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 Exceter.

FIrst Leofricus, a man descended of the [ 1] blood and line of Butus, brought vp in the land of Lotharingia or Loreine, was so well commended not onely for his nobilitie, but much more for his wisedome and learning; that king Edward the Confessor had him in great fauour, and made him first one of the prinie Councell, then Chauncellor of England, and lastly (the Bishopricke of this Dioces being voide) he was prefer∣red thereunto. By his meanes the Bishops See was remoo∣ued from Crediton to this citie of Exceter. The yeere 1049. (or thereabout) king Edward the Confessor comming to Exe∣ter, together with his Quéene; tooke order that the monks of Saint Peters should be placed at Westminster (as before is mentioned) and remooued the Episcopall See from Crediton to this citie. It is remembred, that himselfe taking the Bi∣shop by the right hand, and Edeth his Quéene by the left, led him vp vnto the Altar of his new church, and there placed him in a seate appointed for him. This Bishop obtained of the same king much good land and many notable priuileges for his church. He made biuers statutes, and amongst other things, he ordained, that all his Canons or Prebendaries should lodge in one chamber, and take their diet at one table. He appointed them likewise a steward that should prouide them victualls daily, and once in the yéere deliuered them new clothes. This kinde of gouernment (saith William Malmes∣bury) he learned in Lorraine, and it is (saith he) continued by the posterity, although by the corruption and luxury of our time somewhat altered and decaied. After that he had well and woorthily ruled his church and Diocesse, by the space of thrée and twenty yéeres, he ended his daies in peace Anno 1073. and was buried in the Cemitory or churchyard of his owne church vnder a simple and a broken marble stone,

which place by the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of his Church is now within the South Tower of the same, whereof of late Anno. 1568. A new monument was erected in the memory of so good, worthy, and notable a personage, by the industry of the writer hereof: but at the charges of the Deane and Chapter.

OSbertus or Osbernus a Normaine borne, and brother [ 2] to an 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 William, was preferred to this Bishoprick the yéere 1074. He was Bishop 30. yéers, toward his 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 blind, died 1103. and was bu∣ried in his owne Church. H. Huntingdon, and others that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, make mention of one Gaufridus Bishop of Erce∣ter about this time; but they are mistaken. It is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Constantia that ioyned with Odo 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Kent, &c.

VVIlliam Warewest a Normaine borne, and Chap∣laine [ 3] both to the Conqueror and his two sonnes, William and Henry; a very graue and a wise man, hauing béene much imployed in sundry Ambassayes, was preferred at last vnto this Bishopricke by king Henry the first, and consecrate thereunto in August 1107. together with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other. He first began to enlarge his Church (as aboue I haue mentioned) & obtained from the king Plymp∣ton, Brampton, and Saint Stephens in Exceter. Brampton he gaue to his Cathedrall Church, and it was afterwards a∣lotted vnto the Deane for a part of the corps of his Deanery. Saint Stephens with the Sée belonging to the same he reser∣ued to him selfe and to his successors, who thereby are Ba∣rons and lords in the Parliament. As for Plympton, he gaue it vnto a Monastery, which he built there for Reguler Can∣nons. In his later daies he became blind: which imperfecti∣on notwithstanding, the king thought good to send him Em∣bassador vnto Pope Paschalis the second, and he dispatched the bussnesse commended vnto him, to the Kings great 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Not long after his returne, hauing small ioy of the world, he gaue ouer his Bishopricke & became one of the re∣guler Canons of his owne house at Plympton, where he died 1127. and was buried. He was Bishop about 20. yéeres.

RObert Chichester Deane of Sarisbury, was consecra∣ted [ 4] Bishop ann. 1128. He was a Gentleman borne, very zelous and deuout in his religion according to the manner of those daies. He went often in Pilgrimage, some∣time to Rome, sometime to one place, sometime to another, and euer would bring with him some one relike or other. He was also a liberall Contributer to the buildings of his church. After that he had continued two and twenty yéeres, he died the yéere 1150. and was buried in his owne Church.

RObert Warewest nephew to William Warewest his [ 5] predecessor and Deane of Salisbury, was consecrate Bishop by Theobaldus Archbishop of Canterbury ann. 1150. After that he had occupied this Sée nine yeres or thereabout, he died ann. 1159. & was buried at Plympton by his vncle.

BArtholomeus Iscanus, otherwise Bartholomew of Exce∣ter, [ 6] was consecrated Bishop of Exceter, ann. 1159. or rather (as it séemeth to me) 1161. He was called Isca∣nus of Isca, which is one of the ancientest names of this Ci∣ty: a meane Citizens sonne, but very well learned; & wrote sundry bookes, as of Predestination, Fréewill, Penance, and others. He was estéemed also very deuout, holy, and a pain∣full Preacher. Matthew Paris in his report of the yéere 1161. telleth a long tale, of a certaine strange apparition or reuela∣tion which happened vnto him in the countrey as he visited his Dioces. He was a great aduersary of Thomas Becket. I marueile that any such thing might be credibly reported of him. After he had béene Bishop about fourteene yéeres, ann. 1184. he died, but where he died or was buried it appeareth not.

IOhn the Chaunter of the Cathedrall Church of this City, [ 7] and Subdeane of Sarum, was consecrated Bishop of this Church ann. 1186. He was well reported of for his libera∣lity, in continuing the buildings of this Church, wherein he was nothing inferior to his predecessors. Hauing béene Bi∣shop about sixe yéeres, he died ann. 1191.

HEnry Marshall Archdeacon of Stafford and Deane of [ 8] Yorke, brother to William the Earle Marshall of En∣gland, was consecrated Bishop by Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury an. 1191. he finished the building of his church according to the plat and foundation which his predecessors had laide, and that done, he purchased the patronage and Lordship of Wodbery of one Albemarly, which he gaue and impropriated vnto the Uicars chorall of his church. After that he had liued 12. yéeres in his Bishopricke, he died ann. 1200. and lieth buried in the North side of the presbytery of his church in a very faire tombe of Marble.

SImon de Apulia Deane of Yorke was consecrated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 9] of this Sée 1206. Of him there remayneth no me∣moriall at all but this, that hauing béene Bishop 18. yéeres he died an. 1224. and was buried in his owne church. In this mans time, to wit, the yéere 1222. the city of Exceter was diuided into parishes.

VVIlliam Brewer, very shortly after the death of the [ 10] foresaid Simon was elected Bishop, and consecra∣ted vpon Easter day an. 1224. A man very well borne, being brother to Sir William Brewer knight, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the eldest daughter, and one of the heires to William de Verona Earle of Deuonshire founder of the Abbeyes of Tor, Hartland, and other monasteries. He was of the pri∣uy Councell vnder king Henry the third, and greatly in fa∣uour with him. The yéere 1235. he trauelled into Germany, to conduct thither the Lady Isabell the kings sister, to be mar∣ried vnto Fridericke the Empéror: and not long after, the said Emperor making a voyage into the holy land, he atten∣ded him thither. Being returned home, and minding (as his predecessors had done) to leaue some good memoriall behind him, he made a Deane, and constituted 24. Prebendaries within his church. To the one he impropriated Brampton and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rawleigh; for the others he purchased so much land, as out whereof he assigned to euery prebendary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pound by the yéere, and of these he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his chapter. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

that he had continued here ninetéene yéeres, he died anno 1244. and lieth buried in his owne church vnder a plaine marble stone in the middle of the presbytery, not farre from the Bishops See.

RIchard Blondy was consecrated 1245. This Richard [ 11] was a man of a milde spirit, but very flout against such as in his time did offer any imury to the church. In his old yeeres being but a weake man, he was much carried and ruled by such as were about him. They taking the opportu∣nity of time, vsed all the meanes they might to much them∣selues. His chiefest officers were one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his chaun∣cellor, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his register, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his official and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the keeper of his scale: these, with other of the houshold, comparred amongst themselues, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Bishop was yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who then lay sicke and very weake in his bed to make vnto themselues conueyances of such liuelihoods as then lay in the Bishops disposition; and accordingly made out ad∣uousons and other such graunts, as to them seemed best: all which were foorthwith sealed and deliuered according to the orders among them concluded. These their subtill dealings were not so closely conueyed, but that the next Bishop follow∣ing, boulted and found the same out; and did not onely re∣reuerse all their doings, but also excommunicate them; nei∣ther were they absolued vntill they had done penance for the same at Saint Peters church openly vpon Palme Sunday being the 19. day of March 1267. This Bishop in the twelfe yeere of his Bishoprick died, to wit, an. 1257. and was buri∣ed in his owne church.

VVAlter Bronescome Archdeacon of Surry, was [ 12] consecrated vpon Passion Sunday March 10. 1257. He was borne in the city of Exeter of poore & very meane parentage. At the time of his electiō he was not priest, and therefore not capable of any such dignity: but im∣mediately he tooke that order vpon him, and foorthwith was consecrated Bishop: al which was donc within fifteen 〈◊〉〈◊〉. So many digmties to be cast vpon one man in so shert a time, had not beene lightly seene. He founded the colledge of

Glaseney in Perin in Cornewall, and endowed the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with faire possessions and reuenewes, being induced there∣unto by a vision or dreame as himselfe reporteth in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the same He purchased the Barton of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & Clist, and gaue it to the Hospitall of Saint Johns within the Eastgate of the city of Exceter. He instituted in his owne church the feast called Gabriels feast; and gaue a piece of land for the maintenance thereof. He also did by a policy purchase the Lordship and house of Clist Sachfield, and enlarged the Barton thereof by gayning of Cornish wood from his Deane and Chapter fraudulently: building then a very faire and sumptuous house there; he called it Bishops Clist, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same to his successors. Likewise he got the patronage of Clist Fomesone now called Sowton, and annexed the same to his new lordship, which (as it was said) he procured by this meanes. He had a Fryer to be his chaplaine and consellor, which died in his said house of Clist, and should haue beene buried at the parish church of Farryngdon, because the saide house was and is in that parish: but because the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 church was somewhat farre of, the waies foule, and the wea∣ther rainy, or sor some other causes, the Bishop commaun∣ded the corps to be carried to the parish church of Sowton, then called Clist Fomeson, which is very néere and bordereth vpon the Bishops Lordship, the two parishes there being di∣uided by a little lake called Clist. At this time, one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a gentleman was Lord and patrone of Clist Fomeson: and he being aduertised of such a buriall towards in his parish, and a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 way to be made ouer his land, without his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consent required therein; calleth his tenants togither, goeth to the bridge ouer the lake betweene the Bishops land and his, there meeteth the Bishops men bringing the said corps, and forbiddeth them to come ouer the water. The Bishops men nothing regarding this prohibition, do presse forwards to come ouer the water, and the others do withstand so long, that in the end my Lords Fryer is fallen into the water. The Bishop taketh this matter in such griefe, that a holy Fryer, a religious man, his owne chaplaine and confessor, should so vnreuerently be cast into the water, that he falleth out with the gentleman, and vpon what occasion I know not he

sueth him in the law, and so vereth and tormenteth him, that in the end he was saine to yéeld himselfe to the Bishops deuo∣tion, and seeketh all the waies he could to curry the Bishops good will, which he could not obtaine, vntill for redemption, he had giuen and surrendred vp his patronage of Sowton, with a piece of land: All which the said Bishop annexeth to his new Lordship. Thus by policy he purchaseth the man∣nor of Bishops Clist, by a deuise gayneth Cornish wood, and by power wresteth the patronage of Sowton from the true ownor. This Bishop after he had occupted this See about 23. yeeres, died July 22. 1280. and was buried in his owne church, in a sumptuous tombe of Alabaster standing vpon the South side of the entrance into the Lady chappell. Upon it this Epitaphe following is yet to be séene.

Olim syncerus pater, omni dignus amore, Primus Walterus magno 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hic in honore. Edidit hic plura 〈◊〉〈◊〉 laude statuta, Quae tanquam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seruant hic omnia tuta. Atque hoc collegium quod Glaseney plebs vocat omnis, Condidit egregmm, pro voce data sibi somnis. Quot loca construxit, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quot bona 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Quam sanctam duxit vitam, vox dicere quae scit? 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 gens Exomensis, Et chorus & turbae, quod natus in hac fuit vrbe. Plus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, festum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gabrielis. Gaudeat in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pater iste fidelis.

PEter Quiuill ann. 1281. was consecrated Bishop of Er∣ceter. [ 13] He first instituted a Chaunter and a Subdeane in this Church. To the one he impropriated Painton, & Chid∣leigh, and to the other the rectory of Eglosheyl in Cornewall. He was a liberall and a speciall Benefactor to the Hospitall of Saint Iohns in Exceter, as well in goods as in liuelyhoods. He first began to enlarge and encrease his Church from the Chauncell downewards, and layed the foundation thereof. In his time ann. 1285. Walter Lichlade the first Chaunter, was slame in a morning as he came from the morning ser∣uice then called the Mattens which was woont to be said

shortly after midnight, vpon which occasion the king earne vnto this City, and kept his Christmas in the same: And thereupon a composition was made betweene the Bishop and the City, for inclosing of the Church yard, and building of certaine gates there, as appeareth by the said composition bearing date, in festo 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Mariae, 1286. The king at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sute of the Earle of Hereford, (who at his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here, was lodged in the house of the Gray Friers, which then was neere the house of Saint Nicholas) obtained of the Bi∣shop, that they should be remooued from thence to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wholesome place without South gate; whereof after the kings departure grew some controuersie, because the Bishop resused to performe his promise made to the king. This man also impropriated the parish of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Stoke Gabriell, and vnited the same to the office of the Chauncellor of the Cathedrall Church, that the said Chaun∣cellor should continually read a lecture within the said City of Diuinity, or of the Decretals. In the eleuenth yeere of his Bishopricke he died, being choked in drinking of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ann. 1292. He was buried in the middle of the Lady Chap∣pell. Upon his toombe is written, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tegit Petrum, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉. The Franciscanes or Gray Friers of this City, imputed his death to his hard dealing with them. For whereas he had promised the king to prouide a conuenient place sor them to build their house in, and had willed their warden, named Deodatus to seeke out and make inquiry for the same; yet notwithstanding when he had so doone, because the same was in his Sée, swaruing from his said promise, he vtterly denied to performe the same, being diswaded by Pe∣ter Kenefield, a Dominicane or a blacke Frier, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the said Bishop: For he enuying the good successe of the Franciscanes, aduiseth the Bishop, that in no wise he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 permit them to enioy the place which they had gotten. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (saith he) as vnder colour of simplicity, they créepe into the harts of the people, and hinder vs poore Preachers from our gaines and liuings; so be ye sure that if they put foote 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your Liberties, they will in time find meanes to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from out of your Liberty and iurisdiction. The Bishop being soone diswaded, vtterly forbiddeth them to build, or to doo any

thing within his Sée or liberty. About two yéeres after, the Bishop kept a great feast vpon the Sundaynext before Saint Francis day; And among others, was present with him one Walter Winborne, one of the kings chiefe Justices of the bench, who was present when the Bishop at the request of the king made promise to further & helpe the Franciscanes. He now in their behalfe, did put the Bishop in mind thereof, and requested him to haue consideration both of his owne promise, and their distresse. The Bishop misliking this mo∣tion waxed angry, and did not onely deny to yeeld thereunto, but wished himselfe to be choked what day soeuer he did con∣sent vnto it. It fortuned that the same weeke, and vpon the day of Saint Francis eue, the Bishop tooke a certaine Sirope to drinke, & in too hasty swallowing thereof, his breath was stopped, and he foorthwith died. The Franciscanes hearing thereof, made no little adoo about this matter, but blased it abroad, that Saint Francis wrought this miracle vpon the Bishop, because he was so hard against them.

THomas Bitton Deane of Welles, the yere following was [ 14] elected Bishop, and the See of Canterbury being voyd. He was consecrated by I. Roman Archbishop of Yorke. He left no memoriall of any great things done by him, sauing that he continued the building of his church. Fourteene yéeres after that he had occupied this See, he died September 21. 1307. and was buried vnder a faire Marble inlayed with brasse before the high aultar.

VVAlter Stapleden, a man learned, wise, and of great [ 15] parentage, was consecrate Bishop of Exceter March 18 1307. The inthronization or installation of Bishops was a Ceremony of great Solemnity in these 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the particu∣larity whereof it shall not be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 once for all to describe in this man. At Eastgate he alighted from his horse, and went on foote to Saint Peters church. All the way where he should passe being laid and couered with black cloth; on each hand he was conducted by a gentleman of great 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and Sir Hugh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉) went next before him. At broade gate he was receaued by his

Chapter and Quier in their ornaments, with Te Deum, and so caried into the church. The vsuall Ceremonies being per∣formed there, at his pallace a great feast was prepared, for the entertainement of such noblemen and other parsonages of account as repaired hither at that time. It is incredible how many oxen, tunnes of Ale, and Wine, are said to haue béene vsually spent at this kind of solemnity. Euen so much, as the whole yéerely reuenue at this time would not suffice to pay for. This Bishop was greatly in fauour with king Ed∣ward the second, who made him first of his priuy Councell, then Lord Treasurer of England, and imploied him in diuers Embassages of great importance. The yéere 1329. he was sent Embassadour to the French king, and ioyned in commis∣sion with the Quéene, for the conclusion of a peace betweene these two princes. That being ordered and brought to passe according to his desire, he returned home, leauing the Quéene with the French king her brother, to perfect and finish the agréement already made. She whether weary of her hust and, or prouoked by the insolency of the Spencers and other fauo∣rites about the king; had long since determined to depose her husband from the kingdome, if possibly she might; and to set vp her sonne Prince Edward. Hauing therefore rid away this Bishop, whose loialty and faithfullnesse to his soueraigne she well knew was vnmooueable; she began to put in practise the execution of this long plotted designement, and in the end (to be short) exploited the same. While these matters were a brewing, it happened the king to take his iourney to Bri∣stow; and he thought good to commit the gouernment and custody of the citie of London to the fidelity of this Bishop. At what time therefore the Quéene began to approach néere vnto the city with her power, he required the Maior to send vnto him the keies of the gates. The Commons (who altoge∣ther fauoured the Quéenes party) hearing this, and percea∣uing the Bishop purposed to withstand her; set vpon him vio∣lently, drew him into Cheape side, and beheaded him there, together with Sir Richard Stapleton a Knight his brother. Then they caried his body to his house without Temple bar, and buried if basely in a heape of sand, in the backside of the same house. In this sort did this woorthy prelate loose his life,

in defence of his Prince, and that by their meanes, who of all other were bound in the strongest bands of duty and allea∣geance to haue done as he did, I meane the Queene and the Prince her sonne. They shortly after, whether regarding his calling, or destring to make semblance of disliking the man∣ner of his death, or happily mooued with some remorse of con∣science, commanded his body to be taken from the place where it was first 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and being conueighed to Exceter, with all funerall pompe, there to be solemnly enterred. He li∣eth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the North side of the high Altar, in a faire toombe of free stone: And his brother before mentioned lieth ouer against him in the North wall of the North Isle. This murther was committed October 15 1326. And his funerals were solemnised at Exceter March 28. following. The yéere 1316. he erected two houses in Oxford for the better increase and aduancement of learning; the one named Hart hall, the other Stapledons Inne, now called Exceter college; in which he placed thirteene fellowes, and a Rector, whom he appoin∣ted to be chosen annually. This foundation is much encrea∣sed of late yeeres, by the liberality of Sir William Peter, late principall Secretary, and others. Moreouer it is to be re∣membred, that he was a speciall benefactor vnto the hospitall of Saint Johns in Exceter, to which he impropriated for the releeuing of certaine poore children, the Rectory or personage of Ernscombe.

IAmes Barkley descēded of the noble house of the Lord Burk∣ley, [ 16] was consecrated March 15. anno 1326. by Walter Raynold Archbishop of Canterbury at the commanndement of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Queene. The Pope very angry here withall, did so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archbishop, as he died for griefe and anger soone after. Neither did the new consecrate Bishop stay long be∣hinde him: for he died also the 24. of June following. A man reputed very godly and wise. He was buried (as some say in his owne church, but others deliuer that he neuer came hither at all.

IOhn Grandesson, being in Italy with Pope Iohn the 22. [ 17] after the death of Iohn Barkley, he at the kings request be∣stowed this Bishopricke vpon him, and caused him tobe consecrate at Rome October 18. 1327. He was borne and descended of the auncient house of the Grandessons, Dukes of Burgundy. His Father was named Gilbert, the brother of Otho, the great Lord Grandesson; which Gilbert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into this Land, was well intertained by the king and nobili∣ty. By meanes of Henry Earle of Lancaster (with whom he came into England) he maried the Lady 〈◊〉〈◊〉, daughter and one of the heires to Iohn Tregos Lord of the Castle of Ewias néere Hereford East, and by her had issue fiue sonnes and foure daughters, of which this Bishop was one, who was borne in the parish of Aishpertone in the Dioces of He∣reford. He was from his childhood very studious, became ear∣ned, and wrote diuers bookes, one intituled 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, an other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 minores, and a third de vitis sar cto∣rum. He was also very graue, wise, and politike. And there∣by grew into such credit with Pope Iohn, that he was not onely of his priuy counsell, but also his Nuntio or Embas∣sadour in matters of great waight and unportance, to the Emperor, to the king of Spaine, Fraunce, England, and other the mightiest Princes of Christendome. Being on a time sent in an Embassage to king Edward the third; he so be∣haued him selfe, that the king neuer ceased vntill he had pro∣cured him from the Pope, and then he gaue him the Archbea∣conry of Nothingham and other great liuings; he made him one of the priuy councell, and in the end preferred him to his Bishopricke. After this, some matter of dislike falling out betwéene Pope Clement the sixt, and the King, he for his ap∣proued wisedome, was sent in Ambassage to the Pope, ann. 1343. for an intreaty of a peace, and an amity betwéene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be had; and with such wisedome he did his message, that he obtained his purpose, and made a reconciliation. After his re∣turne home to his Bishopricke, he spent his time altogether in adorning and beautifying of his Church, or building and erecting some good monument or other. He founded the Col∣ledge of S. Mary Otrey, and endowed the same with great

and goodly liuelihoods; He was a liberall Benefactor to the Uicars Chorall of his owne Church, as also to the Colledge of Glaseney in Peryn: he builded the two last Arches in the West end of his Church, vaulted the roofe of all the Church, and fully ended the buildings of the same. Leauing it in such sort, as we sée it at this day. Thē also he inriched it with plate and other ornaments of inestimable value. Moreouer he built a faire house at Bishops Taingtonwhich he left full furnished vnto his successors, and did impropriate vnto the same the Parsonage of Radway, to the ende (as he setteth downe in his Testament) Vt haberent Episcopi locum vbi caput su∣um 〈◊〉〈◊〉, si forte in manum regis eorum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ca∣perentur. Before his death he made his last Will, wherein he gaue such large and bouteous legacies, to the Pope, Em∣peror, King, Queene, Archbishop, Bishops, Colledges, Churches, and to sundry parsons of high estates and callings; that a man would maruell considering his great and charge∣able buildings and workes otherwise, how and by what meanes he could haue attained to such a masse of wealth and riches. He was alwaies very frugall, kept no more men or horses about him then necessary, and euer despised the vanity of all outward pompe. But this it was not that enabled him to performe these great workes, and yet to leaue so much mo∣ney behind him. He procured an order to be taken, that all Ecclesiasticall persons of his Diocesse, at the time of their deaths, should leaue and bequeath their goods to him, or to some other in trust towards his chargeable buildings, or otherwise to be bestowed in pios vsus at his discretion. This was the meanes wherby he grew to this infinite wealth and riches. He died July 15. 1369. hauing sate Bishop here al∣most 42. yeeres, and was buried in a Chappell which he built in the wall of the West end of his Church. His funerals by his owne commaundement were performed without any mannerof pompe or extraordinary solemnity: In so much as he allowed not either his seruants, Executors or néerest kins∣folkes any mourning clothes at all. See more of him in Simon Mepham of Canterbury.

THomas Brentingham the kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 18] of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & Calis, was at 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 chosen Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉: 1. of March ann. 1370. He was a man very well learned, ex∣pert as well in politique gouernment, as ecclesiasticall mat∣ters, and in both these respects greatly reuerenced and estee∣med. For which cause, at the parliament holden at West∣minster in the tenth yéere of king Richard the second, he was chosen to be one of the twelue Péeres of the realme vnder the king. He was a benefactor to the callenderhay of the Uicars chorall of his owne church, supplied in buildings and other∣wise what his predecessors had left vndone, & hauing been Bi∣shop 24. yeres, died at Clist the third of December an. 1394 & was buried in the North side of the body of his owne church, in a little chappell standing betwéene two pillers.

EDmund Stafford, brother to Ralph Earle of Stafford, [ 19] was consecrate Bishop of Exceter June 20. 1395. He was Chauncellor of England vnder king Edward the third. At the Parliament holden at Westminster the one and twentieth yéere of king Richard the second, he being speaker of the higher house, made a very learned and pithie oration to proue the absolute authority of a king. His theame was Rex vnus erit omnibus; and hauing discoursed at large to that purpose, did conclude, Quod potestas regis esset sibi 〈◊〉〈◊〉 annexa & solida; and whosoeuer did by any meanes impeach the same, Poena legis merito essee plectendus. For the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of good letters, he did increase two fellowships in the colledge of Stapledons Iune in Oxford, reformed the sta∣tutes of the house, and altered the name of it, calling it Erce∣ter colledge. After that he had continued Bishop in much ho∣nor about thrée and twenty yéeres, he died the fourth of Sep∣tember, being the seuenth yéere of king Henry the fift, and ly∣eth buried in his owne church in a very faire tombe of Ala∣baster vpon the North side of the entrance into the Ladis chappell.

IAmes Cary Bishop of Lichfield, being at Florence when [ 20] newes was brought to Pope Martyn the fift of Bishop Staffords death; was then and there made Bishop of this church an. 1419. He inioyed not long this place, for he died and was buried there.

EDmund Laey Bishop of Hereford was translated from [ 21] thence vnto this church about Easter an. 1420. A man very deuont and religious, but subiect to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who carried him to their pleasure. Great contentions were be∣twéene him and the city for liberties, which by arbitrement were compounded. He built the chapter house in his owne church, and was a liberall benefactor vnto the Uicars of Ca∣lenderhay. Hauing continued in this See 35. yéeres, he died 1475. and lyeth buried in the North wall of the presbytery vnder a plaine marble tombe, where many miracles are said to haue beene wrought, and are ascribed to his helines.

GEorge Neuill was consecrated Nouemb. 26. an. 1455. [ 22] He finished the chapter house which his predecessor had begun. And after that he had beene Bishop about tenne yeeres, was remooued to Yorke. See more of him in Yorke.

IOhn Boothe Batcheler of the ciuill Law was consecrated [ 23] vpon the two and twentith day of February an 1466. He gouerned his church very well, and builded (as some suppose) the Bishops Sée in the quier: but being weary of the great troubles which were in this countrey betwéene king Edward the fourth and the Earle of Warwicke, he remooued from hence to his house of Horsleigh in Hampshire, where he died vpon the first day of Aprill an. 1478. & lieth buried at Saint Elements in London.

PEter Courtmay Bishop of Exceter, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in [ 24] Nouember an. 1477. at Saint Stephans in Westmin∣ster. He was translated from this church vnto Win∣chester in the ninth yéere of his being Bishop here. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more in Winchester.

RIchard Foxe succéeded him, and hauing continued Bishop [ 25] here 6. yéeres, he was translated first to Welles and after to Winchester. See more in Winchester.

OLiuer King was consecrate Bishop of this church in [ 26] February 1492. He also was remooued to Bathe, ha∣uing sate here thrée yéeres. Sée more in Bathe.

RIchard Redman Doctor of diuinity, and Bishop of Saint [ 27] Assaph became Bishop of this church: from whence he was remooued to Ely in September 1501. See more in Ely.

IOhn Arundell descended of the ancient and most worship∣full [ 28] house of the Arundels of Lanherne in Cornewall, was translated from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to this Church in the ende of the yéere 1501. He died at London the yéere 1503. and was bu∣ried at Saint Clements church without Temple Barre, vp∣on the South side of the high altar, vnder a toombe of marble inlaid with brasse.

HVgh Oldam was preferred vnto this Bishoprick by the [ 29] meanes of the Lady Margaret countesse of Richmond, whose chaplaine he was. A man of more zeale then know∣ledge, and more deuotion then learning; somewhat rough in spéeche, but in deede and action friendly. He was carefull in the sauing and defending of his liberties, for which continual sutes were betwéene him and the Abbot of Tauestocke. He was also liberall to the Uicars Chorall of his Church, and re∣duced them to the kéeping of commons: Towards the main∣tenance whereof, he gaue them certaine reuenewes and im∣propriated vnto them the rectory of Cornwood. Albeit he

suere not very well learned; yet a great fauourer and a fur∣therer of learning he was. Once he had intended to haue inlarged Exceter colledge in Oxeford, as well in building as in reuenewes; but being denied a fellowship there which he had earnestly requested in the behalfe of one Atkins, he altered his determination, and contributed largely toward the foundation of Corpus Christi colledge, whereof he is esteemed (and worthily) the principall benefactor. He chanced to dye excommunicate at the sute of the Abbot of Tauistock June 25. 1519. and might not be buried vntill an absolution was procured from Rome. He lyeth in a Chappel of his owne building, cast out of the vppermost ende of the South wall of the Church, where he hath a sumptuous & faire monument.

IOhn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 otherwise Harman, succéeded Oldham by the preferment of K. Henry the eight, whose Chaplaine he then [ 30] was, and Deane of his Chappell, as also of his Church. He was Doctor of the Lawes, very well learned, wise, and in great fauor with the king, who sent him sundry times in em∣bassages to forraine Princes. He was Lord President of Wales, and had the gouernment of the kings onely daugh∣ter the Lady Mary Princesse of Wales. Of all the Bishops in the land, he was accounted the best Courtier, and although he were well reported for his learning, yet better liked for his courtlike behauior, which in the end turned not so much to his credite as to the vtter ruine and spoyle of the Church. For of two and twenty Lordships and Mannours which his pre∣decessors had left vnto him of a goodly yéerely reuenew, he left but thrée, and them also leased out: And where he found thirteene houses well furnished, he left onely one house bare and without furniture, and yet charged with sundry fees and Annuities. By these meanes, this Bishopricke, which sometimes was counted one of the best, is now become in temporall lands one of the meanest. He was a great fauou∣rer of learned men, and especially of Diuines, whom he pre∣serred in his Church aboue others, He was very bounteous and liberall vnto all men, but especially vnto Courtiers, vnto his owne kindred and countreymen. He bestowed much also, as wel paines as cost, in building Sutton Coltstil (the towne where he was borne) in procuriug the same to be incorporate,

and endeuouring to set vp the making of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there, all which prooued to little purpose as I haue heard. In his time, after the death of king Henry the eight, there was an altera∣tion of religion by king Edward the sixt, whereof ensued re∣bellion and a commotion in this Diocesse, which in some part was imputed to this Bishop, because he lay farre from his Diocesse and dwelled in his owne countrey. Whereupon, he resigned the Bishopricke into the kings hands, after he had béene Bishop about thirty yéeres, and liued by the rents of the temporality of the Bishopricke, which when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he did reserue vnto himselfe for terme of his owne life. After the depriuation of Miles Couerdale in Quéene Maries time, he was restored to his Church, and for the better setling of the Romish Religion, did here stay for a while: But his minde was so addided to his owne countrey, that he returned thi∣ther shortly after, and made his onely abode there, practising what he could, to settle there the making of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But whether it were that that kind of trade fitteth not that coun∣trey, or that God would not blesse a practise founded vpon such horrible sacriledge, it fell out in triall to be more charge∣able then profitable, and so was soone giuen ouer. This man being very olde, died in a pang at Sutton 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before mentioned the yéere 1555. and was buried there.

MIles Couerdale after the resignation of Voysye, was [ 31] by king Edward made Bishop of this city, and conse∣crate an. 1550. After that he had béene Bishop about 3. yéeres, king Edward died, & then Quéene Mary hauing the crowne, the religion was altered and he depriued. For a far∣ther discourse of his life, and especially his deliuerance out of prison at the sute and importunate request of the king of Denmarke, I commend the Reader vnto Master Foxe. Of his death onely thus much, that not caring to returne to his Bishopricke, in the beginning of her Maiestie that now raig∣neth, he setled himselfe at London, and there leading a pri∣uate life, he died at last a very old man, and was buried in Saint Magnus church.

IAmes Turbeuill a gentleman well borne (Bishop Voysey [ 32] being dead) was consecrate an. 1556. He was very careful

to recouer some part of the lands of his Bishoprick which his predecessor wasted, and did obtaine of Queene Mary to him and his successors the seefarme of the mannor of Crediton. After that he had beene Bishop about two yeeres, Quéene Mary died, he was displaced, and after lead a priuate life many yeeres.

VVIlliam Alley reader of Diuinity in the cathedrall [ 33] church of Saint Paule, was consecrate Bishop of Exceter an 1561. He lieth buried vnder a large marble to∣wards the South side of the presbytery.

VVIlliam Bradbridge Doctor of Diuinity and Deane [ 34] of Salisbury was consecrate March 18. 1570. He died in a manner suddenly at Newton Ferries June 27. 1578. and was buried in the North side of the high altar neere Bishop Lacy, in which place there is a seemely mo∣nument of freestone built ouer him.

IOhn Wolton cannon residensary of the church of Exceter, [ 35] was consecrate in the beginning of Aug. 1579. He sate Bi∣shop almost 14. yéeres, died March 13. 1593. and lieth buried toward the Southside of the presbytery néer theplace where we see a monument of touch and free stone erected vnto the memory of him.

GEruase Babington Doctor of Diuinity and Bishop of [ 36] Landaffe was translated to this church in February 1594. and hence to Worceter October 4 1597.

VVIlliam Coton Doctor of Diuinity and cannon resi∣dent [ 37] of Paules, was consecrate in Nouember 1598.

This Bishopricke by a new valuation rated in the daies of King Edward the sixt, is now esteemed in the Exchequer but at 500, l. yet paid heretofore vnto the Pope after 6000. ducats.