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 Canterbury.

1. Augustine.

IT is very certaine and witnessed by [ 596] many histories without exception, that our Island of Britayne receiued the faith of Christ euen in the first in∣fancie of the Church. Theodoret and Sophronius Patriarke of Jerusalem affirme that Saint Paul himselfe was héere, and preached the Gospell after his first imprisonment at Rome. Ni∣cephorus and some other report that Simon Zelotes came hither, and was the first messenger of the glad tidings of the Gospell to our nation. But it is deliuered by one consent that Saint Philip the Apostle of the Frenchmen vnderstanding how this Island (from whence first sprong the superstitious religion of the Druydes) was seperated from Fraunce by a small cut of a fewe houres saile; thought good to send ouer hi∣ther twelue preachers, the chiefe whereof was Ioseph of Ari∣mathia that buried the bodie of our Sauiour Christ. These men arriuing héere, the yéere of our Lord 63. did their best in∣deuour for the conuersion of our Britaines. It pleased not God they shoulde preuaile with the king, who in no wise would be woone from the superstition of the Druydes: But of the meaner sort of people many there were that hearkened vnto them: yea the king himselfe admiring their great mo∣destie, painfulnes and vertuous behauiour, was content to assigne them a place of habitation (where Glastonbury now standeth) which was at that time and long after an Island all compassed about with lakes and standing water. And another king gaue vnto euery of those twelue a hide of lande in the countrey néere adioyning, which are named to this day the twelue hides of Glastonbury. In this Island of Gla∣stonbury (then called Auallon) Ioseph and his fellowes found

meanes to build a church, which after they were dead stoode desolate, the whole Island being forsaken and remaining without any inhabitant many yéeres, euen vntill the time of king Lucius, which was about the yéere of Christ 180. It hapned then, a lawe héeretofore made by Claudius Caesar (as Suetonius reporteth in his life) was now generally put in execution, by the Romaines (who ruled all this end of the world) commanding that the superstitious religion of the Druydes should euery where be abolished.

The pulling vp of these wéedes gaue good occasion vnto the séede of the Gospell (sowed long before by the preachers afore mentioned) now to spring and bring foorth fruite; whereunto God gaue so good increase, as Lucius the king himselfe was content to put on the swéete yoke of our Saui∣our: which that it might be the better and the more fruitfully performed, he sent Eluan (a notable impe and disciple of that holy College at Auallon) and Medwyin a Dutch man (that were the instruments of his conuersion) vnto Eleutherius the bishop of Rome, requesting that he would send other preachers vnto his realme by whom he and his people might be further instructed in the way of truth. He satisfied his de∣maund and sent vnto him two notable men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Phaganus, by whose paines and industrie chiefly the whole realme was finally conuerted. They sought out the ancient church at Glastonbury, repaired the same, and dwelled there for the space of nine yéeres after. Now king Lucius being himselfe Baptised and many of his people, in all parts of his dominions, he caused the temples of his false gods to be dedi∣cate to the seruice of the true God, in the place of their priests he appointed preachers of the Gospel, and for their Flamines Bishops to the number of 28. Of these 28. thrée were Arch∣bishops; one at London whose prouince was the south part of England: Another at Caerlegion vpon Uske, his prouince was Wales: And a third at Yorke, vnto whose iurisdiction the Bishops of Scotland and North England were subiect. The Gospell hauing taken such déepe roote héere, flourished a while very prosperously: And albeit it were often lopped and pruned afterward, yea the very maine rootes mightily struc∣ken at by the violent indeuour of sundry tyrants that sought

vtterly to destroy and abolish the same out of this land: yet had it euer many constant and open professors that neuer suf∣fred the light thereof vtterly to be extinguished Amongst ma∣nie, the most terrible persecution that euer this church sustai∣ned was by the Saxons, who expelled not onely Christian religion, but the followers of the same into a corner of this Island. Howbeit, euen amongst these very barbarous Sax∣ons, there were diuers from time to time that professed Christ But our countrey being in a manner all growen ouer with Pagamsme (for there was no publike allowance of Christian religion any where but in Wales) it pleased God to giue this occasion of replanting the same héere againe. It chanced that blessed and holy father Saint Gregory one day to espie certaine beautifull children to be sold in the stréetes of Rome, and vnderstanding they were Pagans, asked of what countrey they were: It was answered they were An∣gles: well may they be so called quoth he, for they looke like Angels. Demaunding them of what prouince they were, it was said they were of Deira: God grant (saith he) they may be De ira dei eruti, deliuered from the wrath of God and made partaker of his mercies by Christ. Hée procéeded yet further, and asked how the king of that countrey was called: vnderstanding his name was Elle. Alleluia (quoth he) must néedes be sung in those parts in praise of almightie God. Not long after then, this good man being made Pope, hée tooke especiall care of sending preachers into this land for the con∣uersion of the same. Yet it is not to be denied, and it appée∣reth manifestly by the letters of Saint Gregory himselfe vn∣to the king and Quéene of France, that this care of his was much stirred vp by the forwardnes of some good Saxons, that complained vnto him of the negligence of the French priestes, who being so néere, would neuer take any course for the planting of Christianitie amongst them, and therefore praied him that he would send preachers thither. He did so, & made choice of one Augustine a monke of greater vertue then learning, vnto whom he appointed fortie other that shoulde accompanie and aide him in this holy worke. Being now well onward on their way, they enquired of the state of the countrey and manners of the people vnto whom they went,

and vnderstoode so much of their barbarous and fierce rude∣nes, as they in a manner all vtterly renounced procéeding any farther in the voyage, and as it were compelled Augu∣stine to poste backe to Rome, there to craue licence of re∣turne. Saint Gregorie much grieued with this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, writ his letters vnto them, wherein hé vsed many reasons to perswade them in any wise to goe forward; whereun∣to at last they yéelded. They arriued at the Iste of Thanet in Kent the yéere 596. nowe iust a thousand yéeres agoe. The king of that countrie (his name was Ethelbert) inter∣tained them with all curtesie, the rather (as it is to be sup∣posed) by the persuasion of his wife Berta that was a Chri∣stian. There was néere vnto the citie of Canterburie a church built of old by the Romaines and dedicated vnto S. Martin, in which the Quéene was woont to pray with Lethardus her Bishop. There these men were allowed to preach, pray, bap∣tise and vse all maner of exercise pertaining to Christian reli∣gion. The king himselfe all this while gaue them mainte∣nance, came often to heare them, and at last being throughly conuerted, tooke on him the badge of Christ by baptisme, all his people quickly following his example. He then also ap∣pointed vnto Augustine and his companions a house at Sta∣blegate, and allotted competent reuenues vnto the same. The matter being thus far forward, Augustine stept into France and caused himselfe there to be consecrated Archbishop of England by Etherius Archbishop of Arles. Presently vpon his returne thence, he sent two of his companie vnto Rome (Laurence and Peter) to aduertise the Pope of their good suc∣cesse. By them when they returned he sent Augustine a pall, bookes, church-ornaments and other necessaries. He sent also presently vnto the king, and writ diuers letters; some gratu∣latorie to the king, some vnto Augustine exhorting him to di∣ligence in his calling, and to take héede least the miracles which God wrought by him for the conuersion of this people should make him proud; and lastly, others vnto the Archbi∣shop of Arles to thanke him for his good aide and assistance yéelded to these men in this businesse. In the meane time Au∣gustine had obtained of the king another church in the midst of the citie, built likewise heretofore by the Romaines and

dedicated the same vnto our Sauiour Christ. Soone after, this good king gaue vnto him also his owne palace and chiefe seate of his kingdome, remoouing himselfe vnto Rheaculf, cal∣led by the Romaines Regulbium now 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And last∣ly he laid the foundation of a goodly monasterie which he de∣dicated to S. Peter and S. Paule, knowen afterwards by the name of S. Augustines. These things being thus ordered, he indeuoured to make a concord and agréement betwéene the Saxons and the Welchmen, who differed from the Romane church in two things, the manner of baptizing, and the time of the obseruation of Easter. Much paines he tooke to per∣suade them, yea wrought a myracle by healing a blinde man for confirmation of his doctrine, as you may read in Beda his Eccl. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. lib. 2. cap. 2. But they woulde by no meanes con∣sent to any such vnion, much lesse yéeld any kinde of subiecti∣on to that authoritie which he claimed to haue ouer all this Island. He gaue not ouer with one repulse, but when at the first he could not preuaile, he procured a second conference, at what time there met him seuen Britaine Bishops and a great number of monks, especially of that famous monaste∣rie of Bannachor a place not farre from Chester wherein there liued by the labour of their owne hands 2000. monks. These men before they came to the place of meeting appoin∣ted, thought good to aske the counsell of a certaine Anehorite whom they reputed for a very holie and deuout man, and to know of him whether he thought it best for them to yeeld to the directions of Saint Augustine. He aduised them, if hee were a man of God, to take the course he shewed, and to fol∣low the same And when they asked how they should discerne whether he were such a one or no, he pronounced this say∣ing of our Sauiour, Take my yoke vpon you and learne of me for I am meeke and humble of hart: If therefore this same Augustine be a méeke and humble minded man, it is a great presumption that he beareth the yoke of Christ, and offereth the same vnto you: But if he be stout and proud, he is not of God you may be bold. This therefore saith he is my aduire, haue a care that he and his companie be first in the place where you meete: If then you being the greater number he rise not to doe you reuerence, but despise you, despise you

also him and his counsell. Augustine therefore first entered the place with his banner and his crosse, with singing proces∣sion and great pompe; and when the Britayne Bishops came in, neuer rose or saluted them at all. This they taking verie ill, gainsaid him in euery thing, told him, that as his opinions were allowed by Gregory, so had theirs long since by E∣leutherius both Bishops of Rome, that they had an Arch∣bishop then commorant at Caerlegion, him they would obey and none other, especially such a one as he was, a man vnknowne, and a stranger not onely for his person and lan∣guage, but much more for his opinions and strange conceits. Augustine much displeased with this short answere, prayed them to yéeld vnto him but in thrée things, to minister Bap∣tisme and obserue Easter according to the Roman maner, to assist him in preaching Christ vnto the Saxons. But when they vtterly denied to ioyne with them in any sort, he de∣nounced against them the iudgements of God for this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and assured them confidently (as saith Beda) of some great calamitie shortly to fall vpon their nation; that they which would not haue peace with their brethren, should haue warre with their enimies, and should finde death by their swords, vnto whom they refused to preach the way of life. It came to passe according to his prediction, that Edel∣fride king of Northumbers; a Pagan Saxon came against them shortly after with a huge armie, ouerthrew them in battaile, and slew (besides an infinite number of souldiers and men of armes) a great many monkes, to the number of 1200. that were gathered togither there to fight by praier: onely fiftie persons saued themselues by flight. Soone after this battaile (which some say Augustine liued not to sée) he died, hauing béene Archbishop 16. yéeres, to wit, May 25. (which day is dedicated to his memorie in our Kalender) the yéere 611. or (as some deliuer) ann. 605. He was a man of excéeding tall stature, well fauoured, and of a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 countenance. His body at first was buried without doores néere the church of his monasterie, because the church was not yet finished; but afterwards was remooued into the north porch of the said church, in which place all the bodies of the Archbishops following were laid vntill Theodore, who

was first buried in the church because the porch was full. Up∣on the tombe of this our apostle was engrauen this epitaph, Hic requiescit Diuus Augustinus Dorobernensis Archiepisco∣pus, qui olim huc a Beato Gregorio Romanae vrbis Pontifice directus & a Deo operatione 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suffultus, & Ethel∣bertum Regem & gentem illius ab Idolorum cultu ad fidem Christi perdoxit. Héere resteth the body of S. Augustine the first Archbishop of Dorobernia, that was sent into this land by Saint Gregory Bishop of the citie of Rome, approoued of God by the working of miracles, and that brought Ethel∣bert the king and his people from the worshipping of idols vnto the faith of Christ.

2. Laurence.

SAint Augustine before his death had appointed to suc∣céede [ 611] him, one Laurence a Romaine borne, a very godly and well learned man. He tooke great paines not onely with his owne charge, but also in labouring to reduce the Britons of Wales, the Scots and Irishmen to one consent in matters of religion. It is likely his diligence might haue done good, but that he was disturbed by the death of that good king Ethelbert. Eadbald his sonne succeeded him in the king∣dome, who being a vitious yong man, was not ashamed to marrie the wife of his late deceased father. This and other enormities when Laurence like a good Iohn Baptist doubted not to reprehend him for, he first began to fall out with him, and afterwards, euen with Christian religion which awhile he seemed to like of well inough, but now at last vtterly re∣nounced. The people (as commonly it commeth to passe) fol∣lowing the example of their king, they likewise returned to the filthie vomite of their abominable idolatrie, although the Archbishop like a good Pastor ceased not by earnest exhorta∣tions and what other meanes possibly he might, to stay them from this horrible relapse. Perceiuing at last that his words did no good, but rather incited the king to a more desperate hatred of him and religion: He determined to follow Mellitus and Iustus into France, that (as anon you shall haue occasion to reade) were lately banished by the wicked sonnes of good

Sebert king of the East Saxons. The night before the day of his intended departure, he caused his bed to be made in the very church of his monasterie; where after many teares and sighes, he recommended vnto God the miserable state of his poore church and so sel sléepe. It seemed vnto him (saith Beda) that S. Peter came vnto him and first expostulated the mat∣ter with him, after chid and reprehended him sharply 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purposing to forsake the church committed vnto him, and lastly whipped his naked body so terribly, as when he wa∣ked, finding it more then a dreame all his body was gore blood. He went immediately vnto the king, shewing him his wounds, and togither related vnto him the occasion of them. This strooke such a terror into the king, as by and by he re∣nounced his idols put away his incestuous wife, caused him∣selfe to be baptised, and for a farther testimonie and assurance of his vnfained conuersion, builded a church in the monastery of S. Peter, and dedicated the same vnto the blessed Uirgine. Laurence very ioyful of this alteratiō, sent presently for Mel∣litus and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into France; who comming vnto him, one of them (Iustus) Bishop of Rochester he returned vnto his old charge, the other he retained with him hoping to finde meanes he also might be restored to his Sée againe. In the meane time, euen the same yéere that king Eadbald became a Christian, himselfe (I meane Laurence) died and was buried beside Augustine his predecessor.

3. Mellitus.

AT what time the Britaines refused to ioine with Au∣gustine [ 617] in preaching of Christ, he writ vnto S. Gre∣gorie, certifying him, that the haruest here was great, but the labourers very few; and therefore requested him to appoint some that might assist him in this worke of the Lord. He did so, and sent vnto him Mellitus an Abbot of Rome, Iustus, Paulinus, Rufinianus and others, who arriued in Eng∣land the yéere 601. To leaue the rest vnto their owne places, Mellitus about thrée yéeres after was consecrate by him Bi∣shop of London, where king Ethelbert built a goodly church and dedicated the same vnto S. Paul. The fourth yéere of his

consecration he went to Rome to conferre with Boniface the Pope about diuers things, and was by him honourably in∣tertained. A yeere or two after his returne died both Ethel∣bert king of Kent and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (that vnder him ruled the East Saxons) vnto whose iurisdiction London appertained. This Sebert left behinde him thrée wicked sonnes, that being neuer baptised, came notwithstanding one day vnto the church at Communion time, and asked the Bishop what he meant that he deliuered not of that same fine bread vnto them as he was woont to doe vnto their father Saba and did yet vnto the rest of the people. He answered, that if they would be washed in the water of life as he was and the rest of the people there present; then would he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto them of this bread also, but otherwise neither was it lawfull for him to deliuer nor them to receiue it. This notwithstanding they would haue enforced him, and when they could not preuatle, were so en∣raged, as they expelled him their dominion, hardly holding their hands from doing him violence at that time. He being thus exiled, went first vnto Laurence the Archbishop of Can∣terburie, and finding him in little better case then himselfe was at London, departed into France together with Iustus Bishop of Rochester. Being sent for soone after by Laurence (as aboue said) it happened the same yeere that the said Lau∣rence died, and he was appointed to succeede him. He was a man of great birth, but of greater minde, excéeding carefull of his charge, despising the world, and neuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for any thing but heauen and heauenly things. Hauing beene sicke a long time, he died at last of the gowt, and was buried beside his predecessor.

4. Iustus.

Ivstus (of whom I haue before spoken somewhat) was [ 622] taken from Rochester to supply the place of Melhtus after his decease; wherein hauing trauelled painfully the space of twelue yeeres, he departed this life Nouemb. 10. ann. 634. and was buried in the porch aboue mentioned.

5. Honorius.

AFter the death of Iustus, Honorius was made Archbi∣shop; [ 634] a very reuerend man: He was a Romane borne, very learned and sometimes a disciple of S. Gregory. He was consecrate at Lincolne by Paulinus Archb of Yorke. He receiued a pall from Rome with letters, wherein autho∣ritie was giuen to him and the other Archb. whensoeuer ei∣ther of them did faile, to consecrate another in his place with∣out posting to Rome. This man appointed diuers Bishops to diuers countries, as in their seuerall places God willing, shall be more at large declared: He also biuided his prouince into parishes, that so he might appoint particular ministers to particular congregations, and hauing sate Archbishop al∣most 20. yeeres, died the last day of Februarie, or (as some other deliuer) of September the yeere 653. He was buried amongst his predecessors.

6. Deus-dedit or Adeodatus.

THe Sée was voide after Honorius died the space of 18. [ 655] moneths. An Englishman or Saxon called sometimes Frithona (famous for his learning and other vertues) was then elected Archbishop, and after that named Deus de∣dit. He was consecrate by Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, (Yorke being then without an Archbishop:) and died the last day of June 664. hauing attēded that charge carefully about the space of 9. yéeres. He was the first Englishman that was Archbishop, and the last Archbishop that was buried in the church porch of Saint Augustines.

7. Theodorus.

ONe Wigardus an Englishman, an ancient and lear∣ned [ 668] Priest was chosen to succéede Deus-dedit, and sent to Rome for consecration with letters commen∣datorie from Egbert king of Kent, and Oswy king of Nor∣thumberland, who also sent presents of great value vnto

Vitalianus that was then Pope. It chanced he came to Rome at a time when the plague was very hot there; and died of the same, as did also almost all his companie that came with him. The Pope vnderstanding the See had stood long void, and carefull to sée it furnished, made choice of one Adrian an Abbot of Italy, but borne in Afrike, a graue man and verie learned. He would not be perswaded to take so great a charge vpon him; but being importuned thereunto, he pro∣mised to finde out a man that should be of greater both lear∣ning and yéeres then himselfe, and in all other respects verie fit for the place. He was familiarly acquainted with one Theodore a Grecian, borne in Tharsus of Cilicia S. Paules countrey; a man well seene in all kinde of good learning & 66. yéeres of age. Vitalianus notwithstanding refused to allow of him, except the other would promise to go into England with him also. He was content, did so, and at his comming thither was made Abbot of S. Augustines. Theodore then was consecrate Archbishop, Aprill 1. 668. when the Sée had béene voide almost fower yéeres. In Maie following they set forward toward England. They had many lets by the way, and got not thither in a yéeres and a halfe. They brought with them great store of bookes both Gréeke and Latin, whereof some remaine yet to be seene at this day, as namely a Homer (so faire and exquisitely written, as no print in the world yet extant is thought to be comparable to it either for truth or beautie) and diuers other. Unto this man all the British Bishops and generally all Britaine yeelded obedi∣ence, and vnder him conformed themselues in all things vn∣to the rites and discipline of the church of Rome. He was a very stont and rigorous man, exercising the authoritie of his place so 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as many thinke it a great blot vnto him. How he tooke vpon him to place and displace 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishops at his pleasure, as Wilfride, Cedda and other, see in the beginning of Yorke. In his time were held two Synods, one at Hereford (the Canons whereof you may see in Beda lib. 4. cap. 5.) the other at Clyff beside Rochester, in which he procured all the Prelates there assembled to set downe their opinions touching the heresie of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, wherewith his countreymen the Grecians were much infected: They all

detested it, and gaue their approbation of those fiue famous generall Councels, of Nice, of Ephesus, of Chalcedon and the two first of Constantinople. Neuer before this time had England so happie daies, nor so many learned men as vnder him, and a little after. Amongst a great number of other, these were of his bréeding, Beda, Saint Iohn of Beuerley, Albinus, and Tobias Bishop of Rochester, all excellent and very famous men. He erected (as some say) a kind of schoole or Uniuersitie at Creeklade, or rather Greekeslade in Wilt∣shire, so called of the Grecians that taught and studied there. These men soone after remoouing thence, are supposed to haue laide the foundations of our Uniuersitie of Oxford. He left sundrie monuments of his learning in writing behind him, and appointed many Bishops in diuers parts of this land. Hauing continued Archbishop 22. yéeres he died September 19. ann 690. being 88. yéeres of age; vntill which time hée would often say he thought he should liue, for that in a dreme it was so signified vnto him many yéeres before. A litle before his death he sent for Wilfride Archbishop of Yorke, and Er∣kenwald Bishop of London, and confessing himselfe vnto them; acknowledged that he had doon Wilfride great wrong, insomuch as, there was no one thing that lay so hard vpon his conscience as that, and therefore with teares besought him to forgiue him and to pray for him. He was buried with∣in the church of Saint Augustines Abbey.

8. Birhtuald.

ALmost two yéeres the Sée was voide after the death [ 692] of Theodore, Birhtuald Abbot of Reculuer which stan∣deth vpon the mouth of the riuer Gentad, was then elect Ianuarie 29. ann. 692. and consecrate by Godwyn the Metropolitane of Wales, or of France rather as Beda reporteth. The yéere following Maie 30. he tooke possession of this his Bishopricke. He was a man verie well learned both in Diuinitie and otherwise, but not comparable vnto Theodore his predecessor. He bare a hard hand vpon Wil∣fride Archbishop of Yorke as Theodore had done before him, and caused his second banishment, or at least was some

meanes of it. He was coniured by the Pope, who turned him about, and dealt so with him by letters, as he made him more earnest for him then euer he had béene against him. No Archbishop euer continued so long in this Sée as he. He sate 38. yeeres and a halfe. Dying then Ianuarie 9. 731. he was buried at Saint Augustines with his predecessors.

9. Tatwyn.

THe same yéere in which Birhtwald died succéeded Tat∣wyn [ 732] otherwise called Cadwyn and Scadwyn. He was borne in Mercia. A man verie religious, and no lesse learned. Soone after his consecration there arose a great con∣trouersie betwéene him and the Archbishop of Yorke about the Primacie. Wherein Tatwyn preuailed hauing trauailed to Rome in person and receaued his Pall there. He sate thrée yéeres, died July 30. 734. and was buried at Canterburie. Unto this mans time Beda (who died the same yéere) dedu∣ceth his historie, the most ancient that England hath woor∣thie credite.

10. Nothelinus.

HEnry Huntingdon affirmeth one Egbright to haue [ 736] succéeded Tatwyn: I haue not found him mentioned else where: and therefore to follow the report of the greater number, I will omit him and passe vnto Nothelin. He was borne at London, of which citie he was Bishop, till he was translated to Canterburie. Beda acknowledgeth himselfe much beholding to this man for diuers things which vpon his report he inserted into his Ecclesiasticall storie. He receaued his Pall at Rome ann. 736. and was buried at Canterburie.

11. Cuthbert or Cudbrict.

CVthbert an Englishman, of great parentage, being [ 742] Bishop of Hereford, the yéere 742. was translated to Canterburie. Fiue yéeres after, to wit 747. by the

counsell of Boniface Bishop of Mentz he called a conuocation at Cliff beside Rochester, to reforme the manifold enormi∣ties wherewith the Church of England at that time was ouergrowen. Our kings forsaking the companie of their owne wiues, in those daies delighted altogether in harlots which were for the most part Nunnes. Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis. The rest of the nobilitie therefore following their example, trode also the same trace. The Bi∣shops also and other of the cleargie that should haue béene a meanes of reforming these faults in others, were themselues no lesse faultie; spending their times either in contentions and brabbles, or else in luxurie and voluptuousnesse, hauing no care of studie and seldome or neuer preaching. Whereby it came to passe that the whole land was ouerwhelmed with a most darke and palpable mist of ignorance, and polluted with all kinde of wickednesse and impietie in all kinde of peo∣ple. Cuthbert therfore endeuouring (like a good Pastor) by the reformation of these things to turne away the wrath of God which séemed to hang ouer this land, and to threaten those plagues which shortly after fell vpon it when the Danes in∣uaded the same: gathered together his cleargie at the place before mentioned, and there after long consultation, caused certaine Canons to be decréed which are to be séene at large elsewhere. This man procured Eadbert king of Kent to command, that the bodies of Archbishops deceased hereafter should not be buried at S. Augustines (as heretofore) but at Christchurch: And that he might put his monkes of Christ church as it were in possession of this priuilege; he tooke order his death should be concealed vntill his funerals were ended. He died ann. 758. and was buried according to his owne de∣sire in Christchurch, or (as one reporteth) in a little church néere adioyning, which he had built and dedicated vnto S. Iohn Baptist, meaning to settle his consistorie there and to make it a place of buriall for himselfe and his successors. This church many yéeres after was consumed with fire together with Christchurch it selfe and a great part of the monasterie. Christchurch was afterward reedified by Lanfranke.

12. Bregwyn.

BRegwyn was borne of noble parentage amongst the [ 759] Saxons of Germany, whence he trauailed into Eng∣land for the encrease of knowledge, being yet verie yoong. After the death of Cuthbert, in regard of his modesty, integritie and great learning, choice was made of him as the fittest man to succéede. He tooke euen the like course for his buriall as his predecessour had done. He sate onely 3. yéeres.

13. Lambert.

THe monks of S. Augustines taking it very hainously [ 764] to haue the buriall of their Archbishops discontinued from them; began to make their complaint vnto the Pope. Now though Christchurch-men had no great reason to doubt of the Pope, who had confirmed vnto them this pri∣uilege at the sute of Bregwyn, yet to make the matter the more sure, they determined to elect Lambert Abbot of Saint Augustines for their Archbishop, assuring themselues hée would now be as carnest a defender of their liberties, as he had héeretofore béene an oppugner in the behalfe of S. Augu∣stins; and so indéed he prooued. In his time Offa king of Mer∣ria erected a new Archbishopricke at Lichfield, and obtained of the Pope authoritie for Eadulfus Bishop there to gouerne the Diocesses of Worcester, Legecester, Siuancester, Here∣ford, Helmhant and Dunwich. So that Canterburie had left vnto him for his prouince onely these, London, Winche∣ster, Rochester, and Sherborne. Some say that Lambert consented vnto this alteration; others report that he spared no cost to reduce things to their old estate. He sate manie yéeres, and perceauing his end to approch, tooke order to bée buried in Saint Augustines, infringing by that meanes the graunts and priuileges of the monks of Christ-church, obtai∣ned for the buriall of the Archbishops amongst them. He was very honorablie enterred in the Chapter-house of Saint Augustines.

14. Athelard or Edelred.

AThelard was first Abbot of Malmesbury, then Bishop [ 793] of Winchester and lastly made Archbishop an. 793. Offa soone after this being dead, together with his sonne Egfride; Athelard made earnest sute vnto Kenulfe the sonne of Cuthbert then king of Mercia that he would restore vnto the Sée of Canterbury, the reuenues and iurisdiction ta∣ken from it wrongfully by Offa: Hereunto Kenulfus without much adoe readily assented, as also Leo the third that was then Pope. He sate about an eight or nine yéeres, and dying the yéere 806. was buried in Christ church to the great dis∣contentment of the monks of S. Angustines.

15. Wlfred.

VVLfred being a monke of Christchurch in Canter∣bury [ 807] was made Archbishop at Rome by Leo the third. Except this, that the ninth yéere after his consecration he went to Rome about some businesse of his church not recorded, I finde no other action of his reported. He was buried at Canterburie in his owne church.

16. Theologild.

ALittle while after Wlfred, Theologild or Fleogild [ 832] sometimes Abbot of Canterburie was Archbishop, and dying was buried also in Christchurch. One na∣med Syred succéeded him; but being taken away before he had full possession, is not reckoned amongst the Archbishops.

17. Celnoth.

CElnoth that is said to haue béene Deane of the church [ 832] of Canterburie, succéeded Theologild and continued Archb. 38. yéeres. His time was excéeding trouble∣some by reason of the continuall inuasions of the Danes: yet no memorie remaineth of any action of his in so long space

of so memorable a time. He lieth buried in Christchurch in Canterburie.

18. Athelredus.

AThelredus a great diuine, sometimes a monke of Christ [ 793] church in Canterburie, and then Bishop of Winchester, was Archbishop after Celnoth 18. yéeres. In his time all the monasteries of England were destroied by the Danes, so as, for the space of 90. yéeres after, monkerie ceased throughout the realme; yea in the North parts there was not séene any either monke or nunne in two hundred yéeres after, viz. vntill about the middle of the raigne of William Conqueror. Ma∣ried priests euery where inhabited monasteries, whence for a long time after with much adoe they were hardly remooued. This Athelredus (as in a manner all his successors) was bu∣ried in his church of Christ in Canterburie.

19. Plegmund.

PLegmund the most excellent learned man of his time [ 889] was borne in the kingdome of Mercia. In his youth he first dedicated himselfe vnto a solitarie life and liued an eremite in the Island of Chester, which of him (as it should séeme) was woont to be called Plegmundsham. He was ta∣ken thence to teach Alfred that was afterward king of Eng∣land. Being chosen Archbishop, he trauailed to Rome in per∣son, and was there consecrate. Soone after his returne (to requite belike the curtesie he had found there) he tooke great paines in collecting the almes of al men wel disposed through the land, which the king sent together with much treasure of his owne vnto the Pope by Athelmus Bishop of Winche∣ster, appointing a certaine portion of the same to be conueied vnto Ierusalem. Marianus then Pope, a little before had gra∣tified the king diuers waies: He had granted immunitie of tribute vnto the Saxons schoole at Rome, and sent sundrie presents vnto him; namely (amongst other things) a péece of the crosse vpon which our Sauiour was thought to haue suf∣fered death. By this contribution his kindnesse was suffici∣ently

requited. The most memorable action of this Archbi∣shop is, that the yéere 905. he consecrated seuen Bishops in one day. By reason of continuall warres, all the prouince of the West Saxons had béene without any Bishop seuen yéeres: Which Formosus the Pope imputing vnto the negligence of the king, sent out an excommunication against him. He ther∣fore caused Plegmund the Archbishop to call a conuocation, wherein it was ordered, that the country of the Gewisses (which till that time had but two Bishops, one at Winche∣ster another at Shirburne) should hereafter haue fiue; viz. besides the Sées before named, Welles in Sommersetshire, Criditon in Deuonshire, and Saint Petrocks in Cornwall. Unto Winchester was appointed Frithstan, to Shirburne Wolstan, to Criditon 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to Saint Petrocks Athel∣stan. Moreouer at the same time were consecrate with them, Burnegus Bishop of the South Saxons, and Kenulsus Bi∣shop of Dorchester. Plegmund sate Archbishop 26. yéeres, and dying ann. 915. was buried in his owne church.

20. Athelmus.

AThelm that had béene Abbot of Glastonburie and (as [ 915] before is mentioned) was appointed the first Bishop of Wels, was chosen to succéed Plegmund in Canterburie. William of Malmesbury saith that this Archbishop laide the first foundation of the Abbey of Malmesburie: but it séemeth to be more ancient then so. He sate nine yéeres, died ann. 924. and was buried with his predecessors.

21. Wlfelmus.

VVLfelm succéeded Athelm, first in Wels, and then [ 924] afterwards in Canterburie also. He continued there ten yéeres and died ann. 934.

22. Odo Seuerus.

ODo was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the countrey of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Angles. [ 934] His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were Danes, of great wealth and nobi∣litis, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vtter enimies of Christ and

Christian religion; insomuch as, they disinherited their sonne Odo for kéeping companie with Christians. He therefore for∣saking his country, betooke himselfe to the seruice of a noble man in the court of king Edward the elder named Ethelelm; who perceiuing in him a great forwardnesse and excellencie of wit, set him to schoole, where he profited excéedingly. He was not baptised till he was come euen vnto mans estate. Soone after his baptisme, by the counsel of his Lord and Ma∣ster he entred into orders and became a Deacon; in which of∣fice he continued preaching very painfully, vntill at last he was made priest. Some report that he serued in the wars, some while vnder king Edward before he became a cleargie man; and it is not vnlikely. For after he was Bishop he was thrise in the field, & did his prince notable seruice. He was pre∣ferred to the Bishopricke of Wiltshire (the Sée whereof was then seated at ramsbury) by the special fauour of king Athel∣ston the yéere 920. King Athelston being dead, Edmund his brother that succéeded fauouring him no lesse then his bro∣ther had done, vpon the death of Wlfhelm, procured him to be chosen Archbishop. A great while Odo refused (because he was no monke) to take that charge vpon him, saying, that neuer any man had held that place hetherto but he was a monke. Therein he was deceiued; For Nothelmus and two or thrée other before him were secular priests, & not monks.) But he resolute in this errour, and loath to breake the dance, was perswaded first to become a monke of Floriake in France; and that done, accepted of the election. He continued Archbishop 24. yéeres, in great fauour and authoritie vnder diuers princes, Edmund, Edward, Athelstan, and Eadred. Towards the latter end of his time, Edwyn a yoong Gentle∣man obtained the crowne, with whom he had very ill agrée∣ment. He caused him to be diuorced from his Quéene, some say for consanguinity, some alleage other reasons. He excom∣municated his concubines, and causing one of them whom the king doted vnreasonably vpon, to be fetcht out of the court by violence, burnt her in the forehead with a hot yron, & banished her into Ireland. These things exasperated the king much against him: But he was taken away by death soone after, and so deliuered from al feare of the kings displea∣sure.

He was buried on the south side of the high alter, in a tombe built somewhat after the forme of a Pyramis. I take it to be the tombe of ieate standing in the grate néere the steps that lead vp to S. Thomas chappell. After his death (which hapned the yéere 958.) Elsinus Bishop of Winchester (that could neuer brooke Odo in his life time) by bribery & corrupt meanes, obtained election vnto Canterbury, and comming thither, spurned at his tombe despitefully, vsing these spée∣ches, now at last (quoth he) thou art dead old dotard, and much against thy will hast left thy place vnto a man woor∣thier of it then thy selfe. Our stories report, that the next night Odo appéered vnto him in his sléepe, threatning a spée∣die and fearefull vengeance of this insolency. According vnto which prediction it fell out, that trauailing to Rome for his pall, vpon the Alpes he was so oppressed with cold, as he was constrained to put his féete wherewith he had so contumeli∣ously disgraced his deceased predecessor, into the bellies of his horses, & yet at last to die for cold. Brithelm Bishop of Wels was then chosen Archbishop, a vertuous and méeke man, but not very fit for gouernment: In regard whereof king Edgar intreated him and he easily condiscended to abide still at his old charge.

23. Dunstan.

VVIth the approbation of all men Dunstan Bishop [ 959] of London was then elected to this Metropoliti∣call Sée. Of whom I know not how to write, that which is deliuered of him is so infinite. But I will hold my selfe within my determined bounds, and send the Reader that is desirous to heare more of him vnto other histories. He was borne in Somersetshire of good parentage: his fathers name was Herstan, & his mothers Kinedeid. He was brought vp for the most part in the Abbey of Glastonbury, where be∣side other good learning he was also taught to sing, play vpon iustruments, to paint and carue, in all which he prooued very excellent. From thence he went vnto Athelm Archbishop of Canterburie his vncle, who commended him vnto the king; And he partly in regard of the manifold good parts he sawe in

him, partly also for that he was néere of kinne vnto him, made very much of him. So he liued in the court a while, till for a certaine miracle (as the monks call it, which was then imputed to coniuration) with much disgrace he was driuen out of the court. After this he betooke himselfe vnto the ser∣uice of Elphege Bishop of Winchester, another vncle of his, who perswaded him continually to become a monke. He could not heare of that side in any wise, till vpon a time fal∣ling dangerously sicke, and thinking his disease a plague sent of God for his backwardnesse in that holy course whereto his vncle directed him, in great hast professed himselfe a monke. This done, & hauing recouered his health, he went to his first nurse Glastonbury, leading there (in outward shew at least) an excéeding straite life. King Edward hearing great fame of his holinesse, sent for him vnto the court, where he liued in very diuers reputation, sometimes iudged too familar with faire women, sometimes accounted a coniurer, but for the most part admired as a most holy and vertuous man. Under two princes Edmund and Eldred (with whom he was most gracious) he ruled all things at his pleasure. Edwyn the sonne of king Edmund that succéeded Eldred, could in no wise brooke him. Some say it was because Dunstan was forward in reprehending the kings vices; as namely, that when the king rising from the feast of his coronation, went immediate∣ly to his chamber, where a certaine beautifull concubine at∣tended his comming; Dunstan that had gotten some inkling of the businesse he went about, followed him boldly, and forced him not onely to leaue that enterprise for that time, but also to forsweare the companie of that woman. But the vndoubted ground of this dislike was this. Dunstan had so bewitched the former kings with the loue of monkery, as they not onely tooke violently from married priestes their liuings to erect monasteries, but also spent very lauishly of their owne treasures, which they should rather haue im∣ploied in resisting the common enimy both of God and their country the Dane. King Edwyn perceiuing all the wealth of the land to be crept into monasteries, not onely refrained to bestow more vpon them, but recalled diuers of those prodi∣gall gifts his predecessors had made, and when the monks

refused to render them at his demaund, he became a very bit∣ter persecutor of them, and their patrons. Dunstan therefore séeing nothing before him at home but danger and continuall disgrace, got him away into France, and there liued in ba∣nishment the space of a yéere. In the meane time king Ed∣wyn by the rebellion of his subiects (at the instigation it is likely of our monks and their fauourers) was depriued both of his life and kingdome. Edgar that succéeded, warned by his brothers example, was content to curry fauour with them, and to that purpose restored whatsoeuer was taken from them, and not onely called home Dunstan, but promo∣ted him, first vnto the Bishoprick of Worcester, soone after of London, and lastly hauing béene but two yéeres at London, to the Archbishopricke of Canterbury. In that place he con∣tinued 27. yéeres, applying all his endeuours to the enriching of monks and monasteries inhabited by them, persecuting and hunting maried priests euery where out of their liuing. He died at last May 19. 988. and was long after canonised a Saint.

24. Ethelgar.

AFter Dunstan succéeded Aethelgar, abbot first of the new [ 988] abbey of Winchester, then Bishop of Seolsey, and last∣ly made Archbishop of Canterburie 989. He continued in that See onely one yéere and thrée monethes: Dying then he was buried in his owne church.

25. Siricius.

SIricius of a monke of Glastonbury was made abbot of [ 989] Saint Augustine in Canterbury by Dunstan, and by his meanes preferred to the Bishopricke of Winchester (as one saith) but it was the Bishop of Wiltshire or Wilton. Ethelgar being dead, he became Archbishop the yéere 989. He is blamed much in our histories for perswading to buy peace of the Danes with 10000. l. He sate sower yéeres, died 993. and was buried at Canterbury.

26. Aluricius alias Alfricus.

ALuricius was also brought vp at Glastonbury, and suc∣céeded [ 993] Siricius first at Wilton in the Bishopricke there, then at Canterbury. He died ann. 1006. and was buried first at Abingdon, but was afterward remooued to Canterbury.

27. Elphege.

ELphege was borne of great parentage, and spent his [ 1006] yoonger yéeres in the monasterie of Hirst, where he first entred into religion. Departing thence, he gaue him∣selfe to a very strait kinde of life at Bathe, and was so much admired for the same (the rather because he was a gentleman of great linage) as many went about to imitate him, and ioy∣ning themselues to him, made him their gouernour by the name of an abbot. Hauing liued so a certaine space, he was called to the Bishopricke of Winchester the yéere 984. There he continued twelue yeeres, and the yéere 1006. was remoo∣ued to Canterbury. He was a man of woonderfnll abstinence, neuer eating, drinking or sleeping more then necessitie com∣pelled him, spending his time altogether either in praier, stu∣dy or other necessary businesse. So that what with preaching and example of holy life he conuerted many vnto Christ. The yéere 1012. it happened the Danes to be disappointed of cer∣taine tribute which they claimed as due vnto them: For want whereof they spoiled and burnt the citie and church of Canterbury. The monks and people thereof, men, women and children they tithed, putting nine to the sword, and let∣ting go a tenth onely: So for 804. that were suffered to es∣cape, 7236. went to the pot. As for the Archbishop, they kept him in prison seuen monethes, and at last put him to death at Gréenwich. The vengeance of God suffered not these cruell hell-hounds to escape vnpunished: By sundry kindes of mis∣fortune they were little and little in a manner all consumed very shortly after: The body of Elphege was first buried in Saint Paules church in London, afterward carried to Can∣terbury, by the commandement of king Knute and there en∣terred.

He was made a Saint and allowed the 19. day of Aprill for celebration of his memorie.

28. Liunig alias Lifwing.

LIunig surnamed Elstan was first Bishop of Wels, and [ 1013] translated to Canterbury soone after the death of El∣phege. His time was very troublesome, by reason of the continuall inuasion of the Danes. Besides many other cala∣mities, he endured seuen monethes imprisonment at their hands; from which being deliuered, he departed into volun∣tarie exile, and bewailed there the miserie of his country, vn∣till such time as king Swanus being dead and Ethelred retur∣ning, all troubles were appcased. So it pleased God to suffer him at last to end his daies in peace the yéere 1020. when he had béene Archbishop about seuen yéeres.

29. Agelnothus alias Aethelnotus.

AGelnothus surnamed The Good, was the sonne of an [ 1020] Earle called Agelmare, and is said to haue beene Deane of Christchurch in Canterbury, which at that time was re∣plenished for the most part with canons wearing the habite and garments of monks, but in profession and manner of life differing much from them. Therefore when as in that same terrible tithing of the Danes mentioned in the life of Elphege all the monks were slaine except onely fower; the canons that were now the greater number, gaue vnto their gouernour the name of Deane. From this place Agelnoth was taken to be Archbishop. Going to Rome to fetch his pall, he bought (as one reporteth) an arme of that blessed fa∣ther Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo for an hundred ta∣lents of siluer, and bestowed it vpon the church of Couentry. He sustained great paines and cost in repairing his church and monastery destroied and burnt by the Danes; and by his good aduise directed king Knute (that fauoured him excéeding∣ly) vnto many honourable enterprises. He died at last hauing sate Archbishop 17. yéeres and vpward, October 29. anno 1038.

30. Eadsin.

EAdsin was a seculer priest, and first chapleine vnto king [ 1038] Harold, who preferred him to the Bishopricke of Win∣chester. Thence he was remooued to Canterbury soone after the death of Agelnoth. He continued Archbishop almost 12. yéeres; All which time he was so oppressed with sicknesse, as he could not attend his pastoral charge, but was faine to commit the same to another: and he made choice of one 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Abbot of Abingdon, whom he termed sometimes Vicarium 〈◊〉〈◊〉, sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and sometimes Archiepiscopi 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. He discharged not his duty according to the trust reposed in him: for he abused much not onely his authoritie, but also the goods, yea and person al∣so of the Archbishop that committed the same vnto him. In regard whereof, though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 besought the king and other about him very earnestly, that he might succéede him, (not knowing belike how ill he was vsed so well as they) yet they would not condescend thereunto: but bestowed vp∣on him the Bishopricke of Rochester. Henry Huntingdon saith he was consecrated Archv. But he is mistaken, out of all doubt. Edsinus departed this life October 28. 1050. was buried in his owne church, and after his death made a Saint.

31. Robert, surnamed Gemeticensis.

RObert a Norman succéeded by the fauour of king Ed∣ward [ 1050] the Confessor, with whom he became acquain∣ted, at what time he was exiled into Normandy. He preferred him first vnto London, and then presently after the death of Eadsin vnto Canterburie. This man is said to haue laid the first foundation of the Normans conquest in Eng∣land, perswading the king to make Duke William his heire; wherunto when the king had condescended, himselfe became the messenger of this good tidings vnto the Duke, taking Ha∣rold with him, peraduenture to that purpose, that he might so hamper him with an oth (as indéed he did) and so barre him from all possibilitie of the kingdome. This oth Harold after∣ward

broke; but he sped thereafter, loosing his life and ill gotten kingdome both togither. The Archbishop now assu∣ring himselfe of the fauour not onely of the king present, but of him also that was to succeede: could not indure that any should beare so great sway as himselfe in court, and therefore began to deuise how he might ouerthrow Emma the kings mother, who onely séemed to ouertop him. He began there∣fore to beate into the kings head (that was a milde & soft na∣tured gentleman) how hard a hand his mother had held vpon him when he liued in Normandy; how likely it was that his brother came to his death by the practise of her and Earle Godwyn; and lastly that she vsed the company of Alwyn Bishop of Winchester, somwhat more familiarly then an ho∣nest woman néeded. The king somewhat too rashly crediting these tales, without any further examination or debating of the matter, seased vpon all his mothers goods, and commit∣ted her to prison in the Nunry of Warwell; banished Earle Godwyn and his sonnes; and commanded Alwyn vpon pain of death not to come foorth of the gates of Winchester. The Quéene made the best friends she could to be called to her an∣swere: But the Archbishop so possessed the king, as other try∣all of her innocency might not be allowed then this; She must walke ouer nine plowshares red hot in the midst of the Cathedrall church of Winchester. If either she perfour∣med not this kind of purgation, or were found any thing at all hurt, she and the Bishop both should be estéemed guilty; If otherwise, the Archbishop was content to submit himselfe to such punishment as they should haue endured. To make short, the Quéene lead betwéene two Bishops in open sight of all the people, perfourmed (as all our histories report) this hard kind of purgation, and so acquit herselfe and Alwyn the Bishop of these crimes obiected. The king then greatly be∣wailing the wrong done to his mother, asked her forgiuenes vpon his knées, restored both her and the Bishop vnto their goods and former places, and lastly (to make some satis∣faction for his fault committed) would needes be whipped by the hands of the Bishops there present, and recea∣uing thrée stripes of his mother, was by her cléerely forgi∣uen, and the wrong promised for euer héereafter to be forgot∣ten.

Emma now and the Bishop to shew themselues thank∣ful vnto God for this miraculous deliuerance, for a perpetual memorial of the same, gaue each of them vnto the monastery of S. Swithun nine Mannors, in remembrance of the nine plowshares. This gift of theirs the king confirmed, and gaue moreouer two Mannors of his owne, to wit, Meones and Portland. Now to returne vnto the Archbishop; he doubting of the successe of this matter, vnder pretence of sick∣nesse held himselfe at Douer, and assoone as he heard how the world went, well knowing England would prooue too hot for him, he got him ouer into his owne country to the Abbey of Gemetica where he was brought vp, and there ouercome (it is like with shame and sorrow) within a short time after en∣ded his daies, and was buried in the Monastery aforesaid, hauing beene Archbishop about the space of two yeeres or scarcely so much.

32. Stigand.

STigand was chaplaine vnto king Edward the Confes∣sor, [ 1052] and preferred by him first vnto the Bishopricke of the East Saxons at Helmham 1043. and after vnto Winchester the yeere 1047. He was a man stout and wise inough, but very vnlearned (as in a manner all the Bishops were of those times) and vnreasonable couetous. Perceiuing the king highly displeased with Robert the Archbishop, he thrust himselfe into his roome (not expecting either his death, depriuation or other auoydance) without any performance of vsuall ceremonies. And whether it were that he mistrusted his title to Canterbury, or inercusable couetousnesse I can∣not tell; certaine it is, that he kept Winchester also together with Canterbury, euen vntill a little before his death he was forced to forgoe them both. Many times he was cited vnto Rome about it; but by giftes, delayes and one meanes or other he droue it off, neuer being able to procure his pall thence so long as king Edward liued. William the Conque∣ror hauing slaine king Harold in the field, all England yéel∣ded presently vnto his obedience, except onely Kentishmen, who following the counsell of Stigand and Egelsin the abbot

of S. Augustines, gathered al their forces togither at Swans∣combe néere Grauesend, and there attended the comming of the king (who doubted of no such matter) euery man holding a gréene bough in his hand; whereby it came to passe that he was in the midst of them before he dreamed of any such busi∣nesse toward. He was greatly amased at the first, till he was giuen to vnderstande by Stigand, there was no hurt meant vnto him, so that he would graunt vnto that contrey their ancient liberties, and suffer them to be gouerned by their former customes and lawes, called then and til this day Gauelkind. These things he easily yeelded vnto, vpon this armed intercession, and afterward very honourably perfor∣med: But he conceiued so profound a displeasure against Stigand for it, as he neuer ceased till he had reuenged it with the others destruction. A while he gaue him very good counte∣nance, calling him father, méeting him vpon the way when he vnderstood of his repaire toward him, and affording him all kinde of gratious and fauourable vsage both in words and behauiour: but it lasted not long. The first signe of his hidden rancour and hatred towarde him was, that he would not suffer himselfe to be crowned by him, but made choise of Al∣dred Archbishop of Yorke: for which he alleaged other rea∣sons, as that he had not yet receiued his pall &c. But the mat∣ter was, he was loth in that action to acknowledge him for Archbishop. Soone after his coronation, he departed into Normandy carrying with him Stigand and many English nobles, vnder pretence to doe them honour: But in truth he stood in doubt least in his absence they should practise some∣what against him: And namely Stigand he knew to be a man of a haughty spirit, subtile, rich, gracious and of great power in his countrey. Presently vpon his returne, certaine Cardinals arriued in England, sent from the Pope as le∣gates to redresse (as they said) certaine enormities and abu∣ses of the English clergy. Stigand by and by perceiuing him∣selfe to be the marke that was specially shot at, hid himfelfe a while in Scotland with Alexander Bishop of Lincolne and after in the Isle of Ely. At last perceiuing a conuocation to be called at Winchester, he came thither and besought the king in regarde of his owne honour, and the promise made vnto

him at Swanscombe (which was not to be offended with him or any other for their attempt at that time) to saue him from the calamity he saw growing toward him, which he could not impute vnto any thing so probably, as his vndeser∣ued displeasure. The king answered him with very gentle words, that he was so farre from endeuouring to take any reuenge of that or any other matter, as he loued him, and wished he knew how to protect him from the danger immi∣nent: But that which was to be done at that time, must be done by the Popes authoritie which he might not counter∣maund. So do what he could, he was depriued of his liuings by these legates. The causes alleaged against him were these; First, that he had held Canterbury and Winchester both to∣gether (which was no very strange thing, for Saint Oswald had long before held Worceter with Yorke, and S. Dunstan Worceter with London.) Secondly, that he had inuaded the Sée of Canterbury, Robert the Archbishop being yet aliue vndepriued; And lastly that he presumed to vse the pall of his predecessor Robert left at Canterbury, and had neuer recei∣ued any pall but of Pope Benedict, at what time he stood ex∣communicate for simony and other like crimes. In the same conuocation many other Prelates were depriued of their promotions, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Helmham brother vnto Stigand, diuers abbots and men of meaner places. All which was done by the procurement of the king, that was desirous to place his countrymen in the roomes of the depriued for the establishment of his new gotten kingdome. Poore Stigand being thus depriued, as though he had not yet harme inough, was also clapt vp presently in prison within the castell of Winchester, and very hardly vsed there, being scarcely al∣lowed meate inough to hold life and soule together. That was thought to be done to force him to confesse where his treasure lay, whereof being demaunded, he protested with great othes he had no mony at all; hoping belike so to procure his liberty the rather, and then to make himselfe mery with that he had laid vp against such a déere yéere. He died soone after of sorrow and griefe of minde, or (as other report) of vo∣luntary famine, 17. yéeres after he first obtained the Archbi∣shopricke. After his death, a little key was found about his

necke, the locke whereof being carefully sought out, shewed a note or direction of infinite treasures hid vnder ground in di∣uers places. All that the king pursed in his owne coffers. The bones of this archbishoply entoombed at this day vpon the top of the north wall of the Presbytery of the church of Winchester in a coffin of lead, vpon the north side whereof are written these words, Hic iacet Stigandus Archiepiscopus. he was depriued ann. 1069. and died within the compasse of the same yéere.

33. Lanfrank.

STigand being yet aliue, but depriued as is beforesaid, [ 1070] Lanfranke was consecrate Archbishop. This Lanfrank was borne at Papia in Lumbardy, twenty myles from Millayn, where being brought vp in learning, and now come vnto mans state, he determined to trauaile. Through France he came into Normandy, prouoked by the fame and great re∣ports he had heard of Eluin abbot of Becco. Upon the way thitherward, it was his hap to be encountred with théeues that spoiled him of all he had, bound him and threw him into a thicket, where he might haue perished with cold and hun∣ger had not God sent some extraordinary company that way that loosed him, hauing laien there onely one night. Thence he got him vnto the monastery of Becco, and for very want and penury was faine to become a Reader of Logike there, vntill he was admitted to the place of a monke. Soone after that, he was made Prior of Becco, whence in regard of his singular wisedome and great knowledge in all good learning that those times could affoord) he was called by Duke Wil∣liam to be abbot of S. Stephens in Cane, a monastery that the said Duke had founded. Now Stigand being displaced in manner aboue rehearsed, the conquerour well knowing how much it behooued him to the establishment of his new erected throne in England, to haue a man wise and faithfull in that place; made a speciall choice of him, as one in all respects most fit and woorthy; which being well knowne to all men, the Couent at the kings first nomination readily chose him, the nobilitie and courtiers willingly assented, and receaued

him with great applause, and lastly the Pope affoorded him his pall with extraordinary fauour. It is said, at his first com∣ming the Pope rose vp vnto him and mette him, telling him he yeelded him that honour not of dutie, but in regard of his excellent learning, whereof he had heard great fame. Thomas Archbishop of Yorke was present the same time, together with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Dorchester. This Thomas had béene lately consecrated vnto Yorke by Lanfrank, and for a certaine time refused to make profession of obedience vnto the See of Canterbury, euen vntill by the commandement of the king he was inforced thereunto. Now whether it were discontentment and perswasion of a wrong, or else enuie at Lanfranks either vertue or good fortune that mooued him, hée presently began to make complaint vnto the Pope of a great miury offered vnto his Sée, in the demaund of his profession. Lanfrank pleaded prescription for his right, and offred to make proofe of the same. The Pope therefore not willing to trouble himselfe any more with the matter, committed the hearing thereof vnto the king, who in the yéere 1072. iudged it for Canterbury. Sée more of this quarrell in Thomas of Yorke. Lanfrank himselfe was consecrated very solemnly at Canterbury, all the Bishops in England being present them∣selues or by their proctors August 29. 1070. Almost 18. yeres he continued Archbishop, gouerning his charge laudably and happily, till that about the end of his time one action obscu∣red his former praises, and furthermore was the cause of ma∣ny great calamities vnto him. It is thought that William the Conqueror left the kingdome of England vnto his yoon∣ger sonne William Rufus, at the perswasion especially of this Archbishop, who the rather wisht well vnto the yoong prince, because he had béene brought vp vnder him in his childhood. He is blamed much for putting the eldest sonne Robert from that which might séeme in some sort due vnto him; and sure∣ly God blessed him not in that action. The king thus aduan∣ced by him, fel out with him, and droue him out of the realme. The cause of this displeasure is diuersly reported: But most men agree it was none other then this, that the king thought him a little too busie in exhorting him to vertue and godli∣nesse, and reprehending his manifold vices. Being thus:

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banished, he trauatled to Rome, and wandred vp and downe many countries, till at last (by what intercession I finde not) he was suffred to come home againe. Soone after his return, he fell sicke of an ague, and so ended his daies, Iune 4. 1088. or (as Houeden hath) May 24. 1089. He was buried at Canterbury in his owne church, vnto which he was a great benefactor. He bestowed much vpon the fabrike and repa∣ration of the same, built much housing for the monkes (whose number he increased from 30. to 140.) restored the dignities and offices of old belonging to the monastery, and recouered vnto the same 25. Mannors that had béene taken from it wrongfully in times past by Odo Bishop of Bayon and earle of Rent. Moreouer he built the Archbishops pallace at Can∣terbury in a manner all, he founded two hospitals without the citie of Canterbury, and endowed them with competent reuenewes; (Saint Iohns and Harbaldown) He bestowed large mony toward the building of the cathedrall Church of Rochester, (or rather indéed built it all) and did much (the par∣ticulars I cannot set downe) for the abbey of Saint Albons. He was a great student, writ many learned works, and (which deserueth especiall remembrance) tooke great paines in reforming the Bible, the copies whereof were much cor∣rupted throughout England by the negligence of the wri∣ters.

34. Anselm.

FOwer yéeres the Sée continued void after the death of [ 1093] Lanfranke, and the king pursed the profits thereof. In what good moode I knowe not, he which was woont to sell all other ecclesiastical promotions as it were by the drum, bestowed this Archbishopricke fréely, vpon a most woorthy man, Anselm abbot of Becco. This Anselm was borne at Augusta a city of Burgundy standing at the foot of the Alpes. His fathers name was Gundulfe (a man of great account in his country) and his mothers Hemeberg. He came vnto Bec∣co of the like errand as Lanfranke had done, mooued thereunto by the great fame of the said Lanfranke, and professed himselfe a monke there in the 27. yéere of his age. Lanfranke being

called away to Cane, he was made Prior, and soone after Abbot, Eluyn the old Abbot being dead. In that place he con∣tinued 15. yéeres, and then was earnestly requested by Hugh Earle of Chester lying very sicke, to come into England vnto him, to conferre with him, and to order certaine affairesof his. Hither he came and had much honour done him euery where of all forts of people. The king himselfe amongst the rest, beside many verball fauours, made offer vnto him of the Archbishopricke of Canterbury, verily hoping belike that a man giuen to monasticall contemplation and not estéeming worldly pompe, would vndoubtedly haue refused the same: For it is certaine, that after Anselm had accepted the offer, pitying belike the spoile and desolation of the church for want of a pastor; the king would faine haue retracted his gift, and perswaded him with many reasons to leaue it; shewing him how the burthen and trouble of the place was greater then he should be able to inoure, a man that had spent his time with∣in the wals of a monastery, and not experienced in managing of great affaires. But he lost his labour: Anselm kept fast his hold, and was soone after consecrated by Walkelm Bishop of Winchester, or (as I finde also recorded) by Thomas Arch∣bishop of Yorke, Decemb. 4. 1093. all the Bishops of the land that could possibly come being present at that solemnity. Pre∣sently after his consecration the king and he fel out. Not long before, the king had throwen downe thirty churches to make his new forest néere Winchester. This, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reprehended him sharply for, and besought him to amend that and other faults, as namely his simony, his extortion, his cruelty &c. wherein he daily offended God gréeuously, and greatly disho∣noured himselfe. This admonition of his displeased the king very much; but his quarrell in shew was none other then this, that asking leaue to go to Rome to fetch his pall, he had named Vrban Pope, whom the king as yet had not acknow∣ledged for Pope, and for so doing, accused him of no lesse then high treason. After great stirre and much adoe betwéene them about this matter, it was determined that all the abbots and Bishops of England should be called together to iudge of this controuersy. They met at Rochingham castell, and the mat∣ter being proposed by the king, for feare or flattery they all

assented vnto him and forsooke their Archbishop, except one∣ly Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester. A while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 indured to liue in continuall seare and disgrace, euen vntill he was commanded out of the realme by the king. Being at Douer ready to take ship, all his carriages were searcht, his goodes there and elsewhere soeuer taken from him and sold to the kings vse, his temporalties seased, and himselfe set aland in France in a manner naked. He trauailed presently to Lyons and was sent for thence by the Pope. At his first comming to Rome he had all manner of fauour: But by that time the king with golden eloquence 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him of the cause, his entertainment began to wax colder. He determined ther∣fore to haue returned to Lyons, but was staied by the Pope, whose pleasure while he was content to await a while lon∣ger, the Pope died. Soone after him, the king died also being chaunceably slain by the glaunce of an arrow as he was hun∣ting in that forest, for the making whereof Anselm had repre∣hended him. He was a very vitious man, couetous in getting and prodigall in spending, the most sacrilegious symonist that euer raigned in England. Reioycing in the gain he made that way, he would often say, Panis Christi panis pinguis. His death as some report, was miraculously signified vnto An∣selme in France. A paper was put into the hand of one of his chaplaines no man knew how, in which was found written, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 occisus est. Within a few daies after, cer∣taine word was brought of the tyrants death, and this no∣tice taken as sent from heauen. Henry the first succéeded Wil∣liam Rufus in the kingdome, who presently called home An∣selme and restored him to his former place. The first thing he did at his returne, he called a conuocation at London, where∣in he depriued many prelates of great place for their seuerall offences, Guy abbot of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & Eldwyn of Ramsey for symony; Geftry of Peterburgh, Haymo of Cheswel, & Egelric of Middleton for not being in orders; Richard of Ely, & Robert of S. Edmunds, all abbots, for other enormities. Diuers ca∣nons were agréed vpon in the same conuocation too long to re∣hearse: Some of them tended to the restraining of clergy men from mariage; which notwithstanding, many maried daily, & many that came for orders refused vtterly to make profession

of chastity, as we may sée reported by Girard Archbishop of Yorke in an epistle written by him vnto Anselm in the end of S. Anselmes Epistles. The falling out also of Anselm with the king (which happened presently after) was a great weakning vnto these canons. All the time that the Archbishop was ab∣sent (which was three yéeres) the king had disposed of all Bi∣shopricks that fell, at his pleasure, giuing inuestiture and pos∣session of them, by deliuery of the staffe and the ring. And in deed the princes in a maner of all christendom, had taken this kind of authority vnto themselues euery where about this time. Bishops thus appointed demanded consecration of An∣selm, which he vtterly denied vnto them, professing withall, that he would neuer receaue or repute them for Bishops that were already cōsecrated by other vpon such election, aleaging how it was lately forbidden in a councel held by Pope Vrban 2. that any clerke should take inuestiture of any spiritual pre∣ferment at the hand of any king, prince or other lay man. The king vpon Anselms refusall, required Gerard Archbishop of Yorke to giue these Bishops consecration, whereunto he readily assented. But William Gifford nominated to Win∣chester, stoode so in awe of Anselm, as that he durst not accept consecration at Gerards hands. This incensed the king woonderfully, so as presently he commanded Giffards goods to be confiscate, and himselfe banished the Realme. Great adoo now there was about this matter throughout the realm, some defending the kings right, others taking part with the Archbishop. In the end, the king doubting what might come of it, and being loth to giue occasion of tumult, considering that himselfe was a stranger borne, and that his father by force and much bloudshed, had not many yéeres since obtai∣ned the rule of this land; he determined to send an Ambassa∣dor to the Pope, togither with the Archbishop, so to grow to some reasonable conclusion. The Pope (Palchalis 2.) would not yéeld one iote vnto the king, insomuch as when the kings Embassador William Warelwast (after Bishop of Excester) said he knew the king would rather loose his crowne then this priuilege, he answered, yea let him loose his head also if he will, while I liue he shall neuer appoint Bishop but I will resist him what I may. So without dooing any good, home∣ward

they came. But the king vnderstanding before hand how the world went, sent a messenger to forbid Anselm en∣trance into the realme, and presently seised all his goods, mooueable and unmooueable into his hands. Thrée yéeres more this good man spent in exile, all which time he liued with Hugh Archbishop of Lyons. At last it pleased God to open this passage of his reconciliation to the king. Adela Countesse of Bloys the kings sister, fell dangerously sicke in those parts where it chanced the Archbishop to abide. He went to visite her, and yéelded so great comfort vnto her in that time of her distresse; as recouering afterward, she neuer ceased importuning her brother, vntill she had wrought an agréement betwéene them, the conditions whereof were these; First that Anselm should be content to consecrate the Bishops alreadie nominated by the king: And then that the king should renounce all right to such nomination or inues∣titure for the time to come. These conditions were allowed by the Pope, and the Archbishop restored not onely to his place, but to all his goods and fruites gathered in the time of his absence. Two yeeres he liued after this his last returne; in which time he persecuted married priests very extremely. Dunstan, Oswald, Ethelwald, and other enimies to the ma∣riage of clergie men, had onely expelled them that out of mo∣nasteries that had wiues: But Anselm vtterly forbidding them mariage, depriued them of their promotions that were maried, confiscated their goods vnto the Bishop of the Dio∣ces, adiudged them and their wiues adulterers, and forced al that entred into orders to vow chastity. Halfe the clergy of England at this time were either maried men, or the sonnes of maried priests. The king therefore pitying the generality of this calamity, sought to protect them a while from An∣selms seuerity in this point: But he (I meane Anselm) was a little to resolute in all his determinations, in so much as he might neuer be perswaded to yéeld one iot in any thing he once intended. So, notwithstanding the kings inclinati∣on to succour so many distressed poore families, the canons of the Conuocation before mentioned were generally put in execution throughout England. About this time it hapned Gerard Archbishop of Yorke to decease, and a second Thomas

to be elected for his successor. What adoo there was betwéene him and Anselm about profession of obedience, and how it was ended, see in the historie of the said Thomas. To make an end at last with this Archbishop, the yéere 1109. he fell ex∣tremely sicke at Saint Edmundsbury, and thence got him to Canterbury, where he lay languishing a long time, and at last departed this life Aprill 21. in the 16. yéere of his gouern∣ment, and of his age 76. He was buried at the head of his predecessor Lanfrank in his owne church, vpon the building and beautifying whereof, he had bestowed very much mony. This Archbishop was a man of great learning, as his works yet extant testifie, and for integrity of life and conuer∣sation admirable. That he was more peremptory in diuers of his resolutions then became him, and so hote against Cler∣gy mens mariage, I impute it but to a blind zeale far from any malicious intent of dooing wrong. Undoubtedly not∣withstanding these imperfections he was a good and holy man, and as woorthy the honor of a Saint, as any I thinke that euer was Canonised by the Pope since his time. In fa∣uour of him (to note that by the way) the Pope affoorded vn∣to his sée this honour, that whereas the Archbishop of Can∣terbury was woont to sit next the Bishop of Saint Ruffine in all generall Councels, hereafter his place should be at the Popes right foote, and with all vsed these words, Includamus hunc in orbe nostro tanquam alterius orbis Papam.

35. Rodolphus.

THe King well remembring how troublesome the au∣thority [ 1114] of Anselme had beene vnto him, and knowing it greatly imported him to make choise of some quiet tractable man to succéed in that place; tooke foure or fiue yéers deliberation before he would appoint any thereunto. He was once resolued vpon one Farecius Abbot of Abindon: But (vp∣on what consideration I know not) chaunging his determi∣nation, aduanced Ralfe Bishop of Rochester to that sée. This Ralfe or Rodolph was a Norman borne, a Monke first of the order of Saint Benet and a disciple of Lanfranke in the Ab∣bay of Cane. Then he became Abbot of Say, was called

thence by Saint Anselm vnto the Bishopricke of Rochester, consecrate thereunto August. 11. 1108. and remooued to Can∣terbury, in Iune 1114. His pall was very solemnely deliue∣red vnto him by Anselm Abbot of Saint Sauines, nephew vnto Saint Anselm June 27 at Canterbury. In this mans time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obtained consecration of the Pope vnto the Archbishop of Yorke without making the vsuall profession of obediēce. About this matter there was long time much adoo. This our Archbishop being an aged and sickly man much troubled with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and lame in his féete, would yet néeds trauaile to Rome in person about this matter. Sée the end of this controuersie in Thurstan of Yorke. Eight yéeres Ralfe continued Archbishop, behauing himselfe well in the place, but that he was sometimes wayward and péenish in mat∣ters of small moment. Generally he was a very affable and courteous man, willing to pleasure and not especially noted with any great vice: Onely some blame him for being more delighted with iesting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 merry toyes, then became the gra∣uitie of his age and place, in regard whereof some haue giuen vnto him the surname (or rather nickname) of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Thrée yéeres before his decease he was continually held of a palsie whereof at last he died Octob. 20. 1122. and thrée daies after was buried in the middle of the body of Christ church in Canterbury.

36. William Corbell.

VVIlliam Corbel or Corbois, was first a secular priest, [ 1122] then a monke of the order of Saint Benet, and lastly prior of Saint Sythes in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. From thence he was taken to be Archbishop of Canterbury and the Popes legate, vpon Candlemas day 1122. This man in the yéere 1126. called a conuocation at Westminster, where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Popes legate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most bitterly a∣gainst the mariage of priests, and was the next night taken in bed with a common strumpet: for shame whereof he present∣ly got him away 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at sixe and seuen, neuer taking leaue of any body. In this Synode more Ca∣nons were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the mariage of Clergy men:

which notwithstanding, the Archbishop (that in déede was but a weake man) not able to restraine them of his time from taking wiues; prayed ayd of the King, who either set them all to a yéerely pension (so many as were maried) or else tooke some large summe of present money to beare with them. The yéere 1130. Christchurch in Canterbury that had lately béene new built by Lanfranke, soone after fell downe (a great part of it at least, and was quickly repaired by the industry of Ear∣dult the Prior) was now I know not by what chaunce all burnt & consumed with fire. This Archbishop found meanes to repaire it, and in Rogation weeke the yéere following did dedicate the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 solemnely, in the presence of the King, the Quéene, Dauid King of Scottes, and a great num∣ber of the nobility of both realmes. King Henry dying that did prefer him, he was content to betray his daughter Mawd the Empresse, and contrary to his othe to ioine with Stephen Earle of Bloys, whom he crowned with his owne hands; but with such feare and terror of conscience, as it is noted that the consecrate host fell out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his hand in the middle of masse, by reason of his trembling and fearefull amasednesse. Soone after he died, viz. the yeere 1136. hauing sate almost 14 yéeres, and lieth buries in his owne church, the particular place I find not.

37. Theobald.

IN a Conuocation held at London by the commandement [ 1138] of Albert Bishop of Hostia the Popes legate. (Theobald was chosen Archbishop) by the suffragan Bishops of his owne Prouince, and consecrate in the same conuocation or synode by the legate afore named. He receiued his pall at Rome of Innocentius the second, who also indued him and his successors for euer with the title of Legatus natus. This Theo∣bald was first a Bendictine monke and then (till he was cho∣sen Archbishop) Abbot of Becco. A man of no great learning, but of so gentle and swéete behauiour (being very wise with∣all) as he was greatly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of high and lowe, Kings, no∣bles and commons. With the Pope he had often much adoe. One Sylnester a man infamous for many notorious offen∣ces,

was presented vnto the Abbotship of Saint Augustines in Canterbury, whon: in respect of his knowen vnworthines, the Archbishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to admit. But the Popes letters came so thicke and thréefold in fauour of him, that after many de∣laies, excuses and allegations against him, at last he was faine to receiue him. There was at the same time one Ieremy prior of that Abbey, an olde acquaintance and friend of the Archbishops, whom notwithstanding (vpon some great oc∣casion it is like) the Archbishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and remooued from his place. In the behalfe of this man also, the Pope (who ne∣uer was woont to faile where he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be well paide for his paines) began to stickle and to interpose his authority, resto∣ring Ieremy to his place againe till the cause might be heard and determined before him. Whereat Theobald, though a mild man of nature, being excéedingly mooued, in a great fury vowed he would neuer exercise any ecclesiasticall iurisdiction so long as Ieremy held that place. He therfore seeing the Arch∣bishop so resolute against him, and fearing some great incon∣uenience would fall vpon the monastery by meanes of this businesse, and so procure him the hatred of his owne compa∣ny; vpon paiment of 100. markes was content to leaue his place, and liued a priuate monke in the same house euer after. Now in the third yéere of his consecration it happened a Councell was summoned at Rhemes, whereunto he was called. Henry therefore Bishop of Winchester King Stephens brother (that by vertue of his power 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had often contended with him, and euer opposed himselfe against him in the Popes behalfe) circumuented this good plaine-mea∣ning man in this fort. He dealt first with the Pope in no wise to dispence with his absence, and then with his brother the King to forbid his passage, and perforce to stay him at home. But such were those times, as it was safer then to offend the King then the Pope, and therefore he resolued to goe, and in no wise to giue the Pope such an aduantage, against whom he had now twice opposed himselfe already dangerously. Go therefore he would, but all the difficulty was in getting pas∣sasse. All the ports of England were laid for him: yet so cun∣ningly he handled the matter, that ouer the seas he got and was at the Councell in good time. The King then following

the aduice of his brother the Bishop of Winchester, seased vp∣on his goods and temporalities and banished him the realme. He like a tall fellow interdicted the King and the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and taking aduantage of the time which was very troublesome (notwithstanding the Kings commaundement) came home and liued in Norfolke, till by the intercession of certaine Bishops he was restored. Afterward he grew into great fauour with the King, and was the chiefe meanes of concluding that finall peace at Wallingford betwéene him and Mawd the Empresse. In the yeere 1152. he summoned a conuocation at London, where the King would haue con∣strained the Clergy to make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his sonne King, to the disheriting and great iniury of Duke Henry the Empresses sonne. The intent was spied before, and letters procured from the Pope to forbid the Clergy to meddle in any such matter. This notwithstanding, the matter was earnestly followed in behalfe of the yoong Prince 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in so much as, when they perceiued the businesse was not effected according to their desire, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them vp in the place where they were gathered together, and thought by force and threatning to compell them. The greater part séemed to yéeld, when Theo∣bald stealing secretly out of the place, tooke his barge, and rowing downe the Thames, got him beyond sea, and so by his absence the synode was dissolued. His goods by and by were once more confiscate, and his temporalties seased into the kings hands. But in a short time after king Stephen died, and Henry Duke of Normandy surnamed Fitz-〈◊〉〈◊〉 suc∣ceeded, who restored him immediately to all his possessions 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Under him he passed the rest of his daies quietly in great fauour and estimation with him. He departed this life the yéere 1160. when he had sate Archbishop two and twen∣ty yéeres. Perceiuing his end to approch, he made his will, and gaue all his goods vnto the poore or other like good vses. Helieth buried in the South part of Saint Thomas chap∣pell in a marble tombe ioyning to the wall.

38. Thomas Becket.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Conquest neuer any English man obtained [ 1161] this Archbishopricke before Thomas Becket. He was borne in London, his fathers name was Giltert a Mer∣chant, his mother was a stranger borne in Syria. He was first taught and brought vp during the time of his childhood by the Prior of Merton, and seeming towardly, was sent to the Uniuersity of Paris: Hauing there attained some more lear∣ning and also the knowledge of the French tongue, he retur∣ned and became an officer in some Court about London, it is said he was a Justice: But waring soone weary of that kind os life, he found meanes to get into the seruice of Theobald the Archbishop, who quickly espiyng his manifold good parts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him entierly and sent him into Italy to study the Ca∣non Lawe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there might be any thing wanting in him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a common-wealthes-man, for the managing whereof he discerned him then very fit and likely. Upon his returne thence, he was quickly preferred by the Archbishop vnto the Archdeaconry of Canterbury the Prouostship of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the personage of Bromfield. The Archbishop then séeing him selfe weake and sickly, which made him al∣together vnable to looke throughly into the drifts and deuices of Courtyers (that in all ages seeke to pray vpon the Church and euer néede some watchfull eye to ouerlooke their practi∣ses) commended Thomas Becket vnto the King so effectually, as he was content first to receiue him into the number of his Chapleines, then made him Chauncellor of England, and loaded him with all kind of spirituall preferment. For The∣obald being a wise man, well perceiued Becket to be first so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, so painefull and industrious, as the King being yet yoong, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surely possesse him altogether & be able to withstand any endeuours that might be preiudiciall vnto the Church; And againe he could not doubt either of his faithfulnesse to him, or his stoutnesse in so good a cause, of which both he had had long experience. In regard hereof, he imployed all his indeuours to plant a perfect liking of Thomas Becket in the mind of the King; wherein he prospe∣red

so well, as in a short time no man was so farre in the Kings bookes as he, nay no man could doo any thing in a ma∣ner with the King but he. For the maintaining of this his credit (saith one) he thought it good to relinquish and forsake by little and little all Priestly either behauior or attyre, to af∣fect the pompe and brauery of the Court, to liue as other Courtyers, to fare daintily, to ly long in bed, to hawke, to hunt, to haue many followers, &c. in so much as some sticked not to say, the Chauncellor had forgotten he was an Arch∣deacon also, and blamed him for not liuing like a Clergy man. But by this meanes (saith he) T. Becket was euer at the Kings elbow, was partaker of all his counsels, and either by notize giuen to the Archbishop, or some deuice of his owne otherwise, could and did stop any courses that might be preiudiciall to the Church. Hauing continued thus in the of∣fice of Chauncellor foure or fiue yéeres with the great fauour and liking of the King; it hapened Theobald the Archbishop to dye: The king little thinking what a snake he nourished in his bosome, determined by & by to doo his vtmost indeuor for the aduauncement of him (T. Becket) vnto the Archbi∣shoppricke. Being therefore at that time in Normandy, he sent Richard Lucy a counsellor of speciall trust into England with charge to effect these two things; first to procure all the Nobles and best of the comminalty to sweare fealty vnto yoong Prince Henry his sonne; and then to cause the Monkes of Canterbury to elect Thomas his Chauncellor Archbishop. The first he quickly brought to passe (the rather by the helpe of the Chauncellor that was ioined in commission with him) And in the second also he bestirred him selfe so well, as he cau∣sed the whole conuocation of the Clergy (a wost authenticall kind of election) to choose Thomas Becket for their Archbishop no one man gainesaying it except Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London. He was consecrate Archbishop vpon Whitsonday (being made Priest but iust the day before) by the Bishop of Wintchester. ann. 1162. being not yet full 44. yéeres of age. Presently after his consecration, he altered all the whole course of his life; became so graue, so austere and so deuout in all outward shewe, as he séemed quite another man. Also he resigned his Chauncellorship, certifiyng the King by letters

(who was then in Normandy) he could not serue the Church and the Court both at once. The King that euer hitherto thought to vse Thomas Becket as a schoole master to instruct and inure his sonne in matters of state and policy; was now very sory that he had made him Archbishop, séeing he threw off all care of temporall gouernment; and considering the hawtinesse of his spirits, sore doubted wherunto this strange dealing would growe at the last. Another thing the King greatly disliked in him was this; that being yet scarcely warme in his seate, he began to looke so narrowly into the state of the land belonging to his sée, and to challenge with∣all extremity whatsouer might séeme to pertaine vnto him, as he prouoked many of all sorts of people against him, who euery where exclaimed with open mouth and made their complaints thicke and thréefold vnto the King, saying that hauing some authority and more knowledge in the Lawe, vnder colour of defending the rights of his Church, he tooke violently from euery man what he list. But the maine quar∣rell betwixt the King and him was this: The Cleargy of those times bare them selues so bold vpon the priuileges of the Church, whereby, in crymes neuer so haynous they clay∣med to be exempted from the iudgement of temporall courts; as, dayly infinite outrages were committed by Cleargy men, murthers, robberies, rapes, &c. which temporall Judges might not meddle withall, and in the spirituall courtes they were either not punished, or for the most part very lightly. For the amendment and preuention of this inconuenience in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to come, the King intended to publish a certaine decla∣ration of the customes of England, set downe long since by King Henry the first his grandfather, wherein this intollera∣ble and licencious liberty of the Cleargy was somewhat re∣strained. And that it might not be spurned at by any (the Arch∣bishop especially he doubted:) he deuised to send this declara∣cion vnto the Pope and to craue his allowance of the same. But the Archbishop hauing some inkling of the Kings intent before hand, had so dealt with the Pope, as it was no sooner séene but it was streight reiected. Herewith the King was so incensed, as after that time he bent himselfe altogether to the diminishing and breaking of all immunities and liberties of

the church. And the Archbishop was so farre from séeking to pacifie the Kings displeasure, as daily he prouoked him more and more. The particularities thereof to passe ouer, the King thought good to try whether he could put in execution the contents of the foresaid declaration euen in despite of the Archbishop or no. He offered the same vnto all the Clergy gathered togither in a synode; who as if they had learned all one lesson, told the King seuerally in the same words, that they were content to allow it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, so farre foorth as they might without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their owne coat and cal∣ling: Onely one man Hilary Bishop of Chichester was con∣tent to yéeld vnto it simpliciter and without condition, but was so bayted and reuiled for his labour, as it is like he often repented it. Yet so the matter was handled not long after, as first diuers other Bishops were content to yeeld vnto the King in this demaund, and at last euen the Archbishop him∣selfe with all his followers. So at a time appointed they met at Clarindon, and theresware vnto the obseruation of the ar∣ticles comprised in that declaration. This notwithstanding, soone after they disliking that they had done, got the Pope to assoile them of this oath. But the Archbishop now well assu∣ring himselfe he had so offended the king, as there was no abiding for him heere, he tooke ship at Kumney, intending to auoid the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but missed of his purpose, for he was forced by a contrarie winde to returne to land againe. Presently vpon his arriuall he was apprehended and carried prisoner to Northampton (where the king then held a Councell) and was there accused of extortion, periury, treason, forgery, and many other crimes. His owne suffragan Bishops, though he had appealed vnto the Pope, gaue sentence against him, and warranted the king they would make proofe of these ac∣cusations vnto the Pope. The next night after his condem∣nation, he scaped away and once more hasted vnto the sea, committed himselfe very desperately vnto a little bad rotten fisher boat, and accompanied onely with three seruitors cros∣sedthe sea, and got into the low Countries, and thence posted to the Pope at Senon, who placed him in the monastery of Pontiniac. While he there rested himselfe, he thundred out excommunications apace against all such as did obserue

the articles contayned in the declaration set foorth at Clarin∣don, whereunto himselfe had once sworne. The King as fast bestird himselfe in seasing all the goods and temporalties of the Archbishop into his hand. He sent also ambassadors vnto the Earle of Flaunders, the French King and the Pope pray∣ing them in no wise to foster or suffer him in their dominions, requesting moreouer of the Pope, that he would confirme and allow of the declaration published at Clarindon. The Pope made an answere (though friuolous) saying he would consider of the matter. But the French (with whom the King of England had amity and a league of friendship at that time) he thinking that this agreement betweene him and the Archbishop would bréed some stirre in England, presently fell to inuading the King of Englands dominions & tooke by as∣sault certaine holds of his in Normandy. The Archbishop also about the same time sent out particular excommunicati∣ons against all the suffragan Bishops of his Prouince. The King mightily offended with this excéeding boldnesse of the Archbishop, whereunto he well knew he was hartned and animated by the Pope and the French King: bethough him∣selfe how by all meanes possible he might vere and grieue him: First, because he knew he delighted much in the mona∣stery of Pontiniac (which was an Abbey of Cistercian monkes) he signified to all the monkes of that order in his do∣minions, that he would banish them euery one, if they would not procure the Archbishop to be thrust out of that monastery, which for feare of so great calamity to so many men was ef∣fected. Then he also droue out of the realme, all his kinsfolks, friends and professed welwillers of whom he suspected him to be any way aided or comforted. Alexander the Pope Thomas Beckets surest card, was ferited in much like sort the same time by Friderike 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Emperor, as he himselfe was. The King therefore by the counsell of Gilbert Bishop of London determined to ioyns in league with the Emperor, (if possibly he might) that was a professed enimy both to the French King and the Pope. To this purpose he sent two am∣bassadors vnto him, perswading him to deals with the Car∣dinals (Lucius the Antipope being then lately dead) to set vp another in his roome, to whom he promised all his dominions

should yéelde obedience. The Pope hauing notize of this prac∣tise, began presentlyto quaile, sent the King word he would order all things betwéene the Archbishop and him to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liking and that out of hand. Now it had hapened a little be∣fore, that the Pope had graunted vnto the Archbishop a very large licence of excommunicating whom he list in England; the King the Queene and a very few other excepted. This authority he abused very intemperately at that time when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matters were thus in hammering betwéene the Pope and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King, in so much as he had marred all if the Pope had not spéedly yeelded a reason thereof to the King. By this time the French King (the Popes onely Protector against the Emperor) began to spy that he was much more cold in the defence of the Archbishop then he had beene and reprehended him sharply for it. The Pope therefore not knowing which way to turne him selfe; for the satisfiyng of both these potentates, (neither of which he could safcly offend as things stoode) he determined first to labour a reconciliation betweene them, and then to make the French King a media∣tor for the Archbishop. This he effected, and brought the two Kings together at Paris. Thither also came Thomas Becket: And sute being made vnto the King in his behalfe, that he might returne, be restored to his goods and reuenues arising in the time of his absence and lastly (vpon his humble sub∣mission) to the Kings fauour; The King answered, that for the rest he was contented, but (faith he) the profites of his Archbishopricke since his banishment I can not allow him, for that I haue already giuen them to others: Mary recom∣pence I will make him for them to the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of the French King or the Senate of Paris or else of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Uniuersity. Presently the Archbishop was called for, who falling downe vpon his knees, vsed these words, My Lord and soueraigne, I doo here commit vnto your owne iudge∣ment the cause and controuersie betwéene vs, so farre foorth as I may, sauing the honor of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God. The King much offended with that last exception (〈◊〉〈◊〉 honore Dei) turned him about vnto the French King and telling him how much he had doone for the Archbishop, and how he had vsed him, I am (quoth he at last) so well acquainted with the tricks

of this fellow, that I can not hope for any good dealing at his hands. Sée you not how he goeth about to delude me with this clause (sauing the honor of God?) For whatsoeuer shall displease him, he will by and by alleage to be preiudiciall to the honor of Almighty God. But this I will say vnto you, whereas there haue béene Kings of England many before me, whereof some were peraduenture of greater power than I, the most part farre lesse; and againe many Archbishops before this man holy and notable men: Looke what duty was euer perfourmed by the greatest Archbishop that euer was to the weakest and simplest of my predecessours, let him yéeld me but that and it shall abundantly content me. Hereunto the Archbishop answered cunningly and stoutly ynough, that the times were altered, his predecessors which could not bring all things to passe at the first dash were content to beare with many things, and that as men they fell and omitted their du∣ty oftentimes; that which the Church had gotten, was by the constancy of good Prelates, whose example he would follow thus farre foorth, as though he could not augment the priui∣leges of the Church in his time, yet he would neuer consent they should be diminished. This answeare being heard, all men cryed shame vpon him and generally imputed the fault of these sturs vnto him. But this was the issue for that time, that they parted without reconciliation. The King doub∣ting what might come of these broiles, caused his sonne Hen∣ry (that died soone after) to be crowned King in his owne life time, so to assure him of the succession. Afterwards comming into Fraunce againe, they were vpon the point of reconci∣liation when the casting out of some such word or another as before, marred all. At length, the King and he were made friends, but his full restitution deferred till he had behaued himselfe quietly a while at Canterbury, which he promised to doo. But he, was so farre from perfourming that promise, as he sent into England before him diuers excommunicati∣ons which the Pope had graunted out long before, and com∣mitted to his discretion. Amongst other, the Archbishop of Yorke, the Bishop of London and Salisbury were named in them, together with so many as had béene dooers in the coro∣nation of the yoong King, which the Archbishop said might

not be performed of any but by his appointment. The men thus strucken with this holy fire, hasted them ouer into Nor∣mandy to make their complaint vnto the king, who infi∣nitely grieued at this kinde of dealing, cursed the time that euer he made him Archbishop, or restored him to his place againe, adding, it was his chaunce euer to do for vnthanke∣full men, otherwise some or other would long ere this haue made this proud priest an example to all such troublesome perturbers of his realme and state. It happened amongst other, fower knights to be present at this spéech of the kings, who gathered thereby, they should do a deed very acceptable vnto him if they killed the Archbishop. Their names were Reynald Fitz-Vrse, Hugh de Mortuill, William de Tracy, and Richard Briton. In this meane time the Archbishop was come to Canterbury, and was receiued there with great ioy. Thence he went to London and so to Woodstocke where the yoong king then lay. But before he could get to the kings presence, word was brought him, the kings pleasure was he should first go to Canterbury and reuoke those excommuni∣cations before he the king would talke with him. So he re∣turned againe to Canterbury without seeing the king at all. Soone after his returne thither, the fower knights before mentioned arriued at Canterbury, to wit vpon Innocents day. They comming vnto the Archbishop, told him the kings pleasure was, he should goe to his sonne and reuerently make offer of doing homage and fealty vnto him, for the Barony of his Archbishopricke: secondly, that he should cause all the strangers he brought into the realme with him to be sworne to his obedience; and thirdly, that he should retrcat those ex∣communications which he had caused to be denounced a∣gainst the instruments of the yoong kings coronation. To this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he answered, that neither the king nor any other mortall man should extort from him, or any of his by his consent, any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or vnreasonable othe. And as for the Bishops and other excommunicate concerning the corona∣tion, it was indeede (quoth) he a thing done in my behalfe and for an iniury offred to my church; But it was the Act of the Pope. If therefore they will sweare they shall be ready to make me amends at the Popes discretion, I will absolue

them, otherwise not. And whatsoeuer you say, it was the kings pleasure, I should take my best course for the redresse of this abuse by ecclestasticall authority. Many other words passed betwéene them the same time, they breathing out terrible threats, and he continuing still the same man with∣out 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one iotte. At last the knights departed, giuing the monkes charge in the kings name, to see the Archbishop foorth comming, and not to suffer him to escape away. At euening prayer time the same day, they came suddenly into the church, with their swords drawen, crying, Wheres the Traytor, Wheres the Traytor: The Archbishop who was then going vp the steps toward the quire, hearing the noyse, turned backe vnto them, and euery one of the fower striking mainely at him, vpon the third or fourth greice of those stops was slaine. His body these knights had determined to haue cast into the sea, or else to haue hewen into a thousand pieces: but the Prior and the monkes doubting some such thing, bu∣ried it immediately in the vndercraft, whence shortly it was taken vp and laid in a most sumptuous shrine in the East end of the church. The Pope hearing of this massacre, excom∣municated immediately all that were either authors or con∣senters to the same. The king was faine to purge himselfe by othe, and yet could not be absolued before he had done certaine strange penance as first, that he should pray deuout∣ly at the tombe of this new Martyr, that he should be whipt in the chapter house, receiuing of euery monke one lash, that he should maintaine 200. soldiers for the space of one yeere at Jerusalem, & lastly reuoke the declaration published at Cla∣rindon, that originally gaue the occasion of this murther. All this (such were those times) the king was faine to performe.

39. Richard.

IN the moneth of February following the death of Tho∣mas [ 1173] Becket (which was December 28. 1170.) one Ro∣bert Abbot of Becco was chosen Archbishop. But he li∣king better a quiet life, chose rather to sit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where he was, then to aduenture him selfe in a place subiect to the blasts of such terrible tempests as Thomas Becket was tossed withall.

The king then dealt earnestly with the Couent of Canter∣bury to choose some mild and soft spirited man, to preuent such broiles as had béene raised by the last Archbishop. They followed his direction, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 elected one Richard, a Benedic∣tine Monke Prior of the Monastery of Saint Martins in Douer, who was presently allowed of the king and the Pope and soone after consecrate. He was a man very liberall, gen∣tle and passing wise. So he handled the matter, that in all his time he neuer was out either with the Pope or the king. The Pope be entertained with often gifts and money, the kings fauour he retained by yéelding and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him selfe to his pleasure. This man continued Archbishop about the space of ten or eleuen yeeres. In all which time, there happened not any thing concerning him woorthy memory, except per∣aduenture the stir betwéen him and the Archbishop of Yorke Roger. The olde quarrell chaunced to be renued betwéene these two Archbishops concerning the Primacy; And one Hugocio the Popes Legate comming into England, both of them requested him to heare and iudge this controuersie be∣tweene them. Upon this and other occasions, a Conuocation was summoned at Westminster, where was a stately throne prouided for the Legate. At the time appointed the Legate came and tooke his place, and the Archbishop of Canterbury sate him downe next vnto the Legate vpon the right hand. After this in came Roger Archbishop of Yorke and would néedes haue displaced 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to sit aboue him: that, when the other would not suffer, he sate him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his lap. The other Bishops present amased at this strange be∣hautor of the Archbishop of Yorke, cried out all vpon him, the Archbishop of Canterburies men by violence drew the other out of his ill chosen place, threw him dewne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his robes almost from his backe, trode vpon him, beate him, and vsed him so despitefully, as the Legate, whether for shame or for doubt what might happen to him selfe in such a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, got him out and went his way. The Archbishop of Yorke all ragged as he was, bloudy and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 went to the king, who first was exceeding angry, but when he heard the truth, laught merily at it and said he was well ynough ferued. Much adoo there was long after at Rome about this and the

old controuersie; the ende whereof at last was, that much money was spent and neither party euer a whit the néerer. The end of this man is thus reported, how that being a sléepe at his mannor of Wrotham, there séemed to come vnto him a certaine terrible personage demaunding of him who he was? whereunto when for feare the Archbishop answered nothing, Thou art he (quoth the other) that hast destroied the goods of the Church, and I will destroy thée front of the earth: This hauing said, he vanished away. In the morning betime the Archbishop got him vp and, taking his iourney to∣ward Rochester, related this fearefull vision vnto a friend of his by the way. He had no sooner told the tale, but he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sodainly with a great cold & stifnesse in his limmes, so that they had much adoo to get him so farre as Halling a house belonging to the Bishop of Rochester. There he tooke his bed and being horribly tormented with the cholike and other gréefes vntill the next day, the night following the sixtéenth of February he gaue vp the Ghost. ann. 1183. His body was caried to Canterbury and honorably interred in the La∣dy Chappell.

40. Baldwin.

AFter the death of Richard the Archbishop, a controuer∣sie [ 1184] grew betwéene the Couent of Christs Church in Canterbury, and the Suffragan Bishops of the Pro∣uince of Canterbury, who of right ought to choose the Arch∣bishop. For it had béene often done by both as (in that which I haue before deliuered) you may perceiue. The king desi∣rous to haue some honest quiet man, dealt first with the Co∣uent, praying them to make choice of such a one as he might haue cause to like, and after made the same request vnto the Bishops. The Monkes (though mooued thereto) would in no wise ioyne with the Bishops, but perceiuing the Bishops began indéede to set foote into the matter, appealed to Rome. Much adoo there was there about it the space of nine mo∣nethes. At last the Bishops got a mandate wherein the Monkes and they were commaunded to ioyne together. The day of election was appointed, but the Monkes for curst

hart would not come vnto it. So the Bishops procéeded and made choice of Baldwin Bishop of Worcester. This election the monkes labored mightily to disanul; professing, that they liked the man elect very well, but they must not indure such a president. The king therefore (who fauoured Baldwin ex∣ceedingly) wrought so with one party and the other, as the Monkes were content to elect him, vpon condition he would renounce all benefite of his former election, and the Bishops themselues would confesse the same to be void and of no ef∣fect. All this was done and he receiued into quiet and peace∣able possession of this Metropoliticall sée. This Baldwin was a poore mans sonne and borne in Excester. He was first a schoolemaster, then entred into orders and became an Arch∣deadon: his Archdeaconry he voluntarily resigned, and in∣tending to forsake the world, became a Cistercian or white Monke. Hauing liued so a certaine space, he was made Ab∣bot of Ford in Deuonshire. From thence he was called to the Bishopricke of Worcester consecrate thereunto the yéere 1181. translated to Canterbury in the end of the yéere 1184. and solemnely installed there May 19. 1185. being the first white Monke that euer was Archbishop. Giraldus Cambr. describeth the person of the man in this sort. He was of complexion somewhat swarthy, his countenance simple and like a plaine meaning man but very comely, his stature indifferent, well made of body, but slender timbred. For his maners, he was modest and sober, of such abstinence, as fame durst neuer stamp any sinister report vpō him, of few words, slowe to anger, and very studious from his very childhood. It is a woonder that a man of this disposition should be so much troubled as he was: with the King he alwaies a∣greed very well: But betwéene the Monkes of Canterbury and him there was much and continuall debate. The occa∣sion thereof was this. The king greatly misliking the inso∣lency of the Monkes, thought to wrest from them the pre∣heminence of choosing the Archbishop in time to come by this deuice. He gaue direction vnto Baldwin their Arch∣bishop, to beginne the foundation of a Colledge at Hacking∣ton now called Saint Stephens being distant from Can∣terbury about halfe a mile. This Colledge it was deuised

should haue one prebend erected by the king, and by euery seuerall Bishop of that prouince of Canterbury one other, which should euer be of the gift and patronage of their foun∣ders. As for the Archbishop, the building of the church and other edifices was appointed vnto him for his share, which he intended to performe with great magnificence. The ende of this foundation was none other then this, that it might be a meane of traducing the right of election of the Archbishop, (a matter greatly importing the king and the whole realme) from the monkes (men of little learning, lesse discretion, and smalest experience in matters of gouernment, yet very obsti∣nate and altogether wedded to their owne wils) to other men, in whom the king and the rest of the Bishops (as being their patrones) might chalenge an interest. For the better execution of this plot, it was ordained, that this colledge should be dedicated vnto Saint Thomas, who was now growen so famous throughout the world, as euery man thought himselfe happy that could do any thing to his honor. In regard hereof they made no doubt, but the Pope would soone be intreated to take from Christ (vnto whose name the monastery of Canterbury was consecrate) all priuiledge of election, and to confer the same with many other vpon Saint Thomas that famous martyr. The matter was now very forward and growen to good perfection, in so much as the foundations were digged, stone, timber, and other prouision laide ready in place for the building, when as the subtile monkes suspecting wherunto this great forwardnesse of the king and Bishops tended, made their complaint at Rome. That notwithanding, on went the worke: The church part∣ly built was solemnely consecrate, and diuers secular priests (such Saint Thomas himselfe was) instituted and installed into their prebends, when the monks that neuer linne laying on load by requests, gifts and al maner of importunate sute to disturbe this platforme, procured the Pope to set downe an order, that this corporation should be dissolued, the buildings thereof rased and made euen to the ground. Such were the times, the Popes pleasure was aneuitable necessity; it must be and was performed. It happened then soone after that Vr∣ban the Pope died, who was a great protector of the monkes

cause. Gregory the eight succéeded, a man with whom Bald∣wyn might do very much. He determined therfore once more to set on foote his former deuise, but in another place. He pro∣cured of the Bishop and Couent of Rochester, for exchange of other land, a certaine quantity of ground at Lambhith, where the Archbishops pallace and house of chiefe residence is now situate. Thither he caused to be brought by water all the pro∣uision of stones, timber, &c. that was intended to the building of the colledge at Hackington, and began the foundation of a goodly church there, which he liued not to finish. King Ri∣chard the first to expiate the fault of his rebellion & disobedi∣ence vnto his father, determined to carry a great power into the holy land. Baldwyn would néedes attend him thither, and did so. By preaching, counsell, liberall almes, and continuall erample of a most vertuous life, he did great good there, vntill at last in the siege of the city of Acon being taken with a grie∣uous sicknesse he died, when he had béene Archbishop euen almost seuen yéeres, and was buried there. He gaue all his goods vnto the soldiers to be diuided amongst them at the dis∣cretion of Hubert the Bishop of Salisbury, that soone after succeeded him.

41. Reginald Fitz-iocelinc.

PResently after the death of Baldwyn, the King dispat∣ched [ 1191] a messenger from Acon with letters, wherein he earnestly prayed the monkes to make election of some such man to succéed, as he might haue cause to like. And the rather to bring the same to passe, he wrote vnto the Archbi∣shop of Roan, who (the Bishop of Ely being then newly dis∣placed) gouerned the realme in his absence, to cause all the Bi∣shops of the prouince of Canterbury to méete at Canterbu∣ry, and to take the best course they might for the placing of some fit man in that Sée. The monkes (who were excéeding ioyfull to heare of the Archbishops death) casting many doubts by reason of this méeting, procéeded first vnto their election, and chose Reginald Bishop of Bathe that was sonne to Ioceline Bishop of Salisbury, but concealed it till the Bi∣shops were come together; at what time in the presence of

them all 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 their election, and withall laid hands 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there present, drew him vnto the Archiepisco∣pall throne, and violently placed him in the same. Albeit at that time he withstood them what he might, and with teares 〈◊〉〈◊〉 besought them to make choice of some other; yet being asked the next day by the Archbishop of Roan, whether he assented vnto the election, he answered, that so farre he was from ambitious desire of that place, as it was a great griefe vnto him to be chosen, and that he would be very glad they would take some other in his roome: Howbeit (quoth he) if they will néeds stand to their election, though with griefe and hearty sorrow, I must and will accept of the same. Messen∣gers were by and by dispatched vnto the Pope, who present∣ly affoorded the pall and other vsuall ceremonies vnto this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 elect. But before newes could be brought of his confir∣mation, or he take possession of his new honor, he died at his house of Dogmersfield in Hamshire vpon Christmas day, fiftéene daies (or as other deliuer the nine and fortie) after his election vnto Canterbury. He was buried at Bathe. Sée more of him in Bathe and Wels.

42. Hubert Walter.

KIng Richard the first, surnamed Cueur de Lyon, being [ 1193] taken prisoner in his returne from the holy land, by Leo∣pold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at what time the Sée of Canter∣bury was yet void; well knowing how notable a stay a good Archbishoppe might be vnto the whole realme in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hauing experience of the great wisedome and other manifold vertues of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Salisbury that had attended 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in all that long and dangerous voyage; he vsed what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he might possibly to procure him to be transla∣ted thither. This Hubert was borne at a place called West Derham in Norfolke, and brought vp vnder Raynulph de Glandfeld chiefe Justice of England. The first preferment he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was the Deamy of Yorke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was called in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéere of king Richard vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Sa∣lisbury, by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Baldwyn the Archbishop, who loued him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his life time, and at his death trusted him with

the disposition of all his goods. Being yet Deane of Yorke, he bought certaine land of Geoffry Fitz Geoffry in West Der∣ham where he was borne, and founded a monastery in the same for his owne soules health (so himselfe speaketh in his foundation) as also for the soules of his father, mother, Ray∣nulphde Glandfeld, and Berta his wife who brought him vp. The manner of his election vnto Canterbury was this. The king writ earnestly to the Couent to choose some wise, quiet, & moderate man, but refrayned to name any, in regard of the former repulses taken by him and his father. But his minde and particular desire could not be vnknowen vnto them. He signified vnto Elianor his mother, to the Archbishop of Roan and other, what course he wished to be taken: And so wisely they handled the matter, as before any man looked for it, the monkes (who well saw how greatly it imported the realme in that dangerous time to haue some woorthy prelate in that place) had elected him and published suddenly their election at Paules crosse, to the great contentment of the Quéene and councell, and no lesse ioy of all other sorts and states of people. While his pall was fetching at Rome, consi∣dering how odious Baldwyn had beene to his Monkes of Canterbury for not beeing a Monke as themselues were and in a manner all his predecessors had béene; went to Merton and there professed him selfe a Monke in like ma∣ner as Regmald the last Archbishoppe had done. Then he began to bestir him in leuiyng of money for the kings ran∣some. So discretly he wrought, as the Cleargy aud commo∣nalty of the whole realme did very willingly yéeld a quarter of all their reuenues for one yéere, which (together with the plate and ornaments of Churches that were fame to be sold in this extrenuty) amounted vnto 150000. marks, the sum required by the Emperor. The king returning, made him presently Lord Chauncelor, chiefe Justice of England, and high gouernor of all his dominions immediately vnder him. So that being already Archbishop and the Popes Logate, he wanted no authority that was possible to be laid vpon him. Neuer was there any Cleargy man either before or after him of so great power, neuer any man vsed his authority more moderately. He was blamed and much enuied for ta∣king

so many offices vpon him. It is remembred that a No∣ble man said vnto him in scorne, at what time he was made Chauncellor, I haue heard of many Chauncellors made Bishops, but of an Archbishop that would vouchsafe to stoup to the Chauncellorship, till now I neuer heard of any. With in two yéers after his first promotion to these high places, the better to excuse his ambition, he made a dissembling and counterfeit shew of being desirous to leaue these temporall offices, in so much as, he dealt effectually with the king by letters to giue him leaue to resigne them, saying, that the charge of his Church was worke ynough for one man, whereunto onely he would hereafter gladly dedicate him∣selfe. This he did, assuring him selfe in his owne conceite, that the king had no man about him so likely to manage those affaires as him selfe, and not being able to want him, would intreate him to retaine them still. It fell out otherwise then he expected: For though at first the king séemed and perad∣uenture was vnwilling to yéeld to this his request, yet he found it so reasonable in the end, as he could not any longer deny the same. Here now this Archbishop manifestly be∣wrayed his insatiable desire of rule and gouernment: Being thus taken tardy in his owne snare; as though his mind and determination were sodainely altered, he signified vnto the king by letters, that notwithstanding his great desire of be∣taking himselfe onely to spirituall matters and the manifold infirmities of his age; he would be content to afford his la∣bor and diligence in his other offices yet a while longer, if therein he might doo him any profitable seruice. And that the king should not think it possible to prouide himselfe elsewhere of better officers, he certified him withall, that in these two yéeres since his preferment, he had gathered for his vse 1100000. marks which he was ready to pay into his cof∣fers, augmenting it is like the summe, and adding thereto out of his owne purse, that so he might in cleanly sort buy a∣againe those honorable and gainfull offices, which his subtile dissimulation had almost lost him. Setting this fault aside whereunto the greatest wits are most subiect (I meane am∣bition) he was an excellent and memorable man, a bridle (saith on) vnto the king, and an obstacle of tyranny, the peace

and comfort of the people, & lastly a notable refuge of all both high and low against all manner of iniury and oppression. Faithfull and loyall he was vnto his Prince, louing aud ve∣ry carefull of his Countrey, in which he caused many excel∣lent lawes to be established; He it was that first deuised our assise of bread, our waights & measures of wine, oyle, corne, &c. Uery valiant he was also and performed many great ser∣uices in the warres, the report whereof I leaue vnto the Chronicles. His house kéeping they say was such, as the ex∣pence thereof was thought to be nothing inferior vnto the kings: And yet he performed many great workes of inesti∣mable charge. Beside the monastery of Derham before men∣tioned, he also founded another for Cistercian Monkes at Wulferhampton, but liued not to finish the same; he compas∣sed the Tower of London with a strong wall and a déepe moate, so as the water inclosed the same quite round, which before that time could neuer be brought to passe; he encrea∣sed the reuenues of his sée uery much, adorned it with many sumptuous and stately buildings, and lastly procured diuers notable priuileges vnto the same, called in olde English, Gled, Dangeld, Hidage, Warpon, Bloodwhite, Childwhite, Uillenage, &c. Now notwithstanding this his great power and riches, with the monkes of Canterbury he had as much to doo as other of his predecessors. By intreaty and faire meanes he indeuoured to procure their consent for the finish∣ing of the Chappell at Lambhith begun by Baldwin, sor with∣out their leaue to goe about it, he knew it was to no purpose. To this end he sent vnto them the Abbots of Waltam, Rea∣ding, and Chertsey, to debate this matter with them. The very mention thereof was so odious vnto them, as by and by they made a great complaint vnto the Pope not only of this, but many other things also, especially of his intermedling in ciuill affaires. Hereupon the Pope presently enioyned him, without farther delay to resigne all his temporall offices, which he (how loath soeuer) was faine to doo. As for the mat∣ter of the Chappell, after it had hung long in the Popes court, the parties grew to a composition, that vpon condition it were pulled downe, it should be lawfull for the Archbishop to build another vpon a new foundation, to endue the same with an

hundred pound a yéere reuenues and no more, and lastly to place in the same twentie Canons or Prebendaries. Mary it was conditioned, that no Bishops in any wise should be consecrate there, no Abbots admitted, no orders admini∣sted, &c. After this, the rest of his daies he ended in peace. King Iohn that had attempted many times to depose his brother King Richard, and was alwaies hindered in those practises by the diligence faithfulnesse and wisedome of this worthy Prelate, estranged him selfe a while from him, and gaue him no countenance. But finding at last how ill he might spare him, vsed his counsell, receiued intertaiment of him (which was very royall) at Canterbury; trusted him with the gouernment of the whole realme at his departure into Normandy, and affoorded him many other gratious fa∣uours. Hauing béene Archbishop twelue yéeres sauing fower moneths, he fell into a kinde of ague vpon the way as he was riding to Rochester to worke an agréement betwéene the Bishop and the monkes there, turned into his mannour of Tenham, made his will, and lying sicke there onely fower daies departed this life. He was buried July 13. 1205. in the South wall of the church beside the quier néere Walter Reynald, that long after succéeded him.

43. Stephen Langton.

THe king did so reioice at Huberts death, as whē it was [ 1207] first reported vnto him, me thinks (quoth he) I am now in déede king of England. But had he knowen, either how ill he might haue missed him, or how great trouble his death would haue caused him, he would rather haue said, now I begin to loose my kingdome, and would little haue estéemed the wealth he left behind him; which although it were bequeathed by testament, trauelling to Canterbury in his owne person, he seased vpon the same and conuerted it all to his owne vse. The monkes in like sort reioyced, little kno∣wing how great calamity hung ouer their heads, and must shortly fall vpon them by reason of his death. For they for∣sooth hasty and desirous to vse their priuiledge of election, as also iealous least the libertie of the same should be disturbed

by any requeste of the king; secretly at midnight, made choice of one Reginald their supprior, taking an othe of him not to make his election knowen to any, till he came to the Popes presence, whether he was aduised to high himselfe as fast as he might. This othe notwithstanding, as soone as he was gotten ouer the feas, he bare himselfe euery where as Lord elect, not letting to shew the testimoniall of his election to who so demaunded the same. This breach of promise so in∣ceused his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 against him, as presently they determined to become futers to the king for pardon of their fault in choosing without licence, as also that now he would permit a new election, supposing the old frustrate and made void by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the elect. They did so, and easily obtai∣ned their request, but much the rather bicause they made shew of a readinesse in satisfying the kings desire, that wished the Archbishopricke vnto Iohn Gray Bishop of Norwich. He was then in the North countrey about some businesse of the Kings: Being sent for in all haste, at his first comming to Canterbury, he was solemnely elected, and his election pub∣lished in the church before the king and an infinite number of people. These two elections being presented vnto the Pope, he determined to make vse of the monkes debate, and discou∣raging each side (for the greater part of the monks were then at Rome, some of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their old election for good, others importunately suyng to haue the later confirmed) he practised secretly with either of them, to be cōtent to choose yet a third man that he would nominate vnto them, & that was one Stephen Langton a Cardinall of Rome; a man in regard of many excellent gifts both of mind and body very fit for the place, and no way to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if he had orderly obtained the same. By birth he was an English man, brought vp in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Paris, greatly esteemed by the king and all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Fraunce for his singular and rare learning, made Chauncellor of Paris, and lastly called thence by the Pope to be a Cardinall of Rome. Now when by faire means he could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with them (for they feared the kings dis∣pleasure whom they knew to be a hot and violent Prince) he began to terrifie them with threatning, & what by one means or other, made them content at last to choose him: which done,

the Pope with his owne hands gaue him consecration at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 June 17. Then well knowing how hainously the king would take this matter, he writ letters vnto him swéet∣ned with many gentle intreaties, large praises of the new Archbishop, and seasoned now and then with some touches of doubtfull threatning if he should oppose himselfe against that was then done. This notwithstanding, the king in great indignation, banished all the monkes of Canterbury, seased vpon their goods and lands, and forbid Stephen Langton en∣trance into the realme. The Pope hearing of this, sent his mandate vnto thrée Bishops, William of London, Eustach of Ely, and Mauger of Worcester, wherein he willed them first to admonish and perswade the king to restore the monkes to their goods and places, and to giue the Archbishops possession of his temporalties by a day, then if he refused so to do, to in∣terdict the whole realme. They durst not but obey, and fin∣ding the king resolute in his determination, at the time ap∣pointed they published the Popes interdiction, and as well foreséeing the great trouble to come, as the present danger, got them out of the land tegether with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Bathe, and Gyles of Hereford. The king immediately seased all their goods and temporalties into his hands, and moreo∣uer banished all the friends and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of these Bishops that were likely to yéeld them any comfort or releife. During the time of this interdict, all seruice ceased throughout the realme, except onely Baptisme of children, auricular confes∣sion, and the administration of the sacrament vnto such as lay vpon the point of death. The Pope séeing this course pre∣uailed not, proceeded to a particular excommunication of the king, and not long after, depriued him by sentence of all regal authority, a thing till that time in no age euer heard of. All this while the king esteemed the Popes sword blunt and vn∣able to wound him, till at last he perceiued the French king ready to take aduantage of this sentence, and prouiding bu∣sily to inuade his dominions. His owne people also began to fall from him, and to doubt whom in conscience they ought rather to follow, their owne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prince or a forreine in∣truder; a strange and monstrous ignorance. Séeing there∣fore no other remedy, he was faine to yéeld, receiued the Arch∣bishop

restored the other Bishops the monkes and all the rest banished vnto their goods and reueneues, and moreouer was content to resigne his crowne into the Popes hands, & vpon restitution to assure him by his letters patents a yéerely pen∣sion of a thousand markes. This done, he thought all trou∣bles at an end, when the worst of all was yet behind: For he bare himselfe so bold vpon the Popes fauour (which he had bought deerely) as he doubted not to oppresse diuers of his nobility, with many and continuall wrongs, reuoking all for∣mer graunts of priuiledges at his pleasure vpon this point, that he had receiued his kingdome from the Pope absolutely, free from all entanglement of any priuiledges deriued from the same. Heereupon the Barons rebelled, the Archb. taking their part; and when they doubted least they should not make their party good against the king, the Pope stucke so close vn∣to him; they procured Lewis the French kings eldest sonne to inuade the realme. Him together with the Archbishop and all the Barons, the Pope excommunicated. This great hurly burly was appeased suddenly by the kings death, who died some say of care & sorrow, some of surfet and some say he was poysoned by a monke. His sonne Henry a Prince often yéeres old was receiued to the kingdome, Lewis forsaken, & the Ba∣rons vpon promise of obedience vnto their king, absolued by the Popes legate. Clergy men were debarred a while from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 absolution that they might compound for the same, which they were glad to do. All things being thus quieted, this our Archbishop called a conuocation at Dsney, wherein many things were decreed, to be seene for the most part a∣mong the principall constitutions. Thither came a certaine yoong man that shewing the marks of wounds in his hands, feete, and side, professed himselfe to be no lesse man then Jesus Christ. He brought also two women with him, whereof one tooke vpon her to be our Lady, the other Mary Magdalen. This counterfait Christ, for his labour was woorthily cruci∣fied and forced to resemble him in the manner of his death, whose life and person he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 immitated and sought to expresse. Soone after he translated the bones of S. Thomas Becket from the place where they were first buri∣ed in the vndercraft, into a goodly sumptuous shrine. This

was done woonderfull solemnly, the king and greatest part of the nobility of all the realme being present. During the time of this ceremony, all passengers from London to Canterbury were allowed horsemeat at the Arthbishops charge, who also caused vessels of wine to runne continually in diuers parts of the city all the day of this translation, that who so list might drinke of them. This solemnity prooued so chargeable vnto him, as neither he, nor fower of his successors were able to re∣couer the debt, he cast his Sée and Church into. He was Arch∣bishop in all two and twentie yéeres, and died July 9. 1228. at his mannor of Slyndon in Sussex, from whence his body was conueighed to Canterbury, and there buried in the chap∣pell of Saint Michaell. This man was admirably learned, and writ many notable workes, the Catalogue whereof is to be séene in Bale. Amongst the rest, it is especially to be noted, that he first diuided the Bible into Chapters, in such sort as we now account them. The Archbishops pallace at Canter∣bury, is said to haue béene built in a manner all by this Ste∣phen Langton. Moreouer, it is deliuered that he bestowed great cost in making a faire horologe in the South crosse isle of the church néere which he lieth buried, his monument being situate in a manner iust vnder the altar.

44. Richard Magnus.

VVIthin a fewe daies after the death of Stephen [ 1229] Langton, the Monkes with the Kings licence procéeded to election & made choice of one Walt. de Hempsham one of their own company & presented him vn∣to the K. who by the aduice of diuers prelates refused to allow of him. Which notwithstanding, he got him to Rome hoping by one meanes or other to obtaine the Popes confirmation. The king hauing notize of his intent, sent thither the Bi∣shop of Chester to signifie that he was a man very vnlearned and moreouer infamous for his life and conuersation, as namely, that he had gotten diuers children vpon a certaine Nunne, that his father was hanged for theft, and that him∣selfe had deserued it by taking the part of the rebellious Ba∣rons. All this would not stay the Pope from giuing him con∣firmation,

vntill the kings Ambassadors had promised him a tenth of all spirituall promotions in England, to aide him in his wars against the Emperor. That being assigned him, he straight way pronounced the election voide and by reason of the insufficiency of the elect, the right of nomination to be deuolued vnto him selfe; by vertue of which title he tooke vp∣on him at the kings request to name vnto that see Richard the Chauncellor of Lincolne. This Richard was a man very wel learned, wise, graue, well spoken, and of good report, stout in defending the rights and liberties of the Church and (which is not altogither to be neglected) of a goodly personage, tall, straight, and well fauoured. He was consecrate at Canter∣bury by Henry Bishop of Rochester, in the presence of the king and many of the nobility, June 10. 1229. A little while he enioyed that honor, to wit, two yéeres or there abouts. In which time there happened a controuersie betwéene him and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Earle of Kent, concerning some lands of the Earle of Glocester, the profits whereof the Archbishop chal∣lenged as due vnto him in the minority of the Earle. Hubert was a man greatly fauored by the king for his long faithfull seruice vnto his father and him selfe; namely for defending the Castle of Douer against Lewis the French man, he made him Earle of Kent, and chiefe iustice of England. He had entred vpon these lands. The Archbishop first complained of the wrong vnto the king, & finding no remedy at his hands excommunicated all the authors of this iniury (the king one∣ly excepted) and got him to Rome. The king vnderstanding thereof, dispatched messengers thither also to hinder his pro∣céedings there what might be. The Pope notwithstanding delighted much with the eloquence, grauity, and excellent be∣hauiour of the Archbishop, graunted presently all his de∣mandes. Little ioy had he of this victory: Being thrée daies iourney in his way homewards, he fell sicke at the towne of Saint Genuna and there died in the Friery, where also he was buried. It is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that soone after his buriall, cer∣taine théeues brake open his toombe and thought to haue rob∣bed him of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rings, &c. wherein (according to the ma∣ner of those times) he was buried; but that they claue so fast vnto him, as by no deuice they could take them from him.

Beléeue it as you list. It shall not be amisse also to note how that in the time of this Archbishop, a great number of Itali∣ans had possessed them selues of the best benefices of Eng∣land; which being much spited at; certaine madde fellowes tooke vpō them by force to thresh out their corne euery where and giue it away vnto the poore, to rob and spoile them of their money and other goods. It was done so openly and so boldly, as it was manifest that some great men were at one end of that businesse. The Italians after that time were not so eager vpon Euglish benefices.

45. Saint Edmund.

THe monkes of Canterbury by this time weary of con∣tending [ 1234] with the king, soone after the death of the for∣mer Archbishop, chose of their owne accord Ralfe Ne∣uill Bishop of Chichester, aud Chauncellor of England; a man very wise and highly in fauour with the king, who li∣king well of this election, put him in possession of the tempo∣ralties by and by. The Pope being requested for his appro∣bation, chaunced to inquire of Simon Langton Archdeacon of Canterbury brother vnto Stephen the Archbishop, what maner of man this Ralfe Neuill should be, who told him, that he was a hote fellow, stout, subtile, an olde courtier and very gratious with the king; it was much to be doubted, therefore he would set the king & him together by the eares, and cause him to deny the payment of that tribute graunted vnto him by king Iohn. This was ynough; without more adoo he wil∣led the monkes to choose another, neuer alleaging any matter of exceptions against him. So to a second election they pro∣céeded, and chose one Iohn their Subprior: He went to Rome and being examined by certaine Cardinals, was adiudged fit ynough for the place; Yet the Pope misliked him for his age, and perswaded the good old man to forbeare to take vp∣on him so great a charge in his olde yéeres. He yéelded: and thereupon a third was elected, one Richard Blundy a studient of Oxford. Him also the Pope refused, because forsooth he held two benefices contrary to the Canons, and because it was knowen, he had borrowed a great summe of money of Peter

Bishop of Winchester, wherewith it was thought he féed well the monkes that chose him. The Pope then made re∣quest vnto such of the monkes as were at Rome to choose Ed∣mund Treasurer of Salisbury, a man very wel knowen, and indéed famous for his vertue and great learning. They nei∣ther durst deny the Popes request, nor would doo any thing in the matter, till they had vnderstood the pleasure of their Prince, and conferred with the rest of their brethren. He was content to take their silence for a sufficient election, and with∣out more adoo sent him the pall into England, little thinking of any such matter. Both the king and the Couent liking well ynough of the man, he was consecrate at Canterbury by Ro∣ger Bishop of London ann. 1234. He was borne (as some say) at London, and baptised in the same font Thomas Becket his predecessor had beene. But, other affirme more probably that he was borne at Abingdon in Barkshire sonne vnto one Edward Rich a Merchant: his mothers name was Ma∣bell. In their elder yéeres they forsooke each other by mutuall consent and betooke them selues to a monasticall life. Edmund their sonne they caused to be brought vp in the Uniuersity of Oxford. Hauing attained vnto reasonable perfection in the knowledge of Diuinity (whereunto his study was chiefely directed) he applied himselfe to preaching wherein he tooke great paines, namely in the counties of Oxford, Glocester, and Worcester, vntil such time as he was called to the Trea∣surership of Salisbury. Being consecrate Archbishop, he pre∣sently fell into the kings displeasure, by opposing him selfe a∣gainst the mariage of Elianor the kings sister with Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester, because vponthe death of the Earle Marshal her first husband she had vowed chastity. To haue this vow dispensed withall, the king procured the Pope to send a Legate into England: his name was Otto a Car∣dinall. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also this good Archbishop offended, and that so grieuously, by reprehending his monstrous couetousnesse, his bribery, and extortion, as euer after he sought to worke him all the mischiefe he might. The monkes of Rochester had presented vnto this Archbishop one Richard de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 demaunding of him consecration vnto the Bishopricke of their Church. The Archbishop denied to affoord the same,

knowing him to be a very vnlearned and vnsufficient man. Héereupon the moonks appealed to Rome, which the Archbi∣shop vnderstanding of, hasted him thither also. Otto the Le∣gate endeuoured to stay him at home, and failing thereof, did his errand so well at Rome, as not onely in that sute, but an other also which he had against Hugh Earle of Arundell in an other cause of appeale, he was ouerthrowne and condemned in a thousand markes charges to his great disgrace and im∣pouerishment. Being at Rome he had complained of many great abuses in England, and amongst the rest, of the long vacacy of Bishoprickes The Pope séemed willing to redresse these things, and namely concerning that matter, set downe this order, that if any cathedrall Church continued voide aboue sixe monethes, it should be lawfull for the Archbishop to conferre it where he list, as well as any smaller benefice. The procuring of this order cost him a great sum of mony: Yet no sooner was his backe turned, but the Pope at the kings request reuoked the same. Being thus continually vexed, thwarted, and disgraced, he departed into voluntary exile, and there bewailing the misery of his countrey, spoyled and wasted by the tyranny of the Pope, spent the rest of his life in continuall teares. Through extreme gréefe and sor∣row, or (as some thinke) too much 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he fell first into a consumption, and after into a strange kinde of ague. Where∣upon he thought good to remooue from the Abbey of Ponti∣niac in Fraunce (where he had laien euer since his comming out of England) vnto Soissy, and there departed this life No∣uember 16. 1236. eight yéeres after his first consecration. His hart and entrailes were buried at Soissy, his body at Pontiniac. Within sixe yéeres after his death he was Cano∣nised a Saint by Innocentius, who appointed the foresaid day of his death for euer to be kept holy in memory of him. Lewes the French king caused his body to be translated to a more honorable place then it was first laid in, and bestowed a sumptuous shryne vpon him couered with golde and siluer, and richly adorned with many precious stones.

46. Boniface.

THe monks of Canterbury at the instance of the king [ 1244] elected vnto the Archbishopricke Boniface, the sonne of Peter Earle of Sauoy, and vncle vnto the Quéene: a man not greatly to be commended for any thing but the no∣bility of his stocke, and the comelinesse of his person: For in other respects he was thought vtterly vnfit, and vnwoorthy of that place. The king therefore doubting least the Pope would reiect him, caused in a manner all the Bishops and Ab∣bots of England to write their letters commendatory in his behalfe, and so sent him to Lyons, where he quickly obtained consecration at the Popes owne hands. At his first entrance into this Sée, he found the same indebted by the ouerlashing of his predecessors, to the value of 22. thousand marks, which he tooke for an occasion of both absenting himselfe from his charge, and also of raking money togither by all kinde of meanes. Departing therefore into his owne country; by fel∣ling of woods, making leases and other such like meanes, he made an infinite deale of money, promising to imploy the same and whatsoeuer he could saue by liuing priuately at home, in the payment of his churches debt. By the same pre∣tence also he induced the Pope to graunt him in Commen∣dam the Bishopricke of Ualentia in Prouence and diuers other spirituall promotions. But he gaue himselfe to war∣ring, and spent all he could make in hyring of soldiers. When therefore (notwithstanding all these helpes) the debt was ne∣uer the lesse, he was glad by bribing the Pope with a great summe of money, to procure of him a graunt of the profite of all spirituall preferments that should be void within his pro∣uince for the space of seuen yéeres. The king a while spurned at this graunt, but in the end halfe for feare of the Pope (of whom he stood in great awe) and partly by sute and interces∣sion, he ratified and allowed of the same. Hauing béene many yéeres absent, he returned into England the yéere 1250. and tooke vpon him to visite all his Prouince in some extraordi∣narie manner. All men knew it was rather to make mony, then for any desire of reformation, and that caused it to be ta∣ken

the more odiously. He began first with his owne Dioces, which he so hampered with straight & vnreasonable orders, such as he knew men would rather buy out then endure to obserue; that euery one said the monks of Canterbury were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iustly rewarded for their folly in electing an vnlearned stranger, that was more fit and likely to make a souldier then an Archbishop a great deale. Comming then to London, he tooke a small occasion to deface the Bishop there with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and reprochfull spéeches; and being resisted by the Deane and Chapter of Paules (who had appealed from his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Pope) he made no more adoo but excommunicated them euery one, Going the next day about the same businesse to the Priory of Saint Bartholomewes in Smythfield, he was met very honorably by the Subprior and all the Co∣nent in their coapes. Telling them by and by he came to vi∣site them, one of the company answered him reuerently, he was very welcome vnto them, but they were sory he came for that purpose, wherein they must disappoint him: They knew their Bishop (whose onely office it was) to be a very sufficient man for his place, and so long they must not enter∣taine the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of any other. This answere (though gen∣tle inough) so enraged this lusty Archbishop, as not being able to containe his anger within any bounds of discretion, he ranne violently not to him that had spoken, but to the Sub∣prior that was next him, strucke the poore old man downe to the ground, kicked him, beate and buffeted him pitifully, tore his coape from his backe, rent it into a number of péeces, and when he had done stamped vpon it like a madde man. In this conflict it hapned the Archbishop to stumble and fal back∣ward, by meanes whereof his apparell loosening, in any per∣ceaued a priuy coate vnder the same. His seruitors and atten∣dants taking example of their Lord, gaue much like inter∣tainment to the rest of the monks as he had giuen to the Sub∣prior. By this time the Londoners were vp, and taking the matter very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the behalfe of their Bishop whom this iniury did originally concerne, laid such wait for the Archbishop, as with much adoo he stole secretly to the Thames side, and was conueied by a wherry prouided for him to Lambhith. If they could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 met with him, they had

surely hewen him into 1000. péeces. He was no sooner come home, but he thundred out his excommunications against not onely the whole Couent of Saint Bartholomew, but the Bishop of London also, as a fauourer of theirs. They all agreeing togither, determined to send the Deane of Paules a graue and wise man to Rome, and by the letters of certaine Bishops (they knew the Pope would credite) to aduertise him of this strange disorder. The Archbishop vnderstanding heereof, followed thither apace, and entred Rome with great pompe, nothing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but the King and Quéenes letters which he had brought, his nobility and great linage, or if all failed, his purse, should beare him out in this matter well inough. But vnderstanding how odiously it was taken by all that heard it, & how hardly the Pope was informed against him; he fell to intreatie of his aduersaries, the Deane of Paules and the rest, whom partly by faire promises, and partly by threates, at last he subdued and made them content to stay their complaint. That matter being so ended, he dealt earnestly with the Pope to ratifie the dooings of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Bishops of his prouince vnderstanding thereof, and knowing how great an inconuenience it would be to them and all their Clergy; they made a collection of two pence in the marke out of all spirituall promotions in the Prouince to be expended in sute of lawe against the Archibishop. In the meane time the king had written his letters earnestly to the Pope in the Archbishops behalfe, which so inchanted him with partialitie, as the Bishop of London vtterly despairing of any iustice, gaue ouer the matter in the plaine field: Onely thus much was obtained, that he, the Chapter of Paules, and the Couent of S. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should be absolued from their excommunication. Soone after this it hapned that the Archbishop (the old malice still boyling in his brest) taking a small aduantage, excommunicated againe the Deane and Chapter of Paules; the indignitie whereof so mooued all the Cleargy, as they tooke order to méete at Dunstable, and there laying their purses togither, gathered the sum of fower thousand markes, which they determined to bribe the Pope withall, so he would deliuer them from the misery of this vn∣reasonable kinde of Uisitation. The Pope tooke their mony,

and promised them faire: And the Archbishoppe séeing no remedie but he must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clauo pellere, by taking the same course, fedde him as well on the other side. He whose affection was euer woont to be measured according to his rewards, so diuided his fauour, as he tooke not away from the Archbishoppe all authority of visiting, and yet so moderated the same with circumstances, as it was like to prooue tolerable inough. As soone then as he returned, he went forward in his visitation, wherein he dealt at the first somewhat mildly, but soone falling to his old byas, caused eue∣ry where such stirs and tumults, as it was long after called by the name of the troublous Uisitation. At Lincoln he fell out with the Chapter there (the Sée being then voide) about the gift of prebends and benefices which he chalenged, and had euer heretofore in the vacacy belonged vnto them. One William Lupus Archdeacon of Lincoln especially resisted him in this matter, and appealed vnto the Pope. This poore man he so vexed and hurryed with his excommunications, and all manner of molestation he could deuise, as at last he enforced him to hide himselfe and to steale secretly to Rome, where he was so pitied, as the Pope was entreated not only to absolue him, but to protect him from the violence of Boni∣face, and at last to iudge the controuersie of his side. So home∣wards he got him with assured hope of restoring his church to her auncient priuiledge. But being worne out with con∣tinual trauel and vexation which he had indured three yéeres, vpon the way he died. Now while he was abroad in the rest of his prouince, his monkes of Christ church in Canterbury had procured of the Pope a Charter of immunity from all visitation. This being tendred vnto him at Saint Albons, he made no more adoo, but cast it in the fire. The matter be∣ing complained of both to the Pope and the king, no redresse could be found. The king durst not disgrace him for feare of offending his Quéene to whom he was vncle, and the Pope, partly for his kinreds sake (that were mighty men and his néere neighbours) partly because he was his instrument for polling of England, and brought him in much money, would hardly giue eare vnto any accusation against him. This boi∣sterous visitation ended, he got him beyond sea, and with

the money he had scraped togither in the same, hired a great number of soldiers to rescue his brother Thomas, sometime Earle of Sauoy that was kept in prison by the citizens of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who could not indure his tyranny. In this war he had the Popes Buls and excommunications at comman∣dement to assist him, of which hauing spent a great many, all his money, and no smal number of his soldiers to no purpose, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sorrow for his losse and disgrace, home he came. Toward the later end of his time he waxed more mo∣derate, and applied himselfe in some reasonable sort to the go∣uernment of his church. The realme being filled with stran∣gers of the kings blood by his mother side and their atten∣dants, that still snatcht vp all places of preferment, especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉: He was content to ioine with the rest of the Bishops in a request to the king, wherein he besought him to hauc some regard of his owne countriemen, among whom he might sinde choice ynough of wise, vertuous and learned men. The king taking this speech of his in very euill part, told him he was content to do as he wished him, and because saith he, it is indéed great reason that I should fauour woor∣thy men of my owne nation before any vnwoorthy stranger. You and my brother Aethelmar of Winchester (men vtterly vnlearned and altens, whom I haue preferred for no other respect then kinred or affinity) shall do well to giue ouer your places; and you shall see I will soone fill them with men you shal take no exceptions against. By this and diuers other ma∣nifest tokens perceiuing the kings mind to be alienated from him, and knowing himselfe very ill beloued of all the com∣mous and clergic in generall, waxing weary of England, he selled his woods, let leases, forced from his tenants and others what money he could possibly; and hauing gathered great summes by one meanes or other, caried it all with him into Sauoy, whence he neuer meant to returne againe. He liued not long after his arriuall there, but deceased in the castle of Saint Helen, July 18. 1270. after his first consecration 26. yeeres sixe moneths and sixteene daies, and from the time of his first election nine and twenty yeeres. He performed three notable things woorthy memory; he payed the debt of two and twenty thousand markes that he found his Sée indebted

in. He built a goodly hospitall at Maidstone called the New workes, and indued it with large reuenewes. (William Courtney long after translated the same into a colledge of se∣cular priests.) And lastly, he finished that most stately hall at Canterbury with the buildings adioining, which had onely béene begun by Hubert, and little or nothing continued by them that followed, but by him at last was throughly per∣fited.

47. Robert Kilwardby.

Soone after the death of Boniface, the Couent of Can∣terbury [ 1272] by the licence of the king, elected William Chil∣linden their Supprior to succéede him. The Pope tooke exceptions against him as an vnsufficient man for the place, & ex plenitudine potestatis, thrust into the same one Robert Kilwardby. This Robert was a great Clarke, and left many monuments of the same in writing behind him, an English man borne, brought vp in Paris; whence (hauing proceeded there Master of Arts) he returned and became first a Frier Minor, and then Prouinciall of that order here. The monkes that many times opposed themselues against their kings and lawfull Princes, durst not resist this intruder of the Popes sending, but to preserue their right of election, were content forsooth to chose him the Pope had before appointed them. He was consecrate February 26. 1272. being the first Sun∣day in Lent; at what time the Prior of Canterbury deman∣ded of him the summe of 3000 markes spent in the election of William Chillenden, which the Pope promised the next Archbishop should repay. But he loath to disburse this mo∣ney, began to pick holes in the Priors coate, and threat∣ning to depriue him of his place, neuer linne sifting of him, till he had intreated his Couent to abate 1300. of the 3000. markes. In the first yéere of his consecration, he re∣nued the Statutes made by his predecessors for his Court of the Arches, and contracted them briefely into fiue articles. Then shortly after he visited all his Prouince and both the Uniuersities, in which he disputed excellently, and shewed himselfe in diuers kinds of exercise. Toward the later ende

of his time he made a collection for the building of a Mona∣stery for the Frier Minors in London. Men contributed so largely thereunto, (and he had the helpe of a certaine olde Tower which yéelded him stones without charge) as he fini∣shed the same with other mens money, & filled his own purse well beside. Hauing béene Archbishop about the space of sixe yéeres, he was sent for to Rome by Pope Nicholas the third and made Cardinall of Hostia and Bishop of Portua. He re∣signed then his Archbishopricke, and getting him into Italy, with in a fewe monethes after fell sicke and died (of poison some say) at Uiterbium, where also he was buried.

48. Iohn Peckham.

THe resignation of Robert Kilwardby once knowen, the [ 1278] monkes mate hast to their election, and with the kings good liking, chose Robert Burnell Bishop of Bath, at that time Chauncellor of England. But the Pope who had therefore promoted Robert Kilwardby that he might place another in his roome, such a one as he would be sure should serue his turne at all times, perceiuing him selfe preuented in the election; thrust in ex plenitudine potestatis, in like sort as last time he had done, Iohn Peckham another Frier. He was borne of meane parentage in Susser, spent his childhood in the Abbey of Lewes, brought vp in Oxford (where he be∣came a Frier) and succeeded Robert Kilwardby in the office of Prouinctall of their order. From Oxford he went to Pa∣ris to study Diuinity, and after a while to Lyons to get some knowledge in the Canon Law, without the which, Diuiuity was esteemed vnperfect in those daies. At Lions he was cho∣sen Canon or Prebendary of the Cathedrall Church, and by that meanes being furnished with allowance to trauaile; for the encrease of his knowledge in the Canon Law, he went into Italy, & visiting personally all the Uniuersities of Italy, came lastly to Rome. His rare learning being soone percetued there, he was made by the Pope Auditor or chiefe Iudge of his Pallace, and so continued till his preferment to Canter∣bury. He was consecrate the first Sunday in Lent, which fell vpon the sixt day of March 1278. Soone after his arriuall in

England the Pope his creator (as he called him) sent vnto him a mandate of making payment of 4000. markes vpon very short warning, or else assured him to be spéedily excom∣municate. It shall not be amisse to set downe the wordes of his answere to this demaund; Ecce me creastis saith he, &c. Behold you haue created me: And if the creature cannot but desire naturally what perfection the creator can yéeld, how can I but resort vnto you for succour in all my oppressions & calamities. I receiued of late certaine letters horrible to sée and fearefull to heare, denouncing, that except I make pay∣ment of 4000. marks that I became indebted vnto certaine Merchants of Luca at Rome within the space of a moneth af∣ter Michaelmas next, I was to be excommunicate with bell, booke, and candle, and that excommunication to be published in my Church, &c. Then (to make short) he declareth how his predecessor at his departure caried away all the mooue∣able goods belonging to the Sée, that Boniface had left all his houses very ruinous, that the King had taken vp be∣fore hand, one yéeres profitte of his lands that in the meane space he was faine himselfe to liue vpon credit, and that to borow to serue his necessary vses (the realme being so exhaust with contiuuall payments) it was excéeding hard. In re∣gard héereof, he besought him (whom onely in truth the matter concerned, though merchants of Luca bore the name of this debt) to order the matter so, as he might be allowed a yéeres day of paiment, which at last with much adoo was granted him by the sute of Robert Kilwardby his predecessor, who died (as before is rehearsed) soone after. The new Arch∣bishop then became a suter vnto the Pope, that he would cause to be restored vnto his Church fiue thousand markes, the value whereof, the said Robert had caried away with him of the goods belonging to his Sée. This he was so far from obtaining, as by and by the Pope began to call vpon him a∣gaine very hastily for the fower thousand marks aboue men∣tioned, and so made him glad to hold his peace for that time, and yet to pay the money at his day. In the first yéere of his consecration he sommoned a Conuocation at Lambhith, at what time the Archbishop of Yorke comming to London, caused his crosse to be borne before him within the Prouince

of Canterbury which the Archbishop of Canterbury tooke to be a great wrong vnto him and his Sée. It had béene often in question heretofore whether it might be done or no, and much adoo there had béene about it. Therefore to redresse this abuse quickly and good cheape, our Frier deuised this course to be taken. He caused proclamations to be made in all places where he vnderstood the other Archbishop meant to passe, in which he commaunded all men vnder paine of excommuni∣cation to affoord no manner of intertainment, no not so much as bread, or drinke, vnto him or any of his company, so long as he bare vp his crosse in that manner. So except he and his traine should starue, downe must the crosse there was no re∣medy. The Conuocation ended, he began a generall visitati∣on of his whole prouince, and being desirous to know the state of euery Dioces, went him selfe in person to most of them, vsing great lenity and gentlenesse euery where. For he was a man though very stately both in his gesture, gate, words, and all outward shew, yet of an excéeding méeke, fa∣rile and liberall mind. He tooke great paines in labouring a peace betwéene King Edward the first, and Leolin Prince of Wales, vnto whom he went in person, and trauailed long with him, but altogether in vaine. He bare a very hard hand vpon the Jewes, whose Sinagogues he commaunded to be pulled downe to the ground throughout his prouince. But the king was a meanes to stay the execution of that comman∣dement so farre foorth, as he would haue one Church allow∣ed vnto them, in the City in which with certaine restraints they should practise their ceremonies. Unto double beneficed men and non residents he was very hard. Diuers elected vn∣to Bishopricks he reiected, hauing no other exception against them. Many he compelled to reforme themselues according to the Canons in that behalfe, and some that refused to be conformable, he finally depriued. Abultery he was woont to punish very seuerely. He persecuted a Bishop terribly (his name is not deliuered) for keeping a concubine. One Roger Ham a Priest, he enioyned to thrée yéeres penance for forni∣cation, enioyining him to spend all that time in fasting, pray∣er, and pilgrimages to Rome, Compostella, and Colon, and moreouer sequestred the fruites of his benefice during those

thrée yéeres, appointing them to be giuen vnto the poore. Nei∣ther 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he thus with men of his owne coate onely. There was a certaine knight of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called Sir Osborn Gif∣ford: He had stollen two Nunnes out of the Nunry of Wil∣ton: which comming to the Archbishops eares, he first excom∣municated him, and after absolued vpon these conditions; first that he should neuer after come within any Nunry, or in the company of a Nunne; then, that thrée Sundaies toge∣ther he should be whipped in the parish Church of Wilton, so likewise in the market and Church of Shaftsbury thrée other daies, that he should fast a certaine number of moneths, that he should not weare any shirt in thrée yéeres, and lastly that he should not any more take vpon him the habite or title of a knight, but weare apparrell of a russet colour, vntill he had spent thrée yéers in the holy land. All this he sware should be performed before he might haue absolution. If some of our gentlemen were now and then thus serued, they would not be so wanton as they are. Thirtéene yéeres and almost a halfe this man continued Archbishop holding all this while his prebend he had first at Lyons, which when diuers begged of him, he would answere, that he might not in any wise spare it; for hée looked euery day when being drouen out of England by the king (against whom indéede he often very boldly op∣posed him selfe) he should haue no other home to take to. For the same cause belike it was annexed vnto the Sée of Can∣terbury. Many succéeding Archbishops enioyed the same a long time after. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very rich, and yet in his life time, founded at Wingham a Colledge valued when it was sup∣pressed at fower score and fower pounds of yéerely reuenues, and aduanced diuers of his kinred to great possessions, whose posterity haue continued in the state of Knightsand Esquiers euen vntill our time. He was buried in his owne Church, but in what particular place I find not.

49. Robert Winchelsey.

VVHat countreyman Robert Winchelsey should be, [ 1294] no man deliuereth: But it is certaine he first went to schoole at Canterbury, where he was so admired for his towardlinesse, and loued for his gentle and modest behauiour (being also a very welfauoured childe) as euery man would take vpon him, euen then to prophecie that he should one day be Archbish. of Canterbury. Being ripe for the Uniuersity, he was sent to Paris. There he procéeded Master of art, and before his departure thence was chosen Rector of that Uniuersity. Hauing passed through that office (which séemeth to be annuall) with great commendation of integrity and wisedome, he returned into England, and com∣ming to Oxford, gaue such proofe there of his excellent knowledge in all good learning by preaching, disputing, &c. as they thought good to honour him with the degrée of a Doctor, and shortly after made him Chauncellor of their U∣niuersity. His gouernment there was such, as all men easily discerned him fit for a much higher place. He made many good and profitable statutes, and tooke away diuers fond and per∣nicious customes, to the great honor of the Uniuersity, and no lesse aduauncement of good learning. His first spirituall pro∣motion was a prebend in Paules church and the Archdea∣conry of Esser. His Archdeacoury he visited himselfe in per∣son duly euery yeere, and did reside vpon his prebend, prea∣ching in that cathedral church or some other place almost eue∣ry day. By reason hereof & his manifold good parts, he grew so famous, as Peckham being dead, he was straightway pointed out by the expectation of all men vnto the Archbi∣shopricke. The monkes therefore chose him with the kings very good liking & great applause of all men. It was his chāce to come to Rome while Coelestious was Pope, a good & ver∣tuous man, but so simple, as Boniface that succéeded him could perswade him by counterfeiting the voice of an Angell through a trunke in the night, to resigne his Papacy and be∣come an Heremite againe, as before his election he had beene. Not onely this simple Heremite, but euen all the prelates

and Cardinals there were amased at his woonderfull rare learning, the like whereof (especially to be ioined with such discretion and wisedome) they well assured themselues was no where to be found. They were desirous therefore to haue made him a Cardinall so to haue retained him amongst them: But he yéelding many reasons why he might not be spared at home, obtained at last consecration and hasted him vnto his charge. Upon the day of his inthronization, it is said he consecrated Bishop of Landaffe one Iohn Mone∣mouth Doctor of Diuinity, and bestowed twenty benefices, ten of very good value vpon ten Doctors, and ten lesse vpon ten Batchelers of Diuinity. The Sée being yet voide, the king had caused a conuocation to be summoned, in which he required one halfe of all ecclesiasticall reueneues for one yéere toward the charge of his wars. This intollerable exaction the cleargy not intending to yéeld vnto, sent the Deane of Paules William de Montfort with diuers other Prelates vnto the king to craue pardon, and to shew how hard it were for them to yéeld to this demaund. Being admitted vnto his presence, the Deane began his spéech, and after a few words fell downe suddenly starke dead. Herewith the king nothing mooued, sent a knight the next day vnto the conuocation to know whether any of them durst withstand the king in this de∣maund: if there be any such (quoth he) let him come foorth that I may take order with him as a disturber of the kings peace. So no man daring to gainesay it, the graunt passed for good. The Archbishop now comming home soone after, called another Synode, wherein his cleargy complained much of the last exaction. The Archbishop told them it was more thē they could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that they had done, for that in the late Councell of Lyons it was decréed, no cleargy man should pay any thing to any temporall magistrate without the Popes licence: that therefore they now set downe for a canon to be kept hereafter inuiolably. At that time the king that had had so liberall allowance very lately, demaunded nothing. But within a yéere or two after hauing spent an in∣finite deale of money in the conquest of Scotland, he summo∣ned a Parliament at Berwicke, wherein when the Tempo∣ralty contributed liberally toward the charge of that warre,

the cleargy alleaging the foresaid canon, would graunt no thing. The king would not take this for payment: And there∣fore presently he tooke order, that all barnes of cleargy men should be locked vp: he also made proclamation that from that time forward, all cleargy men were excluded from vn∣der his protection, so that hereafter it should be lawfull for any man to sue them, but they might not commence sute against any other. This constrained them to yéeld, and all submitted themselues to allowance of such a proportion as the king li∣ked (it was a fift part of their reuenewes) except onely the Archv. who would make no other answere vnto the king but this, vnder God our vniuersall Lord, saith he, we haue two other Lords, a spirituall Lord the Pope, and a temporall Lord the king, and though we be to obey both, yet rather the spirituall Lord then the temporall. When therefore he sawe all the rest inclined to yéeld, vsing no other words then this, Saluet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 animam suam, he rose vp and suddenly de∣parted. For this contumacy the king caused all his goods to be seased into his hands, and made shew of greater displea∣sure. Shortly after, notwithstanding being to make warre in Fraunce, before his departure he thought good to receiue the Archbishop to fauour againe, but this grace indured for a very little while. Presently vpon his returne, he laid diuers treasons to his charge, as that he had dehorted his subjects in his absence from payment of their subsidies, that he had con∣spired with diuers of his nobility to depriue him of his king∣dome, and to crowne his sonne Edward, &c. Whether the Archbishop were guilty of all the crimes obiected against him or no, I cannot tell. But certaine it is, that as guilty, he submitted himselfe to the kings mercy, and besought him for the same in most humble manner, or rather in déede deiected himselfe more basely, and lamented his cause more passio∣nately then became a man that were guiltlesse, much lesse a prelate that would be esteemed, graue, learned or wise. Not∣withstanding this his submission, the king commenced a complaint against him at Rome, banished him the realme, and seased vpon all his goods, mooueable and vnmooueable, forbidding all his subiects vpon great paine to foster him or yéeld him any manner of intertainment. He was in that case

he must haue starued for want of sustenance, had not the monkes of Canterbury secretly taken him in and aduentured to yéeld him things necessary, till they found meanes to shift him beyond sea; which the king afterwards vnderstan∣ding, seased vpon all their goods and lands, turned them all euen fowerscore monks a begging, forbid all men to harbour them, and kept them in that miserable state, till after a cer∣taine space he was content to restore them againe. These were the violent courses were taken by Princes in those daies: how happy are we that in all peace, liberty and assu∣rance, quietly enioy our owne without great desert to the contrary? Two yéeres the Archbishop continued in exile: In which time the king (Edward the first) died, and his sonne Edward the second that was to succeed, thinking it conueni∣ent belike at his first entrance to shew all examples of cle∣mency, called him home by letters, and restored him to all his goods, euen euery peny of that which had béene receiued of his temporalties in his absence. Hereby it came to passe that he was the richest Archbishop of many that were, either before or after him, so that his trouble turned him to great good. In regard whereof, he was woont to say

(Nihil nocebit aduersitas vbi nulla iniquitas dominatur)

so often as he talked of his trouble and banishment. He was no sooner come home but a new danger encountred him occasioned by his owne woonted boldnesse. The yoong king by the counsell of Piers Gaueston (a wanton and vicious man, banished into Ireland by king Edward the first for corrupting his sonne) had com∣mitted the Bishop of Couentry to ward at Yorke: A conuo∣cation being gathered, the Archbishop would not suffer any matter to be debated in the house till the Bishop were set at liberty. This the king was content to beare with all at that time, & afterward he so behaued himselfe, as there neuer grew any dislike betwéene them. So the rest of his age after his re∣turne from banishment (which was sixe yéeres) he passed in quietnes and great prosperity, and died at last at Oxford, May 11. 1313. hauing béene Archbishop about the space of ninetéene yéeres. He was a stout prelate and a seuere punisher of sinne. He opposed himselfe against Piers Gaueston, the Spensers, and other corrupters of the yoong king very boldly.

He enforced Iohn Warren Earle of Surrey to sorsweare the company of a certaine beautifull harlot, with the loue of whom he was greatly bewitched. And afterwards when notwithstanding his oath he returned to her company againe and got children vpon her, he accused him to the Conuocati∣on of adultery and periury both, and at last made him to leaue her. Such preferments as fell to his disposition, he euer bestowed vpon men of excellent learning, despising letters and requests of noble men, which he estéemed not a rush. Ma∣ny poore schollers he maintained at the Uniuersities with li∣berall exhibition, and vnto all kind of poore people was excée∣ding bountiful, insomuch as therin I thinke he excelled all the Archbishops that euer were, either before him or after him. Beside the daily fragments of his house, he gaue euery Fri∣day and Sunday vnto euery begger that came to his doore a loase of bread of a farthing price (which no doubt was bigger then our peny-loafe now.) And there were vsually euery such almes day in time of dearth to the number of 5000. but in a plentifull 4000. and seldome or neuer vnder, which com∣mumbus annis amounted vnto 500. pound a yéere. Ouer and aboue this, he vsed to giue euery great festiuall day 150. pence to so many poore people, to send daily meate, drinke and bread vnto such as by reason of age or sicknes were not able to fetch almes at his gate, & to send money, meate, apparel &c. to such as he thought wanted the same, and were ashamed to begge. But of all other, he was woont to take greatest com∣passion vpon those that by any misfortune were decaied and had fallen from wealth to poorer estate. For these and other vertues, the common people would needes estéeme him a Saint, and frequented much the place of his buriall: There∣fore his tombe (which was situate beside the altar of S, Gre∣gory néere the south wall) was afterwards pulled downe. His bookes, apparell, and other mooueables (which were but of very small value) he gaue all such as they were vnto his church of Canterbury. Of all the Archbishops that possessed this Sée before this man, (which were 48. there was neuer any two that had one Christian name.

50. Walter Raynolds.

RObert Winchelsey being dead, the monks of Canter∣bury [ 1313] elected for his successour one Thomas Cobham that was Deane of Salisbury, and Prebendary of Yorke, a man of such vertue and learning, as he was com∣monly called by the name of the good Clerke. The king (Ed∣ward the second) was desirous to preferre vnto that place Walter Raynolds Bishop of Worcester; whom he fauoured singularly for his assured fidelity and great wisedome. Before therefore that the saide Thomas Cobham could get away to Rome, the king vnderstanding of his election, sent thither in all post haste, earnestly requesting the Pope to finde meanes that this Walter might be made Archbishop. He glad of such an occasion to exercise the vtmost of his vsurped authority, without any more adoo, thrust in the said Walter Raynolds into that Sée, pretending, that he had reserued the gift of the Archbishoprick for that time vnto himselfe before it fell. Cob∣ham a while stoode vpon the right of his election, but percea∣uing to how little purpose it was to stirre with so mighty ad∣uersaries as the Pope and the king both at once, was content to accept of the Bishopricke of Worcester which the other left. This Walter had béene a Courtier a long time, Chap∣leyne first vnto Edward the first, and Parson of Wimberton, then by Edward the second (whose schoolemaster some say he was) made Treasurer and Chauncellour of England, and preferred to the Bishopricke of Worcester the yéere 1308. The buls of his translation were published in Bowe Church Ianuary 4. 1313. He receaued his pall Febr. 17. following, and was installed with great pompe and solemnity April 19. in the presence of the king the Quéene and many nobles. The first thing he did after his comming to Canterbury, was to take order by giuing pensions and diuers sums of money at Rome, that appeales made from him to the court there should finde no fauourable intertainment. He precured also eight seuerall Buls, containing so many great and extraordi∣narie priuileges. The first gauc him authority of visiting all his prouince, so as he should haue procurations euery where,

and yet his charges borne; The second to visite monasteries and all other exempt places; The third to absolue and restore to their former state two hundred Cleargy men that had in∣curred irregularitie; The fourth to dispense with the Mino∣ritie of a hundred Clearks, and enable them to take spirituall liuings; The fifth to absolue a hundred of such as by striking any Cleargy man had fallen into the danger of excommuni∣cation; The sixt, to grant forty pluralities; The seuenth, to require the gift of any one dignitie or spirituall promotion in any church or college where he should visite; The eight, to grant pardon of a hundred daies in any place where he should visite, preach, giue almes, or kéepe hospitality. Being thus ar∣med, he perfourmed his visitation, trauailing himselfe in the same till by the Barons wars he was hindered, and sent for vnto the Court by the king. That warre being ended, and execution done vpon diuers of the nobles that had rebelled: Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford was apprehended and brought to the barre to be arraigned for the like fault. All the Bishops of England almost were then at London. The Arch∣bishops of Canterbury, Yorke, and Dublin hearing of it, in great haste hied them thither, and hauing their crosses borne before them, entred the court, by violence tooke the prisoner from the barre, and carried him away with them. Much adoo there was about this matter a good while: & the stir was not quight ended when the Quéene rising against her husband, and setting vp her sonne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the kingdome, at last procured him to be deposed. This our Archb. then shewed himselfe a very weake man: He was content a while out∣wardly to stand with the king (as beside the common duty of a subiect, he was bound to do by benefites receaued infinite) but first vnderhand he aided the Queene with great sums of money, and at last vtterly for sooke him, his lawfull prince, his master, his patron that had aduaunced him by so many de∣grées vnto an estate so honorable. It pleased God, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 timorousnesse should be his destruction: By the Quéene aforesaid (of whom he stood so greatly in awe) he was commanded to consecrate one Iames Barkley elected Bi∣shop of Excester. He did so, but for his labor was so threat∣ned, taunted, and reuiled by the Pope, that saide he had reser∣ued

the gift of that Bishoprick vnto himselfe, as for griefe and anger togither he died, when he had sate Archbishop 13. yéeres, 9. moneths, and thrée wéekes. He was buried in the south wall of Christs church in Canterbury néere the Quier, where his tombe is yet to be seene, with an inscription which I haue read long since, but I thinke is now defaced. This man was but meanly learned, yet very wise & of good gouern∣ment, except when for feare and want of courage he neglected his dutie. He gaue vnto his Couent the Manour of Caldcote, and the wood of Thorlehot.

51. Simon Mepham.

SImon Mepham Doctor of Diuinitie, Canon of Chiche∣ster, Prebendary of Landaff, and Parson of Tunstall, a Kentish man borne, one very well learned (as lear∣ning went in those daies) was then elected by the monks, ap∣prooued by the king, and affoorded consecration by the Pope at Auinion the yéere 1327. The first thing he did at his re∣turne home was, that he excommunicated all the authors of the death of Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester, as they had well deserued. Soone after, he began to wrangle with his monks of Canterbury about certaine land: They com∣plained them vnto the Pope, who sent a Nuncio to Canter∣bury to heare and determine of this controuersie. He condem∣ned the Archbishop in seuen hundred pound charges. After this, he began to visite his prouince in like sort as his prede∣cessors had done before him. The Bishop of Excester Iohn Graundson resisted him (for what cause I finde not) appealed to Rome, and would not suffer him so much as to enter into his Cathedrall Church, much lesse to visite in the same. These two repulses he tooke so tenderly, as being yet scarcely retur∣ned home, he fell sicke and died, October 12. 1333. at Mag∣field. His body was conueighed to Canterbury, and laid in a marble fombe vpon the North side of Saint Anselmes chap∣pell. He sate Archbishop fiue yéeres and somewhat more.

52. Iohn Stratford.

THe Pope (who now tooke vpon him to dispose of all [ 1333] Bishoprickes at his pleasure) was content at the kings request to nominate vnto Canterbury. (Uoid by the death of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉:) Iohn Stratford Bishop of Winche∣ster. This Iohn Stratford hauing long and to good purpose studied the Canon and ciuill Law, was called to the Arch∣deaconry of Lincolne. Being famous for his learning and good gouernment of that iurisdiction, Walter the Archbishop made him his principall Officiall and Deane of the Arches, and king Edward the second shortly after that appointed him Secretary, and so one of his priuy counsell. It chaunced he was Embassadour vnto the Pope at what time the Bishop of Winchester died; and he at the request of Walter the Archbishop bestowed that Bishopricke vpon this Iohn Strat∣ford then present with him. This was done without the kings priuity, who desired to haue preferred vnto that place Robert Baldock his Chauncellor. Therefore taking it very ill, that either the one should giue, or the other dare to take it without his knowledge; he was content to giue eare vnto Robert Baldock who plotted many deuises, a while how to kéepe him from it, and after how to make him weary of it. He was consecrate vpon the Sunday called then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tri∣bulat. iustorū, which he thought boaded vnto him, how in the whole course of his life he should find nothing but continuall trouble. It fell out according to that ominous prediction. Ne∣uer I thinke any Archb. either before or after him, giuing so little cause, & dooing his indeuour to please, was more encom∣bred with vndeserued and often crosses. He had no sooner set foote into this Bishopricke of Winchester, but the king (who at that time was altogether ruled by the said Robert Bal∣dock) caused all his goods to be seased, and his liuings to be sequestred to his vse. Moreouer, he caused him to be summo∣ned by certaine strange kind of writs to appeare I know not where; and when for feare he was faine to hide himselfe, proclamation was made that no man should dare to harbor him, or giue him any kind of entertainment by meate, lodg∣ing,

or otherwise. Hauing endured these miseries the space of a yéere, he intreated the Archbishop to be an intercessor vnto the king for him; who relating vnto him how dishono∣rable a thing it was for him to persecute a true subiect so terribly, both for an other mans fault, and an other mans pleasure too; he was soone woonne to receiue the poore Bishop to his grace, and laid all the blame of that iniury vpon Ro∣bert Baldock. Being thus restored, he grew dayly more and more into the kings fauour, whom he serued both diligently and faithfully to the last hower. When all other forsooke him, euen Walter the Archbishop of whom he had deserued so notably; this good Bishop would neuer be allured vnto the contrary part by any meanes; in so much as, the Quéene and Roger Mortimer began to deuise how they might make him away. This he being certified of, hid him selfe, and was faine so to hold him selfe close a long time. In the ende, the king being dead, and all his fauourites or partakers either executed, or otherwise consumed; the Quéene and her sonne king Edward the third, wel knowing they had nothing to lay against this man, but that he was true and loyall to his Prince, they were content not onely to receiue him to their fauour, but also to make him Lord Chauncellor of England. Simon Mepham the Archbishop being then dead soone after, the king was also content to write earnestly vnto the Pope to preferre him vnto that Sée of Canterbury. He did so (as before I haue said.) And the monkes thinking it good to make a vertue of necessity, they forsooth elected him also. About this time it hapened that King Edward the third began to lay claime vnto the crowne of Fraunce, and passing the seas with a great power to iustifie his claime; he thought good to commit the gouernment of the realme here at home vnto the Archbishop. He beside other generall promises of faithfulnes diligence, &c. In the charge deliuered vnto him, assured the king he should want no money to expend in this exploit; whereunto all kind of people shewed them selues so willing to yéelde what helpe they possibly might, as he tooke vpon him to discerne, the king might commaund of them what he list. He was not deceiued in this coniecture: For no sooner was the king ouer the seas, but infinite summes of money

were collected with the very good liking of all people. This money (which all men thought would haue maintained the charge of that warre two or thrée yéeres, the king being yoong and so easie to be either mistaken or deceiued) was spent in lesse then one yeere. The Archbishop meruelling thereat, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the king by letters, to remooue from him such as had had the disposing of his treasure, for that without imbesilling and falsehood it was impossible so much money should be so soone consumed. The king on the other side, he put the Arch∣bishop in minde of his promise, and called vpon him con∣tinually for more money. He well knowing how hard it would be to collect any reasonable summe so soone after so liberall contribution as had béene lately yéelded; fell to per∣swading the king to accept reasonable conditions, which he heard the French King had offred him and to come home. The king either was or seemed to be excéeding angry with this motion: yet knowing there was no remedy but he must get him home, his money being now spent, and his credite amongst the vsurers stretched to the highest pinne; He tolde his souldiers on the one side that the Archbishop had betraied him vnto the French king, who no doubt had hired him to detaine their pay in his hands; and on the other side made his creditors beleeue that the Archbishop had taken vpon him the discharge of all his debt, as hauing now gathered money suf∣ficient for that purpose. So the discontentment of these peo∣ple being either alaied, or cast vpon the Archbishop, it was deuised that for the farther countenance of this plot, the king should step ouer into England sodainly, and cast into prison the Archbishop, togither with the Bishop of Chichester the Chauncelour, and the Bishop of Lichfield the Treasurer. To London he came secretly in a night, caught the two Bi∣shops and sent them to the Tower; but the Archbishop by meere chance was gone from Lambhith elsewhether the day before, and hauing some inkling afterwards of that was meant vnto him, got him to Canterbury and there stood vpon his guard. A knight was sent vnto him to require him to make present paiment of a certaine huge sum of mony which the king said he had taken vp of outlandish merchants vpon his (the Archbi.) credit, or else to get him ouer the seas imme∣diately

vnto them, and to yéeld them his body till the debt were satisfied, for that so the king had vndertaken he should, being animated thereunto by his owne promise. Soone af∣ter, there came certaine messengers from the duke of Bra∣bant desiring to speake with the Archbishop, and when he re∣fused to conferre with them, cited him by writings to make payment of certaine great summes of money, which they al∣leaged he ought to the Duke for money the king of England had receaued. This citation they fixed vpon the high crosse at Canterbury with many ceremonies. Now the Archbishop perceauing what a terrible tempest was growing toward him, (for he was charged not onely with the debt of many thousand pounds more then euer he should be able to make, but with horrible treason, that might not onely take away his life, but make him odious in his life time, and infamous for euer with all posterity.) He wrote many letters vnto the king, wherein he purged himselfe most cléerely of whatsoeuer was obiected, and prayed him not to commaund his repaire vnto his presence, vntil a parliament were assembled, where∣in, if he were to be charged with any crime, he vowed to offer himselfe vnto iustice. Understanding then that the king had written diuers discourses against him vnto the Bishop of London, the couent of Canterbury and others, to the intent they might be publike; for defence of his credit, he thought it requisite to make his Apology in the pulpit, which he did, ta∣king this for his text, Non pertinuit Principem, & potentia nemo vieit illum, &c. Eccles. 48. At last a parliament was summoned, whereunto vpon safe conduct he came. He was not suffered to come into the parliament house before he had answered to certaine crimes obiected against him in the court of the Exchequer. He went thither and receiuing a copy of the articles promised to make answere vnto them. The next day comming againe vnto the parliament, he was once more for∣bidden entrance. A great number of people flocking about him in the meane time, he told them how he had béene sum∣moned to the parliament, whereof he was a principall mem∣ber, and now being come, was kept out by violence. But saith he (taking his crosse into his owne hand) I will not hence till I either be suffered to come in, or heare some cause

alleaged why I should not. While he stoode there, some of the company began to reuile him and to tell him he had be∣traied the realme, &c. Unto whom he answered thus, The curse of almighty God (quoth he) of his blessed mother and mine also, be vpon the heads of them that informe the king so, Amen, Amen. In the meane time certaine noble men chaunced to come out, whom he besought to request the king in his behalfe. By their meanes he was at last admitted, and being charged with diuers hainous crimes, offered to purge himselfe of them, and if they might be prooued to submit him∣selfe vnto iustice. Twelue men were chosen to examine this matter, viz. fower Prelates, the Bishops, of London, Bathe, Hereford and Exceter; fower Earles, Arundell, Salisbury, Huntington and Suffolke, and lastly, fower Barons, Henry Percy, Thomas Wake, Ralfe Basset, and Ralfe 〈◊〉〈◊〉. All this was but to make the Archbishop odious with the common people: A fault was committed; And the king willing the blame therof should lie any where rather then vpon himselfe, made al this ado to bleere the peoples eies. The matter neuer came to the hearing of these nobles: but was so handled, that the Archbishop vpon great sute and intreaty of in a ma∣ner the whole parliament, must be pardoned all that was past, and receiued to fauour againe. After this, he liued cer∣taine yeeres quietly. Hauing beene Archbishop about fiftéene yeeres, he fell sicke at Magfield, and making his will (where∣in he gaue all he had vnto his seruants) died there. He was buried in a goodly tombe of alabaster on the South side of the high altar beside the steps of Saint Dunstanes altar. He was a very gentle and mercifull man, rather to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then any way rigorous vnto offenders. His manner was thrise euery day to giue almes to thirtéene poore people; in the morning pence a péece; at nine a clocke, bread, meate and pottage, and at noone againe euery one a loafe and a peny. He gaue vnto his church of Canterbury a very sumptuous miter and cer∣taine bookes. He assigned also vnto the same a pension of fiue pound out of the parsonages of Boughton and Preston ap∣propriated vnto the Abbey of Feuersham: and some deliuer that he founded a colledge at Stratford vpon Auon where he was borne.

53. Iohn Vfford.

THe Pope at this time had so farre incroched vpon vs [ 1348] here in England, as he would seldome or neuer suffer any orderly election to take place, but bestow all Bi∣shoprickes where it pleased him. The king (Edward the third) much discontented herewith, writ vnto him, very ear∣nestly praying him to forbeare his prouisions and reseruati∣ons whereby he robbed patrones of their right and chapters of their elections: telling him, that the disposition of Bishop∣rickes belonged of old vnto the king onely, that his progeni∣tors at the sute of diuers Popes had giuen that their autho∣rity vnto Chapters, which if they vsed not, he assured him∣selfe it deuolued againe vnto the first graunter, which was the king. The copy of this letter is to be seene in Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and many other. After the receit of this letter, the Pope would seldome or neuer take vpon to giue any Bi∣shopricke, but vnto such as the king made request for. But so, betwéene the king and the Pope, elections were altogither deluded and made frustrate. And therefore Simon Mepham being dead, whereas the Couent made choice of one Thomas Bradwardin to succéede him, the king writing somewhat ear∣nestly to the Pope in fauour of Iohn Vfford, he was by and by pronounced Archbishop by the Popes oracle and the other vtterly reiected. This Iohn Vfford was sonne vnto the Earle of Suffolke, brought vp in Cambridge and made Doctor of Law there, promoted first vnto the Deanry of Lincolne, then to the Chauncellorship of England, and lastly the Archbi∣shopricke. He neuer receiued either his pall, or consecration: Hauing expected the same the space of sixe moneths, he died in the time of that great plague that consumed halfe the men of England, Iune 7. 1348. His body without any pomp or woonted solemnity, was caried to Canterbury, and there se∣cretly buried by the North wall beside the wall of Thomas Becket, at that place (if I mistake not) where we sée an olde woodden toombe néere to the toombe of Bishop Warham. This man began to build the Archbishops pallace at Maid∣stone, but died before he could bring it to any perfection.

54. Thomas Bradwardin.

THomas Bradwardin (of whom somewhat is said be∣fore) [ 1349] was borne at Hartfield in Sussex, and brought vp in the Uniuersity of Oxford, where hauing trauay∣led along time in the study of good learning, he procéeded Doctor of Diuinity. He was a good Mathematician, a great Philosopher and an excellent Diuinc, as diuers workes of his not yet perished doo testifie. But aboue all he is espe∣cially to be commended for his sinceryty of life and con∣uersation. Iohn Stratford the Archbishoppe in regard of these vertues commended him vnto that noble Prince King Edward the third for his Confessor. In that office he beha∣ued him selfe so, as he deserueth eternal memory for the same. He was woont to reprehend the king with great boldnesse for such things as he sawe amisse in him. In that long and pain∣full warre which the king had in Fraunce, he neuer would be from him, but admonished him often secretly and all his ar∣my in learned and most cloquent sermons publikely, to take heede they wared not proud and insolent because of the mani∣fold victories God had sent them; but to be thankefull vnto him for them, and to haue a care to vse them moderately. Some there be that haue not doubted to ascribe that notable conquest rather to the vertue and holinesse of this man, then to any other meanes either of prowesse or wisedome in other instruments of the same. This man that might haue obtai∣ned of the king any preferment he would haue craued, was so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from ambitious desire of promotion, as it was long besore he could be perswaded to take a prebend of Lincolne, when it was offred him being before that Chauncelor of Paules in London. It is certaine also, that he was elected vnto the Archbishopricke without his owne séeking, & might easily haue made the king for him if he had indeuoured it. When some men maruailed that the king should refuse him, and preferre any other before him, he answered he could very ill spare him, & he perceiued not he was desirous to be spard. Iohn Vfford being sodainly taken away as before is decla∣red, the Couent of Canterbury once more chose him, the king

very willingly allowed of their choice, and the Pope hauing not yet heard of this their second election of his owne accord before any request made cast vpon him this dignity. Hardly shal you find any Archbishop in any age to haue attained his place in better sort. He was consecrate at Auinion by one Bertrand a Cardinal in the church of the Frier minors there. That ceremony once perfourmed, he hasted him home into England, where first doing his duety to the king, he receiued of him immediately his temporalties with all fauour. From the court he departed to Lambhith to rest himselfe after his long iourney. Lying there a while with the Bishop of Ro∣chester, he fell sicke, and within fiue weekes and fower daies after his consecration died, so that he was neuer inthronized at all. He was buried in the chappell of Saint Anselme to∣ward the South wall.

55. Simon Islip.

SImon Islip being doctor of law became canon of Paules, [ 1349] then Deane of the Arches, after that was chosen to be of the priuy counsell of king Edward the third, first in the place of secretary, and then kéeper of the priuy seale. Iohn Stratford lying vpon his death bed, foretold he should be Archbishoppe. It came to passe, within two yéeres after his death, though two other were serued before him. The monkes with the kings very good liking chose him, and the Pope would not refuse him: yet being loath to ratifie the monkes election, he reiected the same, and ex 〈◊〉〈◊〉 po∣testatis bestowed the Archbishopricke vpon him. His bulles were published in Bowe church, October 4. 1349. and in the moneth of December following he was consecrate by the Bishop of London in Paules church. He was inthronized secretly to saue charge. For he was a very frugal and sparing man, neuer estéeming pompe or outward brauery. He was also very seuere. When he first visited his owne Dioces, he depriued many cleargy men of their liuings. He passed tho∣rough the Diocesses of Kochester and Chichester without kéeping any great adoo: So that euery one made account he was content to winke at the faults he espied. But they found

it otherwise: For he afterward called home vnto him the of∣fenders, and there dealt so with them, as all men might as∣sure themselues he would prooue a very austere man in his gouernment. Iohn Synwall Bishop of Lincolne, standing in doubt of this asperity of his, with great cost procured a priui∣ledge from Rome to exempt himselfe from his authority and iurisdiction But the Archbishop caused the same afterward to be reuoked. The Uniuersity of Oxford had presented vnto him the said Bish. of Lincoln (vnto whose iurisdiction Oxford then appertained) one William Palmor•••• for their Chaun∣cellour and prayed him to admit him. The Bishop (I know not for what cause) delayed his admission from time to time, and enforced the Uniuersity to complaine of this hard dealing vnto the Archbishop. He presently set downe a day wherein he enioined the Bishop to admit this Chauncellor, or else to render a reason of his refusall. At that time appointed the pro∣ctors of the Uniuersity were ready together with this William. Palmo••••e to demaund admission: And when the Bi∣shop of Lincolne came not (trusting belike to his priui∣ledge aforesaid) the Archbishop caused his Chauncellor Iohn Carlton Deane of Wels to admit him, write to the Uni∣uersity to receiue him, and cited the Bishop to answere be∣fore him for his contempt. He appealed to the Pope, would not come, and for his contumacy was interdicted. Much mo∣ney was spent in this sute after wards at Rome. The ende was, that the Archbishop preuailed, and the others priue∣ledge was by speciall order of the Pope reuoked, who also graunted vnto the Uniuersity at the same time that the Chauncellor hereafter should onely be elected by the schollers them selues, and so presently authorised to gouerne them without the admission of any other. This conquest thus at∣chiued, he entred yet into another combate in the same land, I meane at Rome. He serued Andrew Vfford Archbishop of Middlesex the Administrator of Iohn Vfford his predecessor for delapidations and recouered of him 1101. l. fiftéene shil∣lings two pence halpeny farthing, that money he imployed in repairing the pallace at Canterbury. He pulled downe the manner house at Wrotham and imploied the stones and tim∣ber of the same in ending the building that Iohn Vfford his

predecessor aforesaid had begun at Maidstone. Toward this and other charges he obtained of the Pope leaue to craue a contribution of foure pence out of euery marke from all the Cleargy of his Prouince. But his officers (whether of pur∣pose, or peraduenture mistaking) demaunded and had a whole tenth. All this was within a yéere or two of his first comming to the Archbishopricke; at which time also in a Parliament held at Westminster: the yéere 1350. the old controuersie betwéen him and the Archbishop of Yorke, about bearing vp his crosse in the prouince of Canterburybegan to be renewed, was compromitted vnto the hearing and iudgement of the king, who set downe a finall order for the same, viz. that the Archbishop of Yorke should beare his crosse in the others prouince yéelding all preeminence other∣wise vnto Canterbury, but that in token of subiection euery Archbishop at his entrance should offer an image of gold to the value of forty pound, at the shrine of Saint Thomas, the same to be sent by some Knight or Doctor of the Law within the space of two monethes after his inthronizati∣on. Amongst the rest of his actions, I may not in any wise forget his Colledge of Canterbury, (which is now become a parcell of Christ Church in Oxford). He built it, and endowed it with good possessions, appropriating vnto the same the parsonages of Pagham and Magfield. He graunted also vnto the Couent of Canterbury the Chur∣ches of Monkton and Estrey. It is worthy remembrance likewise, that when a certaine Countesse of Kent after the Earle her husbands death had prosessed her selfe a Nunne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hauing liued so certaine yéeres, suddenly married a cer∣taine knight named Eustace Abricourt contrary to her vow, and that secretly without asking of banes or dispensation; he punished them seuerely for it, but suffered them to liue still to∣gether and seuered them not. Amongst many good déeds, he is blamed for selling vnto the Earle of Arundell the right which he had vnto sixe and twenty Déere yéerely out of certaine grounds of his. He had for them onely two hundred and forty markes. After he had béene Archbishop sixetéene yéeres, fower moneths and twelue daies, he died Aprill 26. 1366. Kiding to Magfield, his horse chaunced to cast him into a meiry

poole. Wet as he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he fell a sléepe at his comming thither, and waking, found himselfe in a palsy, whereof within a few daies after he died. He bequeathed vnto his church of Can∣terbury a thousand shéepe, his vestments which were al cloth of gold, a very sumptuous coape and much plate, viz. sixe do∣zin of siluer dishes, sixe salts, and fower goodly basons all en∣chased with his armes. He lieth buried in the middle of the body of his church of Canterbury, vnder a faire toombe of marble inlaid with brasse whereon is engrauen this Epi∣taphe:

Ospes sanctorum decus & pie Christe tuorum, Coetibus ipsorum prece iung as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 precor horum. Simon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oriens, vir bina lege probatus, Vt nascens, moriens sic nunciacet arcte locatus, Arcem qui tenuit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quondam Pontificatus, Clero quique fuit regno toti quoque gratus. Princeps pastorum fac Simon Apostolorum, Simon vt iste chorum per eos pertingat eorum. Mil trecenteno sexageno modo seno, Eius septeno pastoratus quoque deno Hic kal. Maij seno rupto carnis nece freno Flos cadit èfoeno coelo peto qui sit amoeno.

He tooke order to be buried obscurely, desiring therein (as in all other things) to auoid superfluous expence what he might, and not estéeming outward pompe.

56. Simon Langham.

AFter the decease of Simon 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the monkes of Canter∣bury [ 1366] chose William Edindon Bishop of Winchester for Archbishop, who refused the place. The Pope then with the kings good liking, remooued to Canterbury Simon Langham Bishop of Ely and Treasurer of England. He was first a monke of Westmin. then Prior, & lastly Abbot there. Thence he was elected Bishop of London, but before he was consecrate thereunto, obtayned Ely where he continued fiue yéeres. He receiued his pall by the hands of the Bishop of Bathe in Saint Nicholas chappel at Westminster Nouem∣ber 4. 1366. and was inthronized the Lady day following.

He was Archbishop but a little while, viz. two yéeres or little more, and therefore did not many things very memorable. There was a great strife betwéene the Londoners and their cleargy about tything, which he thus composed; he tooke or∣der that they should pay, their offrings, personall tithes, and then also for the rest a farthing of euery 10. s̄. rent. From Canterbury colledge (which his predecessor had founded) he sequestred the fruits of the benefice of Pagham, and other∣wise molested the schollers there intending to displace them all, and to put in monkes which in the ende he brought to passe. Iohn Wickliffe was one of them that were so displaced, and had withstood the Archbishop in this businesse with might and maine. By the Popes fauour and the Archbishops power the monkes ouerbore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and his fellowes. If then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were angry with Pope; Archbishoppe, monkes and all you cannot maruell. But to returne to our Archbishop he sate here onely two yéeres. For being made Cardinal of Saint Sixtus by Pope Vrban the fift Septem∣ber 21. 1368. he left his Archbishopricke and went to Rome, where shortly after he was made Bishop Cardinall of Pre∣neste by Gregory the eleuenth, and held diuers liuings in Commendam, as the Archdeaconry and Treasurership of Wels with other. He liued there in great estimation about eight yeeres, and died July 22. 1376. of the same disease his predecessor had done, viz. a palsy, wherewith he was sud∣denly taken as he sate at dinner. He was buried first in the church of the Carthusians (whose house he had founded) at Auinion, but after thrée yéeres his bones (by his owne ap∣pointment while he liued) were taken vp and buried a second time at Westminster in a goodly toombe of alabaster. It is scarce credible that is reported of his woonderfull bounty and liberality to that monastery, I meane Westminster. When he was first made Abbot, he bestowed all that he had gathe∣red together being monke and prior, in paying the debt of the house, which was to the valew of two thousand and two hundred markes: he discharged it euery whit, and diuers o∣ther summes of money, also that particular monkes did owe; whom he tendered and cherished as his owne children, neuer taking any thing from them, but rather augmenting; their

portions out of that which was due to himselfe. Being Chauncellor and Treasurer, he purchased diuers good pei∣ces of land and gaue it vnto them. When he went out of England, he left them bookes to the value of 830. l. and roaps, vestments, &c. estéemed worth 437. l. At his death he bequeathed vnto them all his plate, prised at 2700. l. and all his debts any where due; they amounted vnto 3954 l. thir∣teene shillings and fower pence. He also sent vnto the said monastery the summe of one thousand markes to buy forty markes a yeere land, to increase the portions os fower monks that daily should say masse for the soules of himselfe and his parents. To say nothing of the monastery which he built for the Carthusians at Auinion, the money that he bestowed onely vpon the Abbey of Westminster one way or other, is reckoned by a monke of the same to be no lesse then 10800. l. They caused this Epitaphe to be engrauen vpon his toombe,

Simon de Langham 〈◊〉〈◊〉 petris hijs tumulatus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ecclesiae monachus fuerat, Prior, Abbas; Sede vacante, fuit electus Londoniensis 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & insignis Ely, sed postea primas Totius regni, magnus Regisque minister: Nam Thesaurarius & Cancellarius eius Ac Cardinalis in Roma Presbyter iste. Postque Praenestinus est factus Episcopus, atque Nuncius ex parte Papae transmittitur istuc. Orbe dolente, pater quem nuncreuocare nequimus, Magdalenae festo, milleno septuageno Et ter centeno sexto Christi ruit anno. Hunc Deus absoluat de cunctis quae male 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Et meritis matris sibi coelica gaudia donet.

57. William Wittlesey.

SImon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was vncle vnto a yoong man named William [ 1368] Wittlesey, whom he caused to be carefully brought vp and directed vnto the study of the Cannon law. Hauing procéeded doctor in that faculty his vncle (y^t now was become Archb.) sent him to Rome, that there he might both sollicite all his causes, and also get experience by seeing the practise of

that Court. After he had staied there a while, he was called home, and preferred by his vncle aforesaid, vnto the place of vicar Generall, then to the Deanry of the Arches, the Arch∣deaconry of Huntingdon, the Parsonages of Croydon and Clyff, and lastly the Bishopricke of Rochester. From Roche∣ster he was remooued to Worcester, (his vncle yet liuing and ioying much in this his aduancement) the yéere 1; 63. Frō thence some say he was translated to London, but that I take to be mistaken. Simon Sudbury was Bishop of Londō before he came to Worcester, and so continued till that after his death he succeded him in Canterbury. Thether this man was aduanced by the Popes onely authority presently after Simon Langham was made Cardinall, viz. the yéere 1368. At two seuerall synods he preached in Latine very learnedly; The later of those sermons he could hardly end for sicknesse, where with he had béene so much troubled before, as for two yeeres space he was faine to kéepe his chamber almost altogi∣ther. Not being able to resist the force of this tedious wearing disease any longer, he paid the debt of his mortality October 11. 1374. hauing continued in this Sée almost seuen yéeres. He was buried ouer-against his vncle betwéene two pil∣lers, vnder a faire marble tombe inlaid with brasse, which is lately defaced by tearing out the brasse: I remember that some sixtéene yéeres since I read the Epitaph engrauen vpon the same. This man procured the Uniuersitie of Oxford to be exempt from the iurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincolne, and al authority of gouerning the same to be committed vnto the Chauncellour and Proctors.

58. Simon Sudbury.

PResently after the death of William Wittlesey, the [ 1375] monks of Canterbury elected for their Archbishop a cer∣taine Cardinall that was an Englishman borne, but throughly Italianate, hauing lead his life in a manner altogi∣ther at Rome. I take it his name was Adam Easton. The king with this choice of theirs was so gréeuously offended, as he determined to banish them (the monks I meane) out of the realme, and to confiscate their goods. Gregory the 11.

that then was Pope, though he fauoured his Cardinall, to shield the poore monkes from the danger of such a tempest, was content to refuse this election, and to bestow the Archbi∣shopricke by way of prouision vpon Simon Sudbury Bishop of London, whom he knew the king liked well inough. This Simon was the sonne of a gentleman named Nigellus Tibold, so that his true name was Simon Tibold: But he was borne at Sudbury a towne of Suffolke in the parish of S. George, and of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tooke his name, according to the manner of many cleargy men in those daies. He was alwaies brought vp at schoole, and being yet very yoong, was sent by his father beyond the seas to study the canon lawe; and hauing procée∣ded Doctor of that faculty, became houshold Chaplein vnto Pope Innocent: and one of the Judges or Auditors of his Kota. The said Pope by way of prouision thrust him first in∣to the Chancellorship of Salisbury, and then afterward, viz. the yéere 1364. into the Bishopricke of London. He receiued the bulles of his translation thence, June 6. 1375. Two sy∣nods or conuocations were held in his time, at both which he preached in Latin very learnedly. Sixe yeeres one month and ten daies he gouerned the Sée of Canterbury laudably, and at last was most vnwoorthily slaine, or rather wickedly murthered by a company of villanous rebels. By the instiga∣tion of one Iohn Ball a seditions malcontent and hypocriticall preacher, the baser sort of the commons arose in diuers parts of the realme, and intending to destroy all gentlemen, law∣yers, cleargymen, and whosoeuer were of any account, either for their riches linage or authority in the common wealth, came vp to London, appointing for their leaders Wat Tyler, Iacke Straw, Iohn Lister, Robert Westhrom, &c. The king vnderstanding of their comming, sent vnto them to know the cause of their repaire in so great numbers. They answered, they were to impart vnto him certaine matters greatly importing the state of the common wealth, which if he would vnderstand, he should spéedily resort vnto them. The king hauing receiued this saury answere, began to con∣sult with his friends whether he were best to goe to them or not. The greater number 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to goe. But the Archbishop and Sir Robert Hales Treasurer of England,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, saying, it was a thing not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and shamefull for a Prince to be commanded by such rascals, but also dangerous vnto his person to commit himselfe to a route of seditious people, that hauing once broken the bands of all duty and alleageance, feared no more to violate the sacred maiesty of their annointed prince, then to wrong their neigh∣bours of farre meaner condition, of whom they had already slaine, spoiled and robbed an infinite number; for wich cause they thought it more safe for the king, more honorable and euery way more expedient, to gather some power together spéedily and to set vpon them, who being yet vnprouided of armour, destitute of good leaders, and without all skill or ex∣perience of warlike affaires would soone be dispersed and ouerthrowen. This spéech of theirs (I know not by what tell-tales) was carried vnto the rebels who sware by and by they would haue off the heads of these cruell counsellers. So in all haste to the Tower they came, where the court then lay, requiring with great outcries the Archbishop, and the said Sir Robert Hales to be deliuered vnto them. The Arch∣bishop hauing heard some inckling of their intent the day be∣fore, had spent all that might in prayer, and iust when they called for him, was saying of masse in the chappell of the Tower. That ended, and hearing of their comming; Let vs now go (saith he vnto his men) Surely it is best to dye, sée∣ing to liue it can be no pleasure. With that, in came these murtherous rebels crying, where is the Traytour, where is the Traytor. He answered, I am the Archbishop (whom I thinke you seeke) but no Traytor. With great violence then they drew him out of the chappell and caried him to the Tower hill. Séeing there nothing but swords, and weapons, and hearing nothing but Kill, kill, away with the Traytor, &c. Yet he was not so 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but with great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he could go about to perswade them not to imbrue their hands in the bloud of their Archbishop their chiefe 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 offended them to his knowledge, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so cruell a death at their hands, assuring them, that all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would be interdicted for it, that the 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 be puni∣shed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or last by the temporal Law, and lastly, that though both these failed, God the iust Iudge would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉〈◊〉

in this, or the world to come, if not both. He was a man ad∣mirably wise, and excéeding well spoken. But these varlets were so egerly bent, as the very songs of the Syrens would nothing haue mooued them at all from their intended course. Séeing therefore nothing but death before his face, with com∣fortable words, forgiuing the executioner (that scarce euer requested him so to doo) with a very chéerefull countenance he knéeled downe and yéelded him selfe vnto their fury. Once he was stricken in the necke so weakely, as that notwithstan∣ding, he knéeled still vpright, and putting his hand vp to the wound, he vsed these words, a ha, it is the hand of God. He had not remoued his hand from the place when a second stroke cut of his fingers ends, and felled him to the ground. With much adoo, hauing hacked and hewen his necke with eight blowes, they got off his head. This horrible murther was committed vpon Fryday June 14. 1381. all which day, and a part of the next, his body lay there headlesse, no man daring to offer it buriall: as for his head they nayled his hood vpon it, and so fixing it vpon a poale, set it on London bridge. Sir Robert Hales and a great many of others that day, tasted of the same cup the Archbishop had done. Thus ended this no∣ble Prelate his daies, who though he were very wise, lear∣ned, eloquent, liberall, mercifull, and for his age and place reuerend, yet might it not deliuer him from the rage of this beast with many heads the multitude, then which being once incensed, there is no brute beast more cruell, more outragi∣ous, more vnreasonable. How this monstrous tumult was appeased at the last, and the Authors of the same punished, according to their demerites, the Chronicles at large declare. To passe it ouer, the body of this our Archb. after all sturres ended, was caried to Canterbury, & there honorably enterred vpon the Southside of the altar of S. Dunstane, a little aboue the toombe of Bishop Stratford. Being yet Bishop of London, he builded the vpper end of Saint Gregories Church at Sud∣bury; and in the place where his fathers house stoode founded a goodly Colledge which he furnished with secular Clearks and other Ministers. At the time of the suppression thereof, it was valued at one hundred twentie two pounds eightéene shilllings lands by the yéere. After his translation to Canter∣bury,

he built the West gate of the City, and all the wal from that gate vnto Norgate, commonly called by the name of the long wal; A great worke, no lesse necessary and profitable vn∣to the City, then costly and chargeable vnto the builder.

55. William Courtney.

SOone after the lamentable death of Simon Sudbury the [ 1381] monkes of Canterbury elected for their Archbishop William Courtney Bishop of London, and the Pope knowing nothing of their election, about the same time be∣stowed the Archbishopricke vpon him by way of prouision. He was the sonne of Hugh Courtney Earle of Deuonshire, in his youth studied the Canon Lawe, and had no sooner en∣tred into orders, but he was quickly loaded with spirituall liuing ynough, as a prebend in Wels, an other in Exceter, & a third in Yorke, beside benefices with cure innow. The yeere 1369. he was consecrate Bishop of Hereford, sate there flue yéers & a halfe, and then remooued to London, at what tune Si∣mon Sudbury was made Archbishop. Thomas Walsingham addeth to these former honours, that the yéere 1378. he was made Cardinall. I find no mention of it elsewhere, and there∣fore doubt much of it. The bulles of his translation to Can∣terbury were published in Christchurch there Ianuary 9. 1381. Hauing then receiued his temporalties of the King, and done his homage, he went to Lambhith. Thither came vnto him a monke sent from the Couent and Prior of Can∣terbury to deliuer him his crosse, which he did in the Chap∣pell of Lambhith vsing these words, Reuerend father, I am the messenger of the great King that doth require and com∣maund you to take on you the gouernment of his Church, to loue and defend the same. In token whereof, I deliuer you this his ensigne. Soone after he receiued his pall; and then being throughly setled, began his Metropoliticall visitation which he entended to performe in euery Dioces of his pro∣uince. Hauing passed quietly through Rochester, Chichester, Bathe, and Worceter; at Exceter he found some resistance as well as Simon Mepham his predecessor had done. After the time of his first inhibition, he prorogued diuers times the

day of his visitation, and when he had sate, was not so ha sty in graunting a relaxation of the inhibition as they would haue him. Hereby it came to passe that the Bishop and his Archdeacons were suspended from their iurisdiction longer (as it seemed vnto them) then they ought, and not disposed to await the Archbishops pleasure any longer, rushed into their iurisdictions againe, his visitation nothing neere finished, commaunding all men vpon paine of excommunication to repaire vnto their woonted ordinaries for proofe of wils, ad∣ministrations, institutions, or any other such like occasions. This commaundement published in many places of the Di∣oces, the Archbishop pronounced to be void and required all men in these and the like cases to repaire vnto him and none other. Hereupon the Bishop appealed to Rome, and the Arch∣bishop cited diuers of the Bishops officers to appeare be∣fore him. His apparator (named Peter Hill) had also in his bosome a citation for the Bishop himselfe. It hapened that some of the Bishops followers, méeting this gentle soumer at Tapsham, beate him wel and thriftily and after forced him to eate the citation war paper and all. This fact was very preiudiciall to the Bishop of Exceters cause: For it incensed the king against him; in so much as though a while he did pro∣secute his aupcale at Rome diligently, he sawe himselfe so ouerborne by the king, he was like to doo no good at all, and therefore resolued to make his peace with the Archbishop vp∣on reasonable conditions, which he easily obtained. But they that had abused his Apparator, were put to terrible penance, in diuers parts of the realme, and were faine to performe the same. One William Byd a Doctor of the Arches had giuen counsell vnto the Bishop in this cause: For so dooing he was displaced, and vpon that occasion an othe was ordained of this Archbishop, that euery Aduocate of that Court should take at his admission. This visitation ended, the Archbishop proceeded to the Dioces of Salisbury, where he likewise found some resistance. The Bishop there had procured apri∣uiledge from Pope Boniface (Vrban the 6. being lately dead) that it should not be lawfull for any Metropolitane to visite him or his Dioces by vertue of any authority granted from Pope Vrbane. The Archbishop (that was a great Lawyer)

〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 he had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of himselfe as being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to visite without the Popes licence, and therefore procéeded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (notwithstanding that vaine priuilege) 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 the Bishop with excommunications aud 〈◊〉〈◊〉 censures, as he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to yeeld at last and cry pec∣cani. Since that time our Archbishops haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quietly all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without resistance. Towars the latter end of his time he procured a licence of the Pope to gather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pence of the pound in all Ecclesiasticall pre∣ferments within his prouince. The Bishop of Lincolne re∣fused to make this collection in his Dioces, and appealed vn∣to the Pope? That appeale yet depending, the Archbishop died Iuly 31. 1396. at Maidstone, when he had sate 12. yéers lacking one moneth. The old worke at Maidstone first built by Boniface his predecessor for an Hospitall, he pulled downe and building it after a more stately manner, translated it into a Colledge of secular priests, which at the time of the suppres∣sion was valued at one hundred thirty nine pounds seuen shillings fixe pence by the yéere. The church of Mepham quite fallen downe, he repaired againe and built certaine almes houses néere it for the vse of poore people. Toward the repa∣ration of the body of his Church and cloysters he gaue 1000. marks; He gaue also vnto the same Church a certaine image of siluer waighing one hundred and thréescore pounds, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vestments & thirtéene coapes of great value, besides a num∣ber of bookes. He lieth buried vpon the South side of Thomas Beckets shrine, at the féete of the blacke Prince, in a goodly toombe of Alabaster.

60. Thomas Arundell.

BY the Popes prouision Thomas Arondell Archbishop [ 1396] of Yorke was remooued to Canterbury about Christ∣mas after William Courtneyes death. His bulles were published at Canterbury Ianuary 11. Soone after his crosse was deliuered vnto him at Westminster by Henry Chillin∣den the Prior of Canterbury with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 solemnity, in the presence of the king and many nobles. February 10. fol∣lowing he receiued his pall, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 19. of the same moneth

he was inthronised at Canterbury with great pomp. He was sonne vnto Robert Earle of Arundell and Warren, first Bi∣shop of Ely, then of Yorke. Sée more of him there. He was scarce warme in his seate when by the kings displeasure he was dispossessed of the same. In the second yéere of his tran∣slation a parliament was held at London. The king there accused the Duke of Glocester, the Earle of Arundell that was the Archbishops brother, and diuers other of high trea∣son. Now because cleargy men were forbidden by the Ca∣nons to be present at any triall or iudgement vpon life and death; the matter being once proposed, all the Bishops de∣parted the house as their maner was in like cases. The Arch∣bishop being absent vpon this occasion, was condemned to∣gither with his brother of high treason; for which his brother was presently executed, and he commaunded within forty daies to depart the realme vpon paine of death. He (thus banished) got him to Rome and found such fauour with the Pope, as first he was content to write earnestly vnto the king for his restitution; and when he could do no good that way, he translated him to the Archbishopricke of Saint An∣drewes in Scotland, intending to heape so much ecclesiasti∣call liuing vpon him by benefices, &c. in England, as he should be able to liue in state honorable ynough. The king vnder∣standing of his intent, writ a maruellous sharpe letter vnto the Pope, telling him plainly he must repute him for his eni∣my, if he yéelded any maner of succour vnto him, whom he knew too well to hate him deadly. That letter so wrought with the Pope, as after that time he neuer indeuoured to prefer him farther, and moreouer, at the kings request made Roger Walden (Deane of Yorke, and treasurer of England) Archbishop. He was consecrate, inthronised, &c. held Synods and did all things belonging vnto that place the space of two yéeres. It hapened in the meane time, that the king (Richard the second) wos deposed, or at least inforced to resigne his crowne vnto Henry Duke of Lancaster, that after possessed the same by the name of king Henry the fourth. Boniface the Pope vnderstanding then of the fall of king Richard, pro∣nounced the said Roger to be an intruder and vsurper of the Archbishopricke, and by his omnipotent bulles restored Tho∣mas

Arundell vnto the same againe. As for Roger Walden that was now a Bishop without a Bishopricke (for it is Cha∣racter indelebilis) he liued so a while, til at last by the kind en∣deuor of the Archb. his charitable aduersary, he was promo∣ted vnto the Bishopricke of London, which he enioyed but a short time, being taken away by death within one yere after. About a twelue moneth after the Archbishops restitution, a conuocation was held at London, whether the king sent the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, that told the cleargy they came from the king, but not of that errand that courtiers were woont to be sent for to that place; they came not for money, but onely to signifie the kings harty and fauo∣rable goodwill vnto them, and to request their daily prayers for him and the good estate of the realme. This new broome with swéeping so cleane at the first, was so worne out vnto the stumpes, in a yéere or two, as not contented with a bare tenth, the next conuocation after, he was very angry that a more liberall allowance was not made vnto him; and began to hearken vnto the sacrilegious motions of certaine impi∣ous politicians, that intending to cast the burthen of all subsi∣dies and other kind of tributes vpon the cleargy, letted not to say openly in the parliament house, how the laity was not able to yéeld any thing vnto the kings coffers, for that the cleargy had all the wealth of the land in their hands: And therefore the king must either take from them their tempo∣ralties, or else lay all the burthen vpon them that onely were able to beare it. The Archbishop (that was vndoubtedly a woorthy prelate, wise and very stout) rose vp and prooued by manifest arguments that the contributions of the Cleargy were after the proportion of their ability, much more liberall then the subsidies or other paiments of the temporalty in ma∣ny respects. For (saith he) we pay the tenth of our liuings of∣tener then they pay fifteenths, and though we serue not in the warres our selues, our seruants and tenants do; neither are we altogither idle, in as much as we pray daily for the king and the realme, as well in time of peace as war. The prolo∣cutor of the parliament house at that time was a knight cal∣led Sir Iohn Cleyn, that hauing béene a cleargyman some∣times, without any dispensation forsooke the calling & became

a soldier. This prophane Apostata was not ashamed to say, it was no matter for their praiers, so the king might haue their mony. I sée now (quoth the Arch.) whither the fortune of this realme tendeth, the prayers of the church being despised, which should appease the wrath of God iustly kindled a∣gainst vs by the daily monstrous iniquities of our age. Per∣ceauing then that the king (who at his first comming to the crowne had made many open and publike protestations of his loue to the church, and his intent to defend and protect the same to the vtmost) that he I say began to harken somewhat too patiently to these wicked motions; he turned him toward him, and making lowe obeisance, humbly besought him, it would please his maiesty to remember those gratious and most honorable spéeches, wherein he had often signified his resolute determination of protecting the church from all in∣iury, as also his othe taken to the same purpose at the time of his coronation, the danger and dishonour of breaking the same, and lastly, that he should feare to offend him by whom kings raigne, and before whose tribunall all princes and mo∣narchs neuer so great must one day come to be iudged. The king seemed to be somewhat mooued with these words, and desiring the Archbishop to take his place againe, well (quoth he) howsoeuer I doe otherwise I will leaue the church in as good estate as I found it. The Archbishop then turning him about vnto the proloquutor and certaine other knights of the lower house that accompanied him: You it was (faith he and such as you are) that perswaded the last king to take into his hands all such celles in England as appertained vnto any religious houses of Fraunce or Normandy, assuring him it would so stuffe his coffers, as he could not want in many yéeres after, and there is no question, but the land belonging to such celles was woorth an infinite summe of mony: How∣beit it is certaine and well inough knowne, that within one yéere after he had taken that course, he was not the value of halfe a marke the richer; and how he thriued afterwarde otherwise, I néede not tell you. After that time there were no other attempts against the church in his daies. But the cler∣gy were so terrified with that wauering doubtfulnesse of the king, as they durst not but grant him a tenth euery yéere af∣ter,

and though there were no other occasion, the Archbishop was faine to call a conuocation euen for that purpose. His end (being as some report it) was very miserable: his tongue swelled so big in his mouth, as he was able neither to eate, drinke, nor speake in many dayes before his death, and died at last of hunger about the end of Ianuary 1413. when he had sate one moneth aboue 17. yéeres. He lyeth buried on the North side of the body of Christchurch in Canterbury, at the West end whereof toward the North, he built a faire spire stéeple called to this day by the name of Arundell steeple, and bestowed a goodly ring of fiue belles vpon the same; the first of them, he dedicated to the holy trinity, the second to the bles∣sed virgin the third to the Angel Gabriell, the fourth to Saint Blase, and the fift to Saint Iohn the Euangelist.

61. Henry Chichley.

AFter the death of Thomas Arundell, Henry Chichley Bishop of Saint Dauids was elected by the Couent of Canterbury to succéeds him. Now though many Lawes had béene made against the Popes vsurped authority [ 1414] in bestowing Ecclesiasticall preferments by way of prouist∣on: Yet durst not this man consent vnto this election so made, but committed the matter vnto the Popes determination, who first pronounced the election of the monkes void and then bestowed the Archbishopricke vpon him. This Henry Chichley was borne at Highamferrys in Northamptonshire brought vp in New Colledge in Oxford (where he procéeded Doctor of Law) and first preferred vnto the Chauncellorship of Salisbury. Hauing beene imployed much in Embassages and other businesses of the king (wherein he euer behaued himselfe wisely and to the kings great good liking) by his meanes he was made first Bishop of Saint Dauids and then Archbishop. He receiued his pall at the hands of the Bishop of Winchester, the 29. of July, 1414. and bought of the king the fruites of the vacacy (which was halfe a yéere) for sixe hundred markes. The yéere 1428. he was made Car∣dinall of Saint Eusebius & the Popes Legate, but refused to exercise his power Legatiue further then he was authorised thereunto by the king. He was a man happy (enioying al∣waies

his princes fauour, wealth, honour and all kinde of prosperity many yéeres) wise in gouerning his Sée laudably, bountifull in bestowing his goods to the behoofe of the com∣mon wealth, and lastly stout and seuere in due administrati∣on of iustice. In the towne of Nigham ferrys where he was borne, he founded a goodly college for secular priests, which he endowed with large reuenues. He built also in the same towne an hospital for poore people, which he likewise endow∣ed liberally; and his brethren Robert and Wil. Chichley citi∣zens of London, his executors, gaue much land vnto the same. These two foundations finished, he began two other at Ox∣ford, one called Bernard College (now knowne by the name of Saint Johns college) and All Soules college which yet continueth in such state as he left the same, one of the fai∣rest and seemeliest of our Uniuersity. He bestowed much mo∣ney in repairing the library at Canterbury, and then repleni∣shed the same with a number of goodly bookes: He gaue vnto his Church many rich ornaments and iewels of great price, and built a great part of the Tower called Oxford Tower in the said Church. William Molash Prior there (that I may take any occasion to record so good a déede) the yéere 1430. furnished that Tower with a goodly bell called to this day Bell Dunstan. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that bell at the lowest brim is two yards and somewhat more. But to returne to Henry Chichley no Archbishop euer enioied that honor so long as he did in 500. yeeres before him. He sate 29. yéeres and dying Aprill 12. 1443. was laid in a very faire toombe built by him selfe in his life time, standing vpon the North side of the Presbitery. On it I find engrauen this Epitaph.

Hic 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Henr. Chicheley Ll. Doctor quondam Cancella∣rius Sarum, qui anno septimo Henr. 4. Regisad Gregorium Papam 12. in Ambassiata transmissus, in ciuitate Sanensi per manus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Papae in Episcopum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecra∣tus est. Hic etiam Henricus anno 2. Henr. 5. Regis, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sancta ecclesia in Archiepiscopum postulatus & a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pa∣pa 23. ad eandem translatus, qui obijt anno. dom. 1443. men∣sis Apr. die 12.

Coetus sanctornm concorditer iste precetur, Vt Deus ipsorum meritis sibi propiciatur.

62. Iohn Stafford.

EVgenius 4. the Pope of his absolute authority transla∣ted [ 1443] then from Bathe and Wels Iohn Stafford, lately also made Cardinall (as I finde reported at leastwise.) He was sonne vnto the Earle of Stafford, borne at Hooke in Dorsetshire in the parish of Abbots bury, and brought vp in Oxford, where also he procéeded Doctor of lawe. A while he practised in the Arches, euen vntill Henry Chich∣ley the Archbishoppe made him his vicar generall there. By his fauour also he obtayned the Deanry of Saint Mar∣tins in London, and the prebend of Milton in the church of Lincoln. King Henry the fifth a little before his death be∣gan to fauour him much, found meanes to preferre him first to the Deanry of Wels, then a prebend in the church of Sa∣lisbury, and afterward made him one of his priuy counsell, first kéeper of the priuy seale, and in the ende Treasurer of England. This renowmed king being taken away by vn∣timely death, though he found not his passage so cléere, yet he still went forward in the way of preferment, and obtained of Pope Martin the fifth, the Bishopricke of Bathe and Wels the yéere 1425. Eightéene yéere he continued in that Sée, and August 23. 1443. was remooued to Canterbury. In the meane time, viz. the yéere 1431. in February he was made Chauncellor of England, and held that place (which you shall hardly finde any other man to haue done) eightéene yéeres, euen vntill the yéere 1449. Waxing weary then of so paine∣full a place, it is likely he resigned voluntarily the same. He sate Archbishop almost nine yéeres. Holding a conuocation at London the yéere 1452. he fell sicke, and thereupon depar∣ted to Maidstone, where shortly after he died, viz. July 6. He lieth buried at Canterbury in the place called the Martyr∣dom, vnder a flat marble stone, whereupon I finde written this bald Epitaphe:

Quis fuit enuclees quem celas saxea moles? Stafford Antistes, fuerat dictusque Ioannes. Qua sedit sede, marmor quaeso simul ede? Pridem Bathoniae, regnitotius & inde Primas egregius. Pro praesule funde precatus.

Aureolam gratus huic det de virgine natus.

Sée more of this man in Bathe and Wels.

63. Iohn Kemp.

THe funerall rites and exequies of Iohn Stafford being performed, the monkes with the kings licence procée∣ded [ 1452] to election of a new Archbishop, and made choice of Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop of Yorke. The Pope would not al∣low of the monkes election, but yet not daring to put any other into the place, of his owne good nature he bestowed it vpon the same man that they had chosen. He receiued his crosse September 24. 1452. at London, and his pall the next day at Fulham by the hands of Thomas Kemp the Bishop of London his nephew. Dec. 11. following he was inthronized with great pomp and solemnity. This Archbishop was born at Wye in Rent: Being Doctor of lawe, he was made first Archdeacon of Durham, then Deane of the Arches and Wi∣car generall vnto the Archbishop. The yéere 1418. he was rōsecrate Bishop of Rochester, remooued thence to Chichester 1422. from Chichester to London the same yéere, and from London to Yorke 1425. Dec. 28. 1439. he was made Car∣dinal of Saint Balbine, and afterwards being Archbishop of Canterbury was remooued to the title of S. Kusine. These his preferments are briefly expressed in this verse:

Bis primas, ter praeses & bis cardine functus.

He continued not at Canterbury aboue a yéere and a halfe, but died a very old man March 22. 1453. In his life time he conuerted the parish church of Wye where he was borne in∣to a colledge, in which he placed secular priests to attend di∣uine seruice, & to teach the youth of the parish. Their gouer∣nor was called a Prebendary. This college at the time of the suppression was valued at fowerscore and thirtéene pound two shillings by the yéere. He was also a benefactor vnto our Uniuersity of Oxford. He died very rich, and in his life time aduanced diuers of his kinred to great wealth; some to the dignity of knighthood, whose posterity continue yet of great worship and reputation His body was buried in a séemely monument on the South side of the prerbytery a little aboue the Archbishops Sée. Of him read more in Yorke.

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65. Iohn Moorton.

IOhn Moorton was borne at Béere or Bery in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 1487] and brought vp a while in the Uniuersitie of Oxford, where hauing spent some time in the study of the Ciuill and Canon law, he procéeded Doctor of that faculty, and then became a Doctor of the Arches. By reason of his practise there, the Archbishop his predecessor (Thomas Bourchier) got knowledge of his manifold good parts, his great learning in the law, his wisedome, discretion and other vertues, which he not onely rewarded by preferring him to much good spirituall liuing, but also commended him vnto the king, who made him of his priuy Counsell. In all those miseries and afflictions which that good king endured, he euer stucke fast vnto him, & by no meanes would be drawne to forsake him when all the world in a manner betooke them vnto his victorious aduersary. This so notable loialty and faithfulnesse king Ed∣ward himselfe honored so much in him, as king Henry being dead, he neuer ceased to allure him vnto his seruice, & hauing woone him, sware him of his Counsell, and trusted him with his greatest secrets; assuring himselfe belike, that he that had béene so faithfull vnto his aduersary in so great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, would no doubt be as faithfull vnto him in the like case if oc∣casion should serue. After many yéeres tryall of him and di∣uers other preferments whereunto he aduanced him, he pro∣cured him to be elected vnto the Bishopricke of Ely, the yéere 1474. Not long after his consecration to that Sée, it hapned king Edward to die, who not reposing greater trust in any one then in this Bishop, made him one of his executors. The Duke of Yorke therefore his vnnaturall brother, intending by the destruction of his children to make a passage for him∣selfe vnto the crowne, and knowing how watchfull an eie this man caried ouer them, as also how impossible it was to corrupt him and draw him to be a partner in his wicked con∣fort; accused him of many great and vnlikely treasons, for which he committed him to the Tower. The innocency of the man would not suffer him to lie there long: Not being able to stampe vpon him any probality of such matter as he

laid to his charge, he tooke him thence & deliuered him to the kéeping of the Duke of Buckingham, who at that time lay for the most part at y^t castle of Brecknock in Wales. This Duke was the onely instrument of displacing the children of king Edward from the crowne, and procured the same to be most vniustly set vpon the head of their wicked vncle the Duke of Yorke before mentioned, who was appointed Protectour of them & the realme. These lambs committed vnto the kéeping of such a woolfe, were soone deuoured, being not onely despoi∣led of the rule and gouernment of the kingdome which de∣scended vnto them by inheritance, but of their liues 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which were violently taken from them, by smoothering the poore innocent children betwéene fetherbeds. Now whe∣ther it were the detestation of this abhominable murther (which the duke of Buckingham pretended) or the vnthank∣fulnesse of the tyrant, in not gratifying him according to his expectation, (which is the opinion of most men) or the enuie of his so great aduancement, whereof he thought himselfe better woorthy (which also is likely enough) certaine it is that he quickly began to grow malcontent, and being egged on by the Bishop his ghest, entred at last into a conspiracie against him, plotted the remoouing of him, and endeuoured to match the Earle of Richmond heire of the house of Lanca∣ster with the eldest daughter of king Edward that (her bre∣thren being made away) was now out of all question heire of the house of Yorke, so to throwe downe headlong the ty∣rant from the throwne which he vsurped, to restore it to them to whom of right it appertained, and to ioyne in one these two noble houses, whose contention had wasted away al∣most all the nobility of the land. How this deuice was deba∣ted betwéene the Duke and the Bishop, euery Chronicle re∣porteth. To let that passe, when the Bishop sawe the Duke had waded so farre in the matter as step backe he could not, and séeing how he was able to do the Earle of Richmond bet∣ter seruice elsewhere then where he was, he found a meanes to slip away in a night disguised; neuer making his host the Duke acquainted with his departure. And first he gat him into his Isle of Ely: but not daring to stay there long, he tooke ship and sailed into Flaunders. It pleased God, that as the

Duke had béene a partner with the tyrant in his offence, so he should be a partner also with him in the punishment. For being destitute of the aduise of this wise prelate, or rather I may say destitute of the assistance of God that had determi∣ned to reuenge his disloyalty vnto his naturall prince, he fell soone after into the hands of his enimy the vsurping king that cut off his head, and was within a short space after ouer∣throwne himselfe and slame in the field by the noble Earle of Richmond, who tooke vpon him the gouernment of our land by the name of king Henry the 7. He calling home this our Bishop, made him Chauncellour of England, and Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archbishop dying, he found meanes that the monks of Canterbury elected him for successour, and the Pope not only confirmed and allowed readily of their choice, but also within fewe yéeres after, to wit, September 20. 1493. created him Cardinall of Saint Arastasia. Thirtéene yéeres he enioyed quietly the Archbishopricke, and died at last the yéere 1500. At his first comming he laid a great imposi∣tion vpon the Cleargy of his prouince, forcing them by the Popes authority to contribute so largely toward the charges of his translation, as of his owne Dioces onely (which is one of the least in England) he receaued 354 pound. The yéere before he died, with great charge he procured Anselme one of his predecessors to be Canonized a Saint. He bequeathed in a manner all he had either vnto good vses, or vnto such of his seruants as he had yet beene able to do nothing for. He gaue vnto the king a Portuis, to the Quéene a Psalter, to the La∣dy Margaret his God daughter a cup of gold and forty pound in money, to the church of Ely his miter and his crosse. Unto his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other friendes he gaue nothing as hauing preferred them sufficiently in his life time. His executors he bound by oath to maintaine sufficiently twenty poore schol∣lers at Oxford, and ten at Cambridge for the space of twen∣ty yéeres after his decease. He bestowed great summes in repairing and augmenting his houses at Bnoll, Mayd∣stone, Alington parke, Charing, Ford, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Can∣terbury, and built while he liued a sumptuous chappell in the vndercrofte or vault which is vnder the quier. He lieth buri∣ed in the saide chappell vnder a marble stone: Howbeit a

goodly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is erected in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him vpon the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of the chappell. Sée more of him in Ely.

66. Henry Deane.

BIshop Moorton being dead, the monks of Canterbury [ 1501] chose Thomas Langton Bishop of Winchester for their Archbishop: But he died of the plague before his tran∣slation could be perfited. Then they elected Henry Deane Bi∣shop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. At what time Perkin Warbeck began to shew himselfe in the likenesse of Richard the yoong Duke of Yorke king Edwards second sonne: this Henry Deane was Abbot of Lanthony. King Henry the seuenth that knew him to be a wise and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man, made him Chauncelour of Ireland, where this counterseit Duke began first to play his part. By his care and diligence he was driuen out of Ire∣land, and forced to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Scotland. The rather in regard of this good seruice, the king procured him to be elected vnto the Bishoprick of Bangor, which (by reason y^t Bishops had laien from it a long time, holding euer some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or other spirituall liuing in Commendam, whereupon they liued) was horribly wasted and spoiled. But this man comming thither, tooke great pains in recouering diuers parcels of land that by the incrochment of other for want of looking to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 woone from his Sée. Amongst other things a certaine Island betwéene Holy-head and Anglesey called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. Moylr 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the Island of Seales was vniustly detained from him by the possessors thereof. He euicted the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in law, and yet was faine afterwards to bring a great power of armed men thither to driue the inhabitants by force out of the same. His church and pallace had béene burned and de∣stroied long before in the time of Henry the 4. by Owen Glen∣dowr that famous rebell: He bestowed much money in re∣pairing them, but before he was able to bring thē to any per∣fection, he was called away thence to Salisbury. Being yet very destrous the worke should go forward, he left vnto his successour a Myter and a Crosyer of good value, vpon condi∣tion he should finish those buildings. After he had béene a few monethes at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Archbishop dying, he was

preferred vnto Canterbury. His pall was sent vnto him by Hadrian de Castello the Popes Secretary, (that after was Bishop of Hereford and Wels) and deliuered by the Bishop of Couentry with these words. Ad honorem Dei omnipoten∣tis & B. Mariae Virginis ac Bb. Petri & Pauli Apostolorum, & D. N. Alexandri Pp. sexti, & S. Romanae Ecclesiae, nec non & Cantuariensis Ecclesiae tibi commissae, tradimus pallium de corpore B. Petri sumptum, plenitudinem viz. Pontificalis of∣ficij; vt vtaris eo infra ecclesiam tuam certis diebus qui ex∣primuntur in priuilegijs ei ab Apostolica sede concessis. Ha∣uing receaued his pall, he was to take his oath vnto the Pope, which once for all it shall not be amisse to set downe. Ego Henticus Archiep. Cantuariensis, ab hac hora in antea fidelis & obediens ero B. Petro sanctae{que} Apostolicae Romanae Ecclesiae, & Domino meo D. Alexandro Pp. 6. suisque succes∣soribus Canonice intrantibus. Non ero in consilio aut concensu vel facto vt vitam perdant vel membrum, seu capiantur mala captione, Consilium vero quod mihi credituri sunt, per se aut nuntios ad eorum dam•••••••• me sciente nemini pandam. Pa∣patum Rom. & regalia S. Petri adiutor ero eis ad retinendum & defendendum saluo ordine meo contra omnem hominem. Legatum sedis Apostolicae in eundo & redeundo honorificè tractabo, & in suis necessitatibus adiuuabo, vocatus ad Syno∣dum veniam nisi prepeditus fuero Canonica praepeditione. Apostolorum limina Rom. curia existente citra Alpes singulis annis, vltra vero montes singulis biennijs visitabo aut per me aut per meum nuntium nisi Apostolica absoluar licentia. Pos∣sessiones vero ad mensam mei Archiepiscopatus pertinentes non vendam, neque donabo, neque impignerabo, neque de nouo infeudabo, velaliquo modo alienabo in consulto Rom. Pontifice, sicut me Deus admuet &c. With what ceremony the crosse was woont to be deliuered, sée before in William Courtney pag. 104. This Archbishop died February 15. 1502. the second yéere after his translation, at Lambhith. His body was conueighed to Feuersam by water, conducted with 33. watermen all apparelled in blacke, (a great number of tapers burning day and night in the boate) and from thence was caried to Canterbury, where it was buried in the mid∣dle of the place called the martyrdome, vnder a faire marble

stone, inlaid with brasse. He bequeathed to his Church a sil∣uer image of 51. ounces waight, and appointed 500. l. to be bestowed in his funerals: He built the most part of Otford house, and made the yron worke vpon the coping of Roche∣ster bridge.

67. William Warham.

VVIlliam Warham a gentleman of an ancient house, [ 1504] was borne in Hamshire, brought vp in the Col∣ledge of Winchester, and chosen thence to New Colledge in Oxford where he procéeded Doctor of Law. In∣tending then to vse and put in practice the knowledge he had gotten at the Uniuersity, he became an aduocate or Doctor of the Arches, and soone after Master of the Rolles. While he was in that office, King Henry the seuenth, sent him Em∣bassador to the Duke of Burgundy to perswade him that he should not beléeue the false reports of his Duchesse, and to signifie how notably she had abused him and all the world, in setting vp two counterfeits against him, Lambert that made himselfe the Earle of Warwicke, who was then to be séene in the Tower safe ynough, and Perkin Warbeck whom she had taught to name him selfe Richard Duke of Yorke, that was certainly knowen to haue béene murthered by his wic∣ked vncle long before. In this businesse he behaued himselfe so wisely, as the king greatly commended him for the same, and the Bishopricke of London happening to be void soone af∣ter his returne home, he procured him to be elected thereunto. He had not beene Bishop there two whole yéeres when Hen∣ry Deane the Archbishop died, to whose place also by the kings speciall indeuour he was aduaunced. He was inthronised March 9. 1504. with woonderfull great solemnity. The day before his comming to Canterbury, the Duke of Bucking∣ham that was his high steward, came thither attended with seuen score horse to sée all things in a readinesse. The said Duke had also the office of chiefe Butler, and therefore being vnable to doo the duties of both; he deputed Sir George Bourchier vnto the Butlership. Him selfe tooke great paines to sée that nothing might be wanting requisite for the perfor∣mance

of this ceremony in most magnificent manner. The next day (which was Sunday) he met the Archbishop ouer against Saint Andrewes Church, and dooing low obeysance vnto him, went before him to Christ church. At the great gate néere the market place, the Prior and Couent receiued him honorably and caried him to the Church (whether he went from Saint Andrewes Church barefoote) said masse there, and was placed in his throne after the accustomed manner. From Church he was attended by the Duke as he was the∣therward. The cheere at dinner was as great as for money it might be made. Before the first messe, the Duke him selfe came ridinginto the hall vpon a great horse bare headed with his white staffe in his hand, and when the first dish was set on the table, made obeysance by bowing of his body. Hauing so done, he betooke him to his chamber, where was prouision made for him according to his state. With the Archbishop sate the Earle of Esser, the Bishop of Man, the Lord Abur∣gauenny, the Lord Brooke, the Prior of Canterbury, and the Abbot of Saint Augustines. The Duke at his table was ac∣companied with the Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Sir Edward Poynings, the chiefe Justice of England, named Phineux, Sir Wilham Scot, Sir Thomas Kemp, and others. A great many other guests were serued in other places, noble men and knights, at one table, Doctors of Diuinity and Law at another, and Gentlemen of the country at a third besides an infinite num∣ber of meaner calling, placed by them selues, according to their seuerall degrées. But to let passe these matters, and to come vnto his gouernement, all the time of King Henry the seuenth (vnder whom he liued Archbishop some thrée yéeres) he enioyed all manner of prosperity, being in so great fauor with his Prince, as no man greater. He dying, and his sonne Bing Henry the eight succeeding, Cardinall Wolsey that was then but Almosuer and Deaue of Lincolne, diued so cunning∣ly into the bosome of the yong king, as by and by he ouer∣topped the Archbishop, and quickly wound him out of all au∣thority. First by the kings meanes he got from him the Chauncellorship of England: Then being Cardinall, and the Popes Legate a latere by speciall commisson, he set vp a new court called Curia 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vnder colour whereof, he

drewe 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of iurisdiction throughout England into his owne hands, and appointed Officials Registers, &c. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dioces, who tooke vp all causes and suffered other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (to whom the iurisdiction of right appertained to sitte still without either regard or profit. This deiection of the Archbishop wherein men estéemed him for the time very vn∣hapy, fell out to his great good, the others immoderate great∣nesse, was the cause of his destruction. At what time the K. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be diuorced from his first wife D. Catherine; she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 choice of this our Archb. & Nicholas West Bish. of Ely, two lawyers, and of I. Fisher 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Rochester, and Henry Standish Bishop of Assaph Doctors of Diuinity, to assist and direct her in that sute: they did so, and behaued themselues in such sort, as neither the king had cause to be offended with their ouerforwardnes, nor she to blame their stacknes or neg∣ligēce. But the Cardinall y^t was ioined with Cardinall Cam∣peius in commission, wherein they were authorised by the Pope to examine the circumstances of that cause, he I say be∣ing more slacke in his procéedings, then the king expected he should, so incensed him against him, as shortly after he was content first to take the aduantage of a Premunire against him, & then to cause him to be arrested of high treason, where∣of sée more in Yorke. Soone after the Cardinals death there was a conuocation held, wherein the cleargy was aduertised that they all had fallen into apremunire by yéelding vnto the Cardinals power legantine neuer allowed by the king. They determined therefore to redéeme the penalty they had incurred with the paiment of 118. thousand pounds, where∣of the prouince of Yorke should pay eightéene thousand, and Canterbury the rest which was 100000. l. When this gift was to haue béene presented, they were certified that the king would not accept of the same, except they declared in a Canon that he was supreame head of the church. Long this matter was hammering. But at last they agréed to giue vn∣to him this new title, and inserted the same into the instru∣ment of their gift. In the conuocation many canons were made against Lutherans, and many motions for renouncing the Popes authority, wherein the greatest part being feare∣full of resoluing either way, the connocation was often pro∣rogued.

After many adiournments it was once more put ouer from Aprill till October 5. In which meane space the Archbishop died at Saint Stephens néere Canterbury, in the house of William Warham his kinsman, Archdeacon of Can∣terbury. That house at y^t time belonged vnto the Archdeacon∣ry, but (by what facrilegious meanes I know not) was long since nipped away from the same, so that the Archdeacon, ex∣cept he be otherwise prouided for them by his Archdeaconry, is now houselesse. But to returne vnto our Archbishop, he was buried without any great funerall pompe, giuing mour∣ning clothes onely to the poore, and laide in a little chappell built by himselse for the place of his buriall vpon the North side of the Martyrdome, and hath there a reasonable faire toombe. He purchased much land for his kinred, and bestowed very much in repairing and beutifying his houses with faire buildings, euen to the value of thirty thousand pound, (as he professeth in his will) for which cause he prayed his successor to forbeare sute for dilapidations against his executors: They were the Duke of Norfolke and the Lord Windsor. He con∣tinued Archbishop eight and twenty yéeres, and died in the sommer the yéere 1532.

68. Thomas Cranmer.

A Famous and memorable man succéeded William [ 1533] Warham, Thomas Cranmer Doctor of Diuinity, whose life is written at large by Master Foxe and others. I should loose labour therefore in writing any long discourse of the same. Briefly to set downe that which I can∣not omit without interrupting my course, you shall vnder∣stand that he was borne at Arstacton in Nottingham shire, of a very ancient house which as it should séeme came out of Normandy with the conquerour; for it is certaine that in the time of this Archbishop a certaine French gentleman named Cranmer came into England, bearing the same armes that the Archbishop did, who gaue him great intertainment and did him much honour. He was brought vp in Iesus colledge in Cambridge. Being yet very yoong, he maried, and so lost his fellowship in the said colledge: But his wife dying with∣in

one yéere, he was receiued into his old place againe. For the maner & occasion of his aduancement, his diuers imploy∣ments before & his actions in the same, his lamentable fal, his heroicall and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 combats, and lastly his constant death, I will as (before I said) send the Reader vnto Master Foxe, who hath exactly set downe all the particularities of these things. Onely thus much heare, that he suffered most vnworthy death at Oxford March 21. 1556. being the first Archbishop that euer was put to death by order of lawe in England, except onely Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke.

69. Reginald Poole.

CArdinal Poole was the sonne of sir Richard Poole (who [ 1555] was cosin germaine vnto king Henry the seuenth) and Margaret Countesse of Salisbury, that was daughter vnto George Duke of Clarence the second brother of king Edward the fourth. They caused him to spend some time in Magdalen colledge in Oxford, and being yet very yoong, sent him beyond sea by trauell to get both learning and experience in the world. In the meane time king Henry the eight that fauored him much (as being néere of kinne vnto him both by father and mother) before his departure had bestowed vpon him the Deanry of Exceter. He had béene in Italy (lying for the most part at Padua) the space of 7. yéeres, at what time the king hauing abolished the Popes authority, sent for him home, & he not comming, proclaimed him Traytor, and gaue away his Deanry vnto another. This losse he estéemed little of. Petrus Bembus an old acquaintance of his was become the Popes chiefe secretary, who so commended him vnto his master, that shortly after he was content to make him a Car∣dinall, perswading himselfe belike that he would prooue a good instrument for English matters as occasion should serue. And surely if he regarded the woorthinesse of the man, in respect of his manifold rare and excellent partes, he could not lightly preferre any man lesse obnoxious to exceptions. For he was not onely very learned (which is better kno∣wen then that itnéedeth many wordes) but also of such mo∣desty

in outward behauiour and integrity of life and conuer∣sation, as he was of all men both loued and reuerenced. I know well that Pasquill played his parts with him, and fa∣thered a brat or two vpon him, but without any probability at all. He was made Cardinall Maye 22. 1536. The Pope employed him then in diuers Embassages vnto the Emperor and the French King, wherein he did his best endeuour to ioine them against his owne soueraigne the King of Eng∣land; and not content therewith, he dealt so busily with his letters amongst his friends in England, wherein he dehor∣ted them from the Kings obedience, and all conformity vnto reformation, as it turned many of them to great trouble, and amongst the rest, cost his mother her head. It pleased not God that any of his platformes should take successe: And there∣fore partly malcontent, and partly also weary of the paines and continuall danger these Embassages forced him vnto, he procured the Pope to make him Legate of Uiterbio, where he determined to leade the rest of his life quietly; But he was disappointed of his purpose. The Pope (Paul 3.) sum∣moned a Councell at Trent. Cardinall Poole and one or two other ioyned with him, must néedes be his Uicegerents there. He for his part was nothing so resolute in matters of religion as men expected he would. In the question of iustification he professed to be on our side, and perswaded one Morell to be of his opinion, a learned Spaniard that lay in the same house he did, and that was sent out of Spaine of purpose to defend the Popes quarrell in disputation, wherein he was estéemed ex∣cellent. Soone after his returne from the Counsell, it hapned the Pope to die. A great faction there was at that time in the college of Cardinals, some taking part with the Emperour, and some with the French king: Cardinall Poole was alto∣gither Imperiall. All that side and diuers that were indiffe∣rent gaue him their voices for the Papacy, whereunto when they had elected him orderly, he forsooth found fault with them for their rashnesse, and perswaded them to take further deliberation in so great and waighty a matter. Héereof the French party taking aduantage, began to cry out, it was rea∣son regard should be had of many French Cardinals and other that were absent, and could not possibly repaire vnto

the 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had lately 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 as it were in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feared if they elected any man that were altoge∣ther 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him, it would be a cause of great sturres and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. One of their company then rising vp, began to take particular exceptions against Cardinall Poole, charging him with suspition of incontinency (whereof he alleaged some reasons, though peraduenture 〈◊〉〈◊〉) as also with heresie, for that he had reasoned for iustification by faith in the Councell of Trent, that he preferred Ant. Flaminius a knowen Protestant, and kept company much with him, and other thought ill of that way, and lastly, that in the time he was Legate of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had béene so slacke in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of heretikes, vpon whom he seldome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any punish∣ment, but death vpon none: This accuser was the Cardinall Caraffa that afterward was Pope Paul the fourth, an olde acquaintance of Cardinall Pooles many yéeres, euen vntill such time as that partaking in this faction betwéene the French and Spanish sundred them. Caraffa thought him selfe the likeliest of the French side, and in that respect was the rather induced in this sort to deface his old friend, so to set vp him selfe. But he was vtterly deceiued in his expectation. Cardinall Poole cléered him selfe of all those suspitions abso∣lutely, so that the next day (or rather I should say the night after the next day) the company were more resolute for him then they had béene before, and once more elected him Pope. Cardinal Farnesius the last Popes nephew was the mightiest of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For so euer all Popes lightly take order, that some Cardinall of their kinne shall strike a great stroake in the election of their successor, that he may be a meanes to shield the rest of his friends from that hard measure which successors are woont to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the fauorites of their pre∣decessor. This Cardinall Farnesius excéeding ioyfull that he had brought the matter to so good 〈◊〉〈◊〉, came vnto Cardinall Poole and would néedes adore him by the name of holyfather kissing his féete, &c. But he would not suffer him so to doo, say∣ing he would not haue their election a worke of darknesse, that the day was the onely time for the orderly dispatch of such businesse, and therefore he desired them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ac∣complishment

of their choice vntill the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They were faine so to doo. But whether it were that his friends were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with this double delay, or that they were induced otherwise to alter their determination; so it fell out, that the next morning they chose another, the Cardinall de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that named himselfe Iulius 3. He well knowing that the back∣wardnesse of Poole made him Pope, euer after made very much of him and yéelded him all mannor of fauour. And first, to begin with, he enforced Cardinall Caraffa to aske him for∣giuenes before they departed out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Cardinall Poole professed to be nothing at all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with loosing that place which he tooke to be a burthen importable, and saying his onely desire was to lead his life in quiet contemplation, craued licence to depart vnto a certaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 replenished with monkes of Saint Benet, of which order he was taken for patrone during the time of his residence in Rome. He was scarcely setled there when newes came that king Edward was dead, and that his sister the Lady Mary had obtained the crowne, who was brought vp a great while vnder the Countesse his mother by the espe∣ciall choice and direction of Quéene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her mother. And many are of opinion that the Quéene committed her the rather vnto the tuition of the Countesse, for that she wished some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwéene one of her sonnes the Pooles and the Lady Mary to strengthen her title to the crowne in case the king her husband should die without issue male, for that (as before I haue declared) they were descended from Goorge Duke of Clarence the next heire male of the house of Yorke. Now Cardinall Poole knowing the Queene had a speciall affection vnto him for his learning, his nobility, but aboue all for his religion (and he was a man personable ynough) lon∣ged fore homeward, not doubting a dispensation for his cler∣gy would soone be obtained of the Pope in this case, and as∣suring himselfe that though he missed of the crowne, he should not faile of the myter. He procured himselfe therefore to be appointed of the Popes legate and to be dispatched into Eng∣land with all spéed. The Emperour by this time had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to endeuour a match betwéene his sonne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Queene Mary. Doubting therefore least the presence of the

Cardinall should disturbe his platforme, he vsed many deui∣ses to stop and hinder his passage, till such time as the mari∣age was concluded. At last (but a day after the faire) ouer came this iolly legate, reconciled the realme of England to the Pope, caused the Archbishop of Canterbury to be depri∣ued and degraded, seating himselfe in his Sée, which things and many more are discoursed of him at large by Master Foxe, and therefore I passe them ouer. He was consecrate March 22. 1555. in the gray Friers church at Gréenwich. The Lady day following he receiued his pal in Bow church, where he made a dry and friuolous sermon touching the vse, profit, signification, and first institution of the pall. March 31. he was installed by a proctor one Robert Collins his commis∣sary. While these things were a dooing, Cardinall Caraffa his ancient enimy became Pope. He presently discharged our Cardinall of his power legantine, and made one Frier Peto first a Cardinall, then his legate, and bestowed the Bishop∣ricke of Salisbury vpon him. He alleaged against Cardinall Poole that he was vnwoorthy the honour of the legate Apo∣stolicall that would suffer the Quéene to proclaime warres against the French king; but the matter was, the old quar∣rels were not yet digested, & this way he thought to pay him home. The Quéene kept Frier Peto out of the realme by force, vntill the Pope was reconciled vnto Cardinall Poole againe. Two yéere and almost 8. months this man continued Archb. In y^e yere 1558. many old mē fel into quartaine agues (a disease fatall vnto elderly folke.) Amongst the rest, a quar∣tane had seased vpon him, and brought him to a low ebbe, at what time newes being brought of Quéene Maries death, strucke him quite dead. For he departed this life euen the same day that she did, viz. Nouember 17. 1558. being 58. yéeres of age, and sixe moneths. He procured in his life time, the gift and patronage of 19. benefices from the Quéene vnto his Sée, which he no way else benefited, except by the buil∣ding of a certaine gallery toward the East at Lambhith, and some few roomes adioyning. He purposed indéede to haue be∣stowed much cost vpon his pallace at Canterbury, but was preuented by death. He was a man of indifferent stature, slender, wel coloured, somewhat broad visaged, his eyes gray

and chéerefull, and his countenance milde. His goods he left to the disposition of one Aloysius Priolus an Italian, who bestowed them all to good vses, reseruing nothing vnto him selfe, but two praier bookes. His body was conueighed to Canterbury, aud entoombed on the North side of a litle chap∣pell that is at the East end of Thomas Beckets chappell.

70. Matthew Parker.

MAtthew Parker was borne at Norwich, August 6. [ 1559] 1504. and brought vp by his mother (for his father died he being but twelue yéeres of age) in the Uniuer∣sity of Cambridge. He was first a Bible clerke of Corpus-Christ College there, and afterwards fellow. His first pre∣ferment was the Deanry of Stoke, which he obtained by the fauor of Queene Anne Bulleyn whose Chaplaine he was. That Colledge (though he resisted it what he might) was suppressed in the first yeere of King Edward the sixt. After the death of that noble Lady King Henry her husband tooke him for his Chapleme, in which place he also serued King Edward his sonne. By these two Princes he was preferred vnto ma∣ny other good Ecclesiasticall promotions, as a Prebend in Ely, by King Henry the eight, the Mastership of Corpus chri∣sti Colledge (where he was brought vp) by the election of the fellowes but commandement of the same king, and lastly the Deanry of Lincolne, with the prebend of Coldingham giuen him by king Edward the sixt. Besides these liuings he had also the Parsonage of Landbeach foure miles from Cam∣bridge by the gift of the Colledge whereof he was Master. These liuings he quietly enioyed till the second yeere of Queene Mary, at what time for being married, he was depriued and liued poorely all the time of her raigne. That terrible fire being extinguished that consumed so many zea∣lous and learned men, and the Archbishopricke left void by the death of Cardinall Poole, this Matthew Parker then Doctor of Diuinity sometimes Deane of Lincolne, and Ma∣ster of Corpus-christi Colledge, in Cambridge (as afore said) was thought méetest for that high place and preserment. He was consecrate thereunto, December 17. 1559. held the same

fifteene yéeres, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 moneths, and deceased Maye 17. 1575. being 72. yéeres of age. He founded a Grammer Schoole at Rochdale in Lancashire: Unto Corpus christi Colledge in Cambridge (where he was brought vp) he procured thirtéene schollerships, built the inward Library, and two faire cham∣bers in the same. Moreouer, he gaue to the Library of that Colledge a great number of Bookés some printed, other written, but very rare, and much to be estéemed for their va∣lue and antiquity. He gaue them also thrée hundred and ten ounces of plate double guilt, the perpetuall patronage of S. Mary Abchurch in London, land for the maintenance of two fellowes aboue the ordinary number, a leasse for seuentéene yéeres, worth fourtéene pounds eight shillings de claro, and one hundred pounds to mainetaine a fire in the Hall there, from Allhallowentide till Candlemas. He tooke order for the preaching of fire Sermons yéerely in the Rogation weeke, in fiue seuerall Churches in Norfolke. Unto the City of Norwich (where he was borne) he gaue a Bason and Ewer double guilt weighing one hundred seuenty three oun∣ces, and fifty shillings yee ely reuenew, to be deuided among poore people of the same City. Unto Gunnell and Caius Col∣ledge a pot double guilt, of fifty sixe ounces, together with a neast of goblets, and certaine bookes: To Trinity Hall a Scholers place, a Cuppe waighing fifty thrée ounces, a neast of goblets and bookes likewise; To the Uniuersity fifty written bookes of great value, and fifty printed; And other∣wise bestowed much money vnto charitable vses, not neces∣sary particularly to be remembred. Upon the reparation of his pallace at Canterbury (which was now greatly derayed) he bestowed one thousand foure hūdred pound. At Lambhith also he repaired and built much to his great charge. But a∣boue any thing I may not forget his great care of preseruing antiquities, vnto which his care we are beholding for most of our ancient histories, that but for him were euen vpon the point vtterly to perish. He lyeth buried in the Chàppell be∣longing to his house at Lambhith vnder a faire marble stone.

71. Edmund Gryndall.

IN the moneth of February following Edmund Gryndall [ 1575] Archbishop of Yorke was translated to Canterbury. This man was borne at Saint Bees in Cumberland, fellow first, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Penbroke Hall in Cambridge, of which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was for one yeere one of the Proctors. A while he was chaplame vnto Master 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of London, who preferred him vnto the seruice of king Edward the sixt. In the end of which kings raigne, there was an intent that the said Bishop should haue beene remooued to Durham, and it was thought that Master Gryndall should succeede him in London. But the death of that good king disturbed the pro∣gresse of this platforme, and in steed of the expected honoura∣ble aduauncement forced him to a voluntary exile in Germa∣ny, where he liued all the raigne of Quéene Mary. She dying, & our now gratious Princesse happily succéeding, he was ap∣pointed vnto the gouernment so long before intended, elected thereunto July 26. 1559. and enioyed the same about eleuen yeeres, viz. vntill May 20. 1570. at what time he was remoo∣ued to Yorke. There he sate almost sixe yeeres and as before is mentioned was once more translated to Canterbury. Two yeeres before his death he became blind, and died at Croydon (where also he was buried) July. 6. 1583. being 64. yéeres of age, hauing continued Archbishop seuen yéeres and almost a halfe. In the place where he was borne he founded a frée schoole, which he endowed with thirty pound land. To Quéenes colledge in Oxford he gaue twenty pound lande to maintaine a fellowe and two schollers to be taken out of his said schoole: He gaue them also the greatest part of his bookes, and 87. ounces of plate besides forty pound debt which he forgaue them. To Pembroke Hall in Cambridge he gaue two and twenty pound land for the maintenance of a Gréeke lecture, of a fellow and two schollers, to be like∣wise taken out of his schoole. To 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he also gaue some bookes, and forty ounces of plate. To Magdalen colledge in Cambridge he gaue fiue pound land for one fellow to be ta∣ken from his schoole; To Christs colledge there fiue and for∣ty

ounces of plate: To eight little almeshouses in Croydon fifty pound to be bestowed in land for their reliefe; and lastly to the city of Canterbury an hundred pound to be imployed vpon a stocke to set the poore on worke.

72. Iohn Whitegift.

SOone after the death of Edmund Gryndall, Iohn White∣gift [ 1583] Doctor of Diuinity, Bishop of Worcester, was ap∣pointed to succéede him, and his translation confirmed September 23. following. He was borne at Grymsby in Lincolnshire, brought vp a while vnder Master Bradford in Penbroke Hall, and afterwards became fellow of Peter house in Cambridge. The yéere 1567. he procéeded Doctor of Diuinity, and being chosen Master of Pembroke Hall, with∣in the compasse of the same yéere was called to the gouerne∣ment of Trinity colledge. In the meane time he had béene reader of both the diuinity lectures, first the Lady Margarets, & after the Quéenes. Ten yéeres he continued Master of Tri∣nity colledge, in which space he was twice Uicechauncellour, and the yéere 1573. by the gift of her Maiestie (whose chap∣laine he was) became Deane of Lincoln. In the beginning then of the yéere 1577. he was aduaunced vnto the Bishop∣ricke of Worcester, in September following had the gouern∣ment of the Principality of Wales committed vnto him and held the same two yeeres and a halfe, euen all the time that Sir Henry Sydney the President liued in Ireland as Lord Deputy. Sixe yéeres and almost a halfe he had beene at Wor∣cester whē he was called vnto the metropolitical Sée of Can∣terbury which he yet holdeth. Upon Candlemas day 1585. he was sworne of her Maiesties priuy counsell. God graunt him long and happily to enioy these honorable places to his glory and the good of his Church.

Amen.

The Archbishopricke of Canterbury is valued in the Queenes bookes at 3093, l. 18. s. 8. d. ob. farthing, and was woont to pay to the Pope 1000. ducats at euery in∣come, besides 5000. for his pall.

The old corporation of Prior and Couent of Christchurch being dissolued; king Henry the eight made a new, of a Deane and 12. Prebendaries. The names of the Deanes I haue thought not amisse here to set downe:

1.	Nicolas Wotton, Doctor of Lawe.
2.	Thomas Godwyn, Doctor of Diuinity.	1566.
3.	Richard Rogers, Bishop of Douer.	1584.
4.	Thomas Neuyll, Doctor of Diuinity.	1597.