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.

20. Henricus Spencer.

THe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his death swiftly flying beyond the Seas, came vnto the eares of one Spencer, A Gentleman greatly estéemed for his valour and skill in Martiall 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that serued the Pope at that time in his warres: Of him with small intreaty, be obtained this dignity, for a bro∣ther of his named Henry, a man of his own profession, which of a soldier being made a bishop, came into England, March 16. 1370. was consecrate in his owne Church, by the Arch∣deacon of Norwich. Changing then his vesture, but no: his conditions, in what manner of life he spent his youth, in the same he most delighted euen in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéeres. And being a better Butcher then a Shepheard, he procured the Popes authority for leauying an Army; which (not with standing the kings commaundement to the contrary) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 transported into the Low 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And after that he has 〈◊〉〈◊〉 7000. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an Army of 30. thousand, and burnt the townes of

〈◊〉〈◊〉, Dunkyrke, Newport, with certaine others: he returned againe into England, where shortly after occasion was giuen of employing his valure at home to better pur∣pose. The yeere 1381. the commons of this realme arose in di∣uers parts, and appointed them selues Captaines, as Wat Tyler, Iacke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c. And amongst the rest, the Commons of Suffolke and Norfolke made one Iohn Lyster their Lea∣der, a dier of Norwich, and called him the king of the Com∣mons. This fellow endeuouring to ioyne his power with the rest that were now at London, conducting them thither ward, By the way they determined to haue surprised William Vf∣ford Earle of Suffolke, and hauing him, to vse his name for the setting forward of their diuelish intents. Missing of him, they seased vpon all the knights they could find, & made them sweare to assist them. One there was named sir Robert Sale, that seeming to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their dooings, had his braines stricken out, by one of his owne bondmen. Amongst the rest, that ter∣rified by his example, were glad to dissemble, sir Stephen Hales, a comely Gentleman, was chosen to be the caruer for∣sooth of this goodly king. But to proceede, being now on their way, they determined to send in a message vnto the king, two knights, sir W. Morley and sir Iohn Brewes with three Arch∣rebels. These happened to be encountred with their Bishop, at a towne called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, not far from New market. Being at his mannor of Burle neere Ockam Castle, he heard of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & determined to ride thither where he vnderstood they were assembled. At what time he came to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he had in his company but onely eight speares, and a few Archers: Notwithstanding, the weaknesse of his forces he boldly inquired of the knights, whether any of the kings traitors were there: They dissembled a while for scare, but after, told him plainely, that two notorious Rebels were at the Inne and the third was gone into the towne, to take order for their dinner. These he presently layed hold vpon, and without more adoo, cut off their heads, which he caused to be set vpon poales at New market Thence he hasted toward Northwalsham, where he vnderstoode the rebels had deter∣mined to make some stay. By the way diuers Gentlemen that had hid themselues, ioyned with him, so that by that time

he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there, he had a reasonable company 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, with that company (such as it was) he set vpon them, who had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 themselues with trenches and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Bishop for his part recouering the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, rode into the very midst of them, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him selfe so manful∣ly, as if it had beene an action agréeble vnto his calling, had deserued great commendation. By his courage especially, the victory in the end was atchieued. The king (Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉) and the rest of the chiefetaines, were saine to leane their heads be∣hind them, and the whole Countrey reduced to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obedience. Now to procéede vnto his other actions, there was great contention betwéene him and his monkes for the space of fiftéene yéeres: they being too weake for him, at last were glad to giue him 400. markes to enioy their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in like sort as heretofore they had done. He sate Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 37. yéeres, and died 1406.