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.

48. Richard Scroope.

RIchard Scroope that succéeded Robet Waldby, though [ 1397] a gentleman of great bloud, being brother vnto Willi∣am Scroope that was Earle of Wilshire, and Treasu∣rer of England vnder king Richard; yet obtained not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 high promotion without desert, in regard of many good 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in him. For he was incomparably learned (saith Thomas Walsingham) of singular integrity for his life and conuersati∣on; and (which is not altogether to be neglected) of a goodly and amiable personage. He was brought vp in Cambridge,

and procéeded there first Master of Arte, then doctor of Law: thence he trauelled throngh Fraunce into Italy, and became an aduocate in the Popes Court, vntill (such time as he was preferred to the Bishopricke of Couentry & Lichfield, where∣unto he was consecrate August 9. 1386 There he sate tenne yéeres, and was translated to Yorke 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Nine yéeres he gouerned that Church landably, and is commended as well for his owne priuate manners and behauiour, as his publike gouernment. His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was vnhappy and very 〈◊〉〈◊〉. King Henry had lately deposed king Richard, by whom this man was preferred, and had cansed his brother the Earle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Bristow. Whether it were de∣sire to reuenge these wrongs done to his friendes, or some other respect, I know not; certaine it is, that the yeere 1405. he ioined with the Earle of Nothumberland, the Earle Mar∣shall, the Lord Bardolph, and other in a conspiracy against king Henry. The Earle of Westmerland, and Iohn Duke of Lancaster, the kings sonne, were then in the North coun∣trey when these men began to stirre, and gathering what for∣ces they could, came against them. But finding the other too strong for them, they inquire of them in peaceable manner what their intent is, in taking armes. The Archbishoppe answered, that he meant nothing but good vnto the King and the Realme, as he would gladly certifie him if hee had secure and safe accesse vnto him. And therewithall shewed a writing vnto them containing a reason of his dooing. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Westmerland hauing reade this wrting, professed to allow of their enterprise, and pray∣sed it for honest and reasonable; insomuch, as meeting with the Archbishop at a Parley, after a very fewe speeches, they seemed to become friends shaking hands together, and drinking to ech other in sight of both their armies. The Arch∣bishop now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of nothing, suffered his men to disperse themselues for a time: But the Earle contrariwise waxed stronger and stronger, and at last seeing himselfe well able to deale with the Archbishop, came vpon him sodemly, and ar∣rested him little thinking of any such matter. The king by this time was come northward as farre as Pomfret. Thi∣ther the Archbishop and other prisoners arrested with him,

were also brought, and caried with the king backe to Yorke againe, (or as other deliuer) to Thorpe, where Sir William Fulford, a knight learned in the Lawe sitting on a high stage in the Hall condemned him to be beheaded: Presently after iudgement giuen, he was set vpon an ill fauored Iade, his face toward the horse taile, and caried with great scorne and shame to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hard by, where his head lastly was striken off, by a fellow that did his office very ill, not being able to dispatch him with lesse then fiue strokes. He was executed vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being June 8. 1405. and buried in the east part of the new works of his Church of Yorke, in which place, as also the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where he died, certaine miracles are said to haue béene done, and are ascribed vnto his holinesse. It is deliuered also that the king was presently striken with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after his death. He was the first Bishop that I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put to death by order of Law. No maruell if an execution so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and extraordinary, performed in so odious and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a manner, gaue occasion of many tales, and rumours. The Pope excommunicated the authors of his death, but was easily intreated to absolue them againe.