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 Peterborough.

IN the middle of the riuer of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (which runneth by the south side 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Peterborough) there is a whirlpoole of infinite depth, that by reason of springs continually arising there, in the coldest winter was yet neuer quite frozen ouer. This place in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time was called Medefwell, and the towne adioyning (taking name of it) Medeswell-〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Medeshamstead. Peada the sonne of Penda, the first Chri∣stian king of Mercia, began the foundation of a monastery there, the yéere 656. but was taken away by the treachery of his wife before he could bring it to any perfection. Wolpher his brother was so farre from endeuouring to finish this worke, as being an obstinate Pagane, he put to death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Ruffyn two of his owne sonnes, for no other cause then this, that they were Christians Afterwards notwithstanding it pleased God so to touch his heart, as of a persecuting Saul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 became a good Paul, and in token of his griefe and sorrow for his cruelty to his sonnes, determined to builde vp this mona∣stery, in the most magnificent and stately manner he could 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which indéed he performed, being very much holpen in the same by the contribution of Ethelred his brother, as also of Kineburg, and Kineswith his sisters, who as (W. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliuereth, doo there ly buried. This Monastery he dedica∣ted vnto Saint Peter, and appointed one Saxulf (by whose perswasion he tooke in hand this worke) to be the first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the same. (He afterwards became Bishop of Lichfield.) Two hundred yéeres after the first foundation and somewhat more, it flourished in wealth, and great prosperity, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vntill the comming of the Danes, who slew the Monkes and vtterly destroyed all those sumptuous buildings erected by Wolpher. Hauing then layen desolate 109. yéeres; Ethel∣wold Bishop of Winchester (a great Patron of Monkery)

reedified it. He had begun a new Oundale at Northampton in Northampton shire, when by chaunce comming to this place, he thought good to omitte that former and to bestow his cost here. So he made a parish church of his building at Oundale, and reedified this decayed Monastery of Medeshamstead In digging vp some of the old foundations, it is remembred there were found stones of such huge greatnesse, as eight yoke of Oren were scarce able to draw one of them away. King Ed∣gar holp the Bishop much in this foundation, and Aldulf that was Chauncellor vnto the said king, partly for deuotion, partly for malcontentment and greefe, that he had layen vpon his onely child and so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him in his sleepe, bestowed all his substance vpon it, and betaking himselfe vnto a monasticall life, became Abbot there. After him Kenulfus another Abbot compassed about this Monastery with a strong Wall about the yéere of our Lord 1000. And then (saith W. Malmsbury) because it bare the shew of a towne or burrough, it began to leaue the old name, and to be called altogether Burgh or Bur∣rough. and sometimes (because it was dedicated vnto Saint Peter) Peterburrough. Through the liberality of diuers Be∣nefactors it grew to that greatnesse of wealth and possessions, as all the Countrey round about belonged vnto it. In that state it continued till that fatall day of all our Monasteries, at what time it pleased King Henry the eight, to conuert the same into a Cathedrall Church and to imploy the reuenewes vpon the maintenance of a Bishop, a Deane, 6. Prebendaries, and other Ministers necessary for the celebration of Diuine seruice. Northamtonshire, and Kutlandshire were ta∣ken from Lincolne and appointed the Dioces of this newe crected Sée.

1. Iohn Chambers.

IOhn Chambers the last Abbot of Peterborough, was the first Bishop.

2. Dauid Poole.

DAuid Poole Doctor of Law, Deane of the Arches, and sometimes Chauncellor of the Dioces of Lichfield.

3. Edmund Scambler.

EDmund Scambler was consecrate Ianuary 16. 1560. and the yéere 1584. remooued to Norwich. Sée Norwich.

4. Richard Howland.

RIchard Howland Doctor of Diuinity and Master of Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge succéeded. He died in the moneth of Iune, 1600.

5. Thomas Doue.

THomas Doue Deane of Norwich, and Chaplaine to her Maiesty, was consecrate in the end of the yéere. 1600.

This Bishoprick is valued in the Exchecquer at 414, l. 19, s. 11, d.