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 Worceter.

WVlfher the first Christian king of Mer∣cia being dead, Ethelred his brother succéeded him in the kingdome. He, by the perswasion of Osher gouernor of Wiccia, diuided his countrey (which till that time had neuer had more then one Bishop) into 5 parts or Diocesses which he appointed vnto fiue Bishop∣rickes (whereof one was Lichfield) & erected 4. new Cathe∣dral Sées; one at Dorchester, another at Leicester, another at Sidnacester, and the fourth at Worceter. And for the first Bishop of Worceter, choice was made of one Tatfrith, a man of great learning, who died before he could be consecrate. After his decease, Boselus was chosen, and consecrate by The∣odore Archbishop of Canterbury. This was done (as our histories deliuer for the most part) the yéere 679.

• 1. After 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before mentioned, these succéeded: [ 679]
• 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecrate 692. [ 692]
• 3. Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecrate 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This man went to [ 693] Rome with Offa king of Mercia, & there got licence of Con∣stantine the Pope to build a monastery in Worceter, and so did, the same that is now the cathedrall church.
• 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecrate 717. This man liued in the [ 717] time of Beda.
• 5. Mylredus. [ 743] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reporteth one Deuehertus to haue béene Bishop of Worceter the yéere 766. but I thinke it an error.
• 6. Weremundus. [ 776]
• 7. Tilherus. [ 779]
• 8. Eathoredus. He gaue I comb vnto his church. [ 782]
• 9. Deuebertus.
• 10. Eadbertus or Hubertus. He gaue Croley. [ 822]
• 11. Alwyn or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He built the chappell of Saint An∣drew [ 848] at Kimesey 868.

• 12. Werebertus, called by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 872] was consecrate vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being June 7. 872. He was greatly estéemed of king Alfred for his singular lear∣ning, and translated at his request the Dialogues of Saint Gregory into the Saxon or English 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 13. Wilferth. He died an. 911. [ 892]
• 14. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbot of Barkley. [ 911]
• 15. Kinewold, he gaue Odingley vnto his Church. [ 930]
• 16. Saint Dunstan 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to London 958. and after∣ward [ 957] to Canterbury. Sée more of him there.
• 17. Saint Oswald The yeere 971. he became after∣ward [ 959] of Yorke, and yet held Worceter still in Commendam till his death. Concerning him and his two next successors. See more in Yorke.
• 18. Aldulf was also Archbishop of Yorke. [ 992]
• 19. Wulstan, he likewise held Yorke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like sort. He is [ 1002] by some surnamed (or rather I thinke) nicknamed Repro∣bus.
• 20. Leofsius, he died at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aug. 19. 1033. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was [ 1023] buried at Worceter.
• 21. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbot of Parshore, the sonne of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1033] sister his predecessor. He died December 20. 1038.
• 22. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, first a monke of Winchester, and after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1038] of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nephew vnto Brithwaldus Bishop of Saint Germans in Cornewall, was consecrate Bishop of Crediton or Deuonshire 1032. He was greatly in fauour with king 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and attended him in his pilgrimage to Rome. After his vncles death, he procured Saint Germans to be vnited vnto his Sée, and (as it séemeth vnto me) held not onely both them, but Worceter also (to which he was preferred 1038.) vntill his death. The yéere 1040. he was accused for procu∣ring (or consenting vnto) the death of Alfred the eldest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of king 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Some say he purged himselfe of that accu∣sation; others say, he was depriued of his liuings as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 guilty, and returning to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, died there. But I take the third report to be truest, to wit, that he was once displa∣ced, and afterwards vpon better examination of the cause re∣stored againe. He died 1046. at which time euen iust when he gaue vp the Ghost there was such a horrible 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of

• thunder and lightning, as men thought the day of doome had béene come. He was buried at Tauestocke, vnto which mo∣nastery he had béene a great benefactor.
• 23. Aldred the yeere 1060. was translated to Yorke. Sée [ 1046] more of him there.
• 24. Saint Wulstan. Alfred being constrained to giue [ 1062] ouer Worceter before he might obtaine the Popes approba∣tion for Yorke (as in Yorke you may see more at large) he de∣termined at his departure to fleece it, and then to foyst in some simple fellow into that roome, such a one as might seeme like∣ly to swallow his gudgyn quietly. He esteemed Wulstan, Pryor of Worceter such a one, and (the king graunting free licence to choose whom they liked best) he easily procured the consent of the cleargy and commonalty of the Dioces for his election. This plot neuer so cunningly layde, had not the suc∣cesse that was expected. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prooued nothing so tractable as he thought, yéelded not to all that he demaunded, and yet neuer synne wrangling and complayning, vntill partly in his time, partly in his successors, he had recoue∣red againe whatsoeuer was taken from his Sée. Lan∣franke Archbishop of Canterbury assisted very fauourably his cause, vrgens aemulum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & potentiae (saith W. Malmbury) the rather no doubt saith he, because he thought it best in policy to weakē the see of York what he might, that contended with him in authority & greatnes. This Wulstan was borneat Hichenton in Warwickshire. His Father and Mother (whose names were Eatstan and 〈◊〉〈◊〉) long before their death, seuered them selues by mutuall consent, and lead a Monasticall life: Then, as though heauen were not to be entred without a monks cowle, they not onely cau∣sed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne to be taught and brought vp in the Monastery of Peterborough, but also exhorted him earnestly (especially his Mother) in any wise to become a monke. He did so, fol∣lowed their direction, & professed himselfe a monke at Wor∣ceter vnder Brittegus his predecessor. He was by & by much admired for the straight life he led; and for the opinion men had of his holinesse so estéemed, as no preferment might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereof he was capable, but immediately it was cast vpon

• him. He was first made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and Treasurer of the Church, after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Glocester, and lastly Bishop of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉. It is said, he 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consent vnto his election 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time, protesting he had rather lay his head vpon a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off, then to take so great a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon him No man could perswade him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vntill that one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 him sharply for his backwardnes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, he offended God much in the same. His excuse was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 learning: And certaine it is, that his defect that way, was so notable, as in the time of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Conquerour (〈◊〉〈◊〉 all English Prelates were sifted to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉) he was called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 question for insufficiency, and had beene depriued (as it is thought, at least wise) if he had not beene found somewhat more sufficient then was expected. He was consecrate Sep∣tember 8. 1062 by Aldred Archbishop of Yorke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣ing then suspended. But that he might acquite him selfe from vsurpation of any right belonging to Canterbury, he not one∣ly required him to make his othe of profession vnto Canter∣bury, but also renounced all right of pretended iurisdiction vnto the Dioces of Worceter, acknowledging the same to be∣long not to Yorke (as some of his predecessors had 〈◊〉〈◊〉) but to Canterbury, as to the Metropolitane of the same. New to come vnto his gouernment, we are to remember especially two things memorable of him. One, the building of the Ca∣thedrall church which he raised from the foundation. At what time it was come vnto such perfection, as that the monkes forsaking their old habitation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them selues vnto this new built, the other Fabrike whereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was Author, (as in Yorke you may read more at large) was pulled down. Which Wulstan seeing, burst out into teares, and being de∣maunded a reason thereof, by some that told him he had ra∣ther cause to reioyce; Our predecessors (saith he) whose mo∣numents we deface, rather (I doubt) to set vp the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our vaine glory, then to glorifie God, they indeed (quoth he) were not acquainted with such stately buildings, but euery place was a Church sufficient for them to offer them selues a reasonable holy and liuely sacrifice vnto God: We contrari∣wise are double diligent in laying heapes of stones, so to frame

• a materiall Temple, but are too too negligent in setting for∣ward the building of that liuely Temple the Church of God. The other thing that I determined to mention is, a notable testimony of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fidelity vnto his Prince. All most all the Nobility of England rebelled against the king William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the first yeere of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Certaine of them, Roger Earle of Mount-gomery, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Newmarket, Roger Lacy, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and other, attempted to take the City of Worceter. This Bishop, not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, and by con∣tinuall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in preaching and otherwise contained them in very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obedience, but also arming such a num∣ber of people as the City 〈◊〉〈◊〉 affoord, caused them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out and set vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom they 〈◊〉〈◊〉, killing and taking a number of them prisoners. He died being 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 yeeres of age, 1095. Ianuary 19. which day after∣wards 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was made a holy day, & appoin∣ted vnto the celebration of his memory He was buried in his owne Church. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Church being burnt his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 onely escaped the violence of the fire, how he appeared vnto his old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (being at Creeklade) at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his death, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same vnto him, and many things more strange; if any man desire to read them, let him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and other, that discourse them at large. This (for my part) I thinke 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if not too much.
• 25. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a Canon of Bayon was consecrate Bishop [ 1097] of Worcester at Canterbury, June 15. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. A man well learned, very eloquent, & a great house keeper. He tooke away 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the monkes that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had placed there, and died afterwards at that place. May 5. 1112. He was buried in the body of his Church, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before the roodlost. He had an elder brother named 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then Archbishop of York and a sonne that afterwards was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop there. Of them and some other matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, see more in Yorke. Soone after his death, to wit, May 20. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Ca∣thedrall Church, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and City of Worceter were burnt and quite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with casuall 〈◊〉〈◊〉. One monke, three seruants of the Monastery, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 townesmen perished in that fire..

• 26. Theulphus a Canon of Bayon likewise, was elected [ 1115] Bishop of Worceter, December 28. 1113. but not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vntill Iune 27. 1115. He died at his mannor of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, October 21. 1123. and was buryed hard by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his predecessor, in that place (I doubt not) where vpon one Mar∣ble lying iust before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doore, we see the defaced ima∣ges of two Bishops.
• 27. Simon, Chaplaine and Chauncellor vnto Quéene [ 1125] Adelicia, the second wife of King Henry the first; was conse∣crate May 23. 1125. He was liberall, according to the pro∣portion of his ability, affable and very courteons.
• 28. Alured. After Symon, W. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that liued in those daies placeth Alured for his next successor. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, some put Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before him, and Florent. Wigorn, lea∣ueth him quite out of the reckening.
• 29. Iohn Pagham. He gaue Bibery vnto the Abbey of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the mannor of Elme Bishop vnto his owne See.
• 30. Roger sonne vnto the Earle of Glocester, died August 9. 1179. at Tours in Fraunce and was buryed there.
• 31. Baldwyn Abbot of Ford consecrate 1181. was tran∣slated [ 1181] to Canterbury, 1184. Sée more there.
• 32. William de Northale consecrate September 21. [ 1186] 1186. died 1190.
• 33. Robert a Canon of Lincolne, sonne vnto William [ 1191] Fitz-Ralf Seneschall of Normandy, became Bishop of Wor∣ceter 1191. and died the yeere following.
• 34. Henry Abbot of Glastonbury was made Bishop of Worceter that Sanarike Bishop of Bathe and Wels 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnite that Abbey to his Sée. Sée more of that matter in Wels. He died 1195.
• 35. Iohn de Constantijs Deane of Roane was consecrate [ 1196] at Stratford October 20. 1196. He died the yéere 1198.
• 36. Mangere Deane of Yorke and Chaplaine vnto king [ 1200] Richard the first, was consecrate 1200. He was one of them that excommunicated king Iohn and interdicted the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the Popes commaundement the yéere 1208. Thereupon he was faine to flie the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and died at Pontiniac in France 1212. the yéere before the rest of his brethren were called home.

• 37. Walter Gray Bishop of Lichfield was translated he∣ther [ 1214] 1214. and 1216. to Yorke. See more of him there.
• 38. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, sometimes a Monke, and after Prior of Worceter, succeeded. He remoued the body of Saint Wulstan into a sumptuous shrine, and (the church being now through∣ly repaired since the burning of it in Bishop Sampson, time) he hallowed the same very solemply, dedicating it vnto the honour of the blessed virgin, Saint Peter, Saint Oswald and Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This was done 1218. in which yeere also he died.
• 39. William de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archdeacon of Buckingham was [ 1218] consecrate October 7. 1218. He gaue vnto the Prior and Co∣uent, Wyke with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as also the parsonage of Sobbury, and died the yeere 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 40. Walter de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the sonne of William Lord [ 1237] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succeeded 1237. A man as of great birth, so of no lesse stomack and courage. He often opposed himselfe against the couetous practises and shifting deuises of the Pope and his officers. The first yeere of his preferment, Otto the Popes Legate, at a Conuocation, sought to take order, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of such as enioyed any benefices against law, not beeing dispensed withall; thinking belike, it would prouoke many to the purchase of dispensations, they cared not at what rate. He counselled the Legate to take farther aduise of the Pope be∣fore he proceeded too far in this matter, saying, there were ma∣ny of great birth whom it concerned; and they were either old, (such hauing liued long in very worshipfull state, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them now so lowe he thought it very hard) or else they were yong and lusty, and had rather venture their lines in any desperate course, then suffer their liuing to be deminished. I speake this (quoth he) by mine owne experience. At what time it was mine owne case, I was of the same minde. Ha∣uing said thus much, he put on his Myter and sate him down againe. Other were about to second him, when the Legate seeing no good was to be doone in this matter. bid them trou∣ble themselues no farther, the Bishop of Worceters aduice was good, and he was determined for this time to follow it. Another time, to witte, the yéere 1255. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 another legate, demaunded of the cleargy of England a huge summe

• of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not onely bought the kings consent there∣unto, but dealing priuately with many priuate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men, promising some and threatning other, had made a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 canuasse. The matter being proposed, when no man opening his mouth, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 assured himselfe the game was gatten; this Bishop suddenly rose vp, and exclaimed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a∣gainst this horrible exaction, saying at last, he would suffer himselfe to be hanged rather then he would euer consent vnto it. Other then following his example, this impudent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was sent away with a sleeuelesse answere The yeere 1257. he was sent ambassador into Fraunce. The yéere 1254. he tooke great paines to worke a peace betwéene the king and the Barons, in whose behalfe when he had offered the king conditions (as he thought most reasonable) which might not be accepted; he addicted himselfe vnto their party, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to fight valiantly in the cause, and promised heauen ve∣ry confidently to them that should dye in defence of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For this, he was after iustly excommunicated by the Popes legate. He died February 5. 1267. at what time repenting much this fault of disobedience vnto his Prince, he humbly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and receiued absolution from that excommunica∣tion.
• 41. Nicolas de Ely was consecrate in the beginning of the [ 1268] yéere 1268. and translated to Winchester before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the same yéere. Sée more in Winchester.
• 42. Godfry Giffard succéeded. He beautified the pillers of [ 1269] the East part of the church by enterlacing little pillers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mar∣ble which he fastened with rings of copper guilt. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died 1304. hauing sate Bishop 34. yéeres, fower moneths & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies.
• 43. William de Geynsborough Doctor of Diuinity was [ 1305] the 26. reader of Diuinity of his order in Oxeford. Thence he trauelled to Rome, and became Lector sacri palatij, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pope bestowed vpon him this Bishopricke. He was a great learned man accounted in those times and writ much.
• 44. Walter Reynald, sometime schoolemaster vnto king [ 1308] Edward the second, first Treasurer, then Chauncellor of Eng∣land, became Bishop of Worceter 1308. and was 〈◊〉〈◊〉

• to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury 1313. Sée more there.
• 45. Walter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succéeded. [ 1313]
• 46. Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doctor of Diusnity Cannon and [ 1317] Subdeane of Salisbury was elected Archbishop of Canter∣bury 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hauing contended a while with the aboue na∣med Walter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (whereof see more in Canterbury) he was glad in the end to accept of this Bishopricke, into which he entred March 31. 1317. He was a great learned man, writ much, and was moreouer so honest and vertuous a man, as he was commonly called by the name of the good Clerke. He lieth buried (as one deliuereth) in the North Ile of the body of his church, which Ile he caused all to be vaulted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at his owne charge. I should gesse by some shadow of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 armes yet to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that his toombe is that which we see vpon the south side of the chappell standing on the North side of the body of the church.
• 47. Adam de Orleton Doctor of Lawe, was consecrate [ 1327] Bishop of Hereford September 26. 1317. translated to Worceter in Nouember 1327. and then December 1. 1333. vnto Winchester. See more there.
• 48. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mont-acute cousecrate 1333. was by the [ 1333] Pope translated to Ely, 1336. See Ely.
• 49. Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecrate 1337. [ 1337]
• 50. Wulstan de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prior of Worceter, conse∣crate [ 1338] 1338. He built the Priors great hall and the bridge of Brandsford vpon Twede, two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aboue Powike.
• 51. Iohn Thorsby Bishop of Saint Dauids was transla∣ted [ 1349] to Worceter 1349. and in October 1352. from thence to Yorke. See Yorke.
• 52. Reginald Bryan consecrate Bishop of Saint Dauids [ 1352] 1349. the yéere 1352. was translated hither. He was by the Pepes gift translated to Ely the yeere 1361. but died before his translation might be perfected by acceptance. He lyeth bu∣ried by the North wall of a little chappell, vpon the North side of the body of the Church, as I gather (at least wise) by his armes engrauen vpon a faire toombe there.
• 53. Dauid, consecrate 1361. [ 1361]
• 54. Iohn Barnet Treasurer of England, was consecrate [ 1362]

• 1362. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hence to Welles, 1363. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Ely, 1366. Sée Ely.
• 55. William Wittlesey nephew vnto Simon Islip Archbi∣shop [ 1363] of Canterbury, was first Bishop of Rochester, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Worceter 1363. and then the yéere 1368. to Canter∣bury. Sée more of him there.
• 56. William de Lynne consecrate Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 1369] the yéere 1462. was translated hither 1368. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ta∣king horse to ride vnto the Parliament the yéere 1375. was sodainly surprised with an Apoplexy, whereof he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soone after.
• 57. Henry Wakefield became bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1375. [ 1375] and the yéere following Treasurer of England. He made the body of his Church longer by adding two Arches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, built the North Porch, and died March 11. 1394. the 20. yéere after his consecration. He lyeth buried vnder a great Marble in the middle of the body of his Church toward the West end.
• 58. Tidemannus de Winchcombe. Bale reporteth one [ 1395] William Badby Doctor of Diuinity, & Consessor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn of Gaunt Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 béene Bishop of Wor∣ceter about the yéere 1380. It can not be true, and therefore I omitte him. Certaine it is that Tydemannus de Winch∣comb, a monke and the kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was thrust into this Sée, by the Pope at the kings earnest request (notwithstand∣ing that one Iohn Greene was lawfully elect thereunto) the yéere 1395. Thomas Walsingham calleth this man (〈◊〉〈◊〉 I doubt not) Robert Tideman. It should seeme vnto me, that this man was for a little while Bishop of Landaff before his preferment to Worceter. Sée Landaff.
• 59. Richard Clifford Archdeacon of Canterbury was con∣secrate [ 1401] 1401. and translated to London 1407. See Lon∣don.
• 60. Thomas Peuerell a Gentleman of an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 house, [ 1407] borne in Suffolke, and brought vp in Oxford (where he pro∣céeded Doctor of Diuinity) was first a Carmelite 〈◊〉〈◊〉, made Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Ireland by king Richard the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at his vnfortunate being there, 1398. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thence 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 1399. and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to Worceter 1407. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sate

• Bishop ten yéeres, died March 1. 1417. and was buried in his owne Church.
• 61. Philip Morgan Doctor of law was consecrate the [ 1419] yéere 1419. and translated vnto Ely in the end of the yéere 1425. See Ely.
• 62. Thomas Pulton was consecrate Bishop of Hereford [ 1426] 1420. staying there but one yeere and three monethes, was remooued to Chichester 1422. and lastly the yeere 1426. be∣came Bishop of Worceter. He died at Rome and was buried there.
• 63. Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succéeded. The yéere 1435. soone [ 1435] after his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Worceter he was elected vnto Ely, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not accept of the same. Long after at another 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was againe chosen, to wit 1443. and enioyed that place till the yéere 1454. at what time he was remooued to Canterbury See more in Ely and Canterbury.
• 64. Iohn Carpenter. This man had so great affection vnto [ 1443] Westbury, a place néere Bristow, as he not onely bestowed exceeding great cost vpon the colledge there, and chose it for his place of buriall, but also intended (as I find reported) to haue honoured it with a part of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to haue taken vpon him the name of the Bishop of Worceter and Westbu∣ry. There had bene an old colledge in that place long before: He pulled it downe and in the new building 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it very much compassing it about with a strong wall embatteled, ad∣ding a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gate with diuers towers (more like vnto a castle then a colledge) and lastly bestowed much good land for aug∣menting the reuenew of the same. One that hauing beene long a merchant of Bristow, in the later ende of his life be∣came Deane of this colledge, built the church of Ratcliff neere Bristow (a notable worke) and lieth buried in the same But to returne to our Bishop, who also built the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉: he died at Bishops Northweeke, and was bu∣ried (as before said) at Westbury.
• 65. Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Rochester was translated to [ 1476] Worceter 1476. and thence to Ely. Sée Ely.
• 66. Robert Moorton nephew to Iohn Moorton Archbi∣shop [ 1486] of Canterbury succéeded. He lieth buried in the body of Saint Paules church in London.

• 67. Iohn Gygles or de Lilijs an Italian borne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suc∣céeded [ 1497] him.
• 68. Syluester Gigles nephew vnto Iohn Gigles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1521] his vncle.
• 69. Iolius Medices a Cardinall of Rome, nephew vnto [ 1522] the Pope Leo 10. and afterwards Pope himselfe by the name of Clement the seuenth was Bishop of Worceter a little while in the yéere 1522. in which yéere he both accepted and resigned this Bishopricke.
• 70. Hieronymus de Nugutijs an Italian also, obtained this [ 1522] Bishopricke by the resignation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and enioyed it many yeeres.
• 71. Hugh Latimer borne in Leicetershire, and brought vp in Cambridge, became Bishop of Worceter 1535. The yéere 1539. (except he would yéeld a wicked and dissembling con∣sent vnto the sixe Articles) there was no remedy but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 must resigne his Bishopricke. He resigned (togither with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Shaxton Bishop of Salisbury) July 1. & afterwards, to wit, October 16. 1555. sealed the doctrine which he had long prea∣ched with his blood, ending his life in the fire, for the circum∣stances whereof, as also of his whole life and actions, I refer you to Master Foxe.
• ...

  72. Iohn Bell Doctor of Lawe, and Archdeacon of Gloce∣ter [ 1539] succéeded, he was of the kings counsell in the cause of his diuorce from Quéene Katherine. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 buried at Clarken∣well by London on the North side of the East end of the chan∣cell vnder a marble stone whereon is fixed this Epitaph:

  Contegit hoc marmor Doctorem nomine Bellum Qui belle rexit praesulis officium. Moribus, ingenio, vitae probitate vigebat Laudato cunctis cultus & eloquio. Ann. 1556. Aug. 11.
• 73. Nicolas Heath Bishop of Rochester was translated to [ 1543] Worceter 1543. and displaced October 10. 1551. Queene Mary restored him againe in the beginning of her raigne, made him first Lord President of Wales, then Archbishop of Yorke the yéere 1553. and lastly Lord Chauncellor of Eng∣land, See Yorke.

• 74. Iohn Hooper, held Gloceter in Commendam. Sée [ 1551] Gloceter.
• 75. Richard Pates (as it should séeme by a report that I [ 1554] finde) became Bishop of Worceter about the yeere 1534. and being sent beyond the seas in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, refused to returne. Whereupon his Bishopricke was bestowed vpon M. Laty∣mer. Certaine it is, that he subscribed to the Councel of Trent by the name of Rich. Patus Wigorn Epis. Queene Mary least she should seeme to do him wrong, hauing appointed Heath to the Archbishoprick of Yorke, restored him to Worceter.
• 76. Edwyn Sandes, translated from London hither, and [ 1560] hence to Yorke.
• 77. Nicolas Bullingham translated from Lincolne. [ 1570]
• 78. Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 translated to Canterbury. Sée Can∣terbury. [ 1577]
• 79. Edmund Freake translated from Norwich, died in [ 1584] the end of the yéere 1590. about the 20. of March. Sée Nor∣wich.
• 80. Richard Fletcher translated from Bristoll to Worce∣ter, [ 1593] and from Worceter to London.
• 81. Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 translated to Winchester. [ 1595]
• 82. Geruase Babington Bishop first of Landaff, then of [ 1597] Exceter, and lastly translated hither an. 1597.

This Bishopricke is now valued at 1049, l. 17, s. 3, d. ob. farthing. In the Popes bookes at 2000. ducats.