The first and second volumes of Chronicles. [vol. 3 (i.e. The Third Volume of Chronicles)] comprising 1 The description and historie of England, 2 The description and historie of Ireland, 3 The description and historie of Scotland: first collected and published by Raphaell Holinshed, William Harrison, and others: now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of singular note and worthie memorie) to the yeare 1586. by Iohn Hooker aliàs Vowell Gent and others. With conuenient tables at the end of these volumes.

Henrie the third, the eldest sonne of king Iohn. (Book Henry III)

HEnrie, the third of that name, the eldest sonne of K. Iohn, a child of the age of nine yeres, began his reigne ouer the realme of England the ninetéenth day of Octo∣ber,* 1.1 in the yeare of our Lord 1216, in the seuenth yeare of the emperour Frederike the second, [year 1216] and in the 36 yeare of the reigne of Philip [line 10] the second king of France.

Immediatlie after the death of his father king Iohn,* 1.2 William Marshall earle of Penbroke, gene∣rall of his fathers armie, brought this yoong prince with his brother and sisters vnto Glocester, and there called a councell of all such lords as had taken part with king Iohn. Anon after it was once openlie knowne, that the sonnes and daughters of the late deceassed prince were brought into a place of safetie, a great number of the lords and cheefe barons of the [line 20] realme hasted thither (I meane not onelie such as had holden with king Iohn, but also diuerse other, which vpon certeine knowledge had of his death, were newlie reuolted from Lewes) in purpose to aid yoong king Henrie, to whome of right the crowne did ap∣perteine.

Thither also came Uallo or Guallo the popes le∣gat (an earnest defender of the kings cause) with Pe∣ter bishop of Winchester, & Iocelin bishop of Bath: also Ranulph earle of Chester, William Ferrers [line 30] earle of Derbie,* 1.3 Iohn Marshall, and Philip de Albe∣nie, with diuerse other lords and peeres of the relme, and a great number of abbats and priors, who by and by fell to councell togither what waie should be best to take, for the good order of things now in so doubtfull and perilous a time as this. The péeres of the realme being thus assembled, William earle of Penbroke, bringing the yoong king into their pre∣sence, and setting him before them, spake these words following. [line 40]

The earle of Penbroks short and sweet oration as it is borrowed out of maister Fox.

BEhold right honourable and wel∣beloued, although we haue perse∣cuted the father of this yoong prince for his euill demeanor, and worthilie, yet this yoong child whome heere [line 50] you see before you, as he is in years tender, so is he pure and innocent from those his fathers dooings. Wherefore, in so much as euerie man is charged onelie with the bur∣then of his owne works and transgressi∣ons, neither shall the child (as the scripture teacheth vs) beare the iniquitie of his fa∣ther: we ought therefore of dutie and con∣science to pardon this yoong and tender prince, and take compassion of his age as yee see. And now, for so much as he is the kings naturall and eldest sonne, and must be our souereigne king, and successour in this kingdome, come and let vs appoint him our king & gouernour, let vs remooue from vs this Lewes the French kings sonne, and suppresse his people, which are a confusion and shame to our nation: and the yoke of their seruitude let vs cast from off our shoulders.

When the barons had heard this earles words, after some silence and conference had, they allowed of his saiengs, and immediatlie with one consent, proclaimed the yoong gentleman king of England, whome the bishops of Winchester and Bath did crowne and annoint with all due solemnities at Glocester, vpon the day of the feast of the apostles Simon & Iude, in presence of the legat. Being thus crowned, he was committed to the gouernance of his brother in law, the foresaid William Marshall earle of Penbroke, who to win the good will of the people towards the yoong king, sent foorth messen∣gers with letters into all parts of the realme, to sig∣nifie the newes of the kings coronation, with an of∣fer also of pardon to all such of the barons side as would turne to his part: and likewise of great re∣wards to those, which hauing hitherto continued faith∣full, would so remaine vntill this trouble should be ouerpast. By this means it came to passe, that his freends greatlie reioised at these newes, and manie of those which till that time had aided the French∣men, reuolted from them, and in hope of pardon and reward turned to king Henrie.

It is reported by writers, that amongst other things, as there were diuerse which withdrew the hearts of the Englishmen from Lewes, the conside∣ration of the confession which the * 2.1 vicount of Me∣lune made at the houre of his death, was the princi∣pall. The order whereof, in the later end of the life of king Iohn, yée haue heard. Truelie how little good will inwardlie Lewes and his Frenchmen bare to∣wards the English nation, it appéered sundrie waies. And first of all, in that they had them in a manner in no regard or estimation at all, but rather sought by all means to spoile and keepe them vnder, not suffe∣ring them to beare anie rule, nor putting them in trust with the custodie of such places as they had brought them in possession of. Secondlie, they cal∣led them not to councell, so often as at the first they vsed to doo, neither did they procéed by their directi∣ons in their businesse, as before they were accusto∣med.

Thirdlie,* 2.2 in all manner of their conuersation, neither Lewes nor his Frenchmen vsed them so fa∣miliarlie, as at their first comming: but (as their ma∣ner is shewing more loftie countenances toward them, they greatlie increased the indignation of the English lo••ds against them, who might euill abide to be so ouer-ruled.

To conclude, where great promises were made at their entring into the land, they were slowe inough in performing the same, so as the expectation of the [line 10] English barons was quite made void: for they per∣ceiued dailie that they were despised & scoffed at for their disloialtie shewed to their owne naturall prince, hearing now and then nips and tawnts openlie by the Frenchmen, that as they had shewed themselues false and vntrustie to their owne lawfull king, so they would not continue anie long time true vnto a stranger. Thus all these things laid togither, gaue occasion to the English barons to remember them∣selues, and to take iust occasion to reuolt vnto king [line 20] Henrie, as before wée haue mentioned. But now to the purpose of the historie.

Ye haue heard how Lewes had spent long time in vaine about the besieging of the castell of Douer, for although he plagued them within verie sore, yet Hubert de Burgh and Gerard de Sotigam bare themselues so manfullie, and therwith so politikelie, that their aduersaries could not come to vnderstand their distresse & danger within the castell, in so much that despairing to win it in anie short time, euen be∣fore [line 30] the death of king Iohn was knowne (as some write Lewes was contented to grant a truce to them that kept this castell, till the feast of Easter ne••t insuing: but (as it appeareth by other) this truce was not concluded till after the death of king Iohn was signified to Lewes, who greatlie reioising ther∣at, supposed now within a short time, to bring the whole realme vnder his subiection: and therefore rai∣sing his siege from Douer, in hope to compasse en∣terprises of greater consequence, he came backe vn∣to [line 40] the citie of London.

When they within the castell of Douer saw the siege remooued, they came foorth, and burnt such hou∣ses and buildings as the Frenchmen had raised be∣fore the same castell, and comming abroad into the countrie, got togither such vittels and other necessa∣rie prouision, as might serue for the furnishing of their fortresse for a long season. After that Lewes was returned vnto London, he remained not long there, but with a great armie marched foorth vnto [line 50] Hertford, where he besieged the castell, which was in the keeping of Walter de Godardule seruant in household vnto Fouks de Brent,* 2.3 who defended the place from the feast of S. Martine, vntill the feast of S. Nicholas,* 2.4 and then deliuered it by composition, that he and his people might depart with all their goods, horsse and armour. From thence Lewes went vnto Berkehamstéed, and besieged the castell, which was valiantlie defended by a Duch capteine named Waleron, who with his people behaued himselfe so [line 60] manfullie, that a great number of Frenchmen and other of them without, were left dead in the ditches. At an issue also made vpon the side, towards the north where the barons lay, they spoiled the carriage and trusse of the said barons, and tooke therewithall the standard of William Mandeuile. Finallie about the ••0 day of December, they yet yéelded the place vnto Lewes,* 2.5 bicause they were no longer able to keepe▪ it their liues, goods▪ horsse and armour saued.

Lewes hauing furnished this castell with a suffici∣ent garrison, returned backe towards London, and comming to S. Albons,* 2.6 constreined the abbat to giue vnto him foure score marks of siluer, for a fine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 recognisance of dooing his homage till the feast of the purification of our ladie next insuing. Which poore abbat was made to beléeue, that he ought to take this dealing to be an act of great courtesie, the earle of Winchester being an earnest meane for him that he might so easilie escape.* 2.7 About the same time was a generall truce taken betwixt the king and Lewes, and all their partakers, till the 20 day af∣ter Christmasse, for the obteining of which truce (as some write) the castell of Berkehamstéed was sur∣rendered vnto the same Lewes, as before ye haue heard.

After Christmasse, and whilest the truce yet dured, [year 1218] Lewes and the barons assembled at the councell which they held at Cambridge, & the lords that tooke part with the king met likewise at Oxford, and much talke there was, and great trauell imploied to haue concluded some agréement by composition be∣twixt the parties, but it would not be, nor yet anie longer truce (which was also so••ght for) could be granted: wherevpon Lewes besieged the castell of Hidingham, the which togither with the castels of Norwich, Colchester, and Oxford, were surrendered vnto him, to haue a truce granted vntill a moneth after Easter next insuing. And so by this meanes all the east part of the realme came vnto the possession of Lewes. For the Ile of Elie was woon by his peo∣ple a litle before the last truce, whilest he himselfe lay in siege at Berkehamstéed, except one fortresse be∣longing to the same Ile, into the which the souldiers that serued there vnder the king were withdrawen. But yet although Lewes might seeme thus partlie to preuaile, in hauing these castels deliuered into his hands, yet being aduertised that dailie there re∣uolted diuerse of the barons of England vnto king Henrie, which before had taken part with him: he stood in great doubt and feare of the rest, and there∣fore furnished all those castels which he had woone with conuenient garrisons, and namelie the castell of Hertford, and after went to London,* 2.8 there to vn∣derstand what further trust he might put in the rest of the English lords and barons: for as diuerse had alreadie forsaken him, as it is said, so the residue were doubtfull what they were best to doo.

For first they considered,* 2.9 that the renouncing of their promised faith vnto Lewes, whome they had sworne to mainteine as king of England, should be a great reproch vnto them: and againe they well saw that to continue in their obedience towards him, should bring the realme in great danger, sith it would be hard for any louing agréement to continue betwéene the French & Englishmen, their natures being so contrarie. Thirdlie, they stood somewhat in feare of the popes cursse, pronounced by his legat, both against Lewes and all his partakers. Albeit on the other side, to reuolt vnto king Henrie, though the loue which they did beare to their countrie, and the great towardnesse which they saw in him greatlie mooued them; yet sith by reason of his yoong yeares, he was not able either to follow the wars himselfe, or to take counsell what was to be doone in publike go∣uernement, they iudged it a verie dangerous case. For whereas in wars nothing can be more expedi∣ent than to haue one head, by whose appointment all things may be gouerned: so nothing can be more hurtfull than to haue manie rulers, by whose autho∣ritie things shall passe and be ordered.

Wherefore these considerations sta••ed and kept one part of the English lords still in obedience to Lewes, namelie, for that diuerse of the confederats thought that it stood not with their honours so to for∣sake him, till they might haue some more honorable colour to reuolt from their promises, or that the mat∣ter should be taken vp by some indifferent agrée∣ment to be concluded out of hand betwixt them. Her∣vpon

they resorted in like maner vnto London, and there with Lewes tooke councell what was to be doone with their businesse touching the whole state of their cause. ¶Here ye shall note, that before the con∣cluding of this last truce, Fouks de Brent the cap∣teine of the castell of Bedford gat togither a num∣ber of souldiers out of the garrisons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the castels of Oxford, Northampton, Bedford, and Windsor, and comming with them to S. Albons the 22 of Februa∣rie,* 2.10 he spoiled the towne & abbie, in like maner as he [line 10] had doone all the townes and villages by the way as he passed through the countrie, from Bedford vnto S. Albons.

The messengers which Lewes had remaining in the court of Rome, signified vnto him about the same time, that except he departed out of England, the sentence of excommunication, which Gualo or Walo the legat had pronounced against him, should be confirmed by the pope on Maundie thursdaie next insuing. Wherevpon Lewes was the more inclined [line 20] to yéeld to the truce before mentioned, that he might in the meane time go ouer into France to his fa∣ther, who had most earnestlie written and sent in commandement to him, that in any wise he should returne home to talke with him, and so about mid∣lent after the truce was concluded, he prepared him∣selfe, and sailed ouer into France, and as Polydor saith (but with what authoritie I know not) the king of Scots went also with him.

After his departure ouer, William earle of Sa∣lisburie,* 2.11 [line 30] William earle of Arundell, William earle Warren, and diuerse other reuolted to king Henrie. Moreouer, William Marshall earle of Penbroke so trauelled with his son William Marshall the yoon∣ger, that he likewise came to take part with the yoong king: whereby the side of Lewes and his French∣men was sore weakened, and their harts no lesse ap∣palled for the sequele of their affaires. Lewes retur∣ned yet into England before the truce was expired. The lords that held on the kings part in the absence [line 40] of Lewes, were not forgetfull to vse opportunitie of time: for beside that they had procured no small number of those that before time held with Lewes to reuolt from him to the kings side, they at one selfe time besieged diuerse castels, and recouered them out of their aduersaries hands, as Marlebrough, Farneham, Winchester, Cicester, and certeine o∣ther, which they ouerthrew and raced, bicause they should not be taken and kept againe by the enimie. For ye must vnderstand, that the going ouer of [line 50] Lewes now at that time, when it stood him most vp∣on to haue beene present here in that troublesome season (which he ought to haue regarded with singu∣lar circumspection, and warilie to haue watched, for

Virtus est, vbi occasio admonet, dispicere)

brought no small hinderance to the whole state of all his businesse, in so much that he was neuer so highlie regarded afterwards among the English∣men as before.

About the same time Ranulfe earle of Chester, [line 60] William earle of Albermarle,* 2.12 William earle Fer∣rers, Robert de Ueipount, Brian de Lisle, William de Cantlow, Philip de Marc, Robert de Gaugi, Fouks de Brent, & others assembled their powers, and comming to Mountsorell beside Loughborough in Leicestershire,* 2.13 besieged the castell there, the cap∣teine whereof was one Henrie de Braibroke. This Henrie defended the place right manfully,* 2.14 and doub∣ting to be in distres by long siege, sent with all spéed to the earle of Winchester,* 2.15 Saer de Quincie as then being at London with the Frenchmen, requi∣ring him to send some succour to remoue the siege. Herevpon the earle of Winchester, to whom that castell belonged, required Lewes that some conue∣nient power might be sent, whereby the siege might be remooued. Wherefore vpon councell taken with deliberate aduise, it was ordeined that an armie should be sent thither with all spéed, not onlie to raise the siege, but also to subdue that countrie vnto the o∣bedience of Lewes. Herwith there went out of Lon∣don 600 knights, and with them aboue twentie thou∣sand men in armour, gréedie (as it seemed) to haue the spoile of other mens goods.

Their chiefe capteins were these: Saer de Quin∣cie earle of Winchester, Robert Fitzwater, and o∣thers, and they did set forward vpon the last of Aprill, which was the mondaie before the Ascension daie, passing through S. Albons, where they lodged the first night, and so to Dunstable, and by the waie such souldiers as were vsed to spoile and pillage, plaied their parts, not sparing to rob and ransacke as well religious houses as other. From Dunstable kée∣ping on their iournie northwards, at length they came to Mountsorell, but the earle of Chester and the other lords, aduertised of their approch,* 2.16 were retired before to Notingham, determining there to abide, till they might vnderstand what waie the enimies would take.

In the meane time the earle of Winchester and the other barons, finding their enimies departed and the siege raised, determined foorthwith to go vnto Lincolne, where Gilbert de Gaunt and other had kept siege a long time before the castell, but yet in vaine.* 2.17 For there was a noble ladie within that ca∣stell named Nichola, who demeaned hir selfe so vali∣antlie in resisting all assaults and enterprises, which the enimies that besieged hir could attempt by anie meanes against hir, that they rather lost than wan honour and estimation at hir hands dailie. Therefore Robert Fitzwater and the other leaders of this ar∣mie, to the end they might get that castell out of hir and other their enimies hands, tooke their iour∣nie forward, and passing through the vale of Beau∣uere, all things there that came to sight fell into the hands of the greedie souldiers. For the French foot∣men, which were as it had béene the scum & reffuse of their countrie, least nothing vntouched that they might lay hands vpon, not sparing church or church∣yard, nor hallowed place more than common or pro∣phane. For they were so poore and ragged,* 2.18 that they had scarse anie tatters to couer their priuie parts withall. Finallie comming vnto Lincolne, they as∣saulted the castell with all maner of engins, and as∣saied by all waies possible whereby they hoped to ad∣uance their purpose.

Thus whiles the barons with the Frenchmen were much busied about the siege of Lincolne castell, W. Marshall earle of Penbroke, by the aduise of the le∣gat Gualo or Walo, and of Peter bishop of Win∣chester, and other of the councell with king Henrie, caused summons to be giuen to all capteins and chateleins on the kings part,* 2.19 to be at Newarke vp∣on mondaie in Whitsunwéeke, with such power as they might make, from thence to march to Lincolne, there to raise the siege, and deliuer the countrie from imminent oppression. Wherevpon there assembled at the daie and place prefixed, a great puissance of people desirous to fight for the defense of their coun∣trie against the Frenchmen and other aduersaries, rebels to the pope, and excommunicated persons, so that when the muster was taken, there was num∣bered 400 knights, 250 crossebowes, besides demi∣lances and horssemen in great numbers, which for need might haue supplied and serued in stéed of men of armes, being verie well furnished for the purpose, and armed at all points.

The chiefe capteins of this companie were these:* 2.20 William Marshall earle of Penbroke, and his son

William Marshall the yonger, Peter bish. of Win∣chester, a man right skilfull in feats of warre, Ra∣nulph earle of Chester, William earle of Salisburie, William earle Ferrers, William earle of Albe∣marle, besides barons, as William de Albenie late∣lie released out of captiuitie, Iohn Marshall, Wil∣liam de Cantlow, and William his sonne, Fouks de Brent, Thomas Basset, Robert de Ueipount, Brian de Lisle, Geffrey de Lucie, Philip de Albe∣nie, with manie other chateleins and constables of [line 10] sundrie castels.

* 2.21The legat being there present also on the fridaie in the Whitsunwéeke aforesaid, reuested in a white albe, accompanied with the cleargie, accursed in so∣lemne wise Lewes the French kings sonne, with all his fautours and complices, & especiallie those which held siege before the castell of Lincolne, with all the citie: and the more to incourage all those that should passe foorth in this armie, to raise the siege, he granted to them free remission of all their sins, whereof they [line 20] were trulie confessed, and by authoritie which he had from almightie GOD, and the apostolike sée, he promised to them the guerdon of euerlasting salua∣tion. Herewith when the armie had receiued absolu∣tion, and the legats blessing, euerie man marched foorth in his order and place appointed, and comming to Stow, an eight miles from Lincolne, they lod∣ged there all night.

In the morning they passed foorth towards Lin∣colne, vnder the conduct of the said earle of Pen∣broke as generall of the whole armie, who being [line 30] come thither, compassed about the citie with his ar∣mie. And to cause the enimie the sooner to leaue the siege of the castell, he assaulted the gates of the citie, inforcing his power to beare downe and breake them open. The Frenchmen perceiuing all the dan∣ger to be about the gates, withdrew a little from the assailing of the castell, and resorting to the walles of the citie, did their best with shooting and casting of stones and other things, to driue their aduersaries [line 40] from the gates.

* 2.22Thus whiles they were occupied on both parts, Fouks de Brent entered into the castell by a po∣sterne gate on the backeside, and a great number of souldiers with him, and rushing into the citie out of the castell, he began a fierce battell with the citizens within the citie: which when the Frenchmen percei∣ued, by the noise and crie raised at their backs, they ran to the place where the skirmish was, dooing their best to beat backe the aforesaid Foukes de Brent [line 50] with his companie. But in the meane time the En∣glishmen, vnder the leading of Sauerie de Maule∣on, a Poictouin (of whom you haue heard in the life of king Iohn) brake open the gates and entred the citie. Then the fight was sore increased and maintei∣ned for a time with great furie: so that it was hard to iudge who should haue the better. But at length the Frenchmen and those English lords that were with them, being sore laid at on ech side, began to re∣tire towards the gates, and finalie to turne their [line 60] backs and so fled awaie:* 2.23 but being beset round a∣bout with the kings horssemen, they were streight∣waies either slaine or taken for the most part of them.

Amongst other that were there slaine, the earle of Perch a Frenchman was one,* 2.24 who being gotten into a churchyard manfullie defended himselfe till his horsse was killed vnder him, and lastlie himselfe was also beaten downe and slaine. There were ta∣ken of Englishmen,* 2.25 Saer de Quincie erle of Win∣chester, and Humfrey de Bohun earle of Hereford, Gilbert de Gaunt earle of Lincolne by the gift of Lewes,* 2.26 Richard de Montfichet, William de Mow∣braie, William de Beauchampe, William de Man∣duit, Oliuer de Harecourt, Roger de Cressie, Wil∣liam de Coleuill, William de Roos, William de Ropeley, Ralfe Chanduit, and diuerse other: so that of knights there were taken to the number of foure hundred, beside such multitude of demilances, and o∣ther horssemen and footmen, as could not well be numbered. Moreouer, all the prouision, trusse, and baggage loden in carts, clothsackes, and males be∣longing to the barons and Frenchmen was taken, and the citie was spoiled, rifled and sacked.

This enterprise and discomfiture at Lincolne, which was in derision called Lewes his faire,* 2.27 chanced the 14 kalends of Iune, being saturdaie in the Whitsun∣wéeke. Manie honest matrons of the towne were drowned, as they were got into boates to auoid the danger of their persons, wanting skill how to guide the same boates. The earle of Penbroke the same daie before he receiued any repast, rode backe in post to the king, whom he had left at Stow, and there de∣clared the ioifull newes of his good speed, in vanqui∣shing of the enimies. On the next morrow, newes came to the king, that they which had kept the castell of Mountsorell were fled out of the same,* 2.28 and had left it void. Wherevpon immediatlie he sent in com∣mandement vnto the shiriffe of Notinghamshire, that going thither in his owne person, he should rui∣nat the said castell, & make it plaine with the ground.

The Frenchmen which escaped with life from the slaughter of Lincolne, as the Marshall of France, the chateleine of Arras, with others, made towards London with all possible speed, in hope to escape so well as they might: but manie of them, and namelie the footmen were slaine by the countrie people where they passed, and that in great numbers: for the hus∣bandmen fell vpon them with clubs and swords, not sparing those whom they got at aduantage. Two hundred knights or men of armes (as we may call them) getting to London,* 2.29 presented vnto Lewes the sorowfull report of their misaduenture, and were of him not moaned, but blamed and sore rebuked, for that they had fled, and shamefullie left the residue of their companies to be distressed, taken, and slaine by the aduersaries, where if they had manfullie stood to it, they might happilie haue saued their fellowes, and obteined victorie.

¶ The chronicle of Dunstable sheweth in déed that Simon de Peschie and Henrie Braibroc,* 2.30 perceiuing that Fouks de Brent was entered into the citie, and that they were now assailed both afront, and on the backes, they withdrew, and getting togither 80 French knights or men of armes (if we shall so call them) departed out of the citie, and fléeing through the countrie by Lin and saint Edmundsburie, at length got through to London. How soeuer they were welcomed of Lewes, certeine it is, that the lords that tooke part with king Henrie, were put in no small hope by the atchiuing of this so great a vic∣torie, to bring within a short time all the realme to the obedience of king Henrie: and herevpon march∣ing foorth into the countrie, put the people in such feare, that they submitted themselues vnto the go∣uernment of king Henrie in all places where soeuer they came.

On the other part, Lewes who all this season re∣mained at London, being sore dismaied for the losse of his people, began to feare euerie daie more and more, least by some practise he should be betraied and deliuered into his enimies hands. Therefore he went about to make himselfe as strong as was possible,* 2.31 & fortifieng the citie, sent messengers into France, to require his father to send him more aid. His ••••••ther sorie to heare of his sons distresse, and loth that he should take the foile, caused his daughter the wife of Lewes, to prepare a power of men, that the same

might passe with all speed ouer into England to the aid of hir husband. For the French king himselfe would not séeme to aid his sonne, bicause he was ex∣communicated: but his daughter in law, hauing licence and commission thereto, gat togither three hundred knights,* 2.32 or men of armes, whome with a great number of other souldiers and armed men, she sent downe to Caleis, where Eustace the moonke had prouided a nauie of ships to conueie them ouer into England. But how they sped you shall heare [line 10] anon.

In the meane time the earle of Penbroke appro∣ched towards London,* 2.33 purposing to assaile the citie now in this opportunitie of time, letting passe no oc∣casion that might further his procéedings, night and day studieng how to recouer the realme wholie out of the Frenchmens hands, and to set the same at li∣bertie:* 2.34 so that what was to be deuised, he did deuise, and what was to be doone, that he did, not forslowing anie occasion or opportunitie that might be offered. [line 20] The English barons also calling to mind the benefit which they had receiued at the Frenchmens hands in time of their most need, sought now by all means pos∣sible, some waie how to procure a peace betwixt king Henrie and the said Lewes, thinking by that means to benefit themselues, and to gratifie him in lieu of his former courtesie bountifullie shewed in a case of extremitie, which bicause it was obteined in a wished time was the more acceptable, whereas being linge∣red it had beene the lesse welcome, as one saith, [line 30]

Gratia quae tarda est ingrata est, gratia nám{que} * 2.35Quùm fieri properat, gratia grata magis.

Hervpon they caused dailie new articles of agree∣ment to be presented in writing vnto the said Lew∣es, as from king Henrie. But while these things were a dooing,* 2.36 the earle of Penbroke and other the lords that tooke part with king Henrie, hauing ad∣uertisement, that a new supplie of men was readie to come and aid Lewes, they appointed Philip de Al∣benie and Iohn Marshall to associat with them the [line 40] power of the cinque ports, and to watch for the com∣ming of the aduersaries, that they might kéepe them from landing, who on saint Bartholomews day set forth frō Caleis, in purpose to arriue in the Thames, and so to come vp the riuer to London. Howbeit Hu∣bert de Burgh capiteine of the castell of Douer, to∣gither with the said Philip de Albenie and Iohn Mar∣shall, with other such power as they could get togi∣ther of the cinque ports, hauing not yet aboue the number of 40 ships great & small, vpon the discoue∣ring [line 50] of the French fleet, which consisted of 80 great ships, besides other lesser vessels well appointed and trimmed, made foorth to the sea. And first coasting a∣loofe from them,* 2.37 till they had got the wind on their backs, came finallie with their maine force to assaile the Frenchmen, and with helpe of their crossebowes and archers at the first ioining, made great slaugh∣ter of their enimies, and so grapling togither, in the end the Englishmen bare themselues so manfullie,* 2.38 that they vanquished the whole French fléet, and ob∣teined [line 60] a famous victorie.

* 2.39Eustace the moonke was found amongst the cap∣teins, who although he offered great summes of gold for his ransome,* 2.40 so that he might haue had his life saued, and also to serue king Henrie, yet the English capitoins would none of that: but Richard the ba∣stard sonne of king Iohn, tooke him, and cut off his head,* 2.41 and sent it vnto king Henrie his brother, as a witnesse of this their atchieued victorie. This Eu∣stace was a Fleming borne, and somtime a moonke, but renouncing his cowle to receiue such heritage as fell to him by the death of his brethren, deceassing without issue, he became a notable pirat, and had doone in his dais much mischeefe to the Englishmen, and therefore was now rewarded according to his demerits. For

Rarò antecedentem scelestum* 2.42 Deseruit pede poena claudo.

The spoile and prey of the French ships was verie rich,* 2.43 so that the Englishmen being loden with riches and honour, vpon their safe returne home were recei∣ued with great ioy and gladnesse. But Lewes, after he vnderstood of this mischance happening to his peo∣ple that came to his aid, began not a litle to despaire of all other succour to come vnto him at any time héerafter: wherfore he inclined the sooner vnto peace, so that at length he tooke such offers of agreement as were put vnto him, and receiued furthermore a sum of monie for the release of such hostages as he had in his hands,* 2.44 togither with the title of the kingdome of England, and the possession of all such castels and holds as he held within the realme. ¶The French chronicle (to the which the chronicle of Dunstable and Matthew Paris doo also agrée) affirmeth that he recei∣ued fiftéene thousand marks. Moreouer,* 2.45 the popes le∣gat absolued Lewes and all those that had taken his part in the offense of disobedience shewed in at∣tempting the warre against the popes commande∣ment.* 2.46

Then Lewes with all his complices that had bin excommunicated sware vpon the holie euangelist, that they should stand to the iudgement of holie church, and from thencefoorth be faithfull vnto the pope and to the church of Rome. Moreouer, that he with his people should incontinentlie depart out of the realme, and neuer vpon euill intent returne a∣gaine. And that so farre as in him laie, he should pro∣cure his father king Philip, to make restitution vnto king Henrie of all the right which he had in the parts beyond the sea: and that when he should be king of France, he should resigne the same in most quiet manner.

On the other part, king Henrie tooke his oth to∣gither with the legat, and the earle of Penbroke go∣uernour of the realme, that he should restore vnto the barons of his realme, and to other his subiects, all their rights and heritages, with all the liberties be∣fore demanded, for the which the discord was mooued betwixt the late king Iohn and his barons. Moreo∣uer, all prisoners on both parts were released and set at libertie, without paieng anie ransome: yea and those which had couenanted to paie, and vpon the same were set at libertie before the conclusion of this peace, were now discharged of all summes of monie which then remained vnpaid.

This peace was concluded on the eleuenth day of September, not farre from Stanes, hard by the riuer of Thames, where Lewes himselfe, the legat Guallo, and diuerse of the spiritualtie with the earle of Penbroke lord gouernor of the realme, and others, did méet and talke about this accord. Now when all things were ordered and finished agreeable to the articles and couenants of the peace, so farre as the time present required, the lords of the realme (when Lewes should depart homeward) attended him to Douer in honorable wise, as apperteined, and there tooke leaue of him, and so he departed out of the realme about the feast of saint Michaell.

King Henrie by this meanes being put in full pos∣session of the relme, according to the prescript of that article conteined in those conditions of the peace latelie specified, pardoned all those that had aided his aduersarie Lewes during the wars, except certeine of the spiritualtie, which were put to such fines, that they were compelled to laie all that they had to pledge, to leuie such summes of monie, as they might with the same obteine the kings fauour againe:* 2.47 and beside that, to sue to Rome for their entier absolution

at the popes owne hands. Amongst other, Hugh bi∣shop of Lincolne returning into England, was compelled to paie a thousand marks to the popes vse for recouerie of his bishoprike, & an hundred marks also to the legat of good and lawfull monie. Such che∣uance made the legat amongst them of the church,* 2.48 as well persons secular as regular, that he got togither twelue thousand marks towards his charges, where∣by it appeared, that he lost no time in England. But to procéed. [line 10]

The realme now being quiet and in all outward fe∣licitie, a number of vnrulie persons, such as delight∣ing in idlenesse, knew not how to liue in time of peace, assembled themselues togither and (appointing Fouks de Brent,* 2.49 who was a man of great stomach and more rashnesse, to be their capteine and ringle∣der) began to make warre against the king, and to spoile the townes and countries about them, so that their euill dooings might haue caused no small perill to haue insued by some great ciuill sedition, if the [line 20] earle of Penbroke had not in time preuented their attempts. For he assembling the kings power, ha∣sted towards the rebels, and what by his owne au∣thoritie, and by the reuerend regard of some bishops in his companie; more than by vsing any force of armes, he staid the matter for that time, so that no further mischeefe followed of this mutinie.* 2.50

Besides the foresaid Fouks de Brent, there were other of the Nobilitie also which practised the like dis∣order, as William earle of Albemarle, Robert de [line 30] Ueipount, Brian de Lisle, Hugh de Balioll, Philip de Marc, and Robert de Gaugi, the which Robert withheld the castell of Newarke that belonged to the bishop of Lincolne, and would not deliuer it, till the king with William Marshall erle of Penbroke had laine at siege before it an eight daies,* 2.51 in the end of which terme by mediation of fréends the matter was taken vp, and the bishop recouered his castell, paieng to the said Robert de Gaugi an hundred pounds sterling for the victuals which he left within [line 40] the same castell.

Soone after this, Ranulph earle of Chester was sent into the holie land by king Henrie, with a good∣lie companie of souldiers and men of warre, to aid the christians there against the infidels,* 2.52 which at the same time had besieged the citie of Damieta in Ae∣gypt, in which enterprise the valiancie of the same earle after his comming thither, was to his great praise most apparant. There went with him in that iournie Saer de Quincie earle of Winchester, [line 50] William de Albenie earle of Arundell, besides di∣uerse barons, as the lord Robert Fitz Walter, Iohn constable of Chester, William de Harecourt, and O∣liuer Fitzroie sonne to the king of England,* 2.53 and di∣uerse other.

The next yeare, which was after the birth of our lord 1219,* 2.54 William Marshall the foresaid earle of Penbroke died, gouernour both of the realme and also of the kings person,* 2.55 a man of such worthinesse both in stoutnesse of stomach and martiall know∣lege, [line 60] as England had few then liuing that might be compared with him. He was buried in the new tem∣ple church at London vpon the Ascension day.* 2.56 The same yeare also Wallo or Guallo the legat retur∣ned to Rome, and Pandulph, who (as before is expres∣sed) did the message so stoutlie from pope Innocent to king Iohn,* 2.57 was also made bishop of Norwich.

Moreouer, the gouernement of king Henrie af∣ter the death of William Marshall the elder,* 2.58 earle of Penbroke, was committed vnto Peter bishop of Winchester: for the yoong king was almost desti∣tute of any of his kindred that were worthie to haue the rule of him:* 2.59 forasmuch as his mother queene I∣sabell was latelie maried to Hugh Brime the earle of Marsh in France, vnto whome she was promised before king Iohn tooke hir to wife, as in the life of the same king Iohn is mentioned.

The bishop of Winchester being now in the pos∣session of the kings person, doubting least he had ta∣ken a greater charge vpon him than he might well answer, caused diuerse sage and honourable perso∣nages to be admitted of the kings councell, to assist him in the administration of the common-wealth and good gouernance of the realme. Which being doone, a parlement was holden at London,* 2.60 wherein a subsidie was granted to the king of two shillings to be gathered and leuied of euerie ploughland with∣in his dominions, towards the relieuing of the great charges which he had susteined by the warres against the foresaid Lewes.

About the same time also he began the building of the new worke of the church at Westminster.* 2.61 In which meane time the citie of Damieta afore menti∣oned, was woone by the christian princes,* 2.62 and Ra∣nulph earle of Chester returned home, leauing the earle of Arundell with a great number of souldiors behind him there in aid of the christians against the Saracens, which dailie attempted the recouerie of the same. Moreouer, in the yeare insuing, [year 1220] which was of our lord 1220, and vpon the seauenteenth day of Maie being Whitsunday, the king was eftsoones so∣lemnelie crowned at Westminster,* 2.63 to the end it might be said, that now after the extinguishment of all seditious factions, he was crowned by the gene∣rall consent of all the estates and subiects of his realme.

The same yeare also was the bodie of Thomas archbishop of Canturburie translated,* 2.64 and Hugh bi∣shop of Lincolne canonized for a saint.* 2.65 In like man∣ner in the vigile of Peter and Paule, the king find∣ing the castels of Rokingham and Sauueie at that present vnpurueied of victuals, tooke the same into his hands against the will of William of Albemarle which before held the same. ¶ This yeare also was a proclamation made in London,* 2.66 and throughout all the realme, that all strangers should auoid the land before the feast of saint Michaell then next following except those that came with merchandize. Further∣more Ranulph earle of Chester, after he was come from the holie land, began to build the castels of Chartleie and Béeston,* 2.67 and afterward he also builded the abbeie of Dieu Lencresse, commonlie called Delacresse of the white order. Toward his charges susteined about the building of which castels and ab∣beie, he tooke toll throughout all his lordships of all such persons as passed by the same with any cattell, chaffre or merchandize.

This yeare deceassed Henrie de Boun earle of Hereford,* 2.68 and Saer de Quincie earle of Winche∣ster in their iournie which they made into the holie land. Also the same yeare the preests or canons that inhabited within the kings castell of old Salisburie, remooued with the bishops sée vnto new Salisburie,* 2.69 which by the king was made a citie. The bishop Ri∣chard procured this remoouing, through the kings helpe, who was verie willing therevnto, as it séemed by his charters largelie granted in that behalfe. Af∣ter this,* 2.70 king Henrie held his Christmasse at Oxen∣ford, at what time William de Fortz earle of Albe∣marle meaning to trouble the kings peace,* 2.71 and to set things in a new broile, departed from the court in the night season, without leaue or licence, and hasted with all spéed vnto the castell of Biham,* 2.72 where he as∣sembled a sort of youthfull persons, giuen to lewd de∣meanor, and wearie of quietnesse (as to whome theft and robberies were verie plesant) by whose helpe he spoiled diuers townes and villages about him, as Tenham and Deping, with others.

There were of counsell with him also (as was thought) Fouks de Brent, Philip de Marc, Peter de Mauleon, Engellard de Athie, and manie other, who priuilie sent men to his aid, and furthered him in his tumultuous affaires, that they might partici∣pat with him the sweetnesse of the spoile, which is the marke whereat euerie one shooteth that is

—iners & inops, qui viuere luxuriosè Vult quamuis nequeat, non respondente crumena, Proinde animam vendit pretio, seséque periclis Obijcit, vt raptis alienis victor ouánsque Ad proprios referat praedam & spolia ampla penates.

In the meane time the countrie people withdrew to the churches, and gat their goods into the church∣yards. Moreouer, the péeres of the realme assem∣bled themselues in councell at Westminster where the king was present, whither the earle of Alber∣marle was summoned to come, who faining as though he had meant to haue gone thitherward dire∣ctlie,* 2.73 turned suddenlie his waie to the castell of Fo∣dringhey, [line 20] and tooke it vpon the sudden, furnishing it also with a garrison of souldiers, to be kept hereafter to his owne vse. That castell was in the kéeping of the earle of Chester, who at that instant had but few souldiers there in garrison, wherby it was the sooner surprised. When these newes were brought to the king, he raised a power and came with all spéed to the castell of Biham,* 2.74 vpon the wednesdaie next after the feast of Candelmasse, and then compassing the same about with a strong siege, he constreined them [line 30] within by force of such engins as they vsed in those daies, that finallie on the eight daie of Februarie they came foorth, and submitted themselues and all that they had vnto the kings pleasure. Who caused them to be safelie kept, till he might take further ad∣uisement what should be doone with them.

In the meane while also came the earle of Albe∣marle, who by the helpe & means of the archbishop of Yorke, and the legat Pandulph, purchased peace at the kings hands, the rather indeed bicause he had [line 40] faithfullie serued both the king and his father king Iohn in their wars,* 2.75 before that time. All those men of armes & souldiers also, which had submitted them∣selues and remained as prisoners, were pardoned. Which ouer-great clemencie caused other vnrulie persons to attempt the like offense of rebellion shortlie after. At the very selfe same time the Welsh∣men began to sturre,* 2.76 and vnder their prince and lea∣der Leolin they entered vpon the English marshes, and with great crueltie spoiled and robbed the same, [line 50] wherevpon it was determined by the councell, that the king (as he was comming toward the castell of Biham) should diuide his armie, and so he did, sen∣ding one part thereof against the Welshmen:* 2.77 wher∣vpon Leolin, after he vnderstood that the kings power came toward him, as one not able to resist the same, cast off his armour, and submitted himselfe to his mercie.

There be which write, that where prince Leolin had besieged the castell of Buet belonging to Regi∣nald [line 60] de Breuse,* 2.78 the same Reginald besought the K. to helpe to remooue that siege.* 2.79 The king contented with his request, came with a puissant armie into those parts, and therewith the siege was raised, for the Welshmen (according to their accustomed ma∣ner) fled. The king then entring further into the countrie,* 2.80 came to the place where Mountgomerie now standeth, and perceiuing the site of the same to serue well for fortification, he caused a castell to be builded there, to restreine the Welshmen from their accustomed trade of harrieng the countrie. And so after he had foraied those quarters, and taken order for the full accomplishment of that castell, he retur∣ned,* 2.81 the Nobles granting to him of euerie knights sée two markes of siluer.

Things being thus in quiet, the king (who by dai∣lie experience of matters grew to more knowledge from time to time) began now of himselfe to order his affaires for his owne behalfe, namelie touching the estate of his kingdome:* 2.82 and bicause he was min∣ded to assaie the recouerie of those places which his father had lost in France, he ordeined Sauerie de Mauleon to be his lieutenant in Guien, whereof a gret part as yet remained in his hands,* 2.83 and more∣ouer sent ambassadours vnto the French king, re∣quiring of him restitution of those places which he had taken from his father.

These oratours being come into France, and ad∣mitted to the kings presence, receiued answer,* 2.84 that nothing ought to be restored, which by law of armes was rightlie conquered: and other redresse at that time would none be granted. ¶ But a maruell it was to consider here at home, in how short a space the state of the English common-wealth was chan∣ged, and from a troubled fourme reduced to a flouri∣shing and prosperous degrée: chiefelie by the diligent heed and carefull prouision of the king himselfe. So much auaileth it to haue him that ruleth, to attend that which belongeth to his office.

After this, to the intent that whiles he might be occupied in warres abroad, he should not be troubled with ciuill discord at home, he deuised to ioine in af∣finitie with the Scots,* 2.85 giuing his sister Ione in ma∣riage vnto Alexander the king of Scotland, and Hu∣bert of Burgh on the other side married the sister of the same Alexander called Margaret. These mar∣riages were solemnized at Yorke on the morrow af∣ter the feast of S. Iohn Baptist, in the presence of a great number of the Nobles both of England and Scotland.* 2.86 A councell also was holden by the arch∣bishop of Canturburie at Oxford for reformation of the state ecclesiasticall and the religion of moonks.* 2.87 ¶ In which councell two naughtie felowes were pre∣sentes before him, that of late had beene apprehen∣ded, either of them naming himselfe Christ, and prea∣ched manie things against such abuses as the clear∣gie in those daies vsed. Moreouer, to prooue their er∣rour to haue a shew of truth,* 2.88 they shewed certeine tokens and signes of wounds in their bodies, hands and féet, like vnto our sauiour Iesus that was nai∣led on the crosse. In the end being well apposed, they were found to be but false dissemblers, wherefore by doome of that councell, they were iudged to be nailed vnto a crosse of wood, and so those to whom the execu∣tion was assigned, had them foorth to a place called Arborberie, where they nailed them to a crosse,* 2.89 and there left them till they were dead. The one of them was an Hermophrodite, that is to say, both man and woman. Also there were two women condemned,* 2.90 of whom the one had taken vpon hir to be that bles∣sed virgine Marie, and the other fained hir selfe to de Marie Magdalene.

Ralfe Coghshall sheweth this matter otherwise, and saith, that there were two men and two women brought before the archbishop at this councell, of the which one of the men being a deacon, was accused to be an apostata, & for the loue of a woman that was a Iew, he had circumcised himselfe: & being herof con∣uicted & disgraded, he was committed to the secular power, & so burnt by the seruants of Fouks de Brent. The other being a yoong man, was accused of con∣temning the sacraments of the church, & that he suf∣fered himselfe to be crucified, hauing the prints of the fiue wounds appearing in his bodie, and counterfei∣ting himselfe to be Christ, reioised to haue the two women giue out and spread the rumour abroad, that he was Christ in déed, one of the which women being verie aged, was also accused of witcherie, ha∣uing

with hir so••cerie and witchcraft brought that yoong man vnto such wicked fo••••ie and madnesse. They two being hereof conuicted, were closed vp be∣twixt two walles, where they remained till they died, the other woman being sister to the yoong man, was pardoned and let go, bicause she had reuealed the di∣uelish practise of the other.

This yeare also was the building of the stéeple be∣longing to the church of S. Paule in London fini∣shed. And this yeare also vpon saint Iames day the [line 10] citizens of London kept a plaie of defense and wre∣stling at the hospitall of saint Iames,* 2.91 against other their neighbours of the suburbes, and the quarters next ad••••••ning. In the end whereof it so fortuned, that the Londoners had the vpper hand:* 2.92 and amongst other that were put to the foile, the steward of the ab∣bat of Westminster with his folkes went awaie with the worst, to their great gréefe. Wherevpon the same steward deuised an other game of wrestling to be holden at Westminster on Lammas day next [line 20] following, and that whosoeuer could get the vpper hand there, should haue a ram for the price, which the steward had prepared.* 2.93

At the day appointed, there was a great assem∣blie, and the steward had got togither out of all parts the best wrestlers that might be heard of, so that there was hard hold betwixt them and the Londo∣ners. But finallie, the steward vpon desire of re∣uenge,* 2.94 procured them to fall togither by the eares without any iust cause, so that the Londoners were beaten and wounded, and constreined to flée backe [line 30] to the citie in great disorder. The citizens sore offen∣ded to see their people so misused, rose in tumult, and rang the common bell to gather the more companie to them.* 2.95 Robert Serle maior of the citie would haue pacified the matter, persuading them to let the iniu∣rie passe, till by orderlie plaint they might get re∣dresse, as law and iustice should assigne. But a cer∣teine stout man of the citie namedConstantine Fitz Arnulfe,* 2.96 of good authoritie amongst them, aduised [line 40] the multitude not to harken vnto peace, but to seeke reuenge out of hand (wherein he shewed himselfe so farre from true manhood, that he bewraied himselfe rather to haue had a womans heart,

—quod vindicta Nemomagis gaudet quàm foemina)

still prosecuting the strife with tooth and naile, and blowing the coles of contention as it were with full bellowes, that the houses belonging to the abbat of Westminster, and namelie the house of his steward [line 50] might be ouerthrowne and beaten downe flat with the ground.

This lewd counsell was soone receiued and exe∣cuted by the outragious people, & Constantine him∣selfe being cheefe leader of them, cried with a lowd voice, Mount ioy mount ioy, God be our aid and our souereigne Lewes.* 2.97 This outragious part comming to the notice of Hubert de Burgh lord chéefe iustice, he gat togither a power of armed men, and came to the citie with the fame, and taking inquisition of the cheéfe offendors, found Constantine as constant in [line 60] affirming the déed to be his,* 2.98 as he had before con∣stantlie put it in practise, wherevpon he was appre∣hended and two other citizens with him. On the next day in the morning Fouks de Brent was appointed to haue them to execution: and so by the Thames he quietlie led them to the place where they should suf∣fer. Now when Constantine had the halter about his necke, he offered fifteene thousand marks of siluer to haue béene pardoned, but it would not be. There was hanged with him his nephue named also Constan∣tine,* 2.99 and one Geffrey, who made the proclamation deuised by the said Constantine. The crie also which Constantine vsed to the setting forward of his vn∣lawfull enterprise in the name of Lewes most of all offended the kings fréends, as the lord cheefe iustice and others, who not satisfied with the death of the three before remembred persons, but also entring the citie againe with their hands of armed men, apprehended diuerse of those whome they tooke to be culpable, not onelie putting manie of them into prison, but also punishing other of them, as some with losse of a foot, some of an hand, and other of their eie-sight. The king furthermore to reuenge this matter, deposed all the magistrats of the citie, and ordeined new in their roomes. Which caused great hartburning against di∣uerse of the Nobilitie, but cheefelie the lord Hubert and Fouks de Brent, on whome in time they hoped to haue reuenge.

As this bro••le vexed the citie of London,* 2.100 so in this yeare there chanced great tempest of thunder, light∣ning and raine, whereby much hurt was doone in di∣uerse parts of the realme, and at sundrie times,* 2.101 as by throwing downe of steeples, churches, and other buil∣dings, with the rootwalting of trées, as well in woods as orchards, verie strange to consider, chéefelie on the eight day of Februarie at Grantham in Lincolne∣shire, where there chanced (beside the thunder) such a stinke and filthie fauour to follow in the church, that the people fled out, for that they were not able to a∣bide it. Likewise in the day of the exaltation of the crosse, a generall thunder happened throughout the realme, and thervpon followed a continuall season of foule weather and wet, till Candelmas next after, which caused a dearth of corne,* 2.102 so as wheat was sold at twelue shillings the quarter. Likewise on the day of saint Andrew an other terrible tempest of thunder happened through the realme,* 2.103 throwing downe and shaking buildings in manie places, in so much that at Pillerdeston in Warwikeshire, in a knights house, the ladie thereof and six other persons were de∣stroied by the same. And a turbarie thereby compas∣sed about with water and marresse was so dried vp,* 2.104 that neither grasse nor mire remained, after which insued an earthquake. Moreouer on the euen of saint Lucie, a mightie wind raged, which did much hurt in sundrie places of the realme. Furthermore, about this time there appeared in England a wonderfull comet or blasing starre. The sea also rose with higher tides and springs than it had beene accustomed to doo.* 2.105 All which woonders were afterward iudged to be∣token and signifie the losse which the christians sustei∣ned the same yeare in Aegypt, when they were con∣streined to surrender the citie of Damieta into the Saracens hands,* 2.106 which latelie before (as yée haue heard) they had woone with long and chargeable siege. After the yéelding vp of Damieta,* 2.107 William de Al∣benie earle of Arundell (whome Ranulfe earle of Chester left behind him in the holie land) with manie souldiers and men of warre (when he returned from thence) came now homewards towards England, and died by the waie.

About the same time Iohn the sonne of Dauid earle of Anguish in Scotland,* 2.108 sisters sonne vnto Ra∣nulfe earle of Chester, married the daughter of Leo∣lin prince of Wales, as it were to procure a finall accord betwéene the said Leolin and Ranulfe. After which marriage, king Henrie held his Christmasse at Oxenford, and shortlie after the twelftide came to London: where assembling a councell of his barons, [year 1223] he was earnestlie required by the bishop of Cantur∣burie and other peeres, to confirme the liberties,* 2.109 fra••∣chises, and frée customes of the realme,* 2.110 for which the warres in his fathers time had béene mooued: which to denie (as the archbishop seemed to alledge, & shuld haue béene ashamed so to open his mouth, to the dis∣aduantage of his souereigne, but that it is likelie he forgat the old posie, namelie that,

Imago rex est animatae Dei.)

he might not with anie reason, sith he had couenan∣ted (and all the baronage with him) to sée the same obserued, by the articles of the peace conclu∣ded with Lewes, when the same Lewes departed the realme.

Herevpon William Brewer one of the kings councell,* 2.111 hearing the archbishop so earnest in these matters, told him, that sith these liberties were pro∣cured & extorted rather by force than otherwise, of [line 10] the king being vnder age, they were not to be obser∣ued. Wherevnto the archbishop replied, that if he lo∣ued the king,* 2.112 he would be loth to séeke to trouble the quiet state of the realme. The king perceiuing the archbishop to be chafed, & taking the tale himselfe, made a courteous answer, and further aduise had in the matter, sent foorth writs to the shiriffe of euerie countie, commanding them by inquirie of a suffici∣ent iurie impanelled,* 2.113 to make certificat within the quindene of Ester, what were the liberties in times [line 20] past of his grandfather K. Henrie, vsed within the realme of England.

* 2.114The same yeare, whiles William Marshall earle of Penbroke was busie in Ireland in war against Hugh Lacie, Leolin prince (or king) of Wales, as some haue intitled him, tooke by force two castels that belonged to the same earle: whereof when he was aduertised, with all spéed he returned out of Ireland, raised an armie, and recouered the said castels, put∣ting to death all such as he found in the same, to re∣quite Leolin with the like damage as he had shewed [line 30] him before in his absence.* 2.115 This doone he entered in∣to the land of Leolin, wasting and spoiling the same, whereof when the said Leolin was informed, he as∣sembled an host of Welshmen, and comming into the field gaue battell, but the victorie rested on the earle of Penbroks side:* 2.116 so that there were taken and slaine in this bickering to the number of 9000 Welshmen. There was in this yeare a conspiracie also begun by the earle of Chester, and other Noble men,* 2.117 against Hubert de Burgh lord chiefe iustice [line 40] of England, by whose counsell (as it was thought) the king was more streict towards the nobilitie and other his subiects, in staieng his grant to confirme the charter of liberties, than otherwise he would haue beene, if the same Hubert and other had not aduised him to the contrarie.

In this season also Iohn de Bren king of Ierusa∣lem,* 2.118 and the lord great maister of the knights hospi∣tallers came into England, where they were hono∣rablie [line 50] receiued of king Henrie, and liberally rewar∣ded. The cause of their comming was to require aid of the king for the recouerie of the holie land out of the possession of the Saracens. In like maner about the same time Leolin prince of Northwals, with cer∣teine English lords, as Hugh Lacie and others, vp∣on an hatred which they bare towards king Henrie for his fathers sake, supposing that so euill a stocke as they tooke him to be, could not bring foorth anie good branch, sought by open warres to bring William [line 60] Marshall earle of Penbroke and other barons that were faithfull friends to the king vnto their purpose: but the whole countrie rising against them, they were disappointed to their owne confusion, and so they could neuer bring that to passe which they so earnest∣lie intended.

In this yeare Philip the French king departed this life,* 2.119 and after him succéeded Lewes his sonne, vnto whom king Henrie sent in ambassage the arch∣bishop of Canturburie with three other bishops, to re∣quire, that (according to his oth made and receiued at his returne out of England) he would restore and deliuer vp to him the dukedome of Normandie, with other such lands and possessions as his father in times past had taken from king Iohn, and still did wrongfullie withhold. K. Lewes answered herevn∣to, that he held Normandie & the other lands by good right and iust title, as he could well prooue and iusti∣fie, if king Henrie would come to the parlement in France to heare it. And as touching the oth which he had sworne in England, he affirmed that the same was first broken by king Henrie, both in that his men which had béene taken at Lincolne were put to greeuous ransoms, and also for that their liberties for which the warre first began, were not obserued, but denied to the English subiects, contrarie to that which was concluded at the agréement betwixt them at the same time made.

Moreouer, king Henrie sent other ambassadours to Rome, who purchased a bull of the pope, wherby he was adiudged to be of age sufficient to receiue the gouernement of the kingdome of England into his owne hands, thereby to order and dispose a•••• things at his pleasure, & by the aduise of such councellours as he should elect and choose to be about him. Where∣vpon after the said ambassadours were returned, all those earles, barons and nobles, which held anie ca∣stels, honors, manors or places apperteining to the king, were commanded to deliuer and resigne the same to his vse, which caused much trouble, as after shall appeare. For diuerse Noble men, whose harts were filled with couetousnesse, would not obeie the popes order herein, but sore repined; yet not so much against the king as against the lord Hubert de Burgh, by whose councell the king was most led and ruled. And therefore they did put him in all the blame, as one that should set the king against them, and staie him from suffering them to inioy those li∣berties, which they from time to time so much labou∣red to haue had to them granted and confirmed.* 2.120

Upon this occasion therfore,* 2.121 they sued to the king for the restitution of the ancient lawes according to his promise, who to pacifie them for the time, gaue them a gentle answer, assuring them, that he would perfourme all that he had promised, so soone as oppor∣tunitie would permit and suffer him so to doo. How∣beit, afterwards by the aduise of certeine old coun∣cellours, which had béene of the priuie councell with king Iohn his father, he found a shift to disappoint them of their demands, by requiring them on the o∣ther side, to restore vnto him those things which they had in times past receiued of his ancestors. Fur∣thermore, bicause he would the more easilie obteine his purpose, and make the residue afraid to follow a suit so displeasant and irkesome, he thought best to begin with the chiefe authors and first procurers of the said petitions, and to take from them whatsoeuer they held belonging to his crowne.

Herevpon therefore assembling a great power about him, [year 1224] he demanded of Ranulph earle of Chester the restitution of certeine lordships which ancientlie apperteined to the crowne of the realme,* 2.122 which earle not being as then able to resist, readilie obeied the kings pleasure, and resigned them all. By this en∣trance of the king into the execution of his purpose▪ diuerse of the rest of the barons were brought into such feare, that they were contented also to doo the like, so that by this meanes the lords being cut short and weakened in power, surceased as then from mo∣lesting the king anie further with the demand of o∣ther lands or liberties.

The archbishop of Canturburie also threatened them with the dart of excommunication, if they went about to disquiet the realme with anie ciuill commotions, though no man was more desirous to haue that matter go forward than he, as appéered by his diligent trauell therein (hoping as now in short processe of time, and that by courteous meanes, to

persuade the king to his purpose) but the king droue him off with faire words, and minded nothing lesse than to alter anie one of the lawes which he knew to be profitable to himselfe and his successours after him. Wherevpon diuerse misliking his dealing here∣in, withdrew themselues secretlie, some into one place, and some into an other, to the intent they might auoid the dailie sight of such abuses, as they for the most part could not well abide to beare.

Whilest king Henrie thus politikelie prouided [line 10] for his affaires at home, Sauerie de Mauleon made prouision in Guien to withstand such perils and dan∣gers as he saw most likelie to insue by the practises of the Frenchmen. But as he was most busilie oc∣cupied about the purueiance of such things as should be verie necessarie for his dooings, there sprang a great dissention betwixt him and William the earle of Salisburie,* 2.123 who was sent ouer into that countrie with commission to surueie the state thereof, and by colour of the same commission, tooke vpon him [line 20] to order all things at his owne pleasure. Whereas the foresaid Sauerie de Mauleon (being a man of high parentage in those parts where he was borne) iudged it to be a matter nothing standing with his honour, that another man should order things at his will and commandement within the countrie, where∣of he himselfe had the chiefe charge, as the kings lieutenant; and therefore determined not to suffer it anie longer.

Herevpon verelie arose the contention betwixt [line 30] them, which the English souldiers that were there, did greatlie increase, fauouring the earle as the kings vncle, and contemning the lieutenant as a stranger borne, by meanes whereof the foresaid Sa∣uerie doubting least if he should fight with his eni∣mies, and through such discord as was now amongst them, be put to the worse, the fault should be laid wholie on his necke: he secretlie departed and fled to Lewes the French king,* 2.124 who was latelie come to the crowne of France by the death of his father [line 40] king Philip, as you before haue heard: wherein he dealt wiselie in respect of safetie. For

Quid poterit iusta tutius esse fuga?

* 2.125About the same time Fouks de Brent, being a man of an vnquiet mind, readie to mischiefe and lo••h to liue in peace (as some saie) conspired against the king of England, and aduertised the king of France that if he would boldlie begin the warres against king Henrie in France, he would not faile but raise warre against him here in the middest of his realme [line 50] of England, hauing diuerse noble men in a readi∣nesse, that would willinglie take his part. But how soeuer it fell out, certeine it is that this Fouks ha∣uing fortified his castell of Bedford, attempted ma∣nie enterprises greatlie to the preiudice of the kings peace, aswell in robbing and spoiling the countrie a∣bout him, as otherwise.

And now fearing to be punished therefore by or∣der of law he shewed his malice against such as had the execution of the same lawes chieflie in their [line 60] hands. Herevpon he tooke prisoner Henrie Bra••∣broke, one of the kings iustices of his bench, and led him to his castell of Bedford, and there shut him vp close 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his lawfull prisoner. Indeed the said Henrie de Braibroke,* 2.126 with Martine de Pateshull, Thomas de Multon, and other of the kings iustices were come to kéepe their circuit at Dunstable. Where, vp∣on information giuen and presented before them, Fouks de Brent was condemned to the king in great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of monie. Wherewithall this Fouks tooke such indignation and displeasure, that he com∣manded his men of warre which laie in the castell of Bedford, to ride vnto Dunstable, and there to appre∣hend the said iustices, and to bring them vnto Bed∣ford, where (as he said) he meant to commen further with them. But they hauing knowledge of his pur∣pose, fled quicklie out of the towne, séeking to escape euerie man which waie he might best deuise. How∣beit, the souldiers vsed such diligence, that Henrie de Braibroke fell into their hands, & so was brought captiue to Bedford as their maister had comman∣ded them.

The king aduertised hereof by the gréeuous com∣plaints of his subiects, was as then at Northamp∣ton (where he had assembled his parlement) and ther∣vpon hauing gathered speedilie a power, with all ex∣pedition he hasted towards Bedford. At his com∣ming thither, he besieged the castell on ech side,* 2.127 and at length after two moneths, though not without much adoo, he wan it, and hanged them all which were taken within, being in number 80 or aboue: and a∣mongst other William de Brent, the brother of the said Fouks was one. There were but thrée that e∣scaped with life, who were pardoned, vpon condition they should passe into the holie land, there to serue a∣mong the Templers. The siege began on the Ascen∣sion eeuen, and continued till the 15 daie of August, being the feast daie of the assumption of our ladie.

Fouks himselfe, whilest the siege continued, laie aloofe in ••••eshire, and on the borders of Wales,* 2.128 as one watching to doo some mischiefe: but after the ca∣stell was woone, he got him to Couentrie, and there was yer long apprehended, and brought to the king, of whom he obteined pardon of life, but yet by the whole consent of the nobles and péeres of the realme, he was exiled the land for euermore, and then went to Rome, where he knew to purchase his pardon ea∣silie inough for mony, of what crime soeuer he should be iudged culpable. His wife, bicause she neuer con∣sented to his dooings, nor yet willinglie to the mar∣riage had betwixt hir and him, was acquited of all blame, and so likewise was his sonne Thomas.

Howbeit at length the foresaid Fouks, hauing obteined his purpose at Rome (by meanes of his chapleine Robert Paslew an Englishman,* 2.129 who was his sollicitor there) as he returned towards Eng∣land in the yeare insuing, was poisoned and died by the waie, making so an end of his inconstant life, which from the time that he came to yeares of discre∣tion was neuer bent to quietnes. Which may be re∣ported of him, not to his honour or renowme (for a∣las what same is gotten by giuing occasions of euill) but to his euerlasting shame and infamie, for the same shall neuer die, but remaine in perpetuall me∣morie, as one saith right well,

H••minum immortalis est infamia,* 2.130 Etiam tunc viuit cùm essecredas m••rtuam.

But now to leaue these things, and returne to the dooings in France where we left. Ye shall vnder∣stand, that after Sauerie de Mauleon was reuolted to the French king, the said king with all spéed de∣termined to make warre vpon king Henrie, and to win from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certeine townes and fortresses with∣in the countrie of Poictou.

The French writers affirme, that king Lewes to couered out of the Englishmens hands the townes of Niort, S. Iohns d'Angeli, & Rochell, before Saue∣rie de Mauleon reuolted from the French part. In deed, the chronicle of Dunstable saith,* 2.131 that after the truce tooke end, this ••eare the French king raised an armie, and tooke Niort, and after they of S. Iohn d'Angeli submitted themselues vnto him. From whence he went to Rochell, within the which at ••••at p••esent was the said Sauerie de Mauleon with se∣uentie knights, and Richard Graie, with Geffrey Neuill, who had in their retinue sixtie knights. These with the forces of the towne ••allied foorth, & encoun∣tring with the French armie, ••••ue manie of their ad∣uersaries,

and lost some of their owne people. Yet af∣ter this, the French K. besieged the towne, and in the end wan it, whilest the king of England being occu∣pied about the besieging of Bedford castell, neglected to send them within Rochell necessarie succours.

But Polydor Virgil writeth, that now after that Sauerie de Mauleon was become the French king his man,* 2.132 the Poictouins sent vnto king Henrie, sig∣nifieng, that they were readie to reuolt from the French kings subiection, and yéeld themselues vnto him, if he would send vnto them a power of men to [line 10] defend their countrie from the French men. Now king Henrie hauing receiued these letters, intertei∣ned them that brought this message verie courteous∣lie, and promising them to send ouer aid with all ex∣pedition, he caused his nauie to be made readie for that voiage. In the meane time, the French king sent foorth an armie vnder the leading of Sauerie de Mauleon, who then tooke Niort and Rochell, placing in the same sundrie garrisons of souldiers,* 2.133 but chéefe∣lie he fortified Rochell, which had beene long in the [line 20] Englishmens hands, and alwaies serued them to verie good purpose, for the handsome landing of their people, when any occasion required. The French king therefore hauing got it, fortified it, and meant to kéepe it, to the intent the Englishmen should not haue hereafter in time of warre, so necessarie a place for their arriuall in those coasts.* 2.134

* 2.135King Henrie holding his Christmasse at West∣minster, called his high court of parlement there the same time, [year 1225] and demanded a reléefe of monie, toward [line 30] the maintenance of his warres in France, and had granted to him the fiftéenth penie in value of all the mooueable goods to be found within the realme,* 2.136 as well belonging to the spiritualtie as temporaltie, but vnder condition that he should confirme vnto his subiects their often demanded liberties. The king vpon desire to haue the monie, was contented to condescend vnto their requests, and so the two char∣ters were made, and by the king confirmed, the one [line 40] intituled Magna Charta, & the other Charta de For∣resta.* 2.137 Thus at this parlement were made and con∣firmed these good lawes and laudable ordinances, which haue beene from time to time by the kings and princes of this realme confirmed, so that a great part of the law now in vse dependeth of the same. The same charters also were directed and sent foorth into euerie countie within the realme to be pro∣claimed.

It was moreouer decreed, that at a certeine daie after Easter, there should be an inquisition taken by [line 50] the inquest of a substantiall iurie, for the seuering of forrests,* 2.138 the new from the old, so as all those grounds which had beene made forrests, since the daies of king Henrie the grandfather of this Henrie the third, should be disforrested. And therevpon after Easter, Hugh de Neuill, and Brian de Lisle, were sent foorth as commissioners, to take that inquisition. By force whereof, manie woods were asserted and im∣prooued to arable land by the owners, and so not one∣lie [line 60] men, but also dogs, which for safegard of the game were accustomed to lose their clawes, had good cause to reioise for these confirmed liberties.

In the meane time, and about the feast of the pu∣rification, king Henrie (hauing iust occasion to pur∣sue the warre, for recouerie of those townes taken, as before you haue heard by the Frenchmen) sent o∣uer his brother Richard, whom he had made earle of Cornewall and Poictow, with a mightie nauie of ships vnto Gascoigne.* 2.139 This earle, hauing in his com∣panie the earle of Salisburie, Philip de Albenie, and others, with prosperous wind and weather arriued at Burdeaux with foure hundred sailes,* 2.140 and there landing his men, went straight vnto the towne of saint Machaire, situated vpon the banke of Garon, where, vpon his first comming, he gat the castell, and sacked the towne, and then passing further,* 2.141 wan di∣uerse other townes, as Longuile, Bergerat, and o∣ther, and after went with great diligence to besiege and recouer Rochell, or rather Rioll. The French king aduertised of the earls arriuall, and of these his atchiued enterprises,* 2.142 sent foorth by and by the earle of Champaigne with a mightie armie into Guien to aid his people there.

The earle of Cornewall vnderstanding of the com∣ming of that French armie, tooke a part of his host, and therewithall went to méet his enimies, and lieng in ambush for them by the way, had them at a good aduantage, and slue great numbers of them.* 2.143 After this, the earle of Champaigne keeping his men with∣in their trenches and campe, without attempting a∣nie other exploit, the earle of Cornewall thought it sufficient, if he might keepe the Gascoignes in obedi∣ence, which had alreadie practised a rebellion, by send∣ing letters and messengers for the same intent vnto the French king,* 2.144 and therefore breaking vp his siege before the Rioll, he staied a while from exploiting any further enterprise. About the same time, the earle of Salisburie returning homwards out of Gascoigne, was so tossed and turmoiled on the seas by tempests of weather, that he fell sicke therof,* 2.145 and within a few daies after his arriuall died.

¶ This yeare also, there came foorth a decrée from the archbishop of Canturburie, and his suffragans,* 2.146 that the concubines of préests and clearkes within orders (for so were their wiues then called in con∣tempt of their wedlocke) should be denied of christi∣an buriall, except they repented whilest they were a∣liue in perfect health, or else shewed manifest tokens of repentance at the time of their deaths. The same decree also prohibited them from the receiuing of the pax at masse time, & also of holie bread after masse, so long as the preests kept them in their houses, or vsed their companie publikelie out of their houses. Moreouer, that they should not be purified when they should be deliuered of child, as other good women were, vnlesse they found sufficient suertie to the arch∣deacon, or his officiall, to make satisfaction at the next chapter or court to be holden, after they should be purified. And the préests should be suspended, which did not present all such their concubines as were re∣siant within their parishes. Also, all such women as were conuict to haue dealt carnallie with a preest, were appointed by the same decree to doo open pen∣ance. Where the question may be asked, whether this decree was extended to preests wiues or no? Where∣vnto answer may be made, that as a quadrangle in geometrie compriseth in it a triangle, and a quater∣nion in arithmetike conteineth a ternion; so in lo∣gike a vniuersall proposition comprehendeth a parti∣cular. But it is said here, that all such women as had carnall knowledge with a préest, were to be pu∣nished, therefore some, and consequentlie all préests wiues. But yet this seemeth not to be the meaning of that decrée, for préests were allowed no wiues, naie Sericius the pope iudged that all such of the cleargie as had wiues could not please God, bicause they were In carne, which words he and the residue of that litter restreined to marriage, admitting in no case that churchmen should inioy the rights of matrimo∣nie. Wherin they offer God great iniurie, in séeking to limit that large institution of wedlocke, wherein all estates are interressed; and they seeme likewise to bridle nature, and to compell hir within certeine pre∣cincts, wherein they offer intollerable iniurie to all mankind, considering that

—ad venerem compellimur exercendum Non modò nos, verùm omne animal, terrae{que} marís{que},

Natur•• imperio: facias peiora necesse est, Si non foeminei sorberis abore barathri.

This yeare, or (as some saie) in the next, the king granted to the citizens of London frée warren, that is to saie, libertie to hunt within a certeine cir∣cuit about London, & that all weires in the Thames should be plucked vp and destroied. Also in this tenth yeare of his reigne,* 2.147 king Henrie granted to the citi∣zens of London, that they might haue and vse a com∣mon seale. About the time of the making of which or∣dinances,* 2.148 [line 10] Otho the cardinall of S. Nicholas in Car∣cere Tulliano came as legat from pope Honorius into England to king Henrie, presenting him with letters from the pope. The tenour whereof when the king had well considered, he declared to the legat, that without the whole assent of the estates of his realme, he could doo little in that which the pope as then required.

* 2.149Herevpon therefore he caused a parlement to be summoned at Westminster, there to be holden in [line 20] the octaues of the Epiphanie: this legat also mooued the king in the behalfe of Fouks de Brent, that he might be restored to his possessions, and inioy his wife as before time he had doone: but the king decla∣red that for his manifest treason committed he was iustlie exiled, and not onlie by his, but by the sentence of the nobles and other estates of the whole realme: which answer when the legat had heard, he left off to solicit the king for Fouks, and from thencefoorth tal∣ked no more of that matter. Shortlie after by waie [line 30] of proxie, the said legat gathered a dutie which he claimed of the spiritualtie, that was of euerie con∣uentuall church within the realme two markes of siluer.

[year 1226] In this yeare the king held his Christmasse at Winchester, and after comming to Marlebridge, chanced there to fall sicke,* 2.150 so that he laie in despaire of life for certeine daies togither. In the meane time also came the daie appointed for the parlement to be∣gin at Westminster, where the legat and other of the spiritualtie and temporaltie being assembled, the said [line 40] Otho shewed the popes letters, and according to the tenour and purport of the same, was earnestlie in hand to haue the priests to grant the yearelie pai∣ment of a certeine pension or tribute to the pope, towards the maintenance of his estate, which they generallie denied. When he saw that this bait would not take, he onelie demanded a tenth part of all their spirituall liuings for maintenance of the wars a∣gainst the Saracens, which was easilie granted, as more reasonable than the first. [line 50]

* 2.151¶ Here by diuerse credible writers of good credit, it should appeare, that the pope demanded to haue assig∣ned vnto him out of euerie cathedrall church two pre∣bends, one out of the portion belonging to the bishop, & an other out of the portion belonging to the deane and chapiter: and likewise of the abbeies, where there were seuerall portions, that is to saie, so much of the conuent as belonged to the finding of one moonke, and as much also of euerie abbats liuing as should counteruaile the same. The cardinall vsed iollie per∣suasions [line 60] to induce the prelats to assent to this grant, alledging that the church of Rome was run in great slander for taking of monie in dispatch of suiters causes, which arose by meanes there was no mainte∣nance of liuing sufficient for the churchmen there: and therefore he added, how it was the parts of na∣turall children to releeue the necessitie of their louing mother, and that except the charitable deuotion of them and other good and well disposed persons were shortlie extended, they should want necessarie main∣tenance for the sustentation of their liues, which shuld be altogither an vnséemelie thing for the dignitie of the Romane church.

The clergie resorting togither to take aduise what answer they should make, at length vpon their re∣solute determination,* 2.152 Iohn the archdeacon of Bed∣ford was appointed to tell the tale for them all: who comming before the cardinall, declared boldlie vnto him, that the demand which he had proponed, touched the king especiallie, and generallie all the nobilitie of the realme, which were patrons of anie churches. He added furthermore, how the archbishops and bi∣shops, and manie other of the prelats of England (si∣thens the king by reason of his sickenesse could not be there) were also absent, so that they which were there present, being but as it were the inferiour part of the house, neither might nor ought to make anie resolute answer as then in this matter. Immedi∣atlie herewith also came the lord Iohn Marshall, and other messengers from the king vnto all the prelats that held anie baronies of the king, streightlie com∣manding them, that they should in no wise bind and indanger his laie fée vnto the church of Rome, where∣by he might be depriued of his due and accustomed seruices, and so euerie man herevpon departed and went home.

This yeare, the plées of the crowne were pleaded in the tower of London.* 2.153 And on the sixtéenth daie of March in this tenth yeare of his reigne, the king granted by his charter insealed,* 2.154 that the citizens of London should passe toll frée through all England, and if anie of them were constreined in anie citie, borough or towne within the realme, to paie toll, that then the shiriffes of London might attach anie man of the said citie, borough or towne, where such toll was exacted, being found within the liberties of London, and him reteine with his goods and cattels, till the citizens that paid such toll were sa••is••ied, by restitution of the same, with all costs and charges su∣steined in the suit. Howbeit, about the same time, the king constreined the Londoners to giue vnto him the summe of fiue thousand marks as a fine,* 2.155 for that they had aided and succoured his aduersarie Lewes against him, and lent to the said Lewes at his departure out of the realme a like summe. But it may rather be thought they gaue vnto the king the said fiue thousand marks for his fauour shewed in granting vnto them the aboue mentioned fréedome and liberties. At the same time, he had also twelue hundred pounds of the burgesses of Northampton, besides the fifteenth, which not onelie they, but also the Londoners, and all other generallie through the realme, paid accordinglie as it was granted.

In Februarie, the king called a parlement at Ox∣ford, in the which he made open declaration vnto all the assemblie,* 2.156 that he was now of lawfull age to go∣uerne of himselfe,* 2.157 without anie to haue rule ouer him, and so whereas before he was gouerned first by the earle of Penbroke lord protectour, whilest he li∣ued, & after by the bishop of Winchester and others, he now remooued them from him by the counsell of the lord chiefe iustice, taking the regiment wholie to himselfe, & to such as should please him from thence∣foorth to appoint. Also in the same parlement, he did cancell and disanull the two charters before mentio∣ned,* 2.158 after that the same had béene vsed through the realme for the space of two yeares, pretending them to be of no value, sith they were sealed and signed whilest he was vnder age. This déed of the king was gréeuouslie taken, and all the blame put in the lord chiefe iustice. Herewith all such also as claimed anie manner charters of liberties, were appointed to re∣mooue the same (a practise onelie to get monie) and to get them confirmed with the kings new seale, the old being made void and pronounced of none effect.

In this yeare died the French king Lewes the eighth, and his son Lewes the ninth succeeded him,* 2.159

a child of twelue yeares of age, by reason of whose in∣fancie diuerse peeres of the realme began to with∣draw their obedience from him, as Theobald earle of Champaigne, Hugh earle of Marsh, and Peter duke of Britaine. Howbeit, the earle of Champaigne was easilie reduced againe to his former obedience, by the high wisedome and policie of the quéene mother, who had the gouernement of hir sonne the yoong king and his realme committed vnto hir.* 2.160 But the earle of Marsh constant in his purpose, came ouer to king Henrie, whose mother he had married, and [line 10] declared vnto him, that now was the time for him to recouer those places, which king Philip had vniustlie taken from his father king Iohn: and to bring the same to passe, he offered himselfe and all that he could make, in the furthering of this voiage. The K. being thus pricked forward with the earle of Marsh his words,* 2.161 determined without delaie to take in hand the warre.

¶ Here authors varie, for some write, that king [line 20] Henrie sent ouer certeine persons,* 2.162 as the archbishop of Yorke, the bishop of Careleill, and the Lord Phi∣lip Dalbenie, to vnderstand the minds of the Nor∣mans, the Britains and Poictouins. And for that those that were sent, brought word againe that the said people were not greatlie minded to forsake the French gouernment, he surceassed from attempting any exploit at that time. Other write, that gathering a great summe of monie of his subiects, towards the maintenance of his charges, he prepared a nauie of ships, and sailed ouer with the said earle of Marsh [line 30] into Britaine, and there wasted the confines of the French dominions, and that when the French king was readie with an armie to succour his subiects, he suddenlie retired to his ships, and returned into England, without atchiuing anie enterprise wor∣thie of remembrance, so that whether he went him∣selfe or sent,* 2.163 it forceth not: for certeine it is that he profited nothing at that seson, either by sending mes∣sengers to procure him fréendship, or by going ouer himselfe to make an entrie to the warres. [line 40]

When the French affaires were thus at a staie, within a few moneths after, Richard earle of Corne∣wall returned foorth of Gascoigne into England, and shortlie after,* 2.164 bicause he heard and was crediblie in∣formed, that a certeine manour place which Wale∣rane the Duchman, capteine of Berkamstéed castell held, by the gift and assignement of king Iohn, ap∣perteined to his earledome of Cornewall, he seized the castell into his hands.* 2.165 So that Walerane being [line 50] thus dipossessed, exhibited his bill of complaint to the king, who incontinentlie sent to the earle, comman∣ding him to make restitution, which he vtterlie refu∣sed to doo. But foorthwith, comming to the king, and without reteining any aduocate, he declared his right which he offered to auerre in open presence, & in any of the kings courts, before whatsoeuer péeres of the realme should be there assembled.

This addition [the peeres of the realme] nothing pleased the king and his councell, namelie the lord [line 60] chéefe iustice, by whose aduice the king meant to haue apprehended the earle the same night, after he was withdrawne to his lodging. But the earle warned thereof,* 2.166 secretlie departed, accompanied onelie with one man, and neuer drew bridle out of his horsses mouth, vntill he came to Reading (whither his ser∣uants resorted to him) and from thence he rode straight to Marlebridge,* 2.167 where he found his deare freend William earle Marshall, to whome he did im∣part the danger likelie to haue befallen him. Then they drew to the erle of Chester, & taking order with him for the raising of an armie, there met shortlie af∣ter at Stamford the persons whose names hereafter insue;* 2.168 Ranulfe earle of Chester, William Marshall earle of Penbroke, Richard earle of Cornewall the kings brother, Gilbert earle of Glocester, William earle Warren, Henrie earle of Hereford, William earle Ferrers, William earle of Warwike, and di∣uerse barons, lords and knights, hauing there with them a great puissance of warlike personages.

The king hauing vnderstanding as well of their demeanor, as also what they required by their letters and messengers to him dailie sent,* 2.169 thought good for a time to pacifie their furie, and there vpon appointed a day at Northampton, where he would méet, and minister such iustice vnto them, as should be thought reasonable, and to stand with their good willes and contentation. Wherevpon,* 2.170 the parties comming to Northampton at the day assigned, he granted to the earle his brother (at the instant desire of the lords) all his mothers dowrie, with all those lands which be∣longed to the earle of Britaine within England, and withall, those lands also that apperteined to the earle of Bullongne deceassed. Thus the matter being paci∣fied, euerie man departed to his home, whereas if the king had béene froward (as he was mild and patient, knowing that

—non solis viribus aequum Credere,* 2.171 saepè acri potior prudentia dextra)

warres had immediatlie béene raised betwixt them, namelie, bicause manie of the lords bare a secret grudge towards the king, for that he had reuoked certeine liberties which in the begining of his reigne he had granted to be holden, though now to take a∣waie the enuie which might be conceiued towards him for his dooing, he alledged, that he did not in∣fringe any thing that he had then granted, but such things as his gouernours had suffered to passe whi∣lest he was vnder age, and not ruler of himselfe: he caused them therefore to redéeme manie of the same priuileges, whereby he gained great finance for the setting to of his new seale (as before yee haue heard declared.)

Moreouer, in this yeare there were sent certeine persons from pope Gregorie the ninth (that succéeded Honorius) into all the parts of Europe,* 2.172 to mooue by preaching the christian people to make a iournie into the holie land against the Saracens. Such a multi∣tude by means hereof did assemble togither from all parts, and that within a short time, as the like had sil∣dome times beene heard of. It is said, that amongst them there should be to the number of fortie thou∣sand Englishmen,* 2.173 of whome Peter bishop of Win∣chester, and William bishop of Excester were the cheefe. Capteins also of that great multitude of cros∣sed souldiers that went foorth of sundrie countries were these, Theobald earle of Champaigne, and Phi∣lip de Albenie,* 2.174 through whose negligence the sequels of this noble enterprise came but to small effect. But to procéed.

About this time the king minding the benefit of the commonwealth,* 2.175 caused the weights and mea∣sures generallie within the land to be reformed after one standard.* 2.176 Furthermore, he created Hubert de Burgh earle of Kent, the which Hubert how much praise so euer he got at the beginning for his valian∣cie shewed in the defending of Douer castell, and in vanquishing the French fléet that was comming to the succour of Lewes by battell on the sea, it is cer∣teine, that now he purchased himselfe double as much hatred and euill will, bicause that being of secret councell with the king, and thereby after a sort seque∣stred from the lords, he was knowne to dissuade the said prince from restoring of the ancient lawes and customes vnto the people, which the barons oft re∣quired: whereby it came to passe, that the more he grew in fauour with the prince, the further he came into the enuie of the Nobilitie, and hatred of the peo∣ple,

which is a common reward to such as in respect of their maister doo little regard the profit of others, as the prouerbe saith,

Plus quis honoratur hostis tum multiplicatur.

* 2.177Furthermore, vpon the ninth of Iulie Stephan the archbishop of Canturburie died, after he had go∣uerned that sée the terme of 21 yeares, after whome succéeded Richard Wethersheid deane of Paules, who was the thrée and fortith archbishop of that sée. The moonks of Canturburie had first elected one of [line 10] their owne conuent, named Walter de Helme∣sham: which election was made by the same moonks the third daie of August next insuing the death of their said archbishop Stephan, but the king would not consent that he should haue the place for diuerse causes, which he obiected: as first, for that he knew him to be such a man as should be vnprofitable, both to him and to his kingdome. Secondlie, bicause his father was a theefe, and thereof being conuict, suffe∣red death vpon the gallowes. Thirdlie, for that he [line 20] himselfe had stood against king Iohn in time of the interdiction.

On the other side, the bishops suffragans to the church of Canturburie obiected also against him, that he had vsed the familiar companie of a nunne, and begot of hir certeine children. Moreouer they al∣ledged, that no election without their consent, could be good, nor ought to take place. But the moonke making his appeale, stood in it, and taking with him certeine of his fellow moonks of Canturburie,* 2.178 went [line 30] to Rome, and there made supplication to the pope, that his election by his authoritie might be ratified and confirmed. Whereof the king and the other bi∣shops being aduertised, did put their obiections in writing vnder their seales, & sent the same to Rome to be exhibited to the pope by the bishops of West∣chester and Rochester, and Iohn the archdeacon of Bedford, who vsed such means, that his election was iudged void, & then the said Richard Wethersheid was out of hand elected & confirmed. In that yeare [line 40] also,* 2.179 a grant was made to the citizens of London, that they should haue and vse a common seale.

In this meane while, Hugh the earle of March so laboured with the Normans and Poictouins in the behalfe of the king of England,* 2.180 that they began to incline to his purpose: wherevpon he sent his let∣ters by secret meanes vnto king Henrie, signifi∣eng to him, that if it would please him to come ouer with an armie to make warre against the French king, they would be readie to turne vnto his side, and [line 50] receiue him as their souereigne. King Henrie ta∣king aduise what to answer and doo herein, with his welbeloued councellour Hubert of Burgh, thought it not good to attempt anie thing rashlie in this mat∣ter, bicause the dealings of the Normans were ne∣uer without some fraud: but yet to satisfie the request of his fréends, he promised to come ouer shortlie vn∣to them, if in the meane time he might perceiue that they remained stedfast in their purpose, giuing them furthermore manie great and hartie thanks for their [line 60] good meaning and singular kindnesse towards him.

Now things beyond the sea standing in this or∣der,* 2.181 it happened in the moneth of August, that the sol∣diers which laie in garrison within the castell of Mountgomerie, tooke in hand to stocke vp a wood not farre from the said castell, through which lay an high∣waie, where oftentimes manie fellonious robberies and murders were committed by the Welsh. As the souldiers were busie at worke in stocking vp the wood, there came vpon them an ambushment of Welshmen, which not onlie draue them awaie from their worke,* 2.182 but also tooke and slue diuerse of them, constreining the residue to flée into the castell, which immediatlie the Welshmen inuironed also about with a strong siege, thinking to find the defendants vnprouided.

They within aduertised Hugh de Burgh, the lord chéefe iustice (to whome the castell belonged by the kings late gift) of the exploit and enterprise attemp∣ted by their enimies, with all possible hast: wherevp∣on the king at request of the said Hubert leuied •• power, and came to raise the siege. But the Welsh∣men hearing of the kings approch,* 2.183 fled awaie like sheepe, so that comming to the castell, he found no re∣sistance: howbeit, for so much as he saw the foresaid wood to be troublesome and an annoiance to the said castell, he willed it to be destroied. True it is, that the▪ same wood was verie thicke and rough, and fur∣ther it conteined also fiue leagues or fifteene miles in length: yet by such diligence as was vsed, the same was wasted, stocked vp, and quickelie rid out of the waie by fire and other means, so that the coun∣trie was made plaine a great waie about.

After this, the king departed foorth into the Welsh confines,* 2.184 and comming to an abbeie of the white moonks called Cride, caused it to be burnt, bicause it serued as a refuge for his enimies. Then by the ad∣uise of the lord chiefe iustice Hubert de Burgh,* 2.185 he set in hand to build a castell there, bicause the place séemed verie fit for fortification. But after the king with his armie had laine there thrée months, through lacke of vittels (the Welshmen still cutting the En∣glishmen off as they went abroad to fetch in forrage and other prouision) he was constreined to fall to a∣gréement with Leolin their prince, and receiuing of the said prince the summe of three thousand marks, he was contented that so much of the castell as was alreadie builded, should be raced and made flat a∣gaine with the ground,* 2.186 before his departure from thence. Herevpon, manie men tooke occasion to iest at the lord chiefe iustice and his dooings about this ca∣stell, who at the beginning named it Huberts follie.

Amongst other also that were taken prisoners by the Welshmen, whilest the king thus vainelie spent his time about the building of that fort,* 2.187 William de Breuse a right valiant man of warre was one, who being taken by Leolin prince of Wales, was by him crueltie put to death (as after shall appeare) for the which act, and other such iniuries receiued at the same Leolins hands, king Henrie at length gree∣uouslie punished him. ¶ For the most part of this summer season,* 2.188 great thunders happened in Eng∣land: the element also seemed as though it had bur∣ned with continuall flames: stéeples, churches, and other hie buildings were striken with lightning, and the haruest was sore hindered by continuall raine. Also in the middest of the day there came a woonder∣full darkenesse vpon the earth,* 2.189 that the brightnesse of the aire seemed to be couered and taken awaie.

In the thirteenth yeare of this king,* 2.190 Stephan the popes chapleine and his Nuncio came ouer vnto king Henrie, requiring to haue towards the main∣tenance of the popes warres against the emperour Frederike, a tenth part of all the mooueable goods within the realmes & countries of England, Wales, and Ireland, as well of spirituall persons as tempo∣rall. Wherevpon, a parlement or assemblie of the lords was called at Westminster,* 2.191 on the second sun∣daie after Easter, which was the 29 of Aprill. At which parlement, when the popes buls were read, and the matter therein conteined plainelie opened and examined, to the end it might appeare vpon what ne∣cessarie causes the pope was constreined to pursue the said wars, and to aske releefe of faithfull christian people, being members of the holie church: the king, bicause he had by his procurators at Rome afore∣hand promised & bound himselfe to such paiment of tenths, sate still, and answered not to the contrarie

(whereas the hope of a great number was reposed in him, that by his deniall the popes request shuld haue béene frustrat) so that when by his silence he was ad∣iudged to consent, yet the temporall lords & laie men vtterlie denied to agree vnto such paiment,* 2.192 not wil∣ling in any wise to bind their baronies and tempo∣rall possessions vnto the church of Rome.

Howbeit, the bishops, abbats, priors, and other ec∣clesiasticall persons, after they had shewed them∣selues to rest doubtfull (not without great grudging [line 10] and murmuring in the meane time, for the space of thrée or foure daies togither) at length, for feare of ex∣communication, consented to be contributorie, but in such sort, as they had escaped for a farre more rea∣sonable summe,* 2.193 if Stephan Segraue one of the kings councell had not by compact (as was thought) made with the Nuncio, wrought so in the matter, that the tenths were finallie granted, to the great impouerishment and inestimable damage of the church and realme of England. After this, the Nun∣cio [line 20] shewed the procuratorie letters, whereby he was authorised to gather those tenths, and that not after a common manner, but by a verie straight and hard valuation.

And for the more sure waie of proceeding herein, he had letters of authoritie from the pope, to excom∣municate all such as should withstand him or his de∣puties in proceeding with those affaires. He shewed himselfe moreouer verie extreame in collecting of this monie, and namelie towards the prelats of the church, insomuch that appointing him a certeine day [line 30] in the which vnder paine of excommunication they should make paiment, diuers for want of readie mo∣nie, were compelled to make shift with the chalices, and other vessels and ornaments belonging to their churches, and other were glad to take vp monie vp∣on interest,* 2.194 and for that shift there were come ouer with the Nuncio diuerse wicked vsurers vnder the name of merchants, which when they saw those that stood in need like to be excommunicate for want of readie monie, they would offer themselues to lend [line 40] vnto any that would borow, after the rate of one no∣ble for the loane of twentie by the moneth, so bring∣ing the néedie into their snares, to their irrecouera∣ble losses and vndooing. Hereby the land was filled with bitter cursings (though in secret) by those that wished such vnreasonable exactors neuer to sée good end of the vse of that monie.

From that day forward there wanted not in England certeine vsurers called Caursini, which [line 50] sought nothing else but the wealth of such persons as they might get into their snares,* 2.195 namelie those whome the church of Rome dooth vex and put to trou∣ble with hir exactions and paiments. The earle of Chester onlie stood manfullie against the paiment of those tenths,* 2.196 insomuch that he would not suffer his lands to be brought vnder bondage, neither wold he permit the religious men and préests that held of his fee to pay the same, although the rest of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland were compelled to be contributorie thereto, hauing onelie this comfort, [line 60] that not they alone, but also other forren regions were driuen to doo the like. Thus did the locusts of Rome from time to time sucke the swéetnesse of the land, and all to mainteine the pompe and pride of the same, wherein what other practises did they vse, than as one truelie testifieth?

Cuncti luxuriae at{que} gulae, furtis{que} dolis{que} Certatim incumbunt, &c.

But to let this passe: king Henrie purposing to saile ouer into Britaine and inuade France,* 2.197 came to Portsmouth about Michaelmasse, with such an armie assembled out of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, as the like for number of people had not beene knowne to haue passed ouer with any of his ancesters: howbeit when he should come to the verie point of imbarking his people, with vittels, armor, and other prouision, there were not ships sufficient to passe ouer the one halfe of the armie: wherefore when the king saw this default, he was sore offended, but chéefelie with Hubert the earle of Kent, lord chéefe iustice, insomuch that he openlie called him old trai∣tor, and laid to his charge how he had thus vsed the matter of purpose, onelie to pleasure the queene of France,* 2.198 of whome (as he said) he had receiued fiue thousand marks to hinder his proceedings. In this heat if the earle of Chester and other had not béene at hand, he had suerlie slaine the chéefe iustice euen there with his drawne sword, who was glad to auoid his presence, till his angrie mood was somwhat ouer∣passed.

In the meane time there arriued Henrie earle of Britaine on the ninth of October,* 2.199 which should haue conducted the king into his countrie. But sith win∣ter was come vpon them, he aduised him to stay till the next spring, and so he did. Then euerie man was licenced to depart home, and the earle of Kent recon∣ciled againe into fauour. The erle of Britaine in like maner did homage to the king for Britaine, and the king restored him to all his rights in England, and further giuing him fiue thousand marks to defend his countrie against the enimies, sent him home a∣gaine in most courteous and louing maner.* 2.200 In this yeere of our Lord 1230 king Henrie held his Christ∣masse at Yorke, togither with the king of Scots,* 2.201 whome he had desired to come thither at that time, that they might make merrie: and so for the space of thrée daies togither, there was great banketting and sport betwéene them. On the fourth day they tooke leaue either of other, the king of Scots with rich gifts returning towards his countrie, and the king of England towards London.

Upon the fiue and twentith day of Ianuarie also,* 2.202 while the bishop of London was at high masse with∣in the church of S. Paule in London, a sudden dark∣nesse ouershadowed the quiere, and therewith such a tempest of thunder and lightning,* 2.203 that the people there assembled thought verelie the church and stée∣ple had come downe vpon their heads. There came moreouer such a filthie sauour and stinke withall, that partlie for feare, and partlie for that they might not abide the sauour, they voided the church, falling on heapes one vpon another, as they sought to get out of the same. The vicars and canons forsooke their deskes, so that the bishop remained there onelie with one deacon that serued him at masse. Afterward, when the aire began to cleare vp,* 2.204 the people returned into the church, and the bishop went forward and fi∣nished the masse.

In the meane time the king leuied a great summe of monie of the prelats of his land towards his iour∣nie into France:* 2.205 he had also a great reléefe of the citizens of London. And the Iewes were constrei∣ned to giue to him the third part of all their mouea∣ble goods. In the moneth of Aprill,* 2.206 Leolin prince of Wales caused William de Breuse, whom he had taken prisoner long before (as aboue is mentioned) to be hanged on a paire of gallowes, for that he was taken (as was reported) in adulterie with the wife of the said prince. And on the last day of Aprill, the king with a puissant armie tooke the sea at Portesmouth, and landed at saint Malos in Britaine on the third day of May,* 2.207 where he was right ioifullie receiued of Henrie earle of that countrie. After he was thus ar∣riued in Britaine, he entered into the French domi∣nions, with the said earle, and the earle of Marsh his father in law, dooing much hurt within the same. His armie dailie increasing by the great numbers

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were beaten downe on all parts, and vtterlie van∣quished, with losse of 20 thousand men (as it was cre∣diblie reported.) The king of Connagh was also ta∣ken and committed to prison.

In the meane time king Henrie hauing spent a great deale of treasure in his iournie made into France, [year 1221] there was granted vnto him a fiftéenth of the temporaltie,* 2.208 with a disme and a halfe of the spiri∣tualtie, towards the furnishing out of a new power of men to be sent into Spaine against the Sara∣cens, which made sore warres vpon the christians in [line 10] that countrie, wherevpon king Henrie being requi∣red of the K. of Aragon to aid him with some num∣ber of souldiers, he sent a great power thither with all speed, and so likewise did the French king. By means whereof the Spaniards, being ioined with Englishmen and Frenchmen, obteined a noble vic∣torie, in vanquishing those their enimies. Thus saith Polydor.* 2.209 But other write that the king on the sea∣uen and twentith of Ianuarie, holding a parlement [line 20] at Westminster (where the Nobles both spirituall and temporall were assembled) demanded escuage of all those that held any baronies of him,* 2.210 that is to saie, forren knights fée, fortie shillings, or thrée marks.

Moreouer, the archbishop of Canturburie (as they say) stood against the king in this demand,* 2.211 main∣teining that the cleargie ought not to be subiect vnto the iudgement of laie men, sith this escuage was granted in the parts beyond the seas without their [line 30] consent. Wherevpon the matter as touching the bi∣shops was deferred till the quindene of Easter, albe∣it that all the laitie, and other of the spiritualtie con∣sented to the kings will. ¶ About this time also there chanced to rise a great strife and contention betwixt Richard the archbishop of Canturburie, and Hubert the earle of Kent, who as gardian to the yoong erle of Glocester had got into his hands the castell of Tun∣bridge,* 2.212 with the towne, and certeine other possessions which belonged to the archbishops sée, and therefore [line 40] did the archbishop complaine to the king of the iniu∣rie which he susteined.

Now when he perceiued no hope likelie to come for any redresse a•• the kings hands, he tooke an other way:* 2.213 and first by his pontificall authoritie accursed all those that withheld the same possessions, and all their mainteiners (the king excepted) and therewith appealing to the pope▪ he went to prosecute his ap∣peale at Rome, whither the king and the earle sent also their procurators, and made the pope their arbi∣tratour [line 50] to iudge of the matter. In the end pope Gre∣gorie hauing heard the whole processe of the contro∣uersie, iudged the right to remaine with the archbi∣shop, who hauing then obteined his desire, hasted to∣ward England: but as he was returning home∣wards, he died by the way, not farre from Rome, whereby the popes iudgement tooke no place: for whilest the sée was void, there was none that would follow the suit: and such was the end of this contro∣uersie for this time. [line 60]

* 2.214 After the deceasse of this archbishop Richard, the moonks elected Ralfe Neuill bishop of Chichester the kings chancellor, an vpright man, and of iust dea∣ling in all his dooings. In whome also it is to be no∣ted, he would not giue one halfepenie to the moonks towards the bearing of their charges in their iour∣nie to Rome, which they should take vpon them from thence to fetch his confirmation, according to the manner, least he should burthen his conscience with the crime of simonie which he greatlie abhorred, al∣though some imputed this to proceed rather of a clo∣ked spice of couetousnesse. Which practise of his ma∣keth greatlie to the confounding of the indirect means now vsed to aspire vnto promotions, for the obteinment whereof no remedie is forborne; no, though the same be repugnant to reason, and vtterlie against conscience and honestie. But this is the tem∣ptation of auarice and ambition, which poison the minds of men in such sort, that rather than they will want their wished aduancement, they will vse these meanes that may further them most, namelie, fréendship, monie, and mightie mens countenance; which one no••eth verie well in a distichon of neat de∣uise, saieng,

Artis, honestatis, recti, praecepta, decus, vim, Conculcat, superant, spernunt, fauor, aera, potentes,

But to the purpose from whence we are digressed. When the moonks came to the popes presenc••, vp∣on inquirie made,* 2.215 and chéefelie by report of Simon Langton, who (as some thinke) gaped for the dignitie▪ he vnderstood that the said Ralfe Neuill should be a man vnlearned, a courtier, hastie and short of word, and that which most displeased the pope, it was to be feared, that if he should be preferred to that roome, he would go about to deliuer the realme of England from the thraldome of the pope, and the court of Rome (into the which being made tributorie by king Iohn it had latelie beene brought) that (as he should alledge) it might serue God and holie church in the old accustomed libertie.

To bring this to passe (hauing the king thereto greatlie inclined, and all the realme readie to assist him in the same) he would not sticke to put his life in ieopardie, namelie vpon confidence of the right and app••alos of Stephan the late archbishop of Cantur∣burie, made in solemne wise before the altar of S. Paule in the cathedrall church of London,* 2.216 when king Iohn resigning his crowne into the hands of the le∣gat, made that writing obligatorie most exeerable to the whole world.

When the pope had heard this tale told, he streit disanulled the election and reques•• of the confirmati∣on of the said Ralfe Neuill, granting libertie to the moonks to chose some other which might proue a whol∣some shéepheard for the soule of man, profitable to the church of England, and a faithfull sonne to the sée of Rome, and so the moonks returning home, made relation to the couent how they had sped. After this, the moonks elected the prior of their house na∣med Iohn to be their archbishop, who going to Rome for his confirmation, was persuaded in the end to re∣nounce his election: so that at length one Edmund that was treasurer of the colledge of Salisburie, was elected, confirmed, and consecrated, a man of great zeale, being the foure & fortith archbishop that had gouerned that sée.

This yeare the kings brother the earle of Corne∣wall married the countesse of Glocester,* 2.217 widow to the late earle Gilbert, and sister to William Mar∣shall earle of Penbroke, the which erle of Penbroke shortlie after the same marriage departed this life, and was buried on the fifteenth day of Aprill,* 2.218 in the new temple at London, néere vnto his father. More∣ouer, Leolin prince of Wales about this season enterprising to inuade the English confines, burned and wasted the countrie in most cruell wise. Whereof the king being aduertised, hasted foorth by great iour∣nies, with purpose to reuenge such iniuries. But the enimies hearing of his comming (according to the custome of their countrie) withdrew into the moun∣teins, bogs, and marishes. Wherefore the king (seeing that he could not haue them at his pleasure, and least he should be thought to spend time in vaine) came backe, and left behind him a small troope of souldiers to resist their attempts, if they should happen to rise vp any more.

The Welshmen hauing intelligence that the king was returned home, brake foorth againe as before in∣to

to the English marshes, and not onelie tooke preies and booties, but went about to destroie with fire and sword all that stood in their way. Howbe it in their re∣turne, and as they ranged abroad somewhat vnadui∣sedlie, they were intrapped by the souldiers which the king had left there for the defense of the countrie, and put to flight néere the castell of Mountgomerie, with great slaughter & losse of their people.* 2.219 But Leolin no∣thing dismaied therwith, assembled a greater power than he had before, and began foorthwith to rob and [line 10] spoile within the English marshes with paganish extremitie. Which thing when it came to the vnder∣standing of the king, he was verie sore displeased, that so meane a man as Leolin was, should put him to so much trouble, therefore he raised a farre greater armie than he had doone at anie time before,* 2.220 and with the same came to the citie of Hereford.

In the meane time Leolin comming néere vnto the said castell of Mountgomerie, by the practise of a traitorous moonke,* 2.221 trained foorth the English souldi∣ers [line 20] which laie in garrison there, and counterfeiting to flee, till he had laid them vp in bogs and mires with their horsses, so as they could not helpe them∣selues▪ he fell vpon them, and so slue and tooke a great number of them euen as he could haue wished. The king aduertised hereof, hasted the faster forward, and comming into those parts, as he passed by an abbeie of the Ciffeaux order (of which house the moonke was that had betraied the Englishmen of Mountgome∣rie) he burned a grange that belonged to the same [line 30] abbeie, and further spoiling the same abbeie it selfe, he had set it on a light fire also, if the abbat therof had not redéemed it with the summe of thrée hundred marks of siluer. After this, he caused Mawds ca∣stell to be repaired and fortified,* 2.222 which the Welshmen in times past had ouerthrowne, and when the worke was finished, he left there a strong garrison of soul∣diers to kéepe backe the Welshmen from making their accustomed incursions.

* 2.223Whilest the king was thus occupied in Wales, [line 40] there was some busines in France: for in the moneth of Iune, the French king with an armie came to in∣uade the countrie of Britaine, but earle Henrie with the earle of Chester and the other English capteins found meanes to take and destroie all the cariages and wagons which came with vittels and other proui∣sion to serue the French armie.* 2.224 When the French∣men perceiued they could not haue their purpose, by mediation of the archbishop of Reimes, and the earle of Bollongne on the French part, and by consent of [line 50] the earles of Britaine and Chester on the English part, a peace was concluded, or rather a truce to in∣dure for three yeares betwixt the two kings of Eng∣land and France.* 2.225 This agréement was made the fift daie of Iulie, and then the earles of Britaine and Chester, with Richard Marshall, came ouer into England, and rode to the king, whom they found at Mawds castell, where he remained till the work•• was finished, and then in the moneth of October re∣turned into England. [line 60]

* 2.226 In this meane time no small grudge arose among the people, by reason that their churches were occu∣pied by incumbents that were strangers, promoted by the popes and their legats,* 2.227 who neither instructed the people, nor could well speake anie more English than that which serued for the collection of their tithes, in somuch that for the insolencie of such imcumbents as well the Noble men and those of good reputation, as other of the meaner sort, by an vndiscréet presum∣ption attempted a disorderlie redresse,* 2.228 confederating themselues togither, and taking vpon them to write and direct their letters vnto bishops and chapters, commanding them by waie of inhibition, not to séeme to interrupt those that should seize vpon the beneficed strangers, or vpon their reuenues.

They also tooke vpon them to write vnto such re∣ligious men and others, which were farmers vnto a∣nie of those strangers, forbidding them to stand ac∣countable vnto the said strangers, but to reteine the rents and profits in their hands to answer the same vnto such as they should appoint for the receipt ther∣of. The superscription of their letters was this.* 2.229 ¶ Ta∣li episcopo, & tali capitulo, vniuersitas eorum, qui magis vo∣lunt mori quàm à Romanis confundi, salutem. That is to say, To such a bishop and chapter, all those which had rather die than be confounded by the Romans, send greeting. In the seale wherewith the said letters were sealed, were two swords ingrauen.

This matter went so farre foorth, that th••••e were sundrie persons armed and disguised like mummers, which enterprised not onelie to take diuerse of those strangers that were beneficed men, but also came to their barnes, threshed vp their graine,* 2.230 and either made sale therof, or gaue it awaie for God his sake, shewing counterfeited letters vnder the kings seale, which they had procured for their warrant, as they did pretend. At length the pope vpon complaint made vnto him of such violent doings,* 2.231 wrote to king Henrie, blaming him not a little for suffering such disorders to be committed within his realme, com∣manding him vpon paine of excommunication to cause a diligent inquirie to be had of the offendors, and to sée them sharpelie punished, to the example of others.

Moreouer he sent letters to the bishop of Win∣chester, and to the abbat of saint Edmundsburie, to make the like inquisition, and to accurse all those that should be found culpable within the south parts of England, as he did to the archbishop of Yorke, to the bishop of Durham, and to an Italian named Iohn a canon of Yorke, to doo the like in the north parts, so that the offendors should remaine accursed, till they came to Rome, there to fetch their absolution.* 2.232 Here∣vpon therefore a generall inquisition was taken, as well by the king as by the bishops, and manie found guiltie, some in fact, and some in consent: amongst which number there were both bishops and chapleins to the king, with archdeacons and deanes, knights, and manie of the laitie.

There were some shiriffes and batliffes also, which by the kings commandement were arrested and put in prison, and diuerse of all sorts did kéepe themselues out of the waie, and would not as yet be ••ound. In like maner, H••beit earle of Kent, lord cheefe iustice,* 2.233 was accused to be chiefe transgressour in this mat∣ter, as he that had giuen foorth the kings letters pa∣tents to those disguised and ma••••ing threshers, who had taken vpon them so to sequester other mens goods, whereto they had no right. There came also to the king one sir Robert de Twing,* 2.234 a knight of the north parts (which named himselfe William We∣therso, and had led about a companie of the foresaid maskers) profes••ing that he had doone it vpon iust cause to be reuenged vpon the Romans, which went about by sentence of the pope, and manifest fraud to spoile him of the parsonage of a certeine church which he held, and therfore he said he had rather stand accur∣sed without iust cause for a time, ••••an to lose his bene∣fice without due iudgement. Howbeit the king and the other commissioners counseled him in the end to go to Rome to purchase his absolution, sith he was fallen in danger of excommunication, and there to sue for his pardon in the popes consistorie. And to in∣courage him the better so to doo, the king wrote also in his fauour to the pope, testifieng the right which he claimed to the church, whereby at length he obteined his suit (as after ye shall heare.* 2.235)

The king called a parlement at Westminster,

wherein declaring what charges he had béene at di∣uers waies,* 2.236 he required to haue a subsidie granted him, for the releefe of his want, which was flat••ie denied, the Nobles and other estats excusing the po∣uertie amongst all degrees of men, by manie eui∣dent reasons.* 2.237 Herevpon the bishop of Winchester being a verie eloquent and faire-spoken man, open∣lie counselled the king to fauour his people, whom he had alreadie made poore and bare with continuall tri∣butes and exactions. And if it were so that he stood in such need as was alledged, that then he should take [line 10] into his hands againe such possessions and things, which during the time of his yoong yeeres he had be∣stowed vpon his seruants, without any good aduised consideration, for lacke of ripe iudgement and dis∣cretion, and againe to take from certeine couetous persons, who now were become horsseleches and ca∣terpillers in the commonwealth, all such offices as they held, and had verie much abused, causing them to yeald vp their accounts, and to vse them after the manner of sponges, so that where he had in times [line 20] past made them full of moisture, he might now wring them drie, following herein the example of Uespasian. And by this means it was not to be douted but he should haue inough of his owne, with∣out dooing iniurie to any man.

The king gaue verie good eare to the bishops words,* 2.238 and following his counsell, caused his recei∣uers, treasurers, and other such as had medled with anie of his receipts to come to a reckoning. And vn∣derstanding by the auditors appointed to take their [line 30] accounts, that the most part of them had receiued much more and by other means than they had ente∣red into their reckoning, he compelled them to re∣store it out of hand with interest. Also he caused the magistrats to be called to a reckoning, and manie of them being conuicted of fraud, were condemned to make restitution. And among other Ranulfe Bri∣ton treasurer of his chamber was put beside his of∣fice,* 2.239 and fined at a thousand marks, in whose place was set Peter de Riuales, or after some copies de [line 40] Oruiales, a Poictouin, nephue or rather sonne to the bishop of Winchester, by whose aduice the king tooke a more strait account of his officers, and often remoo∣ued such as he iudged guiltie.

At the same time also, Hubert earle of Kent was deposed from the office of high iustice,* 2.240 and Stephan Segraue appointed in his roome. The said Hubert (bicause he refused to answer a certeine dutie which was demanded of him to the kings vse) ran so farre into his displeasure, that he durst not abide his sight, [line 50] but for safegard of himselfe got him to the abbeie of Merton,* 2.241 and there tooke sanctuarie. The king hear∣ing of this his demeanor, was so highlie offended withall, that he sent to the Londoners, willing them to go thither and fetch him to his presence. The Lon∣doners, which in no wise loued him, bicause of the death of their citizen Constantine, were verie rea∣die to accomplish this commandement, insomuch that where the maior ouernight late declared to them the effect of the kings commission,* 2.242 there were [line 60] twentie thousand of them in armor gotten forward earlie in the morning towards Merton, in full hope now to be reuenged of him, for the small good-will that he had borne vnto their citie heretofore.

But the king being informed by the earle of Che∣ster and others, that if the Londoners being thus in armor, and in so great a number, should commit any other outrage by the way, the matter might grow to some such inconuenience as would not easilie be staied, he sent to them a countermand to returne backe to the citie againe, which they did, though sorie in their hearts that they might not go through with their desired enterprise. Furthermore (sée héere the mutabilitie of fortune and hir inconstancie, whereof complaint hath béene made by our forefa∣thers time out of mind, saieng,

Passibus ambiguis fortuna volubilis errat, Et manet in nullo certa tenáx{que} loco;* 2.243 Sed modò laeta manet, vultus modò sumit acerbos, Et tantùm constans in leuitate sua est.)

now that the erle of Kent was thus out of the kings fauour, there were few or none of those whome he had before beene beneficiall vnto, that shewed them∣selues as fréends and louers vnto him, but all for∣sooke & were readie to saie the worst of him, the arch∣bishop of Dubline excepted, who yet obteined of the king respit for him to make answere vnto such things as should lawfullie be obiected against him, both for the debt which should be due to the king, and also vpon points of treason, which were now laid to his charge. ¶Wherin we may see what hath béene the course of the world in former ages touching fréends, who in the spring of a mans felicitie like swallowes will flie about him; but when the winter of aduersi∣tie nippeth, like snailes they keepe within their shels: wherevnto the poet verie well alluding, saith,* 2.244

—diffugiunt cadis Cum faece siccatis amici, Ferre iugum pariter dolosi.

After this, as the said Hubert would haue gone to S. Edmundsburie in Suffolke, where his wife as then remained, he was apprehended at Burntwood in Essex, within a chappell there (as saith Fabian.* 2.245) But (as Matthew Paris saith) sir Robert de Crane∣combe, with thrée hundred armed men was sent to apprehend him by the kings commandement, and so he was taken in a village belonging to the bishop of Norwich in Essex, and by the kings commande∣ment cast into prison, but yet afterwards he was re∣conciled to the kings fauor, when he had lien foure moneths in prison, and thirtéene moneths banished the court.

In this yeare, on the exaltation of the crosse,* 2.246 at Lambeth, in the assemblie of the states there, a subsi∣die was granted to the K. of the fortith part of eue∣rie mans goods towards the discharge of his debts which he owght to the earle of Britaine.* 2.247 Also in the beginning of the seauentéenth yeere of his reigne, Ranulfe earle of Chester and Lincolne departed this life the six and twentith day of October,* 2.248 whose bodie was buried at Chester, and his bowels at Walling∣ford where he died. This earle Ranulfe was thrice married,* 2.249 first to Constance daughter and heire to Conan earle of Britaine and Richmund, and so in right of hir was intituled earle of those two places: which Constance had beene first married vnto Gef∣frey the third sonne of king Henrie the second, by whom she had issue Arthur (as before yée haue heard.) But by earle Ranulfe she had no issue at all, but was from him diuorced, and afterwards married vn∣to Guy vicount de Towars. Then after earle Ra∣nulfe was so diuorsed from the said Constance,* 2.250 he married a ladie named Clemence, and after hir de∣ceasse, he married the third time the ladie Margaret, daughter to Humfrey de Bohun earle of Hereford and Essex, constable of England.

Howbeit he neuer had issue by any of those his wiues,* 2.251 so that Iohn Scot his nephue by his sister Mawd succéeded him in the earldome of Chester, and William Dalbenie earle of Arundell, nephue to him by his sister Mabell, had the manour of Barrow, and other lands that belonged to the said Ranulfe, of the yerelie value of fiue hundred pounds. Robert Quin∣cie, he that married his sister Hauise, had the earle∣dome of Lincolne, and so of a baron became an earle who had issue by his wife, Margerie countesse of Lincolne, that was maried to Edmund Lacie earle

of Lincolne. William earle Ferrers and of Dar∣bie, that had married Agnes, sister to the said Ra∣nulfe, had the castell and manour of Chartley, togi∣ther with other lands for his pourpart.

Here is also to be remembred, that the afore men∣tioned earle Ranulfe (or Randulfe whether ye list to call him) atchiued manie high enterprises in his time, as partlie in this booke ye haue alreadie heard: he held sore warres against the Welshmen, till at length an agréement was concluded betwixt him [line 10] and Leolin prince of Wales. I remember I haue read in an old record, that vpon a time as this earle passed into Wales with an armie, his chance was to be ouerset by the Welshmen, so that he was dri∣uen to retire into a castell, wherein the Welshmen did besiege him.* 2.252 And as it fortuned at that time, Ro∣ger Lacie the constable of Chester was not then with him, but left behind at Chester to see the citie kept in order (for as it should séeme, their solemne plaies which commonlie are vsed at Whitsuntide [line 20] were then in hand, or else their faire which is kept at Midsummer.)

Wherefore the earle sent a messenger in all possi∣ble hast vnto his constable, praieng him with spéed to come to his succour in that extreame point of ne∣cessitie. Lacie made no delaie, but assembling all the forreners, plaiers, musicians, and others which he could find within that citie fit to weare armor, went foorth with them, and in most speedie maner marched toward the castell, where the Welshmen kept the [line 30] earle besieged, who now perceiuing such a multitude of men comming towards them, incontinentlie left the siege and fled awaie. The earle then being thus de∣liuered out of that present danger, came foorth of the castell, returned with his constable vnto Chester, and in recompense of that seruice, gaue vnto his said constable Roger Lacie, the rule, order, and authoritie ouer all the forreners, plaiers, musicians, and other strangers resorting to Chester at the time, when such publike plaies (or else faire) should be kept & holden. [line 40]

Iohn Lacie the sonne of the said Roger married Alice the daughter of Gilbert de Aquila, and after hir deceasse, he married the ladie Margaret, the daughter of Robert Quincie earle of Lincolne, of whom he begat Edmund Lacie constable of Chester, which Edmund after the deceasse of his father, mar∣ried Alice the daughter of the marquesse of Saluces in Italie, which ladie was surnamed the quéene, of whom he begat Henrie Lacie earle of Lincolne, which Henrie married the ladie Margaret, daughter [line 50] to William Long espee earle of Salisburie, by whom he had two sons, Edmund and Iohn, and two daugh∣ters, Alice and Ioan, which Alice Thomas earle of Lancaster married, who claimed and had the same rights and priuiledges which ancientlie belonged to the said Roger Lacie, and other the constables of Chester, concerning the fines of forreners and o∣thers. ¶This haue I the more willingly declared, that it may appeare in what estimation and credit the La∣cies constables Chester by inheritance liued in their [line 60] time, of whose high valiancie, and likewise of other of that familie, highlie commended for their noble chi∣ualrie in martiall enterprises ye may read in sun∣drie histories at large.

But now to returne and speake of other dooings, which chanced about the time in which the said Ra∣nulfe earle of Chester departed this life. The king in the meane while seized into his hands a great portion of the treasure which Hubert de Burgh earle of Kent had committed to the kéeping of the templers. But whereas there were that trauelled to haue had him put to death, the king in respect of the seruice which he had doone to him and to his predecessors king Ri∣chard and king Iohn, granted him life, with those sands which he had either by purchase, or by gift of king Iohn,* 2.253 but neuertheles he caused him to be kept in frée prison at the castell of the Uées, vnder the cu∣stodie of foure knights belonging to the earles of Cornewall, Warren, Penbroke, and Ferrers, which foure earles were become suerties for him.

This yeare also about the same time, to wit,* 2.254 the morow after S. Martins daie, chanced great thun∣der and lightning, which continued for the space of 15 daies togither, to the great terrour and feare of the people, and namelie of the Londoners, which haue that kind of weather so familiar to them, that if there be anie abroad in the land, they haue their part there∣of. Moreouer on the 23 of March, [year 1233] was heard an o∣ther great and terrible tempest of thunder,* 2.255 and after followed a maruellous wet summer with manie flouds. Also on the 8 daie of Aprill, in the parts a∣bout Hereford and Worcester,* 2.256 there appeared foure sunnes in the element, beside the naturall sunne, of red colour, and a great circle of christaline colour, the which compassed with his largenesse as it had béene the whole circuit almost of the whole realme of Eng∣land,* 2.257 from the sides whereof went foorth certeine halfe circles, in whose sections appeared the said foure sunnes. The naturall sunne was at the same time in the east part of the firmament, for it was about the first houre of the daie, or betwixt six and seuen in the morning, the aire being the same time verie bright and cleare. The bishop of Hereford, and sir Iohn Monmouth knight, and manie others beheld this woonderfull sight, and testified the same to be most true.* 2.258 And after this there followed the same yeare in those parts cruell warre, slaughter, terrible bloud∣shed, & a generall trouble through England, Wales, and Ireland. About the same time, to wit, in Iune,* 2.259 in the south parts of England néere to the sea coast, two huge dragons appeared fighting in the aire, and after a long fight the one ouercome the other, and fol∣lowed him, fléeing into the depth of the sea, & so they were séene no more.

Moreouer in this yeare great variance and strife rose betwixt the king and his barons, for the king tooke great displeasure against all other his officers, & so much the more mistrusted them,* 2.260 for that he found himselfe deceiued in the earle of Kent, to whom he had committed a further credit than to anie other, and had made him high iustice of England, onelie for the good will that he alwaies bare to him. There∣fore perceiuing this,* 2.261 he was doubtfull whom he should trust, discharging the most part of those En∣glishmen that bare any office about him, and in their roomes placed strangers, as Poictouins and Bri∣tains, of the which there came ouer vnto him manie knights and other, to the number of 2000, which he placed in garrisons within castels of diuerse places of the land, and committed the order of all things for the most part to the bishop of Winchester,* 2.262 and to his nephue or sonne Peter de Riuales.

Herwith he offended so much the minds of his No∣bles, that Richard Marshall erle of Penbroke (chiefe of that familie, & boldest to speake,* 2.263 now that Ranulfe of Chester was gone) as well in his owne name, as in the names of other, tooke vpon him openlie to re∣prooue the kings dooings herein, as pernicious and dangerous to the state of the realme.* 2.264 Herevnto the bishop of Winchester (whose counsell as it séemed he followed) made answer, that the king had doone no∣thing in that behalfe vnaduisedlie, but vpon good and déepe consideration: for sith he might perceiue how the English nobilitie had first pursued his father with malicious hatred & open war, and now that he found diuerse of them whom he had brought vp and aduan∣ced to high honours, vnfaithfull in the administrati∣on of their offices, he did not without iust cause re∣ceiue

into his fauour strangers, and preferre them before those of his owne nation, which were not so faithfull in his seruice and obedience as they.

This answer of the bishop so pricked and woun∣ded the minds of the English Nobilitie, that manie of them (amongst whome the said earle of Penbroke was the chéefe) began an open rebellion, some of them resorting to one place, and some to an other, to gather people for their purpose.* 2.265 The names of such barons as stirred vpon this occasion were these; Ri∣chard Marshall earle of Penbroke afore named, [line 10] Gilbert Basset and his brethren, men of great honor and right hardie capteins: also Richard Sward a warlike personage, trained vp in feats of armes from his youth,* 2.266 with Walter Clifford a worthie knight, and manie others. The king hauing know∣ledge of their dooings proclaimed them all traitors, confiscated their goods,* 2.267 and sent for a great power of men out of Flanders to serue him in his warres.

Whilest king Henrie thus prouided himselfe of an armie, the lords with their capteine Richard Mar∣shall [line 20] ioined themselues to Leolin prince of Wales, & doubting the comming of the king, spoiled all the marshes next adioining to England, leauing no vit∣tels nor cattell any where about in those parts wher∣by the kings armie might haue reléefe, and further made all things readie for their owne defense so well as they could deuise. The earle of Kent about the same time,* 2.268 by helpe of two yeomen that attended vpon him, escaped out of the castell of Uées, and tooke sanctuarie in the next church: but when those that [line 30] had the charge of him and the castell in keeping, mis∣sed him, and heard where he was, they fetcht both him, and the two yeomen that holpe him to make the escape out of the church,* 2.269 and bringing them backe to the castell, imprisoned the earle.

And though the bishop of Salisburie came thi∣ther and threatened to accursse them, if they would not deliuer the earle, and restore him to sanctuarie a∣gaine: they made answer, that they had rather the earle should hang for himselfe, than they for him. And [line 40] so bicause they would not deliuer him, the bishop did excommunicate them, and after riding to the court, and taking with him the bishop of London, and other bishops, preuailed so much by complaint exhibited to the K. that the earle was restored to the church againe the eighteenth day of October:* 2.270 but so, as the shiriffe of the shire had commandement to compasse the church about with men, to watch that no releefe came vnto him, whereby he might be constreined [line 50] through famishing to submit himselfe. Notwithstan∣ding,* 2.271 shortlie after there came a power of armed men, and fetcht the said earle from thence (setting him on horssebacke in faire complet armour) and so conueied him into Wales, where he ioined with o∣ther of the kings enimies, the thirtith day of Octo∣ber.

* 2.272Within a few daies after came the king with his armie, and entring into Wales, for want of vittels was constreined to retire backe to the marshes, be∣twixt [line 60] Worcestershire & Salopshire, where staieng certeine daies togither in those parts, his souldiers straied abroad in the countrie vnaduisedlie, and kéeping no watch nor ward about their campe, were surprised in the night by their enimies, and slaine on euerie side. The slaughter had béene greater, but that the residue which laie in campe, brake foorth about midnight, and in a plumpe togither fled into a castell which was néere at hand, called Grossemound, in the which the king himselfe was lodged. There were slaine aboue fiue hundred men, and all the trusse and baggage of the campe lost. Yet Matthew Paris saith there were but two knights slaine, which cast awaie themselues by their owne wilfulnesse, that would needs stand to it and make resistance, where the resi∣due being spoiled of all that they had with them, got awaie by flight, as the bishops of Winchester and Chichester, the lord chéefe iustice Stephan Segraue, Peter de Riuales treasurer, Hugh Bigot earle of Norfolke, William earle of Salisburie, William lord Beauchampe, and William Dalbenie the yoonger, who were witnesses of this losse amongst the residue.

Hereof it came to passe, that manie of the kings armie (speciallie those which had lost their horsses, ar∣mour, monie, and other furniture, with their vittels) returned into their countrie, to their great confusi∣on. For the Welshmen and other outlawes, hauing spoiled the campe, returned with the cariages and sumpters which they had taken, into places of safe refuge. The king hauing receiued this losse, and of∣tentimes tried fortune nothing fauourable vnto him in those parts,* 2.273 by reason of the streits and disaduan∣tage of the places, thought good to reserue the re∣uenge of his receiued iniuries vntill a more conue∣nient time, and therevpon returned to Glocester,* 2.274 and furnished diuers castels and fortresses in the borders of Wales, with garrisons of souldiers, namelie Poictouins and other strangers to defend the same against William Marshall, and the other his com∣plices, who vpon occasions dailie sought to suppresse and distresse the said strangers.

And beside other encounters, in the which manie of those Poictouins and other strangers were slaine and oppressed by the said William Marshall and his adherents, it chanced that vpon saint Katherins day, the said William Marshall comming néere to the castell of Monmouth to view the same, was in danger to haue remained prisoner in the enimies hands, through an issue made by sir Baldwine de Guines, capiteine of that castell, with his Poicto∣uins and Flemings.* 2.275 But by such rescue as came to his aid, he was deliuered out of their hands, and the Poictouins and other of the garrison discomfited. At this skirmish sir Baldwine himselfe being sore wounded, was borne out of the field into the castell,* 2.276 losing fiftéene knights of his part, and a great sort of other which were taken prisoners, besides no small number that were slaine in the place.

The same yeare chanced a great dearth,* 2.277 by reason that the growth of all things was much hindered with the extreame cold weather. * 2.278 Also there happened about the beginning of Nouember great thunder and lightning,* 2.279 and therewith folowed an earthquake to the great feare of the inhabitants of the towne of Huntington and other places thereabouts. After this, came a great dearth amongst the people,* 2.280 being commonlie a neere companion to great famine and dearth.

Richard Marshall erle of Penbroke in this meane time ceassed not to waste the marshes of England next adioining to Wales, and dailie diuerse of the English Nobilitie repaired to him, so that the king was sore troubled in his mind. It chanced at the same time, that one Iohn of Monmouth a right va∣liant capteine, who led the kings armie, receiued a great ouerthrow at the hands of Richard Marshall. For whereas the foresaid Iohn, hauing assembled a mightie host, made great hast towards his enimies, in hope to haue come vpon them at vnwares, and therefore marching by night, that he might be readie to assaile them somewhat afore the breake of the day, which in the summer season is the most silent time of all the night, it chanced farre otherwise than he looked it should haue doone. For the earle of Penbroke, hauing knowledge by his spies of his aduersaries intent, laie himselfe with his people within a wood in ambush by the way, where the said Iohn should passe,

and setting vpon him as he approched, put his people in such feare by the sudden incounter, that they knew not what capteine or ensigne they might follow, and so immediatlie fell to running awaie. The slaugh∣ter was great on euerie side,* 2.281 both of Poictouins and others.* 2.282 Diuerse of them fléeing also into the next woods, were receiued by such as were laid there to cut them off, and so slaine or taken out of hand. How∣beit their chiefe capteine the forenamed Iohn of Monmouth escaped, with a few other in his compa∣nie. [year 1234] [line 10] This ouerthrow chanced the morrow after Christ∣masse daie.* 2.283

The next daie Richard Marshall hauing thus got the victorie, destroied certeine houses and lordships there in the marshes which belonged to the said Iohn of Monmouth.* 2.284 About the same time also, Richard Sward with other outlawes destroied the possessi∣ons belonging to the earle of Cornewall beside Bre∣hull, and burned a place there called Segraue, where Stephan de Segraue the lord chiefe iustice was [line 20] borne, and likewise a village belonging to the bishop of Winchester, not farre from Segraue aforesaid. This was the maner of those outlawes, that they hurt no person, but onelie those councellers about the king by whom they were exiled, and therefore bea∣ring stomach against them, they did not onlie excogi∣tate but also execute this reuenge; which till they had obteined, they were no lesse ill appaid, than well plea∣sed when the same was past, for

—minuit vindicta dolorem. [line 30]

Immediatlie within the octaues of the Epithanie, the earle Marshall and Leolin prince of Wales wa∣sted and robbed all the marshes betwixt Wales and Shrewsburie,* 2.285 a part of which towne they also burnt. King Henrie being hereof certified as yet soiour∣ning at Glocester, was sore troubled in his mind, and calling togither his councell, asked aduise what waie he might best take to redresse such iniuries. Af∣ter sundrie opinions amongst them declared, they a∣greed all in one sentence, that it should be most expe∣dient to appease the minds of the rebels with gentle [line 40] offers, to grant them pardon of their offenses, wise∣lie to winne them to tractablenesse, and not rough∣lie afflicting them to exasperat their fiersenesse, sith,

—saepe acri potior prudentia dextra.

Also to banish from his court diuerse that bare great rule, and namelie Peter the bishop of Win∣chester, and his sonne or nephue Peter de Riuales, by the counsell of which two persons all things had béene changed in the kings house. Moreouer, to put from him such strangers as bare offices, and to re∣store [line 50] Englishmen againe to the same.

The king allowing this aduise to be good, follow∣ed it accordinglie, and first of all discharging the bi∣shop of Winchester of all publike administration of things, he commanded him to repaire home to his diocesse, and to sée to the gouernement thereof, as to his dutie apperteined. He also banished from his pre∣sence Peter de Riuales,* 2.286 Stephan Segraue, Robert Passelew, and diuerse others of his chiefe councel∣lers, by whose means he had procured the euill will of [line 60] his Nobilitie. Then receiued he againe his old ser∣uants & officers, & finallie sent the archb. of Cantur∣burie, the bishops of Chester & Rochester vnto the ba∣rons in Wales, to offer them peace & pardon of all iniuries past, if they wold returne to his obedience. Thus in the end there was a truce taken betwixt the king and the rebels,* 2.287 to begin at Candlemasse, and to indure vntill Easter next insuing,* 2.288 in which meane time, Richard the earle of Penbroke, hearing that Maurish Fitz Gerald, with Walter Lacie, Richard Burgh and others wasted his lands and possessions in Ireland (according to such commission as they had receiued of late from king Henrie and his councell) passed ouer thither, and there incountering with his enimies, was sore wounded and taken prisoner,* 2.289 ha∣uing entered the battell verie rashlie, and with a small companie of his people about him, onlie by the traitorous persuasion of Geffrey Maurish, who with other fled at the first brunt,* 2.290 and left him in maner alone, to stand to all the danger. Those that thus tooke him, brought him into his owne castell, the which the lord chiefe iustice Maurice Fitz Gerald had latelie woone. This incounter, in which Richard Marshall was thus taken, chanced on a saturdaie, being the first of Aprill; and on the 16 of the same moneth, by reason of the wound which he had receiued, he depar∣ted this life.* 2.291

We find also that the bishop of Winchester, and his sonne (or kinsman as some haue called him) Pe∣ter de Riuales had procured the king to send com∣mission vnder his seale vnto the foresaid noble men in Ireland, that if the said Richard Marshall earle of Penbroke chanced to come thither, they should doo their best to take him, and in reward of their paines, they should inioy all his lands and possessions which he held in that countrie. But after his death, and when the king had remooued those his councellers from him, he confessed he had put his seale to a wri∣ting, but that he vnderstood what were the contents thereof he vtterlie denied. Finallie, this was the end of the worthie earle of Penbroke Richard Mar∣shall, a man worthie to be highlie renowmed for his approued valiancie. His death suerlie was greatlie bewailed of king Henrie, openlie protesting that he had lost the worthiest capteine that then liued.

After this, the lords that had remained in Wales, by safe conduct came to the king, and through the dili∣gent trauell of the archbishop of Canturburie, he re∣ceiued them into fauour. Amongst them were these men of name,* 2.292 Gilbert Marshall the brother of the foresaid Richard Marshall, Hubert earle of Kent, Gilbert Basset, and Richard Sward, be••ide diuerse o∣ther. Unto Gilbert Marshall he deliuered his bro∣thers inheritance, and vpon Whitsundaie made him knight,* 2.293 giuing vnto him the rod of the office of Mar∣shall of his court, according to the maner, to vse and exercise as his ancesters had doone before him. And herewith the earle of Kent Gilbert Basset and Ri∣chard Sward were receiued againe into the court, and admitted to be of the kings priuie councell.

Soone after this, Peter de Riuales, Stephan Se∣graue, & Robert Passelew were called to accounts, that it might appeare how the kings treasure was spent, and how they had vsed themselues with the kings seale. The two last remembred kept them∣selues out of the waie, and could not be found.* 2.294 Ste∣phan Segraue shrowding himselfe in secret within the abbeie of Leicester, and Robert Passelew fei∣ning himselfe sicke, kept within the new temple at London. Peter de Riuales also, with his father the bishop of Winchester, tooke sanctuarie at Winche∣ster, for they were afraid least their bodies should not be in safetie if they came abroad, bicause they vnder∣stood that their manours and grange places were spoiled and burnt by those that bare them displeasure. Howbeit at length, vnder the protection of the arch∣bishop of Canturburie, they came to their answer, & were sore charged for their vniust dealing, traito∣rous practise, and great falshood vsed in time of their bearing office, and (as it appeareth by writers) they could but sorilie cleare themselues in those matters wherewith they were charged: but yet by reason of their protection they were restored to the places from whence they came, or else otherwise shifted off the matter for the time, so that we read not of anie great bodilie punishment which they should receiue as then. In the end they were pardoned & reconciled to

the kings fauor, vpon paiment of such fines as were assessed vpon them.

This yeare, bicause the truce ended betwixt the kings of England and France, king Henrie sent o∣uer to aid the earle of Britaine,* 2.295 thréescore knights▪ and two thousand Welshmen, the which when the French king came with his armie to enter and in∣uade Britaine, did cut off and take his cariage laden with vittels, armor, and other prouision, ouerthrow∣ing also no small number of the Frenchmen, and ta∣king [line 10] from them their horsses, they returned backe in safetie, without any great damage receiued. Not∣withstanding this, the French king inforcing a∣gaine his power, waxed too strong for the earle of Britaine, so that he was constreined to take a truce to indure till the feast of all saints, that he might in the meane time vnderstand if the king of England would come ouer with some puissant armie to his aid or no: but bicause it was perceiued in the end that the said earle of Britaine sought nothing else [line 20] but how to get monie out of king Henries coffers, and to doo him no pleasure for it, bicause he was in manner at an other agreement alreadie with the king of France, king Henrie refused to satisfie his requests at such time as he came ouer vnto him (af∣ter the taking of that truce) for more monie. Here∣with also the said erle being offended,* 2.296 got him backe into his owne countrie, and shortlie after apparant∣lie submitted himselfe to the French king, which (as the report went) he had doone before in secret. [line 30]

* 2.297These things being thus brought to passe, and all troubles quieted, the king as then being at London, there was brought before him by one Tolie,* 2.298 a com∣plaint exhibited against the * 2.299 Iewes of Norwich, which had stolen a yoong child, being not past a twelue moneths old, and secretlie kept him an whole yeare togither, to the end that he might (when Ester came) crucifie him in despite of our sauiour Iesus Christ, and the christian religion. The matter as it happened fell out well for the lad: for within a few daies before [line 40] that those curssed murtherers purposed to haue shed this innocents bloud, they were accused, conuicted and punished, whereby he escaped their cruell hands. About the same time,* 2.300 to wit the seauenth of Februa∣rie died Hugh de Wels bishop of Lincolne, a great enimie to moonks and religious men. Robert Gro∣sted was then preferred to his roome, a man of great learning, and trained vp in schooles euen from his infancie.

* 2.301The same yeare, the emperour Frederike the se∣cond, maried the ladie Isabell the kings sister. This [line 50] Isabell was a most beautifull ladie, of comelie per∣sonage, and of age about one and twentie years. She was affianced by procuracie, about the seauen and twentith of Februarie. And after Easter, the archbi∣shop of Cullen, and the duke of Louane came ouer from the emperour, to haue the conueiance of hir vn∣to the emperors presence.* 2.302 There was such a feast hol∣den, so sumptuous seruice, so rich furniture, and roi∣all banketting kept the day before hir departure [line 60] from London towards the sea side, that more could not be imagined. The same feast was kept at West∣minster on the fift day of May, and the day follow∣ing she did set forward, and by easie iournies came to Sandwich, the king bringing hir thither with thrée thousand horsses. Finallie, she tooke the sea the ele∣uenth of May, the king taking leaue of hir not with∣out teares, when they thus departed the one from the other. And so with prosperous wind and weather shée arriued at Antwerpe, and from thence passed for∣ward, till shée came to hir husband the emperour, by whom shée was receiued with great ioy and comfort at Worms, where the marriage was consummate vpon a sundaie, being the two and twentith day of Iulie, or (as Matthew Westminster saith) the seauen and twentith of May, being Whitsunday.

This yeare the bishop of London pronounced the sentence of excommunication against certeine vsu∣rers called Caorsini. But bicause▪ the same vsurers shadowed themselues vnder the pretext of the popes merchants (as they named themselues) they preuai∣led so much by the fauour of the court of Rome,* 2.303 that the said bishop being sicke and feeble, was cited per∣emptorilie in the parts beyond the seas, before iud∣ges chosen foorth by the same vsurers, to make an∣swer for such high iniurie as he had here doone to the popes factors. The bishop willing by the example of ••••em, rather to couer his fathers shame, than to re∣ueale it to the whole world, did quietlie put vp the matter: and with commendable patience receiued the proffered wrong, hauing learned this lesson, that

Gaudet patientia duris,

and to pacifie the trouble, suffered their wickednesse, commending in the meane while the cause vnto his patrone S. Paule. And when he preached of the force of faith, he vttered this saieng:* 2.304 If an angell preach contrarie doctrine to vs in these things, let him be accurssed.

In the twentith yeare of king Henries reigne,* 2.305 in the Aduent time, the noble baron the lord Robert Fitz Water departed this life, and so likewise did a noble yong man descended of most noble parentage, one Roger de Somerie. [year 1236] On the foureteenth day of Ianuarie insuing,* 2.306 the king married the ladie Elia∣nor, daughter to the earle of Prouance named Rai∣mond. This marriage was solemnized at Cantur∣burie, and in the octaues of S. Hilarie next insuing being sunday, shee was crowned queene of Eng∣land at Westminster. At the solemnitie of this feast and coronation of the quéene, all the high peeres of the realme, both spirituall and temporall, were pre∣sent there to exercise their offices as to them apper∣teined.

The citizens of London were there in great ar∣raie, bearing afore hir in solemne wise, thrée hundred and thréescore cups of gold and siluer, in token that they ought to wait vpon hir cup. The archbishop of Canturburie (according to his dutie) crowned hir, the bishop of London assisting him as his deacon. The earle of Chester bare the sword of saint Edward before the king,* 2.307 in token that he was earle of the palace, and had authoritie to correct the king, if he should see him to swarue from the limits of iustice, his constable of Chester attended vpon him,* 2.308 and re∣mooued where the presse was thicke, with his rod or warder. The earle of Penbroke high Marshall bare the rod before the king, and made roome before him, both in the church and in the hall, placing euerie man, and ordering the seruice at the table. The wardens of the cinque ports bare a canopie ouer the king,* 2.309 sup∣ported with foure speares.

The earle of Leicester held the bason when they washed. The earle of Warren, in the place of the erle of Arundell, bicause he was vnder age, attended on the kings cup. M. Michaell Bellet was Butler by office. The earle of Hereford exercised the roome of high Marshall in the kings house. The lord William de Beauchampe was almoner.* 2.310 The cheefe iustice of the forrests on the right hand of the king remoo∣ued the dishes on the table, though at the first he was staied by some allegation made to the contrarie. The citizens of London serued out wine to euerie one in great plentie. The citizens of Winchester had ouersight of the kitchin and larderie. And so euerie person (according to his dutie) exercised his roome: and bicause no trouble should arise, manie things were suffered, which vpon further aduise taken therin were reformed. The chancellor and all other ordinarie of∣ficers

kept their place. The feast was plentifull, so that nothing wanted that could be wished. Moreo∣uer, in Tuthill field roiall iustes were holden by the space of eight daies togither. And soone after the king called a parlement at London,* 2.311 where manie things were enacted for the good gouernment of the realme, and therewith the king demanded a subsidie.

* 2.312¶ About the same time woonderfull strange sights were séene. In the northparts of England, not farre from the abbie of Ro••h o•• Rupie, there appeared com∣ming [line 10] foorth of the earth companies of armed men 〈◊〉〈◊〉 horssebacke, with speare, shield, sword, and baners dis∣plaied, in sundrie formes and shapes, riding in order of bat••ell, and incountering togither: and this sight was seene sundrie daies ech after other. Sometime they séemed to ioine as it had béene in battell, and fought sore; and sometime they appeared to iust and breake staues, as it had béene at some triumphant iusts of tornie. The people of the countrie beheld them a farre off, with great woonder: for the thing [line 20] shewed so liuelie, that now and then they might see them come with their emptie horsses sore wounded and hurt: and then men likewise mangled and blée∣ding, that pitie it was to see them. And that which sée∣med more strange and to be most maruelled at, the prints of their féet appeared in the ground, and the grasse troden downe in places where they had beene séene. The like sight was also séene more apparent∣lie in Ireland, and in the parts thereabout.

Immediatlie followed, or rather precéeded passing great tempests of raine,* 2.313 which filled the earth full of [line 30] water, and caused monstruous flouds: for this raine continued all the space of the moneths of Ianua∣rie, Februarie, and a great part of March; and for eight daies it rained (as some write) in maner with∣out ceassing:* 2.314 and vpon the tenth of Februarie, imme∣diatlie after the change of the moone, the Thames rose with such an high tide, that boats might haue beene rowed vp and downe in Westminster hall. In the winter before, on the twentith of December, there chanced a great thunder,* 2.315 and on the first fridaie [line 40] in December, which was the fift of that moneth, there was a counterfet sunne séene beside the true sunne. Moreouer, as in the spring precéeding there happened sore and excéeding great raines, so in the summer following there chanced a great drouth,* 2.316 continuing by the space of foure moneths or more.

This yeare was a parlement holden at Merton, a towne in Surrie, distant from London 7 miles, where was an abbeie of regular canons founded [line 50] by one Gilbert a lord of Normandie, that came into the realme with William conquerour.* 2.317 At this par∣lement, diuerse good & profitable lawes were made and established, which yet remaine in vse, bearing the name of the place where they were first ordeined.

* 2.318¶ In the beginning of the 21 yeare of king Henries reigne, on the morrow after the feast of S. Martine, and certeine daies after, the sea burst out with such high tides and tempests of wind,* 2.319 that the marrish countries néere to the same were drowned vp and o∣uerflowen: [line 60] and beside great heards and flocks of cattell that perished, there was no small number of men lost and drowned. The sea rose continuallie in flowing the space of two daies and one night, with∣out ebbing, by reason of the mightie violence of con∣trarie winds.* 2.320 At Wisbech also, and in villages there∣abouts, the people were drowned in great numbers, so that in one village there were buried an hundred corpses in one daie. Also the daie before Christmasse éeue, there chanced a great wind, with thunder and raine, in such extreame wise, that manie buildings were shaken and ouerthrowen.

In a parlement holden at Westminster about the octaues of the Epiphanie, [year 1327] the king required a subsidie of his subiects, which request was not verie well ta∣ken, but yet at length, vpon promise that he would be good lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, and not séeke to instringe and dis∣anull the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he had made by pretense of want of the popes confirmation (as it was thought he meant to doo) they agréed to giue him the thirtith part of all moueable goods,* 2.321 as well of the spiritualtie as the temporaltie, reseruing yet to euerie man his readie come▪ with horsse and armour, to be imploied for the profit of the common-wealth. In considerati∣on of which grant, the king being of perfect age, and in his owne rule and full gouernance, of his frée and méere goodwill, at the request, and by counsell of the lords of his realme, eftsoones granted and confirmed the liberties and customes conteined in the two char∣ters, the one called Magna charta, and the other Char∣ta de foresta, with this addition following added in the end.

The confirmation of the charters, vnder the kings acknowledgement and subscription of witnesses.

NVnc autem concessimus, & hac praesen∣ti charta confirmauimus omnibus prae∣dictis de regno nostro, omnes libertates & liberas consuetudines content as in chartis nostris, quas eis fidelibus nostris fieri fecimus cùm in minori essemus aetate, scili∣cet in Magna charta nostra, quàm in charta de Fo∣resta. Et volumus pro nobis, & haeredibus nostris, quòd praefati fideles nostri, & successores, & haere∣des eorum habeant, & teneant in perpetuum om∣nes libertates & liberas consuetudines praedictas, non obstante quòd praedictae chartae confectae fue∣rint cùm minoris essemus aetatis, vt praedictum est, hijs testibus, Edmundo Cant archiepiscopo, & om∣nibus alijs in Magna charta nominatis. Dat. per manum venerabilis patris Cicestriensis episcopi, cancellarij nostri 28 die Ianuarij, Anno Regni nostri 21.

Beside the confirmation of these charters,* 3.1 the king further to win the fauour of his people, was conten∣ted to remooue and sequester from him diuerse of his councellours that were thought not to be well min∣ded towards the aduancement of the common∣wealth, and in their places to admit the earle of Wa∣ren, William de Ferrers, and Iohn Fitz Geffrey, who were sworne to giue to the king faithfull coun∣sell, and in no wise to go out of the right waie for a∣ny respect that might otherwise mooue them. ¶About the first daie of March, there began sore raine and tempestuous weather, whereof insued great flouds, as before in the beginning of the yeare passed, had chanced, though not dooing so much hurt as before.

Iohn Scot also earle of Chester and Huntington died at Deren hall the seuenth daie of Iune,* 3.2 without issue, and was buried at Chester. He was poisoned by the diuelish practise of his wife daughter to Leolin prince of Wales (as Matt. Paris saith.* 3.3) He had foure sisters, of whom the first named Margaret was mar∣ried to Allen of Gallowaie, by whom she had issue a daughter named Deuorgoill; which Deuorgoill was married to Iohn Balioll, by whom she had is∣sue Iohn Balioll that was afterward king of Scotland. The second named Isabell, was married to Robert le Bruis. The third named Mawd, died without issue. And the fourth called Alda, was marri∣ed to Henrie Hastings. But bicause the land pertei∣ning to the earledome of Chester, should not go a∣mongst rocks and distaues, hauing such roiall prero∣gatiues

belonging thereto, the king seized them into his owne hands, and in recompense assigned other lands to the forsaid sisters, as it had beene by way of exchange.

Now sith the earles of Chester (I meane those of the line of Hugh Lupus) tooke end in this Iohn Scot; I haue thought it not impertinent for the ho∣nor of so noble a linage, to set downe the descent of the same earles, beginning at the foresaid Hugh the first that gouerned after the conquest, as I haue seen the same collected out of ancient records, according [line 10] to their true succession in seauen descents one after another, as here followeth.

The true genealogie of the famous and most honourable earles of Chester.

HUgh Lou or Lupus, first earle of Chester after the conquest, ne∣phue [line 20] to William Conquerour by his sister Margaret, wife to Richard Uicount of Auranches, married a noble ladie named Armetruda, by whom he had issue Richard that succeeded him in the earledome, Robert abbat of saint Ed∣mundsburie, and Otuell. He departed this life about the yeere of our Lord 1102, when he had beene earle about 40 yeeres.

2 Richard Lupus eldest son to Hugh [line 30] Lupus, and second earle of Chester, mar∣ried Maud the daughter of Stephan erle of Blois, Charters and Champaigne, and sister to K. Stephan. This Richard with his brother Otuell was drowned in the seas, in the yeere of our Lord 1120, as be∣fore hath beene shewed, after he had beene earle about ninteene yeares.

3 Ranulfe or Randulfe the first of that [line 40] name called Bohun, and otherwise Mest∣heins, the sonne of Iohn de Bohun, and of Margaret, sister to Hugh Lupus, succee∣ded Richard, as cousin and heire to him in the earldome of Chester, and was the third earle in number after the conquest. He married Maud the daughter of Auberie de Uere earle of Gisney and Oxenford, by whome he had issue Ranulfe surnamed [line 50] Geruous the fourth earle of Chester. He died about the yere of our Lord 1130, after he had continued earle eight yeares.

4 Ranulfe or Randulfe Bohun, the se∣cond of that name, and fourth erle in num∣ber after the conquest, surnamed Geruous, succeeded his father, and married Alice, daughter to Robert erle of Glocester, base sonne to king Henrie the first by whome he [line 60] had issue Hugh Keuelocke, the fift earle of Chester. He deceassed about the yeare of our Lord 1153, when he had beéne earle 29 yeares.

5 Hugh Bohun otherwise Keuelocke, the sonne of the said Ranulfe, was the first earle of Chester after the conquest, and se∣cond of that name. He married Beatrice, daughter to Richard Lucie lord cheefe ius∣tice of England, by whom he had issue Ra∣nulfe the third of that name, and foure daughters, Mawd married to Dauid that was earle of Angus and Huntington and lord of Galloway, Mabell maried to Wil∣liam Dalbegnie earle of Arundell, Agnes maried to William Ferrers earle of Der∣bie, and Hauisa ioined in marriage with Robert Quincie, a baron of great honour. This Hugh died about the yeare 1181, when he had beene earle eight and twentie yeares.

6 Ranulfe Bohun the third of that name, otherwise called Blundeuille, the sonne of Hugh Keuelocke, was the sixt earle of Chester after the conquest. He was also earle of Lincolne, as next cousine and heire to William Romare earle of Lin∣colne. He had three wiues (as before yee haue heard) but yet died without issue, a∣bout the yeare of our Lord 1232, after he had beene earle 51 yeares.

7 Iohn Scot, the sonne of Dauid earle of Angus & Huntington, was in the right of his mother the seuenth earle of Chester after the conquest. He died without issue (as before yee haue heard) by reason where∣of, the erldome came into the kings hands in the yeare 1237. Thus much may suffice (with that which is said before) touching the descent of the earles of Chester. And now to proceed.

The same yeare that Iohn Scot died,* 4.1 cardinall Otho (by some writers named Othobon) about the feast of S. Peter and Paule came into England from pope Gregorie. He was receiued with all ho∣nour and solemne reuerence as was decent, yea and more than was decent, the king meeting him at the sea side. His comming was not signified afore to the nobles of the realme, which caused them to mislike the matter, and to grudge against the king, seeing that he did all things contrarie to order, breaking law, faith, and promise in all things.* 4.2 He hath coupled himselfe (said they) in mariage with a stranger, with∣out consent of his freends and naturall subiects, and now he bringeth in a legat secretlie, who will take vpon him to make an alteration in the whole state of the realme.

But this legat shewed himselfe a verie sober and discréet person, not so couetous as his predecessors,* 4.3 in so much that he refused diuerse gifts which were offered vnto him, though some he receiued, and indéed commanded the other to be reserued for him. He also distributed liberallie the vacant rents vnto such as he brought with him, as well persons worthie as vn∣worthie, and pacified such controuersies as were sproong betwixt the nobles and peeres of the realme, so that he made them fréends. ¶ An act memorable & to be kept in record, that the instrument and seruant of so bad a maister as he serued, namelie the pope, should be the procurer of so good a worke: considering that from the sée of Rome full tides and violent streames of seditions haue flowed, and verie sildome any occasion or means made to plant peace among men, which is the daughter of loue, and the worthiest thing that is, as one saith verie well in these words:

Gignit amor pacem, pax est dignissima rerum.

The bishop of Winchester, the earle of Kent, Gil∣bert Basset, Stephen Siward & others were by him accorded, who had borne secret grudge ech to other a long time, which hatred was at point to haue broken foorth,* 4.4 and shewed it selfe in perilous wise at a tornie holden at Blie in the beginning of Lent, where the Southernmen stroue against the Northerne men, and in the end the Southerne men preuailed, and

tooke diuerse of their aduersaries, so that it séemed not to be a triumphant iustes, but rather a sharpe challenge and incounter betwixt enimies. But a∣mongst all others,* 4.5 earle Bigot bare himselfe verie stoutlie.

* 4.6After that the legat had thus agréed the noblemen, he assembled a synod at London, the morrow after the octaues of S. Martin, wherein manie ordinances were newlie constituted for the state of the cleargie, but not altogither verie acceptable to diuerse yoong [line 10] préests and scholers (as some write) in somuch that the legat afterwards comming to Oxford, [year 1238] and lodging in the abbie of Osnie,* 4.7 it chanced as certeine scholers pressed to the gates thinking to come in and doo their dutie (as they tooke the matter) vnto the legat, the porter kept them backe, and gaue them ouerthwart words, wherevpon they rushed in vpon him, & so be∣gan a fraie betwixt them and the legats men, who would haue beaten them backe.* 4.8

It fortuned in this hurlie burlie, that a poore Irish [line 20] scholer being got in néere to the kitchin dresser, be∣sought the cooke for Gods sake to giue him some re∣liefe: but the cooke (as manie of that calling are chole∣rike fellowes) in a great furie tooke vp a ladle full of hot broath out of a kettell wherein flesh had béene sod∣den,* 4.9 and threw it right vpon the Irishmans face, which thing when another Welsh scholer that stood by beheld, he cried out; What meane we to suffer this villanie, and therewithall tooke an arrow, and set it in his bow, which he had caught vp in his hand at the [line 30] beginning of the fraie, and drawing it vp to the head let flie at the cooke,* 4.10 and so slue him there outright.

Herevpon againe noise and tumult rose round a∣bout the house, the legat for feare got him into the belfraie of the abbeie, where he kept himselfe close till the darke of the night had staied the vprore, and then stale foorth, and taking his horsse escaped as secretlie as he could ouer the Thames, and rode with all spéed to the court, which laie not far off at Abing∣ton,* 4.11 and there made his complaint to the king, in such [line 40] lamentable wise, that he foorthwith sent the earle Waren with a power of armed men, to fetch awaie the residue of the legats seruants which remained be∣hind in the abbeie, and to apprehend the chiefe offen∣dors.

The earle comming thither, tooke thirtie scholers, with one master Odo a lawier, and brought them to Wallingford castell, and there committed them to prison. The legat also in reuenge of the iniurie in this wise to him doone,* 4.12 pronounced the cursse against [line 50] the misdooers, and handled the matter in such wise, that the regents and masters of the Uniuersitie were at length constreined to come vnto London, & there to go bare-footed through Cheapeside, vnto the church of S. Paule,* 4.13 in such wise to aske him forgiuenesse, and so with much adoo they obteined absolution. This legat among other things demanded soone after the tenth part of all spirituall mens yearelie reuenues, towards the maintenance of the wars against the Saracens in Asia. [line 60]

Moreouer, the emperour of Constantinople, name∣lie,* 4.14 Baldwine sonne to Peter earle of Ausserre, be∣ing expelled out of his empire, came this yeare into England, to sue for aid: but at his first arriuall at Douer, he was told, that he had not doone well to come so presumptuouslie into the land of another prince, without his safe conduct. But when the said emperour séemed to be sorie for his offense, and to ex∣cuse his innocencie and sincere meaning, the king was pacified, & willed him to come to London, where at his comming thither, being the 22 daie of Aprill, he was honorablie receiued, and at his departure with rich gifts highlie honored, so that he had awaie with him to the value of about seuen hundred marks as was reported. About this time also,* 4.15 Elianor the kings sister (that was sometime wife vnto William Marshall earle of Penbroke) was now by the kings meanes married the second time to Simon Mont∣ford, a man of high parentage and noble prowesse.

This Simon was indowed with such vertue, good counsell, courteous discretion, and other amiable qualities, that he was highlie fauoured as was sup∣posed, both of God and man: in somuch that he might right well, as for birth, so also for education and good demeanour be counted (as he deserued) a notable Noble man, for he was so qualified as standeth with the nature of true nobilitie, according to that of the poet,

—non census, nec clarum nomen auorum, Sed probitas magnos ingeniùmque facit.

Notwithstanding all which noble indowments concurring in him, he was banished out of France, vpon displeasure, which Blanch the quéene mother conceiued against him. But now comming into England, he was ioifullie receiued of king Henrie, who not onelie gaue vnto him (as aboue is mentio∣ned) his sister in mariage with the earledome of Lei∣cester in name of a dowrie, but also aduanced him vnto offices of greatest honour within the realme of England. Howbeit,* 4.16 this marriage was verie dis∣pleasant vnto Edmund the archbishop of Canturbu∣rie, bicause that the foresaid Elianor, after the death of hir first husband, had vowed perpetuall chastitie, and betaken hir (as was said) to the mantell and the ring.

As the prelat was not pleased with this match, so the king was as highlie offended with the archbishop for not fauouring the cause, in somuch that the arch∣bishop went soone after to Rome,* 4.17 where he not onelie complained of certeine iniuries receiued latelie at the kings hands, but also signified the estate of this marriage, to procure a diuorce. In like manner, Ri∣chard the kings brother found great fault with the king for the same matter, but chieflie,* 4.18 for that he stroke it vp without making him and other of the Nobles of councell therein. To be short, it was not long yer this grudge grew so far, that ciuill war was verie likelie to haue followed therevpon. But when the king saw that all the lords leaned to his brother, he sought to pacifie the matter by courteous means, and so by mediation of the legat, the king and his bro∣ther were reconciled, to the great griefe of the lords, which had brought the matter now to that point, that the king could not haue so resisted their force, but that they were in good hope to haue deliuered the realme out of bondage from all manner of strangers, as well of those Romans that were beneficed men, as of anie other.

Simon the earle of Leicester also perceiuing how the matter went, made shift another waie to get all the monie he could in prest or otherwise (in somuch that he had of one burges of Leicester,* 4.19 named Si∣mon Curleuath, fiue hundred markes) and leauing his wife in the castell of Kelingworth, he secretlie de∣parted out of the realme, and got him to Rome,* 4.20 to purchase a confirmation of his marriage, which he ea∣silie obteined, notwithstanding the archbishop of Canturburies former and verie vehement informa∣tion against him, and so hauing brought his purpose about, in the latter end of this yéere, he returned into England, and was ioifullie receiued, first of the king and after of his wife, whome he found at Keling∣worth, néere to the time of hir trauell, and shortlie af∣ter deliuered of a yoong sonne, whom they called Si∣mon after the name of his father.

At the same time, Frederike the emperour going into Italie,* 4.21 had a great number of English souldiers with him, which king Henrie furnished for his aid,

vnder the leading of a right valiant warriour, na∣med Henrie de Trubleuille,* 4.22 with whome went also Iohn Mansell, whose valiancie in that iournie well appeared, and William Hardell a citizen of Lon∣don was treasurer and paimaister to the souldiers. Herewith the pope was sore offended, and wrote his mind thereof to the king, who foorthwith returned an eloquent answer, requiring him to be more fauoura∣ble to the emperour, considering his cause was such as could not iustlie offend his holinesse. About the same time, or rather (as by some writers it should ap∣peare) [line 10] somwhat before, the kings sister Ioane quéene of Scotland, comming into England to see hir bro∣ther, fell into a sicknesse, and died.

Moreouer, the archbishop of Canturburie retur∣ned into England, who at his comming to Rome, obteined little or nothing touching the suit which he had before the pope, for (as some haue written) the le∣gat Otho being his heauie fréend, had so stopped the popes eares from hearing any of his complaints, [line 20] that all his whole trauell did come to none effect. In like manner, Peter des Roches bishop of Winche∣ster died this yeare in his manor at Farnham,* 4.23 about the ninth of Iune, which prelat had gouerned that see about 32 yeares. He was a man of great wise∣dome and dexteritie in ordering of weightie affaires touching the state of temporall regiment. He buil∣ded manie goodlie monasteries, as the abbeies of Hales, Tikborne and Seleborne, with the hospitall at Portesmouth. He made also a notable testament, [line 30] and besides his bequests which were great, he left his bishoprike so stored and throughlie furnished, that there was not so much diminished of that which he found at his comming in value, as the cattell that serued to draw the verie ploughs.

About this time, a learned esquire, or rather a clearke of the vniuersitie of Oxenford, bearing some malice toward the king, fained himselfe mad, and es∣pieng thereby the secret places of his house at Wood∣stoke where he then laie,* 4.24 vpon a night by a window [line 40] he got into the kings bedchamber, and comming to the beds side, threw off the couerings, and with a dag∣ger strake diuers times into a pillow, supposing that the king had beene there, but as GOD would, that night the king laie in another chamber with the quéene. In the meane time, one of the queenes cham∣bermaids named Margaret Biset, hauing espied the traitor, made an outcrie, so that the K. seruants which came to vnderstand what the matter meant, presentlie apprehended the said clearke, who being [line 50] conueied to Couentrie, was there arreigned, and by lawfull proofe had of his malicious intent, was con∣demned, and executed as a traitor. At his death he confessed, that he was sent from * 4.25 William de Ma∣risch the sonne of Geffrie de Marisch to murther the king by such manner of means, not caring what had become of himselfe so he might haue dispatched his purpose.

¶ These practises of treason In summo gradu, which cannot be committed without irrecouerable detri∣ment [line 60] to the whole estate (speciallie where succession is vncerteine) are of an old brewing, though they be neuer so newlie broched. And trulie, if the curssed mi∣screant which vndertaketh an enterprise of this qua∣litie, had the grace to consider how manie murthers he committeth by implication in giuing the roiall person of the prince a deadlie wound; I doubt not, if he were a man and not a ranke diuell, he would be weaned from that outragious villanie. For, in wounding and killing the prince, he is guiltie of ho∣micide, of parricide, of christicide, nay of deicide. And therefore a thousand woes light on his hart that shall stretch out his hand, naie, that shall once conceiue in thought a murther so heinous, as both God and na∣ture dooth abhorre; speciallie if it be commensed a∣gainst a christian prince; and such a one as to whome true and vndefiled religion is no lesse pretious and déere than life it selfe. Princes therefore had need to sée to the safegard of their persons, sithens the safetie of manie millians dependeth therevpon. For cer∣teine it is, that the state of a poore priuat man is lesse perillous by manie degrées than the state of a poten∣tat, which is ment by this true allegorie following.

Quatiunt altas sapèprocellae, Aut euertit fortuna domos;* 4.26 Minùs in paruis fortuna furit, Raros patitur fulminis ictus Humida vallis.

In the thrée and twentith yeare of his reigne,* 4.27 king Henrie held his Christmasse at Winchester, where a great grudge arose betwixt him and Gilbert the earle of Penbroke,* 4.28 by reason that the said earle with his seruants (hauing tipstaues) in their comming to the court, were not suffred to enter within the gates but were kept backe by the porters and other. Of which iniurie when he had complained, the king made him such an ouerthwart answer, that the earle per∣ceiuing him not to like verie well of his seruice, de∣parted foorthwith, and rode into the North countrie, so that from that day foorth, neither he nor his brother Walter loued the king as they ought to haue doone. Soone after this departure of earle Gilbert, vpon Candlemas day the king gaue the earldome of Lei∣cester vnto Simon de Mountford, and inuested him thereinto, hauing first pacified earle Almerike that was elder brother to the same Simon. Yet about the beginning of the next August,* 4.29 the king was so in∣censed against earle Simon, that both he and his wife were glad to get them ouer into France, till the kings wrath were more pacified.

Upon the sixtéenth day of Iune, the kings eldest sonne named Edward,* 4.30 and after surnamed Long∣shanke by the Scots in mockage, bicause he was a tall and slender man, was borne at Westminster, who after his fathers decease, succeeded him in the kingdome. ¶Before the birth of this Edward, there appeared earlie in the morning certeine daies togi∣ther before the sunne was vp,* 4.31 a star of a large com∣passe, the which with swift course was caried through a long circuit of the aire, sometimes shewing as it had borne fire with it, and sometimes leauing as it were smoke behind it, so that it was after iudged, that the great déeds which were to be atchiued by the same Edward, were by this wonderfull constellati∣on foreshewed and signified.

About the same time, by reason of an accusation made by a prisoner against Ranulfe Briton (some∣time the kings chancellour, but now leading a priuat life,* 4.32 being a canon of the cathedrall church of saint Paule in London) the same Ranulfe (by commande∣ment from the king sent to the maior of the citie William Ioiner) was taken out of his house,* 4.33 had to the tower, and there imprisoned, whervpon the deane of Paules, maister G. Lucie, in absence of the bishop accurssed all those that had presumptuouslie attemp∣ted to laie hands on the said Ranulfe, and further, he put his owne church of saint Paule vnder in∣terdiction.

To conclude, through threatning of excommuni∣cation to be pronounced against the king, and other for this fact by the legat and the bishops of the realme as namelie, Canturburie and London, the king was compelled to release and set at libertie the fore∣said Ranulfe. Finallie, the prisoner that had accused the said Ranulfe and other, being one of the kings purseuants, when for his wicked dooings he came to suffer death, openlie confessed, how he had accused those persons, onelie in hope to deferre his owne exe∣cution,

being conuicted as accessarie to the treason of the clearke that suffered at Couentrie the last yeare. He had accused not onelie the said Briton, but diuers of the nobilitie also to be priuie and giltie of the same conspiracie. ¶ This yeare for the space of foure mo∣neths togither,* 4.34 fell excéeding great raine, yet at length it began to hold vp about Easter.

In this while, the lords of the realme practised sun∣drie drifts likewise, as men that would faine haue béene rid of the legats companie: but the king did what he could on the otherside (by sending to the pope [line 10] for licence) to haue him remaine still here, who be∣gan now indeed to looke to his owne profit,* 4.35 as by way of procuracies and other meanes, so that he got togi∣ther great summes of monie, although in the begin∣ning he séemed to forbeare, and not to séeke for anie such gaine. Also, he tooke vpon him to bestow bene∣fices without consent of the patrones that were tem∣porall men, wherevpon complaint was made to the pope,* 4.36 namelie, by one sir Robert de Twing, who clai∣med [line 20] as patrone the presentation of the rectorie of Luthun in Yorkeshire, and could not be permitted to inioy it, by reason of the popes prohibition, but vpon the hearing of his title in the popes consistorie, he ob∣teined letters ••••om the pope to be restored, and also an inhibition, that from thence foorth no person should be promoted to anie spirituall benefice or church, with∣out consent of the patrone. The king and the péeres of the realme vnderstanding themselues to be touched in this wrong offered to this knight, had written in [line 30] his fauour to the pope, so that his suit had the better successe.

Moreouer, the Iewes in this yeare, for a murther which they had secretlie committed, were gréeuouslie punished,* 4.37 namelie by the pursse to buy their peace, & they were glad to giue the king the third part of all their goods. The legat also assembled a synod of the clergie at London vpon the last of Iulie,* 4.38 in the which he demanded procuracies, but the bishops vpon deli∣beration had in the matter, answered, that the im∣portunatnes [line 40] of the Romane church had so often con∣sumed the goods of the English church, that they could no longer suffer it, and therefore said they;

Let them giue you procuracies which vnaduisedlie haue called you into the realme, if they will, for of vs you shall be sure to come by none at all, howbeit he got his de∣mand of the abbats and other religious men.

About the feast of the assumption of our ladie, Tho∣mas earle of Flanders, vncle to the quéene, arriued at Douer, and was receiued of the king with great [line 50] ioy and gladnesse, who rode thitherward to méet him, and so brought him to London, where the citizens came foorth also, and meeting him in the waie, brought him into the citie with all honour that might be deui∣sed. He did homage to the king (as authors write) and at his departure had in reward fiue hundred marks, and a pension assured him of as much yearelie out of the escheker of the kings frée gift. This earle Tho∣mas was sonne to the earle of Sauoy, and a little be∣fore his comming into England, he had married [line 60] Ione countesse of Flanders, which had first beene coupled in marriage with Ferdinando, as in the life of king Iohn may further appeare.

In the 24 yeare of his reigne, king Henrie held his Christmasse at Winchester,* 4.39 where he made Bald∣wine de Riuers knight, and inuested him with the right of the earledome of the Ile of Wight,* 4.40 in the presence of the earle of Cornewall, who procured him this honour, bicause he had the wardship of him, and married him to his daughter in law the ladie Ami∣cia, that was daughter to his wife the countesse of Glocester by hir former husband. The earle of Leice∣ster also, meaning to go into the holie land, returned out of France, where he had remained a certeine time as an exile, but was now receiued honorablie of the king and other péeres of the realme, and after that he had séene the king and doone his dutie as ap∣perteined, he went to his possessions to make monie for his furniture necessarie to be had in that iournie, for the which he sold at that time his woods about Lei∣cester,* 4.41 vnto the knights of the Hospitall, and to the canons of Leicester, receiuing of them for the same about the summe of a thousand pounds.

About the same time, to wit, the 14 of Aprill, died Leolin prince of Wales,* 4.42 and then followed conten∣tion betwixt his sons Griffin and Dauid for the prin∣cipalitie, which at length Dauid obteined through king Henries support (though he were the yoonger brother) bicause he was begot in lawfull bed on the sister of king Henrie. The whole countrie of Wales was maruellouslie in trouble about their quarels. At length, a daie of méeting was appointed betwixt them, to grow by waie of talke vnto some quiet end; and Griffin meaning no deceit, came in peaceable wise with Richard bishop of Bangor and others to the place assigned, where they should haue met. But Dauid by a traine tooke Griffin, and committed him to prison, wherevpon afterwards, the yeare insuing, by continuall plaint and earnest sute of the bishop of Bangor, king Henrie entred Wales with an ar∣mie, and constreined Dauid to submit himselfe, and to deliuer the said Griffin into his hands, and further also to put in suerties to appeare at London, there to receiue such order in the kings courts, as to him by law should be orderlie awarded. Griffin ap Mad∣docke and diuerse other great lords of Wales ioined with the king in this iournie against Dauid,* 4.43 as in the next yeare ye shall further heare.

About the same time, there was great strife and contention still remaining betwixt the emperour Frederike and pope Innocent the fourth that succée∣ded Celestine the fourth, in somuch that sore and mor∣tall warre followed. But king Henrie by the pro∣curement of the legat Otho,* 4.44 aided the pope with mo∣nie, though he was somewhat loth to doo it, bicause the said emperour had married his sister. Indéed, the emperour wrote to the king to staie his hand, but the diligence of that legat was such in furthering his masters businesse, that the monie was gone ouer yer the emperours letters came. At this time also, Ed∣mund the archbishop of Canturburie greatlie dis∣alowed the often exactions and subsidies which the le∣gat caused dailie to be le••ied of the English clergie. Howbeit, in hope to haue his purpose the rather a∣gainst the moonks of Canturburie, with whom he was at variance, he first granted to the legats re∣quest made on the popes behalfe in a synod holden at Reading, for the hauing of the fift part of spirituall mens reuenues, and so by his example others were inforced to doo the like.

Furthermore he gaue eight hundred marks to the pope, but whether of his owne free will, or by con∣streint, I cannot saie; but now vtterlie misliking all things doone by the legat contrarie to his mind, after he had doone and said what he could for redresse, and when he saw no hope at hand for anie reformati∣on either in the king or legat, who estéemed not his words, as a man not longer able to see his countrie so spoiled, he went ouer into France, and got him vnto Pontney, there to remaine in voluntarie exile, after the example of his predecessour Thomas Bec∣ket, whose dooings he did follow in verie manie things. Uerelie the collections of monie, which the pope in these daies by his legats gathered here in this realme, were great and sundrie, so that (as it ap∣peareth by historiographers of this time) the cleargie and other found themselues sore grieued, and repined not a little against such couetous dealings and vn∣measurable

exactions, in so much that they spake to the king of it,* 4.45 and said;

Right famous prince, whie suffer you England to be made a prey and desolati∣on to all the passers by, as a vineyard without an hedge, common to the waifaring man, and to be de∣stroied of the bores of the field, sith you haue a suffici∣ent priuilege that no such exactions should be made in this kingdome? And suerlie he is not worthie of a priuilege which abuseth the same being granted.

The king answered those that went thus about to per∣suade him, that he neither would nor durst gainsaie [line 10] the pope in any thing: and so the people were brought into miserable despaire.* 4.46

There be that write how that there were other oc∣casions of the archbishops departure out of the relme of the which this should be one;* 4.47 when he saw religion not to be regarded, and that préests were had in no honor, neither that it laie in his power to reforme the matter, sith the king gaue no eare to his admoni∣tions, he determined to absent himselfe till the king (warned by some mishap) should repent him of his [line 20] errours, and amend his misdooings. Other ioine an other cause herevnto, which was this; whereas the king by the insample of other kings (begun by Wil∣liam Rufus) vsed to keépe bishops sees, and other such spirituall possessions in his hands, during the vacati∣on, till a conuenient person were to the same prefer∣red,* 4.48 the archbishop Edmund, for that he saw long de∣laies made oftentimes yer any could be admitted to the roome of those that were deceassed, or by any other means depriued, he was in hand with the king, that [line 30] the archbishop of Canturburie might haue power onlie to prouide for successors in such roomes as chan∣ced to be vacant, aboue the tearme of six moneths, which thing the king for a certeine summe of monie granted: but afterward perceiuing what hinderance he susteined thereby, he reuoked that grant, so much to the displeasure of the archbishop, that he thought good no longer to continue in the realme.

At his comming to Pontney, he so séemed to de∣spise all worldlie pompe and honor, giuing himselfe [line 40] wholie to diuine contemplation, to fasting and prai∣er, that the former opinion, which men had conceiued of his vertues, was maruellouslie confirmed. At length being sore vexed with sicknesse, supposing that he might recouer helth by changing of aire and place, he caused himselfe to be conueied into an other house of religion, named Soisie, two daies iournie from Pontney,* 4.49 where finallie he died the sixtéenth of No∣uember, and his bodie was brought againe to Pont∣ney, and there buried, where also through sundrie mi∣racles [line 50] shewed (as they say) at his graue, he was re∣puted a saint, and at length canonized by pope Inno∣cent the fourth. He was borne at Abingdon, beside Oxenford, and thereby some named him saint Ed∣mund of Abingdon, and some S. Edmund of Pont∣ney, after the place where he was inshrined. The see of Canturburie was void more than three yeares af∣ter his decease, till at length by the kings comman∣dement, the moonks of Canturburie elected one Bo∣niface of Sauoie vncle to quéene Elianor, being the [line 60] 45 archbishop which ruled that church.

¶There was this yeare a certeine person of honest conuersation,* 4.50 and sober, representing in habit one of the Carthusian moonks, taken at Cambridge, be∣ing accused for that he refused to come to the church to heare diuine seruice, and vpon his examination, bicause he answered otherwise than was thought conuenient, he was committed to secret prison, and shortlie after sent vp to the legat to be of him exami∣ned. This man openlie protested, that Gregorie was not the true pope, nor head of the church, but that there was another head of the church, and that the church was defiled, so that no seruice ought to be said therein, except the same were newlie dedicated, and the vessels and vestments againe hallowed and con∣secrated; The diuell (said he) is losed, & the pope is an heretike, for Gregorie, which nameth himselfe pope, hath polluted the church.

Herevpon (in the presence and audience of the abbat of Euesham, maister Nic. de Fernham, and diuerse other worshipfull personages) the legat said vnto him being thus out of the waie;

Is not power granted to our souereigne lord the pope from aboue, both to lose and bind soules, sith he executeth the roome of S. Peter vpon earth? Now when all men looked to heare what answer he would make, belée∣uing his iudgement to depend vpon the same, he said by way of interrogation, and not by way of asserti∣on; How can I beléeue, that vnto a person spotted with simonie and vsurie, and haplie wrapt in more greeuous sins, such power should be granted as was granted vnto holie Peter, who immediatlie follow∣ed the lord, as soone as he was made his apostle, and followed him not onelie in bodilie footsteps, but in cleerenesse of vertues. At which word the legat blu∣shed, & said to some of the standers by; A man ought not to chide with a foole, nor gape ouer an ouen.

In this season the king sent his iustices itine∣rants in circuit about the land,* 4.51 the which vnder pre∣text of iustice punished manie persons, and so leuied great summes of monie to the kings vse. Sir Wil∣liam of Yorke prouost of Beuerley was assigned to visit the south parts, and sir Robert de Lexinton the north parts. Also Richard earle of Cornewall the kings brother, with a nauie of ships sailed into Sy∣ria, where in the warres against the Saracens, he greatlie aduanced the part of the christians.* 4.52 There went ouer with him the earle of Salisburie Willi∣am Long espee, and William Basset, Iohn Beau∣champe, Geffrey de Lucie, Iohn Neuill, Geffrey Beauchampe, Peter de Breuse, and William Fur∣niuall. The erle of Montford also went ouer the same time: but where the earle of Cornewall tooke the sea at Marsiles,* 4.53 the earle of Leicester passed through Italie, and tooke the water at Brandize, and with him went these persons of name, Thomas de Fur∣niuall, with his brother Gerard de Furniuall, Hugh Wake, Almerike de S. Aumond, Wischard Le∣det, Punchard de Dewin, and William de Dewin that were brethren, Gerard Pesmes, Fouke de Baugie, and Peter de Chauntenaie.* 4.54 Shortlie after also, Iohn earle of Albemarle, William Fortis, and Peter de Mallow a Poictouin, men for their vali∣ancie greatlie renowmed, went thither, leading with them a great number of christian souldiors.

In this yeare and vpon the day of S. Romigius, was the church of S. Paule in the citie of London dedicated by Roger bishop of that citie,* 4.55 the king and a great number of bishops and other Noble men be∣ing present, which were feasted the same day by the said bishop Roger and the canons. Moreouer, there died the same yeare the countesse Isabell, wife to Richard earle of Cornewall, and two earles, Willi∣am earle Warren, and Iohn earle of Lincolne,* 4.56 also the lord Iohn Fitz Robert, one of the chéefe barons in all the north parts of the realme. ¶Also in Februa∣arie there appeared a comet or blasing starre verie dreadfull to behold, for the space of thirtie daies togi∣ther. Moreouer, on the coast of England there was a great battell amongst the fishes of the sea, so that there were eleauen whales or thirlepooles cast on land, beside other huge and monstruous fishes, which appeared to be dead of some hurts; and one of those mightie fishes, comming into the Thames aliue, was pursued by the fishers, and could scarse passe through the arches of London bridge. At length with darts and other such weapons, they slue him before

the kings manour at Mortlake, whither they follow∣ed him.* 4.57 There was also a great sound heard this yeare in sundrie parts of England at one selfe time, as if it had beene the noise of some mightie moun∣taine that had fallen into the sea. And vpon the se∣uenth of Maie there chanced a great boisterous wind that sore troubled the skie.* 4.58

This yeare the king caused the citizens of London, and the gardians of the cinque ports,* 4.59 and manie o∣ther to receiue an oth to be true and faithfull to his [line 10] sonne prince Edward. The friers preachers and mi∣nors, and other men of the church that were diuines, absolued such as had taken on them the crosse, recei∣uing of them so much monie as would suffice to haue borne their charges in that iournie, and this not without slander redounding to the church. The same meanes to get monie was practised also by the legat Otho, hauing authoritie therto of the pope. The same yeare the seneshall of Aquitaine came ouer to the king,* 4.60 and let him know, that if timelie prouision [line 20] were not had, all those countries on the further side of the sea wold be lost. No other incident chanced the same yeare neither in warre abroad, nor in the state of gouernement of the common-wealth at home, whereof any great accompt is to be made, but that the legat Otho got great summes of monie di∣uerse waies, of religious men to the popes behoofe: wherevpon certeine abbats made complaints to the king, but in place of comfort they receiued discom∣fort, & after knowledge thereof giuen to the legat, he [line 30] was more extreame with them than he was before.

Shortlie after one of the popes familiars and kins∣man named master Peter Rosso came from Rome,* 4.61 taking England in his waie to go into Scotland, and vsed in both such diligence in the popes cause, that he got a fiftéenth granted here, which he spéedilie gathered.* 4.62 About the same time one Peter de Su∣pino was sent into Ireland, and there likewise he got a vintiesme, bringing from these the summe of 115 marks, and aboue. But the collection which Peter Rosso got out of the Scotish confines doubled that [line 40] summe, as was thought. In his returne also from thence, visiting the houses of religion, and searching the consciences of religious persons, by new shifts he craftilie got yet more monie to the popes vse, causing them to sweare to keepe this mysterie se∣cret, as it were some priuitie of confession for the space of one halfe yeare, whereby he turned the harts of manie men from the loue of the church of Rome, wounding them with great greefe and remorse of conscience to sée this pillage. [line 50]

* 4.63In the 25 yeare of his reigne, king Henrie kept his Christmasse at Westminster, at which time the legat was sent for to returne vnto Rome, and after he had beene honorablie feasted of the king, on the 4 daie of Christmasse he departed from London to∣wards the sea side, after he had remained here aboue three yeares. Peter of Sauoie that was vncle to the quéene came into England, and was honorablie re∣ceiued and interteined of king Henrie, who had gi∣uen to him the earledome of Richmont. His sonne [line 60] Boniface was this yeare also elected archbishop of Canturburie,* 4.64 a tall gentleman and of a goodlie per∣sonage, but neither so learned nor otherwise meet for that roome. But such was the kings pleasure, who in fauour of the quéene, to whom he was coosen ger∣mane sought to aduance him, and getting the popes fauour in that behalfe, procured the monks & bishops to grant their consents, although much against their minds, if they might haue had their owne wils.

The earle of Cornewall returning out of the holie land in safetie, after he had settled things there, by concluding an abstinence of warre betwixt the Sa∣racens and christians about the octaues of S. Iohn Baptist, he arriued in Sicill, and hearing there in what place the emperour as then soiourned, he repai∣red vnto him, of whom and of his sister the empresse he was most ioifullie receiued. Within a few daies after, he went to the court of Rome,* 4.65 to trie if he might driue some agreement betwixt the emperour and the pope, but finding the pope too hard, and no∣thing conformable, except he might haue had all his owne will (which was, that the emperour should haue submitted himselfe to the popes pleasure, and stand vnto what soeuer order the church should ap∣point) he returned backe to the emperour without concluding any thing with the pope, declaring vnto him as he had found. After this he remained two moneths with the emperour, & then taking his leaue was honoured with great gifts at his departure, and so returning towards England, at length arriued at the towne of Douer on the morrow after the feast of the Epiphanie in the yeare following.* 4.66

About the same time that the earle of Cornewall was in his returne foorth of the holie land, new wars suddenlie arose in Wales, which happened well for king Henrie. There were diuerse of the Welshmen that could not well like of the gouernement of Da∣uid, and therefore sore lamenting the captiuitie of his brother Griffin, whom before (as ye haue heard) he had by a traine taken and kept still as prisoner, be∣gan to make warre vpon the said Dauid, and those that tooke his part, the which on the other side sought to oppresse their aduersaries,* 4.67 so that there insued much bloudshed and slaughter betwéene the parties. The wife also of the said Griffin, and such other noble men as were become enimies vnto Dauid, sent and writ vnto king Henrie, requiring his aid, that Grif∣fin might be deliuered out of his brothers hands, pro∣mising him great helpe and furtherance, with large conditions of submission, and assurance furthermore to be at his commandement, and to receiue him for their true and souereigne lord.

King Henrie vnderstanding all their dooings and intents,* 4.68 thought that this contention betwéene the two brethren for the title of Wales would serue ve∣rie well for his purpose, and therefore he hasted foorth with a spéedie armie of men in that countrie, purpo∣sing to reduce the same vnder his obeisance. Here∣with Senena or Guenhera, the wife of Griffin (and other of the Welsh Nobilitie, that tooke part with hir) concluded a league with king Henrie, vpon cer∣teine conditions as the same are conteined in an in∣strument or charter, the tenour whereof beginneth as followeth.

Conuenit inter dominum Henricum tertium re∣gem Anglorum illustremex vna parte, & Se∣nenam vxorem Griffini, filij. Leolini, quon∣dàm principis Northwalliae, quem Dauid fra∣ter eius tenet carceri mancipatum, cum Owino filio suo, nomine eiusdem Griff. ex altera, &c.

Articles of agreement betweene Henrie the th••••d of that name▪ king of England of the one parti••▪ and Senena the wife of Griffin, the sonne of Leolin, sometimes prince of Northwales, whom Dauid his brother deteineth in prison, with Owen his sonne, in the name of the said Griffin of the other partie.

IN primis, the sa••d Senena vndertake••••▪ [line 1] that the said Griffin hir husband will giue vnto the king six hundred markes, vpo•• condition that the king ou•• cause the sai•• Griffin and Owen his sonne to be deliuered from the prison wherein they are kept, and will stand to the iudgement of the kings court, whether by law he

ought to be imprisoned or no.

[line 2] Item the said Griffin and his heires will stand to the iudgement of the kings court, for and concerning that portion of the inheritance of the said Leolin his father, which of right ought to apperteine vnto him.

Item the said Senena vndertaketh for the said [line 3] Griffin and his heires, that the said Griffin and his heires shall yéeld and paie yearelie to the king for the same lands, the summe of thrée hundred markes. Whereof the first third part to be paid in monie, the [line 10] second in kine, and the third in horsses, by the estima∣tion of indifferent men, and the same to be paid year∣lie at Michaelmas and Easter by euen portions, by the hands of the shiriffe of the countie of Salop for the time being.

Item the said Senena vndertaketh further for the [line 4] said Griffin and his heires, that they and euerie of them shall obserue the peace against the said Dauid, and suffer him quietlie to inioy such portion of his fa∣thers inheritance as to him shall be found to be [line 20] due.

Item the said Senena dooth further vndertake [line 5] for the said Griffin hir husband and his heires, that in case anie Welshman hereafter shall happen to re∣bell against the king, they at their owne costs and charges shall compell the said offendor to make sa∣tisfaction to the king for his disobedience.

[line 6] Item for the performance of the premisses, the said Senena will deliuer vnto the lord the king, Da∣uid and Roderike hir sonnes for pledges, with pro∣uiso [line 30] that if the said Griffin and Owen or either of them shall happen to die before their deliuerie out of the said prison, it shall be lawfull for the said Senena to haue one of hir sonnes released, the other remain∣ing with the king for pledge.

Item the said Senena hath sworne vpon the ho∣lie [line 7] Euangelist, that the said Griffin hir husband and his heires, and euerie of them shall accomplish and performe all the premisses on their behalfe, and fur∣ther vndertaketh that the said Griffin hir husband, [line 40] vpon his deliuerie out of prison, shall take the same oth.

Item the said Senena in the name of the said [line 8] Griffin hir husband, submitteth hir selfe concerning the obseruation of the premisses vnto the iurisdiction of the reuerend fathers the bishops of Hereford and Lichfield, so that the said bishops or either of them at the kings request shall compell the said Griffin and his heires to obserue all and singular the premisses on their behalfe, by sentence of excommunicati∣on [line 50] vpon their persons, and interdiction vpon their lands.

[line 9] Lastlie, the said Senena dooth vndertake and pro∣mise (Bona fide) to see and procure the full perfor∣mance of all the premisses, and that the said Griffin hir husband and his heires shall allow and performe the same, and thereof shall deliuer his instrument in writing to the king in forme aforesaid. To this char∣ter both parties put their seales, Griffin and Senena to that part which remained with the king, and the K. [line 60] to that part which remained with Senena.

Finallie, for the performance of the articles in this instrument or writing conteined▪ the ••aid ladie in name of hir husband, procured diuerse Noble men to become suerties or pledges, that is to saie, Ralfe de Mortimer, Walter de Clifford, Roger de Monthualt seneshall of Chester, Mailgun ap Mail∣gun, Meredoc ap Robert, Griffin ap Maddoc of Bromefield, Houwell and Meredoc brethren, Griffin ap Wenuwen: which persons vndertooke for the said ladie, that the couenants on hir part should be per∣formed, and thervpon they also bound themselues by their writings obligatorie vnto the said king, in forme following.

Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris Rogerus de monte alto senescallus Cestriae salutem. Sciatis quòd ego me constitui plegium, &c.

TO all and singular, to whome this writing shall come, Roger de monte alto the steward of Chester sendeth greeting. Know yee that I haue con∣stituted my selfe pledge for Senena the wife of Griffin the sonne of Leolin, sometimes prince of Northwales, and haue vndertaken for hir to our souereigne lord Henrie king of England, that the said Senena shall accomplish and per∣forme all and singular those couenants and ar∣ticles, agreed vpon betweene our said soue∣reigne lord and the said Senena, for and con∣cerning the deliuerance of the said Griffin hir husband and Owen his sonne out of the prison of Dauid his brother, and the portion of inhe∣ritance due vnto the said Griffin, which the said Dauid keepeth from him by force. In wit∣nesse whereof to this present writing I haue put my seale. Dated at Salop, the mondaie before the feast of the Ascension of the blessed virgin Marie, in the 15 yeare of his reigne.

But now to our purpose. When Dauid vnder∣stood of the kings approach with so puissant an armie, he was brought into great perplexitie, and the more in déed, not onelie bicause there chanced the same yeare for the space of foure moneths togither a great drouth,* 5.1 so that the marishes and bogges were dried vp and made passable for the kings people, but also for that manie of the Welsh Nobilitie, as cheefelie Griffin Maddoc and others, sought his destruction in fauour of his brother Griffin (whose deliuerance they earnestlie wished) and for that he stood excom∣municate by the pope. All which things well conside∣red, caused him to doubt of a further mischéefe to hang ouer his head: wherevpon he sent to the king, signifieng that he would deliuer his brother Griffin freelie into his hands, but letting him withall to wit by manie good reasons, that if he did set him at liber∣tie, he should minister manie new occasions of conti∣nuall warres.

Moreouer, this couenant Dauid required at the kings hands, that the king should reserue him so to his peace vnder the bond of fidelitie and hostages, that he should not disherit him: which when as the king courteouslie granted, Dauid sent vnto him his brother Griffin, to dispose of him as he should thinke requisite. The king receiuing him, sent him to Lon∣don, vnder the conduct of sir Iohn de Lexinton, togi∣ther with other mo (whome he had receiued as hosta∣ges both of Dauid and others the Nobles of Wales) appointing them to be kept in safetie within the tow∣er there.* 5.2 There was also a charter or déed made by the same Dauid vnto king Henrie, conteining the articles, couenants, and grants made betwixt the said prince and the foresaid Dauid, as followeth.

The charter of the articles of Dauids submission to the king.

Omnibus Christi fidelibus, ad quos praesentes lite∣rae peruenerint, Dauid filius Leolini sal••tem. Sciatis quòd concessi domino meo Henrico regi Angliae illustri, &c.

TO all christian people, to whom these pre∣sent [line 1] letters shall come, Dauid the sonne of Leolin sendeth greeting. Know ye that I haue granted and promised to de∣liuer

vnto the lord Henrie the noble king of Eng∣land, Griffin my brother with his sonne and heire whom I keepe in prison, and all other prisoners, who by occasion of the said Griffin lie in durance.

[line 2] Item I shall stand to the iudgement of the kings court, aswell in that case, whether the said Griffin ought to be deteined prisoner or no, as also for and concerning the part of the inheritance of the said Leolin my father, claimed by the said Griffin accor∣ding to the customes of Wales: so that the peace be [line 10] mainteined betweene me and the said Griffin.

[line 3] Item I and the said Griffin, and either of vs shall hold our portions of land, of our said souereigne the king in Capite, acknowleging him chiefe lord therof.

[line 4] Item I shall restore vnto Roger de monte alto steward of Chester, his land of Montalt or Mould, with the appurtenances.

[line 5] Item I shall likewise restore to all other barons, all such lands, lordships and castels, as were taken from them since the beginning of the warres be∣twéene [line 20] the lord Iohn king of England, and the said Leolin prince of Wales my father, sauing the right of all couenants and grants by writing, to be reser∣ued vnto the iudgement and determination of the kings court.

[line 6] Item I shall giue and restore vnto our souereigne lord the king all his charges in this present voiage laid out.

[line 7] Item I shall make satisfaction for all damages & iniuries doone by me, or anie of my subiects vnto the [line 30] king or his, according to the consideration of the kings court, and shall deliuer such as shalbe malefac∣tours in that behalfe.

[line 8] Item I shall restore vnto the said lord the king all the homages, which the late king Iohn his father had, & which the said lord the king of right ought to haue, especiallie of all the noble men of Wales: and if the king shall set at libertie anie of his captiues, the pos∣sessions of that man shall remaine to the king.

[line 9] Item the land of Elsmer with the appurtenances [line 40] shall remaine to the lord the king and his heires for euer.

[line 10] Item I shall not receiue or suffer to be receiued within my countrie of Wales, any of the subiects of England, outlawed or banished by the said lord the king, or his barons of Mercia.

[line 11] Item for confirmation and performance of all and singular the premisses on my behalfe, I shall prouide by bonds and pledges, and by all other waies and means as the said lord the king shall award, and will [line 50] accomplish the commandement of the said king, and will obeie his lawes.

In witnesse whereof to this present writing I haue put my seale: dated at Alnet by the riuer of Elwey, in the feast of the decollation of S. Iohn Baptist, in the fiue & twentith yéere of the reigne of the said king. For the obseruation of these 11 articles, the said prince Dauid and Edniuet Uachan were sworne. Also the said prince Dauid submitted himselfe to the iurisdiction of the archbishop of Canturburie, and of [line 60] the bishops of London, Hereford, and Couentrie, for the time being. That all, or one of them, whom the king shall appoint, may excommunicate him, and in∣terdict his land vpon br••ach of anie the said articles. And therevpon he procured the bishops of S. Ban∣gor, and S. Asaph to make their charters to the lord the king, whereby they granted to execute and de∣nounce all sentences, aswell of excommunication as of interdiction sent from the foresaid archbishop, bishops, or anie of them.

The said Dauid also sent priuilie to the king, to de∣sire him that he would suffer him being his nephue, and the lawfull heire of Leolin his father, to inioy the principalitie of Wales rather than Griffin, which was but a bastard, and no kin vnto the king. Giuing him withall to vnderstand, that in case he did set Griffin at libertie, he should be sure to haue the war renewed. Whervpon the king knowing these things to be true, and vnderstanding also that Griffin was a valiant stout man, and had manie fréends and fauo∣rours of his cause, inclined rather to assent vnto Da∣uids request than otherwise to be in danger of fur∣ther troubles, & therfore willinglie granted the same.

Shortlie after Dauid did send his brother Griffin vnto the king, and other pledges for himselfe, for per∣formance of the said articles, whom the king sent foorthwith to the towre of London, there to be safelie kept, allowing to Griffin a noble a daie for his fin∣ding. And within few dais after Michaelmas,* 6.1 prince Dauid comming to the kings court did his homage, and swore fealtie, who for so dooing, and in that he was the kings nephue, was sent home againe in peace. When Griffin saw how all things went, and that he was not like to be set at libertie, he began to deuise waies and meanes to escape out of prison.

Wherefore deceiuing the watch one night, he made a long line of hangings, couerings, and shéets,* 6.2 and hauing gotten out at a window, let downe himselfe by the same from the top of the towre: but by reason that he was a mightie personage and full of flesh, the line brake with the weight of his bodie, and so falling downe headlong of a great height, his necke and head was driuen into his bodie with the fall: whose miserable carcasse being found the morow after, was a pitifull sight to the beholders. The king being certi∣fied thereof, commanded Griffins sonne to be better looked vnto, and punished the officers for their negli∣gence.

About the same time there chanced a controuersie to rise betwixt the king and the bishop of Lincolne, for the bestowing of the benefice of Thame, the which Iohn Mansell the kings chapleine had gotten in pos∣session by the kings fauour,* 6.3 through prouision gran∣ted of the pope, where the bishop alleging priuileges to the contrarie, had granted it to an other. At length the king hauing his fathers trouble before his eies, and doubting the bishops words, threatning some e∣uill mishap to follow, if he should stand long in the matter against the said bishop, gaue ouer his te∣nour: and therewithall prouided Iohn Mansell of a farre more rich benefice, that is to saie, of the perso∣nage of Maidstone, whereinto the bishop spéedilie in∣uested him.

This yeare manie noble men ended their liues, as well such as were gone with the earles of Corne∣wall and Leicester into the holie land,* 6.4 and others re∣maining still at home. Amongst which number were these: William Fortz earle of Albemarle, Walter Lacie, one of the chiefest nobles in all Ireland,* 6.5 Ste∣phan de Segraue, Gilbert de Basset and his sonne and heire named also Gilbert. Moreouer, Iohn Bi∣set high iustice of the forrests, and Peter de Mallow, Hugh Wake, Robert Marmion, Peter de Bruis, Guischarde Laidec, Eustace Stoutuill, Eudo Ha∣mon surnamed Peccham, Baldwin de Betun, Iohn Fitz Iohn steward in household to earle Richard, Iohn de Beauli••••, Gerard de Furniuall. There di∣ed also the ladie Elianor the countesse of Britaine, wife vnto Geffrey, that was sometime earle of Bri∣taine (which countesse had béene long kept prisoner at Bristow) with diuerse other.

Moreouer, there died this yeare Roger bishop of London, and Hugh bishop of Chester. Also Gilbert Marshall earle of Penbroke, in a torneie which he had attempted at Hereford against the kings li∣cence, was by an vnrulie horsse cast, and so hurt, that immediatlie he died thereof. Neither was this yeare onelie mournefull to England for the losse of such

high estates, but also in other places manie notable personages departed out of this transitorie life. As two popes, Gregorie the ninth and his successour Ce∣lestine the fourth, besides cardinals: amongst the which▪ Robert Somercotean English man was one.* 6.6 ¶About the later end of this 25 yeare, the sixt daie of October, there appeared a right sore eclipse of the sunne, verie strange to the beholders. ¶ In the 26 yeare died the empresse Isabell,* 6.7 wife vnto Frederike the emperour. [line 10]

In this yeare also began the wars againe betwixt king Henrie, and Lewes the king of France, for the quarell of Hugh earle of March,* 6.8 who refused to doo homage vnto Alfonse the brother of king Lewes, which Alfonse had married the onelie daughter and heire of Raimund earle of Tholouse, and therefore should succéed the same earle in his estate and inhe∣ritance. [year 1242] * 6.9 His brother king Lewes had also giuen vn∣to him the earledome of Poictou, with all the lands of Aluergne: and bicause the earle of March would not doo homage vnto him, king Lewes made warre [line 20] vpon the earle of March, who thervpon sought to pro∣cure king Henrie (whose mother he had married) to come ouer with an armie vnto his aid.

King Henrie being sollicited with letters, not one∣lie from his father in law, but also from diuerse other noble men of Poictou, who willinglie would haue beene vnder his gouernement,* 6.10 asked aduise of his councell what he ought to doo in the matter. Some were of opinion, that sith there had béene a truce ta∣ken betwixt the kings, it were not reason in anie [line 30] wise to breake the same: but some other thought, that sith the Frenchmen in times past had taken from king Iohn his lawfull heritage in Normandie and Poictou, and wrongfullie deteined the same still in their possession without restitution, it could not be at anie time vnlawfull vpon occasion giuen to reco∣uer the same out of their hands. This opinion was allowed for good, and the best that might be both of the king & also of the earle of Cornewall, who was [line 40] latelie returned from his iournie which he had made into the holie land.

But now all the staie rested in gathering of mo∣nie, which being earnestlie demanded in a parlement begun at Westminster the tuesdaie before Candle∣masse, was as stifflie denied, alledging in excuse their often paiments of subsidies and reléefes, which had béene gathered sith the comming of the king to his crowne, as the thirtéenth, fiftéenth, sixteenth and fortieth parts of all their mooueable goods, besides [line 50] charugage,* 6.11 hidage, and sundrie escuages, namelie the great escuage granted for the marriage of his sister the empresse: and also beside the thirtieth with∣in foure yeares last past, or thereabouts, granted to him, which they thought remained vnspent, bicause it could not be vnderstood about what necessarie affai∣res for the common-wealth it should be laid foorth and imploied, whereas the same was leuied vpon condition, that it should remaine in certeine castels, and not to be expended but by the aduise of foure [line 60] péeres of the realme, as the earle of Warren, and o∣thers. Moreouer, they alledged, that the escheats and amercements which had béene gathered of late were such as must néeds fill the kings coffers: & so to con∣clude, they would not consent to grant any subsidie.

Howbeit, the king so handled the matter with the richer sort, and namelie those of the spiritualtie, that partlie by gift and partlie by borrowing, he got togither a great masse of treasure, and so prepared an armie and ships to passe ouer into Gascoine with all conuenient speed. In the meane time, bicause he would leaue things in more suertie at home,* 6.12 he sent the bishop of Durham into Scotland, by whose dili∣gence a marriage was concluded betwixt the lord Alexander eldest sonne to the king of Scots, and the ladie Margaret daughter to king Henrie.* 6.13 Moreouer the marshes of England adioining to Scotland were committed to the king of Scots as warden of the same to kéepe and defend whilest king Henrie should abide in the parts beyond the seas. The arch∣bishop of Yorke, in the kings absence, was also ap∣pointed chéefe gouernour of the realme.

When this prouision was once readie, about the middest of Maie, the king tooke the sea, togither with the queene his wife, his brother Richard earle of Cornewall, and seauen other earles, and about three hundred knights or men of armes. The Poictouins had written to him that he néeded not bring ouer with him any great armie of men, but rather plen∣tie of monie to reteine such as he should find there readie to serue him at his comming.* 6.14 Wherevpon he tooke with him thirtie barrels of sterling coine: and at length (but not without contrarie winds) he arri∣ued on the coast of Gascoine, in the mouth of the ri∣uer of Garon, and taking land, was ioifullie recei∣ued of the people, and namelie of Reignold lord of Pons.

The French king aduertised that the king of Eng∣land was come ouer into France, to the aid of the earle of March, and other his subiects against him, prepared a mightie armie, in the which were rec∣koned to be to the number of foure thousand men of armes, well prouided and armed at all points, be∣sides twentie thousand esquires, gentlemen,* 6.15 yeo∣men and crossebowes: and with the same immedi∣atlie he entred the dominions of the earle of March, and tooke from him diuerse townes and castels, as Fountney, wherein he tooke one of the earls sonnes: also Meruant with diuers other. In the meane while the king of England was aduanced forward and come neere vnto Tailborge, lieng with his armie in the faire medow by the riuer side of Charent fast by the castell of Thonay: & he had there with him in campe sixtéene hundred knights, or rather men of armes, and twentie thousand footmen,* 6.16 with seauen hundred that bare crossebows. He made there his two halfe brethren, the sonnes of the earle of March knights, and gaue to the one of them fiue hundred marks, and to the other six hundred marks yearelie, to be paid out of his escheker, till he had otherwise prouided for them in lands and reuenues equall to that pension.

Now the French king being aduertised that king Henrie laie thus néere to Tailborge, marched thi∣therwards with all his puissance latelie reenforced with new supplies, and approching to Tailborge,* 6.17 had the towne deliuered vnto him. This chanced about the latter end of Iulie. Then after the French king had gotten possession of Tailborge, he ment to passe the water, and if by mediation of a truce politikelie procured by the earle of Cornewall (and as it were at a narrow pinch) the king of England had not found means to remooue in the night season, he had béene in great danger to haue beene taken, through want of such aid as he looked to haue had at the hands of the Poictouins and other his confederats. But yet he got awaie (though with some staine of honour) and withdrew to Xainctes,* 6.18 whither also the French king folowed, and comming néere to the towne, there was a sharpe incounter begun betwixt the French and the English, wherein the Englishmen were victors, and in which by the Frenchmens owne confession, if the English power had béene like to theirs in num∣ber, they had fullie atchiued the honour of a fough∣ten field, and for a light skirmish a sound and per∣fect victorie.* 6.19

The high prowesse and valiancie of the earles of Leicester, Salisburie, Norfolke, with other Noble

men, as Iohn de Burgh, Warren de Mount Che∣nill or Cheincie, Hubert Fitz Matthew, 〈…〉〈…〉 Fitz Nicholas did in this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 right well ••ppear••: and likewise other of the English nation bare them∣selues so manfullie, that they deserued no small com∣mendation.* 6.20 Amongst other also sir Iohn Mansell the king•• ••••apleine, and one of his priuie cou••cell did right worthilie, taking prisoner with his owne hands one Peter Orige a gentleman in good place. There was moreouer taken on the French pace sir [line 10] Iohn de Barris a man of good accompt, by William de Sey,* 6.21 beside sundrie others. On the English part was slaine Gilbert de Clare, and Henrie Hasting taken prisoner, with other, to the number of twentie knights, or men of armes, if I may so call them.

After this incounter, by reason the French armie increased by new bands still resorting to their king, the earle of March secretlie sought meanes to be re∣conciled vnto him:* 6.22 and finallie by the helpe of the duke of Britaine, his old acquaintance and fréend at [line 20] néed, his peace was purchased, so that he had his lands againe to him restored, except certeine castels, which for further assurance the French king reteined in his hands by the space of thrée yeares. The king of England, perceiuing himselfe too too much deceiued in that he had put such confidence in the earle of March and others of that countrie, which should haue aided him at this present, and againe aduertised, that the French king meant to besiege him within the ci∣tie of Xainctes, departed with all spéed from thence, [line 30] and came to Blaie, a towne in Gascoigne, situat néere to the riuer of Garon, & distant seuen leagues from Burdeaux.

Now whilest he laie here at Blaie, there came vn∣to him the countesse of Bierne (a woman mon∣struous big of bodie) bringing with hir to serue the king,* 6.23 hir sonne, and three score knights, in hope to get some of his sterling monie, whereof she knew him to haue plentie: and so couenanting for hir intertein∣ment, remained still with him, and receiued euerie [line 40] daie 13 pounds sterling, and yet she neuer pleasured him the woorth of a groat, but rather hindered him, in making him bare of monie, which she receiued, purssed vp and tooke awaie with hir when she depar∣ted from him.* 6.24 But if to hir making and stature she had bin indued with the courage of Uoadicia, whom she exceeded (as it should soome) in proportion,* 6.25 or with the prowesse of Elfleda, hir seruice had béene no lesse beneficiall to the K. than anie skilfull capteins mar∣ching vnder his banner. So that we sée in this wo∣man [line 50] a desire rather to satisffe hir hydropicall humor of couetousnesse, than anie true affection to set for∣ward the kings affaires; therefore it may well be said of hir in respect of hir greedinesse to get from the king for hir owne commodities sake, that she was

Vt mare, quod das deuorat, nunquam abundat, Nunquam rependit.

In the meane time the lords de Pons, Mirabeau and Mortaigne suddenlie reuolted, & submitted them∣selues to the French king, with the vicount of To∣wars, [line 60] and all other the lords and knights of Poictou, and the marches therabouts, that not long before had procured king Henrie to come ouer to their aid. The citie of Xainctes was likewise rendred to him imme∣diatlie vpon king Henries departure from thence. At which season the French king meant to haue fol∣lowed him to Blaie, but by reason of a great death which chanced in his armie, he was constreined to al∣ter his purpose. Suerlie, as authors haue recorded, what through pestilence and vnwholesomnesse of the aire,* 6.26 a great manie of Frenchmen died at that time, and dailie more fell sicke. The number of them that died (as Matth. Paris, & Matth. Westminster affirme) amounted to twentie thousand persons, beside foure∣score of the Nobilitie that bare banners ••••pe••o••s. King lowes himselfe also began to war•• diseased and 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 6.27 so that he was const••ei••••s to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the truce with king Henrie, departed therewith home.

King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remained at Blaie. untill the feast of the assumption of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ladie▪ and then went to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to visit the quéene, who in this meane while was brought to bed about midsummer of a yoong 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom they named Beatrice after the quéenes mother. Now whilest king Henrie was thus occupied in Poictou and Gascoine, William Mar••••ch,* 6.28 the sonne of Ge••••rie Marisch (by comman∣dement ••ont from the king) was put to death at Lon∣don, with sixtéene of his complices on the euen of S. Iames the apostle. This William Marisch falling in to the kings displeasure, got him to the sea, and plaied the rouer, kéeping the Ile of Lundaie in the west countrie, till finallie he was taken and brought pri∣soner vnto the towre, where he was charged with sundrie articles of treason, as that he should hire that counterfeit mad man which sought to haue murthe∣red the king at Woodstoke, as before ye haue heard. Howbeit when he should die,* 6.29 he vtterlie denied that euer he was priuie to anie such thing. He was first had from Westminster to the towne, & from thence drawne to the gibet, and there hanged till he was dead, and after being cut downe, had his bowels rip∣ped out and burned, and when his head was cut off, the bodie was diuided into foure quarters, and sent vnto foure of the principall cities of the realme. His complices were also drawne through the citie of London vnto the same gibet, and there hanged.

In the time of this warre also betwixt England and France,* 6.30 there was much hurt doone on the sea be∣twixt them of the cinque ports and the Frenchmen of Normandie, and other: as the Caleis men and the Britons, which did make themselues as strong as they could against the Englishmen by sea. Where∣vpon diuerse incounters chanced betwixt them, but more to the losse of the Englishmen, than of the Frenchmen: in somuch that they of the ports were constreined to require aid of the archb. of Yorke the lord gouernour of the realme. About which time, and after the king was withdrawen to Burdeaux, diuers noble men, as the earles of Norffolke and Winche∣ster, with others, got licence to returne into Eng∣land. Soone after whose arriuall, escuage was gathe∣red through the realme towards the bearing of the kings charges. Moreouer,* 6.31 in this yeare of the king there died sundrie noble men of naturall infirmities, as the earle of Warwike, Gilbert de Gaunt, Bald∣win Wake, Philip de Kime, and Roger Berthram of the north, with diuerse other. Howbeit the king himselfe returned not home, but laie all the winter time at Burdeaux, meaning to attempt manie en∣terprises, but he brought none to passe, sauing that in protracting the time, he spent much monie, and to lit∣tle purpose.

About the beginning of the seuen and twentith yeare of his reigne,* 6.32 his brother the earle of Corne∣wall, misliking the order of things which he saw dai∣lie in the king his brothers procéedings, would néeds returne backe into England, but chieflie when he per∣ceiued that his councell & aduise could not be heard. The king was sore offended herewith, but he could not well remedie the matter, nor persuade him to ta∣rie. And so the said earle of Cornewall,* 6.33 togither with the earles of Penbroke and Hereford, and diuerse o∣ther noble men tooke the sea, and after manie dan∣gers escaped in their course, at length on S. Lucies daie they arriued in Cornewall, though some of the vessels that were in the companie were driuen by force of the tempestuous weather vpon other con∣trarie coasts. ¶About this season also, that is to saie,

on the day of S. Edmund the king, there happened a maruellous tempest of thunder and lightening, and therwith followed such an excéeding raine (which con∣tinued many daies togither) that riuers rose on mar∣uellous heigth, and the Thames it selfe, which sildome riseth or is increased by land flouds, passing ouer the banks, drowned all the countrie for the space of six miles about Lambeth, so that none might get into Westminster hall, except they were set on horsse∣backe.

About the same time the king sent ouer into Eng∣land [line 10] to the archbishop of Yorke lord gouernour of the realme, to cause prouision of graine and bakon, to be conueied ouer vnto him,* 6.34 which he appointed to be taken out of the possessions of the archbishoprike of Canturburie, and other bishoprikes that were va∣cant, and out of other such places as seemed to him good to appoint. Herevpon were sent ouer to him ten thousand quarters of wheat, fiue thousand quarters of otes, with as manie bakons. Also there was sent [line 20] vnto him great prouision of other things, as cloth for apparell and liueries, but much of it perished in the sea by one meane or other, that little thereof came to his vse, who remained still at Burdeaux to his great cost and charges, and small gaine, sauing that he re∣couered certeine townes and holds there in Gas∣coigne that were kept by certeine rebels. At which time, bicause he was inclined rather to follow the counsell of the Gascoignes and other strangers than of his owne subiects, [year 1243] and gaue vnto them larger en∣terteinment,* 6.35 not regarding the seruice of his owne [line 30] naturall people:* 6.36 he was maruellouslie euill spoken of here in England, and the more in déed, bicause his iournie had no better successe, and was yet so chargeable vnto him and all his subiects. The Noble men that remained with him, as the earles of Lei∣cester and Salisburie, with other, were constreined to borrow no small summes of monie to beare out their charges: and so likewise the king himselfe ran greatlie in debt, by taking vp monie towards the discharging of his importable expenses. [line 40]

At length by mediation of such as were commis∣sioners a truce was concluded betwixt him and the French king for fiue yeares,* 6.37 and then he returned to∣ward England, but he arriued not there till the ninth of October, although the truce was concluded in March vpon S. Gregories day: for beside other oc∣casions of his staie, one chanced by such strife and de∣bate as rose amongst the Gascoignes, which caused him to returne to land, that he might pacifie the same when he was alreadie imbarked, and had hoised his [line 50] saile immediatlie to set forward. He left in Guien for his lieutenant one Nicholas de Mueles or Mo∣les,* 6.38 to defend those townes, which yet remained vn∣der his obeisance, for he put no great confidence in the people of that countrie, the which of custome be∣ing vexed with continuall warre, were constreined not by will, but by the change of times, one while to hold on the French side, and an other while on the English. In déed the townes, namelie those that had [line 60] their situation vpon the sea coastes, were so destroied and decaied in their walles and fortifications, that they could not long be any great aid to either part, and therefore being not of force to hold out, they were compelled to obeie one or other, where by their willes they would haue doone otherwise.

This was the cause that the K. of England, often∣times vpon trust of these townes, which for the most part were readie to receiue him, was brought into some hope to recouer his losses, and cheefelie for that he was so manie times procured to attempt his for∣tune there, at the request of the fickle-minded Poie∣touins, who whilest they did seeke still to purge their offenses to the one king or to the other, they dailie by new treasons defamed their credit, and so by such means the king of England oftentimes with small aduantage or none at all, made warre against the French king, in trust of their aid, that could, or (vpon the least occasion conceiued) quickelie would doo lit∣tle to his furtherance. And so thereby king Henrie as well as his father king Iohn, was oftentimes de∣ceiued of his vaine conceiued hope.

In this seauen and twentith yeare of king Hen∣ries reigne, diuerse noble personages departed this life, and first about the beginning of Ianuarie,* 6.39 de∣ceassed the lord Richard de Burgh, a man of great honour and estimation in Ireland, where he held manie faire possessions, by conquest of that noble gentleman his worthie father. Also that valiant war∣riour Hugh Lacie, who had conquered in his time a great part of Ireland.* 6.40 Also the same yere on the sea∣uenth of Maie, Hugh de Albenie earle of Arundell departed this life, in the middest of his youthfull yeares, and was buried in the priorie of Wimund∣ham, which his ancestours had founded. After his deceasse, that noble heritage was diuided by partiti∣on amongst foure sisters.

About the same time, to wit, on the twelfth day of Maie, Hubert de Burgh earle of Kent departed this life at his manor of Banstude, and his bodie was conueied to London, and there buried in the church of the Friers preachers, vnto the which Fri∣ers he had beene verie beneficiall. Amongst other things, he gaue vnto them his goodlie palace at Westminster adioining neere to the palace of the earle of Cornewall, which the archbishop of Yorke afterwards purchased. The moonks of the Cisteaux were this yeare somewhat vexed by the king,* 6.41 bicause they had refused to aid him with monie towards his iournie made into Gascoigne.* 6.42 Also the plées of the crowne were kept and holden in the towre of Lon∣don.* 6.43 And in the night of the six and twentith day of Iulie, starres were séene fall from the skie after a maruellous sort, not after the common manner, but thirtie or fortie at once, so fast one after another and glansing to and fro, that if there had fallen so manie verie starres in deed, there would none haue béene left in the firmament.

In the eight and twentith yeare of king Henries reigne,* 6.44 the quéenes mother the ladie Beatrice coun∣tesse of Prouance arriued at Douer on the foure∣téenth day of Nouember, bringing with hir the ladie Sanctia hir daughter, and in the octaues of S. Mar∣tine they were receiued into London in most so∣lemne wise, the stréets being hanged with rich clo∣thes, as the maner is at the coronations of princes. On S. Clements day, Richard earle of Cornewall the kings brother married the said ladie Sanctia,* 6.45 which marriage was solemnized in most roiall wise, and with such sumptuous feasts and banketings, as greater could not be deuised. Finallie, the quéens mother the countesse of Prouance, being a right no∣table and worthie ladie, was honored in euerie de∣grée of hir sonne in law king Henrie in most cour∣teous and sumptuous manner, and at hir departure out of the realme, which was after Christmasse, shée was with most rich and princelie gifts honourablie rewarded.

About the same time also,* 6.46 whereas William de Ralegh was requested to remooue from the see of Norwich vnto Winchester, and consenting therevn∣to, without the kings licence, obteined his confirma∣tion of the pope: the king was highlie displeased therewith, bicause he ment it to another. Wherevp∣on when the said William Ralegh was returned from Rome to be installed,* 6.47 the king sent commande∣ment to the maior and citizens of Winchester, that they should not suffer him to enter the citie. Where∣vpon

he being so kept out, accurssed both the citie and cathedrall church with all the moonks and others that fauoured the prior, which had intruded himselfe onelie by the kings authoritie, and not by lawfull election and means, as was supposed.

At length the said bishop vpon gréefe conceiued that the king should be so heauie lord vnto him, [year 1244] got into a ship at London, and stale awaie into France, where he was well receiued of the French king,* 6.48 and greatlie cherished. Also he found such means that the [line 10] pope in fauour of his cause wrote letters both to the king and to the queene, naming hir his coosen, but which waie that kindered should come about, as yet it was neuer knowen. The bishop to shew himselfe thankefull for such freendship,* 6.49 gaue the pope aboue six thousand marks (as is said) and the pope bicause he would not be accompted a disdainefull person, tur∣ned not backe one pennie of that which was so gent∣lie offered him. At length partlie at contemplation of the popes letters, and partlie by reason the bishop [line 20] humbled himselfe in answering the articles which the king had obiected against him in cause of the con∣trouersie betwixt them, he granted him his peace, and receiued him into the land, restoring to him all that had beene taken and deteined from him.

Moreouer, in this meane while the pope trusting more than inough vpon the kings simplicitie and pa∣tience, who indeed durst not in any case seeme to dis∣please him, had sent an other collector of monie into England named Martine,* 6.50 not adorned with power [line 30] legantine, but furnished with such authorities and faculties as had not beene heard of. He was lodged in the temple, where he shewed what commission he had to gather vp the popes reuenues, and to exact monie by sundrie maner of meanes, and so fell in hand therewith, vsing no small diligence therein, vn∣to the great gréefe and hurt of conscience of manie: he had power to staie the bestowing of benefices, till he was satisfied to the full contentation of his mind. Benefices of small value he regarded not greatlie, [line 40] but such as were good liuings in déed felt his heauie and rauenous hands extended towards them. He had power also to excommunicate, to suspend, and to punish all such as should resist his will, although ne∣uer so wilfullie bent, in so much that it was said, he had sundrie blankes vnder the popes bulled seale, bi∣cause that vpon the sudden he brought foorth such as seemed best to serue for his purpose. He vsed this his vnmeasurable authoritie to the vttermost, and there∣in did not forget his owne profit, but tooke palfries and other presents of religious men. [line 50]

¶ But to declare all the practises of this the popes agent, as it would be too long and tedious a processe, so it is nothing strange that these his landloping legats and Nuncios haue their manifold collusions to cousen christian kingdoms of their reuenues. For if they were not furnished with forlike fraud and wooluish rauine, they were no fit factors for him; sith it is required that like maister haue like man. And therefore he is aptlie described in the likenesse of a [line 60] man, his head and face excepted, wherein he resem∣bleth a woolfe; besides that, he is set foorth with a cro∣siers staffe in his hand, at the hooke whereof hangeth his Iudas pursse, wherein are powched vp his pilfe∣red Peter pence, and I wot not what extorted pai∣ments and pretended duties. As for his deceits and crafts, he hath more varietie of them, than the cat of the mounteine hath spots in his skin, or the pecocke hath eies in his taile. Wherevpon it is trulie said of a late poet,

Sydera nemo potest quot sunt numerare polorum, * 6.51Quot ne{que} vere nouo gramina campus habet, Sic quo{que} nemo potest vafri ludibria papae Eius & innumeros commemorare dolos: Huic scopus immension seducere fraudibus orbem, Huic scopus humanum ludificare genus.

But to proceed,* 6.52 when men saw such vnreasonable couetousnes▪ and polling, by the popes procurement; some of the nobilitie of the realme, not able longer to beare it, came to the king, and exhibited to him their complaint hereof, namelie for that the popes procu∣rator bestowed diuers rith prebends and other rooms in churches vpon strangres knowne to be infamed for vsurie, simonie, and other heinous vices, which had no respect to preaching, nor to keeping of any hos∣pitalitie, for maintenance whereof their ancestors had giuen foorth their lands to the inriching of the church, not meaning to haue the same bestowed on such maner of persons.* 6.53 The king vnderstood that truth it was which was told him, and therefore writ to the pope in humble wise, beseeching him of his fatherlie care to take order for some redresse therein.

About this time the king began to renew his ima∣gination for the following of the warres against the French king,* 6.54 and therefore asked the aduise of his councell how he might best attempt the recouerie of those lands in France which were wrongfullie detei∣ned from him. The most part of all his ancient coun∣cellors were of this opinion, that to make warre a∣gaine in trust of others aid, as had beene attempted so often before without any profit, should be no wise∣dome, and therefore he ought either to forbeare, or els so to prouide himselfe of power sufficient, without trusting to the support of strangers, as he might be able with his owne puissance and force to atchiue his enterprise, for otherwise his trauell should prooue but vaine and to verie small effect. The king persua∣ded with these sound reasons, thought not good to at∣tempt any thing more touching the said warre vn∣aduisedlie: and to the end it should not be said how he trusted in vaine vpon the aid of strangers, he cau∣sed all such possessions as the Normans held in Eng∣land to be confiscated,* 6.55 to the intent that as well the Normans as Britons and Poictouins might well vnderstand, that he minded not from thencefoorth to credit the false promises of rebels, as he that would now vse onelie the seruice of his owne people the Englishmen, which in respect of others painted pro∣mises he had before contemned.

The occasion that mooued the king so to disherit the Normans,* 6.56 did chéefelie rise of the French kings dealing, who about the same time calling to him all those that had lands in England, required them ei∣ther to sticke vnto him inseparablie, either else to the king of England, sith no man might serue two mai∣sters. Wherevpon some forsaking their lands in England, liued on those which they had in France, and other forsooke those liuings which they had in France, and came ouer into England to liue on those possessions which they had here. But in the French kings dooings was no inforcing of men, either to forsake the one or the other: wherfore the procéedings of the king of England séemed somewhat more in∣iurious, and partlie sounded to the breach of the truce. Howbeit all was passed ouer without apparant trouble.

Whilest all things were thus in quiet,* 6.57 and the king himselfe not troubled with any outward wars, the Welshmen (who though they were subdued, yet could not rest in quiet) receiued againe the fornamed Dauid to their prince, the which for a policie deter∣mined himselfe to make offer to the pope to hold his land of him, yéelding therefore yearelie vnto him the summe of fiue hundred marks (as is said) to the end that vnder the wings of the popes protection he might shadow himselfe, and be defended against all men. At length by large gifts of no small summes of monie he purchased letters of the pope in his fauour,

to the preiudice of the crowne of England, as touch∣ing the right which the king of England had to the dominion of Wales, as by the tenour thereof it may appeare,* 6.58 beginning as here insueth. Illustri viro domi∣no Henrico Dei gratia regi Angliae, &c.

Thus Dauid being incouraged herewith and such o∣ther of the Welshmen as tooke his part, at time ap∣pointed did set vpon the kings capteins as they stra∣gled abroad, whom at the first brunt they put to flight, and slue manie of them here and there as they tooke [line 10] them at aduenture. The Englishmen when night was come, and that the Welshmen withdrew to rest, assembled themselues againe togither, and in the morning with new recouered force both of mind and bodie, came vpon all the Welshmen, and began with them a new battell, which continued the space of thrée houres togither,* 6.59 till at length the Welshmen, which rashlie had entred the fight, began to shrinke backe, and fled to their woonted places of refuge, the woods and mareshes. Their chiefe capteine Dauid fled into [line 20] Scotland,* 6.60 hauing lost in that battell the most part of all his souldiers which he had there with him. At his comming into Scotland, and whilest he there remai∣ned, he incensed king Alexander against king Hen∣rie to his vttermost power, putting into his head how reprochfullie the Englishmen did speake of the Scots,* 6.61 reprouing them of cowardnes & lacke of sto∣mach; also that they liued according to the prescript of the English nation, as subiects to the same: and manie other things he forged, which had béene able to [line 30] haue mooued a most patient man vnto indignation and displeasure.

* 6.62Finallie, either by the prouoking of this Dauid, or by som•• other occasion, king Alexander meant to make warres vpon king Henrie indéed, and in rai∣sing an armie made a rode into England, and did some hurt by incursions, and further signified to king Henrie, as some write, that he neither ought nor would hold anie part or portion of Scotland of the king of England.* 6.63 King Henrie sore offended here∣with, [line 40] purposed in time to be reuenged, and shortlie af∣ter called a parlement at Westminster,* 6.64 in the which he earnestlie mooued the lords and other states to aid him with monie towards the furnishing of his cof∣fers, being emptied (as they knew) by his excéeding charges in his last iournie into Gascoigne. He would not open his meaning which he had to make warre to the Scots, bicause he would haue his enterprise secretlie kept, till he should be readie to set forward.

But although the king had got the pope to write [line 50] in his fauour vnto the lords both spirituall and tem∣porall, to aid him in that his demand of monie, there was much adoo, and plaine deniall made at the first, to grant at that time to anie such paiment as was demanded: and eftsoones they fell in hand with deui∣sing new orders, and namelie to renew againe their suit for the confirmation of the ancient liberties of the realme,* 6.65 so as the same might be obserued, accor∣ding to the grant thereof before made by the kings letters patents, without all fraud or contradiction. [line 60] They also appointed, that there should be foure lords chosen of the most puissant and discréetest of all other within the realme, which should be sworne of the kings councell, to order his businesse iustlie and tru∣lie, and to see that euerie man had right without re∣specting of persons. And these foure chiefe councel∣lors should be euer attending about the king, or at the least thrée or two of them: also that by the view, knowledge and witnesse of them, the kings treasure should be spent and laid foorth, and that if one of them chanced to fall awaie, an other should be placed in his roome by the appointment of the residue.

They would also that the lord chiefe iustice and the lord chancellour should be chosen by the generall voi∣ces of the states assembled,* 6.66 and bicause it was need∣full that they should be oftentimes with the king, it was thought they might be chosen out of the number of those foure aboue rehearsed conseruators of iu∣stice. And if the king at anie time chanced to take the seale from the lord chancellour, whatsoeuer writing were sealed in the meane time should be of none ef∣fect. They aduised also, that there should be two iu∣stices of the benches, two barons of the excheker, and one iustice for the Iewes; and these for that present to be appointed by publike voices of the states, that as they had to order all mens matters and businesse, so in their election the assents of all men might be had and giuen: and that afterwards, when vpon anie oc∣casion there should be anie elected into the roome of anie of these iustices, the same should be appointed by one of the afore mentioned foure councellors.

But as the Nobles were busie in three wéekes space about the deuising of these ordinances and o∣ther, to haue béene decréed as statutes, the enimie of peace and sower of discord, the diuell, hindred all these things by the couetousnesse of the pope,* 6.67 who had sent his chapleine master Martin, with authoritie to le∣uie also an aid of monie for his néed to mainteine his wars withall against the emperour; and the em∣perour on the other part sent ambassadours to the king, to staie him and his people from granting anie such aid vnto the pope: so that there was no lesse hard hold and difficultie shewed in refusing to contribute vnto this demand of the popes Nuncio, than vnto the kings. At length yet in another sitting, which was be∣gun thrée weekes after Candlemasse, they agreed to giue the king escuage to run towards the marriage of his eldest daughter,* 6.68 of euerie knights fée holden of the king twentie shillings to be paid at two termes, the one halfe at Easter, and the other at Michelmasse.

After this, the king minding to inuade the Scots, caused the whole force of all such as ought to serue him in the wars to assemble, and so with a mightie host he went to new castell vpon Tine, meaning from thence to inuade the same,* 6.69 in reuenge of such in∣iuries as the Scots had doone vnto him and his sub∣iects, and namelie, for that Walter Cumin a mightie baron of Scotland and other noble men had built two castels neere to the English confines, the one in Galowaie, and the other in Louthian, and further had receiued and succoured certeine rebels to the king of England, as Geffrey de Marisch or Mareis an I∣rish man, and others. The king of Scots was aduer∣tised of king Henries approch, and therefore in de∣fense of himselfe and his countrie, had raised an huge armie. Herevpon certeine noble men vpon ei∣ther side, sorie to vnderstand that such bloudshed should chance as was like to follow (and that vpon no great apparant cause) if the two kings ioined bat∣tell, tooke paine in the matter to agrée them, which in the end they brought to passe,* 6.70 so that they were made fréends and wholie reconciled. There was a publike instrument also made thereof by the king of Scots vnto king Henrie, signed with his seale, and likewise with the seales of other noble men, testifieng his alle∣giance which he owght to the king of England, as su∣periour lord, in forme following.

The charter of Alexander king of Scotland made to Henrie the third.

ALexander Dei gratia rex Scotiae, om∣nibus Christi fidelibus hoc scriptum vi∣suris vel audituris, salutem. Ad ve∣stram volumus venire notitiam, nos pro nobis & haeredibus nostris concessisse, & fideliter

promisisse charissimo & ligio domino nostro Hen∣rico tertio Dei gratia regi Angliae illustri domino Hiberniae, duci Normaniae & Aquitaniae, & co∣miti Andegauiae, & eius haeredibus, quòd in per∣petuum bonam fidem ei seruabimus, pariter & a∣morem. Et quòd nunquam aliquod foedus iniemus per nos velper aliquos alios ex parte nostra, cum inimicis domini regis Angliae vel haeredum suo∣rum, ad bellum procurandum vel faciendum, vnde damnum eis vel regnis suis Angliae & Hiberniae, [line 10] aut caeteris terris suis eueniat, vel possit aliquate∣nus euenire: nisi nos iniustè grauēt: stantibus in suo robore conuentionibus inter nos & dictum domi∣num regem Angliae initis vltimo apud Eboracum in praesentia domini Othonis tituli S. Nicholai in carcere Tulliano, diaconi cardinalis, tunc apostoli∣cae sedis legati in Anglia. Et saluis conuentionibus super matrimonio contrahendo inter filium nostrū & filiam dicti domini regis Angliae. [line 20]

Et vt haec nostra concessio & promissio pro no∣bis & haeredibus nostris perpetuae firmitatis robur obtineant, fecimus iurare in animam nostram Ala∣num Ostiarium, Henricū de Baliol, Dauid de Lin∣desey, Wilhelmum Gifford, quòd omnia praedicta bona fide firmiter & fideliter obseruabimus. Et similiter iurare fecimus venerabiles patres, Dauid, Wilhelmum, Galfridum, & Clementem sancti Andreae Glasconiensem, Dunkeldensem, Dublinē∣sem episcopos: & praeterea Malcolmum comitem [line 30] de Fife, fideles nostros, Patricium comitem de Dunbar, Malisium comitem de Strathern, Walte∣rum Cumin comitem de Menteth, Wilhelmum comitem de Mar, Alexandrum comitem de Buch∣quhan, Dauid de Hastings comitem de Athol, Ro∣bertum de Bruts, Alanum Ostiarium, Henricum de Baliol, Rogerum de Mowbray, Laurentium de Abirnethiae, Richardum Cumin, Dauid de Lin∣desey, Richardum Siward, Wilhelmum de Linde∣sey, [line 40] Walterum de Morauia, Wilhelmum Gifford, Nicholaum de Sully, Wilhelmum de veteri Ponte, Wilhelmum de Brewer, Anselmum de Mesue, Dauid de Graham, & Stephanum de Suningam.

Quòd si nos vel haeredes nostri, contra concessi∣onem & promissionem praedictam (quod absit) ve∣nerimus, ipsi & haeredes eorum nobis & haeredibus nostris nullum contra concessionem & promissio∣nem praedictam auxilium vel consilium impen∣dent, [line 50] aut ab alijs proposse suo impendi permittent. Imò bona fide laborabunt erga nos & haeredes no∣stros, ipsi & haeredes eorum, quòd omnia praedicta à nobis & haeredibus nostris nec non ab ipsis & eo∣rum haeredibus firmiter & fideliter obseruentur inperpetuum. In cuius rei testimonium tam nos quàm praedicti praelati, comites & barones nostri praesens scriptum sigillorum suorum appositione ro∣borauimus. Testibus praelatis, comitibus & baro∣nibus [line 60] superiùs nominatis, Anno regni nostri, &c.

The same in English.

ALexander by the grace of God, king of Scotland, to all faithfull christian peo∣ple that shall see or heare this writing, sendeth greeting. We will that it be knowne to you, that we for vs and our heires haue gran∣ted and faithfullie promised to our most deare and liege lord Henrie the third, by the grace of God, the noble king of England, lord of Ire∣land, duke of Normandie and Guien, and earle of Aniou, and to his heires, that we will beare and keepe vnto him good faith and loue for e∣uer, and that we shall not enter into any league with our selues, or by others in our behalfe with the enimies of our said souereigne lord the king of England, or of his heires, to procure or make warre, whereby any damage may happen to come to them or to their kingdoms of Eng∣land and Ireland, or to their other lands, except vniustlie they doo molest and oppresse vs. The couenants alwaies standing in force, which were concluded betwixt vs at our last being to∣gither at Yorke, in the presence of Otho decon cardinall of saint Nicholas In carcere Tulliano, then legat of the see apostolike in England, and sauing the couenants made vpon the contract of the mariage betwixt our sonne & the daugh∣ter of the said king of England.

And that this promise and grant for vs and our heires may haue the force and confirmati∣on of an euerlasting assurednesse,* 8.1 we haue cau∣sed these to sweare on our behalfe: Alan Por∣ter, Henrie de Balioll, Dauid de Lindesey, Wil. Gifford, that we shall in good faith obserue all the premisses faithfullie and substantiallie, and we haue likewise caused to sweare the reuerend fathers, Dauid, William, Geffrey, & Clement, Bishops of S. Andrewes, Glascew, Dunkeld, and Dublane: and furthermore our faithfull subiects Patrike earle of Dunbar, Malcolme earle of Fife, Malisius earle of Stratherne, Wal∣ter Cumin earle of Menteth, William earle of Mar, Alexander earle of Buchquhan, Dauid de Hastings earle of Athol, Robert de Bruis, Alan Porter, Henrie de Balioll, Roger de Mowbraie, Laurence de Abirnethi, Richard Cumin, Da∣uid de Lindesey, Richard Siward, William de Lindesey, Walter de Murraie, William de Gif∣ford, Nicholas de Sully, William de Veipont, William de Brewer, Anselme de Mesue, Da∣uid de Graham, and Stephan de Suningham.

And if that either we or our heires, against the foresaid grant and promise, shall doo anie thing to the breach therof (which God forbid) they and their heires shall not imploie either aid or counsell against the said grant and pro∣mise, nor shall suffer other to imploie any such aid or counsell, so far as they may hinder them therein: yea rather they and their heires shall in good faith and plaine meaning endeuour a∣gainst vs and our heires, that all the premisses may firmelie and faithfullie be obserued and kept of vs and our heires, and likewise of them and their heires for euer. In witnesse whereof aswell we our selues, as the said prelats, our earles and barons haue confirmed this writing by putting their seales vnto the same, the pre∣lats earles and barons before rehearsed beeing true witnesses therevnto, In the yeare of our reigne, &c.

The seales of king Alexander himselfe, of Willi∣am de Brewer, William de Ueipont, William de Lindesey, Stephan de Suningham, and the seales of the rest were set to afterwards, and the writing sent ouer to the king of England at Christmasse next in∣suing, by the prior of Tinmouth, who had trauelled di∣ligentlie and faithfullie in this negotiation to the ho∣nour of both parts. This writing also was sent to the pope, that he might confirme the same in manner as followeth.

A request made to the pope that he would vouchsafe to confirme the fore∣said charter.

SAnctissimo in Christo patri I. Dei gra∣tia summo pontisici, Alexander eadem gratia rex Scotiae, comes Patricius, co∣mes de Strathern, comes Leuenox, co∣mes de Anegui, comes de Marra, comes de Atho∣lia, [line 10] comes de Ros, comes de Catnes, comes de Buth, Rogerus de Mowbray, Rogerus de Abirne∣thiae, Petrus de Mauuere, Richardus Cumin, Wil∣helmus de veteri Ponte, Robertus de Bruis, Roge∣rus Auenel, Richardus de Sully, Wilhelm de Mur∣ray de Dunfel, Wilhelmus de Muref de Petin, Io∣hannes Biset iuuenis, Wilhelmus de Lindesey, Io∣hannes de Vallibus, Dauid de Lindesey, Wilhelmus Gifford, Duncanus de Ergatilia, I. de Matreuers, Hemerus filius eius, Rogerus comes Wintoniensis, [line 20] H. comes Oxoniensis, W. de Vescy, Richardus Si∣ward, Wilhelmus de Ros, Rogerus de Clere, Hen∣ricus filius comitis de Brettere, Eustacius de Stoutville, Malcolmus de Fif comes de Menteth∣shire, Walterus filius Alani, Walterus Olifar, Bar∣nardus Fraser, Henricus de Bailliol, Dauid Cu∣min, Dauid Mareschallus, Dauid filius Ranulfi, Wilhelmus de Fortere, Ioannes de Bailliol, & Ro∣bertus de Ros, salutem & debitam cum omni ho∣nore [line 30] reuerentiam.

Sanctitati vestrae significamus, nos sacramen∣tum corporaliter praestitisse coram venerabili patre Othone, tituli S. Nicolai in carcere Tulliano dia∣cono cardinalium, in Anglia, Scotia, & Hibernia, nunc Apostolicae sedis legato, ac chartam nostram confecisse, quae ita incipit: Sciant praesentes & fu∣turi, quòd ita conuenit in praesentia domini Othonis sancti Nicolai, &c. Quae charta penes dominum [line 40] regem Angliae, & nos remanet chyrographata. I∣tem aliam quae sic incipit: Ad omnium vestrum notitiam volumus peruenire. Cùm vt ex forma praecedentium nostrarum pateat obligationum subiecimus nos iurisdictioni vestrae, vt nos & hae∣redes nostros, per censuram ecclesiasticam possitis coërcere, si aliquo tempore contra memoratam pa∣cem venerimus.

Et si nonnunquam continget, quòd quidam no∣strum omnes vel vnus contrauenire temerè praesu∣mpserint [line 50] vel praesumere nituntur vel nitentur; & ex hoc tam animabus nostris quàm haeredum no∣strorum graue possit generari periculum, & corpo∣ribus nostris & rebus non minimum immineret detrimentum: sanctae paternitati vestrae supplica∣mus, quatenus alicui suffraganeorum archiepiscopi Cantuariensis detis in mandatis, vt nos, & haere∣des nostros ad praefatae pacis obseruationem compel∣lat, prout in instrumentis inde confectis pleniùs [line 60] continetur. Aliàs super eadem pace quod canoni∣cum fuerit anctoritate vestra statuat contradicto∣res, &c. Et ad istius petitionis nostrae consumma∣tionem praesenti scripto sigilla nostra apposuimus.

In English thus.

* 10.1TO our holie father in Christ I. by the grace of God, the highest bishop, A∣lexander by the same grace king of Scotland, earle Patrike, the earle of Stratherne, the earle of Leuenox, the earle of Angus, the earle of Mar, the earle of Athole, the earle of Ros, the earle of Catnesse, the earle of Buch, Roger de Mowbray, Laurence de Abir∣nethie, Peter de Mauuere, Richard Cumin, William de Veipont, Robert de Bruis, Roger Auenel, Nicholas de Sulley, William de Mur∣ray de Dunfel, William de Murray de Petin, Iohn Biset the yoonger, William de Lindesey, Iohn de Valeis, Dauid de Lindesey, William Gifford, Duncan de Ergile, Iohn de Matreuers, Eimere his sonne, Roger earle of Winchester, Hugh earle of Oxford, William de Vescy, Ri∣chard Siward, William de Ros, Roger de Clere, Henrie Fitz conte de Brettere, Eustace de Stou∣teuille, earle Malcolme of Fife, the erle of Men∣tethshire, Walter Fitz Alaine, Walter Olifard, Barnard Fraser, Henrie de Baillioll, Dauid Cu∣min, Dauid Mareschall, Dauid Fitz Randulfe, William de Fortere, Iohn de Bailioll, and Ro∣bert Ros, send greeting and due reuerence with all honour.

We doo signifie vnto your holinesse, that we haue receiued a corporall oth before the reue∣rend father Otho, deacon cardinall of S. Ni∣cholas In carcere Tulliano, legat to the see apo∣stolike, in England, Scotland and Ireland, and haue made our charter or deed, which begin∣neth thus; Sciant praesentes, &c. Which char∣ter or deed indented and sealed, remaineth with the king of England, and with vs. Also another deed or writing that beginneth thus; Ad om∣nium vestrum notitiam volumus peruenire. Whereas therefore by the forme of our prece∣dent deeds obligatorie, we haue submitted our selues to your iurisdiction, that you may bridle and restraine vs, and our heires by the ecclesi∣asticall censures, if at any time we go against the said peace.

And if it happen at any time, that any of vs all, or one of vs, shall fortune to presume rashlie and vnaduisedlie to go against it, or be about, or hereafter shall be about so to presume, and ther∣by may procure great perill as well to the soules of our owne selues, as of our heires, & no small danger may also be readie through the same our default to light vpon our bodies & goods, we beseech your holie fatherhood, that you will giue in commandement vnto some of the suffragans of the archbishop of Canturburie, that he doo compell vs and our heires vnto the obseruing of the same peace, accordinglie as in the instruments thereof more fullie is contei∣ned, or else to order by your authoritie vpon the same peace, that which shall be agreeable to the canons, &c. And to the performance of this our petition, we haue to this present wri∣ting set our seales.

When all things were throughlie concluded, and order taken in what sort the assurances of this accord should passe, the king of Scots returned into the in∣ner parts of his realme, and the king of England likewise returned to London. At the same time also,* 10.2 the Welshmen were verie busie: for hearing that the kings of England and Scotland were agreed, they doubted least all the burthen of the warre would be turned against them. Wherefore (as it were to pre∣uent the matter) they began to wast the English con∣fines. The king aduertised thereof, sent Hubert Fitz Matthew with thrée hundreth knights or men of armes to defend the English marshes against the

Welshmen, that made dailie war against those that dwelled on the marshes, and namelie against the erle of Herford, which chéeflie occasioned this warre, by deteining the land which apperteined vnto the wife of prince Dauid, as in the right of hir purpartie.

* 10.3Wherevpon when the Welshmen vnderstood that the king had broken vp his armie and was returned to London, they inuaded their enimies, namelie the said earle of Herfords men and the Mortimers, slea∣ing and cutting in péeces two valiant and noble [line 10] knights, and maiming the third, they slue and ouer∣threw of the footbands about an hundred, so that all the English armie was disordered, and the Welsh∣men with victorie returned to their places of refuge. Which when the foresaid Hubert Fitz Matthew vn∣derstood, the morrow after he made foorth with his thrée hundred waged men of armes, in hope to hem in and take the Welshmen at aduantage: but he was preuented and by them distressed, in so much that he was constreined with losse of men and horsses to [line 20] returne to his holds, and scarse could be suffered to remaine there in safetie. This yeare Rafe Neuill bi∣shop of Cicester and chancellour of England depar∣ted this life.* 10.4

* 10.5In the 29 yeare of his reigne, king Henrie hauing spent much treasure with the great preparation of wars which he had taken in hand against the Scots, and also bicause he was constreined to be at further charges for the Welsh wars, he called a parlement to begin on the third daie of Nouember, in the which [line 30] he demanded a great reliefe of monie,* 10.6 but the same being generallie denied of all men, he exacted it in particular of the richer sort of his subiects,* 10.7 & amongst other he caused the citizens of London to giue vnto him 15 hundred marks for a fine,* 10.8 bicause they had receiued a banished man, one Walter Bukerell into their citie, contrarie to the law and order: but this they denied, affirming that his brother had got his pardon, as by the kings owne letters patents they could prooue, but they were answered, that the king [line 40] was vnder age when these letters were purchased, and therefore were of none effect.* 10.9 About the same time, sir Nicholas de Molis or Mules seneshall of Gascoigne, hauing warres against the king of Na∣uarre, got the victorie in battell. ¶ About the midst of Nouember, great thunder and lightning chanced, with a maruellous vntemperat season for the space of 15 daies togither, as a signe of some misfortune to succeed.

On S. Hughs daie died Margaret countesse of Penbroke the widow of Gilbert Marshall late earle [line 50] of Penbroke, [year 1245] & sister to the king of Scots, and short∣lie after the bishop of Excester William de Brewer likewise deceased, as yet being in his florishing age, a man in manners, parentage, and knowledge right honorable, and highlie commended. ¶ On the daie of S. Marcellus was the queene deliuered of a man child, which at the font was named Edmund.

In Lent following néere to the castell of Mount∣gomerie in Wales, three hundred Welshmen were [line 60] slaine by them that lay in garrison there by a policie of the capteine, which faining a counterfeited flight, drew the Welshmen within danger of an ambush, which he had laid to surprise them vnwares as it came euen to passe according to his deuise. Dauid that tooke himselfe for king of Wales, coueting to be re∣uenged of this displeasure,* 10.10 ••cassed not daie nor night to make incursions and to exploit enterprises to the damage of the marchers, the which valiantlie resisted the enimies, and droue them oftentimes into the mounteines, woods, bogs, and other places of refuge, and oftentimes the enimies hauing the aduantage of place, did much displeasure to the Englishmen.

Upon a time as they (being got to the heigth of an hill, to cast downe stones and throw darts vpon the Englishmen that assailed them beneath) chanced a∣mongst other to slea with a mightie stone (which they threw downe by the side of the hill) sir Hubert Fitz Matthew a right valiant knight,* 10.11 and a man of great accompt for his knowledge and seruice in warres. Thus the wars continued betweene the parties, and oftentimes the Welshmen by the sudden inuasions got the better: their prince Dauid comming to the castell of Monthault besieged it, and within a short time wan it,* 10.12 slaieng or taking all those whome he found within it. The owner thereof the lord Roger de Monthault by chance was not at home, which hap∣pened well for him, where otherwise he had béene in great danger: but néere to the castell of Mountgo∣merie, the Welshmen yet were eftsoons ouerthrowne and 200 of them slaine by an ambush that brake forth vpon their backs. About the middest of Lent the prelats of England were summoned to come to a generall councell, the which pope Innocent had ap∣pointed to be holden at the feast of S. Iohn Baptist next following.* 10.13

It chanced that about this time, a post comming from the pope with letters to his Nuncio maister Martin,* 10.14 conteining instructions how he should pro∣céed for the gathering of monie, was staied at Do∣uer, by the practise of such noble men as were grée∣ued to sée anie such summes of monie to be conueied out of the realme in sort as was vsed. He was had into the castell and his letters taken from him, where∣in such secrets were conteined for the getting of mo∣nie, as ought not to haue beene reuealed. Maister Martin hearing that the post was thus staied and imprisoned, made a gréeuous complaint vnto the king, so that the post was set at libertie, had his let∣ters to him restored, & so came vnto master Martin, and deliuered them vnto him that he might vnder∣stand the popes pleasure, which others to his griefe vnderstood now as well as himselfe.

The king this yeare caused inquisition to be made through euerie countie within the realme,* 10.15 to vnder∣stand the true valuation of all such benefices and spi∣rituall promotions as were in the hands of anie in∣cumbents that were strangers borne, and such as had béene preferred by the court of Rome, and the whole summe of all their reuenues was found to be sixtie thousand marks. On Whitsundaie the king made the earle of Glocester,* 10.16 Gilbert de Clare knight, and 40 other yoong gentlemen that attended vpon him. And perceiuing by the late inquisition what great reuenues the beneficed strangers had and possessed within the realme, and againe conside∣ring the excéeding great summes of monie which the court of Rome had recouered of his subiects, he be∣gan to detest such couetous dealing. And herevpon a letter was deuised by the whole bodie of the realme, wherein were conteined, the sundrie extortions and manifold exactions of the popes legats, and other of his chapleines, which vnder colour of his authoritie they had vsed.* 10.17 There were appointed also to go with these letters vnto the generall councell, certeine ho∣norable and discreet personages, as Roger Bigod earle of Northfolke, Iohn Fitz Geffrey, William de Cantlow, Philip Basset,* 10.18 and Ralfe Fitz Nicho∣las, with other, the which presenting the same letters vnto the said assemblie, should declare the greefe of the whole realme; and require some redresse and ease∣ment therein.

Moreouer, it chanced that there was a great number of lords, knights,* 10.19 and gentlemen assembled togither at Dunstable and Luiton, to haue kept a martiall iusts, and triumphant tornie, but they had a countercommandement from the king, not to go forward with the same: wherevpon, when they were

disappointed of their purpose heerin. Upon occasion of their being altogither, on the morrow after the feast of Peter & Paule, they sent from them Fouke Fitz Warren,* 10.20 to declare vnto maister Martine the popes Nuncio, as then lodging at the temple in London, in name as it were of all the whole bodie of the realme, that he should immediatlie depart out of the land. Fouke dooing the message somewhat after a rough manner, maister Martine asked him what he was that gaue foorth the said commandement, or whether he spake it of himselfe or from some other? This com∣mandment [line 10] (saith Fouke) is sent to thée, from all those knights and men of armes which latelie were as∣sembled togither at Dunstable and Luiton.

Maister Martine hearing this, got him to the court, and declaring to the king what message he had recei∣ued, required to vnderstand whether he was priuie to the matter, or that his people tooke it vpon them so rashlie without his authoritie or no?* 10.21 To whome the king answered, that he had not giuen them any au∣thoritie so to command him out of the realme: but [line 20] indéed (saith he) my barons doo scarselie forbeare to rise against me, bicause I haue mainteined and suffe∣red thy pilling and iniurious polling within this my realme, and I haue had much adoo to staie them from running vpon thee to pull thee in peeces. Maister Martine hearing these words, with a fearefull voice besought the king that he might for the loue of God, and reuerence of the pope, haue free passage out of the realme: to whome the king in great displeasure an∣swered, The diuell that brought thée in carrie thée out, [line 30] euen to the pit of hell for me.* 10.22 Howbeit at length, when those that were about the king had pacified him, he appointed one of the marshals of his house, called Robert North or Nores, to conduct him to the sea side, and so he did, but not without great feare, si∣thens he was afraid of euerie bush, least men should haue risen vpon him and murthered him. Wherevp∣on, when he came to the pope, he made a greeuous complaint, both against the king and others.

* 10.23The church of saint Peter at Westminster was [line 40] inlarged, and newlie repared by the king, speciallie all the east part of it, the old wals being pulled down, and builded vp in more comelie forme. ¶The generall councell, according to the summons giuen, was hol∣den this yeare at Lions,* 10.24 where it began about mid∣summer, in which the English ambassadors being ar∣riued, presented to the pope their leters, directed from the whole bodie of the realme of England, requiring a redresse in such things, wherewith (as by the same letters it appeared) the realme found it selfe sore an∣noied. [line 50] The pope promised to take aduise therein, but sith the matter was weightie, it required respit. Fi∣nallie, when they were earnest in requiring a deter∣minate answer, it was giuen them to vnderstand, that they should not obteine their desires, wherevpon in great displeasure they came awaie,* 10.25 threatening and binding their words with oths, that from thence∣foorth they would neuer paie, nor suffer to be paid, a∣nie tribute to the court of Rome, nor permit the re∣uenues of those churches, whereof they were pa∣trones, [line 60] to be pulled awaie, by any prouision of the same court.

The pope hearing of these things, passed them ouer patientlie, but he procured the English bishops to set their seales vnto that charter, which king Iohn had made concerning the tribute, against the mind of the archbishop of Canturburie Stephan Langton, who at that time, when king Iohn should seale it, spake sore against it. When king Henrie was in∣formed hereof, he was gréeuouslie offended; and sware in a great chafe, that although the bishops had doone otherwise than they ought, yet would he stand in defense of the liberties of his realme, and would not so long as he had a day to liue, paie any dutie to the court of Rome, vnder the name of a tribute. In this meane while, the king with a puissant armie in∣uaded the Welsh rebels,* 10.26 to reduce them to some quiet, whereas with their continuall incursions and other exploits, they had sore harried, vexed, and wa∣sted the lands of the kings subiects.

Herevpon the king being entred the countrie,* 10.27 in∣uaded the same, vnto the confines of Snowdon, and there he began to build a strong castell at a place cal∣led Gannoke, remaining there about the space of¦ten wéeks, during the which, the armie suffered great miserie through want of vittels and other prouisions namelie apparell, and other helps to defend them∣selues from cold, which sore afflicted the souldiers and men of warre, bicause they laie in the field, and winter as then began to approch. Moreouer, they were driuen to kéepe watch and ward verie strong∣lie, for doubt to be surprised by sudden assaults of the enimies, the which watched vpon occasion euer to doo some mischéefe.

The morrow after the Purification of our ladie, Isabell de Boulbec countesse of Oxenford departed this life,* 10.28 and likewise the morrow after saint Ualen∣tines day died Baldwine de Riuers earle of De∣uonshire and of the Wight. Moreouer, Geffrey de March, a man sometime of great honour and posses∣sions in Ireland, after he had remained long in ex∣ile, and suffered great miserie, ended the same by na∣turall death. Also Raimond earle of Prouance, father to the quéenes of England and France deceassed this yeare, for whome was kept in England a most solemne obsequie. Also in the wéeke after Palme-sundaie, died a right noble baron, and warden of the north parts of England, the lord Gilbert Hum∣freuile, leauing behind him a yoong sonne, the custo∣die of whome the king forthwith committed to the earle of Leicester, not without the indignation of the earle of Cornewall, who desired the same.

Finallie,* 10.29 after that the king had lien at Gannoke about the fortifieng of the castell there, the space of ten wéekes, and saw the worke now fullie finished, he appointed foorth such as should lie there in garison, and therewith, on the morrow after the feast of Si∣mon and Iude, he raised his field, and returned to∣wards England, leauing the Welshmen in great miserie, and like to starue for want of necessarie food.* 10.30 For the Ile of Anglesey, which is as a nursse to the Welshmen, those Irishmen that came to the kings aid, had vtterlie wasted and destroied. Againe, the king of purpose had consumed all the prouision of corne and vittels which remained in the marshes, so that in Cheshire, and other the parts adioining, there was such dearth,* 10.31 that the people scarse could get suf∣ficient vittels to susteine themselues withall.

The king also gaue foorth commandement, that no prouision of corne or vittels should be conueied vnto the Welshmen, out of any parts, either of England or Ireland, on paine of forfeiting life,* 10.32 lands & goods. Moreouer, he caused the brine pits in Wales to be stopped vp and destroied. The king hauing thus orde∣red his businesse, returned into England, and short∣lie after, taking displeasure with the lord Maurice, chéefe iustice of Ireland, bicause he had not made such speed as had béene conuenient in bringing the Irishmen to his aid, he discharged him of the office of chéefe iustice, and placed in his roome Iohn Fitz Geffrey.* 10.33 In this thirtith yeare of king Henries reigne, Walter earle Marshall and of Penbroke departed this life: and shortlie after, to wit, three daies before Christmasse, his brother Anselme that succeeded him in the inheritance, deceassed also with∣out issue: and so all the fine sonnes of the great earle William Marshall, being departed this world with∣out

heires of their bodies begotten, the whole heri∣tage descended to the sisters, and so was diuided a∣mongst them as coparteners.

The king this yeare held his Christmas at Lon∣don, [year 1246] and had there with him a great number of the nobilitie of his realme, which had béene with him in Wales, that they might be partakers of pastime, mirth and pleasure, as they had béene participants with him in suffering the diseases of heat, cold, and other paines abroad in the fields and high moun∣teines [line 10] of Wales, considering with himselfe (as the truth is) that

* 10.34—vita est quàm proxi•••• letho, Quàm meritò spernenda anim•••• si nulla volupt••s Mulceat at{que} leuent solatia nulla laborem.

But that no plesure shuld passe without some staine of greese, there was a rumor spred abroad, that the pope conceiued fresh rankor in his stomach against the king and realme of England, for the complaints which had béene exhibited in the councell at Lion by [line 20] the English orator, for the oppression doone to the church of England: that therevpon, minding now to be reuenged,* 10.35 as was said, he earnestlie mooued the French king to make warre against the English∣men and to subdue them vnder his dominion: which enterprise the French king vtterlie refused, both for that he and the king of England were coosens, and againe,* 10.36 bicause the king of France had no iust title or right to make claime to England.

Further, there was as then a truce betwixt Eng∣land [line 30] and France, and before that England could be subdued, much giltlesse bloud should be spilt. Also, the christians in the holie land were sore oppressed, and looked dailie for the arriuall of the king of France, and therefore he would be loth to attempt any new enterprise to hinder his iornie thither. But about the feast of the Epiphanie, other news came out of Pro∣uance, that troubled the king of England worse than the other before,* 10.37 as thus, That the countesse Beatrice his wiues mother had deliuered vp the countie of Prouance into the French kings hands, togither [line 40] with sixtéene castels, which in right of the queene ought to haue remained vnto the king of England. For the safe keeping wherof to his vse, the said coun∣tesse Beatrice had receiued yeerelie for the terme of fiue yeares last past, the summe of foure thousand marks of the king of England, and yet now in the deliuering of them, with the residue of the countrie vnto the French king, she neuer made any mention of his right. [line 50]

Shortlie after also, Charles the French kings bro∣ther maried the ladie Beatrice,* 10.38 yoongest daughter of earle Raimond, and had with hir the same countie of Prouance, and so was intituled earle thereof, as in the French historie appeareth. Moreouer, the archbi∣shop of Canturburie procured a grant from the pope to recouer for one yeare the first fruits of all cures that chanced to be void within the citie,* 10.39 diocesse, and prouance of Canturburie, by and during the tearme of seauen yeares then next following, till the summe [line 60] of ten thousand marks were leuied, towards the dis∣charge of the said archbishops debts. The collection of the which ten thousand marks was assigned by the popes bulles vnto the bishop of Hereford, who should also leauie two thousand marks of the reuenues belonging to the church of Canturburie, to be con∣uerted to the same vse. The king at the first was sore offended herewith, but shortlie after, he was pacified and so the archbishop had his will.

After this, about the beginning of the next spring, Dauid prince of Wales departed this life,* 10.40 after great pensifenesse of mind, for the destruction and miserie into the which his countrie had béene brought through the present warres with the Englishmen. After his deceasse, the Welshmen elected to succeed in his place, the sonne of Griffin,* 10.41 whom king Henrie had reteined in seruice, and honourablie vsed, euen of a child: but now that he heard that the Welshmen had elected him to their prince, he stale away, and fled into Wales. ¶On the day of the purification of our ladie, a robberie was committed vpon certeine Iewes at Oxenford, for the which fact,* 10.42 fiue and fortie of the offendors were put in prison, but at the suit of Robert bishop of Lincolne, they were deliuered by the kings commandement, bicause no man impea∣ched them of anie breach of peace, or other crime. The citizens of London also about the beginning of the spring, were compelled to paie a talage,* 10.43 wherewith they found themselues sore aggreeued.

About the middest of Lent,* 10.44 there was a parle∣ment holden at London, wherein diuerse statutes and ordinances were deuised, as penalties for those that offended in other mens parks and warrens: but the chéefest occasion of assembling this parle∣ment,* 10.45 was to take aduise in matters touching the greefes wherewith the church of England séemed to be oppressed by the pope and the court of Rome. The pope indeed to quiet the English ambassadors, and to put the king and realme in some good hope of re∣léefe and deliuerance out of such oppressions, as were opened vnto him in the face of the whole councell, did not onelie promise largelie, but also caused diuerse priuileges to be made and deliuered vnto the said ambassadors verie fauorablie, in the behalfe of their request. But yet the same notwithstanding, sith the breaking vp of the said generall councell, and return to the ambassadors, manie things were doone, to the increasing and continuation of the former greefes, so that they stood in doubt of further oppressions to fol∣low, rather than in hope of the promised redresse. Herevpon they concluded eftsoones to write vnto the pope, and to the cardinals, both in name of the king, of the bishops and prelats, of the earles, barons, and other estates of the temporaltie, and of the abbats and priors. In the meane time, the pope for a while somewhat relented in the point of bestowing benefi∣ces here in England, for when any of his freends or kinsmen was to be preferred to any benefies with∣in this realme, he would sue to the king for his grant and good will, that such a one might be admitted, and not seeme of himselfe to grant it without the kings consent.

The earle of Sauoy in the presence of the archbi∣shop of Canturburie,* 10.46 and the bishop of Hereford and others, did homage to the king of England, acknow∣ledging to hold of him certeine fées, as those of Suse, Auislian, S. Maurice de Chablais, and the castell of Bard, which he might well doo, not preiudicing the right of the empire, sith he held nothing of the same empire, except Aigues and the passages. This yeare,* 10.47 the office of the earle Marshall was giuen to Roger Bigod earle of Northfolke, in right of his wife the countesse, that was eldest daughter vnto the great earle William Marshall. ¶Moreouer,* 10.48 in this yeare the king holding his Easter at London, honored Ha∣rold king of Man with the order of knighthood. A∣bout the same time, diuerse noble men of Wales submitted themselues, and were receiued vnto the kings peace. ¶ On saint Markes day was a great frost and snow, which nipped the leaues of trees and hearbes in such extreame wise, that for the more part they withered and faded awaie.

Furthermore, bicause the pope vnderstood, that di∣uerse rich beneficed men were of late dead in Eng∣land intestate, as Robert Hailes the archdeacon of Lincolne, Almerike the archdeacon of Bedford, and Iohn Hotospe archdeacon of Northhampton, he ordeined a decrée,* 10.49 that all such spirituall per∣sons

as died intestate, their goods should remaine to the pope. The execution of which decrée he comman∣ded to the friers preachers and minors▪ but the king would not suffer it to take place, bicause he saw that it should redound to the preiudice of him and his kingdome. Wherein the popes oppression and wrong offered to the dead (by whose deceasse their suruiuing fréends should be benefited) and his cruell couetous∣nes extending to the verie senseles corpse dooth ma∣nifestlie appeare, so that it is verified of him, by waie [line 10] of comparison,

Carniuorax tumidis vt gaudet hyaena sepulchris, Sic instat putidis ille cadaueribus.

Also, where the pope required a talage of the clergie, the king flatlie forbad it by his letters inhibitorie.

In this meane while, William Powis chapleine, and sir Henrie de Lamere knight, which were sent with the second letters, deuised in the late parlement (as you haue heard) to be preferred vnto the pope and cardinals, returned againe without obteining anie [line 20] towardlie answer, but rather (as they declared) they found the pope sharp and rough in spéech, saieng,

The king of England which now kicketh against the church, & beginneth to plaie Frederiks part, hath his counsell, & so likewise haue I, which I intend to fol∣low.

Other answer they cold not obteine. Againe, the Englishmen that were sutors in the court of Rome, were strangelie vsed, and could not get anie dispatch in their businesse, but were rather put backe as schis∣matikes, and with rebukes reuiled. Herevpon the [line 30] king called a parlement at Winchester, to haue the aduise of his lords in this matter,* 10.50 where how soeuer they agreed, proclamation was immediatlie set forth, and published in euerie shire & countie through the realme, that no man should consent to the popes contribution, nor send anie monie out of the realme to his aid. When the pope heard of this, he wrote ve∣rie sharplie to the bishops, commanding them on paine of excommunication and suspension, to sasisfie his Nuncio remaining at the new temple in Lon∣don, [line 40] before the feast of the Assumption of our ladie. And whereas the king minded to haue stood in the matter through threats of his brother the earle of Cornewall, and of certeine prelats, namelie, the bi∣shop of Worcester (who had authoritie as was said to interdict the land) he yéelded and suffered the pope to haue his will, to the great griefe and discomfort of manie.

* 10.51On S. Margarets daie, there fortuned a maruel∣lous sore tempest of haile, raine, thunder and light∣ning, [line 50] which being vniuersall through the realme, did much hurt, & continued the space of 16 houres togi∣ther without ceassing. This yéere, sundrie noble perso∣nages departed this world,* 10.52 as Isabell the kings mo∣ther, wife to the earle of March in Poictou. Also, the countesse of Albemarle, the daughter of Alaine of Galloway, and sister to the countesse of Winchester: wherevpon, a great part of Gallowaie that belonged to hir (for that she died without issue) remained to Ro∣ger de Quincie earle of Winchester,* 10.53 that married [line 60] the eldest sister. Moreouer, Iohn lord Neuill died this yeare,* 10.54 which had béene chiefe forrester of England: but he was not onelie put out of that office for cer∣teine transgressions, but also out of the kings fauor before he died, where (at first) none was more estee∣med in the court than he. The bishop of Salisburie, named master Robert de Bingham, died also this yeare, and sir Richard de Argenton knight, a right noble personage, which in the holie land had shewed good proofe of his high valiancie, manhood, & prowesse: likewise sir Henrie Bailioll of the north, and diuerse other.

* 10.55In the beginning of the one and thirtith yeare of king Henries reigne, the pope sent into England to haue the third part of one yeares profit of euerie be∣neficed man that was resident, and of euerie one not resident the one halfe. The bishop of London should haue seene this aid and collection leuied, but it would not be granted. [year 1247] And in a parlement called this yeare on the morrow after the Purification of our ladie it was ordeined,* 10.56 that new letters sealed with the com∣mon seale of the citie of London should be sent by sufficient messengers, from all the estates of the realme, vnto the pope and cardinals, requiring a mo∣deration to be had in such exactions as were intolle∣rable for the realme to beare.* 10.57 Whilest this parlement yet lasted,* 10.58 there came ouer the lord Peter of Sauoy earle of Richmond, bringing with him certein yoong ladies and damsels, to be bestowed in marriage on such yoong lords and gentlemen as were wards to the king.

On S. Ualentines euen, a great earthquake hap∣pened here in England, and namelie about London,* 10.59 on the Thames side, with the which manie buildings were ouerthrowen. These earthquakes, the seldo∣mer they chance in England, the more dreadfull the same are, and thought to signifie some great altera∣tion. A litle before this earthquake, the sea had ceassed from ebbing and flowing for the space of three mo∣neths togither,* 10.60 by a long tract neere to the English shore, to the great maruell of many, for either it flow∣ed not at all, or else so little that it might not be per∣ceiued. And after the earthquake,* 10.61 there followed such a season of foule weather, that the spring séemed to be changed into winter, for scarse was there anie daie without raine, till the feast of the translation of S. Benet.

There were at this time diuerse ordinances de∣créed and enacted by waie of prohibition,* 10.62 to restreine the authoritie of spirituall persons, as that no eccle∣siasticall judge should determine in causes of anie temporall man, except touching causes of matrimo∣nie and testaments. They were also prohibited to sue anie actions touching tithes, before anie spiritu∣all iudge, and the writ whereby they were prohibited, was called an Indicauit. Sundrie other such ordinan∣ces were deuised, which for breefenesse we omit. What speed or answer so euer the messengers had that were sent to Rome with the letters deuised in the late par∣lement, truth it is,* 10.63 that the pope sent ouer into Eng∣land such of his agents as gathered no small sums of monie amongst the cleargie, as one Marinus, and an other named Iohannes Anglicus a frier minor, the which were not intituled by the name of legats,* 10.64 to saue the priuileges which the king had, that no le∣gat might come into the realme without his licence. The comming ouer of these men, bicause it was to gather monie, contented not manie mens minds, as well appeared in a parlement called at Oxford a∣bout reformation thereof, but yet notwithstanding it was there agreed, that the pope should haue eleuen thousand marks to be leuied amongst them of the spiritualtie, exempt persons and places reserued.

About the same time, Baldwine naming himselfe emperour of Constantinople,* 10.65 came againe into England, to procure some new aid of the king, to∣wards the recouerie of his empire, out of the which he was was expelled by the Greekes. ¶ Also, there arriued in England a cardinall that was bishop of Sabine, hauing first receiued an oth,* 10.66 that he came not for anie hurt to the king or his realme, for other∣wise being a legat he might not be suffered to enter the land: he came this waie to passe ouer into Nor∣waie, whither he went to crowne and annoint Ha∣con king of that realme.* 10.67 There arriued here with him the thrée halfe brethren to the king, Guy de Lu∣cignan, William de Valence, & Athelmare a préest, with their sister Alice. All these were begotten by

Hugh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 earle of March, of quéene Isabell the kings mother, and were therefore ioifullie receiued of the king, with faithfull promise, that he would be to them a beneficiall good brother, which his saiengs with effectuall déeds he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fullie performed. The cardinall hauing saluted the king, tooke leaue of him and came to Lin, where he staied at the point of thrée moneths, making such purchase amongst religious men,* 10.68 that what by procuraries and other shifts, he got as was thought, a foure thousand marks towards [line 10] his charges, and so departed. Edmund Lacie earle of Lincolne, and Richard de Burgh, as then wards to the king, were married vnto two of those yoong la∣dies of Prouance, which Peter de Sauoy earle of Richmond brought ouer with him, whereat manie of the English nobilitie grudged.

Also, about the thirtéenth of August, the ladie Ione daughter to the lord Guarine de Monchenc••e,* 10.69 was married vnto William de Ualence the kings halfe brother. The same ladie was heire to hir fathers [line 20] lands, by the death of hir brother the sonne of the said lord Guarine. Sir William de Bueles knight a Norman borne, was made seneshall of Gascoigne about this season, and was sore vexed with wars by Gaston the sonne of the countesse of Bierne and o∣thers,* 10.70 which Gaston shewed himselfe verie vnthanke∣full, for the king had giuen both to him and to his mo∣ther (a woman of a monstrous stature) verie large in∣terteinement to serue him in his wars at his last be∣ing in that countrie (as before ye haue heard.) The [line 30] archbishop of Canturburie suspended the préests of his prouince,* 10.71 bicause they would not consent (accor∣ding to the grant which he had purchased of the pope) that he should haue the first fruits for one yeare, of e∣uerie benefice that chanced to be vacant within the same prouince. The earles of Cornewall and Pen∣broke got much monie by waie of a collection, to∣wards the reliefe of the warres in the holie land, ha∣uing purchased of the pope certeine buls of indul∣gence for the same.* 10.72 Sir Fouke de Newcastell a va∣liant knight, and coosen germane to the king on the [line 40] mothers side died at London, during the time of the parlement.

On the thirtéenth of October was a portion of the holie bloud of Christ (as it was then supposed) shewed in most reuerent wise in a solemne procession, for the king comming to the church of S. Paule in Lon∣don, receiued there the same bloud conteined in a christalline glasse, the which he bare vnder a canopie supported with foure staues, through the stréets, vnto the abbeie church of Westminster. His armes were [line 50] also supported by two lords as aids to him all the waie as he went. The masters of the Templers and Hospitallers had sent this relike to the king. To de∣scribe the whole course and order of the procession and feast kept that daie, would require a speciall treatise. But this is not to be forgotten, that the same daie the bishop of Norwich preached before the king in commendation of that relike, pronouncing six years and one hundred and sixtéene daies of pardon, gran∣ted by the bishops there present,* 10.73 to all that came to [line 60] reuerence it.

Also the same daie and in the same church, the king made his halfe brother William de Ualence,* 10.74 and di∣uerse other yoong bachelers, knights. Unto the said William de Valence, for his further aduancement and maintenance, he gaue the castell of Hertford, and the honor therto belonging, with great treasure: & to the elder brother Guy de Lucignan, which about the same time returned into France, he gaue verie great and honorable gifts, lading his sumpters with plate and treasure of sterling monie, which in those daies in all countries was verie much esteemed. The earle of Winchester remaining in Gallowaie,* 10.75 where he had faire possessions in right of his wife,* 10.76 was be∣sieged of his owne tenants, within a castell wherein he lodged, and being in danger either to die through famine, or else at the discretion of the enimies, he burst forth▪ and making way with his sword, escaped, and comming to the king of Scots, complained of the iniurie doone to him by his people, wherevpon the king tooke such order, that the rebels were punished, and the earle set in quiet possession of his lands a∣gaine.

Toward the latter end of Nouember, William earle Ferrers & of Derbie departed this life,* 10.77 a man of great yeares and long troubled with the gout, a iust man and a peaceable. The same moneth the coun∣tesse his wife died also, a woman of yeares, vertue and fame like to hir husband: Thomas Becket the archbishop of Canturburie did minister the priests office at their marriage. Their eldest sonne William succéeded his father in the earledome, a good man and a discreet, but vexed with the gout verie pitifullie, ha∣uing that disease also as it were, by inheritance from his father. There died likewise other of the nobilitie, as Richard de Burgh, and William Fitz Ham. Be∣atrice the countesse of Prouance mother to the queene, [year 1248] and Thomas de Sauoy late earle of Flan∣ders,* 10.78 came into England to visit the king and queene and were honorablie receiued, and at their departure backe towards home, richlie rewarded. This yeare in the octaues of the Purification,* 10.79 a parlement was holden at London, where all the nobilitie of the realme in manner was present, There were nine bishops, as the archbishop of Yorke, with the bishops of Winchester, Lincolne, Norwich, Worcester, Chi∣chester, Elie, Rochester and Carlell, with the earls of Cornewall, Leicester, Winchester, Hereford, North∣folke, Oxford, Lincolne, Ferrers, and Warwike, with Peter de Sauoy earle of Richmond, besides lords and barons. The archbishop of Canturburie was at the court of Rome, & the bishop of Duresme was lefted by sickenesse.

In this parlement king Henrie earnestlie requi∣red a subsidie,* 10.80 in reliefe of the great charges which he had diuerse waies susteined, wherevpon he was streightwaies by the péeres of the realme noted both of couetousnesse, vnthankfulnesse, and breach of pro∣mise, bicause he neuer ceassed gathering of monie, without regard had to his people: and where he had promised manie things, as that he would not be bur∣denous vnto them, and such like; he had performed verie little of those his gaie promises. Manie misde∣meanors, and wrongfull doings, to the gréeuance of his people were opened and laid before him, as cher∣rishing and inriching of strangers,* 10.81 & vsing his prero∣gatiues too largelie, to the great decaie & hinderance of the common-wealth. The king abashed herewith, and supposing that the confession of his fault should make amends, & aswage the displesure which his No∣bles and other had conceiued at his misgouernance, to content them all with one answer, he promised that he would reforme all that was amisse, and so quieting the minds of his barons,* 10.82 the parlement was proroged till the quindene of the natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist. Wherein his prudence and wisedome was to be commended, but his patience deserueth ex∣ceeding great praise, whereby he shewed himselfe princelike-minded, in that he could tollerate the ex∣probration and casting of his faults in his face, euen by such as should rather haue concealed than disclo∣sed them: wheras it had stood with his roialtie to haue giuen them the counterchecke, and in angrie mood to haue tamed their malapertnesse: but that he proui∣dentlie considered that

—parit ira furorem, Turpia verba furor, verbis ex turpibus exit

Rixa, ex hac oritur ••ulnus, de vulnere lethum: —patientia virtus, Qua quicúnq, caret, careat probitate necesse est. Qui nil ferre p••test, hominum commercia vitet.

About the same time, by reason that the sterling monie was generallie so clipped,* 10.83 that the inscription was cut off for the most part euen to the inner circle, a proclamation was set foorth, that no péeces thereof should passe from one to an other, nor be receiued as currant and lawfull monie, except the same were of iust weight and fashion. Herewith also inquirie was [line 10] made for those that had so defaced it, and sundrie Iewes bankers, and cloth-merchants of Flanders were found giltie.* 10.84 Also, the French king caused serch to be made within his realme for the same offendors, and such as were found giltie, were hanged, so that he was more seuere in punishing those falsifiers of the king of Englands coine, than the king of Eng∣land was himselfe.

The parlement began againe at the day appoin∣ted, [line 20] but nothing to accompt of was then concluded, but rather a displeasure kindled betwixt the king and his barons, for that they looked for a reformation in his dooings,* 10.85 and he for monie out of their coffers, which would not be granted, and so that parlement brake vp.* 10.86 The king herevpon for want of monie, was driuen to so hard a shift, that he was constreined to sell his plate and iewels (which the Londoners bought) so much to his hinderance, that diuers péeces (the workemanship whereof was more woorth than the value of the stuffe) were sold notwithstanding af∣ter [line 30] the rate as they weied.

This yeare, the king caused a faire to be kept at Westminster at saint Edwards tide,* 10.87 to indure for fiftéene daies, and to the end that the same should be the more haunted with all manner of people, he com∣manded by proclamation, that all other faires, as Elie, and such like holden in that season, should not be kept, nor that any wares should be shewed within the citie of London, either in shop or without, but that such as would sell, should come for that time vn∣to [line 40] Westminster: which was doone, not without great trouble and paines to the citizens, which had not roome there, but in booths and tents, to their great disquieting and disease, for want of necessarie prouision, being turmoiled too pitifullie in mire and dirt, through occasion of raine that fell in that vnsea∣sonable time of the yeare. The bishop of Elie com∣plained sore of the wrong doone to him by suspending his faire at Elie aforesaid. [line 50]

* 10.88Sir Richard Sward died this yeare, after he had laien a long time vexed with the palsie, which sir Ri∣chard had in his daies beene a right worthie and fa∣mous knight. There died also the bishops of Bash and saint Dauids.* 10.89 In the first day of Iune, the moone immediatlie vpon the setting of the sunne, was al∣most wholie eclipsed,* 10.90 so that little of hir might ap∣peare.* 10.91 The towne of Newcastell vpon Tine was al∣most wholie consumed with fire, togither with the bridge there. The archbishop of Canturburie remai∣ning [line 60] still with the pope by his procurator the deane of Beauueis, denounced all them accurssed which went about to impeach him of receiuing the first fruits of benefices that voided, which he had by the popes grant, the king and quéene, with their children, and the kings brother the earle of Cornewall onelie excepted out of that cursse.

There chanced another earthquake foure daies before Christmasse,* 10.92 namelie in the west countrie a∣bout Bath and Welles, which shooke and ouerthrew some buildings, speciallie the tops and summets of stéeples, turrets and chimnies were shaken therwith, and not the bases or lower parts. ¶In Christmasse following, [year 1249] the earle of Leicester returned out of Gascoigne, where he had béene as generall against Gaston de Bierne, whome he had so afflicted and put to the worse, that the same Gaston was glad to sue for an abstinence of warre, where before he had doone much hurt to the kings subiects. The said earle had also with the aid of the kings subiects apprehended an other rebell, one William Berthram de Egremont who had doone much hurt in the parts of Gascoigne, and in the confines there, whome he had left in prison within the castell of the Rioll.

This yeare a little before Candlemas,* 10.93 the bishop of Durham being a man of great yeares, by licence obteined of the pope, resigned his miter, reseruing to himselfe onelie thrée manors, Houeden with the ap∣purtenances, Stocton and Euerington. The king hauing the last yeare receiued of his subiects a deni∣all of a generall subsidie to be granted him,* 10.94 practised this yeare to get some reléefe at their hands, in cal∣ling each of them apart: but first he got two thou∣sand marks of the citie of London, and after fell in hand with the abbats and priors, of whome he got somewhat, though sore against their willes. By occa∣sion of two merchant strangers of Brabant, which chanced to be robbed about the parts of Winchester, whilest the king was there, vpon their importunate suit and complaint, there was a great nest of theeues broken,* 10.95 amongst the which were manie wealthie per∣sons and freeholders, such as vsed to passe on life and death of their owne companions, to whom they were fauourable inough you may be sure: also, there were some of the kings seruants amongst them. A∣bout thirtie of those offendors were apprehended, and put to execution, besides those that escaped, some into sanctuarie, and some into voluntarie exile, running out of and vtterlie forsaking the countrie.

About Easter,* 10.96 the archbishop of Rone came ouer into England, and dooing homage for such reuenues as belonged to his church here within this realme, had the same restored vnto him.* 10.97 In Iune there fell such abundance of raine, speciallie about Abington, that the willow trées, milles, and other houses stand∣ing néere to the water side, were borne downe and ouerturned, with one chapell also: and the corne in the field was so beaten to the ground, that bread made thereof after it was ripe, seemed as it had beene made of bran.

About the same time,* 10.98 William de Longespée earle of Salisburie, and Robert de Uéer, with other Eng∣lishmen, to the number of two hundred knights, ha∣uing taken on them the crosse, went into the holie land, the said earle being their chéefe capteine, and had so prosperous speed in their iornie, that they arri∣ued safe and sound in the christian armie, where (the French king being chéefe thereof) they were receiued ioifullie.* 10.99 But yet (as Matthew Paris writeth) the pride and disdaine of the Frenchmen was so great, that vpon spite and enuie conceiued at the English∣mens glorie, which bare themselues right worthilie,* 10.100 the Frenchmen vsed the Englishmen nothing freendlie; & namelie the earle of Arras sticked not to speake manie reprochfull words against the said William de Longespée and his people, whereat they could not but take great indignation.

Also the same season, the earle of Leicester, who had likewise receiued the crosse, deferred his iournie for a time, and sailing into Gascoigne, mightilie there subdued the kings enimies, as Gaston de Bierne, also one Rusteine, and William de Solares. This yeare died Peter de Geneure, a Prouancois borne,* 10.101 whome the king had preferred in marriage vnto the ladie Maud, daughter and heire of Walter Lacie a man of faire possessions in Ireland. Of which marri∣age there came issue a sonne and a daughter. Also a∣bout Whitsuntide died a noble baron of the north

parts,* 10.102 named the lord Roger Fitz Iohn, whose sonne and heire being yoong, was giuen in wardship to William de Ualence the kings halfe brother. Also this yeare Hugh earle of March, father to the same William de Ualence died in Cipres,* 10.103 whilest the French armie wintered there, as then going into the holie hand.

* 10.104In the feast of All saints, the archbishop Bonifa∣cius was inthronized at Canturburie, and kept a so∣lemne feast, at the which the king and queene, with the [line 10] more part of all the prelats of the land were present. About this season was a great tornie and iusts hol∣den at Brackley,* 10.105 where the earle of Glocester (con∣trarie to his accustomed maner) fauoured the part of the strangers, wherby they preuailed. In somuch that William de Ualence handled one sir William de Odingesselles verie roughlie, the same sir William being a right woorthie knight. [year 1250] About the same time, the countesse of Cornewall at Berkehamstéed was deliuered of a sonne named Edmund.* 10.106 This yeare [line 20] about the beginning of the spring, the kings brother the earle of Cornewall with other Noble men of the realme, as the earle of Glocester, Henrie Hastings baron,* 10.107 & Roger Thurkebie, went ouer into France in princelie arraie and furniture to visit the pope, who held his court still at the citie of Lions. The bishop of Lincolne also and the bishop of Worcester went thi∣ther. For what cause the other went, it was not open∣lie knowne. But the bishop of Lincolne went thi∣ther about such businesse as he had in hand against [line 30] the Templers, Hospitalers, and such other which had appealed from him to the court of Rome, where he could not bring his purpose to passe, for his aduersa∣ries with monie had purchased the iudges fauour. And so the bishop returned, hauing spent his trauell and monie in vaine.

* 10.108On the 6 of March being sundaie, the king tooke vpon him the crosse, with his brother de Ualence, and a great number of other Noble men, and amongst other the abbat of Burie, to the preiudice (as was [line 40] thought) of his order. Roger de Monthault, a baron of great honour,* 10.109 meaning verelie to go in that iour∣nie, to recouer monie towards his necessarie furni∣ture, set and sold the most part of his liuings. His woods and possessions, which he had about Couentrie, he sold and let to fee farme vnto the couent there. The like chieuance was made by sundrie noble men, which prepared themselues to go in that iournie.

Upon the 27 day of Aprill those that had taken on them the crosse, assembled at Bermondsey besides London, to treat of their setting forward, determi∣ning [line 50] that the same should be at Midsummer next: but by the popes letters which the king procured, they were commanded to staie till the king himselfe went. Thus their iournie for that time was disap∣pointed. There was of them and their retinues that meant thus to haue gone, fiue hundreth knights, be∣sides yeomen or demilances and other common soul∣diers in great numbers. Gaston de Bierne was so driuen to his shifts by the high prowesse of the earle [line 60] of Leicester,* 10.110 that in the end he was constreined to come ouer into England, and submit himselfe to the king, whom he found at Clarendon, where he gat such mercie at the kings hands, that he was pardo∣ned and restored to his lands. But the earle of Lei∣cester put the king in possession of the castels of Fronsacke,* 10.111 Egremount, and others, and banished Rustein, and William de Solares, with diuerse o∣ther stubborne and disloiall rebels, depriuing them of their lands and inheritance in that countrie.

The bishop of Lincolne did excommunicat a préest within his diocesse,* 10.112 that was accused of incon∣tinencie. And bicause the same preest continued for∣tie daies without séeking to be reconciled, the bishop sent to the shiriffe of Rutland, within whose baili∣wike the same préest dwelled, to apprehend him as a disobedient and rebellious person: but the shiriffe winked at the matter, and would not execute the bi∣shops commandement, wherevpon the bishop did al∣so excommunicat the shiriffe: whereof the king be∣ing informed, tooke displeasure, and sending to the pope, procured an inhibition,* 10.113 that no archbishop nor bishop should compell anie officer belonging to the king, to follow anie suit afore them, for those things that apperteined to the kings iurisdiction, or give sen∣tence against them for the same.

The mondaie before the R••gation wéeke, Richard the kings brother earle of Cornewall,* 10.114 returned from the court of Rome, where he had beene about certeine businesse vnknowne to most men: but whatsoeuer the same was, the pope gaue him most courteous and honorable interteinement for his welcome, and made him great cheare during his abode at Lions, where the popes court as then laie. ¶ About this season, the K. to rid himselfe out of debt, wherein he was indangered to certeine merchants, lessened the charges of his houshold, and kept but a meane port, diminishing euen the accustomed almesse of the poore,* 10.115 and also the great number of tapers and lights in his chappell, so that he was noted with the blame of too much niggardlie sparing an•• pinching: but in that he discharged his debt to the merchants, he was thought to doo wiselie and charitablie, for that he would not see them hindered to whom he was so in∣debted; besides the opinion that he had concerning himselfe, namelie that

Profectum faciunt rarum quos debita stringunt.

About the same time also,* 10.116 he caused the Iewes to giue vnto him a great portion of their goods, so that they were greatlie impouerished. There was one of them named Aaron borne in Yorke, the which since the kings last returne out of Gascoigne, had paied to the king the summe of thirtie thousand markes,* 10.117 ouer and besides two hundred marks which he had giuen to the quéene, as the same Aaron protested to Matthew Paris▪ vpon his faith and truth which he bare to his law. In the Whitsunwéeke was a generall chapter holden of the friers preachers at London in Holborne,* 10.118 where out of sundrie parts of the world were assembled aboue foure hundred of them, and they had meat and drinke found them of almesse, bi∣cause they possessed nothing of their owne. On the first daie the king came into their chapter, that he might be partaker of their praiers, and found them meat and drinke that day, and dined there with them, to doo them the more honour. Another day the quéene likewise fed them, and afterwards the bishop of Lon∣don, the abbats of Westminster, S. Albon, and Wal∣tham, with others.

About the same season the citizens of London found themselues greeued verie sore,* 10.119 for such liber∣ties as the king granted to the abbat of Westmin∣ster, to the great hinderance and decaie of the fran∣chises of their citie. The maior and communaltie re∣sisted all that they might against those liberties, and finallie by the good helpe and fauour of the lords, as the earles of Cornewall and Leicester, they obteined their purpose.* 10.120 This yeare maister William de Kil∣kennie, a sober, faithfull and learned man, was made keeper of the great seale. ¶ The same yeare vpon in∣quisition made by Geffrey de Langley, one of the kings councell of transgressors in forrests and cha∣ses, manie that had offended were presented, and most gréeuouslie punished by imprisonment, fines, and exceeding great amercements, and namelie in the north countrie.

On the nineteenth of Maie died Robert de Lex∣inton clearke,* 10.121 the which hauing continued a long

time in the office of a iudge, purchased to himselfe great fame, and also most large possessions. But cer∣teine yéeres before his death, bicause he was diseased with the palsie, he gaue ouer that office, and drew himselfe into a quiet trade of life, so ending his daies in praiers and dooing of almesdeeds.* 10.122 About the feast of S. Margaret died Henrie Hastings a noble ba∣ron, and one Robert de Muschampe a man of great renowme in the north parts. Also Walter bishop of Winchester departed this life, about the feast of S. Matthew, in whose place (through the kings earnest [line 10] suit) his halfe brother Athelmare was promoted to succéed. Moreouer, in the east parts, that valiant erle of Salisburie William de Longespee, with Robert de Ueer, and others, was slaine in that vnfortunate battell in the which the Saracens vanquished the christian armie, and tooke Lewes the French king prisoner.

On the first day of October, the moone vpon hir change, appearing excéeding red and swelled, began to shew tokens of the great tempest of wind that [line 20] followed,* 10.123 which was so huge and mightie, both by land & sea, that the like had not bene lightlie knowne, and sildome or rather neuer heard of by men then a∣liue.* 10.124 The sea forced contrarie to hir naturall course, flowed twice without ebbing, yeelding such a roring noise, that the same was heard (not without great woonder) a farre distance from the shore. Moreouer, the same sea appeared in the darke of the night to burne,* 10.125 as it had béen on fire, and the waues to striue and fight togither after a maruellous sort, so that the [line 30] mariners could not deuise how to saue their ships where they laie at anchor, by no cunning nor shift which they could deuise. At Hertburne three tall ships perished without recouerie,* 10.126 besides other smaller ves∣sels. At Winchelsey, besides other hurt that was doone in bridges, milles, breakes and banks, there were thrée hundred houses, and some churches drow∣ned with the high rising of the water course. The countrie of Holland beyond the sea, and the marish land in Flanders, susteined inestimable damage, and [line 40] in manie other places; by reason that riuers beaten backe and repelled (by the rising of the sea) swelled so high that they ouerflowed their chanels, and much hurt was doone in medowes, bridges, milles, and houses.

* 10.127About the beginning of the fiue and thirtith yeare of king Henries reigne, the bishops of England, vn∣derstanding that the archbishop of Canturburie was about to purchase of the pope a grant to gather monie through his whole prouince of the cleargie and [line 50] people for synods and procuracies, they thought to preuent him, and therefore made a collection euerie one through his owne diocesse, of two pence in eue∣rie marke which any beneficed man might dispend, which monie so collected, they ment to imploie about charges in the popes court, for the staie of the archbi∣shops suit, that the grant should not passe.

* 10.128About the same time, to wit, vpon saint Lucies day, there was a great earthquake at S. Albons, and [line 60] in the parts thereabouts with a noise vnder the ground, as though it had thundred. This was strange and maruellous, bicause the ground there is chalkie and sound, not hollow nor loose, as those places be where earthquakes for the most part happen. Doues, rookes, and other birds that sat vpon houses, and in boughes of trées fearing this strange wonder, flick∣red vp, and flue to and fro, shewing a token of feare as if a goshauke had beene ouer their heads. The pope required by solemne messengers sent to the king of England,* 10.129 that he might come to the citie of Burdeaux in Gascoigne, & there for a time remaine. The king wist not well what answer to make, for loth he was to denie anie thing that the pope should require, and againe he was not willing for sundrie respects, that the pope should come so néere vnto him. Indeed, manie were in doubt, least if he came to Burdeaux, he would also come into England,* 10.130 and rather impaire the state thereof than amend it by his presence, sith by such vsurers and licentious li∣uers as belonged to him, the realme had alreadie beene sore corrupted. Howsoeuer the matter went, there was delaie and such means deuised and made, that the pope came not there at that time.

On Christmasse day in the night, great thunder and lightning chanced in Northfolke and Suffolke past measure, [year 1251] * 10.131 in token as was thought of some euill to follow. ¶The king kept his Christmasse at Win∣chester, but without any great port or liberalitie, for hospitalitie with him was greatlie laid aside. About this time, Guy de Lusignan the kings halfe brother came ouer into England, after his returne out of the holie land, and was of the king ioifullie receiued.* 10.132 To∣wards the releefe of his expenses made in that iour∣nie, the king gaue him fiue hundred pounds which he got of the Iewes. Moreouer, he gaue to his brother. Geffrey the custodie of the baron Hastings lands, and so by such liberall and bounteous gifts as he be∣stowed on them and other strangers, he greatlie incurred the hatred of his naturall people the Eng∣lishmen.

On the day of the Epiphanie,* 10.133 the earle of Leice∣ster came to the king in great hast out of Gascoigne giuing him to vnderstand, that the Gascoignes were reuolted in such number, that if spéedie succour were not prouided, the whole countrie would fall from the English subiection. Héerevpon the king furnished him with monie,* 10.134 and the earle himselfe got all that he could make of his owne reuenues, and likewise of the Umfreuilles lands, the heire whereof he had in custodie. He made no long abode, but with all speed returned, and reteined two hundred Rutters out of the duke of Brabants countries,* 10.135 and with them cer∣teine crosbowes. These were eger souldiers, and bloudie, but yet the Gascoignes prepared themselues to resist them all that they might: howbeit the earle put them still to the worse. Before his last returne from thence, he had raced the castell of Fronsacke flat with the ground, and likewise left desolate the castell of Egremount.

About this season, one of the kings iustices named Henrie de Bath fell in the kings displeasure,* 10.136 bicause he was accused that he had not exercised his office vprightlie, but to his owne priuat gaine, and peruer∣ted iustice through bribes, vpon occasion of a suit mooued betwixt him and one Euerard de Trum∣pington: he was appealed of falshood and treason by Sir Philip Darcie knight. His wife was of kin to the Bassets and Samfords, the which procured him great freendship at the hands of the earle of Corne∣wall, and of Iohn Mansell, and other of the kings councell. But for all that they could doo, he was in great danger to haue lost his life at the parlement holden that yeare, and begun on the sixtéenth day of Februarie. For the king was so sore mooued against him, that he caused proclamation to be made, that if any man had any thing to laie against the said Hen∣rie de Bath, they should come foorth, and their infor∣mation should be heard. Herevpon diuerse came and presented their complaints, and amongst other, one of his owne fellowes, that was a iustice also, decla∣red that he had suffered an offendor conuict, to escape vnpunished, for a bribe, which he receiued to the pre∣iudice of the king, and the danger of his associats the other iustices, whereas it is required of one put in trust with the administration of lawes, to be vncor∣rupt and sound in iudgement, according to this true position,

Iudicis est recti n••c munere nec prece flecti.

The king herewith rose vp in a great fume, and said openlie:

If any man will slea Henrie of Bath, he shall not be impeached for his death: for I doo here plainelie declare him acquit and guiltlesse for the same.

Herewith diuerse would haue run vpon him to haue murdered him, but that Iohn Mansell staied their outrage, shewing them that the king might well herafter repent the words which he spake thus in his furie, and those that should doo any vio∣lence [line 10] vnto the man, were not like to escape punish∣ment: for both the bishop of London would suerlie accurse them, and other of his fréends would not faile to séeke reuenge by temporall force: and thus was Henrie of Bath in the kings high displeasure for the time.* 10.137 Howbeit at length, through intercession of the earle of Cornewall, and the bishop of London, he was put to his fine, and pardoned.

About the same time, Athelmare the kings halfe brother was confirmed bishop of Winchester by the pope,* 10.138 although he was thought scarselie sufficient to [line 20] haue the place, for lacke of learning and ripe yeares. About this time also, the bishops assembling at Dun∣stable, tooke aduise togither, how to preuent the arch∣bishop of Canturburie, that he should not visit: and in the end they concluded to send their procurator vnto the court of Rome, to trie what purchase might be made there for monie to staie the licence, and not to sticke for the disbursing of foure thousand marks, if néed required. Their procurator did so much in the [line 30] matter, that he found the pope fauourable vnto his cause, though no determinate answer was giuen of a long time, till at length, to gratifie the archbishop and his kin, as the duke of Sauoy and other, the pope granted him licence to visit, but not generallie: for he might not visit anie parish church, except the per∣son required him thereto. And whereas he had liber∣tie to visit conuentuall churches, yet might he not re∣ceiue for procuracies aboue foure marks.* 10.139 For this moderation to be had, the procurator for the bishops [line 40] gaue vnto the pope six thousand marks.

The same yeare the bishop of Lincolne visited the religious houses within his diocesse,* 10.140 to vnderstand what rule was kept amongst them, vsing the matter somewhat strictlie (as they thought:) for he entred in∣to the chambers of the moonks & searched their beds. And comming to the houses of the nuns, he went so néere as to cause their breasts to be tried, that he might vnderstand of their chast liuings. In Lent following he was suspended by the pope,* 10.141 bicause he [line 50] would not suffer an Italian that had no skill of the English toong to inioy a prebend in his church, which the pope had giuen to the same Italian. In this sea∣son,* 10.142 Wales was brought to be subiect vnto the Eng∣lish lawes, and that part which ioineth to Cheshire, was committed to the custodie of Alain lord Zouch,* 10.143 ••he which gaue, for hauing of the profits thereof to farme, 11 hundred marks, and supplanted lord Iohn Graie which should haue had it for fiue hundred. Cer∣teine vsurers and strangers borne called Caorsini,* 10.144 [line 60] had bought faire houses at London, and so remained there as inhabitants, occupieng their trade without controlment, for the prelats durst not speake against them, bicause they alleged themselues to be the mer∣chants of the popes highnesse: and the citizens durst not trouble them bicause they were defended by cer∣teine noble men, whose monie (as was said) they oc∣cupied, to gaine after the manner of the court of Rome. Howbeit at length they were called before the ciuill magistrate by the kings procurement, and grieuouslie accused for their vnlawfull occupieng of vsurie, and some of them committed to prison, the re∣sidue hid themselues out of the way, till at length for a summe of monie they were licenced to be at rest, and so continued for a season. The Iewes reioised hereat, to haue fellowes with them in their miserie.

In this season also there depended a controuersie betwixt the archbishop of Canturburie with the bi∣shop of London and his canons of Paules,* 10.145 so that the said bishop of London & the deane of Paules, and other of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were excommunicated. But the bishop perceiuing which way the world went, recon∣ciled himselfe: as for the deane, he stood long in the matter, & at length went himselfe to the pope to vtter his gréefe. This controuersie hanged long betwixt them, and was handled in such wise, that ••aie-men laughed at their dooings, for now and then whom the pope commanded to be absolued, their aduersaries by colour of the popes authoritie would command to be excommunicated.* 10.146 The first day of Iulie the earle of Leicester in Gascoigne ouercame manie of the kings enimies, and tooke from them a fortresse called Chattellon.

On S. Dunstans day there was a maruellous sore tempest of weather,* 10.147 the aire being darkened on euerie side from the foure corners thereof, and with∣all chanced such a thunder as few the like had béene heard of. First it began as it had béene a great way off, but after it burst out with such terrible crackes as was woonderfull. But one amongst the rest excée∣ded, and withall such lightening flashed foorth, as put men in great feare and terror. The chimnie of the chamber, wherein the quéene and hir children then were, was beaten downe to dust, and the whole buil∣ding sore shaken. This was at Windsore,* 10.148 where in the parke, okes were rent in sunder, and turned vp by the roots, and much hurt doone; as milles with the millers in them, shéepfolds with their shepheards, and plowmen, and such as were going by the way were destroied and beaten downe. About the same time the sea on the coasts of England arose with higher tides than the naturall course gaue,* 10.149 by the space of six féet.

About Michaelmasse quéene Dowager of Scot∣land, that was daughter to Monsieur de Cousie a Frenchman, came through England to returne in∣to France where she was borne, and was of the king honorablie receiued and welcomed. This yeare the nunrie of Marran not far from Lin was founded by the ladie Isabell countesse of Arundell.* 10.150 ¶ Also this yeare the lord William de Cantlow departed this life, in whose heritage his son also named Willi∣am succeeded. ¶ Moreouer, Iohn Cobham & Geffrey Spenser (that was a man of great fame, and one of the kings councell) departed this life, Cobham before Easter, and Spenser shortlie after the same feast. Also in the octaues of Pentecost,* 10.151 Paule Peiuer or Peure departed this life, he was one of the kings cheefe councellors, and lord steward of his house. This man at the first was not borne to anie great possessions, but by purchase atteined to great reue∣nues. The ladie Ione his wife compounded with the king for the marriage of hir son named Paule, after his father, but the lord Iohn Grai•• paied the monie, being fiue hundred marks, and so discharging hir of that debt, maried hir sonne to one of his daugh∣ters at his manor of Eiton, and afterwards at Lon∣don married the mother of his sonne in law,* 10.152 where∣with the king was sore displeased, for he had giuen the marriage of hir vnto a stranger, one Stephan de Salines, so that the lord Graie was glad to giue to the king the summe of fiftie marks, by way of a fine to haue his good will.

In the six and thirtith yéere of king Henries reigne,* 10.153 the church of Hales was dedicated of the foundation of Richard earle of Cornewall. At which dedication he kept a solemne feast on the euen of saint Leonard being Sunday. There was present the king and the

queene, and almost all the Nobilitie of England, both spirituall and temporall.* 10.154 The building of that church, all charges accounted, stood the earle in ten thousand marks, as he himselfe confessed vnto Mat∣thew Paris. ¶ About the same time the earle of Lei∣cester and Guie de Lusignan the kings halfe bro∣ther came into England out of France, and landed at Douer, whome the king receiued with great ioy and gladnesse. He gaue to his brother at his returne great rewards, as he was euer accustomed. In the feast of the Conception of our ladie at a iustes hol∣den [line 10] at Rochester,* 10.155 the strangers were put to the worse, and well beaten by the English batchlers and men of armes, so that the dishonour which they did to the Englishmen at Brakley was now recompensed with interest. For the strangers fleeing to the citie for succour, were met by the way by the English knights seruants and yeomen, which fell vpon them, beat them sore with clubs and staues, and handled them verie euill. Hereof sprang a great hatred be∣twixt the Englishmen and strangers, which dailie [line 20] grew and increased more and more, the rather bicause the king had them in so good estimation, and reteined so manie of them within the realme.

The king did celebrate the feast of Christmasse at Yorke, [year 1252] whither came Alexander the yoong king of Scots, and was there made knight by the king of England, and on saint Stephans day he married the ladie Margaret, daughter to the king of England, according to the assurance before time concluded. There was a great assemblie of noble personages at [line 30] that feast. The quéene Dowager of Scotland mother to king Alexander, a French woman of the house of Coucie,* 10.156 had passed the sea, & was present there with a faire companie of lords and gentlemen. The num∣ber of knights that were come thither on the king of Englands part were reckoned to be at the point of one thousand. The king of Scots had with him thrée score knights,* 10.157 and a great sort of other gentlemen comparable to knights. The king of Scots did ho∣mage to the king of England at that time for the [line 40] realme of Scotland, and all things were doone with great loue and fauour, although at the beginning some strife was kindled about taking vp of lodg∣ings.

This assemblie of the princes cost the archbishop verie déerelie, in feasting and banketting them and their traines. At one dinner it was reported he spent at the first course thréescore fat oxen. ¶At request of the K. of Scots, the K. of England receiued Philip Lunell againe into fauour, or rather Louell (as I [line 50] take it) one of his councell, against whome he had conceiued displeasure in the yeare last past, for such briberie as he was thoght to be giltie of for shewing fauour to the Iewes. The king of Scots when he should depart, tooke his leaue in most courteous ma∣ner, and led with him his new married wife, on whome attended sir Robert Norice knight marshall of the kings house,* 10.158 and sir Stephan Bausan, and also the ladie Mawd, the widowe of the lord William [line 60] Cantlow,* 10.159 with others. On the octaues of the Epipha∣nie chanced an excéeding great wind, which did much hurt in diuerse places of the realme. The bishop of Rochester returning frō the court of Rome,* 10.160 brought with him a bull, authorising him to receiue to his own vse the fift part of the reuenues of all the beneficed men within his diocesse.

In this meane while the earle of Leicester remai∣ning in England,* 10.161 the Gascoignes made sore warre against such as he had left behind him, and withall gaue information to the king that the earle of Leice∣ster was a traitor, and one that had spoiled the kings subiects: and furthermore by his vniust dealings had giuen to the Gascoignes cause of rebellion. The king to boult out the truth of this matter, sent first his chapleine Henrie Wingham, and afterwards sir Nicholas de Moles de Ualence, as commissio∣ners to inquire of the earles dooing, who went and re∣turned without finding any manifest crime in the earles demeanor. The earle was much offended that his innocencie should be thus suspected; but at length being appointed to returne into Gascoigne, he obeied and hauing a great summe of monie, he reteined a power of men of warre, as well Frenchmen as o∣thers, and meaning to be reuenged of those that had giuen the information against him, he strengthened himselfe with the aid of the king of Nauarre, and of the earle of Bigorre and other, so that he oppressed his aduersaries on ech hand, and so abated their pride,* 10.162 that if conuenientlie they might, they would haue yeelded themselues to some other prince, and vtterlie haue renounced the K. of England for euer. Where∣by it should seeme that he was throughlie reuenged of them euen to their no small smart, not in word and threatning, but with sword and bloud-shedding, de∣fending his innocencie, and manfullie shewing his warlike mind. But yet he had purchased to himselfe a greater portion of praise, if he had not with weapon but with wisedome made a conquest of the enimie: according to this sound counsell of a sage writer;

Ingenio studeas magè quàm superare furore,* 10.163 Ingenio vires cedunt, prudentia victrix Cuncta domat.

On the thirtéenth day of March,* 10.164 the new moone was séene, whereas the prime change by naturall course should not haue beene till the sixtéenth day following; and for the space of fiftéene daies that then next insu∣ed, the sunne, the moone, and starres appeared of a red colour. And herewith the whole face of the earth sée∣med as it had béene shadowed with a thicke mist or smoke, the wind notwithstanding remaining north and northeast. Then began a sore drought, continu∣ing a long time,* 10.165 the which togither with morning frosts, and northerlie winds, destroied the fruits and other growing things, which were blasted in such wise, that although at the first it was a verie forward yeare, and great plentie towards of corne and fruit, yet by the means aforesaid, the same was greatlie hindered and speciallie in the summer season, when the sunnes heat increased, and the drought still con∣tinued.

The residue of such fruits as then remained, wi∣thered awaie, so that scarse a tenth part was left, and yet there was indifferent store. For if the abundance which the blossomes promised had come forward, the trées had not béene able to haue borne the same. The grasse was so burned vp in pastures and medowes, that if a man tooke vp some of it in his hands, and rubbed the same neuer so little, it streight fell to poul∣der, and so cattell were readie to starue for lacke of meat. And bicause of the excéeding hot nights, there was such abundance of fleas, flies, and gnats, that people were vexed and brought in case to be wearie of their liues. And herewith chanced manie diseases,* 10.166 as sweats, agues, and other. In the haruest time fell there a great death and murren amongst cattell,* 10.167 and speciallie in Northfolke, in the fens and other parts of the south. This infection was such, that dogs and rauens feeding on the dead carrens, swelled streight∣waies and died, so that the people durst eat no beefe, least the flesh happilie might be infected.

Also this was noted not without great woonder, that yoong heifers and bullockes followed the milch∣kine, & as it had beene calues sucked the same kine. Also appletrées and pearetrées, now after the time of yeelding their ripe fruit, began againe to blossome, as if it had beene in Aprill.* 10.168 The cause of the death of cattell was thought to come hereof. After so great a

drought (which had continued by all the space of the moneths of Aprill, Maie, Iune, and Iulie) when there folowed good plentie of raine, the earth began to yeeld hir increase most plentiouslie of all growing things, though not so wholesome nor of such kindlie sub∣stance, as in due time and season she is accustomed to bring foorth, and so the cattell which before were hungerstarued, fed now so greedilie of this new grasse sproong vp in vndue season, that they were sud∣denlie puffed vp with flesh, and such vnnaturall hu∣mors, [line 10] as bred infections amongst them, whereof they died.

* 10.169The bishop of Lincolne would haue inforced all the beneficed men within his diocesse to be preests, but they purchased a licence from Rome, to remaine at the Uniuersities for certeine yeares, without ta∣king the order of préesthood vpon them. ¶ The king meaning to go (as he pretended) into the holie land, had grant of the pope to leuie a tenth of his subiects both spirituall and temporall.* 10.170 The Gascoignes sore [line 20] repining at the earle of Leicester his streict gouer∣nance (who handled them more roughlie than they had béene accustomed) sent the archbishop of Bur∣deaux ouer into England to exhibit a complaint a∣gainst him in all their names. The earle of Leice∣ster aduertised thereof, followed him, and comming to the court, found the archbishop readie to aduouch the information which he had made against the said earle, cheefelie in that he had sought the destruction of those to whom the earle of Cornewall when he was [line 30] ruler there, had granted life and peace, and whom sir Henrie Trubleuile, and Waleran the Dutchman, late stewards of Gascoigne, vnder the king, had che∣rished and mainteined. With manie other things the archbishop charged him,* 10.171 the which the earle witti∣lie refelled and disprooued, so as he was allowed in his iustification by those that stood by, as the earle of Cornewall and others.

* 10.172The bishop of Lincolne got authoritie of the pope to institute vicarages in churches impropriat to re∣ligious [line 40] men, where no vicars were; and where such were as séemed too slenderlie prouided of sufficient allowance, to augment the same as he thought expe∣dient: which his authoritie he vsed more largelie than stood with the pleasure of religious persons, bicause he shewed great fauour to the vicars. The copie of the letters which the bishop had procured of the pope, authorising him herein, followeth as we find the same in the chronicles of Matthew Paris.

[line 50]

The tenor of the popes grant.

INnocentius episcopus, &c. Cùm sicut accepimus in tua ciuitate & diocoesi, nonnulli religiosi & alij collegiati ec∣clesias perochiales in propriosvsus obti∣neant, in quibus nimis exiles aut nullae taxatae sunt vicariae; fraternitati tuae per authoritatem sum∣mam mandamus, quòd in ijsdem ecclesijs de ipsa∣rum [line 60] prouentibus vicarias instituas, & institutas exiles adaugeas vice nostra: prout iuxta consue∣tudinem patriae secundū Deum videtur expedire, non obstantibus sipraedicti exempti sint, aut aliàs muniti apostolicis priuilegijs sine indulgentijs, per quae id impediri vel differri possit; & de quibus speciale oporteat in praesentibus fieri mentionem: contradictores per censuras ecclesiasticas apostoli∣ca potestate compescendo. Datum Lugduni 7 Octob. pontificatus nostri, An. 8.

* 11.1The earle of Leicester was eftsoones sent into Gas∣coigne by the king, who had not cared if he had fallen into his enimies hands, as should appeare. But the earle hired souldiers in France, and comming into Gascoigne, preuailed against his enimies, though in one conflict he was in danger of loosing both life and the honour of the field. But yet through his good hap, Gods fauour, and the valiancie of himselfe and some of his retinue, he got the vpper hand, and put his eni∣mies to flight, taking Rusteine,* 11.2 one of the cheefe ring-leaders, whom he caused to be presented to the king. At the same time had the king inuested his son Ed∣ward with the duchie of Aquitaine to the offense of the earle of Cornewall,* 11.3 to whom by charter he had be∣fore giuen and confirmed the same. In a iusts holden at Walden, sir Arnold de Monteinie a right valiant knight was slaine by sir Roger de Lemborne, for which mischance all the Nobles there assembled made great lamentation, and namelie the said sir Roger: but yet he was suspected to be in blame, bi∣cause the socket of his staffe was polished, & not aba∣ted. Hereby it should appeare, that in qualitie of wea∣pon, and not in maner of their running togither, these iusts and tornies in those daies practised diffe∣red from the verie order of warre.

The 17 of September the cathedrall church of Elie was dedicated,* 11.4 which the bishop of that sée na∣med Hugh had builded of his owne proper costs and charges, togither with the palace there. The king and a great number of the péeres & nobles of the realme both spirituall and temporall were present at this so∣lemne feast, which was kept in most plentifull man∣ner. The 13 day of October,* 11.5 the king held a great feast at London, and had called the states of the realme, then and there to assemble in parlement, wherein he opened to them the popes grant, which he had obteined of the tenths due to the church,* 11.6 to be re∣ceiued by him for thrée yeares, towards his charges in his iournie which he meant to make into the holie land. The bishops, and namelie Lincolne, vtterlie re∣fused to be contributarie to his grant.

They alledged sundrie reasons for their excuse,* 11.7 as the pouertie of the English church being alreadie made bare, with continuall exactions and oppressi∣ons; but chéeflie they excused themselues by the ab∣sence of the archbishops of Canturburie and Yorke, of whom the one was beyond the sea, and the other at home in the north parts. All th' other English bishops were there, except Hereford & Chester, which Chester was sicke, and therefore without the consent of those that were absent, and namelie their primat the arch∣bishop of Canturburie, they could not conclude vpon any generall point touching the kings demand. And although the king fretted and stormed against them, yet could he not bring them to his purpose, so that the parlement for that time was dissolued. Yet before their departure from London, he communed with the bishops apart, to sée if he might persuade them to giue him some portion of monie towards his char∣ges: but they had tuned their strings all after one note, discording all from his tenor, so that not a pe∣nie could be got of them:* 11.8 wherefore he tooke high dis∣pleasure against them, reuiling them in most re∣prochfull maner, and amongst other he vpbraided his halfe brother (the elect of Winchester) of great vn∣thankefulnesse, who also amongst the residue stood a∣gainst him.

The king hauing this repulse at the bishops hands,* 11.9 began to fall in talke with the lords of the temporal∣tie touching the troubles in Gascoigne, where things were in broile by the hard dooings of the earle of Lei∣cester, against whom the Gascoignes ceassed not to make warre still, and of late hauing besieged him in the castell of Mountalbon, droue him to such shift, that to escape the present danger he was glad to set at libertie certeine rebels, which he had before taken

captiues. Therefore to reduce that countrie vnto quietnesse, the king determined to go thither him∣selfe, and to remooue the earle of Leicester out of his office: but when he came to the pith of the mat∣ter, which was to desire their aid both of men and monie, the lords would not agree to grant him anie. And where he sought to burthen the erle of Leicester with misgouerning things against his honour, they excused the same earle, and so the lords also departed in displeasure of the king as well as the bishops. [line 10] Howbeit the king got of the Londoners by way of princelie praier twentie thousand marks of gold at that time.* 11.10 And to their further gréefe for better meane to be reuenged against the bishop of Elie, he caused the said Londoners to kéepe saint Edwards faire for fiftéene daies togither at Westminster, and in the meane time to keepe their shops shut through all the citie. Which thing (by reason of the foule wea∣ther chancing at that time) was verie greeuous vnto them, albeit there was such repaire of people thither, [line 20] that London had not beene fuller to the iudgement of old ancient men neuer at anie time in their daies to their remembrance.

This yeare died sir Nicholas Samford knight, a man of great reputation and valiancie.* 11.11 Also on the twentith day of October, the countesse of Winche∣ster daughter to the earle of Hereford departed this life at Grobie,* 11.12 a manour place belonging to hir hus∣band the earle of Winchester, a little besides Leice∣ster, and was buried at Braklie. The said earle short∣lie [line 30] after married an other wife in hope of issue. For neither by this his last wife, neither by his first that was daughter to the lord Alane de Galowaie had he any children.* 11.13 Also the same yeare, that noble ladie Margaret countesse of Lisle surnamed Riuers,* 11.14 som∣time wife to Fouks de Brent, departed out of this world, about the second day of October. In the sea∣uen and thirtith yeare of king Henries reigne, one of the popes notaries called Albert came into Eng∣land to offer vnto Richard earle of Cornewall the [line 40] kings brother,* 11.15 * 11.16 the kingdoms of Naples and Sicill. But the earle supposing it not to stand with his ho∣nour, to depriue his nephue Henrie, sonne to the em∣peror Frederike the second, by his wife the empresse Isabell that was sister to the said erle, refused to take that honour vpon him.

About the same time, that is to say, on the octaues of saint Martin, Boniface the archbishop of Cantur∣burie arriued in England, comming from the court of Rome, where he had beene long resiant. ¶ At the [line 50] same time there chanced a great occasion of strife betwixt the said archbishop, and the bishop of Win∣chester. For where maister Eustace de Lin, officiall to the said archbishop had first excommunicated, and after for his contumacie caused to be attached a preest which by authoritie of the elect of Winchester as diocesane there, was entred into possession of an hospitall in Southwarke, as gouernour thereof, by the name of prior, without consent of the officiall: who pretended title as patrone in his maisters [line 60] name. The said elect of Winchester caused a riotous sort of persons after the maner of warre to seeke re∣uenge hereof, the which after manie outrages doone, came to Lambeth, and there by violence tooke the said Eustace out of his owne house, and led him to Farnham, where he was kept as prisoner.

The archbishop thus serued at his first comming ouer, and taking the same but for a homlie welcome, was maruellouslie offended, and comming to Lon∣don accompanied with the bishops of Chichester and Hereford, in the church of saint Marie bowe, being reuested in pontificalibus, pronounced all those ac∣curssed, which were authours or fauourers of such a rash and presumptuous deed, and further commanded all the bishops within his prouince, by vertue of their obedience, to denounce the same in their churches e∣uerie sundaie and holie day. The bishop of Winche∣ster on the other part, sent commandement to the deane of Southwarke, to resist the archbishop to his face, and to denounce his cursse to be void, vaine, and of no force, but deuised of a craftie purpose and wic∣ked meaning. The archbishop continuing in his con∣ceiued displeasure, went to Oxenford, and there on the morrow after saint Nicholas day, renewed the same cursse in solemne wise before all the learned men, students, and scholers of the Uniuersitie.

Howbeit, at length the matter was taken vp be∣twixt them, for the king in his brothers cause, [year 1253] and the queene for hir vncle the archbishop, tooke some paine to agree them:* 11.17 and so in the octaues of the Epiphanie they were made freends, and those absolued that were excommunicated, in which number William de Ua∣lence, and Iohn de Warren were thought to be con∣teined, as those that should be present in vsing the force against the officiall (as before ye haue heard.) By inquirie taken about this time by the diligence of the bishop of Lincolne, it was found that the yéer∣lie profits and reuenues of spirituall promotions and liuings resting in strangers hands preferred by the popes prouisions,* 11.18 amounted to the summe of thréescore and ten thousand marks, which was more by two third parts, than the kings reuenues belong∣ing to his crowne.

The earle of Glocester and the lord William de Ualence went ouer into France in most trium∣phant manner, to conclude a marriage betwixt the sonne of the said earle of Glocester, and the daughter of the lord Guie of Engolesme. Which marriage the king had motioned for the affection which he bare to∣wards the aduancement of his linage, by the mo∣thers side. Whereat bicause they were strangers, the English nobilitie somewhat repined. And whereas like lustie yoong gentlemen they attempted a iusts and tornie to shew some proofe of their valiant sto∣machs, they were well beaten by the Frenchmen, that disdained to see yoong men so presumptuous, to prouoke old accustomed warriours to the triall of such martiall enterprises.* 11.19 About the beginning of Lent, the new moone was seene foure daies before shée ought to haue appeared by hir due and common course.

The king by a shift got of the Londoners 1000 marks. For as it happened about the same time the youthfull citizens (for an exercise and triall of their actiuitie) had set foorth a game to run at the quin∣tine, and whosoeuer did best,* 11.20 should haue a peacocke which they had prepared for a prise. Certeine of the kings seruants, bicause the court laie then at West∣minster, came (as it were in spite of the citizens) to the game, and giuing reprochfull names to the Lon∣doners (which for the dignitie of the citie and ancient priuileges which they ought to haue inioied were called barons) the said Londoners not able to beare so to be misused, fell vpon the kings seruants,* 11.21 and bet them shrewdlie, so that vpon complaint, the king cau∣sed the citizens to fine for their rash dooings. Wherein the Londoners followed the counsell of him that in a case of strife, said

Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito, Audaces fortuna iuuat.

Moreouer, about the same time, the king vpon displeasure conceiued against the earle of Leicester, had caused him to resigne his office of the warden∣ship of Gascoigne:* 11.22 and bicause the earle had it by patent, the king not able to find any iust cause of for∣feiture, agréed to paie vnto him for the resignation no small portion of monie. And whereas the Gas∣coignes had charged the earle with too much streict

handling of them, whereby they were occasioned to raise tumults, the matter was now nothing at all a∣mended. For after the earle had resigned, they conti∣nued still in rebellion,* 11.23 so that the Rioll with S. Milli∣ons and other places were taken by the aduersaries out of the kings hands, and great slaughter of people made in those parts: wherefore the king minding to go thither, caused musters to be taken, and men put in a redinesse according to the custome, that he might vnderstand what number of able men furnished for the warre were to be had. He also tooke order that e∣uerie [line 10] man that might dispend yeerlie fiftéene pounds in lands should be made knight.* 11.24

Moreouer, for the better preseruation of peace and quietnesse amongst his people, he appointed watch to be kept by night in cities and borough townes. And further by the aduise of the Sauoisines, which were about him,* 11.25 he ordeined that if any man chanced to be robbed, or by any meanes damnified by any théefe or robber, he to whom the kéeping of that coun∣trie cheefelie apperteined where the robberie was [line 20] doone, should competentlie restore the losse: and this was after the vsage of Sauoy, but was thought more hard to be obserued here, than in those parts, where are not so manie bypaths and starting corners to shift out of the waie. ¶ The Gascoignes continu∣ed in their seditious dooings, and namelie Gascon de Bierne, who renouncing his dutie and obedience to the king of England ioined himselfe to the king of Spaine, through his helpe to be the stronger & more able to annoie the English subiects. The euill intrea∣ting [line 30] vsed towards the Gascoignes which brought hither wines,* 11.26 in that the same were oftentimes ta∣ken from them by the kings officers, and other, with∣out readie monie allowed for the sale, gaue occasion to them to grudge and repine against the king.

* 11.27In the quindene of Easter a parlement began at London, in which all the states being assembled, the matter was mooued for aiding the king with some reléefe of monie towards the iournie which he ment to make into the holie land: and so at length it was [line 40] agréed that a tenth part of all the reuenues belong∣ing to the church was granted to him for thrée yeares space,* 11.28 and that escuage should be leuied for that yeare, after thrée markes of euerie knights fée, and the king on the other part promised faithfullie to ob∣serue and mainteine the grant of the great charter,* 11.29 and all the articles conteined within the same. For further assurance whereof, on the third day of Maie, in the great hall at Westminster, in the presence and by the assent of the king and the earles of Nor∣folke, [line 50] Hereford, Oxford, Warwike, and other No∣ble men, by the archbishop of Canturburie as pri∣mate, and by the bishops of London, Elie, Lincolne, Worcester, Norwich, Hereford, Salisburie, Dur∣ham, Excester, Carliell, Bath, Rochester, and S. Da∣uies, reuested and apparelled in pontificalibus, with tapers, according to the maner, the sentence of ex∣communication was pronounced against all trans∣gressors of the liberties of the church, and of the anci∣ent liberties and customes of the realme of Eng∣land, [line 60] and namelie those which are conteined in the great charter, and in the charter of forrest.

Whilest the sentence was in reading, the king held his hand vpon his breast with glad and chéerefull countenance, and when in the end they threw awaie their extinct and smoking tapers, saieng,

So let them be extinguished and sinke into the pit of hell which run into the dangers of this sentence; the king said, So helpe me God, as I shall obserue and kéepe all these things, euen as I am a christian man, as I am a knight, and as I am a king crowned and annoin∣ted.

But afterward when he through other counsell brake his promise therein,* 11.30 he was aduised by some to giue a portion of that monie which he got at this time, to the Pope, that he might of him be absolued.

Immediatlie after the breaking vp of the parle∣ment, that is to saie, about the first of Iune, the king being earnestlie called vpon by messengers sent from the Gascoignes to prouide in time for the de∣fense and safegard of that countrie, sith otherwise he stood in danger to loose it,* 11.31 with all speed he resolued to go thither; and therevpon caused summons to be gi∣uen to all those that held of him by knights seruice, to prepare to be at Portesmouth, with horsse and ar∣mour in the octaues of the Trinitie. Herewith he made great prouision of ships, the which being assem∣bled, and the armie likewise come togither, through lacke of conuenient wind he was inforced to stay a long time, to his great gréefe and no lesse charges.

Finallie, on the 6 of August he tooke the sea,* 11.32 lea∣uing his brother the earle of Cornewall, and the quéene in charge with gouernance of the realme, and of his sonne the lord Edward. There departed with him from Portesmouth thrée hundred sailes of great ships, besides a number of other smaller vessels. And thus accompanied, he tooke his course to Gascoigne, & about our ladie day named hir Assumption, he ar∣riued at Burdeaux,* 11.33 where he was of the citizens ho∣norablie receiued. Immediatlie after his arriuall there, he caused the towne of the Rioll to be compas∣sed about with a strong siege, within the which a great number of rebels were inclosed, which valiant∣lie defended the place in hope of rescue, which Gaston de Bierne that was fled to the king of Spaine had promised to procure for them. But the king of Eng∣land to preuent them in that point, sent the bishop of Bath,* 11.34 and his trustie chapleine sir Iohn Mansell vn∣to the said king of Spaine, to conclude freendship and aliance with him, so that the lord Edward his eldest sonne might marrie the king of Spaine his daughter.

After long treatie,* 11.35 by the diligence of the said am∣bassadors, a full conclusion followed of their motion. And whereas the king of England had giuen and as∣signed the dominion of Gascoigne to his said sonne the lord Edward, the king of Spaine in the instru∣ment that conteined the couenants of the marriage, resigned and quite claimed all the right and title within Gascoigne which he had or might haue by the gift of king Henrie the second, and by confirmation of the kings, Richard and Iohn. In this meane while, the townes and castels which the rebels held, were won and deliuered into the kings hands, and here∣with followed a great dearth in the kings armie, so that a hen was sold for six pence sterling,* 11.36 a pound weight in bread was at two pence or three pence, a gallon of wine at two shillings, a coome of foure bu∣shels of wheat at twentie shillings, so that a knight with his esquire, and coistrell with his two horsses, might scarse be competentlie found for two shillings in siluer. Wherefore the king to relieue his people there with him on that side the sea, sent the prior of Newbourgh with other into England, to cause pro∣uision of vittels and other necessaries to be conueied and brought vnto him into Gascoigne, and so there was a great quantitie of graine and powdred flesh taken vp and sent awaie with all conuenient spéed.

The earle of Leicester came to the king, bringing with him out of France where he had remained for a time; a faire companie of souldiers and men of warre to the kings aid, and was verie courteouslie receiued. The Gascoignes then perceiued the kings power to increase, and saw how not onelie the castels wherein they trusted to haue refuge were wo••ne and gotten out of their hands by the king of England, but also that their vines (wherein chéeflie consisted their hope of sustentation) were burned vp and de∣stroied,

they began to humble themselues, and so by little and little returned to their due obedience,* 11.37 after that the authors of their seditious tumults were ei∣ther apprehended, or chased out of the countrie.

* 11.38This yeare died Richard Witz the bishop of Chi∣chester, a man of great vertue and singular know∣ledge. Also that famous clearke Robert Grosted bi∣shop of Lincolne departed this life on the day of S. Denise in the night, at his manor of Bugdon, whose learning coupled with vertue and vprightnesse of [line 10] life wan to him perpetuall commendation.* 11.39 He was a manifest blamer of pope and king, a reproouer of prelats, a corrector of moonks, a director of preests, an instructor of clearkes, a susteinor of scholers, a prea∣cher to the people, a persecutor of incontinent liuers, a diligent searcher of the scriptures, a contemnor and a verie mallet of such strangers as sought pre∣ferment in this realme by the popes prouisions: in housekeeping liberall, in corporall refection plenti∣full, and in ministring spirituall food, deuout and god∣lie [line 20] affected: in his bishoplike office diligent, reue∣rend, and neuer wearied: a singular example of a bi∣shop, speciallie in those daies, and at whose life our re∣formed bishops may fetch light to abandon their darkenesse, and to amend that which is amisse in them, sith

Validiora sunt exempla quàm praecepta, * 11.40Et pleniùs docemur vita quàm verbo.

* 11.41Moreouer there died in Gascoigne, William de Uescie a baron of great fame in the north parts. Also in the spring and summer of this yeare was a great [line 30] drought, and in the haruest season fell such wet, that great floods by the rising of the riuers,* 11.42 and ouerflow∣ing their banks, did much hurt in sundrie places of the realme. Againe in the later end of haruest about Michaelmasse, there was eftsoones such a drought, that men could get no grinding at the milles,* 11.43 but were constreined to go in some places a daies iour∣nie off, to haue their corne groond. In the eight and thirtith yeare of king Henries reigne, the quéene was deliuered of a daughter which was called Ka∣therin,* 11.44 [line 40] bicause the same was borne on saint Kathe∣rins daie.

On S. Lucies daie, there fell a great snowe, and withall a winters thunder, for a token of some euill to follow.* 11.45 The king to settle the state of the countrie of Gascoigne in better order, tarried there all the winter, and repared certeine decaied townes and ca∣stels. [year 1254] The quéene kept hir Christmasse at London, where she laie in child-bed, and was purified on the euen of the Epiphanie, making a roiall feast, at the [line 50] which manie great lords were present, as the archbi∣shop of Canturburie, the bishop of Elie, the earls of Cornewall and Glocester, and manie other. She sent ouer at the same time to hir husband for a new yeers gift the summe of fiue hundred marks of hir owne reuenues,* 11.46 towards the maintenance of his warres. On the euen of the Circumcision of our Lord,* 11.47 in the night season, whilest the aire was most cleare and bright with shining starres, the moone being eight daies old, there appeared in the element the perfect [line 60] forme and likenesse of a mightie great ship, which was first séene of certeine moonks of saint Albons, who remaining at saint Amphibalus,* 11.48 were got vp to behold by the starres, if it were time for them to go to mattens; but perceiuing that strange sight, they called vp such of their acquaintance as lodged néere at hand, to view the same. At length it séemed as the bourds and ioints thereof had gone in sunder, and so it vanished awaie. There followed a maruellous sore later end of a winter, through cold and ouer∣sharpe weather, which continued till the feast of S. Gregorie in March next insuing.* 11.49 Also there chanced the same yeare a great murren and death of shéepe and deere, so that of whole flocks and heards scarse the one halfe escaped.

Whilest the king remained still in Gascoigne, he sent for his wife queene Elenor, with his eldest sonne Edward, but bicause he could not make an end of all his businesse that winter, he continued there the summer also. And forsomuch as he stood in néed of monie, to haue some reasonable pretense to demand a subsidie, in the beginning of March, he sent to his brother Richard the earle of Cornewall (which was come ouer before cheefelie for that purpose) certeine instructions, to declare how there was like to follow great warre, by means of Alfonse the tenth of that name king of Castile, who manaced verie shortlie to inuade the confines of Gascoigne perteining to the English dominion,* 11.50 and therefore he required of his faithfull subiects some aid of monie, wherby he might be able to resist his aduersarie the said K. of Castile. Earle Richard did what he could to persuade the peo∣ple to this paiment, but he cast his net in vaine be∣fore the face of the feathered foule, as the old pro∣uerbe saith,

Apparens rete fugêre volucria quae{que}.

For though he set forth the matter to the vttermost in the presence of the Nobles and other estates, yet would they not heare of anie paiment to be made, as those that smelled out the feined fetch and forged tale of the kings need. For they had intelligence that there was an agreement concluded betwixt him and the king of Spaine. And for the same cause the quéene and the lord Edward were gone ouer, that the king of Spaine might haue a sight of him, as he had required, when the couenants of the marriage were accorded.

The states of the realme were twise assembled at London about the grant of this paiment, but all in vaine; so that they were constreined to passe it ouer with silence, and to surceasse in the matter to their great gréefe, and namelie the earle of Cornewall, who had taken great paines therein. Yet for that he would not returne with emptie hand, he leuied by rigorous means a great summe of the Iewes (of whom a maine multitude inhabited at that season in London) and therewith returning to his brother king Henrie, shewed him how he had sped. The king was not a little offended with them that thus had denied to helpe him with monie,* 11.51 insomuch that vpon euerie light occasion, he was readie to reuenge his displea∣sure towards them, in taking awaie such grants of priuileges and liberties as before he had made. But now to auoid suspicion of his feined pretense of war betwixt him and king Alfonse, he sent his sonne Ed∣ward into Castile vnto the same Alfonse,* 11.52 vnder a co∣lor to compound with him for peace, wheras the verie occasion of his going thither, was to purchase him the ladie Elenor to wise, that was sister to the said king Alfonse.

At his comming to the court of Spaine, he was verie honorablie receiued of the king, and in the end, vpon conference had of his message, obteined his suit, so that king Alfonse was content to bestow vp∣on him his daughter in marriage, with the countie of Pontieu in France,* 11.53 which she held in right of hir mother queene Ione, the second wife of Ferdinando the king of Castile, father vnto this king Alfonse, which Ione was the onelie daughter and heire of Si∣mon earle of Pontieu, and had issue by hir husband the said Ferdinando two sonnes, Ferdinando and Lewes, with one daughter; to wit, the foresaid Ele∣nor, the which by reason hir brethren died yoong, was heire to hir mother. The lord Edward hauing dis∣patched his businesse according to his desire, returned with a ioifull hart to his father, and declared to him what he had doone. His father most glad thereof,* 11.54 for

an a••••men••anon of honour,* 11.55 created him prince of W••les and earle of ••••ester, and appointed him to be his deputie and generall lieutenant both in Guien and in Ireland, and gaue to him the townes of Bri∣s••ow Stamford and Grantham. Hereof came it, that ••uer after the kings eldest sonne was made imme∣diat••ie vpon his birth prince of Wales and earle of ••••ester.* 11.56 He creat••d also his other sonne named Ed∣mund earle of Lancaster.

About this season were certeine ships driuen by [line 10] force of wind and weather into certeine hauens on the north coasts of England towards Barwike, w••ich ships were of a verie strange forme and fashi∣on, but mightie and strong. The men that were a∣boord the same ships were of some farre countrie, for their language was vnknowne, and not vnderstand∣able to any man that could be brought to talke with them. The fraught and balast of the ships was ar∣mour and weapon, as habergeons, helmets, speares, bowes, arrowes, crosbowes and darts, with great [line 20] store of vittels. There laie also without the hauens on the coast diuerse other ships of like forme, mold and fashion. Those that were driuen into the hauens were staied for a time by the bailiffes of the ports. But fi∣nal••ie, when it could not be knowne what they were, nor from whence they came, they were licenced to de∣part without losse or harme in bodie or goods.

* 11.57About Candlemasse, Gaston de Bierne, assem∣bling togither a multitude of the kings enimies, tho∣rough the intelligence of some of the citizens of [line 30] Ba••on that fauoured not the king, wrought so, that certeine of his number entred that citie, meaning to haue bereft the king of the dominion thereof. But other of the citizins (namelie those of the meaner sort which fauoured the king) made such resistance, that the e••imies which were entred, were apprehended, and diuerse of them suffered punishment, as they had well deserued. After this, there chanced a mutinie in the English armie,* 11.58 bicause the kings brethren and the bishop of Hereford tooke vpon them to punish [line 40] certeine Welshmen, for that without commission they had béene abrod to spoile within the French con∣fines. Therfore in asmuch as the punishment séemed to exceed the degrée and qualitie of the offense; and a∣gaine, for that the earle of Hereford being constable of the host by inheritance ought to haue had the order of all corrections in cases of such offenses, the Eng∣lishmen were in mind to haue slaine all the Poi∣c••ouins in despite of the kings brethren, if the king had not in humble wise sought to haue appeased their [line 50] furie.

The wind continuing this yeare for the space of thrée moneths and od daies northerlie, did greatlie hinder the growth and increase of floures and fruits: and about the first of Iulie there fell such a storme of haile and raine,* 11.59 as the like had not béene seene nor heard of in those daies, breaking downe the tiles and other couerings of houses, with boughes of trées, by the violent aboundance and force of the water and hailestones, which continued aboue the space of an [line 60] houre powring and beating downe incessantlie. Af∣ter this, when the king had remained a whole yeare in Guien,* 11.60 he returned homewards through France, and comming vnto Charters, was honorablie there receiued of Lewes the French king, as then latelie returned out of the holie land, and from thence he was roiallic by the same king Lewes brought vnto Paris.* 11.61 The countesse of Cornewall went ouer with a noble traine of lords, gentlemen, and others, to be present at the méeting of hir two sisters, the queenes of England and France, so that the roialtie of the as∣semblie on ech part was great.

After that king Henrie had continued there for his pleasure certeine daies, [year 1255] he returned to England, landing at Douer in Christmasse weeke. This iour∣nie into Gascoigne was verie costlie, and to small purpose (as writers haue recorded) for the kings char∣ges amounted to the summe of 27 hundred thousand pounds and aboue, except lands and rents, which he gaue vnaduisedlie to those which l••ttle deserued, but rather sought the hinderance both of him and his realme, besides the gift of ••0 thousand marks, which he bestowed vpon his halfe brethren by the mothers side, not reckoning the lands nor rents, neither yet the wards nor the horsses, nor iewels which he gaue to them besides, being of price inestimable. Thus in two iournies which he made, the one into Poictou, which countrie he lost; and the other into Gascoigne, which he hardlie preserued; he spent more treasure than a wise chapman would haue giuen for them both if they had béene set on sale (as Matthew Par•••• writeth) so that it might be verified in him that is meant by the old prouerbe,

Qui procul excurrit, sed nil mercatur ibidem, Sivia longa fuit, rediens tristatur hic idem.

Moreouer to increase the kings vaine charges, so it fell out, that pope Innocent bearing grudge to∣wards Conrade king of Sicill, offered that king∣dome (as before is partlie touched) to Richard duke of Cornewall, who refused the offer, aswell for other causes, as chieflie for that the pope would not agrée to such conditions as earle Richard thought necessa∣rie for his assurance. Wherevpon the pope granted that kingdome vnto king Henrie,* 11.62 with manie good∣lie promises of aid to his furtherance for atteining the possession thereof. King Henrie ioifullie receiued that grant, and called his sonne Edmund openlie by the name of K. of Sicill, and to furnish the pope with monie for the maintenance of his war against Con∣rade, he got togither all such sums as he could make, aswell out of his owne coffers, and out of the exche∣ker, as by borrowing of his brother earle Richard, and likewise what he could scrape from the Iewes,* 11.63 or otherwise extort by the rapine of the iustices itine∣rants: all which he sent to the pope, who not con∣tent herwith (when he began ef••s••••ns to want) wrote againe to the king for more.

The king through the instinct of the diuell, to an∣swer the popes auarice,* 11.64 sent him letters patents ob∣ligatorie, signed with his roiall seale, by which he might take by way of lone such summes of monie, as would largelie serue his turne of the merchants Ita∣lians, willing him not to sticke at the disbursing of treasure, nor at the great quantitie of the interest ri∣sing vpon the vsurie, for he would discharge all: and herevnto he bound himselfe vnder paine to forfeit his kingdome and other his heritages.* 11.65 The pope consenting herevnto, accepted this large offer. If he did well herein (saith Matthew Paris) the Lord the iudge of all iudges iudge it, to whom apperteineth the care of all things. To conclude,* 11.66 much monie was spent, for the pope spared not the king of Englands pursse, though little good was doone therewith. At length Conrade died, not without suspicion of poi∣son. The pope being aduertised of his death, reioised greatlie, as he well vttered in plaine words, saieng;

Let vs all that be the children of the Romish church reioise, for now two of our greatest enimies are dis∣patched out of the waie; the one a spirituall man, that is to saie, Robert bishop of Lincolne; and the other a laie-man, that is Conrade king of Sicill.* 11.67

But yet the pope missed of his purpose, for Manfred the ba∣stard sonne of the emperour Frederike the second, was shortlie after proclaimed king of Sicill, and so the second errour was greater than the first.

About the quindene of Easter,* 11.68 there was a parle∣ment holden at London, at the which were assembled all the states of the realme in greater number than

had béene commonlie seene. This parlement was chéefelie called, to let them vnderstand the kings ne∣cessitie of monie for discharging of his debts, and to require them of their aid towards the same.* 11.69 But whereas he requested more than was thought stood with reason, they would not agrée therevnto, but de∣sired that he would confirme, and without all cauilla∣tion sweare to obserue the liberties which by the char∣ter he had promised to hold. Moreouer they required, that by the common councell of the realme they [line 10] might choose to them the cheefe iustice, the chancellour and treasuror, but they were answered plainelie by some of the priuie councell, that this request would at no hand be granted.

Furthermore, the prelats complained, that they were driuen to paie the tenths which they promised conditionallie, as it were now by constreint and of dutie, to the preiudice of the liberties of the church. The Nobles also found themselues gréeued for the exactions which they saw at hand, but finallie, after manie things had beene debated touching these mat∣ters, [line 20] the parlement was adiourned till Michaelmas next,* 11.70 and euerie man departed to his home, with no great trust of the kings good will towards them, nor anie hartie thanks receiued of him for their paines, as may be thought by that which writers haue recor∣ded. Two Noble men, to whom the custodie and gui∣ding of the king and quéene of Scots was commit∣ted, that is to say, Robert de Ros, and Iohn de Baili∣oll,* 11.71 were accused, for misusing themselues in the trust and charge which they had taken vpon them. [line 30] King Henrie was the same time at Notingham. The information came foorth by a physician, who was sent from the queene of England, vnto hir daughter the quéene of Scots, to be about hir for gard of hir health, but bicause the same physician (whose name was Reignold of Bath) perceiued the quéene of Scots to be impaired in health through anguish of mind,* 11.72 by reason of the misdemeanor of such as had the gouernement of hir and hir husband, he sticked [line 40] not to blame and reprooue them in their dooings, for the which he was poisoned, as some thinke: for the truth was, he shortlie after sickened and died, signifi∣eng vpon his death-bed vnto the quéene of England what he misliked and thought amisse in those▪ that had the dooings about hir daughter and hir husband the Scotish king.

* 11.73The moone suffered a maruellous eclipse on the night following the day of S. Margaret in Iulie. It began afore midnight, and continued foure houres. The king in the behalfe of his daughter the queene [line 50] of Scots raised a power, and drew northwards, sending before him the earle of Glocester,* 11.74 and Iohn Mansell that was his chapleine and one of his coun∣cell. These two so vsed the matter, that they came to Edenburgh, where the king and queene of Scots then laie in the castell, into the which the•• entred, and altred the order of the houshold, so as stood with the contentation of the king and queene, which were in such wise vsed before that time, that they were not [line 60] suffered to lie togither, nor scarse come to talke togither.

* 11.75Robert de Ros was summoned to appeare before the king of England, to answer to such things as might be laid to his charge. At the first he withdrew himselfe, but afterwards he came in, and submitted himselfe to the kings pleasure. Diuerse of the nobles of Scotland tooke it not well, that the earle of Gloce∣ster and Iohn Mansell should thus come into the ca∣stell of Edenburgh, and order things in the kings house in such sort at their pleasure: wherevpon they assembled a power, and besieged the castell, but at length perceiuing their owne error, they raised their siege and departed. Iohn de Bailioll being accused of the like crime that was laid to the charge of his fellow Robert de Ros, for a p••ece of monie bought his peace and was pardoned, but the lands of Robert de Ros were seized into the kings hands. Finallie, the king and queene of England came to an enter∣uiew with the king of Scots and the quéene their daughter, and setting all things with them in such or∣der as was thought conuenient, they returned to∣wards the south parts.

In the meane season,* 11.76 the bishop of Hereford de∣uised a shift to helpe the K. with monie, towards the paiments of his debts, by obteining certeine auten∣tike seales of the prelats of this land, wherewith he signed certeine instruments and writings, wherein was expressed, that he had receiued diuerse summes of monie for dispatch of businesse perteining to them and to their churches, of this and that merchant of Florence or Siena, whereby they stood bound for re∣paiment thereof by the same instruments and wri∣tings so made by him their agent in their names. This shift was deuised by the said bishop of Here∣ford, with licence obteined therevnto of the king, and also of the pope, vnto whome for the same intent the said bishop was sent, with sir Robert Walerane knight. The pope was the sooner persuaded to grant licence for the contriuing of such manner of shift, bi∣cause the monie should go to the discharging of the kings debts, into the which he was run, by bearing the charges of the warres against the king of Si∣cill.

About the feast of saint Edward, the parlement began againe at London,* 11.77 in which the states trea∣ted of a subsidie to be granted to the king,* 11.78 but they could not conclude thereof, neither would Richard earle of Cornewall disburse anie monie at that sea∣son to his brother the king, bicause he allowed not the maner of laieng it out for the warres against Man∣fred, being taken in hand without his consent. The same years, the king by the procurement of his bro∣ther Richard earle of Cornewall,* 11.79 had seized the li∣berties of the citie of London into his owne hands, vnder colour that the maior had not doone his dutie in the iust punishing of bakers for breaking of the assises of their bread. Herevpon, where the maior and communaltie of the citie had by the kings grant the citie to farme, with diuerse customes and offices, at a certeine rate and stinted summe of monie; now the king set officers therein at his pleasure, which were accomptable to him for all the reuenues and profits that grew within the citie.

But whereas the malice which the earle of Corne∣wall bare to the citie, was, for that they would not exchange with him c••rteine grounds that belonged to their communaltie, they were glad to agree with him, and paie vnto him six hundred marks. After which agréement concluded, about the nintéenth daie of Nouember, they were shortlie after restored to their liberties. This chanced before the kings com∣ming ouer, who at his comming to London, lodged in the tower, and vpon new displeasure conceiued a∣gainst the citie for the escape of a prisoner (being a clearke conuict) out of Newgate, which had killed a prior, that was of aliance to the king, as cousine to the queene, the king sent for the maior and the shirifs to come before him to answer the matter. The ma∣ior laid the fault from him to the shiriffes, for so much as to them belonged the kéeping of all the prisoners within the citie: and so the maior returned home a∣gaine,* 11.80 but the shiriffes remained there as prisoners by the space of a whole moneth or more, and yet they excused themselues, in that the fault cheefelie rested in the bishops officers: for whereas the prisoner was vnder his custodie, they at his request had granted him licence to imprison the offendor within their

ward of Newgate, but so as his officers were char∣ged to see him safe kept. The king notwithstanding demanded of the citie thrée thousand marks for a fine.

Moreouer, whereas he stood in great néed of mo∣nie, he required by way of a tallage eight thousand marks of the Iewes,* 11.81 charging them on paine of han∣ging, not to deferre that paiment. The Iewes sore impouerished with gréeuous and often paiments ex∣cused themselues by the popes vsurers, and reprooued [line 10] plainelie the kings excessiue taking of monie, as well of his christian subiects as of them. The king on the other side, to let it be knowne that he taxed not his people without iust occasion, and vpon necessitie that droue him thereto, confessed openlie, that he was in∣debted by his bonds obligatorie, in thrée hundred thousand marks:* 11.82 and againe, the yearelie reuenues assigned to his sonne prince Edward, arose to the summe of fifteene thousand marks and aboue, where the reuenues that belonged vnto the crowne were [line 20] greatlie diminished, in such wise, that without the aid of his subiects, he should neuer be able to come out of debt. To be short, when he had fléeced the Iewes to the quicke, he set them to farme vnto his brother earle Richard,* 11.83 that he might pull off skin and all; but yet considering their pouertie, he spared them, and ne∣uerthelesse, to relieue his brothers necessitie, vpon a pawne he lent him an huge masse of monie. These shifts did the king vse from time to time, not caring with what exactions and impositions he burthened [line 30] the inhabitants of his land, whereby he procured vn∣to himselfe the name of an oppressor and couetous scraper. But what woonder is it in a king, sith

* 11.84Maxima paris hominum morbo iactatur eodem?

About the same time, Lewes the French king sent vnto king Henrie for a present an elephant,* 11.85 a beast most strange and woonderfull to the English people, sith most seldome or neuer any of that kind had béene séene in England before that time. The French queene also sent for a present vnto the king of Eng∣land [line 40] an ewer of pearle like to a peacocke in forme and fashion,* 11.86 garnished most richlie with gold, siluer, and saphires to furnish him foorth in all points of fine and cunning workemanship, to the verie resem∣blance of a liuing peacocke. ¶Manie woonders chan∣ced about this time. The sea rose with most high tides, riuers were so filled with abundance of water,* 11.87 by reason of the great continuall raine, that maruellous flouds followed therevpon.* 11.88 A comet also appeared, and manie high buildings were striken by force of [line 50] tempests.* 11.89 The death of Walter archbishop of Yorke followed these prodigious wonders, who had gouer∣ned that sée the space of fortie yeares. After him suc∣ceeded one Seuall the 34 archbishop of that citie.

* 11.90About the feast of S. Etheldred, the ladie Elianor wife of prince Edward the kings son, came to Lon∣don, where she was honorablie receiued of the citi∣zens, & conueied through the citie to S. Iones with∣out Smithfield, and there lodged for a season, and yer long she remooued to the Sauoy. It was not long [line 60] after, that the king seized the liberties of the citie of London into his hands, for certeine monie which the quéene claimed as due to hir of a certeine right to be paid by the citizens,* 11.91 so that about the feast of S. Mar∣tine in Nouember, they gaue vnto the king foure hundred marks, and then had their liberties to them againe restored, and the kings vnder-treasuror dis∣charged, which for the time was made custos or kée∣per of the citie.

* 11.92About the same time came another legat from the pope, namelie, one Ruscand a Gascoigne borne, to whom, with the archb. of Canturburie, and the bi∣shop of Hereford, the pope had granted authoritie to collect and gather the tenths of the spiritualtie within England, Scotland, and Ireland,* 11.93 to the vse of the pope and the king, notwithstanding all priuiledges, for what cause or vnder what forme of words so euer the same had passed. This Ruscand also absolued the king of his vow made to go into the holie land, to the end he might go against Manfred king of Sicill. He also preached the crosse against the same Man∣fred,* 11.94 promising all those remission of their sins which should go to war against Manfred, as well as if they should go into the holie land, to warre against Gods enimies there, whereat faithfull men much maruel∣led, that he should promise as great méed for the shed∣ding of christian bloud, as the bloud of infidels.

The craftie and slie fetches which were vsed in this season by this Ruscand the bishop of Hereford, and o∣ther their complices, to get monie of the prelats and gouernors of monasteries within this realme, were wonderfull, & verie greeuous to those that felt them∣selues oppressed therewith; and namelie, for the debt which the said bishop of Hereford had charged them with, they being not priuie to the receipt, nor hauing any benefit thereby.* 11.95 Ruscand called a councell at London, & propounded great causes why the prelats ought to aid the pope, and so therevpon demanded great summes of monie. Amongst other summes, he demanded six hundred marks of the house of S. Albons.

To conclude, his demands were estéemed vnrea∣sonable,* 11.96 so that the bishops and abbats were in a mar∣uellous perplexitie, perceiuing into what miserable state by reason of immoderate exactions the church of England was brought. The bishop of London stic∣ked not to saie, that he would rather lose his head, than consent that the church should be brought to such seruitude as the legat went about to inforce. And the bishop of Worcester openlie protested, that he would sooner suffer himselfe to be hanged, than to sée the church subiect to such oppression by their examples. O∣ther also taking a boldnesse vnto them, affirmed,* 11.97 that they would follow the steps of Thomas sometime archbishop of Canturburie, which for the liberties of the church suffered himselfe to haue his braines cut out of his head. Yet were those prelats euill troubled, for the king was against them on the one side, and the pope gaping after monie was become their vt∣ter enimie on the other: neither were the Noble men much mooued with pitie towards the church their mo∣ther (as the terme then went) now thus in miserie.

Finallie, the prelats appealed from Ruscand, vnto the popes presence, and would not obeie the wilfull and violent oppressions of the same Ruscand, so that much adoo there was, and a great complaint made to the king by Ruscand,* 11.98 of the stubborne disobedience of the prelats, and namelie of the bishop of London. The king was in a great chafe with him, and threat∣ned that he would cause the pope to punish him ac∣cording to ••hat he well deserued: but the bishop an∣swered thereto; Let the pope and king (saith he) which are stronger than I am, take from me my bishop∣rike, which by law yet they cannot doo: let them take awaie my miter, yet an helmet shall remaine.

This yeare after S. Lukes daie,* 11.99 the king assem∣bled a great number of the nobilitie at London, and thither came the bishop of Bologna la grasse from the pope, bringing with him a ring,* 11.100 with the which he inuested Edmund the kings sonne king of Sicill and Naples. About the same time, the burgesse of Darbie obteined of the king for a summe of monie to haue the iustices itinerants to hold their assises at Darbie for the countie of Darbie, and likewise the shiriffes to kéepe their tournies there, and not at Nothingham, as before they had beene accustomed for both the shires. But now to returne to the bi∣shops.

In the meane time, the bishop of Hereford and Ruscand sought to set variance and discord amongst the English prelats, whereby being diuided in parts, and not consenting togither, they should be lesse able to giue true information to the pope, how she verie truth rested. But finallie, bicause the archbishop of Canturburie was in the parts beyond the sea, and for that also the sée of Yorke was vacant, and diuerse bishops were absent,* 11.101 the councell was proroged till the feast of S. Hilarie, and so they departed euerie man to his home in a maruellous doubt what waie [line 10] were best for them to take, sith they saw themselues in great distresse, if Ruscand did suspend or excom∣municate any of them either iustlie or otherwise. For sure they were,* 11.102 that the king as a lion lieng in wait whome he might deuoure (to get monie) after fortie daies were past, if they submitted not them∣selues, would spoile them of all their goods as forfei∣ted. So that the pope and the king seemed as though the sheepheard and woolfe had béene confederate to∣gither to the destruction of the poore flocke of shéepe, [line 20] threatning euerie mans vndooing, to their owne in∣riching: and not ceasing, till with fulnesse they were forced to fall from the flesh, much like bloudsucking horsseeches, of whose nature it is notablie noted, that

Non missura priùs carnem, quàm plena cruoris, Quando haeret tenerae mollis hirudo cuti: Sic ignara dolis emungitur aere caterua, Imbelles populi quid nisi praeda manent?

Thus by reason of couetous greedinesse to get mo∣nie [line 30] for the furnishing of the popes warres against Manfred king of Sicill, both the pope and the king of England ran in slander and hatred of the Eng∣lish nation, namelie, of the spiritualtie, so that such as recorded the acts and doings of that time, spared not to make manifest to the world by their writings,* 11.103 how iniuriouslie they were handled, blaming the practises of the court of Rome in plaine terms, and affirming that the pope had power in those things which worke to edification, and not to destruction. [line 40] About this season,* 11.104 Iohn lord Grey, being one of the chéefe councellors to the king, a right honourable knight, and for his good demeanor and high valian∣cie greatlie commended of all, withdrew himselfe from the court, either by reason of age that desireth rest, or rather (as was thought) for that he doubted to beare blame for such errors as were dailie commit∣ted by them that bare rule about the king, which could not but bring the authors into great infamie at length, and therefore was he loth to be partaker with [line 50] them of such slander as might haue redounded to him also, if he had still continued and taried amongst them.

Also, vpon the two and twentith of Nouember, were brought vnto Westminster a hundred and two Iews from Lincolne,* 11.105 that were accused for the cru∣cifieng of a child in the last summer, in despight of Christes religion. They were vpon their examinati∣on sent to the towre. The child which they had so cru∣cified was named Hugh, about an eight yeares of [line 60] age. They kept him ten daies after they got him in∣to their hands, sending in the meane time vnto di∣uerse other places of the realme, for other of their na∣tion to be present at the crucifieng of him. The mur∣ther came out, by the diligent search made by the mother of the child, who found his bodie in a well, on the backe side of the Iews house, where he was cruci∣fied: for she had learned, that hir sonne was lastlie seene plaieng with certeine Iews children of like age to him, before the dore of the same Iew. The Iew that was owner of the house, was apprehended, and being brought before sir Iohn de Lerinton, vpon pro∣mise of pardon, confessed the whole matter. For they vsed yearelie (if they could come by their preie) to crucifie one christian child or other. The king vpon knowledge had hereof, would not pardon this Iew that had so confessed the matter, but caused him to be executed at Lincolne, who comming to the place where he should die, opened more matter concerning such as were of counsell and present at the crucifi∣eng of the poore innocent.* 11.106 Wherevpon at length also eightéene of them that were so brought to London, were conuinced, adiudged and hanged, the other re∣mained long in prison.

When the feast of saint Hilarie was come, [year 1256] the cleargie met againe at London, and fell to intreat of their former businesse, at what time one maister Leonard aliàs Reignold that was chosen prolocutor for all the prelats,* 11.107 amongst other answers made to the legat Ruscand, when the same Ruscand alledged that all churches were the popes; Truth it is said Leonard, to defend, and not to vse and appropriate them to serue his owne turne; as we saie, that all is the princes, meaning that all is his to defend, and not to spoile: and such was the intent of the founders. Ruscand sore offended herewith, said, he would that euerie man should speake afterwards for himselfe, that as well the pope as the king might vnderstand what euerie man said in their businesse and matters. The prelats were striken in a dumpe herewith, for they perceiued how the matter went:* 11.108 they appealed yet against the demands that were made by Rus∣cand, who would not change a word of that he had written, in which was conteined, that the prelats had acknowledged themselues to haue borrowed of the merchant strangers, no small summes of monie, and the same to be conuerted to the vse of their churches, which was most vntrue as all men well vnderstood: wherevpon the prelats affirmed, and not without rea∣sonable cause,* 11.109 that there was a greater occasion in this cause of martyrdome, than in that of Thomas sometime archbishop of Canturburie.

Ruscand at length, perceiuing their manner, be∣came somewhat more mild, and promised that he would talke with the pope of this matter.* 11.110 But first there was sent to Rome the deane of Pauls in Lon∣don, and certeine others, as attornies or agents for the whole cleargie of England. These sped so in their suit, that the pope tooke order that if the prelats paid the monie by force of the contriued writings, where∣by they stood bound for them, their houses, and chur∣ches; then, to ease their burthen, they might reteine in their hands such parcell of tenths as they ought to paie to the king, for furnishing of his wars against the Saracens, amounting to the summe which they should be constreined to paie for the bonds made to the merchants, by the bishop of Hereford (as before is recited.)

In this season the deuotion, which manie had con∣ceiued of the pope and the church of Rome,* 11.111 began to wax cold, reputing the vertue which he shewed at his entring into the papasie, to be rather a colourable hy∣pocrisie, than otherwise, sith his proceedings answe∣red not to his good beginnings: for as it was mani∣fest, where sutors brought their complaints into the court of Rome, such sped best as gaue most bribes, and the two priors of Winchester, the one expelled, and the other got in by intrusion, could well witnesse the same: and all the world knoweth that the vipe∣rous generation of Romanists, reckoning from the ringleader to the simplest shaueling, haue made gaine the scope of their holinesse, and as it is true∣lie said,

Quae libet arripiunt, lucri bonus est odo•• ex re Qualibet, imponunt, hos scelus omne iuuat:* 11.112 Accipiunt quoduis, si non sonat aere crumena, Siue siligo adsit, sordida siue pecus,* 11.113 &c.

This yeare died William of Yorke bishop of Sa∣lisburie,

which had beene brought vp in the court, e∣uen from his youth.* 11.114 This bishop first caused that cu∣stome to be receiued for a law, whereby the tenants of euerie lordship are bound to owe their suit to the lords court, of whom they hold their tenements.

* 11.115In the feast of Easter this yeare, the king ador∣ned Magnus king of Man, with the order of knight∣hood, and bestowed vpon him great gifts and honors. ¶ The countesse of Warren Auesia or Atesia (as some bookes haue) sister to the king by his mother, [line 10] departed this life in hir flourishing youth, vnto the great griefe of hir brother, but speciallie of hir hus∣band Iohn earle of Waren that loued hir intierlie. ¶ About the midst of Maie, the Iewes that were in the towre, and in other prisons for the murther of the child at Lincolne, and had béene indited by an in∣quest vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him that had suffered at Lincolne, were 〈…〉〈…〉 and set at libertie, to the number of 〈…〉〈…〉 of them. ¶ In Whit∣suntide was holden a 〈…〉〈…〉 at Blie, where the [line 20] lord Edward the 〈…〉〈…〉 sonne first began to shew proofe of his chiual•••••• There were diuerse o∣uerthrowen and hurt, and a••••••gst other William de Longspee was so brused, 〈…〉〈…〉 neuer after recouer his former strength.

* 11.116The king caused a proclamation is be set foorth, that all such as might dispend ••••••eene pounds in lands, should receiue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of knighthood; and those that would not or could not, should paie their fines.* 11.117 This yeare, thrée daies after the feast of S. [line 30] Ciricus, a maruellous sore tempest of wind, raine, haile, and thunder chanced, that did excéeding much hurt. Mill-whéeles by the viole••••e of waters were carried away, and the wind-milles were no lesse tor∣mented with the rage of wind. Arches of bridges, stackes of haie, houses that stood by water sides, and children in cradels were borne awaie, that both woon∣derfull and no lesse pitifull it was to see. At Bedford the riuer of Duse bare downe six houses togither, and did vnspeakeable hurt thereabouts. [line 40]

Alexander the third king of Scots with his wife quéene Margaret,* 11.118 came about the beginning of Au∣gust into England, and found the king at his manor of Woodstoke, where he solaced him a season, and had the lands of the earle of Huntington restored vnto him, which his grandfather king William in his time lost and forfeited. Here he did homage to king Henrie. Upon the day of the decollation of S. Iohn, the two kings with their quéenes came to London, where they were honorablie receiued, and so conuei∣ed [line 50] vnto Westminster. On the day of S. Augustine the bishop,* 11.119 being the eight and twentith of August, Iohn Mansell the kings chapleine besought the two kings, and other states, to dine with him on the mor∣row following, which they granted, and so he made a maruellous great dinner. There were seuen hun∣dred messes serued vp, but the multitude of ghests was such, that scarse the same sufficed; his house was not able to receiue them all, and therefore he caused tents and booths to be set vp for the••. The like dinner [line 60] had not beene made by any chapleine before that time. All those that came were worthilie receiued, feasted and interteined, in such sort, as euerie man was satisfied.

* 11.120About foure daies before the feast of S. Edward, K. Henrie came into the excheker himselfe, & there de∣uised order for the appearance of shiriffes, and bring∣ing in of their accompts. At the same time also, there was fiue marks set on euerie shiriffes head for a fine,* 11.121 bicause they had not distreined euerie person that might dispend 15 pounds land, to receiue the order of knighthood, as was to the same shiriffes commanded. The king of Scots, after he had re∣mained a while with the king of England,* 11.122 returned backe into Scotland, and left his wife behind with hir mother till she should be brought to bed, for she was as then great with child.

In the 41 yeare of the reigne of king Henrie, his brother Richard earle of Cornewall was elected em∣perour, by one part of the Cornosters:* 11.123 and diuerse lords of Almaine comming ouer into this land (vpon the daie of the innocents in Christmasse) presented vnto him letters from the archbishop of Colen, and o∣ther great lords of Almaine, [year 1257] testifieng their consents in the choosing of him to be emperour, and withall, that it might stand with his pleasure to accept that honor. Finallie, vpon good deliberation had in the matter, he consented therevnto: whervpon the lords that came with the message, being right glad of their answer, returned with all spéed to signifie the same vnto those from whom they had béene sent. The trea∣sure of this earle Richard now elected king of Al∣maine,* 11.124 was esteemed to amount vnto such a summe, that he might dispend euerie day a hundred marks, for the terme of ten yeares togither, not reckoning at all the reuenues which dailie accrewed to him of his rents in Almaine and England.

In this meane time the vnquiet Welshmen, after the death of their prince Dauid,* 11.125 chose in his stéed one Leolin, that was son to the same Griffin that brake his necke as he would haue escaped out of the towre of London; and herewith they began a new rebelli∣on, either driuing out such Englishmen as laie there in garisons within the castels and fortresses, or else entring into the same by some traitorous practise, they slue those which they found within them, to the great displeasure of their souereigne lord Edward the kings eldest sonne, who coueting to be reuenged of their rebellious enterprises, could not bring his purpose to passe, by reason of the vnseasonable wea∣ther and continuall raine which fell that winter, so raising the waters & setting the marishes on flouds, that he could not passe with his armie.

Moreouer,* 11.126 his father the king wanted monie and treasure to furnish him withall, howbeit prince Ed∣ward borrowed of his vncle erle Richard foure thou∣sand marks towards the maintenance of that war. The rebellion of the Welshmen speciallie rose by the hard dealing of sir Geffrey de Langlie knight,* 11.127 the kings collector amongst them, who handled them so streightlie, that in defense of their countrie, lawes, and liberties (as they pretended) they put on armour. They tooke and destroied the lands and possessions which were great and large, of Griffin Brunet, be∣ing fled for safegard of his life vnto the king of Eng∣land. There were of those Welsh rebels at the point of twentie thousand men,* 11.128 and of them ten thousand were horssemen, the which perceiuing the season to make for their purpose, defended themselues so man∣fullie, that they droue backe prince Edward and his armie, & so continuing the wars, did much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the English marishes. Their power so increased, that at length they diuided the same in two equall parts,* 11.129 the better to recouer vittels, and in ei••her armie there were estéemed thirtie thousand armed men, after the maner of their countrie of the which there were fiue hundred men of armes in either host, with barded horsses all couered in it on. Thus being of such puissance, they did much mischéefe to the Eng∣lishmen that inhabited on the marshes, neither were the lords marchers able to resist them, al••••••ugh the earle of Glocester aided the same lords 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he might.

King Henrie being hereof ••••uertised, 〈…〉〈…〉 all spéed Stephan Bauzan,* 11.130 of man skilfull in 〈…〉〈…〉 warie, wi•••• a great number of soldiers into Wal••••▪ against the rebels, who comming into that countrie, and entring into the lands of a Welsh 〈…〉〈…〉

Rise Uaughan, was intrapt by such ambushments as his enimies laid for him, and thereby was slaine with the more part of his armie.* 11.131 This ouerthrowe chanced by the treason of Griffin de Brunet, who at that present reuolting from the English side to his countrimen, instructed them in all things, how they might vanquish their enimies. At that time, North∣wales and Southwales ioined in league and fréend∣lie amitie togither,* 11.132 which commonlie was not séene in those daies, they being for the more part at vari∣ance, [line 10] the one rather séeking still how to indamage the other: but now in defense of their liberties (as they pretended) they agreed in one.

The king sore mooued herewith, determined to go himselfe into Wales, that he might take worthie punishment of those his aduersaries, that could ne∣uer be sufficientlie chastised. Wherevpon raising a great power,* 11.133 he hasted foorth, and comming into Wales, put the rebels in such feare, that they with∣drew to their accustomed places of refuge, I meane [line 20] the woods and mareshes. The king would faine haue had them foorth, that he might haue punished them according to their deserts, and therefore to bring his purpose the better to passe, he sent for an armie of soldiers into Ireland, and tarried for their comming at the castell of Brecknoke, but the yeare was farre spent yer his people could be gathered, so that by the aduise of his lords he strengthened certeine castels, and so returned for that yeare into England, leauing the lord Roger Mortimer his lieutenant in Wales, [line 30] to resist the rebels.* 11.134 But now let vs speake of other dooings which chanced in the meane while that the warres thus continued and lasted betwixt England and Wales.

Yée shall vnderstand, that in the Lent season, the archbishop of Messina came as legat from the pope hither into England,* 11.135 with letters of procuration, to demand and receiue, and also with power, to punish such as should denie and séeme to resist, and so being here arriued with a great traine of seruants and hor∣ses, [line 40] he sent foorth his commandements in writing to euerie prelat, to prouide him monie by way of proxie so that of the house of S. Albons, and of the celles that belonged therevnto, he had one and twentie marks, and when the moonks of S. Albons came to visit him in his house, they could not be permitted to depart, but were kept as prisoners, till they had sa∣tisfied his couetous demand: for whereas they alled∣ged that they had not brought any monie with them, he asked them whie they were such beggers, and fur∣ther [line 50] said, Send yée then to some merchant, that will lend you monie, and so it was doone: for otherwise they might not haue libertie to depart. This archbi∣shop was of the order of the Friers preachers,* 11.136 in whome (saith Matthew Paris) we had hoped to haue found more abundant humilitie. About the same time, there appeared at London a new order of Fri∣ers, not knowen till those daies, hauing yet the popes autentike bulles, which they openlie shewed, so that there séemed a confusion of manie orders, as [line 60] the same Matthew Paris recordeth, and bicause they were apparelled in sackecloth, they were called sac∣ked Friers.

About the middest of Lent, there was a great parlement holden,* 11.137 to the which the maisters of the Uniuersitie of Oxford were summoned, that peace might be concluded betwixt them and the bishop of Lincolne, which had them in suit about their liber∣ties. There came to the same parlement, the earle of Glocester, and sir Iohn Mansell, latelie returned out of Almaine, where they had béene on ambassage from Richard the elect king of Almaine. Thither came also the same elect king of Almaine, and almost all the Nobilitie of the realme, so that scarse might the citie of London receiue the number that repai∣red to that parlement.* 11.138 The king of Almaine meant to take his leaue at that time of the lords and péeres of the realme, purposing shortlie after, to take his iournie towards Almaine, and to ordeine the bishop of London gouernor of all his lands and possessions within England.

In this parlement, the lord Edmund the kings yoonger sonne was shewed as king of Naples and Sicill,* 11.139 for the obteining of the possession of which dominions and kingdoms, his father king Henrie demanded no small subsidie and aid of monie,* 11.140 both of the temporaltie and also of the spiritualtie, but nam∣lie, he required to haue the tenths of spirituall mens liuings for the terme of fiue yeares, according to the new taxations without any deductions to be allowed except necessarie expenses: also, the fruits for one yeare of benefices that chanced to fall void within the said terme of fiue yeare. Moreouer, sundrie other duties he required to ha••e of the ••pirituall men, sore to their gréeuance, and speciallie, bicause they knew that such tyrannie first tooke beginning from the pope. In the end (though le••h they were to consent) yet conditionallie that the king would confirme the liberties contei••ed in the great charter, and obserue the same throughlie, now after it had béene so manie times brought out and redéemed, they offered to giue him towards his instant necessitie two and fiftie thousand marks,* 11.141 〈…〉〈…〉 recouerable danger of im∣pouerishing the church. And yet, as it is said, the king refused the gift, as that which he thought not to be sufficient.

¶ Truelie it sho••ld séeme, that there was a great vntowardlie disposition in the subiects of that time, for the helping of their king with necessarie aid of monie, towards such great charges as he had béene diuers waies occasioned to be at, since his first com∣ming to the crowne. But bicause it was perceiued that he bestowed no small quantitie of his treasure to the aduancing of his kinsfolke and aliance, name∣lie strangers, and againe defraied great summes in vaine hope to obteine the kingdoms of both the Si∣cils which the pope offered to him fréelie inough in words, as before yee haue heard, the English subiects conceiued a great misliking of the whole gouerne∣ment, and namelie, for that he séemed to be led and ruled by the aduise and counsell of those strangers, who being not throughlie acquainted with the na∣ture of the English people, nor fullie instructed in the lawes and customes of the realme, caused him to doo manie things, that procured both to him and them much ill will, as well of the hie states as of the commons, which as occasion serued, they were readie inough to discouer, and therefore they were verie in∣quisitiue, both to learne what he receiued, and also in what sort he bestowed that which he did receiue and take.

It was therefore knowne, that since he first began to waste his treasure, his charges amounted vnto the summe of 950000 marks, as the bookes of ac∣compts remaining in the hands of the clearks of his closet plainelie witnessed, and yet of all those vaine expenses no great aduantage was growne thereby to the king or realme, but rather disaduantage, as the most part of men then tooke to, and no maruell: for there was such hart-burning amongst the nobilitie, one enuieng an others aduancement, & repining at each others dooings, that it was not possible to bring any good drift forward amongst men so far at ods to∣gither. But we will let this passe as a thing manifest inough to them that shall well consider the course of that time, and will returne to the parlement aboue mentioned.

Before the end of this solemne assemblie of states,

the archbishop of Cullen with a duke,* 11.142 & an other bi∣shop came ouer out of Almaine, vnto their elect king Richard, to whome they did fealtie and homage, as to their souereigne liege lord and gouernor, which thing once doone, he gaue to the said archbishop fiue hun∣dred marks to beare his charges, with a rich miter set with stones, & furnished with plates of beaten gold; which miter when the archbishop had set it vpon his head;

He hath (saith he) giuen a rich gift to me and to my church, and verelie, euen as I haue put this mi∣ter [line 10] on my head, so will I set on his head the crowne of the kingdome of Almaine; he hath mitered me, and I will crowne him.

The other lords of Almaine, which at the same time did homage vnto earle Ri∣chard, were also presented with great and rich gifts.

* 11.143Héere is further to be noted, that there were pre∣sent at this parlement six archbishops, Canturburie, Yorke, Dubline, Messina, Tarento and Cullen. The archbishop of Messina was come to the king to set him on dotage for the businesse about the conquest of [line 20] Naples and Sicill. At the feast of Ester next follow∣ing, the archbishop of Cullen returned into his coun∣trie,* 11.144 and the third day after Easter, the elect king of Almaine tooke his leaue, and departed toward Yar∣mouth, where he purposed to take the sea, to saile ouer into Almaine, but by reason of contrarie winds he was driuen to remaine there a long time, to his great gréefe and inestimable charges before he could passe ouer; yet finallie, about the latter end of Aprill, he got foorth to the sea, and landed at Dordreigh the [line 30] first of Maie next insuing.* 11.145

About the same time, the archbishop of Canturbu∣rie called a synod of the bishops and abbats inhabi∣ting within his prouince, that inuocating the grace of the Holie-ghost, they might foresee some redresse for reléefe of the English church, now in these late yeares sore disquieted by new oppressions, more grée∣uous than had béene accustomed: for the king by counsell, or rather by the whispering of some flatte∣rers and enimies to the realme, was so induced, that [line 40] he permitted certeine euill customs, as thornie brem∣bles to increase in the fruitfull garden of pleasure, and to choke vp the trees that brought foorth fruit in great plentie. Moreouer in this yeare, king Henrie caused the walles of the citie of London,* 11.146 which w••re sore decaied and destitute of turrets, to be repared in more seemelie wise than before they had béene, at the common charges of the citie.

* 11.147There was an ordinance made at Rome by the pope and his cardinals (which verie diligentlie fore∣saw [line 50] to aduance their temporall commodities, not much passing for other mens aduantages) that eue∣rie one which should be chosen an exempt abbat, should come to the court of Rome to be there confir∣med, and receiue the popes blessing, by which heinous ordinance, religion was laid open to great danger, and the church depriued of temporall prosperitie (as saith Matthew Paris) for by this means (saith he) it was needfull for religious men, to choose to their gouernour a man not religious, but rather halfe [line 60] temporall,* 11.148 and such a one as to whome rather Iusti∣nians lawes than Christes which conuerteth soules should be familiar. The moonks of Durham, who on∣lie with the canons of Gisborne resisted the wicked procéedings of the popes exactors, and stood therefore interdicted a long time, at length, after manie alter∣cations, were absolued. Oh (saith Matth. Paris) if in that their tribulation they might haue had fellows, and in their constant doings aidors, how happilie had the church of England triumphed ouer hir tormen∣tors and oppressors!

* 11.149You haue heard how Richard earle of Cornewall being elected king of Almaine, sailed thither, where on the Ascension day last, he was crowned king by the archbishop of Cullen, of whom, and diuerse other great princes of Germanie he was holden for their lawfull king and gouernour (as in the Dutch histo∣ries you may find more largelie expressed) though o∣ther of them had chosen Alfonse king of Castile, the which Alfonse wrote to the king of England, as his confederate and alie, requiring aid of him against the said Richard that was his owne brother, to the which vnreasonable request the king would in no wise consent.

Moreouer, in this fortie one yeare of king Henries reigne,* 11.150 by reason of a roll closed in gréene wax and found in the kings Wardrobe at Windsor, contein∣ing as it were an information against the maior and shiriffes of London, for oppression and wrongs doone to the communaltie of the citie, the king tooke great displeasure, and caused streit inquisition to be made, as well by Fouke Moots, as Ward Moots, & diuerse other means. At length, the maior and shiriffes,* 11.151 with the chamberlaine of the citie, were discharged by Iohn Mansell, one of the kings iustices, afore whom and other the kings councell, the inquisition was ta∣ken, and then was the custodie of the citie assigned vnto the constable of the tower, and in place of the shiriffes were appointed Michaell Tonie, and Iohn Audrian. At length, the maior, shiriffes and Alder∣men that were accused, perceiuing the kings displea∣sure towards them, submitted themselues wholie to his mercie, sauing to them and to all other the citi∣zens their liberties & franchises, and so in the exche∣ker chamber at Westminster afore the king, there sitting in iudgement vpon the matter, they were condemned to paie their fines for their offenses com∣mitted, and further, euerie of them discharged of his ward and office.* 11.152 Shortlie after was William Fitz Richard by the kings commandement made maior, and Thomas Fitz Thomas, and William Grapis∣gate shiriffes.

The archbishop of Yorke was accurssed by the popes commandement through all England,* 11.153 with booke, bell and candle, that by such terror his constan∣cie might he weakened. But the archbishop (saith Matthew Paris) informed by the example of Thomas Becket, and by the example and doctrine of saint Ed∣mund sometime his instructor, and also taught by the faithfulnesse of blessed Robert, late bishop of Lin∣colne, despaired not of comfort from heauen,* 11.154 in bea∣ring patientlie the popes tyrannie; neither would he bestow the wealthie reuenues of his church vpon Italians, being vnworthie persons and strangers; neither would he obeie and incline to the popes will like a faint-harted person, by leaning and setting a∣part the rigor of the law, least therby he might séeme to result from his pastorlike office, and animate the woolfe of Rome to breake into the shéepfold of the church, whose purpose was to sucke the verie bloud quite and cleane out of euerie veine, yea to bite out bowels and all. Which qualitie to rest in him, wofull experience hath taught, and the testimonie of writ∣ten verities hath shewed, among which this one for the truth thereof is worthie to be reported euen to the praise of the deuiser for his prettie deuise therein comprised, and here set downe as fit for the purpose:

Non pontifex sed potifex, Non potifex sed panifex, Non panifex sed: carnifex, Est papa pater pontifex.

About ••he beginning of the two: and fortith yeare of king Henries reigne, the lord Iames Audelie that had béene ouer with the king of Almaine, and was latelie returned home in companie of the lord Hen∣rie, sonne to the said king (who came backe from his father about the feast of saint Michaell last past) vn∣derstanding how the Welshmen in his absence had

burnt, wasted, and destroied his lands, possessions, and castels, which belonged vnto him in the confines of Wales, he meant to be reuenged of those iniuries, and inuading them, he slue a great number of them, so reuenging the death of those his freends,* 11.155 seruants and tenants, whome they before had murthered. The Welshmen were not so discouraged herewith, but that they brake vpon him out of their starting-holes and places of refuge through the marishes, and slai∣eng their enimies horsses, put them backe to their power, & ceassed not to doo what mischeefe they could, [line 10] by spoiling, killing, and burning houses and castels where they might come vnto them, and so the realme of England was dailie put to losses & hinderances. For out of Wales, England was accustomed to be furnished with horsses, cattell, and other things, to the great profit of both the countries. About the same time there was an ambassage sent from the king of England to the French king by the bishop of Wor∣cester,* 11.156 the elect of Winchester, the abbat of West∣minster, the earle of Leicester, & Hugh Bigod earle [line 20] Marshall, with Peter de Sauoy, and Robert Wal∣cron. The effect of their message was to require re∣stitution of those countries, lands, cities, and townes which had bene euicted out of the hands of king Iohn and others, apperteining by right of inheritance to the king of England. These lords did their message, but as was thought, they had no towardlie answer, but rather were put off with trifling words & scorne∣full ••awnts, so that they returned shortlie againe all of them, the abbat of Westminster onelie excepted, [line 30] who remained there behind for a fuller answer, not ••nelie to those requests exhibited on the part of the king of England, but also on the behalfe of the king of Almaine. The marshes towards Wales in this season were brought almost desert, by reason of the continuall wars with the Welshmen,* 11.157 for what with fire & sword, neither building nor liuing creature, nor any other thing was spared, that fire & sword might bring to ruine. [line 40]

* 11.158In this yeare was an exceeding great dearth, in so much that a quarter of wheat was sold at London for foure and twentie shillings, whereas within two or thrée yeares before, a quarter was sold at two shil∣lings. It had beene more déerer, if great store had not come out of Almaine, for in France and in Nor∣mandie it likewise failed. [year 1258] But there came fiftie great ships fraught with wheat and barlie, with meale and bread out of Dutchland, by the procure∣ment of Richard king of Almaine, which greatlie re∣leeued the poore; for proclamation was made, and or∣der [line 50] taken by the king, that none of the citizens of London should buy any of that graine to laie it vp in store, whereby it might be sold at an higher price vnto the needie. But though this prouision did much ease, yet the want was great ouer all the realme. For it was certeinelie affirmed, that in three shires within the realme, there was not found so much graine of that yeares growth, as came ouer in those fiftie ships.* 11.159 The proclamation was set foorth, to re∣streine the Londoners from ingrossing vp that graine, and not without cause: for the wealthie citi∣zens were euill spoken of in that season, bicause in time of scarsitie they would either staie such ships as fraught with vittels were comming towards the citie, and send them some other way foorth; or else buy the whole, that they might sell it by retaile at their plesure to the needie. By means of this great dearth and scarsitie, the common people were constreined to liue vpon hearbs & roots, and a great number of the poore people died through famine, which is the most miserable calamitie that can betide mortall men, and was well marked euen of the heathen, but notablie by Ouid, who making a description of famine, setteth hir foorth in most ouglie and irkesome sort, intending therby the dreadfulnes of that heauie plague, saieng:

Quaesitámque famem lapidoso vidit in antro,* 11.160 Vnguibus & raris vellentem dentibus herbas, Hirtus erat crinis, caua lumina, pallor in ore, Labra incana situ, scabrirubigine dentes, Dura cutis, per quam spectari viscera possent, Ossa sub incuruis extabant arida lumbis, Ventris erat pro ventre locus, pendêre putares, Pectus & àspinae tantummodo crate teneri, Auxerat articulos macies, genuùmque tumebat Orbis, & immodico prodibant tubere tali, &c.

This yeare after Easter a parlement was hol∣den at London,* 11.161 in the which manie weightie mat∣ters were intreated of touching the kings causes, namelie, about the conquest of the realme of Na∣ples,* 11.162 the pope hauing sent a messenger named Hur∣tred for the discharge of monie, which the pope had re∣ceiued of merchants, as it were to the kings vse, and entred bonds for the paiment thereof. Also, whereas the king was sore disquieted for the warre which the Welshmen made against him, he asked aduise of the states, how he might procéed to seeke his iust re∣uenge of them, who by reason of their good hap were become verie stout and loftie, and had of late by the expiring of a truce which had beene accorded betwixt them,* 11.163 spoiled and wasted the most part of Penbroke∣shire, of which iniurie the earle of Penbroke, name∣lie William de Ualence, sore complained.

But whereas the king knowing him to be rich, willed him to lay out some great portion of monie, towards the maintenance of his wars, the erle tooke great displeasure therewith, as though the king had made that request by the suggestion and setting on of some of the English lords,* 11.164 in somuch that words passed in displeasant sort betwixt him and the earles of Glocester and Leicester, so far foorth, that the earle of Penbroke called the earle of Leicester traitor, who therewith made towards him, to haue reuenged the iniurie, and so would haue doone indéed, if the king had not beene moderator betwixt them. Fi∣nallie at this parlement the lords told the king that they might not aid him with any great summes of monie, except it should redound to their great impo∣uerishment: they told him also, that he had not doone wiselie to enter into couenants, for the purchase of the kingdome of Naples for his sonne, without their consents.

They also declared to him, what articles it should be good for him to propone vnto the pope, if he would haue him to continue in bearing the charges of the wars against Manfred. But when those articles were afterwards presented to the pope, he allowed them not, & so the matter remained without any certeine assurance of the promises, which had béene and still were from time to time made to set the king on do∣tage. The archbishop of Yorke had his crosse taken from him by the popes commandement,* 11.165 but the arch∣bishop would not yet bow his knée vnto Baall, to be∣stow the benefices of his church vpon aliens, and such as were vnworthie persons, as it had beene to cast pearles vnto swine. ¶ There came from the pope as his Nuncio,* 11.166 vnto king Henrie, a frier minor named Mansuetus, furnished with great power and authoritie, in somuch that he tooke vpon him to ab∣solue men for changing their vowes, and to iustifie those that were excōmunicated persons, false periu∣red, and such like. Wherevpon, manie of euill disposi∣tion presumed to offend: for easinesse to purchase par∣don bred boldnesse in manie, howbeit the wise sée∣med to laugh at such dooings.

The parlement still continued, till the sundaie af∣ter the Ascension day, with hard hold betwixt the king and the lords, who laid it fore to his charge, that

he had not performed the promises which he made touching the obseruing of the liberties conteined in the great charter. They also complained greatlie of his misgouernance, in that he so much aduanced the Poictouins and other strangers, to the impouerish∣ment of himselfe and the whole realme, and further, mainteined them so far foorth, that they were readie to offer wrong vnto other, vpon presumption of his fauour and bearing with them, he hauing by com∣mandement restreined that no processe should passe [line 10] out of the chancerie against certeine of them that were his coosins, as the earle of Penbroke and others. Finallie, when the lords were in doubt which way to worke for their owne safeties,* 11.167 they caused the parle∣ment to be proroged, till the feast of saint Barnabe, then to begin againe at Oxford. In the meane time the lords of the realme, as the earles of Glocester, Leicester, Hereford and Northfolke, with other, did confederate themselues togither, bicause they stood in feare to be intrapped by the kings subtill sleights, [line 20] and by the craftie wiles of those strangers whom he retained against them.

In the same yeare by the wind, which continuallie certeine months togither kept northerlie, the flours, with other growing things, were so hindered, that scarselie they appeared to anie purpose,* 11.168 till the most part of Iune was past, wherevpon the hope of recei∣uing the fruits of the earth was quite taken away,* 11.169 & so vpon the great dearth that happened, a sore death and mortalitie followed, for want of necessarie food [line 30] to susteine the pining bodies of the poore people. They died so thicke, that there were great pits made in churchyards to laie the dead bodies in one vpon an other.

About the feast of the Ascension, Seuall the archbi∣shop of Yorke departed this life,* 11.170 who constantlie had resisted the tyrannie of the court of Rome, in defense of his church, suffering in this world manie greeuous tribulations, but now was remooued from thense vnto the kingdome of heauen,* 11.171 to be crowned with [line 40] the elect for his good deseruings, as was then certen∣lie beleeued. About this time, a great number of Poi∣ctouins were come into England, by reason of their aliance and coosinage to the king, the which by the kings fauour being highlie aduanced, began to war proud thereof, and to require to be restored vnto such lands and liuings as before time they had possessed: namelie the kings halfe brethren, Athelmare or O∣domare,* 11.172 that was a préest, with William, Geffrey and Guie, these were the sonnes of Hugh le Brun [line 50] earle of Marsh, by his wife queene Isabell, the mo∣ther of king Henrie, and being come into England, they shewed themselues verie loftie & high-minded, partlie, bicause of their coosinage to the king, & part∣lie by reason of his courteous interteining of them, insomuch that forgetting themselues, they began to despise (vpon a presumptuous pride) the English no∣bilitie, looking still for preferment of honor aboue all other. And suerlie Odomare obteined at the first a great peece of his purpose, being made by the kings [line 60] gift bishop of Winchester, and by that means bare a stout port, and greatlie holpe and mainteined his o∣ther brethren.

The English barons not well able to suffer such presumption in strangers, who seemed to haue them in derision, complained to the king, in so much that at length, as well for a reformation hereof, as in o∣ther things, a parlement was called (as before you haue heard) first at London, and after reiorned to Oxenford, there to be assembled about the feast of saint Barnabe in the moneth of Iune. This (of some writers) is named Insanum parliamentum,* 11.173 that is to say, The mad parlement; for at this parlement (to the which the lords came with great retinues of armed men, for the better safegard of their persons) manie things in the same yeare enacted contrarie to the kings pleasure, and his roiall prerogatiue. For the lords at the first determined to demand the confir∣mation of the ancient charter of liberties,* 11.174 which his father king Iohn had granted, and he himselfe had so often promised to obserue and mainteine, signifieng plainelie, that they meant to pursue their purpose and intent herein, not sparing either for losse of life, lands or goods, according to that they had mutuallie giuen their faiths by ioining of hands, as the manner in such cases is accustomed. Besides the grant of the great charter, they required other things necessarie for the state of the common-wealth, to be established and enacted.

It was therefore first enacted, that all the Poicto∣uins should auoid the land,* 11.175 togither with other stran∣gers, and that neither the king nor his sonne prince Edward should in anie secret manner aid them a∣gainst the people. Moreouer, that the king & his sonne should receiue an oth,* 11.176 to stand vnto the decrees and ordinances of that parlement, and withall spéed to restore the ancient lawes and institutions of the realme, which they both did, rather constreined there∣vnto by feare, than of anie good will. Thus not onelie the king himselfe, but also his sonne prince Edward receiued an oth, to obserue the ordinances of that parlement. But Iohn earle Warren, and the kings halfe brethren; namelie the earle of Penbroke refu∣sed that oth; and likewise the lord Henrie, sonne to the king of Almaine, excused himselfe by his fathers absence, without whose consent he would not receiue it, vnto whome this answer was made, that if his fa∣ther would not consent to the agréement of the baro∣nage, he should not possesse one furrowe of land within this realme.

Also, whereas the earle of Leicester resigned the castels of Killingworth and Odiham into the kings hands, which he had latelie receiued by his gift, and newlie repaired, the earle of Penbroke and his other brethren sware déepelie, that they would for no mans pleasure giue ouer such castels, rents, and wardships of theirs, as they had of the kings gift. But the earle of Leicester told the earle of Penbroke flatlie and plainlie, that he should either render them vp,* 11.177 or else he should be sure to lose his head. This saieng was confirmed by the generall voices of all other the ba∣rons, bicause it was a speciall article concluded a∣mongst other in that parlement. The kings halfe brethren, perceiuing which waie the world went,* 11.178 stood in doubt of themselues, and secretlie therevpon de∣parting from Oxenford, first withdrew vnto Win∣chester, where Odomare, one of the same brethren was bishop, through whose support, and by reason of the strength of such castels as he held, they trusted to be in more safetie: but finallie, perceiuing them∣selues not to be so out of danger, sith the barons min∣ded to pursue them,* 11.179 about the eighteenth daie of Iu∣lie they departed the realme with a great number of other of their countriemen; and amongest those, William de saint Herman the kings caruer was one.

Henrie Montfort, sonne to the earle of Leicester,* 11.180 vnderstanding of their departure out of the realme, followed; and hearing that they were arriued at Bul∣logne, he landed in those parts, & by such freendship as he found there amongst those that bare good will vnto his father, he got togither a power, and after a manner besieged the Poictouins within Bullogne, laieng watch for them in such sort, both by sea and land, that there was no waie left for them to escape. When they saw themselues in that danger, they sent a messenger with all post hast to the French king,* 11.181 requiring his safe conduct, to passe fréelie through

his realme, as they trusted he would be content to grant vnto such, as for refuge and safegard of life should repaire vnto him for comfort. The French king courteouslie granted their request, and so they were in safetie permitted to passe quietlie through the countrie.* 11.182 In the meane while one Richard Gray, chatellaine of Douer castell, a right valiant man and a faithfull, suffered no man to passe that waie vn∣searched, according to that which he had in comman∣dement: wherevpon he tooke & seized into his hands [line 10] a great portion of treasure, which was brought thi∣ther to be transported ouer to the Poictouins that were fled out of the realme. Also, there was found a great quantitie of treasure in the new temple at London, which they had gathered & hoorded vp there, which also was seized to the kings vse.

But now to returne vnto the doings in the parle∣ment holden at Oxford. It was ordeined (as some write) that the king should choose twelue persons of the realme,* 11.183 and the communaltie of the land should [line 20] choose other twelue, the which hauing regall authori∣tie in their hands,* 11.184 might take in charge the gouer∣nance of the realme vpon them, & should from yeare to yeare prouide for the due election of iustices, chan∣cellors, treasurors, and other officers, and see for the safe keeping of the castels which belonged to the crowne. These foure and twentie gouernours appoin∣ted as prouiders for the good gouernement of the realme, began to order all things at their pleasure, in the meane time not forgetting to vse things chéeflie [line 30] to their owne aduantages, as well in prouiding es∣chets and wards for their sonnes and kinsfolks, as also in bestowing patronages of churches (belonging to the kings gift) at their pleasures, so that these pro∣uiders séemed to prouide all for themselues, in so much that neither king nor Christ could receiue ought amongst them:* 11.185 and as for iustice they regarded no∣thing lesse, their minds were so rauished with desire of priuat wealth; which who so hunteth after, being in place of magistracie, he must néeds neglect the law [line 40] and course of equitie, and therefore this counsell is good which a good writer giueth in this behalfe, saieng;

Si iustus vult esse aliquis non vtile quaerat, * 11.186Iusticia est multis laudata, domestica paucis.

There be that write, how there were but twelue of these gouernours chosen;* 11.187 whose names were as fol∣loweth. First, the archbishop of Canturburie, the bi∣shop of Worcester, Roger Bigod earle of North∣folke and marshall of England, Simon de Mount∣fort earle of Leicester, Richard de Clare earle of [line 50] Glocester, Humfrey Bohun earle of Hereford, the earles of Warwike and Arundell, sir Iohn Mansell cheefe iustice of England, sir Roger lord Mortimer, sir Hugh Bigod, sir Peter de Sauoy, sir Iames Au∣d••ley, and sir Peter de Mountfort. To these was au∣thoritie onelie giuen to punish and correct all such as offended in breaking of any the ordinances at this parlement established.

It was not long after the finishing of this parle∣ment,* 11.188 but that strife and variance began to kindle [line 60] betwéene the king and the earles of Leicester and Glocester, by reason of such officers as the said earles had remooued, and put others in their roomes: a∣mong the which Iohn Mansell was discharged of his office, and sir Hugh Bigod, brother to earle Mar∣shall, admitted in his roome. Also bicause the fore∣said gouernours had knowledge that the king min∣ded not to performe the ordinances established at Oxford, they thought to make their part as strong as was possible for them to doo, and therefore vpon the morrow after the feast of Marie Magdalene,* 11.189 the king as then being at Westminster, the earle Mar∣shall, the earle of Leicester, and diuerse other came to the Guildhall of London, where the maior and al∣dermen, with the commons of the citie were assem∣bled, and there the lords shewed the instrument or writing sealed with the kings seale, and with the seales of his sonne prince Edward, and of manie o∣ther lords of the land, conteining the articles of those ordinances which had béene concluded at Oxford, willing the maior and aldermen to set also therevn∣to their common seale of the citie. The maior and al∣dermen vpon aduise amongst them taken, required respit till they might know the kings pleasure there∣in, but the lords were so earnest in the matter, and made such instance, that no respit could be had; so that in the end the common seale of the citie was put to that writing, and the maior with diuerse of the citie sworne to mainteine the same, their allegiance saued to the king, with their liberties and franchi∣ses, according to the accustomed manner.

Upon the ninth day of August, proclamation was made in diuerse places of the citie,* 11.190 that none of the kings takers should take any thing within the citie, without the will of the owner, except two tunnes of wine, which the king accustomablie had of euerie ship comming from Burdeaux, paieng but 40 shil∣lings for the tun. By meanes of this proclamation, nothing was taken by the kings officers within the citie and liberties of the same, except readie paiment were made in hand, which vse continued not long. Herevpon the king held a parlement at Westmin∣ster, and another at Winchester,* 11.191 or else proroged and remoued the same thither. Also sir Hugh Bigod lord chéefe iustice, with Roger Turksey, and other cal∣led Itinerarij, kept the terme for plées at saint Saui∣ours: for you must vnderstand,* 11.192 that in those daies they were kept in diuerse places of the realme, which now are holden altogither at Westminster, and iud∣ges ordeined to kéepe a circuit, as now they kéepe the assises in time of vacation.* 11.193 The foresaid iudges sit∣ting on that maner at saint Sauiours, punished bai∣liffes, and other officers verie extremelie, which were conuict afore them for diuerse trespasses, and special∣lie for taking of merciaments otherwise than law gaue them. After this, the same sir Hugh came vnto the Guildhall, and there sat in iudgement,* 11.194 and kept plees without order of law; yea contrarie to the liber∣ties of the citie, he punished bakers for lacke of true size, by the tumbrell; where before they were punished by the pillorie, & manie other things he vsed after such manner, more by will than good order of law.

There was a bruite raised (whether of truth or o∣therwise we leaue to the credit of the authors) that the Poictouins had practised to poison the most part of the English nobilitie.* 11.195 Indéed diuers of them were greeuouslie tormented with a certeine disease of swelling and breaking out, some died, and othersome verie hardlie escaped, of which number the earle of Glocester was one, who laie sicke a long time at Sunning a place besides Reading. At length he re∣couered: but his brother William died of the same disease, and vpon his death-bed laid the fault to one Walter Scotenie, as the occasioner of his death, which afterwards cost the said Walter his life. For although he was one of the chéefe councellors, and steward also to the said earle of Glocester, yet being had in suspicion, and thervpon apprehended and char∣ged with that crime, when in the yeare next follow∣ing in Iune he came to be arreigned at Winche∣ster, and put himselfe to be tried by a iurie,* 11.196 the same pronounced him guiltie: and when those that were impanneled vpon that iurie were asked by the iud∣ges how they vnderstood that he should be giltie, they answered, bicause that where the said Walter was neuer indebted, that they could heare of, either to William de Ualence, or to any of his brethren, they were fullie certified that he had late receiued no

small sum of monie of the said W. de Ualence to poi∣son both his maister and other of the English nobili∣tie as was to be thought, sith there was no other ap∣parant cause why he should receiue such a gift at the hands of their enimie the said William de Ualence, and so was the said Walter executed at Winche∣ster aforesaid.* 11.197

The haruest was verie late this yeare, so that the most part of the corne rotted on the ground,* 11.198 and that which at length was got in, remained yet abrode till [line 10] after Alhallowentide, so vntemperate was the wea∣ther, with excessiue wet and raine beyond all mea∣sure.* 11.199 Herevpon the dearth so increased, that euen those which had of late releeued other, were in danger to starue themselues. Finallie solemne fasts and ge∣nerall processions were made in diuerse places of the realme to appease Gods wrath,* 11.200 and (as it was thought) their praiers were heard, for the weather partlie amended, and by reason the same serued to get in some such corne as was not lost, the price there∣of [line 20] in the market fell halfe in halfe. A good and memo∣rable motiue, that in such extremities as are aboue the reach of man to redresse, we should by and by haue recourse to him that can giue a remedie a∣gainst euerie casualtie. For

Flectitur iratus voce rogante Deus.

Richard Gray the chattellaine of Douer looking diligentlie vnto his charge,* 11.201 tooke a thousand marks which the bishop of Winchester had sent thither to haue beene transported ouer into France. Erlotus [line 30] the popes Nuncio perceiuing the trouble that was like to insue within the realme would no longer ta∣rie,* 11.202 but wiselie departed and got him home. Herewith certeine wise personages were sent to Rome on the part of the king and baronage, to informe the pope in what state the realme stood, and to giue him to vnder∣stand how gréeuouslie the people had beene handled by the practise of certeine Romane prelats promo∣ted in this land.

This yeare neere to Carmardin Patrike of Chau∣ton [line 40] lord of Kedwelli,* 11.203 Hugh de Uiun, and diuerse other both horsmen and footmen were slaine through treason by the Welshmen: yet it should appeare by Matthew Paris that the Englishmen procured this mischéefe to light on their owne heads,* 11.204 through their disloiall dealing. For where they were come to the place to talke of an agréement, some of the marchers supposing they had béene too strong for the Welsh∣men, persuaded the said lord of Kedwellie to assaile them vpon the sudden, in hope to haue destroied them all: but in the end the Englishmen were di∣stressed [line 50] through the valiancie of Dauid one of the sonnes of the great Leolin and other capteines of the Welsh nation. Neuerthelesse Matthew Westmin∣ster saith brieflie, that the English men were treaso∣nablie slaine: so that it séemeth that Matthew Paris speaketh rather of an affection and good will which he bare to the Welsh procéedings in those daies, than otherwise.

* 11.205For who so marketh the course of his historie, shall [line 60] perceiue that he had no good liking of the state in those daies, neither concerning the ecclesiasticall nor temporall policie, in somuch that he sticketh not to commend the Welshmen greatlie for their holding togither, against the oppression (as he meaneth it) of the English gouernement, and no doubt there was cause that mooued him to such misliking, namelie the often paiments and collections of monie by the popes agents, and other such misorders as dailie were permitted or rather mainteined to the impoue∣rishing of both estates spirituall and temporall.

* 11.206Godfrey de Kinton was consecrated arch∣bishop of Canturburie at Rome, about the feast of Christ∣masse last past, and so returned from thence home to his cure.* 11.207 There was an ordinance made about this time, for punishment to be had of the extortion of shi∣riffes, so that aswell the receiuer as the giuer of bri∣bes was punishable. Which law if it were now exe∣cuted vpon all officers & occupiers whatsoeuer, there would not be so much wealth and substance, so great riches and treasure raked vp togither in the possession of some few men, as the old sage saieng importeth,

Quisquis ditatur rapidos miluos imitatur.

The bishops of Worcester and Lincolne,* 11.208 with the earles of Norfolke and Leicester, were sent ouer in ambassage vnto a councell holden at Cambrey, for a league and peace to be concluded betwixt the king∣doms of England and France, and also the empire: but bicause the French king looked to haue the king of England there, when he heard that the same king came not, he also staied at home, and so no conclusion followed at that assemblie.

Ione countesse of Penbroke, the wife of William de Ualence the kings halfe brother,* 11.209 demanded hir right of dower, in such lands as belonged to hir by ti∣tle of inheritance. At length she had to the value of fiue hundred marks assigned hir of the same lands, notwithstanding hir heritage amounted to the sum of a thousand marks and aboue of yearelie reue∣nues, but for that she should not aid hir husband with part thereof, the one halfe was thought sufficient for hir maintenance. About Aduent next insuing, she went ouer vnto hir husband, either for the desire she had to inioy his personall presence, or for that she thought hirselfe not well dealt with, to be abridged of those reuenues, which by right of inheritance were hir owne. In the first night of December,* 11.210 there chan∣ced a maruellous sore tempest of lightning and thun∣der, with mightie winds and raine, as a token and signe of the troubles that after followed, the more noted, for that thunder in the winter season is not commonlie heard of. Guy de Rochford a Poictouin, to whom about two yeares before the king had giuen the castell of Rochester,* 11.211 was now banished the realme, and depriued of all that he held in this land. About this season there rose great variance amongst the scholers of Oxford being of sundrie countries,* 11.212 as Scotishmen, Welshmen, Northern men, and Sou∣thern men: who fell so farre at square, that they rai∣sed baners one against an other, and fought togither, in somuch that diuerse were slaine, and manie hurt on both parties. ¶ The Welshmen this yeare, not∣withstanding their good successe had in these late wars, considered with themselues, that if the barons of England did once ioine in one knot of fréendship, they would with maine force easilie subdue them, wherefore to preuent that which might chance vnto them by stubborne resistance,* 11.213 they made suit to be re∣ceiued into the kings peace, offering to giue vnto him the summe of foure thousand markes, and to his sonne the lord Edward thrée hundred marks, and to the queene two hundred marks. Yet the king would not accept those offers, and so the matter depended in doubtfull balance a certeine time. The Welsh∣men in the meane season attempted not any exploit, but rather sate still in hope to come at length to some reasonable agreement. ¶ The moonks of Winche∣ster meaning to prouide themselues of a bishop, now that Athelmare aliàs Odomare the kings halfe bro∣ther was banished the realme, elected one Henrie de Wingham the kings chancellor,* 11.214 in hope that the K. would be contented with his election, and so he was, but yet conditionallie, that if the pope would allow his said halfe brother for bishop, then should the other giue place.

About the feast of S. Hilarie, when knowledge was giuen that king Richard of Almaine meant to returne into England, [year 1259] * 11.215 there were sent ouer vnto

him the bishop of Worcester, the abbat of saint Ed∣mundsburie. Peter de Sauoy, and Iohn Mansell, as ambassadours from the baronage and commu∣naltie of the realme, to require of him an oth, to stand vnto and obeie the ordinances of the late parlement holden at Oxenford. When the said ambassadors came before his presence, and declared to him the ef∣fect of their message, he beheld them with a sterne looke, and frowning countenance, saieng (and bind∣ing it with an oth) that he would neither be sworne, [line 10] nor kéepe any such ordinances as had beene made without his consent;* 11.216 neither would he make them of counsell how long his purpose was to staie within the realme, which the ambassadours required also to vnderstand. Herevnto he further added, that he had no péere in England, for he was the sonne of the de∣ceased king, and brother of the king that now reig∣ned, and also earle of Cornewall, and therefore if the barons of England ment to reforme the state of the kingdome, their duetie had beene first to haue sent [line 20] for him, and not to haue proceeded so presumptuous∣lie in such a weightie cause, without his presence or consent. When one of the ambassadours was about to haue made answer somewhat roundlie, and also nippinglie vnto this spéech vttered by the king of Al∣maine, he was staied by one of his associats. And so the ambassadours vnderstanding his mind, retur∣ned with all conuenient speed.

The king of Almaine had assembled a great host of men on the further side the sea, meaning with all [line 30] expedition to haue passed hither into England: but when he had aduertisement giuen that there was a power raised in England, and bestowed both by sea and land to resist him,* 11.217 he changed his purpose by ad∣uise of his freends, so that he consented to receiue such manner of oth as the barons required, and here∣with taking the sea, he arriued at Douer on saint Iu∣lians daie with his owne houshold-seruants, bring∣ing with him no traine of strangers, except onelie two earles of Almaine, which brought with them but onelie three knights, and he himselfe had but eight [line 40] knights: his brother king Henrie was readie to re∣ceiue him, and brought him from Douer vnto Can∣turburie, for neither of them was suffered to enter into the castell of Douer, the lords hauing them in a gelousie, least they should be about to breake the or∣dinances which were concluded. On the morow af∣ter,* 11.218 the king of Almaine receiued the oth in the pre∣sence of Richard earle of Glocester and others, with∣in the chapter house of Canturburie. And on the day [line 50] of the Purification of our ladie, the two kings with their queenes and a great number of noble persona∣ges made their entrie and passage into the citie of London.

In the octaues of the said Purification, the parle∣ment began at London,* 11.219 to the which came the earle of Leicester from the parts of beyond the sea, where he had for a certeine time remained. There came also an ambassador from the French king, one that was deane of Burges, and so there was an earnest trea∣tie [line 60] had touching a peace to be concluded betwixt the two kings of England and France, which on the day of saint Ualentine was accorded and put in articles, with condition that the same should remaine firme and stable,* 11.220 if the kings would assent to that which had beene talked of and agreed vpon by their speciall and solemne agents. For the further perfecting of this agreement and finall peace betwixt the kings of England and France▪ about the begining of Aprill, the earls of Glocester and Leicester, Iohn Mansell, Peter de Sauoy, and Robert Ualerane were sent ouer into France, hauing also with them letters of credence, to conclude in all matters as had béene tal∣ked of by their agents. But when the countesse of Leicester would not consent to quite claime and re∣lease hir right in such parcels of Normandie as be∣longed to hir,* 11.221 which king Henrie had couenanted with the residue to resigne vnto the French king. The earle of Glocester fell at words with the earle of Lei∣cester,* 11.222 about the stubborne demeanor which his wife shewed in that matter, and so by reason that either of them stood at defiance with the other (although by meane of freends they staied from further inconue∣nience) they returned backe without concluding any thing in that whereabout they were sent.

About the same time there was a certeine man∣sion house by waie of deuotion giuen vnto the friers that are called preachers within the towne of Dun∣stable,* 11.223 so that certeine of them thrusting themselues in there, began to inhabit in that place, to the great annoiance of the prior and conuent of Dunstable, & as it were by the example of the other order called minors (which in the last precéeding yeare, at saint Edmundsburie in Suffolke had practised the like matter against the willes of the abbat and conuent there) they began to build verie sumptuous houses, so that in the eies of the beholders such chargeable workes of building, so suddenlie aduanced by them that professed voluntarie pouertie, caused no small woonder. The said friers building them a church with all spéed, and setting vp an altar, immediatlie be∣gan to celebrate diuine seruice, not once staieng for the purchase of anie licence. And so building from day to day, they obteined great aid of such as inhabi∣ted neere vnto them, of whome the prior and conuent ought to haue receiued the reuenues that were now conuerted to be imploied on the said friers towards their maintenance. Thus by how much more their house increased,* 11.224 by so much more did the prior and conuent decrease in substance and possessions: for the rents which they were accustomed to receiue of the messuages and houses giuen to the friers, were lost, and likewise the offerings (which were woont to come to their hands) now these friers being newlie entred by occasion of their preachings, vsurped to themselues.

Richard Graie constable of the castell of Douer, and lord warden of the cinque ports was this yeare remooued by the lord chéefe iustice Hugh Bigod,* 11.225 who tooke into his owne hands the custodie of the said ca∣stell and ports. The cause whie the said Richard Graie was discharged, we find to haue fallen out by this means. He suffered a frier minor called Walascho, comming from the pope (bicause he had the kings letters vnder the great seale) to enter the land, not staieng him, nor warning the lords of his comming, contrarie (as it was interpreted) vnto the articles of their prouisions enacted at Oxenford. This frier in∣deed was sent from the pope to haue restored Athil∣marus or Odomarus (as some write him) the kings halfe brother, vnto the possessions of the bishoprike of Winchester, to the which he had béene long before elected. But the lords were so bent against him, that vpon such suggestions as they laid foorth, Walascho refrained from dooing that which he had in comman∣dement, and returned to make report what he vnder∣stood, so that Odomarus was now as farre from his purpose as before.

About the feast of saint Michaell, the bishop of Bangor was sent from Leolin prince of Wales vn∣to the king of England,* 11.226 to make offer on the behalfe of the said Leolin and other the lords of Wales, of sixtéene thousand pounds of siluer for a peace to be had betwixt the king and them, and that they might come to Chester, and there haue their matters heard and determined, as in time past they had béene accu∣stomed. But what answer at his returne was giuen to this bishop by the king and his nobles, it is vncer∣teine.

In the fortie and fourth yeare of king Henries reigne,* 11.227 the fridaie following the feast of Simon and Iude, in a parlement holden at Westminster, were read in presence of all the lords and commons, the acts and ordinances made in the parlement holden at Oxenford,* 11.228 with certeine other articles by the go∣uernours therevnto added and annexed. After the reading whereof the archbishop of Canturburie be∣ing reuested with his suffragans to the number of nine bishops, besides abbats and others, denounced [line 10] all them accurssed that attempted in word or déed to breake the said statutes, or anie of them. In the same parlement was granted to the king a talke called scutagium,* 11.229 or escuage, that is to saie, fortie shillings of euerie knights fée throughtout England, the which extended to a great summe of monie. For as diuerse writers do agree,* 11.230 there were in England at that time in possession of the spiritualtie and temporaltie be∣yond fortie thousand knights fees, but almost halfe of them were in spirituall mens hands. [line 20]

* 11.231Upon the sixt day of Nouember the king came vnto Paules, where by his commandement was the folkemote court assembled, and the king (according to the former ordinances made) asked licence of the communaltie of the citie to passe the sea,* 11.232 and promi∣sed there in the presence of a great multitude of peo∣ple, by the mouth of Hugh Bigod his chéefe iustice, to be good and grafious lord vnto the citie, and to mainteine the liberties thereof vnhurt. Herewith the people for ioy made a great shout.* 11.233 The eight day [line 30] of Nouember he rode through the citie towards the sea side, and vpon the thirtéenth daie of Nouember, he tooke the sea at Douer and arriued at Whitsand, and so from thence he rode vnto Paris, where, of the French king he was most honorablie receiued. The cause of his going ouer was chéefelie to conclude some assured peace with the French king, that he should not néed to doubt any forren enimies, if he should come to haue warre with his owne people, whereof he saw great likelihoods, [year 1260] and therefore he [line 40] made such agreement with king Lewes (as in the French historie more at large appeareth) which (to be short) I here omit.* 11.234

This one thing is here to be noted, that besides the monie which king Henrie had in hand, amoun∣ting to the summe of an hundred and fiftie thousand crownes for his resignation then made vnto Nor∣mandie, Aniou and Maine, it was accorded, that he should receiue yearelie in name of a tribute the sum of ten thousand crownes.* 11.235 ¶Others write that he had [line 50] three hundred thousand pounds of small Turon mo∣nie, which he receiued in readie paiment, and was promised restitution of lands to the value of twentie thousand pounds of yearelie rent: and that after the decease of the French king,* 11.236 that then was, the coun∣trie of Poictou should returne vnto the English do∣minion. Some write that immediatlie after king Henrie had concluded his agréement, he began to repent himselfe thereof, and would neuer receiue penie of the monie, nor leaue out in his stile the title [line 60] of duke of Normandie. But it is rather to be thought that such an agreement was at point to haue béene concluded, or at the leastwise was had in talke, but yet neuer concluded nor confirmed with hands and seales, as it ought to haue beene, if they had gone through with it.

* 11.237In the meane time that king Henrie was thus occupied in France, dissention fell in England be∣twéene prince Edward and Richard earle of Gloce∣ster, for the appeasing whereof a parlement was cal∣led at Westminster, to the which the lords came with great companies, and speciallie the said prince and earle. They intended to haue lodged within the citie: but the maior going vnto the bishop of Worcester, to sir Hugh Bigod, and to sir Philip Basset (vnto whome, and to the archbishop of Canturburie, the K. had committed the rule of the land in his absence) required to know their pleasure herein. Wherevpon they thought it good to haue the aduise of Richard the king of Almaine, and therevpon went to him, where they concluded,* 11.238 that neither the said prince nor earle nor anie of their partakers should come within the citie, the gates whereof were by the maiors appoint∣ment closed and kept with watch and ward both day and night. Soone after also, for the more safegard of the citie, the gates were by the maiors appointment closed and kept with diligent watch and ward both day and night. Soone after also for the more safegard of the said citie, and sure kéeping of the peace, the king of Almaine with the said sir Hugh and sir Phi∣lip came and lodged in the citie with their compa∣nies, and such other as they would assigne, to streng∣then the citie if need required. Wherin their prouident consent to withstand so foule a mischeefe as sedition might haue bred in the citie, deserueth high com∣mendation, for it was the next waie to preserue the state thereof against all occasions of ruine, to vnite harts and hands in so swéet an harmonie, which the law of nature teacheth men to doo, and as by this sage sentence is insinuated and giuen to vnderstand,

Manus manum lauat & digitus digitum, Vir virum & ciuitas seruat ciuitatem.

Shortlie after, the king returned out of France, and about the feast of S. Marke came to London,* 11.239 and lodged in the bishops palace. And bicause of cer∣teine rumors that were spred abroad sounding to some euill meaning, which prince Edward should haue against his father, the king brought ouer with him a great power of men in armes being stran∣gers, howbeit he brought them not into the citie, but left them beyond the bridge in the parts of Surrie, notwithstanding being entred the citie, he so kept the gates and entries, that none was permitted to en∣ter, but such as came in by his sufferance. The earle of Glocester by his appointment also was lodged within the citie, and the prince in the palace at West∣minster. Shortlie after by the kings commandement he remooued to S. Iohns, & all the other lords were lodged without the citie, and the king of Almaine remooued againe to Westminster. In which time a direction was taken betweene the said parties, and a now assemblie and parlement assigned to be kept in the quindene of S. Iohn Baptist, and after defer∣red or proroged till the feast of saint Edward, at the which time all things were paci••••ed a while, but so as the earle of Glocester was put beside the roome which he had amongst other the peeres, and so then he ioined in fréendship with the earle of Leiscester,* 11.240 as it were by way of confederacie against the resi∣due, and yet in this last contention, the said earle of Leicester tooke part with the prince against the earle of Glocester.

This yeare the lord William de Beauchampe the elder deceassed. ¶The lord Edward the kings sonne,* 11.241 with a faire companie of knights and other men of armes, passed the seas to exercise himselfe in iusts, but he himselfe and his men were euill intreated in manie places, so that they lost horsse, armour, and all other things to his great griefe and disliking (as may be estéemed) yet (as some write) he returned home with victorie in the iusts.* 11.242 This yeare at Teu∣kesburie, a Iew falling by chance into a iakes vpon the saturdaie,* 11.243 in reuerence of his sabboth would not suffer any man to plucke him foorth, wherof the earle of Glocester being aduertise••, thought the christians should doo as much reuerence to their sabboth which is sundaie, and therefore would suffer no man to go about to take him foorth that day, and so lieng still

till mondaie, he was there found dead.

* 11.244Diuers Noble men departed this life in this yeare, as the earle of Albemarle, the lord William Beau∣champe, Stephan de Longespee lord cheefe iustice of Ireland, and Roger de Turkeby one of the kings chéese councellors and iustices of the land, William de Kickham bishop of Durham, and Iohn de Crake∣hale treasurer of England, a spirituall man, but rich beyond measure:* 11.245 also Henrie de Ba another of the kings iustices of the bench. In the 45 yeare of king [line 10] Henries reigne,* 11.246 Alexander king of Scotland came to London anon after the feast of S. Edward, with a faire companie of Scotishmen, and shortlie after his wife the quéene of Scots came thither also. Moreouer king Henrie kept a roiall feast at West∣minster, where he made to the number of foure score knights, amongst whome, Iohn sonne to the earle of Britaine, who had maried the ladie Beatrice, one of the kings daughters was there made knight. Shortlie after was sir Hugh Spenser made lord [line 20] chéefe iustice.

After Christmasse the K. comming into the towre of London, [year 1261] fortified it greatlie, & caused the gates of the citie to be warded,* 11.247 sending forth commandement to his lords that they should come to the towre, there to hold a parlement; but they denied flatlie so to doo, sending him word that if it pleased him, they would come to Westminster, where vsuallie the parlement had béene kept; and not to any other place, whervpon there rose dissention betwixt him and the barons. [line 30] After the feast of the Purification,* 11.248 at a folkemote holden at Paules crosse (where the king was present in person, with the king of Almaine, the archbishop of Canturburie, and diuerse other of the Nobles) commandement was giuen to the maior, that euerie stripling of the age of 12 yeares and aboue, should before his alderman be sworne to be true to the king and his hetres kings of England,* 11.249 and that the gates of the citie should be kept with armed men, as before by the king of Romans was deuised. [line 40]

About Easter the barons of the land with consent of the péeres, discharged sir Hugh Spenser of his of∣fice of chéefe iustice,* 11.250 and placed in his roome sir Phi∣lip Basset without the kings assent, he being not made priuie therevnto. Wherevpon a new occasion of displeasure was ministred to kindle debate be∣twixt the king and his lords, but by the policie of the king of Almaine and some prelats, the matter was quieted for a time, till after at Hallowentide next in∣suing, which was the 46 yeare of K. Henries reigne. [line 50] At that time the barons tooke vpon them to discharge such shiriffes as the king had elected & named gar∣dians of the countries and shires,* 11.251 and in their pla∣ces put other shiriffes, and besides that would not suffer the iustice which the king had admitted, to doo his office in keeping his circuit, but appointed such to doo it, as it pleased them to assigne, wherwith the king was so much offended, that he laboured by all means to him possible about the disanulling of the ordinan∣ces made at Oxford, and vpon the second sundaie in [line 60] Lent, he caused to be read at Paules crosse a bull, ob∣teined of pope Urbane the fourth, [year 1262] as a confirmati∣on of an other bull before purchased of his predeces∣sour pope Alexander,* 11.252 for the absoluing of the king, and all other that were sworne to the maintenance of the articles agrees vpon at Oxford. This absolu∣tion he caused to be shewed through the realmes of England, Wales & Ireland, giuing streight charge that if any person were found that would disobe•••• this absolution, the same should be committed to pri∣son, there to remaine till the kings pleasure were further knowne.

Suerlie the most part of those péeres which had the rule of the king and kingdome thus in their hand,* 11.253 perceiuing the enormitie that dailie grew of so ma∣nifold heads and gouernours, were minded of them∣selues to dissolue those prouisions and ordinances so made at Oxford, in somuch that there were but fiue which stiffelie stood in defense of the same, that is to saie, the bishop of Worcester, and the earles of Lei∣cester and Glocester, with Henrie Spenser, and Pe∣ter de Montfort, the which by no meanes could be brought to confesse that they might with a safe con∣science go contrarie to those ordinances which they had confirmed with their solemne oth, notwithstan∣ding the popes dispensation; whereas the same oth was rather a bond of iniquitie (as saith Matth. West∣minster) deuised to conspire against Christ and his annointed, that is to saie, their naturall liege lord and lawfull king, than any godlie oth aduisedlie ta∣ken, or necessarie to be receiued of good meaning sub∣iects, yea and of such a friuolous oth it is said, that

In aqua scribitur & in puluere exaratur.

In Iune the king of Almaine tooke shipping and sailed ouer into Dutchland,* 11.254 and king Henrie at a folkemote holden at Paules crosse the sundaie af∣ter S. Peters day, had licence to saile into France, and the morrow after he departed from London to∣wards the sea side, with the quéene and other lords, his two sonnes prince Edward and the earle of Lanca∣ster being at that present in Guien. When he had béene a season in France, he went vnto Burdeaux, and there fell sicke of a feuer quartane,* 11.255 by occasi∣on whereof he taried in those parties till S. Nicholas tide next following. There were few that went ouer with him that escaped frée without the same disease,* 11.256 so that in maner all his companie were taken and fore handled therewith. Manie died thereof to the number of thréescore,* 11.257 and amongst them as chéefe were these, Baldwine de Lisle earle of Deuonshire, Ingram de Percie, and William de Beauchampe.

In this yeare died Richard the Clare earle of Glocester,* 11.258 and his sonne sir Gilbert de Clare was earle after him, vnto whome his father gaue great charge that he should mainteine the ordinances of Oxford. In the 47 yeare of king Henries reigne,* 11.259 by reason that a Iew had wounded a christian man at London within Colechurch, in the ward of cheap,* 11.260 not onelie the said Iew was slaine by other christi∣ans that followed him home to his house, but also manie other Iewes were robbed and slaine in that furie and rage of the people. The Welshmen with their prince Leolin made wars against the men and tenants of Roger de Mortimer;* 11.261 and tooke two of his castels (the one called Kenet) and raced them both to the ground. The said Roger being sore gréeued herwith, got such assistance as he could of other lords there in the marches,* 11.262 and watching the Welshmen at aduantage, distressed diuerse companies of them, sometime thrée hundred, sometime foure hundred, and other whiles fiue hundred. But at one time he lost thrée hundred of this footmen that were entred the countrie, and so inclosed that they could make no shift to escape.

Upon the euen of S. Thomas the apostle,* 11.263 the king landed at Douer, [year 1263] and came to London the Wednes∣daie before the twelfe day in Christmasse.* 11.264 In this yeare the frost began about S. Nicholas daie, and continued for the space of a moneth and more, so ex∣treamelie, that the Thames was frosen, so that men passed ouer on horssebacke. ¶ The same winter the kings little hall at Westminster, with manie other houses therevnto adioining, was consumed with fire, by negligence of one of the kings seruants.* 11.265 Ua∣riance rose betwixt the citizens of London, and the constable of the towre, for that contrarie to the liber∣ties of the citie he tooke certeine ships passing by the towre with wheat and other vittels into the towre,

making the price thereof himselfe. The matter was had before sir Philip Basset lord cheefe iustice and o∣thers, who vpon the sight and hearing of all such eui∣dences and priuiledges as could be brought foorth for the aduantage of both the parties, tooke order that the constable should (when he lacked prouision of graine or vittels) come into the market holden within the ci∣tie, and there to haue wheat two pence in a quarter within the maiors price, and other vittels after the same rate.

Prince Edward the kings sonne returning from [line 10] the parts beyond the sea,* 11.266 went with a great power (as well of Englishmen as strangers) against the Welshmen towards Snowdon hils: but the eni∣mies withdrawing themselues to their strengths within the woods and mounteines, he could not much indamage them, wherevpon after he had fortified cer∣teine castels in those parts, with men, numition, and vittels, he returned being sent for backe of his father. The archbishop of Canturburie foreseeing the trou∣ble that was like to insue betwixt the king and his [line 20] barons,* 11.267 got licence of the king to go vnto Rome, a∣bout such businesse as he fained to haue to doo with the pope, and so departed the land, and kept him a∣waie till the trouble was appeased.* 11.268 Upon Midlent sundaie, at a folkemote holden at Paules crosse, be∣fore sir Philip Basset and other of the kings councell, the maior of London was sworne to be true to the king,* 11.269 and to his heires kings of England, and vpon the morrow at the Guildhall euerie alderman in presence of the maior tooke the same oth. And vpon [line 30] the sundaie following, euerie inhabitant within the citie, of the age of 12 yeares and aboue, before his al∣derman in his ward was newlie charged with the like oth.

* 11.270Then began the displeasure betwéene the king and his barons to appeare, which had béene long kept se∣cret, diuers of whom assembling togither in the mar∣ches of Wales,* 11.271 gathered vnto them a power of men, and sent a letter vnto the king, vnder the seale of sir Roger Clifford,* 11.272 beséeching him to haue in remem∣brance [line 40] his oth and manifold promises made for the obseruing of the statutes ordeined at Oxford. But although this letter was indited and written verie effectuallie, yet receiued they no answer from the king, who minded in no wise to obserue the same sta∣tutes, as by euident takens it was most apparant. Wherevpon they determined to attempt by force to bring their purpose to passe.* 11.273 The king and the quéene for their more safegard got them into the towre of London, and prince Edward laie at Clerkenwell, [line 50] but in such necessitie and discredit for monie, that nei∣ther had they any store to furnish their wants, nei∣ther was there any man that would trust them with a groat.

Prince Edward not able to abide such dishonor, in the feast of the apostle Peter and Paule,* 11.274 taking with him Robert Waleran, and certeine others, went to the new temple, and there easling for the kée∣per of the treasure-house, as if he meant to see his mothers iewels, that were laid vp there, to be safelie [line 60] kept, he entred into the house, and breaking the cof∣fers of certeine persons that had likewise brought their monie thither, to haue it in more safetie, he tooke away from thence the value of 1000 pounds.

* 11.275—ô quantum cogit egestas▪ Magnum pauperies opprobrium iubet Quiduis & facere & pati, Virtutisque viam deserit arduae.

The citizens of London were so offended herewith that they rose in armour against him and other of the kings councell,* 11.276 in somuch that they assailed the lodg∣ing of the lord Iohn Gray without Ludgate, and tooke out of his stables 32 horsses, and such other things as they might laie hold vpon, kéeping such stur that the lord Gray himselfe was forced to flie be∣yond Fleetbridge. The like rule they kept at the house of Iohn de Passelew.

Iohn Mansell departing foorth of the towre to the Thames, with the countesse de Lisle,* 11.277 and other ladies that were strangers borne, sailed into France, and landed at Whitsand, where the said Mansell hearing that the lord Henrie, sonne to the king of Almaine, that then held with the barons was in those parts, he caused the lord Ingram de Fines to staie him as prisoner, and so he remained, till king Henrie vpon the agreement betwixt him and the barons, found meanes to get him released, and so then he returned into England.

But now touching the barons, they procéeded in their businesse which they had in hand with all earnest diligence, of whome these were the chéefe that vnder∣tooke this matter: yoong Humfrie de Boun, the lord Henrie son to the king of Almaine,* 11.278 Henrie Mont∣ford, Hugh Spenser, Baldwin Wake, Gilbert Gif∣ford, Richard Gray, Iohn Ros, William Marmion, Henrie Hastings, Haimon le Strange, Iohn Fitz Iohn, Godfrey Lucie, Nicholas Segraue, Roger de Leiborne, Iohn Uesie, Roger de Clifford, Iohn de Uaus, Gilbert de Clare, Gilbert de Lacie, and Ro∣bert Uepont, the which with one generall consent e∣lected for their chéefe capteins and generall gouer∣nours, Simon de Mountfort earle of Leicester,* 11.279 Gil∣bert of Clare earle of Glocester, and Robert Fer∣reis earle of Darbie, and Iohn earle of Warren. On the kings part these persons are named to stand with him against the other. First, Roger Bigod erle of Norffolke and Suffolke,* 11.280 Humfrie de Boun earle of Hereford, Hugh Bigod lord cheefe iustice, Philip Basset, William de Ualence, Geffrey de Lucignan, Peter de Sauoy, Robert Walrand, Iohn Mansell, Geffrey Langley, Iohn Gray, William Latimer, Henrie Percie, and manie other. The barons not∣withstanding hauing assembled their powers, resol∣ued to go through with their purpose.

The first enterprise they made was at Hereford,* 11.281 where they tooke the bishop of that sée named Iohn Breton, and as manie of his canons as were stran∣gers borne. After this they tooke sir Matthew de Be∣zilles shiriffe of Glocester, a stranger borne; and kée∣ping on their waie towards London with baners displaied, so manie as came within their reach,* 11.282 whom they knew to be against the maintenance of the sta∣tutes of Oxford, they spoiled them of their houses, robbed them of their goods, and imprisoned their bo∣dies, hauing no regard whether they were spirituall men or temporall. In diuerse of the kings castels they placed such capteins and soldiers as they thought conuenient, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 placed others whom they either knew or suspected to be aduersaries to their purpose.

About Midsummer when they drew néere to Lon∣don, they sent a letter to the maior and aldermen vn∣der the seale of the earle of Leicester, willing to vn∣derstand whether they woul•• ••bserue the acts and sta∣t••tes establish••d at Oxford, or else aid and assist such persons as meant the breath of the same. And here∣with they sent vnto them •• copie of those articles, with a prouiso, that if any of them were preiudiciall, or in any wife hurtfull to the realme and common∣wealth, that then the same by the aduise of discré••t persons should be amended and reformed. The maior bare this letter and the copie of the articles vnto the king, who in this meane time remained in the towre of London▪ togither with the quéene and the king of Almaine, latelie returned out of Almaine; also his sonne prince Edward, and manie other of his coun∣cell. The king asked of the maior what he thought of those articles? Who made such answer as the king

séemed well pleased therewith, and so permitted the maior to returne againe into the citie,* 11.283 who toke much paine in keeping the citie in good quiet now in that dangerous time.

All such the inhabitants as were strangers borne, and suspected to fauour either of the parties, were ba∣nished the citie, but within a while after, prince Ed∣ward set them or the most part of them in offices within the castell of Windsore. On the saturdaie next after the translation of saint Benet, as the quéene would haue passed by water from the tower [line 10] vnto Windsore,* 11.284 a sort of lewd naughtipacks got them to the bridge, making a noise at hir, and crieng; Drowne the witch, threw downe stones, cudgels, dirt, and other things at hir, so that she escaped in great danger of hir person, fled to Lambeth, and through feate to be further pursued, landed there, and so she staied till the maior of London with much adoo appesing the furie of the people, repaired to the quéene and brought hir backe againe in safetie vnto the tow∣er. And (as some write) bicause the king would not [line 20] suffer hir to enter againe into the tower,* 11.285 the maior conueied hir vnto the bishop of Londons house by Paules, and there lodged hir.

The barons in this meane time hauing got the citie of Worcester and Bridgenorth,* 11.286 with other pla∣ces, were come into the south parts, to the end that they might win the castell of Douer, and find some meanes to set the lord Henrie (sonne to the king of Almaine that was prisoner beyond the seas) at liber∣tie. In the meane time the bishops of Lincolne, Lon∣don [line 30] and Chester,* 11.287 trauelled betwixt the king and ba∣rons for a peace; but the barons would not agree, ex∣cept that the king and queene would first cause the lord Henrie to be set at libertie, and deliuer into their hands the castels of Windsore, Douer, and other for∣tresses, and send awaie all the strangers, and take such order that the prouisions of Oxenford might be obserued, as well by the king as others.

The king although these conditions seemed verie hard and displeasant to his mind, yet was he driuen [line 40] to such an extremitie that he granted to accept them, and so an agreement was made and had betwixt him and the lords. But now all the difficultie was to ap∣pease the lord Edward, and to remooue the strangers which he had placed in the castell of Windsore,* 11.288 which they had not onelie fortified, but also in manner de∣stroied the towne, and doone much hurt in the coun∣trie round about them. There were to the number of an hundred knights or men of armes (as I may call [line 50] them) beside a great number of other men of warre. But now after that the king had agréed to the peace, the barons entred the citie on the sundaie before S. Margarets daie; and shortlie after the king came to Westminster with the quéene, and those of his councell. And immediatlie herevpon, by consent of the king and the barons, sir Hugh Spenser was made cheefe iustice and kéeper of the tower. During the time that the lords remained in London, manie robberies and riots were doone within the citie, and [line 60] small redresse had in correcting the offendors, they were so borne out and mainteined by their maisters and others.

The commons of the citie were farre out of order,* 11.289 for in the assemblies and courts, as well at Guild∣hall as in other places, the matters and iudgement of things went by the voices of the simple and vndis∣creet multitude, so that the substantiall and worship∣full citizens were not regarded. The barons on the morrow following the feast of saint Iames, depar∣ted from London toward Windsore,* 11.290 in which meane while prince Edward was gone to Bristow, & there thinking himselfe to be out of danger, by mishap there rose variance betwixt the citizens & his men, so that the whole citie reuolted from him, and prepa∣red to besiege him in the castell, not doubting but easilie to win it. When he saw how the world went, he sent to the bishop of Worcester that was of the barons side, promising that he would agrée with the barons, if he would helpe to deliuer him out of the Bristow mens hands. The bishop taking his promise conueied him foorth in safetie toward the court; but when he came neere vnto Windsore, he turned thi∣ther, greatlie to the misliking of the bishop: yet ne∣uerthelesse when the barons came forward to besiege that castle, the lord Edward met them not farre from Kingston, offering them conditions of peace.* 11.291 Some write that he was staied and not suffered to returne againe to Windsore, after he had ended his talke with the barons: but howsoeuer it was, the castell was surrendred, with condition that those that were within it should safelie depart, and so they did, and were conducted to the sea by Humfrey de Bohun the yoonger. ¶About the same time, Leolin prince of Wales destroied the lands of prince Edward in Cheshire, and the marshes thereabouts. The two ca∣stels of Disard and Gannoc he tooke and destroied, being two verie faire fortresses.

About the feast of the Natiuitie of our ladie, there was a parlement holden at London,* 11.292 at the which all the nobles of the realme both spirituall and tempo∣rall were present; and then the citie of London,* 11.293 and the cinque ports ioined in league as confederats with the barons: but the king plainlie protested be∣fore all the assemblie,* 11.294 that by the statutes and proui∣sions (as they termed them) made at Oxenford, he was much deceiued. For contrarie to that which the barons had promised, he felt himselfe rather charged with more debt than anie thing reléeued: and there∣fore sith he had obteined of the pope an absolution of the oth both for himselfe and his people, his request was to be restored vnto his former estate of all such prerogatiues as in time past he had inioied. The ba∣rons on the other side stiffelie mainteined, that they could not with safe conscientes go against their oth, and therefore they meant to stand in defense of the articles aforesaid euen so long as they had a daie to liue.

Thus whilest both parts kept so farre from all hope of agreement, and were now in point to haue depar∣ted in sunder, through mediation of some bishops that were present a peace was concluded, and the parties so agréed, that all matters in controuersie touching the articles, prouisions, and statutes made at Oxenford should be ordered and iudged by the French king,* 11.295 whom they chose as arbitrator betwixt them. Herevpon, on the thirtéenth of September, both the king and quéene, with their sonnes, and di∣uerse other of the nobles of this land, tooke shipping, and sailed ouer to Bullongne, where the French king as then was at a parlement, with a great number of the nobles and péeres of France. The earle of Lei∣cester also with diuerse of his complices went thi∣ther, and there the matter was opened, argued, and debated before the French king, who in the end vpon due examination, and orderlie hearing of the whole processe of all their controuersies, gaue expresse sen∣tence, that all and euerie of the said statutes and or∣dinances deuised at Oxford,* 11.296 should be from thence∣foorth vtterlie void, and all bonds and promises made by king Henrie, or anie other for performance of them, should likewise be adnihilated, fordoone, and clearelie cancelled.

The barons highlie displeased herewith, refused to stand to the French kings award herein, bicause he had iudged altogither on the kings side. Wherevpon after they were returned into the realme, either par∣tie prepared for warre: but yet about the feast of S.

Edward, the king and the barons eftsoones met at London, holding a new parlement at Westmin∣ster, but no good could be doone. Then when the king of Almaine and prince Edward,* 11.297 with others of the kings councell saw that by rapine, oppression, and ex∣tortion practised by the barons against the kings sub∣iects,* 11.298 as well spirituall as temporall, the state of the realme and the kings honour was much decaied, and brought in manner vnto vtter ruine, they procu∣red the king to withdraw secretlie from Westmin∣ster vnto Windsore castell, of which his sonne prince [line 10] Edward had gotten the possession by a traine. From Windsore he went to Reading, and from thence to Wallingford, and so to Oxford, hauing a great power with him.

At his being at Oxford there came vnto him the lord Henrie,* 11.299 son to the king of Almaine, Iohn earle Warren, Roger Clifford, Roger Leiborne, Hai∣mond le Strange, and Iohn de Uaux, which had ree¦uolted from the barons to the kings side, Iohn Gif∣ford also did the like: but he shortlie after returned to [line 20] the barons part againe. The kings sonne the lord Edward had procured them thus to reuolt, promi∣sing to euerie of them in reward by his charter of grant fiftie pounds lands to aid the king his father and him against the barons.

After this the king went to Winchester, and from thence came backe vnto Reading,* 11.300 and then he mar∣ched foorth with his armie vnto Douer, where he could not be suffered to come into the castell, being kept [line 30] out by the lord Richard Gray that was capteine there. Herevpon he returned to London, where the barons againe were entred, through fauour of the commoners, against the will of the chéefe citizens, and here they fell eftsoones to treat of agréement,* 11.301 but their talke profited nothing. And so in the Christmasse wéeke the king, [year 1264] with his sonne prince Edward and diuerse other of the councell sailed ouer againe into France,* 11.302 and went to Amiens, where they found the French king, and a great number of his Nobles. Al∣so for the barons, Peter de Montford, and other were [line 40] sent thither as commissioners, and as some write, at that present, to wit on the 24 daie of Ianuarie, the French king sitting in iudgement, pronounced his definitiue sentence on the bahalfe of king Henrie a∣gainst the barons:* 11.303 but whether he gaue that sentence now, or the yeare before, the barons iudged him verie parciall, and therefore meant not to stand vnto his arbitrement therein.

The king hauing ended his businesse with the French king, returned into England, and came to [line 50] London the morrow after S. Ualentines day. And about seuen or eight daies after, the lord Edward his eldest sonne returned also, and hearing that the barons were gone to the marshes of Wales (where ioining with the Welshmen, they had begun to make warre against the kings freends, and namelie against his lieutenant Roger lord Mortimer, whome they had besieged in the castell of Wigmore) the lord Edward therevpon, with such power as he could get [line 60] togither, marched thitherwards to raise their siege: but the lord Mortimer perceiuing himselfe in dan∣ger, fled priuilie out of the castell, and got to Hereford, whither the prince was come. The barons inforced their strength in such wise that they wan the castell.* 11.304 Prince Edward on the other side tooke the castels of Haie and Huntington that belonged vnto the earle of Hereford yoong Henrie de Boun.

The castell of Brecknoc was also deliuered into his hands, which he béetooke to the kéeping of the lord Roger de Mortimer, with all the territorie thereto belonging. Robert earle of Darbie that tooke part with the barons, besieged the citie of Worcester, and tooke it by the old castell,* 11.305 sacked the citizens goods, and constreined the Iewes to be baptised. The citie of Glocester also was taken by the barons: but prince Edward following them and reparing the bridge o∣uer Seuerne, which the barons had broken downe af∣ter they were come ouer, he entred the castell of Glo∣cester with his people. The next day by procurement of Walter bishop of Worcester, a truce was taken betwixt prince Edward and the barons that had ta∣ken the towne, during the which truce the barons left the towne, and the burgesses submitted themselues vnto prince Edward: and so he hauing the castell and towne in his hands,* 11.306 imprisoned manie of the burgesses, & fined the towne at the summe of a thou∣sand pounds. Then he drew towards his father li∣eng at Oxford, or at Woodstoke, gathering people to∣gither on ech hand.

In the meane time the lords drew towards Lon∣don,* 11.307 and the new assurance by writing indented was made betweene the communaltie of the citie and the barons, without consent of any of the rulers of the citie. The commoners herewith appointed of them∣selues two capteins, which they named constables of the citie, that is to saie, Thomas Piwelsoon & Ste∣phan Bukerell, by whose commandement and ••olling of the great bell of Paules all the citie was warned to be readie in harnesse, to attend vpon the said two capteins. About the beginning of Lent the consta∣ble of the towre sir Hugh Spenser, with the said two capteins, and a great multitude of the citizens and o∣thers went to Thistlewor••••▪* 11.308 and there spoiled the ma∣nour place of the king of Almaine, and then set it on fire, and destroied the water milles, and other com∣modities which he there had. This déed was the cause (as some haue iudged) of the warre that after insued.* 11.309 For where before this time the said king of Almaine had beéne, by reason of the alliance betwixt him and the earle of Glocester, continuallie an intreater for peace, he was now euer after this time an vtter enimie vnto the barons, and vnto their side, so farre as laie in his power.

The king hearing of this riot••••us act, and being informed that Peter de Mountfort was at Nor∣thampton, assembling people to strengthen the ba∣rons part, he got togither such men of warre as he could from all places, and so he had with him his bro∣ther Richard king of Almaine, his eldest sonne the lord Edward,* 11.310 William de Ualence his halfe bro∣ther on the mothers side, & Iohn Comin of Ward in Scotland with a great number of Scots, Iohn Bal∣lioll lord of Gallowaie, Robert Bruis lord of An∣nandale, Roger Clifford, Philip Marmion, Iohn Uaux, Iohn Leiborne, Henrie Percie, Philip Bas∣set, and Roger Mortimer.

Thus the king hauing these Noble men about him,* 11.311 with his armie sped him towards Northamp∣ton, and comming thither tooke the towne by force, ••••ue diuerse, and tooke prisoners Peter Mountfort, and Simon Mountfort the earle of Leicesters son, William Ferries, Baldwin Wake, with Nicholas his brother, Berengarius de Wateruile, Hugh Gubiun, Robert Buteuilein, Adam of Newmarch, Robert Newton, Philip Dribie, Grimbald Paunce∣f••et, Roger Beltram, Thomas Mansell, and diuerse other, to the number of 80 knights (or as Matthew Westminster hath 15 barons, and 60 knights) besides a great number of esquires and burgesses, the which were bestowed abroad in sundrie prisons. The towne (as some write) was taken by this meanes. Whilest diuerse of the capteins within were talking with the king on the one side of the towne towards the me∣dowes, the lord Philip Basset approched the walles néere vnto the monasterie of S. Andrew, and there with his people hauing spades, mattocks, and other instruments prouided for the purpose, vndermined a

great paine of the wall, and reuersed the same into ditches, making such a breach, that fortie horssemen might enter afront. Some put the blame in such moonks of the abbeie as were strangers, as though they should prepare this entrie for the enimie: but howsoeuer it was, the king got the towne out of his enimies hands.

This also is to be remembred, that where by rea∣son of variance, which had chanced that yere betwixt the scholers of Oxford and the townesmen, a great [line 10] number of the same scholers were withdrawen to Northampton and there studied.* 11.312 They had raised a banner to fight in defense of the towne against the king, and did more hurt to the assailants than anie other band; wherevpon the king threatned to hang them all, and so had he doone indéed, if by the persua∣sion of his councell he had not altered his purpose, doubting to procure the hatred of their fréends, if the execution should haue béene so rigorouslie prosecuted against them: for there were amongst them manie [line 20] yoong gentlemen of good houses and noble paren∣tage. Thus was the towne of Northampton taken on a saturdaie being Passion sundaie euen, and the morrow after the daie of S. Ambrose which is the fift of Aprill. On the monday following, the king led his armie towards Leicester, where the burgesses recei∣ued him into the towne at his comming thither. From thence he marched to Notingham, burning and wasting the houses and manors of the barons and other of his enimies, and speciallie those that be∣longed to the earle of Leicester. Here he also gathe∣red [line 30] more people,* 11.313 and so increased his power: in so∣much that diuerse Noblemen, as Roger Clifford, Henrie Percie, Richard Gray, Philip Basset, Ri∣chard Sward, and Hubert earle of Kent, doubting the lacke of power in their companions, reuolted in∣continentlie to the kings side.

He sent his sonne prince Edward into Darbi∣shire and Staffordshire with a strong power, where he wasted the manours and possessions of Robert de Ferrers earle of Darbie, and namelie he ouerthrew [line 40] and defaced the castell of Tutburie. Wheresoeuer the kings armie, or that which his sonne prince Edward led, chanced to come, there followed spoiling, burning and killing. The barons on the other side sate not still, for the lord Iohn Gifford, with others that were ap∣pointed by the earle of Leicester to kéepe Killing∣worth castell (which was furnished with all things necessarie, maruellouslie, and with such strange kind of engines as had not béene lightlie heard of nor seene in these parts) tooke by a policie the castell of [line 50] Warwike, and William Manduit earle of War∣wike,* 11.314 with his wife and familie within it; and lea∣ding them to Killingworth, there cōmitted them to prison. The cause was, for that they suspected him that he would take part with the king against them. The castell of Warwike they raced downe, least the kings people should take it for their refuge.* 11.315 In the Passion weeke the Iewes that inhabited in Lon∣don being detected of treason, which they had deuised against the barons and citizens, were slaine almost [line 60] all the whole number of them, and great riches found in their houses, which were taken and caried awaie by those that ransacked the same houses.

After Easter the erle of Leicester, hauing London at his commandement,* 11.316 went to Rochester and besie∣ged that citie, but the capteine thereof Iohn earle of Warren did manfullie resist the enimies; till the king aduertised thereof, with the power of the mar∣shes of the north parts and other came and remooued the siege.* 11.317 This doone, he left a conuenient garrison within the citie to defend it, and comming to Tun∣bridge, wan the castell, and taking the countesse of Glocester that was within it, permitted hir to de∣part. This doone, he repaired to the sea side towards France, to staie there till his brethren, Geffrey and Guie, the sonnes of the earle of Marsh should arriue with some band of souldiers,* 11.318 for whom he had now sent and reuoked into the realme, being latelie before banished by the Nobles, as before yée haue heard. They shortlie after landed, wherevpon the king ha∣uing his power increased, came to Lewes, and pight downe his field not farre from that towne.

In the end of Aprill the barons hearing where the king was, departed from London with a great multitude of the citizens, whom they placed in the vantward, and marched foorth towards the king, and comming neere to the place where he was lodged; set downe their tents, and incamped themselues a little beside him. Either here or by the waie as they came forward, the barons deuised a letter, and sent it vnto the king, conteining an excuse of their dooings, and a declaration of their well meanings,* 11.319 both to∣wards him, and the wealth of the realme; and heere∣with accused those that were about him, and with e∣uill counsell misinformed him, both against them, a∣gainst the publike wealth of the land, and his owne honor. This letter was dated the tenth of Maie, and subscribed with the names of a great number of no∣ble men, of the which the more part doo here insue, but yet not all; Sir Simon de Montfort earle of Leicester and high steward of England, sir Gilbert de Clare earle of Glocester, Robert Ferrers earle of Darbie, Hugh Spenser lord cheefe iustice, & Hen∣rie Montfort sonne and heire to the earle of Leice∣ster, Richard Grey, Henrie Hastings, Iohn Fitz Iohn, Robert de Uéepont, Iohn Ginuile, Robert Rops, William Marmion, Baldwine Wake, Gil∣bert Gifford, Nicholas de Segraue, Godfrey de Lu∣cie, Iohn de Ueisie, William de Mountchensie, with other. The king answered this letter,* 11.320 in char∣ging them with rebellion, and moouing of open war against him, to the great disquieting of the realme. Also he laid vnto their charge, the burning of the ma∣nours, houses and places of his nobles and councel∣lors; and herewith defied them by the same answer,* 11.321 which was dated at Lewes aforesaid on the twelfth of Maie.

Also the king of Romanes, and prince Edward sent their defiance to the barons at the same time in writing vnder their seales, for that the barons in their letter to the king, had burthened them and o∣ther with misleading the king with vntrue informa∣tions and sinister counsell.* 11.322 Thus as they writ to and fro such nipping letters, all the treatie of peace was forgotten and laid aside, so that they prepared to battell. The king had indéed the greater number of armed men, but manie of them were vnfaithfull, and cared not greatlie though the losse fell to his side, and so whilest they went to it without order, & vnaduised∣lie, they fought at aduenture, & continued but faintly.* 11.323 His capteines made thrée battels of their armie, the lord Edward led the foreward, and with him Willi∣am de Ualence earle of Penbroke, and Iohn de Warren erle of Surrey and Sussex. In the second, the K. of Almaine, with his sonne Henrie were cheef∣taines. The third the king gouerned himselfe.

The barons diuided their host into foure battels, the first was vnder the gouernment of the lord Hen∣rie de Montfort and others. The second was led by the lord Gilbert de Clare, the lord Iohn Fitz Iohn, and the lord William de Mountchensie. The third, in which the Londoners were placed, the lord Nicho∣las de Segraue ruled. The fourth was led by Si∣mon Montfort earle of Leicester himselfe, and one Thomas de Peuelston. Thus being ordered, on the fourtéenth of Maie being Wednesdaie, they ioined in fight, and at the first incounter,* 11.324 the L. Hen∣rie

de Hastings,* 11.325 the lord Geffrey de Lucie, & Hum∣frey de Bohun the yoonger were wounded, and the Londoners forthwith were beaten backe:* 11.326 for prince Edward so fiercelie assailed them, that they were not able to abide the brunt. He hated them indeed aboue all other, namelie for that of late they had mis∣vsed his mother, reuiling hir, and throwing durt and stones at hir, when she passed the bridge (as before ye haue heard) which wrong and abuse by them com∣mitted was peraduenture on their parts forgotten, [line 10] but of prince Edward (as it séemeth) remembred, for

Puluere qui laedit, sed laesus marmore scribit.

Herevpon prince Edward now to be reuenged of them, after they began to flie, most egerlie following them, chased & slue them by heaps. But whilest he se∣parated himselfe by such earnest following of the Londoners too farre from the residue of the kings armie, he was the onelie cause of the losse of that field: for the earle of Leicester, perceiuing that the prince with the chiefest force of the kings armie was thus gone after the Londoners (of whom he made no [line 20] great account) he exhorted his people to shew their valiancie at that instant, and so comming vpon his aduersaries with great courage,* 11.327 in a moment put them to flight. There were taken the king of Almaine, the lords Iohn de Burgh and Philip Bas∣set with all other the chiefest that were about the king, but the king himselfe retired with those few a∣bout him that were left, into the priorie of Lewes, and other there were that withdrew into the castell. [line 30] The barons pursuing them, entered the towne, and tooke or slue so manie as they found within the castell and priorie. At length, prince Edward returned from the chase of the Londoners, whom he had pursued for the space of foure miles, and finding the field lost, be∣gan a new battell:* 11.328 but the earle of Surrie, Wil∣liam de Valence, and Guy de Lucignan, with Hugh Bigod and others,* 11.329 hauing with them thrée hundred armed men, streightwaies fled vnto the castell of Pemsie. Prince Edward then perceiuing slaughter [line 40] to be made on each hand, cast about the towne, and with his companie got into the priorie to his father.

In the meane time the barons gaue assault to the castell, but they within valiantlie defended them∣selues, with whose hardie dooings prince Edward in∣couraged, gathered his people togither againe, and meant e••tsoones to giue battell; but the subtill head of the earle of Leicester beguiled them all, for he caused certeine friers to take in hand to be intreators be∣twixt them,* 11.330 which comming to the king and to the [line 50] prince his sonne, declared that the barons, to auoid that more christian bloud should not be spilt, would be contented to haue the matter put in compromise of indifferent persons; but if it were so, that the king and his sonne would néeds stand to the vttermost tri∣all of battell, they would not faile but strike off the heads of the king of Almaine and other prisoners, which they would set vpon the ends of their speares in stéed of standards.

The king and his people hauing the respect of pitie [line 60] before their eies, changed their purposed intent to fight, and falling to a parle (which continued for the most part of all the night next following) at length it was agreed vpon,* 11.331 that the French king with thrée prelats and three other noble men of the temporaltie, should choose foorth and name two noble men of France, which comming into England should take a third person to them whom they thought good, and they thrée should haue the hearing of all controuer∣sies betwixt the king and the barons, and what order so euer they tooke therein, the same should stand, and be receiued for a perfect conclusion and stable decrée. This agréement was confirmed, and prince Edward and Henrie sonne to the king of Almaine were ap∣pointed to remaine as hostages with the barons.

¶ Other write otherwise of this battell at Lewes,* 11.332 affirming, that not onelie the king of Romans, but also king Henrie himselfe, hauing his owne horsse thrust through on both sides, was taken, and likewise his sonne prince Edward with other on their side, to the number of fiue and twentie barons and banne∣rets: and that moreouer, there died on the kings side that day in the battell and chase, six thousand and fiue hundred men, as Polydor noteth: howbeit, Richard Southwell saith, there died on both parts onlie 3400. But Matth. Westminster writeth, that as the report went, there died fiue thousand on both sides, and a∣mongst other, these he nameth as chéefe, William de Wilton one of the kings iustices, & the lord Fouke Fitz Waren a baron that tooke the kings part. On the barons side,* 11.333 the lord Rafe Heringander a baron also, and William Blunt the earles standardbearer. Of them that were taken on the kings side, beside such as before are recited, we find these named, Hum∣frie de Bohun earle of Hereford, William lord Bar∣dolfe, Robert lord of Tatshale, Roger lord Some∣rie, Henrie lord Percie, Iohn de Balioll, Robert de Bruis, and Iohn Comin, with other barons of Scot∣land, hauing lost all their footmen whom they had brought with them to the kings aid.

Moreouer, it should appeare by some writers,* 11.334 that the king being thus in captiuitie, was constreined to make a new grant, that the statutes of Oxford shuld stand in force, and if any were thought vnreasonable, the same should be reformed by foure Noble men of the realme of France, two of the spiritualtie and two of the temporaltie. And if those foure could not agrée, then the earle of Anton and the duke of Burgoigne shuld be iudges in the matter. ¶But if either those or the other were appointed to be arbitrators, like it is, that the former report touching the successe of the battell is true; for if both the king and his sonne had béene taken prisoners in the field, the barons would suerlie haue constreined him to haue consented to the obseruance of the statutes, without putting the same in compromise, to be altered at the discretion of any arbitrators, and namelie strangers.

But howsoeuer it was, on the tuesday before the Ascension day, peace was proclaimed in London,* 11.335 be∣tweene the king and the barons; and wheras the king either by constreint for safegard of himselfe or his fréends, either vpon assurance of the barons promise, committed himselfe vnto the companie of the same barons, at their comming with him to London they went from this last agréement, and foorthwith deui∣sed other ordinances as thus. They ordeined,* 11.336 that two earles and a bishop, which being elected out by the communaltie, should choose to them nine other persons, and of these, three of them should still re∣maine about the king, and by their order and the o∣ther nine, all things should be gouerned both in the court and in the realme. They constreined the king and his sonne prince Edward (menacing to depose the one, and to kéepe the other in perpetuall prison) to consent and agrée to this last ordinance: and so the earles of Leicester and Glocester, and the bishop of Chichester were ordeined there the cheefe rulers, and letters sent with all spéed vnto the cardinall Sabi∣nensis the popes legat, and to the king of France, to signifie to them, that the compromise agréed vpon at Lewes was vtterlie reuoked, and that a new peace in freendlie wise was concluded.

But although the bishops of London, Winche∣ster, and Worcester instantlie required the said legat, that he would helpe to further the same peace, yet he fore rebuked them, in that they would giue their con∣sent, so much to abase and bring vnder the kings roi∣all power. And bicause he might not be suffered to

enter the realme, he first cited them to appeare before him at Bullongne. And whereas they séemed to con∣temne his authoritie, and appeared not, he both sus∣pended the said three bishops, and excommunicated the said earles of Leicester and Glocester, and their complices, with the citie of London, and the cinque ports: but the foresaid bishops, earles and barons, feigning to make their appeales to the popes consi∣storie, or if néed were, vnto a generall councell and so foorth, though indeed trusting more to the temporall [line 10] sword, than fearing the spirituall, they did not for∣beare to saie and heare diuine seruice in churches and else-where, as before they had doone, till the comming of the cardinall Othobone.

The capteines and men of warre, whom the king had left at Tunbridge, immediatlie vpon the agrée∣ment concluded betwixt the king and the barons, were commanded by the K. to depart,* 11.337 & repaire eue∣rie man to his home; but they fearing the malice of their enimies, would not breake in sunder, but kéep∣ing [line 20] togither, went strait to Bristowe, and there re∣mained, till the lord Edward the kings sonne was escaped out of captiuitie. But this is to be remem∣bred, that before their departure from Tunbridge, when by report of William de Saie,* 11.338 who escaping from the battell at Lewes, was come thither, they vnderstood how the matter had passed on both sides, and that the Londoners being chased out of the field, were lodged at Croidon,* 11.339 about the euening tide they came thither, and assailing them in their lodgings, [line 30] slue manie, and wan a great spoile. The earle of Leicester and the barons hauing the rule of the king and realme in their hands, sought to oppresse all such as they knew to be against them, and not to like of their procéedings; namelie, the northerne lords, and those of the marshes of Wales, as the lord Morti∣mer and others: but waxing herewith wilfull, they vsed things with small discretion, which at length brought them to confusion. For the foure sonnes of the earle of Leicester, Henrie, Guie, Simon, and an [line 40] other Henrie, which had serued right worthilie indéed on the daie of the battell, began to waxe so proud, that in comparison of themselues, they despised all others.

The lords of the marshes of Wales, as Roger de Mortimer, Iames de Audelie, Roger de Clifford, Roger de Leiborne,* 11.340 Haimon le Strange, Hugh Turberuile, and other that had escaped from the bat∣tell at Lewes, began to make against them that had thus vsurped the rule of the land, vnder colour of [line 50] hauing the king in their hands. The earle of Leice∣ster aduertised hereof, ioined in league with Leolin prince of Wales, and comming with the king into those parts, entered into the castell of Hereford, into the which he remooued the lord Edward from Do∣uer, where he was first kept in ward, after he had yéelded himselfe at Lewes. After this, the earle of Leicester recouered the castell of Haie, and wasting the lands and manours of the lord Mortimer, con∣streined Hugh Mortimer to yéeld himselfe, so that [line 60] his castell called Richar, and other his possessions, were committed to the kéeping of the lord Iohn Fitz Iohn.* 11.341 Robert de Ferrers earle of Darbie, with a great puissance of horssemen and footmen came to Chester, in fauour of the earle of Leicester, against whome although William de Cousche, and Dauid brother to the prince of Wales, taking the contrarie part with the lord Iames Audelie and o∣ther, came to incounter, yet they durst not abide him, but fled, and lost an hundred of their men.

In the meane time, the earle of Leicester procée∣ding in his businesse, wan the castell of Ludlow, and after marching towards Montgomerie, whither the lords Roger de Mortimer, and Iames Audelie were withdrawne, he constreined them at length to a feigned agreement, so that they gaue hostages,* 11.342 pro∣mising to come to the next parlement that was ap∣pointed to be holden, where they were banished the land for a twelue moneths, and all the castels on the marshes, in manner from Bristow to Chester, were deliuered to the earle. After this (as by Nicholas Triuet it appeareth) there was a great assemblie of men of warre made out of all parts of the realme, to resist such strangers as the quéene (remaining in the parts beyond the seas) had got togither, meaning to send them into England to aid the king against the barons, and for that purpose had caused a great number of ships to be brought into the hauen of Dam. But now that the king was in the barons hands,* 11.343 and that such a multitude of horssemen and footmen were assembled on Barham-downe (as a man would not haue thought had béene possible to haue found within the whole relme) to resist the land∣ing of those strangers, the said strangers were sent home againe, without hauing doone anie pleasure to the quéene, other than spent hir monie.* 11.344 The king held his Christmas at Woodstoke; [year 1265] and the earle of Leice∣ster, who séemed then to rule the whole realme,* 11.345 kept his Christmasse at Killingworth.

After this, a parlement was holden at London in the octaues of saint Hilarie, and manie things were concluded, couenants accorded, and oths taken for performance by the K. and his sonne prince Edward, which shortlie after came to little effect. Yet prince Edward, and Henrie the sonne and heire of the king of Almaine, which had béene kept as pledges about the tearme of nine moneths and od daies, were in the Lent following set at libertie, vpon assurance made,* 11.346 that the said prince Edward should remaine in the kings court, and not depart from thence with∣out licence of the king and certeine of the barons. He was also constreined to giue vnto the earle of Leicester the countie Palantine of Chester, before he might obteine to haue so much libertie. Betwéene Easter and Whitsuntide, the earles of Leicester and Glocester fell at variance, through the presumptu∣ous demeanour of the earle of Leicesters sonnes, and also bicause the earle of Leicester would not de∣liuer the king of Almaine and other prisoners vnto the earle of Glocester, requiring to haue the custo∣die of them, bicause he had taken them in the battell at Lewes.

The earle of Glocester, perceiuing himselfe not well vsed, secretlie entred into confederacie with the lord Mortimer, and other of the marshes: wherevpon the earle of Leicester hauing thereof some inkeling, came to Hereford, in purpose to haue taken the earle of Glocester, and to haue put him in safe kéeping, as latelie before he had serued the earle of Darbie. But by the practise of the lord Mortimer, shortlie after the lord Edward or prince Edward (whether yee list to call him) assaieng abroad in the fields an horsse or two, such as he should vse at iusts and tornies, which were appointed to be holden, he mounted at length vpon a light courser, which the said lord Mortimer had sent to him;* 11.347 and bidding the lord Robert Roos and other (that were appointed to attend on him, as his keepers) farewell, he galloped from them, and could not be ouertaken of them that pursued him, till at length he came to the lord Mortimer, who with a great troope of men was come foorth of his castell of Wigmore to receiue him. This was on the thurs∣daie in Whitsunweeke.

About the same time, the earle of Warren, with William de Ualence earle of Penbroke, the kings halfe brother, and others, who (as yée haue heard) fled from the battell at Lewes, were now returned into the realme, landing first in Southwales with a

power of crossebowes and other men of warre, the which hearing that the lord Edward was thus esca∣ped out of captiuitie, came to Ludlow, and there ioi∣ned with him, and so likewise did the earle of Gloce∣ster. Now after they had communed togither, and were made freends and confederats, they caused all the bridges to be broken, that the enimies should not come to oppresse them, till they had assembled all their forces, and passing forward towards Glocester, wan the citie, and still came people vnto them from all [line 10] sides, namelie those lords and capteins, which all the time since the battell of Lewes had laine in Bri∣stow. After this they came to Worcester, and entred there also. When the earle of Leicester was hereof aduertised (who in all this meane time by order ta∣ken, was about the king, and ruled all things in the court) h•• sent in all hast vnto his sonne Simon de Montfort to raise a power of men,* 11.348 the which accor∣dinglie assembled to him much people, and comming with the same vnto Winchester, wan the citie by [line 20] surrender, spoiled it, and slue the more part of the Iewes that inhabited there. Then he laid siege to the castell, but hearing a feined rumor that prince Ed∣ward was comming thither with his power, he de∣parted from thence with his companie, and went to Killingwoorth.

On the last day of Iulie, prince Edward with his host came to Killingwoorth aforesaid, and there figh∣ting with the said Simon de Montfort and his ar∣mie, with little slaughter discomfited the same, and [line 30] tooke prisoners the erle of Oxford,* 11.349 the lords William de Montchensie, Adam de Newmarch, Baldwine Wake, and Hugh Neuill, with diuerse others: the lord Simon himselfe fled into the castell, and so esca∣ped. In this meane while the earle of Leicester ha∣uing raised his power,* 11.350 came to the castell of Mon∣mouth,* 11.351 which the earle of Glocester had latelie taken and fortified: but they that were within it being dri∣uen to yéeld, it was now raced downe to the ground. This doone, the earle of Leicester entring into Gla∣morganshire, [line 40] and ioining his power with the prince of Wales, wasted and burned the lands of the said earle of Glocester: but hearing what his aduersaries went about in other places, he returned from thence, and came forward towards the said prince Edward, who likewise made towards him, and at Euesham they met on the sixt day of August,* 11.352 where was fought a verie fierce and cruell battell betwixt the parties.

* 11.353¶ Some write, that the earle of Leicester placed king Henrie in the front of his battell, whom he had [line 50] there with him as captiue, and had arraied him in his owne cote-armour, that if fortune went against him, whilest the enimies should be earnest to take the king bearing the semblance of the chéefe capteine, he might himselfe escape: but king Henrie, when they came to ioine, fought not, but called to his people, and declared who he was, whereby he escaped the danger of death, for being knowne of them he was saued. The Welshmen which in great numbers the earle of Leicester had there on his side,* 11.354 at the first onset fled [line 60] and ran awaie; which their demeanor, when the earle saw, he exhorted those that were about him to plaie the men, and so rushing foorth into the prease of his e∣nimies,* 11.355 he was inclosed about and slaine, togither with his sonne Henrie. Herevpon, his death being knowne, his people tooke them to flight as men vt∣terlie discomfited. There died in that battell about 4000 men (as Polydor saith.) But Richard South∣well saith, there were killed of knights or rather men of armes 180, and of yeomen or rather demilances 220, of Welshmen 5000, and of such footmen as were of the earle of Leicesters owne retinue 2000, so that there died in all to the number of ten thousand men, as the same Southwell affirmeth. Among whom of noblemen,* 11.356 these are reckoned Hugh Spenser lord chéefe iustice, the lord Rafe Ba••••et, the lord Peter de Montfort, the lord Iohn Beauchampe, sir William Yorke, the lord Thomas de Esterlie, the lord Walter de Creppings, Guie de B••lioll a Frenchman, the lord William de Mandeuill, the lord Roger S. Iohn, the lord Robert Tregoz, and others.

This ruine fell to the baron•• by the discord which was sproong latelie before,* 11.357 betwixt the earles of Lei∣cester and Glocester, through the insolencie and pride of the earle of Leicesters sonnes, who (as I said be∣fore) despising other of the nobilitie, and forgetting in the meane time the nature of true and vnstained no∣blenesse, wherof it is said and trulie remembred, that

Nobilitas morum plus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••••••genitorum,

spake manie reprochfull words by the said earle of Glocester, and vsed him in such euill sort, that he vp∣on displeasur•• thereof, had not onelie procured the scape of prince Edward, but ioined with him in aid, against the said earle of Leicester, and other of the ba∣rons, to the vtter confusion, ••••th of them and of their cause. The bodie of the same earle was shamefullie abused & cut in peeces, his head and his priuie mem∣bers were cut off, and fastened on either side of his nose, and presented vnto the wife of the lord Roger Mortimer.

The people conceiued an opinion, that this earle being thus slaine,* 11.358 fighting in defense of the liberties of the realme, & performance of his oth, as they tooke it, died a martyr: which by the bruted holinesse of his passed life and miracles ascribed to him after his death, was greatlie confirmed in the next age. But the feare of the kings displeasure staied the people from hastie honouring him as a saint at this time, where otherwise, they were inclined greatlie thereto, reputing him for no lesse in their conscience, as in se∣cret talke they would not sticke to vtter. There were wounded & taken,* 11.359 besides the other that were slaine at that battell of Euesham, Guie de Montfort, the earle of Leicesters sonne, the lords Iohn Fitz Iohn, Henrie de Hastings, Humfrie de Bohun the yoon∣ger, Iohn de Uescie, Peter de Montfort the yoon∣ger, and Nicholas de Segraue with others. The king being deliuered out of his aduersaries hands, and likewise the king of Romans, went vnto War∣wike, and there increasing his power, determined to pursue his enimies.

But first, about the Natiuitie of our ladie was a parlement holden at Winchester,* 11.360 where the statuts of Oxford were cleerelie repealed. Also, all such as had fauoured the barons, and were as then either in prison or abroad, should be disherited. It was also ordeined at this parlement, that the wealthiest citi∣zens of London should be cast into prison, and that the citie should be depriued of hir liberties. Also, that the stulps and cheins, wherewith the stréets were fensed, should be had awaie, bicause that the citizens had aided the earle of Leicester against the king and his realme. All this was doone, for the chéefe citizens were committed to ward within the castle of Wind∣sor, till they had paid no small summes of monie for their fines. The liberties of the citie were suspended, and the towre of London was made stronger by the stulps and cheins which were brought into it out of the citie. Moreouer, bicause Simon de Montfort might not agrée with the king, being come to this parlement vpon assurance, he was restored to the ca∣stell of Killingworth.

After this,* 11.361 in the feast of the translation of S. Ed∣ward, a parlement was holden at Westminster, and the sentence of disheriting the kings aduersaries was pronounced against them, whose lands the king forthwith gaue vnto his trustie subiects, where he thought good. Some of the disherited men redée∣med

their possessions, with a portion of monie, in name of a fine. Other of them flocking togither, got them into the woods and desert places, where kéeping them out of sight as outlawes, they liued by spoiles and robberies. The cheefest of them was Robert erle of Ferrers, who neuerthelesse was restored to his lands,* 11.362 but yet with condition, that if afterwards he fell into the like crime, he should forfeit his earldome for euer.* 11.363 The Londoners with much adoo, at length, obteined pardon of the king. The maior and alder∣men [line 10] of the citie were glad to submit themselues, though the commons, without consideration of the great perill which they were in, would haue stood still at defiance with the king, and defended the citie against him. It was no maruell though they were of diuerse and contrarie opinions, for in those daies, the citie was inhabited with manie and sundrie nations which then were admitted for citizens. At length, vp∣on their submission, the king tooke them to mercie, vpon their fine,* 11.364 which was seized at twentie thousand [line 20] marks.

About Alhallowentide, cardinall Othobone came from the pope into England as his legat, to helpe towards some agréement to be had betwixt the king and his barons. He was committed to prison (as some write) by the Londoners, for that he spake a∣gainst their dooings, when they shut their gates a∣gainst the king; but he was shortlie released as should appeare. On the sixt day of Nouember in the fiftith yeare of his reigne, king Henrie came to [line 30] Westminster, and shortlie after, he gaue awaie the number of threescore houses, with the houshold stuffe in the same conteined, so that the owners were com∣pelled to redeeme them againe of those his seruants, to whome he had giuen the said houses, togither with all such lands, goods and cattels, as the same citizens had within any part of England. Then was one cal∣led sir Othon made custos or gardian of the citie,* 11.365 who was also conestable of the tower, he chose to be bailiffes, and to be accomptable to the kings vse, [line 40] Iohn Adrian, and Walter Henrie, citizens of the same citie. The king also tooke pledges of the best mens sonnes of the citie, which pledges he caused to be put in the tower, and there kept at the costs of their parents.* 11.366 ¶ The king by aduise of his councell ordeined, that within euerie shire of the relme, there should be a capteine or lieutenant appointed with ne∣cessarie allowance of the king for his charges, the which, with the assistance of the shiriffe, should punish and keepe downe the wicked outrage of théeues and [line 50] robbers, which in time of the late ciuill warres were sproong vp in great numbers, and growen to excée∣ding great boldnesse; but now, through feare of de∣serued punishment, they began to ceasse from their accustomed rapine, and the kings power came a∣gaine in estimation, so that peace after a manner tooke new root and increase.* 11.367

Upon S. Nicholas euen, the king departed from Westminster, towards Northampton, where the cardinall Othobone held a synod, and according to [line 60] that he had in commandement, pronounced all the kings aduersaries accurssed, and namelie all the bi∣shops which had aided the barons against the king, in time of the late warres, of whome afterward he absolued the most part.* 11.368 But Iohn bishop of Winche∣ster, Henrie bishop of London, and Stephan bishop of Chichester were sent to Rome, to purchase their absolution of pope Clement the fourth, as well for o∣ther points of disobedience, as chéeflie for that, where the quéene had procured a cursse of pope Urbane the fourth, that was predecessor to this Clement, to ac∣cursse all the barons and their supporters, which war∣red against the king hir husband: the said bishops (to whome the commission was sent to denounce that cursse) for feare of the barons deferred the execution. Walter bishop of Worcester; chancing to fall sicke at that time, died about the beginning of Februarie, confessing first, that he had greeuouslie erred, in mainteining the side of the erle of Leicester against the king, and therefore directed his letters to the popes legat, requiring to be absolued, which his peti∣tion the legat granted. Moreouer,* 11.369 in this councell at Northampton, there was published by the cardinall a grant, made to the king by the pope, of the dismes of the english church for one whole yeare then next insuing.

A little before the kings departure from London now in this last time, he ordeined sir Iohn Linde knight, and maister Iohn Waldren clearke, to be gardians of the citie and tower, by the names of se∣neshals or stewards: but such earnest suit was made to the king, to obteine a perfect pardon for the Londoners, that at length after the aforesaid seneshals had taken suerties for the paiment of their fine, the K. caused his charter of pardon to be made vnder his broad seale, and sent it vnto them, wherein all former trespasses committed by them in the last warres was cleerelie pardoned; certeine persons,* 11.370 whose bodies and goods were giuen vnto his eldest sonne Edward, excepted out of the same pardon. This charter was dated at Northampton, the tenth day of Ianuarie, in the fiftith yere of king Henries reigne. [year 1266] Then also were discharged the foresaid seneshals,* 11.371 and the citizens of themselues chose for maior, William Fitz Richard; and for shiriffs, Thomas de la Fourd, and Gregorie de Rockesleg.

Whilest the king laie at Northampton,* 11.372 the lord Simon de Montfort put himselfe vpon the doome and order of the legat Othobone, and was therefore permitted to be at large in the kings court: but at the kings comming to London, he suddenlie depar∣ted out of the court, and rode to Winchelsie, where he associated himselfe with rouers, and after some prices taken, departed from them, and went into France,* 11.373 where he offered his seruice to the French king, and was receiued. Thus saith Matthew West∣minster, and other. But Polydor saith, that by Otho∣bons means, he was reconciled to the kings fauour; and therevpon to auoid occasion of further displea∣sure, he commanded, that the castell of Killingworth should be restored vnto the king, which the capteine refused to deliuer, hauing fortified it with all man∣ner of prouision, and things necessarie to defend a siege.

The wardens of the cinque ports,* 11.374 which (during the time of the barons warre) had doone manie robe∣ries on the sea, as well against the Englishmen as other, were at length reconciled to the king, who was faine to agrée with them vpon such conditions as they thought good, bicause at that time (as the cōmon fame went) they had the dominion of the sea in their owne hands. But in some writers we find it thus re∣corded, that when certeine prisoners which were kept by the barons of the cinque ports in the castell of Douer, heard how all things prospered on the kings side, they got possession of a tower within the same castell, and tooke vpon them to defend it against their keepers; whereof when aduertisement was giuen to the king and to his sonne the lord Edward, they ha∣sted forth to come & succour their freends. The kéepers of the castell,* 11.375 perceiuing themselues beset with their enimies, sent to the king for peace, who granting them pardon of life and limme, with horsse, armour and other such necessaries, the castell was yeelded vn∣to his hands. From thence, prince Edward depar∣ting, visited the sea coasts, punishing diuerse of the in∣habitants within the precinct of the cinque ports, and putting them in feare, receiued diuerse to the king

his fathers peace. The inhabitants of Winchelsie onelie made countenance to resist him, but prince Edward with valiant assaults entred the towne,* 11.376 in which entrie much guiltie bloud was spilt, but yet the multitude by commandement of prince Edward was spared. And thus hauing woone the towne, he commanded that from thencefoorth they should ab∣steine from piracies, which they had before time greatlie vsed. Thus were the seas made quiet, and those of the cinque ports brought to the kings peace, and throughlie reconciled. [line 10]

* 11.377In this meane while diuerse of the disherited gentlemen, sore repining at the sentence and order giuen against them, had taken the Ile of Oxholme in Lincolneshire, whither a great number of euill doo∣ers immediatlie resorted, and began to doo mischéefe in all the countries next adioining. They tooke and sacked the citie of Lincolne,* 11.378 spoiled the Iewes, and slue manie of them, entred their synagog, and burnt the booke of their law. At length prince Edward, or (as other saie) his brother earle Edmund, was sent [line 20] against them, who compelled them by force to come to the kings peace, which to obserue, they receiued an oth shortlie after at London, but neuerthelesse were as soone readie to breake and renounce the same, and began a new broile in sundrie parts of the realme. Diuerse of them fortified the castell of Killingworth,* 11.379 prouiding themselues of all things necessarie for de∣fense out of the countries adioining. The king ad∣uertised hereof, sent vnto them a purseuant, com∣manding them to cease frō such rebellious attempts, [line 30] but the messenger had one of his hands cut off,* 11.380 and so with a contemptuous answer was sent back againe.

Prince Edward in passing through the forrest of Aulton, got sight of sir Adam Gurdon one of the dis∣herited men,* 11.381 with whome he coped and tooke him prisoner with his owne hand, yet sauing him, and par∣doning the offense of rebellion,* 11.382 in respect of the vali∣ancie which he tried by proofe to rest in him: but his soldiers and complices being there taken, he caused to be hanged vpon trées within the same forrest. Ro∣bert [line 40] earle Ferrers contrarie to his oth of late recei∣ued, accompanied with the lord d'Euille and others, did much hurt by way of open war against the kings freends in the north parts. Against whom the lord Henrie, sonne to the king of Almaine was sent with a great power: the which comming to Chesterfield fell vpon his enimies in such wise on the sudden,* 11.383 that they had not time to arme themselues, and so were distressed and ouercome.

Yet the lord Iohn d'Euille brake out, and incoun∣tring [line 50] with sir Gilbert Hansard, ouerthrew him, and escaped out of danger. Great slaughter was made on ech hand, and in the meane while the Nobles and gentlemen sought to get out of perill by flight. The earle of Darbie got into a church, but he was descri∣ed by a woman, and so was taken. There were ma∣nie other also taken: & amongst them the lord Bald∣wine Wake, and sir Iohn de la Haie with much paine escaped. This battell was foughten about the midst of Maie, or vpon Whitsun éeue, as the Chroni∣cle [line 60] of Dunstable saith. Those that escaped, as the lord Iohn d'Euille and others,* 11.384 gaue not ouer yet, but as∣sembling themselues togither in companies, kéeping within woods and other desert places, brake out of∣tentimes, and did much mischéefe. On the ninth of August they tooke the Ile of Elie, and so strengthned it, that they held it a long time after, spoiling and rob∣bing the countries round about them, as Norffolke, Suffolke, and Cambridgeshire.

The bishop of Elie had vndertaken to keepe the Ile to the kings vse, but being now dispossessed ther∣of, he got him awaie▪ and fell to cursing them that were thus entred against his will, but they séemed to passe litle vpon his thundering excommunications. On the 16 of December,* 11.385 they came to the citie of Norwich; and spoiling it, tooke manie of the wealthie citizens, and ransomed them at great summes of monie. The lord Henrie Hastings and Simon de Pateshull, with diuerse others, got them into the ca∣stell of Killingworth, and dailie went foorth at their pleasures, spoiling and wasting the townes about them, or causing them to fine with them to be spared.* 11.386 And this they forced not to doo, although the lord Ed∣mund the kings sonne laie in Warwike, to cut them short of such their licentious doings. The king ther∣fore mening to haue the said castels of Killingworth by force,* 11.387 began his siege about the same vpon the ée∣uen of S. Iohn Baptist. But the lord Henrie Ha∣stings, the capteine of that castell, and other his com∣plices defended it so stronglie, that though the king inforced his power to the vttermost to win it of them, yet could he not anie thing preuaile,* 11.388 till at length vittels began to faile them within, and then vpon the eeuen of saint Thomas the apostle before Christmasse, the lord Henrie Hastings deliuered the said castell into the kings hands,* 11.389 vpon condition that he and all other should haue life and limme, horsse and armour, with all things within the place to them belonging. And thus this siege had continued from the 26 of Iune vnto the 20 day of December.

¶ Here is to be remembred, that at the beginning of the siege, there were within the castell a thousand and seuen hundred armed men, and eight score wo∣men, beside lackies and coisterels. Here is also to be remembred, that whilest the siege laie before Killing∣worth, by the aduise of the kings councell, and of the legat Othobone, there were twelue péeres appointed and chosen foorth, which should deuise and make ordi∣nances touching the state of the realme, and the dis∣herited persons, who according to their commissi∣on, ordeined certeine prouisions, the which are con∣teined within the statute intituled Dictum de Kil∣lingworth.* 11.390 The king after that the castell of Killing∣worth was deliuered to his hand, left therein his sonne Edmund, and went himselfe to Couentrie or (as other haue) to Oxford, and there held his Christ∣masse. [year 1267] Shortlie after comming to Westminster he held a parlement there,* 11.391 studieng to set a quietnesse in all matters and controuersies depending betwixt him and the barons. In this parlement sentence was giuen against earle Ferrers for the forfeiture of his earledome:* 11.392 then was Edmund the kings yoonger sonne put in possession both of the earledome of Dar∣bie and Leicester.

On the sixt of Februarie being sundaie, the king came to S. Edmundsburie, and staieng there till the two and twentith of the same moneth, set foreward that day towards Cambridge, where he laie with his armie, the better to bridle them that kept the Ile of Elie against him. He laie there all the Lent season. And in the meane time the earle of Glocester taking great displeasure,* 11.393 for that he might not haue his will, as well for the banishing of strangers, as for re∣stitution to be made vnto the disherited men of their lands, he began a new sturre, and assembling a great power in the marshes of Wales came néere vnto London, pretending at the first as though he had come to aid the king, at length he got licence of the maior and citizens to passe through the citie into Southwarke, where he lodged with his people, and thither came to him shortlie sir Iohn d'Euille, by Southerie side, bringing with him a great com∣panie.

The maior caused the bridge and water side to be kept and watched both day and night with armed men, and euerie night was the drawbridge drawne vp: but within a while the earle vsed the matter so,

that he was permitted to lodge within the citie with certeine of his men, by reason whereof, he drew more and more of his people into the citie, so that in the end he was maister of the citie, and in Easter wéeke tooke the keies of the bridge into his hands. The legat comming foorth of the towre, repaired to the church of S. Paule, vnder a colour to preach the croisey, but in the end of that his exhortation, he tur∣ned his words to the earle of Glocester,* 11.394 admonish∣ing him to obeie the king as he was bound by his [line 10] allegiance. And further, whereas the earle had giuen commandement that no victuals should be suffered to be brought into the tower where the popes legat was lodged, he thought himselfe euill vsed in that be∣halfe, sith he was a mediator for peace, and no parta∣ker. But when the earle seemed to giue small regard to his words, he got him secretlie againe into the tower, with certeine noble men the kings freends, meaning to defend it vnto the vttermost of their powers. [line 20]

There entred also into the tower a great number of Iewes with their wiues and children,* 11.395 vnto whome one ward of the tower was committed to defend, which they did in that necessitie verie stoutlie. Manie of the citizens fearing a new insurrection, auoided out of the citie, whose goods the earle seized into his owne vse, or suffered his men to spoile the same at their pleasures. The most part of all the commons of the citie tooke part wich the earle,* 11.396 and in a tumult got them to the Guildhall, and there chose for their [line 30] maior or custos of the citie, Richard de Colworth knight, and for bailiffes, Robert de Linton and Ro∣ger Marshall, discharging the old maior and shiriffes of their roomes. Diuerse aldermen were committed to prison, and their goods sequestred, and much part thereof spoiled. Also all such persons as were priso∣ners in Newgate, Ludgate, Creplegate, or in any other prison about the citie,* 11.397 for the quarrell of the ba∣rons warre, were set at libertie.

The legat perceiuing such disorder, accurssed gene∣rallie [line 40] all such as thus troubled the kings peace,* 11.398 shew∣ing themselues enimies to the king and the realme. He also interdicted all the churches within the citie and about it, licencing onlie diuine seruice to be said in houses of religion, and without ringing of any bell or singing: and whilest seruice was in hand, he appointed the church doores to be shut, bicause none of them that stood accurssed, should enter and be present. The king in the meane time laie at Cambridge to defend the countries about from iniuries,* 11.399 which were dailie attempted by them that held the Ile of [line 50] Elie against him, of whome at one time he distressed a certeine number at Ramsey.* 11.400 And bicause now af∣ter that the earle was thus come to London, another companie of them brake out to rob and spoile, and were stopped by the kings power from entring into the Ile againe, they repaired streight to London, doo∣ing mischeefe inough by the waie.

The earle of Glocester greatlie incouraged by their assistance, fell in hand to assaile the tower, with∣in [line 60] the which the popes legat Othobone, and diuerse other were inclosed, taking vpon them to defend it against the earle and all his puissance. The king vp∣on the first newes of the earle of Glocester his com∣motion,* 11.401 ingaged the shrines of saints, and other iewels and relikes of the church of Westminster vn∣to certeine merchants for great summes of monie, with the which sending into France and Scotland, he reteined men of warre to come to his aid. Here∣vpon his sonne prince Edward came to his succour vnto Cambridge, bringing thither with him thirtie thousand able men out of the north parts, Scots and other.* 11.402 The king then leauing a conuenient number to defend Cambridge, marched from thence toward Windsore. After his comming thither, his armie dailie increased. The earle of Glocester and his complices, began to feare the matter, and sent to him for peace which could not be granted: wherevpon they appointed to giue him batell vpon Houndslow heath. The king comming thither in the morning, found no man there to resist him, and therefore, after he had staied there a certeine space,* 11.403 he marched foorth and came to Stratford, where he was lodged in the ab∣beie: his hoast incamped and laie at Ham and ther∣abouts.

This chanced about three weekes after Easter.* 11.404 The souldiers which laie in London and in South∣warke, did much hurt about in the countrie of Sou∣therie, & else-where. They also spoiled the towne of Westminster, and the parish-church there: but the moonks and the goods belonging to the abbeie they touched not,* 11.405 but made hauocke in the kings pa∣lace, drinking vp & destroieng his wine, breaking the glasse windowes, and defacing the buildings most disorderlie, yea scarse forbearing to set the house on fire. Also there were of them that brake vp & robbed certeine houses in London, of the which misgouerned persons there were foure taken, that ware the cogni∣sance of the earle of Darbie,* 11.406 whome the earle of Glocester caused to be put in sackes, and so throwne into the Thames.

As the king thus laie at Stratford, there came vnto him from the parts of beyond the sea,* 11.407 the earle of Bullongne, and S. Paule, with two hundred men of armes, and their suit of other souldiers. Also there ariued in the Thames a fléet of great vessels fraught with Gascoins, and laie afore the tower, abiding the kings pleasure. ¶The earle of Glocester had caused bulworks and barbicans to be made betwixt the tower and the citie; and also in sundrie places where need required ditches and trenches were cast, so that the citie was stronglie fortified. Howbeit now that the said erle and his complices perceiued themselues in manner as besieged, they sought for peace. And by mediation of the king of Almaine,* 11.408 the lord Philip Basset and the legat Othobone, the same was gran∣ted, the ordinance of Killingworth in euerie conditi∣on obserued.* 11.409 The Londoners were pardoned of their trespasse for receiuing the earle, though they were constreined to paie a thousand marks to the king of Romans, in recompense of the hurts doone to him in burning of his house at Thistleworth.

Whilest the earle of Glocester kept the citie of London against the king, one Henrie de Guderesch,* 11.410 steward to the said earle, departing from London, came to the manour house of Geffrey saint Leger at Offeld, which he burnt, and turning from thence came to Brickhill.* 11.411 The lord Reignold Graie that held of the knights part, aduertised hereof, followed him with his retinue of men of warre, and comming vpon his enimie at vnwares, tooke the said Hen∣rie, and slue thirtie of the chéefest of his companie, some he tooke, howbeit manie escaped. But now to our purpose. By this agréement concluded betwixt the king & the earle of Glocester, he also accepted to his grace the lord Iohn Eineley, the lord Nicholas de Segraue, the lord William Marmion, the lord Richard de Graie, the lord Iohn Fitz Iohn, and the lord Gilbert de Lucie, with others: so that all parts of the realme were quieted, sauing that those in the Isle of Elie would not submit themselues: yet at length by mediation of prince Edward they were reconciled to the king, and all the fortresses and de∣fenses within that Isle by them made, were plucked downe and destroied.

But it appeareth by other writers,* 11.412 that immediat∣lie after the agreement concluded betwixt the earle of Glocester, prince Edward the kings sonne, by set∣ting

workemen in hand to make a caussie through the fens with boords and hurdels, entred vpon them that kept the Ile of Elie, so that manie of them got out, and fled to London vnto the said earle of Gloce∣ster, and other their complices. The residue submit∣ted themselues, as the lord Wake, Simon Mont∣fort the yoonger, the Pechees and other, vpon conditi∣on to be pardoned of life and member: and further, that prince Edward should be a meane to his father to receiue them into fauour. But by other it may rather seeme, that some of them kept and defended [line 10] themselues within that Ile, till after the agreement made betwixt the king and the earle of Glocester. By order of which agreement there were foure bi∣shops and eight lords chosen foorth, which had béene first nominated at Couentrie, to order and prescribe betwixt the king and the disherited men a forme of peace and redemption of their lands. And so in the feast of All saints,* 11.413 proclamation was made of a full accord and agréement, and what euerie man should [line 20] paie for his ransome for redéeming his offense a∣gainst the king.

In the octaues of S. Martine, the king held a par∣lement at Marleborough,* 11.414 where the liberties contei∣ned in the booke called Magna charta were cōfirmed, and also diuerse other good and wholesome ordinances concerning the state of the common-wealth were established and enacted. ¶ In the moneth of Aprill there chanced great thunder, tempestuous raine, and flouds, occasioned by the same, verie sore & horrible, continuing for the space of fifteene daies togither. [line 30] The legat Othobone, [year 1268] after he had in the synods hol∣den at Northampton and London, deuised and made manie orders and rules for churchmen, and leuied a∣mongst them great summes of monie,* 11.415 finallie in the moneth of Iulie, he tooke leaue of the king and re∣turned to Rome, where after the deceasse of Inno∣cent the fift, about the yeare of our Lord 1276 he was chosen pope, and named Adrian the fift, liuing not past 50 daies after. He went so néere hand to search out things at his going awaie,* 11.416 that he had inrolled [line 40] the true value of all the churches and benefices in England, and tooke the note with him to Rome.

Prince Edward the kings sonne, and diuerse o∣ther great lords of England before this legats depar∣ture out of the realme,* 11.417 receiued the crosse at his hands in Northampton on Midsummer day, mea∣ning shortlie after according to promise there made, to go into the holie land to warre against Gods e∣nimies.* 11.418 In this yeare fell great variance betwéene [line 50] the corporations or fellowships of the goldsmiths and tailors within the citie of London, wherevnto e∣uill words flowing from the toong gaue originall, for

Pondus valde graue verbosum vas sine claue,

so that one euening there were assembled to the number of fiue hundred in the stréets in armour, and running togither made a fowle fraie, so that manie were wounded and some slaine. But the shiriffes hearing thereof, came & parted them, with assistance of other trades, and sent diuerse of them being taken vnto prison, of the which there were arreigned to the [line 60] number of thirtie, and thirtéene of them condemned and hanged.

In the fiftie & third yeare of king Henries reigne, there was such an excéeding great frost,* 11.419 beginning at saint Andrewes tide, and continuing till it was néere candlemasse, that the Thames from the bridge vpwards was so hard frosen, [year 1269] that men and beasts passed ouer on féet from Lambeth to Westminster, and so westward in diuerse places vp to Kingston. Also merchandize was brought from Sandwich and other places vnto London by land. For the ships by reason of the yce could not enter the Thames. ¶And about the feast of S. Uedast, which falleth on the 6 of Februarie, fell so great abundance of raine, that the Thames rose so high, as it had not doone at any time before, to remembrance of men then liuing; so that the cellars and vaults in London by the water side were drowned, and much merchandize marred & lost.

About S. Georges day there was a parlement holden at London,* 11.420 for the appeasing of a controuer∣sie depending betwixt prince Edward the kings son and the earle of Glocester: at the which parlement were present almost all the prelats and péeres of the realme. At length they put the matter in compro∣mise, into the hands of the king of Almaine, vnder∣taking to be ordred by him high and low touching all controuersies: and likewise for the iournie to be made into the holie land, but the king of Almaine did little in the matter to any great effect. ¶ In the beginning of Lent the king gaue to his sonne prince Edward the rule of the citie of London, with all the reuenues and profits thereto belonging. After which gift, the said prince made sir Hugh Fitz Othon con∣stable of the towre and custos of the citie of London. ¶ Upon the ninth day of Aprill, Edmund the kings sonne, surnamed Crouchbacke, married at West∣minster Auelina the daughter of the earle of Au∣marle. Prince Edward commanded the citizens of London to present vnto him six citizens,* 11.421 of the which number he might nominate two shiriffes, and so ap∣pointed William de Hadstocke and Anketill de Al∣berne, which were sworne to be accomptants as their predecessours had beene.

In those daies a new custome or toll was vsed to be paid, which prince Edward let to farme vnto cer∣teine strangers, for the summe of twentie marks by yeare. Wherefore the citizens being gréeued there∣with, bought it of him for two hundred marks. Also this yeare there was granted to the king towards his iournie by him purposed into the holie land, the twentith penie of euerie mans mooueable goods tho∣roughout the realme of the laie fee,* 11.422 and of the spiritu∣altie was granted by the assent of pope Gregorie the tenth, thrée dismes to be gathered within the terme of thrée yeares.* 11.423 This yeare the kings sonne the lord Edward obteined a confirmation for the citie of London of the charter of the ancient liberties, so that the citizens did then choose vnto them a maior and two shiriffes, which shiriffes by vertue of the same charter, had their office to farme, in maner as before time was accustomed:* 11.424 sauing that where they paid afore but thrée hundred and fiftie pounds, they paid now foure hundred and fiftie pounds. After which confirmation granted and passed vnder the kings broad seale, they chose for their maior Iohn Adrian, and for shiriffes Walter Potter and Iohn Tailor, the which were presented the 16 day of Iulie vnto the king at Westminster by his sonne prince Edward, and there admitted and sworne. Then was sir Hugh Fitz Othon discharged of the rule of the citie. The ci∣tizens of their owne fréewill gaue vnto the king an hundred marks, and to his sonne prince Edward fiue hundred markes.* 11.425 There was no great disorder at∣tempted this yeare to the disquieting of the realme, sauing that certeine of the disherited gentlemen that belonged to the earle of Darbie, withdrew vn∣to the forrest of the Peake in Darbishire, and there making their abode, spoiled and wasted the countries next adioining.

In the moneth of Maie, prince Edward the kings sonne set forward on his iournie towards the holie land, and taking the sea at Douer,* 11.426 * 11.427 passed ouer into France, and came to Burdeaux, where he staied a while, and after went to Agues Mortes, and there tooke shipping, first sailing (as some write) vnto Thu∣nis, where the christian armie, which Lewes the French king as then deceassed had brought thither,

was readie to depart, and so prince Edward, with the new French king Lewes and other princes passed ouer into Sicill, where he soiourned for the winter time.* 11.428 In this yeare the king was vexed with a gree∣uous sicknesse: and the Irishmen in rebellion slue a ••reat sort of Englishmen, as well magistrats, as o∣thers in that countrie.

When the spring of the yeare began to approach, prince Edward eftsoones tooke the sea,* 11.429 and finallie ar∣riued at Acres with a thousand chosen men of warre, [line 10] though there be writers that affirme, how there arri∣ued with him of sundrie countries fiue thousand hors∣men, and double the same number of footmen. But amongst those that went out of England with him, these we find as principall, Iohn de Britaine, Iohn de Uescie, Ot••s de Grantson, and Robert de Bruse, besides other. Of his noble chiualrie there atchiued, yée shall find a bréefe note in the description of the ho∣lie land, and therefore here we omit the same. How∣beit this is to be remembred,* 11.430 that whilest the lord Ed∣ward [line 20] soiorned there in the citie of Acres, he was in great danger to haue béene slaine by treason: for a traitorous Saracen of that generation which are called Arsacidae,* 11.431 and latelie reteined by the same lord Edward, and become verie familiar with him, found means one day as he sat in his chamber, to giue him three wounds, which suerlie had cost him his life, but that one of the princes chamberleins staied the trai∣tors hand,* 11.432 and somewhat brake the strokes, till other seruants came to the rescue, and slue him there in the [line 30] place.

¶ There be that write, how prince Edward him∣selfe, perceiuing the traitor to strike at his bellie, warded the blowe with his arme: and as the Sara∣cen offered to haue striken againe, he thrust him backe to the ground with his foot, and catching him by the hand, wrested the knife from him, and thrusting him into the bellie, so killed him, though in strugling with him, he was hurt againe a little in the forhead: and his seruants withall comming to helpe him, one [line 40] of them that was his musician, got vp a trestill and stroke out the braines of the traitor, as he laie dead on the ground, and was blamed of his maister for striking him, after he saw him once dead before his face, as he might perceiue him to be. Some write, that this traitor was sent from the great admerall of Iapha, on message to the prince Edward, and had béene with him diuerse times before,* 11.433 & now making countenance to take forth letters, got foorth his knife, and attempted so to haue wrought his feat. Whatso∣euer [line 50] the man was, the prince was in great danger, by reason of the enuenimed knife wherewith he was wounded, so that it was long yer he could be perfect∣lie whole.* 11.434 These Saracens called Arsacidae, are a wic∣ked generation of men, infected with such a supersti∣tious opinion, that they beléeue heauenlie blisse is purchased of them, if they can by anie means slea one of the enimies of their religion, & suffer themselues for that fact the most cruell death that may be deui∣sed. ¶Prince Edward, after he was whole and reco∣uered [line 60] of his wounds,* 11.435 perceiuing that no such aid came into those parts out of christendome, as was looked for, tooke a truce with the enimies of our faith, and returned towards England, as hereafter shall be shewed.

[year 1272] On the fourth nones of Aprill (as some saie) or in the moneth of Februarie (as other write) in the six and fiftith yeare of K. Henries reigne at Berkhamstéed,* 11.436 died Richard king of Almaine and earle of Corne∣wall, and was buried in the abbeie of Hailes which he himselfe had founded: he was a worthie prince, and stood his brother king Henrie in great stead, in handling matters both in peace and warre.* 11.437 He left behind him issue begotten of his wife Sanctla two sonnes, Edmund and Henrie.* 11.438 This Edmund was he that brought the blood of Hails out of Germanie: for as he was there vpon a time with his father, it chanced that as he was beholding the relikes, and other pretious monuments of the ancient emperors, he espied a box of gold: by the inscription whereof he perceiued (as the opinion of men then gaue) that therein was conteined a portion of the bloud of our sauiour.

He therefore, being desirous to haue some part thereof, so intreated him that had the kéeping of it, that he obteined his desire, and brought it ouer with him into England, bestowing a third part thereof after his fathers deceasse in the abbeie of Hailes, as it were to adorne and inrich the same,* 11.439 bicause that therein both his father and mother were buried; and the other two parts he did reserue in his owne custo∣die, till at length mooued vpon such deuotion as was then vsed, he founded an abbeie a little from his ma∣nour of Berkhamsteed: which abbeie was named Ashrug,* 11.440 in the which he placed moonks of the order of Bonhommes, being the first that euer had beene seene of that order here in England. And herewith he also assigned the two other parts of that bloud to the same abbeie. Wherevpon followed great resort of people to those two places, induced therevnto by a certeine blind deuotion.

Henrie the brother of this Edmund,* 11.441 and sonne to the foresaid king of Almaine, as he returned from Affrike, where he had beene with prince Edward, was slaine at Uiterbo in Italie (whither he was come about businesse which he had to doo with the pope) by the hand of Guie de Montfort, the sonne of Simon de Montfort earle of Leicester, in reuenge of the same Simons death. This murther was com∣mitted afore the high altar, as the same Henrie knee∣led there to heare diuine seruice. The foresaid Guie vpon that murther committed, fled vnto his father in law, the earle of Anguilare, then gouernour of Tuskain. There was at Uiterbo the same time Phi∣lip king of France, returning homewards from the iournie which his father made into Affrike, where he died. Also Charles king of Sicill was there present, whome the said Guie then serued. Both those kings were put in much blame, for that the murther and wilfull escape was doone and suffred in their presence and no pursuit made after the murtherer. Boniface the archbishop of Canturburie,* 11.442 when he had ruled the sea seauen and thirtie yeares, departed this life: and after his deceasse, about two yeares or more, was one Robert Kilwarbie appointed in his place by pope Gregorie, which Robert was the six and fortith arch∣bishop that had gouerned the sée of Canturburie.

About the moneth of Iune there fell great de∣bate and discord betwixt the moonks of Norwich and the citizens there; which increased so farre, that at length the citizens with great violence assaulted the monasterie, fired the gates,* 11.443 and forced the fire so with reed and drie wood, that the church with the bookes, and all other ornaments of the same, and all houses of office belonging to that abbeie were cleane burned, wasted, and destroied, so that nothing was preserued except one little chapell. The king hearing of this ri∣ot, rode to Norwich, and causing inquirie to be made thereof,* 11.444 thirtie yoong men of the citie were condem∣ned, hanged and burnt, to the great greefe of the other citizens, for they thought that the priour of the place was the occasion of all that mischéefe, who had got to∣gither armed men, and tooke vpon him to kéepe the belfraie and church by force of armes: but the prior was well inough borne out, and defended by the bi∣shop of Norwich, named Roger, who (as it is likelie) was the maister of the mischéefe, though hands were not laid vpon him nor his adherents: perhaps for

feare, peraduenture for fauour; & no maruell though the lesse faultie lost their liues as most guiltie, for

—rarus venator ad vrsos Accedit, tutos conseruat sylua leones, Debilibus robusta nocent, & grandia paruis, A les fulminiger timidos infestat olores, Accipiter laniat turdos millés{que} columbas, Versicolor coluber ranas miser••s{que} lacertas, Irretit muscas transmittit aranea vespas.

The king returning by saint Edmundsburie, after he had doone his deuotions to S. Edmunds shrine, [line 10] began to ware somewhat crasie: but after hauing a little recouered his health, he called a councell there, wherein he went about to haue taken order for the punishment of rebels: but his sicknesse againe re∣newing, he brake vp the assemblie, and with all spéed hasted to London. Prince Edward vpon his returne out of the holie land came to Chalons in Burgogne, & at the request of the earle he did attempt with his companie to hold a iustes and tournie against the [line 20] said earle & all other commers; And thought through disdaine and spite there was homelie plaie shewed,* 11.445 vpon purpose to put the Englishmen to the foile & re∣proch; yet by high valiancie prince Edward and his companie bare themselues so worthilie, that in the end the aduersaries were well beaten, and constrei∣ned to leaue the honor of that enterprise to the said prince Edward and his partakers. After this, he kept on his iornie till he came vnto Paris, where he was honourablie receiued of the French king, and from [line 30] thence he went to Burdeaux, and there remained till after his fathers death.

In this meane time king Henrie, being returned to London from saint Edmundsburie (as before yee haue heard) his sicknesse so increased vpon him,* 11.446 that finallie he departed at Westminster on the sixteenth day of Nouember, in the yeare of our Sauiour 1272. after he had liued threescore and fiue yeares, and reig∣ned fiftie and six yeares,* 11.447 and seauen and twentie daies. A little before his death, when he perceiued [line 40] that he could no longer liue, he caused the earle of Glocester to come before him,* 11.448 and to be newlie sworne to keepe the peace of the land, to the behoofe of his sonne prince Edward. His bodie was buried at Westminster. He had issue by his wife quéene E∣lianor two sonnes, the foresaid Edward, prince of Wales, that succéeded him; and Edmund earle of Lancaster,* 11.449 by some authors surnamed Crouchbacke, though (as other affirme vntrulie) that this Edmund was the elder brother: but bicause he was a defor∣med [line 50] person, therefore his yonger brother Edward was preferred to the kingdome, which was deuised of purpose to conueie a right to king Henrie the fourth, which fetched the descent from the said Ed∣mund, and by force vsurped and held the crowne, as after it may appeare. Moreouer, king Henrie had thrée daughters by the said Elianor, as Margaret maried to Alexander king of Scots,* 11.450 Beatrice whom the duke of Britaine had to wife, and Catharine which died before she was mariable. [line 60]

He was of bodie well cast and strong, of a good sta∣ture in heigth, well fauoured of face, with the lid of one of his eies comming downe, so as it almost co∣uered the apple of the same eie. Of nature he was courteous,* 11.451 and of stomach rather noble than stout; a deuout prince and liberall towards the poore and née∣die. Yet he wanted not dispraise in some points, namelie for that in ordering of things and weightie affaires, he vsed small consideration. He was also noted to be a great taker of monie by leanes, taxes, and subsidies: but there vnto he was inforced by ne∣cessitie, to beare the charges of warre and other pub∣like affaires, than of any couetous mind or purpose to serue his owne turne. ¶What capteins of honour among the nobilitie liued in his time, it may appeare by the course of the historie of his age.

Of sundrie learned men these we find mentioned in maister Bales centuries and others. Walter of Couentrie an historiographer: Radulphus Niger that wrote both histories and other treatises, Gerua∣sius de Melkelie, Albricius of London, Robert Cur∣son a man excellentlie learned both in diuine and hu∣maine letters, so that comming to the court of Rome he there grew in such estimation, that he became a cardinall, of whom we find this recorded by Matthew Westminster and Matthew Paris. [At the taking of Damiate, a citie in Aegypt, there was with Pelagi∣us, the cardinall of Alba, the popes legat, master Ro∣bert Curson an Englishman a most famous clerke, borne of a noble house, and cardinall of the church of Rome.] These are reported to florish in the daies both of king Iohn and king Henrie his sonne.

In the said kings time also there liued other lear∣ned men, as these; Hugh Kirkestéed, Richard of Elie, Peter Henham, Iohn Giles or de Sancto Egidio an excellent physician, Caducan a Welshman borne and bishop of Bangor, Alexander a singular learned man that wrote diuerse and manie treatises aswell in diuinitie as philosophie and humanitie, both in verse and prose; also Stephan Langton, that for his singular knowledge was made high chancel∣lor of the vniuersitie of Paris, and at length was ad∣mitted archbishop of Canturburie, against the will of king Iohn, in which quarell so great trouble insu∣ed, as before yée haue partlie heard; Rafe Coggeshall also liued in king Henries daies, that wrote the ap∣pendix vnto the chronicle of Ralfe Niger, he was abbat of Coggeshall abbeie in Essex, whereof he tooke his surname; William Lanthonie, Peter of S. Sauior, a canon of the house called S. Sauior, or of the trinitie by London; Alexander Hailes a fri∣er of the order of the minors, who wrote manie trea∣tises in diuinitie; Richard surnamed Medicus a most learned physician, and no lesse expert in philosophie and the mathematicals. There be also remembred by maister Bale, Randulfe the earle of Chester, the third and last of that name, who hauing great knowledge and vnderstanding in the lawes of this land, compi∣led a booke of the same lawes, as a witnesse of his great skill therein: Alexander Wendocke bishop of Chester, Iohn Blund, Edmund Rich, Robert Rich, Henrie Bracton, that excellent lawier, who wrote the booke commonlie called Bracton after his name, in∣tituled De consuetudinibus Anglicanis; Richard surna∣med Theologus, Walter de Euesham, Ralfe Fres∣borne, Laurence Somercote, brother as it is thought to Robert Somercote, at that time a cardinall of the Romane church; Nicholas Fernham a physician, Robert Bacon a notable diuine, Simon Langton, brother to the archbishop of Canturburie Stephan Langton; Richard Fisaker, Simon Stokes, Iohn of Kent or Kantianus, William Shirwood, Michaell Blaunpaine, Iohn Godard, Uincent of Couentrie, Alberike Ueer, Richard Wich, Iohn Basing aliàs de Basingstoke, Roger Walsham, William Sening∣ham, Robert Grosted that learned bishop of Lin∣colne, whose memorie amongst the learned will re∣maine while the world lasteth.

Thus farre Henrie the third.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno Reg. 1.
• * 1.2

  William Mar¦shall earle of Penbrooke.
• * 1.3

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.1

  Seé pag. 193. col. 2.
• * 2.2

  The pride of the French∣men procu∣reth them hatred.
• * 2.3

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.4

  Hertford ca∣stell del••••ered to Lewes.
• * 2.5

  The cast••••l of Berkeham∣s••••••d s••rre••∣red.
• * 2.6

  Ma••••h. P••ris.
• * 2.7

  Bernewe••••. A truce.
• * 2.8

  Polydor.
• * 2.9

  The perpl••••••••tie in which the barons stood.
• * 2.10

  S. Albons destroied.
• * 2.11

  Matth. Paris. Noble men reuolting frō Lewes.
• * 2.12

  Matth. Paris. The earle of Chester.
• * 2.13

  The castell of Mountsorell besieged.
• * 2.14

  Henrie Brai∣broke.
• * 2.15

  Saer de Quincie erle of Win∣chester.
• * 2.16

  The earle of Chester rai∣seth his siege.
• * 2.17

  Bernewell.
• * 2.18

  The poore estate of the French sol∣diers.
• * 2.19

  Summons to raise an ar∣mie for the king▪
• * 2.20

  The capteins of the kings armie.
• * 2.21

  The legat ac∣curseth Lew∣es & his com∣plices.
• * 2.22

  Fouks de Brent.
• * 2.23

  The French∣men put to flight at Lin∣colne.
• * 2.24

  The earle of Perch slaine.
• * 2.25

  Noble mē ta∣ken prisoners.
• * 2.26

  Gilbert de Gaunt by the gift of Lewes.
• * 2.27

  Lewes his faire.
• * 2.28

  The K. com∣mandeth y^e ca∣stell of Mount¦sorell to be r••∣ced.
• * 2.29

  Milites.
• * 2.30

  Chr. Dunsta.
• * 2.31

  Lewes sen∣deth to his fa¦ther for aid.
• * 2.32

  In armie prepared in Frāce to come to the succour of Lewes.
• * 2.33

  Polydor.
• * 2.34

  The diligence of the earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.35

  Anson in epig.
• * 2.36

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.37

  Hubert de Burgh as∣saileth the French fléet.
• * 2.38

  The French fléet is van∣quished.
• * 2.39

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.40

  Eustace the moonke taken and beheaded.
• * 2.41

  Richard base sonne to king Iohn.

  Eustace the moonke what he was.
• * 2.42

  Hor. lib. 3. car. od. 2.
• * 2.43

  A rich spoile.
• * 2.44

  An accord be∣twixt K. Hen∣rie & Lewes.
• * 2.45

  The English chronicle saith a thousand pounds.
• * 2.46

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.47

  The prelats are fined.
• * 2.48

  Anno Reg. 2. What che∣uance the legat made.
• * 2.49

  Fouks de Brent.
• * 2.50

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.51

  The castell of Newarke re∣stored to the bishop of Lin∣colne.
• * 2.52

  Matt. Paris. The earle of Chester goeth into the holie land.
• * 2.53

  Sonne to K. Iohn belike.
• * 2.54

  Anno Reg. 3. 1219
• * 2.55

  The deceasse of the earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.56

  He is buried in the temple church.
• * 2.57

  Pandulph made bishop of Norwich.
• * 2.58

  The bishop of Winchester gouernour to the king.
• * 2.59

  Quéene Isa∣b••ll married to the earle of Marsh.
• * 2.60

  A parlemen•• and a subsid••e. R. Fabian.
• * 2.61

  The new church of Westm. begun.
• * 2.62

  Anno. Reg. 4. Matth. West. The earle of Chester retur¦neth home. Polydor.
• * 2.63

  The K. crow∣ned the second time.
• * 2.64

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.65

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.66

  Ran. Higd. A proclamati∣on to auoid strangers.
• * 2.67

  The castles of Chartley & Béeston built. Ran. Higd.
• * 2.68

  Anno Reg. 5. 1121
• * 2.69

  Salisburie.
• * 2.70

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.71

  The earle of Albemarle.
• * 2.72

  The castell of Biham.
• * 2.73

  The castell of Fodringhey.
• * 2.74

  The castell of Biham yéel∣ded.
• * 2.75

  Matth. Paris. Old seruice remembred.
• * 2.76

  The Welshmē begin to stur.
• * 2.77

  Polydor.
• * 2.78

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.79

  Reginald de Breuse.
• * 2.80

  Mountgome∣rie castle built.
• * 2.81

  ••scuage paid.
• * 2.82

  Polydor.
• * 2.83

  K. Henrie re∣quireth resti∣tution of his right of the Frēch king.
• * 2.84

  The French kings answer
• * 2.85

  Matt. Westm. Matth. Paris. Marriages concluded.
• * 2.86

  Anno Reg. 6. 1222
• * 2.87

  A councell or synod at Ox∣ford.
• * 2.88

  Two dissem∣bling persons apprehended. Matth. Westm.
• * 2.89

  They are exe∣cuted.
• * 2.90

  Two women counterfei∣ting them∣selues to be, the one our ladie, the o∣ther Marie Magdalene. Ralfe Cog.
• * 2.91

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.92

  Matt. Paris. Matt••. West.
• * 2.93

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wedder some saie.
• * 2.94

  A not com∣mitted vnder pretense of wrestling.
• * 2.95

  Robert Serle maior of Lon∣don.
• * 2.96

  Constant••ne, a citizen of London pro∣cureth the ci∣tizens to re∣uenge their cause by waie of rebellion. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.97

  The lord chéefe iu∣stice taketh in¦quisition of the riot.
• * 2.98

  Constantine apprehended.
• * 2.99

  He is executed
• * 2.100

  Great tempe••••
• * 2.101

  A generall thunder.
• * 2.102

  Great dearth of corne.
• * 2.103

  In other tem∣pest of thunder
• * 2.104

  Polydor.
• * 2.105

  A comet or blasing star.
• * 2.106

  The losse of the citie of Damieta.
• * 2.107

  William de ••••¦benie earle of Arundell de∣parted this 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.108

  Anno Reg. 7. Iohn Scot marrieth the daughter of Leolin prince of Wales.
• * 2.109

  A councell 〈◊〉〈◊〉 London.
• * 2.110

  Note the re∣dinesse of the bish. to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 new conten∣tion.
• * 2.111

  The answer of William Brewer to the archbi∣shops de∣mand.
• * 2.112

  Ahab accu∣seth Helias.
• * 2.113

  An inquisi∣tion.
• * 2.114

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.115

  The earle of Penbroke re∣couereth his castels taken by the prince of Wales.
• * 2.116

  The prince of Wales dis∣comfited.
• * 2.117

  A conspiracie against the lord chiefe iustice.
• * 2.118

  Matt. Paris. The king of Ierusalem commeth into England.
• * 2.119

  The death of the French king.

  Ambassadors sent into France.
• * 2.120

  Anno Reg. 8.
• * 2.121

  Polydor. The king gi∣ueth a gentle answer to his lords.
• * 2.122

  The king de∣manded resti∣tution of par∣cels of inheri∣tance belon∣ging to the crowne.
• * 2.123

  Discord be∣twixt Saue∣rie de Mau∣leon and the earle of Sa∣lisburie.
• * 2.124

  Sauerie de Mauleon re∣uel••••th to the French king.
• * 2.125

  Matth. Paris. Matt. Westm. Fouks de Brent an eni∣mie to rest and quietnesse.
• * 2.126

  Matth. Paris. Henrie Brai∣broke taken by Fouks de Brent, and imprisoned.
• * 2.127

  Bedford ca∣stell besieged.
• * 2.128

  He was in the borders of Wales, where the earle of Chester was lord.
• * 2.129

  The end of Fouks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brent.
• * 2.130

  Plaut. in P••••sa.
• * 2.131

  Dunstable▪
• * 2.132

  The Poicto∣uins send to king Henrie.
• * 2.133

  Rochel woon.
• * 2.134

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.135

  Anno Reg. 9. A parlement.
• * 2.136

  A fiftéenth granted to the king.
• * 2.137

  Magna Charta and Charta de Forresta confirmed.
• * 2.138

  Forrests.
• * 2.139

  Matth. Paris. Polydor.
• * 2.140

  Thrée hun∣dred sa••th Gaguin.
• * 2.141

  Towns woon by the Eng∣lishmen.
• * 2.142

  The earle of Marsh, saith Matth. Paris.
• * 2.143

  The French∣men taken at aduantage.
• * 2.144

  The earle of Cornewall raiseth his siege from the Rioll.
• * 2.145

  The death of the earle of Salisburie. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.146

  Préests con∣cubines for∣bidden chri∣stian buriall.
• * 2.147

  Anno Reg. 10.
• * 2.148

  A legat from the pope. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.149

  A parlement called.
• * 2.150

  The king to sicke.
• * 2.151

  Matt. Westm. Matth. Paris. The cardi∣nals request.
• * 2.152

  The answer of Iohn the archdeacon of Bedford.
• * 2.153

  Fabian▪
• * 2.154

  A grant to the citizens of London.
• * 2.155

  Matth. Paris▪
• * 2.156

  Anno Reg. 11. 1227
• * 2.157

  A parlement at Oxford. The king at lawfull age. Matth. Paris. Polydor.
• * 2.158

  The charters cancelled.
• * 2.159

  The death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lewes the French king.
• * 2.160

  The earle of Marsh com∣meth ouer to the king and offereth him his seruice.
• * 2.161

  Polydor.
• * 2.162

  Matth. Paris. Ambassadors sent into France.
• * 2.163

  Polydor.
• * 2.164

  The earle of Cornewall re∣turneth home. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.165

  The earle of Cornewall.
• * 2.166

  He departeth from the court secretlie.
• * 2.167

  He wineth himselfe with the earles of Chester and Penbroke and others.
• * 2.168

  They meét at Stamford with an armie
• * 2.169

  A day appoin∣ted to meét at Northamptō, for a treatie of pacification.
• * 2.170

  The kings grant to his brother.
• * 2.171

  Val. Flac. lib. 4.
• * 2.172

  The pope ex∣horteth the christians to make a iour∣nie against the Saracens
• * 2.173

  Matth. Paris sixtie thousād.
• * 2.174

  Polydor.
• * 2.175

  Anno Reg. 12. 1228
• * 2.176

  Matth. Paris. Weights and measures. Polydor. Hubert de Burgh crea∣ted earle of Kent.
• * 2.177

  Stephan arch¦bishop of Can∣turburie de∣parted this life.

  Richard We∣thersheid ele∣cted in his place.

  Matth. Paris. Walter Hel∣mesham.
• * 2.178

  A new trou∣ble about the election of the archbishop of Canturburie.
• * 2.179

  Fabian.
• * 2.180

  Polydor. The earle of March wor∣keth to induce the Normans & Poictouins to fauour the king of Eng∣land.

  The Nor∣mans write to the king of England.
• * 2.181

  Matt. Paris.
• * 2.182

  The Welshmē 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ca∣stell of Mont∣gomerie.
• * 2.183

  The king with an armie commeth to the succour of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the castell.
• * 2.184

  The abbeie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cride burnt.
• * 2.185

  The king ••••••ginneth to build a castell.
• * 2.186

  Pe is cōst••••••∣ned to agree with the Welshmen.
• * 2.187

  The lord Wil∣liā de Breuse taken priso∣ner.
• * 2.188

  Matt. Paris. Strange sights in the aire.
• * 2.189

  Polydor.
• * 2.190

  Anno. Reg. 13. 1229
• * 2.191

  A parlement or a councel holden.
• * 2.192

  The temporal lords refuse to ••••d the pope with monie.
• * 2.193

  Stephan de Segraue. The tenths of the spiritu∣altie granted to the pope.
• * 2.194

  Usurers.
• * 2.195

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.196

  The earle of Chester wold not permit the tenths to be gathered with in his land.
• * 2.197

  King Henrie prepareth to passe ouer into France.
• * 2.198

  The earle of Kent fallen in to the kings displeasure.
• * 2.199

  Henrie earle of Britaine. The kings iournie de∣ferred.
• * 2.200

  Anno Reg. 14. 1230
• * 2.201

  Matth. Paris. The king of Scots kept Christmasse with the king of England at Yorke.
• * 2.202

  Matth. Paris. A strange tempest at London.
• * 2.203

  Sée Iohn Stow, pag. 261. of his large collectiō printed 1580.
• * 2.204

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.205

  The king ga∣thereth monie towards his iournie into France.
• * 2.206

  Matth. Paris. The Lord W. de Breuse hanged.
• * 2.207

  The king sai∣leth ouer into France.
• * 2.208

  A fifteénth and tenth granted to the king. Polydor.

  Englishmen sent to Spain against the Saracens.
• * 2.209

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.210

  Escuage de∣manded.
• * 2.211

  The archb. of Canturburie standeth a∣gainst the K. in defense of his cleargie.
• * 2.212

  Contention betwixt the archb. and the earle of Kent.
• * 2.213

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.214

  Ralfe Neuill elected arch. of Canturburie.
• * 2.215

  Simō Lang∣tons report of the conditi∣ons of Ralfe Neuill.
• * 2.216

  Sée before in pag. 177, & 178.

  The pope ma∣keth void the election.
• * 2.217

  The earle of Cornewall marrieth the countesse of Glocester.
• * 2.218

  The earle of Penbroke de∣parted this life.

  Polydor. Leolin prince of Wales in∣uadeth the English bor∣ders.
• * 2.219

  The Welsh∣men put to flight.
• * 2.220

  The king go∣eth against the Welshmen. Matt. Paris.
• * 2.221

  The English men distressed.
• * 2.222

  Mawds ca∣stell repaired.
• * 2.223

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.224

  H••nrie earle of Britaine, and the earle of Chester distresse the French kings cariages.
• * 2.225

  A truce ta∣ken.
• * 2.226

  Anno Reg. 16. 1232
• * 2.227

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.228

  An vnorder∣lie & presump∣tuous attempt
• * 2.229

  The super∣scription of their letters.
• * 2.230

  Masking threshers.
• * 2.231

  The pope cō∣plaineth to the K. in bla∣ming him. The pope cō∣mandeth the offendors to be accursed.
• * 2.232

  Inquisition taken.
• * 2.233

  The earle of Kent put in blame.
• * 2.234

  Sir Robert de Twing.
• * 2.235

  Polydor. A parle•••••••• & subsidie demanded, and denied.
• * 2.236

  A subsidie demanded, and denied.
• * 2.237

  The bishop of Winchesters counsell giuen to the king.
• * 2.238

  The king fol∣loweth the bishop of Win∣chesters coun∣sell.
• * 2.239

  Matth. Paris. Ranulfe Bri∣ton, Peter de Riuales.
• * 2.240

  The earle of Kent dischar∣ged of his of∣fice of cheéfe iustice.

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.241

  The earle of Kent taketh sanctuarie.
• * 2.242

  The citizens of London their good de∣uotion to∣wards the earle of Kent.
• * 2.243

  Ouid. lib. 2. de trist. 5.
• * 2.244

  Hor. lib. car. 1. od. 35.
• * 2.245

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.246

  A subsidie granted in a parlement holden at Lambeth.
• * 2.247

  Anno Reg. 17.
• * 2.248

  Matth. Paris. Ranulfe earle of Chester de∣parteth this life.
• * 2.249

  Erle Ranulfe thrice maried.
• * 2.250

  This Cle∣mence was daughter to erle Ferrers.
• * 2.251

  The partition of his lands.
• * 2.252

  This Roger Lacie is sur∣named Helie.
• * 2.253

  The earle of Kent kept in prison within the castell of Uées.
• * 2.254

  Matth. Paris. A great thun∣der.
• * 2.255

  A wet sum∣mer.
• * 2.256

  Foure summer beside the ac∣customed sun.
• * 2.257

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.258

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.259

  A strange woonder.
• * 2.260

  Polydor.
• * 2.261

  The king be∣ginneth to fa∣uour strangers.
• * 2.262

  The bishop of Winchester.
• * 2.263

  The earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.264

  Strangers alwaies odi∣ous to y^e hours borne.
• * 2.265

  The lords y^t withdrew into Wales. Matth. Paris. Polydor.
• * 2.266

  The king pro¦claimed them traitors.
• * 2.267

  Strangers sent for.
• * 2.268

  Matth. Paris. The earle of Kent escapeth and taketh sanctuarie.
• * 2.269

  He is fetcht out.
• * 2.270

  He is restored to sanctuarie.
• * 2.271

  Anno Reg. 18. The earle of Kent rescued and conueied into Wales.
• * 2.272

  Polydor. The king en∣treth into Wales with an armie.
• * 2.273

  Polydor.
• * 2.274

  The king returneth out of Wales.
• * 2.275

  The earle of Penbroke in danger.
• * 2.276

  He is rescued. The Poicto∣uins discom∣fited.
• * 2.277

  Dearth.
• * 2.278

  Tempests.
• * 2.279

  An earth∣quake.
• * 2.280

  A death.
• * 2.281

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.282

  Iohn Mon∣mouth recei∣ueth an ouer∣throw.
• * 2.283

  Polydor.
• * 2.284

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.285

  A part of the towne of Shrewsburie burnt. Polydor.
• * 2.286

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.287

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.288

  The earle of Penbroke pas¦seth ouer into Ireland.
• * 2.289

  He is taken prisoner.
• * 2.290

  Geffrey Maurish.
• * 2.291

  The death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.292

  Polydor. Matth. Pari••
• * 2.293

  Gilbert Mar¦shall earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.294

  Officers cal∣led to ac∣counts.
• * 2.295

  The truce ended. Welshmen sent ouer to the aid of the earle of Bri∣taine.
• * 2.296

  The earle of Britaine sub∣mitteth him∣selfe to the French king.
• * 2.297

  Anno Reg. 19. 1235
• * 2.298

  Polydor. Fabian.
• * 2.299

  Sée the like in pag. 56. col. 1.
• * 2.300

  Matth. Paris.
• * 2.301

  The emperor Frederike marieth the king of Eng∣lands sister.
• * 2.302

  A great and sumptuous feast.
• * 2.303

  Matth. Paris. Usurers cal∣led Caorsini, of whome sée more in pag. 211. col. 1.
• * 2.304

  The bishop of London his doctrine.
• * 2.305

  Anno Reg. 20.
• * 2.306

  King Henrie marrieth the ladie Elianor daughter to the earle of Prouance. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.307

  The earle of Chester.
• * 2.308

  The consta∣ble of Chester. The earle of Penbroke.
• * 2.309

  The wardēs of the cinque ports.

  The earle of Leicester.

  Erle Warren.
• * 2.310

  The earle of Hereford.

  Lord William Beauchampe The citizens of London.

  The citizens of Winchester.
• * 2.311

  A parlement at London. Polydor.
• * 2.312

  Strange sights. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.313

  Great raine. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.314

  Matth. West.
• * 2.315

  A great thunder.
• * 2.316

  A drie sum∣mer.
• * 2.317

  Gilbert Nor∣man founder of Merton abbeie.
• * 2.318

  Anno Reg. 21.
• * 2.319

  High tides. Matth. Paris.
• * 2.320

  Wisbech peo∣ple perishing by rage of waters.
• * 2.321

  A subsidie.
• * 3.1

  Matth. Paris.
• * 3.2

  Iohn Scot earle of Che∣ster departed this life.
• * 3.3

  Ran. Higd. His sisters.
• * 4.1

  Cardinall Otho or O∣thobon.
• * 4.2

  The lords grudge at the king for recei∣uing the car∣dinall without their know∣ledge.
• * 4.3

  The legat praised for his sober be∣hauiour.
• * 4.4

  A tournie at Blie.
• * 4.5

  Earle Bigot.
• * 4.6

  Anno Reg. 22. The legat holdeth a sy∣nod at Lon∣don.
• * 4.7

  The legat co••meth to Oxford.
• * 4.8

  A fraie be∣twixt the le∣gats men, and the scholers of Oxford.
• * 4.9

  A cookes almes.
• * 4.10

  The legats cooke slaine.
• * 4.11

  The legat complaineth to the king. The earle Waren sent to apprehend the offendors.
• * 4.12

  The legat cursseth.
• * 4.13

  The regents of y^• Uniuer∣sitie absolued. Polydor.
• * 4.14

  Matth. Paris. The emperor of Constanti∣nople cōmeth into Eng∣land.
• * 4.15

  The coun∣tesse of Pe••∣broke, sister to the king married to Simon de Montford. Polydor.
• * 4.16

  The archbi∣shop of Can∣turburie dis∣pleased with the marriage.
• * 4.17

  He goeth to Rome to cō∣plaine of the king.
• * 4.18

  The earle of Cornewall •••• also offended for the same marriage. Matth. Paris.
• * 4.19

  The earle of Leicester ga∣thereth 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 4.20

  He goeth to Rome to get •• dispensation or rather con∣firmation of his marriage
• * 4.21

  Aid sent forth of England •••• the emperour.
• * 4.22

  Henrie Tru∣bleuille. Iohn Mansel Wil. Hardell.
• * 4.23

  The bishop of Winchester departeth this life.
• * 4.24

  Matth. Paris. A naughtie wretch meant to haue de∣stroied the K.
• * 4.25

  Sée his end in pag. 230.
• * 4.26

  Seneca in Octa, & Hippol.
• * 4.27

  Anno Reg. 23. 1239
• * 4.28

  Matth. Paris. Uariance be∣twixt the king and the earle of Penbroke.
• * 4.29

  Simon earle of Leicester fled ouer into France.
• * 4.30

  The birth of king Edward the first.
• * 4.31

  Polydor. A strange star.
• * 4.32

  Matth. Paris.
• * 4.33

  Ranulfe Bri∣ton taken out of his house, and led to the tower.
• * 4.34

  Great raine.
• * 4.35

  The legat beginneth to looke to his owne cōmo∣ditie.
• * 4.36

  Sir Robert de Twing.
• * 4.37

  The Iewes punished by the pursse.
• * 4.38

  A synod hol∣den at Lon∣don.
• * 4.39

  Anno Reg. 24. 1240
• * 4.40

  Matth. Paris. Matth. West. Baldwin de Riuers earle of the Ile of Wight.
• * 4.41

  The woods about Leice∣ster féeld.
• * 4.42

  Leolin prince of Wales de∣parteth this life.
• * 4.43

  Griffin ap Maddocke••
• * 4.44

  King Henrie aided the pope with monie a∣gainst the ••••••perour.
• * 4.45

  Complaint to the king of the collections made for the pope.
• * 4.46

  The answer of the king.
• * 4.47

  Polydor. The causes that mooued archbishop Edmund to depart the realme.
• * 4.48

  Matth. West. Matth. Paris. Polydor.
• * 4.49

  The death of Edmund archbishop of Canturburie surnamed of Pontney.
• * 4.50

  A Charter∣house moonke apprehended.
• * 4.51

  Iustices iti∣nerants. William de Yorke, Robert Lexinton iu∣stices.
• * 4.52

  The earle of Cornewal go∣eth into the holy land.
• * 4.53

  The earle of Leice••ster go∣eth thither also.
• * 4.54

  The earle of Albemarle.
• * 4.55

  The dedicati∣on of the church of S. Paule in London.
• * 4.56

  The death of Isabell the countesse of Cornewall. The lord Iohn Fitz Robert. A comet. A battell be∣twixt fishes. Matth. Paris.
• * 4.57

  The kings manour at Mortlake.
• * 4.58

  A great wind.
• * 4.59

  An oth re∣ceiued.
• * 4.60

  The sene∣shall of Aqui∣taine.
• * 4.61

  Peter Rosso.
• * 4.62

  Peter de Su∣pino got a vin∣tiesme, that is the 20 part of préests bene∣fices.
• * 4.63

  Anno Reg. 25. 1241
• * 4.64

  Boniface de Sauoie elec∣ted archb. of Canturburie. Matth. Paris.
• * 4.65

  The earle of Cornewall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intercessor, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a peace to be had betwixt the pope and the emperour▪
• * 4.66

  He returneth into Eng∣land.
• * 4.67

  Warres be∣twéene the Welshmen.
• * 4.68

  King Henrie goeth into Wales with an armie.
• * 5.1

  Dauid driuen to his wits end.
• * 5.2

  Dauid deliue∣reth his bro∣ther to the K.
• * 6.1

  Matth. Pari••. page, 765.
• * 6.2

  Matth. Paris▪ page, 830.
• * 6.3

  Iohn Ma••••sell.
• * 6.4

  Death of ••••••ble men.
• * 6.5

  Lacie l••ft 〈◊〉〈◊〉 issue ma••e be∣hind him, so y^t his daugh∣ters inherit•••• his lands.
• * 6.6

  Cardinall Somercotean Englishman.
• * 6.7

  An eclipse.
• * 6.8

  Anno Reg. 26. The death of the empresse Isabell.
• * 6.9

  Wars renued betwixt the kings of Eng¦land & France The earle of March. Gaguinus. Matth. West.
• * 6.10

  Sundrie opi∣nions in the kings coun∣cellers.
• * 6.11

  Charugage a certeine dutie for euerie Plowland.
• * 6.12

  The bishops of Durham sent into Scotland.
• * 6.13

  The king of Scots war∣den of the En¦glish mar∣shes.

  The archbi∣shop of Yorke gouernor of the realme.
• * 6.14

  Thirtie bar∣rels of En∣glish coine. The king passeth ouer into France.
• * 6.15

  The French king inuadeth the earle of Marches land.
• * 6.16

  The number of the English armie.
• * 6.17

  Tailborge.
• * 6.18

  Xainctes. An encounter betwixt the English and French.
• * 6.19

  The valiancy of the earle of Leicester and others.
• * 6.20

  Iohn Man∣sell.
• * 6.21

  Sir Iohn Barris. Wil. de Sey. Gilbert de Clare slaine.
• * 6.22

  The earle of March is re∣conciled to the French king.
• * 6.23

  Matth. Paris. The countesse of Bierne.
• * 6.24

  The reuol∣ting of other French lords
• * 6.25

  Sée pag. 42, 43, 44. & pag. 152. of the historie of England.
• * 6.26

  Death in the French camp.
• * 6.27

  Truce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwixt the two kings. Polydor. The queen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 England de∣liuered of a daughter.
• * 6.28

  William Ma∣risch executi••.
• * 6.29

  Sée pag. 223.
• * 6.30

  The seas tr••∣ebled with men of warre.
• * 6.31

  Escuage ga∣thered 20 shil∣lings of euerie knights fée. Matth. West. Death of noble men.
• * 6.32

  Anno. Reg. 27.
• * 6.33

  The earle of Cornwal and other returne home.
• * 6.34

  Prouision of graine and vi∣ctuals taken vp and sent to the king.
• * 6.35

  The king led by strangers.
• * 6.36

  He is euill spoken of.
• * 6.37

  A truce taken for fiue years.
• * 6.38

  Nicholas de Mueles his lieutenant in Gascoigne.
• * 6.39

  Death of No∣ble men.
• * 6.40

  Hugh Lacie.
• * 6.41

  Fabian.
• * 6.42

  Matth. Paris.
• * 6.43

  Stars fallen after a strange manner.
• * 6.44

  Anno Reg. 28. The countesse of Prouance mother to the quéene com∣meth ouer in∣to England.
• * 6.45

  The earle of Cornewall maried to the ladie Sanctia.
• * 6.46

  William Ra∣legh bishop of Norwich.
• * 6.47

  He is conse∣crated bish. of Winchester by the pope.
• * 6.48

  He steleth out of the realme.
• * 6.49

  He giueth to the pope 6000 marks.
• * 6.50

  Martine the popes collec∣tour.
• * 6.51

  Antichasis de Christi & papae facinorb. sub au∣thore an••nymo.
• * 6.52

  The nobles complain•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the king 〈…〉〈…〉 popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 6.53

  The king writeth to the pope.
• * 6.54

  Polydor. The king as••keth counsel how to proc•••• in his warres against the French kin••▪
• * 6.55

  The posses••••ons of the Normans confiscated.
• * 6.56

  Matth. Paris. The occas•••••• why the N••••••mans were disherited▪
• * 6.57

  Polydor. Matth. Paris▪ Matt. VVest. Dauid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Wales ••••••neth to sub∣mit himselfe to the pope.
• * 6.58

  Matth. Paris pag. 880.
• * 6.59

  The Welsh∣men discom∣fited.
• * 6.60

  Dauid fled in∣to Scotland.
• * 6.61

  He prouoketh the king of Scots to make warre against En∣gland.
• * 6.62

  The king of Scots inua∣deth Englād.
• * 6.63

  Matth. Paris.
• * 6.64

  King Henrie requireth an aid of monie of his subiects
• * 6.65

  New orders deuised by the lords.
• * 6.66

  Unreasonable requests.
• * 6.67

  The pope sen∣deth for some aid of monie to mainteine wars against the emperour.
• * 6.68

  Escuage grā∣ted the king.
• * 6.69

  The K. with an armie go∣eth towards Scotland.
• * 6.70

  The king of England and Scotland made fréends.
• * 8.1

  The lords sweare to sée the couenants performed.
• * 10.1

  The letter of the lords to pope Inno∣cent.
• * 10.2

  The Welsh∣men stirre coles.
• * 10.3

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.4

  The deceasse of the bishop of Cicester.
• * 10.5

  Anno. Reg. 29. P. V.
• * 10.6

  A subsidie of the richer sort.
• * 10.7

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.8

  The citizens of London.
• * 10.9

  The sene∣shall of Gas∣coine vanqui∣shed the king of Nauarre. Anno, 1242. as Matt. West. saith, & Matth. Paris.
• * 10.10

  Dauid king or prince of Wales.
• * 10.11

  Sir Hubert Fitz Mat∣thew slaine,
• * 10.12

  The castell •• Monthault taken by the Welshmen.
• * 10.13

  A generall councell.
• * 10.14

  The popes letters staied.
• * 10.15

  The valna•••• of benefices taken, that perteined to strangers.
• * 10.16

  This Gil∣bert was erle of Glocester, Hereford & lord of Clare.
• * 10.17

  Ambassadors sent to the ge∣nerall coun∣cell.
• * 10.18

  These were barons.
• * 10.19

  A iusts and tornie appoin∣ted, and by the kings com∣mandement disappointed.
• * 10.20

  Fouke Fitz Warren com∣mandeth the popes Nun∣cio to auoid the realme.
• * 10.21

  The kings answer vnto the popes Nuncio.
• * 10.22

  Matth. Paris. Matth. West. The Popes Nuncio sent out of the realme.
• * 10.23

  S. Peters church at Westminster.
• * 10.24

  The English ambassadors come to the councell.
• * 10.25

  The English ambassadors threaten the pope, that he should not haue any tri∣bute out of England.
• * 10.26

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.27

  The king in∣uades Wales. He buildeth a castell at Gannoke.
• * 10.28

  The decease of the coun∣tesse of Ox∣ford, and of the earle of Deuonshire. Geffrey de March de∣ceaseth.

  The decease of Raimond earle of Pro∣uance.

  The decease of the lord Humfreuile.
• * 10.29

  Anno. Reg. 30.
• * 10.30

  The king' re∣turneth foorth of Wales.

  Irishmen de∣stroied An∣glesey.
• * 10.31

  A dearth.
• * 10.32

  Brine pits destroied in wales.

  The lord Maurice chéefe iustice of Ireland.
• * 10.33

  Iohn Fitz Geffrey lord iustice of I∣reland.

  Matth. Paris. The dece••se of Walter erle Marshall▪
• * 10.34

  Mal. Pal. in suo cap.
• * 10.35

  The pope re∣quireth the French king to make war against Eng∣land.
• * 10.36

  The French king refuseth to gratifie the pope therein.
• * 10.37

  The countesse of Prouance dealeth vniust lie with the king of Eng∣land hir sonne in law.
• * 10.38

  Charles the French kings brother is made earle of Prouance.
• * 10.39

  The archb. of Canturburie purchaseth grant of the pope to leuie monie.
• * 10.40

  Dauid prince of Wales de∣parteth this life.
• * 10.41

  Ap Griffin chosen prince of Wales.
• * 10.42

  Iews robbe•• in Oxenford.
• * 10.43

  The Londo∣ners paie a talage.
• * 10.44

  A parlement.
• * 10.45

  A statute a∣gainst hunters
• * 10.46

  The earle of Sauoy dooth homage to the K. of England
• * 10.47

  Roger Bigod intitled to the office of earle Marshall.
• * 10.48

  Matth. Paris. Harold king of Man. Welshmen re∣ceiued to the kings peace, vp on their submission.
• * 10.49

  A decrée of the pope.
• * 10.50

  A proclama∣tion inhibi∣ting monie to be sent to the pope.
• * 10.51

  A sore tempest of haile.
• * 10.52

  Isabell the kings mother departeth this life.
• * 10.53

  Roger de Quincie earle of Winchester.
• * 10.54

  Iohn lord Neuill depar∣ted this life with diuers other.
• * 10.55

  Anno Reg. 31.
• * 10.56

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.57

  Intollerable exactions.
• * 10.58

  Peter de Sa∣uoy earle of Richmond.
• * 10.59

  An earth∣quake.
• * 10.60

  A strange woonder.
• * 10.61

  Continuall raine.
• * 10.62

  Acts made to restraine pre∣sumptuous authoritie of the spiritual∣tie.
• * 10.63

  The popes collectors.
• * 10.64

  A shift by for∣bearing the name of legat.
• * 10.65

  The emperor of Constanti∣nople com∣meth into England.
• * 10.66

  A cardinall cōmeth into England, re∣ceiuing an oth not to preiu∣dice y^e realme.
• * 10.67

  The kings halfe brethren came to sée the king.
• * 10.68

  The cardinall maketh shift for 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 10.69

  William de Ualence mar∣rieth lord Montchēcies daughter.
• * 10.70

  Gaston de Bi¦erne maketh war against the kings lieutenant.
• * 10.71

  Préests of the prouince of Canturburie suspended.
• * 10.72

  Sir Fouke de Newcastell the kings coo∣sen by his mother de∣parteth this life.
• * 10.73

  Pardon gran¦ted by bishops
• * 10.74

  Knights made.
• * 10.75

  Anno Reg. 32.
• * 10.76

  The earle of Winchester besieged in Galloway by his owne te∣nants.
• * 10.77

  William earle Ferrers de∣parteth this life.
• * 10.78

  The countesse of Prouance commeth into England.
• * 10.79

  A parlement.
• * 10.80

  A subsidie d••∣manded. Polydor. Matth. Pari••.
• * 10.81

  The king charged for his immode∣rate inriching of strangers.
• * 10.82

  The parlemēt proroged.
• * 10.83

  An ordinance for monie.
• * 10.84

  Inquirie made for wa∣shers & clip∣pers of monie.
• * 10.85

  Matth. Paris. The parlemēt dissolued.
• * 10.86

  The king dri∣uen to sell his plate.
• * 10.87

  S. Edwards faire at West∣minster.
• * 10.88

  Sir Richard Sward de∣••••••••eth.
• * 10.89

  Death of bishops.
• * 10.90

  An eclipse.
• * 10.91

  Newcastell burnt by ca∣suall fire.

  The archb. of Cant. curseth.
• * 10.92

  Anno Reg. 33. An erthquake
• * 10.93

  The bishop of Durham re∣signeth his bishoprike.
• * 10.94

  Matth. Paris. The king practiseth to get monie.
• * 10.95

  A nest of théeues brokē.
• * 10.96

  The archbish. of Rone.
• * 10.97

  Matth. Paris. Great raine.
• * 10.98

  The earle of Salisburie & other go into the holie land.
• * 10.99

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.100

  The spite of the French towards the Englishmen.
• * 10.101

  Peter de Ge∣neure.
• * 10.102

  The deceasse of Roger Fitz Iohn.
• * 10.103

  The death of Hugh le Brun.
• * 10.104

  Anno Reg. 34. The archb. of Canturburie inthronized.
• * 10.105

  A tornie hol∣den at Brack∣ley, or (as some copies haue) at Barkley.
• * 10.106

  Edmond son to Richard earle of Corn∣wall borne.
• * 10.107

  An ambassage sent to the pope.
• * 10.108

  The king ta∣keth on him the crosse.
• * 10.109

  The lord Ro∣ger de Mont∣hault.
• * 10.110

  Gaston de Bierne sub∣miteth himself to the king.
• * 10.111

  The earle of Leicester his service in Gascoigne.
• * 10.112

  The bishop of Lincolne.
• * 10.113

  An inhibition procured by the king of the pope.
• * 10.114

  The earle of Cornwall r••••turneth from the pope.
• * 10.115

  The king sp••••reth to bring himselfe out of debt.
• * 10.116

  The Iewes constreined to helpe the king with monie.
• * 10.117

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.118

  A generall chapter of y^e friers prea∣chers.
• * 10.119

  Matth. Paris. Strife be∣twixt the Lō∣doners and the abbat of Westminster▪
• * 10.120

  William de Kilkennie keéper of the great seale.
• * 10.121

  Robert de Lexinton de∣parteth this life.
• * 10.122

  The lord Hen¦rie Hastings deceaseth.

  Robert Mus∣champe.

  Athelmarie the kings half brother made bishop of Win∣chester.

  The earle of Salisburie slaine by the Saracens.
• * 10.123

  A mightie wind.
• * 10.124

  Matth. Paris.
• * 10.125

  The sea see∣meth to burne
• * 10.126

  Ships lost. Hertburne. Winchelsey.
• * 10.127

  Anno Reg. 35. The practise of the bishops to disappoint the archbi. of Canturburie of his purpose
• * 10.128

  An erthquake at S. Albons.
• * 10.129

  The pope su∣eth for licence to soiorne at Burdeaux.
• * 10.130

  The popes presence more like to impaire than amend things.
• * 10.131

  Thunder and lightening.
• * 10.132

  Guy de Lusig¦nan brother to the king.
• * 10.133

  The earle of Leicester re∣turneth.
• * 10.134

  He had of the king 3000 marks.
• * 10.135

  Rutters.
• * 10.136

  A iustice accu¦sed for taking bribes.
• * 10.137

  Henrie de Bath put to his fine.
• * 10.138

  Athelmare or Odomare bi∣shop of Win∣chester con∣firmed.

  A conuocatiō of the bishops.
• * 10.139

  Six thousand marks giuen to the pope.
• * 10.140

  The bishop of Lincolne visi∣teth abbeies.
• * 10.141

  The bishop of Lincolne sus∣pended by the pope,
• * 10.142

  Wales subiect to the English lawes.
• * 10.143

  Alain lord Zouch.
• * 10.144

  Usurers cal∣led Caorsini.
• * 10.145

  Contro••ersie betwixt pre∣lats.
• * 10.146

  The earle of Leicester pro∣spereth in Gascoigne.
• * 10.147

  A sore tem∣pest of thun∣der & light∣ning.
• * 10.148

  Windsore.
• * 10.149

  High tides.
• * 10.150

  The nunrie of Mar••an founded.
• * 10.151

  Paule Peiuer.
• * 10.152

  The lord W••l••. Graie marrieth the wife of Paule Pe••uer.
• * 10.153

  Anno Reg. 3••. Matth. Par••••▪ The church of Hales de¦dicated.
• * 10.154

  The charges of the buil∣ding of the church of Hales.
• * 10.155

  Tournies and iusts in those daies were handled in more rough manner than is vsed in our tune.
• * 10.156

  The house of Coucie.
• * 10.157

  The king of Scots did ho∣mage to the K. of England.
• * 10.158

  Sir Robert Norice, and sir Stephan Bausan.
• * 10.159

  An excéeding great wind.
• * 10.160

  The bishop of Rochest. bull.
• * 10.161

  The Gas∣coignes make warre against the English subiects.
• * 10.162

  The earle of Leicester danteth his enimies.
• * 10.163

  Mal. Pal. in suo cap.
• * 10.164

  A strange wonder of the new moone.
• * 10.165

  A great drought.
• * 10.166

  Manie disea∣ses reigned.
• * 10.167

  A murren of cattell.
• * 10.168

  The cause of the death of cattell.
• * 10.169

  The bishop of Lincolne.
• * 10.170

  The Gas∣coigns meane to complaine of the earle of Leicester.
• * 10.171

  The earle dis∣proueth the allegations of his accusers.
• * 10.172

  The bishop of Lincolns au∣thoritie to in∣stitute vicars in churches impropriate.
• * 11.1

  The earle of Leicester sent eftsoones into Gascoigne.
• * 11.2

  Rusteine taken.
• * 11.3

  The kings eldest son Ed∣ward creates duke of Aqui∣taine.

  Sir Arnold de Monteinie slaine.
• * 11.4

  The church of Elie dedi∣cated.
• * 11.5

  A parlement.
• * 11.6

  The king de∣mandeth the tenths of the spiritualtie.
• * 11.7

  The bishops refuse to yeild to the popes grant.
• * 11.8

  The king highlie offen∣ded with the bishops.
• * 11.9

  The king as∣saieth to get monie of the lords tem∣porall.
• * 11.10

  The Londo∣ners helpe at a pinch.
• * 11.11

  The death of sir Nicholas Samford.
• * 11.12

  The countesse of Winchester departeth this life.
• * 11.13

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.14

  The deceasse of the coun∣tesse de Lisle de Wight.
• * 11.15

  Anno Reg. 37.
• * 11.16

  The pope of∣fereth the kingdome of Sicill vnto the earle of Cornewall.
• * 11.17

  The archb. of Canturburie and the bishop of Winchester made fréends. William de Ualence, and Iohn de Warren.
• * 11.18

  The value of spirituall li∣uings in stran¦gers hands.
• * 11.19

  The new moone appea∣red before hir time.
• * 11.20

  Running at the quintine.
• * 11.21

  The Londo∣ners called Barons.
• * 11.22

  The earle of Leicester re∣signeth his go¦uernment of Gascoigne.
• * 11.23

  The Rioll, S. Mill••on, townes in Gascoigne.
• * 11.24

  Knights to be made.
• * 11.25

  An ordinance against rob∣bers.
• * 11.26

  The cause y^t mooued the Gascoignes to rebellion.
• * 11.27

  A parlement.
• * 11.28

  A tenth gran∣ted of the spi∣ritualtie. Escuage granted.
• * 11.29

  Magna charta.
• * 11.30

  Godlie coun∣sell no doubt.
• * 11.31

  The king p••••••¦poseth to go himselfe into Gascoigne▪
• * 11.32

  He taketh the sea.
• * 11.33

  He arriueth at Burdeaux.
• * 11.34

  Ambassadors sent into Spaine.
• * 11.35

  A marriage concluded be∣twixt the K. of Englands sonne & the K. of Spaines daughter.
• * 11.36

  A dearth in the kings campe.
• * 11.37

  The Gas∣coigns begin to humble themselues.
• * 11.38

  The bishop of Chichester Richard Witz and Grosted b. of Lincolne depart this life
• * 11.39

  The praise of Grosted.
• * 11.40

  Leo papa.
• * 11.41

  The L. Wil. Uescie depar∣teth this life.
• * 11.42

  Great wet.
• * 11.43

  Great drout.
• * 11.44

  Anno Reg. 38. The ladie Ka¦therin the kings daugh∣ter borne.
• * 11.45

  Winter thunder.
• * 11.46

  The quéenes liberalitie to∣wards the K.
• * 11.47

  A strang sight in the aire.
• * 11.48

  Redborne.
• * 11.49

  A death of sheepe.
• * 11.50

  The king de∣mandeth a subsidie.
• * 11.51

  The king of∣fended with them that re∣fused to helpe him with monie.
• * 11.52

  Edward the kings sonne is sent to the K. of Castile.
• * 11.53

  He marrieth the ladie Ele∣nor daughter to K. Alfonse▪
• * 11.54

  Ran. Higd. Polydor.
• * 11.55

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 11.56

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 11.57

  Gaston de Bi¦••••n•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of B••••••n
• * 11.58

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the English a••••••e.
• * 11.59

  A mightie storme of haile.
• * 11.60

  Anno Reg. 39. The king re∣turneth hom∣w••rds tho∣rough France
• * 11.61

  The countesse of Cornewall.
• * 11.62

  The pope of∣fereth y^e king∣dome of Si∣cill vnto the king of Eng∣land.
• * 11.63

  The K. ma∣keth great shift for monie to send to the pope.
• * 11.64

  He sendeth to the pope a wa∣rant to take vp monie.
• * 11.65

  Matth. Paris▪
• * 11.66

  The pope is liberall of an other mans pursse.
• * 11.67

  Manfred pro∣claimed king of Sicill.
• * 11.68

  A parlement.
• * 11.69

  The states re¦fu••e to grant a subsidie.
• * 11.70

  The parlemēt adiourned.
• * 11.71

  Rob. de Ros & Iohn Bai∣lioll accused.
• * 11.72

  Reignold de Bath a phy∣sician.
• * 11.73

  An eclipse.
• * 11.74

  The earle of Glocester & Iohn Man∣sell sent into Scotland.
• * 11.75

  Robert de Ros summo∣ned to appeare.
• * 11.76

  A shift to get monie of the bishops deui∣sed by the bish. o•• Hereford.
• * 11.77

  A parlement.
• * 11.78

  Richard earle of Cornewall standeth a∣gainst his brother for the grant of a subsidie.
• * 11.79

  The liberties of London sei∣zed into the kings hands.
• * 11.80

  The shiriffes of London imprisoned.
• * 11.81

  The king de∣mandeth mo∣nie of the Iewes.
• * 11.82

  The kings debt 3000000 marks.
• * 11.83

  The earle of Cornewall lendeth the king monie.
• * 11.84

  Hor. lib. 2. serm.
• * 11.85

  An elephant sent to the K.
• * 11.86

  An ewer of pearle, per∣aduenture an agat.
• * 11.87

  Strange wonders. High tides.
• * 11.88

  A comet.
• * 11.89

  The decease of Walter archbishop of Yorke.
• * 11.90

  Elianor the wife of prince Edward cō∣meth to the citie.
• * 11.91

  The liberties of the citie re∣stored to the Londoners.
• * 11.92

  A legat from the pope na∣med Ruscand a Gascoigne.
• * 11.93

  Tenths ga∣thered for the pope.
• * 11.94

  The crosse preached a∣gainst Man∣fred.
• * 11.95

  A councell called at Lon∣don by the le∣gat.
• * 11.96

  Matth. Paris. The church∣men being pinched by their pursses, fret and fume against the popes procé••∣dings in that behalfe.
• * 11.97

  The bishops would rather become mar∣tyrs, than lose their monie.
• * 11.98

  Ruscand cō∣plaineth to the king of the froward∣nesse of the prelats. The bishop o•• London his saiengs.
• * 11.99

  Anno Reg. 40.
• * 11.100

  Edmund the kings sonne inuested king of Sicill and Naples. Chro. Dun.
• * 11.101

  The councell proroged.
• * 11.102

  The K. lieth in wait for mens goods.
• * 11.103

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.104

  The Lord Gray forsa∣keth the court.
• * 11.105

  Iewes accu∣sed & executed for crucifieng a child at Lincolne na∣med Hugh.
• * 11.106

  Eighteene Iews hanged
• * 11.107

  The prolocu∣tors answer to the popes legat.
• * 11.108

  The prelats appeale.
• * 11.109

  Marke the cause of mar∣tyrdome.
• * 11.110

  The deane of saint Paules sent to Rome on the behalfe of the prelats.
• * 11.111

  Mens deuo∣tion towards the pope wax∣eth cold.
• * 11.112

  Antith. de pr••cl. Chris••i, &c.
• * 11.113

  The b. of Sa∣lisburie depar∣teth this life.
• * 11.114

  Suit of court when it was first receiued for a law.
• * 11.115

  Matth. Paris. Magnus king of Man.
• * 11.116

  A proclama∣tion for knighthood.
• * 11.117

  A sore tem∣pest of wind and raine.
• * 11.118

  The king of Scots com∣meth into England.
• * 11.119

  Iohn Man∣sell trusted the two kings.
• * 11.120

  Orders deui∣sed for the appearance of sh••riffes.
• * 11.121

  The shiriffes fined.
• * 11.122

  The king of Scots 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into his countrie.
• * 11.123

  Anno Reg. 4•• Richard earle of Cornew•••••• elected empe∣rour.
• * 11.124

  The great treasure of Richard king of Almaine.
• * 11.125

  The Welsh∣men choose them a go∣uernour, an•• rebell agai•••••• the king.
• * 11.126

  The king wanteth monie.
• * 11.127

  Sir Geffrey de Langlies hard dealing, cause of the Welshmens rebellion.
• * 11.128

  Matth. Paris. The number of the Welsh••enimies.
• * 11.129

  The Welsh∣men diuide their power into two parts.
• * 11.130

  Nic. Treuet. Stephan Bauzan, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Baucan.
• * 11.131

  Englishmen ouerthrowne.
• * 11.132

  Northwales and South∣wales ioined togither in league.
• * 11.133

  The king passeth him∣selfe in person into Wales.
• * 11.134

  The lord Mortimer the kings lieute∣nant in Wales Polydor.
• * 11.135

  A legat from Rome. Matth. Paris.
• * 11.136

  A new order of Friers.
• * 11.137

  A parlement.
• * 11.138

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.139

  The lord Ed∣mund the kings sonne.
• * 11.140

  A subsidie demanded.
• * 11.141

  The offer of y^e spiritualtie.
• * 11.142

  The archbish. of Cullen and other ambas∣sadors of Al∣maine.
• * 11.143

  Six archbish. present at London in time of the parlement.
• * 11.144

  The elect K. of Almaine taketh his leaue of the king his bro∣ther.
• * 11.145

  He landeth at Dordreigh. A synod.
• * 11.146

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.147

  A decrée made by the pope.
• * 11.148

  Matth. Paris The moonks of Durham that were ex∣cōmunicated are now ab∣solued.
• * 11.149

  Matth. Paris
• * 11.150

  Fabian. An informa••••••on against the lord maior of London.
• * 11.151

  The lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and shiri∣ffes of Lon∣don dischar∣ged.
• * 11.152

  The lord maior and shiriffes fin••▪
• * 11.153

  Matth. Paris The archbis•••••• of Yorke ac∣cursed.
• * 11.154

  The constan∣cie of the arch∣bishop of Yorke.
• * 11.155

  The lord Audelie war∣reth vpon the Welshmen.
• * 11.156

  Ambassadors sent into France.
• * 11.157

  The marshes of Wales sore impouerished.
• * 11.158

  A great dearth. Matth. Paris.
• * 11.159

  The gréedie dealing of the Londoners to the hurt of the cōmon-welth.
• * 11.160

  Ouid. lib. 8. Meta. fab. 11.
• * 11.161

  A parlement. Matth. Paris.
• * 11.162

  Hurtred, a messenger frō the pope.
• * 11.163

  The Welsh∣men spoile Penbroke∣shire.
• * 11.164

  Uariance be∣twixt the earle of Penbroke and others.
• * 11.165

  The archbi∣shop of Yorke depriued of his crosse.
• * 11.166

  Mansuetus the popes Nuncio.
• * 11.167

  The parlemēt proroged.
• * 11.168

  A late growth
• * 11.169

  I dearth ac∣companied with a death.
• * 11.170

  Seuall archb. of Yorke depar¦teth this life.
• * 11.171

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.172

  The kings halfe brethren.
• * 11.173

  Insanum par∣liamentum.
• * 11.174

  The demand of the lords.
• * 11.175

  Ordinances made.
• * 11.176

  An oth exac∣ted of the king
• * 11.177

  The earle of Leicester threatneth the earle of Penbroke.
• * 11.178

  The kings halfe brethren shift awaie.
• * 11.179

  They depart the Realme.
• * 11.180

  Henrie Mōt∣fort pursueth the kings ha•• brethren.
• * 11.181

  They sent to the French ••.
• * 11.182

  Richard Gray cap∣teine of Do∣uer castell, and lord warden of the ports.
• * 11.183

  Matt. VVest.
• * 11.184

  Foure and twentie go∣uernours.
• * 11.185

  The abuses of those go∣uernours.
• * 11.186

  M. Pal. in Virg.
• * 11.187

  Fabian.
• * 11.188

  Contention betwixt the earles of Lei∣cester and Glocester.
• * 11.189

  The lords come to the Guildhall to haue their or∣dinances con∣firmed.
• * 11.190

  A proclama∣tion against purue••ers.
• * 11.191

  A parlement.
• * 11.192

  The iustices sit at S· Sa∣uiours.
• * 11.193

  Bailiffes and other officers punished.
• * 11.194

  Bakers pu∣nished.
• * 11.195

  Matth. Paris. The Poicto∣uins suspected to haue poi∣soned y^e Eng∣lish lords.
• * 11.196

  Walter Sco∣tonie arreig∣ned and con∣demned.
• * 11.197

  He suffereth.
• * 11.198

  A late haruest
• * 11.199

  Dearth of corne increa∣seth.
• * 11.200

  Fasts & pro∣cessions vsed.
• * 11.201

  Richard Gray lord warden of the ports.
• * 11.202

  Erlotus the popes Nuncio returneth houie.
• * 11.203

  Matth. Paris. The lord of Kedwellie slaine.
• * 11.204

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.205

  Matth. Paris not well affe∣cted towards the gouerne∣ment of the realme as it then stood.
• * 11.206

  Godfrey de Kinton archbishop of Can∣turburie.
• * 11.207

  An ordinance against ex∣tortion.
• * 11.208

  Anno Reg. Ambassadors sent to the councell at Cambrey.
• * 11.209

  Ione coun∣tesse of Pen∣broke.
• * 11.210

  A great tem∣pest of light∣ning and thunder.
• * 11.211

  Guy de Roch¦ford banished.
• * 11.212

  Uariance and debat betwixt the studēts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Oxford.
• * 11.213

  The Welsh∣men seeke to agreé with the king.
• * 11.214

  Henrie de Wingham e∣lected bishop of Winchester.
• * 11.215

  Ambassadors sent to the K. of Almaine.
• * 11.216

  His protesta∣tion to their demand.
• * 11.217

  He changeth his purpose and commeth ouer into England.
• * 11.218

  He receiueth an oth not to infringe the statutes of Oxford.
• * 11.219

  A parlement.
• * 11.220

  A peace con∣cluded vpon betwixt the kinges of Eng¦land & France
• * 11.221

  The countesse of Leicester.
• * 11.222

  Contention betwixt the earles of Glo∣cester and Leicester.
• * 11.223

  The friers preachers be∣gin to inhabit at Dunstable.
• * 11.224

  The moonks hindred by the the comming of the friers.
• * 11.225

  Richard Gray dischar∣ged of his office of lord warden. Walascho a frier sent from the pope.
• * 11.226

  The bishop of Bangor sent frō the prince of Wales to king Henrie. The welsh∣men offer to resort vnto Chester.
• * 11.227

  Anno Reg. 44. I parlement.
• * 11.228

  The statutes of Oxenford read, and the breakers of the same de∣nounced ac∣curssed.
• * 11.229

  Escuage granted.
• * 11.230

  Knights feés how manie were then in England.
• * 11.231

  Fabian. I folkemote.
• * 11.232

  The king as∣keth licence to passe the seas.
• * 11.233

  Matth. West. The king sai∣leth ouer into France.
• * 11.234

  He compoun∣deth all diffe∣rences with the French k.
• * 11.235

  Polydor. N. Triuet. Wil. Risang.
• * 11.236

  Matt. VVest.
• * 11.237

  Dissention be¦twixt prince Edward and the earle of Glocester.
• * 11.238

  Prince Ed∣ward and the earle of Gloc••∣ster are not suffered to come within the citie of London.
• * 11.239

  The king re∣turneth into England.
• * 11.240

  The earle of Glocester con∣federateth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selfe with the earle of Lei∣cester.
• * 11.241

  Chr. Dunstab.
• * 11.242

  Matth. West.
• * 11.243

  A Iew at Teukesburie falleth into a iakes.
• * 11.244

  Matt. Westm. Death of No∣ble men.
• * 11.245

  Bach rather.
• * 11.246

  Matth. West. Anno. Reg. 45. The king of Scots com∣meth to Lon∣don. Matt. West.
• * 11.247

  Chro. Dun.
• * 11.248

  Fabian. A folkemote holden at Pauls crosse.
• * 11.249

  An oth to be true to the king.
• * 11.250

  The lord Spenser dis∣charged of his office.
• * 11.251

  Anno Reg. 46. The presumptuous procée∣dings of the barōs against the king.
• * 11.252

  I bull read at Pauls crosse.
• * 11.253

  Matth. West. Many gouer∣nors pernici∣ous to a common-wealth.
• * 11.254

  The king of Almaine go∣eth ouer into Germanie. Fabian.

  The king ha∣uing licence passeth ouer into France.
• * 11.255

  He falleth sick of a feuer quartane.
• * 11.256

  Chro. Dun.
• * 11.257

  Death of no∣ble men.
• * 11.258

  The earle of Glocester de∣parteth this life.
• * 11.259

  Anno Reg. 47.
• * 11.260

  Iewes slaine.
• * 11.261

  Matth. Westm. The Welsh∣men warre against y^e lord Mortimers tenants.
• * 11.262

  He séeketh his reuenge against them.
• * 11.263

  Fabian.
• * 11.264

  Thames frosen.
• * 11.265

  Uariance be∣twixt the ci∣tizens of Lō∣don and the constable of the towre.
• * 11.266

  Matth. West. Prince Ed∣ward goeth against the Welshmen.
• * 11.267

  The archb. of Canturburie goeth to Rome.
• * 11.268

  Fabian.
• * 11.269

  The lord ma∣ior of London sworne to be true to the king.
• * 11.270

  Cloked malice bursteth out.
• * 11.271

  The barons raise people.
• * 11.272

  The lord Clifford.
• * 11.273

  Chron. Dun.
• * 11.274

  Prince Ed∣ward taketh monie out of y^e treasurie of the temple.
• * 11.275

  Mars. lib. 11. Hor. lib. car. 3. ode 24.
• * 11.276

  The Londo∣ners rob the house of the lord Gray.
• * 11.277

  Iohn Māsell fléeth into France.
• * 11.278

  The baron•• that ros•• a∣gainst the king.
• * 11.279

  Their chéefe capteins.
• * 11.280

  The baron•• that tooke part with the king.
• * 11.281

  Risanger no∣teth this to be 1264.
• * 11.282

  The barons make hauoc••
• * 11.283

  The diligence o•• the lord ma∣i••r of London.
• * 11.284

  The misde∣meanor of lewd persons towards the quéene.
• * 11.285

  Chron. Dunst.
• * 11.286

  Manh. West.
• * 11.287

  Chron. Dunst. Bishops tra∣uell to make peace.
• * 11.288

  Strangers kéepe the ca∣stell of Wind∣sore.
• * 11.289

  The great disorder in the citie of London.
• * 11.290

  Abington.
• * 11.291

  Nic. Treuer.
• * 11.292

  A parlement.
• * 11.293

  Abing••on.
• * 11.294

  The kings protestation against the articles at Oxeniord.
• * 11.295

  The matter put to the French king.
• * 11.296

  The French king giueth sentence against the barons.
• * 11.297

  Anno Reg. 4 8.
• * 11.298

  Matth. Wes••m.
• * 11.299

  The lords that reuolted to the king.
• * 11.300

  Chron. Dun.
• * 11.301

  Abington.
• * 11.302

  The king go∣eth again ouer to the French king.
• * 11.303

  Fabian.
• * 11.304

  Nic. Triue••. Castels got∣ten by prince Edward.
• * 11.305

  Worcester taken.
• * 11.306

  Matth. We••••. The citie of Glocester 〈◊〉〈◊〉 couered, and put to fin••.
• * 11.307

  The cōmo∣ners of the citie of Lon∣don agree with the barons. R. Fabia••.
• * 11.308

  The manor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thistleworth spoiled.
• * 11.309

  The chéef•• cause that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the K. of ••••∣maine so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the barons.
• * 11.310

  The lords that follow•••• the king.
• * 11.311

  Northampt•••• taken by 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 11.312

  Scholers fight against the king.
• * 11.313

  Some write that Iohn de Balioll and Robert de Bruis, and Peter de Bruis, came to him here and not before Matt. West. The castell of Turburie de∣faced.
• * 11.314

  The castell of Warwike taken.
• * 11.315

  The castell of Warwike raced. The Iewes are killed.
• * 11.316

  Rochester besieged.
• * 11.317

  N. Triue••. Matth. West.
• * 11.318

  The kings halfe brethren come out of France to his aid. The king in∣campeth at Lewes.
• * 11.319

  The barons send a letter to the king.
• * 11.320

  The answer to y^• barons.
• * 11.321

  He defieth them.
• * 11.322

  Matth. West.
• * 11.323

  N. Triuet. The ordering of the battels.
• * 11.324

  The battels ioine.
• * 11.325

  Chron. Dunst.
• * 11.326

  Prince Ed∣ward pursu∣eth the Lon∣doners.
• * 11.327

  The kings part put to the worse. Matt. Westm. Nic. Triuer.
• * 11.328

  Matth. Paris.
• * 11.329

  Seuen hun∣dred hath A∣bington. Prince Ed∣ward com∣meth backe to his father.
• * 11.330

  Fri••rs subor∣ned to treat a peace.
• * 11.331

  An agréement taken. Matth. West.
• * 11.332

  Polydor.
• * 11.333

  Matth. West••▪ Lords ta•••••• on the kings side.
• * 11.334

  Fabian. N. Triue••. Matth. Wes••▪
• * 11.335

  Peace pro∣claimed.
• * 11.336

  A new 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 11.337

  Matth. West.
• * 11.338

  N. Triuet.
• * 11.339

  The Londo∣ners spoiled at Croidon.
• * 11.340

  Matt. West.
• * 11.341

  The earle of Darbie com∣meth to Che∣ster with 20 thousand men.
• * 11.342

  The lords Mortimer and Audeli•• banished.
• * 11.343

  An armie lod∣ged on Bar∣ham-downe.
• * 11.344

  Matth. West.
• * 11.345

  Chr. Dunstab.
• * 11.346

  Abington.
• * 11.347

  Prince Ed∣ward escapeth awaie. Matth. West.
• * 11.348

  The earle of Leicesters sonne raiseth an armie.

  He wan Win∣chester.
• * 11.349

  The armie of the earle of Leicesters sonne is dis∣comfited.
• * 11.350

  N. Triuet.
• * 11.351

  The castell of Monmouth taken.
• * 11.352

  The battell of Euesham.
• * 11.353

  Polydor.
• * 11.354

  The Welsh∣men fled.
• * 11.355

  The earle of Leicester slaine.
• * 11.356

  Matth. We••••▪
• * 11.357

  The pri••e of the earle of Leicesters sons brin∣geth the ba∣rons to con∣fusion.
• * 11.358

  Polydor.
• * 11.359

  Matth. West.
• * 11.360

  A parlement at Winche∣ster.
• * 11.361

  A parlement at Westmin∣ster.
• * 11.362

  Erle Ferrers
• * 11.363

  Fabian. Anno Reg. 50. The citie of London sub∣mitteth hir∣selfe to the K.
• * 11.364

  The Londo∣ners put to their fine.

  Cardinall O∣thobone the popes legat. Fabian.
• * 11.365

  One Othon made gardian of the citie of London.
• * 11.366

  Matth. West.
• * 11.367

  Nic. Treuet. The legat holdeth a sy∣nod at Nor∣thampton.
• * 11.368

  Matt. VVest. This suspen∣sion was pro∣nounced in a councell hol∣den by the said cardinall at Paules as Fabian saith. Matth. West.
• * 11.369

  N. Triuet.
• * 11.370

  The Londo∣ners pardōed.
• * 11.371

  Fabian.
• * 11.372

  Simon de Montfort.
• * 11.373

  Matth. West. Polydor.
• * 11.374

  Fabian. The war∣dens of the fiue ports re∣conciled to the king. Matth. West.
• * 11.375

  Douer castell deliuered to the king.
• * 11.376

  Winchelsie won by force.
• * 11.377

  Matth. westm. The Ile of Oxholme.
• * 11.378

  Abington. Lincolne taken. N. Triuet.
• * 11.379

  Killingworth castell forti∣fied against the king.
• * 11.380

  The kings purseuant had his hand cut off.
• * 11.381

  Adam Gur∣don.
• * 11.382

  Matth. Westm.
• * 11.383

  The battell of Chesterfield.
• * 11.384

  Euersden.
• * 11.385

  Norwich ••••cked.
• * 11.386

  Chron. Du••••▪
• * 11.387

  The siege of Killingworth castell begin∣neth.

  The lord Hastings.
• * 11.388

  Anno Reg. 51.
• * 11.389

  Killingworth castell deliue∣red to the K.
• * 11.390

  Dictum de Killingworth. Abington. Matth. Westm.
• * 11.391

  A parlement at Westmin∣ster.
• * 11.392

  Earle Fer∣rers disheri∣ted.
• * 11.393

  The earle of Glocester with an arn•••• commeth to London.
• * 11.394

  The legat admonisheth the earle of Glocester to obeie the king.
• * 11.395

  The legat & other meane to defend the to∣wer against the earle of Glocester.
• * 11.396

  The citizens of London in vprore chose new officers.
• * 11.397

  Prisoners set at libertie.
• * 11.398

  The legat ac∣curseth y^e trou¦blers of the kings peace.
• * 11.399

  The king laie at Cambridge
• * 11.400

  Ramsey.
• * 11.401

  The king ma∣keth hard shift for monie to hire soldiers & men of war to assist him.
• * 11.402

  The K. remoo∣ueth towards Windsore.
• * 11.403

  The king commeth to Stratford. Fabian.
• * 11.404

  Matth. Westm.
• * 11.405

  Westminster spoiled.
• * 11.406

  Soldiers sac∣ked and thro∣wen into the Thames.
• * 11.407

  The earles of Bullongne & S. Paule. A fleét of Gas∣coins come to the kings aid.
• * 11.408

  Abington. A peace con∣cluded.
• * 11.409

  The Londo∣ners pardoned
• * 11.410

  Chron. Dun. Buderesch.
• * 11.411

  The lord Graie.
• * 11.412

  Euersden.
• * 11.413

  Anno Reg. 52.
• * 11.414

  A parlement at Marle∣borough.
• * 11.415

  The legat Othobone returneth to Rome.

  Othobone chosen pope.
• * 11.416

  Abington.
• * 11.417

  Prince Ed∣ward recei∣ueth the crosse.
• * 11.418

  Fabian. A fraie in Lō∣don betwéene the gold∣smiths and tailors.
• * 11.419

  Anno. Reg. 53. Thames frosen.
• * 11.420

  Abington. A parlement holden at London.
• * 11.421

  Prince Ed∣ward appoi••∣teth the ma•••• and shiriffes of London.
• * 11.422

  An aid gr••••∣ted to the king
• * 11.423

  The liberties of the citie confirmed.
• * 11.424

  The rent of the farme of the shiriffes of London increased.
• * 11.425

  Chron. Dun••••.
• * 11.426

  Anno Reg. 14 1270
• * 11.427

  Wil. Ris••am. Prince Ed∣ward setteth forward to∣wards the holie land.
• * 11.428

  Matth. West. The king sick
• * 11.429

  Anno Reg. 55. 1271
• * 11.430

  Prince Ed∣ward arriueth at Acres. Abington.
• * 11.431

  Arsacide, of some named Assassini.
• * 11.432

  Prince Edw. to traitorous∣lie wounded.
• * 11.433

  Port Iapha.
• * 11.434

  The genera∣tion of the Ar∣sacide, or Assass••ni.
• * 11.435

  Anno Reg. 56.
• * 11.436

  Nic. Triuer. Matth. West. The ••••••easse of the king of Almaine.
• * 11.437

  His issue.
• * 11.438

  Edmund erle o•• Cornewall.
• * 11.439

  The bloud of Hailes.
• * 11.440

  Ashrug ab∣beie built. Bonhommes.
• * 11.441

  The L. Hen∣rie sonne to the K. of Al∣maine murde∣red in Italie.
• * 11.442

  Robert Kil∣warbie archb. of Cāturburie
• * 11.443

  A fraie be∣twixt the moonks and citizens of Norwich.
• * 11.444

  Thirtie of the citizens of Norwich han¦ged and burnt.
• * 11.445

  A iusts and tornie holden at Chalons.
• * 11.446

  Anno Reg. 57.
• * 11.447

  King Henrie departeth this life.
• * 11.448

  The earle of Glocester.
• * 11.449

  The issue of king Henrie the third.
• * 11.450

  His proporti∣on of bodie.
• * 11.451

  His conditiōs