was not backward on his part, but endeavoured
all that was poſſible, to ſecond the Protectors care: But the death of Charles The Dolphin
Proclaimed
the ſixth, and the Proclaiming the Dolphin King of France, by the Name of King.
Charles the Seventh, gave the Regent juſt cauſe to ſuſpeat the tergiverſation
of the French. Whereupon he increaſeth the Garriſons, and ſufficiently
furniſheth all.places of import, with Men and Ammunition, exhorting the
Normans, to continue conſtant, according to their Fealty made to the
King of England: On the other ſide, the new King of France makes pro- Purprized by
viſion in all places, to draw his Forces together : And in the mean time, the French.
ſends the Lord Granvile to Pont Melan, who ſurpriſed the ſame, putting all
the Engliſh Soldiers to the Sword; for revenge whereof, and the recovery
of the Town, the Regent ſent the ever to be commended Commander, Reduced by
Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, with convenient Forces thither, who
Salisbury.
M
1
Pont Milan
1
the Earl of
+
for
I
1
7.26
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
R. 3.
renewed with
Burgoyne.
ar Paris.
Prevented
)
An. 1422.11 for the ſpace of two months, ſo ſtraightly beleagred the ſame, that the Lord
Granvile ſurrendred the ſame, and ſware (but fallly) to be a true Man to
the King of England: Hereof was Sir Henry Mortimer made Captain,
and Sir Richard Vernon of the Caſtle. From thence he marched to Seyne,
which he took by aſſault, and put all the Soldiers (except the Captain
Sir W’illiam Maryn) to the Sword, and thereof made Captains, Sir Hugh
Godding, and Sir Richard Aubemond, the firſt of the Town, the other of
the Caſtle.
The League
The Regent, the Duke of Burgoyne, and John Duke of Britain, meet
at
Amiens, and renewed the old League, and further inlarged it ; to be defen-
ſive and offenſive reſpectively: And knowing that affinity for the moſt part,
is the trueſt entertainer of Friendſhip, and unqueſtionable obligation of
amity; the Regent afterward marrieth Anne, the Siſter of Burgogne, at Troys:
A Conſpiracy! In the mean time the Pariſians conſpired, to have let in the new King into
Paris; but the day before the night appointed for his admiſſion, the Duke
with his power entred, apprehended the Conſpirators, and
put
them to
publick Execution; which done, he furniſhed all the Forts, and places of
Strength with Engliſhmen, ſent Sir John Falſtaffe, who took in Pacy, and
and puniſhed. Courlay; two ſtrong. Caſtles, whilſt be with his Forces took in Tragnells and
Bray úpon Seyne.
The Conſtable the while, with all the new Kings Forces, laid Siege to
Cravant in Burgojne. But the Regent and the Duke of Burgoyne, ſent their
Forces under the conduct of the never-ſufficiently to be praiſed: Earl of Sa-
lishiry, who having with great difficulty, and ſmall loſs paffed the River of
Yoro, ſeconded by the Burgonians, fet upon the French, and after a long and
doubtful-fight, put the French
. to flight; Naying about eighteen hundred
Knights and Gentlemen of note, and three thouſand common Soldiers,
Saottiſh and French , there were taken Priſoners, the Conſtable of France,
who had loſt an Eye in the fight, the, Earl of Ventadour, Sir Alexander Mer
dyn, Sir Lewis Ferigny, and two and twenty, hundred Gentlemen : Of the
Engliſ part were Nain, Sir John Gray, Sir William Hall, Sir Gilbert Halfall
,
one of the Marſhals of the Field, Richard ap Maddock, and one and twen-
ty hundred Soldiers, one with another.
From hence the Earl led his Forces to Montaguillon, and fate down before
it, and after five months Siege took it, whilſt the Duke of Suffolk took in
the two ſtrong Caſtles of Concy, and le Roch.
The Protector in the mean time, ranſomed and enlarged the young King
of Scots, ( who for many years had been Priſoner) taking Homage and
Fealty of him, for the Crown of Scotland; the tenour whereof is thus
Recorded,
The King of
I James Steward King of Scots, ſhall be true and faithfül unto you
Lord
Scots marrieth Henry, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, the Noble and
the Duke of Superiour Lord of Scotland; and to you I make my fidelity, for the faid King-
Daughter. dom, which I hold and claim of you. And I ſhall bear you my Faith, and Fide-
lity of Life and Limb, and Worldly honour, againſt all Men, and faithfully I
shall acknowledge, and fall do you ſervice dne fir the Kingdom of Scotland
aforeſaid ; sa God me help and theſe Holy Evangeliſts.
And after with content of all the Nobility, gave him to Wife the
Lady Jane, Daughter to the deceaſed Duke of Somerſet, and. Couſin
Gerinan to the King, with a large Dowry, beſides many great and rich
gifts beſtowed by the Mother, Uncles, and other her Kindred; but no
courteſie
The French
deſcated.
Somersets
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
127
courteſie or bounty could keep him from proving unfaithful and unthank- | An. 1427.
ful. The Protector with his accuſtomed provident circumſpection to pre R. 6.
vent dangers, that want of ſupplies might bring to the Army, fent over to
the Regent ten thouſand well-furniſhed Soldiers, with all things whereof
he might ſtand in need ; with which freſh ſuccors, he won and valiantly
conquered many Towns, Caſtles, and places of. Strength; whoſe Power
the Frenchmen not ablé to withſtand, began to faſten the Fox's tail to the
Lions skin, and what they could not by courage compaſs
, they attempted
by crafty ſubtilty to accompliſh: firſt they work upon the inconſtancy of
the Duke of Britain, and his Brother Arthur, by King Henry the Fifth crea-
ted Earl of Ivry; theſe two, by gifts and promiſes
, things that blind the
Eyes of the treaſonably minded wiſe, they ſuborned perfidiouſly to deli-
ver over into their poilellion the Caſtle of Crotoy and. Ivry; and what the
Engliſh had won by true mani hood and Valour, they ſtole away with craft
and treachery, but little to their praiſe or profit ; for the Engliſh before the
Garriſons were ſettled, fell upon Crotoy, and took the prey out of the Leo- croeny loft and
pards jaws, and like unkint hoſts made them pay too dear a price for their recovered.
lodgings. Crotoy thus regained, the Regent ſtraightly begirt Ivry, and by
ſecret Mining, fierce Allaults, and violent Batteries, ſo ſhook the Walls
, that
compoſition was made to yield it up, if not relieved by a certain time:
The Regent was throughly reſolved to ſet up his reſt, and to abide battel
what Forces fuever ſhould appvar, and thereof permitted the beſieged to
ſend notice to the French King: The Duke of Alanſon thereupon with ſix-
teen thouſand French approached; but when he perceived the Engliſh were
ready prepared to receive him, according to the French faſhion, at that
time, to brag much and do little, he wheeled about to Vernoil, whereas
perjury is the concomitant of every other ſin, he joyned it to his cowardiſe
,
fwearing to the Townſmen, that he had put the Regent to Flight, and had
beaten him out of the Field, and reſcued Ivry: by his falſe report, he got
Vernoil, whilſt the Regent had lurg furrendred unto him; which being
ſtrengthned and furniſhed, he followed the Cowards to their Cunny-bor-
rough at Vernoil; who by the incouragement of ſome freſh Companies of
Scots come unto their Saccor, came to a Battel in the Field, where the The Engling
Engliſh with the loſs of two thouſand one hundred common Soldiers, and are vi&orious
two of the Nobilicy, Lord Dudley and Lord Charleton, got the Glory of the at Vernoil.
day, and flew of their Enemies, five Earls
, two Vicounts, and twenty Ba-
rons,
and above ſeven thouſand other of the French; belides two thouſand
ſeven hundred Scots lately arrived: The Duke of Alanſon himſelf with the
Baſtard of Alanſon, the Lord of Hormyt, and divers other French, and Sir
John Turnbull, and two hundred Gentlemen, beſides common Soldiers, were
raken Priſoners. This Battel was ſtrook the twenty eighth day of Auguſt; An. 142'4.
Vernoil hereupon without Battery or Affault, upon promiſe of ſafety of the reducti
.
life only, was delivered; and thereof Sir Philip Hall made Captain, and on of Vernoil.
ſufficient Garriſon left him: from thence the Army marched to: Roan,
and from thence to Paris, both which places were at ſtrife which Thould
exceed other in freedom, of welcom and loving entertainment to the
Regent.
This overthrow ſo weakned the new King, that he was inforced to quit
the Country, and went to Porteers, where he eſtabliſhed his high Court
of Parliament, and laboureth his own eſtabliſhment. The valiant Earl of
Salisbury with ten thouſand Men, taketh in the ſtrong Town of Naunts,
M 2
the
.
A
128
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
I
1
R.3.
The French
the Name of
An. 1424. the Town of St. Sufan, le fort St. Bernard, and others; from thence he
went into Anjou, where he performed ſuch Heroick acts, that his very Name
grew terrible in all France; for inſtance, The new high Conſtable, perfidi-
ous Richmond, in hope to do ſomewhat to advance the reputation of his
new Office, with forty thouſand Men, layeth Siege to the good Town of
St. James in Bevion; the Garriſon whereof, confilted but of ſix hundred
Engliſh, who being droven to ſome extremity, bravely (I might ſay deſpe.
rately) at one time fallied forth, crying St. George, a Salisbury; the French.
frighted with
men fearing that they had ſome token given, that Salisbury was come to the
Salisbury. reſcue, or that he was behind in the Town with more Forces, were ſo ſud-
denly affrighted, that the craven Cowards, caſting away their Weapons, ran
all away, ſaving ſome few that yielded themſelves priſoners; Icaving all
thcir Tents, fourteen Pieces of Ordnance, forty Barrels of Pouder, three
hundrej Pipes ot Wine, two hundred Pipes of Bisket and Flouer, two hun-
dred Pieces of Raiſins and Figs, five hundred Barrels of Herrings, much
Armor, and ſome Treaſure.
At this time Sir John Montgomery, and Sir John Falſtaffe, with two thou-
fand Men, entred into Anjou and Mayne, and took the Caſtles of Beamont,
Vicount, Tcune, Silly, Oſce, Courceriers, Ronſey, Vaſicke, Covetenement, and ve-
ry many others; ſo that it appeareth, at that time, it was, but for the Eng-
liſh to ask and have, ſo pittifully were the French cow'd with the Regents
proſperity.
The French were come to their old courſe of fraud, and had compound-
ed with a Gaſcoyne Captain there, for the delivery of Alanſon to the Enemy;
notice being given hereof, the Lord Willoughby, and Sir John ļalſtaffe, with
two thouſand Men, were ſent to ſpoil the Market, who encountering with
the chief Merchant Charles de Villiers; who with two hundred Horſe, and
three hundred Foot, were come to the place appointed for their entry; took
and New them all, except ſome few Horſe, which ſaved themſelves by fly-
ing away. The Lord Willoughby with his' Troops, returned to the Earl of
Salisbury, who victoriouſly proceeded, taking in and demoliſhing, above
forty Caſtles and ſtrong Piles; the News thereof in England cauſed pub-
lick Proceſſions, and general Thankſgiving to God, in London and other
A jar betwixt places
. Nevertheleſs
, an unkind variance, and a jar betwixt the Protector
and the Biſhop of Wincheſter Lord Chancellor ariſing, endangered the quiet
in England
draws the Rc of the Commonwealth, for the appealing whereof, the Regent having ſub-
gent into Eng- ſtituted the Earl of Warwick Lieutenant General in his abſence, came
into England, where a Parliament being convoked, he therein diſcreetly
Arbitrated, and compounded all differences betwixt the Protector and
Wincheſter, and to the comfort of the Council, and content of all, ſtinted
the quarrel
. In honour whereof the King of England kept a folemn Feaſt,
at which time the Regent dubbed the King Knight, who inveſted with that
dignity many of his Servants, and created Richard, Son of Richard late Earl
King Knigh
of Cambridge, Duke of York; and reſtored John Mowbray to the Dutchy
of Norfolk
In the mean time the Earl of Warwick Conquered many Strong places in
Mayne, and made preparation to fight a ſet Battel, whereunto he was chal-
lenged by the French; but they ſaid never the ſooner for a halty word, their
Hearts were in their Heels, and in ſtead of coming on to fight, they took
their fight another way, a day before the prefixed time of Battet.
All things peaceable ſettled in England, the Rcgent with the Biſhop of
Wincheſter
1
the Brothers
land.
The young
ted.
The Life and Reign of Henry
129
, the ſixtli
.
!
R. 3.
*
new Wifc.
Wincheſter returned into France, where at the interceſſion of the Duke of An. 1424.
Burgogne, the Duke of Alanſon was ranſomed for two hundred thouſand
Crowns.' The Biſhop of Wincheſter returned to Callice, where he was The Regent
inveſted with the Hat, habit and dignity of a Cardinal, I dare not think be- returns to
cauſe he was a Clergy Man, that he ambitiouſly affected, or otherwiſe France.
contracted for that place: but the advantage of a Bull from the Pope was a
means for him, in ſhort time to gather a great maſs of Mony, ſo that ma-
ny wondred at his wealth, but few approved his proceedings.
Whilſt thus in France, the Engliſh proſperouſly aided by the Almighty
Power, in a good quarrel every where prevailed, Humphry Duke of Glo-
ceſter, who inveigled (by the enticing behaviour of an unconſtant Woman)
had married more for luft (which always hunts after new pleaſures) than
for love, which is contented with due delights, Jaqueline of Bavier Coun.
teſs of Henalt, Holland, and Zeland, who had formerly been coupled in
Matrimony to John Duke of Brabant yet living (with whom ſhe had lived
as Man and Wife ten months) with his ſaid Lady, croſt the Seas to Ber-
gen Hennalt, and took in her right the homage of the Country, which not
a little diſquieted her former Husband, and much diſpleaſed his Brother the
Duke of Burgoyne, inſomuch that the Duke of Burgoyne relying of his fa- Burgoyne by
priliarity with the Engliſh, and their reſpect to Honour, wrote a kind Let- fivades Gloce-
ter unto the Duke, wherein he intimated, how he was abuſed by his ſaid fer from his
Lady, and how great a diſ-repute, he would caſt upon his actions, if upon
notice of her Husbands the Duke of Brabants claim, both to her and her
poſſeſſions, he did not freely relinquiſh both unto him; withal admo-
niſhing him with the danger, of holding another Mans Wife, and uſurping
her firſt Husbands Rights and Titles.
But the Duke of Burgoyne perceiving that he lowed but in the Sunds,
whilſt he wrote in that kind, ſends him a Challenge on part of the Duke of
Britain, to fight with him body to body, according to the Law of Arms; but
Glocesters hot affection, being by this time ſomewhat llacked, and re-
membring himſelf, how much his Honour by theſe courſes was blemiſhed,
he did neither accept, nor deny the Challenge; but only craved time to re-
turn into England, to diſpoſe of his Eſtate, and then he would give him
quirable ſatisfaction: In the mean time, the incendiary of theſe turmoyles
is betray'd by the Montiſts to the Duke of Burgoyne, who conveyed her to
Gaunt, from whence ſhe eſcaped into Holland, where ſhe made a defen-
five War againſt her Husband, and the. Duke of Burgoyne, who both laid
hard unto her Territories.
But Pope Martin, having pronounced the contract of Matrimony with
Gloceſter, utterly unlawful ; made the Dukes more earneſt in the proſe-
cution againſt the Lady: in the mean time the Duke of Gloceſter, though he
declined his affection, not willing the world ſhould think he deſerted her
altogether, ſent the Lord Fitz-walter to her aid, with a power of Engliſh-
men, who joyning with the Dutcheſs Forces about Brewers Haven near
Zerix, was encountred by the Duke of Brabant, who gave them a great
overthrow (the foulneſs of the cauſe, and the unjuſtneſs of the quarrel ,
having blunted the wonted reſolution of the Engliſh) the news of that over-
throw, and of the Popes ſentence coming together to the Duke of Gloce-
lifters Ears
, to comfort himſelf againſt the one, and to free himſelf from the
other, he gave his old Wife a diſcharge and forſaking Jaqueline, takes for a
ſecond, Elianor Daughter of Lord Cobham of Streborough his old Miſtreſs.
The
re
M 3
1
130
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
.
An. 1424.
R. 3.
the Frencb.
1
The Conſtable of France, with forty thouſand men, beſieged the Town
of St. James de Benuron, and having planted his battery, made a breach, as
they deemed, aſſaultable; which whilſt the French were ſtraining courtelie,
who ſhould firſt enter, Sir Nicholas Burdet, with all his forces (leaving the
Townf-men to receive the aſſailants) ſallyes forth, both they within and
The name of thoſe without, crying aloud, a Salisbury, a Suffolk; the names whereof
Salisbury a ſtroke ſuch a terrour amongſt the beſiegers, that they either diſorderly ran
Bug-bear to
away, or ſtood like men amaz'd, till their throats were cut, of which fix
hundred were ſlain, two hundred drowned in the ditches, fifty taken
Priſoners, and eighteen Standards were taken, with one Banner; The Con-
ſtable, was glad to quit the place with great loſs, and retired to Fougers.
The Earl of Warwick and the Lord Scales with ſeven thouſand men be-
5426. ſieged Ponterfon, many weeks together; in which time all proviſion grew
very fcanty; inſomuch, that the Lord Scales for the relief of their fo pref-
ſing neceſſities, with three thouſand men forraged a great way into the Ene-
mies Countrey, and in his return with plenty of proviſion, was encountred
with ſix thouſand French, but he flew many hundreds of them, and took a
thouſand and odd Priſoners, and ſo came in fafety to the Camp. The
Porterſon ta.
Enemy had raiſed a great power, to raiſe the Siege, but by the way they fell
ken by thc
Englija. upon the Caſtle of Ramfort (which the Garriſon of Suſan had a little ber
fore ſurpriſed) and there they ſtayed until Ponterſon was yielded, and well
furniſhed, and fortified by the Earl of Warwick, who was returned to the
Regent.
A conſpiracy of the Clergy and Magiſtrates in Mounts fo prevailed,
that the Marſhals of France, with five hundred men, about mid-night came to
the Town Wals, where the guard of Engliſh, by thoſe that ſeemed their
friends, and of one company, were ſuddenly maliacred, and letting open the
gates, gave way to the Enemy to enter ; upon the alarum given, the Earl of
Suffolk with the ſurviving Engliſh (according to directions formerly gi-
ven, in caſe any treachery ſhould be plotted) withdrew to the Caſtle, where
in they were ſharply aflayled by the French; who perceiving no good to be
done
uponi them by affault, knowing how ill they were provided for necef-
ſaries for a Siege, careleſly neglected them, falling to raniacking houſes, and
making good chear; whereof the Lord Talbot having intelligence by Cap-
tain Goffe, whom the Lord Talbot (who from Alanſon was by night marches
with ſome forces, come within two miles of Mounts) had ſent to diſcover
theſtate of the French; he ſecretly gave notice to the Earl of Suffolk, who
at the hour appointed, ſallied forth of the Caſtle; at what time the
Lord Talbot was ready with his Troops, and on both ſides Crying, Saint
George a Talbot, they fell upon the careleſs French, whº loſt four hundred
of their beſt men, the reſidue were all taken, the Town regained; and the
Conſpirators, thirty Citizens, twenty Pricſts, and fifteen Fryers, found out,
condemned, and executed.
1427
Now the triple cord began to be untwiſted, and one of the great ſupporters
of the young Kings weakneſs, the right noble Thomas Beuford (Son of
John of Gaunt, and Katherine Swyneford) Duke of Exeter, Protector of
the King, makes King Henry his Heir; and at Eaſt-Greenwich in Kent, takes
leave of this mortal life ; This Thomas Duke of Exeter married Marga-
ret the Daughter of Sir Thomas Nevill of Hornby Caſtle, but had no iſſue
by her. To ſupply his room, as Tutor to the King, was the Earl of War-
wick appointed, whoſe place in France was ſupplyed by the Earl of Sa-
lisbury,
19
Mounts re-
caken.
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
131
lisbury the terrour of the French, who with five thouſand men came to An. 1427.
Orleance, and for an enterance to his imployment, with one thouſand old R. 6.
Souldiers, joyned with the new, he beſieged the City. The Baſtard Orleance
had by the ſpace of five miles round, ſpoiled whatſoever might help or ad-
vantage the Engliſh; he himſelf undertaking the defence of the great Fort,
built upon the Eaſt-bridge; from whence making a French bravado, in ſhew
more than a man at firſt, he retired weaker indeed than a woman, with loſs
of many of his Souldiers to the Town,leaving the Engliſh in poſſeſſion of the
Fort. From an High Tower in this Bulwark; out of a Window therein,
thebeſiegers obſerved the paſſages of the Townſmen; about two moneths
after the Siege began, the noble Duke of Salisbury, thinking to inform him.
ſelf of the Itate of the Town, unhappily looking out of this Window,
with Sir Thomas Gargrave, a great ſhot from the Town, ſtricking the bars Salisbury un-
of the Window, the ſplinters whereof were driven into his head and face, timely Nain.
of which wound, within eight dayes after he died. He married Elianor,
Daughter of Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent, by whom he had iſſue, only
Anne, married to Richard Nevill, one of the younger Sons of Ralph Ne-
vill
, Earl of Weſtmerland : he had a baſe Son named John. This Earls
death was a ſecond weakening of the young Kings expected triumphs; for
two limbs of his budding tree, of careful protection and thriving directi-
on, are lopt off by death, and a third began
to be putrified. The Earl of Suf
folk ſucceedeth in the charge of the Siege, who finding neceſſaries wanting,
ſendeth Sir John Falſtaffe
. for ſupplies; the Regent furniſheth him ſpeedily,
and in his return the Lord de la Brets, nine thouſand ſtrong, endeavours to in-
tercept him, but being diſcovered, Sir John reſolved to abide the charge, pla-
ceth his carriages behind, the horſe next, and the foot before, lyning his
Bows with Bill-men, pitching ſtakes behind the Archers, who having loo-
ſed their firſt volley, retired behind the ſtakes, on which the French forget-
ting their former defeats that way, ran and gored their "horſes, and were
forced to light againſt their wills, with a knock on the crown with a brown
Bill, laid on with a ſtrong arm, by which their Vantguard being diſordered,
the Battel made a ſtand ; which Sir John perceiving, cryeth out, Saint George,
the flie; which was no ſooner ſpoken than it proved true, for therewith
they fied, and in the fight and chaſe, the French loſt two thouſand five hun-
dred men, with the Lords de la Brets, and William Steward, and eleven hun-
dred were taken Priſoners; with whom, and a rich booty, they came to the
Camp before Orleance. Hereof the beſieged having notice, hopeleſs of The policy of.
help from the French King, they offered to ſubmit themſelves to the
pro-
tection of the Duke of Burgoyne, who was contented to accept them, upon
the Regents conſent.
This motion pleaſed many of the Councel of War, but the General,
and the reſt more conſiderate, did miſlike it. Whereupon the General re-
turned this anſwer, That ſince the King his Maſter had beſtowed fo long
time, and exhauſted ſo much Treaſure, and ſpent ſo much victuals, beſides
the uncomparable loſs of the Earl of Salisbury, ſlain there; he could not
but think it would much redound to his own diſhonour, and the diſparage-
ment of the renown of the Kingdom of England ; If now the beſieged
were driven to that extremity, that they were not able to fubfift of them-
ſelves; that any other than thoſe that had beaten the buſh, ſhould have the
birds. Then made the beſieged means to the Duke of Alanſon, who uſed
ſuch diligence, that taking advantage of too much ſlackneſs of watch in the
Camp,
the French
i
132
1
Tlie Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
a
The death of
downfall of
Both wiod
and Sun 2.
gliſh
1
An. 1427. Camp, being ſecured (as they thought) from danger of fally from within,
R. 6. or approach of Enemy from without, he furniſhed the Town both with
freſh proviſion and forces, under the coverture of a dark and moſt tempeſtu-
ous night, which put ſuch freſh ſpirit into the Citizens, that they made
brave fally out, and by fine force carried the Bulwark upon the Bridge, and
another Fort, and flew ſix hundred Engliſh, and adventur'd upon the Baſtile,
in which the Lord Talbot commanded, who not being uſed to be coopt up,
valiantly iſſued out, and bravely repulſed them back, with great ſlaughter
and confuſion, into the Town. But the next day, the Earl of Suffolk left
Salisbury, the the fiege, and diſperſed his'Army to their ſeveral places of garriſon ; and in
the Engliſh
his return, the Lord Talbot ſurprized the Town and Caſtle of Lavall. But
good Fortune. now the wheel of fortune began to turn, and diſaſters and diſgraces fell
hudling one upon the neck of another on the Engliſh part.
And firſt the Duke of Alanſon, having raiſed a great power, took by aſ-
gainſt the En
ſault the Town of Jargeux, and therein the Earl of Suffolk, and one of his
Brothers, and flew Sir
Alexander Pole, another of their Brothers, and many
other Priſoners in cold blood, becauſe of the contention among the French,
to whom the Priſoners did belong: Then the Lords, Talbot, Scales, and
Hringerford, with five thouſand Men, going to fortifie the Town of Meum,
were encountred by the ſaid Duke, and Arthur of Britain, and three and
twenty thouſand men, who fiercely affailed them. The Engliſh Lords for
a time endured the ſhock, and enterchanged ſome blows, but oppreſt with
multitude, the three Lords are taken Priſoners, all ſore wounded, twelve
hundred of their Company liain, the reſidue hardly eſcaping to Meum
where they uſed their beſt forces, to fortifie themſelves againſt future aſ.
ſaults. Theſe diſaſters were ſeconded by the perfidious ſurrender of many
Towns and ſtrong Holds to the French King ; who now encouraged by
theſe good luccelles
, marched into Champaigne, where by Compoſition he
took the chief City thereof, Troyes , Chaltons rebelleth, and enforceth
their Captain to yield it up; by whoſe example the Citizens of Reme do
the like; wherein the French King is anew Proclaimed, and there with ac-
cuſtomed Ceremonies anointed and crowned, and is thereby furthered
with the voluntary ſubmiſſion of many Towns, Caſtles, ſtrong holds, who
from every part ſent their ſubjective meſſages unto him.
The Duke of Bedford, with ten thouſand Engliſh, beſides Normans, mar.
ched out of Paris, fending Letters of defiance to the French King, affirming
therein, that he contrary to the accord, betwixt King Henry the fifth, and
King Charles, Father to him that was but an uſurper, by the inſtigation of
The Regent
a feminine Devil, had taken upon him, the Title and dignity of King of
France, and by deceitful and unjuſt means, had ſurreptitiouſly ſtoln (not
French King. conquered) and kept divers Cities and places of import
, belonging to the
Crown of England; for legal proof whereof, by ſtroke of Battel he
was come into that part
, and thereby would juſtifie his Chartel true, and
cauſe juſt, leaving allowance to his Enemy to make choice of the place, and
in the ſame he ſhould be ſure of Battel.
The new King, howſoever perplexed, ſet a good countenance on the mat-
ter, and told the Herald, that he would ſooner ſeek his Maſter, than his
Mafter ſhould need to ſeek him, and without further anſwer diſmiſled him.
The Regent thereupon maketh towards him, and making choice of an in-
different place, encampeth in ſight of the French: and though the King made
few of readineſs to fight, yet he turned faces to the left hand and marched
away.
The French
cvery where
revolt.
id
dcfies the
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
133
1
R.7.
away. The Regent followed him, but could not overtake him, till he came | An. 1428.
near Senlys, where the King was encamped. The Armies on both ſides
were embattailed, and kept in array, as long as it was light, and ſo again the The Armics
next day the Dukes light Horſmen, and the Normans, made many attempts, in array.
and provoked ſome skirmiſhes, as it were to give the French a taſte of their
reſolution ; but the King not willing further to provoke ſuch forward Cava-
liers, in the dead of the night wheeled about and fled to Bray. The Duke
forecaſting that this was but a Plot to draw him further from Paris, of whoſe
fidelity, he had no great aſſurance, followed no further, but with great
grief to the Soldiers returned thither. Whilſt he lay there, he received in-
telligence, That his Brother the Cardinal, was with ſome Forces at Dover
(in proſecution of ſome pact formerly made betwixt Pope Martyn and
him) ready to tranſport them into Boheme,to arbitrate a point of Religion by
the Sword; he thereupon writes to him, and to his Brother of Gloceſter,
thereby intimating to them the wants he had of preſent ſupply, with ſuch
forcible reaſons perſuading, that he prevailed, and the Cardinal with his For-
ces (raiſed to another place and purpoſe) came to the Regent to Paris : The
Regent now the ſtronger by theſe new Forces, having intelligence, that the
King of France was marched into Champaigne, followeth him, and finding
him encamped upon the Mount Pihal, between Senlis and Champaigne,
he pitched in ſight of them, and hourly provoked him to come down, by
the Norman Horſe, who braved him to his Trenches, beating back ſuch as
came forth to skirmiih, without need of ſeconds; when thus in ſight of each
other they had lain for a time, the Regent expecting to be charged, they ha-
ving double the advantage of the number, the French follow their laſt copy,
and ſilently retired to Criſpis. The Regent perceiving their irreſolution to
fight, licenſed the Cardinal to go his pretended journy with his Forces;
whilſt he and his marched back to Paris; of whoſe conſtancy, he was, and
not without cauſe, ever warily jealous, yet gave them no cauſe of diſcovery
thereof.
Upon St. Leonard's day the 6.of November 1429, King Henry being not An. 1429.
full eight years old, was with great ſolemnity Sacred-anointed, and Crown Henry the
ed King at Weſtminſter ; at whoſe Coronation were made thirty ſix Knights ca.
of the Bath.
About this time, the French King, by the inſtigation of that ſhe impoſtor
la Pucelle, who had bewitched the credulity of thoſe times, and was for the
moſt part eſteemed as a Propheteſs; and ſhe again to give ſome colour to
ſettle this opinion, did dare, and do many things beyond the reach, modeſty,
and ſtrength of a Woman, riding Manlike aſtride, and in Armor, making
ſhew of Manhood, and giving forth in ſpeeches, not without ſome oſtenta-
tion, that ſhe was a meſſenger ſent from God, to reconquer out of the Hands
of the Engliſh, whatſoever they had now in poſſeſſion there. By the ſubtle
working of this Medean Virago, the French King was received into Cham-
paigne ; and Senlis and Bravoys were fans blow or battery rendred unto
him, whilſt the Lord Longevile took by ſurpriſe the Caſtle of Aumarle, and
flew all the Engliſh there.
The Caſtle of Galiard was rendred upon compoſition, where in an iron The conſtan
grated Chamber, they found the Lord Barbaſon, who having ſworn to be cy of the Lord
Barbaron.
true Priſoner, could not be induced to come out of that place, until Cap-
tain Kingſton, to whom he had given that Oath, was upon ſafe conduct re-
called, to acquit him, which was accordingly done. A rare example of
conſtancy
1
Sixth Crown-
1
*
1
134
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
F
1
An. 1429. conſtancy in him, conſidering how little Conſcience the reſt of his Nation
R. 8. at that time made of an Oath; yet it may not be forgotten, that of thoſe
that were ſworn at Harflue, either to ſend their ranſoms agreed upon, or to
render their Bodies priſoners at a day prefixed at Callice; of ſeventy three,
not one Gentleman failed, but either ſent his Ranfom, or yielded their Bo-
dies to the Kings mercy.
The French Kings Council were reſolved, that the only way to weaken
the Engliſh, was to diſunite the bond of friendſhip hitherto kept firm, be-
twixt the Regent and the Duke of Burgoyne; to this end are many meſſen-
gers ſent unto him from the French King, whereby he firſt laboureth to clear
himſelf of the murther of his Father ; next he maketh large offers of pre-
ferments, and aſſurance of free pardon of all offences paſt, and his Royal
promiſe of love and friendſhip during life. Hereof the Duke certifieth the
Regent, but withal giveth him a touch of his unkind denial of Orleance
ſubjection unto him. The Regent giveth him many thanks for his kind
notice, and exhorteth him to continue firm, as he had given promiſe, and
he ſhould have no juſt cauſe given him, to repent him of being in League
with England. Nevertheleſs, he took order to prevent haddywiſt, and ſo
to provide, that if the worſt ſhould follow the worſt, he might be affured
of the main, ( which he reckoned Normandy) he the leſs regarded the by,
though he willingly would neglect no part of the whole. "He therefore
appointed the Biſhop of Terowen, Chancellor of the Realm of France un-
der King Henry, with a competent number of Men to guard Paris, whilſt
he departed into Normandy, and at Roan called a Parliament; in which he
inculcated the great benefits that redound to that Nation, by the Friendſhip
of the Engliſh, what large freedoms they had, how infinite rich they might
grow, by holding good correſpondency with that Nation, whereby their
Wines and Linnen cloth, might fairly be exported to England; and Wool
and Lead, and other ſtaple commodities from thence freely be imported
to them, ſetting out at large all the commodity by their Loyalty they
might have, and the diſcommodity they ſhould reap by the other; he con-
cluded with the rightful claim to the Seigniory of Normandy, to his Ne-
phew and King by lawful Inheritance, from Rollo the hardy, firſt Duke
thereof; he now therefore requeſted, that they would confirm their con-
ſtancy to the Crown of England; with manifeliation of their true affecti-
on to him, and ſo they ſhould be allured of protection and defence againſt
all oppoſers.
In the mean time, King Charles that ſlipt no advantage, that cloſe work-
tempts Paris. ing might bring to paſs, having underhand founded the affection of the Pari-
ſians, and finding them wavering, preſuming by the Regents abſence, if he did
but appear before the Walls to carry the City, he drew all his Forces thither,
and uſed all poſſible means, by Eſcalado, Battery, burning the Gates, and what
elſe (ſudden invention guided by furious deſire to carry it) could effect, but
all to no purpoſe; for ſuch was the vigilant care, and hardy reſolution of the
Commanders and Soldiers in defending the ſame, that the King, whom a
But dilap little fighting for his part, would fill his ſtomach, founded the retreat,
and
polated re-
with ſome loſs
, but more diſhonour, leaving his llain and maimed Soldiers
behind him, all ſave the Pufill Impoſtor, which being hurt in the Leg; and al-
moſt ſtilled with mire in the ditch, was by Guiſio Thierborne, a ſervant to the
Duke of Alanſon, drawn up and conveyed after the King to Berry, who in
the way received the ſubmiſſion of the Inhabitants of Laigny.
The
+
Charles at-
trcats.
)
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Fifth.
13,5
1:
The Regent returning to Paris, ſo effe&tually with words and geſture, | An: 1429.
ex preſſed his true acknowledgment of thankfulneſs, for their good Service R.8.
generally, and every ones Faith in the particular; that the Pariſians publick-
ly profeſſed Friends to King Henry, Friends to Paris, Enemies to England,
Enemies to the Pariſians.
Philip Duke of Burgoyne cometh to Paris, where it is concluded in Coun- The Regent
cil, that he ſhall remain for the ſafeguard of the City, whilſt the Regent cope with
infinitely deſirous to affront King Charles in the Field ) makes head againſt King Charles.
the Uſurper, but no certain news could be brought where he was in perſon:
the Regent in his march regained St. Dennis, with divers other Fortlets ad-
joyning. The Baſtard of Clarence laid Siege to the Caſtle of Sorſic, which
after ſix months Siege was yielded unto him.
Sir Thomas Kirjel, with four hundred Engliſhmen, iſſued out of Gourney The Earl of
in Normandy, and waſted the Country, to the Suburbs of Clerimont, all along. fcated.
The Earl of Britain, with his Forces, mer them near Beavoys, who not liking
to charge them with his Horſe, obſerving ſome diſadvantage in the place, or
fearing
their ſtakes, cauſed his Men to diſmount, and to charge them on Foot;
but their entertainment was ſuch, that the Engliſh made ſhift with their own
Horſes to follow them flying, taking two hundred Priſoners, and Playing fix
hundred, and ſo Victoriouſly returned.
The Duke of Suffolk having paid his Ranſom, and ſet at liberty, beſieged
the place, whereof the Lord Rambures was chief, which after four and twen-
ty aſſaults, he cauſed to be rendred ſimply unto him.
Sir Stephen le Hire, with Captain Franquet, with three hundred Men, An. 1430.
marching towards Champaine, which was beleagred by the Duke of Bur.
goyne, the Earls of Arundell and Suffolk, were incountred by Pufill Joan,
and four hundred with her, who fiercely charged them, but being by the
cloſe order of the Engliſh, debar'd from breaking in, ſhe like a Maſty cur,
not daring come too near, ſtood baying until ſhe had drawn out the Gar-
riſons of Laigny, and other Forts, which all fell upon the Engliſh, and made a
great ſlaughter amonſt them, and took the Captain priſoner, who being
preſented unto her (for ſhe was reverenced as a Commander in Chief) be.
cauſe he would not humble himſelf unto her upon the Knee, like her
ſelf againſt Law of Arms, and rule of reaſon, ſhe cauſed his Head to be cut
off, and all his Soldiers taken Priſoners, cruelly to be tlain. From thence
ſhe ſped her to Champaine, into which with her company ſhe entred, the
ſame as yet not being beſieged round. Upon Aſcenſion day at Night, this
Amazonian Virago fällied out upon the Lord Bawdoe de Noyels quarter,
where ſhe did but little hurt, and was repulſed, though her Plot was to have
fired his Lodgings: two Nights after by the ſame place, (the Bridge towards
Montdrider) with five hundred Men at Arms, ſhe fallied out again, but be-
ing diſcovered by Sir John of Lutzenborough, her company was defeated, The Prfill
and ſhe taken, and preſented to the Duke of Burgoine, who ſent her to the Joan taken.
Regent, who ſent her to the Biſhop of the Dioceſs; who after judicial pro-
ceeding againſt her as a Sorcereſs, and deceiver of the King and his Sub- Procceded
jects, by her ſeeming (hew of Sanctity, and her inhumane cruelty, againſt agair.ft
.
the King of England and his Subjects, was after her many delajes of promiſe
of diſcovery, of ſecret practices, and laſtly, of her fained pregnancy, burned Burned.
The Siege ſtill continued before Champaine, whither the Regent ſent the
Earl of Huntington, and Sir John Robfert, who brought freſh ſupplies of
all
at Roan.
1
1
136
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R.9.
perſon gocth
into France.
An. 1430. all things. But Philip the Duke of Brabant being dead, and the Duke of
Burgoyne going thither to take poſſeſſion of the Dutchy, as undoubted Heir,
Sir Fohn of Lúxborough was left in his ſtead to proſecute the Siege, who con
trary to the wills of the Engliſh, and againſt the opinion of the major part of
the Council, raiſed the ſame and departed, whereby he left the beſieged
means how to have their Famine relieved, but the Peſtilence raged-very
hot in the Town. The game at Cheſs amongſt the Soldiers plaid, gave check
ſometime to the French, and ſometime to the Engliſh, the one in one place
prevailing, the other, doing in another place the like; and ſo it cantinued
wavering in doubtful ballance a long time.
The young King of England was by his Council adviſed, (for it was by
them reſolved, that his preſence would be a good motive, to retain his Friends
in their former Fidelity, and reduce the backſliders to their ſworni Allegiance,
Klng Henry in to go with Armed Power in perſon into France. To this end, upon St. Geor.
ges Eve he took Shipping at Dover, and Landed on Sunday.being St. Georges
day at Callice, with a well-appointed Army, and from thence by.eaſie marches
went to Roan, and from thence to Paris, where he was by his. Uncle the Bi-
ſhop of Wincheſter, and Cardinal of Euſebius, with all well-beſeeming Cere-
monies and Obſervances, Crowned King of France, receiving the Oaths of
Homage and Fealty of all the Nobility of France preſent, and all the Citi-
zens and Inhabitants of that City, and of the places adjacent.
It was very obſervable amongſt Strangers, and not without ſome admira-
tion, that ſo ſmall an Iſland as England, under the Governance of forender an
Infant, ſhould ſo long, and upon
ſo good terms, contend with ſo Large, Po-
tent, and Populous a Kingdom as France. But ſuch at that time was the Ver-
tue, and martial Vilour of the Engliſh Nation, that they knew no mean, be-
twixt Death and Victory ; always preferring an honorable. Death, before a
King Henry re- lingring ſervitude. This moved Eugenius the Pope, and all the Chriſtian
turns for Eng- Princes, ſo often to make Overtures of reconcilement, betwixt theſe two
Truce conciu-Kingdoms, but could effect nothing, but an imperfed truce for ſix yearsiz
which agreed upon, King Henry returns for England, and landeth at Dover
the I1. of February.
The ſix years Truce, was ſcarce openly Proclaimed, when an unexpected
accident, gave occaſion of breach thereof, and which was worſe, of the amity
The Regent
betwixt the Regent and the Duke of Burgoine; for his Siſter the Lady. Anne
having buried
the siſter of being dead without Iſſue, the Regent too ſuddenly married the young Lady
Jaqueline, Daughter to Peter Earl of St. Paul at Terwyn, from whence, be-
fore the ſolemnities of the Feaſt were fully finiſhed, he poſted to Callice, to
puniſh the inſolency of ſome of the Garriſon there, who pretending want of
pay, had reſtrained the Merchants from venting their Woolsz. four of the
faulty Soldiers he Executed, an hundred and ten he Baniſhed the Town, and
many more he puniſhed by Impriſonment ; from whence, with his new Bride,
on Midſumer Evehe departed for London : where he ſtaid until the end of
.
Auguſt following. In which time, the Truce began to be forgotten; for the
R.II.
French awaiting all occaſions of advantage, by ſecret Plots and Devices
,
had cunningly poſſeſſed themſelves of divers Caſtles, and places of Strength,
juſtifying their Actions, and affirming, that what was politickly obtained
without blows, was no infringment of the Truce. And afterwards they per-
fidiouſly conveyd two hundred Men at Arms into the Caſtle of Roan, pre-
ſuming to have ſurprized it, but being diſcovered, they were all taken, and
either Executed as Traitors, or Ranſomed.
The
7
ded.
i
F
Burgoine, mar-
ricth a ſecond
Wife.
V
.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
137
܂ ܕ ܀
R. II.
rebel.
et
+
The Regent knowing theſe coals would quickly kindle, ſpeeds him to his | An. 1432
charge, and preparation on both ſides is made for War, wherein he found the
Duke of Burgoyne leſs forward than he had uſed to be, whereby the Regent
found his affection did ſlack, but would not ſeem to take notice thereof.
The Lord Talbot having payd his Ranſome, cometh to the Regent, and
bringeth with him ſeven hundred tryed Soldiers. They take the field on
both
ſides in Warlike manner, making ſhews of encounter, but twice toge-
ther (being provoked by the Regent to fight) the French Ilunk away in the
dark, as not daring to abide the hazard of a Battel.
The Peaſants of Normandy pretending to ſhake off the Engliſh yoke(which The Peaſants
never had been made inſupportable,) rudely armed themſelves
, and in out- in Normandy
ragious manner drew towards Cane, but having neither power to command,
nor honeſty to obey, they were by the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Wil.
loughby encountred, and eaſily overthrown, with the ſlaughter of 1000 of
them; the reſt were all taken, whereof the chief Leaders were executed as
traytors, and the baſer fort, upon ſubmiffion and acknowledgement of their
errours, permitted to depart to their ſeveral homes : But the Earl and the
Lord Willoughby being now in the field, and having intelligence that le Hire
had beſieged the Caſtle of Gorbury, drew thither with intent to have ſuccou-
rtd it, but finding themſelves too weak, they made account to have retired to
Beavoys, but being deſcried, they were purſued by le Hire, who havingadvan-
tage, charged; the Earl perceiving no ſafety, but not to hope of help, re-
ſolved to win or die, fought valiantly, but the Earl is dangerouſly wounded
by the ſhot of a Culvering, which cauſed the Lord Willoughby to retire and
convey the wounded Earl to Beavogs, where within three dayes he died,
ſay the Hiſtorians; but the Heralds ſay, he died and was buried at Lewis in
Suflex; he married Mawd, the Daughter of Sir Robert Lovell, and had iſſue,
Humphry that ſucceeded him, and Avitia married to James Butler Earl of
Ormon and Wiltſhire. After the death of Arundel, the Lord Willoughby dif-
perſed his forces to their former garriſons, but ſtayed himſelf there.
The Duke of Burbon taken at the Battel of Agincourt, after eighteen The Duke of
years impriſonment, paying 18000. pounds for his ranſome the ſame day Burbon recei-
he was enlarged, died at London ; Charles his Son, who had married the Siſter body out of
of the Duke of Burgogne, ſucceeded his Father. Betwixt the two Brother-in- priſon and
laws, an unnatural jarre was rayſed, but by the mediation of Mary Dat- loſs of life all
in
cheſs of Berry, they are reconciled; by whoſe labour and induſtry, with the
help of the Duke of Burbon, a reconciliation is likewiſe wrought between
the French King and Burgoyne,
The jealouſy between the Regent and the Duke of Burgoyne, was now
publickly diſcerned; whereby thoſe that call'd to rnind the great charge, that
Henry the Fiftħ gave on his death-bed, carefully to retain that Dukes amity,
laboured an enterview betwixt them, to remove all ſcruples-on either part ; At St. Omers
which was obtained, and Saint Omers was the place agreed upon; where the Dukes of
both Dukes being arrived, they both ſtanding too punčtually on points of Bedford and
Honour, who ſhould give priority of viſitation, the Duke of Bedford, as the and depare
Son, Brother, and Uncle of a King, and Regent of France, pretended it without con-
diſhonorable for him to begin; and the other challenging the ſame, as of right
belonging to him, to have the firſt place, the ſame being within his own Do-
minions. The wiſeſt in ſome points are fooliſh, they both departed more
diſcontented than before : the haughtineſs of the ſpirit of the one, and the
great ſtomach of the other, being unable to give way to their unruly paſſions.
And
2
1
ference.
1
1
N
+
1
T
138
R. II.
?
14
t
2
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
An. 1432. And hereupon the Duke of Burgoyne made choice, rather to enter league
with him that had murthered his Facher, than to keep hìs Oath with the
King of England, or the bond of love, lo often plighted with the Regent
his friend, and Brother-in-law. And upon the receipt of a blanck Char-
ter under the French Kings Seal, to inſert what Conditions of peace
he would , he proved renegado, and falſified his faith to England,
loſt his reputation to the world, and ſold himſelf, llave to perpetual
ignominy.
The Town of Saint Dennis, by the perfidiouſneſs of Matthew Gougley,
was betrayed to the Baſtard of Orleance
, but the Lord Talbot preſently be-
girt the ſame with a Siege, to raiſe which the Baſtard Orleance, drew. great
forces together; but before their approach the Town was given up, and bea-
ten to the ground. The inhabitants of Pontoys neverthelels rebel, and thruſt
out the Engliſh Garriſon, whole examples did ſet the Pariſians minds on
work, to trcad the ſame ſteps ; but the Regents vigilancy over them, hindred
their intentions.
1435. But now began the bright light of Englands glory to be eclipfed, and
thole Glorious Beams of Victory, which they formerly had obtained, every
day more and more to decline. The triple twine being clean untwiſted; for
the thrice renowned, wife, and circumſpect, John, Regent of Frunce, Dake of
Bedford, Anjou, and Alanſon, Earl of Mayrie, Harecourt, Drėnx, Richmond,
and Carlile, and Vicount Beamond; the Atlas, whoſe ſhoulders kept the
The death of Realm of Frånce, from ſliding from their alleagiance fworn to King Henrys,
the Regent. Father and Son; upon the fourteenth of September 1435. at Paris exchan-
ged all his glory here, for the fruition of a more ſempiternal felicity in ano-
ther place he was buried at Roan in our Ladies Church; whereat the Nobi-
lity of Nermandy much repined, as ſeeming deſirous to have had ſome place
of their own territories, to have been honoured, by giving fepulture tofono-
bly deſerving à Patriot unto them.. Yet ſuch was their levity, that within
few years after, in the Reign of Lewis the Son of Charles
, they inſtantly
deſired, to have the Monument erected over him, to be demoliſhed, alleaging
it was diſhonourable, to have ſo arch an Enemy to France, interred in the
Metropolitan City of that Province. But Lewis anſwered, God forbid I
ſhould give way to fo diſhonourable an act, asto moleft the quiet of his dead
bones, chat living would (if offended) have moleſted all here; and it ſavours
of too much baleneſs, to inſult upon a dead Lion. He had two Wives, the
firſt was Anne, Siſter of the Duke of Burgoyne ; the ſecond Jaqueline, Daugh-
ter of Peter Earl of St. Pintly but had iſtue by neither.
No ſooner was his death divulged, but infinite alterations followed, as well
in England as Fravce. Edmond Duke of Somerſetías one much affecting Sove-
reign command) underhand laboured to ſucceed in the Regency : but the
Emulation bc.
Duke of York was appointed, (the Uncle being preferred before the Couſin
to thię King :) which made the young Duke to endeavour what he could to
croſs the new Regent, in all the deſignes abroad, and to under-value at home
Nepher,
whatſoever was never ſo well atchieved elſewhere, ſtill plotting againſt him.
For ambition is a paſſion, that will never ſuffer a man to ſleep, without
dreaming of revenge, or to wake without inventing Itratagems to compaſs
.
deſired.ends.
Puris making fail whilſt the gale blowes, turneth Traytour, and not on
ly rebelleth, but inhumanly abuſeth the Engliſh within their power, and after
it had remained ſeventeen years in poſleſſion of the Engliſh, yields to the
Conſtable,
3
!
twist the
tincle and
thwart the
buſincra ia
Francs.
1
+
ELE
4
1
"
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
139
1
R.12.
Duke of BAT-
1
"
Conſtable, who by compoſition gave the Engliſh leave to depart: other An. 1435.
Towns tread in the ſame ſteps, whoſe courſe the Normans would have fol-
lowed, but that the Lord Talbot, with ſome other his aſſociates, did with
great
diſcretion, and warlike behaviour, Naughter ſome 5000 of the rebellious
crew, and thereby kept the reſt in awe. Private envy all this time hindred
publick good ; and the emulation betwixt the Dukes of York and Somerſet,
too long delayed the preſence, and ſupplies of the new Regent, that in the
interim the French grew City-merchants, buying and
ſelling Cities, Towns,
and Forts, to whom would give moſt: but the Engliſh were no good chap-
men, and would not ſell Honour to buy Treaſon. But now the Regent with
8000 new Soldiers arrived at Harflew, and from thence marcheth to Roan,
where he won the title, and not undeſeryedly, of equal holding the ſcale of
Juſtice, keeping the ballance ſo even and upright, that the partial obſervati-
ons of thoſe whom Somerſet had placed as ſpies over his actions, could not
give intelligence of juſt cauſe to calumniate.
The revolted Duke of Burgoine, pretending title to the Town of Callice, Callice belieg-
as ſoon as the Spring approacheth, with an Army of forty thoufand Men, ed by the
moſt
of them Artificers and Tradeſmen, whom he eaſily engaged to the Wars, goire
.
by his Authority, and ſhew of advantage to them, to have
a Town ſo conve-
nient for any Traffick to be at their diſpoſal, paſſeth over the Water at Gra-
veline, and there aflaults the poor Baſtile of Oye, manned but with fifty Mea,
twelve of them having ſold their lives very dear, killing ten for one; being
Dain, the reſidue ſubmitted, whom together with the Fortreſs, the Duke gave
to the Gantoys, which place they beat down, and hanged nine and
twenty
of the Soldiers, and would have done the like to the reſt, had not the Duke
ſtayed their cruelty:
The Piccards beſieged the Caſtle of St. Mark, Sir John Gedding being
Captain thereof, who having endured two hot Aſſaults and ſeeing no pofli-
bility to hold it, yielded upon compoſition to have their Lives and Limbs fa-
ved; which Caſtle was demoliſhed likewiſe. From thence they begirt Callice
with a Siege, and upon a firſt approach perſuaded themſelves to carry it by
Affault
, whereof they made three ſtrong ones, but they found by their repul-
ſes, that they reckoned without their hoſt, and were well pleaſed to keep af-
ter within their Trenches, not daring ſo much as to attempt to hinder the
Shipping that every day with proviſion entred the Harbor. The Duke of Bur:
goine ſent the Lord Croye to beliege the Caſtle of Guieſne, where he got
little
honour, and did leſs harm; many attempts were made to ſtop the Chanel of
the Haven, and to build a Baſtile, to ſtop the paſſage of Boats, but they were
prevented in the execution, and made fruitleſs. In the mean time, Pembrock
the Herald, brought a defiance to the Duke of Burgoine, giving him to un-
derſtand from the Duke of Gloceſter,the Protector, that he would (God ſend-
ing him Wind and weather Seither there or in any other place the Duke would
appoint, in his own Dominions, give him battail, if he would but abide it; to
whom the Duke of Burgoine anſwered, I ſhall be ſure to ſtay for him here,
puntil I have my will of this Town; wherewith the Herald departed: the
Duke of Burgoine calleth a Councel, and whilſt they are debating what is beſt
to be done, the Calliſians make a Sally of Horſe and Foot, the Foot falling
upon the Baſtile (lately erected to hinder the paſſage of the River for Boats)
whilſt the Horſe give the Alarm to the Camp, the Baſtile is carried by force
(with the ſlaughter of eightſcore of the Burgonians, and many Priſoners
with all the Artillery, and Proviſion). to Callice, from whence iſſued then freſh
N 2
Forces
14.0
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R.13
.
+
ز
Burgoine re-
trears fron;
Calice.
An. 1436. Forces, to favour the retreat of the Horſe, who with the loſs of twenty Horſe,
and an hundred and twenty Men,returned; which ſtrook ſuch an amazement
amongſt the Burgonian Bores, that they were incapable of any underſtanding
what to do; and thereupon a fair gale of wind blowing, the hearts of the
bread and butter-fed Flemings were ſo amazed that they preſently rumored,
the approach of the Duke of York; and after the rumor was once up, thé
fame increaſed the number, and the certainty of the ſight of eight hundred
Sail was affirmed, ſo that thoſe that ſeemed not to be daunted with the news,
were ſuſpected to be Traytors to the Duke of Burgoine; the Dutch apbraid
the Piccards, the French the Gantoys; nay, the moſt reſolute of the Coun-
cel, told the Duke of Burgoine, that the ſtay might give opportunity to the
Enemy to Beleaguer his Leaguer, and to ſet down betwixt him and France,
and then they ſhould be coopt up, and be charged both before and behind;
which ſo did take the Duke of Burgoine, that preſently in a fury,raging like
the Perſian that threatned the Tempeſt, and whipt the Sea, he ſent to the
The Duke of Lord of Croy, and both of them that Night quit their quarters
, and in that
haſte departed, that they left a great part of their beſt Ordnance, and all
their proviſion, for the relief and help of the Beſieged. It ſeemed they had
ſome reaſon to run, for the next day (being the 27. of July ) the Duke of
Gloceſter landed at Callice with five and twenty thouſand
good fighting Men,
and finding the Enemy recoiled, forrageth all the Countries adjacent, and
for the ſpace of ſix weeks harrowed alĩ the parts of Flanders, Árthoys, and
Hennault
, and ſo returning by St. Omers, Arde, and Guens, comforting his
Friends, and terrifying his Enemies, with great and rich booty, they arrived
at Callice. But the want of Bread, whereof they could not be furniſhed all
the
way. did bring divers Diſeaſes amongſt the Army, whereof more died
than were ſlain upon any Camiſado by the Enemy; for encounter they had
none all the way.
The Duke of York returneth into England to the reſcue of Rocksborough
Caſtle, Defended by Sir Ralph Gray, and Beſieged by the King of Scots with
thirty thouſand Men; who having advertiſement of the Earl of Northu m-
berlands approach, and the Dukes ſafe return, fled with no leſs loſs; than diſ-
honor, and enough of both.
! A truce is deſired betwixt England and Burgoine, and obtained; the meet-
ing is appointed at Grazelin, where, for the King, came the Biſhop of Winche-
ſter, John Duke of Norfolk, with Humphry Earl of Stafford, and others: For
the Duke appenred his Dutcheſs
, the Biſhop of Arras, and the Lord of Croys,
where truce for a very ſmall time is concluded on, and for leſs kept.
This year was
memorable for the death of three great Princelles, Kathe-
The dezca of rine Queen of England, and Siſter to the King of France; the old Dowa-
ger
of Henry the IV. King of England, Daughter of the King of Navarre,
and Mother to the Princes of Britain, and the old Counteſs of Armanuck,
Daughter to the Duke of Berry, and mother to the Duke of Savoy;
which all died within eight and forty hours the one of the other. The fury
of fighting growing.cold, Traffick for Towns was again ſet on Foot, and
Harflew fold; for the recovery whereof, the Duke of Somerſet, with the
Lord Talbot, and a brave company of Soldiers
, beſet it both by land and wa-
ter; there being within to defend it, Sir John Eſtontvile, and his Brother, with
fix hundred Men and upward ; the Earls of Ewe, with the Baſtards of Orle-
ance and Burbon, with four thouſand Men, came to the reſcue, but ſo well
were thë Engliſh entrencht, that the French could neither ſuccor their Friends;
1
1
An. 14.37:
Ladics.
1
1
nor
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
141
1
R. 13.
1
Scots murthe-
nor annoy their Enemies, and ſo as they came they returned. Whereupon An. 1437
the Town was ſurrendred upon compoſition.
About this time, the Dutcheſs of Bedford followed Queen Katherines ex:
ample, making election for an Husband of a gallant young Gentleman, but
of ſmall means; yet fortunate only enough by being affected, one Sir Richard
Woodvile, whom ſhe took to Husband, to the great diſcontent of her French
Friends; but eſpecially her Uncle, the Biſhop of Terwine; but ſhe cared not
who was vext, ſo her ſelf was pleaſed, and God not offended, who bleſt her,
and made her Mother of many Children; and amongſt the reſt of the La-
dy Elizabeth, afterwards married to King Edward the Fourth.
James King of Scots, (which before had been fifteen years Priſoner in
The King of
England, and from thence releaſed with a Wife, a great Dower, and many red.
honorable Preſents, yet proved ungrateful) was murthered by certain his
traiterous Subjects in his Bed-chamber by Night, who being found out, were
cruelly tortured.
The Duke of Burgoine, having attempted the unworthy Traffick, of bar-
tering for Callice with mony, but not able to compaſs it, being infinitely de-
ſirous to be Maſter of it, when neither Force, nor Fraud could prevail, at-
tempts it by a ſtrange policy, but of like ſucceſs to the former; for he was
perſuaded by a ridiculous pradiſe, ſo to cut a ditch, that he might at his plea-
ſure, drown both the Town and Country; about this he imployed much
labour, and more coſt, but this fantaſtical fancy of a Flood, vaniſhed away
like his Flemiſh Army at the Siege thereof) like a vapour..
The Lord Talbot beſieged Tanckervile, and hath it (after four months
lying before it ) ſimply rendred unto him: In lieu whereof, the French King
in his own perſon, lays Siege to Monſtrem fault Tonne. Whilſt the Duke of
York was providing for the reſcue of this Town, he was diſcharged of his
Office, by which means Sir Thomas Gerrard had the more colour to ſell
, not
loſe the Town, which the King of France making his own contract with
him, bought of him for rewards and preferment, both promiſed, but how
performed, I know not; only having ſold his honour with his charge, he
lived (diſgraced and diſcarded in much diſcontent) an exile in France, where
he died.
This
year is a Parliament holden at Weſtminſter, in which were made A Parliament
ac Wilminſter.
many good and profitable afwel Acts, for the preſervation of peace at home,
as for proviſion to maintain the Wars abroad.
Arthur, Conſtable of France, and John Duke of Alanfor, beſieged the
Town of Arranches, whither the Lord Talbot came and offered them battel,
which they refuſing, he marched in deſpight of them (none daring to make
reſiſtance) into the Town: from whence next morning he fallied out, and
having made a great ſlaughter amongſt them, took divers Priſoners, and re-
treated at pleaſure, the French being well contented ſo to be rid of him.
The French the next Morning were called from the Siege pretended for Roan attemp;
Pantou de Santrelis, for the Hire had ſent Letters unto them, that they had lors to the
the promiſe of divers Bourgers of Roan, when their watch-night came; to French.
let them in; they wilht therefore the Conſtable to meet them at Rize, a
place within four leagues of Roan; hereof the Lord Talbot having notice;
covertly marcht to Roan, and from thence, though wearied with a bad jour-
ny, marchech before day to Rize, where he ſurprizeth the French, taketh the
Lord Fontaines
, Sir Allaine Geron, and many other; the Hire, by the help of
his Horſe (though not unwounded by him that purſued him) eſcaped ; and ſo
Talbot
N 3
.
)
24
bot harrow-
142
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
An, 1437. Talbot returneth to Roan with a fair booty, and full inſtructions to diſcover
R. 16. the Traytors, who convicted, had the reward of their Treaſon.
The 6. day of November, the Earl of Warwick, who ſeven times having
been aboard, and itill beat back by tempeſtuous and contrary Winds, landed
at Hoinflew, with a thouſand freſh Soldiers, came to Roan, whither the Duke
of Pork was come down, and from thence returned for England.
The Duke of Burgoine, taking advantage, as he thought, of a ſtill Water,
with ten thouſand Men, beſiegeth the Town of Crotoy ; to relieve whom,
the new Regent ſent the Lord Talbot, with five thouſand Men, whereof the
Duke having notice, upon their approach, retireth with his power (except
four hundred, with whom he had manned a Baſtile, by him there erected)
to Abrile ; but the Baſtile is ſoon gained, and all the Soldiers either taken
or lain.
The' yaliant Talbot ſent the Duke word, that if he would ſave his Coun-
try of Piccardy from vaſtation, that he ſhould come into the Field, where he
attended him, and would give him, if he dared to come, Battail. But the
Duke of Burgoine was not in the fighting humour, neither loved to be too
near ſo cholerick an Enemy, that would ſtrike, if he might come at him ;
The Lord Tal- and therefore from Abvile ſecretly conveys himſelf to Amiens. Twenty days
together, did the Lord Talbot with Fire and Sword paſs thorow Picardy
eth Piccardy.
and Arthoys, deſtroying all that ſtood in his way, and ſo returneth unen-
countred. Sir I homas Kiryel ſeiſed upon the Dukes Carriages and Ord-
nance, and having left in Crotoy victual enough for fix hundred Men, for a
whole year, he brought the reſt to the Earl of Warwick, who thankfully
received them.
An. 1438. Henry Earl of Mortaine, Son to Edmond Duke of Somerſet, arrived with
three hundred Archers, and three hundred Spears, and paſt thorow Nor-
mandy to Mayne, and took in his march by alfault, the Caſtle of St. Anian,
wherein were three hundred Scots and Frenchmen; the Scots he ſlew all
,
and hanged the Frenchmen, for that they had ſworn Fealty to England, and
broke it: He took likewiſe the Caſtle of Algarche, and by means of an Am-
bulh taketh the Lord of Camerois, coming to the reſcue thereof; on the
other ſide, the Towns of Neux ir Bry and Suſan, were ſold and delivered
to the French, by the treacherous Burgers.
All manner of Grain in England, in reſpect of the ſcarcity thereof, was at
England, Pc exceeding high prices, and had not the care and induſtry of the then Mayor,
ſtilence in P4- Stephen Brown, been ſuch that he had cauſed proviſion of Corn, eſpecially
Rye, to be bought, and brought from far Countries thither, the Famine
would have raged as much in London, as the fearful Peſtilence did in Paris,
where thoſe that died in the Streets lay unburied, until the ravenous Wolves
made their maws the Sepulchre of their Fleſh; but God in his mercy ceaſed
the Plague in Paris, and repleniſhed London with Grain in abundance, to the
great relief of remoter parts of the Kingdom, which before that time were
driven to make their ſuſtenance of Fearn roots and Ivy berries.
In June the Earl of Huntington, with two thouſand Archers, and four
An. 1439. thouſand Spears, was ſent into Gacojne, whither the Earl of Danoses was
lately come, throughly inſtructed and provided, to buy the beſt penny-
worths of Towns and Caſtles he could compaſs; but the Earl of Hunting-
ton upon his coming thither, changed all the Captains and Officers, and
put others in their Rooms, whereby he warily prevented the Baſtards chaf-
ferors. This ſtrumpet Bribery, and whore Covetouſneſs, began to ſpread
their
Famine in
ris.
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
143
teG
their Wings ſo far, that in Normandy the Engliſh Captains had ſmall confi- | An. 1449.
dence in the Natives, and not too much in fomc of their own Nation: R.18.
Whereupon Sir Richard Woodvile, Sir William Chamberlain, Sir William Peto,
with a thouſand Men were ſent thither, to ſtop the current of French Crowns,
from corrupting the yet faithful Soldiers with them. They according to
their directions, narrowly fifted all, and where they found fault, or caule of
fufpition, they puniſhed or removed; and having ſettled all things in good
order, returned.
A gap began this year to be opened, whereby the Engliſh might have en-
tred to have made a reduction of thoſe places the French had bought or
Conquered; but the Wiſdom of the Council of France, ſtopped it by re-
conciling the King and his Son the Dolphin, between whom by the finiſter
perſuaſions of bale Sycophants on both ſides, there were diſcurteſies taken
before given, and diſcontent without any ground: the Son deeming his Fa-
thers grave deportment, too too much aulterity; and the Father the Del.
phins youthful countenance, to a kind of contempt beyond filial duty; nei-
ther having juſt cauſe of jealouſie, yet both ſuſpitious of each others coun-
tenance: But the knot of feditious Faction, ty'd between the Dukes of Bur-
goyne, Alanſon, and the Dolphin is diffolved, and the King and his Son in ſhow
reconciled. Some ſmall places were in this time regained; but Paris, for
which proviſion was making for the reduction thereof, was left off, upon the
notice of the reconcilement.
In a great bend of Froſt, with a deep Snow, the Engliſh under the conduct
of John Lord Clifford, having covered their Armor with white Shirts, and
their Heads with white Alman skulls, come to Ponthoys by Night, and un- Ponthoys taken
diſcovered paſt the Ditches, ſcaled the Walls, llew the Guards, and took by the Engliſh
the Town, with many good Priſoners, and a great ſpoil: preſently upon
the regaining of which Town the Earl of Warwick died in the Caſtle of
Roan, and was from thence conveyed to England, and buried in his Col-
lege at Warwick; he was the fixteenth Earl of Warwick, and Lord Lille
in the right of his Wife; he married two Wives, the firſt Elizabeth Daugh
ter and Heir of Thomas Lord Barkley: and Margery his Wife, Daughter
and Heir of Warren Lord Liſley, and Tjes, by whom he had Iſſue three
Daughters.
Margaret the eldeſt married to John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, who had
Iſſue John Talbot, Vicount Liſey.
Elianor married with Thomas Lord Roſle of Hamlock, and after to Ed.
ward Bewfort Duke of Somerſet.
Elizabeth married to George Nevill Lord Latimer.
Earl Richard Beauchamps ſecond Wife, was Ifabell Daughter of Tiomas
Spencer, Earl of Gloceſter, by whom he had Illue, Henry Duke of Warwick,
and Anne married to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury; who in her right was
after Earl of Warwick.
To reduce Pont hoys, the French King in perſon layeth Siege thereupto,
and uſeth all poſſible
means he can to inforce it, but the Defendants but flout
him for his pains, and many times ſend his affaulting Soldiers halting home,
with Fleas in their Ears.
Richard Duke of Tork being the ſecond time made Regent, being arti-
ved with the Earl of Oxford, and the Earl of Ewe, levics a power to raiſe
the Siege ; and arriving there, giveth notice to the King, that the next Morn-
ing he would bid him Battel: But the King not liking the breath of Talbot, Portbays fuc.
1
!
corred.
leaves
144
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
Peace.
An, 1441. | leaves his Ordnance, and beſt proviſion in the Baſtile of St. Martins, and in
R. 20. the midſt of the Night ſtole to Poyſy. The Engliſh poſſeſs his Tents, fur-
niſh the Town with the proviſion therein left, and thereof make Sir Ger-
voyés Clifton Captain, with a thouſand Soldiers for the defence thereof,
and then marched to Poyly, where he braved the French King, and thought
The French
with taunts and revilings to have put Valour in him; but he was too pati-
King braved
by the Regent, ent to be provoked to Fight; wherefore he left him there, and returned to
but is paticnt. Roan.
A motion of parley is moved, the place appointed, Callice, bị the me-
diation and folicitation of the Dutcheſs of Burgoyne, ſhe being a Portugal
by birth, very ſolicitous of the ſafety of her Husband, and the quiet of
France, a Woman of no ordinary capacity, but of an extraordinary under-
Treaty for a ſtanding: by her means the King of France ſendeth the Archbiſhop of Reims
and Narbon, and the Earl of Dunoys. For the King of England, the Car-
dinal of York and the Duke of Exeter, with whom came Charles Duke of
Orleance, who having been long kept Priſoner, was in good hope of en-
largement, but the ſucceſs of the meeting not anſwering the expectation,
nothing was done for his enlargement, for in ſuch Treaties, ſuch as have the
poffeffion of Strong-holds, do commonly uſe policy and delayings, the
ſtronger giving Laws to the weaker, ſo that the Engliſh would not batean
Ace of what they had gotten to keep; and would have for the ranſom of
the Duke their firſt asking, which was more than his means could any way
compaſs : and the French King not very forward to give him any aſliſtance,
ſo that the diſconſolate Duke patiently returns: but his mifery ſo moved
the Heart of the Dutcheſs of Burgoyne, that ſhe prevailed ſo far with her
Husband, that he paſſeth his credit for the payment of three hundred
thouſand Crowns for his Ranſom at Callice, at a day prefixt, at which time
The Duke of and place the Duke of Orleance in Perſon, and the Duke of Burgoynes
money meet, where the one being received, the other, after five and twen-
ty years Impriſonment, is releaſed; and by his Son that had ſain his Fa-
ther, and ſought the ruine of his Houſe: but now a firm League of Friend-
fhip is ſworn and confirmed betwixt them, by the marriage of the Duke of
Burgoynes Neece, Mary of Cleurs, to the Duke of Orleance, which juſtifies
the Proverb, The beſt means to vanquiſh an Enemy, is to do him all the good
Orleance IC-
leaſed.
1
1
Jou can,
.
The Regent divided his Forces into three parts, he ſent the Lord Willough
by into Amyens, the Lord Talbot to Deep, and himſelf, with the Duke of So-
merſet, went into the Dutchy of Anjou. The Lord Willoughby made ſuch
ſpeed, that he took many Priſoners, before they could get to any place of de-
fence, but preſently the Gariſons draw together, and make oppoſition, but
they are defeated, and ſix hundred Men of Arms ſlain; ſuch as eſcaped fell
into the Hands of the Earl of St. Paul, who was coming to the aid of the
Lord Willoughby. The Regent returneth with a great prey to Normandy,
whither Willoughby likewiſe cometh: But the Duke of Somerſet re-entreth
the Marches of Britain, and took la Gearch by Aſſault: from thence he
marches to Ponſay. The Marſhal Loach intended to have ſurprized the Duke
of Somerſet in his.Tents, but the Duke to prevent that hazard, meets him
half way, and chargeth To ſuddenly and foundly, that the Marſhal is routed,
and threeſcore and two of his Men are taken Priſoners; then he marched
and took the Town of Beamond, and having manned all fitting places upon
the. Frontiers, laden with rich ſpoil
, he returnech.
The
1
/
The Life and Réign of Henry the Sixth.
145
.;
.
The Earl of
St. Paul for-
fakech the
1
The Lord Willoughby had entrenched himſelf round Diepe, and built a | An. 1441.
Baſtile
upon
Mount Pawlet, which did much annoy the Beſieged: But wan-
R. 20.
ting Amunition and ſupplies of Men, he left his natural Son to proſecute the
Siege, himſelf poſting to Roan. The Dolphin with ſixteen thouſand Men
cometh to raiſe the Siege, and three days together ply the Baſtile with al-
faults, but could not carry it
, until ſhot and powder failing, they were over-
preſſed with multitude, and young Talbot is taken Priſoner, with Sir John
Peyto, and Sir John Repley, all which were ſhortly redeemed by exchange;
the reſt of the Soldiers ſeeing the Baſtile won, ſtood in Arms all day, but
the-Enemy not over-willing to do too much, and they as willing to
give way, not being able to cope in the dark of Night, they retired to
Roan.
The Earl of Saint Paul forſakes the Engliſh, and is reconciled to
France.
The Engliſh beſieged Tartus, for the raiſing whereof the French King! Erg.iſ,
marcheth down threeſcore thouſand ſtrong, and relieveth the Town, and
from thence marcheth to Saveryne, which he taketh in, and therein Sir John
Rampſton Priſoner : Then took he in Arques, the Captain with all the Sol-
diers by compoſition withdraw to Burdenx: The Engliſh cut off all Con-
voies of Victuals from coming to the King, for want whereof the King is
driven to return, after whoſe departure the Engliſh reduce all that the King
of France had taken, and take his Lieutenant priſoner, ſlaying or hanging
all his Soldiers.
The Lord Talbot this while taketh in Conquet, and driveth the Baſtard of The Caſtle of
Orleance from the Siege of Galiordon: The French in the Caſtle of Cornill Cornid fur.
detained many Engliſh priſoners: Sir Francis the Aragonist apparelleth half ſtratagem.
a dozen luſty fellows like Peaſants, carrying baskets with Corn and Viduals,
and ſends then to the Caſtle; he with his company lie in Ambuſh in a Val-
ley near the Caſtle, the ſix unſuſpected are admitted, and coming to the
Captains chamber, ſeize upon him, and gave the Signal to the Ambuſh, who
came readily on, entred the Caſtle, put the Soldiers to the Sword, and fet
the priſoners at liberty, burnt down the Caſtle, and with the Captain and
the booty of the Caſtle, returned to Roan.
Whilſt thus the ball of War was by the Engliſh honorably toſt from one Unnatural dif-
end to the other, in the Tennis Court of France; the Devil and his Miniſters
low the ſeeds of unnatural Sedition between the two Brothers of England,
the one ſecking by a legal courſe the Reformation, the other the ruine of a
Brother. The Protector Articles againſt the Cardinal, for too ambitioully
affecting preheminence, to the derogation of the King's Prerogative, and con-
tempt of his Laws; theſe Articles are delivered to the King, and by the King,
to be maturely examined by them, to his Councel, who being moſt of the
Clergy, and not daring to give occaſion of offence to the Cardinal, leave
them unmedled withal: whilſt the Lady Elianor Cobhan the Dukes Wife,
by the Cardinals plot is accuſed of Treaſon, by forcery and witchcraft to have
intended the overthrow of the King, and advancement of her Husband to the
Crowns for this howſoever ſhe was acquited of Treaſon, ſhe is adjudged
open Penance, and perpetual Impriſonment in the Iſle of Min. Thomas
Southwell, Fohn Hun Prieſts
, Roger Bullingbrooke a ſuppoſed Necroman-
cer, and Margery Jourden ſtiled the Witch of Eley, are arraigned for de-
viſing of a picture of Wax to be made in proportion of the King, which by
their Sorcery they ſhould make to conſume, and ſo accordingly ſhould the
Kings
fenfion be
twixt Brothers
9
!
A
:
>
+
146
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
An. 1442. Kings Body: for this they are condemned, the Witch was burnt in Smithfield,
R.21. Ballingbrook was hanged, conſtantly affirming upon his death, that there
never was any ſuch thing deviſed or thought of by them : neither at any
time was more deſired of from him by the Dutcheſs, or any other from her,
but if he could by his Art find out how long the King ſhould live: John
Hun had his pardon, and Southwell died the Night before he ſhould have
been Executed.
The Duke of Gloceſter filently ſees what Speech could not amend, and un-
dergoes all theſe affronts with patience, attending equal diſtribution of ju-
ſtice; as it had paſt on his forgetful Wife, ſo it might paſs on his unnatural
Brother, the Archbiſhop: But the Cardinal by his oral ſanctity, and mental
impurity, had ſo bewitched the King, and thoſe of the Church of his Coun-
cel, that
the good Duke hoped in vain.
The Duke of York hath a Son born at Roan in Normandy, and Chriſten-
ed there by the Name of Edward. The Counteſs of Camings being dead,
the King of France and the Earl of Arminack are Competitors for the In-
heritance; the Earl takes poſſeſſion, but doubting, and not without cauſe,
that the King of France would not be pleaſed to take a Rowland for an Oli-
wer, makes offer to the King of England, of his Daughter in marriage, and
beſides a large Portion in money with her, to deliver over full poſſeſſion of
all ſuch Towns and Caſtles, as were by him, or his Anceſtors detained in
Aquitaine, and had been formerly, by the Progenitors of the King of Eng.
land, Conquered, or by the King of France to any of them given. And fur-
ther, to furniſh the King with mony ſufficient to recover all, or whatſoever
King Henry
was with-held from him there, by any perſon whatſoever. The Embaſſa-
dors for this buſineſs were by the King of England graciouſly heard, and
honorably returned ; after whom were ſent, Sir Edward Hall, Sir Robert
Daughter. Roſe, and others, to conclude all things, and by Proxy, the young Lady is
affianced to King Henry.
The King of France to prevent the growth of ſo rank a miſchief, ſendeth
the Dolphin with a puiſſant Army, who took the Earl, with his youngeſt
Son, and both his Daughters, and gained the Countries of Arminack, La
vergue, Rovergue, Moule fenoys, with the Cities of Severac and Cadeack, cha-
ſing the Baſtard of Arminack out of the Country, by means whereof the
marriage was then deferr'd, and afterward diſanulid.
The Chriſtian Princes (caſting their contemplative looks upon the miſe-
ry of France, for the preſent groaning under the three Arrows of Gods
vengeance, Fire
, Sword, Famine; and the danger of England to be em-
broiled hereafter in the like; whereof there were already diſcerned, too
maný ſymptoms, like themſelves) did by their ſeveral Emballadors, labour a
Peace, between theſe two powerful Kings, and prevail fo far, That at a Diet
at Tours in Touraine, there appeared for the King of England, William
de la. Poole, Earl of Suffolk: Doctor Adam Molyes, Keeper of the Privy
Seal; Sir Robert Roſe and others : for the King of France, Charles, Duke of
Orleance ; Lewis, Earl of Vendoſme; Pierce de Breffe, Steward of Poyton, and
Bartram Beavar, Lord Preſident of Preſigury: There came Embaſſadors
likewiſe from the Emperor, the Kings of Spain, Denmark and Hungary, to
be Mediators : The Allembly was great, and the expences greater every
dày than other, each one ſtriving to exceed the other in entertainment for
the Honor of their Màſters; many meetings were had, many motions made,
but'as one wave brings on another, one quære increaſed many doubts, no
full
berrothed to
the Earl. of
Arminacks
:
An. 1443.
R.22.
1
1)
{
i
i
1
1
An. 1442.
R. 22.
1
The Life a:ld Reign of Henry the Sixth.
147
full concluſion is made, only a Truce for eighteen moneths is agreed up-
on. In the mean time, the Earl of Suffolk ſtretching a point of his Com-
miſſion, beyond his direction, without the knowledge of his fellow Comil- A Truce
ſioners, plotted a Marriage with the kinſwoman of the French King, and the The Earl of
King of England; in which buſineſs the Earl of Suffolk was o intentive, Sufjell tran-
and made ſuch large and unneceſſary proffers, that he did not eſcape the ar- fends his
Commiſſion.
pertion of being bribed by the King of France.
To that bulineſs an enterview betwixt the two Kings of England and
France is agreed upon, without warrant of King Henrys part, to be
between Chartres and Roan : The Commiſſioners return, where no-
thing is forgotten by Suffolk, that might illuſtrate the beauty and love-
lineſs of the propoſed Bride, or the great utility that might redound
to both Kingdoms, by the conſunimation of this marriage : The King was
caſily induced to give credence to the relations ; but divers of the Kings
Councel, eſpecially the Duke of Gloceſter, oppoſed, and give reaſons againſt
the proceeding ; firſt, that her deſcent was not royal, nor her dignities
but barely titular, and all her Fathers Titles but diſputable ; alleaging
that Duke Rayner , Father of Magarct the much commended Lady, was
but by himſelf ſtiled King of Sciſill
, Naples, and Jeruſalem, without any
penny profit or foot of poilcffion of any thoſe places.
Next, that his Poverty was ſuch, that he could not ſubſiſt without continu-
al relief from his friends, whereof his Son-in-law, muſt be ever a furtherer ;
then the Duke obtruded the diſhonor, that would redound to the King if he
ſhould forſake the Duke of Arminacks Daughter, to whom he had in that
ceremonious manner been publickly affianced ; and the dangerous conſe-
quence of breach of faith, and neglect of the friendſhip of ſo potent a Neigh-
bour ; and laſtly the unſufferable loſs, by the ſurrendring and releaſing his
Title to the Dutchy of Anions, lo unadviſedly proffered by the capitulation
of the Duke of Suffolk; but all this while he but laboured againſt preju.
dice; for though it could not be denied, but that his reaſons were undeniable,
and better than could be given to the contrary; yet, they muſt not have
place of belief, becauſe Suffolks affirmation and negotiation, muſt not be
under-valued.
John Holland, Earl of Huntington, is created Duke of Exeter; Hum-
phry Earl of Stafford, Duke of Buckingham ; Henry Earl of Warwick,
Duke of Warwick; and the Earl of Suffolk, Marquefs of Suffolk, The
new Marqueſs honourab'y accompanied, fetchcth the Lady Margaret from
France, and ſhortly afterward the is Married at Southwick in Hamphirez King Henry
and Crowned Queen of England at Weftminſter, on the thirtieth day of
May
. How advantagious this Viatch was for the Crown of England, may Dauglicer.
be gathered, when the brought not a penny Portion, the charge of com-
ing being defraid by the Marqueſs, who had towards the diſcharge there-
of, the full Fifteen granted to the King in the late Parliament, and in ex-
change of her Preſon, the Dutchy of Anion, the City of Mauns, with the
whole County Mayne'; and ſo the beſt props of the Dutchy of Normandy,
are furrendred into the hands of the French; but affection is blind, and
what thall-be ſhall-be, youth rides in poſt to be married, but in the end,
finds the Inn of repentance to be lodged in.
The Duke of Arminack in requital of the king of Englands kind uſage
of his Daughter, is a means to expel the Engliſh out of the whole Dutchy
of Aquitain.
And
1.
.
miriieth
Duke Ruyney's
i
1444
s
_
.
1
1
An. 1444
R. 23.
comes for
R. 24.
14.8
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
And it is to be feared that God was diſpleaſed with the match; for after
the conſummation thereof, there was a quotidian conſumption of the Kings
Friends, both in his own Land, and Forrain parts; 'inteſtine Wars are
kindled at home, and rebellion is rife in all parts abroad; and which is moſt
grievous of all Cafter the ſlaughter of many thouſands of his Chriſtian Sub-
jects) the confuſion of his Uncles and their Poſterity almoſt
, the Depoſi-
tion of himſelf, the inhumane butchery of his Son, the Queen muſt be ſent
home again, in as much miſery and contempt, as lhe was now received with
pomp and acclamations.
During the time of the Truce, as well to be partakers of the jollity of the
The Regent Court at this time, as to viſit their familiars and frierids, the Regent and
chief Commanders reſort to England, and there put the King and Councel
England.
in mind to provide a cloak ready, though Sun ſhone bright, leſt it ſhould
rain. Whereupon a Parliament is aſſembled, wherein is eſpecial proviſi-
on made for the furniſhing of all the Frontier Towns, but principally the
An. 1446. places of Normandy. To which end, levies of men and money are made, and
all things uſefully neceſſary are prepared : But a ſpark of fire is fallen
amongſt the flax, which though little, and unſeen at firſt; grew to an un-
quenchable flame.
The Duke of York being at firf choſen Regent for five years, and at the
expiration thereof returning, was received nec immerito, wirb great love
and commendation. After the death of the Earl of Warwick, who ſuccee-
ded him in the Regency, he again as a man well-deſerving the place,
is fent over with the like Authority and inſtructions for other five
years ; but Somerſet which envied the Duke of Yorks firſt advancement,
and ſtill was full of peccant humors againſt his cotinuance of that place,
ſo undermined York, that by the means of the new Marqueſs, whoſe fa-
vour from the King and Queen now, was beyond mediocrity, and into
whoſe more inward Familiarity Somerſet was now engratiated; he not only
ſupplanted him from the place, but procured it for himſelf, to the no little
heart-burning of the Duke of York and his friends; but he had wit in his
anger, and reſted filent.
The Town of Mauns according to the agreement, is not given up; The
King of France prepares to beſiege it, but upon the motion of the Marqueſs,
order is given for the preſent ſurrender thereof; now to man in grace with
the King but he; none can have any favour from the Queen but by him; the
extent of his power over-reacheth all the Councel; he gets of the King the
Wardſhip of the body, and Lands of the Counteſs of Warwick, and of the
Lady Margaret, fole Daughter and Heir of John Duke of Somerſet, after-
ward Mother to King Henry the ſeventh.
The Kings facile nature, and flexible condition, was the occaſion
ta
that many enormities encreaſed, and many things made worfe , that
might have been better, if obſerved, and ſtopt in the beginning. The
Duke of Gloceſter for his moderation and provident care in all things,
ſtiled good, and for his plainạeſs in delivery of his mind, honeſt, is an eye-
ſore to an ambitious minion, and an imperious Woman; ſhe will no
longer admit any curb to her valt deſires of Empery; ſhe is as well
able to adviſe the King, as all his.Councel ; to what purpoſe then need.
Glocekers de.. eth a Protector ? The Duke of Gloceſter muſt therefore be removed
ftru&ion
and excluded, not only from command, but Councel: and to add to af-
plotted
fliction, ſhe permitted, if not procured, divers ſiniſterly affected, to in-
form
1
:
1
1
F1
12
1
1
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
149
t
Performed.
1
form againlt him ; whereof the new Marqueſs and the Duke of Bucking. An. 1446.
ham were not the moſt backward, and the Cardinal, Biſhop of Wincheſter, R. 24.
and the Archbiſhop of York, would not be much behind. One objection was
made againſt him, that he had cauſed divers perſons to be executed, contrary
to the judgement of the Court denounced, and againſt the Law of the Land
in theſe caſes provided : his too much zeal of execution of Juſtice (if zeal
in that point may be juſtly termed a crime) made him ſubject to be cenſured
to have perpetrated a criminal offence. But to avoid tumultuary partakings
(for he was generally well eſteemed, howſoever by purblind obſervers
deemed worthy tax) it was concluded by thoſe that maligned his fincere
and juſt proceedings, that he ſhould without any publick denunciation of
his offence, be privately convicted and condemned.; to which end a Parlia-
ment (by the procurement of his Enemies, unwitting to the King) is called
at Bury; to which the Duke of Glocefter reſorting, is on the ſecond day of the
Seſſion, by the Lord Beanzond then high Conſtable (abetted by the Duke of
Buckingham) arreſted, and put to ward, all his followers without excep-
tion ſequeſtred from him ; whereof thirty two are committed to ſeveral
priſons: the next day after bis commitment, he is found in his bed mur-
thered, yet ſhiewed the ſame day, being the four and twentieth day of Fe-
bruary, publickly making ſhow, as though he had died of an Impoſtume;
but all indifferent perſons that ſaw his Corps, could not but deem he died
of an unnatural cauſe : his Corps were the ſame day conveyed to Saint
Albanes , and there buried. Five of his menitial ſervants, Sir Roger
Chamberlain Knight , Middleton, Herbert, Arztis, Eſquires, and John
Needham Gentleman, were condemned to be drawn, hanged and quar-
tered. But the Marqueſs of Suffolk, to make a ſhow to the world of
his having no finger in the buſineſs., brought their pardon, and deli-
vered it at their propoſed place of execution. Some critical obſer-
vers have affirmed, the ſtile of Gloceſter as ominous; and make inſtance
of Hugh Spencer, Thomas of Woodſtock, and this Duke Humphrey; but it
may be well collected, that this Dukes death gave a prodigious preſage of
the enſuing calamity of the Common-wealth.
Sometimes in quenching of ſmoak, men burn their fingers in the
fire; ſo the Queen, caſting to preſerve her Husbands Honour, and her
own Regality, in making away this honeſt Duke, affected that which
diſcretion ſhould have moſt laboured to prevent, which was, the decay
of the houſe of Lancaſter, which was unlikely to have chanced, if this
Duke had lived. For his primogeniture would have kept back the Duke
of Yorks claim to the Crown, this Richards Father being but the fifth
Son of Edward the third. Humphrey Plantagenet was the fourth Son
of Edward. the third, Duke of Gloceſter, Earl of: Henrault, Holland,
Zeland, and Pembrook , Lord of Friſia; great Chamberlain of England.
he married two Wives, Jaquet, from whom he was. divorced ; and Elia-
nor Daughter of Reginald Lord Cobham, by wbom, before marriage, he
had a Daughter called Antigona, married to Henry Gray, 'Lord of Tan-
kervile; but no iſſue legitimate.,
The new Marqueſs of Suffolk, by the great favour of the King, but 1448.
more deſire of the Queen, is created Duke of Suffolk:gi wbich brought him
within the compaſs of Contempt of the Kings ſurviving Uncle, the
Duke of York, who was beginning to ſuck the venome of his. Kinſwo-
man, the Lady Cobhams ſorcery, and awakened with his Brothers lofs, her
0
diſgrace,
1
I
L"
150
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
V
Thc Cardi.
pal of Win.
cbefter dies.
+
بلند
An. 1448. diſgrace, and his own diſrepute; having by..conſanguinity, and affinity, a
R. 26. fair means to draw a.party, obſerving that they only faté at the ſtearn
that were unable, yea, unworthy to uſe the Oath of the Common-wealth;
and that all affaires of ſtate were meerly managed by the Qucen and her
Favourite the Duke of Suffolk, the King being as a Cipher, but at their
pleaſure to make a number ; did among his familiars privily whifper his Title
and right to the Crown, and afarroff, as in a Landskip, to make a ſhow
of deſire to ſee the flouriſhing encreaſe of the white Roſe;. and ſo politick-
ly carried his intent, that all things were provided to further his project,
ere his purpoſe was publiſhed. During this plotting, Herry Bewford; the
rich Cardinal, Biſhop of Wincheſter, takes his leave of this world, and
leaves more riches behind him, than either good deeds, or glorious name;
he was more noble in.blood than notable in learning; of high look, and
haughty ſtomach.z. conſtant in nothing more than malice and miſchief
,
and that chiefly employed againſt good Duke Humphrey: his deſires were
inſatiable for money, ſtill covering more, but mil-imploying nothing inex-
pence; for he only hoorded to make others rich, and himlelf poor; what
his ends were, except he was perſwaded never to die, no living man did
know; and had he deſired to have meaſured his greatneſs by his goodneſs,
he had never been adminiſtrator to his own good name, for that died
itilliam War- long before him, without which we leave him, to be ſeconded in the Bit
fleet conſecra- ſhoprick of Wincheſter by a more deſerving Prelate, which was Willian
red Biſhop of Wanfleet, ſo ſtiled of the place he was born in, but his name was Patten, of
Wincheller.
the worſhipful Family whereof he was deſcended.
The fifth of Auguſt following dieth John Holland Duke of Exeter,
Earl of Huntington, and Ivry in Normandy, Lord of Sparr, Lieu-
tenant.General of the Dutchy of "Aquitaine, Admiral of England, and
Conſtableof the Tower of London : he married two Wives; Anne, Daugh-
ter of Edmond Earl of Stafford; by whom he had iſſue;" Henry, that
ſucceeded in the Dukedom : his ſecond Wife was Anne daughter' to John
Montacute Earl of Salisbury s. by her he had iſſue a daughter, Anne,
married
to the Heir of Weſtmerland, John Nevill, by whom ſhe liad' rro
iffuę.: Then ſhe was married to Thomas Nevill, Brother of Ralph the
Eather of her firſt husband, by whom ſhe had iſſue, Ralph, the third Earl
of Weſtmerland.: And her third husband was James Earl Douglaſs, " by
whom he had no illue. Before the cime of Truce was expired, the Devil
caſt a bone by means of an overforward Curr, that fet all on ſnarlinga
For Sir Francis Suryens an Aragonois, thought worthy to be admitted
broken by the into the Honourable : Society of the Garter, taking advantage of the fe-
Englijs. curity the French Garriſons did-ſleep in, ſuddenly, upon our Lady
day. Eve in:Lene at night, ſurpriſed a Frontier
: Town belonging to the
Duke of Brittain called. Fougeirs, . ranſacking it; killing the Inhabitants;
and carried away, all: the ſpoiled
! the Duke advertiſeth: the French King,
lying at Rennes, thereof, who by: his Emballadors complains both to
the King of England; and the Regent : Somerſet; the fault is all Faîd
upon the Aragonois, who did it without warrant or wit
; the King or
Counceli peither adviſing, or approving whát was done," Nevertheleſs
,
for reſtitution or: ſatisfaction, a meeting is appointed at Lanveirs, where
the Commiſſjoners "treat of the buſineſs; But whilſt they talk of this,
news is brought tovthe Regent, that the French by a ſtratagem of a
Carter, that with a load of Hay; coming over the Draw-bridge; cauſed
the
Thc Truce
.
i
ز
2
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
151
1
the Axeltree to break, and whilſt the Porter was ready. to help the An. 1449. .
Carter, the Porters brains were beaten out, and the Town of Ardes
R. 26.
ſurpriſed, and the Lord Fauconbridge: Captain thereof, taken priſoner; ardes tur-
priſed:
reſtitution is demanded by the Engliſh, they are anſwered with their
own Language, what was done, was neither by the privity, or pro-
curement of the French King or any of his Councel; ſo they hold
faſt on both ſides their ill-gotten bargains; and from thence forward
the Truce on both ſides is broken; all things grow worſe and worſe. The
French King aſſembleth a mighty Army, and dividing it into three parts,
imployeth every one in a ſeveral quarter, who according to direction, get
polieſſion of Louviers, Gerbury, and Vernuele; all which by compoſition
attended twenty dayes to be reſcued, but none came.
This War is
begun before the term of Truce expired, the Engliſh gave the firſt oc-
calion, and are payed with their own coin ; whilſt the new Regent,
which like the Sons of Zebede, preſumed of more abilities than he had,
knows not where to begin, nor what to ſay or do, makes ready to rec-
kon the Towns loſt : but news is brought of a conſpiracy againſt him
in the ſame Town; he goes about to ſuppreſs that, whilſt the Enemy
is at another Town ready to carry it, without ſpeedy ſuccour; whereupon
be gives Command to ſuch Troops to march as he thinks fit : but they
in itead of putting his Command in execution, expoſtulate the reaſon of
ſuch directions: then calls he to Councel ; but there is more time ſpent
in chiding and finding fault, then in debating for the amending of what is
out of ſquare, whereby his proceedings, as it were, make a parentheſis tɔ a
diſcourſe between the good government of the Duke of Iork, and the
bad event of the murthered Duke of Gloceſter. Thus perplexed, the Re-
gent in a deſperate caſe, complains of want of Councellors, talks much
to no purpoſe; does many things to as little proof, or profit: and ſo having
tired himſelf to no end, retires himſelf to his Chamber, and there with more
deliberation than diſcretion debates with himſelf what is beit to be done.
The Cocks now begin to crow upon their dunghil, which but a while
before were cowed by the Engliſh, if ſtaying, or cravend by themſelves
if they fell a running ; Conſtance, Guilárd, Gahard; Pontean fx meare,
Saint Loe, Feſtampe, Newcaſtle, Tongue, Moleor, Argenton, Liſſeux, and
ſome other pieces in Normandy, are reduced to the Crown of France;
Mauliſfon in Guyen upon notice of their defections, arm againſt their
Garrilon, and ſet open the Gates to the Earl of Foys, who enters and ta-
eth it. This is ſeconded by the Citizens of Roan, who vexed the Regent,
and the Earl of Shrewsbury more within, than the French Army abroad, and
enforced them to make compoſition, to have liberty with bag and baggage
to march to Cane, and to procure by a certain day, divers adjacent ſtrong
pieces, to be ſurrendred unto the French; and until the ſame were
delivered, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and the Lord Butler, the Heir to the
Earl of Ormond, to remain pledges, who were ſent to be ſafely kept in
the Caſtle of Eureux.
Succours are ſent for into England, but an unexpected occaſion diverted
the paſſage of them, for the neceſſity of preſent means, to ſuppreſs an in-
ſurrection made by rebells in Ireland; for effecting whereof, the Duke The Duke of
of York is with an Army ſent thither , where he ſo behaved himſelf, Torle fene into
that he not only ſuppreſſed the inſurrection, but purchaſed the good will treland.
and affection of the Iriſh Nation firm to him and his for ever after.
O 2
1
i
The
152
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R. 27.
2
overthrown.
guage.
An. 1450., The Frenchmen now throughly fleſhé, affault Hurflew, but are by Sir Ro-
bert Curſon for a long time valiantly repelled, but in the end, fearing to be
forced, he makes compoſition, to depart with body and goods : Fougers and
Sir James de.Benron are likewiſe received by the Duke of Britain.
A freſh ſupply of fifteen hundred men, under the conduct of Sir Tho-
ugas Kiryell, are ſent over, who did as much as with fo ſmalt an handful
could be expected, taking in ſome Towns; but marching with the reſt
of the Army towards Bauguenx, at a place called Formigney, he was en-
countred by the Earl of Clerimont, and ſeven thouſand French and
Scots; at firſt the French were driven to recoyl, and loſt two pieces of
their Ordnance; but the Conſtable of France, with four hundred men
at arins, and eight hundred archers, came to the reſcue; and being freſh,
The Engliſh fo beat upon the tyred Engliſh, that they with the loſs of three thouſand
feven hundred threeſcore and thirteen, beſides divers priſoners, gave
proof, that it was not altogether unpoſſible, but that the Engliſh might be
overcome, which hitherto in France for many years they never had been :
Sir Thomas Vere and Captain Gough eſcaped to Roven.
The French King with an Army royal beſiegeth Cane, which is bravely
defended, till the Dutcheſsimportuneth her husband to take pity of her, and
his children, and to give over the Town; her entreatiesand his childrenstears
ſo far prevail, that he moves the ſurrender to Sir David Hall
, who was there
in right of his Maſter the Duke of York owner of Cane, who knowing that
An overbold, there was no great Correſpondency betwixt the Duke of Somerſet and his
but true lao- Colonel, boldly told the Duke, that he had the charge of that City delivered
care, that he would give a good account of the keeping of it, or leave
his life as a teſtimony of his good will to have done it: the Duke of Somerſet
urged his authority, which ſo incenſed the old Captain, that he ſaid that he
could never better have expreſſed his inſufficiency than ambitioully having
affected ſo eminent a place, now durſt not abide the hazard to ſtay in it: this
ſo moved the Regent, that he complaineth hereof to the reſt of the Captains,
to whom he maketh ſhow of more danger than there was, and ſo far
pre-
väiled with them, that they for the moſt part agree to make compoſition for
their departure with bag and baggage; which being granted, Sir. David
with ſome few of his retinue departed into Ireland, where to his Colonel
he related all the paſſages betwixt him and the Duke, which ſet a root of
rancour in the heart of the Duke of York againſt Somerjét, that the ſeeds
were never after dead, till drowned in blood.
The French triumphed in Normandy, having clearly gotten it, after an
+ hundred years poſſeſſion, out of the Engliſh mens hands, and finally won
all France to the obedience of Charles their King: the reaſons of this total
reduction of theſe Provinces are diverſly delivered.
Some affirm that the Engliſh had graſped more with their hand, than
they could well hold, joyning more Towns than they could man, and ha-
ving inore lands than they could manure, ſo that theirſtore bred their pover-
ty. Others ſay that the Captains kept not half the number in their Com-
panies that they received pay for. Others affirm that Somerſet was blinded
with French-crown duſt, that he could not diſcern danger, till the Soldi.
erstaſted deſtruction. But it is moſt agreeable to truth, that the triple-headed
Gerion in England, preſumption in government by ſome unmeet to rule,
the inveterate malice, and inſufferable pride of the laſt created Nobility, and
the univerſal diſtaſte of the Commons too much oppreſſed with exactions
and
to his
1
+
1
)
!
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
153
R.27
ccd.
and then to
and burdens, wasthe original and final cauſe of the ill ſucceſs our Armies had | An. 1450.
in France. Yet by the way, conſider but the deportment of the Engliſh Na-
tion, the concurrence of martial Men, their counſel, diſcipline, deſigns, from
the beginning of Edward the Firſt until this time; and you will acknowledge
that they were Men of worth and proweſs, and
carried the Palm of Victory
before them whereſoever they went. But Suffolk muſt bear a ſhare, and a
great one, of the blame for this buſineſs; for he is not only exclaimed againſt,
as the cauſe of the ſurrender of Anion and Mayne; the chief procurer of Suffolk tradu-
the Duke of Gloceſters death ; the occaſion of the loſs of Normandy: but
they accuſe him further, to have wilfully waſted the Kings Treaſure, for be-
ing a means to remove ſufficient Men from the Council board, and admitting
of Favourites that were only to ſerve his turn; his ambition aiming at the ad-
vancement of his faction, though with the deſtruction of the King, and the
ſubverſion of the Commonwealth. The Queen taketh notice of theſe aſper-
fions, and too well knowing how far they were guilty, that were thus toucht, The Parlia-
doubting the Dukes deſtruction, and her own
downfal
, if this current were meant fedia
not ſtopt, ſo wrought, that the Parliament aſſembled at the Black-Frièrs, is Black Friers
adjourned to Leiceſter, and from thence to Weſtminſter.
to Leiceſter,
In the mean time, all means poſſibly are uſed to ſtop the mouths of thoſe
ipeſtminſter.
that were incenſed againſt the Duke, but it prevailed not. For the Lower
Houſe exhibited their Bill of Grievance againſt the Duke of Suffolk, to this
purpoſe;
1. That he traiteroully had incited divers the King's Enemies, as namely,
the Baſtard of Orleance, the Lord Preſigny, and others, to levy War againſt
the King, to the intent that thereby the King might be deſtroyed, and that
John, the Duke of Suffolks Son, who had taken to Wife Margaret, Daughter
and ſole Heir of John Duke of Somerſet, whoſe Title to the Crown the
Duke of Suffolk had.often declared, in caſe King Henry ſhould die without
Iflue, might be King.
2. That by his finiſter practices, Charles Duke of Orleance, notwithſtand-
ing the many cautions upon great reaſons, by King Henry the Fifth to the
contrary given, obtained his Liberty.
3. That through his treachery by the abetment of the Duke of Orleance,
the French King hath gotten poſſeſſion of all the Dutchy of Normandy, and
taken Priſoners the Valiant Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lord Fauconbridge, and
many other brave Commanders; but to all theſe he affirmed himſelf not
guilty, neither in thought or deed.
Then were further allegations made againſt him, to this purpoſe:
1. That being with others ſent Emballadors into France, he tranſcended
his Commiſſion, and without privity of his fellow Commiſſioners, preſumed
to promiſe the ſurrender of Anion, and the delivery of the County of
Maunts,and the City of Mannts to Duke Rayner, which accordingly was per-
formed, to the great diſhonour of the King, and detriment of the Crown.
2. That he had traiterouſly acquainted the Council of the French King
with all the affairs of State, and paſſages of ſecrecy; by whoſe traiterous
information, the Enemy was throughly inſtructed in all the deſigns of the
King and Council
.
3. That he had received rewards from the French King, whereby all ſuc-
cors ſent to the Kings Friends in France, were diſappointed and fruſtrate.
4. That by his wicked practices, the good Duke of Gloceſter was deprived
both of Protectorſhip and Life.
O 3
5
1
5. That!
134
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
An. 1450.
mitted to the
Tower,
A Parliament
ſummoned.
5. That by his labouring, ſuch only were made of the King's Privy Coun-
R. 27. cil, that more reſpected the Dukes particular profits, than the good of the
King or Realm.
6. And laſtly, that he had underhand fraudulently enriched himſelf with
the King's Treaſure and Revenews, and had poſſeſſed himſelf
, by abuſing the
Queens favour, of all Offices of charge and credit about the King.
All theſe he faintly denied, but could not acquit himſelf of them. But to
blear the Eyes of the people, and to keep them hoodwinckt during the time
Suffolke.com. of Parliament, the Duke is committed to the Tower; but the Parliament is
no ſooner diſſolved, but he is ſet at liberty, which ſo much incenſed the vul-
gar people, that they could not be reſtrained within the limits of obedience,
but in many places, after they had vented their ſwoln ſpleens in garrulent ex-
claiming againſt the corruption of the times, and the wrongs the Common-
wealth ſuitained by the miſgovernment of the Queen and her Favorite,
they fell to an Inſurrection, and under the leading of a deſperate Comman-
der, ſtiling himſelf Blewbeard, they began to commit ſome outrages, but by
the diligence of the Gentlemen of the Country, the Captain was apprehen-
ded, and the Rebellion ceaſed.
The Parliament is again aſſembled, and great care taken of the Election
of moderate-minded Men, for Citizens and Burgeſſes, preſuming thereby to
ftop any further proceedings againſt Suffolk; but his appearance gave ſuch a
general diſtaſte in the Houſe, that though he came in the company of the
King and Queen, they would not forbcar, but begin the Aſſembly with Peti-
tioning the King for exemplary puniſhment to be indicted upon ſuch that had
Plotted or conlented to the diſhonorable releaſe and reſignation of Anion
and Mayne, whereof by name they did inſtance the Duke of Suffolk, John,
Biſhop of Salisbury, Sir James Fgoles, Lord Say, and others. This Petition
was ſeconded by the Lords of the upper Houſe; whereupon, to give ſome
ſatisfaction to the Houſes, the Lord Say, Lord Treaſurer, is ſequeſtred from
his place. The Dukes Officers are all diſcarded, and himſelf formally baniſhed
for five years, but with an intent, after the multitude (which are quickly
forgetful of what is not ever in ſight) had put out of mind the hatred con-
ceived againſt him, to have revoked him : But God did otherwiſe diſpoſe of
him; for when he was Shipped in Suffolk, with intent to have wafted over
into France, he was met by an Engliſh Man of War, taken and carried to
Dover Sands, had there his Head chopt off on the ſide of the long boat,which
together with the Body were left there on the Sands, as a pledge of ſome
ſatisfaction for the death of Humphrey. This William de la Poole married
Alice, Daughter and Heirof Sir Tkomas Chancer, who had Ifue by her John,
who ſucceeded him, and William.
Whilſt theſe things are in agitation, the Duke of York(though in Ireland)
began to ſpread his nets in England, to catch ſuch, as either through diſgraces
were diſcontented, or otherwiſe envious at the unworthy preferment of ill-
deſerving perſons; or ſuch as were any way ill-affected with the preſent Go-
vernment, ever ſuggeſting by the way his Title to the Crown, as deſcended
from Philip, Daughter and Heir of George, Duke of Clarence, elder Brother
of John of Gaunt, great Grandfather of Henry the Sixth. Then it is pri-
vately whiſpered:
1. That the King was ſimply of a weak capacity.
2. The Queen incorrigibly ambitious.
3. The Privy Council, if wiſe, yet not honeſt enough for their places.
4. That
"
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
155
R. 27
4. That through their inabilities, all France was loſt; and that God would | An. 1450.
not bleſs the ulurped poffeſfion of King Henry the Sixth.
Amongſt other that were caught with theſe reportative Engins, the Ken-
tiſhmen ſwallowed down the hook, and are taken therewith ; which being
obſerved by an Inſtrument of the Duke of Yorks, called Mořtmer, he ta. Mortimer in-
keth his time, and telleth the many, that if they will be ruled by him, he
will put them into a courſe to work a general reformation both in Court ređion.
and Country, and free them for ever from thoſe great and inſupportable
burthens of taxations ſo often (upon every ſlight occafion) obtruded up
1
cites the ma-
by to loſur-
on them.
ces of the
Commons
ment.
The people are ſo taken with theſe promiſes of reformation, and freedom
of Impolitions, that they draw to a Head, and make Mortymer, otherwiſe
Jack Cade, their Leader, who ſtiling himſelf Captain Mend-all
, marcheth
with no great number, but thoſe well-ordered, to Black-heath, where be-
tween Eliham and Greenwich, he lay by the ſpace of a month, exerciſing his
Men, and ſending for whom he pleaſed, and for what he pleaſed, in that ma-
jeſtick manner, as if he were Lord Paramount of all Kent, nay, of London
alſo. To him reſort freſh companies of all ſorts, and from all parts. Then he
preſents unto the Parliament, then Aſſembled at Weſtminſter, the complaints
of the Commons, and a juſtification of the cauſe of their Allembly, to be for
the glory of God, the honour of the King, and thegood of his faithful Sub-
jects. And firſt, whereas it was generally voiced, that the County of Kent
ſhould be depopulated, and made a wild Foreſt, for the death of the Duke
of Suffolk, they juſtifie their innocency of the fact, and therefore crave the
averſion of any ſuch Sentence or Decree: Then they make Remonſtrance.
1. That the Queen's Favourites ſhare among them the revenews of the The grievan-
Crown, whereby the King is enforced (for the ſupportation of his preſent
Eſtate ) to Tax and burthen the Commons with many great and unuſual tendred to
payments, to their utter undoing, and the general impoveriſhment of the the Parlia-
Kingdom.
2. That the Lords of the Blood Royal are ſequeſtred from the Kings pre-
ſence, and the places of Council are ſupplied by perſons of poor condition,
who to inrich themſelves, make ſale of Juſtice.
3. That the Commons have their Commodities daily taken from them, for
the purveyance of the King's houſhold, for which they are not payed, 'nor
any aſſurance for payment thereof given, but Court-promiſes
.
4. That upon the apprehenſion of any Man for Treaſon or felony, before
conviction, the King's medial Servants beg the Goods and Lands of the Im-
peached; whereupon, indirect and unlawful proceedings are uſed, by Subor-
nation of Witnelles, Embracery of Jurors, and great Men's Letters to the
Judges, whereby Juſtice is perverted; and the Innocent, after Attainted, and
if not Executed, yet perpetually Impriſoned, to their undoing, and the in-
riching of ſuch Court-Barrators.
5. That the Commons can have no Legal proceedings in their Law Suits,
ſo that the rightful Owners of Inheritance, dare not (if oppoſed by any
Courtier or their Favourites) maintain their Titles, or attempt the recovery
of their Intereſt, or maintenance of their Poſſeſſion, how juſt ſoever.
6. That the treachery of making ſale of the King's Poffeſſions in France,
have brought to beggery many thouſand Engliſh, who now for want of im-
ployment, are ready to ſtarve or ſteal, whilſt theſe Town-jobbers are fuffer-
ed to enjoy the benefit of their traiterous compoſitions, and are opulent and
mighty.
A
7. That
*
156
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
I
An. 1450.
1
7. That the King's Collectors and other Accomptants are much troubled
R. 27. in paſſing their Accompts, by new extorted Fees, and by being enforced to
procure a late invented Writ of Quoriim nomina, for allowance of the Ba-
rons of the Cinque-ports, and there Suing out their Quietus at their own
charge, without allowance from the King.
8. That the Sheriffs, and under-Sheriffs let to farm their Bailiwicks, where-
by thoſe that buy dear (being to make a ſaving bargain ) are compelled to
ſell dear, whereby they ſo fleece and ſhark upon the poor Commons, that
they are hardly able to ſubliſt.
9. That ſuch Bailiffs under colour of the green Wax out of the Exchequer,
do levy greater ſums than are by the Record juſtifiable, yet maintained.
10. That the Officers of Dover Caſtle did uſually, upon feigned Actions,
arreſt through the Shire, forcing poor people to give their demands, rather
than they would be at that expence to go to the Court, and there dance at-
tendance at pleaſure ; by means whereof they are often driven to ſpend
more than the thing demanded, to the great vexation of the Commons.
11. That they cannot have the freedom of Election of Knights of the
Shire, Citizens and Burgeſſes for the Parliament, but by Letters from the fa-
vourites of the Court; to their Friends and retainers; the Knights, Citizens,
and Burgeſſes are choſem, and commonly ſuch, as to pleaſe the Courtiers, dif
pleaſe the Commons.
12. That the Collectors Offices are bought and ſold at the pleaſure of the
Juſtices of the Peace, taking bribes of ſome that are of a ſoft diſpoſition to
be ſpared; and taking bribes on the other ſide of turbulent ſpirited Men,
to have leave to execute the place.
13. That they are too much troubled with too often coming to attend
the general Seſſions, being enforced in many places to make five days journy
to the place where they are kept; hereof they made complaint, and crave
redreſs, and that ſpeedily.
The Captain likewiſe for his own particular, after proteſtation made to
live and die in the quarrel of the King, and in juſtification of his being
Sovereign and undoubted Lord; and of affirmation of his deſire, of the
Captain King's welfare, and proſperity of the Realm, maketh Petition, that the King
would be himſelf, and not live of the Alms of his poor Commons, whilft
private Peti. his proud Courtiers riøt out the Revenues of the Crown : To that end, he
craveth that the King will reſume into his own Hands all the demeaſa Lands,
Rights and Profits of the Crown, now fold, or leaſed, or farmed, or other-
wile diſpoſed of.
2. That his Majeſty would be pleaſed to call back, and into favour
to receive the truly noble Prince, the Duke of York, now exiled from
his preſence, and with bim the right Honorable, the Dukes of Exeter,
Buckingham, and Norfolk, and the ancient Noblemen of the Realm, bý
the undue practices of Suffolk, and his complices, commanded from his
Preſence; and that all their antagoniſts and ill-willers might be baniſhed
the Court, or bar'd their place in Council, and diſplaced of their of
fices.
3. That condigni puniſhment might be impartially inflicted upon all the
Plotters and Contrivers of the Duke of Gloceſters death, their Affociates
and Abettors; and of all ſuch as were the cauſes of the deach of the Dukes
of Exeter and Warwick, with the irrecuperable loſs of the King's poffeffi-
ons in France.
mend all his
1
tion.
1
1
1
i
4. That
+
I
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
157
4. That there might be a general amotion of corrupt Officers,an abolition An. 1450.
of the Green wax,and other inſtruments of extortion, out of the Exchequer,al R. 27.
qualification of the rigour of proceedings in the Kings Bench, an inhibition of
unequal purveyance of proviſion for.the Kings houſhold, a ceffation of pro-
ceedings againſt the offenders of the ſtatute of Laborers and a preſent execu-
tion of the Promoters
, Slegge, Cromer, I fell and Eaſt
, whom he pretended by
wrongful information to have abuſed the King, and wronged his Subjects.
Theſe Bills of intimation and petition are ſent from the lower Houſe to
the upper; from whence the examination of the circumſtances are commit-
ted to the Lords of the Kings Privy Councel; who, having throughly peruſed
'them, and maturely examined the particulars, explode them as frivolous, and
conclude the promovers and authors thereof proud and preſumptuous rebels.
Whereupon the King is ſollicited by his Privy Councel, to puniſh the run-
lawful attempt
of theſe Rebellious pretenders
, rather by force than
entreaty.
This advice is ſeconded by the Queen, whom ſhe perceived now they prin-
cipally aimed at, though not as yet in overt terms diſcovered. The King
draws his Forces to Greenwich, from whence he appointed divers nameleſs
Lords to aſſail the Rebels; but they were told by their followers, that they
would not fight againſt their friends, as only laboured the reformation of a
buſes,and the puniſhment of ſuch traytors about the King, as the Lord Say,
the Kings Chamberlain was, whoſe name was rife in every mans mouth, as
well on one ſide as other, to be reproached; whereupon the Lord Chamber-
lain is préſently committed to the Tower, and (until other forces come) the
King and Queen retire to London; from whence within two daies being now
full 15000. ſtrong, the King in Perſon marcheth towards Captain Amend all;
who politickly withdraweth his force to Senock wood; upon notice where-
of the King retireth to London. But the Queen thirſting after their ruine
that plotted hers,ſends the two Staffords, Sir Humphry and William,with many
gallants, to follow the rebels; theſe, proud of imployment, make morehafte Thé two Staf-
than good ſpeed; for they found Jack Cade in good order, ready to receive fords defeated
them, who in the firſt encounter, flew Sir Humphry, and afterwards his Bro-
ther, and put all the reſt to flight. The Kings Forces being at Black-heath,
could not by threats of entreats be enforced or perſwaded to go to the reſ
cues. But hearing of the diſcomfiture of the Staffords, and the forward
Courtiers, they began to whiſtle treaſon, wiſhing the Queen and her Fa-
vourites in Staffords room, or that the Duke of York were in England to aid
his Couſin Mortimer (never owned to be of the houſe of March until now.)
But all expreſſing their backwardneſs to make reſiſtance, many of them
ſteal to the Kentiſhmen, and others from Suffex add Surrey increaſe his
number, whom he ordereth, reſtraineth from forraging or taking any thing
by force, or without payment; yet how, or from whence he had proviſion of
food for this numerous company, or money to provide it, had not ſome
Londoners underhand given him aſliſtance, might have been wondered. But
he returneth again to Black-heath, and encampeth where the Kings Army lay
the night before,. who were now faln down to Greenwich.
The Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Buckingham, are ſent to
expoſtulate with the Rebels and their Captain about their demand (a mi-
ferable time the while, when two ſuch Peers muſt be imployed in ſuch a
'manner to ſo mean a perſon and a Rebel.) But riow being together
, Jack
Cade with a ſober compoſed countenance, and great moderation, expreſſed
himſelf in very good terms, but without ſhow of reluctation or cellation
from
and flain.
1
1
1
ten
1
158
The Life and Reign of Henry.the Sixth.
1
R. 27
F
An. 1450. from arms, except the King in perſon would hear the grievances of the
Subject, and paſs his Princely word, for reformation of their wrongs; this
ſetled (if not peremptory) reſolution made known to the King, who was
in doubt of his own forces, as being unſure of his own Soldiers faith,
marcheth preſently to Killingworth Caſtle in Warwickſhire, where he
fortifieth, and victualleth, as ſuſpecting to be beſieged, having left
nor power, nor Commander of note behindy but only the Lord Scales,
who with ſome forces were left to guard the Tower. The Kentiſh Cap-
tain, taking advantage of the Kings departure, cometh to Southwark,
where be orderly quartereth his men, earneſtly exhorting his Soldiers,
to be Examples of that in themſelves, that they made pretence to find
wanting, in others; and to be regular, and modeſt, and to commit no
outrage: either in or abolit their lodging; he himſelf kept the watch,
and kept all things. fair and ſquare. The next morning they marched
to London-bridge, where they made ſhift with their Swords to cut the
ropes of the Draw-bridge, no force being uſed for reſiſtance; and ſo in
good order they march by London ſtone ; upon which the Captain ſtruck
his Sword, ſaying, Loe, Mortimer is now Lord of London. The Major of
London, Sir Thomas Chalton, ſtanding upon the threſhold of his door,
with a bold countenance, as though he had power enough (if he would)
to repreſs him, told the Captain, that if he ſhould attempt any thing
againſt the quiet of the. City, that he ſhould feel hands enough about
their ears to ſtop them, before they went too far; whereunto Jack
Cade not permitting him to proceed, with a ſetled brow, ſaid ; Let the
World take notice of our honeſt intention by our actions; we pre-
tend not publicki reformation, nor intend private ends of inriching our
ſelves by undoing others; let us have your favourable opinions, if you
will not give us further aſſiſtance, and in the mean time to give you
aſſurance, our Tongues and hearts are relatives; obſerve our demeanours ;
and ſo giving the word, his Soldiers faced about, and returned to their
laſt quarter, not doing by the way the leaſt thing that might be tearmed
wrong to the Citizens. This orderly carriage of himſelf, with the care,
of the Commanders to keep the men in obedience to the ſtatutes and
proviſions of their General, won them a good opinion amongſt the moſt
of the lower rank of Citizens; he therefore aſſuming to himſelf the Title
and place of chief, ſendeth out his Letters of ſafe conduct, to ſuch whom
he pleaſed to make uſe of, amongſt whom he wrote this to Thomas Cock
Draper of London.
By this our Writing enſealed, we grant and will permit truly, that Tho-
mas Cock of London Draper, ſhall come in ſurety and in ſafeguard to our
Warrant.
preſence, without any hurt to his perſon, and to avoyd from us again at his
pleaſure, with all other perſons aſſigned at his denomination with him com-
ing in: ſubſcribed thus, "His Majeſties Loyal Subject, John Mortimer,
Captain Amend all.
Upon Cocks admiſſion he had private conference, with three other with
him ; and the Captain at his departure gave him theſe inſtructions in
The form of
Jack Cades
writing.
You ſhall charge all Lombards, and Merchant ſtrangers, Genoways, Ve-
netians, Florentines and others, this day to draw themlélves together, and
to ordain for us the Captain, twelve Harneſs compleat of the beſt faſhion
four and twenty Bridgandines, twelve Battel-axes, twelve Glaves, ſix Horſes
with
ز
A
+
1
1
*
159
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R. 27
!
11
1
with ſaddle and bridle compleatly furniſhed, and a thouſand marks in ready An. 1450.
money : and if this our demand be not performed and done, we ſhall have
the heads of as many as we can get of them.
Next morning, being the third of July, having received the Lombards con-
tribution, he returned in Battel array to London, and from thence ſent to the
Lord Scales for the bringing of his priſoner, the Lord Say, to the Guild-ball
,
whither he had called the Maior with his Brethren, and before whom he
cauſed the Lord Say to be arraigned; who craving the benefit of the Law, to
be tried by his Peers, was forthwith taken from his Keepers, and brought
to the Standard in Cheap,and there had his head chopt off, which being pitch-
ed upon a Pikę, was carried before him to Mile-end, whither he went to
have conference with the Mutiners of Ejjex, which were encamped there ;
by the way caſually meeting with Sir James Cromer, the high Sheriff of
Kent, who had lately married the Lord Says Daughter, he cauſed his head
to be ſtruck off, and carried with his Father-in-laws before him in de-
riſion. From thence he returned into Southwark, and orderly kept his
watches, tying the Companies to their Martial duties.
In the morning they came again to London, where, after publick execution
made of ſome of his followers that had done things contrary to his Procla.
mation, for he made the tranſgreſſion of his Edicts criminal, without the leaſt
partiality or ſparing any) upon ſome diſpleaſure formerly taken againſt Al-
derman Malpas, he ſent and ſeized upon all his Wares and Goods, and ſent
it to his quarter in Southwark, and fined Alderman Horne at five hundred
Marks, and began in a more inſolent manner, than hitherto he had uſed, to
bear himſelf; which caused the graver Citizens to take advice amongſt
themſelves, for ſome ſpeedy courſe to be taken for the reprelling of theſe
infolencies, and the aſſurance of their lives and ſubſtance from the fury of
ſuch Rebels. They ſend therefore by night to the Lord Scales, who promi.
ſeth them his beſt aſliſtance, and to that end ſendeth to them Matthew Gongh,
an old Soldier, and an able Captain, with ſome forces and furnitures out of
the Tower ; who preſently are drawn down to London-Bridge, and at the
foot thereof ſtand to debar the Kentiſh Rebels from paſſage that way;
whereupon the alarum is given, and Cade endeavoured to force his paſſage,
ſo that a cruel fight began, which did continue many hours, ſometimes
winning, ſometimes loſing ground; at length the Rebels prevailed ſo far,
that they drove the Londoners from the Draw-bridge; then they began to
ſet fire on the houſes; when the aged and impotent, between the mercileſs
elements of fire and water (whilſt the more able were flain by the Sword)
moſt miſerably periſhed; Captain Gough, Alderman Sutton, and Robert
Hayſand, valiantly fighting, were ſlain.
Now had the Londoners loſt the Bridge, and were driven to St. Magnus
corner, but a freſh ſupply being come, they recovered the Bridg, and drove
the Kentiſh beyond the ſtoop in Southwark, at which time both being wea-
ry, agreed of a Truce until the next day, neither party to go into the others
quarters. After the retreat Cade found that he had loſt many of his moſt
able men, he was therefore driven for ſupply, to ſet at liberty all the Priſoners
in Southwark, as well Felons as Debtors, to fill up bis.number ; but now his
Soldiers entring into conſideration of their danger, and the deſperate fer-
vices, their Captain had brought them to; and (though with the lateſt) ada
viſing privately amongſt themſelves of ſome courſe to retire and return
to their Houſes and Families, being weary of the life of a Soldier, they
hung
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
1.60
y
.
of the rebells
Nain.
1
An. 1452. húng down their heads, and waited but opportunity to give their Captain
R. 29. the bag ; which being wiſely apprehended by the Lord Archbiſhop of
Canterbury, collecting by their countenances their change of opinion, he,
together with the Biſhop of Wincheſter, came from the Tower by water
to Southrpark.,.. where they ſhewed the Kings General pardon, under the
great. Seal of England; which being publickly publiſhed, the people were
not more weary of rebelling, thanglad of the pardon; and without bidding
the Captainfarwell, they that night withdrew themſelves to their fe-
véral habitations. Fack: Cade having ſent his pillage by water, with ſome
few followers, bent his journey to Quinborough Caſtle; where, contrary to
expectation, being debarred entrance, he diſguiſed himſelf, and privily
fled; but Proclamation being made, that he that ſhould bring him alive
or dead, ſhould have for his reward a thouſand Marks, he was afterward by
one Alexander Eden Gentleman, attached; but making reſiſtance in a Gar-
The Captain; den at Hothfield in Suffex, he was lain : his body was brought to London, and
there beheaded and quartered; the one placed on London Bridge, the other
ſent into divers places in Kent to be ſet up
Upon this news the King ſends his Commiſſioners into Kent, to enquire
of the abettors of the Kentiſh-rebells
, whither himſelf followeth in.perſon;
and notwithſtanding five hundred were found guilty, eight only were execu-
ted. The ſlips of this rebellion did ſpring about this time in many places of
this Kingdom, but chiefly in Suſſex, Surrey, and Wiltſhire, but were foon
appeaſed without much hurt done; only the Wiltſhiremen, upon the nine and
twentieth day of June; drew Willian Askotsy Biſhop of Salisbury, from the
high altar, celebrating Maſs in Edington Church in his Albe with his Stole
The Biſhop of
Salsbury mur-
about his neck, to the top of the hill, and there inhumanely murthered him
their rage having blinded their reaſún, baniſht humanity, and drowned all
pitty. They ſtripped him naked, every one of his Tenants ſtriving to have
a piece of his bloody. ſhirt :not, as others, to have the relicks of the Martyr,
to celebrate his memory ;. but as glorying in their own villany, they ha-
ving the day before robbed his carriage, and taken the ſum of ten thou-
fand Marks.
The French King, taking hold of theſe diſorders in England“ winneth out
of their hands all whatſoever was in their poſſeſſion in France ;. no ſuccour
(though often and earneſtly by writing and Meſſengers required) being
fent unto them; ſo that England at this time ſufferedh total eclipfe of gło-
ry in France; they every day. loſing more or leſs,: until they had nothing
left in France to loſe, but the Town of Callice, and the Caſtles of Hames
.
and Guynes; ſo that King Henry the fifths prophetick declaration, that what
Henry of Monmouth got in France, Henry of Windſor ſhould loſe, was
now vérified
The Duke of Somerſet, having ſo well diſcharged his place of Regency,
that he had loſt but few men, but conſumed much Treaſure, and kept never
a Town, cometh into England's, andat a Parliament, which began at West-
minſter the ſixth of November, was put under-arreſt; upon notice whereof
the Commons of London deſpoiled his houſe at Black-Friers, and ranſack-
ed the ſame, making havock: of all things, until Proclamation was made,
on pain of death; that no man ſhould meddle with any the Dukes houſes
or ſtuff ; and one for diſobeying the Proclamation; was beheaded at the
Standard in:Cheape: 1 * 1:
:
The Duke of York, under pretence of coming to this:Parliament, came
ģ
thered.
t
A Parliament.
'out
...
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
IÓI
R. 29.
out of Ireland, and at London had private conference with John Duke of An. 1452.
Norfolk, Richard Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Devon, and others his affu-
red Friends, where it was reſolved to keep the chief purpoſe (the pre- The Duke of
tence to the Crown) ſecret, and only make ſhew of his endeavours to be rokes Policy
bent, to remove thoſe from the Councel of the King, that had ſo dilho intention.
noured the Realm, and waſted the revenues of the Crown, in loſing ſo
many good Towns in France, and doing nothing worthy their place or cre-
dit they held about the King : whereof the Duke of Somerſet muſt be the
chief man to be inſtanced; and the rather, for that he was in great contempt
of the Commons, and was the only he, that oppoſed the Duke of York in
all things. The Duke having laid the foundation of this his ſo long inten.
ded enterpriſe, fent divers Letters unto the King, wherein he intimated,
the many unworthy proceedings plotted againſt him by his Enemies, where
by they had well-nie, if not altogether, withdrawn His Majeſties affection
from him ; and though he were, and was ready, to lay down his life at the
Kings command, as a teſtimony of his ever to continue loyalty, yet by their
ſecret and diſhonourable practiſes, they had beſmeared his honour with
ſuſpicion of his integrity; which was a grief unutterable, and an injury
unſupportable. That his patience abuſed might turn to fury; nevertheleſs
his only requeſt was, to know his accuſer, and either to have liberty to de-
fie him, and make good his challenge by the Law of Arms, or be permitted
to take that courſe for the reparation of his Honour, as was appertaining
to his condition and birth,
To this the King maketh anſwer, that he would take his complaint of
wrongs into conſideration, and endeavour to give him fair fatisfaction;
but withal ſomewhat blames him, for the death of the Biſhop of Cheſter,
by his means ſuſpected to be ſlaughtered, and of dangerous ſpeeches utte-
red by his ſervants, tending to rebenon; concluding, that notwithſtanding
any thing faid, or done to the contrary, he did take and eſteem him as a
faithful ſubject, and a loving kinſman.
The Duke of York not herewith ſatisfied, intending at once both to pro- Tork raiſeth
mulgate his proteſtation, and diſplay his colours, departeth into Wales, and forces in
there levieth men, making his colour for the good of the Common-wealth,
and the removing the bad Councellòurs (that ſought the ruine of his Sub-
jects) from the Kings Councel.
*
News hereof being brought, the King, with the Duke of Somerſet (now
enlarged) with an Army marched towards Wales ; whereof the Duke of York The King
having notice by his Scouts which way the King came, by a contrary way tends to the
Duke of York,
marched towards London, but having from thence received advertiſements,
that he would be prohibited entrance, he paſt the River Thames at King-
ſtone bridge, and marched into Kent, expecting there to find many friends,
at leaſt partakers
, and encamped upon Burnt-heath.
The King in his purſuit came to Black-heath, and there pitcht bis Tents.
From whence the King ſent the Biſhops of Wincheſter and-Ely, the Lord Ri-
vers,' and Richard Andrews, the Keeper of the Privy Şeal, to know the cauſe
of this Commotion, and to make offer of reconcilement, if the Dukes de-
mands were confonant to reaſon. The Duke made anſwer, that there was
2'or los anſwer
nothing intended, that might be prejudicial to the Kings perſon, his Crown
or Dignity, nor to the binderance of any good man, but to remove cer-
tain Blood-ſuckers, evil diſpoſed perſons, oppreſſors of the
infamous impoſtors, from about the King; but eſpecially Edmond Duke
P
of
Wales.
!
poor, and
1
162
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
។
R. 29.
Yorke diſmis.
An.
1452.
of Somerſet; whom, if the King would be but pleaſed to commit to Ward,
until by a legal tryal in Parliament he might receive judgement, of ſuch
treaſonable crimes as ſhould then and there be proved againſt him; that then
he would not only diſmiſs his Army, but come unto his preſence,' as a true
and Loyal Subject in duty was bound ſo to do, and to tender him all befit-
ting ſervice. Hereupon the Duke of Somerſet is committed to Priſon. The
Duke of York diſſmiſſeth his Army, and cometh in a perſon to the King.
ſeth his Army. where finding the Duke of Somerſet in the Preſence, he chargeth him with
treaſon. The Duke of Somerſet denieth the accuſation, and recriminates the
Duke of York, to have conſpired the death of the King, and the uſurpation
of the Crown.
The King removeth to London, and the Duke of York, as a Priſoner, rode
before the King, but the Duke of Somerſet at liberty; which miniſtred much
occaſion of heart-burning amongſt the friends of York.
The King calleth a Councel at Weſtminſter, where the Dukes are earneſt
in accuſing each other; Somerſet inſtantly craved of the Councel, that the
Duke of York might by compulſion, or otherwiſe, be made to confeſs his
Conſpiracy, and to doom him to condigo puniſhment, and his Children ta-
ken as Enemies to their Country, as the only means to repreſs the ſo much
to be feared civil diſſention. This he with great ſhew of vehemency urged,
but not (how true ſoever) to the point of belief; for the moſt of the Coun-
cel ſuggeſted his innocency; firſt, by his voluntary ſubmiſſion, when he had
power ſufficient, either to have kept the field, or to have aſſured his retreit;
then by his requeſt made, not for himſelf
, but for the eaſe of the poor
Commons; next his careful and honourable endeavours, both in France and
Ireland,where,if he had had any ſuch traiterous intent, he had the pan by the
ſtale, and might have kept it. But while the Councel are debating this, at
the
very
inſtant, the Earl of Kendall, and the Lord Leſpar, crave preſent
admiſſion to the Boord, and audience, as Embaſſadors from Burdeux, for
buſineſs of great import, and ſpeedy diſpatch: they being admitted, declare
to the Kings Councel, how readily and really the inhabitants of Burdeux
are to ſubmit their obedience to the Crown of England, if they might but
be aſſured to be defended by it; they therefore offer upon
the
appearance
of an Army in Gaſcoyne (if come before the plot be diſcovered) to yield
all up unto them.
To ſecond this, cometh a conſtant urged report, that
Edward Earl of March, Son and Heir to the Duke of York, with a great
power of Murch-men, made a ſpeedy march towards London. Theſe news
troubled the Queen, thoſe the Councel; it is therefore reſolved on,
that the. Duke of York (leſt private diffention ſhould hinder públick de-
ſigns of ſuch conſequence, as the reduction of Gaſcoyne) ſhould in the
preſence of the King and his Nobility, and all the Congregation, at the
the Oath of high Altar at Pauls, take his Oath of ſubmiſſion, and allegiance to the King
Allcagiance. of England; which he accordingly did, and ſo had liberty to depart to his
Caſtle of Wigmore.
After his departure, the Earl of Shrewsbury, with about three thouſand men,
was ſent to Gaſcoyne, who arriving in the Iſle of Madre, paſſed forth with
his power, and took Fronſack, and other pieces: But having received in the
night inſtructions from Burdeux, he makes all ſpeed thither, and was entred
therein, before the French had notice of his coming, ſo that many of them
were ſlain by the Lord Lespar in their beds : ſhortly after the reduction of
Burdeux, there arrived at Blay the Earl of Shrewsburgs Son, Sir John
*
f
4
?
Yorke takes
1
Burdeur is
reduced.
Talbot,
*
H
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
163
x
Х
Chartillon.
Talbot, with the Baſtard of Somerſet, with divers others, with two and twen.! An. 1452.
ty hundred Men furniſhed and victualled; by whoſe means Burdeux is well R. 29.
manned with Engliſh, and provided for at full, whilſt the Earl was not idle,
but went from place to place, to receive the offered ſubmiſſion of all places
whither he came; and having taken Chattillon, he ſtrongly and ſufficiently
fortifieth and furniſheth the ſame. The French King raiſcth an Army, and
forthwith beſiegeth (by his Commanders) Chattillon; to the reſcue whereof
the Earl maketh all poſſible ſpeed with eight hundred Horſe, appointing the
Earl of Kendall, and the Lord Leſpar, to follow with the Foot. In his way
he ſurpriſed a Tower the French had taken, and put all within it to the
Sword; and meeting five hundred French-men, that had been forraging, he
flew a great number of them, and chaſed the reſt to the Camp; upon whoſe
approach, the French underſtanding which way the Enemy came, they left
the Siege, and retired to a place which they had formerly trenched and forri-
fied, whither the Earl followeth them, and reſolutely chargeth them ſo home,
that he got the entry of the Camp, where being ſhot thorow the Thigh with Shrewsbury
a Harquebuſh, and his Horſe llain under him, his Son deſirous to relieve his Sont and this
Father, loſt his own Life, and therein was accompanied with his Baſtard Bro- natural Bro-
ther, Henry Talbot, and Sir Edward Hall, and thirty other Gentlemen of ther flain ac
name; the Lord Molynes, with threeſcore others, were taken priſoners, the
reſt fled to Burdeux, but in the way a thouſand of them were blain.
Thus on the laſt day of July at Chatillon, the thrice honorable Earl of An. 1453.
Shrewsbury, the firſt of that name, gave the laſt teſtimony of his trueſervice
to his King, after he had imployed the fame to his never.dying Honour in
the parts beyond the Seas, by the ſpace of four and twenty years; he had
married two wives, the firſt was Matild, Daughter and ſole Heir of Thomas
Nevill
, Lord Furnivalli by whom he had Illue, John that ſucceeded him in
the Earldom, Sir Clriſtopher Talbot, and Sir Humphry Talbot, Knights.
His ſecond Wife was Margaret, elder Daughter and Co-heir of Richard
Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, by whom he had iſſue, John Talbot, in right
of his Wife Viſcount Liſle, ſlain with his Father.
Sir Humphry Talbot; Nain at Mount Sinai.
Elizabeth, married to John Mowbray Earl of Norfolk.
And Elianor, Wiſe to Thomas Boteleer, Lord of Sudley Caſtle. And a na-
tural Son, ſlain, as afore, with his Father; his body was buried in a Tomb
at Roan in Normandy, with this inſcription; Here lieth the right Noble
Knight John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Weſhford, Waterford, and l'alence,
Lord Talbot of Goodritch and Orchenfield, Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord
Verdon of Acton, Lord Cromwell of Wingfield, Lord Lovetoft of Worlop,
Lord Furnival of Sheffield, Lord Fauconbridge, Knight of the moſt noble
Orders of St. George, St. Michael, and the Golden Fleece, great Marſhal
to King Henry the Sixth of his Realm of France, who was llain at Chatil-
The Earl of Kendall, the Lords Mountferrat, Rofayne, and Dangladas, en-
tred into the Caſtle of Chattillon, which they made good againſt the French,
by the ſpace of ten days, and then upon hope of fuccor, delivered it upon
compoſition, to have liberty to depart to Burdeux. Now the tyde turned
again, the Gaſcoynes levity, being as ready to open the Gates to the French,
as they were but little before to the Engliſh, by means whereof, in ſhort
time the French recovered again all Gaſcoyne, except Burdeux, which the
French King in Perſon layeth Siege unto, and at length hath it ſurrendred
P 2
upon
/
6
lon, I453
0
164
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
!
.
The Queen
delivered of a
Son.
$
I
1
An. 1453. (upon condition that both Garriſons and Inhabitants with all their ſubſtance,
R. 30. might ſafely depart from England or Callice, and that the Lords Lesparand!
Durant, with thirty others, whoſe names were expreſſed, upon pain of
death, ſhould never after be found in the Territories of France : the neglect
of which Oath, within few years after, cauſed Lespar to leave his Head be-
hind him there, whilſt the reſt in fafety came to England. This loſs of Aqui-
tane was palliated by the happy delivery of the Queen of a Son, who was
Chriſtened Edward.
The King and the Dukes beginning to bandy one againſt the other, gave
a beginning to that faction, whoſe end was not procured without the deplo-
rable loſs of ſo many thouſand Engliſhmen; and now, as a Præludium to that
tragedy, upon St. Bartholmews day, an ancient cuſtom being, that the Mayor
of London, and the Sheriffs ſhould be preſent, in giving prizes to the beſt
Wraftlers, at the wraſtling place near More-fields. The Prior of St. Johns
being there to ſee the ſport, a Servant of his not brooking the diſgrace, to be
foiled before his Maſter, againſt the cuſtom of the place, would have wraſt-
led again, and with foul language provoked the Victor; but one bad word
begat another, and from foul words, they fell to fouler blows. The Mayor
obſerving the mover, to be the Priors ſervant,not only commanded the Kings
peace in general to be obſerved; but perceiving by the Priors countenance,
that he did aber his Servants inſolency, he commanded Richard Ally, one of
the Sheriffs, to lay hold upon the Priors ſervant, who did ſo, and delivered
him to one of his Officers; from whom by the Priors Servants, and others
their partakers, the Priſoner was in danger to be reſcued, ſo as the Sheriff
craved aſſiſtance of the Mayor, who with his Brethren, and Officers, and
Servants, valiantly aſſiſted the Sheriff in the execution of his Office; whilſt
the Prior haſted to St. Johns, from whence, and Clerkenwell, he under the
guide of one Callice, a deſperate ſwaggerer, ſent a number of Bow-men to
reſiſt the Mayor; upon whoſe approach, great bloodſhed, and ſome ſlaugh-
tey was committed; the Mayors cap was ſhot thorow with an Arrow, he
nevertheleſs couragiouſly did bis devoire,in incouraging the Citizens,and ap-
prehending ſome of the mutiners, whom he ſent to Newgate, and put the reſt
to flight; which being done, he cometh to his Pavilion, and would have had
the Sports go on, but the Wraſtlers were out of breath, or hurt, ſo that
none came; nevertheleſs, Sir John Norman the Mayor told his Brethren, that
he would ſtay a while to make trial of the Citizens reſpect towards him ; for
if they came to his reſcue, though it needed not, yet they would expreſs their
love, or their negle&, if otherwiſe: He had no ſooner laid ſo, when the Citi-
zens, with Banners diſplayed, came in great numbers to him, and fetcht him
homc in great Triumph. This was that Mayor wbich firſt began to go by wa-
ter to Weſtminſter, to take his Oath in that manner as is at this day uſed,
Mayor that
whereas before that time they uſed to go by Land. This Mayor again was
rvent by water troubled by the Sanctuary Men of St. Martins, which not without ſome
to Wilmin fer bloodſhed, and a great deal of induſtry on his part
, was with the publick
puniſhment of ſome of the Ringleaders appeared.
But upon the neck of that began the quarrel in Holborn, betwixt the Gen-
tlemen of the Inns of Chancery and ſome Citizens; in appeaſing of which,
Atturny with the Queens Atturny and three more were ſlain. But theſe were but Pecca-
at frares Rain in delloes to the deformities made in civil ſocieties, by civil dillentions the year
following. For now began the ſpark that fell into the bundel of Flax at
Somerſets going Regent into France,,to flame out.
For
Norman the
firft Lord
Oath.
1
1
The Qucens
mere
i
1
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
IOS
Tr
R. 30.
1
For firſt, York by all means laboureth to ſtir up the hatred of the Com. An. 1453.
mons againſt Somerſet, inculcating in their ears, (who are apt enough upon
lolles in Wars, to accuſe the Leaders of ſome crime of neglect or other)
what diſhonour England ſuſtained by Somerſets diſhonorable giving over, by
compoſition, the ſtrong Towns of Normandy; to theſe he addeth favour
with the King and Queen, which he imployeth, faith he, to his own gain,
and the Commons grief; and ſo having anticipated with his ſpeeches their
apprehenſions, he addreſleth himſelf to thoſe of the Nobility, that could
not well brook the too much commanding power of Somerſet, over the King
and Queens affections; for what he told the Queen was believed, and what
ſhe told the King muſt be true; amongſt others, the Duke of York faſtneth
upon the two Nozills
, both Richards, the Father and the Son; the one Earl
of Salisbury, the other Earl of Warwick. The Earl of Salisbury was ſecond
Son of Ralph Nevill Earl of Weſtmerland, whoſe Daughter the Duke of
Tork had married. And this Richard was married to Alice Daughter and on-
ly Heir of Thomas Montecute Earl of Salisbirry, ſlain in France; with theſe he
deals ſo effectually, that an undifloluble knot of friendſhip is knit betwixt
them, by whole afiiſtance the King lying dangerouſly fick at Cluringdon,
the Duke of Somerſet is arreſted in the Queens great Chamber of Treaſon,
and ſent tiv keep his Chriſtmaſs in the Tower, and a Seſſion of Parliament at
Weſtminſter núi convoked, Somerſet is appeached of Treaſon, and many
hainous crimes chjected'; but the King (though weak) is brought to Lori.
don, to diliulve the Parliament.
After which the Duke of Somerſet is again ſet at liberty, which more in-
cenſeth the Duke of Torks choler, and incîteth others more to be cholerick,
and the rather, for that Somerſet in ſtead of receiving of puniſhment, for
the loſs of Normandy, is entruſted with the ſole remainder of our intereſt
in France, and preferred to be Captain thercof, to loſe that too, (ſay his
Enemies) and undo the whole Common-wealth.
They allemble a great Power, and therewith march towards London. The
King being aſſured, it was no good.policy to ſuffer the Duke to approach
London, whercin he had (by his long practiſes) got no ſmall party, reſolves
to ſtop him on the way, and accompanied with the Duke of Somerſet, and
attended by the Duke of Buckingham and his Son, both named Humphry:
Henry Earl of Northumberland, James Earl of Wilts, Jaſper Earl of Pembrook,
and two thouſand fighting Men, march forward, both Armies mees at St. Al
banes. The Duke and the Lords encamp without the Town in a place called
Keyfield. The King pitched his Standard in a place called Goſeſow; the Lord
Clifford kept the end of the Town, which he baracadoed. The Duke in the The Duke of
morning fent a Letter unto the King, ſtuft with many proteſtations of fideli- Xork writeth
to the
ty and ſincerity, offering to give teſtimony thereof in any thing, ſo pleaſe
his Majeſty, to give due puniſhment to thoſe that have abuſed his favour,
and diſhonored the Realm, and that ſo bewitched him (eſpecially the Duke
of Somerſet) that nothing his Loyal Subjects can either ſay or do, can make
him give credence to their true relations againſt Somerſet; the delivery of
him into their Hands, to ſtand or fall by the Judgment of his Peers; is all
they deſire, and that they will have, or die in the purſuit.
The King for anſwer commands them to diſband, and ſubmit to his mmer-
cy, and not expect any in his Army to be delivered to their Wills; for he
will rather loſe his life, than any ſhould be wronged for their loves that
were with him. Herewith the Dake acquaints his Friends, who afore refol-
ved,
.
P 3
1
166
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R.33:
1
t
An. 1455.
what you
*
An, 1454. ved, and now prepared, fell every one to his quarter: the Earl of Warwick,
with his March-Men, fell upon the Lord Clifford's quarter, driving down all
Firſt Barrel at afore them; for that wanting room to uſe their weapons, the King's party
The banks of was much diſadvantaged; the Duke of Somerſet haſting to the reſcues was
Somerſet Nain. ſlain, and with him the Earl of Northumberland, Humphry Earl of Stafford,
the Lord Clifford, and about five thouſand. The King's Army being increaſed
after his coming forth, to eight thouſand, but now they are all diſperſed and
ſlain,
and the King unguarded, left in a poor thatched Houſe, whither to be
freed from the Arrows flying, he had withdrawn himſelf
. The Duke of
York having notice where the King was, comes with Warwick and Salisbury,
who all three preſent themſelves upon their Knees before him, making hum-
ble Petition unto him for pardon for what was paſt; for now ſince that the
common Enemy was llain, they had what they aimed at; to whom the King,
throughly affrighted, ſaid, Let there be no more killing then, and I will do
will have me. The Duke therefore in the King's Name, commands
a furceaſe from further hoſtility, and fo comforting the King, in what he
could, with good words, he went to take order for the quartering his Men.
This firſt Battel of St. Albones, was fought upon the 23. day of May, in the
three and thirtieth year of King Henry's Reign. The Bodies of the Noble
Men, the Duke of Somerſet, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord
Clifford, were buried in the Chappel-there. Had it not been Somerſets un-
happineſs to ſtand in the Eye of York, or to live in that age, when all acti-
ons were accounted of, according to the event; this Somerſet might have
been ranked amongſt the beſt Commanders of thoſe times; but his ambiti-
on at firſt croſt York in all his deſigns, ſo Yorks malice at laſt did him a cour-
teſie, to take him hence before the calamities of this Kingdom were ſwoln to
their full extent.
He married Elianor , one of the Daughters , and Heir of Richard
Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and had Iflue by her, four Sons and five
Daughters.
. Henry who ſucceeded him in the Dukedom.
Edmond who ſucceeded his Brother therein; John, and Thomas.
Elianor his eldeſt Daughter was firſt married to James Earl*of Wiltſhire;
and after to Sir Robert Spencer.
Joar was married to the Lord Hoth of Ireland; and after to Sir Richard
Fry Knight.
Anne was married to Sir William Pafton Knight.
Margaret was firſt married to Humphry Earl of Stafford, and after to
Sir Richard Dorrell Knight.
And Elizabeth was married to Sir Henry Lewis ; all which to the laſt
breath continued firm and faithful to the Lancaſtrian Family.
Henry Lord Piercy, Earl of Northumberland now ſlain, married Elianor,
Daughter of Ralph Nevill
, firſt Earl of Weſtmerland: and had Iſſue, Henry,
that did ſucceed him in the Earldom, Thomas Lord Egrimond, William Bi-
ſhop of Carlile.
Anne married to Thomas Lord Hungerford.
Katherine was Wife to Edmond Gray, Earl of Kent; and
Elizabeth married to Thomas Lord Clifford.
Humphry Earl of Stafford, married Margaret, Siſter and Co-heir of Ed-
mond Bewford, Duke of Somerſet, who had Iſſue, Henry Stafford, who ſuc-
ceeded his Grandfather in the Dukedom of Buckingham.
The
1:
.
1
1
1
1
R.33•
1
21
+
1
.
N
F
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
167
The Duke of York with all befitting complements, conveyeth the King to An. 1455.
London, where they keep the Feaſt of Pentecoſt together, and in the mean
time a Parliament is ſummoned at Weſtminſter, to begin the 9.day of July : The Duke of
whither the King cometh, and there it is enacted, that the late Duke of Glo- ach the king
ceſter ſhould be declared publickly a Loyal Subject both to the King and to London.
Realm; and that none ſhould miſreport, or diſpute the actions of the Duke
of York; or any in his company: For that they had like good Subjects en-
terpriſed nothing, but what was for the Kings fafety.
In this Parliament the Duke of Pork is made Protector of the Kings Roy- Tork, made
al Perſon, and of the Realm ; the Earl of Salisbury. Lord Chancellor, and the King.
the Earl of Warwick Captain of Callice : , The former two have the admini-
ſtration of all Civil Government of the Commonweal at home; and upon
the third is conferred, the diſpoſing of all Military affairs abroad. Their de-
meanors in their ſeveral places, were judged unblameable, for with that re-
ſpective moderation, and orderly proceedirgs, they managed their affairs,
that they ſhewed no Injuſtice, uſed no Bribery; exerciſed no Oppreſſi;
on, but practiſed indifferency to Poor and Rich, to their great commen-
dation.
But all this while, the high ſpirited Queen cannot but diſtaſte their
pro-
ceedings, ſhe puts the Duke of Buckingham in mind ( as though his revenge
were ſlow and ſleepy) that theſe Traitors had llain that noble Gentleman and
hirreful Son of his at St. Albones ; ſhe tells the now Duke of "Somerſet, that
Wire his dear Father fell; and both retort to the Queen, the unſufferable
yority done to her, in making her Husband a Whitfontide Lord, only a
uz in Name, whilſt the Duke of York, and his complices muſt manage all:
wat needs ſpurs to willing minds, or provocations to rage throughly in-
cented? All are apt enough to revenge, But the curft Caw hath Short horns,
ellty muſt invent, and malice execute the courſe of revenge, a Womans wit
throughly ftung with diſgrace, and vilely ſtir'd with deſpight, cannot long be
undelivered, of ſome Plot to do miſchief.
All the Enemies of the Tork faction (for now the Divel began to deal
his alms, and to make a faction) are aſſembled by the Queen at Green-
wich; where it is amongſt them debated, what courſe is fitteſt to be uſed, for
reſtitution of the King to his priſtine Liberty and Government; at length
it is concluded, that the Protector ſhould be commanded to leave off his
place of Protectorſhip, and the Earl of Salisbury his Chancellors place ;
the one in reſpect the King was of years, and diſcretion fufficient, without
a Tutor or Guardian, to Rule and Reign, and therefore a Protectors place
needleſs; and the Earl of Salisbury to ſurrender his Title of being Lord
Chancellor, for that the great Seal was never delivered unto him; and
that that which was now uſed, was made ſince the King's reſtraint of liber-
ty, and fo not ſufficient. The King´s eaſie yielding condition is quickly
wrought upon, to countenance their proceedings againſt the Duke and
Earl, and thereupon in his Name, they are both diſcharged from their.Of-
fices, and ſummoned to appear at the Council Table at Greenwich; whither
if they had been ſo forgetful as to have gone, they had been entrapped;
but they better adviſed, returned anſwer, That none had Power either to
diſplace them, or command their appearance in any place, but in Parliament:
and ſo they continued about London, placing their Friends and Fautors,
in all places of Government, and diſplacing others whom they either not
affected, or had cauſe to ſuſpect'; and with a triumvirate Authority, they
took
1
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168
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
The Merchant
fled,
1
An. 1455. took John Holland Earl of Exefer out of the Sanctuary, and ſent him pri-
R. 33. foner to Pomfret Caſtle. Theſe proceedings gave occaſion to the licenti-
ous Commons, to take hold of any occaſion for a commotion. And there-
upon an Italian Merchant being by a Mercers Apprentice reprehended for
wearing a Dagger, contrary to the Laws of their own Countrị, gave dif-
dainful ſpeeches, which moved the Engliſh Man to take his Dagger from
him, and to break it over his Coxcomb; hereof the Merchant complaineth
to the Mayor; the Mercer is convented and committed ; the Mayor in his
return, is met by divers, terming themſelves Prentices, that would not be per-
ſuaded to depart, until the Mercer was ſent for out of Newgate, who notv
ſtrangers ri-
being at liberty, draws divers ( willing enough of themſelves to go to ſpoil
the ſtrangers about London, and ranſack their Houſes; wherewith like furi
ous mad bedlam Men they rified, and robbed the outlandiſh Merchants in all
places of the City, doing them much miſchief, and committing many out-
rages. The Mayor to ſuppreſs theic enormous courſes, aſſembleth a com-
pariy of honeſt and ſubſtantial Citizens, who with good diſcretion, but not
without fome bloodſhed, appcaſed their rage, and quieted the many, whilſt
the Ringli ader (which more for revenge of his commitment to Newgate,
than any deſire to carich himſelf with their ſpoil) got himſelf to Weſtmin-
ſter, and there taketh Sanctuary. The Council being advertiſed of this mif-
demeanor, fent the Duke of Buckingham,by the Queens direction, with Com-
miſſion to enquire, and puniſli thefe oftences. But when the Mayor and the
Commiſſioners were fet, tidings came, that the Commons were up in Arms
to ſtop all proceedings againſt any of thoſe offenders; the Commiſſioners
thereupon, well knowing how diſtaſteful their Commiſſion would be to the
multitude, when thereby the Mayors power ſliould be abridged, and the Go-
vernment of the City queſtioned, departed and left the buſineſs to be pro-
ceeded in by the Mayor and his Brethren, who with great care and much
induſtry ſo managed things, that many of the offenders were puniſhed, ſome
by Death, others
by Fines and Impriſonment, and all things quieted and
well ordered.
The French in this time of uncivil diſſentions, manned out two Fleets,
whereof one under the conduct of Willian Lord Pomers; the other of
arrempred by Sir Peter Breſli, went Eaſtward and Weſtward: the Lord fill upon Fulnay,
and burning certain Houſes, ſoon retired; the Knight fpoiled Sandwich, the
plundered.
people for fear of the Plague (which mightily raged there) being fled from
thence, but with no great booty or harm done, returned.
The Scots under colour and countenance of their Kings preſence, came
into Northumberland, burning and ſpoiling the Borders, but hearing of the
Duke of Yorks approach, retired. Thomas Piercy Lord Egrimond, one of
the younger Sons of the Earl of Northumberland, had a great conflict with
the Earl of Salisburies Sons, in which many were Nain; but the Lord was
taken, and brought before the Council, by whom he was committed to
Newgate, and deeply fined; but he eſcaped with many other priſoners,
to to the great trouble of the Sheriffs of London. Whilſt the Duke of York .
trouble for the was abſent for repelling the rebellious Scots in the North, the King went to
cſcape of the Greenwich to the Queen, who perſuaded him for his health' and recreation,
as ſhe alleaged, (but her drift was, for that ſlie found by experience, that
the Duke of York was more favoured, and his favourites reſpected about
London, then either ſhe or the King, ſo that it was in vain to attempt any
thing againſt him there; yet ſomething muſt be done againſt him, or elſe ſhe
ſhould
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
169.
bould be undone) to'take his Progreſs Northward into Warwickſhire, which | An. 1455.
he did; by the way Hawking and Hunting, the Queen making Thew of
minding nothing but paſtimes, had cauſed private Letters under the Kings
privy Signet, in moſt loving terms to be ſent unto the three Lords, whereby
they were earneſtly ſolicited, by an hour appointed to be at Coventry, which
they reverently intended. But by the way they have true information of the
miſchief plotted againſt them, and ſo warily by Might, but not without ſome
danger, eſcaped ; for they cauſing their Stewards with their retinąc to go
forward on the way to the Court, whilſt the Duke of York, but with a Porte with the
Groom and a Page, ſped him to Wigmore Caſtle. The Earl of Salisbury to Earīs of Salis-
his Caſtle of Middelham in the North. And the Earl of Warwick to'the Sea-bury and ipar-
ſide, and ſo to Callice; but before they departed, they agreed upon an Alpha- themſelves to
bet, by which they might have entercourſe of Letters, which though inter- their ſeveral
cepted, yet their intentions might be kept undiſcovered.
ſtreagths.
The King unwitting of this intended miſchief againſt the Duke of Pork
and his Friends, ' returneth to London, whither he calleth a Council, and
therein of his own accord, deſireth ſome courſe to be invented for the ba-
niſhing of rancorand malice out of the Hearts of his Nobility'; and to the
end he might have the glory of the reconcilement, though themſelves the
good, he promiſed on his Salvation, a thing unuſual with him ſo to aflever,
fo to entertain the Duke of York and his Friends, that all diſcontents and
injuries ſhould be outwardly reſpectively forgotten, and inwardly religiouſ-
ly forgiven, and perpetual love and amity on all parties eſtabliſhed; to this
end, Meſſengers are diſpatched to the Duke of York, and all other of
what rank foever worthy notice to be taken off, which ſince the battel of
St. Albanes, had expreſſed themſelves to be diſpleaſed on either part;
commanding them for urgent affairs of the Realm, and upon Royal pro-
miſe of ſafe conduct, to repair to his Court at London, at a time appointed.
The Duke of York. having intimated to his Confederates his reſolution,
and given them admonition to provide for prevention of wrong, ob-
ſervantly came, and with four hundred Men well appointed, lodged at his
Houſe called Bainards Caſtle. The Earl of Salisbury with five hundred
Men likewiſe lodged at his Houfe called the Herbor ; the Dukes of Exe-
ter (lately releaſed) and Somerſet with eight hundred Men were lodged
without Temple-Bar. The Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Egrimond,
and the Lord Clifford with fifteen hundred Men were lodged in Holbotnzz
the Earl of Warwick with ſix hundred in red Jackets with ragged ſtaves,
embroidered behind and before, were. lodged at the Gray-Friers in Lon-
don. Upon the ſeventeenth of March, the King and Queen came to Lón-
don, and were lodged at the Biſhops Palace. The Mayor like a Provi-
dent Magiſtrate, commanded every Alderman in his Aldermanry. to keep
a ſtanding watch in Arms both by day and night, himſelf having five thou-
fand well.appointed Men in readineſs upon any occaſion, rode with a com-
petent number all day long round the City for preſervation of the Kings
peace on all ſides: The Lords lodging within the City, held their Coun-
cil at Black. Friers ; the others, at the Chapter-Houſe at Weſtminſter. Be-
tween both, the reverent Archbiſhop of Canterbriry the Son of Henry Bour-
chyer. Earl of Efex, a Man every way compleat without exception, with
fome ſuch Prelateş, of whoſe modeſt condition and learning he had made
experience, did diligently intercede, and ſo effe&tually laboured, that both
lides by his mediation were well contented to come to Communica-
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
I
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The General
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An. 145:5- tion: the ſucceſs whereof was good, for that after much conference ) the
wiſdom of the indifferent being ſuch, that all repetitions of wrongs on either
ſide done, ſhould be forborn) it was finally concluded, that all wrongs,
in-
amongſt the juries, and miſdemeanors on every ſide, ſhould be forgotten and forgiven,
Nobility, by that each ſide ſhould be Friends to the other, and both be obedient to the
the mediation Commands of the King. And by their further conſent, the Duke of York,
of the King.
the Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Warwick, ſhould aſſure forty five
pounds. per annum, to the Abby of St. Albanes, for Obites and ceremonious
Suffrages of the Church (at that time uſual) for the benefit of the Souls of
all ſuch as were ſlain and buried at St. Albanes. And that thoſe there ſlain,
ſhould be reputed and taken in an equal degree of Loyal Subjects, with
thofe that ſurvived of the adverſe part.
That the Duke of Tork ſhould give to Elianor, Dowager of Somerſet,
and Henry Duke of Somerſet, her Son, an aſſignment of five thouſand marks,
due to him from the King at his being in Ireland, to be diſtributed amongſt
her Children,
That the Earl of Warwick Mould likewiſe aſſign a thouſand Marks due
to him from the King, to be diſtributed amongſt the Children of the late
Duke of Somerſet.
That whereas Thomas Piercy Lord Egrimond, and Richard Picrcy, Sons of
the Counteſs of Northumberland, were at a Seſſions in Torkſhire fined at di-
ſums of mony, to the Earl of Salisbury his Wife and Children.
And that the ſaid Lord Egrimond was for payment thereof committed to the
priſon, from whence he eſcaped, for whoſe eſcape Verney and Steward, She-
riffs of London, were ſued. That the faid Earl ſhould acquit all thoſe fines,
to the ſaid Lord Egrimond and his Brother, and releaſe all actions to the ſaid
late Sheriffs.
That the ſaid Lord Egrimond ſhould ever enter into recognizance of ten
thouſand pounds in the Chancery, to keep the peace againſt the Earl of Sa.
lisbury his Ladies Children, Servants and Tenants.
That the General releaſes on all parts ſhould be made of all Appeals, and
perſonal actions whatſoever.
That the two Lords Chief Juſtices ſhould hear and determine
any
de-
bates and controverſies that might caſually ariſe, for any thing formerly done
amongſt the Tenants, or Servants of either party, without further proceed-
ings.
That the Recognizances to be entred into of all Hands, for the perfor-
mance of this Award, ſhould ſtand of force, without pardoning or parcel-
ling the ſums.
This Award, Order and Agreement, was ratified under the Great Seal of
England, the 24. day of March, in the ſix and thirtieth year of the Reign
of King Henry the Sixth.
An. 1456.
Upon the publication whereof at the Feaſt of the Annunciation of our
Lady St. Mary the Virgin, a ſolemn Proceſſion was made in the Cathedral
of S. Pauls
. At which the King was preſent in Royal habit
, wearing his
Crown Imperial; before him Hand in Hand went the Duke of Somerſet, and
the Earl of Salisbury, the Duke of Exeter and the Earl of Warwick, and
ſo one of one, and another of the other part, till they were all Marſhalled
behind the King came the Queen, the Duke of York leading her by the
Hand: who in going, made ſhew of favourable countenance towards him.
Service ended, they return as afore to the Court, in all outward appearance
truly
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The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
171
truly reconciled. But the appearance of the Blazing Stars, the ſtrange appari- An. 1458.
tions in the Elements, the more ſtrange light of a ſeeming monſtrous R. 34.
Cock, to come out of the Sea, and in the preſence of a multitude of people, Strange appa-
at Portland, to make a hideous Crowing, three times each time turning about
clapping his wings, and beckening towards the North, the South, and the
Weſt,with many prodigious births, did but preſage the admirable occurrences
of things this year following. In which, as if with a general deluge of civil
diffention, the whole Chriſtian World ſhould be overthrown; beſide the rent
in the Church by the ſchiſme of many Popes. No Countrey being free from
rebellions or factions; ſubjects againſt their King, the Brother againſt the Bro-
ther, the Son againſt the Father, the Wife againſt the Husbands Son. :
For example, defire of rule (ſaith the Spaniſh Hiſtorian) being an affe-
Son againſt
etion of a greater magnanimous nature, did ſo far poſſeſs Prince Charles, Father
.
Son of Henry the fourth, King of Caſtile, that he oppoſed his Father ;
againſt whom his Mother-in-law took Arms, in defence of King Henry her
Husband; from which pernicious quarrel, which proved ſucceſleſs, to the
fame did ſpring the two factions of Beamont and Gramont, which formany
years together infeſted Navarre ond Leon, and was the cauſe of effuſion of
much Chriſtian Blood.
The Gauntoys rebel againſt the Duke of Burgoyne, who being ſuccoured by 1459.
the Hollanders, routs their forces, and makes a great ſlaughter amongſt them; Subjeđs a-
and Charles the ſeventh, ſends the Earl of Dampmurtyn in a miſerable im-gainſt Sove-
ployment (faith the French Hiſtorian) againſt the Dolphin, who was in Father againft
Arms againſt his Father, whom they enforce to flie to the Duke of Bur- Son.
goyne; who about that time to make his Baſtard, Biſhop of Utrich, had com-
mitted much ſlaughter amongſt the Brabanters, and raiſed his Son a ſtair
of ſlaughtered carcaſſes to mount into the Biſhops Chair.
More Popes than one bred diſorder, the great ſcandal in Religion and
prejudice of Chriſtians. The Emperour not being able to cure the infirmity
of the mind by force, hath recourſe to the authority of the Church; he
intimateth to all the Kings and Potentates of Chriſtendom, his deſire to
have a general Councel at Conſtance, to which all conſent; and the Em-
perors of Conſtantinople and Trapifond, with the Churchës of Greece, ſend
Embaſſadors.
In the Councel John the 23. is convented, condemned, depoſed andim-
priſoned; Gregory the 12. and Benedict the 13. are deprived, and Otho Colom,
by the name of Martin the 15. is choſen · Pope by the Councél. Somewhat
before this time in England, John Wickliff, and John Huſſein Bohemia, had
ſo perſwaded," that divers were ready to diſclaim the Popes authority,
teaching them not only to leave the abuſe of manners, but the Do&rine
it felf;;. affirming that it was lawful for Subjects to reform Religion,
when Princes refuſe to do it; but their dangerous opinions were con-
demned "for Hereſies. The Councel ended, but the Schiſm continued,
and during theſe confuſions in the Weſtern Church, the Chriſtians in
the Eaſtern parts are utterly ruinated, the Emperor ſmothered to death
in a preaſe of people, and Conſtantinople made the Seat of the Mahometan
Emperor.
An affray unfortunately falleth out betwixt a ſervant of the Earl of a fray?
Warwicks, and a Courtier, who in the encounter is dangeroully wounded.;
the Earls man flyeth. The Kings ſervants, ſeeing their fellow hurt, and
the offender eſcaped, watch the Earls coming from the Councel Table,
and
T
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17 2
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
An. 1459.
R. 34.
1
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Carracks ta.
ken worth
10000. l.
1
*
and affail him : many are hurt, the Earl getteth a Wherry, and ſo eſcapeth
to London. The Queen incontinently commands him to be committed to
the Tower;. but he ſeeing where it began to rain in at, poſts to Yorkſhire,
where he acquaints the Duke of Tork, and his father, of all the occurrences,
with the palpable diſcovery of the Queens cankred diſpoſition, adviſing
them to ſtand upon their guard, and to provide to keep out the appro-
ching ſtorm; and ſo ſpeeds to Callice. And being then Lord Admiral,
to prevent revocation of that Office, he ſpeeds himlelf to Sea with all the
Three great Kings ſhips that were in readineſs, and ſcgureth the Seas, meets with
five great Carracks, three of Genoa, and two of Spain, and after two dayes
fight, takes three of them; with which he returneth to Callice, where he
diſcharged their fraight, and found it worth ten thouſand pounds in Staple
Commodities, beſides the ſhips and priſoners. In the mean time, as it was
before agreed upon, the Earl of Salisbury with about five thouſand men
marcheth through Lancaſhire, to paſs that way to the King, and to acquaint
him with the affront offered to his Son, and the inveterate malice diſco-
vered in the Queen againſt him. The Queen, with the Dukes of Somerſet
and Buckingham, gave order unto the Lord Audley to apprehend Salisbury,
ſending to him (as to that end ſhe had provided many badges of a white
Swan for a publick expreſſion of being firm to her and her Son) one
badge thereof for himſelf
, and divers others to beſtow on ſuch well de-
ſervers
, as ſhould by him be approved of; whereupon he levieth, of Che-
Shire and Shropſhire, ten thouſand men, with which about a mile from
Drayton, in a plain called Blore-beath, he attended the Earl, there being
a ſmall brook, but of ſome depth, between them.
Early in the morning, the Earl made a ſeeming retreat, which the Lord
Tivo Battets Audley obſerving, he preſently cauſeth his Troops to paſs the River; but
fought. before they could be reduced again in order, the Earl with his whole
ſtrength falls upon them, and with the Naughter of the Lord Audley, and
Audley falo.
moſt of them that had paſt the River, he diſcomfited the reſidue:there were
flain about four and twenty hundred of them. Sir John, and Sir Thomas
Nevill
, Knights, the Earls Sons, are fore wounded, who with Sir Thomas
Harrington travelling into the North Countrey, were apprehended and ſent
as Priſoners towards Chester. But upon a niellage ſent from the March-
men, their Keepers quickly releaſed them.
The Duke of York now begins to reſent theſe proceedings, and reſolveth
no longer to be looker on, but like a free gameſter, to venter a Caſt for all;
he levies men, makes preparation to take the field, ſends to Salisbury to do
the like; who ſends to Warwick, and all reſolve to ſet up their reſt.
Amongſt others of approved valiancy that Warwick had brought from
Callice with him; were two principal noted men for direction and policy,
Andrew Trollop, and John Blunt. Thc Army in the Marches of Wales near
Shropſhire are ſtrongly encamped. The King with the Dukes of Somerſet
and Exeter, the chief of the Lancaſtrian Family, draw their forces to Wor-
cèſter, from whence Richard Beanichamp Biſhop of Salisbury is ſent, to offer
the Yorkiſts a füll and general pardon, if they would give over thisenter
priſe, and become Loyal Subjects: this meſſage was anſwered, that there was
no truſt in the Kings" pardons as long as the hen crowed; therefore they
durſt not ſubmit unto them: but if any courſe might be given them, of af
ſurance of their ſafety, they would expreſs their Loyalty, and render them-
ſelves at his ſervice. The King thereupon advanceth nearer, andapproaching
the
The Lord
.
{
1
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The Life and. Reign of Henry the Sixth.
173
1
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A
the Lords Army, he cauſeth Proclamation to be made, that whoſoever | An. 1459.
would abandon the Duke of York, ſhould be received to mercy, and have R. 34.
pardon; whereupon the night following, Andrew I rollop, with all the Calli- | The Duke of
cians, ſubmit to the King, and by him are all the counſels of the Duke of porke flyeth.
Tork diſcovered, which ſo much diſcouraged the Duke of York, that, he with
his young
Son the Earl of Rutland, fled firſt into Wales, then into Ireland':
the Earls of March, Salisbury, and Warwick; got into Devonſhire, where, by
the means of John Dinham, they were ſhịpt from Exmouth to Gernſey, and
ſo to Callice, where they were well entertained. The King pardons all the
common Souldiers, makes ſome exemplary puniſhment of few of the Cap-
tains, ſendeth the Dutcheſs of York and her two younger children to the
Dutcheſs of Buckirgkam.her ſiter, to be ſafely kept; and then, having ſpoy.
led the Town and Caſtle of Ludlow, he diſmiſt his Army.
A Parliament is convoked at Coventry, in which, amongſt other things, the A Parliament.
Duke of Tork and all his confederates are convict of Treaſon, and all their
Lands and goods ſeized on to the Kings uſe. Henry Duke of Somerſet, the in-
heritour with his fortunes of his Fathers favour with the Queen, by her
means is made Captain of Callice, whither, coming to take poſſeſſion of
his new charge, he was forced to retire out of the harbour, the Ordnance
from Ricebank playing ſo hot upon him."
The Qucen herewith much incenſed, in heat of paſſion giveth order to
furniſh, and make ready all the Kings ſhips lying at Sandwich, to give affi-
ſtance to Somerſet; but the before mentioned John Dinhám,with his-We-
ſtern Mariners, who all well affected the Earl of March, boarded thoſe ſhips
in the harbour, and took the Lord Rivers, who was deſigned Admiral for
that ſervice, and carried both him and the ſhips to Callice; from whence
the Earl ſayled to Ireland to the Duke of Tork, where having conferred,
and concluded whât courſe to take, he returned to Callice (the new Admi
ralthe Duke of Exeter not daring to ſtop his courſe in his return.)
Sir Simon Momford was appointed to guard the Cinque-ports, having di-
vers (hips under his command, to bar the Earl of Warwicks entrance; but
the Earl by his eſpialls having perfect intelligence of all paffages, fell-ſud-
denly upon Sir Simon, before bis ſhips were full ready, took him Priſoner,
ranlackt the Town of Sandwich, and carried his priſoner and his ſlaips to
Callice; by the way he underſtood, how much the Kentiſh-men deſired his
Speedy return, and to come on fhore in their Countrey, where they were
ready to give him all aſſiſtance. Whereupon the ſecond time the Earl :
came to Sandwich, to whom preſently reſorted the Lord Cobham, and divers
Gentlemen, infomuch, that now they were 25000 ſtrong, with which the The Earl of
Earl of Warwick marched towards London, againſt whom the Lord Scales Warwick with
was appointed to oppoſe, and with ſome convenient Troops to aſſure Lon- 25000 men
don; but the Lord Maior utterly refuſed to admit him entrance; laying, he field.
was able enough, without his councel or help, to keep what the King had
commited to his charge. Whereupon the Lord Scales reſorted to the
Tower from whence afterwards he did the Londoners many diſcourteſies.
Warwick well pleaſed with the Londoners promiſe, not to impeach his paf-
fage, and having notice that his father was upon march to meet him, pal-
ſeth over his men, arid without impeachment, joyned with his Father and
his friends near Exeter.
The King, with the Dukes of Somerſet and Buckingham, with a great Army Third Battel
marcheth towards them, and near unto the Town of Northampton both at Nor-
!
+
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takoth the
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LE
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194
I lze Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
A7%.
R. 39.
1
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3
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t
Ieſt of the
Tower,
1459:
Armies meet. "The Earl of March, with the advice of the Earl of Il'armick,
prepares
for the fight.
The Queen (the King more intentive of devotion than fighting) did the
like. The fight began and continued on uncertain terms above two hours ;
In the mean time were ſlain on both ſides above ten thouſand men. But
upon
the fall of Humphry Duke of Buckingham, by the good policy of the
Earl of Warwick, and the Lord Gray of Ruthens joyning with them, who led
the Vantguard of the Kings part, withdrew to the Lords ſide, the Earls
party prevailed, and John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, Themas Lord Egri-
mond, John Vicount Beamont, and ſome others of mark, were ſlain.
This Duke Humphry married Anne Daughter of Ralph Nevill, Earl of
Weſtmerland, and had iſſue, four Sons and three: Daughters; Humphry the
eldeſt, lain as afore, at Saint Albans, fol.in Earl of Wilts, Richard died
young, Robert Biſhop of Canterbury; Kaikerivez married to John Earl of
Shrewsbury, Jane, married firft to William Lord Bardolph, then to Sir William
Knevet; and Annë, married to Aubry de Vere and after to Sir Thomas Cobham.
Vicount Beamont married Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of William Philips
Lord Bardilph, who had-jflue, two Sons and one Daughter, William and
Henry, who both dying without iſſue, lift Jane; who was married to John
Lord Lovell, tobe their Heir.
The Queen, with the Duke of Somerſet, and ſome few others, taking with
them the young Prince,fied to the Biſhoprick of Durham. The King was taken,
Warwick por- and as a priſoner conveyed to London. At their coming thither, the Tower of
London is yielded unto the Earl of Warwick. The Lord Scales in diſguiſed appa-
relendeavouring to eſcape is taken by.the Watermen, and by them wiihout due
courſe of Law, or orderly proceeding, beheaded, and his Corps carelelly left
upon the ſands. Tho. Thorp one of the Barons of the Exchequer (upon whoſe
advice the Lancaſtrians much relied) in the habit of a Monk, his crown ſhorn,
purpoſely to fly to the Queen, is taken and committed priſoner to the Tower.
The Duke of York at this time being neither idle nor aileep, being adver-
York puts in tiſed of this good ſucceſs, leaveth Ireland, and poſts to London, whcre by the
advice and conſent of the Tork faction, he thought fit to diſcover the head of
that ambitious ſerpent, chat hitherto had been covered in the graſs of refor-
mation; and fo,that in the Kings name he ſummonctha Psrliament; which be-
ing aſſembled, in the preſence of the Lords in the Upper. houſe,he placeth,him-
felf in the Imperial Seat, and with great courage and a confident brow, he
layetlopen his rightful claim and Title to the Crown of England, as being the
Son and Heir of Anne, Daughter and Heir of Roger Mortimer Earl of March,
Son and Heir of Philip, the ſole Daughter and Heir of Lionell Duke of Cla
rence, the third Son of Edward the third, and elder Brother of John of Gaunt
Důke of Lancaſter, Father of the uſurper Henry the fourth, Grand father to
Henry' the fifth, who was Father to him that untruly ſtileth himſelf King Hen-
ry
the ſixt. He further related that"God had not bleſſed this unlawful uſurpa-
tior; for by means thereof the Common-wealth had ſuffered ſo many and ſo
grievous calamities, that had not God been the more merciful, the láme had
been overwhelmed by the multitude and grievouſneſs thereof; that though
Henry the fifth had many conqueſts in France and Normandy,yet,as of ill got-
ten pofleſſions, his Heir could not take any benefit by them. And how much
heaven' is at thistime offended with his government, we may well fear, if we
but call to mind the cruel butchering of ſo many honourable great Lords, in
defence of his Title abroad;the flaughter of ſo many thouſand of his loyal ſüb.
The Duke of
claim.
.
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R. 39.
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1
Prote&or.
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
175
jects in maintenance of his quarrel, the inutterable exhauſt of the treaſure un- | An. 1459.
peceſſarily conſumed in France, Normandy, and elſewhere. The civil broils
at home, the loſs of all formerly got in France
, and thoſe parts; the loſs oc-
caſioned by the excurſion and depredations of the Scots and French.And laſt-
ly, the oppreſlions extortions and violence,daily unſufferably practiſed by the
tyranny of an inſolently ambitious woman, upon the meaner ført of people.
Ánd then concluded, that he craved no favour from them, except that ju-
ſtice did warrant his claim, nor would expect or deſire the poſfellion of the
Crown, except his deſcent were undiſputable, and his Title withuot juſt ex-
ception ; and for his own particular, he'preſumed, that ſince vertue might be
as bold to challenge its dụe, as vice is apt to borrow of inſinuation, he might
without cffence put in his claim, and demand allowance thereof.
This being a buſineſs of import, required deliberation, and mature conſi
deration ; but in concluſion, the Duke having before-hand by his agents pre-
pared the Lords Spiritual, and few of the Nobility preſent, that were not on
his
part, the Burgeſies were eaſily perſwaded, and that was generally reſolved
and enacted accordingly, That King Henry during his life ſhould retain the
name and honour of a King; That the Duke of York ſhould be proclaimed The Duke of
Heir apparent to the Crown, and the Protector of the Kings Perſon, his Yoré to be
Land, Dominions, and Countrey; That if at any time, any of King Henrys Heir 10 the
Friends, Allies, or Favorites, in his behalf
, ſhould attempt the diſannulling of Crown, and
this act, that then the Duke ſhould have preſent poſtëſſion of the Crown.
No ſooner was the Parliament diſſolved, when the Duke diſparcheth Let
ters into Scotland, requiring in the Kings name, the Queen, the Dukes of
Somerſet and Exeter, and all other of the Nobility that remained in that
Kingdom, with all ſpeed to repair to his Preſence to London. But they were
otherwiſe reſolved. And having gotten together of Engliſh and Scots, to the
number of eighteen thouſand men, they marched into England. The Duke
of York, with his younger Son, the Earl of Rutland, with the Earl of Sa-
lisbury, leaving the King in the cuſtody of the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl
of Warwick, marched towards the Queen; and approaching near her Army
at Wakefield the Dukes Scowts being returned, certified him, that the Fne-
my far exceeded their power in number, and all Warlike preparation
Whereupon the Earl of Salisbury adviſed the Duke to retire, and attend
the coming of the Earl of March, who was gone into Wales to raiſe the
Marchmen. But it being appointed, that here his ambitious deſires ſhould
come to a period, the pride of his former victory, and overweening of his
Souldiers valours, made him deaf to all counſel of forbearing the field, and
haſtened on by his deſtiny, from Sandall Caſtle he marched to Wakefield. Fourth Bartel
green, where the Lord Clifford on the one ſide, and the Earl of Wilts on at Wakefield.
the other, were placed in ambuſcado. The Duke of York ſuppoſing that
the Duke of Somerſet, who had the Battel, had no more forces but what
were with him, valiantly and in good order marcheth towards him; but being
entred within their danger, the ambuſhes on both ſides broke out upon him,
and ſew him, and three thouſandof his ſide, the reſt with number and confu-
ſion overborn, fled; the Earl of Salisbury is taken Priſoner, and harmleſs
Rutland, that came thither but to ſee faſhions, is made a ſacrifice for his Fa-
Young Ruta
thers tranſgreſſion; and kneeling upon his knees (inſtructed by his infant land but-
fears) with tears begging life, is unmercifully ſtabbed to the heart by the
Lord Clifford, in part of revenge, as he ſware, of his Fathers death. The
Queen unwilling to be behind-hand in cruelty, aş unlike a merciful Wo.
Q2
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H
chercd.
man,
"
1
176
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R. 34.
Salisbury be-
headed.
An. 1458. / man, as he an honourable gentleman in cold blood, without due form of
try.
al, cauſeth the Earl of Salisbury, and as many as were taken priſoners, to be
The Earl of beheaded at Pomfret Caſtle, and to have their heads, as it were, in ſcorn to
be placed on poles about the walls of the City of York, an incitement, as it
were, to make all intereſted in the ſhame, to add ſpyrs to the ſpeedy courſe
of vindicative deſires, and to draw on revenge to the uttermoſt.
This Richard Nevill, Earl of Salisbury, was third Son of Ralph Nevill
,
firſt Earl of Weſtmerland, by Joan his ſecond Wife, Daughter of John of Gaunt
Duke of Lancaſter; he married Elianor, Daughter and Heir of Thomas
Montague Earl of Salisbury, and had iſſue, four Sons and ſix Daughters.
1. Richard the eldeſt was reſtored, and ſucceeded in the Earldom.
2. John the ſecond, was Created Marqueſs Montague.
3. Thomas married the Widow of the Lord Willoughby.
4. George was Archbiſhop of York, and Lord Chancellor.
1. Joane the eldeſt Daughter, was married to William Fitz-Allen Earl
of Arundell.
2. Cecily was married to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick.
3. Alice was married to Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh.
4. Elianor to Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby.
5. Katherine to William Bonvile, Lord Herrington; and
6. Margaret to John Vere Earl of Oxford.
Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, took to Wife Cecily, Daughter of
Ralph Nevill
, firſt Earl of Weſtmerland, and had iſſue, eight Sons and
four Daughters
.
1. His eldeſt Son Henrydied young.
2. Edward afterwards King of England.
3. Edmond Earl of Rutland, ſlain with his Father.
4. John ?
5. William<died young.
6. Thomas
7. George, afrer Duke of Clarence.
8. Richard, ſurnamed Crouchback, after King of England.
1. Anne his eldeſt Daughter, was married to Henry Holland Duke of
Exeter:
2. Elizabeth married to John de la Poole, Earl of Suffolk.
3. Margaret married to Charles Duke of Burgundy.
4. And Vrſula.
1461.
The Earl of March having tidings of his Fathers death, encreaſeth his
Army, and born up with two Wings, deſire of revenge and expectation to
reign, he took his leave at Shrewsbury, of the Inhabitants, intimating to them
at his departure, the murther of bis Father and Brother, the deſtruction in-
tended of himſelf and Family, and downfal of all that wiſhț well to his part
(if not heedfully prevented) he craved therefore their utmoſt aſſiſtance, and
their Neighbours, which they accordingly performed; and then with ſome
good ſtrength, preſently took the field; and having advertiſement that Jaſpar
Earl of Pembrook, with the Earls of Ormond and Wiltſhire, with a great power
of Welch and Iriſh, did follow after him, he ſuddenly marcheth back again,
Fifth Batrel at and in a Plain near Mortimers. Croſs, on Candlemas day in the morning
he gave them Battel, and with the laughter of three thouſand and eight hun-
dred, put the Earls to flight. Owen Teuther, who had married Queen Kathe.
rine, Mother to Henry the fixth,and divers Welch Gentlemen were taken, and
lat Hereford beheaded
The
"
1
".
Mortimers
Croſs.
I
1
+
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
177
R. 34.
St. Albones.
The Queen, encouraged by the death of the Duke of York, with a power | An. 1461.
of Northern people, with an intent to undo what was done in the lait Par-
liament, marcheth towards London; but when her Şouldiers were once South
of Trent, as if that River had been the utmoſt limits of their good behavi-
our, they did moſt licentiouſly forrage the Countrey, harrowing, burning,
and ſpoyling the ſame, as if they had been in the molt barbarous land of hea-
thens. Approaching Saint Albones, they were advertiſed that the Duke of
Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick were ready to give them Battel. The sixth Bartel,
Queens Voward haſteth to paſs thorow Saint Albones, but were ſaluted and ſecond ac
(from the Market place) with ſuch a ſhowreof Arrows, that they were for
ſafeguard glad to retire, and ſought to paſs by another way, which (but not
without ſome blowes) they did, and encountred with their Enemies in the
ticld; who perceiving the main Battel to ſtand, and not to move, by the trea-
chery of Lonelace, who with the Kentiſh-men led the Voward, the Southern
men turned aſide and Hed, and by the Northern prickers were ſlaughtered,
until night ſaved their backs. When night was come, the reſidue, deſpairing
of each others well-meaning, ſhifted away. The Nobles about the King per-
cưiving how the game went, withdrew themſelves. The Lord Bonvile com-
ing in a complemental manner to the King, ſaying, It grieved him to leave Bonvile and
His Majeſty, but neceſſity for ſafeguard of his lite enforced it, was impor- beheaded by
tüned,and Sir Thomas Kiryell likewiſe,by the King to ſtay, he paſſing his roy- the Queen,
al word, that their ſtay ſhould not endanger their bodies; upon which pro- contrary to
che Kings
miſe they ſtayed, but to their coſt; for ſuch was the implacable fury of the
promiſe.
Queen, that hearing Baron Thorp was by the Commons beheaded at High-
gate, ſhe the day after the Battel
, being Aſhwedneſday, cauſed both their
heads to be ſmitten off at St. Albones; whoſe death reckoned with the reſt,
maketh up of the ſlaughtered the number of three and twenty hundred.
The King was adviled to ſend one Thomas Hoe, that had been a Barreſter,
to the Victors, to thank them for their pains, and to tell them that he would
gladly come to them, if with convenience it might be done. The Earl of
Northumberland appointed divers Lords to attend him to the Lord Cliffords
Tent, where the Queen and young Prince met him to their great joy; It was
now obſerved, that victory always fled from where the King was preſent.
At the Queens requeſt, he honoured with the order of Knighthood, thir-
Thirty
ty, that the day before fought againſt the part where he was: the Prince like- Knlghes made.
wiſe was by him dubbed Knight. Then they went to the Abbey, where they Prince
were entertained with Anthems, and withal, an humble Petition to be taken bed Knight.
into the Kings protection, thereby to be freed from the tyranny of the looſe
Soldicrs; which was promiſed, and Proclamation accordingly made, but to
ſmall purpoſe; for the Northern men faid, it was made in their bargain,
to have all the ſpoil in every place, after they had paſſed the River of Trent,
and ſo they robbed and ſpoiled all they could come at; which gave juſt
caufe of dillike to the indifferent-minded, which only wiſht the quiet,
and
peace of the Countrey, not reſpecting which Roſe, the red or white, prevai- The Families
led; for now began that diſtinction by thoſe Badges, for the factions of York of Tork and
and Lancaſter to be worn
Lancaſter di-
ftinguiſhed by
The Londoners hearing of this diſorder, were warned to look to them the red Roſe
ſelves, and they were reſolved, ſince there was no more aſſurance in the and whitc.
Kings promiſe, to keep the Northern men out of their gates. The gentle-
neſs and tenderneſs of a King, not accompanied with courage and ſeveri-
ty,
is both hurtful to himſelf and his eſtate.
In
Q. 3
178
The Life and Reign of Henry the Sixth.
R. 34.
as
An. 1458. In the Kings name the Londoners are ſent to, to ſend over to the Camp,
certain Cart-Loads of Lenton proviſion : The Mayor accordingly provides
,
and makes all things ready; but the Commons roſe about Cripplegate, and
by ſtrong hand, ſay or do what the Mayor or his Officers can, they kept the
Carts from going forth of the City. The Mayor ſends the Recorder to the
Kings Councel, and knowing the predominancy of the Queens paſſion,
if never ſo little troubled, they entreat the Dutcheſs of Bedford and the La-
dy Scales, with all the Fathers of the Church reſident about London, to inter-
ceed for him, and excuſe his not uſing force, conſidering how apt the mul-
titude was to take fire upon the leaſt flaſh, and how dangerous it might be in
theſe doubtful times, 'to raiſe their fury, that would not eaſily be allayed; it
was well adviſed, to ſend Women to entreat women, for they ſo prevailed,
that ſome of the Lords of the Councel, with a guard of four hundred
good Soldiers, were appointed to go for London, to enquire and certifię
the truth of theſe things. But before they ſet forth, divers Northern men,
that long looked to have had the ranſacking of London, came unto the gates,
and would have entered, had not the Citizens valiantly repelled them, and
with the laughter of ſome three or four, they were ſent to carry word to
the Camp, that the Earl of March, with a great Army was marching to-
wards them ; neither was it a fiction; for at Chipping Norton by Cotfall, the
Earl of Warwick having drawn together, as many of his ſcattered Troops
he could find, met with the Earl of March, and his victorious Troops,
which being joyned, they hafted towards London, and were joyfully recei-
ved upon the eight and twentieth day of February; and upon Sunday the fe-
cond of March, the Earl of Warwick muſtered all his Army in Saint Johns
fields; and having caſt them in a ring, the Leader lead unto them the agree-
ment of the laſt Parliament, and then demanded whether they would have
King Henry to Reign ſtill; who all cryed, No, no; then they were askt whe-
ther they would have the Earl of March, eldeſt Son of the Duke of York
(by that Parliament proclaimed King) to reign over them, and with a great
clamour they cryed, Yea. Then went there certain Captains, and others, of
the Common Councel of the City, to the Earl of March to Baynards Ca-
ſtle, whom they acquainted with what was paſſed, whereof he expreſſed him-
ſelf, in ſome terms, as unworthy of the place, and unable to execute it:
yet he thanked God for the gift, and them for their good wills. And by the
advice of the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and the animation of the Biſhops
of Londo12 and Exeter, and the Earl. of Warwick, he reſolved to takejt up-
on him. And the next morning he went in Proceſſion at Pauls, and offered
there : and after Te Denmſung, he was with great royalty conveyed to Weſt-
Duke of porke minſter, and there in the great Hall ſeated in the Kings feat, with the Scepter
to take upon of Saint Edward in his hand. And then the people, (whereof there was a
great concourſe) were aloud demanded, if they would acknowledg him to
be their King; to which with great willingneſs they cryed, Yea, yea. Then
taking humage of divers Noblemen then preſent, he was with Proceſſion
and
great
ſtate conveyed to the Abbey there, and placed in the Quire as
King, whilſt Te Denn was ſinging; that done, he offered at Saint Edwards
Shrine, and then returned by water to Pauls, and was lodged in the Biſhops
Palace. Upon the fourth of March, he was generally proclaimed King, by
the name of Edward the fourth.
THE
1
1
The Arch-
biſhop of
Contriburi ani-
mated nie
him the
Crown.
1
1
-179
THE
LIFE & REIGN
O F
King Edward IV.
t
R. 1.
Title to the
Crown
DWAR D Earl of March, born at Roan in Normandy, An. 1460.
Son and Heir of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York,
by Cecily Nevill, Daughter of Ralph Earl of Weſtmerland,
and Joan Daughter of John of Gaunt, by Lady Kas
therine Swinford; upon the fourth day of March, rode in
State to the Church of Saint Paul in London, and there
made his Oblation : And after Te Deum ſung, he was
with great ſolemiiity attended to V Veſtminſter, and there being placed in
the great Hail, with the Scepter Royal in his hand, before a confluence of
people therc allembled, (well knowing with what bait to angle, to catch the
many) he makes a ſolemn declaration of his right to the Crown of The Dukes
England, challenging it to belong unto him by a double Title.
The firſt
, as Son and Heir to Richard Duke of York, the rightful Heir, double
.
of the fame.
The ſecond, as elected by Authority of Parliament, upon King Henry's
forfeit hereof. Nevertheleſs, he was reſolved to wave both Title and Right,
by either, except the people would willingly approve of his proceeding
therein, and lovingly allow of his claim : Whereupon, it was again pub-
lickly demanded of the Aſſembly, if they would unanimouſly admit, and ac-
knowledge the ſaid Earl, to be their King and Sovereign Lord, where.
upon all with one voice cryed, Yea, yea, King Edward, King Edward:
Thereupon he went
from thence to Weſtminſter Abbey, and entred the ſame
with ſolemn Proceſſion, and there as King offered ; and afterward by the
name of Edward the fourth, was proclaimed King, throughout the City of
London.
In the mean time, King Henry in the North, was raiſing what powers he
could to ſtop this Torrent : But the Earl of March (great in the favour of
that great beaſt of many heads, the multitude) preſuming of their ready wil-
lingneſs to aſſiſt him, makes preparation to encounter King Henry. To Ed.
ward reſort men of all ages and condition, the one making tender of their
perſons, the other of their patrimonies, to be ſpent at his devotion, and for
the ſupport of his cauſe, by which means he ſuddenly was furniſhed, with a
puiſſant and well accommodated army. And being perſwaded that no other
ܝܢ
means
180
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
am
An. 1460. means would ſerve for direction of his claim, but the ſword; he reſolved
R. 2. to ſet up his reſt, and by Battel to give a certain determination to the
queſtion
Edward Icay.
eth London.
Lord Fitrs
Upon the twelfth of March his forces marched from London, and by
eaſie journeys came to Pomfret Caſtle, where he reſted ; and from thence
the Lord Fitz-Walter with ſome companies was ſent by him to guard the
paffage at Ferry-brig, to ſtop the Enemies approach that way. King Henry
likewiſe advanceth forward, and ſends his power under the conduct of the
Duke of Somerſet, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford.
Whilſt himſelf, Queen, and Son, ſtay at York.
The Lord Clifford very early on Palme-Saturday in the morning, with
a Troop of Northern Prickers
, falls upon thoſe that had the guard of the
paſſage at Ferry-brig, and defeated them, with the ſlaughter of the Lord
Walter Naia at Fitz-Walter, and the Baſtard of Salisbury.
Ferrs-bris.
The Earl of Warwick hearing of this defeat, poſts to the Earl of
+ March his Camp, and in his preſence killing his horſe, ſaid, Sir I
pray
God have mercy on their ſoules, which in the beginning of your enterpriſe
love loſt their lives
. The Enemy hath won the paſſage at Fer-
ry-brig: There is no hope now but in God; yet let him fie, that will fie;
when (kiſſing the croſs of his Sword) ye faid, by this good Sign I will
ſtand by him that will ſtand by me; fall back, fall edge.
1461.
The Earl of March no whit amated, but ſomewhat moved with War-
wicks reſolution, preſently made Proclamation, that all ſuch of his
company,
as were unwilling to ſtay, or afraid to fight, ſhould at their pleaſure depart
.
But to thoſe that would abide, he promiſed good reward. Adding withal,
that if any that ſtayed, ſhould after turn his back, or flee; that he that
ſhould kill ſuch a changeling, ſhould have double pay.
Then gave he order to the Lord Fauconbridge, and Sir Walter Blunt, to
lead on the Voward; who in their March, about Dindingdale encountred
with the Lord Clifford (who formerly in cold blood had Naughtered the
Clifford Nain. young Earl of Rutland) him, with John Lord Nevill, Son and Heir of the
Earl of Weſtmerland, they flew, with moſt of their companies ; putting
the reſt to flight.
The next day likewiſe (the Duke of Norfolk being dangerouſly ſick, to
whom that place was aſſigned) Fauconbridge and Blunt continue the leading
of the Vantgard; and on Palm-Sunday by break of day they came to Saxton,
from whence they made a full ſurvey of King Henry's Army, and certified
the Earl of March, that the Enemy was threeſcore thouſand ſtrong :
whereupon a fecond Proclamation was made through the Camp, That no
quarter ſhould be kept, nor priſoners taken (a courſe more favouring of
po-
licy than Religion,)yet by ſo much the more excuſable, by how much his
number was ſo far ſhort of his Adverſary.
The Armies being both in fight; the Lord Fauconbridge gave direction
to the Bow-men, upon a ſignal by him to be given, to ſhoot every man a
flight arrow (for that purpoſe provided) and then to fall back three ſtrides
and ſtand, which they accordingly did. The Northern men hereupon plied
their Bows, until their ſheaves were empty, but all their Arrows fell
ſhort of the mark, and turned to their own diſadvantage : For their
Arrows being ſpent, haſting to joyn to come to hand-blows, their own
Arrows did themlelves much hurt, that had done the Adverſary no harm
at all : the nocks of thoſe ſticking, galling their ſhins; and the ſplinters of
thoſe
The Lord
+
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
181
Main ar Caxton
field.
thoſe broken, piercing their feet, whilſt the Southern men ſhot at their | An. 1461
bodies, as if they had been ſhooting at butts; policy prevailing beyond R. 2.
ſtrength : ten hours in doubtful terms of victory the Battel continued. The Earl of
When the Earl of Northumberland being lain, with the Lords, Beamond, land with
Gray, and Dacres; the Earls of Exeter, and Somerſet fled, left the conqueſt 36776 Engliſh
to the Earl of March, but the bloodieſt that ever England felt; for on that
day. fell there thirty ſix thouſand ſeven hundred threeſcore and ſixteen
perſons, beſides thoſe that died of the hurts then received, all of one
nation; no priſoners being taken but the Earl of Devon. This Henry
Earl of Northumberland now lain, was the third Earl of the Family of
Piercies: he married Elianor Daughter and Heir of Richard Lord Poyning,
by whom he had illue:
Henry, that ſucceeded him in the Earldom, and three Daughtters.
Elizabeth married to Henry Lord Scroop.
Elianor, married to Weſt Lord Laware.
Margaret, married to Sir William Gaſcoyne.
The victor haſtes to York, where he is readily admitted entrance, when
preſently he cauſeth the heads of his father, and his friends, to be taken
down and buried with their bodies; ſetting in their places the heads of
the Earl of Devon, and three others, there then executed.
This Earl of Devon was Thomas the ſixteenth Earl and Lord of Ock-
hampton; he married Margaret Daughter of John Bewford Earl of Somer-
fet, by whom he had iſſue there Sons and two Daughters
.
Thomas who was taken with his father, and preſently by reaſon of the
Proclamation ſlain.
Henry the ſecond Son, who was after beheaded at Salisbury; and
John, who was after ſlain at Tewkesbury.
The Father and the three Sons, with the loſs of their beſt bloods wit-
neſſing their true affe&tion to the houſe of Lancaſter.
Joan his eldeſt Daughter, was married to Sir Roger Clifford Knight,
and Elizabeth was married to Sir Hugh Courtney Knight.
The Earl of Somerſet being the meſſenger of the late overthrow, per-
ſwades and prevails with King Henry, his Queen, and Son, from York
to flie to Barwick, where leaving the Earl of Somerſet, they flie further
for ſuccour to the King of Scots, who comforteth them with promiſe of
relief, but makech a ſure bargain, and receiveth in lieu of a penſion, to
be aſſigned to King Henry during his aboad there, from him, upon Saint
Marks day, the Town and Caſtle of Barwick; to ſuch poor ſhifts was this
Potent King driven, to pawn his beſt fortreſs for bare food.
Queen Margaret and her son, are ſent to France to labour there,
whilſt thoſe that ſtayed with the King (himſelf being only intentive to
devotion) failed not to follicite friends, and make preparation for a ſecond
encounter,
The Queen upon her arrival obtained of Lewis the eleventh her Couſin,
that thoſe of the houſe of Torks favorites, were prohibited traffick, or ſtay
in the French Kings Dominions. But all ſuch as loved the Lancaſtrian line
were permitted freely.
In triumphant manner the Earl of March cometh to London, where
he is by the Mayor and Citizens gloriouſly entertained, being by them
upon the 26. day of June from Lambeth'attended to the Tower of Lon-
don, who upon his firſt entrance therein, inveſted four and twenty
1
with
A
182
: The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
i
i
R. 2.
Edward che
fourth
Crowned.
R. 3.
1
1
nd} Knights
.
!
An. 1461.) with order of Knighthood; and upon the next day, he did the like to four
more.
Upon the 28. day of June, he rode through London from the Tower to
Weſtminſter, where he was Crowned in the Abbey there.
An. 1462.
A Parliament is ſummoned, which began at Weſtminſter upon the fourth of
November, in whịchall acts of Henry the ſixth formerly made (which mighq
ſeem any way prejudicial to Edwards Title or profit) were repealed. And
t therein John Earl of Oxford, a learned, valiant, and wiſe man, die who in a
former Parliament diſputed the queſtion concerning the precedency: be-
tween the temporal and ſpiritual Baroris (a bold attempt in thoſe days,
and by force of whoſe argumerits, judgement was given for the Lords tem-
poral) with his Son Aubry de Vere. Sir Thomas Tiddinham Knight, William
Terrill, and Walter Mongomery, Eſquires, were, without anſwer, convict of
Treaſon, and beheaded.
This John Earl of Oxford married Elizabeth the Daughter and Heir of
Sir John Howard, and had iſſue five Sons and three Daughters.
I Aubry de Vere, beheaded with his Father.
2 John de Vere, that ſucceded in the Earldome.
3. George Vere, Knight, that died, living his Father.
4 Richard Vere, and
5 Thomas Vere,
I Mary, a profeſt Nun at Barking in Eſex..
2 Foan, married to Sir William Norris; and
3 Elizabeth, married to Williami Bourchier,. Son and Heir of Henry
Boierchier Earl of Eſſex.
An. 1463.
King Edward, to encourage others to obtain like favour, by well deſer-
ving at his hands, after that he had created histwo younger brethren, George,
and Richard, the one Duke of Clarence, the other Duke of Gloceſter; he ma-
keth John Lord Nevill firſt Viſcount, then Marqueſs Montacute.
Hežiry Bourchier (whoſe Brother was. Archbiſhop of Canterbury). Earl
of Eſſex, and William Lord Fauconbridge Earl of Kent, ennobling many
others with dignities and honourable Titles.
To hanſel their new Honours, Eſſex, and-Kent, 'with the Lord Audley,
Conquet' and
Rie taken and and divers other of the Nobility, with ten thouſand Souldiers are ſent to
pillaged by ſcower the narrow Seas : theſe land in Britain, and by force enter the Town
of Conquet, and the Iſle of Ree; which having pillaged, and the Coaſts
cleared, they return.
Henry Duke of Somerſet, Sir Ralph Piercy, with ſome others, come in,
and ſubmit themſelves to King Edwards mercy ; who graciouſly receiveth
and entertaineth them, proteſting his propenſion of free pardoning them,
and as many others as would follow their example of ſubmiſſion.
The diſtreſſed Queen with five hundred French (a ſmall ſtake to play an
after-game of Reputation with) came to the Coaſts of Scotland, and from
thence fails to Tinmouth, where ſhe went on ihore, but ſpeedily reſorted
again to ſhipboard, and by tempeſt was beaten to Berwick : From whence,
with the increaſe of ſome few Scots, leaving the Prince at Berwick, ſhe,
with the King her husband, marched into the Biſhoprick of Durham, ha
ving by the way in Northumberland ſomewhat more encreaſed their Army.
To them reſorteth the ſo latereconciled, and now newly reyolted Duke of
Somerſet;.-Sir Ralph Piercy, and divers of King Henrys well-wiſhers, who
altogether made théw of a competent Army. But their diſorderly burning
and
R. 4.
1
the Earls of
Elex and
Kent.
4
1
i
1
h
1
1
+
!
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F
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-
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1
R. 2.
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to
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1
+
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
183
and ſpoyling wherefoever they went,' whatſoever they could come at, loft | An. 1451.
the good will of many, and purchaſed the ill-will of more.
King Edward, to be prepared to meet the Enemy at every turn, makes pre-
paration both by Sea and Land; he ſends Vicount Montacute into Northum-
Zoerland, with Commiſſion to raiſe forces, whom King Edward in perfon
followeth with his whole power, leaſurely, but hafts ſome Companies after
the Vicount, to prevent any attempt of the Biſhoprick men, in caſe they
ſhould
prove
treacherous; with theſe the Vicount marcheth towards King
Henry, and by the way encountercth the Lord Hungerford, at Hegley. More;
but he with the Lord Roffe upon the firſt charge ran away, Icaving Sir
Ralph Piercy alone with his olvn Regiment, who there with them died va- sir Rules
liantly fighting
Piyu Naiu.
Montacute having intelligence that King Henry was encamped in Levels
plain, near the River of Dowell in Hexamſhire, marcheth thither by night,
and ſet upon him in his Camp: The Northern men with a deſperate re-
ſolution receive the charge; but were in the end, with great ſlaughter, over
thrown, Henry Bewford Duke of Somerſet, the Lord Roſs, Mollinis
; Hunger- Tke Erl of
ford, Wentworth, Huſey, and Sir John Findern Knight, with many others are somere taken
taken priſoners : King Henry eſcaped, but very
hardly.
The Duke of Somerſet was preſently beheaded at Exham; he was never
married, but had a natural Son, named Charles Somerſet, who was after-
ward created Earl of Worceſler.
The other priſoners were ſent to Newcaſtle, and there beheaded.. Thus
was the white Roſe in every place died red with the Blood of the Nobility,
and the red Roſe turned-pale with the horror to view the calamities occaſio
ned by this diſcention.
: King Edward came to Dirhan, and frorn thence ſent the Earl of War-
wick and others into Northumberland, to reduce fuch Caſtles and Forts as
yet held out for King Henry; which effected, King Edward marched to
Tork; King Henry ſhifting from place to place, is at length diſcovered, and
in the manner of a notorious offender, with his legs tide under the horſe An. 1462.
belly, without other company, than Doctor Minning Dean of Windſor
taken with him) is by the Earl of Warwick brought to the Tower of Sing Finry
London: a ſudden and ſtrange alteration of eſtate, when he that was the brought Pri
.
moſt Potent Monarch, for Dominions, that ever England had, was not now To vei.
the Maſter of a Mole-hill, nor owner of his own liberty: lo various are the
changes and chances of this tranſitory life.
His diſtreſſed and diſconſolate Queen, with her Son, are driven once
again to flie for ſhelter into France.
King
Edward, to raiſe fome with ruine of others, diſtributeth the Lands
and Poſſeſſions of thoſe that held with King Henry amongſt his own favou-
rites and followers ; having, the better to palliate his proceedings therein, firfi
made Proclamation, that whoſoever of the contrary faction would come in
and ſubmit; ſhould be received to grace, and reſtored to their patrimonies.
King Edward having as it were a breathing from Martial imployments.
knowing that he was to deale with a people more eaſily to be drawn,
than driven, addicted his courſes altogether to endéar himſelf to their
good affections; and the better to ſettle in their minds a good opinion of
his after Government, he applyed himſelf to accompliíh thoſe things,
whereof report had given out his predeceſſors had been neglective in.
And firſt he began to ſet the beam cven, that was to carry the ſcale of
Juſtice
t
.
R..:
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*
1
$
2
---
!
1
184
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
R. 3.
*
L
An. 1464.1 Juſtice in equal point of right, and to that end in Michaelmas Term, in the
ſecond
year of his Reign, three days together he fare publickly with his
Judges in Weſtminſter-Hall, on the Kings-bench, to acquaint himſelf with
the orders of that Court, and the proceedings therein, and to obſerve what
deſerved reformation in that Couri, cither at Bench or at Bar. He likewiſe
ordered the Officers of his Exchequer to take more moderate Féės, and to
be more intentive of their duties, for the benefit of the Subject, than their
own gain; and not under colour of preſerving the Kings revenue s, to
enrich themſelves, and undo the Subjects, thereby wronging both King
and people. Then he complies himſelf to the multitude, and publickly,
with ſuch extraordinary Thews of unuſual congies and complements
from a Sovereign, entertains them, that he thereby ties their pliable
Tongues to :ſet forth his unceflant commendation, drawing out their loves
to the largeſt extent, he.daily frequents the Councel Table; which hefur-
niſhed for the moſt part with ſuch as were moſt gracious among the Citizens,
and were moſt facil, either to give diſpatch, or Court Holy Water to petitio-
ners. Theſe he imploys about references, and buſinelles of private conſe-
quence, whilſt myſteries of ſtate were intimated only to ſuch whom he ſele-
Šted to be of his more private Cabinet Councel, with whom now he advi-
ſeth, how-to encreaſe his forrain correſpondence, and advance his eſtate,
with ſome link of fair alliance with ſuch that might ſtand him in ſtead, and
be a comfort or countenance in his proceedings, as occaſion ſhould fail
out. For which purpoſe, the fitteſt means is concluded to be fome match
to be made with France, by which all 'means of ſuccour, might be with
drawn from his femal perfecutor, Queen Margarite, and aſſiſtance drawn
to perſecute her Husband, and ſuch as ſhould oppoſe his Sovereignty. For
the better effecting whereof, the Earl of Warwick is made choice of, and
The Eart of imployed by the King into France, to treat of: a--match betwixt King Ed.
Warwick ſent ward, and the Lady Bona, Daughter toʻLewis Duke of Savoy, and Silter to
the Lady Carlote Queen of France. Upon the firſt propoſition this mo :
tion was readily embraced, and was willingly ällented unto on all parts; And
Monſieur Dampmortync with ſome others, are incontinently ſent into Eng-
land, for the full accompliſhment thereof : but before his arrival, the game
is changed, and a new trumpis turned. For upon the firſt of May, the King
had taken to Wife the Lady Gray, the Widow of Sir John Gray of Groby,
ſlain at the laſt Bartel of Saint Albans, a Lancaſtrian ; ſhe was Daughter
of Richard Woodwile, Baron of Wypington, and Jaquet Daughter of Pe-
ter of Luxenborough Earl of Saint Paul, the Widow of John Duke of
Bedford, ſometimes: Regent of France, a ſharer with her Daughter of
troubles tô enſuc upon their marriage : for, as the marriage of the mo-
ther, gave the firſt cauſe of diſtaſte to the Duke of Burgoyne, whoſe fevering
after from the Engliſh, was partly, if not principally, the overthrow of our
Conqueſt in France ; ſo this match of the Daughter firſt alienated the heart,
of Warwick from the King, and gave the occaſion of the effufion of ſo
much Chriſtian Blood, and the downfal of the great, Beare and all his.
ragged ſtaves.
This marriage at the command of Love the Lord of Kings, was begunin heat:
of deſire, and finiſhed in haſte, without advice of any but his own untamable
affections: it much diſtaſted the French King, diſpleaſed K. Edwards mother,
and diſquieted the Councèland State:and, as it commonly falls out,when men
ride poſt for ſuch matches, in the end of their journey they take ſorrow for
their
it
into France.
1
.
i-
!
i
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth. 185
1
R. 3.
:
R. 5.
1
*
their Inn,and make Repentance their Hoft; for ſpeedy Repentance follows | Ann. 1464.
precipitated haſte in ſuch affairs. But in the King's Marriage, and Warwick's
diſtatethereof, appeared different effects of unbridled Paſſions. The fervor
of the King's deſires are leſſened;but the fire of the Earlof Warwick's rage eve-
ry way and every day encreaſed and flamed with greater fury,until it con-
ſumed both him and his; yet for a while he covered the Coals, and concealed
the cauſe of his Indignation; howſoever,now and then in private, to his fa-
miliars, he would complain how much he was diſgraced, to be made an In-
ſtrument to ſet a young Lady a-gogfor a husband, and then to have her dif-
appointed. Upon his return, he carried a fair Countenance on the buſineſs, Ann. 1466.
publickly approving the Kings Choice, and commending the new Queens
Beauty,and natural Endowments, applauding whatſoever ſhe ſaid or did.
But privately he only waited to diſpleaſe her, and diſplace her Husband;
wherein he was the more reſolutely intentive, by how much he preſumed
the King of France, and the Duke of Savoy, who were intereſſed in the dif-
grace,
and the Queen and her Siſter Bona, who ſhared in the diſhonourable
affront, would be always, as occafion ſhould be offered, ready to ſecond
him with power and prayers in any thing that to that end he ſhould attempt.
To have the more liberty to plot his deſigns, the Earl procures live to
leave the Court and retires himſelf to his Caſtle of Warwick. King Edward
in the meanatime having juſt cauſe to-ſuſpect the French and his diſcretion
prompting him to be watchfully valorous, to retain his but yet borrowed
Title, Wiſdom admoniſhing him in Day of Sunſhine to provide a Cloak
to prevent being wet in caſe a Storm ſhould fall, thought it good policy
to ſtrengthen himſelf by ſome befitting Confederation abroad; and to
thatend entreth into a League with John King of Arragon, and Henry King
of Caſtile, to whom he ſent for a preſent a ſcore of Cotfal Ewes, and five
Rams, which though they were but few in number,yet hath the loſs that
hath thereby redounded to England been too too great, yea, more than he
could then well imagine, and greater than the Reader can prima facie ap-
prehend; but great evils may grow out of ſmall cauſes.
To ſecure himſelf at home, he took Truce with the King of Scots for fif-
teen years; and as he had formerly married histwo Siſters, Anne theeldeſt,
to Henry Holland, Earl of Exeter,and Elizabeth to John de la Poole Duke of
Suffolk;ſo now he matched Margaret the third Siſter to Charles Duke of Bur-
goyn.
This laſt match added Oyl and Flax to quench the flame of Warwick's
Fury, inſomuch that now he gave it vent: And having with much ado
drawn to his part his two Brothers, the Archbiſhop of York, and the Mar-
queſs Mountacute,henow began to caſt a Wind-lace to draw in the King'stwo
Brothers. The Duke of Glouceſter he found ſo reſerved that he durſt not cloſe
with him; but finding the Dukeof Clarence more open,headdreſſeth himſelf
to him; and taking occaſion in private Conference, to complain to him of
the Kings uncourteous uſage of him, he ſaid, Noble Sir, if I might be my
own Judge, my more than
ordinary Reſpect and Diligence to do the King
your Brother acceptable Service, deſerveth more than common courteſie;
but all whatſoever I have done and do (howſoever it hath been more than
could any way come to my ſingle ſhare) for his advantage is ever unreſpe-
&tively drenched in the Whirlpit of duty; for which I muſt be contented.
To whom preſently the Duke makes Anſwer, Did or do you exped, as to
a Friend, courteſie from him, that neglects the reſpect of Blood to a loving
Brother? It is all little enough for him to provide, for to pleaſure his dear
R
Loves
!
ز
2
1
186 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
R. 6,
Of Thomas
Nucels.
1
1
Ann. 1466. Loves brave kindred, and all too little he beſtows on them; whilſt he that
lay in the ſame Belly with him, muſt attend to be ſerved with their Leavings,
or have nothing. Hath henot made a match between his wives Brother An-
Lord Scales of thony,and the fole daughter of the Lord Scales? And hath he not married Tho-
mas her ſon with the Daughter and Heir of the Lord Bonvile? And likewiſe
his Minion the Lord Haſtings, with the ſole Daughter and Heir of the Lord
Hungerford ? But no ſuch match can be thought of forme his Brother. Nay,
are not his Brothers,and beſt friends, that have expoſed ourſelves to all dan-
gers,toabet his advancement,undervalued and unregarded? Have we not juſt
occafion to be perſuaded he loves us not? How then ſhould you expect bet-
ter dealings from him? The Earl finding the gamecomiog, wanted not words
to whet, nor reaſons to incite to a ſetled diſtaſte of his brothers unreſpect-
ive carriage towards him; and prevailed, after much Communication be-
twixt them, ſo far,that what he ſo much deſired, he effected; for he converted
the natural Current of brotherly affection, which before ran in the Veins of
Clarence, to an unnatural ſtream of rancor and diſobedience againſt a Sove-
reign. And now,the better to knit a firm knot of Aſſociation betwixt them,
a match is to be concluded upon, and the Duke is to take to wife Iſabel the
Earl of Warwick's daughter, and with her to have aſſured unto him half the
lands which the Earl held in right of his wife,the Lady Anne,daughter of Rich.
Beauchamp, E. of Warwick deceaſed. For the Conſumínation whereof, Cla-
rence accompanies Warwick to Calice, where the Counteſs and her daughter
then reſided : By the way the Earl unmasked himſelf, and diſcovereth to
the Duke what hitherto he had concealed of his Project for the reſtoring
of K. Henry, and his Plot how to accompliſh it. To which Clarence
gave
both Approbation and Promiſe, to aid and aſſiſt him to the Accom-
pliſhment thereof to the uttermoſt
. This thus concluded, the Earl diſpatch-
eth meſſengers to his brother, the Archbiſhop and
Marqueſs, to prepare all
things ready to ſet on foot the intended Revolt from King Edward, and to
take hold, but cautiouſly,upon any ground to procure or proſecute ſome re-
bellious Commotion or other in the North, whilft be, and his new Son-in-
law would provide to go through-ſtitch with the work. To a willing mind
occaſion will quickly be foundzand the brothers entertaining the Earls ad-
vice, took hold upon this accident
. The Yorkshire Husband-men annually
by ancient cuſtom, uſed to give to the poor people of St. Leonards, in the
City of York for their Alimony,certain quantities of corn and grain. A re-
port isſecretly raiſed, but upon what ground unknown, that this well-inten-
ded charitable contribution went not the right wayzbut that the givers were
abuſed, and the poor people defrauded; the benefit of the gift going to cer-
tain officers of the houſe, that made a dividend thereof amongłt themſelves
,
allowing little or none at all thereof to the poor people. This rumoronce
on foot, ſpread it ſelf far and near in the Country ; the Husbandmen wil-
ling enough to take any advantage to with-hold their Charity (which in
that age began to wax cold, but in this is quite frozen) when the Proctors
(according to the accuſtomed manner) came to make Collection of the
charitable
devotion of the people, they were fentempty awayzbut not with-
out (in ſome places) either foul language, or ſome blows, and ſometimes
both; which occaſioned retortion, and partakers are found on both parties
ſides; the religious, and better fort of People helping to defend the Col-
lectors, whom with great fury the Ploughmen followed. This Spark thus
appearing, is fed withcombuſtibleſtuff, but underhand, by the Archbiſhop,
fo
1
LYF
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourtb.
195
IN
R. 6.
I
fothat it took flame,and roſe to a great height. Naverthelels the Marqueſ Ann. 1456 ·
Mountacute, more out of policy than piety, ſeeming not to approve of what
was done, ſpeeds with ſome Forces to York, whither the unruly Multitude,
to the number of fifteen thouſand, drew, giving forth ſpeeches by the way,
that they would utterly demoliſh the Hoſpital and fire the City. The Mar-
quels (with his Power) taking advantage of the darkneſs of the night, and
the ignorance or negligence of the watch, fallies out upon them, takes their
Captain, and ſtrikes off his Head, putting the reſt, with ſome little loſs to
flight, whom he followeth no further (as not intending their further hurt)
but retreated to Tork, which he carefully made ſhew to man and fortifié.
The more to endear his ſervice, he ſends the news thereof poſt to the King,
who being certified of the proceedings was we!! pleaſed with what was
done;howſoever he had ſmall reaſon to think bimſelfaſlured of the integrity
of the doer; but as yet the Actions of the Marqueſs, like the Countenance of
Janus, carried two Faces, which his cunning yet covered. In the mean
while the Rebels have rallied their diſperſed Troops, and encreaſed their
numbers: Inſtead of Robert Huldron their Captain,by the Marqueſs behead-
ed;they had new Conductors, Henry Son of the Lord Filz-Hugh, and Henry
Nevil, ſon and heir of the Lord Latimer; the one being Nephew, the other
Colin-german to Marqueſs Mountacute. Theſe having received full Inſtru-
{tions from the Archbiſhop of York, joyntly take upon them the command,
being aſliſted by Sir John Coniers,a Knight of great Courage and good Di-
rection. By his Counſel, in regard they wanted Engines wherewith to force
the Wallsof York, which they had (but diſorderly) beleaguered, the Rebels
left the Siege, and directed their March towards London, giving out by the
Ann. 1469.
R. 9.
way (according as they were inſtructed by their Leaders, and their private
directions)that King Edward was but a tyrannous Uſurper and that they, like
good Subjects only endeavoured the reſtauration of their lawful Sovereign
King Henry, adding withal, that if any miſchief were done to the Body of
King Henry before his being reſtored to liberty,that they would not leave
alive any of the Houſe of York. King Edward hereupon gives order to Wil-
liam Lord Harbert,the new created Earl of Pembroke, to ſtop this Northern
Storm,and to levy power to withſtand their further approaching. He, both
in obedience to King Edward's Command, and willing to revenge ſome for-
mer (as he conceived) affronts off-red unto him by the Sticklers in this
Commotion; Fitz-Hughand Nevil (accompanied with his Brother Richard,
and about ſeven thouſand Welſh-men, to whom the Lord Stafford of South-
wick,with ſome eight hundred Bow-men joyned) embraced the occaſion,
and willingly undertook the Charge. Sir Richard Harbert, with two thou:
fand horſemen near Northampton, charged the Rere of the Northern men, in
which was Sir Jahn Conyers, who commanding, faces about, ſo entertained
them, thật the Welſh-men, with ſome loſs,' made more halte back, thangood
ſpeed forward. Hereupon the Northern men having to that end received
Letters of direction, ſhape their courſe towardsWarwick, whither the Earl,
with his Son-in-law Clarence were come, and had levied forcesto joyn with
them. The King rather ſullen for anger, than amated with fear; upon the ti-
dings of his Brothers unnatural backfliding, related unto him by his other
brother Richard, ſtood a while ſilent; but having made recollection of his
Spirits, he ſaid, Brother, yet I am beholding to you, that have made a full
expreſſion both of your Love and duty,in acquainting me with the danger;
and ſtaying Loyally on my Side: But Time permits not Diſcourſe; we muſt
R 2
pre-
+
j
|
188 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
--
R.9.
.
Sir Henry Nec
vil lain.
..
Ann. 1466. ( prepare qur ſelves to withſtand their Fury; and to that end, take Order
to ſecond Pembroke: And accordingly he makes preparation. But before
his Succors could come, the Northern men did reach Warwick upon Saint
James's Even.
Some Diſtafte having been given by'the Earl of Pembroke to the Lord
Stafford, either for diſpoſſeſſing him of his uſual lon at Banbı:ry, or with-
holding from him ſome light Commodity in that Inn, which he formerly had
made uſe of: Stafford with his Archers departed. Sir Henry Nevil having
Intelligencethereof, the next morning gave a Camiſadoe with ſome Horde
to the Lord Pembroke's Camp,and charged ſo home, that his Seconds unable
to relieve him) he was encloſed with the multitude, and miſerably ſlain j
which ſo incenſed the Northern Men, that they all gave on, and ſo fierce-
ly affailed their oppoſites, that though for a time the Welch ſtood cloſe,and
kept order, yet when a ſuddain rumor was ſpread, that the Earl of Warwick
was come with his Power to charge thear in the Rere,they rooted and fled.
True it was, that John Clopton, a retainer of the Earl of Warwick, having
drawn together about five hundred Men, weakly armed, and worſe diſci-
plined, he brought them to the top of an Hill,in fight of both Armies, dif-
playing thereon the Bear and ragged Staff, the Earl of Warwick's Colours,
and making ſhew to deſcend, was the occaſion ofthe Welch turning their
Backs. In the Fight five thouſand were ſlain, beſides thoſe that were taken
Priſoners; whereof the Earl of Pembroke, and Sir Richard Harbert his Bro-
ther; who for their Valor and ſound Direction that day ſhewed Chad Suc-
ceſs followed their Attempts) deſerve to be enrolled amongſt the beſt
Commanders, with ten other, not by the Law of the Field, but by the un-
bounded Will of the Victors, were beheaded at Banbury.
This William Earl of Pembroke, married Arne daughter of Walter Lord
Ferrers of Chartley, by whom he had Iſſue three Sons and fix Daughters..
William, that ſucceded him in the Earldom.
Sir Walter Harbert Knight; and
Sir George Harbert; Kuight,
Cicely, Baroneſs of Greyſtock.
Mawd, married to Henry Piercy, Earl of Northumberland,
Katharine, married to Geòrge Earl of Kents
Anne, married to the Lord Pores,
Iſabel
, married to Sir Thomas Cooksey, Knight ;, and
Magaret, married firſt to Viſcount Liſley, and then to Sir Henry Bodring-
hami, Knight.
The news of theſe proceedings ſet wide open the Gates of the Rebellion,
and gave Courage to the Northamptonſhire mep, who, prepared before to
that purpoſe, took this opportunity to make a Commotion; and under the
Conducrofone Hiljard, by them ſtiled Robert of Riſdale, came to Grafton,
and there took the Queens:Father, Earl Riversy and his Son Sir John Wood-
vile; and at Northampton, without Tryal or Judgment (courſes outof uſe
amongſt unruly Rebels) cauſed them to be beheaded. Richard Wooddile,
Baron of Wymington, married Jaquet, Daughter of the Earl of St. Pauls, the,
Widow of John Duke of Bedforskfor which, nothaving the King's Licence,
he was fined to King Henry the Sixth in one thouſand pounds. He was inſtal.
led Knight of the Garter the zoth of O&ob. An. Hen. 6. 28. And 4 of K. Edw.
4, he was created Earl Rivers and made high Conſtable,of Exgland: He had
iſſue by the ſaid Jaquet, leven Sons, and ſix Daughters.
1. Anthony
+
7
5
H
+
1
The Life and Reign of Edward.the Fourth.
189
4
1
1. Anthony that ſucceeded his Father. 2. Lewis died young. 3. James Anna
died young. 4. John with his Father taken at Edgcote, and with him be-
1469.
headed at Northampton, as afore. 5. Lionel, Biſhop of Salisbury, that begat
R.9.
upon
his Concubine Stephen Gardner, afterwards Bilhop of Winton. 6. Ed.
ward, who died without Iſſue. 7. Richard that ſucceeded his Brother
Anthony in the Earldom; but dying without Iſfue, left it to his Siſters, all
living
1. Elizabeth, at fifft married to Sir John Gray of Groby, and afterward to
Edward the Fourth.
2. Margaret, married to Thomas Fitzallan, Earl of Arandel.
3. Anne, married firſt to William Bourchier, ſon of Henry Earl of Eſex,and
after to George Gray Earl of Kent,and then to Sir Edward Wingfield Knight.
4. Jaquet was married to John Lord Strange of Knocking.
5. Mary was married to William Hurbert Earl of Huntington; and
6. Katharine, firſt married to Henry Stafford, ſecond Duke
of Buckingham,
and then to Jaſper of Hatfield, Duke of Bedford. The Lord Stafford having
long lurked without Diſcovery about Devonſhire, is apprehended, and for
his bare departure from the Earl of Pembroke, beheaded at Bridgwater.
The Northern men have opportunity to joyn with the Earl of Warwick.
The whole Body of the Commonwealth thus fearfully groaning under
the fearful expectation of unchriſtian Cruelty; the Effects whereof divers
of the Nobility and Clergy endeavoured by all means poſſible
to prevent;
and to that end,on both ſides mediated for ſome pacification. But whilſt it
is in Agitation, both Partshaving drawn their Forces together, a general Pre-
paration is made for an unavoidable Banquet for Death;whilft King Ed-
ward the leſs circumſpect, by reafon of ſome overture of ſubmiſſion,cautelouſ-
ly tendred,gave advantage to theEarl ofWarwick,who had ſecret intelligence
of the order of the King's Camp,in the dead of the Night to fall upon it,
where with ſome ſmall Slaughter having ſlain the Sentinels, they took the King Edward
King Priſoner in his Bed, who was preſently conveyed to Midleham Caſtle
in Yorkshire, to be kept ſafely by the Archbiſhop of York,
The Earl of Warwick, relying upon his brother's care of his charge, con-
fidering that he was the Key of their work; and being perſwaded that the
brunt ofthe wars was paſt, diſmiſt moſt of his Army: but as one that reckon-
ed without his Hoſt, muſt make a new Account,ſo to that Exigent he was
driven: For whilſt he made ſearch and diligent enquiry after King Henry,
King Edward
whoſe place of Impriſonment was not known, King Edward eſcaped; but
eſcapes.
whether by over-great Promiſes ſeduced, or through Guilt of Conſcience
induced thereunto, it is queſtionable. But howſoever, the Archbiſhop per-
mitted him to have ſo much liberty by way of recreation on hunting, that
by the Contrivement and Aſſiſtance of Sir William Stanly, and Sir Thomas
Burgh, he was both reſcued from his Keepers, and in ſafety conducted to
Tork. Such is the inſtability of Occurrences in this world, that therein is cer-
tainty of nothing but incertainty; the ſecrets of God's Providence being in-
fcrutable. King Edward, that in the morning was a Priſoner at the Earlof
Warwick's devotion ,is now at liberty to provide how to queſtion his mitred
Keeper and his late triumphant Committer for their undutifu+Preſumption.
From Tork he poſteth to Lancaſter, where his Chamberlain, the Lord
Haſtings, had raiſed ſome Forces; with thoſe he marcheth to London,the love
of whoſe Citizens he mainly relied upon, and thereof found himſelf not
deceived; for they with willing readineſs receive him.
The
raken Priſo-
ner.
.
R 3
!
1
.
R. 9.
1
4
1
An. 1470.
R.10.
The Lord
1
Thomas Dy-
ed.
190
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
•Anno The Earl of Warwick having Information of what was paſt, makes a ver-
1469. tue of neceſſity and diſpatches Letters and Meſſengers to all his Friends and
Confederatesto draw to an head ; which they accordingly did. But by the
earrelt Solicitation and Induſtry of thoſe good Patriots, which before had
laboured to have the Sword of civil Difíention ſheathed, now an interview
Cupon interchange of Oaths for Safety and fair return on both ſides )is had
betwixt the King, the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of Warwick, in Weſt-
minſter Hall.
But the Earl, like one endeavouring to infect the Air, takes Poyſon in-
to his mouth, and ſpits it into the wind, makes repetition of former Cour..
tefies done to Edward and for requital thereof, indignities returned; which
with ſuch peremptory Phraſe he urged, that they favoured ſo much of
Exprobation, that the King, urable to endure ſuch harſh and III-becoming
Language from a Subject, in a ſcornful Fury departed the Hall and went
to Canterbury, and the Duke and Earl to Lincoln, whither they had
pre-
appointed their Powers to repair, under the Conduct of Sir Róbert Wells
,
Son and Heir of the Lord Wells,a valiant Gentleman,and of approved lụf-
ficiency.
The King, with intent to take off Sir Robert from Warwick's part,ſends for
Richard Lord Wells, who with his Brother-in-law Sir Thomas Dymock, com-
Wells
, and Sir ing to attend the King's pleaſure, received Information from ſome of their
Friends in Court, that the King was much incenſed againſt them; where-
mock bchead-
upon they take Sanctuary at Weſtminſter ; from whence, upon the King's
promiſe of general Pardon, they came to bis Preſence, who gave Command to
the Lord Wells, effectually by Letter to ſolicite his Son Sir Robert Wells, to
leave the Earl of Warwick, and come to the King's Service, which was ac-
cordingly done; but becauſe it procured not deſired effect, the King (not
without blemiſh to his Honor) in his Rage cauſed both their Heads to be
ſtruck off. The report whercof ſo enraged the young Knight,that no per-
ſwalion could prevail with him to abide the Earl of Warwick's coming,
which was every day expected; but Paſſion having blinded his Judgment,
led on by Fury, and the Inevitableneſs of his Fate, he with his forces char-
ged the King's Army. And whilſt he labored to gobeyond Man in doing,
(his Valour not checkt by Diſcretion) he proves lels than a ſucking Child,
and ſo finkirgunder an oppreſſing Multitude, he was taken Priſoner; which
ſo diſcouraged hismen, that they fled, and the lighter torun away, they caſt
off their Coats; and thereby gavea name unto the place from whence they
fled, which ever ſince hath been called Loſe-caot-field. In this place were
llain of the Earl's Part ten thouſand and odd ; of the King's Side thirteen
hundred, but no man of mark.
Sir Robert Wells, with all the Priſoners then taken, were there preſent-
ly executed; Sir Robert beheaded, the other hanged, which were three-
ſcore and ſeven.
The report of this Diſaſter turns Clarence and his father-in-law to Exe-
ter, from whence, having diſmiſttheir Army, they fled to Dartmouth, from
thence they ſhipped to Calice, having their Ladies and divers Gentlewo-
men in theircompany, intending there to go on Shore; but their expectation
was fruſtrated : for whilſt he was about to land, he was ſaluted with a great
Shot from the Platform, which aſſured them there was no going on Shore
there, without apparent danger; whereupon the Earl by Meſſenger entrea-
ted Monſieur Vocleer, the Earls Deputy-Lieutenant there, but to give
7
1
1
Loſe-coat-
field,
1
1
way
+
1
+
។
1
The Life and Reign of Edward. tbe Fourth.
191
ANNO
1470.
R. 10.
the French
the
Viſited by
A
way to the Ladies to land (the Dutcheſs of Clarence being then in Travail)
which Vucleer uncourteoully refuſed, and like the Hedghog kept his Cap-
tain out of his own Lodging ; not doing, or permitting to be done any
the leaſt Office of Humanity; but denying the ſick and tender Ladies all
Courteſie and Comfort, wherefore the Earl was enforced to put again to
Sea, whilſt King Edward, for this lo diſcourteous uſage of the Earl, fent
the ungrateful Gaſcoyne a Patent of the Captain's Place of Calice, under
the Great Seal of England; and the Duke of Burgoyne gave him an Annuity
of one hundred Pounds per annun during Lifc.
Notwithſtanding, Warwick being at Sea,received Intelligence from Vocleer
whom it ſeems did love the Earl in the ſecond place, but himſelt in the
frſt) that the Duke of Burgozne plotted his Deſtruction; whereupon the
Earl kept the Seas and took all the Burgonians he could incct,making prize Warwick en-
of their Ladings, wherewith he landed in France, and from Deep, by the
tertained by
French King's ſolemn Invitation, he went to the Caſtle of Amboyes, where King.
King then kept his Court. And there the Ladies Wants are ſuppli-
ed, and honourable Welcom, and liberal Entertainment given to the Earl
and all his Company.
The Newg of the Earl of Warwick's being at the French King's Court,
drew thither Queen Margaret, and her Son Edward, with Fulper late Earl Queen Marga-
of Pembroke:: For this Jaſper having been attainted of Treaſon, Williami rer.
Lord Harbert was created Earl of Pembroke; but being lain, William his
Son ſucceeded in the Earldom.
This Jaſper, and others with him (who were lately broke out of Priſon
Toyn in Con-
in England, and fled thither) joyn in Confederation with the Earl of War- federacy a-
wick, and a ſolemn Oath paſſeth betwixt the Duke of Clarence, the Earls gainſt King
ofWarwick, Oxford, and Jaſper of Pembroke, never to deſert one the other
during Life,nor defilt,to the uttermoſt of their beſt abilities, to procure the
Releaſement of King Henry, and his Reſtoration tothe Crown of England;
and to give the better Countenance to this Confederation, Prince Edmard Prince Edward
is married to the Earlof Warwick's Daughter. But therein the Earl of War- married to his
Daughter.
wick (fitting in his own light) overſhot himſelf, and by over.doing in
Policy to ſtrengthen his part, both himſelf and Partakers are undone. The
Water intended to drive the Mill, being drawn to drown the ſame ; for
the Duke of Clarence, after he had taken into his own more ſerious Con.
ſideration the purpoſed end of this Match, he eaſily perceived, that, that be-
ing ſeconded with the intended proſecution of the wars againſt King Edward,
would (if ſucceſsful) prove the utter overthrow of his Brothers, and the
final extirpation of the Houſe of Tork. From hence aroſe, and not without
juſt ground, the Duke's diſtruſt of his own Fortunes; for the prevention of
which miſchief, he inwardly became leſs forward to the buſineſs, and be-
gan to caſt about how to come fairly off with his father-in-law; propin-
quity of Blood proving a ſtrongerincencive to affection than contracted af-
finity, though never ſo much combined with ſolemn Promiſes, and overt
Proteſtations. From henceforth under-hand he gives perfect Intelligence to
King Edward of all Proceedings againſt him; and withal aflures him, that
he was reſolved, upon his coming into England, to play the part of a lov-
ing Brother; and as he did now, in Heart, decline the Confederation, ſo he
would then clean deſert their Cauſe. Herewith, when King Edward acquain-
ted his Brother the Dukeof York, he ſaid, he always thought as much; for
he that atonetime had turned Traytor to his Sovereign, would at another
prove
Edward
+
192
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth,
Anno
1470.
R. 10.
.
ed.
prove treacherous to his Friend; but we may (faith he) préſume better
hereafter of our Brother
The French King having furniſhed the new Confederates with Men, Mo-
ney and Ammunition,and with neceſſary Shipping, they all wentahoard, and
falling down to the mouth of the River of Seyne, they deſcried the Burgonians
with a ſtrong Fleet, prepared to interrupt their Sailing forth. Where-
upon the Lords ſtrike Sail, and call to Council; but duriog their time of
ſuch Conſultation, a ſtrong Southweſt wind comes from Land, with a terrible
The Burgonian tempeſt of Rain, by fury whereof the Burgonian Fleet was driven to Sea,
Fleet diſperf- and ſevered,many of them being drived on ground in Scotland. The Storm
being ceaſed, having ſet the Queen and Prince, with his Wite, on Shore,
Warwick with his Complices hoiſe Sail, and with a merry Gale, arrive ſafe
ly at Dartmouth; from whence he gave notice to his partakers of his Ar-
rival,
King Edward preſuming of the Strength of the Burgonian Fleet and their
watchfulneſs, had omitted Preparation, either to impeach: his adverſaries
landing, or to affront them being landed; by means whereof the Lords
land at eaſe, and having a clear Pallage, march forward in good array, ma-
king_Proclamation in every place where they come in King. Henry's Name,
to command all his loving Subjects to be ready both with Purſe. and Perſon
to give him aſſiſtanceagainſt the Duke of York,who,like a Tyrant,and an U.
ſurper, withheld from him his Crown and Patrimony; by this means in
few days his Army greatly encreaſed; wherewith in good Order, and by
eaſie Marches,keeping his Men always in Action, by exerciſing them
and fit-
ting them to their Weapons, he made towards London. Upon notice of
whoſe Approach, on the Sunday next after Michaelmas Day, one Doctor
dard's Sermon Goddard, a Chaplain of the Earl of Warwick, appointed to preach at Pauls
Croſs, did ſo ſet forth the pious intention of the Earl his Maſter, that en
deavoured the reſtoring of a wronged King to his Liberty and Dominion,
and to free the Kingdom from an Uſurper, that his pithy perſwaſions Pre-
vailed ſo far with his Auditory, that none reproved him for bis Boldneſs;
but ſo approved of his Sermon, that divers put their ghoſtly Father's Advice
in practiſe, inſomuch that the Marqueſs Mountacute, who had (as was pré-
tended) on King Edward's behalf, levied fix thouſand men about London,
found them all inclineable to go with him to the Earl of Warwick, and ac-
cordingly wehtand joyned with him: ſo ſuddenly and eaſily will the vul-
gar
be reduced!
This news, and the general acclamations that went through all places of
King Henry, anda Warwick, cauſed King Edward to diſtruſt his own Soul-
diers; i and fearing the Tide would turn, his Heart failing him in the dead of
the night only with eight hundred, of whoſe conſtancy he was aſſured, molt
of them the Lords, Rivers, Haſtings and Say's Retinue, he poſted from be-
fides Nottingham towards Lincolnſhire; but having notice, that Warwick, to
impeach his Retreat, had ſent his light Horſe-men before and followed him,
ſelf with the Body of the Army, with great hazard, and loſs of his Car-
riages (which were ſunk in the Sands) he paſt the Waſhes, and came to
Lynne, from whence, with the Duke of Glouceſter,the Lord Scales,and about
ſeven hundred men, without any change of Rayment, or other neceſſaries,
King Edward
or other Victuals, but what they brought on horſeback with them, or what
they had left their Horſes in pawn for in the Town, they ſet Sail, bending
their courſe for Holland. The Lord Chamberlain ſtayed behind, as well to
make
Doctor God-
at Paul's
Croſs.
W
enforced to
forſake the
Land.
1
coment
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
193
a
Pirates.
make what Proviſion he could for the better Accommodation of the King | Ann. 1470.
to carry
with him, as to take order with ſuch of their followers as were to
R. 10.
ſtay behind, whom he'entreated to temporize things Itanding as they did;
(till the wind came about again, which he affirmed would be very ſhortly)
but upon the firſt fair Gale that blew with King Edward to open their Sails
on his behalf. Whilſt he was upon this Negotiation, Fortune, that makes a
Tenis-ball of the greateſt, thus play'd her part with King Edward. Nofoon-
er was he paſt ken of Shore, but certain Eaſterlings, enemies both to Eng. King Edward
land and France,were deſcried to have them in chaſe; ſothat the Mariners in danger of
were driven to clap on all their Canvaſs, to bear up for the next Shore of
Holland: the Eaſterlings plied after them ſo cloſe, that the Engliſh durft not
take Land, but where their landing might be favored by ſome Fortor Town;
ſo that they were forced to fall lower than the firſt Coaſt, and came to An-
chor beforea Town in the Netherlands, called Alquemare, as nearit as with
conveniniency they might,the Ebb being fallen too low to enter the Haven.
The Eaſterlings, whole Ships were of greater Burden, came as near them as
they durſt for tear of running on ground, intending at the next Flood to lay
them aboard.But in the interim the Lord Haſtings being landed in Holland,
making enquiry after King Edward; but receiving no Tidings of his being
come on Shore, preſently diſpatcheth Couriers to all the Maritime Towns
thereabouts, to give notice, that Edward King of England was upon the
Coafts, to viſit his Brother-in-law and Siſter, the Duke aud Dutcheſs of
Burgoin. The Lord Gronteer, Governor of Alquemar, being hereof infor-
med, ſuſpecting what was true, that the King of England was aboard
thoſe Ships that the Eaſterlings had chaſed in; he preſently manned out
a Boat unto them with this Meſſage, That the King of England was in
League with that Country,and his Subjects and Shipping ſhould ride ſafe in
that Harbor without impeachment of any man; and therefore commanded
them in the Duke's Name, 'not to diſturb them in their Landing, as they
would run the hazard of the Cannon from the Town; by which means the
King was permitted quietly to come on Shore, and was honourably enter-
tained by the Governor, who conducted him to the Hague, where they ſtay.
ed the coming of the Duke.
King Edward, having now almoſt in a miraculous manner paft oo Pikasir
his own Kingdom, and the Perils both of Seas and Pirates, profuming that
God's Providence had protected him for ſome good purpole, he, by the
Advice of his Siſter (who in all things exprert her ſelf a dutiful Wife to Kir:g Edırard
her Husband, but a dear Friend to her Brother) did intimate uuto the cor of che
Duke, that he had now, under God, none to rely upon in this his Extre-: Duke of Bur-
mity but himſelf; and therefore he earneſtly doth ſolicite him for preſent foyt
.
Succors; which he obtaineth.
But whilft Forces are raiſing to ſecure King Edward's return out of Hol- Queen Eliza-
land, his Queen Elizabeth 'forſaketh the Tower,and ſecretly taketh Sanctu- beth raketh
ary at Weſtminſter, upon report of Warwick's approach; who made the more Sanctuary
at
haſty march for London, for that he wasinformed, that ſome ſeditious perſons
about Kent, ſuch as only waited opportunity to fiſh in troubled Waters,
more out of greedy deſire to gain Booty than get Glory, had plotted the
pillaging of London"; from which they were hardly reſtrained, notwith-
ſtanding the careful, reſolute, and indąſtrious Courſes of the Mayor and
his Compeers.
Theſe ſcatter-goods played reaks about Lime-houſe and places adjoyning,
until
!
+
1
F
194
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
Ann.
1470.
R. 10.
Rebels of Kent
ſuppreſſed by
Warwick, K.
Henry ſet ar li-
berry.
:
lity:
until the Earl of Warwick ſuppreſſed them, and made exemplary puniſh-
ment to be inflicted upon many of them, to the great content of the more
ſober-minded people; and much commendation from the Citizens, for his
care of the Cities ſafety.
Execution of theſe Pillagers done, Warwick cometh to the Tower,
which two days before the Mayor by a bloodleſs Stratagem had eatred,
and did now make good on the behalf of King Henry, who was by him re-
moved out of his hold of durance, into his own Lodging, and there ſerved
according to his ſtate; which the Earlof Warwick (as the more ſenſible of
the two) did more congratulate than the King himſelf.
King Henry upon the ſixth day of O&ober accompanied with the Arch-
biſhop of York, the Prior of St. Johns, the Biſhop of London, the Duke of
Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, and other Nobles, with great Solemnity
was conducted through London to the Biſhops Palace, where he reſted un-
til the thirteenth of that month; on which day he went in ſolemn Pro-
ceſſion about Pauls Church, (wearing his imperial Crown) the Earl of
Warwick bearing up his train, and the Earl of Oxford the sword before
him; in whom it appeared, that mortality was but the ſtage of mutabi-
The next day, as the uſual adjunct of like Proceedings, in all uſual places
about London, King Edward was proclaim dan Uſurper, and all his partakers
and abettors, Traytors to God and the King, whereof John Lord Tiptofi,
Earl of Worceſter, as a partaker with King Edward, was made the firſt ex-
ample, and on that day beheaded on Tower-Hill. He had to wife Elizabeth
Siſter and heir of Sir Walter Hopton,Knight; by whom he had iſſue, Edward
who after did ſucceed him in the Earldom:
The high Court of Parliament (as a cloak to cover all bracks of eruption,
in the State) is aſſembled at Weſtminſter, wherein King Edward, and all his
known friends and followers, áre'attäinted of high Treaſon, and all their
lands and goods ſeized on to King Henryes ufe. And like a Well with two
buckets, whereof one came up full to be emptied, the other goes down
empty to be filled; one Parliament ſets up an Edward, and puts down Hen-
ry, and the next acknowledgeth Henry, and explodeth Edward.
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, is by the authority of this Parlia-
ment adjudged to be heir to Richard Duke of York his Father; and that
Dutchy was likewiſe ſettled upon him, (notwithſtanding the primogeniture;
of Edward) and hisheirs. The Crown of England was likewiſe entayled,
for want of heirs males of the body of King Henry, upon Duke George, and
his heirs for ever ; lo proclive was the Parliament to give conſent to what-
ſoever by the Earl of Warwick, on the behalf of King Henry (in which
web he always inter-wove ſome threds that might ſeem for the ſtrength-
ning of his son-in-laws good reſpect towards him)was propoſed.
By which
means, Clarence was kept within the Verge hitherto of the Earl of Warwicks.
devotion.
Jaſper Earl of Pembrook, and John Earl of Oxford, are fully reſtored to
Honour and Lands.
Clarence and Warwick are made Governours of the King and Kingdom,
and all things, both in Parliament, Court, and Councel, conſented unto,
and concluded on, as they would propoſe and appoint.
The Queen is ſent for into France, but ſhe, as if appointed not totalte any
of thecup of her husbands fairer fortunes, is kept back by contrary winds,
ſo
A Parliament.
The Crown
entayled upon
Clarence.
1
1
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourtb.
195
R. 10.
Son.
ſo that during the Winter Seaſon,againſt the King's Will, and her own De- | An. 1470.
fires, ſhe is kept on the other ſide the Sea.
Elizabeth, Queen to King Edward, is in the mean time in the Sanctua- The Queen
ry at Weſtminſter, delivered of a Son, Chriſtned by the name of Ed delivered of a
ward.
Warwick, that nothing might ſeem to be left undone, that might conduce
to thegood of the Commonwealth, and advantagious to their Proceeding,
ſent divers Companies over to Calice, from thence to infeſt the Duke of
Burgoyn's Dominions. And it is not unworthy the Obſervation, the peoples
Levity,that whom as yeſterday they had proclaimed Traytor and deſpite-
fully traduced, that the bruit of his Return into England was no ſooner
ſpread, but the Earl of Warwick's Cognizance, the Bear, and the ragged
Staff was worn in every man's Cap; yea, Monſieur Vocleer was contented
to ſurrender his new Patent, and accepted of his former Deputation now
confirmed, and wear the Earl's Livery, which he was pleaſed to vouchſafe
him, notwithſtanding his former uncivil and unreſpective Demeanourboth
towards him, and the Ladies in his Company.
The Duke of Burgoyn being ſenſible of this Storm which was likely to
fall upon him, both from the French King and the Caliceans, if not warily
prevented, wiſely ſo wrought with the Duke of Clarence, that the Truce
formerly concluded betwixt him
and King Edward, ſhould in all things be
ratified and confirmed, the Kings nameonly altered to Henry; but with this
cautionary reſtriction, that no aid ſhould be given to his Brother-in-law,
King Edward: And hereof aſſurance by oath is given. Nevertheleſs, within
a ſhort time after, whether by the Dukeor Dutcheſſes means, it is doubtful,
but by one of theirs, Edward was furniſhed with eighteen tall Ships, and two
thouſand Dutchmen, and with fifteen thouſand Florens of Gold: Thus fur-
Ann. 1471.
niſhed, he took Land at a place called Ravenſpur in Yorkshire ; in which
place he found but cold entertainment. Nevertheleſs, as one that had no
other hope left, but that little ſtay he had taken hold of, he made a wary
March to York, where likewiſe he found no great expreſſion of welcom, ſo
that he was enforced, moſt unlike himſelf, tomakeuſe of the Devils Sophi-
ſtry, and by moſt execrable Oaths, to win belief the ſooner amongſt the In-
habitants of York, he ſeriouſly vowed, according as he had pre-publiſhed
in his paſſage thither, That he only challenged the benefitof his Birth-right,
which was the Inheritance of the Dutchy of York, unlawfully with ſtrong
hand with-held againſt him, utterly diſclaiming any intention he had to lay
any claim to the Crown of England, which he ſeemed ingeniouſly to ac-
knowledge to be King Henry's indubitate Right. The Citizens credulity King Edward
was ſuch, that they upon theſe Proteſtations, and upon taking the Sacramentis
admitted
to uſe the Citizens fairly, and to be true Liegemen to King Henry,permit-
ted him entrance, which before they utterly denied him : But he was no
ſooner entred, but that he gave them a ſufficient taſte of his Intendment,
which was not to want any thing whereof in that place he might beby any
means furniſhed. And having well refreſhed his men, and furniſhed him-
ſelf with what men, moreyand vi&uals the City would afford him, having
left a ſufficient Gariſon to keep the City to his own uſe, he marched towards
London, waging by the way all the Souldiers, that either Threats, Promi-
fes, or Money could either win or procure.
The Marqueſs Monntacute, whoſe Actions and Carriage were alwaysre.
ſerved and obſcurefrom the vulgar, yea, lo diſputable and doubtful amongſt
his
R. II.
into Tork
1
1
1
1
196 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
R. II.
trenchech at
Coventry.
Ann. 1471. ( his own Brothers and Allies, that none but himlelf could expatiate them.
He
now,
when he had Power ſufficient to do it,did not impeach King Ed-
ward's Paſſage about Pomfret, but ſuffered himn to paſs by him not fought
with; for which he was much condemned by his Brother,and deſervedly;
for had Edward then been but a little ſhaken, he had died at roót. Being
come to Nottingham, divers of the Nobility came to him, making tender of
their ſervice;but with this proviſo, that he would reſolutely take upon him
the Stile and Title of King, and accordingly take his State; which he with-
out much Contradiction was contented (his former Oath to the contrary
being no ſcruple to his Conſcience) to conſent unto. And as a River run-
ning far from its firſt riſing, is ſtill augmented by the acceſs of other brooks
and waters falling into it, ſo King Edward's Army encreaſed by marching
onward, to a great number.
The Earl of Warwick having notice of theſe Proceedings, leaving King
Henry at London, hafted towards his Town of Warwick; from whence he
ſent to the Duke of Clarence to advertiſe him of theſe Occurrences,deſiring
his ſpeedy Acceſs thither, where he would abide his coming. But the
Duke lingredout the time,and made not that ſpeed that was expected, and
the buſineſs in hand required; which gave cauſe of ſuſpition of his tergiver-
Warwick en-
ſation; whereupon Warwick with his Forces withdrew toward Coventry,
where he ſtrongly entrencheth and fortifieth himſelf; whither King Ed.
ward followeth him,and often provoketh him to iſſue forth. But he wiſely,
not being very confident of his Souldiers fidelity or courage (as yet untri-
ed) refuſed, heeping himſelf cloſe within his Trenches. Whereupon King
Edward marcheth to Warwick, 'perſwading himſelf that that courſe (if any
thing could) would draw the Earl to fight. But when that prevailed not,
he bent hiscourſe towards the Duke of Clarence, who with his Forces made
ſhew to give him. Battel; but when both their Armies were in ſight, the
Duke of Glouceſter ſo wrought between them, that they were both overtly
reconciled, as they privately were before, and their Forces were conjoyned.
t The three Brothers, now by fair Promiſes, and liberal Offers, aflayed to
win the Earl of Warwick to embrace fair offers of Favour and Reconcile-
ment; but he, readier to be broken than bent,inſtead of embracing theſe
proffered Courteſies,upbraided the Duke of Clarence with Perjury and
de-
generate Cowardlineſs, returning them Anſwer, That he would rather die
like himſelf, than live, and have to do with ſuch uſurping, diſloyal, and ill-
conditioned baſe Turn-coats.
King Edward The King taking notice of his head-ſtrong Reſolution, with his two Bro-
entreth Lon- thers, and all their Forces united, marcheth towards, London, wherè, after
ſome little ſhew of Reſiſtance, the Weathercock-Citizens moving like the
Ears of ſtanding Corn, all together, which way, ſoever the Wind blew, re-
ceived him with great Applauſe and loud Acclamations of Welcom, deliver-
ing up unto him the miſerable King Henry, like a Ball to be bandied with
the Racket of his pleaſure, intowwhat hazard he pleaſed.
The Earl of Warwick (with all his Forces) warily followed them at the
Heels,but could never find opportunity, as he expected, either upon advan-
tage to cut off their Rere,or hinder their approach to London. And having
certain intelligence, that King Edward Was entred. London, and King
Henry re-impriſoned, he encamped at St. Albons, as well to refreſh his
Souldiers, as to take Counſel what Courſe to take, and how to diſpoſe of
their Journey
King:
4
doko-?;
t
1
1
1
1
i
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth. . 197
R. II.
1
King Eelward being advertiſed of the Earl of Warwicks approach, think- | Ann. 1472.
ing it not fit to have him to advance too near London, drew out his forces,
and with them marched to meet his Adverſary.
Therefolution was equal on both parts, to ſetup their reſts upon the ha-
zard of that encounter; upon Eaſter Eve the King with his power lodged in
Barnet town; the Earl of Warwick encamped upon the hill between Saint
Albons and Barnet, the Camps each in ſight of other.
Early on Eaſter day in the morning (an unfit day choſen for ſo unplea-
ſinga ſervice to God,) the ſouldiers on both ſides are put in array; The Earl
of Warwick appointed the command of the right wing, which conſiſted of
horſe, to his Brother the Marqueſs Montacute, and the Earl of Oxford :
The left wing likewiſe conſiſting of horſe, was led by the Duke of Exce-
ter; and the battel conſilting of Bills and Bows, was conducted by the Duke
of Somerſet.
The Voward on the Kings part was commanded by the Duke of Gloceſter;
The battel, in which was King Henry, was led by King Edward himlelf and
the Lord Hyjiings brought on the Rere.
There wanted on neither ſide belitting encouragement, to incite the foul-
diers to ſhow themſelves valiant, and each one to do his endeavour to con-
quer;
the exhortations ended, the fight began,and with great valourand refo-
lution on both ſides, maintained by the ſpace of fix hours, without any
diſadvantage on either part appearing, until King Edward gave order to
certain freſh troops of Rutters for that purpoſe reſervd, to charge the now
wearied battel of the enemy, which the Earl of Warwick obſerving, alight-
ed from his Horſe, with a deſperate courage he entred amongſt his Adver-
faries, whom his brother the Marqueſs Mõntacute
, in hope to reſcue, fol-
lowed, and ſo were both encloſed and fiain: And with their fall, fell the
victory to King Edwards part, who being aſſured thereof (leaving his Bro- Warwick lain.
thers to Marſhal the field, and to takeorder for the quartering the ſouldiers)
he with King Henry in his company went on the ſpurr to London, and there
at Evening-long in Saint Pauls Church offered his Banner, and the Earl
of Warwicks Standard.
On King Edwards part was ſlain no man of extraordinary note, but the
Lord Cromwell, Son and Heir of the Earl of Eſſex; and the Lord Barnes
,
Son and heir of the Lord Say.
On the other part were llain, the Earl of Warwick, the Marqueſs Mon-
tacute, and three and twenty Knights: On both ſides fell four thouſand ſix
hundred and odd.
The bodies of the Earl of Warwick, and his Brother, were
ſtripped ſtark
naked, and put in one Coffin, and the next day brought to London, where
in the body of Saint Paul's Church, they lay by the ſpace of two days bare
Viſaged.
This Earl of Warwick, commonly ſtiled the Great Earl of Warwick, whoſe
uſual phraſe was, That he had rather be able to ſet up, or pull down a
King, than be a King; was Richard Nevil
, Son and heir of Richard
Nevill Earl of Salisbury, who married the Daughter of Richard Bean-
champ, the ſixth Earl of Warwick, in whoſe right he was Earl of
Warwick, and in his own,
and in his own, Earl of Salisbury, and Lord Meunther-
mer; he was great Chamberlain, and Lord high admiral of England,
Lord Warden of the North-Marches towards Scotland, and of the
Cinque-Ports, Captain of Callice, and high Steward of the Dutchy of
S
Lancaſter,
1
1
198
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
!
Ann. 1472:
R: II.
Marqueſs
Montacute.
1
Lancaſter : he had iſſue two Daughters, Iſabell
, married to George Plan-
tagenet Duke of Clarence, and Anne, firſt married to Edward, titulary Prince
of Wales, and after to Richard the Uſurper.
John Nevill
, Brother to the faid Earl, was firſt created Lord Mountague,
after that, Earl of Northumberland, upon the attair.der and baniſhment of
Henry Piercy Earl thereof : But upon his return into England, and reſto-
ring in Blood, Nevill furrendred his grant of the Earldom of Northumber-
land, and was created Marqueſs Montacute : He Married'Iſabell Daugliter
and heir of Sir Edward Ingleſthorpe Knight, and had iſſue;
George Nevill, created Duke of Bedford, but after degraded by Act of
Parliament; and five Daughters, who after their Brothers deceaſe (which
dyed without iſſue) were co-heirs of his eſtate.
Anne, married to Sir William Stonehurſt Knight.
Elizabeth, married to Thomas Lord Scroop of Riſdale.
Margaret, married to Sir John Mortimer Knight.
Lucy, married to Sir Thomas Fitz-Williams Knight.
Iſabell, married to Sir William Huddleſton Knight, and all theſe Daughters
had iſſue.
After theſe Brothers had been made a ſpectacle of mortality, and the ſub-
ject of their ſpectators ſpight, ſcorne, or pity, three days in that manner,
they were permited to be carried to the Monaſtery of Biſam, and there in
one grave buried amongſt their Anceſtors.
Queen Margaret, when it was too late, with fome French Forces,landed
at Waymouth, where having unwelcome tidings of theſe diſaſters, and
that the Duke of Exceſter ſuppoſed ſlaine; was itrangely recorvered, and
had taken Sanctuary at Weſtminſter, She with her Son conveyed her ſelf
to Bewley in Hampſhire, where She took Sanctuary, having ſent her Soul-
diers into Wales" to Jaſper, Earl of Pembrook, who with the Duke of
Somerſet, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devon, John Lord Wenlock, and
ſome others, repaired thither unto her. Amongſt theſe, it is reſol.
ved once more to bring their Forces together into the field, and hazzardone
ſtroak more. From Bewly the Queen and the Earl of Somerſet ſpeed towards
Briſtol, intending with what powers they could raiſe in Gloceſterſhire, to
march to Wales to joyn with Pembrook,who was gone thither to make Pre-
paration accordingly.
The King made acquainted with theſe overtures reſolves if poſſible
to croſs the Conjunction and follows Queen Margaret with a greater Power
ſo cloſe, that near Tewkesbury in Gloceſterſhire, he overtakes her forces; who
reſolutely turn, and make head againſt the Kings Power, where Somer-
ſet on the Queens part leading on the Van, did perform the part of a
good Commander, and a ſtout Soldier, maintaining the fight for a long
time reſolutely and bravely: But when he found his Soldiers ( through
wearineſs) begin to faint, and the Kings Battelcomeon, and that the Lord
Wentlock which had the conduct of the battel on the Queens part mo-
ved not ; Somerſet rode unto him, and upbraiding him with Cowardiſe,
with his Pollax beat out his brains : But before he could bring in his
men to the reſcues, their Voward was routed : and John Earl of Devon
(who had no iſſue with three thouſand and odd of the Queens part were
ſlain.
Queen Margaret , John Beauford, the Duke of Somerſets Brother,
the Prior of Saint fohns, Sir Jervis Clifton, and divers others were
taken
t
4
+
}
}
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
199
f
R 12.
ner
1
one of them.
taken Priſoners, which all except* Queen Margaret were beheaded the Ann. 1472.
next day: At which time, Sir Richard Crofts preſented to King Edward,
Prince Edward, whom he had taken Priſoner:King Edward did at firſt receive Queen Marga-
ret raken priſo-
him with a kind of countenance, expreſſing more ſigns of rejoycing to
ſee a friend, than triumph of taking an enemy, and began to move familiar
queſtions unto him, but not receiving ſuch ſubmiſſive ſatisfactory anſwers,
as he required, and it may be ſome of riper years, upon the like occa-
fion, would have done. he diſdainfully thruſt him from him, when
preſently the Dukes of York, and Clarence
, Tihomas, Marqueſs Dorſet
, Prince Edward
and the Lord Haſtings (the Kings back being but turned) with their flaughtered.
Poniards barbarouſly ſtabd into the breaſt, and inhumanly murdered againſt
the Law of God, Nature and Nations; which occaſioned the revenge of his
blood afterwards in generall upon them all, and in particular upon every
The King having made conqueft now in twenty days, of what great
Warwick had done before in eleven; with Queen Margaret his priſoner,
triumphantly marcheth towards London, from whence (as being aſſured, as
long as there remained any of the partakers of King Henry at liberty, and
in life, his death ſhould be always plotting) he fent Roger Vaughan, a Po-
tent Gentleman, and much reckoned of in his own Country, to entrap
Jaſper Earl of Pembrook, who had eſcaped with the Earl of Somerlet, from
the lait incounter: But Pembrook having premonition of the plot, pre-
vented the miſchief, by giving Vaughan means to taſte the fame ſauce, and
ſtrook off his head.
King Edward lingreth about Coventry, expecting news from Vaughan,
but at once received notice both of Vaughans defeat, and news that Tho-
mas Baſtard Fanconbridge imployed by King Henry, at the appointment of
great
Warwick, to ſcowre the narrow Seas, had irritated new fedition:
Ånd trueit was, that this Fauconbridge having at Sea encountered with ma.
ny that had eſcaped from Tewksbury Battel, and were making for France,
and by them, being informed of the murther of Prince Edward, and the
incarcerating of Queen Margaret, he made all fiſh that came to net,
and robbed and ſpoyled all that he could come at, of amunition and
ablemen, as well Natives as Aliens, and had perſwaded many of the old
Garriſon ſouldiers of Callice, to the number of three hundred, under the
conduct of Sir George Brook, to joyn with him, and had now drawn
from all parts, all ſuch as had eſcaped the former encounters, or were
willing to purchaſe booty and pillage ; and now did intend to work fome
ſtratagem againſt King Edward, and the Kingdom: And with a well ac-
compliſht Army of ſeventeen thouſand men came to London, and in hoſtile
' manner commanded admiſſion into the City, and the releaſement of
King Henry out of priſon : But was reſiſted and denyed by the Major
and Citizens on the one ſide, and the Lieutenant of the Tower on the
King Edward upon the firſt news, knowing how dangerous delays
are in matters of this nature, preſently diſpatched Marqueſs Dorſet with
ſome competent troops of Horſe to ſecure London, whilſt himſelf
the ſixteenth day of May, follows with his own power, laying all the
ways to intercept any intelligence, that might be ſent or received betwixt
the Baſtard and Pembrook.
Fauconbridge thus denyed entrance, brings up his ſhipping to Saint
Katharines,
A
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200 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
And: '1 472. | Karkerines, and leaving in them but men ſufficient to receive the booty
K.'11. brought, takes out the moſt deſperate and dangerous: and with them mar-
cheth to Kingſtone bridge; promiſing his ſouldiers (by the way) to give
them the plundering of Weſtminſter for their dinners, and of the ſuburbs of
London for their ſuppers, but London it ſelf ſhould be their breakfaſt in the
next morning. But finding Kingſtone bridge broken down, and all the pla-
ces of paliige guarded, aſcertained of the Kings approach, and doubting
to be encloſed, he altered his reſolution, and with all his forces withdrew
into Saint Georges field;. fiom whence he prepared to aſiault the City of
London: For the effectirg whereof, he landed all his ſhip-Ordnance, and
planted them all alongſt the banks ſide, and therewith battered down.ma-
ny houſes, and much annoyed the City ; but having ſome Religion in his
rage; he gave order to the Capnoneers to ſpare Churches, and houſes of
Religion,
From Saint Katherines, by Boat he paſt over three thouſand, men, giving
them directions to divide themſelves, and with one moity' to aſſault Al.
gale, and with the other Biſhopſgate, whilſt he with the reſidue laboured to
gain entrance by London bridge; the houſes round about which, he fired.
All theſe places at once were deſperately attempted, threeſcore houſes being
fired upon the Bridge;they followed the fire and recovered the draw-bridge,
and then he brought on his deſperate Sea-men; that inured to the water,
would adventure far in the fire ; but by the directions of the Earl of Elex,
who with divers Gentlemen were come in aid of the Citizens and were there
quartered with iheir men; they had ſo barricadoed uip the Bridge-foot, and
planted great Ordnance to ſcowre the entrance that way, that the forward
Baltard ſeeing no poſſibility of further approach, without apparent deſtru-
Erion; having wit in his anger, made a fair retreat. The Marqueſs Dorſet
in the mean time, from the waters ſide had droven the Cannoneers from
their: Ordnance. But Captain Spicing at Algate won the Bulwark, and
drove the Citizens from the Gate, entring pell-mell with them, untill the
Portcullis was let fall, when thoſe which had ventured too far, payed the
price of their folly. Alderman Baffet,and the Recorder Urſwicke, who with
a volant Regiment awaited to ſuccour (where need ſhould require) came
to the reſcue, and cauſing the Portcullis to be drawn up, made a brave
fully forth, and drove the Rebels back beyond Saint Buttolphs Church ;
which Earl River's Lievtenant obſerved well
, (having all the day awaited
with his men for advantage to give alliſtance) iſſued out of the Poſtern
with five hundred well appointed Bow-men, who faluted the Rebels at
their backs with ſuch a ſhowre of Arrows, that they all amazed fled to their
ſhips, but were purſued, and ſeven hundred of them were cut off in their
flight. Thoſe that affayled Bijhopſgate, hearing of their fellows ill ſucceſs,
ſhrunk diſorderly away, having firſt fired the City in many places; the ſtay
to quench the rage of the fire, gave the aſſailants the quieter means of re-
3
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treat.
The fire upon the Bridge fomewhat Maked, Alderman Joſſelyne, with
a Company of Citizens drawn from Leaden-ball
, where the Corps
de guard was kept, valiantly (the great Ordnance being firſt from the
Bridge, foot diſcharged) féll upon the Baſtards troops, and ſo plyed
them with his ſhot, that they turned back. and fed, whom the Alder-
man followed to Ratcliffe, llaughtering all he overtook in their flight,
and kept them from going on board their fhips. Fauconbridge com-
.
manded
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
1
on ſhoar.
manded his ſhips to fall down to the Downs, whilft he with much | Ann. 1472.
labour drew together his fcattered troops, and entrenched himſelf
R. II.
at Black-heath, comforting his company of the aſſurance of acceſſion
of the Welſh, whom he affirmed to be upon march, to come to their
aſſiſtance; with whole aid: he promiſed them to work wonders. But
having expected their coming three days, victuals growing ſcarce, and
hearing of the Kings approach, he diſmiſt his ſouldiers; taking as many
with him as would adventure to Sea, he left the reſt to try their fortunes
King Edward, upon the one and twentieth of May, with a great power
came to London, where he was triumphantly received; which he as thank-
fully requited, giving the Order of Knighthood to the Major, Recorder,
and two Aldermen, Ballet and Joſceline, giving them reſpective commen
dations, both for their loyalty and valours, promiſing, upon the Word
of a King, to requite the meaneſt of his good Citizens loves with ample ſa-
tisfaction, asſoon as the Common-wealth had recovered her quiet, which
he was confident now would be ſhortly; the clouds that had ſo long.co.
vered it, beiog almoſt diſperſed. In the mean time the Duke of Glo-
ceſter took an occaſion to viſit King Henry in the Tower, where obſerving
his unmoved behaviour, either out of pity of his unbounded injury, or
envy at his. So ſetled patience ; that though he had loſt his Crown, his
only Son, and all his aſſured friends, and was hopeleſs ever after to ſee
his Wife; the leaſt of which was a loſs unvaluable; and now had nothiog
left him but a little breath, yet he ſeemed as though he had loſt no.
thing :: or out of piety (which may be doubted) to ſend him thither,
where he might repair all his loſſes with a much overplus of happineſs, Glo-
ceſter with his Ponyard made a paſſage for the ſoulto go out of the priſon
of the body, and the body to be layed to ſleep amongſt his fore-fathers; King Henry
and as it were to give the world a taft of that blood-thirſty inclination, murdered.
and Cannibal condition, whereof his enſuing Tragical murthers ſhould
give a more ample Teſtimony, and to guild his Dagger with Royal
Blood, having therewith firſt ſtab'd the Son, (a hopeful young Prince) now
he killed the Father, performing to him amerciful act of an unmercifulact-
The three and twentieth day of May, being Aſcention day, the Corps
were conveyed by direction from the Councel, with ſome little ſhow of
ſolemnity of Funeral rites, to Pauls Church, where he lay all that day
with his face uncovered: But that in ſight of all the people, there, or at
the Black-Friers, whither the Body was that night conveyed, or in any
other place, it bled in that quantity, or in that manner, which the report
of many gave out it did, I will not affirm, only ſay, that true it is, the day
following he was from Black-Friers conveyed in a Boat to Chertſen Ab
bey, without Prieſt or Clerk, Torch or Taper, ſaying or ſinging, and
there buried. But afterwards, at the appointment of King Edward, was
removed to Windſor, and there interred ; and afair Monument made over
him.
Thus was he freed from this thraldum, after he had groaned under
the burden of a Crown thirty eight years, fix months, and odd days. He
married, as afore, Margaret, Daughter of Rayner, Duke of Anion, by
Proxie, in Lorayne, at the City of Tours, in Saint Martins Church, in the
preſence of the French King and Queen: the King was Uncle to the
Brides
our.
2
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202 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
R. II.
any
Ann. 1472. Brides Father, and the Queen, Aunt to her Mother: King Henry by her had
iſſue only Edward, butchered as before. This Margaret remained Priſoner
in London until ſhe was ranſomed by Duke Rayner her Father, and then
departed into France, where ſhe lived and died King Henries true Widow,
that had been his truftful Wife.
This King Henry in his life time had been ſo truly a participant of both
proſperity and adverſity, that few can go beyond him in both} if his
Predeceſſors could parallel him in either. Being 'nine months old he
began his Reign over England, being wiſely, warily, and watchfully,guidi
ed, guarded, and regarded by his three wiſe, valiant, and reſpective Uncles,
the Dukes of Gloceſter, Exceter, and Bedford, as long as their triple twi-
ſted triumvirate authority ſubfilted. In the eighth year of his Reign
he was crowned at Weſtminſter; And in the eleventh year of his Reign
he was crowned King of France, in our Lady Church at Paris. Thits
ty years he injoyed all the benefits of peace within Englund, with-
out any manifelt interruption ; and what content a bucklone and debou
nary Queen could enrich him with. But in the three and thirtieth
year of his Reign he was enforced to fight, after a great defeat giá
ven him àt Saint Albones ; And in the eight' and thirtieth year of his
Reign, his Army was defeated at Northampton by great Warwick;'anid
there by him taken Priſoner. The year following he is by Queen
Margaret his Wife ſet at liberty; but in the ſame year after the over-
throw given him at Mortimers Croſs, both he and his-Quéen were
compelled to flie out of the Realm ; the one to Scotland, the other
into France. He is afterwards taken Priſoner åt Selby in Lancaſhire,
and brought Priſoner to the Tower ; from whence he was ſhortly de
livered and reſtored by him that firſt took him Priſoner; and laſt left
him there (great Warwick) for his fake. Edward the fourth is compel-
led to fly for aid into Holland, and is proclaimed Tarytour; whilft
Henry again is veſted in Royalty : But the year following he is again
taken Priſoner in the Biſhops pallace at London, and ſent Priſoner to
the Tower; for whoſe releaſement, whilſt Warwick ſtrives, both him.
ſelfand Brother loſe their lives at the field fought at Barnet ig-and young
Prince Edward upon the ſame occaſion is murthered, after the over-
throw given to his Mother at Tewksbury, beſides many of the Royal
Blood, and his Noble Friends maſſacred and butchered in other pla-
ces; yet he in both eſtates ſo demeaned himſelf, that he modeltly
carried the one, and moderately underwent the other; Paſſion at notime
drowning his Judgement, nor Will at any time domineering over his
Reaſon 3 yea, ſuch was his deportment, that the inconſtancy, of his ſtate
could not alter the conſtancy of his mind; Inſomuch that one of his Suc-
t
ceflours, King Henry the ſeventh, laboured, for that only vertue, to have had
him canonized to be a Saint, and had obtained to have had it done, bad
not the charges thereof ſo far exceeded mediocrity (for the Fees or
Expences to make a King a Saint are much more than the Experices to
canonize a Clergy man) which cauſed him to leave it undone ; ſo that
för want ofone to disburſethe money, King Henry loſt a Feaſt day, and
his name a place in the Almanack. It is moſt evident his integrity of life
was ſuch, that his Confeſſour, a grave and reverend Doctor, confidently
avouched, That in ten years together, in all which time he moneth-
ly at leaſt received his Confeffion, he never could gather that he had
in
1
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.
#m
R. 12,
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth. 203
io thought, word, or deed, committed that, that in his thought might deſerve Ann. 1472.
che injunction of penance.
His continency. was ſuch, that before his marriage, he would permit no
Woman to have any thing to do in bis Chamber, nor ever would touch
woman, but by way of orderly falutation, and that ſo feldom, that it was
taken for a great grace to them ſo by him faluted.
Ar a Chriſtmas time, a Maſque of women being preſented unto him, +
whereof ſome of them ſhowed their (at this day too commonly uſed) naked
breaſts, he left the preſence, crying, Fic, fie, Ladies, in footh you are too
blame to bare thoſe parts to the eye of maa, that Nature appointed modeſty
to conceal.
He was ſo far from Vindicative diſpoſition of injuries, or affronts offered
to his Perſon, that he would give thanks to God, that did ſo permit men
to puniſh his tranſgreſſions in this life, that ſo he might eſcape the puniſh-
ment for them hereafter.
He was ſo watchful over his words, that he was never heard to ſwear
oath ; his greateſt and moſt earneſt aſſeveration being for the moſt part,
forſooth, forfooth, or verily, verily.
He was ſo far from Covetouſneſs, that when the Executors of his Un-
cle (ſtiled the rich Biſhop of Wincheſter) made offer unto him of two thou-
fand pounds oftreegifs, he refuſed it, withing them to take care of orderly
performance of their duty in duly. accompliſhing the Teſtatours Will, and
not to conſume the eſtate left them for better uſes, in bribery, or unneceſſary
donations.
He was ſo religioully affected, shat he duly obſerved his Canonical
obedience to the ſtrictelt injunction of the Church; and at times of faſt
(thereby commanded) he not only obſerved the abſtinence preſcribed,
but uſed other uninjoyned means of mortification, by wearing hair ſhirts
next his skin, and tying himſelf to that auſterity of life, and ſtrictneſs of
diſcipline, that the ſtricteſt and moſt religious penitentiary could do no
He was ſo inclinable to Pity, that when he ſpied the quarter of a Tray-
tour ſet over one of the gates of London upon a pole, he cauſed the ſame in-
Itantly to be taken down and buried, ſaying, I will not have ſuch cruelty
executed againſt a Chriſtian after death for my fake; it is enough, if not
too much, that he received the puniſhment of death for his offence.
His Patience was ſuch, that to one that ſtruck him when he was taken
priſoner, he only ſaid, forſooth, you wrong your ſelf more than me, to
ſtrike the Lords anointed.
To another, that, when he was in priſon, had drawn blood of him
with a weapon; when after he was at liberty, and the party that had
given him the wound was brought before him, he freely pardoned him,
laying, Alus, poor ſoul, he ſtrook me more to win favour with
others, than any ill-will he bare me: of that happy memory, that he
never forgot any thing butinjury. Laſtly, his courage in a good cauſe
appeared in this, that being a little before his death in a peremptory
manner demanded by the Duke of Gloceſter, why he had held the Crown
ſo long unjuſtly from the rightful Heir, boldly thus anſwered, My Fa-
ther was crowned King of England, and quietly, without contradiction,
enjoyed the ſame, as my Grandfather, his Father, had held the ſame be-
fore him: and I but a child was proclaimed undubitate Heir thereto, and
was
more.
2
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204
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
A:n. 1472.
K. 11.
1
was according!y ſacred and crowned King without interruption; firſt of
England, and afterwards of France; all men tome, astomy Anceſtors, ſwea.
ring and doing fealty and homage; and ſo I have held England well-nigh
thirty nine years: And therefore I may ſay with the holy King and Prophet
David, My lot is fallen in a fair ground; gea, I have a goodly heritage, ny
help is in the Lord, which will ſavethe upright in heart.
His pious intention for proviſion forcompetent maintenance for Prophets
and Prophets children, appeareth by his teſtamentary appointment for the
building and endowing Kings Colledge in Cambridge, and Eaton Colledge
by Windfor; and other like Donations appointed by his lalt Will.
King Edward, preſently after the interment of King Henry,drawshisfor-
ces toward Sandwich in Kent, where ſome of the followers of Fauconbridge,
to the number of eight or nine hundred, had in the Caſtle thereof ſtrong-
ly. fortified themſelves; who, upon notice of the Kings approachin Perſon,
lent Şir George Brooks unto him with this Meſſage ; That if he would vouch-
ſafe them (which they humbly deſired) his gracious Pardon, ſo as they
might be allured to have their lives,limbs and liberty ſaved, they would ſur-
render into his hands the Caſtle, with the ſhipping, and all things there-
in,and ſubmit themſelves in all obedience to his command, and ſwear (which
hitherto they never had done) from thenceforth for ever to continue his
faithful, loyal and obedient ſubjects. But if this mercy were denied them
they were reſolute to fight it out to the laſt man, fire the ſhiping, and
fell their lives at the deareſt rate; neither were they ſo deſtitute of promiſed
aſliſtance, that they had any juſt canſe to deſpair of their relievement, if
they ſhould abide the hazzard (being ſufficiently victualled to hold out for
ſix moneths) of being beſieged.
The Councel having throughly debated of the propoſition, by the Kings
appointment, and by the inſtigation of the Duke of Gloceſter, they adviſed
the King to attonement with them, and he accordingly granted their re-
queſt; and marching to Canterbury, there ſealed, and from therce ſent by
the Duke of Gloceſter (who now 'began to affect popularity, and endear
himſelf to ſouldiers) their general Pardon; who bringing it unto them,
forgot not to acquaint them with what difficulty he had obtained the ſame
at the Kings hands.
Upon the receipt thereof,both Caſtleand ſhips, to the number of thirteen,
are delivered up to the Duke for the Kings uſe. But how this compoſition
was obſerved, may be imagined, when Fauconbridge (who was compri-
ſed in the ſame Pardon) was afterwards taken and executed at Southampton;
And Spicing and Quintine, the Captains that affailed Algate, and Biſhops-
gate at London, and were Commanders, and in Sandwich Caſtle at the ſur-
renderthereof, were preſently beheaded at Canterbury, and their heads
fent to be placed on poles on thoſe gates at London they had ſeverally al-
ſaulted; And by a commiſſion of Oyer and Terminer, divers, both in Efex
and Kent, were arraigned and condemned for this rebellion ; but more for
that put to fine and ranſom, than death;to the great impoveriſhing of the
Yeomen of Kent, and undoing the Gentlemen of Eſex.
The King upon Whitſun-eve returneth to London, where(adviſed there-
to by his Councel) he ſent great Warwicks Brother, the Archbiſhop of
York, to be kept priſoner in the Caſtle of Guiſnes, and the Earl of Ox-
ford, (who had ſubmitted himſelf
upon pardon oflife only) to the Caſtle of
Hames, and layed all the Ports for the ſtoping of the Earl of Pembrooks
going
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
1
R. 12.
R. 13.
going out of England, which he nevertheleſs afterwards did with the young | Ann. 1472.
Earl of Richmond.
King Edward, much diſpleaſed with the eſcape of the Earl of Pembrook,
but more of that of Richmond (by how much the one could but abet, the
other might lay claim) ſent his Letters over to the Duke of Britain, whi-
ther thoſe two Earls had found means to convey themſelves, and were in
Brittany by him kindly entertained ; intimating therein his earneſt deſire,
either to have them ſent over to him, or at leaſt watchfully kept from at-
tempting any thing (which he had juſt cauſe to ſuſpect they would) to
his prejudice, by their being at liberty; with many promiſes of thankful
reſpect, for this courteſie if granted, and for an earneſt thereof, fent him a
token worthy the receiving, which ſo prevailed with the Duke, that the
two Earls were debarred each others company, and all their Engliſh atten-
dants taken from them, and Britons appointed in their places which ſome-
what ſatisfied the King of England but gave no content to the Engliſh Gen-
tlemen in France.
A Parliament is called at Weſtminſter, wherein all acts formerly made by Ann. . 1473.
him, are confirmed. And thoſe that King Henry after his redemption of the
Crown had abrogated, were revived: And an Ordinance made for the con-
fiſcation of all their lands and goods, that had taken part againſt him, and
were fled; with a reſtauration of all ſuch as for his part had been attainted
both to blood and patrimony.
Towards his charges, in this Parliament, a competent ſumm of money is
voluntarily given, and in reſpect thereof a general pardon is granted:
The Duke of Burgoine, willing that his courteſies formerly done to his
brother-in-law ſhould be thought upon, and willing to ingulph him in the
wars of France, that he in the mean time might have the better opportuni-
ty to work ſome malicious ſtratagem againſt the French King; ſends over
Emballadors, with ample inſtructions, to ſolicite the King of England to ſet
on foot his title to the Crown of France, making great offers with poteſta-
tions, to aid and aſſiſt him therein both with purſe and perſon.
The Embaſſadors have audience, and after much debating the point a-
mongſt the Privy Councel, it was thus amongſt them concluded.
1. That the Crown of France was not ambitiouſly affected; but the title
thereof legally challenged as the uniqueſtionable right of the now King of
England.
2. That the French wars (if orderly purſued ) always enriched Engliſh
Souldiers.
3. That France being made the ſeat of the war, it would keep them from
making invaſion on England, and hinder them from ſupporting any againſt
the King of England.
4. That ibe French King had in an unſufferable faſhion given an affront
to the King of England, in aiding and abetting Queen Margaret , and her
traiterous complices, againſt him, and prohibiting any his true ſubjects to
reſide within his territories, and in continually ſending combuſtible ſtuff
to feed the fire of rebellion, which had ſo diſquieted the Common-wealth
of England.
5. That the King of France infeſted the Duke of Burgoines Countries with
wars, who was a Friend and Colleague with the King of England, and one
that wasin league with him, both offenſive and defenſive.
Therefore this propoſition from the Duke of Burgoine, to undertake the
1
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1
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206 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
1
R. 19.
Ann. 147.3. | wars againſt France, was to be approved of, as being both lawfull and be-
hoofefull for the honour of the King, and the good of the Kingdom.
But the means how to purſue the war being once under-taken, was an
other cauſe conſiderable. For treaſure (the finews of war) was wanting,
and to procure a fupply by Parliamentary courſes, would take up too much
time. They were therefore driven to find out and ſet on foot a project,
X till then unheard of, which was to draw by way of benevolence from the
ſubject, a ſeeming voluntary(howſoever often very unwillingly payed con-
tribution; thereby to ſupply the want of money for the purſuance of theſe
t
F
wars.
a rich Widow
where but 2c.
ed-
Tothisend, divers Commiſſioners are aſſigned with letters to the Knights
and Gentlemen, and ſeveralinſtructions are ſent into every County; who
did therein ſo effcctually comply themſelves to do the King ſervice, that
by their perſwations, moſt men of ability did enlarge their contributions
to this ſo fair an enterpriſe, and readily departed with their money. Anda
A Kings kiſs to Kings kiſs to a ſparing and therefore a rich Widdow, amongſt many others
procured 40. l.
drawn in by Court holy water to make oblation, brought in twenty pounds
more than was demanded, for that being but twenty, ſhe gave forty.
1. was expect It is almoſt a matter of admiration in theſe days, how in thoſe days, the
King could out of this little Illand, be furniſhed with ablemen for his wars;
old men, women, and children, with ſufficient meat to put in their mouths;
the Clergy, and Scholars with competent maintenance; and the Markets
with neceſſary proviſion; conſidering the infinite number of thoſe in the
late Civil broyls ſlaughtered, the paucity of Ploughmen and Huſbandmen;
the want of Farmers, and the indigency of Cattel wherewith to ſtock their
Farms, infinite quantities of ground lying unmanur'd, or tilled, and the
Paſtures and Downs without Sheep or Cattel; the general ſpoyl and waſt-
ment, which the Souliers, whereſoever they came, (and that was almoſt
every where) in this Kingdom made, and the general ceaſing and neglect
of commerce or traffick, the ſhipping not daring to ſtir abroad, the danger
being ſogreat to.be robbed and ſpoyled either by home-ored Pyrats, or for-
raign foes; yet, ſuch was Gods great mercies, that every one of theſe ref-
pectively were ſupplyed, and did ſubfilt without any notable defect, orex-
traordinary want.
Ann. 1473
Henry Holland, Duke of Exceter, and Earl of Huntington, dif-inherited
by Act of Parliament, with Henry Duke of Somerſet, and Thomas Earl
The Duke of of Devonſhire, in the fourth year of King Edward the fourth, was this year
found dead, tript naked betwixt Dover and Callice: but how he came by
his death, no inquiry could bring to light: He married Anne daughter of
Richard Duke of York, and ſiſter to Edward the fourth, but had no iflive by
her: ſhe was after married to Sir Thomas Saytileoger and had iſſue by him a
daughter married to George Manners Lord Role of Hamlack.
Proviſion for thisFrench expedition of all things neceſſary,beingthrough-
ly made, and order taken for the quiet government of the Kingdom in his
abſence, and the ſtop of incurſions, if any ſhould by the Scots be made ;
King Edward with an Army of fifteen hundred men at Arms, and all ofthe
Nobility and Gentry,gallantly mounted and well attended with fifteen thou.
ſand Archers on horſe-back, eight thouſand common ſouldiers (whereof
five thoufand were ſent to Brittain) and three thouſand Pioners to attend
the Ordnance and guard the Carriage, came down to Dover, whither the
Duke of Burgoine had ſent five hundred skutes or flat bottom'd boats to
tranſport
R. 14.
dead.
=/
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
207
*
* Three hun
dred Crowns
in Gold
Velvet.
tranſport the horſe to Callice: yet notwithſtanding that help, it was above { Ann. 1474
two and twenty days before the Kings forces were all part over to Callice. R. 14.
Before the Kings departure from Dover, becauſe he would witneſs to
the World his fair and legal Proceding, he ſent an Herald named Gorter, K. Edxxid
a Norman by birth, with a letter of defiance, in fair and fitting termes, French King.
requiring the French King to yield unto him the Crown of France, his
unqueſtionable inheritance, by the French King unjuſtly detained from
him; which if he ſhould dare to deny, that then he was to expect from Eng-
land, but what the extremity of the Sword, and the calamities of War
could bring upon him and his Countrey. This letter the French King
read, and withdrawing himſelf
, cauſed the Herald to be brought to his
pre.
ſence, to whom in privat he gave this anſwer: That the Duke of Burgoine
and the Conſtable (by whoſe.trayterous inſtigation, and not of his own
inclination, he knew the King of England intended to viſit France) would
but delude him, for they were diſſemblers and impoſtors: And therefore
ſaid, it would conduce more to the honor and content of the King of Eng-
land, to continue in league with me, though an old adverſary, than to
hazzard the fortune of the Wars. upon the promiſed aſſiſtance, of new-
come deceivers, ſuch as thoſe two will prove. And ſo commend me to the
King thy Maſter, and ſay, what I have told thee. And ſo with an * hono .
rable reward diſmiſſed the Herald, whoreturned to the King of England to
Callice'; and there returned to the French Kings anſwer.
and thirty
This advice, though from an Enemy, if followed, had ſaved the King yards of red
of England, a great deal of money : For the Duke of Burgoin, notwith-
ſtanding his promiſe in the word of a Prince not to fail, was not at the
time and place appointed, ready with his forces, which ſhould have been
by pact and promiſe, two thouſand Lanceers, and four thouſand Stradiots
or light hörſes. Whereupon, the Lord Scales is by the King of England, fent
to the Duke to put him in mind of his promiſe, and to haſten his coming
with his promiſed forces. But the journey was to little purpoſe, only it
occaſioned the Duke with a ſmall Troop of Horſe, to come unto the King
of England, formally to excuſe himſelf, for being ſo backward; in that
he having with his forces been imbroyled in the fiege of Nants, could not
depart thence without infinite diſgrace, if neither compoſition or ſubmil reth his breach
lion were enforced ; which now notwithſtanding, becauſe he would not
of promiſc.
too much treſpaſs upon his Brother-in-laws patience, to have longer expe-
Eted his comming, he was by the obſtinacy of the beſieged enforced to do.
But promiſed to ſupply all defects, both with his preſence and power, and
that ſpeedily.
The Conſtable likewiſe by letters, perſuades the King of England to pro- repromiſeth
ceed in the action, and not to doubt from the Duke and himſelf, but to be ſuf aid.
ficiently accomodatedevery way, and ſeconded.
King Edward thus encouraged, marcheth on : but in his way found no
performance of promiſes, either on the Dukes or Conſtables part. For the
firſt did not at their coming to Peroone accommodate the fouldiers with
victual or lodging, in that manner as was requiſite and expected. And the
other in ſtead of ſurrendring up of S. Quintains according tothe agreement,
made a ſally ouč upon ſuch as were ſent from the King of England to re-
ceive the ſame, playing upon them with their great Ordnance.Whereup-
on King Edward comparing the laſt days words with this days actions, be-
gan to ſuſpect the truth of the Kings deſcription.of the Duke and Conſtables
condition,
The Duke of
Burgoin excu-
1
The Conſtable
.
1
2
R. 14.
return.
리
​1
3
the French
1
208 The Life and Reign of Edwards the Fourth.
Ann. 1474. condition, and from thence forward ſtood upon his own guard, and gave no
further credence to any of their Proteſtations, which the Duke of Burgoine
Burgoine de reſenting, pretending earneſt occaſions for the haſtning forward of his for-
partech, pro ces, and promiſing ſpeedy return with them, taketh his leave and depart-
miſing ſpeedy
eth, wherewith the Engliſh are diſpleaſed, and King Edward not a little
diſquieted.
The French King having intelligence of the Dukes departure, forecaſting
the worſt, ſuſpecteth that the Duke was (with an intent to return) gone
to bring on his power, well knowing that if they ſhould unite their
forces
,
his Crown was in great hazzard to be pluckt from him. Nevertheleſs, he
thought that Winter being ſo near, they could not well keep the field
howſoever, being his crafts Maſter, and politick enough to work his own
ends, which he ſeldom failed in, he reſolved with himſelfto aſſay what might
The policy of be done to mediate a peace with the Engliſh in Burgoins abſence; and
yet
ſo to retreat, that if it took not effect, he might diſclaim the knowledg
King
of the overturn : He therefore privately diſpatched a Meſſenger in ſhow
of an Herhought, indeed he was a fellow neither of Office or Eſtimation ;
and not known to any of the Kings houſhold, but to Villeers the Maſter of
the Horſe, who only was acquainted with the plot and party. This coun-
terfeit Purſeyant at arms, with a Coat made of a Trumpets Banner roul,
addreſſed himſelf to the King of England, and upon admiſſion to his pre-
ſence, inſinuates the French Kings deſire; which was to have Commiſſio-
ners on both parts conſigned to confer of the means to reconcile the diffe-
rences betwixt the two Kings; at leaſt-wiſe to conclude the ceſſation from
Wars, for ſome time ; and ſo well this meſſenger delivered his errand, that
it was credited, and his requeſt granted; and with a reward and a letter
of ſafe conduct, for ſuch as ſhould be imployed from the French King in
King Edward
this buſineſs, is returned : an Herhaught likewiſe from King Edward, is ſent
to King Lewis, for the like letter of lafe.Conduct to be ſent for thoſe, that
from the Engliſh Camp, ſhould be imployed in this Negotiation, which
is accordingly granted ; and at a Village near Amiens the Commiſſioners
For King Edward, appear the Lord Howard, Sir Anthony * Chalenger,
and Doctor Morton, after made Lord Chancellor of England.
For King Lewis, camethe Admiral of France, the Lord S Peirs and He-
berg Biſhop of Eureux.
After long
conference, the Articles of peace were concluded on, to this
effect.
1 The French King was to pay preſently to the King of England, three-
ſcore and fifteen thouſand Crowns:And from thence forth annually pay, fifty
•thouſand Crowns during thelife of King Edward.
2 That within one year, the French King ſhould ſend for the Princeſs E-
lizabeth the King of Englands Daughter, and joyn her
in marriage to the
Dolphin: And for their maintenance for nine years, the French Kingagreed
to allow them fifty thouſand Crowns per annum ; and that time expired,
they ſhould peaceably be inveſted in the poſſeſſion of the Dutchy of Guyen,
for the better ſupportation of their eſtate.
3. That the Lord Howard, and Sir John Cheney, Maſter of the horſe,
ſhould remain in Hoſtage there, until the Army had altogether quitted
France, and were returned into England, anda general peace for nine years,
wherein Burgoine and Britaine are included, if they will accept thereof. The
way
7
(ends an He
rald of arms to
Lewita
meet.
* S. Leoger.
1
1
1
4
1
5
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourtb.
209
!
R. 14.
1
11
way made the eaſier for the compalſing this ſo profitable a concluſion, by Ann. 1474.
Lewis his offering to every Saint a Candle ; for he diſtributeth fixteen thou.
fand Crowns amongſt King Edwards Councellors and favorites, two thou-
fand Crowns to Haſtings the Kings Chamberlain, and to the Lord Howard,
Sir John Cheng, Sir Arthur Challenger or Sellinger, and Mountgomery, the re-
ſidue, beſides great ſtore of Plate and Jewels, diſtributed amongſt inferior
Officers of the Court.
The motives that induced King Edward the ſooner to condeſcend to this
accord, were :
1. The vacillation and inſtability of the Duke of Burgoyne, and the Con-
(table, they never performing any the agreements really concluded on.
2. The extremity of winter approaching, the preſent wint offodder,and
the not having any ſtrong place or Fort, to ſhelter the ſouldiers in.
3. Theimpoſſibility of raiſing any more great forces for relief, if neceſ-
lity ſhould require to be ſeconded, the late Civil wars having almoſt eaten
out the moſt and beſt rouldiers in England.
4. The emptineſs of the Treaſury, and all ways of ſupply being taken off
The Duke of Gloceſter only, whoſe brains were buſie at work, about
great deſigns, the eaſie compaſſing whereof, he deemed unpoſſible, in caſe
the wars with France were not purſued, oppoſed this accord, nevertheleſs,
it proceeded, and notice thereof is preſently ſent to the Duke
of Burgoyne, Burgoyne comes
who thereupon only with fifteen hundred horſe, poſts to the Engliſh Camp. Carnp.
At his firſt arrival, he diſcovers his inward paſſion by his outward counte-
nance. But he came too late to prevent what was done. King Edward per-
ſwades him to enter into the peace according to the reſervation. But
Charles reproacheth King Edward for entring into ſuch a truce, ſaying, that
King Edwards predeceſſors had with their Armies performed many brave
and notable exploits upon the French, and purchaſed thereby fame and re-
putation, and that he had brought his ſouldiers but to ſhew them the Coun-
trey, and return as they came; adding therewithal, that to make it appear
to the world, that he wasable without the help of the Engliſh, to ſubliſt of
himſelf, he diſclaimed any benefit by that truce, or any other reconciliation
with the French,until three months after the Engliſh had remained in their
own Countrey. But when King Edward not well pleaſed with this French
bravado, retorted unto him the baſe and forgetful neglect, both on the
Conſtables part, and his, of not being their words Maſters; The Dukein a
pleaſed.
great ſnuff
returns to Luxenburg from whence he came.
For the better confirmation of what was agreed upon, and ſetling of the French
amity betwixt the two Kings, an interview is defired, bụt before the fame King fiberally
is effe&uated, the French King ſends unto the Engliſh Army, an hundred good carriage
Tun'of Gaſcoyn Wine, to be drunk out amongſt the private ſouldiers, and of the Engliſh.
therewith free licence at pleaſure for Commanders and Gentlemen ofrank
and quality, to recreat themſelves in Amiens, where they were freely and
fairly entertained by the Burgers at the Kings expreſs commandment.
The Commanders in chief at their return, were well rewarded with jewels
and plate, for their fair deportment, and the orderly carriage of their ſoul-
diers during the abode there: and not without good cauſe,for had not their
behaviour been the better,the'number of thoſe that were there, had been ſuf-
ficient to have done much miſchief, or made themſelves Maſters of the of the ewo
Tówn. A place of interview of theſe two Kings is agreed on, and againlt the Kings.
timeappointed, all things are orderly prepared and readily fitted at the charge
T
of
Returns dira
i
1
The manner of
the interview
1
210
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
1
Ann. 147 4.
R. 14.
of the French King by the Englih Carpenters ; four of the Bed-Chamber
on both ſides are appointed to ſearch the contrary end of the Room, to pre-
vent traps or inſtruments of treachery, leſt any thing might be plotted or
practiſed to the prejudice of their Maſters, They return, certifying Omnia
bene, the Kingsadvance themſelves; King Edward being come in ſight of the
place, maketh a ſtand, as being told, the omiſſion of any circumltance, in
point of honour, might reflect upon not wiſely forecaſting all pallages of
ftate, and knowing to attend the firſt offer of the ceremony, would much
take off from the dignity of his ſtate;which although King Lewis perhaps did
apprehend, yet he would not ſtand to ſtraining of courteſy, and fearing to
Joſe the fair opportunity, to give two blows with one ſtone, (free himſelf
from their preſence whoſe breath was too hot for his company, and weaken
thereby the arm of an overweening neighbour,) he gave the King of Eng-
land the advantage to come åt his pleaſure, whilſt he came firſt to the barr
appointed for corference, and there did attend King Edwards leiſurezhe had
in his company John Duke of Bourbon, with his Brother the Cardinal, and
was attended with eight hundred men at arms. King Edward comes with
his brother the Duke of Clarence, (Gloceſter wanting moderation with pati-
ence to admit a Court complement, in the fight of an Army with a French
man, excuſed his not coming) the Earl of Northumberland, the Lords
Chamberlain and Chancellor, and at his back his whole Army in battel ar-
ray. The Kings lovingly embrace each other, and, Court cringes and com-
plements of courteſie reciprocally paſs ; which finiſhed, they with their
Nobles then preſent, all take their oaths upon the holy Evangeliſts, in all
things pro pole, to obſerve the Articles of accord concluded on, as afore.
Then all were commanded to withdraw themſelves, whilſt the two Kings fall
into private conference, concerning the Dukes of Burgoyn and Britany.
Lewis leaves not a ſtring untoucht, that might make muſick for his profit.
And having felt the King of Englands pulſenot to beat over ſtrongly on be-
half of his brother-in-law,and thaton his part he deſired but reſpit until he
might receive anſwer of a meſſage he would ſend to the Duke,and that if he
refuſed to accept of the benefit of the accord, he would leave him to the
French Kings pleaſure ; he leaves further ſpeech of him, and earneſtly im-
portunes that Britain might be left outof their Articles,which King Edward
utterly denies, affirming that he had found the Duke an open-hearted and
open-harded friend to him in hisextremity, and therefore would not now
leave him unregarded. Lewis obſerving Edwards countenance in delivery of
thoſe words, thought it no policy to train that ſtring any higher, but with all
courteſie takes his leave,giving many kind words, and ſome tokens of favour
to ſome Noblemen, and all the officers, and ſo departeth; yet after he was
gone, not throughly digeſting the King of Englands defence of the Duke of
Britain, he makes a ſecond motion unto him to the former purpoſe by let-
ter; from whom he received this reſolute anſwer,That if the French King de-
fired the friendſhip of England, he ſhould not moleft the Duke of Britain,
for he was reſolved in perſon to come at any time for his defence, if the Duke
of Britain were diſturbed: whereupon King Lewis reſted fatisfied, though
not contented; whilft King Edward foreſlowed no time to acquaint the
Duke of Britain with all the paſſages; tome think that had not the deſire
of compaſſing the Earl of Richmond and Pembrook, now in the Duke of Bri-
tains Countreys, been a better motive than any reſpectuntothe Duke, the
French King might have had better ſucceſs in his requeſts: King Edward to
give
King Edward
could not be
drawn from
ayding the
Duke of Bri-
tain.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
2 II
1
R. 14.
.
s
+
give King Lewis a taſt of his reſpect towards Kim (notwithſtanding his de- ( Ann. 1474.
nial of the propoſition, for the Duke of Britain) ſends a meſſenger unto
him, to acquaint him with the treachery of the Conſtable againſt him; and
to carry the more credit of the truth of what was intimated, he ſent two
Letters written with the Conſtables own hand, which were ſufficient teſti-
monies to accure and convince the Conſtable of thoſe crimes wherewith
afterwards King Edward charged him.
The money to be paid by the Articles, is borrowed of the Pariſians, (fo
willing they were to ſee the Engliſhmens backs) and accordingly payed o-
ver, and the hoſtages are delivered, whereupon the Army retires to Callice,
and from thence are tranſported into England: and performance of the a-
greement, to the content of both parts, made; the hoſtages are with great
promiſes and rewards re-delivered.
Some forbear not to ſay that King Edward loſt more honourin this
voy-
age, than he had purchaſed in nine victories before gotten;but they were ſuch
as meaſure Kings actions by the crooked level of their own erroneous fan-
cies. But thoſe of better underſtanding affirm, that it had been a great error
in judgment for the King to be longer abſent from his ſo late conquered
Kingdom; but great wiſdom and policy in him, to take hold upon ſuch an
occaſion to come off fo fairly with a match for his daughter; which had it
taken effect, had ſufficiently recompenced his charge and trouble. But pri-
vate men muſt not diſpute the adions of Princes. And further to examine
the reaſon of what in this kind at this time was done, might give occaſion
of diſcourſe, but not inſtruction. King Edward being returned into England, Ann. 1475.
not'unmindful that a great ſtorm might follow, though but a ſmall cloud
as yet appeared, diſpatched Embaſſadors to the Duke of Britain, to per King Edward
ſwade with him to have the young Earl of Richmond ſent over unto him;
attemptech by
for that he deſired to match him in marriage with the Lady Cecily his youn- pretence to
ger daughter ; this fair overture of marriage, or rather the feeling mediati- procure Rich-
on of angels (whereof ſome ſtore were ſent, but more promiſed) lo prevail- to be deliver-
ed with the Duke, that upon the receipt of the ſum ſent, the Earl ofed to him. De
Richmond is delivered to the Embaſſadors, who thence conducted him to St.
livered to the
Emballadors.
Malos; where whilſt they ſtayed for a wind, by thecunning advice and plot-
ting of the Dukes Treaſurer, (who, as it may be by the ſequel gathered, not
well pleaſed not to have been treated withal, according to that Court:cu-
ſtom, with a feeling reſpect; more than ordinary proportion, or common
gratuity, being inſeparably incident to his treaſurers place, he more for
fcorn to be ſo neglected, than love to Richmond) ſo plots, that the young
Earl eſcapes into San&uary, from whence nor promiſes nor prayers could Eſcapeth into
San&uary.
procure him. Nevertheleſs, upon Peter Londojs his promiſe, he ſhould be
Cafely kept there, the Emballadors without their merchandize or money
departed, to the no little diſcontent ofthe King, who grieved much that the
lamb had'eſcaped his woolvilh intention. But being
taught the rule, what
he could not avoid, he made ſhew to receive willingly; he forthat time ſaid
little.
At Chriſtmas following; he created his eldeſt Son Edward, Prince of Wales
Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chèfter; his ſecond ſon, Duke of York; giving
the order of Knighthood to the ſon and heir of the Earl of Lincoln, and
many others. He created four and twenty Khights of the Bath, upon the
creation of the Prince of Wales, whereof Bryan chief Juſtice; and Littleton a
Judge of the common Pleas, were two. Thus whilſt King Edward in England
T 2
lived
R 15.
a colourable
!
1
d
1
1
1
2 12
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
+
R. 15.
1
R. 17.
Ann. 1475. | lived in peace and quiet,the rurbulent Duke of Burgogne, never conſtant,but
always in contention, reaped the triple fruit thereof this year at three fe-
veral times. The firſt at Ganſon, where he loſt ſome honour, but more wealth.
The ſecond, at Morat,where he loſt more honour and many men. The laſt at
Nancy, where he not only loſt men, money,and reputation, but life alſo by
the Switzers, whom he had driven to a deſperate reſolution, and then not
in hope to cſcape, but to ſell their lives (when ſubmiſſion would not be ac-
cepted) at the deareſt rate, they fought and prevailed.
An. 1477
Now begins Richard Dukcof York, to ſet on foot his until then cloſe con-
trived deviliſh deviſes, to compaſs the attainment of the crown of England,
and for the firſt ſcene ofthe enſuing tragedy, to facilitate his paſſage, he ſe:
crctly begins to withdraw the Kings affection from his brother George Duke
of Clarence, and to that purpoſeſuſurreth unto him, that ſome of Clarence his
followers were Sorcerers and Negromancers, and that they had given forth
ſpeeches, that one whoſechriſten name began with the letter G. Thould dif-
inherit his children, and carry the crown of England ; and to put ſome var-
niſh upon this ſuggeſtion, one of the Duke of Clarence his ſervants, which
came with him out of Ireland from Dublin, where the Duke was born, is in
his Maſters abſence (he being then in the Countrey) by the procurement
underhand of Gloceſter, endicted, arraigned, condemned, and executed at
Tyborn for conjuration, and all within the ſpace of two days; hereof the
Duke of Clarence, being thereto irritated by his brother Gloceſter, grievouſly
complains to King Edward, who inſtead of giving redreſs (ſuſpecting now
the truth of the Duke of Gloceſters buzz )took an occaſion likewiſe by Glo-
ceſters advice (howſoever he made a glozing ſhew to Clarence, of being jea-
lous of his honour, and dilliking of the Kings diſreſpect, as he termed it, of
his brothers abuſe) to frame a colour to commitClarence to the Tower, where
his loving Brother Richard(not as it was feared without the Kings privity)
took that order that he ſhould not (for ſo he faithfully promiſed him up-
on his firſt commitment) lie long in priſon, before he would procure his
releaſe, that he wasdrowned in a Butt of Malmſey, and then laid in his bed,
to perſwade the people that he dyed of diſcontent.
This George Duke of Clarence, was Earl of Warwick and Salisbury, Lord
of Richmond, and great Chamberlain of England, be married Iſabell, daugh-
ter and co-heir of Richard Nevil, the great Earl of Warwick, by whom he
had iſſue, Edward, afterwards Earl of Warwick, who dyed without iſſue,and
Margaret, married to Sir Rickard Pole, Knight, who had iſſue, Henry Lord
Mountayne, and Reginald Pole, Cardinal.
The Peltidence about thistime, raged with that fury in moſt parts of this
Kingdom, that the word in fifteen years before, devoured not ſo many as
that did in four months,
Ann. 1480.
The King upon ſome preſent occaſion, ſent to the Citizens of London a
privy ſeal, for the loan offive thouſand marks for a year, which were pre-
ſently provided,and.at the time prefixed as orderly repayed, which with the
Royal entertainment he gave them(uponinvitation at Windſor) and the ſtore
of Veniſon fent by him with them, to make merry with their wives at home,
ſo won the hearts and affections of the Londoners, both male and female,
that from thenceforth no pleaſure was denied that they could procure him.
The Scots make an inrode into Northumberland ; againſt whom the Duke
of Gloceſter was ſent with ſome power, but they were retreated before his
coming.
James
Clarence
drowned.
IH
R. 20.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
213
!
1
James King of Scotland, ſhortly afterward ſent Embaſſadors to treat of a Ann. 1482.
marriage between his eldeſt ſon James Duke of Rothſay, and Cecily the Kings
R. 22.
ſecond daughter. This overture for a match was by King Edward and his
Councel embraced, and diversgreat ſums.of money, as part of her portion,
were delivered to the Scots,but with this proviſo,that ifthe marriage did not
take effect, that the Provoſt and Merchants of Edenburgh, ſhould be bound
to repay the ſame. This James King of Scotland, wastoo much wedded to his
own opinion, and couid notendure anymans advice, (how good foever it
were ) that he funcied.not; he would ſeldom ask counſel, but never follow
any, by reaſon whereof, ſuch of his Councel, as more reſpected the honour
of the Kingdom, and the publick good, than what ſhould be pleaſing to his
private conceitsor.peculiar fancy, did divers times reap exilement, and ill
will, for truth ſpeaking, and well meaning; ſo that the way to win his favour,
couldnot be found out or followed, but by flattery, whereby few or nonebut
Thraſonical Paraſites and Camelion tige-pleaſers would follow the Court;
or continue their places therelil. Hence came it that many ignoble affrous
were offered to the King af England, and more diſreſpects done to his own
Nobility. Inſomuch, that his brother, the Duke of Albany, was enforced to
abandon the Countrey, and to fly for refuge into England, where he was by
King Edward reſpectively.entertained. From him was the King of Englarid
truely iriforined of the weak diſpoſition of King James, wherewith Kirig Ed.
ward was.ſo much incenſed, that he made ſpeedy pre paration of a comperent
Army, which being ſufficiently accommodated with all iteceffaries for the
field, under the conduct of Richard Duke of Gluce/ter, accompanie d with the
Duke of Albany, they marched towards Scotland. The Duke prithe way
took
in Berwicks and beſieged'the Caſtle, which was reſolutely defended by the
Earl Bothwell. The Duke perceiving no good to bedone againſt the Caſtle,
but by famiſhing them, having ſufficiently taken courſe to ſecure the town
from ſāllies, leaving the Lord Stanley behind to continue the ſiege, he with
the reſidue of the Army, marched toward Edenborough, where within the
Caſtle of Maydens, the King of Scotland hadimmur'd himſelf.
The Nobility of Scotland, obſerving the miſerable ſpoil that the Engliſh
Army did, and the impoſibility to prevent it by oppoſition,endeavoured by
humbleſubmiſſion to procure a peace, at leaſt a ceilation froni wars, which
with much importunity they obtained at the hands of the General, under
thefe Conditions.
1. That full ſatisfaction ſhould be preſently given to the Engliſh, for all
damages and wrongs done by the late incurſions.
2. That the Duke of Albany (whoſe friendſhip the General laboured to
be made firm unto him) ſhould be fully reſtored to grace, place; and what-
ſoever had been taken or withheld from him, by the King his Brother, and
an abolition of all former diſconients betwixt ihem.
3. That the Caſtle of Barwick ſhould immediately bcſurrendred into the
Generals hands, and from therice no reduction cither of that, or the town
attempted.
4. That all ſuch ſums of money, as had been upon the propoſition of th:
marriage, as aforeſaid, delivered, ſhould be repayed, or that befitting ſecuri
.
ty ſhould be given by the Provoſt and Citizens of Edenborough for theur-
derly repayment thereof at the Tower of London, (at ſome reaſonable time
before the day prefixed) in cafe King Edward ſhould fignify unto them,
that there ſhould not be any further proſecution of the ſaid propoſition of
T3
marriage.
1
.
1
1
214 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
R. 22.
X
1
Ann. 1480. marriage. All which, except the firſt Article, were accordingly performed.
A general pardon, and loving Letters from the King, are ſent unto the
Duke of Albany, with an authentick inſtrument, under the common ſeal of
the Provoſt and Citizens of Edenborough, for performance of that part that
belonged to them, to the Duke of Gloceſter, who upon the receipt
thereof, and the ſurrender of the Caſtle of Berwick, with all Ordnance and
Ammunition therein, (of which,and of the Town, the Lord Stanley with a
competent number of Souldiers to guard the ſame, being made Captain)
the General, with the reſt of the Army, joyfully returned for Englandi;
leaving nothing undone by the way to endear. himſelf to the good opini-
on of the Captains, and the applauſe of the common Souldiers.
1. The fair proceedings in the Scottiſh Expedition, did not bring ſo much
content to the King of England, but the diſhonourable and forgetful breach
of bath of the French King, did much more moleſt and trouble him. For he
had received certain intelligence from his Embaſſador-leiger, that the
French King not only denied the payment of the annual tribute of five thou-
fand Crowns, agreed upon and ſworn to, upon the ratification of the late
concluded peace, betwixt the Kings and Kingdoms of England and France,
X
but had alſo married the
Dolphin of France to the Lady Margaret, daughter
of Maximilian the ſon of the Emperour, and thereby notoriouſly infringed
both the Article concluded for a match between him and the Lady Eliza-
bethKingEdwards daughter, and thereby broken his faith for the performance
thereof (o ſolemnly plighted; which much incenſed the King of England,
and ſo much the more, by how much the care to provide a fitting match for
his daughter, when he deemed it to be paſt, was now to begin to be taken ;
he reſolves therefore to vindicate this unſufferable diſgrace offered his
daughter, by puniſhment of the French Kings perjury; and herewith ac-
quaints his Councel, who unanimouſly concludeopen wars to be proclaim-
éd, and proviſion to be prepared, to profecute the ſame to the uttermoft.
In this buſineſs the Duke of Glocefter was not flack, but daily (though he
kņew it ņeedleſs) did inculcate to the King his brother, how much it did
import his honour, to draw his ſword, and not to ſheath it until Lewis for
expiation of his injury, had ſubmitted his Crown to the rightful owner, and
given the King of England poſſeſſion thereof. And did make proffer both
of purſe and perſon, to give him aſſiſtance therein to the uttermoſt
. Prepa-
ration for the invaſion of France is making in every place, to which the King
is very proclive. But whilſt he is intentive in the buſineſs
, he is ſuddenly at-
tached by the hand of death, and without Gloceſtershand, though not with-
out his wiſh, upon the ninth of Aprill 1483.at Weſtminſter departed this mor-
tal-life, and was buried at Windſor.
Ann. 1483.
He was, ſaith Sir Thomas More, of goodly perſonage, and Princely
aſpect,
couragious în heart; politick in counſel, not much amated in adverſity, and
rather joyfulthạr proud in proſperity. In war fierce and reſolute, in the field
active and valiant,never ventrous beyond reaſongnor forward beyond diſcre-
tion:in peace, for the moſt part,juſt and merciful; of comely countenance,of
body, ſtrong and ſtraight, buvin his later days, with eaſe, and over-liberal
diet, ſomewhat eņclining to corpulency,but far from uncomelineſs
. In his
youthful years, he was a little too too much fleſhly given, from which,
without the more grace of God, youth in health is hardly reſtrained ; This
fault could not greatly grieve the ſubject, forneither could one mans plea-
ſure diſpleaſe all (if it be done without rape or violence) neither is ir per-
manent,
1
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourth.
215
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R. 23•
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1
manent,
for he that is moſt-ſalacious in youth, if he will not leave it, in older | Ann. 1483.
years it will leave him. : ?
He kept his ſubjects not in a conſtrained fear, but in a willingobedience,
labouring by'all nieans to keep them at peace amongſt themſelves, reconci-
ling all differences amohğlt'the Nobility, whereof he had notice, with
which he concluded the taſte ſcene of this lives act.
He had iſſue by Elizabáth his wife,
Edward, his eldeſt ſon, born the fourth of November 1471. in the San-
etuary at Weſtminſter.
Richard; born at Shrewsbury, murdered with his brother in the Tower.
George, born dt Shrewsbury, whodyed young,
Elizabeth, born at Weſtminſter the eleventh of February 1466. She was
promiſed in marriage to Charles the Dolphin of France, but deceived, cour-
ted by her unnatural Uncle the Uſurper, but deluded; but afterwards hap-
pily married to Henry the ſeventh.
Cicely, treated to beefpóuted to the Prince of Scotland, but uſed like her
ſiſter;ſhe was afterward firſt married to föhn Vicount Wells,whom ſhe ſu-
pervived, and took for a ſecond husband one Kyme of Lincolnſhire, but dyed
without iſſue.
Anne, married to Șir Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, but dyed without
iſſue living.
Bridget lived a profeffed Nun at Dorford.
Mary, who was contracted to the King of Denmark, but dyed before con-
fummation:
it
Margaret, who dyed in her infancy. :'
Katherine, who was married to William Courtney, Earl of Devon, whohad
iſſue by him, Henry, afterwards Marqueſs of Exceter.
Beſides theſe legitimate, he had two natural children.
Arthur Plantagenet, begotten of the body of Elizabeth Lucy, married to
Elizabeth, filter and heir of John Vicount Lifley, by whom he had iſſue, three
daughters, which all had iſſue.
1. Bridget, married to Sir William Cardan, Knight.
2. Francis, firſt married to fahri Baſſet, then to Thomas Monck of Devon.
3. Elizabeth, married to Sir
John Jephſon, Knight.
Elizabeth, begotten of the body of Beatrix the Lady Anguiſh, was marri-
ed to Sir Thomas Lumley, and by him had iſſue, Richard Lord Lumley, and
George Lumley.
The King the night before his death, having before obſerved fome dif-
courteous paſſages to have gone betwixt the kindred of his.Queen and ſome
of the Nobles, but principally between the Queen and the Lord Chamber-
lain, (for women that have been widows, commonly maligne them molt
whom their husbands eſteem much of, not out of malice but nature)cau.
ſed them all to come to his bed fide, to whom he ſaid, holding the Queen
by the hand;
My Lords, dear Kinſmen, and Allies, in what pligbt I lge, you may diſ-
cern,
but I feel; wherefore the lefs while I look to live with you, the
more deeply I am moved, to be careful in what.cafe I ſhall leave you. For
I am confident, ſuch as I leavè you, ñy children ſhall find you. Andif(as
God forbid) they ſhould find you at variance, they may unhappily fall at
jar themſelves, before they have capability of diſcretion to ſet actonement
between you.
You
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Ann. 1483
R. 23
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The Life and Reign of Edward, the Fourth.
You ſee the tenderneſs of their years, the only ſecurity therefore of
their well-being, muſt conſiſt in your concord. For it ſufficeth not, if all of
du reſpectively affect them, if'any ofyou'ſtomack the other, if they were
iven: your integrity happily might be ſufficient. But childhood muſt be
etulcitated by wile.mens authority, and flippery youth underpropped with
elder Counſel; neither of which they can have, except you give it, neither
can you give it, unleſs you accord together.
Foriwhen each laboureth to pluck down what another ſetteth up, and for
hatred to each others perſon impugneth each otherscounſel
. it muſt be long
before any good conclufion' go forward. And whilſt eachlaboureih forfu-
periority, flattery ſhall have more place, than plain and faithful advice;
from whence of neceſſity muſt enſue theuntoward education of the young
Prince, whoſe mind in tender youth, infected with looſeneſs of diſpoſition,
will (naturally thereto. enclined) Dipinto riot and oriſchief, and ſo be the
means of his own and this Kingdoms ruine, except God ſend the greater
bleffmg; and through his grace make himappiy
his heartto wiſdom, which
if (as:God grant he may) he ſhall attain unto then they that by ſiniſterper-
ſwalion, and eviladšice, flattered him at firſt moſt
, and pleaſed him beſt
,
Thall afterward fall furtheſt out of his favour; for politick plots and vitious
courſes, ever at length ſhall reap the fowre, whengood and wholſome coun-
ſel, though at firſt not embraced, ſhall prove ſweet and whollome.
I remember it to my grief, char thiére hath been diſcord among you, a
great time, not always for great caufes, but poor miſtakings, ſometimes a
thing right well intended towards us, our mil-interpretation turnethto ill,
ora ſmall diſpleaſuredone us is either by ourown ill
affection or evil tongue
exaſperated: Yet this I wot well, you never had ſo good occaſion of emula-
tion, as you have of.unfeigned affe&ion,
That we be all. men, all natives of one Nation, nay, all Chriſtians, and
adopted brethren in Chriſt, I leave for Preachers to tell you;and yet I am
uncertain, whether any Preachers: words ought to have more power to
move you, than his that is your Soveraign Lord, and is by and by' to go to
that place, that they all preach'of.
:: But this I ſhall inſtantly deſire you, to print in your memory, that the
one part of you are my own fleſbandblood, the other of my Alliance; and
each of you with other, of conſanguinity or affinity : And this fpiritual
conjunction by affinity (ifthe Sacraments of Chriſts Church, hold that eſti-
mation with us, which they ought, and I wilh with all my ſoul they did)
ſhould no leſs move to mutual charity,than the bare reſpect of fleſhly con-
fanguinity. Jeſus forbid, that you ſhould live and love together the worſe,
for the ſelfſame cauſe for which you ought to love the better; and yet that
oflate (the morethe pity) hath too often:faln out amongſt us : And ſel-
dom(is
there found more deadly fewd, then amongſt them, which by right
and reaſon ought moſt affectionately to live together. But ſuch a bewitch.
ing ſerpent is Ambition, and appetite of vain-glory and ſoveraignty, that
amongſt ſtates where ſhe once entereth, ſhe ſlideth onward fo ſwiftly, and
maketh forward ſo faft and ſo far, that ſhe ſeldom ſtops, nor leaves wrig-
ling and wrangling, until by diffention and diviſion, ſhe have infected all
that are wear her. And firſt thoſe that be poyſoned by her, are carried away
with a vehement deſire to be next the beſt, then to walk hand in hand with
the beſt, and laſtly, to tranſcend the beſt, not brooking any equal, or allow-
ing any ſuperior.
Through
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fourtb.
217
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H
Through this immoderate affecting of titular worſhip, and borrowed re- | Ann. 1483:
ſpect of popularity, and thereby.of debate and ſeparation, what detriment,
what trouble, what ſorrow within theſe few years, hath grown in this
Realm? I pray God aſwell forget, as we have too much cauſe to our grief
to remember: which events, if I could then aſwell have foreſeen, as I have
with my more pain than pleaſure now proved; By Gods bleſt Lady, I
would never have won the courteſies of mens knees, with the loſs of fomå.
ny their friends heads; but ſince what is paſt cannot be recalled, we ought
to be the more circumſpect, that by that occaſion we haveſuffered ſuch in-
finite miſchiefs before, that we efifoons fall not into the like again,
Inteſtin broils are now palied, and the Lord be praiſe the Republick is
at quiet ;and this Kingdom in outward appearance in a fair likelihood to
proſper in wealth and peace, under my children your Coſins, if God ſend
them life, and you reciprocal love, of which two things, the leſs loſs would
be they, by whom, though God did his pleaſure, yet ſhould the Kingdom al-
ways find Kings, and peradventure as good Kings.
But if you amongſt your felves, in an Infants reign fall at variance,many
a good Chriſtian (hall periſh, and haply He and v: too before this Land
ſhall again find the ſweetneſs of peace. Theretisie in theſe laſt words that
your dying King ſhall ever deliver unto you,l earneſtly exhort you,andin-
ſtantly adjure you,and every one of you, for the love that I have even born
you,
for the love of your own ſouls, and for the love that our bleſſed Savi-
our bears unto us all: That from this time forward (all diſcontents drow
ned, unkindnelles buried, and grudges forgotten;)each of you embraceone
anothers friendſhip, and unfeignedly love each:the other;-which I am con-
fidently perſwaded you will, if you regard any earthly thing that is good,
if you reſpect God, your King, your native Countréy,the quiet oftlie:King.
dom, kindred, or affinity, nay, your own ſafety, and ſouls health.";'
And ſo unable to uſe any longer ſpeech, he ſunk down into his bed,
turning his eyes towards them, and by his countenance expreſt,how defi-
rous he was, to have that which he had imparted unto them, imprinted in
their
memory;
and that he would have added more ifable to perſwade their
mutual atonement, and reciprocability of real abolition of all former dir-
agreement, and unfcigned entertainment of future loving affection.
...The hearers (as the ſequel proved) more at that time to give him con-
tent, than perfom what he with ſo great and good affection, had ſo Chri-
ftiánly requeſted, embrace each other; and who ſo forward to make fair
expreſſion of his good intention; as the Duke of Gloceſter, and to that end,
he with low obeyſance firſt importunes'the Queen, co blot out of her re-
membrance any diſcourteſy or neglect he had offered unto her, proteſting
upon his faith to God, and honour to his houſe, to be for ever her obſer-
vant, and affectionate ſervant :and then turning about to thoſe that were
preſent, he ſaid ; My Lords; I deſire to be entertained in your good affe&ti-
ons, and I here freely forgive whatſoeverunkindneſs; diſcourteſy of abuſe
I have received from any of you, and defire the like from you to me; and
fo courteouſly ſhaking them all by the hands,made ſhew of reconcilement,
when all was counterfeit.
:
THE
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象​深渊​海​說
​THE
LIFE
AND REIGN
OF KING EDWARD
THE FIFT H.
Someo
Ann. 1483.
Alias
T
HE young Prince was at Ludlow when his Father dy-
ed, being not long before ſert thither, with his Pre-
ſence to curb the exorbitant licentiouſneſs of ſome
of the unruly Welch, who taking advantage of ihe
great diſtance that was betwixt their Countrey and
the Courts of Juſtice, which were then ſettled at Weſt-
minſter, would diverstimes, in aſſurance of impunity,
attempt many diſorderly pranks.
For his better proceedings in mannaging of his place, the King had apo
poirted Anthony, Earl Rivers, the Queens Brother, and ſo by the Mothers
ſide Uncle to the Prince, to be his Director, and chief Councellor; with
whom likewiſe were many of the Queens Kindred and Allies, in chief
eſteem and office, whereat the Duke of Glocefter tookexception: And well
knowing, that if theſe were not by ſome means or other removed, and their
preſent power abated, it was in vain for him to let on foot his new hatched
ſtratagemical project, to diſ-inherit the new King, and to take hold of the
Crown in his own right; he did therefore caſt about, to procure their amo-
tion, the one from his place, the other from their Offices and attendance.
And to that purpoſe (preſumingon their inclination that way) he conful-
ted: fiſt with the Duke of Buckingbam, and afterwards with the Lord Ha-
ſtinge, making uſe of their diſtaſte, againſt the power of the Queens Bro-
ther, the Kings half Brother, and his own inveterate malice againſt them
all. To theſe in private conference he firſt infinuates the Queens low des
ſcencjand her kindredsunworthy promotions; and afterwardsopenly allures
them, that iftheſe opſtarts and muſhrum Nobles, were but permitted to
be abuut the Kings perſon in his youth, they wooldafterwards by that means
fo purchaſe his favour, that they would become fo powerful, when he
fhould attain to maturny of years, that all the honours, pofleſſions, and
lines of the ancient Nobility of this Realm, would be in danger to befub.
ject to their wills. And for prevention thereof, he did pertwade them to
joyr wish him for their amotion, alluring them, that that effected, they
inight ratably proportion to themſelves, and ſhare all the dignities and
places and what benefit there might accrue thereby, amongſt themſelves
and their friends.
Theſe
1
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219
1
Ann. 1483.
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
Theſe inſinuations of Gloceſter, joyned to their own ambitious and male
volent diſpoſicions, ſo powerfully wrought upon their yielding natures,
that they not only condeſcended to this propoſition, for the amoval of the
Queens kindred, but to whatſoever the Duke of Glocefter ſhould afterwards
promove unto them.
But it is to be obſerved, that over and above the great wheel, which
moved in their fancies, of envy to the eminency of the Queens kindred ;
there were two other leſier rounds, which not a little furthered this rotun-
dity for aſſociation: The one, Buckinghams covetous deſire to encreaſe his
revenues
, by the addition of the Earldom of Hertford for his part; the other,
in the late Chamberlain, to have ſo good means, whereby to ſtave off ſuch
whom in King Edwards days he had juſtly offended, in tranſcending his
authority in doing many actions, whi reof he was reous of too too many,
preſuming now by this way to be ſupported, and though to the offence of
many he had made his office the ſtawking horſe of his will, yet none ſhould
dare ſay black to his eye.
Whilſt theſe things are projecting, the Queen appointeth Earl Rivers
her Brother, and her Son Richard Lord Gray, and the reſt of her Allies and
friends, to provide with a ſtrong power of able Souldiers, to guard the
young King from Ludlow to London.
The Duke of Gloceſter being herewith acquainted, might well think,
that if this plot were not effected before that time, his policy hardly after-
wards would in that point prevail. He therefore cunningly writes to the
Queen, whom ever ſince her Husbands death, he had with a great ſhew of
reſpect, by vifitation and intercourſe of meſſage, brought to a fools belief,
to take ſeeming for being, and ſhadows for realties; And by his Letters in
timates to her, that it was rumored abroad, that her Brother and Son,againſt
her will, and without the knowledg of the late Kings kindred, was providing
with a mighty power of
armed Souldiers; to conduct his Majeſty (in hoſtile
manner) from Wales to London; which if it ſhould be ſo done, would breed a
great jealouſie in the minds of the common people, who are apt enough
to make an ill conſtruction of the beſt action whereofthey are ignorant: That
there were ill members, whom the King had cauſe to ſuſpect, and therefore
enforcedly came thus armed.
And whereas now there was no appearance or likelyhood, but of true
love and affection, betwixt his kindred and her Allies, if any armed troops
ſhould be now raiſed, and no cauſe known to what end, the fo late unfeig-
ned reconcilement, ſo happily by his late Brother procured, would be in
queſtion to be diffolved, yea, any the leaſt miſtake, miſlike, or diſtalte, that
might be taken, ariſe, or given, amongſt the meaneſt of the common Soul-
diers, might miniſter occafion to diſquiet the peace of the Kingdom, and
ſet him and her Brother and partakers on both ſides, together by the ears, and
the miſchief that thereby ſhould enſue, ( as it is to be feared a great deal
would) was like enough to fall on that part, to which ſhe wilht leaſt hurt,
and all the blame would redound to her and her kindred, which now ſhe
might eaſily, ſo pleaſe her, prevent, if ſhe would but addreſs her Letters
to her Brother and Son, to aſſure them from his mouth, and upon his ho-
nour, that himſelf and all the late Kings kindred, were conſtantly reſolved,
inviolably toobſerve the amicable attoñement, made by his Sovereign and
her Hasband upon his death-Bed, between her Allies and friends, and the
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
The too credulous Lady, gave plenary conſent to what the Duke of Glo-
ceſter requelted; and to that end diſpatched meſſengers to her Brother and
Son, who ſomewhat unwillingly, but upon her requeſt were perſwaded to
forbear levying any more men, and callieered thoſe they had provided,
and attended only with their own menial ſervants, they ſet forwards to-
wards the Queen with the young King; and with more halt than good
ſpeed, came to Northampton,and from thence the King went to Stony-Strat-
ford, where the two Dukes, with a great train well provided, and mounted,
arrived. And pretending the Town to be too little for the entertainment
of their Companies, they went to Northampton, and a lighted at the ſame
Inn, where the Earl Rivers had taken up his lodging that night, reſolving
to overtake the King the next morning.
Upon this their accidental meeting, much Court complement, and enter-
change of fair language, and ſhew of courteſie paſſed, and not the leaſt co.
lour for diſtaſte or diſlike, taken orgiven on either ſide, neither by them-
ſelves or followers. But no ſooner was ſupper ended, but the Dukes preten-
ding wearineſs through hard riding, retire to their lodgings, and the Earl
goeth to his.
But the Dukes with their private friends, when the Earl went to bed,
went to Councel what courſe to take, with the leaſt fufpition and the moſt
ſúfety, to make away the Earl and his 'kindred.
In this conſultation they continue the moſt part of the night. And to
wards morning, they took the keys ofthe Inn gates, and diſperſt
, their fol.
lowers to keep the paſſages, with inſtruction not to permit horſe-man or foot,
man to paſs the way towards Stony-Stratford, pretending that none ſhould
go before, becauſe the two Dukes mightexpreſs theirduritul reſpect to the
King the better, by being firſt ready to give their attendance at his going
to horſe.
The Earl having notice by the Hoſt of theſe proceedings, imagining his
deſtruction was plotted, yet being debarr'd ofany means, either to make re-
Giſtance, or eſcape, he fet a good countenance upon the matter, and came
boldly to the Duke of Gloceſter his Chamber, where he found Buckingham,
and the reſt, with whom he expoſtulates the reaſon of this courſe taken
to impriſon him and his in their Inn againſt their wills. But they inſtead
of ſhaping him an anſwer, made their will the law,and without more ſpeak-
ing, commanded the Earl to be laid hands on, objecting thoſe crimes-to
him whereof themſelves only were faulty, And having taken order for his
ſafe impriſonment, they ſpeedily took horſe and came to Stony-Stratford,
at ſuch time as the King was taking horſe, whom in all fair and reverendo
,
manner they ſaluted. But a ſtaff was quickly found that a dog may be ſmit-
ten, and an offence is taken before given ; a quarrel is pickt againſt the Lord
Richard Gray, the Kings half-brother, in hisown preſence. The Duke of Buck-
ingham making relation to the King that he and the Marqueſs his Brother,
with Earl Rivers, the QueensBrothers had endeavoured, and almoſt effected,
to draw unco themſelves, the ſole managing of the affairs of the Kingdom,
and to low diſſenſion betwixt the Blood-royal of your Fathers ſide, and
thoſe ſcarce loyal on the Queens ſide, who greadily ſeek after the others
ruin. And the better to effect it, the Lord Marquels without any warranty
but of his own head, out of the Tower of London (your principal Maga-
zine) harh taken both the Treaſureand Armour, to a great quantity, But.
what his purpoſe was to do therewith, though they were ignorant, yet there:
:
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth . 221
was juſt cauſe to ſuſpect it was to no good end: And therefore it was thought | Ann. 1483.
expedient, by the advice of the Nobility, to attach him at Northampton, to
have him forth-coming, to make anſwer for theſe, and other his overbold
actions done againſt common honeſty.
The King for want of experience unable to found thedepth of theſe plots,
mildly ſaid to him, What my Brother Marqueſs hath done I cannot ſay, but
för my Uncle and Brother here I dare anſwer, they are innocent of any un-
lawful practices, either againſt me or you.
Oh! quoth the Duke of Buckingham, that
hath been theircunning to abuſe
your Majefties gentleneſs, with keeping their treachery from yourknow-
ledg. And thereupon inſtantly in the Kings preſence, they arrefted the Lord
Richard, Sir Thomas Vaughan, Sir Richard Hall, and conveyed them to Nor-
thampton,and from the Kings Perſon, to his no little amazement and diſquiet,
they removed all,or the moſt part of his ancient Officers and Servants,placing
in their rooms, their own creatures, whom they had power to command.
The Duke of Gloceſter taking upon him the cuſtody of the King, tookor-
der for theconveying of the Priſoners to ſeveral Priſons in the North parts,
and then ſet forwards with the King towards London,giving out by the way,
that the Marqueſs and the Queens kindred, had plotted the deſtruction of
the King, and all the blood-royal,and allthe ancient Nobility of the Realm,
and to alter the government of the Common wealth: And that they were
only impriſoned, to be brought to their tryal according to the Law
And the better to ſettle theſe ſuggeſtions in the apprehenſion of the vul-
gar, they brought along with them divers Carts laden with Armour (of
their own providing) with Dry fats and great Cheſts, wherein they repor-
ted to be treaſure for the payment of ſouldiers; with which they lo poffeſt
the common people; that all was believed for Goſpel that was thus rumou-
red : But of all other, the neatelt device, was, to have five of the Duke of
Gloceſters inſtruments
, which were manacled and pinioned like Traitours,
and theſe in every place where the King lodged by the way,were diſperſed,
with ſome keepers to be lodged in the chicf Officers houſes, and to be re-
garded as men of great birth, howſoever they were now priſoners, and they
muſt ſeem to be penitent for their offences, and confeſs their own guilt,
but laying the blame on the Queens Brother, who had drawn them into
this vile plot of Treaſon; but theſe did ſo artificiallyexpreſs themſelves, that
they could at their pleaſures invitetheir Hoſts to call them Traytors and cry
out that the earth was not fit to bear ſuch treacherous rebels : and that the
Dukes were to blame, not to ſtay the King in that place until execution were
done againſt ſuch horrible malefactors, and their trayterous companions.
This plot continued acting till the King came to London, and the diſguiſe
was taken from theſe impoſtors, and they were put to act another
part.
The Queen with her ſecond Son, and five Daughters being at London,
receiving by Poſtintelligence of theſe doleful accidents, and fearing there
were worſe to follow, preſently taketh Sanctuary at Weſtminſter, with which
place good Lady, ſhe had formerly been acquainted.
The young King much grieved at the news, and more at the occaſion,
with tears and ſighs expreſſed his diſcontent: But the Dukes as ſeeming
ignorant of any of theſe things, comply themſelves unto his ſervice, and
with all external ſhow of reverence and reſpect, and with many glozing
proteſtations of their fidelity, and care of his fafety and content, ſought
io comfort him, but it would not be.
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222 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
The Duke of Gloceſter,by the contrivement and procurement of the Dykę
Ann. 1483. of Buckingham by the Decree of the Councel Table, is appointed and e.
ſtabliſhed Protector of the King and Kingdom; which place added ſuch fuel
to the ambitious fire of his heart, that it burnt clean out all love, natural
reſpect, or duty, either to Countrey, kindred, or King and now nothingſets
his imagination on work, but to compaſs the means how to bring his trayte,
rous deſigns to effect; which was to make away the King and his Brother,
which he is reſolved, wickedly, yet wittily to attempt.
To contrive the getting into his cuſtody the Duke of York, is the next
Scene to be acted,
for the more eafie accompliſhment whereof, he takes
advantage of the Kings melancholy, and acquainteth both him and his
Councel, That the company of his Brother would much conduce to his
thereby being made merry; ſaying withal, that the Queen Mother was
more wedded to her peeviſh will, than was convenient, either for the Ho-
nour of the Kingdom, or the Kings content. And therefore wiſht ſome
courſemight be taken, either by perſuaſion, or otherwiſe,to procure herto
ſend the Duke of York, to bear the King his brother company.
The Councel, to whom Glocefter ſeemed to ſpeak nothing but Qracles,
(ſo well had he moulded them) preſently apprehend a neceſſity of a Com.
panion to be found for the King, and none fo fit as his own Brother. And
to that end, the Archbiſhop of Canterbury (one upon whoſe advice the
Queen-Mother did much rely) is imployed with inſtructions, to procure
her to conſent to part with her younger Son, to accompany the elder; which
he accordingly did, yielding theſe reaſons, the ſooner to draw her to yield
(as he ſaid) to reaſon.
Firſt, for that it was ſcandalous to the whole Realm, that a Child of ſo
noble Parentage by birth, ſo tender of years, ſo near the King, and ſo in-
nocent, ſhould be enforced to be a Priſoner.
Secondly,that none could be permitted to enjoy the benefit of Sanctua-
ry priviledg, but ſuch whoſe conſciences did accuſe them of ſome offence,
for which they feared to be puniſhed by the Law : But the Dukes infancy
and innocency was ſuch, that he needed no ſuch protection.
Thirdly, that none ought to be priviledged as a Sanctuary perſon, but
whom difcretion had enabled to require it; and for that reaſon he was not
capable of it.
And laſtly,any perſon might betaken out of that place, if ſo it be for his
own perterment and benefit, and not to his puniſhment or prejudice, and
therefore if the Queen ſhould refuſe to deliver him, he muſt be taken from
her, Volens nolens, and the rather, leſt that through a froward jealouſie, ſhe
ſhould convey him beyond the Seas, as pretending he ſhould be more ſafe
in any place, than in the King bis Brothers company.
To theſe the Queen-makes anſwer, That none was more fit to have the
tutelage of the child than the Mother, and the rather, in reſpect of his weak
and tender diſpoſition.
That each of thofe Brothers was the others ſafety, ſo long as they are kept
aſunder ; that thelife of theone was maintained in the body of the other:
and if that one of them did well, the other was in no peril: and that it was
dangerous to keep them both in one place. And as the was proceeding
further, the Archbiſhopſaid,
He was loath to put the power of his Primacy in
execution, but her obffinacy would to his grief enforce him thereto. Where-
upon the Queen perceiving that it was concluded, that reaſon muſt not
diſpute
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Ann. 1483.
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diſpute againſt the Councels reſolution, ſhe with ſuch'expreſſion of paſſion
as tender-hearted Mothers uſe to part with a belaved child, when their Pro-
phetick thoughts ſuggeſt unto them they take their laſt leave of the Babe,
taketh the Duke by the band, and delivereth him unto the Archbiſhop,
ſaying, at his hands ſhe would requirethat ſweet Boy; and unable to ſpeak
more, the opened the flood-gates of her eyes,and bedewing her cheeks with
tears, turrel he: back.
The Archbiſhop having effected his errand, hafteth to the Lords, who in
the Star-chamber with the Protector, ſtay expecting their coming : to
whom making relation with what uiwillingneſs the Mother was perſws-
ded to yield conſent to part with her child, he preſented the innocent Babe
unto them;' of whom the Protector had no ſooner taken a glimpſe, when
with all ceremon:ous reverence he arif-th and embraceth him in his arms.
vowing with affe&ionate proteſtation that nothing(next the welfare of his
Soveraign, which he eſteemed above all arthly things ) brought him more
con ent than the Nephew of Yorks wiſbt for preſence: and then (Judas-like)
killing his cheek, he takes leave of the Board, and preſently conducteth him
the King his Brorher, who with joyful hcart and great affection enter-
ained him, which was by ſo much the more to be eſteemed, by how much
it was unfained.
The Protector now having the game, he hunted in his own toiles, under
pretext of provident care, that they might ſecurely repoſe themſelves urt!!
the diſtempers of the Commonwealth )whereof himſelfonly was actor and
author) might be quieted: he cauſed them within few days in great Pom?
and State, to be conveyed thorow London, to the Tower, there at pleaſure
to remain until thetime of the Coronation, towards which there was great
Thow of p eparation made.
The Protectors machinations could not well work by themſelves, they muſt
have alliſtance he wanted Achitophel: the Duke of Buckingham,whule autho-
rity and power did bear a great ſway amongſt the Courtiers, .mult cunning!y
be drawn to his bent. To which purpoſe, he propoſed to him, that whereas
he had been formerly an earneſt Petitioner to King Edward the fourth his
brother-in-law, for the Earldom of Hertford, whereunto it did appear the
Duke to have a good Title, yet he could never attain.it; yet, now if he
would be conſtant, and joyo.hand in hand with him, he would put him in
a way, whereby to be aſſured to obtain in, And ſo upon faithful promiſe,
to procure Buckingham to be eſtated in that Earldom, and of a match to be
concluded betwixt their illue, and an equal partition of the treaſure of the
Crownbetwixt them two (for performance whereof the Protectors oachs
are not wanting) Buekingham is not only drawn to condeſcend, but is
moſt forward to contrive, and plot ſtratagems, and the beſt courſes tocoñi-
påſsthe worſt of ill effects, whichiwas, by depriving their innocent Nephews
(for Gloceſter was Uncle by the Fathers ſide, and Buckinghamby the marri-
ot their Fathers Siſter) of their right and lively-hood, and ſome others.
of their lives, to make the Protector a more facil paſſage to lay hold on the
Crown.
The Protector having purchaſed ſo true a partner of his ambitious de-
ſigns, well knowing it was no good policy, to play the vilain by half.
deal; is reſolved, to ſuffer never a rub to lie in the way that might hinder
the true running of his boul: And having a far off founded the Lord Ha-
tings, and finding him ſo conſtant to the King his old Maſters Sons, that
nothing
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
I
nothing could withdraw him from doing them true ſervice, he himſvifmuſt
Ann. 1483. be removed out of the way, the effecting whereof, was none of the least
ſtrains of policy; for he muſt not yet be meddled with, until by bis nail,
the nails of his Antagoniſts the Queens Brother, and Sons by Sir John Gray
her former husband, be driven out: the compaſſing whereof, was meerly
Haſtings his ſhare. But no ſooner wasthe engin up by his device, that ſhould
make them headleſs, but by Buckinghams device, Haſtings himſelf is brought
to his block.
All the Lords of the Privy Councel are in the Protectors name,generally
convoked to the Tower; where, at the Councel Table, fitting preparations
for the ſpeedy Coronation of the youngKing are propoſed, and other likebuſi-
neſs, wherewith to amuſe the Lords, and entertain time, until the Protector
came in ; who excuſing himſelf for having over-ſlept himſelf that morning,
taking his Chair, very affably ſaluted them, merrily jeſting with fume, and
more than ordinarily pleaſant with them all : But on a ſudden, he framid
an excuſe for his preſent abſence; leaving them in the mean-time ſomewhat
to confer upon until his return, which he promiſed ſhould be very ſpeedi-
ly, he ſo went out of the Chamber.
Within the ſpace of an hour he returned, but the wind was turned, his
affable countenance and familiar language,are changed into diſtracted looks,
and much ſhow of inward perturbation, which with fighing and other paſſio-
nate geſtures, he exprefled to the uttermoſt.
After a long filence (the better to prepare them tothe more attention)he
confuſedly interrogates: what they deſerved that had nefariouſly practiſed
his deſtruction, being of the blood royal, Uncle to the King, and Protector
of his perſon?
This unexpected interrogation, in that ſtrange manner urged, ſtrouk ſuch
an amazement amorgſt the Lords, that they all Itood gazing one on another,
as if the Protectors ſpeeches had had the vertue of Meduſa's head.At length,
the Lord Haſtings, by Buckinghams inſtigation, and preſuming of his (as he
thought) more than ordinary intimacy with the Protector, and the inno-
cency of his own conſcience, boldly anſwered, That they deſerved to un-
dergo the puniſhment of Traitours,whatſoever they were, which the reſt by
their ſilence approved : with that the Protector riſeth up from his ſeat, and
with a ftern look upon Haſtings,replied, why, it is the old Sorcereſs my bro-
thers Widow and her Partner that common Strumpet Jane Sbore,that have
by incantation conſpired to bereave me of my life: And had I not by Gods
great mercy happily come to the diſcovery of their practiſes, and found out
the plot,they had effe&ed their villany before ſuſpected. Yet havel not allo-
gether eſcaped free from their malice; tor behold (and then he bared his
left arm to the elbow and ſhowed it) how milchievouſly they have cauſed
this dear limb of mine to wither and grow uſeleſs, and thus ſhould all my body
have been ſerved, if they might have had their will,and a little longer ſpace.
Thoſe to whom the Queens religious courſes, and Chriſtian condition
were not unknown, and were not altogether ignorant to what hard ſhifts
the Protector was driven, that could provide no other colour for his accu-
tion, but the ſhowing of his late diſcoloured arm, the defect whereof, all
knew that knew hïm,had been as it was ever ſince his birth; and the coupling
of his Queen ſiſter, and his Brothers Concubine, in one and the ſame plot of
conſpiracy againſt him, between whom there was ſuch an antipathy of dif
poſition, was the occaſion that the Lords at his firſt ſpeech, ſo now fate gazing
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The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
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Ann. 1483.
one upon the other, untill the Lord Haſtings (though not well pleaſed, that
he was not as well made privy to this intended ſtratagem, as with that days
concluſion, to have the Queens Brother, Son, and Allies, to be executed
at Pomfret) willing, out of malignity to her, to help forward the accuſation
againſt the Queen, but with ſome pretext to extenuate the aſperſion caſt
upon his Paramour, Miſtriſs Shore, (whom ever ſince the death of the King,
he had entertained for his bedfellow, and had but that morning parted from
her) with a ſober look, ſubmilly ſaid, If the Queen have conſpired, which
woid was no ſooner out of the Chamberlain's mouth, when the Protector
in great ſhow of choller, clapping his fift upon the board, frowning, looking
upon him, ſaid, telleſt thou me of ifand and? I tell thee, they, and none but
they, have done it,ard thou thy felfart not only acquainted with, but parta-
ker of the villany, and that I will make good upon thy body.
And therewith upon a watch-word given, thoſe prepared before for that
purpoſe, in the outer chamber, cryed, treaſon, treaſon; wherewith a great
number of men in arms came ruſhing in Casit were) to guard the Protector,
one of which with a Poll-ax ſtrook a main blow at the Lord Strange, and
wounded him on the head, and had flaio him out-right, had he not, to avoid
the ſtroke, ſlipt backward, and falndown upon the ground. Forthwith the
Protector arreſted the Lord Haſtings of high Treaſon, and wiſht him to
make haſt to be confeſſed, for he fware by Saint Paul (his uſual oath)
that he would not touch bread or drink until he had his head from hi.
ſhoulders. Haſtings calling to mind his laſt nights dreams, his folicitations
that morning, by his ſweet Miſtreſs, from either truſting the Boar, or that
day to be at the Councel board ;theſpeeches that had paſt betwixt the Lord
Stanley and him in riding together and the ominous predictions of ill ſpeed,
by the often ſtumbling of his horſe, and ſuch old peoples obſervations, hé
was eaſily perſwaded to give credit, to what theProtector had ſworn; yet,
being about to ſay ſomewhat, he was preſently hurried away, and left he
ſhould have been too long at ſhrift, or therein might diſcover what he
knew, whích though it were not much, yet it was more than the Protector
would have willingly known, left the world, might be acquainted with his
villany; he was upon the next Timber-log they were at (though laid there
for a better uſe) beheaded on the Green near the Chappel of the Tower.So
abſolute was the Protectors progreſsin policy, that he incited Haſtings on
to plot the death of Earl Rivers, the Lord Gray, and the reſt of the Queens
kindredjat Pomfret on the ſame day whereon Buckingham, by the like train,
had plotted to make him headleſs. And
that there might ſeem fomeground
for what was done, the Lords Grace of Canterbury, the Biſhop of Ely, the
Lord Stanley, and divers others, were preſently clapt Priſoners, in fundry
holds of the Tower. And for a further colourable gloſs of this fo plain a
text, divers Citizens of London, prepared before, to give credit to whaiſo.
everrumour ſhould be ſet abroach are ſent for with all ſpeed to come with
what forces and power they could draw together, to the Tower, to the
Protector who is pretended (and ſo it was generally bruited abroad affoon
as ever the Lords
were entred within the Tower gates) to be in great jeo-
pardy, occaſioned by a plot of treaſon contrived againſt him by the late
Lord Chamberlain, and others his complices: And to countenance the ru-
mour ſomewhat the more (at the approach of ſuch friends whom the
Protector had ſent for, and who, to purchaſe his cuſtom, or procure
his countenance, would go beyond the loſs of a limb) he, toge-
ther
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226 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
ther with the Duke of Buckingham, covered in ruſty and unfaſhionable
Ann. 1483. armor,preſent themſelves to their view ; pretending that haſt, and the appro-
pinquity of the peril, would not permit them to ſtay for proviſion of better.
And then with a counterfeit (hew of great perturbation, the Protector told
them, how the Lord Haſtings, by the contrivance and inſtigation of his
late Brothers Wife, and Concubine, Jane Shore, had well-nigh entrapped
my good Couſin (pointing to Buckingham) and my felf, for ſuddenly
they reſolved to have deſtroyed us, as we ſat at Counſel-Table this
morning ; and notwithſtanding the happy diſcovery thereof, yet the nn-
certainty of the number, or quality of the Confederates, enforced us, to
prevent the miſchief, and preſerve the King (who what the Traytours
intended againſt him was uncertain) in ſafety, to run ab unuſual,
but no unlawful courſe againſt the ſaid Lord Haſtings; conſidering the
neceſſity of the time, and their ſo eminent danger, and without order-
ly Tryal, which as now was needleſs, in regard he wes taken in the man.
ner, and preſumed to have been reſcued, if execution had been defer-
red, inſtantly to have him beheaded. Then the Protector heartily thanked
the Londoners great love and pains, whereby, they did expreſs their rea-
dineſs, to bring him ſuccour ſo opportunely, deſiring them to acquaint their
neighbours with what had paſſed, and ſo diſmiſſed them: but with them ſent
an Herald at arms with a Proclamation, which, for the length, and fair
writing in a ſet hand in Parchment, to all of judgmeut did appear to be
prepared long before the intimated offences againſt the Lord Haſtings;
therein ſo fully expreſſed, were either known or ſuſpected. This Procla.
mation in the Kings name was publickly made (the Major and the Sheriffs
preſent in all
places uſual) wherewith, howſoever the Vulgar ſeemed fatis-
fied, which ſeldom underſtand the truth of State-matters, and are carried
away more with opinion than judgment: yet thoſe of more underſtanding
did not forbear publickly to ſay, that the Proclamation was dictated by di-
vination, and ingroſſed by ſorcery.
Preſently upon this
, Jane Shores lodgings are ſearched narrowly, and ran-
ſackt throughly, and to the value of three thouſand Marks, in Jewells,
Plate, Money, and Houſhold-ſtuff, and all that ever ſhe had, ſeiz'd to
the Kings uſe, and put under ſafe cuſtody: She her ſelf is committed to
ſtraight Priſon. The crime laid to her charge was witchcraft, pretended
to be wrought againſt the Protectors perſon, which when neither by
ſubordination, ſuggeſtion, teſtimony, colour or inference, could be made
good againſt her ; yet, that ſomewhat might be done, that might be a
means to make her obnoxious to the tongues of the multitude,' thd
ſtaip of, incontinence is laid to her charge, and for that only, by the
Biſhop of Londons Official, ſhe is adjudged to open penance; which ſhe
under-went with that deportment and well becomng countenance, that
ſtrook malice blind, and drew pity from all the beholders, ſo that they
that hated her courſe of former life, and were well pleaſed to ſee vice ſo
corređed, took commiſeration of hér puniſhment, when they had iconſi-
dered, that it was procured by the Protectora moreüpôn old malice than new
matter, rather to work his private revenge, than ber reformation: But this
thus done, was left to be the ſubject of the Peoples
' diſcourſe, as bụt the
by. The main was of more conſ-quence, which müſt carefully be expe.
dited during theſe tranſactions; all the Nobiliıy that were at liberty, were
ſuſpicious one of another, and few or none could imagini any juſt
grounds
X х
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
227
:
at.
power and
1
grounds for ſuſpect, being altogether ignorant of what the Protector aimed | Ann. 1483.
In the meantime, he with glozing terms ſprinkled Court holy-water
amongſt all, and fecret promiſes of perferment to thoſe whoſe
will to withſtand him he doubted, when he ſhould diſcover his yet clouded
project; by this means he kept them altogether at the Court, not giving
way to any one to depart into the Countrey.
Now he begins to fit the Ladder which ere long he will rear up, and in
the interim worketh with Sir Edmond Shaw Maior of London, and his bro-
ther John Shaw, and Fryar Pincket Provincial of the Auguſtin Fryars near Al-
gate, both Doctors of Divinity, and greater than good, Churchmen of great-
er learning than honeſty, and yet of more repute than learning, being ſuch
that more regarded, by the ignorant to be accounted learned, than by the
learned to be judged ignorant. Theſe three werethusſeverally to be imploy-
ed; Edmond Shaw mult make ſome means to draw a party amongſt the Alder-
men,
and moſt ſubſtantial Citizeris, to give credit, at leaſt countenance, to
what by theſe two Doctors ſhould be delivered in the Pulpit; and under-
hand by one and one to ſet forth the incapability of the Children of King Ed-
ward to ſway the Scepter, upon the grounds following.
The Preachers in their ſeveral places, the one at Pauls Croſs, the other at
Saint Maries Spittle, to exhort the hearts of the People to refuſe the laſt Kings
Son, and accept of the new Protector to be their King. For the better ad-
vancement thercunto, the Protector was not alhamed to appoint,at leaſt to
give way, that baſtardy (bould be alledged either in King Edward, or his
children, or both: Thereby to diſable King Edward by right to inherit the
Crown, as Heir to the Duke of York his putative Father, and ſo by like in-
ference the Prince to him.
To obtrude Baſtardy to King Edward, muſt draw his Mothers fame in
queſtion, ſhe being Mother to them both, and yet living. But rather
than he would be deſtitute of pretext to fit his purpoſe, he was not dif-
contented to proclaim his Mother a ſtrumpet, and his own Father a Cor-
But that point was by Buckingham thought, and fo.adviſed to be
but ſparingly urged : and as it were, but by the by, but to give a touch
that neither King Edward, nor the Duke of Clarence, were the lawfully be-
children of Richard Duke of York: But mainly to infift, and again and
X
again to praiſe, That the Lady Elizabeth Lucy was pre-contracted to King
Edward, and was by the law of God and man his lawful Wife; and from thoſe
premiſes to draw. this concluſion, That the Prince and all the children King
Edward had by his Queen, the late Lady Gray, were all natural children,
and illegitimate.
A devilliſh plot, the proſecution whereof was moſt unfit for a Divine to
have his finger in, much more to thruſt in his whole arm; yet Doctor Shaw,
by the inſtigation of the Devil
, and his own ambitious deſigns, not only
forbare to diſlwade the Protector from further proſecution of this fo
foul and unheard of a Projection, to make the Pulpit worſe than a Pas
quil, and the ſole Channel to convey abroad the polluted ſtream of fal-
Thood and lies; but (with Judas) was well pleaſed with the imployment:
and ſince the one againſt nature,
would traduce his own Mothers hone-
ſty; theother againlt,the tenet of Religion-would deliver Apocryphal doctrine
for Canonical Scripture, to his Auditory ; and for the ſooner effecting
thereof, like a down-right inſtrument for the Devil, upon the firſt
Sunday in June Anno Dom. 1483. ar Pauls Croſs, he being appointed to
preach
nute.
got
COM
228 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
Anr. 483. preach there, made choice of his Text out of the fourth chapter of the
book of wiſdom.
Baſtard Plants ſhall take no deep Root.
In handling whereof, he enveighed much againſt children begotten in
adultery, which he affirmed all ſuch tobe, as were begotten after marriage,
when either party was before affiunced to anothergand laboured mainly to ap-
proveby argument and example, the truth of his doctrine. And with as much
illuſtration, as Arts could uſe, or nature helpforward,extolld the many he-
roick virtues of Richard late Duke of York; the ſole legitimateſon of whom,
and lively pattern of whoſe diſpoſition, he pronounced the Duke of Gloce-
ſter, now Protector, to be the true and lively Image:get, though the Protector,
accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham and an extraordinary train,came
to the Sermon place, whilſt his Commendations were by the Preacher, ſet
out beyond the allowance of truth, whereof he had made ample declara-
tion before and now again after thetwo Dukes were ſeated, did inculcate the
fame paſſage of the Protectors praiſe-worthy graces, and many merits ; yet
neither the declaration or repetition could prevail ſo far, as to win belief
in the Auditory,of what was urgedor delivered:which though it no way dif-
couraged the Protector, yet it ſo dejected the Doctor, that the Sermon en-
ded, he,as aſhamed of his leſſon, diſconfolately departed and never after that
was publickly ſeen; but left the ſecond part to be acted by Fryar Pincket,
upon Eaſter Monday following; and the Duke of Buckingham in the mean
tiineto taketheir cues and to proceed in the Pageant.And accordingly with-
in two days after, Buckingham, having procured the Major Sir Edmond
Shaw, toaſſemble the Recorder, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and many of the ſubſtan-
tialleft Citizens in every Ward, at the Guild-Hall in London, as it were, to
give approbation of what the Doctor at Pauls Croſs had the Sunday
before(lo unlike himſelf) forgetfully ſuggeſted, to the fame purpoſe, and
upon the ſaid theam, made a rhetorical (though not religious) exhortation,
concluding with this portion of Scripture, Wo to that Realm thai katha
child to their King: But the people, contrary to his expe&ation, and the
Majors prepared voyces, (as was promiſed) were all filent ; whereupon the
Duke enquired in private of the Major, the reaſon of this their dull ſilence,
.
And was anſwered, that the Aſſembly did not well hear nor underſtand
what he had ſaid;whereupon, the Duke ſtraining his voice,began again, and
both with geſture of body,and formally compoſed countenance, repeated to
the ſame purpoſe other words, whereby hegained the commendations, that
no man could deliver ſo much bad matter,in ſo good words,& quaint phrales.
But whether out of tenderneſs of conſcience, or ſtraining courtelie, who
ſhould firſt begin, or, which is likely,the heavenly providence had ſo decreed
it, not the leaſt ſhow amongſt the Aſſembly of giving allowance of what
was ſpoken, by word of mouthor other geſture, was diſcovered:whereupon
the Major ſaid to Buckingham, That he was partly perſwaded that the
Gommons, not uſed to receive any ſuch charge or propoſition, but from
the mouth of their Recorder, attended when he would ſpeak, wherefore
John Fiz-William, the then Recorder, was preſently commanded to deſire
the votes of the Commons to the matter, thus twice by the Duke of Buck-
ingham propoſed. But he, being as well furniſhed with gifts of the mind as
ofthe body, a man both leatned and honeſt, with a grave and rober counte-
nance made-are-iteration of the Dukes duplicate Oration, adding no more
but this; Thus his grace faid, and God give you grace to conſider of it
carefully.
:
1
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth. . 229
+
1
carefully. But the Allembly collecting by the Recorders countenance,and | Ann. 1483.
mannei of delivery, that he did not well relliſh the expoſition himſelf, Nill
continued filent. Then the Duke again whiſpered in the Majors ears, that
they ſtood obſtinately mute; and addreſſing himſelf again to the Allem-
bly, he ſaid, Good friends we are come unto you to make a motion, not
upon any neceſſity that you muſt give your either aſſent or conſent to the
point in queſtion: For what we have propoſed, will ye, nill ye, might and
may be done, but the only inducement thereof, was our reſpectful love
and loving reſpectinwards you: for as much as we would have nothing done
of this nature, but that we would fi ft acquaint you with it. And fi hence,
you are to share with us in the bleſſiig of ſuch a buſineſs, which though
you
fic not or regard not, as it feums, yet is it molt conducible to your
peace and the general quiet.
Wetherefore once again require but your anſwer, yea, or no, whether
you be reſolver, as all the Nobles now at Court are; to accept of the noble 7
Protector Duke Richard the only legitimate Son, of that ever to be hono
rably remembred by you and us, Richard Duke of York, for your Sove-
reign or not.
Whereupon thoſe that ſtood next unto the Bar, made an indiſtinct mur:
muring, whilſt at their back, the ſcum or dreg of the City, drawn thither
by the Dukes followers with themſelves caft up their Caps,and with anos-
ítreperous vociieration cıyed, a Richard, a Richard. And whilſt the more fo.
ber minded and ſufficient Citizens that were before,curned back their heads
to obſerve the condition and quality of thoſe that made the acclamation,
themſelves nor conſenting nor ſpeaking to the point in queſtion, the Duke
of Buckingham, ſaid, It was a well becoming expreſſion of their affection,
to have all with one conſent to embrace the undubitate heir,the Royal Pro-
tector Duke Richard, for their Sovereign Lord and King. And that he would
throughly acquaint him with their willing forwardneſs to approve him.
And then entreating the Major and his Brethren,to be ready the next mor-
nirg at Baynards Caſtle, where the Duke Protector then reſided, to joyn
with him to pe:ition the elected Richard, to accept of this their ſo freely
proffered ſubjection, he orderly took his leave and departed: and ſo for that
time the company was diſſolved.
In the morning
at the place appointed, the Major with all ſuch, whoſe pre-
fence he could perſuade or procure in their Citizens formal habit, and the
Duke of Buckingham with all his favourites and friends, and all the Coart
Butier-ities of that age re-aſſemble.
Buckingham, together with information of what is paſt, ſendeth notice
betore unto the Protector (ſufficiently inſtructed clearly to diff mble his
nutice of any the pre-paſſages;) That the Major of London, with all the moſt
of the nobility of England, were ready(ſo pleaſe hisgrace) to vouchſafe them
the hearing, to preſent a ſupplication unto him concerning abufineſs of gırat
conſequence: Towhom the Protector returns anſwer ; That howſoe ves he
duiſt not give way to the leaſt ſuſpicion of what his Cozen of Buckingham
ſhould promove, yet he heartily deſired him, to be pleaſed by the Genth-
man hefent, to return ſome ſlight intimation of their intended requelt, b. ture
his coming unto them ſhould be expected; for that the times were danger
ous, and theunexpected approach of ſuch a conquence of noble and worihy
perſons, might give occaſion of ſome doubt to his friends, though not to him
Glf of the motive of ſuch an Aſſembly; wherefore Buckingham, though pri-
vately
!
i
7
230 The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
Ann. 1483. 1 vately, otherwiſe perſuaded; publickly made a plauſible demonſtration of
the Protectors integrity, from affecting any ſuch Title and thereupon return-
ed his reply:
That the meſlage they were to deliver, muſt be to himſelf in perſon. And
therefore in the name of all the reſt, he humbly befought his Grace, to vouch-
fafe them the liberty of admiſſion intohispreſtrice. For otherwiſe, they muſt
return much diſcontented, to have loſt their labors, and the opportunity, to
have imparted unto him a buſineſs of that importance, wherein himſelf partly,
antthe Republick in general,had an intereſt.
At length,asifnot well aflured of their well meaning towards him, the Pro-
tector appears unto them, in an upper Gallery, making femblance, as though
he would prevent danger by ſtanding in his fort. To whom Buckingham, in
behalf of the Major and the Nobility, and others there Aſſembled, makes
his humble requeſt, in moſt reſpective and reverent manner, that his Grace
fhould pardoh what he ſhould declaré unto him, and not to be offerded
with what they with all hearty and unfeigned affection deſired Mould by his
Highneſs be approved of; and embraced.
Many falſe fires are flaht out, before the Duke of Buckingham would be
broughtPodíſcover to the Protector in plain terms, their cauſe of coming;
but, though long firſt, at laſt he ſaid.
The languiſhing eſtate of the Commonwealth, did require ſpeedy help,
which could no way be procured, except he, to whom the government there-
of did only rightfully appertain, would undertake, at the reſpective ſollici-
tation, and humbly entreaty, both of the Nobility and Gentry,there preſent,
to accept of the ſole managing, as King, of the affairs of the Kingdom, and
accept of their voluntary tender of their due allegiance; whereat the Pro-
tector štáriitig back, as if he had ſeen, or heard, fométhing moſt difpleaſing
unto him; paflionately ſaid, I little thought good Cozen, that you of allmen,
would have made to me a motion, to embrace that which of all things in the
world I have thought moſtragreeable to honeſty to decline;far be it from my
imagination, to affect, oratcept, that which, without apparent wrong to my
dear
deceaſed brothersfwéér Children, and my own upright cor ſcience, I can-
not well approve of: and then being about to proceed further in his preme-
ditated tract of diſſimulation, the Duke of Buckingham, in a ſeeming abrupt
paſſion, kneeling upon'his knee, ſaid, Your Grace was pleaſed to give a 'free
pardon, of what I ſhould in the name of all this fo worthy an Allembly re-
lateuntoʻyon, in aſſurance whereof I have adventred toexpreſsthe hearty te-
ſpect we bear unto you, as is demonſtrated by thi:(Inowfear over forward)
tender of dutiful obedieuce unto you; but herewith; I muſt add further that
it isunanimouſly reſo vėd'on; That the children of yourlate brother Edward
the fourth, as being generally known and proved tobe illegitimate, ſhall ne-
ver be admitted the poffeffion of the Crowrrot England And therefore ifinei.
ther reſpect of your own well-deférvingadvancement or regard of the good
of the Commonwealth, will tove you'ro accord to this'our: no unreaſon-
able requeſt ( we having gune’now ſoʻtór that with ſafety we cannot re-
tract) we are réſolute to confer the dig irv upon ſome other of the line of
Lancaſter, that ſhall be mo:efenlible uttris own glory; and our good:be not
therefore ſoʻmuch yourówn'énemy, and our adverſary; butatour ſo humble
entreaty accept of this ſo preſently proffered preferment. But if( as we
ſhall be moftur'happy and diſconfolate to hear it ) your Grace will refuſe
us, we muſt then ſeek, and hope not to failto find one that fhall, and not un-
worthily,
t
!
3
The Life and Reign of Edward the Fifth.
231
Ann. 1483.
worthily (with half theſe entreatives) undertake to undergo the danger
or hazzard, which you may be pleaſed finiſterly to ſuppoſe is in the accep-
tance. Theſe words, in the apprehenſion of the auditory, from Buckingham,
were ſo emphatical and pathetical, that they wrought ſo feelingly upon his
paſſions, that the Protector could not but becontented to expatiate his de-
lire; yet with ſome change of countenance, and not without ſeeming relucta-
tion, hedid ſay, Since it is manifefly demonſtrated unto Men, that the whole
Realm is ſo reſolved, That they will by no means admit my (to me in my
particular conceit moſt dearly reſpected) Nephews, my intirely beloved,
new deceaſed brothers children, and your Late Kings Sons, being now in-
fants, to reign over you, whom no earthly creature without your good ap-
probation can well
govern; and ſince the right of Inheritance of the Crown
juſtly appertaineth to me, as to the truly legitimate and indubitate heir of
Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, my illuſtrious father, to which Title
free and fair Election is conjoyned (which we chiefly embrace as effe-
tualand operative) we are contented to condeſcend to your importunities,
and to accept of the Royal Government of this Kingdom; And will to the
uttermoſt of our poor abilities, endeavour the good and orderly managing
thereof. And therewithal, deſcended from the upper Gallery, where all the
while before he had ſtayed, and came down, and formally fáluted them all ;
where with the giddy headed multitude made the ſtreets eccho, with their
loud acclamation of, Long liveKing Richard our dread Sovereign Lord And
ſo the Duke of Buckinhan took his ſolemn leave, and every man departed
to make a deſcant at home of the plain ſong abroad, as every ones feve-
ral fancies did miniſter occalion,
All this time, the two innocent infants are entertained with ſports and
paſtimes, but unacquainted with any thing that had paſſed as afore to their
prejudice.
your
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THE
41
LIFE" AND REIGN
OF KING RICHARD
*7
:
1
:
1
1
THE THIRD.
NO
L
Ann. 1483.
R.I.
HE next day, the late Protector, with a great train,
rode to Weſtminſter-Hall, and feating himſelf inthe
Kings-Bench, where the Judges of that Court in the
Term time uſually fit; he ſaid, that it was the princi-
T
pal duty of a good King,carefully to look tothedve
adminiftration of the municipal Laws of the King-
dom ; in which part he would not be defective. And
then proceeding with a wellcompactOration incom-
mendations of peace, and diſcovery of the diſcommodities of diffention;
He cauſed a general Proclamation to be made, for abolition, and pardon
of all injury, wrongs, and enmity paſt. And to give it the better colour, He
cauſed one Fogge (which had formerly given him occaſion of juſt excepri-
on, for abuſing him with a tale of truth) to be ſent for out of Sanctuary at
IVeſtminſter, whither to prevent the Protectors anger, he was fled, and ſet
prefently at liberty, and cauſed him in publick to kiſs his hand.
In his return from Weſtminſter, his affable complement in the ſtreets was
ſo free and frequent, That by the diſcreeter fort, it ſeemed to favour more
like fawning ſervility, than courtly courteſie, rather baſe then welbehaved,
After his return home, by the fair help of a foul, but cloſe covered plot,
he had won an unconſtant woman, and procured the conſent (I dare not
think good will or affection of the Lady Anne, the youngeſt daughter of
great Warwick, the relict of Prince Edward, to be his wife ; howſoever, ſhe
could not be ignorant,that her ſuitor had been the inſtrument,if not the au-
thor, ofthe tragicalmurthers of both her husband and father. But the rea-
ſon of moſt womens actions, are as indiſcoverable, as Reaſon in moſt of
them is undiſcernable.
To prevent, had-I-wiſt,and to ſecure his Coronation, five thouſand men are
ſent for out of the Northern parts. The guilt of a biting conſcience, like an
Attorney general,ever informingagainſt the ſoul, always ſuggeſting unto him
fears and cauſes offuſpition, where no need was. Theſe fouldiersill clad and
worſe armed being come, and all things prepared for the Coronation (at
Icaſt
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
233
R 1.
Kings Houſhold.
!
left wiſe thoſe put in uſe or action that were intended for the inveſtiture of Ann. 1483.
Edward the fifthin Regality) the but late Protector, now King Richard, up-
on the fourth day of July, together with his new Bride, came from Baynard
Caftle to the Tower bywiter, where hecreated Thomas Lord Howard Duke
of Norfolk, hisſon Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surry. William Lord Burkley,
Earl of Nottingham.
Francis Lord Lovel Viſcount Lovel, and Chamberlain to the King; and
the Lord Stanely ( who had been committed priſoner to the Tower, in
regard that his Son was reported to have levied forces in Lancaſhire) was
not only that day releaſed out of priſon, but made Lord Steward of the
The Archbiſhop of Canterbury was likewiſe then delivered, but the Biſhop
of Ely was committed to the cuſtody of the Duke of Buckingham, who touk
order to have him ſent to his Caſtle of Brecknock in Wales. The ſame night
were made ſeventeen Knights of the Bath.
Edmond the Duke of Suffolks Son.
George Gray, the Earl of Kents Son.
William, Son to the Lord Zouch.
Henry Aburguveny.
Chriſtopher Milloughby.
Henry Babington.
Thomas Arundel.
Thomas Bulloign.
Gervois of Clifton.
William Say.
Edmond Bedingfield.
William Enderby.
Thomas Lewkner.
Thomas of Urmon.
John Brown, and
William Berckley.
Upon the fifth day of July, the King in great ſtate rode thorow the City of
London from the Tower to Weſtminſter, and on the morrow following the
Kingand Queen came from th: Palace to the great Hall, and from thence
bare-footed upon cloath of Ray, they went to S. Peters Abby at Weſtminſter,
every one of the Nobles and Officers of Ştateattending according to their ſe
veral ranks and places. The Cardinal ſang Maſs, and after Pax, the King
and Queen deſcended from before Saint Edwards ſhrine to the high Al-
tar, before which they were both howſeled, having but one hoſt divi-
ded betwixt them. Then returned they both and offered at the ſhrine,
where the King left the Crown of S. E. and took his own Crown; and
then in orde as they came they returned. All ceremonies of folemnity
finiſhed, the King gave Licenſe to all the Nobility, and others that were
thereof deſirous, to depart to their ſeveral Habitations (except the Lord
Stanley ) reſpectively giving unto them ſtrict commandment at their de-
parture from him, To be careful to maintain the truth of Religion, to
preſerve the peace and quiet of the Kingdom, and to prevent extortion
and wrong, that otherwiſe through their negligence might happen unto
his Subjects, ſecting them a Leſſon himſelf never meant to learn, at left-
wiſe Practiſe : For like Scilla, he commanded others under great penal.
ties, to be vertuous and modeſt, when he himſelf walked the clean
.
1
contrary
234 The Life and Reign of Richard the I bird.
11
7. I.
contrary way. The Northern men well rewarded, are returned home, and
cini, 1484 the King left at leaſure to diſcover his masked hypocriſy, and at liberty to
invent and put in practiſe ſtratagems of death and murther. And as after-
wardshe ended histime with the beſt which was his ; ſo began he his reign
with the worſt, which was the death of his two innocent Nephews.
The King and Queen take their progreſs into Glocefter, to viſit, in his
new honour, the place of which he bare the name of his old. By the way he
plotteth the manner ofthe deſtruction of the two innocent lambs lefeľbe.
hind in the ſlaughter-houſe. For the execution whereof he ſent one of
his execrable initruments, named John Green, with a Letter, and inſtructi-
ons to Sir Robert Brackenbury, Lieutenant of the Tower a Creature of no
ſmall credit with him) preſently upon the light thereof to take order for
the diſpatching out of the way, thoſe two (as he termed them) Baſtard
brats:but the Lieutenant in this (howſoever vehemently ſuſpected as guil-
ty of other like imployments) being honeſt, both deteſted the buſineſs
,
and denied to perform the command ; with which anſwer Green return-
ed to Warwick, where the King then was, to whom he related the Lieute-
nants anſwer ; wherewith the King was doubly perplexed, with the dif-
covery of his intention, and the refuſal by him on whoſe readineſs he much
preſumed before. And much diſcontented he withdrew to his chamber,
where after ſome vent to his paſſion, he made enquiry of ſome of the Pa
ges, if any could think of a man, that to gain his Soveraigns favour, would
hazard the loſs of a finger, or ſomewhat more ; whereupon one of the Pa.
ges preſently gave Information of a Knight, who to give wing to hisam.
bitious deſires, which were ever deſirous of the Kings imployment, would
not be ſcrupulouſly conſcienced, nor would ſtand much upon the hazard
of his limbs to do his Majeſty ſervice, adding withal that he was now in
bed in the next Chamber ; upon this man the King preſently pitcht, and
haſtily riſing from the Cloſe-ſtool, (for this Communication was at the
time of evacuation, a fair Cloſet and a fit ſeaſon for ſuch Counſel) he
went forth into the Palace Chamber, where he found two Brothers, Sir
Thomas and Sir James Teril in Bed together, men of different conditions,
but equal comlineſs of feature and countenance, wherein few in thoſe times
did exceed them. Sir James before by the Page fully deſcribed to be the
undertaker, is fingled out and privately conferred withal by the King:
and to him he briefly importeth his mind, and the means to purchaſe his
perpetual reſpect and favour. The Knight as greedy of the imployment as
the King to have it effe&ed, out-went the Kings expectation in forwardneſs,
undertakes the performance of whatſoever ſhall be appointed; whereupon
the next Morning he is diſpatched with Letters Mandatory to Sir Róbert
Brackenbury, for preſent ſurrender up of his Command the Keys of the
Tower for a time, to the Bearer, Sir James Tirrel, which was according-
ly done.
Sir James before-hand had furniſhed himſelf with Actors for ſuch a
filthy Tragedy, whoſe Names were Miles Forreſt and Dighton, a cou-
ple of Rake-Thames, that had been thorowly felht in all villany, and
had ſo often offended the Law by ſhedding of Blood, that the Cuſtom
thereof had taken away the ſenſe of the fin, ſo that to cut the throat of a
Prince or a Pig, was without difference to them. Theſe, the Second night
after his having of the Keys of the Tower, Sir James imploys to ſmother
the two poor Innocents in their Bed, which they did, by wrapping hard
their
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
235
KI.
tury.
for as
their Pillows about their Heads, and ſtopping their Breath with their í ann. 1484.
Bed-clothes; which done, they took and Buried them under the Stairs,
amongſt a heap of Stones; from whence they were after removed in more
obſcurity, but to a place of Chriſtian Burial
, by Sir Robert Brackenburie's
Chaplain, whoſe ſudden death, which hapned ſome few days after, hin-
dred the diſcovery of the place, and thereby gave cauſe of doubt to ſume,
and colour to others, by the credulous fully of a few, but the inveterate
malice of more, afterwards to juſtifie Perkin Warbecks and other impor-
The Tragedy being come to the Cataſtrophe, away poſts Sir James,
(having firſt taken order for the ſhipping of his agents forihe Low-Coun-
tries to the King, fro:n whom at firſt he received gracious countenance,
good words, and great promiſes, but was never afterwards preferred or
imployed by the King ( as perceiving in his looks fome reluctancy
for what he had ſo lately done) but ſcorned and deteſted by all that
knew the employment, abandoned by his own Brother, and deſpica-
ble in his own thoughts : And ſuch is uſually the reward of thoſe
that
pawn
their Souls to purchaſe uncertain preferment ;
good Phyſitians affect not Poyſon, though skilfully ſometimes they
make uſe of it ; no more do any the Traitor, that take advantage of the
treaſon.
The King doth now perceive that he is able enough to ſubſiſt of him-
felf, and without Buckinghams aid or adviſe, powerful enough to Plot
and actuate any requirable project : And therefore having now freed himi-
ſelf from any competitors for the Garland, by the Murther of his two
Nephews, he began by little and little to wean himſelf from Buck-
ingham, and withdraws his former privacy of conference with him : And
firſt delays, and then denies to perform the pact and ageement ſo ſolemn-
ly before concluded betwixt them, yet publickly waſhes his face in every
Company, with all ſhews of Court Holy Water; which the Duke wiſely
obſerving (one formerly fufficiently acquainted with his diſpoſition)
thinking it far better to be the enjoyer but of a ſmall Loaf, then to have
no Bread, plays with the King at his own Weapon: At Gloceſter taketh
occaſion, with outward ſhew of all formal reſpect and former Integrity,
to take his leave of the King, and ſo departed the Court. But they had no
ſooner ſevered themſelves, but cafe began to obſerve the others behavi-
our, and by means of interlopers, they were known to Miſconſtrue and
Miſinterpret each others Words and Actions, ſo that the knot of Fami-
liarity formerly United in Treachery, was now eaſily diſſolved by Jealouſie;
which was the ſooner brought about by this occcaſion: After the Dukes
arrival at his Caſtle of Breaknock, he ſent for his Priſoner Morton, Bi-
ſhop of Ely, whom he familiarly entertained, and from time to time con-
tinued ſuch his kind and reſpective entertainment toward him, which the
wiſe Biſhop obſerving, and withal noting the Dukes haughty Heart, and
ambitious haughtineſs, he thought it good diſcretion from thence to take
his hint, to make his Wiſdom the means of his own deliverance, though
with the Dukes deſtruction: for the Biſhop beſides his profound learning,
having often, and by alternate proof of proſperity and adverſity, gotten
experience (the Mother and Miſtreſs of Wiſdom) and thereby could di-
fcern the paſſages of politick and cunning contrivements, perceiving the
Duke ſo overforward to cope with his converſation, that he would
X2
omit
5
1
1
236 The Life and Reign of Richard the I bird.
omit no place or time convenient, but he would expreſs himſelf in a
Anr. 1484. moſt affedignate manner to be moſt deſirous to enjoy it ; the Biſhop at
K. 1,
times of conference would ſo order his Communication, that he ſeemed
rather to follow, than lead the Duke into any diſcourſe, which either con-
cerned the Commendation of Henry the ſixth, or Edward the fourth; and
would therein ſo temper his ſpeech, that he would not deliver further or
more, than what he was aſſured the Duke could not well contradict; but
ever modeſtly, without either arrogating or derogating to the Honour of
the one or other : But if at any time any paſage in their talk interve-
ned, that might any way reflect upon the now King, he would make ſud-
den ſtops, ſaying, he had been formerly too forgetful that way, and
had waded too far in Relation of Occurrences in the World, more then
did become his Coat, but now he was reſolved to leave thoſe courſes,
and wholly to apply himſelf to his Books and Beads, and Meditate
on the next World. Nevertheleſs, the Duke after many proteſtations of
fecrecy, importuned the Biſhop but to expreſs his opinion of the
condition of King Richard, and the validity of his Title to the Crown
of England, telling him withal, that he was reſolved to entreat (and pre-
ſumed he ſhould obtain it) his faithful and Secret Counſel in a buſi-
neſs that nearly concerned him, as one upon whoſe Religious Honeſty,
and every way ſufficiency, he would altogether rely: Adding further that
to that end he had procured leave from the then Protector, to have the
Biſhop committed to his courteſie, whereby he might with the more
conveniency and ſafety confer with him thereabouts ; and the Biſhop
might be aſſured of more ſafety and refpe& than in another place. The
Biſhop gave him many thanks for this his undeſerved favour, deſiring the
continuance of them, but withall told him, that Princes were like fire,
howſoever at a diſtance they gave warmth, yet kiſt they would burn the
lips : And therefore, faith he, I love not to talk ofthem, as being a
thing not altogether out of danger. For though the words in themſelves
deſerve no reprehenſion, yet are they ever ſubject to other mens miſcon-
ſtruction, or miſinterpretation ; and feldom, if at any time paſs ac-
cording to the intention and meaning of the Speaker, but as they are ta.
ken. But this added more Oyl to the Flame of the Dukes deſire, to be
reſolved of the Biſhops verdict, of the before-paſt proceedings, and bis
Judgment of Occurrences to follow: and the more cautious the Biſhop
was in his Relations, the more eager and earneſt was the Duke to be tho-
rowly informed of both; and at length he prevailed with his importu-
nity ſo far, that one Evening after Supper ſitting privately together, the
Duke having engaged his Honour,as Swearing by his George, and his Soul,
by calling his Maker to Witneſs, that whatſoever at that time the Biſhop
ſhould deliver unto him, ſhould for ever be Buried in ſilence, and never go
further.
The Biſhop ſtood off no longer, but demonſtrated at large, that the
late Protectors proceedings were diſcommendable, his Ambition un-
ſufferable, bis Bloody deſigns intolerable, his Uſurped Government
Tyrannical, and the Honour and quiet of the Kingdom in apparent
jeopardy: And then with great earneſtneſs of Speech and geſture, he
further ſaid ; Royal Sir, I adjure you by the faith you owe to God, by
the Honourable reſpect you bear to your Progeny, by your Oath made
to Saint George, the Patron of that Honourable Order of the Garter.
whereof
RS
The Life and Reign of Richard the Tbird.
237
1
R. 2.
.
1
whereof you are a deſerving companion, by the true affection you car- | Ann. 1484.
ry to your rative Couotrey, and your due love to vertue and inte-
grity, be not averſe, but bravely ſecond that fair and honeſt courſe that
I ſhall propoſe unto your Grace : For thereby Tyrannous Uſurpation
may be ſuppreſſed, juſtice advanced, and future peace everlaſtingly eſta-
bliſhed, which God of his infinite bounty will vouchſafe to accompliſh,
if you will, with what convenient ſpeed you may, procure or provide
a fit and undiſparageable match, for the Eldeſt Daughter of King Edward
our late King. And if with poſſibility it may be obtained, let him be
ſuch a Peiſon as may reunite the long ſince ſevered bearings of the red
Roſe and the white ; then will all inteſtine broyls be pacified, and every
one ſhall freely enjoy the happy benefit of this now ſo much delired bleſ:
fed concord.
This ſpeech was not ſo ſoon ended, but the Duke elevating his eyes
to Heaven, put off his Cap, and ſaid, To thee, O Heavenly Father,
ſole giver of every good and perfect gift, from the Altar of my humbleſ
Heart I render all poſſible Praiſe and Thanks, for that thou haſt given a-
bility through thy gracious Spirit to this thy Servant, to invent a fair
means whereby thy glory may be propagated, innocency preſerved, and
inhumanity puniſhed, the good and quiet of thy People procured, and
every true Patriot have Juſt Cauſe to rejoyce in thee: And then putting
on his Cap again, he ſaid to the Biſhop, At what time my Brother-in-
law ( for I preſume it is not unknown to you, that King Edward and I
did marry two Siſters) left this life, I began to revolve with my ſelf,
how little reſpect or favour (after ſuch my marriage) I had received at his
hands, notwithſtanding any ſo near affinity, beſides propenſion of love,
to do him all acceptable Service, and his little humanity ſhewn to me,
made me as little reckon of him, and leſs of his ChildrenThen the old
Proverb coming into my mind, that the Realm often rueth, where
Children Reign, and Women bear ſway; I could not but be perſwaded,
that much Miſchief and Perturbation would betide the whole Kingdom,
if either the young King were ſuffered to ſway the Scepter, or the Queen
mother to have the Government, and the rather, for that her Brothers
and Children by a former Husband, although not extract of very ancient
Nobility, aſſumed more unto themſelves in managing of the State af-
fairs, then either the deceaſed Kings Brethren, or any other Peer of the
Realm ; whereupon to prevent a further Miſchief, I thought it very
requiſite, both for the advancement of the Publick good, and my own
particular Intereſt to inſinuate and partake with the Duke of Gloceſter,
whom I then reputed as free from Simulation or Diſſimulation, and as
tra&able without doing Injury, and juſt, without ſhewing cruelty, as
now to my ſhame I may ſpeak it, and to my grief I have proved
him to be a perjured diſſemibler, and a pittileſs Tyrant; and thereupon
I ſided with Gloceſter, and by my ſole labour and induſtry (without
the leaſt ſuſpicion, I proteſt, of what after happened) he was at the firſt
Councel held, after the Death of King Edward, procured (as partly you
my
Lord Biſhop know ) to be made Protector both of King and King-
dom, whereunto he had no ſooner attained, but by like Policy he
got
into his Cuſtody his two innocent Nephews, the King and the Duke of
York.
Then he begins to ſolicite me, and ſometimes by entreaties he en-
deavoureth
X 3
4
1
238 The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
R. 2.
I
Ann. 1484. | devoureth to perſwade, and then again with minatory words to enforce
me, and the Lords preſent, (by contraint as it werc) to permit him to
take upon him the Execu:ion of the Regal State and Government of
this Kingdom, until the young King were ripe, and able to undergo the
burden thergof, and bear the load upon his own thoulders; ar lealtwiſe
until he ſhould attain to the Age of Four and Twenty years; which pro-
ject of his, in regard the example was without preſidents and that would
be as ſtrange, if not more, to have an ambitious mind to diſmantle him-
ſelf of a place of that eminent power of command once obtained, as for
him at that inſtant to effect it; I ſeemed not well to reliſh it, and the ra-
ther, for that I found by the colintenance of all there preſent, he was as
then unprovided for Seconds at the Table to back his propoſition. He
thereupon not altogether unfurniſht of his baits to fill with, to give ſome
colourable pretext of reaſon for what he had moved, he produced many
ſeeming Authentick Inſtruments and reſolutions, upon depoſitions of cre-
dible witneſſes, ſubſcribed by the Civilians and Canonilts, the moſt famous
in theſe times for Judgment and Learning, by whom it was reſolved, and
ſo adjudged, that the Children of Edward the Fourth were to be reputed
Illegitimate, and no way capable of the inheritance of the Crown; which
overture then (unfainedly I ſpeak it) I thought as real and true, as now I
know the Deponents names were counterfeited, and the whole buſineſs
forged.
Theſe depoſitions and reſolutions thus by him produced, were read, and
throughly by us, at the Councel-table debated, and long diſcuſſed upon,
until the Protector himſelf ſtood up and ſaid, My Lords, as on the one
part I and your Lordſhips are moſt willing that King Edwards Children
İhould receive no injury ; ſo on the other ſide, I beſeech you, do not
you be the occaſion that I ſuffer apparent wrong. For this point being
thus cleared, that my Brothers Sons are not inheritable, behold me the un-
queſtionable and undoubted Heir of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York,
my Deceaſed, but dear Father, who was by Authority of the Parliament
adjudged, and fo proclaimed lawful Heir of the Crown of England;
whereupon we filly ſeduced men, thinking all had been Goſpel that had
been delivered, gave conſent, that in regard the Duke of Clarence his Son,
by reaſon of the former attainder of the Father, beſides the obtruded il-
legitimation of him too, was likewiſe diſabled to carry the inheritance,
to accept of the Bramble for our King and Soveraign Lord; the which
I was racher induced to do, by how much he had often with Solemn
proteſtations, both publick and private, given me his faithful promiſe,
that the two young Infants ſhould no way be abuſed, but that they ſhould
have ſufficient aſſurance for maintenance, ſuch as I and the reſt of the
Nobility ſhould well like and approve of; which how well he hath per.
formed, judg you, when he was no ſooner, by my procurement, from a
private perſon made Protector, and from a ſubject fole Soveraign, but he
caſt the Ladder by, by which he had climbed to this preferment, changing
his manners with his Honours; and not only denied me to enjoy the li-
berty of my undoubted right, as touching the Earldom of Hertford, un-
juſtly detained from me by his Predeceſſor King Edward (and which at
ourtir conference about theſe proceedings, this Richard with many exe-
crable Oaths promiſed had aſſured me) but kept touch in nothing with
me of what was formerly concluded betwixt us : But in lieu thereof I
1
was
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
239
1
1
hog-like back.
was entertained with flouts and uncourteous language,giving out as though Ann. 1484.
I had never furi hered, but rather hindred his moſt weighty deſigns ; yet R 2,
this foul ingratitude, and his undeſerved unkindneſs, i patiently for a
ſeafon under-went. But when I had received certain notice of the un-
natural murther cf his two natural nephews, I was ſo tranſported with
ſcorn and indignation, that I had very much to do to temper my paſſion
from publick revenge of their death and my own diſgrace, in his own
Court, until weighing the doubtfulneſs of the event, I deemed it the
fifelt way, with patience to wait a fitter opportunity, and in the mean
time to take out a copy of his diſſimulation, and that I might with the
more ſafety work upon his own ſeam, I fraimed my carriage and coun-
tenance at all times towards him in that manner, as though I knew no
pipe to dance after but his, never croſſing him in any point, nor ſeeming
to diſlike or diſtate (though much againſt my nature) any thing he mo-
ved or did. And by this means I obtained liberty to retire myſelf to this
place. But in my journey homewards, by the way, I had many ſtrong con-
Aiets in my mind, which way to begin to work, that I might make this
Uſurper to acknowledg his errour, and to pull off the lions skin from his
Firſt, I thought with my felt that there was a fair path beaten for me (he
being now by the murther of his tender Nephews grown deſpicable to God
and all good' men) to lay hold of the Garland, in regard there was not one
whom I could then call to remembrance, either of power or pretence ſuf-
ficient to.debar me from enjoying it, being no way unprovided of means,
Men or Money for employment: And in this conceit I continued a while,
until that afterwards it came into my mind, that to come in by way of
conqueſt would prove both hard and hazardful, in regard that moſt of the
Nobility and Gentlemen would oppoſe me therein, if for no other end or
reaſon, but only for the preſervation of their Tenures and Titles, which in
Conquerors hands are liable to his diſpoſal. And then and there that em-
brions conceit of Conquering continued ſo formleſs.
Then my fancy ſuggeſted to me, thatthe Lord Edmond Duke of Somerſet,
my Grand-father, was within two degrees lineally deſcended from John of
Gaunt, for Edmond Beauford, Earl Moriton was Son of John, ſirnamed Beax-
ford of Beauford in France, which came to the Houſe of Lancaſter,.by
Blanch of Arthoyes, Wife to Edmond firſt Earl of Lancaſter, Son of John
of Gannt, Duke of Lancaſter. Thatmy Mother being his Eldeſt Daughter,
I was next Heir to Henry the ſixth: And hereupon I ſet up my reſt, thereon
to lay a Foundation whereupon to ere& my Building: But as God would
have it, whilſt my brains were buſie, and as I rode debating with my ſelf,
how to the beſt advantage I might ſet my engins going, betwixt Worceſter
and Bridgenorth, I accidentally encountred Margaret Counters of Rich.
mond, the true and only Heir of my Grand-fathers Elder Brother, John
Duke of Somerſet, who Married Margaret, Daughter and Heir of Sir John
Beauchamp of Bletſo, Knight, by whom he had ìffue one only Daughter,
Margaret, who Married Edmond of Haddam Son of Owen Tudor by Queen
Katherine,' and half Brother by the Mother to King Henry the ſixth : but
ſhe was as abſolutely forgotten by me, as if I had never ſeen or known
her. Nowſhe, and her Son Henry Earl of Richmond, being both cut-
work and Percullis betwixt me and that Port, which I muſt of'neceffi-
ty paſs, if I ſhould at any time attempt to enter into the Court Royal
of
.
I
240 The Life and Reign of Richard the I bird.
1. 2.
of Majeſty, my preſuppoſed Title was in my imagination now ſcarce
Ann. 1484. worth'a Tittle. And herewithal calling to mind, that thoſe unſeparable
dangers, unſupportable cares, and unſupportable troubles that neceffarily
await upon a Crown are ſo imminent and numerous, that no one, if he be
but man, can with ſafety eſcape, well undergo, or with patience endure
the leaſt of many of them, except by lineal deſcent the Law do caſt it
upon him, or he be by Gods eſpecial providence, as David was, preor.
dained, or before appointed thereunto. And further, taking it into conſi-
deration, that if I once aflumed unto my ſelf the ſwaying of the Scepter,
howſoever I might perchance be of ability ſufficient to lay hold of it, yet
on the one part I ſhould be ſure to find many foes, but few faithful friends,
(who in this age are all for the moſt part gone on Pilgrimage, and their
return is uncertain.) And on the other ſide, King Edwards Daughter, and
their Allys, whoſe patience ſo infinitely abuſed, might incite ſome furi-
ous partakers, or my Couſin Richmond, with his friends and followers, or
ſome diſcontented Lords (for it would be an impoſſible thing to give
plenary content to all) would be ever ſnatching or ſnarling at me upon
every the leaſt occaſion, and upon any advantage, ſo that in all likelihood
my
lífe and livelihood ſhould be ever hanging but by a very ſlender thread,
ſo that I ſhould never be ſecure, but everin danger of death or depoſition;
wherefore from thenceforth I concluded with my ſelf, to baniſh out of my
thoughts all airy-built Caſtles, to look after the Government of the King-
dom, either in my own right, or tomy own uſe, and concluded watchful-
ly to attend, if at any time it ſhould pleaſe God to make me his inſtrument,
to relieve the wronged, and to ſcourge the oppreflour; now Iam verilyper-
ſwaded, that it is the good pleaſure of the Almighty, to make this the
means by which both may be to his Glory effected: for the Earl of Rich-
Blume of Bucka mond to take to Wife Elizabeth, the Eldelt Daughter of King Edward the
ingham flain at Fourth (to bring which orderly to effect) neither my Perſon, Power or
Purſe ſhall be wanting, in reſpect that by this match, The two Houſes of
phrey Nain at York and Lancaſter, at this time fo miſerably disjoynted, may be brought
to Unity and Conjunction. And whereas my Grand-father and Father did
38. H.6.1460. both loſe their lives in abetting the ſide of Lancaſter ; I will now hazard
mine, 'to.conjoyn them both hand in hand.
Theſe words the Duke uttered with that vehement earneſtneſs, that the
good Biſhop, and not without reaſon, was thorowly perſwaded that it
was as much the love of Richmond, asthe hatred to Richard, that made him
make this forward and friendly offer; and from thenceforth afterward he
lo condited his diſcourſes with ſuch powerful and ſignificant words, and
pevalent reaſons, that he kept him firm and conſtant to his firſt propoſi-
tion, infomuch that at length by this Biſhops adviſe, and procurement of
Reignold Bray (a Gentleman attending upon the Counteſs of Richmond)
this, whole Plot is diſcovered to the Dutcheſs, and
of by hers and preſently from her, Doctor Lewis her Phyſitián, is imploy-
ed to Queen Elizabeth, who ſtill remained in Sanctuary at Weſtminſter, to
ſound how ſhe ſtood inclinable ; who upon the firſt propoſition, before
ſhe would expreſs any thing to the Doctor, ſhe proſtrated herſelf
upon her knees, and humbly invoked the Blefied Trinity to be propiti-
ous to this ſo much deſired Unity; and then raiſing herſelf up, ſhe did
profeſs her ſelf(next unto God) to be much bound to him or her that
firſt invented the means whereby to reſtore her poor Children to their
right
St. Albons,
1455. Hum-
Northampton,
very well
well approved
The Life and Reign of Richard the Tbird.
24.1
h
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X, 2,
1
right, and redeem her ſelf from that thraldom and fear wherein now they
were, and with great thanks returned the Doctor, wiſhing him to affurethe, Anno 1484.
contriver thereof whatſoever ; that if Earl Richmond would take his cor-
poral Oath, to eſpouſe her Daughter Elizabeth or Cicely, in caſe it ſhould
pleaſe God Elizabeth ſhould dye before that time as ſoon as he had obtain-
ed the enjoyment of the Crown; That ſhe would not only give hers, and
get her Daughters conſent to the match, but procure all the Friends and
Allies of her deceaſed Huſband King Edward and her own, to take his part,
,
and in all things to give him their beſt aſſistance.
The Mothers thus having expreſſed their intentions, to keep the Game
on Foot, Doctor Lewis preferred to the Queen a Religious and Learned
Prieſt, called Chriſtopher Vrſwick who, upon Oath taken for ſecrecy, was,
as occaſion ſhould be offered, to be employed in theſe buſineſſes, ſo that
now Bray and Vrſwick, do Travel only about home, whilſt the Phyſician,
who might do it with moſt ſafety and leſs ſuſpition, negotiated in more
remote places ; firſt to ſound, then to incite as many of the Nobility and
Gentry as they ſhould diſcover to be willing to give their aſſiſtance, but
always with this caution, to offer to treat with none, without making Oath
firſt for Truth and Secreſie.
In few days Bray had drawn into confederacy, Sir Giles Dawbeney, Sir
John Cheney, Richard Guildford, and Thomas Rame, with ſome others
.
Vrſwick likewiſe for his ſhare had prevailed with Hugh Conoway, Thomas
Culpepper, Thomas Rooper, with ſomeothers; and in the mean time Doctor
Lewis was not idle, but had won Edward Courtney, and his Brother Peter,
Biſhop of Exeterjamong whom it was carefully agreed upon that convenient
Meſſengers ſhould be ſpeedily diſpatched for Britany, to Earl Richmond,
to acquaint him with the whole proceedings : For this purpoſe, by the
contrivement of Vrſwick, Hugh Cônoway is imployed from Plimouth, with
great ſums of Money.
Thomas Rame; by the advice of Braj, is with like inſtructions ſent out of
Kent by Callice, both which, within the ſpace of little more than an hour,
though divers ways, the one moſt part by Sea, the other moſt part by
Land, came to the preſence of the Earl, who graciouſly received them,
and gladly embraced both the concord and condition.
•The Earl acquaints the Duke of Britany both with the Plot and the con-
federation, earneſtly imploring his advice and aid, which the Duke as rea-
dily promiſed, as really performed; howſoever Hutton Émbaſſador from
King Richard, had endeavoured to preoccupate the ſcene, and in his Maſters
name, had both by private Letters, and many proffers of much Money,
and more courteſies laboured the Duke for the Earls reſtraint, but to little
or no purpoſe,
The Earl thus encouraged, returns Connoway and Rames by the ſame way
they came, to give notice of his ſpeedy repair, with ample inſtructions for
the manner of preparation againſt his approach to be made ; whereupon
the Confederates in all places provide ſuch as had Caſtles or Pilesof ſtrength,
furniſh them with men and Ammunition; and others uſe their beſt means
that money and Men may be got in readineſs againſt the Earls arri-
val.
Biſhop Morton, .who had gained opportunity, againſt the Duke of
Buckinghams will to convey himſelf into the Low-Countries, is not ſlack,
by Letters, and private Meſſages, to conjure all ſuch as he knew either to
hate
.
2.42 The Life and Reign of Richard the Tbird.
1
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air. 1484. hate or envy King Richard, or to have loved King Edward, to lay to their
helping hands, with all their right in this conjuracion.
Now, whether amongſt ſo many, through ſome falfe Brothers Treache-
ry, or out of his watchful Jealoufie over Buckingham, it is uncertain. But
King Richard hath Intelligence of the deſign, and politickly diſſembleth it,
but ſecrctly giveth order, as it were to take a muſter, to draw his forces to-
gether, amongſt whom he fuddenly comes, and having appointed his
carriages to follow him, he marchethaway, without acquainting any ofthe
Commanders with any particular place whither he led theſe Forces. In
the mean time, firſt by proffer of friendſhip, by fair Terms, the King did
ſolicite theDukes preſence at London,where the King kept his ſtanding houſe,
but receiving from him but dilatory put offs, the Kingthen ſent a peremp-
tory mellage, by the tye of his Allegeance to come away, which was re-
turned with this reſolute anſwer, That he would not (if he could avoid it)
have any converſation with an ungrateful perjured inhuman Butcher of
his own felh and Blood ; ſo that now preparation to offend'ard defend by
the Sword, is made on both parts.
The King holds on his march, whereupon all the conjurators in every
quarter, are in overt commotion. Thomas Marqueſs Dorcet" (preſerved
from ſlaughter by the only favour of Sir Thomas Lovel
, againſt the Kings
will ) forlaketh Sanctuary, and in York.ſhire Jaboureth to raiſe Forces.
The two Courtneys in Devon and Cornwall, take the ſame courſe, and
they are Seconded in Kent by Guilford and Rame, ſo that Civil combuſti-
on is in every quarter of the Realm. King Richard notwithſtanding ſeyers
not his Forces, but keeps on his march towards Buckingham,who having no;
tice thereof, both readily and willingly ſetteth forward, bending
his Courſe
thorow the Forreſt of Dean, intending at Glocefter to have paſſeș Severn,
and ſo to have joyned Forces with the two Courtneys, and the Weſtern
Confederates ; but by the long continuance of wet weather, the Waters
thereabouts were riſen ſo high, that Severn was broken out, and had over-
flown all the Countries, ſo that it was a thing impoſſible for the Dukes
Forces to be tranſported, which the Welſhs-men. (drawn thither more for
fear thanlove) took advantage of, laying it was a Prodigious token of their
ill ſucceſs in the enterprize, and ſecretly by Night ſlipt away from him,
whoſe example the reſidue followed, ſo that the Duke upon this disband-
ing, was left to ſhiftiby himſelf; whereupon he diſmiſt all his followers, and
without. Page or footman, repaired to the Houſe of one Humphry Banni-
ſter, who dwelt near Shrewsbury, preſuming there he might fafely lodgin
obſcurity, until better fortune ſhould ſmile, the rather for that the many
extraordinary favours formerly done to the ſaid Banniſter, and his Father
before him, might juſtly challenge willing entertainment, during his ſe-
cret ſtay there, if not more...
The news of this diſaſter added wings to the other conjurators to dil
perſe their powers and flie, fome to ſanctuary, others to unknown places,
all of them making the
beſt ſhift they could to eſcape : but they ſped belt
which conveyed themſelves into Brittany, amongit whom the Marqueſs
Dorſet, John Lörd'Wells, the Biſhop of Exéter, and his Brother: Sir John
Bourcher, Sir Edmond Woodvile, Brother to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Robert
Willoughby. Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir John Ckeyney, and
his two Brethren; Sir William:Barkley, Sir William Brandon, and his Brother
Thônias ; Sir Richard Egmond, Höllowel and Payning's, Captains, were chief.
King
}
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The Life arid Reign of Richard the Tbird.
243
5
R. 2.
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King Richard having intçiligence that the enemy was ded, fent order | Ann. 1484.
prelently to lay the Ports, with ſtrict charge, that none ſhould go on
board, or comegn ſhore, without eſpecial warrant.
He likewiſe made publick Proclamation, that if any one could bring
tidings of the Duke of Buckingham (who was now proclaimed Traitour,
and all his lands and goods {uized into the Kings hands) ſo that the Duke
might be appréhended; if the perſon were a bondman, he ſhould be manu-
mitted; ita freeman, he ſhould have a general pardon, and a thouſand pound
currant Engliſh coin.
Whilſt theſe things are thus in agitation, King Richard hath information
from Hutton his Lieger Embaſſador in Brittain, That the Duke thereof, not
only refuſed. co keep the Earl of Richmond in reſtraint of liberty; But was
ſeeming forward, to give him his affiitance to proſecute his intendment,
which was to work fome exploit in England. Wherefore the King took er
pecial order for the preſent rigging and preparing his Navy, to ſtop, if
poſſible, the Earls landing in any Port of England.
In th: interim, whether fear to offend the law, or greedy covetou (neſsto
gain the thouſand pounds,it is yet diſputable, but Banniſter like an ungrate-
ful ſervant perfidiouſly diſcovered his Maſter, the Duke of Buckingham, to
John Mitton, then high Sheriff of Shropſhire, who thereupon apprehended
him in a little Grove near Banniſters dwelling-houſe,and conveyed him to
Shrewsbury, where King Richard lay, from whence upon All-Souls day, he
was conveyed to Salisbury, and then and there without arraignment or le-
gal proceedings, in the Market place btheaded.
Whether Banniſter received his proclaimed reward, is uncertain; but
thatGodsjudgments appeared afterwards againſt him, and his is very remark-
able, for he was afterwards hanged for man-llaughit:r, his eldeſt daughter
is debaucht by one of his Carters, and his Son and heir in a deſperate
lunacy became his own Butcher, and was ſo found by the Coroners In-
(queſt.
This Henry Duke of Buckingham was Earl of Stafford, Hereford, North-
ampton, Lord of Brecknocke, Kimbolton, and Tunbridge, and high Conſta-
ble of England.
He Married Katherine, daughter of Richard Woodvile, Earl Rivers, by
whom he had iſſue three ſons and two daughters.
1 Edward, whóby Henry the ſeventh was reſtored to blood, and ſucceed-
edin his fathers honours.
2 Henry, whom the ſaid King Created Earl of Wilts.
3 And Humphrey that died
young.
i Elizabeth, married to Robert Radcliffe, Lord Fitz-waters.
2 Anna, married firſt to Sir Walter Herbert, and afterwards George Lord
Haſtings, Earl of Huntington.
Upon the twelfth day
of O&ober, the Earl of Richmond with forty ſhips,
and five thouſand waged Britons,took the Seas; but that evening by the rage
of an impetuous tempeſt, the whole Navy was diſperſed; the lhip wherein
the Earl was, with one only little bark, after they had endured the rage of
the tempeſt eight and forty hours, was driven upon the coaſt of Cornwall,
where he giveth expreſs commandment, that none ſhould dare to take land,
until the Fleet were drawn together.
But after he had hulld up and down the ſhore by the ſpace of a day and
a night, and never a Vefſel appearing, obſerving an hourly increaſe of
armed
1
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244 The Life and Reign of Richard:the Third:
1
R. 21
P...9
ܕ ܐ ܕܙܪ
:!1.1
Anni 14843 y árled fouldiers upon the coaſts by Pool, being aſſured they were none of
his partakers, becauſe no tokenis before agreed upon át his approach to
be uſed, were preſented: The wind blowing a freſh gále, the Barl hoiſted
fail
, and returning toward Francès arrived in Normandy; from whence he
diſpätéhethimellengęís to the Freněkiling, Charlès the eight,by whom he rėà
dily received a ſafe conduct, together with'à liberal quanrity of Frènch
Crowns to bear his Charges on the way, whereupon the Earl ſent his Ship:
ping about, whilſt he by eaſie Journeys camè by Cand into Britain, wherë
he received the news of the Duke of Buckingham's Death, and the diſpera
fing of the Confederates Forces," which ſomewhat troubled him at firſt
j
bui aftëřwards he was much Comforted; at the ſight of the Marquèſs Dor.
Jēt, taid thoſe bravë Commanders that were come with him s and preſent.
ly they enter into Conſultation, what courſe was to be taken in their be.
ginning and Progreſs of the intended Action, amongſt whom it was thick
generally concluded
That King Richard as a Tyrant and a Traitor ſhould be proſcribed. :)
That Richmond ſhould take upon him the Regal Dignity; then by Ri-
charidufurped.
That Richmond ſhould publickly make a ſolemn proteſtation to take to
wife the Lady Elizabeth, eldeſt Daughter of Edward the fourtb.
That all the Nobles, Gentlemen, and others of the Engliſh Nation there
preſent, ſhould do Homage, and ſwear Allegiance to the Earl of Richmond;
as to their Sovereign Lord; and each to other
enterchangeablýğive aſſurance
upon the Sealof their ſalvation, alone, and together with others; to proſecute
Richard; and to protect Richmond, to the expence of the laſt drop of blood in
theit-Bodies, and the profuſion of all theirſubſtances.
1. Thisthusconcluded on, upon Chriſtmaſs day before the high Altar, in the
great.Churchof Reims, the Earl of Richmond gave oath to marry the Lady E-
lizabetli immediately after he was quietly feated in the government of Éng
land. And thereupon all the Lordsand Knights there preſent (the Biſhop of
Exétér (hewing them the way) did do him Homage; andin the ſame place,
each toother religioully did vow, takingthe Sacrament thereupon, never to
ſurceaſe proſecuting war agaiņſt Richard the Uſurper, until his depoſition
or deſtruction,
Relation hereof being made to the Duke of Britain, he voluntarily made
offer to furniſh the Earl with all things neceſſary to the enterpriſe, and all
things are accordingly providing in thofe parts, whilſt King Richard makes
a diligent enquiry after all thoſe that might be ſuſpected to be favourers
or furtherers of Richmond's Aſſociation; many of them are apprehended, a-
mongſt whom Sir George Brown, and Sir Roger Clifford, with four Gentle-
men more are executed at London.
Sir Thomas Sentleger, who had married Ann, the Duke of Exceter's wi-
dow, the Kings own Siſter, and Thomas Rame, Eſquire, were executed
at'Eštetor. And at an Aſſizes held at Torrington, for the County of Den
pon, Thomas Marqueſs Dorſet, and all ſuch as were with the Earl of Rich-
mond,' were indicted of high Treaſon, and at the Parliament which pre-
ſently followed, all thoſe lo indicted, were attainted, and all their lands
and 'goods ſeized upon:
Thomas Lord Stanley is enforced to purge himſelf by oath; and to ſwear
that he was then altogether innocent of any treacherous practiſe againſt
the King, and 'unacquainted with any his Wives courſes, touching the
ſuccouring
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The Life and Reign of Richárd the Tbird.
245
R. 2.
fuccouring her Son
: yet nevertheleſs
, he is commanded to keep her cloſe, Am. 1484.
and not to ſuffer any to have liberty, to write to, or confer with her.
A truce is concluded betwixt England and Scotland, to continue for three
years; and for the better ſettling of amity and concord betwixt the
two Kingdoms, a Marriage is treated of, betwixt the Duke of Rothſay,
the King of Scots Eldeſt Son, and the Lady Anne de-la-Pcole, King
Richards Siſters Daughter, formerly Married to John de-la-Poole, Duke of
Suffolk
John Earl of Lincoln, the ſaid Annes Brother, King Richards Nephew, is
likewiſe (the Daughters of Edward the fourth being excluded)proclaimed
Heir of the Crown of England.
Sulpition ſeldom but ſlumbers, never ſleeps ; and a Guilty Conſcience
is evermore broad-waking. The Jealouſie of Richmonds Title and the hor-
rour of King Richards Conſcience, for the Murther of histwo Innocent Ne-
phews, ſo juſtly affright him, that his ſleeps are ever more interrupted with
fearful dreams; inſomuch, that he did ofcen leap out of his Bed in the
dark, and catching his Sword (which always naked ſtuck by his Bed ſide)
he would go diſtractedly about the Chamber, every where ſeeking to find
out the cauſe of his own occaſioned diſquiet; and in the day time he al-
ways would hold his hand upon his Ponyard, as though he would not be
behind-hand, to requite the ſtroke of a Sword with a ſtab, his Brains were
ſtill working, and his cogitations hammering out ſtrange tratagems for Maf-
facres.
There muſt be no Stone left unremoved, whereupon Richmond might have
footing: Emballadors are ſent to the Duke of Britain with inſtructions,
upon any terms to procure or purchaſe his Perſon to be delivered unto
them : But the Duke by extremity of Sickneſs was fald into that weak-
neſs, that the Embaſſadours could have no audience. Whereupon they
addreſſed themſelves to Peter Landoys, Chief Treaſurer to the Duke, and
his great Favourite: They having found out the length of his foot, by the
experience of other Mens ſucceſs
, that negotiated with him; they lo. a-
Hointed him with Oyl of Angels, and large promiſes of the King of Eng-
lands ready willingneſs to make more ample ſatisfaction, for any courte-
ſie therein by him to be done, that he reſolutely undertaketh that the Kings
pleaſure ſhall be in that point procured. What moved this Treaſurer, that at
St. Malloides not long before, had countermined King Richards Enginers,
and preſerved the Earl from the danger of the Plot, that now he ſhould
undertake, to ingulph him in that quagmire, from whence ſo lately he had
freed him; cannot eaſily be conjectuerd, except that the emioency of his
place (far tranſcending his deſcent or deſert) had brought him into
the general hatred of choſe; whom either by his inward power with
the Duke, he had any ways injured, (a courſe too common amongſt thoſe
of like Condicion and Quality) or otherwiſe, had not given that fulneſs
of content, that was expected, and thruſt him into the contempt of his
betters by Birth, that ſcorised to have ſuch a Bubble to take place before
them, or into the envy of all ſuch that would, but could not obtain like
favour and preferment, or into the hatred of the Commons, who feldom
brinever think, or ſpeak well
of Officers in like places that purchaſe their
Malters favours by filling Coffers and emptying their Purſes; or that he
could not deviſe a better means how to arm himſelf ſtrongly againſt the
Machinations and excurſions of ſuch incertain Enemies, but by the friend-
Y
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2:46 The Life and Reign of Richard the T hird.
tan. 1484. , ſhip and protection of ſo potent a Monarch, as the King of England was, the
validiiy of whoſe Gold, and the power of whoſe Arm, might purchaſe or
procure his Freedom or Safety, if at any time thereafter impeached.
Whilſt the Treaſurer is plotting and placing his Engins, to make deli.
very of the Merchandize, as afore bought and lold, God who always provi-
deth for the deliverance out of danger for thoſe that truſt to him, had ſo
appointed, that Chriſtopher Vrſwick is ſent out of Flanders, from Morton
Biſhop of Ely, (who by Gods eſpecial care and providence, was ever
mindful, and carefully waichful of the Earl Richmoirds proſperous
proceeding) to forewarn the Earl of the near and certain peril he
was in, and to acquaint him both with the Plot, and the means to prevent
it. The Earl quickly reſentethit, and preſently diſpatcherh Vrſwick to the
French King, to crave the continuance of his gracious favourg and again to
grant him lafe paſſage thorow his Dominions. Vrfwick was no ſooner gone
on his way, but the Earl (making no more, than needs muſt; acquainted
with his intention) having procured a Guide, by unfrequented ways, to
conduct him into France, gave private Directions to the Earl of Pembrook,
to make an overture, to draw his Forces towards the Duke of Brittain
(who by this time had been ſomewhat Recovered of his Malady, and was
retired to take the Air, near the Borders of France) that he (as though
ſo by him deſired) might make view of them: But afſoon as ever they
came near any the confines of. France, he ſhould with all convenient ſpeed,
make entrance thereinto, and attend further Directions. The Earl of
Pembrook punctually followed his Directions and ſafely arrived in the Dut-
chy.of Anjou, where they made their rendezvous. Richmond with only
five in his Company, himſelfdiſguiſedJikean.ordinary Serving man through
Woods and By-ways, came to Argeirs,: whither ſome of his retinue were
gotten before, and attended his coming. From thence he writeth to the
Duke of Britain, excuſing his ſo ſudden andūnñannerly departure occa-
fioned through his certain danger; (if not thus ayoyded) by the Plot afore-
ſaid.
o lo
ny of Souldier, under the conduct of John Vitry(Landoys his only Creature
and Counſellour, 'who gave forth by the way that theſe men were waged
for the aid of the Earl of Richmonds and to that purpoſe had Vitryformerly
written to the Earl) came to:Vans; where hearing of the Earl's ſudden de-
parture, he ſent out hisVáunt:curriers:into every quarter to appréhendand
ſtay-him; but they:loft:their Labours., : : ! !
Sir Edward-Woodvile, and: Captain Poyrings"with their Companies,
being left behind in Vans, shad_been in great-hazzard-to; bave been diſtreſ:
ſed; but their diſcreet:Behaviour; both then and before, had-gottena good
opinion amongſt the Townſmenz that they quietly permitted their ſtayļa-
mongſt them, until they had informed the Duke by the means of the
Chancellour, who was their friend and Landosj's Antagoniſts oftheireſtáte,
who much diſpleaſed-with thècharſh: uſage of the Earl,, byLandoys, zout
of a:Noble and.commendable;diſpoſition, furniſhed them not only with
Money to diſcharge.their debts in the Town, but alſo with carriages, aſid
all neceſſaries for their orderly accommodation.in their march to the Earl
of Richmond: whither with a ſafe conduct he ſent them, where they ſafely
arrived.:
The Earl returņs thanks to the Duke, and with an authentical Inſtru.
::;
1
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The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
247
Ann. 1484
R. 2.
1
ment, whereby the Earl, and all the Gentlemen preſent, had ſubſcribed to the
repayment of the Money lent, and ſatisfaction ofall thingselſe,by thoſe Com-
panys, received, fends him a more ample and perfect remonftrance of the
Treaſurers treachery, which afterwards gave juſt occaſion to the Duke of
Britains Kindred (who were by Decree of the King, and all the Peers of
France, in regard of the Dukes infirmity, to manage the affairs of the Dut-
chy) to queſtion Landoys for that, and other over-bold Actions of his, to
his after-overthrow:For he and his Favourite John Vitry,(upon the juſt com-
plaint of the Chancellour, and the unappealable fury of the inraged multi-
tude) had their proceſs legally made againſt them, and were accordingly
hanged.
The Earlof Richmond admitted to the preſence of the French King, ac-
quaints him with his intention, and laying claim to the Crown of England,
and his means of proſecution thereof, and requeſteth his amity and aſſiſt
ance. Both which King Charles faithfully promiſed, and as effectually per-
formed, to his great honour.
In the interim, Richmond and his retinue, are honourably entertained,and
bountifully fcaſted in the French Court, and many proffers of matches to the
young Engliſh Batchelors there made, but none ſucceeded.
Whilft the Earl is thus attending in the French Court, John Vere Earl of
Oxford, who had long
been Priſoner in the Caſtle of Hams, had ſo
preva-
dently perſwaded with James Blunt, Captain of the Fortreſs, and Sir John
Forteſcue, Porter of the Town of Callice, that they not only gave him leave
to take his own liberty, but accompanied him to the Earl of Richmond, of
whom they are joyfully welcoñed; and to him Captain Blunt gives aſſu-
rance, that the Fortreſs did remain only at his devotion.
To the Earl at this time there reſorted divers youngGentlemen, that were
ſtudents, in the Univerſity of Paris, proffering him their ſervice; amongſt
whom was Richard Fox, at that time very famous for good Clerkſhip, and
fair carriage, to whom the Earlthen gave entertainment, and then adviſer
with him in all his affairs, but afterwards upon proof of his good abilities,
he made him one of his moſt privy Councel.
King Richard being informed, that his Chapmen could not compaſs his ſo
much deſired Merchandize in Britain, and that Richmond was ſafe, and fair-
ly entertained in the French Kings Court,he reſolved not to leave any thing
undone, how vile and nefarious foever, that might further him to defeat
his Adverſary. And being perſwaded, that he could by any means Antici-
pate
the Earl from matching with his Neece Elizabeth; and being ſo fleſht
in Villany, that Cuſtom in him had taken away all ſenſe of linning: this
downright Inſtrument of the Devil; reſolverh to rid his Hands of Anne his
Queen, and as it were to win the prize from all precedent Tyrants, in be-
ing Guiltleſs of no Impiety; he attempteth the Marriage of his Neece, his
Queen being yet living. But ſhe, good Lady, ſhall be quickly made fure e-
nough from hindring his deſpicable deſign, in joyning Inceſt to Murther.
And thus reſolved, cloking his Wolviſh condition under the vail of Inno-
cent well-meaning, this Monſter of men, backt by the Devil, and his diſ-
ſembling looks, endeavoureth to perſwade the Queen of England, his Bro.
thers Widow, that he moſt intirely affe&ed her pleaſure, and her Childrens
preferment; and to obtain her good opinion, would.not only pardon the
Earl of Dorſet but promote him,andall their Kindred, to Honourand prime
Offices of the Kingdom.
So
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The Life and Reign of Richard the: T bird.
*
Ann. 1484.
R. 2.
7
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So far he prevailed with this mear pittiful Queen, that ſhe had quite for-
gotten the Murther of her Innocent Infants, the Butchering of her own Bro.
ther, Son, and Kinsfolks, the calumny of her Royal Huſband, the aſperſion
of Adultery obtruded to her ſelf, the imputation of Baſtardy laid to her
Daughters; and her firm faith plighted to the contrary to the Dutcheſs of
Richmond, and the aſſurance thereby of her elder Daughters perferment,upon
King Richards glozingſpeeches, was contented firſt to commit her Daughters
to the cuſtody of him that was Author and Actor of all theſe calumniations
and Cruelties; and afterwards by Letters Mandatory, to ſolicite her Son the
Marqueſs of Dorſet, to deſert the Earl of Richmond, and to incline to King
Richard, who ſhe aſſured. him, had not only granted him his free and
gene-
ral Pardon, but had provided honourably to prefer him'upon his return.
This done, King Richard with great Solemnity, and formalſhew of extra-
ordinary affections (the ſureſt-Ginnes to catch Women and Rattle-brains.)
entertaineth the abuſed Mother, and ſeduced Daughters: And preſently
takes order to make one Saint the more in Heaven, by ſending his Wife thi-
ther before her time; but how or by what means, it is not-made manifeft.
She is with all Solemnity, which the ſhortneſs of time to prepare would
permit, interred at Saint Peters Church in Weſtminſter, where ſome few
forced tears for a ſhew, are wrung from his eyes at the Funeral
, whilſt his
thoughts are plotting, how to compaſs inceſtuous copulation with his own
Brothers, Daughter, whom he immoderately viſiteth, and entertains with
all varieties of pompous pleaſures, as it were by ſuch Muſick, to prepare
her, affection the ſoonerto admit of his love-ſuit: But her harmleſs lonocen.
cy, not diving into his villanous, purpoſes, takes all things from him as ho-
nourable courteſies.
Now only fear to loſe that little good opinion which the common peo-
ple had caft away upon him, induced thereunto by his late formal ſhew of
repentance and Proteſtation of his hearty deteſtation of his former bloody
courſe of life,did with hold this monſter of mankind, as yet to diſcover his
beaſtly defire, which was, to purchaſe his pleaſure by rape, if not otherwiſe
procurable. But for that it behoved him to labour to prevent the growing
ſtorm; threatned from beyond the Seas, and to hinder the further growth
of his enemies forces at home, againſt his will he prorogues the execution
of his defires, and leaves love-matters until another ſeaſon.
The Lord Stanley is commanded to levie all his forces for the Kings agd,
as he will juſtify his integrity to him; nevertheleſs, cannot be permitted
to go down into his Countrey, until he had left George Lord Strange, his
firſt begotten Son, as a ſure pledge of his love and Loyalty, behind him.
The ſurrender of the
Caſtle of Hammes, to the Earl of Richmond by. Cap.
tain Blount; is come to the ears' of King Richard, who preſently giveth or-
der to the Garriſon of Callice, and the Forts adjoyning, to reduce the ſame,
which they accordingly attempted; but the Captain at his departure cha
ving left his Wife therein) had ſufficiently furniſhed it, to withſtand anyar.
ſault, until relief might with conveniency be ſent unto it.
The Earl of Richmond having notice of the fiege, ſendeth the Earl of Ox-
ford, with ſome Forces, to remove it, or relieve the beſieged.
Thomas Brandon, a Servant of the Earl of Oxford, with thirty reſolute
Souldiers, find the means to enter into the Caſtle, carrying with them ſuch
Ammunition as was then moſt wanting, whilſt the Earl of Oxford with his
other Forces are marching thither,upon notice whereof,theCallicians offer'd
the
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The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
249
:
the beſieged, that if they would ſurrender the Caſtle, all that were within
it, ſhould have fair and noble quarter, with free liberty to depart; with Ann, 1484
.
R. ...
Bag and Baggage, which was accordingly readily embraced, being theon-
ly end of the Earl of Oxfords journey, which was to redeem his friends, in
eſpecial the Gentlewomen in the Caſtle, out of danger. And then leaving
the Caſtle clean Bare, withour either men, Ammunition or Ordnance, they
retreated in ſafety to the Earl of Richmond,
The ſhips which King Richard had appointed to guard the Seas, to de-
bar the Earls pallage, (he having been informed, though untruly, that
Richmond was hapleſs and hopeleſs of help from the French King) arecalled
home, and all the Souldiers diſcharged, only order given for the diligent
watching the Beacons.
Thomas Marqueſs Dorſet, to give the bettercolour to the report of Rich-
monds backwardneſs to do any thing ſuddenly, and not induced thereto
by his Mothers ſolicitation, maketh a ſhow to forſake Richmond, and con-
veyeth himſelf towards Flanders, but by the way is overtaken by Humphrey
Cheney, who was appointed to follow him, and was not only perſwadediore-
turn, but to remain hoſtage with Sir John Bourchier for ſecurity of performing
the Articles concluded on, betwixt the Earl of Richmond, and divers his
friends in France, and for the repayment offundry Sums of Money by Rich-
mond, for this expedition, borrowed.
But report being come into Britain, that the Uſurper laboured the ſpeedy
making up of a match betwixt him and the Lady Elizabeth, and had like-
wiſe prepared and propoſed an Huſband for her Siſter Cicely; there was
too little time left to be employed for longer conſultation what more to
do, or furiber. expectation of aid how lto do; Por experience did.
manifeſt it, that the longer they ſtayed, every day the leſs ready they
were, for either Vi&uall or other proviſion grew fowre or ſtinking,
and every hour would grow worſe and worſe: And that all the Paſſages
and Ports were fo ſtopped and guarded, that it was a thing almoſt impolli-
ble to ſend or receive any further intelligence out of England, which was
the more demonſtrated by the certain relation of Morgan Kidvelley, a ſtu-
dent of the Common Law of England, who with great hazard had brought
Information to the Earl, that Rice áp Thomas and John Savage, two appro-
ved Commanders, and moſt powerful in their own Country, were ready
with all the Forces they could make, to abet his courſe upon his firſt land
ing, though with hazard of their lives; and that his truſty Friend Reignold
Bray was ready provided of Money and all other neceſſaries, to furniſh
Richmonds neceſſities, and only awaited his approach; and for the reaſons
aforeſaid, adviſed him to ſteer his courſe for Wales, and further; from them
adjured him to make all poſſible feſtination, aſſuring him that nothing could
procure better ſpeed, then preſent expedition; whereupon Richmond with
not much above two thouſand ſtipendaries, and but convenient Bottomsto
transfret them, about the middle of Auguſt following, put to Sea, and on the
ſeventh day after their departure from Harfler, they arrived at Milford ha-
ven, where, without trouble or impeachment, he landed his forces; and
from thence peaceably marched to Hereford, where by the Inhabitants there
he was joyfully received.
A common report is raiſed, that Rice ap Thomas, and John Savage
ſtood out for King Richard, which gave ſome occaſion of miſtruſt to Rich-
mond; but the trouble was lefſened when he was reſolved by Captain Ar.
nold
.
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250 The Life and Reign of Richard the T hird.
K, 2,
i
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nold Butler, that the Earl of Pembrook with all his retinue were upon the
Ann. 1484. way to joyn with the Earl of Richmond.
Richard Griffith likewiſe with a band of brave Wellh-men,and John Mor-
gan with the like oumber, enerdaled Earl Henrys Forces, who with them fair-
ly and eaſily marched towards Skrewsbury.
The Eails skawts bring in word, that Sir Robert Harbert and Rice
ар
Thomas, were ready with a great power to ſtop bis paſſage; whereupon
he diſpatched Meſſengers with Letters to his mother and Friends, to cer-
tific them of all occurrences Unce his ſafe arrival, and to acquaint them
with his intention to paſs Severn at Shrewsbury, and from thence to
march directly for Landon; and then prepares himſelf for the encounter
And'in his march is ſaluted by Rice ap Thomas, who with a valiant crew of
Souldiers offers their ſervice, foas' Earl Henry will pledg his faith to per-
form his promiſe formerly intimated by Letter, which was that after he had
obtained the Crown Richmond ihquld make and appoint Rice fole Gover-
nour of Wales; which was aflented unto, and accordingly afterwards per:
formed.
Sir Gilbert Talbot that evening, with all the Earl of Shrewsbury's tenants,
t
the Earl himſelf being the Kings Ward, with about two thouſand well ap:
pointed nen, came and joyned with Richmond.
,
The Lord Staniey in the way with soco men, had taken his lodging at the
Town of Leiceſters but hearing of Earl Henry's march that way, he quit the
Town, and went to Adderton, where he quartered his men.
King Richard.all this time lay at Nottingham, Ilighting any Intelligence
that wasgiven him of the Earl of Richmond's proceedings, and as it were con
temning their weakneſs, would often ask the Courtiers, what they thought
a poor Company of Fugitive Raskals were able to do to impeach his plea:
fure.
Although at firſt he did neglect to ſtop their proceedings, yet when he
underſtogd that thoſe forces, which be had appointed to impeach their paf:
ſage, had not only ſuffer'd them uninterrupted to paſs,but where now joyned
unto Earl Henry;King Richard began, when it was ſomewhat with the lateſt,
to look about him, pofted directions to the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of
Northumberland and Surrey, with Sir Thomas Brackenbury the Lieutenant ofthe
Tower of London, and ſome others his well-willers, with all ſpeed, and
forces poſſible, to repair unto him to Lutterworth. King Richard isinformed
by his Vaunt-curriors, that Richmond was encamped at Lichfield, and from
thence would remove to Leiceſter, wherefore he upon the arrival of his
power; marched towards bis Enemies.
Plke Earl of Richmond likewiſe with his forces make towards Tamworth,
and by the way is encountred by Sir Walter Hungerford, and ſome others,
who had that night withdrawn themſelves from King Richards part; and
they gave Richmonditeue information, both of the number and order of King
Richard's Army.
· The Earl of Richmond here upov by night, ſecretly repayreth to his Fa-
ther-in-Law,the Lord Stanley, with whom and his brother, having conful-
ted of thoſe things thacmight conduce moſt to his better proceedings, he re-
turneth(but not without ſome hazard)to his Company,which he found much
encreaſed and encouraged by the acceſſion of Sir John Savage, Sir Bryan Stan-
ford, and Sir Simon Digby,. wish their ſeveral Companies of valiant and ex-
pert Souldiers.
King
!
.
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the. Tbird.
251
Ann. 1484
R. 2.
King Richard took the advantage of a large plain, a commodious place near
Boſworth, adjoyning to a Hill called Anne Beame, where he encamped; and
obſerving by his Adverſaries manner of approach, that they were pre-
pared to give him Batde, he the next Morning drew his Forces with
what convenient ſpeed he could out of the Camp, and put them in Or-
der.
The Foreward, that was led by the Duke of Norfolk, which conſiſted of
one thouſand two hundred Bow-men, flancked with two hundred Curaf-
feirs, under the conduct of the Earl of Surrey: The Battle King Richard led
in perſon, which conſiſted of a thouſand Bill-men empaled with two thou-
ſand Pike.
The Rereguard was led by Sir Thomas Brackenbury, conſiſting of two
thouſand mingled weapons, with two wings of Horſe-men, containing fif-
teen hundred, all of them caſt into ſquare manuples, ſtill expecting the
Lord Stanley; preſence, who with two thouſand, moſt of them Horſe-men,
were not let out of their quarter, when the forlorn-hope of the Earl of
Richmond had begun to skirmiſh; the Foot-men, under the leading of Sir
William Stanley, being upon their March, were enforced, as he pretended,
$0:avoica Myry Bog that lay betwixt them and the King, and to avoid the
danger of being charged before they ſhould have opportunity tojoyo with
him; to fetch a compaſs about, by that means, caſting a. milt before
the: Kings eyes ; that he might not palpably perceive their intenti,
on, to give aſſiſtance to the Earl of Richmond: For if that ſhould
have been diſcovered, it might have coſt the Life of little George Stan.
ley.
The Earl of Richmond, very early in the Morning, had ſent unto his Fa-
ther-in-Law, defiring his preſent repair ; and the rather for that he want-
ed his more able direction to deraign his Battle : But he was anſwered from
him, that no aid or direction muſt be expected from him, more than that
he adviſed him, with all poſſible ſpeed to give the onſet, and after the Bat-
tle ſhould be joyned, he and his Brother would ſecond the Battle. Earl
Henry ſomewhat ſtaggering at the firſt, at the anſwer, made a vertue of ne-
ceflity, and took councel of his own Commanders; And by their adviſe,
becauſe the weakneſs of their Body ſhould not be preſently diſcerned (for
their numbers did but little exceed the half ofthe Kings) their Voward was
made very open and thin, of which John Earl of Oxford had the leading;
the Earl of Richmond in perſon led the Battle, Sir Gilbert Talbot command.
ing the right wing, and Sir John Savage the left; whoſe ſouldiers being all
alike clad, in white coats of Cloth or Frize, and hoods of the ſame, by
the
reflection of the Sun upon them, made them appear in the view of their
Adverſaries double their number. The Rereguard was governed by the
Earl of Pembrook, which confilted moſt of Horſe, and ſome Pike, and black
Bills.
King Richard having drawn his chief Leaders about him, and placing
himſelf in that manner, as that he might be the better heard, Caith;
My faithful Friends, and fellow Souldiers, you, by whoſe true policy I
at firſt obtained, and by whoſe as true proweſs I have hitherto defended
my Crown, mauger all the Rebellious Machinations, and tumultuary Se-
ditions of my ſo many Adverſaries: you, by whole Prudence and provi-
dent circumſpection nothing that might further the proſperity of this King-
dom, hath been omitted ; nothing that might impeach or impair the ho-
nour
+
252 The Life and Reign of Richard the T hird.
K. 2,
nour of it; hath been committed ; ſo that without adulation I may ſay it,
Ann. 1484 by your only advice, I am whirt I am: And if now by your aid and aſſiſt-
ance I do not this day ſubliff, I Thall not be ſo fortunate to enjoy; as I have
been happy to obtain; but I am confident of your Loves and Loyalties
, and
thereupon fet up my reſt.
What ſhould move this but halfcobled Souldiers, this linſie-woolfie
Welſh-men with a Crew of poor Rakeſhame Runagates to attempt this to
rob me of my Crown, and you of your Liberties and Lives, I know not, ,
except the Devil owe his Ambitious Pride a ſhame,and hath brought him
this day to your hands toreceive his condign chaſtiſement for it. The Beg.
gerly Britons, and faint-hearted French-men what further aim have they
then to make prey on your Patrimonies, to abuſe your Wives and Daughi-
ters, and to enrichthemſelves by yourloſſes, and to extirpate your poſteri-
ties?
For prevention of all which, let us this day but ſhow our ſelves theinhe-
ritors of Qur Anceſtors valours ;and but fight like men, and you ſhall quick-
ly make them run like Cravens, or dye like Dogs.
For my part, take the word of your Prince, I am thorowly reſolved, either
this day to be a Conquerour, or elſe to loſe my life in queſt of victory: And
fo Saint George, let us charge with courage.
But theſe words were not powerful enough to work any great effect in
the hearts of the Souldiers, by reaſon they were delivered not with that
alacrity of Spirit he was wont, but in a trained compoſure of his counte-
nance, as being dejected by the remembrance of his Horrid dreams which
thegnawing of his Conſcience had ſuggeſted in his ſleep that night, which
made it appear that he had no great hope to prevail, whatſoever he ſaid, or
ſhewed.
The Earl of Richmond, unwilling to be behind hand, in orderly directi-
on, made unto his men this exhortation.
If ever God gave victory to his Servants fighting in a juſt quarrel, or gave
aid to thoſe that endeavoured the welfare of the Common-wealth,or gave a
Bleſſing to ſuch as laboured the ſuppreſſion ofaTyrannous Uſurper, the vin-
dication of Innocent Blood-lhedding, or the juſt puniſhment of fratricide,
and moſt execrable Trearon:
We need not then (dear Countrey-men and my kind Companions in
Arms) make any doubt, but that he will be pleaſed this day to give us a
glorious victory, and give us juſt occaſion to Triumph in the Conqueſt over
this Uſúrping Blood-fucker.
It is not (I prefume Junknown to any one of you, that our cauſe is juſt,
for he, againſt whom we oppoſe (that wrongfully ſtileth himſelf King)
unjuſtly detaineth from me the Scepter of this Kingdom, which injuſtice
was initiated with Blood, by the unnatural Mürther of his Brother,
Nephews, and neareſt Allies, continued by Machivilian Plots, and finifter
practiſes, to betray the Nobility and Gentry to the loſs of their lives, the
confiſcation of their goods,ſeizure of their lands,dif-inheriting of their Chil-
dren, and final extirpation of their families, as having no care of his conſci-
ence, neither reverencing God nor reſpecting man.
Am not I and you
(nay all the true-hearted Nobility of this Kingdom) woful Witneſles of
this his fo inſupportable Tyranny do we not every day and hour more and
more ſuſtain the wounds, contuſions and diſlocations, that this Richard by
his Bloody Reign and Tyrannous Uſurpation hath made in the Body of this
Common-
Richmond's
Exhortation
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
253
R. 2.
Common-wealth, and thall we, part of her Members, as if not ſenſible of her Ann. 1484.
diſgraces, or injuries, ſit ſtill, and ſilently ſuffer the ravenous Bore of the
Forreſt to root up the ſweet Vine of peace of this Kingdom, and prey upon
our rightful inheritance? And as it were willingly lay down our Necks to
carry the Irvile yoke of his imperious cruelty, and infolent uſurpation? The
Loid torbid.
What are his aſſociate confederates, but of like Feather, ſuch as his bare
donation without right or title wrongfully uſurp; as he doth the Crown
from
me, ſo they your patrimony and unqueſtionable right from you and
yours, without right or colour-like right.
Let us therefore pluck up our ſpirits,and ſetting all fear and diffidence a-
part, let us like faithful fellows, and loving friends,in Gods name, joyn hand
and heart to quell this Monſter of men, and either make in this days Action
the date of our Life honourable,or the beginning ofour victory Triumphant.
And God who is the only giver of victory, will, I faithfully believe, look
upon the juſtneſs of the cauſe, and give ſucceſs accordingly unto us.
It is not muhitude, but united hearts, for a juſt quarrel that procures Con-
queſt, and the God of glory can ſhew his power, through our weakneſs;
the leſsour numbers, the more our renown, if we be Victors; and it we
dye (as we all owe God a death) in this ſo well an intended action, neither
ruſt of time, which devoureth all things elle, nor any thing whatſoever,can
debar us from a perpetuity of Life hereon Earth after Death, and a Crown
of everlaltirg Glory in Heaven.
This incraitiul wretch hath diffidence in all men, and who then can have
confidencvin him? Let ustherefore like true Heroes againſt a Tyrant, Honeſt
hearted men again?t a Traytor,and true Patriots againſt anUſurper; like free-
Born undaunted ſpirits againſt the Monſter of the Earth, both in birtband be-
haviour, being from his Infancy branded for a ſtigmatick, expreſs our ſelves
Noble, Honelt, true hearted and Valiant: go forward then,advance our Co.
lours, incite your courages, and in the name of God, cry, Saint George for
England, and God, I doubt not, will give us his Bleſſing, and make the day
ours. In aſſurance whereof, thus I plight you the faith of a friend; I wiltra-
ther be found dead by fighting reſolutely,than aliveby lying ignominiouſly.
Theſe words were with geſtureof Body,and alacrity of ſpirit,fo confidently
delivered that it drew from the hearers tears of joy, and putſuch reſolu-
tion into their hearts, that they preſently expreſt the ſame in their preſent
falling to handle their Arms, and by the way, to move, encourage, animate
one another, to buy and vie for the Victory bravely,or to rate and ſell their
lives highly, dearly. And therewith advance, and giving a great ſhout, to
ſhew their willingneſs, upon the firſt ſight of the Enemy, let fly a volley of
ſhafts ſo cloſe and home, that King Richards Voward haſted, though againſt
their wills, to joyn, to be out of the danger of a ſecond ſhower.
The Earl of Oxford was as ready for the encounter, and fearing to be dif-
advantaged by the thinneſs of his front, he gave the word, that no man ſhould
(traggle but follow his leader,and commanded the fronters not to advance
further nor otherwiſe than he gave direction ; by which diſciplinethey were
preſently faln into a cloſe Body, and ſo ſtood firm; in which time, Sir Willi-
am Stanley had time to draw up his men likewiſe, to encreaſe the length of
the Van; which gave them occaſion on the other ſide, that were not well
affected to the ſervice, to ſlack their pace,and ſpare their bow-ſtrings,which
the Earl of Oxford well obſerving, being encouraged by the approvement of
the
254 The Life and Reign of Richard the I bird,
k. 2.
1
1
the courle, by the Lord Stanley, who was now come to theForeward,and pub-
Ann. 1484. lickly proféſt himſelf to wiſh well to his Son-in-laws proceedings, gave
on with a brave charge, and followed it ſo home, that the adverſe part, not
able (at leaſt not willing) to endure the ſhock (for the cauſe of quarrelia
a Souldier, encreaſeth the courage, or abateth the edge of Reſolution) gave
Ground; which moved King Richard to bring on the main Battle, and with
a deſperate reſolution entred ſo far into the Enemies Battle, that with his
own hands he flew Sir William Brandon, Richmonds chief Standard-Bearer,
and unhorſt Sir Jokn Cheney, a Strong and Stout ajan at Arms. And at
length, encounting with the Earl of Richmond, enterchanged ſome buffets.
But Henry, aided by the divine help, and favoured with the uprightneſs of
his cauſe, withſtood Rickards forceable aſlault. But whilſt the Armies on
both lides ſtood ftriving in a doubtful hazard who ſhould win the prize,
Sir William Stanley, with three thouſand freſh Men, crying, Saint George, á
Richmond, joyned with his Brothers Souldiers, and brake into King Richards
Battle, who thereupon fled incontinently, leaving the King behind to make
a Bloody cataſtrophe of his ſlaughterly Reign, who throughlyenraged; fu-
rioully fighting without diſcretion or ability to prevail, he fell under the
Sword of his Enemies.
।
The Rumor of his Death, and the Routing of the Battle, gave occaſion to
the Reregard, commanded by Henry Earl of Northumberland, who rather
wilhed than expected what did befall, to ſubmit without itriking ſtroke,
whereby the victory fell to the Earl of Richmonds part, who upon certainty
thereof, inſtantly in moſt Religious Devotion,gave order for publick thanki-
giving to God for their happy preſervation ; and he himſelf that
precept, made himſelf the pattern therein : alighting from his Horſe, and
kneeling upon his knees, firſt privately to himſelf, and then publickly with
the reſt, gave Glory to his Maker.
There were not above one thouſandſlain on both ſides, the chief ofwhom
was John Duke of Norfolk, who was often warned, and much laboured that
day to forbear the Field, in regard there was found written upon his Tent
door;
Jack of Norfolk be not too bold;
For Dickon thy Maſter is bought and ſold.
But what God had before appointed, could not be prevented.
This John Howard, wasthe Son of Sir Robert Howard, Knight and Marga-
ret Eldelt Daughter and co heir of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk; in
whoſe right he was created Duke of Norfolk the five and twentieth day
of June, in the year of our Lord, 1483.
He Married two Wives, the firſt was Katherine Daughter of William Lord
Mullyns; by whom he had iſſue, one Son and four Daughters.
Thomas,. that ſucceeded him, and was created Earlof Surrey, in the firſt
year of King Richards the Third, and was reſtored to grace, and made Lord
Treaſurer in thefixteenth year of Henry the Seventh; and
1. Anne, Married to Sir Edmond Gorge, Knight.
2. Iſabell, Married to Robert Mortymer, of Efex, Knight.
3. Jane, Married to Thomas Tymperley, Eſquire; and
4. Margaret, Married to Jobń Windham of Cowthercķ in Norfolk, Knight.
This Dukes Second!Wife, was Margaret, Daughter of Sir John Chadworth,
Knight; by whom he had iffue, Katherine, Married to John Bourchier, Lord
Berners, and no more.
Walter
gave the
1
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The Life and Reign of. Richard the Third.
255
R 2.
I'
Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Richard Ratcliffe, and Sir Robert Brackenbury', ( Ann. 1484.
Knights, with William Catesby, an Uiterbarriſter, with ſome others, were
taken flying and thortly after Executed at Leiceſter.
Francis, Viſcount Lovel, and the two Staffords, eſcaped and took Sanctu-
ary in S. Johns at Gloceſter.
Herry Earl of Northumberland, ſubmitting himſelf, was not only pardon-
ed, but received into fivour, whilſt Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, eldeſt
Son of John Duke of Norfolk, that then and there rendred himſelf, as the
other did, to the Conquerors mercy, was committed cloſe Priſoner in Lei-
ceſter, and from thence ſent to the Tower of London.
There were not on the E:rl of Richmonds part above one hundred ſlain,
the principal whereof was William Brandon.
This Buitle was fought at Rodner, near Boſworth, the two and twentieth
day of Auguſt, in the year of our Lord God 1486.
After publick thankſgiving was, as before preferibed, orderly and Religi.
oully performed, Earl Henry gave order to ſearch amongſt the ſain, for
ſuch as were but wounded, commanding thoſe carefully to be dreſt, and
the other to be with decency on both ſides Buried.
TheBɔdy of King Richard being amongſt the ſlaughtered carkaſſes found,
the whole Army gave a general ſhout, and with loud acclamations of, Long
Live King Henry, made the field eccho again.
The Lord Stanley having in his cuſtody King Richard the UſurpersCrown,
which amongſt the ſpoyles his Souldiers had found and brought to him, pla-
ced the ſame on Earl Henry's Head, wherewith the Souldiers reiterated their
joyful Acclamations, making the fields reſound with, Long Live King Henry,
of that name the Seventh; as if by their only ſuffrages he had been Elected
and confirmed King of England.
Here with the tent-keepers of the uſurper came and ſubmitted themſelves
to the Lord Stanley,and brought with them young George Strange, whom the
Uſurper upon the Lord Stanleys refuſal, preſently to draw down his Forces
to joyn with him, had ſworn (before he went to Dinner) by the Life of
St. Paul, to have had Beheaded: but was perſwaded by his Council, to fo
bear the Execution, until the Battle ſhould be determined. Now being
brought to the preſence of his Father, the young Gentleman (being thereto
by his Keepers inſtructed before)craved the help of his.mediation to the King
for their pardon, which was willingly undertaken, and as eaſily procured.
From thence the Camp preſently removed, and King Henry marched to
the Town of Leiceſter, where for the more refreſhing of his Men, and the
better accommodation of himſelf for his Journey towards the City of Lon-
don, he remained two days.
In the mean time, the Body of the Uſurper, ſtark naked, all mangled and
beſmeared with Blood, and Duft, without ſo much as the leaſt rag to cover
nis Frivities, was truſſed behind Blanch Senigleer, his own Purſevant of
Armes, like Butchers-ware, his Head and his Arms hanging on the one ſide
of the Horſe, his Legs on the other, and ſo was brought to Leiceſter, where
for a ſpectacle of hate and ſcorn, by the ſpace of two days he lay bare and
in-interred At laſt; by the charity of the Gray Fryers there, without ſolemn
Funeral pomp, ſcarce with ordinary ſolemnity, he was inhumed in their
Monaſtery there: he Reigned two years, two Months, and one day.
This Richard Married Anne, ſecond Daughter of Richard Nevill,common-
lyſtiled, Great Earlof Warwick; by whom he had iſſue, Édward, whom
ܪ
!
1
1
at
256 The Life and Reign of Richard the T hird.
fi. 2.
H
>
at twelve Months old he created Prince of Wales ; but happily dyed before
Ann. 1484. his father.
This Richard was Born at Fodringhay Caſtle in Northamptonſhire, the
third Son of Richard Duke of York, younger Brother of George Duke of
Clarence, by him Murdered in the Tower.
After the death of his Brother King Edward the Fourth, he procured him
ſelt to be made Protector and Guardian of his two Nephews; of whom
he made himſelf the execrable Murtherer.
For a fuller expreſſion of his character, he was born a Monſter in Nature,
with all his Teeth, with Hair on his Head, and Naylson his Fingers and Toes,
with a viperous ſtrength enforcing as it were his paflage through his Mo
thers Womb, whom afterwards he ſhamed not to accuſe of Adultery; but
as one that then wrought Journy-work with the Devil, his manners and qua-
lities ſeconded the feature and lineaments of his body and Members, which
were much deformed, being Hook-ſhouldred,Splay-footed, and Goggle-ey'd,
his countenance ſower, the compoſure of his face little and round, his com-
plexion ſwarfie, his left Arm from his Birth dry and withered.
Nature ſupplied theſe deformities of the Body, with a ſtrong Brain, a
quick Apprehenſion,a good Memory, and a moſt fuent Tongue, which he
ſeldom exerciſed, but to theabuſe of credulity. And with the ſweetneſs of
his delivery, he could ſo prevail with ſuch whom he meant to work apon,
that he would oftentimes, as it were infatuate them, and enforce their be-
lief of his Oaths and Proteſtations, which were, by St. Paul, and wiſhing
God to damn him, if he did not perform his word(which at the time of the
ſpeaking was n'o part of his thought) yea, ſometimes againſt the hearers
Knowledge and Conſcience: he was neither morally honeſt, nor religiouſly
good. He uſed to make Authority the ſtawking-horſe to his will, and his
will the ſole Commander of his Conſcience, the largeneſs whereof could
without any fcruple, fwallow Murther of Biother, Nephew, Wife, and
neareſt Friends, nay, attempt rape and inceſt with his own Brothers Daugh-
ter, yet did with Artificial Diffimulation, fo cover his diſhoneſt and abo-
minable intentions, that not many could diſcover them.
Who or whatſoever oppoſed his aſpiring pride, or unprofitable pleaſure,
was by his Plotting cunningly and covertly takety away, or removed. He
was ſo throughly perfectin the Hypoeritical art of fimulation, and diffimu
lation, that he would uſe moſt complement, and ſhew greateſt ſigns of love
and courtéſie to hiš in the Morning, whoſe Throat he had taken order to
be cut that Evening
He held it for a Maxime in poliey, That half doitig in atiy thing, was
worſe than no doing; and therefore whatſoever he once áttempted, he
went through with it, howſoever it ſeemed to others unnatural, and un-
chriftian.
He uſed the Iriſtruthients of his Bloody Plote, as men do their Candles,
burn the firſt to a ſouff
, and then having lighted another, tread that un-
der-foot; ýět howſoever his birth wërë prodigious, and life Monſtrotis,
yet his death wasn'ot diſhonourable. For though his cauſe were bad, he
fought bravely; and dyed fighting, leaving behind áñ ample teſtimony of
his great valour, and little grace. With the end of his Reign" the Sword
of Civil diffention betwixt the two Houſes of Tork and Lancaſter, which
had beer lo long drawr, and ſo often Bathed in the Blood of Chriſtians,
was happilý fheat tried; and the páſláge' to concord prepared ; whilſt this
1
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YHM
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
257
Ann. 1484.
R. 2.
X
í
+
Kil
roor Iſland that had been imbroyled with War and her companions, had lei.
ſure to call to mind, the many Murthers,Stratagems, Slaughters, Overthrows,
and Calamities, which through their unnatural diviſion of the two Roſes,
ſhe had ſuſtained; and thereby ſhe found that from the time that Richard
Duke of York, who was ſlain in the Battel at Wakefield, ſeeking to antici.
pate the time allotted unto him by Authority of the Parliament (whereby
the Crown was entailed to him and his iflue) to gain the poſſeſſion there.
of, and from whence all thoſe prerecited miſeries did proceed, untill the
death of the Uſurper; there were ſlain fourſcore Princes of the Blood Royal,
and twice as many Natives of England, as were loſt in the two Conqueſts of
France. The diffention that fell, was betwixt the Houſe of York. deſcended
from Lionel, born at Antwerp, Duke of Clarence ſecond Son of Edward the
third; and the Houſe of Lancaſter,ilſued from John of Gaunt, the third ſur-
viving, but otherwiſe fourth Son of the ſame King: the firſt giving for his
cognizance the White Roſe, the other the Red.
Lionel Duke of Clarence, Married to his firſt Wife Elizabeth Daughter and
Heir of William Burgh, Earl of Ulſter, and to his ſecond Wife Violenta
Daughter of Galens Viſcount of Miſlaine ; by his firſt Wife he had iſlue Phi-
lip, lole and only Child; which Philip was Married to Edmond Mortimer
Earl of March, and Ulſter, who had iſſue by her.
i Roger March, the fourth Earl of March.
2 Sir Edmond Mortimer, that Married the Daughter of Owen Glender.
3 Sir John Mortimer, Beheaded. 3. H. 6.
i Elizabeth, Married to the Lord Piercy ſtiled Hotſpur. .
Philip,firſt Married to John Haſtings, Earlof Pembrook, and afterward to Ri.
chard Earl of Arundel, and laſtly to John, Lord Saint-John,died without iſſue.
Roger, the fourth Earl of March, 1387. nominated by King Richard the
ſecond, ſucceſſor to the Kingdom of England, who Married Elianor Daugh-
ter of Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent, by whom he had iſſue two Sons, and
two Daughters.
i Edmond, his Eldeſt Son, who ſucceeded him in the Earldom..
2 Roger died leaving his Father.
1 Anne, who was Married to Richard Earl of Cambridge, Son of Ed.
mond of Langley Duke of
York.
2 Elianor to Edward Courtney Earl of Devonſhire.
Richard of Conisborough, Married Anne Siſter and Heir of Edmond More
timer ; and had Iſſue Richard Duke of York.
This Richard, was the Srſt mover of the Faction againſt the Houſe of
Lancaſter, the bearer of the Red Roſe.
He Married Ciceley, the Daughter of Ralph Nevill firſt Earl of Weſtmer-
land, and had Iflue.
i Henry that dyed before his Father.
2 Edward, of that Name the Fourth King of England.
3 Edmond Earl of Rutland, Ilain at Wakefield by the Lord Clifford.
4 John,
5
William and Sthat all dyed all young.
6 Thomas
7. George Duke of Clarence, Murdered as afore,
1 Anne, the Eldeſt Daughter was firſt Married to Henry Holland Duke
of Exceter, and after to Sir
Thomas Sayntleoger.
2 Elizabeth, Married John de la Pool Duke of Suffolk.
Z
3. Margaret
1
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+
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258
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
1
3 Margaret, Married to Charles Duke of Burgundy.
4 Urſula, never Married ; And thus was the title of York derived :
John of Gaunt (ſo named of the place where he was born) fourth Son of
King Edward the third, Married three Wives; the firſt
i Blaunch Daughter and Co-heir of Henry firſt Duke of Lancaſter,
by whom he had iſſue :
Hcury Plantagenet, Born at Buellingbrook.
i Philip, Married to John King of Portingal and
2 Elizabeth, Married to John Duke of Exceter.
2 The ſecond Wife was Conſtance Daughter and one of the Co-heirs of
Peter King of Caſtile, by whom he had Illue : Katharine, afterward Mar-
ried to Henry Son of John the King of Spain.
3 Histhird Wife was Katharine, Daughter of Payne Ruet, aliàs, Guzen,
King of Arms, and the reli&t of Sir Otes Swinford Knight, by whom he had
Iflue, but before Marriage,
1 John Sirnamed Beauford, Earl of Somerſet.
2 Henry Biſhop of Wincheſter.
3 Thomas Beauford Earl of Dorſet.
1 Joan Beauford, firſt Married to Ralph Nevill, firſt Earl of It'eftmerland,
and then to Robert Ferrers Lord of Oufley.
This Marriage betwixt John of Gaunt and Katharine Swinford was ap-
proved of, and the Iſſue Born before the eſpouſals, made legitimate by Act
of Parliament, and confirmed by a Bull from Rome.
This is the Catalogue of the Pedigree of the two Houſes of Lancaſter
and York, betwixt whom the competition for the Crown of England, was
the occaſion of expence of ſo much Blood.
Although the Crown of England, upon the deceaſe or depoſition of Ri-
chard the ſecond without Iſlue, was, jure hæreditario, to deſcend to Ed.
mond Mortimer the younger, the Son of Pbilip, Daughter and Heir of Li-
onel Duke of Clarence, the third Son of Edward the third, yet his Cofin
Henry of Bullingbrook, Duke of Hertford, and Son and Heir of John of
Gaunt, the younger Brother of Lionel of Clarence, taking advantage of the
peoples forwardneſs, and his kinſmans being generally diſtaſted, was crea-
ted andCrowned King.
From the year of our Lord 1399, until the fourth of March 1460; In
three Deſcents, the ſlips of the Red Roſe in the Line of Lancaſter, did bear
ſway, but not without ſome interruptions and hazzard : For though Ed.
mond Plantagenet Duke of Aumerle, Son and Heir of Edmond of Langley,
ſet not the White Roſe claim on foot, yet as maligning the proſperity of
Henry the fourth, he was a main ſtickler in the Conſpiracy againſt him, in-
tended to have been Executed at Oxford.
But the eruption of York, never was manifeſt until Richard Plantagenet,
Son of Richard of Conisborough, Anno 1455. drew his Sword to make good
bis claim to the Crown of England. And from his time, I ſhall endeavour
to draw a Compendiary of the times and places of the ſeveral Barrels, be-
tween theſe two Houſes ſtrook, and the ſlaughter on both ſides made.
The three and twentieth day of May, at S. Albonsin Hertfordſhire, Richard
Duke of Tork gave Battel to King Henry the fixtb, on whoſe lide was ſlain
Edmond Duke of Somerſet.
Henry Earl of Northumberland.
Humphrey
Battel 1.
Anno 1455.
Duke 1.
Earls 3.
The Life and Reign of Richard the Tbird.
259
i
Henry Earl of Northumberland.
Humphry Earl of Stafford.
Thomas Lord Clifford, ſay ſome others, Jolin ; with divers Knights and Lords 1.
Eſquires to the number of 37 with five thouſand common Souldiers, and Knights 11.
Eſquires 18.
Henry himſelf was taken Priſoner; on the Dukes part only ſix hundred: in
the total 5641.
5541.
Battle 2.
Anno 1459.
2411.
12.
1030.
Battle 3
Anno 1459.
Duke 1.
Earl I.
Lord I.
A Battle was funght at Blourheath in Shropſhire, the thirteenth day of
September, between the Lord Audly Lievetenant to Henry the ſixth, and the Lord 1.
Earl of Salisbury, in which Audly was ſlain, and his Army overthrown : at Knights 7.
this Battle was ſlain in all, twothouſand four hundred men, with Sir Tho-
mas Dutton, beſide ſix other Cheſhire Knights, and two Eſquires thereof;
in all 2411.
Sir Osbert Mountfort, with twelve Gentlemen of his Company, was taken Knight 1.
at Sandwichand carried to Ricebanck, and there Beheaded, by the Lord Fat-
conbridge.
The Earl of Wilts at Membury cauſeth twenty Yorkiſts to be Hanged and
Quartered.
The tenth of June, in the thirty eighth year of the King, at Northampton
was a Battle fought, wherein was ſlain Humphry Duke of Buckingham.
John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury.
Thomas Lord Egremond.
John Viſcount Beamond, and Sir William Lucy, with ten thouſand and Viſcount 1.
Knight i.
thirty men ſlain..
The Lord Scales is ſlain upon the Thames, ſeeking to eſcape, by thě Earl Lord r.
of Warwicks mnen.
The thirtieth of December at Wakefield was a Battle ſtrook, wherein the
Queen prevailed, with the ſlaughter oftwothouſand eight hundred perſons,
not numbring Richard Duke of York.
Edmond Earlof Rutland a Child, and the Earl of Shrewsbury taken priſoner, Earis :
but afterward Beheaded. Sir John Mortimer, and Sir Hugh Mortimer, the Knights 8.
Dukes baſe Uncles.
Sir Davy Hall.
Sir Hugh Haſtings.
Sir Thomas Nevill.
Sir William Parry.
Sir Thomas Parry.
Sir Richard Limbrick, Knights, then likewiſe ſlain.
Barcle 4.
Anno 1469
s.
1
Barcle 3.
Anno 1491.
1
On Candlemas day, upon the plain near Mortimers Croſsin Herefordſhire,
a field was fought betwixt the new Duke of York, and the Earls of Pembrook
and Wilts; wherein the Duke prevailed with the ſlaughter of 3800 men,
but no man of Quality, but Sir Owen Tyther, that had married Queen Ka- Knight I.
tharine.
Upon Shrovetueſday the ſeventeenth of February, at Saint Albons, the Battle 6.
ſecond Battle was fought, between Queen Margaret, and the Dukeof Nor- Kordis
Knights 3.
folk and others, wherein were ſlain two thouſand three hundred men,
be-
ſides the Lord Bonvile.
Sir
Z 2
.
TY
3
260
The Life and Reign of Richard-the Third.
Birce.
Anu 1491.
Sir Thomas Keryell.
Sir John Gray, and Baron Thorpe.
The moſt cruel and deadly Battle of all others, during the rage of this
unnatural diviſion, was fought at Towton, or between Towton and Saxton,
within four miles of York, the nineteenth day of March, being Palm-Sunday,
day; wherein were ſlain of Engliſh-men, thirty five thouſand ninety and
one, and of ſtrangers, one thouſand ſeven hundred forty five; beſides, two
hundred and thirty ſlain the day before at Ferry Brigge, with the Lord
Fitz-water, and the baſe Brother of the Earlof Warwick. The moſt remark-
able men that fell in this Bloody fight, were :
Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland.
The Earl of Shrewsbury.
The Earl of Devon
John Lord Clifford.
The Lord Beamond.
The Lord Nevill
The Lord Willoughby
The Lord Wells.
The Lord Roſe.
The Lord Gray.
The Lord Dacres.
The Lord Fitz-Hugh.
The two baſe Sons of Henry Holland Duke of Exeter.
Sir Thomas Mohinenlx.
Sir Otes Beckingham.
Sir Aubrey Truffel
.
Sir Richard Piercy.
Sir William Heyton.
Sir Jervoys Clifton
Sir Foulk Hamys.
Sir Thomas Crackenthorpe.
Sir James Crackenthorpe.
Sia William Throllop.
Sir Andrew Throllop.
Sir Walter Harle.
Sir John Ormond.
Sir William Mollyns.
Sir Thomas Pigot.
Sir William Norborough, and
William Burton, Knights.
The Earl of Devonſhire there taken Priſoner, with three other Knights
,
were Beheaded at York, and ſo may be reckoned amongſt the ſlain, ſo that
the account of the whol number, beſides thoſe that died after of hurts then
received, thirty ſeven thouſand forty and fix.
At Hegley-More, the Lord Moniacute charged and put to flight, two
thouſand Lancaſtrians, who were on foot to March to Henry the fixth, at
which time Sir Ralph Piercy, with one hundred and ſeven were ſlain,the re-
ſidue flying, gave Ålarum to the Kings Army, and upon the 15 of May in a
Plain called Livels, near the Water of Dowell in Hexamſhire, the Bat-
tel was fought againſt Henry the ſixth by the Lord Mountague, General for
Edward
1
.
Earls 4.
Lords 9.
Knights 22.
37046.
Barcle 8
Anno 1463.
Knight 1.
107.
Anno 1464.
+
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third. 261
Duke I.
Lords 3.
T
+
'
f
1
2024
Battle 9.
Anno 1469.
!
S009.
Edward the fourth, wherein were taken Priſoners:
Henry Duke of Somerſet.
The Lord Roffe.
The Lord Mollins and
The Lord Hungerford.
Sir Thomas Il'entworth.
Knights 20.
Sir Thomas Hulley.
Sir John Findern, and fixteen Knights more Executed at Hexam and Tork.
Sir William Talboys, Titulary Earl of Kime or Angus ; and not Kent as
Maſter Martin relateth.
Sir Ralph Nevill.
Sir Ralph Gray, and
Sir Richard Tunſtal
, were taken afterwards, but Beheaded. The num-
ber Nain, is uncertainly let down, the moſt of our common Writers not
naming any, only Febian faith, about two thouſand, ſo that I make that my
ſcale to reckon by.
At a place called Danes More, near the Town of Edgcot, within four
miles of of Banbury, was a great Battle fought upon Saint James his day, the
five and twentieth of July, wherein were Nain fivethouſand men.
William Herbert, Earl of Pembrook.
Sir Richard Herbert and eight Knights more, are taken and Beheaded at Earls 3.
Banbury.
The Earl Rivers, and Sir John his Son are Beheaded at Northampton.
The Earl of Worceſter, John Tiptoft at London.
The Lord Willoughby at Doncaſter.
The Lord Staffard at Bridgewater.
The Lord Wells, and
Sir Robert Dymock, were beheaded in the March, but uncertain where.
Knights Ir.
Near Stamfort in Lincolnſhire was a Battle fought the firſt of O&ober where- Battle io.
in were ſlain ten thouſand men, but no men of note, but Sir Robert Wells,
Knights 2.
and Sir Thomas de land; thoſe men were put to flight, for their more eaſe
to eſcape, caſt away their Coats, whereupon it was called Lofecoat field.
Upon the fourteenth day of April, being Eaſter-day, upona Plain called Baxtle 11.
Gladmore Heath, between Barnet and S. Albones, (the Earls ofWarwick, Ox-
ford, and the Marqueſs Montacute, Commanders in chief, on behalfof Henry Earl 1.
Marqueſs r.
the fixth, againſt Edward the fourth) there was a terrible Battle fought,
Lords 3.
wherein were ſlain ten thouſand three hundred men, amongſt whom were Knights 2.
the Earl ofWarwick, the Marqueſs Montacute, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord
Say, the Lord Mountjoy, Sir Henry Bourchier, Sir William Terril.
Upon the fourth of May being Saturday, Prince Edward with his Mother Battle 12.
Queen Margaret, to redeem Henry the fixth, gave Battle to King Edward, Ano predict.
wherein Queen Margaret was taken Priſoner,and Prince Edward wasſlain in Duke 2.
cold Blood. There were ſlain at this incounter:
A Marqueſs.
John Somerſet Marqueſs Dorſet.
Thomas Courtney Earl of Devon.
Thomas Lord Wenlake.
Sir John Delves.
Sir Edward Hampden.
Sir
Lords 3.
++
Anno 1470.
10000
1
Anno 1471.
10300.
A Lord.
Prior.
An Earl.
A Baron.
Knights 20.
1
262
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third.
.
1
Sir Robert Whittingham.
Sir John Lewkner, and three thouſand others.
Edmond Duke of Somerſet.
John Lonſtrother, Lord Prior of Saint-Johns.
Sir Thomas Treſham.
Sir Jervoys Clifton.
Sir Richard Vaux.
Sir William Harvy.
Sir Thomas Fielding.
Şir Robert Lewknor.
Sir Thomas Lirmoth.
Sir Willian Vrnian.
Sir John Seymor.
Sir Thomas Roaſe.
Sir Thomus Fitzhony.
Sir Robert Flamden, were taken and Executed in Tewksbury, the one
day, and
Sir Humphry Audley.
Sir William Crymby.
Sir William Cary.
Sir William Nembourgh were likewife with
Henry Treſlam.
Walter Courtney.
Jobn Flory.
Lewis Miles.
Robert Jackson.
James Gower,
James Delves, Heir of Sir James Delves, Beheaded there the next day.
This was the laſt Battle that was fought in the days of King Edward the
fourth, but not all the blood ſhed about this quarrel :For at London by the
treaſon of Baſtard Fauconbridge, there were ſeven hundred and eighty of his
partakers, and three hundred and twelve Citizens Londoners, ſlain.
Eſquires 37
1002.
Battle 13.
Anno 1485.
King 1
Duke I.
Lord 1.
Knights 3.
Upon Redmore Down near Boſworth in Lieceſterſhire, on the twenty
ſecond of Auguſt,was the thirteenth ſet Battle in this unkind quarrel fought,
wherein King Richard the Uſurper was ſlain, and with him on his part John
Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Richard Ratcliffe, and Sir Ro-
bert Brackenbury, with four thouſand and eight: And on Richmonds fide,
Sir William Brandon, and 180 with him. After this Battle there was a
conjunction of the ſo long fevered Roſe branches : Nevertheleſs, the Ene-
my to Englands quiet, would not ſuffer the Gate of concord to ſtand quite
open, but raiſed up Impoſtors, and counterfeits, to interrupt the ſame: But
ſince the cauſe of the diffention by the Union of the Red and White-Roſes,
in Henry the ſeventh, and the Lady Elizabeth, their ſo happy enter-marriage,
was taken away, what occafion of expence of Blood didafterfall out within
the Realm,.qught (under favour be it delivered) rather to be imputed to
the effect of Treaſonable machinations, then to any juſt occaſion ofthe Roſes
Title.
Ard therefore I purpoſely omit to intermix the number of thoſe that
were ſain, ſince Boſworthfield, amongſt thoſe that are to be reckoned upin
the general Naughter in the thirteen Battels, and the occaſions of expence
of
1
The Life and Reign of Richard the Third. 263
l
}
*
of Blood intervening by skirmiſhes, and accidental means, and content my
felf with the only recapitulation of the ſeveral numbers, of Kings, Princes,
Dukes,' Marquelles, Earls, Barons, Viſcounts, Biſhops, Mitred Prelates,
Knights, *Eſquires, *Gentlemen, and private Squldiers: that during the defensions
Knights el-
rage of theſe Civil Wars which followed that breach of the courſe of ſuccef- * of Coat-ar-
fion attempted by the intruſion of Henry the fourth, tell under the alternate mour and An-
ceſtry.
Fortunes of the Victors Sword; until that ever to be Bleſſed re-uniting
the two Houſes of Lancaſter and Tork, whereby righteouſneſs and Peace did
kiſs each other, and Mercy and Truth (which I pray God evertocontinue)
eſtabliſhed the Crown of England in an hopeful and happy deſcending Line.
And as Henry the ſeventh conjoyned the Roſes, ſo hath King James of ever-
bleſſed memory united the pre-divided Kingdoms of England and Scotland,
eſpouſing their Union to our Sovereign Lord King Charles, to Gods Glory,
the Churches good, and his Subjects great comfort.
;
Henry the Roſes, James the Kingdoms knit :
And Charles of both partakes the benefit
.
Ob! thou of Jeſſe flower, of Judah Lion,
In his Dominion plant the peace of Sion;
And never let hearts quiet follow thoſe,
That ſhall the holding of this Knof oppoſe:
But let thy beſt of bleſſing wait on them,
Tkat zealouſiy ſhall guard his Diadem.
1
X
The total of private Souldiers that periſhed in the time of theſe Civil
Wars, and ſuffered the punniſhment of immature death; for taking parton
the one ſide or the other, is,
Fourſcore four thouſand, nine hundred, and ninety eight perſons, be-
fides
Kings two.
Viſcounts two
Prince one.
Lord Prior one.
Dukes ten.
Judge one.
Marqueſſes two. Knights one hundred thirty nine,
Earls one and twenty. Eſquires four hundred forty
Lords twenty ſeven. one.
The number of the Gentry is every way ſo uncertainly reported, that if
I ſhould endeavour to ſet down a general of what is particularly related, I
ſhould but give occaſion of further queſtion, than I am willing ſhould be
moved, for a thing of ſolittle moment; and therefore willingly omitit:and
the rather, forthat they are for the moſt part included in thenumber of the
private Souldiers as aforefaid, ſet down to be ſlain : to which butxadd the
number of ſix hundred thirty and eight, the total of all the perſons of emi-
nency not therein accounted, and then there appeareth in all to have been
ſlain, fourſcore five thouſand, fix hundred, twenty and eight Chriſtians,
and moſt of this Nation, not to be repeated without grief, nor remembred
without deprecation, that the like may never happen more.
Pax una triumphis innumeris potior.
FINIS
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*
.. mitiCH.
LIBRARY
NON
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