A catalogue of the bishops of England, since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with a briefe history of their liues and memorable actions, so neere as can be gathered out of antiquity. By F.G. subdeane of Exceter.

The Bishops of Bathe and Welles.

WElles (that sometimes heretofore was called 〈◊〉〈◊〉) is not a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of any very great antiquity. It seemeth not to haue béene a place of any extra∣ordinary note, vntill the yeere 704 at what time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King of the West Sax∣ons built a Church there, and dedica∣ted the same vnto S. Andrew. some∣what more then 60. yéeres after, Kenulphus King also of the West Saxons, gaue vnto the maintenance of the Ministers belonging vnto that Church, all the lands néere adioyning. The very words of his Charter I haue thought good to set downe for the antiquity, and some other things in the same worthy consideration.

In nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi. Cum constet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Catholicis & recte credentibus in Domino, quod tempo∣ra huius temporalis vitae longe lateque per orbem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ac diuersis causis quotidie transeunt, nec non 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 aegritudine preuenti, statim vitam finiendo deserunt, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 omnia fugitiua 〈◊〉〈◊〉; beneficia domini sine aliqua tar∣ditate pauperibus hic tribuendo erogemus, vt illic 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mercedis in aeterna patria sine fine cum Domino 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ac∣cipiamus. Quapropter, ego Cynewlphus occ. Saxonum Rex, aliquam terrae partem, pro amore Dei, & pro 〈◊〉〈◊〉 delictorum meorum, nec non (quod verbo dolendum 〈◊〉〈◊〉) pro aliqua vexatione inimicorum nostrorum Corunbiorum gen∣tis, cum consensu Episcoporum atque satraparum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Dei Apostolo 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ministro Sancto Andreae humiliter ascri∣bendo donabo; hoc est 11. manentium prope fluuium qui 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Weluue, ad augmentum monasterij quod situm 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iux∣ta fontem magnum quem vocitant Wielea, (vt eo diligenti∣us in Ecclesia Sancti Andreae Apostoli, deo soli 〈◊〉〈◊〉) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 territorijs circumseriptam: A mendie de valle quae dici∣tur Asancumb, in occidentali plaga in vnum fontem qui ap∣pellatur

Diernanwiell, deinde in collem quem incolae appel∣lant Dornhil, deinde in defertum on picelon dorn, & tunc vl∣tra flumen Weluue in fontem Holanwielle, & inde in deser∣tum in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 quae est iuxta fontem riuuli quem incolae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sealtbroc, & tunc in eundem 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 flumen Welwe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in ripam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vsque 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Welwe, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 publicam vsque 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quem vocitant El∣lentrow, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in torrentem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in vadum 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 per campestria inter duas petrosas vias ad supra nominatum vallem Asancumb.

Si quis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 infringere vel imminuere ausus sit, sciat se coram Christo & Sanctis Angelis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 examine rationem redditurum. Scripta est haec Syngrapha ann. Dom. incarn. 766. Inductione 12.

• † Ego Cynewlfus Gewisorum Rex, hanc meam donatio∣nem cum signaculo Sanctae crucis roboraui.
• † Ego Herewaldus Episcopus, huius munificentiae car∣tulam propria manu signaui.
• † Ego Ernchardus Episcopus huic largitati consensi & 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

1. Plegmund. Aldeim

ALl this while, there was no Cathedrall Church there, [ 905] but onely a Colledge. It happened then the yéere 905. that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury by the com∣maundement of the King, consecrated seuen Bishops in one day, whereof thrée were appointed vnto Sées newly ereded; Amongst the rest Aldelm Abbot of Glastonbury was ordai∣ned Bishop of Wels and Somersetshire alotted vnto him for his Dioces. He sate here 10. yeeres, and after the death of Plegmund, was remooued to Canterbury. Sée there more of him, and this new erection. After him followed these.

• 2. Wifelnius, who succeeded Aldelm both here and at Can∣terbury. He liued here nine yéeres and there 14. a man (saith Pol. Virg.) famous as well for vertue as lear∣ning. Sée more of him in Canterbury.
• 3. Elfeth.
• 4. Wlfhelm.

• 5. Brithelm. He was a monke of Glastonbury and became Bishop of Wels the yéere 958. He gaue vnto the Ab∣bey of Glastonbury his nurse, the iurisdiction of the Countrey adioyning and made it an Archdeaconry an∣nuall, to be bestowed vpon a monke of Glastonbury, and he to be elected yéerely by the Couent. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yéere 959. was elected Archbishop of Canter∣bury. Whereof see more in Dunstan of Canterbury. He continued Bishop here 15. yéeres and died 973.
• 6. Kinewardus or Kinewaldus Abbot of Middleton became Bishop of Wels the yéere following, sate 11. yéeres and died 985.
• 7. Sigar. He was Abbot of Glastonbury, sate also 11. yéeres and died ann. 985.
• 8. Alwyn, called by some Adelwyn and by others 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 9. Burwold. His toombe is to be séene with his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 en∣grauen vpon the South side of the Quier at Wels.
• 10. Leoningus translated to Canterbury the yéere 1012. Sée more of him there.
• 11. Ethelwyn expelled his Bishopricke by Brithwyn, reco∣uered the same againe from him, and shortly after his restitution died.
• 12. Brithwyn, who entring into peaceable possession of this Sée presently vpon the decease of Ethelwyn, with in 13. daies after died him selfe also.
• 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbot of Glattonbury.
• 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom some name Bodeca. He was a Saxon of Germany, or (as some deliuer) borne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. In his time king Edward the Confessor gaue vnto this Church the mannors of Congresbury and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He was consecrate the yéere 1031. sate 27. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 7. monethes and seuen daies, and was buried vpon the South side of the high Aultar in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his toombe is the highest of those ancient monuments that we sée vpon the South outside of the Duier.

15. Giso.

Giso a Frenchman of Lorraine, borne in a village cal∣led [ 1059] Saint Trudo within the territory of Hasban, was sent Embassador to Rome by king Edward the Confes∣sor, to to be resolued there of certaine doubts concerning mat∣ter of religion, about the time that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died. Being so ab∣sent, he was elected Bishop by the Chapter of Wels, and re∣ceiued consecration at Rome April 4 being Easter day 1059. together with Aldred Archbishop of Yorke, and Walter Bi∣shop of Hereford. At his returne, he found the estate of his Church very miserable; Harald the queenes brother that afterwards became for a while king of England, being yet a priuate man,

(Q••id Domini facient, audent qui talia 〈◊〉〈◊〉)

Upon what occasion I know not, had spoyled the Church of all ornaments, chased away the Canons, and inuading all the possessions of the same, had conuerted them to his owne vse; so that the Canons remaining which fled not for seare of this tyrant (they were onely fiue) they (I say) were faine to begge their bread The Bishop complaining vnto the King of this outragious hauocke, found cold comfort at his hands: 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whether it were for feare of Haralds power or his wiues displeasure, he caused no restitution at all to be made. Onely the Queene was content to giue of her owne. Marke and Modesly vnto the Church. After the death of king Edward, Giso was faine to fly the land, till such time as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vsurper being vanquished and slaine, William the Conqueror was a meane to restore, not only him to his place and countrey, but his Church also to all that the other had vi∣olently taken from it, except some small parcels that (I know not by what meanes) had beene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the Mona∣stery of Glocester. Yet in stead of them also, he was pleased to bestow vpon the Church, the mannour of Yatton, with the Patronage of the benefice there; and moreouer caused one Ealsi to restore vnto the same the mannour of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which long since had beene altenated from it, by some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 practise as it should seeme. Giso being thus setled, tooke great

paines, in recouering such other things as had béene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from his church, in procuring charters of confirmation for the better assurance of what already they had, and procu∣ring such things as séemed to be wanting: Namely, of one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Courtier he found meanes to obtaine the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Coonth-Nicolas, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Lytton. Then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the state of his church so well amended, he thought good to aug∣ment the number of his Canons, and for their better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 built then a cloyster, a hall, and a dorter or place for their lodging. Lastly he appointed one Isaac by the name of a Prouost to be their gouernor. Hauing béene Bishop the space of 28. yéeres he departed this life, and was buried vpon the North side of that place where the high altar then stoode. I take his to be the highest of those olde toombes that lye vpon the outside of the quier toward the North.

16. Iohn de Villula.

HE that succeeded (Iohn de Villula a Frenchman borne in Tours, and a phisician heretofore by his profession) not content to do nothing toward the amendment of the state of his church, vsed all the meanes he might to impaire and di∣minish the same. The cloyster and other buildings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by Gyso for his canons, he pulled downe, and in the place where they stoode build a pallace for himselfe and his successors, for∣cing them to séeke dwellings abroad in the towne. But the greatest wrong of al other was, that neuer acquainting them with it, he procured his Episcopall Sée, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had béene seated at Welles, to be remooued to Bathe; and whereas all his predecessors had béene knowen by the names of the Bishoppes of Welles, hee renouncing Welles, entitled himselfe Bishoppe of Bathe, which city he bought of the king for fiue hundreth markes, and foun∣ded in the same a monastary for the receit of his new remoo∣ued Episcopall throne. This monastery was first built by Offa king of Mercia ann. 775. and being destroyed by the Danes (who burnt and razed to the ground almost all the monasteries of England) was afterwardes an. 1010. ree∣dified by Elphegus that at last was Archbishop of Canterbu∣ry.

His building stoode no long time: For the yéere 1087. both it and in a manner all the city was consumed and vtter∣ly destroyed by fire; in such sort, as this Bishop building it a new from the ground, and augmenting the reuenues (which before were little or nothing) vnto a competent proportion; may not vnworthily séeme to be the founder and author of the same. He had scarcely (or indeed not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, whē being a very aged man, he was taken away by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to wit, Dec. 29. 1122. hauing sate 34. yeres. He was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the church himselfe had built.

17. Godfry.

ONe Godfry a Dutchman and chaplaine vnto the [ 1123] Queene, was then by her meanes preferred to this See, and consecrate August 20, 1123. He was also for a time Chauncellor of England vnder king Henry the first. Hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here 12. yeres, he died Aug. 16. 1135. & was buried at Bathe.

18. Robert.

AFter him succéeded one Robert a monke of Lewes, [ 1136] borne in Normandy, but by parentage a Flemming. In the beginning of his time, to wit, July 29. 1137. the church of Bathe lately built by Iohn de Villula was a∣gaine consumed with fire. He reedified it, and added what∣soeuer might seeme to haue beene left vnperfect by the other. In the stirres betweene Mawd the Empresse and king Ste∣phen, he indured much trouble, being taken prisener at Bathe and held in captiuity a long time by the king. The continuer of Florent. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. setteth downe the history thereof at large. After his deliuerance he tooke great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in labou∣ring an agreement between the churches of Wels and Bathe who had now many yeeres contended which of them should be honored with the Episcopall See. At last with the good liking of both parties, he set downe this order, that the Bi∣shops hereafter should be called, Bishops of Bathe & Wels; y^t each of them should by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appoint electors (the See being voide) by whose voyces the Bishop should be chosen; & that he should be installed in both of these churches. Then,

whereas a kinsman of Iohn de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being appointed by him Prouost, by vertue of that office had withdrawen and conuerted vnto his owne vse, in a manner all the reuenues of old belonging to the cannons; with great labour and cost at last he procured, all that had appertained vnto them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 re∣stored againe. And to take away all occasion of the like vsur∣pation, he thought good to diuide the landes of the church 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two parts, whereof the one he assigned vnto the chapter in common; out of the rest he allotted to euery cannon a porti∣on, by the name of a Prebend. He also it was that first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Deane to be the President of the chapter, and a Subdeane to supply his place in absence; a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to gouerne the quier, and a Subchaunter vnder him; a Chaun∣cellour to instruct the yoonger sort of Cannons; and lastly, a Treasurer to looke to the ornaments of the church. The Sub∣chauntership togither with the Prouostship an. 1547. were taken away and suppressed by act of Parliament, to patch vp a Deanry, the lands and reuenewes of the Deanry being de∣uoured by sacrilegious cormorants. Moreouer, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all this, whereas our church of Welles at this time was ex∣ceeding ruinous, and likely euery day to fall to the ground, he pulled downe a great part of it and repaired it. At last he died, hauing sate 29. yeeres and 4. moneths, and was buried at Bathe.

19. Reginald Fitzioceline.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sée was then voide eight yéeres, eight moneths, [ 1174] and fiftéene daies. At last Reginald Fitzioceline a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, sonne vnto Ioceline Bishop of Salisbury, and by his gift Archdeadon of Salisbury was appointed thereunto, being but 33. yeres of age (or as one deliuereth but 24.) This man by suite obtayned for the Chapter of king Richard the first, at what time he set forward in his voyage toward the Holy land', the mannors of Curry, Wrentich and Hatch. He founded the hospitall of Saint Iohns in Bathe and cer∣taine Prebends in the church. Moreouer, he graunted vnto the city of Welles a corporation and many priuiledges which by his gift they enioy to this day. The yéere 1191. he was translated to Canterbury. Sée more of him there.

20. Sauaricus.

KIng Richard the first being taken prisoner in Germany [ 1192] by Leopold Duke of Austria; The Emperor tooke order with him, that besides other conditions to be required of the king for his deliuerance; he should make him promise to pre∣ferre a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his (the Emperors; called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (then Archdeacon of Northampton) vnto the Bishopricke of Bathe and Wels, & moreouer to annexe vnto the same Bishopricke the Abbotship of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For the better effecting of which purpose, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was content to returne vnto the king the possession of the City of Bathe, which his predeces∣sor Iohn de Villula had bought of king 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉. These things being brought to passe according to his desire, he alte∣red his style and would needes be called Bishop of Gloston∣bury. He was consecrate on Michaelmas day 1192. at Rome and returning into England by Germany, was there stayed and left for an hostage, in assurance of paiment of the kings raunsome. After his deliuery, he yet continued there a long time and became Chauncellor vnto the Emperor: till that the yeere 1197. the Emperor falling sicke, (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 uereth) he was sent by him into England, to release vnto the king all such moneies, as yet remained vnpaid of that wrong∣full and vnconscionable raunsome. The Emperor then dying before he could returne, he thought good to remaine here still vpon his charge. In 12. yeeres that he sate Bishop, he did not any thing memorable, except happily this may seeme worthy remembrance, that he impropriated the Parsonages of Il∣mister and Longsutton, making them Prebends, and ap∣pointing the one of them alwaies to be alotted vnto the Ab∣bot of Muchelney, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Abbot of Athelney, for the time being. The Prebend of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is vanished toge∣ther with the Abbey of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Longsutton Parsonage by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Queene Mary was restored to the Church of Welles, and remaineth to this day a part of our possessions. This Bishop died August 8. 1205. and was buried at Bathe. Concerning him and the great summes he died indebted, who so list may reade somewhat in the Decretals of Greg. lib. 3. tit. 9. cap. Nouit ille.

21. Ioceline de Welles.

SAuarike being dead, the monkes of Glastonbury made [ 1205] importunate sute at Rome to be restored vnto their olde gouernment vnder an Abbot. Their importunity gaue occasion of setting downe a decree in the Court of Rome. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 being void, nothing is to be altered in the state of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Before the end of the yeere 1205. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Canon of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 borne also and brought vp in Welles (at leastwise as to me by diuers arguments it seemeth) was consecrate vnto this See at Reading. The monkes of Glastonbury were by and by dooing with him; and after much contention preuailed but so, as they were faine to buy their victory at a deare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 al∣lowing vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Welles out of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, the mannors of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Pucklechurch, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Cranmer, and the patronage of the beneffces of Wins∣combe, Pucklechurch, Ashbery, Christ Malford, Buckland and Blackford. Soone after this composition made, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faine to fly the realme aad continued in banishment the space of fiue yeeres. The cause and mannor thereof you may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Stephen Langton of Canterbury After his returne he gaue him selfe altogether to adorning and increasing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Church. He founded diuers Prebends, impropriated di∣uers Parsonages to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Chapter, and gaue them the mannour of Winscombe. He allotted reasonable reuencwes to euery of the dignities, which before that time had small profite by their places. He appointed bicars to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Prebends in dooing the seruice of the Church: and laid vnto the Bishopricke the mannors of Congresbury, Chedder, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He also and Hugh Bishop of Lincolne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their purses together, founded the Hospitall of S. Iohns in Welles which being suppressed by act of Parliament & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Earle of Southampton, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it with Bishop Clarke for Dogmersfield. Moreouer in building he bestow∣ed inestimable summes of money. He built a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chappell in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pallace at Welles, and an other at Owky, as also ma∣ny other edifices in the same houses: And lastly, the Church

of Welles it selfe being now ready to fall to the ground, not∣withstanding the great cost bestowed vpon it by Bishop Ro∣bere; he pulled downe the greatest part of it, to witte, all the West ende, built it a new from the very foundation, and hal∣lowed or dedicated it October 22. 1239. Hauing continued in this Bishopricke 27. yeeres he died at last Nouember 19. 1242. and was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the middle of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he had built, under a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 toombe of late yeeres monsterously defared.

22. Roger.

NOtwithstanding the composition lately made by Bi∣shop [ 1244] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the order of election, the monkes of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the Chapter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, one Roger the Chaunter of Salūbury for Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for that a kinsman of the Popes had the ad∣uouson of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉) obtained easily consecration by the Popes meanes September 11. 1244. After long sute in law betweene the two Churches for the righting of this wrong; the end was, that Welles men must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp the wrong, and they of Bathe yeeld assurance of performing the composition for the time to come; which was done accordingly. The Bi∣shop (by whose meanes this accord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made) not liuing long after, departed this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ianuary 13. 1274. hauing sate not past foure monethes above three yéeres. He onely of all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this Church for the space of almost 600. yeeres died 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 6 yeeres after his comming 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which in 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 hath yet neuer happened to any other. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 at Bathe.

23. William Bitton, or Button.

THe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bathe, according to their promise, now at [ 1247] 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 with the Chapter of Welles, William But∣ton, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Welles, was with one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 elected. This man had much to doo with the monkes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, concerning those lands which by composition they had yeelded to the See of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And al∣though

the Bishop had sustained great charge in diners of the kings seruices, namely and especially in trauayling into the furthermost part of Spaine about his affaires: Yet he fauo∣red altogether the part of the monkes, and gaue them h••s vt∣termost assistance in their sutes. They were ended at by the Bishops death, who deceased in the beginning of the yeere 1264. hauing first possessed his brethren and kinsfolkes of all the principall places of our Church of Welles. For I finde, that about this time, there was another William Button, his brothers sonne, Archdeacon of Welles, and after Bishop; one Richard Button Chaunter, Nicolas Button a brother of the Bishops Treasurer, Iohn Button another brother of his Prouost of Coomb and Parson of Ashbery, aster whose death one Thomas Button succéeded in the Prouostship; and that one Thomas Button (whether the same man or no I can not tell) was first Archdeacon after William Button aforesaid, then Deane of Welles, and lastly, the yéere 1292. Bishop of Exceter. This Thomas Button it was that for the soule of this William Button our Bishop, gaue to our Church the bell commonly called the sermon bell, as in a French inscription vpon the same bell is yet to be séene. He lyeth buried in the middle of our Lady Chappell vnder a Marble toombe.

24. Walter Giffard.

VVAlter Giffard Canon of Welles and a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laine [ 1264] of the Popes, was elected May 22. 1264 and soone after consecrate by the Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the absence of Boniface the Archbishop 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 2. yeeres, he was translated to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sée Yorke.

25. William Button or Bitton.

VVIlliam Button 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Welles and nephew [ 1267] to the former William Button, obtained this Bi∣shopricke the yéere 1267. A man so greatly ac∣counted of for his holinesse (saith Matthew Paris) as when Robert Killwardby Archbishop of Canterbury had licence of the Pope to take consecration at the hand of any Catholique

Bishop; he made choice of him, only in respect of his holinesse. He made many good statutes by which our Church is yet go∣uerned: Amongst other things, he ordained foure generall Chapter daies in the yeere, at which onely times, such things should be ordred as might 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. It were greatly to be wished, that all other Churches were to obserue the same or∣der. He deceased in the moneth of Nouember 1274. Many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people (especially such as were troubled with the tooth ake) were woont (euen of late yeeres) to frequent much the place of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being without the North side of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where we see a Marble stone, hauing a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 image grauen vpon it. He gaue vnto our Church the mannor of Bicknaller.

26. Robert Burnell.

IN the moneth of Ianuary following Robert Burnell Arch∣deacon [ 1274] of Yorke and Canon of Welles was elected A man of great power and authoritie in those daies, being first Trea∣surer, then Chauncellor of England and alwaies of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnder king Edward the first. That gaue him meanes of gathering great wealth, which he 〈◊〉〈◊〉, partly in buil∣ding his houses (as namely that goodly hall of the pallace at Welles, pulled downe some fifty yeeres since by a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the court, that for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reward of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, soone after lost his head. But his principall care was to inrich his brethren and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom he greatly advanced. He was much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affaires, from which he could be so ill spared, as the king was content for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to let him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his court of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Bristoll Some there be suppose the castle of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to haue beene built by him, at what time he was occasioned to hue in those parts. He sate eighteene yeeres, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burted in the middle of the body of his church, vnder a marble stone, somewhat below the pulpit.

27. William de Marchia.

THe same yéere that Burnell dicd, William de Marchio, then Treasurer of England succéeded. I haue séene, amongst the records of our church of Welles, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pies of diuers letters vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king, from diuers of the nobility and the cleargy of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 church, commending this man so far foorth for his holinesse, testified (as they write) by many miracles; as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very earnestly for his Canonisation. I maruaile much at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 For Matthew of Westminster and Polydor virgill, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grieuously of him, as the author of a hainous sacrilege, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sing the king to spoile all the Churches and Monasteries of England, of such plate and mony as lay hoorded vp in them, for the paiment of his souldiers. It was Edward the first, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prince, that wanted neither wit to deuise, nor courage to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cute such an exploit, and to lay the fault vpon another at last. Yet likely inough it is, that such a fault stamped vpon him (how vndeseruedly soeuer) might barre him out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Calender, who otherwise was not woont to be ouer dainty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affoording that kind of honour, where fees might be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 paid in for it. He sate ten yeeres, and lieth entoombed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 South wall néere the Cloister doore. In this mans time, the Chapter house was built, by the contribution of well disposed people; a stately and sumptuous worke.

28. Walter Haselshaw.

VVAlter Haselshaw, first Deane, then Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1302] Welles, sate ten yeeres, and lieth buried vnder a huge marble in the body of the church toward the North almost ouer against the pulpit. He made many statutes.

29. Iohn Drokensford.

IOhn Drokensford kéeper of the kings Ward-robe succée∣ded. [ 1309] Following the steps of his predecessor 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he be∣stowed

somewhat in increasing the buildings and liberties of his See, but much more vpon his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He had much con∣tention with his Chapter (the story whereof is to be seene in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke) sate 19. yeeres, and lieth buried vnder a rea∣sonable saemcly toombe of free stone in the chappell of Saint Batherme, which is vpon the right hand going toward the Lady chappell.

30. Ralfc of Shrewsbury.

VVIth one cōsent of the chapter of Wels & the couent [ 1329] of Bathe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Shrewsbury was then elected, & dared to be consecrate (a great venture in those daies) before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had allowed of him. His approbation (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉) cost him at last a huge summe of money. This man is famous for the first foundation of our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 close in Wels. The memory of which benefit is to be seene er∣pressed in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the wal at the foot of the hall staires. In 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to request the Bishop in these words:

〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we humbly pray. Together, through 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, dwell we may.

He answereth them thus:

〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉, 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉. For your 〈◊〉〈◊〉, deserts do plead, I will do that you craue, To this purpose established, here dwellings shall you haue.

This picture being now almost worne out; at what time of late yeeres, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the gratious fauour of her Maie∣sty had their reuenues confirmed to them, being in danger to be spoyled of them by certaine sacrilegious cormorants; they likewise caused a picture of excellent workmanship to be dra∣wen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a memoriall of both the one and the other. These buildings being erected, toward the maintenance of some hospitality in them, he gaue vnto that new Colledge, the mannor of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and allotted them twenty nobles yere∣ly to be paid out of the vicarage of Chew. He built moreouer

a house for the Queristers and their master: He built like∣wise the church of Winscomb and the court house at Clauer∣ton, a great chamber at Cuercrich, and much other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in other of his houses. His pallace of Welles he inclosed with an excéeding strong wall and a large mote, into which he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the riuer running hard by: He gaue vnto his church 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things, of which nothing now remaineth (I thinke) but a great chest bound with iron, in which the Chapter seale is kept. Lastly, it is to be remembred, that with great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he procured the forest of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be disparked. Hauing per∣formed these and many other things deseruing perpetual 〈◊〉〈◊〉; he departed this life at Wiuelescomb Aug. 14. 1363. hauing continued Bishop 34. yéeres. His body was buried before the high altar vnder a goodly monument of Alabaster, compassed about with grates of yron. About a 60. yéeres since (for what cause I know not) it was remooued to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 side of the presbytery, but lost his grates by the way. The image of Alabaster that lieth vpon it, is said to be very like him.

31. Iohn Barnet.

IOhn Barnet remooued from Worcester succéeded him, sate [ 1363] two yéeres, and was translated to Ely. Sée Ely.

32. Iohn Harewell.

EDward surnamed the Blacke Prince, obtayned then of [ 1366] the Pope this Bishopricke for Iohn Harewell, a chap∣laine of his that was Chauncellour of Gascoigne. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was consecrate at Burdeaur March 7. 1366. by the Archbi∣shop there. He contributed the third penny toward the buil∣ding of the Southwest tower at the ende of the church, the Chapter bearing the rest of the charge. He paid 100. markes for glasing the window at the West ende of the church, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaue two great bels, the bigest of which being cast fower times since I was of this church, now at last serueth for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greatest of a ring, the goodliest for that number (being 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉) (I thinke) in England. He died in the moneth of June 1386. hauing sate 19. yéeres, and was interred ouer 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Burwold, where we sée a toombe of alabaster, that séemeth to haue béene a sumptuous piece of worke, but is now much defaced.

33. Walter Skirlaw.

VVAlter Skirlaw was translated from Lichfield hether, [ 1386] and after two yeeres from hence to Durham. See Durham.

34. Ralfe Erghum.

RAlfe Erghum Doctor oslawe was consecrate Bishop of [ 1388] Salisbury at Bruges in Flanders December 9. 1375. From thence he was translated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 September 14. 1388. & died Aprill 10. 1401. He impropred to the chapter of Welles the parsonage of Puklechurch, and gaue vnto them a certaine house, called the George, beside certaine plate and church ornaments to the value 140, l. Moreouer, he built a colledge at Welles for fowerteene priests, at the ende of the lane now called Colledge-lane. He lieth buried in the body of the church, vpon the North side of that chappell that ioyneth to the great pulpit.

35. Henry Bowet.

THe Bishopricke so void, was conferred by the Pope [ 1401] vpon Richard Clifford Archdeacon of Canterbury who being denied his temporalties by the king, was faine, notwithstanding the Popes prouisory Bulles, to giue place vnto Henry Bowet Doctor of law and Canon of Welles, that with the kings fauour was lawfully elect thereunto. Sée more hereof in Richard Clifford of London. To Welles he was consecrate Nouemb. 16. 1401. in Saint Paules church in London, the king and all the Nobility being present; and was translated to Yorke December 1. 1407. See Yorke.

36. Nicolas Bubwith.

NIcolas Bubwith being Bishop of London and Treasurer [ 1408] of England, left both those places for Salisbury, which also he was content to forsake to accept Welles, within the compasse of one yéere after he was first consecrate to London. This man being at the Counsell of Constance, was appoin∣ted one of those thirty persons that were ioyned with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the election of Pope Martin the fifth. He built 〈◊〉〈◊〉 almeshouse vpon the North side of Saint Cuthberts church, endowing it with good possessions for the reliefe of many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persons: They were much increased afterwards by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Storthwayth, somewhat also by Bishop Bourne and other: So that now it maintaineth 24. poore people. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto our church the parsonage of Bucklaud Abbatis: He built our Library ouer the Cloysters, and a little Chappell for mor∣row masse ouer against the great pulpit. In that Chappell (built belike for the place of his buriall) he founded a Chaun∣try, and dying October 27. 1424. was there enterred. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 supposed he was a great benefactor and contributor toward the building of the Northwest tower at the West ende of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Church: which his armes fixed vpon diuers places of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same doo partly shew. It is deliuered also, that he gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the Church, which I find to be the gift of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Button the second, and not his, as before is declared.

37. Iohn Stafford.

BY the Popes gift, Iohn Stafford, a man very noble 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1425] no lesse learned, became Bishop of Welles after Bub∣with. August 23. 1443. he was aduaunced to Canter∣bury. Sée Canterbury.

38. Thomas Bekinton.

THomas de Bekinton Doctor of Lawe and Deane of the Arches, writ a very learned discourse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Law Salique of the Frenchmen; (An 〈◊〉〈◊〉

very necessary for those times; and being as well taken by other, as handled by himselfe; got him such fauour with that vertuous king Henry the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as it was a meanes to aduance him, first, vnto the keeping of the priuy seale, and then to this See, whereunto he was consecrate in the chappell of Caton October 13. 1443. at what time, the foundations of that chappell being but newly laid, it was hallowed & he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the first masse in the same. This man built the ranke of houses on the North side of the market place at Welles, called the New workes. He made a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the market place, bringing the water from Saint Andrewes well. He built (as to me it least wise seemeth) the east side of the cloyster. He was a great benefactor to Lincolne College in Oxford; and a great builder of his owne houses, vpon the repayring and beautify∣ing of which, he spent first and last (as himselfe professeth in his will) 6000. markes. Perceiuing himselfe sickely and not like long to continue, he made his will: and doubting least king Edward the fourth should make it void by picking some quarrell of treason vnto him; (a thing no doubt easie to be done, for that this Bishop had beene alwaies a constant follo∣wer of the house of Lancaster) with great cost he procured from the said king a confirmation of his will, dated Nouem∣ber 3. 1464. In it he bequeathed to the church of Wels 20, l. in money, fower very sumptuous vestments, 400, l. to buy ropes, a vessell for holy water of siluer waighing 10, l. Troy, a crosse of siluer parcell gilt of the same waight, a chaire for the Bishop to vse in the church (which yet remayneth) and certaine cushions with other ornaments. To the church of Bathe he bequeathed a cup, a censure and a pare of siluer, all waighing 30. ounces beside 30. coapes and other vestments. To New colledge in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (where it seemes he was brought vp) a siluer crosse of 10, l. waight, a faire bible in 4. volumes, a siluer bason of 10, l. waight, certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other trifles. To Winchester colledge a siluer crosse double gilt waying 9, l. and ten ounces, two siluer candlestickes of the same waight and a number of vestments. To the hospi∣tall of Saint Batherines in London (whereof he had beene master) many vestments and 50, l. in money. To the church of Sutton Courtney (a benefice of his) he gaue many vest∣ments,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 5, l. in money, to be diuided to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also the like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which church it is said he was Prebendary: and so much more (beside certaine vestments) to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of which place (as being borne there) most men suppose 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his name. For my part I thinke not so; for I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swade my selfe, his liberality in that case (I meane to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place of his natiuity) could not haue béene contayned 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so narrow a scantling. But (to procéed) vnto the Austin Fry∣ers of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he gaue 20, s̄. and to the Fryer Minors of Bridgewater 20, s̄. To ten priests that should study at Oxe∣ford, and dayly say masse for the soules of himselfe, his pa∣rents and benefactors, especially of Humfrey Duke of Gloce∣ster, William Wickham 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and Walter Thurston 5, l. a piece: and to ten poore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéeres 10, d. a wéeke. To 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of the better sort he bequeathed 5, l. a piece; 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 yeomen fiue markes; to euery boy of his house∣hold 40, s̄. and to so many of his seruants as were not proui∣ded of abiding places, meate, drinke and woonted wages 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thrée moneths after his decease. To his successor he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 100, l. vpon condition he would accept it in lieu of all dilapi∣dations, otherwise willing his executors to spend it in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against him: and lastly vnto his executors he left onely 20, l. a piece, requiring them to imploy all the rest of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good vses at their discretion. They answered very iustly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trust reposed in them, and that with such discretion as wellas 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that I should do them wrong not to remember 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The one was Richard Swanne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and parson of Yeuelton, that heretofore had béene executor after the same sort vnto Richard Praty Bishop of Chichester (this man dwelt in the cannonicall house that is néere the market place.) Another was, Hugh Sugar Doctor oflawe and Trea∣surer of Welles (he built the chappell all offrée stone, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of wood before, adioyning to the great pulpit, and dwelt where I now do, in the middle house of the thrée that ioyne vpon the Cambray.) And the third was Iohn Pope Doctor of Diuinity Prebendary of Saint Decumans and parson of Shyre. These thrée (as I haue béene told by old men) lye bu∣ried

in a ranke together, ouer against the great pulpit, vnder thrée Marble stones of one fashion. The Bishops goods that remained vnbequeathed, they bestowed for the most part, in building the Uicars close at Welles, which had béene begun by Bishop Ralfe long before; a sumptuous and beautifull worke. This great benefactor of our Church departed this life, Ianuary 14. 1464. and was buried in a goodly toombe built by him selfe in his life time, situate vpon the South side of the Presbytery.

39. Robert Stillington.

IN the moneth of July next after the death of Bishop Be∣kinton, Robert Stillington, Doctor of Law, Archdeacon of Taunton, first keeper of the priuy seale, and then Chaun∣cellor of England, was elected to this Sée, and consecrate in April following. He built that goodly Lady Chappell in the cloysters, that was pulled downe by him which destroyed also the great hall of the palace mentioned in Robert Burnell pag. 12. He died a prisoner in the Castle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whether he was committed for foure yéeres before his death (for what cause I know not) in the moneth of October 1487. and was intoombed in the said Chappell, but rested not long there: For it is reported, that diuers olde men, who in their youth had not onely séene the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his funerals, but also the building of his toombe, Chappell and all; did also see, toombe and Chappell destroyed, and the bones of the Bishop that built them, turned out of the lead in which they were interred. Concerning this man & many other Bishops of this Church, if any desire to vnderstand more, I must referre them to a dis∣course heretofore written by me in Latin of them, which is in many mens hands, though neuer published.

40. Richard Foxe

Soone after the death of Bishop Stillington, Richard Foxe [ 1491] Bishop of Exceter was appointed his successor, and so continuing for thrée yéeres, was translated first to Dur∣ham and after to Winchester. Sée Winchester.

41. Oliuer King.

OLiuer King Doctor of Law and principall Secretary [ 1495] to the king, became Bishop of Exceter, the yéere 1492. and succeeding him in this Church as well as Exceter was translated hither Nouember 6. 1495. He pulling downe the old Church of the Abbey of Bathe, began the foundation of a faire and sumptuous building, but at the time of his death left it very vnperfect. His successor bestowed some cost on it, and William Bird the last Prior there, endeuouring what he might by him selfe & other to see it finished; had euen brought it to perfection, when the dissolution of the Abbey had almost ouerthrowen what before was set vp. It is great pitty that some good man or other, whom God hath enabled, vnderta∣keth not the finishing of it; a worke then which, I thinke no∣things is to be performed with so little cost, that were more likely to be pleasing to Almighty God, acceptable vnto men, & memorable with all 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This man sate Bishop eight yéeres, and is thought to lye buried at Windsor in a little Chappell vpon the South side of the Quier, ouer against which place, vpon the enterclose of the Quier I find written (vnder the pictures of king Henry the sixt, and his sonne, king Edward the fourth, and Henry the seuenth) this that follow∣eth, Orate pro domino Olmero King iuris professore, ac illu∣stri Edwardi (primogeniti Henry Sexti) & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Regum Edw. quarti, Edw. quinti, & Henr. 7. principali Secre∣tario, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordinis Garterij Registrario, & huius Sancti Collegij Canonicqanno Dom. 1489. & postea per dictum il∣lustrillimum Regein Henry 7. ann. 1492. ad sedem Exon. commendato.

42. Hadrian de Castello.

POpe Innocent the eight hearing of a certaine dangerous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 raised vp against Iames the third king of Scots; thought good to send into Scotland one Hadrian de Ca∣stello, as a man for his wisedome and other good parts likely to appease those 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Being at London he was certified

of the king of Scots death, whom his own subiects had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in battell. So resting him selfe a while there he grew into acquaintance with Iohn Moorton the Archbishop of Canter∣bury. He much delighted with his learning, and discreete ca∣riage; commended him so effectually vnto the king (Henry the seuenth) as he thought good to 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his Proctor for the dispatch of all his causes at Rome. In that place he behaued him selfe so, as the King at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his paines and fidelity, was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 vnto the Bishopricke of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, the yeere 1503. and then, the yeere following, of this See. Pope Alexander the sixt in the meane time, a little before his translation hither, had made him Cardinall. Here he continued 12. yeeres, vntill that the yeere 1518. he was depriued of this and all other promo∣tions vpon this occasion: A Cardinall of Rome called Alfon∣so Petruccio consptred with certaine other Cardinals, the death of Pope Leo 10. Amongst them, this our Hadrian was content to make one; mooued thereunto (as P. Iouius affirmeth) not by any grudge or priuate displeasure, but onely by an ambitious 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that surely he should be Pope 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were once dead. A certaine witch or wise woman as we call them) hauing heretofore foretold him very strangely diuers things that had happened to him selfe & other of his friends; tooke vpon her to assure him, that after the death of Pope Leo, it should come to passe, that a certaine old man named Hadri∣an, borne of meane parentage, preferred onely for his lear∣ning, wisedome, and other good parts, should be aduaunced vnto the Papacy. These particularities, Hadrian was per∣swaded could agree to none other but him selfe: For he being borne at Corneto a poore fisher towne of Hetruria, of meane (or rather very base) parentage; onely by vertue and good de∣serts rose by many degrees vnto the preferments before men∣tioned. The witches prediction fell out true, but in an other: For Hadrian a Dutchman, the sonne of a Erelver of Utright, that had beene schoolemaster to Charles the fift 〈◊〉〈◊〉, fell out to be the man that succeeded Leo by the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the sixt. What became of this Hadrian afterward, or when he died, I find not.

43. Thomas Woolsey.

VPon the depriuation of Hadrian, Cardinall Woolsey [ 1518] held this Bishopricke in Commendam fower yéeres, euen till that resigning it, he tooke Durham. Sée more of this man in Yorke.

44. Iohn Clerke.

IOhn Clarke Doctor of Diuinity and Master of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1523] was consecrate the yéere 1523. A man much emploied 〈◊〉〈◊〉 embassages. He died in the end of the yeere 1540. being poiso∣ned (as it was supposed) in Germany, when he went Embas∣sadour to the Duke of Clyue to render a reason of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diuorce from the Lady Anne of Cleue his sister. He is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Mineries at London.

45. William Knight.

VVIlliam Knight Doctor of Lawe and Archdeacon of [ 1541] Richmund, a man likewise much emploied in em∣bassages by king Henry the eight, sate sixe yéeres, died Sep∣tember 29. 1547. and was buried vnder the great Pulpit, which he caused to be built for his toombe. In the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place of Welles, there is a goodly crosse erected partly by this man, as this inscription engrauen witnesseth, Ad honorem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 omnipotentis & commodom pauperum mercatum Wel∣liae freqnentantium, impensis Gulielmi Knight Episcopi & Richardi Wooleman huius ecclesiae Cathedralis olim Decani, hic locus erectus est. Laus Deo, pax viuis, requies defunctis. Amen. Ann. Dom. 1542.

46. William Barlowe.

VVIlliam Barlowe Doctor of Diuinity, sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1548] Chanon of Saint Osythes hauing béene Bishop of Saint Dauids the space of tenne yéeres or there abouts, was translated hether to succéede Bishop Knight, and continued

here all the daies of R. Edward. In the beginning of Queene Mary, he was forced to leaue his countrey, Bishopricke and all, & to liue exiled in Germany, vntill that by her death, & the most happy aduauncement of our now Soueraigne, he was at once restored to his Countrey, and preferred to the Bishop∣pricke of Chichester. There he liued about the space of tenne yeeres, and dying the yéere 1569. was buried in his owne Church.

47. Gilbert Bourne.

BIshop Barlow being forced to forsake his Bishopricke [ 1554] here, Gilbert Bourne Doctor of Diuinity was appoin∣ted thereunto by Queene Mary. The nonage of that good king Edward the sixt, giuing opportunity to those horri∣ble sacrileges, that robbed the cathedrall churches of Eng∣land of (I dare say) the tone halfe of that they possessed; had béene an occasion of the vtter ruine and destruction of this See, if Bishop Barlow taking aduantage of the death of some men in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ende of king Edward, and Bishop Bourne making vse of the zeale of Quéene Mary in tendring the state of the church; had not béene the meanes of recouering what is now left vnto the same, euen the lands of the Bishopricke in a manner euery whit, all the land belonging to the Arch∣deacon of Welles, and some land of the Chapter, to wit, the parsonages of Duluerton and Longsutton. And it is suppo∣sed that this man (had he stoode vp but a little while longer) had recouered diuers other possessions to his See, that now are thought to be lost irrecouerably. He was a benefactor vn∣to the Uicars close, & to the almehouse, and began the foun∣dation of a certaine colledge in the canonicall house that stan∣deth néere the market place; but was hindered by the death of Quéene Mary and his depriuation, from finishing it. Being displaced for not subscribing according to order, he was com∣mitted to the custody of master Carey Deane of her Maiesties chappell, liued with him many yéeres, and died at Sylfer∣ton in Deuonshire (where he lieth buried) September 10. 1569.

48. Gilbert Barkley.

IT pleased then the Quéenes Maiestie that now is, in the [ 1560] beginning of her most happy raigne, to nominate vnto this See one Gilbert Barkley, borne in Norfolke, but descended of the auncient and most honorable house of the Lord Bark∣ley, at least wise as the armes assigned vnto him by the He∣raulds do seeme to testifie. He sate somewhat more then 20. yéeres, and growing into a lethargy (which diminished much of the vigor and strength as wel of his minde as his body cer∣taine moneths before his decease) at last departed this world Nouember 2. 1581. being 80. yéeres of age, and was buried vpon the North side of the high altar in his owne church, where we sée a hansome monument of frée stone built ouer him.

49. Thomas Godwyn.

THomas Godwyn my déere and most reuerend father, was borne at Okingham in Barkshire, and brought vp first in the frée schoole there, then for a little while vnder one Doctor Layton Deane of Yorke, who sent him to Dreford, and so long as he liued (which was not past a two or thrée yéere) exhibited vnto him there. He being taken a∣way, it pleased God to prouide for him otherwise by raising vp friends that procured him to be chosen fellow of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 colledge. Towards the latter ende of king Edwards raigne, forsaking that place, he tooke on him the teaching of a free schoole at Brackley, directing his studies partly to diuini∣ty, and partly also to Phisicke, the practise whereof in Quéens Maries time (when he might not be suffred to teach any lon∣ger) maintained him, his wife and children honestly. He re∣ceiued orders and his first spirituall preferments at the hand of Bishop Bollingham, then of Lincolne, after of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the beginning of her Maiesties raigne that now is. By her gratious appointment, he became first Deane of Christchurch in Oxeford in the seuenth, then of Canterbury in the ninth yeere of her raigue, and lastly Bishop of Bathe and 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

being consecrate thereunto September 13. 1584. Hauing sate fixe yéeres, two moneths and sixe daies, he departed this mortall life Nouember 19. 1590. at Okingham, the place where he was borne, and there lyeth buried vpon the South side of the chauncell, vnder a marble, and néere vnto a monu∣ment (fixed in the wall) farre more answerable vnto the abi∣lity of him that set it vp, then vnto the vertues and deserts of him to whose memory it was erected.

50. Iohn Styll.

THe Sée hauing continued voide two yéeres and some∣what more, Iohn Styli Doctor of Diuinity, and Master of Trinity college in Cambridge, was consecrate ther∣unto in February 1592. He yet liueth in the same.

This Bishopricke is valued in the Queenes bookes at 533, l. and 15, d. and paid to the Pope for an In∣come, onely 430. slorens, although in those daies it were one of the richest Sees of England.

The Deanry of Welles was first erected in the time of king Stephen about the yéere 1150. as before is deliuered, and one Iuo made the first Deane, after whom haue succeeded these:

• 2. Richard de Spakeston 1160.
• 3. Alexander.
• 4. Leonius 1205.
• 5. Ralph de Lechlade.
• 6. Peter de Ciceter.
• 7. William de Merton. 1236.
• 8. Ioannes Sarracenus. 1241.
• 9. Gyles de Brideport. 1255.
• 10. Edward de la Knoll. 1256.
• 11. Thomas de Button. 1284.
• 12. William Burnell. 1292.
• 13. Walter de Haselshaw. 1295.
• 14. Henry Husee. 1302.

• 15. Iohn de Godeley. 1303.
• 16. Richard de Bury. 1333.
• 17. Wibert de Luttleton elect. 1334.
• 18. Walter de London. 1336.
• 19. Iohn de Carlton. William de Camell elect. 1361. refused the place.
• 20. Stephen de Penpel. 1361.
• 21. Iohn Fordham. 1379.
• 22. Thomas de Sudbury. 1381.
• 23. Nicolas Slake. 1396.
• 24. Thomas Stanley. 1402.
• 25. Richard Courtney. 1409.
• 26. Walter Metford. 1413.
• 27. Iohn Stafford.
• 28. Iohn Forest. 1425.
• 29. Nicolas Carent. 1448.
• 30. William Witham. 1467.
• 31. Iohn Gunthorp. 1472.
• 32. William Cosyn 1498.
• 33. Thomas Winter. 1525.
• 34. Ridhard Woolman.
• 35. Thomas Cromwell, 1537.
• 36. William Fitz-Williams. 1540.
• 37. Iohn Goodman. 1548.
• 38. William Turner. 1556.
• 39. Robert Weston. 1566.
• 40. Valentine Dale. 1574.
• 41. Iohn Herbert. 1589.