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 Lincolne.

THe Bishop of that Dioces, whereof Lincolne is now the Sée, sate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a place distant from Ox∣ford about 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was all that countrey, which now be∣longeth vnto the Bishops of Winche∣ster, Lincolne, Salisbury, Oxford, Bristow, Wels, Lichfield, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and he (notwithstanding that he gouerned also the Mercians or Saxons of Mid-England, who for a while had not any Bishop peculiar vnto themselues) he I say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called the Bishop of the West Saxons. Birinus was the first Bishop of this so large a territory; Of him sée more in Win∣chester. The second was Agilbert a French man. In his time Kenwalchus king of the West Saxons, caused this huge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be diuided into two parts, the one of which he left vn∣to Agilbert, vnto the other he caused one Wina to be conse∣crate, appointing Winchester to be his Sée, and all the West countrey his iurisdiction. After Agilbert there was no other Bishop of Dorchester a long time. He departing into France, Wina and his successors Bishops of Winchester, gouerned that Sée also, or part of it at least. For it happened not long after that Oswy king of Mercia erected an Episcopall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Lichfield, and placed one Diuma in the same. He had all Mid∣England for his Dioces; so had sixe or seuen of his successors, butill the yéere 678. at what time a Bishop was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Sidnacester, one Eadhead: He dying within one yéere, Ethel∣wine succéeded.

Then these;

• Edgar.
• Kinebert, Beda calleth him Embert, and acknow∣ledgeth himselfe much holpen by him in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Ecclesiasticall historie. He dyed 733.

• ...
  • 733. Alwigh.
  • 751. Ealdulf, he died ann. 764.
  • 764. Ceolulf, he died 787.
  • 787. Ealdulf.

After Ealdulf, the Sée continued void many yéeres. The yéere 872. Brightred became Bishop. In the meane time, viz. the yéere 737. another Sée was erected at Legecester, now called Leicester (but soone after remooued to Dorchester) and one Tota made Bishop there;

Then these;

• Edbertus consecrate ann. 764.
• Werenbert. He died 768.
• Vuwona suceeded him (as hath Florilegus.) Other put him before Werenbert. He liued ann. 806. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He died 851.
• Aldred, consecrate 861. or rather as Matth. West. repor∣teth ann. 851. The yéere 873. he was depriued of his Bi∣shopricke.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, consecrate 873.
• Halard, by king Alfred appointed one of the Guardians of the realme to defend it against the irruption of the Danes, ann. 897.
• Kenulfus or rather 〈◊〉〈◊〉 consecrate ann. 905. together with sixe other Bishops by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archbishop.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, vnto him the Dioces of Sidnamcester was also committed (which had now continued void almost fourscore yéeres) and his See for both established againe at Dorchester. He was a great benefactor to the Abbey Ramsey, and died the yéere, 959.
• Ailnoth, consecrate 960.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Aeswy.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Eadnoth, slaine by the Danes in battell, 1016.
• Eadheric, he died 1034. and was buried at Ramsey.
• Eadnoth, He built the Church of our Lady in Stowe, and died the yéere 1050.
• Vlf. He was a Norman, brought into England by Emma

• the Quéene of king Ethelred, sister to Richard Duke of Nor∣mandy. She commended him vnto her sonne Saint Edward, and found meanes vpon the death of Eadnoth to aduaunce him (though a man very vnlearned) vnto this Bishopricke. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 1052. He and all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (that through the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Quéene Emma possessed the chiefe places of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in all the realme) were compelled to depart the land. This man amongst the rest going to the Councell of Uercels to complaine vnto the Pope of his wrongfull vanishment, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 farre soorth bewrayed his owne weakenesse and insufficien∣cy, as the Pope was determined to haue displaced him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Bishoprick, vntill with giftes, and golden eloquence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 perswaded him to winke at his imperfections. It seemeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died the yéere following.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was consecrate the yéere 1053. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1067. and was buried in his Cathedrall Church of Dor chester.

1. Remingius de Feschamp.

THe last Bishop of Dorchester and first of Lincolne [ 1070] was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a monke of Feschamp that (as Bale noseth) was the sonne of a priest. Unto this man Wil∣liam the Conquerour (for diuers good seruices done vnto him) had promised long before a Bishopricke in England, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it should please God to send him 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He was as good as his word, and the yéere 1070. preferred him to Dorchester, voide by the death of the former Bishop. The consideration of this gift comming to the Popes eare, he woulde 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 it symony, and as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 actually depriued him of his Bishopricke: But at the request of Lanfrank the Archbishop of Canterbury, he restored him to his ring and crosyer againe. Soone after his first preferment, he began to build at Dorchester, and intended great matters there. But order being taken in a Conuocation at London by the kings procurement, that Episcopall sées euery where should be re∣moued from obscure townes to greater cities, he diuerted the course of his liberality from Dorchester to Lincolne. Lincolne at that time (saith William Malmsburie) was one of the most

populous cities of England, of great resort and traffique both by sea and land. Remigius therefore thinking it a fit place for a Cathedrall church, bought certaine ground vpon the top of the hill neere the castle then lately built by William the con∣querour, and began the foundation of a goodly church. The Archbishop of Yorke endcuoured to hinder the execution of this worthie designement by laying challenge to the iurisdic∣tion of that country: This allegation, though friuolous, was a meane of some charge vnto the Bishop, who (not without gifts) was faine to worke the king to be a meanes of cleering that title. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fabrike of the church being now finished, and 21. prebends founded in the same, al which he furnished with Incumbents very wel esteemed of both for learning and con∣uersation; He made great prouision for the dedication of this his new church, procuring all the Bishops of England by the kings authoritie to be summoned thereunto. The rest came at the time appointed, which was May 9. 1092. Onely Ro∣bert Bishop of Hereford absented him selfe, foreseeing by his skill in Astrology (as Bale and other affirme) that Remigius could not liue vnto the day prefixed, which also he foretold long before. It fell out (according vnto his prediction) that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 died two daies before the time appointed for this great solemnity. He was buried in that his owne new built church. This Remigius was a man, though of so high and no∣ble a mind, yet so vnreasonable low of stature, as hardly hée might attaine vnto the pitch and reputation of a dwarfe. So as, it séemed, nature had framed him in that sort, to shew how possible it was that an excellent mind might dwell in a defor∣med and miserable body. Besides this worthy foundation at Lincoln, he reedified the church and Abbey at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as also the Abbey of Bardney. By his perswasion king William the conquerour erected the Abbeyes of Cane in Normandy, and Battell in Susser vpon the very place where he had ouer∣throwne king Harold in battell, and so made a passage vnto the conquest of the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The superstitious and credu∣lous posterity ascribe diuers miracles vnto the holinesse of this Bishop, wrought (not in his life time, but) many yéeres after his death.

2. Robert Bloett.

IT happened soone after the death of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the king [ 1092] (William Rufus) to fall dangerously sick at Glocester: And thinking he should die, began seriously to repent him of his dissolute and vicious life forepassed: Especially, he shewed great griefe for his Simony and sacrilegious oppression of the church and Cleargy men. In this good moode he bestowed the Archbishopricke of Canterbury (hauing kept it voide fower yéeres) vpon Saint Anselm, and Lincolne vpon Robert Bloet or Bluet his Chauncellor. When he recouered, he much repented his repentance, wished they were in his hands againe, and tell to his old practises as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as euer hereto∣fore. This Robert Bloet was a man passing wise, liberall, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, curteous and very personable, but vnlearned, light of behauiour, and much giuen to lust. Bale reporteth he had a sonne named Simon (base borne no doubt) whom he made Deane of Lincolne. He dedicated his church; bestowed very much in furnishing the same with ornaments requisite. Un∣to the 21. Prebends founded by his predecessor, he added 21. more, and very largely endued (or as some deliuer foun∣ded) the Abbey of Eynsham besides Oxford, vnto the which monastery he remooued the monkes of Stow. Againe he be∣stowed the mannor of Charlton vpon the monkes of Ber∣mondsey, and gaue vnto the king 500, l. (or as H. Hunting∣don hath 5000.) to cléere the title that the Archbishop of Yorke laid vnto the iurisdiction of his Sée. He was consecrate the yeere 1092. sate almost 30. yéeres, and died at last sudden∣ly Ianuary 10. 1122. Riding by the kings side talking with him neere Woodstocke, he shranke downe spéechlesse, and be∣ing caried to his lodging, died in a manner presently. His bowels were buried at Eynsham, his body was conueghed to Lincolne, and there in his owne church solemnely interred. Upon his toombe was engrauen this Epitaphe:

Pontificum Robertus honor, quem fama superstes Perpetuare dabit, non obiturus obit. Hic humilis, diues, (res mira) potens, pius vltor, Compatiens, mitis, cum pateretur, erat.

Noluit esse sui Dominus, studuit pater esse, Semper in aduersis murus & arma suis. In decima Iani, mendacis somnia mundi Liquit, & euigilans, vera perenne vidit.

3. Alexander.

ROger that famous Bishop of Salisbury, was now so [ 1123] great a man with the king (Henry the first) as being able to do with him what he list, he easily entreated him to bestow the Bishopricke of Lincolne vpon one Alexander his owne brothers sonne, a Norman borne, whom not long before he had made Archdeacon of Salisbury, and chiefe Ju∣stice of England. He was consecrate at Canterbury July 22. 1123. The next yéere after, his Cathedrall church so late∣ly built, and yet scarcely finished, was burnt and horribly de∣faced by casuall fire. This man repayred it againe, and added vnto it a speciall ornament, a goodly vault of stone, which be∣fore it had not, and therefore was the more subiect vnto fire. He also increased the number of his Prebends, & purchased vnto his church certaine mannors and other lands. But his chiefe delight was in building of castels, wherein he imitated his vncle the Bishop of Salisbury. This humor was the vn∣doing of them both. To leaue the other vnto his owne place, Alexander built a stately castle at Banbury, another at Ne∣warke, and a third at Sleford. William Par••••s reporteth that he also founded two monasteries, but what or where I finde not. These castles were such eie-sores vnto king Ste∣phen, as they prouoked him to picke a quarrell otherwise vnto the Bishops, to clappe them vp in prison (where the other died) and to bereaue them at once of these munitions and all their treasure, whereof they had hoorded vp great store. They that kept the castle of Newarke refused to deliuer it at the kings summons, till such time as the Bishop intrea∣ted them to yéeld, signifying (and it was true indeede) that the king had sworne he should nether eate nor drinke before he had possession of the castle. Hereupon they set open the gates vnto the king, and then with much adoo hauing lyen by it cer∣taine moneths, he was at last released of his imprisonment.

After that, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 himselfe wholy to 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his church, performed that which 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made it simply the most beautifull church of England at that time. He was thrice at Rome, to wit, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1142. and 1144. where he behaued himselfe so, as he pleased both the king and the Pope very well. The first time he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Pope gaue him authority to call a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him the redresse of cer∣taine 〈◊〉〈◊〉; for the effecting whereof he caused 〈◊〉〈◊〉 canons to be made very necessary for those times. A third iourney he made vnto the Pope, lying then in Fraunce, in the moneth of August 1147. where through immoderate heat of the weather during the time of his trauell, he fell 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and with much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 getting home, not long after his returne he died hauing sate Bishop about the space of 24. yéeres. I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Henry Huntingdon certaine verses written in com∣mendation of him which I thinke not amisse here to be in∣serted:

Splendor Alexandri non tam renitescit honore, Quam per eum renitescit honor, flos namque virorum. Dando tenere 〈◊〉〈◊〉, thesauros cogit honoris, Et gratis dare festinans, ne danda rogentur. Quod nondum dederit, nondum se credit habere. O decus, ô moruoo directio; quo veniente, Certa fides, hilaris clementia, cauta potestas, Lene 〈◊〉〈◊〉, doctrina placens, correctio dulcis, Libercasque decens venêre, pudorque facetus. Lincoliae gens magna prius, nunc maxima semper; Talis & ille diu sit nobis tutor honoris.

4. Robert de Chisuey.

AFter Alexander succéeded Robert Archdeacon of Ley∣cester, [ 1147] surnamed by some de Chisuey or Chisueto, by others de Taueto, Querceto or Euerceto (for so diuers∣ly I finde him called) a very yoong man. He was consecrate in September 1147. and died Ianuary 8. 1167. This man added one Prebend vnto those that were founded by his pre∣decessors,

purchased a house for himselfe and his successors 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the temple at London, and built the Bishops pal∣lace at Lincolne in a manner all. He left his Sée indebted vnto one Aaron a Iew the summe of 300, l. (a great deale of money in those daies) and his successors were faine to see it discharged long after.

5. Geoffry Plantagenet.

THe Sée of Lincolne continued then void after the death of the said Robert almost seuenteene 〈◊〉〈◊〉; in so much as all men were of opinion, there should neuer be any more Bishop there. A certaine conuert of Tame reputed a ve∣ry holy man, and halfe a prophet in regard of many things he had strangely foretold, this man I say had giuen out, that the said Robert lately deceased should be the last Bishop of Lin∣colne. This prediction of his many men 〈◊〉〈◊〉, when not long after the death of the Bishop before mentioned, they saw Geoffry king Henry the second his base sonne and Archdea∣con of Lincoln, elected vnto that Sée. But he contenting him∣selfe with the large reuenewes of that rich Bishoprick, neuer sought consecration, well knowing he might so sheare the fleece, though he listed not to take the charge of feeding the sheepe. Seuen yeeres he reaped the fruits of that See by co∣lour of his election; and then by his fathers commaundement resigned all his interest in the same, became an entire courtier for eight yéeres more, & at last returning to the church againe, became Archbishop of Yorke. See more of him there.

6. Walter de Constantijs.

ABout the latter ende of the yéere 1183. when all men [ 1183] now assured themselues the prophecy of that conuert of Tame must needes fall out true, Walter de Con∣stantijs Archdeacon of Oxford, was elect and consecrate Bi∣shop of Lincolne. He was very fearefull to accept of the elec∣tion, thinking assuredly he might not liue to be Bishop, in re∣gard of that vaine and false prophecy before mentioned. Be∣ing yet scarce warme in his seate, the Archbishopricke of

〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him, a place of much higher dignity, but of lesse reuenues then Lincoln a great deale. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the pow∣er and force of ambition, that could prouoke this man, nota∣bly 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to forsake riches, and content him selfe with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 lesse wealth, but a litle more honorable. He was translated to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the next yeere after his comming to Lin∣colne, viz. 1184.

7. Saint Hugh.

TWo yéeres after the departure of Walter to Koan, the [ 1186] Sée of Lincolne continued void. Upon Saint Mat∣thewes day 1186. one Hugh the first Prior of the Charterhouse monkes at Witteham in Somersetshire was consecrate Bishop of the said Church. This Hugh (who by his integrity of life and conuersation, and the opinion of di∣uers myracles wrought by him, hath purchased vnto him∣selfe the honour and reputation of a Saint) was borne in a City of Burgundy, called Gratianopolis. By the aduise and direction of his Father, (who hauing buried his wife, had made himselfe a regular Channon) he also entred the same profession being yet very yoong: But waring elder, he betooke him selfe afterwards vnto the straight and seuere orders of the Carthusians or Charterhouse monkes (as we commonly call them.) In that kind of life he not only obserued all things requisite by the rule of their order, but so farre surmounted the same in performing much more then it required, as he grew very famous farre and néere for his extraordinary ab∣stinence and austerity of life. It chaunced the report thereof to come vnto the eares of king Henry the second: who buil∣ding a house for Carthusian monkes at Witteham aboue mentioned, thought good to send Reginald Bishop of Bathe into Burgundy, to intreate this holy man, to accept the place of the Prior of this new foundation. With much adoo he as∣sented, and came ouer with the Bishop. The king (who for the opinion he had of his holinesse, vsed often priuately to conferre with him) remembring how great wrong he had done the Church of Lincolne in so long kéeping it without a Bishop, determined to make amends by giuing them a good

one at last, and procured this Hugh before he vnderstood of a∣ny such thing toward, to be elected Bishop of that Sée. He gouerned very stoutly and with great seuerity, yet so, as he was more reuerenced and loued then feared. His excommu∣nications were very terrible vnto all men, and the rather, for that it was noted (as I find deliuered) some notable calami∣ty otherwise did lightly follow them. His Church of Lincolne he caused to be all new built from the foundation, a great and memorable worke, and not possible to be performed by him without infinite helpe. Moreouer, he gaue vnto the King 1000. markes, to acquite him and his successors, from the yeerely payment of a Mantell of Sables, wherewith by an auncient custome they were woont euery newyeares tide to present him. The yeere 1200. he would néedes make a voy∣age to Carthusia the chiefe and originall house of their order. In his returne home, he fell sicke of a quartane ague at Lon∣don and there died, Nouember. 17. 1200. His body was presently conueighed to Lincolne, & hapened to be brought thither, at a time, when king Iohn of England and William king of Scots were mette there, with an infinite number of the nobility of both realmes. The two kings, for the great re∣uerence they bare vnto his holynesse, would needes set their shoulders vnto the beere, and helped to cary his coarse from the gates of the City, vntill it came to the Church doore: There it was receiued by the Prelates, caried into the quire and the funer all rites being ended, buried in the body of the East part of the Church aboue the high Aulter, neere the aul∣ter of Saint Iohn Baptist. The yeere 1220. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was Cano∣nised at Rome, and his body being taken vp, October 7. 1282. was placed in a siluer shrine, Who so listeth to read the miracles that are ascribed vnto him, may find them in Matth. Paris that describeth his life at large in his report of the yeere 1200. Amongst many things omitted for breuity, I can not let passe one thing which I finde elsewhere deliue∣red concerning him, how that comming to Godstowe a house of Nunnes neere Oxford, and seeing a hearse in the middle of the quire couered with silke, & tapers burning round about it, he asked who was buried there. Understanding then, it was that faire Rosamond the Concubine of king Henry the second,

who at her intreaty had done much for that house, and in re∣gard of those fauours was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that honours 〈…〉〈…〉 her body to be digged Vp immediately, a•••• buried in the Church yard, saying it was a plac•• a great deale t••o good for a harlot, and it should be an example to other women to terrifie them from such a wicked and filthy kind of life.

8. William de Bleys.

VVIlliam de Bleys 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Canon of the [ 1203] Church of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was elected Bishop of the same Church, the yéere 1201. but not consecrate till 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day, 1203. He died vpon 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 1206.

9. Hugh de Wels.

HVgh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1209] of England, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yéere 1209, at what time king Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Stephen 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 for Archbishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (whereof sée more in 〈◊〉〈◊〉) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this the elect of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to repaire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archbishop of Roan for consecration. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the King, he got vnto Stephen Langton and of him was consecrate. The king hearing of it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and kept him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from them, till the yéere 1213. This Bishop and Ioceline of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, laying their purses together, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hospitall at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more thereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the life of the said Ioceline. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his Church of Lincolne. I haue 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made by him 1211. in which 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his friends 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kinred, he 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 5000. markes. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long after, to 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 7. 1234. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Church.

10. Robert Grosse-teste

IUne 11. following, to wit, the yéere 1235. Robert Grosse∣test [ 1235] or Grosthead Archdeacon of Leycester was consecrate Bishop of Lincolne. A man famous for his excellent learning and vertues otherwise. He was borne in Suffolke, of very meane or rather base parentage. In his youth (according vn∣to the maner of all students in those times) he trauelled into Fraunce, partly to increase his knowledge in other learning, but especially to attaine the French toong, which was then almost as common here as the English. At his returne he was made Archdeacon of Leycester, and afterwards (as be∣fore is mentioned) Bishop of Lincolne. In his time, the ty∣ranny of the Pope was now growen to the full height and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. What for appeales vnto Rome & bribes at Rome, no iurisdiction here could punish any fault neuer so 〈◊〉〈◊〉. No iurisdiction or other preferment was likely to fall, but the Popes reseruation would take it vp before hand, and bestow it at last vpon some stranger (happily a childe) that would neuer come néere it all his life long. The yéere 1252. notice being taken of this matter, the spiritual promotions of stran∣gers within this realme were found to amount vnto the summe of 70000. markes by the yéere, whereas the kings yeerely reuenewes at that time came not to the third part of that summe. At these and other intollerable abuses, he repi∣ning very much; thought good in person to go to Rome & ac∣quaint y^t Pope with his grieues. He did so, was heard, & with saire promises dismissed. But when at his return he found no maner of redresse of those things he complained, he feared not to write vnto the Pope a very sharpe & Satyricall letter, shewing how farre he had degenerated from the holinesse of his predecessors, and exhorting him earnestly to reforme the monstrous enormities, that flowing from Rome, as from a corrupt and poysoned fountaine infected the whole Church. This Epistle (if any man desire to sée it) is to be found in Matth. Paris. The Pope hauing read it, grew into great choller, and breathing out many threats, intended some ter∣rible reuenge of this so intollerable a reproch (as he tooke it)

vntill such time as, one Gyles a Cardinall of Spaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him, vsed these words; Holy father, it shall not doo well (in my opinion) to take any hard or extreme course against this man. It is but too true that he hath written. He is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 re∣ligion a Catholike as well as we, but for life and conuersati∣on so farre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vs, as it is thought Christendome hath not his like. Againe, he is knowen to to be a great learned man, an excellent Philosopher, well séene in the Gréeke tongue as well as the Latine, a profound Diuine, and a diligent preach∣er; These things are well knowen to all the Cleargy, both of Fraunce and England: We haue no iust matter against him, we are not able to touch him, yea though we were, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not wisedome. We shall doo well to remember, how 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is, quod 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 est ventura, that there shall one day be a departure, and let vs take héede that we giue not the occasion. My aduice therefore is, that we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 content to winke at this matter, and euen let him alone. Some say his counsell was followed, and the matter passed ouer in silence. Howbeit, it is also reported (and both may be true) that afterwards (vpon some new quarrell 〈◊〉〈◊〉) he was suspended at Rome, excommunicate, and hor∣ribly persecuted. And indéede it is certaine, that he would ne∣uer be iuduced to obey any of those monstrous and vnreaso∣nable bulles: Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, discoursing sometimes with his fa∣miliars, he would very confidently affirme, that the Pope was an Heretike, yea and Antichrist. So Matth. Paris 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Notwithstanding these broyles, he was a continuall and diligent Preacher, writ bookes to the number of all most 200. l. (the Catalogue whereof you may finde in Bale) and yet tooke infinite paines in attending matters of gouernment and iurisdiction, so farre 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as by the Pope he was not hindred. He died at last at his mannour of Buckden, Octo∣ber 9. 1253. giuing all his bookes (an excellent library) vnto the Frier Minors at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He lyeth buried in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 South 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Cathedrall Church, & hath a goodly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of marble, with an image of brasse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it. The Pope not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to persecute him after his death, was once of the mind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 digge vp his body againe, vntill by the perswasion of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other his mind was altered. But sée the iust iudgement of

God vpon this wicked Pope (it was Innocent 4.) Lying at Naples in his way toward 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (the kingdome whereof in hope he had now deuoured) this bishop appeared vnto him in the night, & strake him a great blow vpon the left side, which shewed all bloudy in the morning; and soone after the Pope died. This Bale reporteth out of Ranulfus, Fabian, and others. Matthew Paris ascribeth diuers myracles vnto him, & doubt∣teth not to account him a Saint, although the Pope ought him not so much goodwill as to affoord him Canonisation. Doubtlesse he was an excellent man, and deserueth the com∣mendation giuen vnto him by the consent of all writers. Not to trouble my selfe with any longer discourse concerning him, I will set downe this briefe Elogium of Matthew Paris: He was (saith he) Domini Papae & Regis redargutor manifestus, Praelatorum correptor, Monachorum corrector, Presbitero∣rum director, clericorū instructor, scholarium sustentator, po∣puli predicator, incontinentium persecutor, scripturarum se∣dulus perscrutator, Romanorum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & contemptor. In mensa refectionis corporalis 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hila∣ris & 〈◊〉〈◊〉: In mensa vero spirituali deuotus, lachrymosus & contritus: In officio pontificali sedulus, venerabilis, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Much more you may reade of him in Master Foxe.

11. Henry Lexinton.

THe King now was very earnest with the Chapter of [ 1254] Lincolne, to elect Petet d'Egueblank Bishop of Here∣ford vnto that their Sée. They alleaged, he was a stranger, vnderstood not the English tongue, and was more∣ouer an euill man, not gouerning well the charge already committed vnto him. In regard hereof, they humbly besought the king to hold them excused, and made choice of Henry Lex∣inton their Deane. He was chosen December 30. 1253. consecrate. May 17. following. died August 8. 1258. & was buried at Lincolne in his owne Church. The yéere before his death, he offred some kind of hard measure vnto the Uniuer∣sity of Oxford, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 certaine liberties that of old be∣longed vnto it. For redresse hereof, they were forced to make their complaint vnto the King lying then at Saint Albons,

〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 Matthew Paris a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their petition, and (as 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bold to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto the king, vsing these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in priuate. I beseech your grace, euen for Gods sake, to haue compassion vpon the Church now tottering and in great dan∣ger of vtter subuersion. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Paris, the nurse of so many excellent and famous Prelates, is now greatly troubled. If the Uniuersity of Oxford be disquieted and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also (especially at this time) being the second Uniuer∣sity of Christendome and euen an other foundation of the Church, it is much to be feared, least it cause a generall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vtter ruine of the whole Church. God forbid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King that that should happen, especially in my time; I will indeuour to preuent it. I doubt not he was as good as his word: For I find no more mention of any farther stirres. This, I haue thought good the rather to set downe, to shew, what was the reputation of our Uniuersity of Oxford in those daies.

12. Benedictus Grauesend

ANother Deane of Lincolne succéeded him, Benedic∣tus [ 1258] Grauesend, whom I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called also Richard Grauesend. He was consecrate Nouember 3. 1258. and died December 18. 1279.

13. Oliuer Sutton.

OLiuer Sutton (as Walsingham saith) was likewise [ 1280] Deane of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a very good and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man. He was elected Bishop February 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 May 18. 1180. died in the middle of a 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 prayer Nouember 13. 1299. and lyeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the North Isle of the vpper part of his Church, vnder a flat Marble stone 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Bishop Flemming.

14. Iohn d'Aldarby.

IOhn'D'alderby or D'aderly, Chauncellor of Lincolne suc∣céeded [ 1200] the next yéere, and died at Stow parke, Ianuary 5. 1319. He was buried at Lincolne in the lower South crosse Isle. But his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was taken away for that it was super∣stitiously frequented by the common people.

15. Thomas Beake.

IAnuary 27. following, the Chapter of Lincolne made [ 1320] choice of one Thomas Beake Chauncellor of Lincolne, for their Bishop. The Archbishop of Canterbury, vpon what quarrell I know not reiected this election: But at Rome (where all things were to be had for money) he got it confir∣med. The yéere 1278. one Thomas Beake Archdeacon of Dorchester was Lord Treasurer of England. It may be this was the man. And it should seeme he was very old; for he sate but a very short time; which I take to be the cause that some men make Burwash next successor to D'Alderby. Hely∣eth buried (as it séemeth by a note that I haue séene) in the highest crosse North Isle.

16. Henry Burwash.

HEnry Burwash was nephew vnto Sir Bartholomew [ 1320] Badilismer Baron of Leedes, a man of great authority vnder king Edward the second. The king by his meanes dealt earnestly for the preferment of the said Henry vnto the Sée of Lincolne, which he obtained and was inthronised there about Christmas 1320. within a yéere or two after, he fell into the kings displeasure so far, as that his temporalties were seased vpon and detained from him the space of two yéeres. The yeere 1224. they were restored vnto him againe, and he vnto the kings fauour: but the grudge thereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so in his stomacke, as the Queene rising against her husband séeking to depose him (as afterward she did) an. 1326. no man was so forward to take her part as this Bishop; no man so

eager against the king his vndoubted, true and naturall Prince. He was also a very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and miserable man (as Walsingham reporteth.) Toward the latter end of his time, he made a new parke at Tynghurst, and inclosed within the same much ground that belonged to diuers poore men his te∣nants, for the which he had many a bitter curse of them. After his death, it is said he appéered vnto one that had béene one of his gentlemen, in the likenes of a kéeper, with bow & arrowes in his hand, a horne by his side and a gréene ierkin on his backe, telling him, that for the iniurious inclosure of that parke, he was appointed to the kéeping of the same and to be tormented there, till it were disparked and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 open againe. He therefore also besought him to intreate his brethren the Canons of Lincolne, that the wrong done by him, by their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meanes might be righted. They were so wise as to giue credit vnto this report, and sent one of their company named William Bacheler to see it performed. He did so, hurled abroad the pale, filled vp the ditches, and caused the poore tenants to be restored vnto their right againe. This Bishop died at Gaunt in the ende of December 1340. hauing béene succes∣siuely Treasurer and Chauncellor of England, and was bu∣ried in the East ende of his Cathedrall church toward the North. At his féete lyeth a brother of his named Robert, a knight, a great soldier, and a sonne of the said Robert called Bartholomew. They founded a Grammar schoole in Lin∣colne and left maintenance for fiue priests and fiue poore schollers.

17. Thomas le Becke.

AFter Henry Burwash, it is said that another Thomas Beake [ 1341] succéeded, called by some Thomas le Becke, and by others Thomas Weke, a famous and woorthy Clerke (as Walsingham reporteth.) He lieth buried in the lower crosse Isle. When he died, or what time he sate I find not.

18. Iohn Synwell.

IOhn Synwell succéeded. The yéere 1351. a great contro∣uersie [ 1351] fell out betweene him and the Uniuersity of Oxford, about y^t election of their Chancellor. The discourse whereof you may see pag. 133. This ouely I thinke good to note, that whereas some writers report this controuersie to haue fallen out in the time of Bishop Buckingham, it must needes be they are mistaken for that this Iohn Synwell died not till the yéere 1361. This man (if I mistake not) built a great chappell of Saint Mary Magdalene without the North wall of the Ca∣thedrall church, and lieth buried in the West part or body of the said church.

19. Iohn Bokingham.

IOhn Bokingham kéeper of the priuy Seale, by the helpe of [ 1362] his purse and the kings instant request, with much adoo shouldred into the Bishopricke of Lincolne the yeere 1362. This man is said to haue beene very vnlearned, and it may be so. But certaine it is, that one Iohn Bokingham liued about those times a Doctor of Diuinity of Oxford, a great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man in scholasticall Diuinity, as diuers workes of his yet extant may testifie: and for my part I thinke this Bi∣shop to be the man. The yeere 1397. the Pope bearing him some grudge, translated him perforce from Lincolne vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a Bishopricke not halfe so good. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hart he would not take it, but as though he had rather haue no bread then halfe a loafe, forsooke both and became a monke at Can∣terbury.

20. Henry Beaufort.

HEnry Beaufort became Bishop of Lincolne in his place. [ 1397] This man was brother vnto king Henry the fourth, and is best knowen by the name of the rich Cardinal. He sate here seuen yéees, and the yeere 1404. was translated to Win∣chester. Sée more of him in Winchester.

21. Philip Repingdon.

PHilip Repingdon Abbot of Leicester, vpon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1404] of Henry Beaufort vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉, was preferred vnto Lincolne. This man was sometimes a great follower of Wickliffe and defender of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 in preaching and open 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, but by writing also; to which purpose, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yet remaine to be séene. Afterwards, whether it were that time altered his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or that he was ouercome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of trouble or hope of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; he was 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to recant his opinions at 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. That done, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cleargy glad of gaining such a man vnto their party (for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was greatly reputed of for his learning) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon him all manner of preferment. Being now Bishop of Lincolne, the yéere 1408. he was made Cardinall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nereus 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. He continued in that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many yeeres, and in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 end resigned it. He lieth buried vnder a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stone 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 Grosthead.

22. Richard Flemming.

BIshop Flemming is famous for two things, one that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 caused the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Wickliffe to be taken vp and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the yéere 1425. and the other, that he founded Lincolne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Oxford 1430. When he first attained this 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what time he died I find not. He was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where we sée a high tombe in the North 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the vpper 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the church, in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; in which place also Robert Flem∣ming his kinseman Deane of Lincolne, lieth buried hard be∣side him. They were bothe great learned men, brought vp in Oxford, bothe Doctors of Diuinity and writ diuers learned workes.

23. William Gray.

MAy 26. 1426. William Gray was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of London. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was translated to Lincolne the yéere 1431. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there about the space of 〈◊〉〈◊〉

yéeres. He founded a Colledge at Theale in Hartfordshire for a Master and fower Cannons, and made it a cell to Elsing spittle in London.

24. William Alnewike.

THe yéere 1426. William Alnewike doctor of law was [ 1439] consecrate Bishop of Norwich. He built there a great window and a goodly faire gate at the west end of the church. The yeere 1436. he was remooued vnto Lincolne. He was buried in the body or west end of his church. This Bi∣shop was confessor to that vertuous king Henry the fist.

25. Marmaduke Lumley.

VVHat time Bishop Alnewike died, I finde not; but certaine it is, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lumley Bishop of Carlioll succeeded him in that Sée. He was some times Treasurer of England consecrate vnto Carlioll 1430. sate there 20. yeere, was translated hether 1450. and hauing continued heere scarcely one yéere, died at London. Toward the building of Quéenes colledge in Cambridge (of which vniuersity he was sometimes Chauncellour) he gaue 200, l. and bestowed vpon the library of that Colledge a great many good bookes.

26. Iohn Chedworth.

IOhn Chedworth succéeded him, of whom I finde nothing, but that helieth buried vnder a flat stone by Bishop Sut∣ton, néere the toombe of Bishop Flemming. He was Bishop (as I gather) about an 18. yeeres.

27. Thomas Rotheram.

THomas Scot, alias Rotheram Bishop of Rochester, was [ 1471] remooued to Lincolne ann. 1471. and thence to Yorke nine yéeres after. Sée more ofhim in Yorke.

28. Iohn Russell.

IN the Sée of Lincolne Iohn Russell Doctor of Diuinity and [ 1480] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Barkshire succéeded him, a wise and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man. A while he was Chauncellor of England by the ap∣pointment of Richard Duke of Glocester that afterward vsurped the crowne. He hath a reasonable faire toombe in a chappell cast out of the vpper wall of the South part of the Church.

29. William Smith.

THe yéere 1492. William Smith was consecrate Bishop [ 1492] of Couentry & Lichfield. He ordained there (I meane at Lichfield) an hospitall for a master, two priestes, and ten poore men. He also founded a frée schoole there for the education of poore mens children, and found meanes that king Henry the seuenth bestowed vpon it an Hospitall called Donhal in Chesshyre, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lands belonging to it. At Farm∣worth where he was borne he bestowed ten pound land for the maintenance of a schoolemaster there. Lastly he became founder of a goodly colledge (the colledge of Brasennose in Oxford) ann. 1513. but liued not to finish it in such sort as he intended Hauing sate but onely fower yéeres at Lichfield, he was translated to Lincolne, and died the yéere before mentio∣ned 1513. He lieth buried in the West part or body of the church. This Bishop was the first President of Wales, and gouerned that countrey from the 17. yere of king Henry the 7. vntill the fourth yéere of king Henry the 8. at what time he died.

30. Thomas Woolsey.

A Uery little while, scarcely one whole yéere, Cardinall [ 1514] Woolsey (not yet Cardinall) was Bishop of Lincoln: Thence he was remooued to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 almost the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the yéere 1514. Sée more of him in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

31. William Atwater.

ONe William Atwater succéeded Cardinall. Woolsey, [ 1515] and sate (as it seemeth to me) but a very short time. He lieth buried in the West end of Lincolne Pinster.

32. Iohn Longland.

IOhn Longland Doctor of Diuinity and Confessor vnto king Henry the 8. vpon the death of William Atwater was aduannced vnto the Bishoprick of Lincolne, and enioyed the same a long time, being almost all that while Chauncellor of the Uniuersity of Oxford. He died the yeere 1547. and is burt∣ed néere vnto Bishop Russell in a toombe very like vnto his.

33. Henry Holbech.

HEnry Holbech Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate Bi∣shop [ 1547] of Rochester the yéere 1544. translated to Lincolne 1547. and continued there about 5. yeeres.

34. Iohn Tayler.

IOhn Tayler Doctor of Diuinity was consecrate ann. 1552. [ 1552] and within 2. yeeres after (viz. in the beginning of Queene 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ratgne) was displaced.

35. Iohn White.

IOhn White Doctor also of Diuinity was appointed Bi∣shop [ 1554] of Lincolne by Queene Mary. The yéere 1557. He was remooued to Winchester. Sée more of him there.

36. Thomas Watson.

VPon the remooue of Doctor White, the Bishopricke of [ 1557] Lincoln was bestowed vpon Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity, a very austere or rather a sower and chur∣lish

man. He was scarce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mary dying, he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himselfe vnto the happy 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 by 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeres 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the yéere 1584.

37. Nicholas Bullingham.

NIcholas Bullingham Doctor of Lawe was consecrate [ 1559] Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ianuary 21. 1559. He sate there 11. yéeres, and was translated in 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 26. 1570. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of him in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

38. Thomas Cooper.

THomas Cooper Doctor of Diuinity & Deane of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 1570] church in Oxford, was consecrate Febr. 24. 1570. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yéere 1584. he was translated to Winchester. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of him there.

39. William Wickham.

VVIlliam Wickham succéeded Bishop Cooper immedi∣ately [ 1584] both in Lincolne and Winchester. Sée more of him 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.

40. William Chaderton.

VVIlliam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doctor of Diuinity was conse∣crate [ 1594] Bishop of West-Chester continued there 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the yéere 1594. was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Lincolne, where he yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The Bishoprick of Lincolne is valued in the Queenes bookes at 894, l. 18, s. 1, d. ob. and paid to the Pope for first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5000 ducats.