A catalogue of the bishops of England, since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with a briefe history of their liues and memorable actions, so neere as can be gathered out of antiquity. By F.G. subdeane of Exceter.

The Bishops of Ely.

SAint Etheldred (of whom the Cathe∣drall Church of Ely hath his name) was the daughter of Anna King of the East Augles. She was twise maried: First vnto Tombert Prince of the South Angles (who gaue her the Isle of Ely to her Dower) And then, he diyng within thrée yéeres, to Egfrid king of Northumberland. With him she liued twelue yéeres, and at last left him, and all the pomp and pleasure she might haue liued in, to serue God in such sort as she thought was most acceptable vnto him. She betooke her, vnto her Isle of Ely, and whereas Ethelbert king of Kent had long before (viz. ann. 607.) built a Church there by the counsell of Saint Augustine, she reedified the same, and much increased it the yéere 677. and by the counsell of Wil∣frid Archbishop of Yorke (but not without the helpe of Al∣dulph her brother king of the East Angles) conuerted it into a Monastery of Nunnes, whereof she her selfe became Abbesse. This Monastery was vnder her, Sexbing, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Wer∣burg, and other Abbesses 183. yéeres vntill it was destroyed by Pagans, Inguar, and Hubba, the yéere 890. It lay then waste a great while. In the end certaine secular Priests to the number of eight, began to inhabite there, but were dis∣placed by Ethelwald Bishop of Winchester, who bought the whole Island of King Edgar, and by his authority placed in their roomes an Abbot and monkes, vnto whom he procured many great and notable priuileges. Brithnod Prouost of Winchester was appointed the first Abbot, ann. 970. He is said to haue béene murthered by Elsticha the Quéene of King Edilred, causing bodkins to be thrust into his arme holes, be∣cause like an vnhappy Actaeon he had séene her in a certaine wood busie about sorcery. Elfsius was the second Abbot, Leof∣sinus the third, Leofricus the fourth, and another Leofsinus

the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He by the Kings consent let out the farmes of the mo∣nastery, in such sort as they should finde the house prouision all the yéere, Shalford payed 2. wéekes prouision, Stableford 1. Littleberry 2. Triplaw 2. Hawkston 1. Newton 1. Mel∣burne 2. Grantsden 2. Toften 1. Cotnam 1. Wellingham 1. Ditton 2. Horningsey 2. Stenchworth 2. Balsam 2. Ca∣thenho 4. daies prouision, and Swansham 3. Spaldwich 2. wéekes prouision, Somersham 2. Blunsham 1. Colne 1. Hor∣therst 1. Drinkston 1. Katsden 2. Hackam 2. Berking 2. Née∣ding 1. Wederingseat 1. Breckham 2. Pulham 2. Thorp and Dirham 2. Norwald 2. and Feltwell 2. Merham was appointed to carry the rent to a certaine Church in Norfolke and there to intertaine commers and goers to or from the Monastery. Wilfricus the sixt Abbot, bought the mannor of Bereham for 25. marks of gold. In the time of Thurstan the seuenth Abbot, the Isle was held by many of the olde Saxon nobility against King William the Conquerer. He therefore by the counsell of Walter Bishop of Hereford, and other, gaue all the Church goods and lands without the Isle to his soldi∣ers. After seuen yéeres resistance, the Saxon gentlemen, some vpon promise of pardon submitted them selues, others beta∣king themselues to flight, the place was deliuered into the possession of the Conqueror. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Reges plectuntur Achi∣mi; For the fault of these noble men, the poore monkes must be punished: to be restored to their lands, and to enioy their Auncient priuileges quietly, they were faine to giue the king 1000. marks. For making which money they were constrai∣ned to sell all the platc and siluer that was in their Church. The king also fearefull least from the same place the like trou∣ble might happen vnto him hereafter, appointed them to maintaine a garrison of 40. soldiers, which they did vntill such time as himselfe called them away, to imploy them else where, which was fiue yéeres after. Theodwinus was the eight Abbot, Godfry the ninth, and Simon the tenth. After whose death the place stoode voide seuen yéeres. Richard the sonne of the Earle Gilbert was then made Abbot.

1. Heruaeus.

BY this time the reuenues of the monastery were [ 1109] growne to be very great. Their yéerely receit was not so little as 1400. l. which summe contained then more mettall, and would goe farther in those daies then 6000. l. of our money. Of that 1400. l. the Abbot allowed scarce 300. vnto the monks, conuerting the rest vnto his own vse. This Richard therefore, if his minde were any thing so great as his linage, could not but disdaine to liue vnder the iurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincolne, to whose Dioces Cam∣bridgeshire at that time appertained. But he had reasonable pretences for his ambition. He caused the king to be told, that the Dioces of Lincolne was too large for one mans gouern∣ment: that Ely were a fit place for an Episcopall Sée, &c. These reasons amplified with golden Rhetoricke, so perswa∣ded the king, as he not onely consented himselfe that this mo∣nastery should be conuerted into a Cathedrall Church, and the Abbot made a Bishop; but also procured the Pope to confirme and allow of the same. After that Richard the Ab∣bot had with great paines and more cost, beaten this bush a great while, the birde that he had so long and earnestly thir∣sted after, fell to another mans share. Himselfe was taken away by death when the matter was growen to good perfec∣tion and ready to be finished. The Bishop of Lincolne a while hindred the procéeding of this businesse; but his mouth was stopt with thrée Mannors which the king being liberall of another mans purse, was content to bestow vpon him, such as héeretofore belonged vnto the monastery of Ely, viz. Spaldwich, Bickleswoorth, and Bokeden: these were giuen to the Sée of Lyncolne in recompence of the losse the Bishop sustained by exempting of Cambridgshire from his iurisdicti∣on: And that the reuenues of the new Bishop might notwith∣standing this gift be no lesse then the Abbots were, but rather greater, they diuised to diminish the number of monks which were then 70. and to draw them downe vnto 40. Richard the 11. and last Abbot being thus taken away when he would most gladly haue liued. King Henry the first with the consent

of the monks appointed this Bishopricke vnto one Heruaeus that had beene Bishop of Bangor; and agréeing ill with the Welchmen, was faine to leaue his Bishopricke there, and séeke abroad for somewhat elsewhere. He was translated the yeere 1109. sate 22. yéeres, and died August the 30. 1131.

2. Nigellus.

THe Sée hauing béene voide then two yéere, Nigellus [ 1131] Treasurer of England, and Nephew vnto Roger Bi∣shop of Salisbury was placed therein May the 28. 1133. He was receaued with such ioy into his city of Ely, that all the stréete where he should passe was hanged with curtaines, carpets, and tapestry, the monks and clergy of his Church meeting him with procession. By reason of his im∣ployment in matters of state and Counsell, he could not at∣tend his pastorall charge, and therefore committed the ma∣naging & gouernment of his Bishoprick vnto one Ranulphus somtime a monk of Glastonbury, that had now cast away his cowle, a couetous & wicked man. For his faithfulnes vnto his patrone and first preferrer king Henry, this Nigellus is much to be commended. When as Stephen Earle of Bloys contra∣ry to his oath and promise to king Henry the first his vncle vsurped the crowne due to Maude the Empresse king Hen∣ries daughter; This Bishop could neuer be induced to for∣sake her, but most constantly stucke vnto her, and endured much for her sake. Sée more heereof in the life of Roger Bi∣shop of Salisbury. Notwithstanding those his great trou∣bles, he found meanes to erect an hospitall for Regular Can∣nons, in that place where Saint Iohns Colledge in Cam∣bridge now standeth: the foundation of which house was af∣terwards twise altered: first by Hugh Norwold his successor, who placed therein a certaine number of schollers to cohabite with the Cannons, giuing allowance for their maintenance: and afterwards by Margaret Countesse of Richmond and Darby, who new built it, partly in her life time, and partly by her executors after her death, endowing it with (in a man∣ner) all the reuenues it possesseth, and raising it vnto that beautie and perfection which now it hath. This man was

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Bishop 36. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 29. day of May 1169. hauing long before séene the issue of his Lord and first patrone King Henry restored to the crowne in Henry the 2. He is saide 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue bene buried before the alter of Saint Crosse in his owne church. Sée more of him in the discourse of Richard his sonne, that was Bishop of London.

3. Galfridus Rydall.

AFter his death, the Dioces of Ely continued without [ 1174] a Bishop fiue yéeres. The yéere 1174. Geoffry Rydell or Rydall Archdeacon of Canterbury was consecrate Bishop: a very lofty and high minded man, called therefore commonly the proud Bishop of Ely. He bestowed great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the building of the new worke of his Cathedrall church toward the West, and vpon the stéeple, which he built 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the battlements. He died intestate at Winchester the 21. day of August 1189. a fower daies before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of king Richard the first, leauing in his coffers great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of ready money, viz. 3060. marks of siluer, and 205. marks of gold. All which the king was content to take vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tò helpe to beare the charges of his coronation. He sate Bi∣shop 14. yéeres, 10. moneths, and 14. daies.

4. William Langchamp.

THe last day of December the same yéere, William [ 1189] Langeshamp Chauncellor of England, was consecrate Bishop of Ely. One greatly fauoured by King Richard the first, and a man very worthy of that fauour for many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parts in him, had not those his vertues béene matched and ouermatched, with as many great and notorious 〈◊〉〈◊〉. When the king tooke that his famous voyage to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he made this Bishop (Chauncellor before) chiefe Iustice of the South part of England, and Protector of the Realme in his absence. And least he should want any Authority that might be giuen him, he procured the Pope to make him his Legate, the obtaining whereof (notwithstanding the Kings request) cost him 1000. l. of ready money. It is a true say∣ing

Magistratus indicat virum, the man that in base fortune séemed to all men not onely wise, but vertuous and humble ynough; being raised vnto this height of power and autho∣rity, as being either drunken and infatuate with too much and sodaine prosperity, or amased with the brightnesse of his owne good fortune, began presently to do many things, not onely vntowardly, and vndiscréetly, but very arrogantly and insolently, sauouring aswell of vnconscionable couetousnesse and cruelty, as lacke of wisedome and policy in so great a gouernor requisite. That which in our histories is most bla∣med, and most odiously mentioned, I finde no such great fault withall, that calling a conuoctiou by vertue of his power Legantine; at the suggestion and intreaty of Hugh Nouaunt Bishop of Chester, he displaced the monkes of Co∣uentrée, & put in secular Priests in their roomes. Officers ap∣pointed by the king himselfe he discharged; Geoffry Archbi∣shop of Yorke the kings bastard brother, at his first arriuall in England after his consecration, he caused to be apprehen∣ded and drawne from the very Aulter of the Church of Saint Martins in Douer vnto prison. Iohn the Kings brother, and afterwards king him selfe, he sought to kéepe vnder and disgrace by all meanes possible, being iealous (as he said) least the king dying without issue, he should defraude Arthur his elder brother of the kingdome; and whether vnto his brother now king, he would continue loyall, hauing power to inuade his kingdome, for certaine he wist not. True it is, that Iohn the kings brother began to take some what more vpon him then néeded, and being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a reason of some of his do∣ings, made no other answere but this, I know not whether my brother Richard be aliue or not: Whereunto the Chaun∣cellor replied, if he be liuing it were vntruth to take his king∣dome from him; if he be dead, Arthur the eldest brother must enioy the same. Now he that feared not to deale thus with the kings owne brother, no maruell if he vsed such of the no∣bility farre worse that in any sort opposed themselues against him. As for the commonalty, he not onely gréeued them with continual and néedlesse exactions, and tyrannised intollerably ouer them otherwise, but offended them much also with his glorious pomp, and vnreasonable proud behauiour. His ma∣ner

was to ride with no lesse then 1500. horse, and in his tra∣uaile to lodge for the most part at some Monastery or another to their great and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 yea there was not any Church in England either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Cathedrall vnto which he was not very burdensome some way or other. And his officers were such prolling companions, bearing themselues bold vpon their masters absolute Authority, as there was no sort of people whom they gréeued not by some kinde of extortion. Yea (saith Matth. Paris) all the wealth of the land, was come into their hands, in so much as scarce any ordinary person had left him a siluer belt to gird him withall, any woman either brooche, or bracelet, any gentleman a ring, to weare vpon his finger. But the Chauncellor he purchased and bestowed aswell Abbotships, benefices and spirituall pre∣ferment as temporall offices all that fell where him pleased, whereby his sernants and kinred were all growen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rich. Among other his follies it is remembred that he built the outer wall about the Tower of London, and spent an in∣finite deale of money in making a deepe ditch about the same, thinking he could haue caused the Riuer of Thames 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go round about it. But that coste was bestowed in vaine. These and many other his misbehauiours incited the peo∣ple and Nobility woonderfully against him. In so much as, he feared greatly least some sedition being raised, force would be offered vnto him. He thought it therefore no lesse then néedefull in all places of any publike assembly to render reasons openly of his doings; which being considered, I know not whether he may iustly be thought so blame∣woorthy as our Histories for the most part make him. Offi∣cers placed by the king he said he discharged, least the people being gréeued with so many Gouernors would 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that instéede of one king they now were constrained too bey many. What reason he yéelded of his dealing with Earle Iohn you heard before. For his exactions he said they were but such as the maintenance and incredible charge of so great a warre as the king had then in hand required: and lastly, for a generall defence, he protested he had not taken any course in these or any other matters of importance, for which he had not some particular direction from the king. These excuses satisfied

not men so fully, but that infinite complaints were dai∣ly made vnto the king against him, so that he could doe no lesse then discharge him from his place of protectorship, which he did, and sent ouer William Archbishop of Roan to succéede him, but ioyning some other in Commission with him, as finding an inconuenience in giuing so much and absolute au∣thoritie to one man. At this newes his enimies greatly re∣ioycing, and thinking him a man now easie enough to deale withall, they conspire against him, and causing a Conuocati∣on to be sommoued, they procure him to be excommunicate for the violence done vnto the Archbishop of Yorke, and with him all other, that were his aiders and ministers in that en∣terprize. As soone as he vnderstood of these things, fearing greater dangers, he bethought himselfe how he might do to get ouer the seas: and knowing that his enimies if they should haue any inkling of his intent, would assuredly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same, or worke him some mischiefe by the way; He deui∣sed to disguise himselfe in womans apparell, and so went vn∣to the sea side at Douer muffled, with a metyard in his hand, and a webbe of cloth vpon his arme. There he sate vpon a rocke ready to take shippe, when a certaine lewde marriner thinking him to be some strumpet began to dally wantonly with him, whereby it came to passe, that whereas he was a stranger borne and could speake no English, being not able to answere this merry marriner, either in words or deedes; he supposed him to be a man, and called a company of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who pulling off his kerchiefe and muffler, found his crowne and beard shauen, and quickly knew him to be that hatefull Chancellour whom so many had so long cursed and feared. In great despite they threw him to the ground, spitting vpon him, beate him sore, and drew him along the sands. Where∣upon a great crie being made, the Burgesses of the towne tooke him away from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and though his seruants endeuoured to rescue him, thrust him into a seller, there to kéepe him prisoner till notize might be giuen of this his de∣parture. It is a world to sée, how he that was a few moneths before honored and reuerenced of all men like an halfe God, attended by noble mens sonnes and gentlemen of great worship whom he matched vnto his néeces and kinswomen,

〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 himselfe happy that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be well acquainted with his porters and officers was ac∣counted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 small matter: This man once downe and stan∣ding in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his friends help, had no man to defend him, no man to speake for him, no man that mooued a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him out of the present calamity and trouble. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iohn was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him some farther notable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Neither was there any man that for his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sake 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it. The Bishops diuers of them his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 regarding notwithstanding his calling and place, would not suffer it, but causes him to be set at liberty. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not long after he got him ouer into Normandy, where he was borne & there rested himselfe after all this turmoile, till the returne of king Richard, with whom he made such faire weather, and so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 excused all things obiected against him, that in short time he was as greatly in fauor with him as euer heretofore. The yéere 1197. he was sent Embassador to the Pope, toge∣ther with the Bishop of Durham and other: and falling sicke by the way, died at Poytiers the last day of Ianuary, one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aboue seuen yeere after his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He was buried in a monastery of the order of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

5. Eustachius.

THe Sée was then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one whole yéere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 somwhat [ 1197] more. The ninth day of August 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death, Eustachius Deane of Salisbury was elected, but not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 till the fourth Sunday in Lent the yéere fol∣lowing. A man (saith Florilogus) very well séene aswel in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as diuine and holy learning. He was one of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pronounced the Popes excommunication against king 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & interdicted the whole Realme. For dooing thereof, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the kings displeasure would lye so heauy vpon him, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the realme, and therefore got him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the seas. This fell out the yéere 1208. After 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéeres 〈◊〉〈◊〉, king Iohn being reconciled to the Pope, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 home, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. the yéere 1213. and liued not long after. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéeres wanting nine 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and departed 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 the third day of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1214. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉

at the West end of the Cathedrall Church was of his building.

6. Iohn de Fontibus.

AFter his death Galfridus de Burgo Archdeacon of [ 1219] Norwich and brother vnto Hubert de Burgo or Bur∣rough Earle of Kent and chiefe Justice of England was elected Bishop of Ely. But before the publication of this election one Robert of Yorke was also chosen, who held the temporalities of the Bishopricke without consecration, and disposed of benefices that fell, and all things belonging to the Sée, as Bishop for the space of fiue yéeres. The Pope at last disanulling both these elections, conferred the Bishopricks March 8. 1219. vpon Iohn Abbot of Fountney, a iust and vertuous man. He was Treasurer of England for flue yeeres and died the yéere 1225. He is said to be buried before the aul∣ter of Saint Andrew.

7. Geoffry de Burgo.

HE being dead, Geoffry Burrough before mentioned was [ 1225] againe elected and obtayned consecration, which he re∣ceiued vpon Saint Peters day the yéere 1225. Of him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Virgil giueth the same testimony that Matthew Westm. doth of his predecessor Eustachius, that he was vir in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 & humanis literis eruditus, a man well learned both in diuine and prophane literature. He gaue two hundred acres of Moore in Wisbich marsh to the augmentation of the priory of Ely. He continued Bishop about thrée yéeres, and dying the 17. of May 1229. was buried vpon the North side of the Quier..

8. Hugh NorWold.

HVgh Norwold Abbot of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succée∣ded [ 1226] him, and was consecrate by Ioceline Bishop of Bathe and Wels togither with Richard Archbishop of Can∣terbury, and Roger Bishop of London, vpon Trinity sunday

1229. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the tenth of June. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is much commen∣ded for his house kéeping and liberality vnto the poore, which may well séeme strange, considering the infinite deale of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spent by him in building of his church and houses. The presbytery of the cathedrall church he raised from the very foundation, and built a steeple of wood toward the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the West end of the church. This noble worke he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in seuentéene yéeres with the charge of 5350, l. 18, s. 8, d. And the seuentéene daie of September 〈◊〉〈◊〉. he dedicated, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as we commonly call it) hallowed the same in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the king (Henry the third) and his sonne Prince Edward, the Bishops of Norwich 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and many other great personages. All these and an infinite number of other people of all sorts he feasted many daies togither in his pallace of Ely, which he built euery whit out of the ground, and coue∣red it with lead. In Ditton and other houses belonging to his Sée he also bestowed much money. He died at 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 9. day of August 1254. being well contented (as he professed) now to depart the world, after he had séene the building 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his church finished, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so earnestly desired. He sate two moneths aboue 25. yéeres, and was buried in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ytery which he had built.

9. William de Kilkenny.

ABout the middle of October following, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de [ 1254] Kelkenny (that then for a time supplied the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Chauncellor of England) was elected by the monkes vnto the Sée of Ely, and was consecrate the fiftéenth of August beyond the seas. He was chaplaine vnto the king, a councellor of speciall credit with him, and (as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ely reporteth, I find it no where els) Chancellor of England A goodly man of person, well spoken, very wise and learned in the lawes. He enioyed that preserment a small time: be∣ing sent Ambassador into Spaine, he died there vpon Saint Mathewes day 1256. when he had béene Bishop one yeere, one moneth, and sixe daies. He tooke order his hart should be brought vnto Ely and buried there.

10. Hugh Balsam.

NEwes being brought vnto the Court of the death of [ 1257] William de Kylkeny: The king by and by, dispatched his letters vnto the Prior and Couent of Ely, requi∣ring them in very gratious manner, to choose for their Bishop Henry de Wingham his Chauncellor, vsing many reasons to perswade them thereunto. But they preferring their owne knowledge before the kings cemmendations, the 13. day of Nouember, made choise of Hugh Balfam or de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (for so also I find him called) their Prior, one (as they perswaded themselues) most fitte for the place. Hereat the king being greatly displeased, refused to accept of their election, and cau∣sed the woods, of the Bishopricke to be cut downe, the parks to be spoyled, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be made of all things. Many times he vrged them to a new election, telling them it was not fit, that a place of that strength should be committed vn∣to a simple cloyster man, that had neuer béene acquainted with matters of state. The new elect therefore got him ouer the sea to Rome, hoping there to obtaine that which in Eng∣land would not be affoorded him. Boniface the Archbishop of Canterbury hearing thereof, although hauing diligently sis∣ted and examined him, he could take no exception against him; yet to gratifie the king, writ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 letters to his friends at Roome against him, and set vp one Adam de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be a countersuter to the Pope for that Bishopricke. This Adam was a man of great learning, and had written diuers bookes much commended. But he was a very aged man, and more∣ouer a fryer minor, and therefore one that had renounced the world, and all medling in worldly matters: which notwith∣standing he followed gladly the directions of the Archbishop, and was well content to haue béene a Bishop before he died. As for Henry Wingham the Chauncellor, it is said that he neuer stirred at all in the matter, but confessed them both more woorthy of the place then himselfe. It is said likewise, that the sute in his behalfe was first commenced by the king without his knowledge, and that when he saw the king so earnest and deale so violently in it, he went vnto him and

humbly besought him to let alone the monkes in the course they had begun, and to cease farther solliciting of them by his armed and imperious requests: for (saith he) after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God, the grace and direction of his holy spirit, they haue chosen a man more woorthy then my selfe. And God forbid that I should as it were inuade by force that no∣ble Bishopricke, and vsurpe the ministery of the same, with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or cauterised conscience. The ende of this sute 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this, Henry Wingham was afterward made Bishop of Lon∣don. Sée more of him there. Hugh Balsam came home from Rome confirmed by the Pope and was consecrate March 10. 1257. He sate 28. yéeres and thrée moneths. In which time he founded a colledge in Cambridge, by the name of S. Peters colledge, now commonly called Peter house. He first began the same being yet Pryor of Ely, and finished it in the yéere 1284. He departed this life June 16. 1286. at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and was buried at Ely before the high Altar by Thomas Englethorp Bishop of Rochester.

11. Iohn de Kyrkby.

AFter him succéeded Iohn de Kyrkby Deane of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 1286] Archdeacon of Couentry, and Treasurer of England. He was once elected vnto the Sée of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but the election was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and disanulled by Fryer Iohn Peckham Archbishop of Canterbury, who tooke exception against him for holding many seueral spirituall preferments, saying, y^t a man of so good conscience as a Bishop ought to be, would rather content himselfe with a little liuing, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe with so many charges. He was consecrate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ely at Paris the 26. or (as other report) the 29. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1286. And sitting Bishop of Ely but thrée yéeres and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 moneths, died March 26. 1290. He was buried in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 church by Ralph Walpoole Bishop of Norwich that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succéeded him) on the North part of the quier before the altar of Saint John Baptist.

12. William de Luda.

THe fourth day of May following was elected William [ 1290] 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Deane of Saint Martins, Archdeacon of Durham, and Treasurer of the kings house. He sate seuen yoeres, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 buried in the South part of the church betweene two pillers at the entrance into the old Lady chap∣pell. This Bishop gaue the mannor of Oldburne with the appurtenances vnto his Sée, vpon condition that his next successor should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1000. marks to prouide maintenance for thrée chaplaines to serue in the chappell there.

13. Ralph Walpoole.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 adoo there was now about the election of a new [ 1299] Bishop. The couent could not agrée within them∣selues; one part (and the greater) made choice of Iohn their Pryor, the rest of Iohn Langton Chauncellor of Eng∣land. This election being examined before the Archbishop, and iudgement by him giuen for the Pryor, the Chauncel∣lour appealed vnto the Pope & trauelled to Rome in his own person. The Pryor hearing of his iourney, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him after as fast as he might, neither was he long behinde him, al∣though many blocks were cast in his way. Being there, they were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to resigne all their interest into the Popes hand. He then in fauour of the couent set downe this order, that they should be at liberty (Notwithstanding these electi∣ons) to choose againe, so they chose any one Abbot in Eng∣land, except thrée, to wit, of Westminster, Bury and Saint Augustines: they belike were not in the Popes fauour. The Proctors of the couent they would not agrée to this order, so fauourable for them. Wherefore the Pope being very angry, vpon his owne absolute authority remoued Ralph Walpoole from Norwich vnto Ely, gaue Norwich vnto the Pryor; and least the Chancellor should altogether loose his labor, he made him Archdeacon of Canterbury in the place of Richard Fe∣ringes that was then appointed by him Archbishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This Ralph Walpoole was consecrat Bishop of Nor∣wich

in the beginning of the yéere 1288. and sate there 11. yéeres. At Ely he continued scarce 3. yéeres, but died March 22. in the beginning of the yéere 1302. He was buried in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 altar.

14. Robert Orford.

THis time they agréed better, and with one 〈◊〉〈◊〉, [ 1302] chose Robert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Prior vpon the 14. day of Aprill ensuing. He sate somewhat more then 7. yéeres, and ended his life at Dunham Ianuary 21. 1309. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 buried in the pauement aforesaid néere R. Walpoole his pre∣decessour.

15. Iohn de Keeton.

AFter him followed Iohn de Keeton Almoner vnto the [ 1310] Church of Ely, he sate likewise 7. yéeres and dying May the 14. 1316. was buried also in the same pauement.

16. Iohn Hotham.

VVIthin the compasse of the same yéere a chapleyne [ 1316] of the kings named Iohn Hotham or Hothun was made Bishop of Ely; and the next yéere viz. 1317. Chauncellour of England. A man wise and vertuous, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ve∣ry vnlearned. He continued in that office two yéeres, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 giuing it ouer, was made Treasurer. That place also he re∣signed within a twelue moneth, and betooke himselfe altogi∣ther to the gouernment of his church. In his time the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a night fell downe vpon the quier, making a most horrible and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 noise. This stéeple (now called the Lanterne) 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and built it in such order as now we sée it; 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of worke both for cost and workmanship singular. It stoode him in 2406. l. 16. s. 11. d. The new building also of the Presbytery (not so fully finished by Hugh Northwould, but that somewhat might séeme to be wanting) he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in euery point, bestowing vpon the same the summe of 2034. l. 12. s. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. d. ob, as a writing yet to be séene vpon the

north wall of the said Presbytery witnesseth. So that vpon the very fabricke and building of the church he spent 4441. l. 9. s. 7. d. ob. farthing. Besides which, this woorthy Benefac∣tour gaue vnto his Couent the Mannour of Holbourne with sixe tenements belonging to the same, and to his church a chalice and two crewets of pure gold, very costly wrought. He sate almost 20. yeeres, and died of the palsey at Somer∣sham vpon Saint Paules day Ianuary 25. 1336. He 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in a monument of Alabaster that was somtimes a very stately and goodly building, but now shamefully defa∣ced, as are also al other monuments of the church. It standeth east from the lesse Altar, in the middle, but to the west end of the presbytery.

17. Simon Mountacute.

ABout the middle of March after his death Pope Ben. [ 1336] the 11. translated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Monntacute from Worcester (where he had sate thrée yéeres) vnto Ely. He began the building of that beautifull Lady Chappell on the north side of the Church, and bestowed an infinite deale of mony vpon the same, but could not finish it being preuented by death. Iohn de 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a monke of Ely (as I remember) continued that worke, and much deale by the contribution of well disposed people ended it at last. It is said, that in digging thereabout, he found a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of treasure which serued to pay the worke mens wages a great while. This Bishop holding his place here little aboue seuen yeeres, departed from it and the world, June 20. 1344. and was buried in the Chappell afore mentioned.

18. Thomas Lysle.

ALan de Walsingham prior of Ely being then chosen [ 1344] Bishop, his election was disanulled and pronounced voide by the pope Clement 5. who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 po∣testatis without any more adoe, thrust into his place Thomas Lysle or Lyld a frier preacher, and caused him to be consecrate at Auinion in the moneth of July 1344. He was a doctor of diuinity, brought vp in Cambridge and much estéemed for

his learning. He preached often with great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and writ diuers works mentioned by Bale. Within a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or two before his death he endured great trouble and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the meanes of Blanch Wake 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Marshall, the circumstance whereof it shall not be amisse briefly to set downe. This Lady had certaine lands néere vnto one or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Bishops houses; by reason of which neighbourhoode, many controuersies daily arose betwéene them concerning bounds and other such like matters. The Bishop was a rough and plaine man, hardly brooking such indignities as it is likely a woman of that nobilitie, rich, and néere of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the king, would be ready enough to offer. By reason héereof the Lady conceiued a deadly and inueterate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against him; for wreaking whereof, she awaited this 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Pope at the request of the king (or rather the blacke prince his sonne) had suffred one Robert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be consecrate Bishop of Lichfield; a man in many respects very vnwoorthy of that honour. This good Bishop was not afraide (like another Iohn Baptist) to steppe vnto the king, and reprehend him for it; which he taking very tenderly, commanded him in great displeasure to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his presence. The Lady before named thinking it now a fitte time to deale with the Bishop, commenced a sute a∣gainst him, the ground and colour whereof was this. Cer∣taine lewde persons had fired some housing belonging to the Countesse, and being apprehended, were content to accuse the Bishop as accessary to this foule fact. Where∣upon before euer the Bishop heard any thing of the mat∣ter, at the instance of the Lady, and commandement of the king, a Nisi prius passed against him, and adiudged him to the paiment of 900. l. which presently he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to lay downe. But estéeming more the discredife then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, neuer ceased to importune the king till he obtained licence of him to call the Jury and witnesses to a reckoning of their do∣ings. The time being come when the matter was to be de∣termined, in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Huntington, the Countesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a meanes to hinder the Bishops procéedings by corrupting the officers, who denied him the copie of the former iudge∣ment, without which nothing could be done. Being much

gréeued héerewith, he went vnto the king, and complained how he was oppressed, requesting him as he was the guide and life of the law, so he would direct the same according to iustce, and not sée him so ouerborne. This his speeche was de∣liuered in somewhat more rough tearmes then beséemed him (as the king tooke it at leastwise) who making the worst of it, accused him to the parliament then assembled. Some things the king laid to his charge he denied, and extenuated the rest what he might. But the king affirmed euery thing vpon his honor and made some mention of witnesses; who then durst but take this proofe for good? So he was condem∣ned by parliament and this punishment laid vpon him, that hereafter he should neuer presume to come in the kings pre∣sence. Not long after this, it happened that his seruants mée∣ting with certaine of the Countesses men, in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, one of her men were slaine. Of this murther the Bishop, is by and by déemed an accessarie and howsoeuer he knew himselfe gilt∣lesse, fearing the successe of this matter would proue but as his other sutes had done, he sold all his mooueable goods, put the mony into the hands of his trusty friends, and hid him∣selfe. It might not serue his turne; being absent, he was found guiltie by inquest, and his temporalties seised into the kings hands. Séeing therefore now the woorst (as he thought) he was content (vpon safe conduct) to appéere before the king and there desired to be tried by his péeres. Whether his re∣quest in that point were satisfied or no I cannot tell; But cer∣taine it is, that by the kings owne mouth sentence was pro∣nounced against him. For it was the manner in those daies the king should determine causes of great waight sitting himselfe in open court. The matter being growen to this passe, he called vpon the Archbishop of Canterbury to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him such aide as the priuileges of the Church affoorded him. he expected belike, that he should by force & strong arme rescue him in such sort as Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford being accused of treason in the daies of this kings father, was vio∣lently taken from the barre by the Archbishop that then was, and other Bishops. But this king (Edward the 3.) was no babe; well enough they knew he would take no such iest; therefore they aduised him to submit himselfe vnto the kings

mercy. That he vtterly refused to do, and hauing no other hope of succour, tooke the benefite of his safeconduct, tanquam ad anchoram sacram 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the Pope for helpe, and ac∣quainted him with all the circumstances of his trouble, from the beginning vnto the end. Hereupon his accusers were cited to appéere in the Popes courte, and for not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were excommunicate. The Bishop of Lincolne was com∣manded to denounce this excommunication (which he did vn∣to his great trouble:) and also that if any of the excommuni∣cate were dead, he should cause them to be digged out of their graues, and forbid them buriall in holy earth. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dealing of the Pope mooued the king vnto great 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for diuers of those that were excommunicate, were persons of no small account; some of them of his priuy 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Proclamation therefore was made throughout the realme, that vpon paine of death, no man should héereafter be so har∣dy as to bring into the realme any kinde of writing from the Popes court. Some notwithstanding contrary to this pro∣hibition, deliuered letters to the Bishop of Rochester then Treasurer of England, from the Pope concerning this mat∣ter, and fearing the woorst had armed themselues. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they shrunke away and fled, but were soone after 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and diuersly punished, some dismembred, other faire and well hanged. The Pope hearing of this, was so incensed, that he wrote a very sharpe letter vnto the king, breathing out terrible threats against him, if he did not presently reconcile himselfe vnto the Bishop and cause full amends to be made him for all the losse he had sustained either by the Countesse or him in these troubles. The king was too wise either to doe all he required, or vtterly to despise his authority. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he knew was not for his honor, nor (so farre had this tyrant in∣croched vpon the authority of princes) the other for his 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Warned by the examples of king Iohn, Henry the emperour and other; he thought good not to exasperate him too 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and so was content to yéeld vnto somewhat. But before the matter could grow to a full conclusion, it was otherwise en∣ded by God, who tooke away the Bishop by death. He decea∣sed at Auinion June 23. 1361. and was there buried, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 béen Bishop euen almost 17. yéeres.

19. Simon Laugham.

INnocentius translated then Reginald Bryan Bishop of [ 1361] Worcester vnto Ely. But he died before he could take benefit of the Popes gift. Iohn Buckingham afterward Bishop of Lincolne was then chosen, and was reiected by the Pope, who preferred to this Sée Simon Laugham Abbot of Westminster. He continued here but fiue yeeres, being in that space first Treasurer, then Chauncellor of England, and was remooued to Canterbury. Of his translation some merry fel∣low made these verses:

Laetentur 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quia Simon transit ab Ely, Cuius in aduentum flent in Kent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 centum.

Sée more of him in Canterbury.

20. Iohn Barnet.

AT what time Simon Laugham was translated to Can∣terbury, [ 1366] Iohn Barnet was remooued from Bathe to succeede him in Ely. He was first consecrate Bishop of Worcester 1362. and staying there but one yéere, ob∣tayned Bathe 1363. and lastly Ely 1366. He was Treasu∣rer of England. Being a very old man before his comming to Ely, he liued there notwithstanding sixe yéeres, in which tune he bestowed the making of fower windowes, two in the South side, and two in the North side of the Presbytery. He died June 7. 1379. at Bishops 〈◊〉〈◊〉, & lieth buried vpon the south side of the high altar; in which place there is to be soone a goodly toombe monstrously defaced, the head of the image being broken off, I take that to be Barnets toombe.

21. Thomas Arundell.

AFter the death of Iohn Barnet the king writ earnestly [ 1375] vnto the couent to choose Iohn Woodrone his confessor. But they elected Henry Wakefield Treasurer of the kings house. This election was made voide by the Pope, who pla∣ced of his owne authority (as I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliuered) Thomas A∣rundell

Archdeacon of Taunton, sonne vnto Robert 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Arundell and Warren, being an aged gentleman of two and twenty yéeres old, and as yet but a Subdeacon. How be it, some report, that order being taken by parliament about this time for the ratifying of capitular elections, and stopping the iniurious prouisions of the Pope, that this Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was chosen orderly and consecrate at Otford by the Archbishop William Witlesey Aprill 6. 1375. Hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there sowertéene yéeres thrée moneths and eightéene 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he was translated to Yorke and after to Canterbury. He left for an implement of his house at Ely a woonderfull sumptu∣ous and costly table decked with gold and precious stones. It belonged first vnto the king of Spaine, and was sold to this Bishop by the Blacke Prince for 300. markes. He also bestowed the building of the great gate house in the house at Holburne. Sée more of him in Yorke and Caterbury.

22. Iohn Fordham.

THe Sée had béene void but fowertéene daies when Iohn [ 1388] Fordham Bishop of Durham was translated to Ely by the Pope. He was first Deane of Wels, consecrate Bishop of Durham May 29. 1381. and inthronized there in Sep∣tember 1382. He was Treasurer of England; and to his great griefe was displaced from that office the yéere 1386. and Iohn Gilbert Bishop of Hereford made treasurer. Seuen yéeres he continued at Durham, and September 27. 1388. was by the authority of the Pope translated to Ely; in which Sée he sate seuen and thirty yéeres two moneths and 24. daies. He died Nouember 19. 1425. and lieth bu∣ried in the West part of the Lady chappell. It appée∣reth by this reckoning, that he was Bishop in all from the time of his first consecration 46. yéeres and vpward. Sée more of him in Durham.

23. Philip Morgan.

THe king then and manie noble men commended vnto [ 1425] the couent William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doctor of law the kings confessor and kéeper of the priuie Seale, who was af∣ter Bishop of Lincolne. But they chose Peter their Prior. That election being disliked at home by the Archbishop, he was fame to seeke vnto the Pope, whose manner was litle or nothing to regard elections, but to bestow any Bishoprick or other preferment that fell according to his owne pleasure, if it were not filled before the auoidance might come to his know∣ledge. According to this custome hauing no respect of the e∣lection of the couent; of his owne authoritie he thrust in Phil∣lip Morgan into this Bishopricke. This man being doctor of law, was consecrate Bishop of worcester 1419. and soone af∣ter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death viz. before the end of the yeere 1425. re∣moued as is aforesaid vnto Ely. He was a very wise man, gouerned there with great commendation nine yeeres sixe moneths, and fower daies. And departed this life at Bishops 〈◊〉〈◊〉 October 25. 1434. He was buried at charter house in London.

24. Lewes Lushborough.

PResently after his death the Monks elected Robert Fitz hugh Bishop of london: who died before his translation could be perfected. The king then writ for Thomas Rod∣burne Bishop of saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉: which notwithstanding, they make choise of another, to wit Thomas Bourchier Bishop of worcester, whose election the Pope confirmed, but the king vtterly refused to restore to him the temporalties of that see. And so for feare of a premunire, he durst not receiue the popes bulles of confirmation, but renounced all his interest by this election. The king then appointed this Bishopricke vnto Lewes Lushbrough Archbishoppe of Roan Cardinall and Chauncellor both of Fraunce and Normandy that was some way I know not how kinne vnto him. By his meanes a dis∣pensation was gotten of the Pope to hold Ely in commendam

with his Archbishopricke. He enioyed it sixe yéeres and sixe monethes and then died at Hatfild Septem. 18. 1443. He is said to haue bene buried betwéene two marble pillers beside the altar of reliques.

25. Thomas Bourchier.

THomas Bourchier being now once more chosen, with∣out [ 1443] any great difficultie obtained full confirmation March 12. following. He was brother vnto Henrie Earle of Esser, forst deane of saint Martins, then consecrate Bishop of worcester 1435. and sate there eight yéeres. Here he continued ten yéeres fiue monethes and twelue daies, and was then remoued to Canterbury. Sée more of him in Can∣terbury.

26. William Gray.

THe Sée hauing béene voide onely 14. daies, Pope Ni∣cholas [ 1454] the 5. vpon an especiall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had of William Gray, doctor of Diuinity, placed him in the same. This William was a gentleman very well borne, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the noble and auncient house of the Lord Gray of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whose friends perceiuing in him a notable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sharpnesse of witte, dedicated him vnto learning. He was brought vp in Baylioll Colledge in Oxford. Hauing spent much time there profitably, and to very good purpose, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the study as well of Diuinitie as Philosophy; he passed ouer the seas and trauailed into Italy, where he frequented much the lectures of one Guarinus of Uerona, a great learned man in those daies. Following thus his study, and profiting excee∣dingly therein, he grew very famous; and no 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for to see a gentleman of great linage, hauing maintenance at will, to become very learned, especially in Diuinity, is in déede a woonder, and seldome séene. He writ many things both before and after his preferment, whereof I thinke no∣thing now remaineth. Neither was he a simple 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and a bookeman onely. King Henry the 6. perceiuing him not on∣lylearned, but very discrete, & no lesse industrious, appointed

him his Proctor for the following of all his businesse in the Popes court. By this occasion hauing often recourse vnto the Pope, his great learning and other excellent parts were soone 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by him, and woorthily rewarded with this Bi∣shopricke. It was impossible such a man should not be im∣ploted in State matters. The yeere 1469. he was made Treasurer of England by king Edward the 4. 24. yeeres two moneths and 21. daies, he was Bishop of this Sée. In which meane space he bestowed great sums of money vpon buil∣ding of the steeple, at the west end of his Church, and at his death (which hapned at Downham August 4. 1478.) he be∣queathed many goodly ornaments vnto the same his church, in which he was buried betweene two marble pillers.

27. Iohn Moorton.

A Happie and memorable man succéeded him, Iohn [ 1478] Moorton doctor of law from whose wisedome and de∣uise sprung that blessed coniunction of the two noble houses of Lancaster and Yorke after so many yeeres war be∣twéene them. This man was borne at Berry néere Bland∣ford in Dorsetshire, first parson of S. Dunstans in London and prebendary of S. Decumans in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as my selfe also sometimes was) then Master of the Rolles & lord Chauncel∣lor of England. August 9. 1478. (viz. within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies af∣ter the death of Bishop Gray) he was elect Bishop of Ely, where he continued about eight yéeres, and the yeere 1486. was translated to Canterbury. Being yet Bishop of Ely, he bestowed great cost vpon his house at Hatfild. At 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ca∣stell likewise all the building of brick was of his charge. As also y^t new leame that he caused to be made for more conuent∣ent cariage to his towne, which they say serueth now to smale purpose, and many complaine that the course of the riuer Nine into the sea by Clowcrosse is very much hindred there∣by. See more of him in Canterbury.

28. Iohn Alcock.

AFter the translation of Iohn Morton the Sée was void [ 1486] (as one saith) thrée yéeres. Howbeit I finde that Iohn Alcock doctor of Law, and Bishop of Worcester, was preferred therevnto the yéere 1486. A man of admirable temperance, for his life and behauiour vnspotted, and from a childe so earnestly giuen to the study, not onely of learning, but of all vertue and godlinesse; as in those daies neuer any man bare a greater opinion and reputation of holinesse. He liued all his life time most soberly and chastly, resisting the temptations of the flesh, and subduing them by fasting, stu∣die, praier, & other such good meanes, abhorring as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all foode that was likely to stir him vp vnto wantonnes. He was borne at Beuerley in Yorkeshire; first Deane of Saint Ste∣phens in Westminster and Master of the Rolles, consecrate Bishop, of Rochester 1471. translated first to Worcester 1476. and then to Ely (as I said) 1486. about which time he was for a while Lord Chauncellour of England by the appointment of that prudent and most excellent prince king Henry the 7. Being yet at Worcester he founded a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at kingstone vpon Hul; built a chappel vpon the south side of the parish church, where his parents were buried, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Chauntrey there. He built moreouer from the very foundation that stately hall in the pallace of Ely, togither with the gallerie; and in almost euery house belonging to his Bishopricke, bestowed very great cost. Lastly, he was the author of a goodly Colledge in Cambridge, now called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Colledge: it was first a Monastery of Nunnes, dedicated to Saint Radegund, and being fallen greatly in decay, the goods and ornaments of the church wasted, the lands diminished, and the Nunnes themselues hauing for saken it, insomuch as onely two were left, where of one was determined to be gone shortly, the other but an infant: This good Bishop obtained licence of K. Henry the 7. to conuert y^t same to a college, wher∣in he placed a master, 6. fellowes, & a certain number of schol∣lers (since augmented by other benefactors) and dedicated the same vnto the honor of y^t holy Trinity, the blessed Uirgin, S.

Iohn the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and S. Radegund: what was not ex∣pended vpon these buildings, or to other good purposes of like profite, he bestowed in hospitality and house keeping euery whit. Hauing sate 14. yeeres and somewhat more, he was taken out of this life to that place where no doubt he findeth the reward of his doings, viz. vpon the first day of October 1500. He lieth buried in a chappell of his owne building, on the North side of the Presbytery, where is to be seene a very goodly & sumptuous toombe, erected in memory of him, which by the barbarous and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of some body, is pit∣tifully defaced, the head of the Image being broken off, the compartiment and other buildings torne downe.

29. Richard Redman.

ONe whole yéere the Bishopricke had béene voide after [ 1502] Alcockes death, when as Richard Redman Doctor of Diuinity, first Bishop of Saint Assaph, then of Exe∣ter, was translated thence vnto Ely. He sate there but thrée yéeres and an halfe, and dying was buried betweene two pil∣lers on the North side of the presbytery, where we sée a very stately toombe of frée stone well built. He was very liberall vnto the poore. His manner (they say) was, in trauelling to giue vnto euery poore person that demaunded almes of him a piece of money, sixe pence at least; and least many should loose it for want of knowledge of his being in towne, at his com∣ming to any place, he would cause a bell to ring to giue notice thereof vnto the poore. No doubt, but he that bestowed thus much in publike, bestowed also very much in priuate that all the world knew not of.

30. Iames Stanley.

IAmes Stanley Doctor of Duinity, and brother vnto the [ 1506] Earle of Darby succeeded him. Other good I finde none re∣ported of him, but rather much euill. He was made Bishop the yeere 1506. and enioyed that preferment eight yeeres and a halfe; of which time he spent very little or none at Ely: But liued all the sommer time at Somer sham, kéeping company

much there with a certaine woman in very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and all the winter, he would be with his brother in Darby∣shire. So drownd in pleasures he passed his time without doing any one thing woorthy commendation or 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.

31. Nicholas West.

IN the moneth of October 1515. Nicholas West Doctor of [ 1515] Diuinity became Bishop of Ely. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 borne néere Ful∣ham, being the sonne of one Iohn West a baker. This Bi∣shop (as I finde noted) kept daily in his house an hundred seruants; of which, to the one halfe he gaue yéerely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 markes wages, and the rest forty shillings, euery one being allowed fower yards of cloath for his winter liuery to make him a gowne, and three yards and a halfe for a coat to weare insommer. Daily he gaue at his gate warme meate and drinke to two hundred poore folke: and moreouer in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of dearth distributed diuers summes of money vnto the poore. He gouerned the Dioces of Ely seuentéene yéeres and sixe moneths. At last falling into the kings displeasure for some matter concerning his first marriage: the griefe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as it is thought) cast him into a disease, which being the woorse able to sustaine because of a fistula that he had néere his fun∣dament: He yéelded vnto the necessity of Nature Aprill 6. 1533. He lieth buried in a chappell very sumptuously built by himselfe in the South east part of the Presbytery of Ely.

32. Thomas Gooderich

AYéere and 14. daies the Sée of Ely was voide after the [ 1534] death of B, West. In which time I finde that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ni∣cholas Hawkins Doctor of Law was elect vnto the same: It is like he died before he could be consecrate; for he neuer enioyed it I am sure. The 20. day of Aprill 1534. Tho∣mas Gooderich Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate, and sate 20. daies aboue 20. yéeres. He built a faire gallery in the North side of the pallace of Ely, and otherwise in that house bestowed much cost. He died at Somersham of the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉

tenth of May 1554. and lieth buried almost in the middle of the Presbytery. More would be said of him: but I had ra∣ther you should heare it in other mens words then mine. For I now grow néere the time of which I meane to speake lit∣tle, as iudging it neither safe to reprehend, nor séemely to praise (though truely) those men whose memoryare fresh and diuers their friends liuing. This therefore that I finde writ∣ten vpon his toombe I will impart vnto you, and concerning hun no more:

Thomas Goodricus annis plus minus 20. huius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 E∣piscopus hocloco 〈◊〉〈◊〉 est. Duobus Angliae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 regibus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 & 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉, foris 〈◊〉〈◊〉 apud exteros principes saepe legatus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quidem cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edwardo eius nominis sexto aliquandiu 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, magnus tandem factus Angliae Cancellarius. Cha∣riorne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 propter singularem prudentiam, an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 populo propter integritatem & abstmentiam fuerit, ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉 est per quam difficile.

In English thus:

Thomas Goodrich for 20. yéeres Bishop of this Church 〈◊〉〈◊〉 buried in this place. A man very acceptable vnto two noble kings of this realme, in many actions both concerning the church and common wealth. For abroad he was often imployed in embassages to forraine Princes, and at home, after he bad béene of the priuy Councell a while vnto king Edward the sixt of that name, he was made at last high Chan∣cellor of England. Whether he were more déere vnto his Prince for his singular wisedome, or more beloued of the commonalty for his integrity and abstinence, it is euen very hard to say. He died the 10. of May 1554.

33. Thomas Thirlby.

AT what time it pleased king Henry the eight to make [ 1554] the church of Westminster a cathedrall Sée, he appoin∣ted for the first Bishop of the same (who also was the last) Thomas Thirlby Doctor of Diuinity. The yéere 1550. he was

〈…〉〈…〉, by 〈…〉〈…〉 vnto the Bishop∣ricke of Ely, but also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of her priuy Councell. After her death, 〈…〉〈…〉 the reformation intended by our grand 〈…〉〈…〉 Elizabeth; he was com∣mitted to the tower 〈…〉〈…〉 from his Bishoprick by act of parlilament. Hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a time of imprisonment, nei∣ther very sharpe nor very long, his friends easily obtayned licence for him, and the late secretary Boxall to liue in the Archbishops house, where they had also the company of Bi∣shop Tonstall till such time as he died. The Archbishop in∣treated them all most kindly, as considering no doubt the variablenes of this mutable world, how possible it was for God that so lately had set him vp, to cast him downe, as he had done those men. He liued in this sort the space of 10. yeres and vpwards; taking more pleasure (I assure my selfe) in this time of his imprisonment (for so some men will needes estéeme it) then euer heretofore in the middest and fullest streame of his highest honors. He departed this life at Lamb∣hith August 26. 1570. and lieth buried in the middle of the chauncell there at the head of Bishop Tunstall vnder a mar∣ble stone.

34. Richard Coxe.

BIshop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being remooued from his place by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as is before said) Richard Coxe Doctor of Diuini∣ty was appointed thereunto by her Maiesty that now 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and was consecrate December 21. 1559. He was borne in Buckingham shire, in king Edwards daies Chaun∣cellor of the University of Oxford, Deane of Westminster, and Christchurch in Oxford, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the saide king, Almosner vnto him, and (as Bale also reporteth) of his priuy Councell. All 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Maries time he liued in Germa∣ny. He was Bishop of Ely seuen moneths aboue 21. yéeres, and departed this life July 22. 1581. He lieth buried 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop Goodrich vnder a marble stone, vpon which (though much of the 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉) I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these 〈◊〉〈◊〉:

Vita 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vale, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vita 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Corpus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.

Interra Christi gallus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, Da Christe in coelis te sine fine sonem.

35. Martyn 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

THe Sée hauing continued voide almost 20. yéeres, it pleased her Maiesty at last to appoint vnto the same Martyn Heton Doctor of Diuinity and Deane of Winchester, who was consecrate in the end of the yere 1599. long and happily may he well enioy the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The valuation of this Bishoprick in the Exchequer is 2134, l. 18, s. 5, d. halfe farthing and the third part of a farthing: in the Popes bookes 7000. ducats.