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 Archbishops of Yorke.

1. Paulinus.

NOt to say any thing of the manifold [ 625] Testimonies of very credible authors who witnesse, that the Faith of Christ was receiued in diuers particular pla∣ces of this Island presently after the ascension of Christ, or at least while the Apostles yet liued; it can not be de∣nied, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Rome. At the request of Lucius then K. of Britaine, sent 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Faganus and other learned Preachers to sowe the seede of the Gospell here, about the yéere of our Lord 180. And it should séeme (which our histories also witnesse.) That God so farre foorth blessed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 labours, That they not onely conuerted many vnto the faith of Christ themselues, but also left a po∣sterity of other, which with like painfulnesse continued the same doctrine in this Island, till by diuers tyrants, they were in diuers places oppressed and consumed. Notwithstanding, whether it were that the Church by them planted had many notable wanes, & intermissions, or rather eclipses, in which the light of heauenly doctrine was altogether darkened by great persecution, and so no Ecclesiasticall history preserued; or whether the same being preserued, was destroyed by per∣secutors, scarcely any mention remaineth of any of their Bi∣shops. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of London, there are remembred 15. Archbi∣shops, and of Yorke 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The first of these, and the first Arch∣bishop that euer Yorke had, was one named 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ap∣pointed by the foresaid king Lucius. Againe I find it repor∣ted, that king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop there: And lastly that Tadiacus was the last Archbishop before the comming of the Saxons. When they had gotten possession of this Realme, the Britons (that were the old inhabitants) being drouen into a corner thereof (Wales and Cornewall)

the rest of England was without any knowledge, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Gospel, vntill the comming of Saint Augustine. And after him a great while the North parts of this Realme re∣mained in the darknesse of their wonted ignorance, till God tooking vpon them with the eye of his mercy, gaue this oc∣casion of their conuersion. Edwyn king of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was very desirous to marry Edilburge the sister of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king of Kent. She being not onely a Christian, but a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vertuous gentlewoman; vtterly refused to match with him being a Pagan, but signified, that vpon condition he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promise to become a Christian, she would accept him for her husband. He answered, he could be very well content 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doo nothing in preiudice of her faith; and to suffer that not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but her seruants and traine should practise what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they would: And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 withall, that if vpon consi∣deration and conference with wise men, Christian Religion should séeme more holy and woorthier of God then his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he would not refuse to embrace the same. Upon these 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Edilburg was sent vnto him to be his Quéene. And least by kéeping company with heathen people, she and those that went with her, might in time be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with their Pa∣ganisme, It was thought conuenient to send some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and godly man with her, that might not only instruct 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ad∣monish them dayly, but also minister the Sacraments vnto them, yea and preach the Gospell vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man was made choise of, whom they thought good to consecrate Archbishop of Yorke, which was done by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury the 21. day of July, in the yéere of our Lord 625. or as some account, 622. He mindfull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his vocation, as soone as he came into the Countrey, laboured di∣ligently to winne soules vnto Christ, but without any profit at all a great while:

Regis ad exemplum totus componitur 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

So long as the King remained obstinate, little good was to be done with the rest of the people. Him therefore he often exhorted to embrace Christ, and preuailed at last so far with him, as he promised to doo it, if it might please God to send him victory against Guichelm King of the West Saxons, that had conspired his death. This victory being 〈◊〉〈◊〉

according to his desire. He yet kept not promise, but delay∣ed the matter vnder pretence of perswading his Nobles first to be content therewith; And longer still he would haue delayed it, had not God by Paulinus put him in mind of a vision, he had séene long since (as Beda reporteth) and it is this. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that raigned ouer the Northumbers next before him, sought nothing more then the death of this Edwyn, to whom indeede the Crowne of right appertay∣ned. He therefore flying from this enimy, ranged vp and downe in many Countries, and that in the most secrete manner hee might, till at last hee came vnto Redwald King of the East Angles, humbly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him that he would saue his life by shielding him from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his cru∣ell enimy. The king bid him welcome, and promised to ful∣fill his request. Notwithstanding which his promise being offered a great summe of money by Edilfrid to betray him, and threatned with warre, if he condiscended not vnto him; he yéelded at last, and determined to gratifie him therein, though contrary to his word and faith giuen. This resolution of the kings being vnderstood bya companion of Edwins, he called him out of his bed late in the night, told him how the world went, and bid him thift for himselfe; whereunto he answered couragiously, that for his part he would not first breake with the king: if the king esteemed so little of his ho∣nor, as to sell it for money, better it was for him to die by the appointment of him that he knew loued him (though he loued money better) then by the appointment of his deadly enimy, whom by flying he well saw he could no longer auoid. Hereupon his companion departed from him leauing him very pensiue, sitting without doore vpon a stone. Soone after he was gone, Edwyn espied one comming toward him that he knew not, who demaunding of him why he sate there at that time of the night, other men being a sléepe? What is that vnto you saith Edwyn whether I spend the night within doore or without? Hereunto the other answered, thinke not my friend that I am ignorant of thy sadnes, and the cause of thy present griefe, I know them very well: But tell me (quoth he) what reward wouldest thou giue vnto him that should rid thée of all this care and trouble, and perswade Red∣wald

neither to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thée 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor to 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 do it. When he promised to do any thing in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that lay in his power to performe, the other 〈◊〉〈◊〉; what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also promise thee the kingdome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of thine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that thou shalt be the mightiest king, not onely of all thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all the Saxons that euer were in this I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hereunto he answered in effect as before, he would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his best to requite so great a benefit. Why then (quoth the other, and withall laid his hand vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 head) when all these things shall come to passe, and that thou shalt be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a more excellent way, to direct the course and maner of thy life, then euer was imparted vnto any of thy predecessors: Re∣member by this token (of laying my hand on thy head) to fol∣low without delay the directions that shall be giuen 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This hauing said, he vanished away to the great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and astonishment of Edwyn who had not sate there long but his companion before mentioned, came 〈◊〉〈◊〉 foorth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him with great ioy, and told him that Redwald by the per∣swasion of his Quéene had altered his determination, and was resolued (whatsoeuer came of it) to stand to his word, and to be true vnto him. To make short, God so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his heart that he was not only content to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edwyn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here∣tofore; but also gathered suddenly a great army, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in person against Edilfrid, he ouer came and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: whereby it came to passe, that Edwyn with one consent of all his subiects was made king. Now this vision (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉) God reuealed vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archbishop, who comming vnto the king Edwyn at a time when he chaunced to sit alone, deliberating with himselfe what religion he were best to fol∣low; he stept vnto him, and laying his right hand vpon his head, asked him if he knew that token: Presently the king forgetting all Princely maiesty, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 downe trembling at poore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and said he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it very well, in so much as, hereafter he would follow his direction (for matters of Religion) in all things. The king being thus woonne vnto Christ, and hauing receiued his badge and cognisance by Baptisme; the rest of the nobility first, and then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gaue diligent eare vnto the Bishops preaching, and

were conuerted daily in great numbers. It is said that for 36. daies together he neuer rested one moment, but either in∣structed the people by preaching that flocked continually a∣bout him, or else imparted Christ vnto them in Baptisme, which he ministred in the open fieldes and riuers, churches being not yet built. King Edwyn against the time of his owne Baptisme, had caused a little church to be erected of boords in the city of Yorke, and dedicated the same to Saint Peter. Afterward he layd the foundation of a very stately building round about the woodden church, which (he being taken away by vntimely death) his successor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fini∣shed. Sedwall king of Wales, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Mercia or Mid∣England came against this good king, and (God in his secret iudgement permitting the same) ouerthrew him in the field and slue him. The countrey by reason hereof being full of trouble, Paulinus (that saw he might not with safety abide any longer there) sixe yeeres after his comming thither, returned by water into Kent againe, and there was intreated to take on him the gouernment of the See of Rochester then voyd. He sate 13. yeeres, and October 10. 644. was called away to receiue the glorious reward of his blessed labours, 19. yeeres, two moneths and 21. daies after his first consecration. He was a man of a tall stature (as Beda describeth him) a little stooping, blacke haired, leane faced, his nose thinne and hoo∣ked, of a countenance both terrible and very reuerend. He was buried after his death in his Cathedrall Church of Ro∣chester.

2. Cedda.

AFter the departure of Paulinus, the Church of Yorke [ 667] was twenty (some say thirty) yeeres without a Pa∣stor by reason of the continuall warres and other trou∣bles that happened by the persecution of Pagans. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colonanus and Tuda, succeeding one another in the Bishopricke of Lindisfarne, gouerned all Northumberland as well as they could during the time of this troublesome va∣cacie. At last Egfrid king of Northumberland appointed one Wilfrid vnto the Sée of Yorke, sending him to Agelbert Bi∣shop

of Paris (sometime of Winchester) to 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of him; where Wilfrid staying very long, and not giuing any hope of spéedy returne, the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (a very holy man) without all right vnto the same to thrust 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into the place due to Wilfrid. Pauing carefully attended that charge not pertaining to him the space of thrée yéeres, he was admonished by Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was not rightly and lawfully called to that Sée, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he presently forsooke it, and was made by meanes of the same Theodorus Bishop of Lichfield.

3. Wilfridus.

THis Wilfrid was borne in the North 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of [ 666] meane parentage. The time of his childhood he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his Fathers house, being vntaught vntill he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 14. yéeres of age, at what time not sustayning the frowardnes of his stepmother, he went abroad to séeke his fortune as they say. And first he light vpon certaine Courtiers that had been beholding vnto his Father for diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉. By 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was presented vnto the Quéene, as child for wit and beau∣ty not vnfit to doo her seruice; She by questioning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the inclination of the boye, that he was desirous to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a scholler. Therefore the sent him to one Cedda, that of a Councellor and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the king, had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Monke at Lindisfarne. By him he was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, being very sharp witted, profited wonderfully vnder him. At that time there was a great contention in the Church a∣bout the obseruation of Easter; whereof this youth being desirous to be fully informed, determined to go to Rome and study there a while. By meanes of Eanfled the Quéene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Ercombert king of kent, he was furnished for this voyage, and sent along with one or two other. In the way he fell acquainted with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop of Lyons, who made very much of him, & stayed him with him a time, to the great increase of his knowledge. Continuing then no long time at Rome, in his returne homeward, he was ordered by the Archbishop of Lyons aforesaid, who also adopted him to be his sonne. He meant not to haue returned into his owne

Countrey, but that this Archbishop was taken from him be∣ing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Quéene that had cruelly staine 9. other Bishops before. Presently vpon his returne home, king Egfrid gaue him a house and maintenance, and many uoblemen admiting much his learning and eloquence, bestowed diuers things vpō him. At last with great applause & liking of all men, he was chosen bishop, & sent into Fraunce, where he was consecrate by 12. other Bishops: for he refused to take consecration at the hands of the Scottish bishops that were counsed schisinatiques in not agreeing with the Church of Rome concerning the time and obseruation of Easter. Be∣yond the Seas he stayed somewhat longer then he needed, being delighted with the company of many learned men, of that countrie: and when he would haue returned, by tem∣pest of weather he was driuen into far countries, where he wandred a long time. Comming home and finding another man in his place, he liued a while a priuate life. In which meane space he was often inuited by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king of Me∣rce-land vnto the Bishopricke of Lichfield. In the end Cedda being remooued (as before is said) he setled himselfe at Yarke, and hosced Cedda to Lichfield. Then, the first thing he went about was to finish his cathedrall church left vnperfect by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and since his departure very much decaied (for the roofe was fallen, and the walles in many places ruinous) this his church I say he repaired, and finished, mending the walles, couering it with leade, glasing the windowes and moreouer beautified the same with many goodly ornaments. He was so greatly beloued of all men for his gentlenesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and liberality, as many men liuing, but more at their death (especially cleargie men) would put their goods and chil∣dren into his hands, the one assuring themselues of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kéeper, the other of a discréete and conscionable 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hereby it came to passe that in short time he became excee∣ding rich, hauing many seruitors to attend vpon him, and great store of plate, and other houshould 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very sumptu∣ous. The report whereof comming to the eares of Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury: it put him in mind of the great∣nesse of that dioces and the ability of the country to main∣taine more Bishops. Wherefore he went about to appoint

two or thrée 〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉 VVil∣fride obstinately 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the other ceased not to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very earnestly, he appealed vnto the Pope, and went vnto him in person. Some report (I thinke vntruly) that he went 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to perswade the Quéene to forsake her husband, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take her selfe to a monastery, and that the king being greatly dis∣pleased herewith, first sought to diminish his authority by making more Bishops, and afterward made diners 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the Pope against him, séeking to haue him 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Whosoeuer caused it, certaine it is, that to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he trauailed. In passing of the sea, he was driuen by a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 winde into Frizia, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there all winter preaching the gospell (neuer hard of in that country before) vnto the king and people, whom before his Departure he conuerted vnto Christ. The Pope was then at the Counsell of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where, both by him and his counsell it was ordered, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Yorke should not be altered with∣out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 owne consent. But Egfride the king so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Theodores deuise, as Wilfride at his returne 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he must either yéeld vnto it or forsake the country. Herein me thinkes he was to blame: Not induring to take a repulse in a matter he had trauailed so much in; He rather chose to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishopricke, country and all, and to liue in pouerty and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He went into Sussex, and there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the people of that country vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ, became their first Bishop, and laid the foundations of a Cathedrall church, the Sée being afterward remooued to Chichester. Sée 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hereof in Chichester. After ten yéeres banishment, king Eg∣frid dying, Alfrid that succéeded him sent for Wilfride and desired him to returne to his Sée of Yorke: which he did. But after fiue yéeres, the king fell out with him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to Rome againe. There purging himselfe of all the accu∣sations laid against him by the king, he obtained the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 letters in fauour of him, by meanes whereof, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of many friends, with much a doo, at last he was restored 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more vnto his first charge, in which after this his last 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he liued peaceably the space of sower yeeres, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then being seuenty sixe yéeres of age, October the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yéere 711. forty fiue yéeres after his first consecration. He

was buried in the monastery of Rippon which himselfe built: many other things are at large reported of him by Beda lib. 5. cap. 20. Amongst the rest his Epitaphe there set downe I thought good to insert.

Wilfridus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 magnus requiescit corpore praesul, Hane domino qui aulam ductus pietatis amore Fecit, & eximio 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nomine Petri, Cui claues coeli Christus dedit arbiter orbis, Atque auro 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 ostro. Quinetiam sublime crucis radiante metallo Hic posuit trophaeum, nee non quatuor auro Scribi Euangelij praecepit in ordine libros, Ac thecam è rutilo his condignam condidit auro. Paschalis qui etiam solemnia tempora 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Catholiciad iustum correxit 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, Quem statuere patres, dubioque errore remoto, Certa suae genti ostendit modermina ritus; Inque locis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 monachorum examina crebra Colligit, ac monitis cauit quae regula patrum Sedulus instituit, multisque domique forisque, Iactatus nimium per tempora longa periclis, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ternos postquam egit episcopos annos, Transijt & gaudens caelestia regna petiuit, Dona Iesu Grex vt pastoris calle sequatur.

Sée more of this Wilfride in Theodore of Canterbury.

4. Bosa.

AFter the first departure of Wilfrid from Yorke, Theo∣dore procéeding in his intended platforme, diuided his Dioces into 4. placing one Eata at Hagustald whom after∣ward he remooued to Lindissarne (another of his new erecti∣ons) appointing Tumbert to succéede him, in the Prouince of the Pictes Trumwyn, and lastly in the ancient Sée of York Bosa. At the returne of Wilfrid, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was faine to giue place, as also Iohn that had succéeded Eata (dead in the mean time.) Wilfrid being expelled the second time, they were both resto∣red.) Before then the second restitution of Wilfrid, Bosa died, and Iohn succéeded him. This Iohn, Wilfrid would not dis∣place

〈7 words〉〈7 words〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the report of a very 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 man. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ten 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and dying, was the first Archbishop that was buried in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

5. Iohn.

THis Iohn called afterward Saint Iohn of Beuerley, [ 687] was a gentleman borne of a very good house, & brought vp first vnder Hilda that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abbesse, then vnder Theodore the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who also prefer∣red him to the Bishopricke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He alwaies had the reputation of a wonderfull holy man, and Beda reporteth many miracles done by him, lib. 5. cap. 2. 3. 4. 5. and 6. as the curing of diuers folkes desperately sicke, by prayer; ope∣ning the mouth of a dumb man, &c. which things either they were true, or Beda was much to blame: For he not onely li∣ued in his time and Dioces, But knew him and receiued the order of priesthood at his hand. Waxing very old, and hauing béene a Bishop now 33. yéeres, 8. monethes and 13. daies, with the consent of his Cleargy, he resigned and procured another Wilfred his Chaplaine to be consecrate in his roome. After which he liued priuately at Beuerley, in the Colledge there built and founded by himselfe for Priests, and dying the seuenth day of May, the yéere 721. was buried in the Porch of the Church belonging to that Colledge. In a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 held at London the yéere, 1416. the foresaid day of his death was appointed to be kept holy day yéerly in memorial of him. Amongst many priuileges granted by diuers kings vnto the Colledge of Beuerly for his sake, it is remembred that King Athelstan made it a Sanctuary, and placed a certaine chaire of stone in the church there, vpon which he caused this inscrip∣tion to be engrauen, Haec sedea lapidea dicitur Freedstoole 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cathedra, ad quam reus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, omnimo∣dam habet 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This chaire of stone is called Fréed∣stoole, that is the stoole of feéedome, vnto which who so com∣meth, hath all manner of security.

6. Wilfridus. 2.

THe forefaid Wilfride sate 11. yéeres, and died the yéere, 731:

7. Egbert.

AFter him sucéeded Egbert the brother of king Eadbert, [ 731] he sate 36. yeeres. and died ann. 767. This man byhis owne wisedome and the authority of his brother, amended greatly the state of his Church and Sée; He procured the Archepiscopall pall to be restored to his Church againe, and erected a famous Library in Yorke, which he stored plentiful∣ly with an infinite number of excellent bookes. This Library is honorably mētioned by Flaccus Albinus or Alcuinus (some∣time kéeper of the same, but then schoolemaster vnto Charles the great, in an Epistle to the Church of England in these words. Date 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eruditionis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quales in patria mea Anglia per industriam magistrimei Egberti habui, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vobis aliquos expueris nostris vt excipiant inde necessa∣ria & reuehant in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flores Britanniae, & non sit tan∣tum in Eboraco hortus conclusus, sed etiam in Turome emis∣siones Paradisi, &c. Neither was this man onely a fauorer of learning in other, but himselfe also was very learned, and writ many things, a Catalogue whereof you may sée in Bale. He was buried at Yorke by his brother the King in the Church Porch.

8. Coena alias Albertus.

ALbert called by Florentius Coena sate after Egbertus 7. yéeres, and died at Chester.

9. Eanbaldus.

COEna yet liuing (whether he resigned or tooke him to him for a Coadiutor, it appeareth not) Eanbald, being, an old man, was consecrate Archbishop, and liued af ter his consecration 17. yéeres. He was buried in his owne Church.

10. Eanbaldus. 2.

ANother Eanbaldus 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉, a Priest of the Church of Yorke. In the yéere 798. he cal∣led a Synod or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in which he caused diuers things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be reformed. What time he died or how long he sate, I find not.

11. Wulsius.

A Little time Wulsius enioyed his honour, and died the yéere 831.

12. Wimundus.

WImundus succéeded Wulsius, and sate 17. yéeres. He [ 831] died (as Matthew Westminster reporteth) the yéere 854.

13. Wilferus.

AFter him Wilferus was Archbishop a long time, 46. [ 854] yéeres and vpwards. The yéere 873. his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 droue him out of the countrey together with Egbert their king, who went vnto Burrhede king of Mercia, and of him were honorably intertained, till that the yéere following, king Egbert died, and by the helpe of king Ricsinus his succes∣sor, Wulferus was called home againe. He deceased about the yéere of our Lord 900. or as Matthew Westminster hath it (whose computation I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very vncertaine) 895. In his time the Danes made such hauocke in the North countrey, as a great while after the Archbishopricke was little worth, and was faine to be mended often times with the Commen∣dam of Worcester.

14. Ethelbalde.

Then followed these: Ethelbald. [ 895]

15. Redwarde.

And after him Redward, of whom nothing is recorded.

16. Wulstanus.

BY the fauour of the king Athelstan, Wulstanus was then preferred to this Sée: In whose time the same king gaue vnto the Church of Yorke Agmundernes which he bought of the Danes This Bishop was conuict of a haynous crime; forgetting the dutifull affection that he ought to beare vnto Edred his king, for Athelstane his brothers sake that preferred him; forgetting his oath and allegiance vnto the same king being his naturall Prince; yea forgetting that he was either an Englishman or a Christian: He was not ashamed to leane vnto the Danes, and sauour them, a hea∣then people, and such as sought not onely to destroy his coun∣trey, but also to roote out Christian Religion. For this trea∣son (deseruing a thousand deaths) he was onely committed to prison the yéere 952. and a yeere after inlarged againe. This is the report of William Malmesbury. Matthew West∣minster saith, he was punished in this fort for killing diuers citizens of Thetford in reuenge of the death of one Adelm an Abbot, whom they had slaine, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without cause: two yeeres after his enlargement, he died vpon Saint Ste∣phens day, the yeere 955. He was buried at a place called Undalum. Except it be Owndlc in Northhampton shire, how it is now termed I cannot gesse.

17. Oskitell.

OSkitell then succéeded, a man of good life and well lear∣ned, [ 955] who gouerned his Sée laudably 16. yeeres, and died the yéere 971.

18. Athelwold.

NExt followed Athelwold, that hauing as it were a [ 971] taste onely of this honour, was quickly weary of it, and after a very short time gaue it ouer, choosing ra∣ther to liue obscurely, so he might liue quietly.

19. Oswald.

WIthin the compasse of one yéere, viz. the yéere 971. [ 971] Yorke had three Archbishoppes, Oskitell that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Athelwold that resigned, and this Oswald. He was néere of kinne vnto Oskitell his predecessor, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto Odo Archbishop of Canterbury being his brothers 〈◊〉〈◊〉. By his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was made first Chanon of Win∣chester, after 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for at that time, the Cathedrall Church of Winchester had no monkes, but maintained a company of secular priests, whereof many were married men. Percei∣uing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 onely were now in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and other cleargy men little 〈◊〉〈◊〉; by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his vncle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his place in Winchester, and trauelled to Floriake in Fraunce, where he became a monke. Hauing continued there some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or fire yéeres, his vncle writ often very importunatly vnto him to come home, but could neuer preuaile, till he sent him word of his last sicknesse, whereof soone after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died. Oswald then destrous to haue séene him once more, made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into England, but came too late; the old Archbishop was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first. Oskitell then his other kinsman gaue him entertaine∣ment, till that by the meanes of Saint Dunstan he was pre∣ferred to the Bishoprick of Worceter, viz. the yéere 960. two yéeres after his arriual in England. He built there the church dedicated to the blessed virgine Mary hard by the church of Saint Peter, and placed monkes in the same, to the ende that the priests of Saint Peters church being continually disgra∣ced by the people (that very much reuerenced the monkes) might become a weary of their places. He was not deceiued of his expectation; the people flocked all vnto the monkes and left the priests of S. Peters alone. Partly for shame, & partly for griefe thereof (being per aduenture molested otherwise) the most of them departed thēce, & y^t rest were faine to take coules vnto them & become monks. The Sée of Yorke being voide, King Edgar carefull to place a fit man in the North country (which was then very rude and barbarous) and thinking none so fit as Oswald, made offer of the same, vnto him: and when he séemed loth to forsake Worceter, was content he

should hold bothe. This man was the first founder of the Ab∣bey of Ramsey in the Isle of Ely, and a very liberal benefactor vnto the Abbey of Floriake where he was brought vp; A great patrone of Monks, and a terrible persecutor of marri∣ed priests, whereof there were many in those daies. He died at Worceter sodainely, hauing washed the féete of certaine poore men, (as daily he accustomed) After which knéeling downe to say certaine praiers, without any sicknesse prece∣dent, he gaue vp the ghost. William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who repor∣this) addeth, that the day before his death, he told diuers of his friends that he should die. He was very learned, and left some testimonies thereof in writing, not yet perished: for the integrity also of his life & rōuersation, he was much reueren∣ced. The greatest fault I finde in him, is, that he was very earnest in setting foorth that doctrine of diuels that debarreth men of lawfull marriage. The time of his departure was February 27 an. 992. 32. yéeres after his first consecration, when he had inioyed Yorke 22. yéeres. He was buried at Worceter in the church himselfe had built. Many miracles are reported to haue béen done at his tombe, in regard where∣of the posterity would néedes make him a Saint.

20. Aldulfe.

ALdulfe Abbot of Peterborough, succéeded Oswald in [ 993] both his Sees, viz of Yorke and Worceter, a holy and reuerend man (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉) and one that striued with his predecessor in liberality toward the monastery of Flori∣ake. He died May 6. 1002. and was buried in Saint Maries church at Worceter.

21. Wulstan 2.

ANother Wulstan then by the fauour of king Knute, [ 1003] held also both the said Sees of Yorke and Worceter; for which cause Malmesbury findeth great fault with him, that in Aldulf and Oswald liked it well ynough. And all the exceptions he takes against him, is this, That he was not of so holy a profession as they, that is, he was not a monke.

Hauing béene Archbishop 20. yéeres he died the yéere 1023. and was buried at Ely.

22. Alfricus Puttoc.

ONe Leoffius then obtayned Worceter, Alfricus Put∣toc [ 1023] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Winchester being made Archbishop of Yorke. He was very angry with Worceter men, for not admitting him to that Sée also, which thrée of his prede∣cessors had held in Commendam before him. And in reuenge of this repulse, caused Hardeknute the king (with whom he could do much) At a time when they had béen somwhat back∣wards in payments to be made vnto him, to fire that goodly city. He is blamed also for another barbarous part of the same king, that caused the dead body of his owne brother Ha∣rold to be digged vp, beheaded, & then cast into the Thames. This they say was done by Alfricus the Archbishops coun∣cell. He bestowed much money vpon the colledge of Beuer∣ley, first in a new & sumptuous shrine for the body of Saint Iohn his predecessor, and then in purchasing lands to increase the reuenewes thereof, viz. some at Milton, other at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and againe at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He died at Southwell the yéere 1051. and was buried at Peterborough.

23. Kinsius

AChaplaine of king Edward the Confessor one Kinsius [ 1050] succeeded Alfrike. He built very much at Beuerley, to wit, the Hall, the Church, and diuers other edisices, gaue many bookes and ornaments to Shyrestone, and other churches of his Dioces, sate 10. yéeres, died at Yorke 1059. December 22. and was buried at Peterborough where he had sometimes lined a monke.

24. Aldredus.

THe Sée of Yorke falling void by the death of Kinsius, Aldredus [ 1060] that being first a Monke of Winchester, then Abbot of Tauestock, was consecrate Bishop of Wor∣ceter the yeere 1046. making his way by money and bribes liberally bestowed amongst Courtiers, found a meanes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and abuse the simplicity of king Edward the Con∣fessor, and by alleadging the example of his predecessors that had held Worceter in commendam with Yorke, obtained li∣cence of him to hold them both, wherein so holy a man as 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Edward (me thinkes) should haue beene more precise. Hauing preuailed thus farre, he went to Rome for his pall together with the Earle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brother to the Quéene, Giso after Bi∣shop of Welles, and Walter of Hereford. The Pope at that time was Nic. the second, a great enimy to simony, which in this age began to grow very rise. Whether he had heard som∣what of Aldredes bribing in obtaining this preferment, or whether he fisht it out by strict examination (which is deli∣uered) he not onely refused to establish him in his Archbi∣shopricke, but also depriued him of the Bishopricke he had before. Homewards they came together in one company, but with diuers affections; Gilo and Walter ioyfull for the honor newly done vnto them: (for being found men, not onely lear∣ned, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of good conuersation, and not culpable of any corrup∣tion; They were consecrate at Rome with all fauor and ho∣nor that might be: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Earle, peasiue for his friend, whose bribes he had receiued to the others ouerthrow; and lastly Aldred almost desperate for so great a calamity as was fallen vpon him. Sée the power of Almighty God, that not onely raiseth as it were in a moment from the bottome of mi∣sery, vnto the toppe of happinesse; But also doth it by such meanes oftentimes as we thinke more likely to cast vs down farther, then to relieue vs any thing at all. This iolly compa∣ny, trauailing from Rome toward the Alpes, by the way were encountred with a company of good fellowes (in a hap∣py hower for Aldred) that spoyled them of all they had about them, leauing them neither horse nor money, nor any thing

money worth but their apparrell. So there was no remedy, but backe to Rome they must againe to furnish them a new for their iourney. There Tosti with open mouth exclaimed against the Pope, saying, there was no reason that farre re∣mote nations should sogreatly stand in awe of his excōmu∣nications, which théeues and robbers cared not a halfpenny for, but contemned openly and derided euen vnder his derided that amongst poore Priests, he would play Rex, but let re∣bellious varlets doo what they list. If by his meanes (quoth he) our goods be not restored to vs againe, let him giue vs leaue to say, that by his fault and misgouernment we haue lost them; and we hope that our King will haue such consideration of vs, as in the end, this iniury (if he heare of it) shall prooue a greater losse to the Pope then to vs. For my part, I will not faile to certifie him of the truth, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him daily for recompence, which out of the tribute the Pope hath of England, will soone be made. And except he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it better, why he should haue any at all. I see not. Partly by meanes of these threats, partly in commiseration and pitie, partly by importunity of suite, Aldred at last obtai∣ned his Archbishopricke, & had his pall giuen him vpon con∣dition that he should leaue Worceter. Into which Sée at his returne he wrought 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but hampered him so, as here∣tained almost all the commodity to himselfe, leauing Wulstan only 12. mannors to maintaine his state. In defence of which dealing he alledged, that the lands & possessions of the Arch∣bishopricke were so wasted and spoyled by the Danes and other in the time of Wulfere, as since that, they yéelded little or no profit. It could not be altogether true. For Alfrike and Kinsius (as before you heard) built and purchased much, ha∣uing no commendam at all. This Aldred likewise built much; A Hall for the Cannons to dine in together at Yorke, and another at Southwell; At Beuerley the Hall begun by his predecessors & left vnperfect, he finished; the Presbytery there he raised frō the very foundation, as also a goodly church at Glocester, euen the same which is now the Cathedrall Church. This likewise is commended in him, that whereas the Cleargy of those times were very vndecently appareled nothing differing from Lay men, he brought all the ministery

of his prouince to an vniforme and séemely kinde of habit. Not many yéeres after his returne, king Edward the Confes∣sor died, and Harold inuading the dignity royall no way 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him, was crowned by Aldred. Wallian, the Conqueror also refusing to receiue the Crowne at Stigands hands (whom he called the vsurper of Canterbury) desired him to performe that solemnity, which he did, requiring first an oath of him to defend the Church, minister iustice (and amongst other things) to vse English men as fauorably as Normans. This oath it séemed vnto Aldred the king had broken, and therefore (like a couragious Prelate) he stucke not to thunder out an excommunication against him, saying that now worthily he had cursed, whom once vnworthily he had blessed. This bold pranke being reported vnto the king, incensed him very much at first, but thinking better of it, he determined to giue faire words a while, and so sent some to entreat for his absolution. These messengers came too late for the Bishop being troubled much in mind after the performance of that action, and either amased with feare of what might happen after it, or ouer∣come with gréefe and repentance of that he had done; neuer could be mery after, and so by conceit was cast into a disease, whereof he died. September 11. 1069. This is the report of W. Malmesbury, others say (namely Florentius Wigorne) that he was so grieued with the comming in of a Nauy of the Danes, as he prayed to God to take him out of this life, that he might not sée the slaughter and spoyle which he thought they would make; And that this griefe was the cause of his death. He was more reuerenced afterward then while he li∣ued a great deale, No English man succéeded him in many yéeres after; And the Normans being odious vnto the people they gladly reprehended all their actions, & comparing them with such English Bishops as they could remember, made most fauorable report of them. One thing also encreased his credite much: Vrsus Earle of Worceter had built a Castle there to some preiudice of the monks, in so much as the ditch of the said Castle empaired a little of the Church yard. Al∣dred went vnto the Earle (hauing before admonished him to right the wrong) and hauing demaunded of him whether it were done, by his appointment (which he could not deny) loo∣king

〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉; 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Vrse Haue thou Gods 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and mine, and of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heads, except thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away this castle, and know thou assuredly, that thy posterity shall not inherite the land 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inheritance of Saint Mary. This his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seemed to take effect, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after, and Roger his sonne a very small time enioying his fathers honour, lost the same, and was saine to flye the realme for killing an officer of the kings. Thus much for Aldred, who after his death was bu∣ried in his owne church.

25. Thomas.

THe king then appointed Thomas a Channon of Bayon [ 1070] to be his successor, a Norman by birth, but he was brought vp altogither in the schooles of the Saxons in Fraunce, except a little time he spent in Spaine. He was the sonne of a priest (a married priest I take it) and brother vnto Sampson Bishop of Worceter, whose sonne Thomas succée∣ded afterwards this Thomas in this Sée of Yorke. A man very learned, gentle both in countenance and words, of a ve∣ry swéete and amiable behauiour, chaste, and (which is not to be despised) of a goodly personage, being in his youth beauti∣full, in his latter time well coloured, and his haire, both head and beard as white as snow. At his first entrance, he had some what to do with Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury, vnto whom he would not make profession of obediencē neuer (as he alledged) before that time required. And indéed before the comming of William the Conqueror (saith one) the two Metropolitanes of England, were not onely in authority, dignity and office, but also in number of suffragane Bishops 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But at this time (saith he) they of Canterbury 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the new king, that Yorke ought to be subiect vnto their Sée, and that it was for the good and safety of the king, that the church thereof should be obedient principally vnto one; for that otherwise one might set the crowne vpon one mans 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the other doe as much for some body else. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is more at large debated in Canterbury. The ende for that time was, that Thomas ouerborne by the

Archbishop of Canterbury Lanfranke and the king (who fa∣uoured him) was faine to appeale vnto Rome; both of them being there in person before the Pope, they fell (as commonly it happeneth in like cases) from the chiefe point, into by mat∣ters and articling one against another. What Thomas laide against Lanfranke I find not. And all that Lanfranke had to say against him was, that he was a priests son (〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉) and that the king for his faithfull seruice had promised him a Bishopricke before his comming into Eng∣land. These were so great matters in the Popes iudgement, as Thomas must be depriued of his ring and crosier, and not restored to them but by the entreaty of Lanfranke. As for the matter of Primacy, he left it to the iudgment of the king and Bishops of England, who forced Thomas to yeeld. Comming then to Yorke, he found y^t estate of his whole Dioces (the city & church especially) most miserable. The Danes before men∣tioned comming toward Yorke; the Normans that held the castle thought good to burne certaine houses neere the castle, least they might be a furtherance vnto the enemy. This vn∣gentle fire would not be entreated to stay iust where they would haue it, but procéeding farther then his commission, de∣stroyed the monastery and church of Saint Peter, and in fine the whole city. Before the fire was out, the Danes came and tooke both city and castle by force, putting to the sword all the Normans they found there (to the number of 3000) sauing none aliue, but one William Mallet, his wife, children, and a few other. Soone after the destruction of this goodly city, the king came into these parts with a puissant army against the Danes, not ceasing to make all manner of spoile as if he had béene in the enemies countrey. So betwéene the Danes and the Normans, such hauocke was made, as all the land from the great riuer of Humber vnto the riuer of Tine, lay waste, and not inhabited by any man for the space of nine yeeres af∣ter. In the church of Yorke there were onely thrée Chanons left, the rest being all either dead or fled away: & they had left vnto them neither house to put their heads in, nor any good meanes how to line and maintaine themselues. All these faults this industrious Bishop endeuoured to amend. First he new couered and repaired his church as well as he might

to serue the turne for a time. But afterwards he pulled downe all the old building, and erected from the very foundation a new, to wit, the Minster that now standeth. His channons dispersed abroad, he called home againe, and tooke order they should be reasonably prouided for. He built them a hall and a dorter, and appointed one of them to be the Prouost, and go∣uernour of the rest. Also he bestowed certaine mannors and lands vpon them, and caused other to be restored that had béen taken from them. The church then hauing continued in this state a good while, I know not by whose aduise, the Archbi∣shop thought good to diuide the land of Saint Peters church into Prebends, and so to allot a particular portion vnto eue∣ry channon, whereas before they liued together vpon the common charges of the church at one table, much in like sort as fellowes of houses do now in the Uniuersities. At the same time also he appointed a Deane, a Treasurer, and a chanter; and also for the Chauncellorship it was founded of him be∣fore. The church newly built by him he furnished with books, and all kind of ornaments necessary; but his speciall care was to furnish the same and the rest of his Dioces with lear∣ned and honest men, with whom he was woont continually to conferre and reason (sometime with one, and sometime with another) partly for his owne exercise, and partly to sée, what was in them, and to raise them vp to a diligence in in∣creasing their knowledge. Himselfe was very learned, and writ diuers things both in prose and verse. He was also a ve∣ry good musition, and could not onely sing, but play very well vpon the organs, and did set many songs. Hauing crowned king Henry the first, August 5. 1100. with the helpe of Mau∣rice Bishop of London (because Anselm Archbishop of Can∣terbury liued then in banishment) the 18. of Nouember fol∣lowing being sunday he died at Rippon, and was buried at Yorke in the Minster himselfe had built, next vnto Aldred his predecessor.

26. Gerard.

AFter the death of Thomas, Gerard nephew vnto Wal∣kenlin [ 1101] Bishop of Winchester and Chauncellor of En∣gland vnder William the Conquerour, and Rofus his sonne, hauing beene Bishop of Heresord no long time, he was elected vnto Yorke, but obtayned not confirmation a great while. For he refused to make profession of obedience vnto Canterbury, till being commaunded by the Popes let∣ters, he performed the same. He sate Archbishop seuen yéeres, and almost sixe moneths, and died suddenly in his garden at Southwell, at a time when no body was with him. He was a good benefactor vnto the Church of Yorke; for he was a meanes vnto the king, to bestow the Church of Laxton vp∣on the Chapter: and himselfe hauing obtayued of him the Churches of Dryfield, Kilne, Pockington and Burgh, he gaue them all likewise to the Chapter. This notwithstan∣ding, after his death they would not suffer him (bying so sud∣denly) to be buried within their church (hardly in the church∣yard. So he was laide at the entrance of the church porch. But Thomas his successor not suffering such an indignity to be offered vnto an Archbishop, remooued his bones into the Church afterward, and caused them to be honorably in∣toombed. He was a man of great learning, and for elo∣quence admirable; but somewhat too eager against mar∣ried Priests, whom by no meanes he could abide. Bale chargeth him with forcery and coniuration, because for∣sooth, that after his death, there was found in his cham∣ber a volume of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who writ of Astrology indéed, but of coniuration nothing that euer I heard.

27. Thomas. 2.

A Second Thomas succéeded, a Chaplain of the kings, ne∣phew [ 1108] vnto the former Thomas, and sonne vnto Samp∣son Bishop of Worceter. Euen as his predecessor, he was very loath to make his profession vnto Caterbury. Be∣ing called vpon by Anselme the Archbishop; He made many

〈◊〉〈◊〉. Wherefore Anselme lying very 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and perceiuing his end to be néere, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 all the Bishops of England, commanding them not to consecrate him before he had made his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, laying a terrible curse, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon whosoeuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doo it. The king after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Bishop of Worceter (whose sonne he was) to consecrate him: But he answered that he would not haue the curse of Father 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for any worldly good. So in the end being perswaded to yéeld, as other had done before him; consecration was afforded vnto him, and performed by his Father 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the foresaid Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or (as other report) by the Bishop of London, Iune 27. 1108. This man erected 〈◊〉〈◊〉 newe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his Church of Yorke, he placed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reguler at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 parcels of land vnto the Colledge of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and purchased of the king the like liberties & priuileges for them that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Yorke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. He sate little aboue 5. yéeres, and died (I thinke I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 say) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Martyr. Lying dangerously 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he was aduertised by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the nature of his disease, to be such, as if he vsed the company of a woman, he neede not doubt of his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 otherwise nothing was to be looked for but death. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, then to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so high and sacred a calling with so soule and haynous an 〈◊〉〈◊〉. So he ended his life Februa∣ry. 19. 1114. and was buried beside the former Thomas his vncle.

28. Thurstan.

THomas the Archbishop being taken away (as before I [ 1115] haue declared) Thurstan a Cannon of Paules and the Kings Chaplaine was chosen to succéed him He, when he could by no meanes obtaine consecration of Ralph Archbi∣shop of Canterbury, without making profession of subiection, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and forsooke the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his election. Yet re∣membring himselfe at last, he went to Rome, to plead his cause before the Pope, and obtained letters to the king and Archbishop of Canterbury in commendation of his cause. These letters preuailing nothing with the Archbishop that

would be wonne by no meanes, and Thurstan continuing as obstinate in his resolution; The Sée remained void along time. At last, it fell out, that a Counsell was summoned to be held at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Thurstan crauing leaue of the king, to goe thither, could not obtaine it before he had promised that he would not receiue consecration there. Which promise not∣withstanding, so well he followed his businesse, that be∣fore the comming ouer of other English Bishops to the Counsell, he was a Bishop ready consecrate as well as they, and that by the hand of the Pope himselfe. So he (and he on∣ly I thinke of all the Archbishops of York since the Conquest) neuer made profession of subiection to the Metropoliticall See of Canterbury. The King hearing of this dealing. was ve∣ry greatly offended with Thurstan, and for bad him England. Neither could the Pope (méeting with the King at Gisors and intreating for him) so pacifie his displeasure, as that he would suffer him to returne. After fiue yeeres banishment, the Pope writ a very sharpe letter vnto the king, signifying, that he would excommunicate both him, and the Archbishop of Canterbury also, if Thurstan were any longer kept from his See and charge. Hereupon he was called home, and soone after reconciled vnto the King. This man is much praysed, first for his learning, then for his great wisedome and discretion, and lastly for his industry and diligence, his care and painefulnesse, in well gouerning the charge committed to him. He was a very kinde man to his Can∣nons, vnto whom amongst other things, he affoorded this priuiledge, that, the yeerely profite of their prebends, being deuided into thrée parts, it should be lawfull for any Canon to bequeath two parts of the yéere next ensuing his death, alotting the third vnto the Fabricke, that is toward the re∣paration of the church. This order he set downe, not onely at Yorke, but at Beuerley also, at Southwell, at Rippon, and at Glocester; all which were colledges founded by Archbishops of Yorke. Moreouer it is to be remembred, that he either founded a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or renued and repaired eight monasteries. In the latter end of his time, to wit June 4. 1137. a lamentable chaunce befell his church and city. By casuall fire Saint Pe∣ters church in Yorke, Saint Maries without the walles, a

〈◊〉〈◊〉 all of his owne 〈7 words〉〈7 words〉 were 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 city 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. Hauing continued in that 〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉, from the time of his election, and being a very 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, he determined to forsake the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Pontsract, which he did, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Bishopricke Ianuary 25. 1140. His cowle was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warme vpon his back when death appointed him the vse of an other garment. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies after his resignation he died, viz. February 5. the yeere aforesaid.

29. Henry Murdac.

VVIlliam Treasurer of Yorke a kinsman of king Stephens tooke then vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that Sée. A man very noble by birth and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but much more noble in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manners. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obtained not onely election, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also (as 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 vnto me) he sent vnto Rome for his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there, was not so good as he looked for: By some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were taken against him, whereby it came to passe not onely his sute was put of and staid for that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but also processe awarded to admonish him to come thither in person to answere the accusations laied against him. At his comming to Rome, he found his aduersaries many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mighty. And amongst the rest, it is remembred that Saint Bernard then liuing was very earnest against him. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pope had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought vp in the Abbey of Clareuall vn∣der Saint Bernard, together with Henry Murdas, whom Williams aduersaries had set vp to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a suter for this Archbi∣shopricke. The Pope being thus caried away with the per∣swasion of his old acquintance, and some shew of matter & was content to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 William, and to place Henry Murdac in his roome, whom he caused to be consecrate presently, and sent him home into England with his Pall. King Stephen hearing this newes, was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, which all men 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him to 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 vnto him in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 man∣ner;

and when he denied, easily tooke occasion of displeasure against him. The townesmen of Yorke that loued William excéedingly for his gentlenesse and vertuous behauiour a∣mongst them; hearing how the king was affected; refused to receiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into their city. For this resistance he suspen∣deth the city; which notwithstanding, Eustach the kings sonne commaunded seruice to be said as at other times was accustomed. By meanes hereof, as also by reason that the kings officers were very terrible and heauy enemies vnto all that had laboured for the depriuation of William; sediti∣ons and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were daily raised in the city, amongst which a certaine Archdeacon, a friend of the Archbishoppes was slaine. Two or thrée yéeres these stirs continued, till at last, the kings wrath by meanes being appeased, Yorke men were content to receiue their Archbishop peaceably. He go∣uerned very austerely the space of ten yeeres, died October 14. 1153. at Sherborne, and was buried in his Cathedrall church.

3. Saint William.

VVIlliam, immediately after his depriuation, got him [ 1153] home into England, and in great patience awai∣ting the pleasure of God, betooke himselfe to the monastery of Winchester, liuing much in the company of Henry the Bishop, that did first consecrate him. Now ye shall vnderstand, that a little before the death of Henry Murdac, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Pope his old companion, and Saint Bernard the Master of them bothe (for they had bene his scollers) were taken out of this life. William then was greatly animated by his friends to make complaint vnto Anastasius the uew Pope of the wrong heretofore done vnto him; and prouoked by their importunity, did so indeede, trauailing to Rome, in his owne person. He had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commenced his complaint, when newes was brought that Henry Murdac also his old aduersa∣ry was departed this life. Following then, the aduise of Gre∣gory a Cardinall, a very pollitique and subtill fellow; with∣out any great sute he was restored vnto all his honours and had the pall deliuered vnto him. He was returned into En∣gland

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, which he kept 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 the Bishop of Winchester. 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 church, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the way by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 church, and appealed vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against him, which he little estéemed, but went forward notwithstanding. All the rest of the cleargy and commonalty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ioy. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Virg, reporteth, that passing ouer the riuer beyond 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, the number of people that followed him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honour was so 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as the bridge being but a wo∣den bridge, brake euen inst as the Bishop was oner, and throw them all into the water. But the blessing and praier of this holy man (he supposeth) preuailed so much with God, as they were all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 preserued from drowning. Into his city he was honorably receiued, and began a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and gentle gouernment, shewing no token of gall or malice toward his ancient and most bitter cnimies; but he was ta∣ken away by death before he could performe any great mat∣ter otherwise. Soone after Whitsuntide he fell sicke (as it séemed) of a kinde of ague, and within a day or two after de∣parted this life. The common report is, that he was poyso∣ned in the challice at masse. But Newbrigensis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this opinion at large, li. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 26. Certaine it is y^t it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suspected to be so, not only after his death, but also while he yet liued, in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 times, In so much as one of his chaplaines aduised him to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 poyson, which he also did as one 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but other say he answered, quod antidotum dioinum non adijceret humano, that he would not adde the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the body vnto the preseruatiue of the soule, becanse forsooth he had then lately receined the sacrament. Howsoeuer it was, he died very sud∣denly, his teeth waxing very blacke a little before his death, and not without some other notes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of poy∣son. The time of his departure was June 8. 1154. After his death he was made a Saint, and the day aforesaid June 8, appointed vnto the celebration of his memory. Many mira∣cles are said to haue beene wrought at his toombe in the Ca∣shedrall church of Yorke. Beleeue it that list, I cannot: to say∣no more, me thinkes the man whose depriuation Saint Bar∣nard

procured, should not be worthy to be reputed a Saint, or like to worke miracles.

31. Roger.

NO sooner was William dead, but Robert the Deane, and Osbert the Archdeacon, laide plots for the electi∣on of Roger Archdeacon of Canterbury, and procu∣ring the Archbishop and the Popes Legate to become suters for him, with much adoo they induced the Chapter to choose him. He was consecrate by Anastasius the Pope about the end of the yéere 1154. This man is not gratious in our sto∣ries; yet he is confessed to haue béene very learned, well spo∣ken, passing wise, and a great augmenter of the state of his Bishopricke, both in reuenewes and buildings. The reason is, he fauoured not monkes, by whom in a manner all our histories are written. He was wont to say, that Thurstan ne∣uer did a worse deede, then in erecting the Monastery of Fountney. And that it may 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he faigned not this mislike, you shall find in Newbridg. lib. 3. cap. 5. That a cer∣taine religious man comming vnto him when he lay vpon his death bed, requested him to confirme certaine graunts made vnto their house: to whom he answered, you see my friend I am now vpon the point of death, it is no time to dis∣semble; I feare God, and in regard thereof refraine to satisfie your request, which I protest I can not doo with a good con∣science; A strange doctrine in those daies; but being a wise man and learned, he must néedes discerne, that the monkes of his time were so farre swarued and degenerate from the holinesse of those first excellent men of the primitiue Church, as they resembled rather any other kinde of people, then those whom they pretended in profession to succeed. These men (the monkes I meane) to be reuenged vpon him, haue stamped vpon him two notable faults, one, that he preferred whipping boyes vnto the chiefe dignities of the Church, wherein (were it true) no body can excuse him; The other thing they lay to his charge is manifestly false; They say he was miserably co∣uetous, and how doo they prooue it? Because forsooth he left a certaine deale of ready money behind him. Surely in my

〈1 line〉〈1 line〉

same, made no haste to receiue consecration, as knowing bet∣ter how to sheare his shéepe, then to feed them, which he knew he might do without consecration as well as with it. Seuen yéeres he held the Bishoprick after that sort, and at length by the perswasion of his father, desirous to haue his sonne néere about him (as some say) or perceiuing him vnfit to make a cleargy man (as other say) He resigned his interest in the church of Lincolne, and got him to the court, where he was made Lord Chanucellour of England, and held that office about eight yéeres, viz. vntill the yéere 1189. at what time his father died. Many Bishoprickes at that time were void, and had béene some of them a long time, as Yorke now ten yeeres, and Lincolne seuenteene. King Richard therefore vn∣derstanding the people murmured and grudged much at these long vacations, and knowing also it imported him to see his brother prouided for; he thought to stop two gaps with one bush, and at once to furnish Yorke with an Archbishop, and his brother with a liuing. So he writ his letters vnto the chapter of Yorke in his brothers behalfe, who (not with∣out some difficulty) elected him. He was consecrate at Tours in Fraunce in the moneth of August 1191. Presently after his consecration comming ouer into England, he was impri∣soned by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Ely the Chauncellour, being drawen from the very altar of Saint Martins church in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but he was quickly set at liberty againe. And the proude Chauncellour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 repented him of his rashnesse and folly, being excommunicate for the same, and otherwise hardly ynough vsed, as you may see more at large in his life. This man prooued a better Bishop then was expected, gouerning his Prouince (if not somewhat too stoutely, according to the courage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a man of so high birth and nobility) very well and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He is praysed much for his tempe∣rance, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 both of conntenance and beha∣uiour. All the time of his brother 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (expecting the wrong done vnto him by the Bishop of Ely) he liued quietly without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or complaint of any. Betweene him and king Iohn (who was his brother also) there was much adoe. In the second yeere of his raigne, he commaunded the Sheriffe of Yorkeshire to seise vpon all the goods and lands of the Arch∣bishop,

and his seisure to returne into the exchecquer, which was done accordingly: whereupon the said Archbishop ex∣communicated, not onely the Sherisie that had done him this violence, but all those in generall that were the authors of the same, and that had béene any meanes to stirre vp the kings indignation against him. The cause of this trouble is diuersly reported: some say, that he hindered the kings offi∣cers in gathering a kind of taxe through his 〈◊〉〈◊〉; others, that he refused to saile into Norwandy with him, when he went to make a marriage for his neice, and to conclude a league with the French king. Whether one of these were the cause, or both, or none, I can not tell; But certaine it is, that one whole yéere his temporalities were detained from him, his mooueable goods neuer restored, and yet moreouer he was saine to pay a thousand pound sterling for his restituti∣on. This was a greater wound then that it might easily be cured. Sixe or 7. yéeres after, it brake out againe, to wit, an. 1207. King Iohn then being at Winchester required such of the cleargy & Nobility, as were there present to consent, that payment should be made vnto him, of the thirtéenth shilling of all the mooueable goods in England; This motion no man gainesaid, but Geffrye the Archb. his brother. After this, whe∣ther it were he were guilty of some greater attempt, or that he vnderstood, his brother to be gréeuously offended with him for withstanding, this his desire; well perceiuing England was too hote for him, secretly he auoyded the Realme, ex∣communicating before his departure such of his iurisdiction, as either had paied the said taxe, or should hereafter pay it. He liued then in banishment 5. yéeres, euen vntill he was called to his long home by death, which was the yéere 1213. So he continued Archbishop somewhat more then 21. yéeres.

33. Walter Gray.

THe Sée was void after the death of Geffry, the space of [ 1217] foure yéeres. In the meane space, Symon de Langton brother vnto Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canter∣bury was elected by the Chapter of Yorke. But king Iohn being lately become tributary, vnto the church of Rome, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

found meanes to Cassire and disanull that election. If the old quarrell betwéene the Archbishop and him, stucke yet some thing in his stomacke, I maruell not: but he alledged that he thought it dangerous and very inconuenient the whole Church of England should be ruled by two brethren, one at Canterbury in the South, an other at Yorke in the North. He laboured then very earnestly to haue Walter Gray his Counsellor remooued from Worceter to Yorke. The channons there refused him for want of learning (as they said) but at last they were content to accept him, in re∣gard (forsooth) of his singular temperance and chastity: they seemed to be perswaded that he had continued till that time a pure maide. The matter was, they durst do no other but yeeld, and then thought good to make a vertue of necessity. This man was first Bishop of Chester, consecrate the yéere 1210. translated thence to Worceter 1214. and lastly the yéere 1216 to Yorke; but vpon such conditions as I thinke he had béene better to haue staid at Worceter still. The Pope would haue no lesse then 10000, l. for wresting him into the Archbishoprick; for y^t gathering of which mony, he was faine to be so thrifty, as in all our histories he is infamous for a mi∣serable couetous wretch: for proofe whereof, I will recount vnto you a strange report of M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The yéere 1234. there was great dearth & scarcity of corne, and (by reason that the dearth had continued then thrée yeeres) mortality of people also, as well by pestilence as famine. Amongst many rich men that were nothing mooued with compassion toward the poore dayly perishing for want of reliefe, this Archbishop is especially noted, that he had fiue yéeres corne in store, and would not thresh it out. Being told at last by his officers, that it was much to be feared, it was consumed by mice, or some other way much the woorse for so long standing; he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to deliuer it to the husbandmen that dwelt in his man∣nors, vpon condition they should pay as much new corne for it after haruest. They intending to doe as he commanded, went about to take downe a great mow of corne he had at Rippon. And first comming toward it, they saw the heads of many serpents, snakes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other venemous creatures pearing out at the ends of the sheaues. This being told vnto

the Archbishop, he sent his steward, and diuers of good credit, to enquire the truth thereof: who seeing that which the other had seene, enforced notwithstanding certaine poore men to go vp vnto the top of it with ladders. They were scarcely 〈◊〉〈◊〉, when they saw a blacke smoake rise out of the corne, and felt a most toathsome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which compelled them withall hast possible to get thē downe againe. Moreouer, they all heard an vnknowen voice saying vnto them, Let the corne alone, for the Archb. and all he hath is the diuels possession. To make short they were faine to build a wal about it, and then to set it on fire, fearing least such an infinite deale of venemous crea∣tures might infect and poyson, or at least greatly annoy the whole countrey. The credit of this report I leaue vnto the Readers discretion. Matthew Westminster commendeth the man greatly for his wisedome in gouerment and his loyall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto his Prince; and that he deserued this commenda∣tion, I account it no slender proofe; that Quéene Elianore (to whom her husband king Henry the third had committed the charge of the realme trauelling into Fraunce) she (I say) ha∣uing occasion to crosse the seas to conferre with her husband, committed the rule and gouernment of the same vnto this Archbishop. It was in the yéere 1253. at what time he being a very aged man and sickely, was excéeding loath to take it vpon him. He sate Archbishop aboue 39. yéeres, in which space he did many things to the good and benefit, both of his Sée and church. The mannor of Thorpe he purchased and the church of the same, both which he gaue vnto his Sée. He erected many Chauntries in diuers places. He gaue vnto his church 32. wonderful sumptuous coapes; and left a goodly stocke of cattle vnto his successors, procuring the king to con∣firme the gift, and to take order that euery Archbishop should be bound to leaue it as he found it. He bought vnto his Sée the house now called White Hall (and heretofore Yorke place) Hubert de Burgo Earle of Kent built it, and gaue it vn∣the Fryer preachers in London, who sold it vnto this Arch∣bishop. In the time of Cardinall Woolsies disgrace, the king required it of him, & he either for feare, or els hope of currying a little fauor with the king that way, yéelded by & by. He died at last on May day 1255. & was buried in S. Peters church.

34. Sewall.

VVHen the king heard of his death, he determined [ 1259] not to suffer his place to be filled ouer hastily. All other Bishopricks of England (saith he) haue bene in my hands heretofore, but this neuer: Therefore I must be aduised how I let it passe out of my fingers. The Chapter af∣ter a conuenient space, made choise of Sewall their Deane a man modest, vertuous and learned, being well seene not one∣ly in diuinity, but in law also and much other good learning. Diuers of his writings remaine and are remembred by Bale in his centuries. He was a diligent hearer of Edmund of A∣benden (after Archbishop of Canterbury, and canonized a Saint) at what time he read the diuinity lecture in Oxford. This Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as Matthew Paris reporteth) would often tell his scholler Sewall, that out of all question he should die a Martyr. Now far foorth this prediction fell out true, you shall heare anon. Now the king not liking this spéede of the Chapter men, as not being for his profit, hindred the new elect what he might, and for want of better matter, alleaged against him, that he was a bastard, and so by the Cannons vncapeable of that honour. It was true enough, and how he salued that soare I cannot tell; A dispensation belike from Rome (where all things were then to be had for mony) tooke away that obstacle. I find he was consecrate by the suffragan Bishops, of his owne prouince: Iuly 23. 1256 a yeere and almost three moneths, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the death of his predecessor. His Deanery being thus void, the Pope tooke vpon him to bestow the same vpon one Iordan a stranger, that vnderstood 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one word of English, and otherwise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnworthy of that goodly preferment. This Iordan doubting least in taking pos∣session he might happily be resisted, came into the church of Yorke, at dinner time, and inquiring of one (whom by chance he found then at his praiers) which was the Deanes stall? Caused two of his owne company to deliuer him possession thereof. This being done, though in hugger mugger, was quickly brought vnto the Archbishops eares, who grieued in∣finitely at the same, and sought, by all meanes possible to dis∣annull

and make voide the Popes gift. The 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 church men were so amazed with this strange and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 course (strange in those daies, but afterwards too com∣mon) as they knew not what to do or say. It seemed most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and detestable vnto them, that so high a dignity, and an office of such importance, in place and authoritie next vnto the Archbishop, should be conferred vpon a base ob∣scure and contemptible fellow. But they stood so in awe of the Popes tyranny, whereunto the king had subiected, and as it were prostrate himselfe, that they durst not make any profes∣sion of mislike About the same time the Pope sent a comman∣dement into England, that 300. of the next benefices that fel, should he bestowed vpon certaine Italians that he named, men ignorant of the English toong, and though otherwise perhaps worthy the places appointed them (which is greatly to be doubted) yet in that respect most vnfit to haue cure of soules committed vnto them. In this iniurious course, our Sewall couragiously withstood him, and not onely by word and letter sharpely reprehended him, but also in deeds resisted this his tyranny; vtterly refusing to admit either Iordan vn∣to the Deanry, or any other of his Italians to any other pro∣motion in his Dioces. For his labour he was quickely sus∣spended. Wherewith he was so little terrified, as that not∣withstanding, he stood still stoutly to his tackling, and yeelded not one inch. Iordan therefore, whether doubting of good suc∣cesse, or wearied with trouble, or in regard, that he perceiued himselfe very odious in Yorke, resigned his Deanry, accep∣ting a pension of 100. markes out of it. This composition with Iordan, nothing apeased the Popes fury. Determining belike to make him an example to other, he first caused his crosse in contumelious maner to be taken from him, and soone after thundred ont his greatest excōmunication against him, causing him to be cursed throughout England with bell, booke and candle. By these, and infinite other vexations (saith Matthew Paris) he was much disgraced in the fight of the world; but became no doubt far the more acceptable in the sight of God. So long he denied to how his knees vnto this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as ouercome with care, and not induring those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all molestations, he died at last hart broken, much better de∣seruing

the name of a Martyr, then many other to whom the church of Rome hath afforded that title. Lying vpon his death bed, & perceiuing his end to approch, with watry eies looking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 towards heauen in y^t bitternes of his soule he made this prayer, which I thinke not vnworthy in this place to be inserted: Lord Iesus Christ thou most iust iudge, from whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wisedome nothing is hid, thou knowest how the Pope (vnto whom thou hast suffered the gouernment of thy church to be deliuered) hath with manifold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ouerwhel med my innocencie, for no other cause (as thou canst witnes, & the world doubteth not) then this, that I would not admit men altogether vnknowne, yea and most vnfit, vnto the cure and care of those churches, the rule and charge whereof vnto me (though vnwoorthie) thou hast committed: Notwith∣standing least by my contempt the Popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sentence of excommunication become iust and deserued, with all humili∣tie I craue to be absolued from the same. But I appeale vnto thee the supreme and vncorruptible iudge; and both heauen and earth shall be my witnesses, that he hath most vniustly vexed and many waies as gréeuously, as wrongfully offen∣ded me. Before his end also he writ vnto the Pope a very ef∣fectuall, and pithie letter, wherein he laied before him at large the miserable estate into which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him and his predecessors had brought the church; praying him to haue a care to amend what was amisse, & to remember that Christ repeated vnto Peter thrice, Feede my sheepe, but not so much as once or halfe once bid him either to flay them or to sheere them, much lesse to teare out their very bowels to deuours or destroy them, as he did. But the Pope was so farre from following this good aduise, as he not onely contemned the same, but first derided the good Bishop for his labor, & after∣ward grew into great choller, taking it hainously, that any mortall man should be so presumptuous, as to admonish him of his dutie. He sate Archbishop onely two yéeres, in which time he reformed many things amisse in the state of his Church. He caused the stipend of the ministers of Saint Sepulchres chappell to be increased, and appointed them to be called Cannons: He erected Uicariges in diuers impro∣priate churches, which till that time were very ill serued, and

did many other things woorth memorie, but more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue done if his time had béene either longer or more quiet and peaceable. He died vpon, or neere vnto Ascention 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 1258. and was buried in his Cathedrall church: The place of his sepulture there, was much frequented of the ignorant people, that esteemed him a Saint. Notwithstanding the great conflicts betweene him and the Pope, our monkes doubt not to father vpon him a miracle of turning water into wine, by blessing it in time of his sicknesse. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereof I leaue vnto the Reader.

35. Godfry de Kinton.

ABout this time (saith Matthew Paris) an order was [ 1285] taken at Rome that euery elect Bishop of England must before his consecration fetch the Popes approbation at Rome, whence (if his purse helped him not the better) he was sure to returne home, as wise as he went foorth. The first that was inforced to this vagare was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Kinton, or (as other write him) Godfry de Ludham. He was Deane of Yorke, and being elect at home. trauailed to Rome where he receaued consecration September 23. 1258. This man (J know not vpon what quarrell) interdicted the whole city of Yorke, in the beginning of lent and restored it not till the third of May following, which was in the yeere 1261. He sate sixe yeeres three moneths, and eigghtéene daies dying then about Twelfetide 1264. he was buried in his owne church.

36. Walter Giffard.

AFter the death of Godfry, William de Langton Deane [ 1266] of Yorke was elected to succéede him. But the Pope (for what cause I know not peraduenture, because he brought not mony enough in his purse) reiected him and translated Wal∣ter Giffard from Bathe and Welles to Yorke; He was the Popes Chaplaine, and Cannon of Welles, first Treasurer, then Chauncellor of England; Elected to Bathe May 22. 1264. From whence he was remooued 1266. hauing conti∣nued

there onely two yéeres. He liued at Yorke thirtéen yéeres departed this life Aprill 25. 1279. and lieth buried there in Saint Peters church.

37. William Wickwane.

IT shall not be amisse, here to remember, that Onuphrius [ 1279] reporteth Saint Bonauenture (whom he calleth Bona∣uentura Fidanza) to haue bene preferred about this time from the Archbishopricke of Yorke vnto the place of a Cardi∣nall, viz. in the yeere 1274. Paulus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith, that at what time diuers 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 came to the Councell of Lyons, to conferre with the learned men of our Westerne church concerning the difference of opinions be∣twéene vs and them; Thomas Aquinas (who then read Diui∣nitie at Naples) was sent for as the fittest man of that age to deale with them; but he died in the way. Bonauenture was then appointed to supply his place, and least the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should despise him being but a frier 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Pope offered him the Archbishopricke of Yorke: He was loath saith Paulus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to take so great a charge vpon him, and vp∣on his refusall was made a Cardinall. I cannot see how ei∣ther of these reports should be true. For the See of Yorke at that time and long both before and after was full, being pos∣sessed by Walter Giffard from the yeere 1266. til 1279. Now to leaue Bonauenture as we finde him, ye shall vnderstand, that the Deane and Chapter of Yorke soone after the death of Walter Giffard elected for their Archbishop William Wick∣wane, one of their owne company, and Chauncellour of their church. Of him little is recorded but that the first yeere of his consecration, he remooued the bones of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his predecessor, and caused them to be placed in a costly shrine with great solemnity. The king, Queene, eleuen other Bi∣shops, and many nobles being present. He died August 27. 1285. hauing continued Archbishop scarcely 6. yeeres.

38. Iohn Romano.

THe 28. of Nouember following, viz. 1285. a cannon of [ 1285] Yorke was elected Archbishop, and shortly after conse∣crate at Rome. Because his father was a Romane borne, he was called by the name of Iohn Romane This man was of base parentage, but very learned. He built the crosse Jle on the North side of the church toward the pallace, and a goodly steeple in the middle of the church, all at his owne pro∣per costs. He built much in the hospitall of Saint Peter, and with his owne hands laide the first stone of the great body of the church vpon the South side of the same. He liued not to bring that noble worke to any perfection, being taken away by death March 15. 1295. when he had continued in that Sée little more than 10 yéeres. The yéere before he died, he excommunicated Anthony Beake Bishop of Durham, being one of the kings Councell, and at that time, beyond the seas in his seruice. Whereat the king being highly displeased, the Archbishop thought it his best course, to put himselfe to his mercy. He did so, and was saine to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the kings fauour with 4000. markes. The indignation of a Prince is death (saith the Wise man) And likely ynough it is, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his displeasure, and the trouble that ensued it, might soone cause some incurable disease that tooke him away. He was buried in his Cathedrall church, which with goodly building he had much augmented and beautified.

39. Henry Newerk.

THe Deane of Yorke Henry de Newerk) was then cho∣sen [ 1296] Archbishop the seuenth day of May following. He was consecrate at home in his owne church about a twelue moneth after; to wit in the beginning of the yeere 1297. He had enioyed that honour but two yeeres when by death he was forced to leaue the same.

40. Thomas de Corbridg.

AFter him succéeded Thomas de Corbridge Cannon of [ 1299] Yorke, a great learned diuine. He denied the king to haue the disposition of a certaine spirituall promotion that fell in his gift, wherewith the king was so greatly displeased, as he violently tooke from him three Baronies (as one saith I thinke he meaneth Mannors) appertaining of old vnto his See, and detained them so long as this Archbishop liued, which was indeede but a short time. He sate in all but three yeeres seuen monethes and ten daies. Whether it be that few mens minds are so great, as to sustaine the burthen of a prin∣ces displeasure, or that God which promiseth a reward of long life vnto those that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honour vnto their superiors, in his iust iudgement do soonest cut of such as are backward in this duety: So surely it hath fallen out for the most part, that those Bishops that haue presumed most in opposing them∣selues against their princes, haue least time indured, and euer quickly bene taken away; whereof I could yeelde infinite ex∣amples. This Thomas Corbridg died at Lanham the yeere 1303. and was buried at Southwell.

41. William de Greenfield.

HE that then succéeded William de Greenfild was Ca∣non [ 1305] of Yorke and Chauncellour of England vnder king Edward the first. A great and wise councellor, very eloquent, and not vnlearned. After his election he was faine to awaite the Popes pleasure two yéeres, before he could obtaine conse∣cration, which at last he receiued of Pope Clement the fifth anno 1305. But it cost him 9500. markes beside the charge that he was at while he lay in the Popes court a suter. By reason of these immoderate expenses he became so bare, that at his first returne into England he was faine to make two collections amongst his cleargy in one yeere: the first he called a beneuolence, the second an aide. He was a great fauourer of the templers, euery where oppressed in those daies, especially by the Pope & Philip the french king. When he had sate nine

yéeres, eleuen monethes and two daies, he departed this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 December 13. 1315. and was buried in his cathe∣drall church in the porch of Saint Nicholas.

42. William de Melton.

SOne after Greenfields death, before the end of the yéere, [ 1317] 1315. William de Melton Prouost of Beuerly, and Ca∣non of Yorke, was elected at the instance and earnest request of the king Edward the 2. With the Pope he found no more grace, then his predecessor had done; vnder two yéeres sute consecration coulde not be had. It was at last affoorded him September 25. 1317. at Auinion. Almost 23. yéeres hée gouerned the Sée of Yorke, and that very woorthily: atten∣ding diligently not onely the affaires and businesse of his church, but also his owne priuate actions, indeuoring by cha∣stitie, fasting, prayer, almesdaedes, hospitalitie, and vertuous behauior, like a good pastor to teach and instruct, as well by example of life as preaching and doctrine. He was very good to his Tenaunts; but carefull to preserue; and rather to in∣crease, then any way to unpaire the state, liberties and reue∣nues of his Church. Yet was he not carelesse of the prefer∣ment of his seruants and kinred, whom (as occasion serued) he pleasured and aduanced to very good places: amongst the rest, and by the Popes licence, he purchased to a brothers sonne, the Mannor of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Kingsclere, and Went∣worth, which till that time belonged to the Archbishops of Roan. He bestowed great cost vpon the shryne of Saint William, and finished the west part of the body of his church, with the expences of 700. markes. He enclosed also a place called the old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Yorke, with a goodly wall. He decea∣sed Aprill 22. (or as one deliuereth Aprill 5.) 1. 340. at Ca∣wood, hauing sate 22. yéeres and almost 7. moneths, in which time, he had béene successiuely Treasurer and Chauncellor of England. His body lieth buried néere the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Saint Pe∣ters Church.

43. William de Zouche.

VVIlliam de la Souch Deane of Yorke succéeded. He [ 1342] had much to doe with one William Kilsby that contended with him two whole yéeres for this Archbishopricke. He was consecrate at last by Pope Clement the 6. at Auinion, an. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1346. king Edward going into France, left this man his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heere. The Scots taking aduantage of his absence, came with a great armie into England. At a place called Bewre Parke néere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 crosse, they were mette by this Archbishop and di∣uers of our Nobilitie, October 17. where our men so valtant∣ly behaued themselues, as the Scots were cuerthrowne, two Earles, 21. knights, and an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 number of other slaine, many also taken prisoners, and amongst the rest, Dauid le 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then king. This Bishop a little before his death be∣gan the foundation of a Chappell, on the south side of the church, intending to be buried in the same, but being taken away before it could be brought to any perfection, he was laied before the altar of Saint Edmund the Confessor. He died August 8. 1352.

44. Iohn Thursby.

THe yéere 1349. Iohn Thursby Bishop of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1352] was translated to Worceter, and about the mid∣dle of October 1352. (being then Chauncelor of Eng∣land) to Yorke. He was brought vp in Oxford, where he was very much esteemed for his learning, being a great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and a very good Canonist. He writ diuers things, both in English and Latine: amongst the rest, he published an expo∣sition vpon the ten Commandements in his mother toong, which he required all the Clergy men in his Dioces to read diligently vnto their parishioners. That worke I haue and keepe as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worthy to be esteemed. Diuinity books in the English toong were geason in those dates. I pray God they be not now too common. The yaere he was Car∣dinall of Saint Sabine by Pope Vrban the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom I ho∣mas

Walsingham repeateth to haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an English man. In the 10. yéere after his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he began to build 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the quier of his Cathedrall church: laying the first stone him∣selfe July 29. toward the charge of which work he presently laide downe 100. l. (or as some report 500. l.) and promised to contribute yéerely 200. markes, or as others say 200. l. till it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉; which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long as he liued, he faithfully per∣formed. He bestowed great cost in beautifying the Lady chappell with images and pictures of excellent workman∣ship; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the bodies of diuers of his predecessors that lay buried else where about the church, caused them to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the said chappell in very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manner, lea∣uing a place for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the middle thereof, where, dying Nouember 6. 1373. at Thorp, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after solemnly enterred.

45. Alexander Neuill.

VNto this Sée the Pope then appointed Alexander Ne∣uill [ 1373] a Canon of Yorke; a man greatly fauoured of king Richard the second which was his destruction. Diuers of the nobility malecontent, tooke armes against the king, caused many whom they misliked to be condemned by parli∣ament, some to death; some to prison, &c. Amongst the rest, this Archbishop was accused to be one that abused the kings youth by flattery, and with whispering tales inticed him against the nobility, and for this cause, he was condemned to perpetuall prison, and appointed vnto the castell of Rochester there to be kept. But he, foreséeing the tempest that grew 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, fled out of the realme. The Pope then (Vrbane the 〈◊〉〈◊〉) whether in commiseration thinking to relieue him, or else v∣sing it as a meanes to make his Archbishopricke voide, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he might bestow it; translated him from Yorke vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Andrewes in Scotland. Howsoeuer it was meant, sure it fell out to be a very bad exchaunge, for his part. Scotland at that time refused to acknowledge Vrbane for Pope and yeelded obedience to the Antipope. By meanes whereof, Vrbans 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was not of sufficient force, to inuest him in Saint Andrewes and yet quite cut him of from Yorke, at home. Hereby it 〈◊〉〈◊〉

to passe, that hauing the reuenues, neither of the one, nor the other, for very want he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to become a parish priest, and so liued thrae yeere at Louane, euen vntill his death. He was banished the yéere 1386. liued in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 almost fiue yeres, died 1391. and was buried in the church of the Frier Carme∣lites there. This man bestowed much cost in repayring the castle of Cawod, building diuers towers, and other edifices about the same.

46. Thomas Arundell.

ALexander Neuill being thus displaced vnder presence [ 1388] of preferment to a new place; The Pope tooke vpon him to bestow Yorke; And least if he should aduance one to it not greatly preferred before, the old incumbent might chaunce in time to recouer it from him againe; He thought good to bestow it so, as benefiting many he might procure so many aduersaries vnto Neuill, whereof any one alone might hardly saeme able to withstand him, but all these together he knew very well: To this end, as also to gaine the more in first fruits, he called Thomas Arundell from Ely to Yorke, translated the Bishops of Durham to Ely, Bath to Durham, Salisbury to Bath, and gaue Salisbury to Iohn Waltham the kings chaplaine, a man very gracious with him, and keeper of his priuie seale. This Thomas Arundell the yéere 1396 was remooued to Canterbury, the first that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was translated from Yorke 〈◊〉〈◊〉. While he was at Yorke, he bestowed much in building vpon diuers of his houses, and vnto the church he gaue, besides many rich orna∣ments, two great Basons of siluer and gilt, two great Cen∣sers, two other Basons of siluer, and two Crewettes. He gaue to the vse of the Uicars, a siluer Cuppe of great waight, and a Bowle of siluer very massiue and costly vnto the Ca∣nons. Being yet Bishop of Ely, he was Lord Chauncellor of England, and so continued till the yéere 1396. at what time being remooued to Canterbury, he gaue ouer immedi∣ately that office. See more of him, in Ely and Canterbury.

47. Robert Waldby.

RObert Waldby Bishop of Chichester succéeded Tho∣mas [ 1396] Arundell in Yorke. Being yet a yoong man, he fol∣lowed Edward the blacke Prince, into Fraunce, where he continued long a student, and profited so much, as no man in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where he liued (Tholous) might be compa∣red with him for all kinde of learning. He was a good Lin∣guist, very well séene in Philosophie both naturall and mo∣rall, in Phyficke, and the Canon Law also; very eloquent, an excellent Preacher, and estéemed so profound a Diuine, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was thought méete to be the Professor of Diuinitie, or doctor of the chaire in the said Uniuersitie. For these his good gifts, he was much fauoured of the blacke Prince first, then of king Richard his sonne; and by their fauour obtayned first a Bishopricke in Gascoigne (as Bale reporteth) but by another antiquity that I haue seene, he was first Bishop of the Isle of Man; and his Epitaph saith he was first Praesul 〈◊〉〈◊〉. From that first preferment whatsoeuer it was, he was tran∣slated an. 1387. to the Archbishopricke of Dublin in Ireland thence to Chichester 1395. and the yéere following, became an Archbishop once more, viz. of Yorke. There he sate not fully three yéeres, but he died May 29. 1397. and was buriet in Westminster almost in the middle of the chappell of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where an Epitaph is to be séene vpon his graue partly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and otherwise not worth the reciting.

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.

49. Henry Bowett.

THe space of two yéeres and a halfe the Sée was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1406] after the death of Richard Scroope: the pope had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 placed in the same Robert Halam Chauncellor of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Oxford. But vnderstanding that the king was greatly displeased therewith, he was content (according to the kings desire) to gratifie Henry Bowet then Bishop of Bath with this preferment, and made Halam Bishop of Sa∣lisbury. This Henry Bowet was a doctor of Law, and first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cannon of Wels, had trauailed much in Fraunce & Italy, and was preferred to Bath also at first by the king who fa∣uored him much. He was consecrated to that Church No∣uember 16. 1401. and translated to Yorke December 1. 1406. About the yéere 1403. he was Treasurer of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the space of one yéere. He continued Archbishop almost 17. yéeres; in which time, viz. the yéere 1417. it hapned that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Henry the 5. being absent & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the conquest of 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

the Scots came with a great power into the Realme and be∣sieged Barwicke and the castle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This Bi∣shop was then a very aged man, and so impotent, as he was able neither to goe nor ride; yet would he néeds accompanie his countrimen that went against the Scots, and caused his men to carrie him in a chaire, that so at least by words and exhortation he might do his best, though he were not able to fight, nay not so much as to stande or go. This man is saide to be the greatest housekeeper of any Archbishop that euer sate in Yorke before him. For proofe whereof it is alleaged, that he spent vsually in his house, of Claret wine onely 80. tunnes. He departed this life at Cawood October 20. 1423. and was buried in the east part of the Minster of Yorke by the altar of all Saints which himselfe built and furnished sumptuously with all things that might belong vnto it. He built also the Hall in the castell of Cawood, and the kitchin of the Mannor house of Oteley.

50. Iohn Kemp.

THe Pope of his owne absolute authority, placed then [ 1425] in Yorke Richard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Lincolne. Many statutes and lawes had beene made to represse this ty∣rannicall dealing of the Pope. But his excommunications were such terrible bugs, as men durst rather offend the lawes of their countrey, then come within the compasse of his cen∣sures. Yet the Deane and chapter of Yorke taking stomack vnto them, vsed such aduantage as the lawe would affoorde them, and by force kept out the new Archbishop from entring his church. Much adoo there was betweene them. The euent was, that the Pope vnable to make good his gift, was saine to returne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Lincolne againe, and to translate Iohn Kempe Bishop of London (a man better fauoured of the Deane and chapter) to Yorke. This Iohn Kempe was first Bishop of Rochester (consecrate the yeere 1418.) remooued thence to Chichester 1422. from Chichester to London the same yeere, & from London to Yorke 1425. when the Sée had beene void 2. yeeres. At Yorke he continued almost 28. yeres, and in his old age, euen one yeere before his death, was con∣tent

to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 once more, viz. to Canterbury. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1449. he was made Cardinall Sanctae Ruffinae and was twise Chauncellor of England. See more of him in Can∣terbury.

51. William Boothe.

HE that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him (William Boothe) was sometime [ 1473] a student of the common lawe in Grayes Inne, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a sudden forsaking that course, became Chauncellor of the Cathedrall church of Saint Paule in London. July 9. 1447. he was consecrate Bishop of Couentry and Lichfield. Ha∣uing continued there sixe 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 presently vpon the translation of Iohn Kempe vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He sate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 12. yéeres, died at Southwel September 20. and was buried in the chappell of our Lady there, nigh to the Archbishops pal∣lace 1464. He bestowed much cost in repairing the pallace of Yorke. In the latter end of his time, viz. the yéere 1464. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Minster of Yorke was burnt, I know not by what chance.

52. George Neuell.

RIchard Neuell that great Earle of Warwicke, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and pulled downe kings at his pleasure, aduanced his brother George Neuell vnto great and high placss, being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but a very yoong man: By his meanes he was consecrate Bishop of Exceter Nouember 25. 1455. at what time he was not fully 20. yéeres of age. The yéere 1460. he was made Lord Chauncellour of England; the yoongest Chauncelour I thinke that euer was, either before or since his time. In that office he continued till the yéere 1464. viz. vntill the ma∣riage of king Edward the 4. In which action, the king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knowing he had giuen cause of offence vnto the Earle of Warwick (for it was done whilest y^t Earle was ambassador in Fraunce, and busie in a treatie for a match betweene the king and the French Quéenes sister) He thought it necessa∣rie to weaken him what he might, and so first remooued this his brother from the office of Chauncelour, and bestowed it vpon Robert Stillington Bishop of Bath. Notwithstanding

this alienation of the king from him, the yéere 1466. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obtai∣ned the Archbishopricke of yorke, and held the same, (but with great trouble) vntill his death. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the dishonour done to the Earle by y^t 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mariage, sticking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his mind, & hauing peraduenture continual occasions of new greeses be made a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his brethren to pull downe king Edward that had raigned now almost 9. yeeres, and to set vp king Henry the 6. againe, who had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in prison all that while. This indeed they performed partly by the help of George Duke of Clarence, king Edwards brother. And it was the hap of this Archb. to take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edward prisoner, at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Northhampton shire. He carried him thence, first to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 castell, then to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 castell in yorke shire. But being of too good a nature to be a good 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vsed him with such curtesie, suffering him to walke abroad, & often to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with a few 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to attend him, as (were it by the negligence or vnfaithfulnesse of those that had the charge of him, I know not) away he escaped, being met vpon a plaine where he hunted by a troupe of his friends, & wasted by them into a place of safety. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 halfe a yeere that K. Henry was restored to his crown 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Edward so handled y^t matter, as comming suddenly to London, & entring y^t Bishops palace by aposterne gate, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surprised at once king Henry b the Arch∣bishop that had not long before taken him, They were both caried thence to the tower of London, where y^t good king was soone after pitifully murthered. But the Archbishop vpon the fourth of June following was set at liberty. About a yeere after his inlargement, he chaunced to be with the king a hunting at Windsor; and vpon occasion of the sport, they had seene there, made relation vnto the king of some extraordina∣ry kinde of game, wherewith he was woont to solace himselfe at a house he had built, and furnished very 〈◊〉〈◊〉, cal∣led the Moore in Hartfordshire. The king seeming desirous to be partaker of this sport, appointed a day when he would come thither to hunt, and make merry with him. Hereupon the Archbishop taking his leaue, got him home, and thinking to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the king in the best manner it was possible for him, he sent for much plate that he had bid during the warres 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his brethren and the king, and borrowed also much

of his friends. The 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 brought into the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent for the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him, all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set a part, to repaire presently vnto him being at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. As sone as he came, he was arrested of treason; all his plate, mo∣ney, and other 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 (to the value of 20000, l. were seised vpon for the king, and himselfe a long space after was kept prisoner at Calis and Guisnes: during which time, the king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto himselfe the profits and temporalties of his Bishopricke. Amongst other things then taken from him, he had a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of inestimable value, by reason of many rich stones wherewith it was adorned: that the king brake and made thereof a crowne for himselfe. This calamity happe∣ned vnto him the yéere 1472. By intercession and intreaty of his friends, with much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he obtayned his liberty the yéere 1476. and a little while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same, with griefe and anguish of minde (as is thought) died at Blithlaw comming from Yorke. He was buried in the Minster there. In this mans time Sixtus the fourth made the Bishop of Saint An∣drewes Primate of all Scotland, and appointed twelue Bi∣shops to be vnder him, that vntill that time were of the Pro∣uince of Yorke. The Archbishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it what he might. But the Pope alledging it was very vnfit, that such a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should be the Metropolitane of Scotland, as for the most part (by reason of wars was an enemy vnto the same) ouer∣ruled it, and would needes haue it so.

53. Lawrence Boothe.

THe Bishop of Durham, Lawrence Boothe, halfe bro∣ther vnto William Boothe George Neuils predecessor succéeded them in the Sée of Yorke. He was first Ma∣ster of Penbrooke hall in Cambridge, consecrate Bishop of Durham September 25. 1457. and twenty yéeres after viz∣the yéere 1477 remooued to Yorke. In August 1472. he was made Lord Chancellour, and continned in that office two 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This man bought the mannor of Batersey of one Ni∣colas Stanley, and built the house there, all which he gaue vn∣to his Sée. He died at Southwell the yéere 1480. when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and nine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and was bu∣ried 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his brother.

54. Thomas Rotheram alias Scot.

THomas Scot otherwise called Rotheram, was borne at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and according to the manner of religious persons in old time, would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take his sur∣name of the place where he was borne. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such educati∣on as the country could afford him, being now ripe for the vniuersity, and towardly, was sent by his friends vnto Cam∣bridge, and was chosen fellow of kings colledge: in which place he continued till he was called away by preferment. King Edward (whose Chaplaine he was) procured him first the Prouostship of Beuerley, made him keeper of his priuy Seale, and then Bishop of Rochester the yeere 1467. Staying there scarce fower yeere, he remooued to Lincolne anno 1471. The yeere 1474. he was made Lord Chauncellour, and con∣tinued long in that office, euen vntill the raigne of Richard the vsurper, at what time (or a little before) he deliuered the great Seale vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and is blamed for committing it vnto her, of whom he receiued it not, and had no right to require it. Being yet at Lincolne, he bestowed great cost in building the goodly beautifull gate of the schooles at Cam∣bridge, the walkes on each side thereof, and the new Library that is at the east side of that building, which he caused to be done of his owne charge, with some very little contribution of the Uniuersity. It was begun the yeere 1470. and quite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1476. Hauing beene at Lincolne nine yéeres, he was translated to Yorke, and enioyed that honor twenty yeeres lacking one quarter. In which time he did many notable things worthy memory. At 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (where he was borne) he founded a colledge, by the name of Jesus colledge, for a Prouost that should be a preacher, fiue priests, sixe choristers, and thrée schoolemasters, one for Grammar, one for song, and another for writing. He finished Lincolne colledge in Ox∣ford (left very vnperfect by Bishop Fleming the first founder) and added fiue fellowships vnto the same, beside those seuen which the founder had ordayned. He gaue to the church of

Yorke 〈…〉〈…〉 of that, which king Edward had taken away. In divers of his houses he built much; at White Hall (which then belonged to the Bi∣shops of Yorke) he built the great kitchin: at Southwell the pantry, bakehouse, and new chambers adioyning to the ri∣••••ers and at Thorp the pantry, bakehou•••• and chambers on the 〈…〉〈…〉. He was very carefulll to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those which either for good seruice or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 might 〈…〉〈…〉 he greatly 〈…〉〈…〉. He died of the plague•• May 29. 1500. at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being 76. yeeres of age, and was buried in the 〈…〉〈…〉 of our Lady chappell in a marble tombe, which himselfe caused to be built in his life-time.

55. Thomas Sauage.

HIs next 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was also (but 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉) Bishop of Rochester, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to London the yéere 1493. and soone after Thomas Rotherams death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Yorke. This man was a Gentleman 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and (as I take it) a knights sonne; Not preferred for any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great learning, (yet he was a doctor of Law) but as it should seeme in regard of seruice. He spent his time in a manner altogether either in temporall businesses (being a great cour∣tier) or else in hunting; wherewith he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonablie 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He built much at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Scroby, and maintai∣ned a great number of goodly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fellowes to attend him. Before his time, it was alwaies the custome that the Archbi∣shop at his installation should make a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and sumptuous 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 a little money 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brake and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his installation by a deputie in secret manner. Hauing béene 7. yéere 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he died at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 order that his body should be buried at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but his hart at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Cheshire inhere he was borne, in a chappell of his owne building which he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉, but death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him.

56. Christopher Bambridg.

CHristopher Bambridge succéeded. He was a gentleman likewise of an auncient house, borne neere Appleby in 〈◊〉〈◊〉; a doctor of both Lawes, first Master of the Rolles; then Deane of Yorke; consecrate Bishop of Durham in the beginning of the yeere 1507. and the next yeere was translated to Yorke. Being Embassador from king Henry the 8. to the Pope, the yéere 1510. he was made Cardinall at Rome in the moneth of March. Whether he staied there so long, or made a second iorney thither I cannot tell: But certaine it is that being there, the yeere 1514. hée was poisoned by one Rinaldo de Modena an Italian priest his steward, vpon malice and displeasure conceaued, for a blow his Master gaue him, as the said Rinaldo (being execu∣ted for that fact) confessed at the time of his death. So P. Ioui∣us reporteth. He died July 14 and was buried there in the church belonging to the English house, dedicated to the holy Trinitie.

57. Thomas Woolsey.

THat famous Cardinall Thomas Woolsey ( of whom we are next to discourse) was borne in Ipswich, being the sonne of a poore man, and (as I haue often heard) a butcher. He was sent to Oxford very yoong, & was brought vp there in Magdalene Colledge: He was first schoolemaster of the Grammer schoole belonging to Magdalene Colledge, and preferred to a Benefice in Somersetshire called Lym∣myngton, by the Marques Dorset, vnto whose sonnes he had beene Tutor in Oxford. Being there, Sir Amyas Pawlet a knight of that country, did him a great disgrace, setting him in the stocks, vpon what occasion I know not. Of that iniurie the knight much repented him afterward, at what time this poore scholler being aduanced to the high honor of Lorde Chauncellor, not onely rebuked him sharpely in words (as there was great cause) but also made him daunce attendance 5. or 6. yéeres in London, vntill by great sute he obtained li∣cense

of departure. His Lord and Patrone the Marques dy∣ing, he sawe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without all likelihood of further prefer∣ment, especially if he should settle himselfe vpon his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Leauing it therefore and determining to seeke some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fortune, abroad in the world, he happened to be entertai∣ned of an ancient 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn Naphaunt, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an office, of importance in Callis, wherein (being very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe) he altogether 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Woolsey his chaplaine, vntill such time, as weary of it, in regard of his owne weak∣nesse and impotencie, he gaue it ouer. But mindfull of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chaplaines good seruice, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 left him till he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meanes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him the kings chaplaine. Now was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where he would be. Many times he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to say (〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 heard) if he could once set but one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Court, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would not doubt but attaine what he 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And to speake but the truth, it was not onely his good fortune that exalted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greatnesse, but much deale his owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and many extraordinarie parts in him. He was mar∣uellous wittie, well learned, faire spoken, and passing cun∣ning in winning the harts of those whose fauor he affected. The first thing he endeuored (being now a courtier) was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make himselfe knowne vnto such as were néerest about the king: and the man he specially followed, was Richard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Winchester, vpon whose councell he sawe the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did most relie. He soone perceiued what was in Woolsey: & at a time whē the king bethought him of some witty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to dispatch certaine affaires with the Emperor, mentioned him as a fitte man. The king vpon his commendation, sent for this chaplaine, and committed the busines vnto him. The Emperor lay then in the Low Countries, whether 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Woolsey made such haste (winde and weather fauouring him) as within lesse then 4. daies after his dispatch, he was backe at the court againe, hauing ordered all the kings busi∣nesses to his contentment. By this time, the king sawe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be a man méete for imploiment, and determined 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to vse him. It was not long then before he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Deanrie of Lincolne, and a little before his death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him Almoner. That wise and excellent Prince being taken away, he soone crept so farre into the fauor of the yoong 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

as he made him one of his priuie Counsell. In which place, he so applied himselfe to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 humor, as in short time he possessed him altogether. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and well spo∣ken, the rest of y^t Counsel vsed him many times as their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their determinations vnto the king. He then hauing this oportunity of perceiuing the kings inclina∣tion, followed euer that course which he saw him willing to haue taken, and aduanced earnestly that part whereunto the king inclined, without respect vnto the matter otherwise. A∣game, whereas the rest of the Counsell called oft vpon the the king, to acquaint himselfe with matters of state, by resor∣ting to the Counsell, and affoording his presence at their deli∣berations; he would aduise him to follow his pleasures, & let Counsell matters alone to him, assuring him, that at night he should heare as much of him in one quarter of an houre, as if he had been present all day at those tedious & wearisome con∣sultations. By this trick he won himselfe such authority with the king, as he did euen what he list a long time. No maruell now if what preferment soeuer fell stood at his refusall. The Bishopricke of Tourney in France (which city the king had lately taken) falling voide, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was elected thereunto. Within lesse then one yéere after, fell first Lincolne (whereunto he was preferred the yeere 1514.) and then immediately after Yorke; which also was presently bestowed vpon him. Fol∣lowing the streame still of this good fortune, and thinking it best to take his time, he procured the Pope to make him first his legate a Latere, and soone after (viz. the yeere 1515) Cardi∣nall. He handled the matter also in such sort with the king, as he was content to discharge the Archbishop of Canterbury from the office of Chauncellor and bestowed it vpon him. Then as though the Archbishopricke of Yorke and Chaun∣cellorship of England were not sufficient for maintenance of a Cardinall, he tooke also vnto him the Bishopricke of Bathe the yéere 1518 holding it and the abbey of Saint Al∣bons with diuers other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liuings in Commēdam. Fower yéeres, and seuen monethes, he held Bathe and then resigned it to take Durham. Durham also he lastly gaue ouer the yéere 1529. in exchange for Winchester. Now yow sée him at the highest. It was impossible this greatnesse should

be able to beare his owne burthen. Presently after his accep∣tation of Winchester, he began to fall, and fell so fast, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death had not happily staid him, he had quickly fallen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much, to much lesse then nothing. The king vpon a displea∣sure (how iust God knoweth) discharged him sodainly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the office of Chauncellor. His goods were all seased to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kings vse, and himselfe ready to be attaint by parliament, had not Thomas Cromwell after Earle of Essex, then his ser∣uant, taken great paines in defending him. When that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succéeded not, he was charged to haue fallen into a Premunire by exercising his power Legantine without the kings licence. Hereunto he answered, that he had authority thereunto front the king vnder his broad seale (as it was well ynough kno∣wen he could prooue) though that, amongst the rest of his writings were now in the hands of his enemies. But (quoth he) I will neuer stand vpon that point. Whatso∣euer I haue, I haue it from the king, if it be his pleasure to haue me in a Premunire, let it be so, I must and will be at his mercie. Almost halfe a yéere he liued néere London in great penurie; one while at Asher (a house belonging to the Bi∣shopricke of Winchester) and an other while at Richmond; the which house, the king had lately giuen him in exchange for Hampton court. All which time, he had scarce a cuppe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 drinke in, or a bed to lie in, but what was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mooueables and houshold stuffe of inestimable valew, were all taken away to the kings vse. At last he was sent downe into Yorkeshire, and there liued all a sommer in reasonable good sort. About the beginning of Nouember that yéere, which was 1530. the Earle of Northumberland 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him of high treason, and tooke order to haue him brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to London: but he fell sicke by the way and died in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Leicester, (as it should séeme) of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉; whereunto a conti∣nuall feauer was ioyned. When he had béene sicke the space of 8. daies, he died Nouember 29. 1530. hauing beene Archbi∣shop 15. yeeres, and being within a 4. moneths of 60. yéeres of age. His last words are said to be these. If I had serued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as diligently as I haue done the king, he would not haue gi∣uen me ouer in my gray haires; but this is the iust 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that I must receiue, for the paines and study that I haue had,

to do him seruice, not regarding my seruice to God, but onely to satisfie his pleasure. In his flourishing time, he began the building of two most stately colledges, one at Ipswich, the other at Oxford; and it is great pittie he finished them not. Had they beene perfected, I thinke they woulde haue béene two of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 monuments of the world. And surely it were a woonder that any priuate man should take two such péeces of worke in hand at one time, whereof any one might seeme a great matter for a prince to finish; had not his receits beene infinite, and his helpes otherwise very great. I thinke verily (and am able to yéeld good reason of my 〈◊〉〈◊〉) that if one man had now in his hands the reuenues of all the Bi∣shopricks and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also in England, his rents 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not arise to so high a reconing, as the yeerely receits of this Cardinall. Yet was it not his owne purse that gaue him courage to so great an enterprise: for his bounty was such as he could not but spend all he receiued. The number of his seruants daily attending in his house were well néere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred, of which there were one Earle, nine Lords, a great number of Knights and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. I reckon not all this while his seruants seruants, which it is though grew to a far greater number. He obtayned leaue of the Pope to dissolue forty small monasteries, the spoile whereof furnished him principally for the building of his colledges, but opened a gap withall to king Henry, to destroy all the rest, as soone after he did. The lands he had prouided for his colledge in Oxford (though confiscate by his 〈◊〉〈◊〉) the king was content to leaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that colledge (or at least wise other for them) and became the founder thereof, calling it, Collegium 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ex 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉. Who so desireth to know more of this great and famous Cardinall, let him haue recourse vnto master Stowes Annales of England, where his whole life and actions are largely described. And I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 myselfe beholding to him, amongst many other helpes, for the greatest part of this discourse, which I haue much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gathered thence, and would gladly haue inserted the whole, but that it very much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my determined proportion. To make an end, this our Cardinal was buried in the Abbey of Lecester (where he died) in the body of the church before the quier doore.

58. Edward Lee.

THe Sée hauing bene void by the death of Cardinall Woolsey almost one yeere, the king preferred vnto the same, Edward Lee his Almoner, a great Antagonist of Erasmus. He was well learned, but no fit match for him. He was much emploied in embassages, both before his prefer∣ment, and after. He sate Archbishop thirtéene yéeres, and dy∣ing September 13. 1544. was buried in his owne church, where is this Epitaphe to be séene engrauen vpon his toombe, Edwardus Leus Archiepiscopus Ebor. Theologus eximius, at∣que omni literarum genere longe eruditislimus, sapientia & vitae sanctitate clarus, Euangelicae doctrinae praeconem semper agens, pauperibus beneficus, omnibus ordinibus iuxta charus, magno de se apud omnes desiderio relicto, hic sepultus iacet Sedit Archiepiscopus annos paulo minus 13. obijt Ibid. Sept∣aetatis suae anno 62. anno Christi 1544. In English thus: Ed∣ward Lee Archbishop of Yorke, a great diuine, and very well séene in all kind of learning, famous aswell for wisedome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vertue and holinesse of life, a continuall preacher of the gos∣pell, a man very liberall vnto the poore, and greatly beloued of all sorts of men, who greatly misse, and bemoane the want of him, lieth buried in this place. He deceased September 10. in the sixty two yéere of his age the yéere of our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1544.

59. Robert Holgate.

BEfore the end of the same yéere, Robert Holgate Doctor of Diuinity, was translated from Landaff in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (where he had béene seuen yéeres Bishop) vnto Yorke, and continued there vntill the beginning of Quéene Mary, who caused him to be depriued, and that (as I take it) for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 married.

60. Nicolas Heath.

ABout the yéere 1539. Nicolas Heath, a Londoner borne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Diuinity, and Almoner vnto the king, was made Bishop of Rochester. Within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéeres, he was remooued to Worceter: the yeere 1551 he was displaced, and Master Hooper made Bishop there. But Quéene Mary restored him againe in the beginning of her raigne, and made him President of Wales. Soone after, to wit, the yere 1553 he was translated to Yorke, and vpon the death of Stephen Gardiner made Lord Chauncellor of Eng∣land. These places he held vntill the happy raigne of our So∣neraigne the Quéene that now is, at what time he thought good to resigne them both, and liued afterwards vpon some lands that heretofore he had purchased, being much fauoured by her 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in regard of his diligent and faithfull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for her establishment in the throne royall, which (her si∣ster Mary being dead) no man doubted to be due onely vnto her. He did but his 〈◊〉〈◊〉; calling together the nobility and commons in the Parliament then assembled, he certified them of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death, and (for that he was Lord Chauncellor) gaue order for the proclayming of the Lady E∣lizabeth. This it pleased her Maiesty of her gratious clemen∣cy to take in so good part, as she was content the rather to beare with faults of his otherwise intollerable.

61. Thomas Yoong.

THomas Yoong sometime Bishop of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was the first Bishop of Yorke in this Quéenes daies: He was confirmed therein February 25. 1561. and about the same time made Lord President of the north. This man (for what cause or purpose I know not) pulled downe the great hall in the pallace of Yorke ann. 1562. which was sumptuously built by Thomas the elder his predecessor almost 500. yéeres 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He died June 26. 1568. at Sheffield, and was buried in the Minster of Yorke.

62. Edmund Grindall.

VPon the depriuation of Edmund Boner, Edmund Grindall was appointed vnto the Sée of London, whereunto he was elected July 26. 1559. and sate there about 11. yéeres. May 22. 1570. he was translated thence to Yorke, there he continued till the yéere 1575. at what time, he was promoted vnto the Archbishopricke of Canterbury. Sée more of him in Canterbury.

63. Edwyn Sandes.

EDwyn Sandes doctor of Diuinitie was Uicechauncellor of the Uniuersitie of Cambridge, at what time the La∣die Iane was proclaimed Quéene, about which matter, he endured much trouble and long imprisonment (The hi∣storie whereof is reported at large by Master Foxe vnto whom I remit the reader.) In the beginning of this Quéenes raigne, to wit December 21. 1559. he was consecrate Bi∣shop of Worceter, and succéeded Edmund Grindall both in London (whereunto he was confirmed July 13. 1570.) and also in Yorke. He continued there Archbishop about 〈◊〉〈◊〉. yéeres, and dying August 8. 1588. was buried at Southwell.

64. Iohn Piers.

IOhn Piers Doctor of Diuinitie, being Deane of Christ church in Oxford, was made Bishop of Rochester and Almoner the yéere 1576. translated to Salisbury (conti∣nuing still Almoner) the yéere following; and vpon the death of Bishop Sands preferred to Yorke. This man liued alwaies vnmaried, and departed this life September 27. or thereabouts 1594.

65. Mathew Hutton.

IN the beginning of March following, Mathew Hutton doctor of Diuinitie, first Deane of Yorke, and consecrate Bishop of Durham the yéere 1589. was aduanced to the Metropoliticall See of Yorke, and as yet continueth in the same.