The firste [laste] volume of the chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande conteyning the description and chronicles of England, from the first inhabiting vnto the conquest : the description and chronicles of Scotland, from the first original of the Scottes nation till the yeare of our Lorde 1571 : the description and chronicles of Yrelande, likewise from the first originall of that nation untill the yeare 1571 / faithfully gathered and set forth by Raphaell Holinshed.

Henry the seconde.

[illustration]

[ 10]

* 1.1HEnry the second of that name, a Frenche manne borne, the seconde sonne of Geffrey Plantagenet Earle of Aniou, begot∣ten of Maude the Em∣presse, daughter to Hen∣ry the firste, beganne hys [ 20] raigne ouer Englande the fiue and twentith of October, in the yeare after the creation of the worlde .•…•…12•…•…. and in the yeare after the incarna∣tion of our Sauioure .1154.* 1.2 about the begin∣ning of the thirde yeare of the Emperour Frede∣ricke the firste, the second of Pope Anastasius the fourth, the seuententh yeare of Lewis the seuenth▪ Kyng of Fraunce, and seconde of Malcolme then King of Scotlande. Immediately after he was aduertised of the deathe of Kyng Stephen, hee [ 30] came ouer into England,* 1.3 landing at Ostreham about the seuenth day of December. After he had got togither his company whiche by tempe•••• had bin scattred in his passage, he came first to Win∣chester, where the nobles of the Realme beeyng come vnto him, he receyued of them their homa∣ges and fealties. This do•…•…e he set foorth towards London, where he was Crowned K. by Theo∣bald Archbyshoppe of Caunterbury the twentith day of December. [ 40]

* 1.4There were presente at hys Coronation, the Archbishoppe of Rouen with three of his suffra∣gants, and the Archbyshoppe of Yorke, with ma∣ny other Bishops of Englande. There was also, the Earle of Flaunders Theodorus, with a great number of other Earles, Lords and Barons. He was at that time about the age of three and twē∣tie yeres,* 1.5 and to winne the peoples loue, he spake many comfortable wordes vnto them to put thē in hope (as the manner is) that they shoulde finde [ 50] him a louing and courteous Prince. Hee vsed the Lordes also very gently. And first of all, after hys atteynyng to the Crowne he chose to hym Coū∣cellors of the grauest personages,* 1.6 and best learned in the Lawes of the Realme, with whose pru∣dent aduice, he perused those lawes, and amended them where he thought necessary, commaunding chiefly, that the lawes established by hys graund∣father Henry the first shoulde be obserued:* 1.7 and in many thyngs he stayed vpō the aduice of Theo∣bald Archbishoppe of Caunterbury,* 1.8 at whose sute hee admitted Thomas Becket to be his Chaun∣cellour, whyche Becket, the sayde Archbishop, had made Archdeacon of Caunterbury the yeare be∣fore. Moreouer, by the sentence and dome of hys Councellours, to the intente that peace and quiet order might take place, and be the better mayne∣teyned,* 1.9 he commaunded by way of publishyng a proclamation, that all Straungers (which to get somewhat by the warres,* 1.10 hadde flocked into the Realme, duryng the time of the ciuill discord be∣twene hym and Kyng Stephen) shoulde departe home without further delay: wherefore hee ap∣poynted them a day, before the whyche they shuld auoyde vppon the perrill that might ensue there∣of. Heerevppon it was a wonder to vnderstande home suddaynely these Aliens were quite va∣nished away,* 1.11 as though they hadde bin Phanta∣smes. Their abiding here was nothing profitable for the subiects of the Realme, as they that were still accustomed to attempt euery shrewde turne in others necke, and thinke it lawfull for them so to doe. Amongst them, there was a great number of Flemings, whome the Kyng hated more than the residue: and by vertue of this Edict,* 1.12 William of Ypres whome Kyng Stephen (as yee haue heard) had made Earle of Kent, was constreyned with other to departe the Realme, King Henry seasing all his possessions into his owne handes.* 1.13 Diuers C•…•…stells were also throwen downe, and made plain•…•… with the ground by the Kings com∣maundement, which priuate men by King Ste∣phens permission had builded, or else for that they stoode not in suche places as was thought meete and expedient, yet some he caused to be fortifyed:* 1.14 and furthermore, tooke into hys handes agayne such lands and possessions as apperteyned to the Crowne, and were alienated vnto anye manner of person of what degree so euer he was. Thys wounded the mynds of many with an inwarde grudge, as well ynough perceyuing that y^e Kyng woulde looke so neere to his owne commoditie, y^t nothing should be left for them that mighte anye way be recouered and gotten to hys vse. Queene Eleanore was deliuered of hir seconde sonne na∣med Henry, the last of February, within the Citie of London.

Also about the same time,* 1.15 William Peuerell of Notingham a nobleman and of great posses∣sions, was dishinherited by the King for sorcerie and witchcrafte whiche he had practised to bryng to death Ranulfe Erle of Chester, as it was now reuealed openly, and brought to light. In accom∣plishing of whiche haynous crime and detestable practise, many other were of councell, and founde giltie with him, which went not away withoute

punishment for that their wicked enterprise. The tenth day of Aprill, King Henry assembled the peeres and greate Lords of his Realme togyther at Walingford,* 1.16 and there caused them to sweare their allegiaunce vnto his eldest sonne William, prouiding, that if he chanced to die,* 1.17 that then they should do the like vnto his brother Henry. Also, whereas Hugh de Mortimer had fensed his Ca∣stels against K. Henry, he besieged the same,* 1.18 and taking the Castell of Cleberie, hee destroyed it.

[illustration]

Wherevpon, the foresaid Hugh shortly after was accorded with the K. and surrendred to hym the two Castels of Wigmore & Bridgenorth, which hitherto he had holden. Moreouer, whereas there was variāce kindled betwixt the King, and Ro∣ger Fitz Miles of Gloucester,* 1.19 that was Earle of Hereford, for the landes of Gloucester, that vari∣ance [ 30] was also quenched: for after the same Ro∣ger was dead, his brother Walter succeding him in the Earledome of Hereforde, was constreyned to departe with the Citie of Gloucester, whyche the K. held,* 1.20 and reteyned in his owne handes. In the seconde yeare of his raigne, K. Henry wente vnto Yorke, and in that countrey receyued into his hands diuers Castels whiche had bin long in possession of priuate men, namely the Castell of Scarbarrough,* 1.21 whiche William Earle of Albe∣marle [ 40] held, and now was constreyned to resigne it vp, full sore against his will. This yeare also William the Kings eldest sonne departed thys life, and was buryed at Reading. The Realme of Englande also was brought on all sydes into very good quiet, but ere long, worde came to K. Henry,* 1.22 that his brother Geffrey had begunne a Rebellion in the parties on the other side of the Sea: for their father Geffrey when he dyed, lefte three sonnes behinde him, Henry, Geffrey, and [ 50] William, ordeyning by his testamente, when Henry should haue gotten possession of England and Normandy, that then the Countrey of An∣iou should remaine vnto Geffrey, and in y^e meane time, hee to haue these three Townes, Chinon, Lodun and Myrabell to maineteyne his estate, and that when the time came that the whole he∣ritage should fall vnto hym, hee might by posses∣sion of these three, haue a readier meane to come by all the rest. Furthermore, fearing least his el∣dest sonne Henry who as then was absent would not consent to the performance of this his wil,* 1.23 he caused certaine Bishops and other of the Nobles to sweare, that they should not suffer his body to be cōmitted to buriall, till his sonnes had sworne to fulfill his last will and testamente in all other things, but especially in this behalfe, wherein hee iudged not amisse: for though Henry was loth to take his oth, yet bycause his fathers body shoulde not remayne vnburied, hee was contented to sweare. But after he had obteyned the kingdome of England, his couetous desire to haue, encrea∣sing still with abundance already obteined,* 1.24 found meanes to procure of Pope Adrian the fourth (an Englishman borne,) a dispensation for that othe: wherevpon (hauing got licence to depart from the office both of right, law and equitie) neglecting his fathers ordinance, he passed ouer into Normādy, & making war against his brother the said Gef∣frey, easily expulsed him out of those places, whi∣che were assigned him by the ordinance of hys fa∣thers Testament, and so tooke the Earledome of Aniou into his own possession: Howbeit, he gaue vnto his said brother a pencion of a thousand lb, English, & two thousand lb of the money of An∣iou, with y^e Towne of Lodun, and certaine other lands to liue vpon, who yet thinking himselfe e∣uil vsed at the Kings handes rebelled and dyed. Shortly after whē K. Henry had sped his busines in Normandy,* 1.25 & made an end of y^e troubles there betwixt him & his brother Geffrey,* 1.26 returned into Englād, bicause he receiued aduertisemēt y^t Mal∣colme K. of Scotlād began to make war against

his subiects that bordured next vnto him, where∣vpō he hasted Northwards: and firste comming into Cūberland,* 1.27 tooke y^e Citie of Carleile, & seysed all the Countrey into his hands, and after goyng into Northumberland, he wanne the Towne of Newcastel, with the Castel of Bamburg, and so tooke all that countrey into his possession, whiche his mother the Empresse had sometimes graun∣ted vnto King Dauid, the graundfather of thys Malcolme (as before ye haue hearde,) but yet by∣cause [ 10] he would not seme to offer too much wrōg, and hee esteemed vnthankfull of benefytes before time receiued, he suffered King Malcolme to en∣ioy the Earledome of Huntington,* 1.28 whych Kyng Stephen had giuen vnto hys father Earle Hen∣ry, sonne to K. Dauid, as before is partly tou∣ched.* 1.29 Also William the Erle of Mortaigne, and Warrenne sonne of King Stephen, was com∣pelled to surrender to King Henry, the Castell of Pensey, with the Citie of Norwiche, and other [ 20] such Townes and Castels as he held, which ap∣perteyned to the demaine of the Crowne: and the King in recompence restored to him those landes which his father Kyng Stephen held in the days of Kyng Henry the first.* 1.30 In like manner, Theo∣derike Earle of Flaunders goyng with his wife vnto Ierusalem,* 1.31 committed hys sonne Phi∣lippe with all hys landes, to the custodie of the Kyng of England.

Also Hugh Bigot resigned his Castels into [ 30] the Kings handes. But whilest Kyng Henry was aboute (as before yee haue hearde) to re∣couer and bring home againe the portions of hys kingdome, made away, and dismembred by hys predecessors, he was enformed that the Welch∣men made Rebellion againste him, to represse whose attemptes,* 1.32 hee hasted foorthe with all dili∣gence. At his first approch to their countrey, hys Souldiers being set vppon in the straytes,* 1.33 were right fiercely put backe by the enimies, in so much that a rumor was reysed how Kyng Henry was slayne, whiche puffed vppe the Welchmen with no small hope, and put the Englishmē in no lesse feare. In deede, diuers of the Englishe nobilitie were slayne,* 1.34 and amongst other Eustace Fitz Iohn, and Robert de Curey, men of great honor and reputation, and namely the sayde Eustace. Those that escaped in returning backe, not kno∣wing how the King was got through y^e straites without daunger, declared to theyr fellowes that followed and were approching to the straightes, that (so farre as they knew) the Kyng and all the residue were lost. These newes so discomforted the companies,* 1.35 that Henry of Essex whiche bare the Kings standerd by right of inheritāce, threw downe the same stāderd, and fledde, which disho∣norable doing, was afterward layd to his charge by one Roberte de Mountfort,* 1.36 with whome by order taken of the King, hee fought a combate in triall of the quarrell, and was ouercome: but yet the K. qualifying the rigor of the Iudgement by mercy, pardoned him of life, and appoynted hym to be shorne a Monke,* 1.37 and put into the Abbey of Reading, taking his landes and possessions into his handes as forfeyted: but this Combate was not tried till about the ninth yeare of thys Kyng Henries raigne. The king hearing that his army was thus discomforted, came to his men, & she∣wing himselfe to them with open visage, greatly reioyced the whole multitude, and then proceding foorth against the enimies, his people were after∣wardes more ware in looking to themselues, and so at length when the King prepared to inuade the Welchmen both by water & land,* 1.38 they sought to him for peace, and wholly submitted thēselues vnto his grace and mercy.

[illustration]

* 1.39About the same time, King Henry builded the Castell of Rutland, and also the Castell of Ba∣singwerke, and one house also of Templers. In the moneth of September, this yeare, the Kyngs thirde sonne was borne at Oxeforde, and named Richard.* 1.40 Also the same yeare was Thomas Becket preferred to be the Kings Chauncellour. The K. holding his Christmas at Worceter in great royaltie, sate in the Church at seruice, with his Crowne on his head as the Kings vsed in [ 10] those dayes on solemne feastes, but as soone as Masse was ended,* 1.41 hee tooke his Crowne besydes his head, and set it downe vpō the Aulter in signe of humblenesse, so that hee neuer after passed for the wearing of a Crowne. The same yeare also the King altered his Coyne,* 1.42 abrogating certaine peeces called Basels.

[illustration]

[ 20] [ 30]

In the moneth of August he went ouer into Normandy, and came to an enteruiew with the Frenche King neere to the Riuer of Eata, where they entreated of a friendship, and of a marriage, which was after agreed vpon betwixt Henry, the sonne of King Henry,* 1.43 and the Lady Margaret, daughter to the Frenche King, at whiche tyme, [ 40] Thomas Becket that was then the kings Chā∣cellour, was sent vnto Paris in great aray for to fetch hir: among other furnitures he had nine lōg charrets, as Math. Paris writeth. After that this Lady was deliuered to the Lorde Chauncellour Becket, and broughte from Paris, shee was ap∣poynted from thēcefoorth to remaine in the house of a noble man of great honor named Roberte de Newburge, vntil such time as y^e marriage shuld be solemnized. After the two kings were departed [ 50] in sunder, King Hēry prepared an army to make warre againste Conan Duke of Britaine, who had seased the Citie of Nauntes into his handes, after the decesse of Geffrey the Kings brother, who was Earle of Nauntes: at length, the same Conan perceyuing himselfe not able to resist the King of Englande, vppon the day of the feast of Saint Michael y^e Archangell, came to K. Henry and surrendred into his hands the Citie of Naū∣tes, with all the whole Countrey therevnto belonging. Soone after whiche resignation, & vp∣pon the four and twentith daye of August,* 1.44 Gef∣frey the Kings fourth sonne was borne of hys wife Queene Eleanor. Also in December follo∣wing, Theobalde Earle of Bloys was accorded with K. Henry, to deliuer vnto him two of hys Castels. Likewise Petroke Earle of Perch,* 1.45 sur∣rendred vp two Castels vnto K. Henry, which he had vsurped of the demeanes of Normandy in the dayes of King Stephan. And the King gaue to him againe one of those Castels, receyuing of him homage for the same. Moreouer, K. Henry and Raymond Earle of Barzelone met togither at Blayme,* 1.46 where they concluded a league by way of allegiance, so that Richarde the sonne of K. Henry should take to wife the daughter of the said Raymond in time conueniente, and that the King of England should giue vnto the saw Ri∣chard the Duchie of Aquitaine, and the Countie of Poictow. This Erle Raymond had married the daughter and heire of the King of Arragone. In the meane time, a secret grudge that had long depended betweene King Henry and K. Lewis of Fraunce did still continue, and though there was a friendship agreed betwene them (as ye haue heard) to haue extinguished the same, yet was it but a fained friendship:* 1.47 for vpon euery new occa∣sion, they were ready to breake againe, as it came to passe shortly after by this meanes, William Duke of Aquitaine, Grandfather to Quene Ele∣anor, married the daughter and heire of the Earle of Tholouze, and going into the warres of the holy land, he engaged that Erledome vnto Ray∣mond the Earle of S. Giles,* 1.48 and dyed before hee could returne. His sonne William, father to Q. Eleanor, eyther wanting wherewith, or takyng no heede to the matter, suffered his Earledome to remayne still vnredeemed, so that the Earle of S. Giles, continuing in possession thereof vnto hys dying daye, left it to his sonne Raymonde, who likewise continuing in possession, when Kyng Lewis (hauing married the foresaide Eleanor) demaunded restitution as in the right of his wife, Earle Raymond flatly at the first denyed to re∣store it, but after considering his lacke of power to resist the Kings puissance, he fell to sue by petitiō, and so preuayled by fayre words, that in the ende Kyng Lewis graunted hym hys sister Con∣stance in marriage (which Constance as ye haue heard, was married before vnto Eustace the son of K. Stephan) & with hir he granted also liberty to reteyne the Erledome of Tholouze as it were by way of endowment: whereto the other accor∣ded. But King Henry hauing married the fore∣sayd Queene Eleanore, after the diuorse had be∣twixt hir and King Lewis,* 1.49 made clayme to the

sayde County of Tholouze in the nighte of hys wife.* 1.50 Herevpon Earle Raymond trusting nowe to the ayde of his brother in lawe King Lewis, denyed to restore it, so that King Henry deter∣mined to recouer it by force, and entring by and by into Gascoigne with an Army, hee drewe to∣wards the Countrey of Tholouze; and began to inuade the same with greate force and courage. There ioyned with King Henry in his warre which he attempted againste the Earle of Saint [ 10] Giles,* 1.51 diuers great Lords of those parties, as the Erle of Barzelone,* 1.52 and the Lord Wiliam Trē∣cheuille a mā of great power in those parties ha∣uing vnder hys rule many Cities, Castels and Townes, (notwithstanding that he had of la•••• lost many of them by violence of the foresayde Earle of Tholouze, but now by the aide of King Henry,* 1.53 he recouered them all againe.) Also Mal∣colme King of Scotland came vnto King Hen∣ry whilest he was foorth in this iourney, to associ∣ate [ 20] him in this businesse. The Earle hearing of King Henries comming with an army, was put in great feare, and thereof wrote his letters vnto his brother in law King Lewis, requiring hym with all speede possible to come vnto his ayde. K. Lewis vpon receipt of the letters, and vnderstan∣ding the present daunger of the Earle, made such hast in continuing his iourney both daye and night, that he came to Tholouze before K. Hēry could ariue there: wherevpon, when King Henry vnderstood it, and perceyued how he was preuen∣ted, he chaunged his purpose of besieging the Ci∣tie, and fell to spoyling of the Countrey there a∣boutes, at which time, he recouered cert•…•…yne pla∣ces which lately before had reuolted from his go∣uernement,* 1.54 as the Citie of Cahors and other pla∣ces, whiche Citie of Cahors hee furnished with men, munition and vittayles,* 1.55 appoyntyng hys Chauncellour Thomas Becket to the ke••••ying thereof:* 1.56 and therewith fortifyed other places also which he had gotten, placing C•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 of warre to attend vpon the defen•••••• the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Whilest the King was thus f•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 iourney in the parties of Aquitaine,* 1.57 William Earle of Bollongne and Mortaingn, the sonne of King Stephen, and Harmon Earle of Gloucester de∣parted this life, whiche two Earles went thither with him. Finally, when hee had set things in a stay in those parties he returned towards Nor∣mandy, and comming to the Citie of Towers, he gaue the order of Knighthoode vnto Malcome King of Scotlād, and so in the moneth of Octo∣ber, he came backe into Normandy, & there a•…•…g∣menting his army with new supplyes, entred in∣to the Countie of Beauvoisin,* 1.58 and in the same brenned many villages, and destroyed the strong Castell of Gerbery, except one turret whyche his Souldiers could not take by reason of the fire and

[illustration]

smoke which stayed and kept thē from it. More∣ouer, Simon Earle of Auranches, deliuered vnto [ 50] K. Henry such fortresses as he held in France, as Rochfort, Montfort, and such other, which was no small annoyance to the French K. bycause the garnisons placed in those fortresses, impeach•…•…d y^e passage betwixt Paris and Orleāce. But short∣ly after,* 1.59 a truce was taken to dure from the mo∣neth of December, vnto the feast of the holy Tri∣nitie in the yeare next following. And then in the moneth of May was a peace concluded with the former articles and conditions,* 1.60 and for a further confirmation thereof, the marriage was solem∣nized betwixte Henry the Kyngs sonne beeyng of the age of seuen yeares, and the Lady Marga∣ret daughter to the Frenche Kyng, beeyng not past three yeares olde,* 1.61 as Writers doe reporte. The marriage was celebrate at Newborough on the seconde daye of Nouember, by the autho∣ritie of two Legates of the Apostolike See,* 1.62

Henry Bishop of Pisa, and William Bishoppe of Pauia Priests Cardinals.

* 1.63About the same time, came certayne Teutch∣men ouer into this Realme, about the number of thirtie or moe, the which helde opinions in Re∣ligion contrary to the faythe of the Romayne Church. They were of the number of those whi∣che are called Valdoys, for as one author affir∣meth, they which first spred the opinions abroade whiche these men helde, came out of Gascoigne, [ 10] and did so muche in setting foorthe their doctrine, that theyr number mightely encreased through the large Regions of Spayne, Fraunce, Italy, and Germany. Rude simple men they were for the most part, as is written of them, and not rea∣dy to conceyue reason. Howbeit, those whyche at this time came ouer into England, were indiffe∣rently well learned, and the name of the chiefe of them was Gerard.* 1.64 A Counsell also was assem∣bled at Oxeford, where in the same Counsell they

[illustration]

were examined vppon certayne poyntes of theyr [ 30] profession, and the foresayde Gerard tooke there vpon hym to aunswere for them all, protestyng that they were Christians,* 1.65 and had in all reue∣rence the doctrine of the Apostles. Moreouer, be∣ing examined what they thought of the substāce of the Godhead and merites of Christ, they aun∣swered rightly vpon that poynt,* 1.66 but being further examined in order vpon other the Articles of the Christian faith then receyued, they swarned from the Churche touching the remedies whereby the [ 40] infirmitie of man shoulde bee relieued, that is to witte, in the vse of the diuine Sacramentes, dero∣gating such grace from the same, as the Churche by hir authoritie had attributed vnto them.

To conclude, they would in no wise renounce theyr opinions,* 1.67 so that they were condemned, brenned in the forehead with an hote iron, and in the colde season of winter stripped naked from the girdle steede vp, and so whipped out of y^e Town, with proclamation made, that no man shoulde [ 50] be so hardie as to receyue them into anye house, relieue them with meate,* 1.68 drinke, or by any other kynd of wayes or meanes: and so they were star∣uen to deathe through colde and hunger: and yet in suche their affliction, they seemed to reioyce, in that they suffered for Gods cause as they ac∣compted of it.

The same yeare Mathew, sonne to the Earle of Flaunders, married the Lady Mary the Ab∣besse of Ramsey, daughter to King Stephen,* 1.69 and with hir had the Countie of Bolongne:* 1.70 and a∣bout this marriage chaunced the firste falling out betwixte the King, and his Chauncellor Tho∣mas Becket (as some haue written,) but chiefly, the saide Mathewe was much offended with the sayd Chancellor, bycause he was so sore agaynst the sayd contract. Kyng Henry shortly after the marriage consummate betwixt his sonne and the French Kings daughter, got into hys handes the Castell of Gisors, with two other Castels, situ∣ate vppon the Riuer of Eata in the confynes of Normandy and Fraunce. For it was accorded betwixt the two Kings, that when the marriage should be consummate, King Henry should haue those three Castels, bycause they apperteyned to Normandy, and in the meane time, the same Castels were delyuered into the handes of Ro∣berte de Poyron, Tostes de Saint Omer, and Roberte Hastings, three Knightes templers,* 1.71 the whiche vpon the consummation hadde of the marriages as before is sayd, and according to the trust committed to them, surrendred the possessi∣on of the saide Castels into the handes of Kyng Henry. But y^e French King was not a little mo∣ued, for that King Henry had seysed vpon them withoute his licence, in so muche, that hee reysed a power of menne, and sente them into Nor∣mandie,

where they fought one cruell conflict a∣boue the rest with the Normans, till the nyghte parted them in sunder,* 1.72 by meane whereof the Frenchemen withdrew to Chaumount, and the Romains vnto Gysours. The next daye as the Frenchmen came forth again purposing to haue wonne Gisors, they were beaten back by y^e Nor∣mans which came forth of y^e towne to sky•…•…ish with them.* 1.73 Thus was the warre begon agayne betwixt thiese two Princes: and by the se••••ing•…•…on of Theobalde Erle of Bloys, the matter grewe [ 10] to that point, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 French powers comming forth with into the fielde, and mar∣ching one against an other they were almost ap∣proched so neare together, that battayle was pre∣sently looked for, first in Veulgessyne, and after in the territorie of Dune, but yet in the end a means was made and concluded betwixt them, & so their armies brake vp.* 1.74 The .iij. Templers also ranne in displeasure of the French king for the deliuerie of the castels before they knew his mynde, so that he [ 20] banished them the realm of France for euermo•••• but K. Henry receiued them, and gaue them ho∣norable entertaynement. Some write that there were but two Castels Gisors, and Meall, whiche wer thus put into their hāds,* 1.75 & by them d••••••uered as before is mentioned:* 1.76 But to proceed▪ About this time Theobald Archbish. of Canterbury de∣parted this lyfe after he had gouerned that sea the space of .22. yeares, which Theobald at his going to Rome, and receipt of the Pall of Pope Inno∣cent the second, was also created Legate of the sea [ 30] Apostolike, which office he exercised so diligently, and so much to the auaile of the church there, that the dignitie of Legateship remayned euerafter to the Archbishop of Canterbury by a special decree,* 1.77 so that they were entitled Legati nati, that is to say, born Legates (as myne author doth report.) This Theobald fauored greatly Thomas Bec∣ket, that afterward succeeded him. Which Bec∣ket was also borne in London: moreouer his fa∣ther hight Gilbert, but his mother was a Syrian [ 40] borne, and by religion a Sarazin: howbeit (with∣out all respect of his parents) this Becket grew so highly in fauour with the king,* 1.78 and might doe so much in England, that he seemed to reigne as if he had bin associat with him also in the kingdom, and being lord Chancellor, the king sent ouer in∣to England Richard Lucy in his company with sundry letters in his fauoure, thereby to procure his election to that sea, whiche was broughte to passe according to the kings desire at Westmin∣ster:* 1.79 [ 50] afterward also he was ordeined at Canter∣bury on the Saterday in the Whitson weeke by Henry Bishop of Winchester (although there be that write how Walter bishop of Rochester did consecrate him) whiche consecration was in the xliiij. yeare of his age, and in the fifth yeare after his first aduancement to the office of Lord Chā∣cellor, so that he was the .38. Archbish. which go∣uerned in that sea. The same yeare but towarde the end, Henry the kings so••••••eceyued homage of the barons, first Normandie, and after in En∣gland. In the yeare ensu••••••g the King his father comitted him to the Archebishop Becket,* 1.80 that he might see him brought vp and trained in maners and court•…•…y behauior, as apertained to his estate. Whervpon the Archbish▪ in ga•••• called by in his sin.* 1.81 This yeere at Rohan Queene Elianor was brought wh••••••of a daughter that was named E∣lianor▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like ••••••ner the th••••kings, of Englād and France, at Cocy vpon ••••yre receiued Pope Alexander the third, with al honor and reuerence, in somuch that they att••••ded on his sti••••pe a foote like pages or footmen, the one vpon his right side, & the other on his left. In I••••uary also ensuing, the king returned into Englande,* 1.82 & the same yere the K. of Scottes did homage vnto Henrye the yonger, and deliuered to the Kyng his father his younger brother Dauid, with dyuers other the sonnes of his lordes and barons in pledge for as∣surance of the peace to be kepte betwene them for euermore, with some such castels, with the con∣clusion of the leage (as he required.) In the mean tyme the Archbishop Thomas went to the coun∣sell holden by Pope Alexander at Towres in the Octaues of Pentecost,* 1.83 when he resigned into the Popes handes (as the fame went) his Bishoprick, by reason he was troubled in conscience in that he had receiued it by the kings prefermēt: but this was shortely doone, and the Pope allowing his purpose, cōmitted the same pastorlike dignitie to him again by his ecclesiastical power, wherby the Archbish. was eased very wel of his grief, & short∣ly after his returne also from this counsell, he see∣med desirous to bring home such rights as he pre∣tended to belong vnto the church of Canterbury, wherby he ran into the displeasure of many, na∣mely of the mightiest: moreouer he required of the king the keeping of Rochester Castell and the to∣wer of London.* 1.84 Also he alledged that Saltwood and Hi•…•…h belonged perticularly to the seigniorie of hys sea: he called also Roger Earle of Clare vnto Westminster, to doe his homage vnto him for the Castell of Tunbridge:* 1.85 but the Earl•…•… de∣nyed it through setting on of the king, alledging all the fee thereof to appertayne rather to the king than to the Archbishop Thus the Archbish. was troubled, and therwithall the kings fauour more and more apered dayly to fal from hym, as afore. For ye must vnderstād that this was not the first nor second tyme, that the king had shewed tokens of his displeasure against him, but the eight tyme.* 1.86

After this, vpon the fyrste day of Iuly, Ryse Prince of Southwales with diners other lordes and nobles of Wales didde homage both to the

king and to his sonne Henry at Woodstocke:* 1.87 & Hamlyn y^e kings bastard brother maried y^e Coū∣tesse of Warrein, the widow of William Earle of Mortaigne that was bastarde sonne to king Stephen. This countesse was the sole daughter and heire of William the third earle of Warrein, which went with Lewes king of Fraunce into the holy land & there dyed. Sone after y^e Welche∣men rebelled with their Prince Ryce and his vn∣cle Owen, and did diuers displeasures on y^e Mar∣ches: and by the death of Waltar Gyfford earle of Buckingham, which deceased this yeare with∣out heyre, that Earledome came to the Kinges handes. The .xx. daye of Septēber were .iij. cir∣cles seene to compasse the sunne,* 1.88 and so continued the space of .iij. houres together: which whē they vanished away, it appered y^e two Sunnes sprang forth again after a maruellous manner. Whiche strange sight the cōmon people imagined to be a signe or token of the controuersie that was then in hand betwixt the king and the Archbishop.

Moreouer, the king called a Parliamente at

[illustration]

Westminster, to treate therin of matters concer∣ning the state of the cōmon wealth,* 1.89 in the which here arose great discord betwixt the king and the Archbish. Becket, about certain points touching the liberties of the Church. For the K. hauing an earnest zeale vnto iustice, & cōmanding the Iud∣ges to punish offēders without respect, vnderstod by them, that many things by them of the spiri∣tualtie (against whō their authoritie mighte not be extended) wer cōmitted contrary to cōmon or∣der: [ 40] as theft, rapine, murther, & manslaughter, in somuch that in his presence it was opened & no∣tified that sith the beginning of his reigne there had bin aboue an hundred māslaughters cōmit∣ted within y^e precinct of his realme of England by priests,* 1.90 & mē within orders. Whervpō he be∣ing moued in his minde, set forth lawes ageinst the spiritualtie, wherin he shewed in deed y^e zeale of Iustice. For as the cause proceded frō the Bi∣shops of y^e age,* 1.91 so did the fault appertain vnto thē [ 50] which contrary to their owne Canons permitted the Priests to liue ouer licentiously without due correction,* 1.92 only studying to mayntein y^e liberties and immunities of the church, and not to reform the vices of the ministers. One Philip de Broc, a Canon of Bedford, being arreigned of a murder before the kings iustice, vttered disdaynful words against y^e same Iustice: whiche whē he could not deny before the Archb. he was depriued of his pre∣bend, & banished y^e land for .ij. yeres space. These things troubled the king, who therfore hauing al∣redy decreed such orders as shuld bridle y^e spiritu∣altie from their wicked doings, thought that if he might get them confirmed in parliament by con∣sent of the bishops and clergie thēselues, that then the same shuld take place & be receiued for lawes: and therefore he earnestly required at this parlia∣mēt that it might be enacted,* 1.93 that all suche of the Spiritualtie as shulde be taken and conuicted for any haynous offēce, shuld loose the priuilege of y^e Churche, & be deliuered vnto y^e ciuill magistrate who shuld see them put to executiō for their offē∣ces in like maner as he might any of y^e kings sub∣iectes being lay men: for otherwise the king alled∣ged, y^e they woulde boldly presume to doe muche more mischief, if after spirituall punishment, no secular correction shuld be extended towards thē, since sure it was, that those woulde passe but little of disgradyng and losse of theyr order, whiche in contempte of their calling, woulde not absteyne from committing suche mische∣uous deedes and haynous enormittes.

Vnto these reasons thus proponed by the Kyng, to haue hys purpose to take effecte, the Archbishoppe and his Suffraganes the rest of the Bishoppes answered very pithely, to proue

that it was more againste the liberties of the Church, than that they might with reason wel allow of. Wherevppon the Kyng beyng mo∣ued greeuously towardes them, asked of them whether they would obserue his royall lawes and customes which the Archbyshops and By∣shops in time of his grandfather dyd hold and obserue or not: who therevnto made aunswer, that they would obserue them,* 1.94 their order in all things saued. But the King being highly offē∣ded [ 10] with such exceptions, vrged the matter so, that he woulde haue them to take their oth ab∣solutely, and withoute all exceptions, but they woulde none of that.

* 1.95At length hee departed from London very much displeased with the Bishoppes, when he had firste taken from the Archbishop Thomas all his offices and dignities which he occupyed since his first being created Chancellour.

Howbeit, after this, many of the Bishoppes [ 20] seeyng whervnto thys geare would turne, be∣gan to shrinke from the Archbishop, and encli∣ned to the Kings syde. But the Archbyshoppe stiffely stoode in hys opinion, and woulde not bende at all, till at length not only his Suffra∣ganes the Bishops, but also the Byshoppe of Liseux that was come ouer to do some good in the matter,* 1.96 and likewise the Abbot of Elemo∣sina, sente from the Pope, perswaded him to a∣gree to the Kyngs will, in so much, that final∣ly [ 30] ouercome with the earnest sute of his friēds, hee came firste to Wodstocke,* 1.97 and there promi∣sed the King to obserue his lawes faithfully without all deceipt or collusion.

Shortly after, in the feast of Saint Hilarie, a Counsell was holden at Clarendon, to the which the Archbishoppe, and in manner all the Lordes spirituall and temporall of the lande, made their repaire, where the aforesayde Arch∣bishop would willingly haue sterted from hys [ 40] promise, if first y^e Bishops, and after the Erles of Leicester & Cornewall, Roberte and Reig∣nald (which Reignald was Vncle to the K.* 1.98) had not come vnto him, & lastly two knightes Templers, to perswade him to yeld to y^e kings will. But chiefly the two Knightes, the one named Richarde de Hastings, and the other Hosteus de Boloigne were very earnest, and at length preuayled with him in respect of the daunger which by refusing to sati•…•…fie the kings [ 50] request, he should bring not onely to himselfe, but also to all other the Bishops there present. These Knightes seemed to lament his case, as if already they had seene naked swordes sha∣ken about his eares. And indeede, certaine of the Kings seruaunts that attended vppon hys person after the manner of a gard, wente too and fro, russhing vp and downe the chambers, shaking their brighte battayle axes ready ap∣poynted, and lookyng as if they woulde forth∣with runne vppon the Byshoppes, wherevp∣pon the Archbishop touched with compassion, & seeming to striue againste his determinat pur∣pose, consented to obey the Kyngs pleasure, and so promised in y^e worde of a Prieste,* 1.99 swe∣ring furthermore, that hee woulde obserue the Kings lawes and customes,* 1.100 withoute expres∣sing those words mine order saued, whyche hee had vsed before. The like oth did all the By∣shops take. But the Archbishop refused at that time to seale to the writing that contayned the Articles of the oth which he should haue obser∣ued requiring as it were a time to consider of thē sith in so waighty a matter, nothing ought to be done without good and deliberate aduise, and therefore he tooke with him a copie thereof, and likewise did the Archbishop of Yorke an other, and the thirde remained with the Kyng. Shortly after, the Archbishoppe considering further of this oth whiche he had taken,* 1.101 repen∣ted himselfe greeuously therof, in so much, that he absteyned from saying of Masse, till he had by confession and frutes of penaunce (as saith Math. Paris) obteyned absolution of y^e Pope. For sending foorth with all speede messengers vnto the Pope with a certificate of the whole matter as it lay, he required to be assoiled of y^e bond which he hadde vnaduisedly entred into, which was soone graunted, and the Pope dire∣cted his especial letters vnto him, conteynyng the same absolution in very ample and large maunce as Math Paris doth report it. And thus there began a newe sturre. The Archby∣shop in the meane time perceyuing that the li∣berties of the Church wore now extinguished, and beeyng loth to attempte anye further matter againste his former dealings, as yet woulde not withoute the Kyngs knowledge, haue departed the Realme: and therevppon cōming to Romney, hee tooke shipping to haue passed ouer into Fraunce,* 1.102 so to haue gone to y^e Popes Court, but by a contrary wind he was brought backe into England againe, & therby fell further into y^e Kings displeasure than be∣fore, in so much, that whereas there was an ac∣tion commenced against him of late for a ma∣nor which the Archbishoppes of Caunterbury had of long time holden: nowe the matter was so vsed, that the Archbishop lost the manor, and was moreouer condemned to pay the arrerages,* 1.103 and so the troubles encreased. Finally the Arch∣bish. was cited to appere before the king at Nor∣thampton, where the king vsed him somewhat strangely, as placing his horses at his Iune, and moreouer, layde disobedience to his charge, for that hee didde not appeare at a certayne place

before him in person, vpon Summons giuen to him for the same purpose: and although the Archbishop alledged that he had sent thither a sufficient person to make answeare for him, yet coulde he not be so excused,* 1.104 but that he was found gyltie, and his goodes confiscate to the kings pleasure.

When he hearde that sentence was in suche wise there pronoūced against him, What ma∣ner of iudgement, saith he, is this? I holdyng [ 10] my peace, yet the age that shal herafter folow, wil not keepe it in silence for sithens the world began, it hath not bin heard, that any Archbi∣shop of Canterbury hath bin adiudged in any Court of the kings of England for any maner of cause, both for the dignitie and authoritie of his office, & for bicause he is spiritually the fa∣ther of the king, & of all other his people. This is therfore a new forme & order of iudgement, that the Archbishop should be adiudged by his Suffragan, or the father by his sonnes. The next day the king required of him the repaimēt of fiue. C. markes which he had sent to hym, when he was Chancellor, and though he affir∣med that he receiued the same by way of gyft, and not by way of loue,* 1.105 yet bicause he cōfessed the receit, he was condemned in that debt, for so much as he could not proue the title of the gift. Vpon the morowe after, when the Archbishop with his felow bishops were set in Councell

[illustration]

by commaundement of the king (the doores being locked, that they should not issue forth) there was proponed against the Archbishop, that wheras he held cetaine Bishops Sees as then vacant, with Abbeys, and other reuenues of his soueraigne Lord the king in his hands,* 1.106 & [ 40] had made none account to him for the same of long time, the king required to be aunswered now at his hands, & that with al speede, for he would haue no delay. The summe amounted to thirtie thousand markes. The archb. when he had heard the variable sentences of the Bi∣shops in this case, answered after this maner: I would (said he) speak with two earles which are with the king, and named thē. They being called, and the doore being set opē, he said vnto [ 50] them We haue not here at this present to shew wherby the thing may be more manifest: ther∣fore we aske respite for answere tyl to morow. The Councell therefore being broken vp, the multitude of people which came with y^e archb. thither, being afraid of the kings displeasure, went frō him. He therfore caused his seruaunts to fetch vnto his lodging a gret nūber of poore & impotent people, saying that by the seruice of such maner of men of warre, a more speedye victory might be got, than by thē which in time of temptation shamefully drue backe: his house therfore was anone filled, & the tables set with such as his seruauntes had brought forth of the lanes and streates abrode.

Vpon the Tuesday the Bishops all ama∣sed and full of care, came vnto hym, and bi∣cause of the displeasure whiche the King had conceiued against him,* 1.107 they counsell hym to submyt hym selfe to the kings wyll, or els in fine, they tolde hym plainely, that he woulde be adiudged for a periured person, bicause he had sworne vnto the King, as to his earthly Soueraigne, as touching all earthly honour in life, lymme, and member, and namely to obserue al his royal lawes & customes, which he of late had established. Hereunto he answered: My brethrē,* 1.108 ye see how y^e world roreth against me, the enimie riseth vp, but I more lamēt that the sonnes of my mother fight against me. If I

shoulde holde my peace, yet woulde the worldes to come declare, how ye leaue me alone in y^e bat∣taile, and haue iudged against me now these two dayes past, I being your father, though neuer so much a sinner but I commaunde you by vertue of your 〈…〉〈…〉, and vpon peryll of your order, that you be not present in any place of iudgmēt where my person maye fortune to bee adiudged. And in testimonie hereof,* 1.109 I appeale to our mo∣ther the Churche of Rome. Furthermore, if it [ 10] chance that Temporall men lay their hands vp∣pon me, I charge you likewise by vertue of your obedience, that yee exercise the censures of the Churche for your father the Archbishop as it be∣commeth you. This one thing knowe yee well, that the worlde roreth, the flesh trembleth and is weake, but I by Gods grace wil not shrinke, nor leaue the flocke committed vnto me.

After this be entred into the Churche, and ce∣lebrated Masse of Saint Stephen, otherwise thā [ 20] he was accustomed to doe with his Pall, whyche beeing ended, he put on his sacrificing vestures with a Coape vppon them all,* 1.110 going so to the Court.

Furthermore, bycause he was afrayd, he tooke also the Sacrament secretely with him, & taking moreouer the Crosse in his owne handes, he bare it himselfe in his right hand, and the reyne of hys brydell in his left, and so comming to the court, he alyghted, and entred the place, still bearyng [ 30] the Crosse hymselfe, till he came to the kings chamber doore, the other Bishoppes followyng him with greate feare and trembling. Being come thither, the Bishoppe of Hereforde woulde gladly haue taken the Crosse to haue borne it be∣fore him •…•…bu•…•…h•…•… wold not suffer him, but sayd: It is most reason that I should beare it my self, vn∣der the defence wherof I may remaine in safetie: and beholding this ensign, I nede not to doubte vnder what Prince I serue. At length when the [ 40] king exhibited against him greate complaintes vnto them al generally, they cryed that he was a Traytor,* 1.111 the he had receyued so many benefites at the Kings handes, and now refused to do vn∣to him all earthly honor as he had sworne to do. To be short when the Bishops came to sit vpon the matter in councell, they appealed to the sea of Rome against the Archebishop, accusing him of periurie: and in the worde of trueth bound them∣selues by promise, to do what in them might lye, [ 50] to depose him, if the King would pardon them of that iudgemente whiche nowe hanged ouer the Archbishops heade: and comming to the Arch∣bishop they said: Somtime thou wast our Arch∣bishop, and wee were bound to obey thee: but sith thou haste sworne fealtie to the Kyng, that is to say, life, member and earthly honour, and to ob∣serue his lawes and customes, and nowe goest aboute to destroye the same,* 1.112 wee saye that thou arte guiltie of periurie, and wee will not from hencefoorth obey a periured Archebishoppe, and therfore we cite ther by appellation to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣fore the Popes presence, there to answer to these thynges, and so they appoynted hear a daye, in whiche they meant to prosecute their appeale. I heare you wel said the Archebishop In lyke maner did the Princes and peeres of the Realme iudge him to bee a periured person and & ••••y∣coure.

The Earle of Leycester being accompanyed with Reginalde Earle of Cornewall, came vn∣to him, and sayde also: The Kyng commaun∣deth thee to come and render an accompt of that whiche is obiected against thee, or else heare thy iudgement. Iudgement (sayd the Archbyshop) and therewyth rysing vp sayde, Nay founde 〈◊〉〈◊〉, fyrst heare thou: It is not vnto thee 〈…〉〈…〉 howe faythfull I haue bene to the Kyng, and in consideration thereof, he promoted erle to the Archebishops sea, as God can bee my iuge a∣gaynst my will: For I knewe myne owne in∣firmitie, and I was con••••••ted to take it vppon mee rather for his pleasure, than for Gods cause, and therefore dothe God bothe withdrawe hym selfe and the king from me In the 〈…〉〈…〉 election he made me flee, and discharged 〈…〉〈…〉 all Courtely bondage: and 〈…〉〈…〉 those things from the whiche I am 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I am not bounde to answere, neyther wyll I: So muche as the soule is more woorth than the bodye, so muche the more arte thou bounde to obey God and mee, rather than any earthly crea∣ture. Neyther wil lawe nor reason peruillte that the sonnes should iudge or condemne the fur∣ther: wherevpon I refuse to stande to the iudge∣ment eyther of the kyng, or of any other appea∣ling to the presence of the Pope, by whome vn∣der God I ought to be iudged, putting all that I haue vnder Gods protection and hys and vn∣der defence of his authoritie I departe oute of thys place, and so wente incontinent to take his horsse.

As he wente his waye, the kings seruauntes and others of the Courte, didde speake manye reprochefull woordes agaynste hym, callyng hym traytour and false forsworne caylife.

At whyche woordes, tournyng hymself,* 1.113 and lookyng backe with a strene countenaunce he made thys aunswere: That if it were not for his order of Priesthoode, and that it were law∣full for hym, he woulde surely cleere hymselfe of periurie & treason, in defending his cause against them with weapon in hande.

At his commyng to the vtter gate, he founde the same fast locked, whereof they beganne all to be amazed: but one of his seruaunts espying

where a bunche of keyes were tyed to a clubbes ende that didde hang on a pinne, he tooke them downe, and tryed whiche was the right key, and findyng it at the last, he opened the gate, and so the Archebishop wente foorth, whylest the Por∣ters stoode as him amazed, and spake not one woord against it.

Thus as hee got foorthe, a greate number of poore, weake and impotent people met him, say∣ing: Blessed is God, whiche hath deliuered hys [ 10] seruant from the face of his enimie. Thus with a greate route or companie, and with the Cler∣gie, he was honourably conueyed vnto the Ab∣bey of Saint Andrew: and looking behynd and before him, as hee passed thitherwarde, he sayde vnto those that went with him: Howe glorious a procession doth bring me frō the face of the eni∣mie: Suffer all the poore people to come into the place, that we maye make merie togither in the Lorde. Who were by and by called in, so that [ 20] all the hall, parloures, and chambers were sette with tables for them to sit downe at, where they were serued with victuals at the full.

The same night also before the cocks crowing he issued foorth by a little posterne gate,* 1.114 and ta∣kyng with him only two Monkes of the Ciste∣aux order, the one named Roberte Canne, and the other, S. Cayman, with one of his owne ser∣uances called Roger de Broe, he fled away dis∣guised in a white vesture, and a Monkes coule, [ 30] and chaunging his name, caused hymselfe to be called Dereman: He iourneyed still all the night and by daye laye close in one freendes house or other al finally, he got to Sandwiche, and there getting a shippe sayled ouer into Flaunders, and so went into Fraunce, where at the citie of Sens he founde Pope Alexander, to whome he opened all the manner and occasion of his commyng awaye. [ 40]

The king vpon knowledge that the Archebi∣shoppe was fled the realme,* 1.115 sendeth with al speed Gilbert Follioth bishop of London, and Williā Earle of Arundell in ambassade to the kyng of Fraunce to signifye vnto him the whole matter and circumstance of the falling out betwixt him and the Archebishoppe, requiring him not to re∣ceyue the Archebishop into his realme: but this request was little regarded of the Frenche King as appeared: for the Archbishoppes cause was [ 50] fauoured of manye, and the blame imputed to king Henry, so that the Archbishop found greate frendshippe bothe in the Frenche king and in the Pope, as after shall appeare.

King Henry therfore bearyng that he was thus accused by the same Archebishop vnto the Pope,* 1.116 appoynted Roger Archebishop of Yorke, the foresayd Gilbert Bishoppe of London, Hil∣larius Bishop of Chichester, Roger Byshop Worcester, Bartholomewe bishop of Excester, with other Bishoppes, Deanes, Archedeacons, and other learned men of good accompte, to the number of .xv. to passe in Ambassade vnto the Pope, that they myght excuse his doyngs, and burdeyn the Archebishoppe with the note of re∣bellion, wherof he had good proofe.

These personages being admitted to declare theyr message in the consistorie before the Pope,* 1.117 they open the whole circumstance of the matter, from the beginning to the ende, declaring howe that betwixt Thomas the Archebishop of Can∣terburie and the king, there was a controuersie moued, and by bothe their consentes, a day ap∣poynted for the hearing and determining therof, as Iustice should require. At the whiche day by the kings commaundement all the chiefest lordes of the realme both spirituall and temporall were called together, to the ende that the more gene∣rall the Assemblie should be, the more manifeste might the discoueryng of the fraude and ma∣lice of the Archbishop appeare.

Vpon the daye appoynted, there came (saye they) before the Catholike Prince his presence, the nobles of his Realme: and amongest other, the Archebishop the disquieter bothe of the king∣dome and Churche, who as one not well assu∣red of the qualitie of his owne deseruings, bles∣sed himselfe with the signe of the Crosse at his comming into the house, as thoughe he shoulde haue come before some tyraunt or schismaticall person: and for al this, was not the kings maie∣stie any thing offended therwith, but cōmitted y^e iudgement of his cause to the faythfull order of the Bishops, so to delyuer himself of all suspiti∣on of wrong dealing. And thus it rested in the Bishops handes to make an ende of the contro∣uersie, and to set al things streight betwixt them. But the Archebishoppe woulde none of that, al∣ledging howe it shoulde bee a derogation to the sea Apostolike and dignitie thereof, for hym to stand before the king in iudgement, or any other temporall Magistrate. And albeit (saye they) some derogation might haue chanced to the dig∣nitie of the Churche by that iudgemente, yet it had bin his parte to haue dissembled the matter for the tyme, to the ende that peace mighte haue bene restored to the Church. He further obiected (ascribyng to hymselfe the name of Father, the whiche seemed to smell somewhat of arrogan∣cye) that the chyldren ought: not to come togy∣ther to iudge the fathers causes, where it had bin farre more necessarie rather that the humblenesse of the sons should mitigate and temper the pride and ambition of the father.

To conclude, after this the kings Ambassadors made earnest suite that two Legates mighte bee sente from the Pope to haue the hearyng and

discussing of all the master betwixt the king and the Archebishop without any other appealyng.* 1.118 But the kings tale coulde not bee hearde in that Courte, the Archebishoppe hauyng already per∣swaded the Pope to the contrarie. For comyng to the Pope, hee vttered his complaynte as fol∣loweth:* 1.119

Moste holye father, I doe here come for suc∣cor to your audience, lamenting that the state of the Church, & the liberties therof are brought to [ 10] ruine by the couetous dealyng of Kinges and Princes. Wherfore whē I thought to resist the disease aproching, I was sodenly called before y^e king to reder accōpts as a lay mā about certaine wards the which while I was the kings Chan∣cellour, I had notwithstanding accompted for) and also, when I was made bishop, and entred into the dignitie of ruling the Archebishops sea, I was released & discharged of al accompes and bondes by the kings eldest sonne, and by the chief [ 20] Iustice of the Realme: so that nowe where I looked so haue found ayde, I was destitute ther∣of to my great hinderance and vexation. Con∣sider furthermore I pray you, howe my lordes and brethren the Bishoppes are readye at the pleasure of the noble then of the Courte to giue sentence against me, so that all men being about to run vpon me, I was almoste oppressed: and therfore am now come as it were to take breath in the audience of your clemencie, whiche doth [ 30] not forsake youre children in their extreeme ne∣cessitie, afore the whiche I heere stand readye to declare and testifye that I am not to be iudged there, nor yet at all by them. For what other thyng shoulde that bee but so plucke awaye the rightes of the Churche? what else then to sub∣mit spirituall things to temporall? This ensam∣ple therefore once sprong vp, myght giue an oc∣cassion too manie enormities to followe. The bi∣shoppes [ 40] doe say. Those things that are Cesars, ought to be restored to Cesar: but admitte that in manye thinges the King is to be obeyed, Is he yet therefore to bee obeyed in thinges where∣in he is no King? For those belong not to Ce∣sar, but to a tyrant. In the whyche if for my cause they woulde not, yet oughte the Bishops for their owne causes to haue resisted him: For what should bee the cause of suche hatred that so destroye mee, they shoulde destroy them selues? [ 50] Therfore whylest for temporall thyngs they ne∣glecte spirituall, they fayle in bothe. Weygh therfore, moste holye father, my fleeing awaye, and my persecution, and howe for your sake I haue bene prouoked with iniuryes, vse therefore your rigour, constrayne them to amendement, thorough whose motion thys hathe chaunced, lette them not be borne out by the king who is rather the obstinate minister of this practise, than the fynder out of it.

The Pope hauyng hearde his woordes, tooke deliberation in the matter, wyth aduice of hys Cardinalles, and thervpon answered the Arch∣bishop in effecte as foloweth.* 1.120

That the lower power maye not iudge the greater, and chiefly hym whome hee is bounde to obeye, as the lawes bothe of God and manne doe witnesse, and the ordinaunces of the Aun∣cient Fathers do manifestly declare: And here∣vpon wee (to whome it appertayneth to reforme disorders) doe clearely reuerse and make voyde the Iudgement pronounced agaynst you by the Barons and Bishoppes, wherby as well against the order of Lawe, as agaynste the customes of the Churche, your goodes were adiudged for∣fayte, where as the same goodes were not yours, but the churches of Canterburye, ouer whyche you haue the only cure and charge. But if those that haue violently entred vppon the possessions and goodes of youre Churche, and haue there∣by wronged eyther you or yours, will not vp∣on admonition gyuen to them, make restitu∣tion with sufficiente amendes, then maye you i•…•… you shall thincke conueniente, exercise ecclesiasti∣call Iustice vpon them, and wee shall allowe of that whiche you shall reasonably doe in that be∣halfe: But as touching the King himselfe, we wil not giue you any speciall commaundement, neither yet do we take from you any right belon∣ging to your bishoplike office, whiche you recey∣ued at your consecration. But the king only wee will spare, and preserue out of the daunger of all your excomunications and censures.* 1.121 The arch∣bishop resigned his Palle vnto the Pope, but the Pope gaue it vnto him againe, and appoynted him to remaine at Pountney an Abbey of Mon∣kes Cisteaux, in the diocesse of Auxerre, tyll the matter were brought to some good ende betwixt the king and him: This was done in the yeare of our Lorde .11164.

The king hauing knowledge by his ambas∣sadors what aunswere the Pope had made, be∣came grieuously offended in his minde, and ther∣vpon confiscated all the goods that belonged to the Archebishop and his complices, and seysed their reuenues into his handes, appoyntyng one Randall de Broe, to haue the custodie of al that belonged to the sea,* 1.122 whiche Broe was nothyng friendly to the Archbishop, as an enimie knowne to hym of olde, but the Monkes he fauoured and would not suffer that they shuld susteyne wrong or displeasure at any hande.

In the yeare folowing, to wit. 1165.* 1.123 Queene Elenore was deliuered of a daughter which was named Ioane: Also on the .26. day of Ianuarie, there chanced a maruellous earthquake in Nor∣folke in the Ile of Ely, and in Suffolke,* 1.124 so that

men as they stood on the grounde were ouerthro∣wen therewith, and buildings so shaken, that the belles in steeples knolled: The like had also chan∣ced in the aduent season then laste before passed.

* 1.125The Welchemen this yeare spoyled a greate parte of those Countreyes that were borderers vpon them: Wherewith the king being sore mo∣ued, with all speede leuyed an armie as well of Englishmen as straungers,* 1.126 and (without regard, of the difficulties and daungers) goeth againste [ 10] the rebelles, and fynding them withdrawne in∣to these starting holes (I meane the wooddes and strayt passages,) he compassed the same about in verie forcible maner. The Welchemen percey∣uing themselues nowe to bee brought into suche danger, as that they coulde not well deuise howe to escape the same, cōsulted what was best to be done. After consultation, casting away their we∣pons, they came foorth to the king, asking mer∣cie, [ 20] which they somwhat hardly obteyned. Few of them also were executed in comparison of the numbers that offended: But yet the capitaynes and chiefe authors of this rebellion were so pu∣nished, that it was thoughte they woulde neuer haue presumed so rashely to offend: him in lyke sorte agayne.* 1.127 For (as some writers affirme) hee did iustice on the sonnes of Riz or Rees, and al∣so of the sons and daughters of other noble men that were his complices very rigorously: causing [ 30] the eyes of the yong striplings to be raced out of their heades, and theyr noses to be cut off or slit: and the eares of the yong Gentlewomen to bee stoufed. But yet I fynde in other authors, that in this iourney king Henrie did not greatly pre∣uayle against his enimies, but rather lost many of his men of warre, both horsemen and footmen: for by his seuere proceeding against them,* 1.128 he ra∣ther made them more eger to seeke reuenge, than quieted them in any thyng. They tooke the Ca∣stell of Cardigan, and in the assieging of Bri∣ges, [ 40] the King was in no small daunger of hys lyfe: For one of the enimies shooting directly at him, had perced him through the bodie,* 1.129 if Hubert de Saint Clere conestable of Colchester, percey∣uing the arrowe comming, had not thrust hym∣selfe betwixt the King and the same arrowe, and so preseruing his mayster, receyued the strype hymselfe, whereof he dyed presently after, besee∣ching y^e king to be good lorde to one only daugh∣ter which he had,* 1.130 whō the king bestowed in ma∣riage [ 50] vpō William de Langualee, togither with hir fathers inheritance, whiche William begate of hir a sonne that bare bothe his name and sur∣name.

But to conclude with this iourney which K. Henry made at this time againste the Welche∣men,* 1.131 although by reason of the cumbersom dif∣ficulties of the places, he coulde not enter within the countrey so farre as he wished, yet he so ham∣pered them vp, and cōstrained them to kepe with∣in the woods and mountains, that they durst not come abrode, & at lēgth wer glad to sue for peace.

William king of Scots that succeeded Mal∣colme (who departed this lyfe in the yeare laste past) after he had receyued the crowne of Scot∣lande,* 1.132 came aboute this presente tyme into En∣gland, and fynding king Henry at London, did his homage to him as his predecessour Malcolm had doone before him. He made suite also to haue Northumberlande restored to hym, whiche the king of Englandes mother the Empresse had in tymes past giuen vnto King Dauid.

But king Henry layde dyuers reasons to ex∣cuse him selfe why hee myghte not deliuer that countrey to him at that presente, namely with∣out consent of a parliament: and so king Wil∣liā perceyuing how y^e matter went, gaue ouer his sute for that present, meaning when occasion ser∣ued, to attēpt to get it by force, sith that by prayer he sawe well inough he should not obteyne it.

Moreouer, the Scottishe king being required by kyng Henrye to go ouer with him into Nor∣mandie, he graunted so to doe. And now king Henrye hauyng sette all thyngs in order with∣in his Realme of Englande in the Lent follo∣wing, he passed ouer into Normandie.* 1.133 But be∣fore he tooke his iourney, he sette foorth a decree that no manne should bring any letters or com∣maundemente from Pope Alexander, or from Thomas Archebishop of Canterburie into En∣gland, conteyning an Interdiction of the realm: vpon perill to be apprehended and punished as a traytour to the ••••ng, and enimie to the realme:

Also that no religious person or Priest shuld bee permitted to passe the seas, or to come into the Realme of Englande, excepte he had Let∣ters of safeconducte from the Iustices for pas∣sage ouer,* 1.134 and of the King for his returne from thence. Also it was generally forbidden, that no manne shoulde appeale to the sayd Pope or Archebishoppe, nor by their appoyntemente to holde any pleas: And if any person were found doing contrary herevnto, he should be taken and committed to prison. Furthermore, if anye maner of person eyther Spiritual or Temporal, were obedient to the sentence of the Interdicti∣on, the same persone shoulde bee banyshed the Realme withoute delaye, and all hys lignage wyth hym, and so as they should not conueye wyth them anye of theyr goodes, the whyche together wyth theyr possessions should be sea∣sed into the kings handes.

Also all spirituall persons that had any be∣nefices within Englande were appoynted to haue warnyng giuen to returne into England within foure moneths after the same summons

pronounced, and that if they fayled hereof, then shoulde the Kyng seyse vpon their goodes and possessions.

Also the Bishoppes of London and Nor∣wiche, were summoned to appeare before the Kyngs Iustices to aunswere in that they bad interdited the landes of Earle Hugh, and ex∣communicated the sayd Garle.

Also that the pens of Saint Peter should be gathered and kept. [ 10]

* 1.135In the Octaues of Easter king Henry came, to an entervew with the Frenche King at Gy∣soures, where they hadde conference together of sundrye matters.

Thys yeare the Queene was delyuered of a sonne named, Iohn that was after king of this calme.

* 1.136Moreouer, kyng Henry calsyng a counsel of his Bishops and Barons there in Normandie, a collection was ordeyned by their aduise to be [ 20] made through all his countreys and domini∣ons of two pence of the pounde of euery mans landes and goodes,* 1.137 iewells and apparell onely excepted: to be payde this yeare .1166. and for the space of foure yeares nexte ensuyng, one pe∣nye of euerye pounde to be payde yearely, and those that hadde not the woorth in goodes or lan∣des the value of twentie shillings, and were yet, householders, or had any office, they shoulde pay a penye to this contribution, whiche was one∣ly [ 30] graunted for the reliefe of the Christians in the Easte partes, and those that warred a∣gaynste the misereantes there. The payemente therof was appoynted to be made in the feaste daye of Saynte Remigius, or within fifteene dayes after: and all suche as departed this lyfe within the tearme that this collection was cur∣raunt, theyr debtes beyng payde, were appoyn∣ted by the same ordinaunce to gyue the tenthe parte of all the residue of theyr goodes vnto this [ 40] so necessarie a contribution.

King Henry remayning nowe in Norman∣die, and vnderstanding that dyuers Lordes and Barons of Mayne, and of the marches of Bri∣tayne, woulde not in his absence shewe them∣selues obedient vnto his wyfe Quene Eleanor, but were aboute to practise a rebellion. He rey∣sed an armie, and wente agaynste them, easily subduyng those, whom be founde obstinate: and besieging the Castell of Foulgiers,* 1.138 tooke and [ 50] vtterly destroyed it.

Soone after the Archebishop of Canterbury came from Pountney to Vizeley,* 1.139 and there on the Ascention day when the Churche was moste full of people, he got him into the Pulpet, and with booke, bell, and candell, solemnely accur∣sed all the obseruers, defendours, and mayntey∣nees, with the promoters of suche customes as within the realme of Englande they terme the Customs of theyr elders: And amongest other were namely accursed Richarde de Lucy, Ri∣charde the Archedeacon of Poyctiers, Iocelyn de Bailleville, Alane de Neuille, and manye other. But they beeing absente, neyther called nor conuicte (as they alleaged) notwithstanding they were thus excommunicate,) sente theyr messengers vnto the Archebishoppe, and appea∣led from hym, and so feared not to enter into theyr churches.

He hadde before this written also vnto hys Suffraganes certayne Letters,* 1.140 and in the same denounced some of these persones by expresse name accursed, and also other, not onely for mayntenyng the matter agaynst hym, touching the aunciente custome of the Realme: but also for the schisme reysed in Almayne by Reginald Archebishoppe of Coleyn, for the which he ac∣cursed one Iohn of Oxforde.

Moreouer, he accursed Raynulfe de Brocke, Hugh Saynt Clere, and Thomas Fitz Ber∣narde, for violently seysing vpon and deteyning the goods and possessions belonging to his Arch∣bishoprike, without his consente or agreemente thervnto had.

The kyng on the other parte banished out of Englande, and all the parties of his other do∣minions, all those persons that were knowen to be of kinne vnto the Archebishoppe, both yong and olde.

And furthermore he sent aduertisement to the Abbot of Pountney, and to his Monkes, with whom the Archebishoppe by the Popes appoint∣mente remayned, that if they kepte hym styll in theyr house, he woulde not fayle to banyshe out of Englande alll the Monkes of their order. And so the Archebishop of his owne accorde af∣ter he had remayned there vneth two yeares, de∣parted from thence, and came to the kyng of Fraunce, who courteously receyued hym, and sent him to the Abbey of Saint Columbes nere to the Citie of Sins, where he remayned a cer∣tayne season, as shall be shewed hereafter.

Shortely after this,* 1.141 came vnto Montmi•…•…iall two Legates from the Pope, William of Pa∣uia, and Iohn of Naples, bothe Cardinalles, whome the Archbishoppe suspected rather to fa∣uour the kings cause than hys: yet he was con∣•…•…tuted that they shoulde haue the Iudgemente thereof committed vnto them: so that fieth ac∣cording to the rules of the Church there might restitution bee made bothe to hym and to hys, of suche goodes as had bin taken from them. For being dispoyled as he was, he woulde not stande to any iudgement, nor could not be com∣pelled therevnto by anye reason (as he sayde) so that the two Legates when they sawe

that they coald not bring any thing to passe, de∣parted againe without any thing concluded.

* 1.142About this time Williā Talvan erle of Sa∣gium by the cōsent of his sons and nephues, de∣liuered into the handes of king Henry the castels of Aleriū,* 1.143 and Roche Laberie, with al the appur∣tenances to the same castels belonging.

About this season also Conane the Duke of Britayne departed this lyfe,* 1.144 leauing behynd him▪ no issue, but one only daughter begot of his wife [ 10] the Duchesse Constance▪ the daughter of the K. of Scotlande, which succeeded him in the astate. Whervpon K. Henry made earnest sute to pro∣cure a mariage betwixte hir and his sonne Gef∣frey,* 1.145 whiche at length he brought to passe, to the high comforte and contentation of his mynde, in that his sonne had by such good fortune atteyned to the dukedome of Britayne.

There were in that season in Britayn certain noble mē of such strength & power, that they dis∣dained [ 20] to acknowledge thēselues subiects to any superior power, & throgh ambitions desire of rule & preeminēce, they warred cōtinually one against an other, to the greate destruction and vtter vn∣doing of their miserable countrey, so that the fiel∣des sometyme fruitfull and batefull by nature, were become as a wylde desert. Herevpon, those that were the weaker partie, perceiuing themsel∣ues too muche ouerpressed by their aduersaries, submit themselues vnto king Henry, requiring [ 30] him of ayde and succour.

King Henrie reioycing to haue so good an oc∣casion and oportunitie to reduce them to reason, with all speede ayded them that required healpe, and subdued those that resisted his power,* 1.146 not∣withstandyng their greate puissaunce, and the strength of the places whiche they kept.

And in the meane while the kings sonne Hen∣rye came ouer to his Father,* 1.147 and founde him at Poytiers, from whence shortly after Easter, he [ 40] remoued, and with an army entred into the lan∣des of the Earle of Aluergue, the which he wa∣sted and spoyled, bycause the sayd Earle had re∣nounced his allegiance to King Henrye, & made his resorte to the French king, seekyng to sowe discorde betwixte the foresayd two kyngs: which discord was kindled the more by a chalenge pre∣tended about the sendyng of the money ouer in∣to the holye lande whiche was gathered within the countie of Tours: for the Frenche Kyng [ 50] claymed to sende it, by reason that the Churche there appertained to his dominion: and the king of Englande would haue sente it bicause that it was gathered within the countrey that belon∣ged to his gouernenente.* 1.148

Thys yeare a greate preparasion of shippes was made by the Earle of Bolongne, to haue inuaded Englande, but by the warlyke proui∣syon of Richarde Lucye, Lorde gouernoure of the realme, the sea coastes were so prouided of sufficiente defence, that the Earles attemptes came to nothyng.

The cause why he made thys bragge, was for that the kyng withhelde from hym certaine reuenues which he claimed to haue here in Eng∣land, & therfore he ment to recouer them by force.

The Empresse Maude mother to the Kyng of Englande, a woman in stoutenesse of sto∣macke and warrelyke attemptes more famous than commonly any of that sexe,* 1.149 deceassed this yeare the tenth of September.

Also Roberte bishoppe of Lincolne depar∣ted thys lyfe, after whose deceasse the Sea of Lincolne was vacant by the space of seuentene yeares, the king in al that meane tyme receiuing the profites.

The Elect of Coleyn came ambassador from* 1.150

[illustration]

the Emperoure vnto the Kyng of Englande,* 1.151 requyring to haue one of his daughters giuen in mariage vnto the Emperoures sonne, and an other of them vnto Henrye Duke of Saxonie: which request the king did willingly grant, and thervpon was the Queene sent for to come ouer into Normandie, and to bring with hir the lord Richard hir sonne and hir daughter the Ladye Maude:* 1.152 the whyche Ladye was maryed vnto the Duke of Saxonie, in the beginning of the yeare nexte ensuyng. She had issue by him .iij. sonnes, Henry, Otho, and William,* 1.153 of whiche the middlemost came to be Emperor.

The variance stil depending betwixt the king & the Archbishop of Canterbury:* 1.154 there was also about the same time a great debate betwixte the Emperour Frederike the first & Pope Alexander the third: whervpon king Hēry wrote to the em∣peror, & signified vnto him,* 1.155 that he wold ayd him if nede should require againste the Pope, whiche maynteyned such a runagate traitor as the arch∣bishop Becket was. Moreouer at the same time the king caused all his subiects within the realme

of Englande, from the chylde of .xij. yeares olde vnto the aged person, to forsweare all obedience that might be pretended, as due to the same Pope Alexander. The king for the space of two yeares togither remaining still in Normandie, and in other places beyonde the seas, subdued diuers re∣belles, as the earle of Angoulesme, Aymerike de Aueyg•…•…, and his sonnes Robert and Hugh.

Also he came to an entervew with the king of France betwixt Pary and Maunte,* 1.156 where they [ 10] communed of suche iniuries as were thought to be attempted on eyther part: For the Poictovins had made their resorte to the Frenche king, and were confederate with him against their supreme Lorde King Henry,* 1.157 and had deliuered pledges for assurance therof, which pledges the Frenche king woulde not restore.

But yet there was a truce concluded betwixt them to endure tyl the feast of Saint Iohn Bap∣tist.* 1.158 About the feast of Easter also Patrike Erle [ 20] of Salisburye was slayne by treason of y^e Poyc∣tovyns and was buryed at Saint Hillary. After him his son Williā succeded in y^e earledom. The Britons practysed dayly Rebellions: but King Henry entring their countrey, wan diuers strōg townes and castels, and brought them at length vnder his subiection. Moreouer in this sommer season y^e two kings met again at Fert Bernarde to talke of peace, but they departed without con∣cluding any agreemente at all. For there were manie of the Poyctovyns and Brytons, whiche [ 30] tooke parte with the kyng of Fraunce, and ha∣uing deliuered vnto him hostages, had a promise made to them, that the French kyng should not conclude an agreement with the king of Eng∣lande without theyr consent. Herevpon therfore they made warres eyther vpon other,* 1.159 till finally about the feast of the Epiphanie a peace was ac∣corded betwixt them: And then Henry the king of Englands sonne made his homage vnto the Frenche king for the countie of Aniou, and the [ 40] Frenche king graunted to hym the office of the Seneschalcie of France, which anciently belon∣ged vnto the Erles of Aniou.* 1.160 Also Geoffrey duke of Britayne did homag▪ to his elder brother the aforesayde Henry, by commaundement of his father,* 1.161 for the duchie of Britain. And afterwards the same Geffrey went into Britain, & at Rhey∣nes receiued the homage and fealtie of y^e Lordes and barons of that countrey.

K. Henrye in that meane while subdued cer∣tain [ 50] rebells in Gascoine, & retourning into Nor∣mandie, buylt a goodly towne and fortresse nere to Hay de Malafrey, cleped Beauver.

Aboute the same tyme one Haruey de Yuon that had marryed the daughter of one William Goieth (who dyed in his iourney which he toke into the holy land) deliuered certaine castels into he handes of king Henry, bicause he was in de∣spaire to keepe them against Theobald Earle of Chartres, the which through the Frenche kyngs ayd, sought to dispossesse him of the same castels: And so herevpon the warre was renued betwixte the king of England and the said Erle of Char∣tres. Neuerthelesse king Henry making no great accompt of those warres, wente into Britayne with his sonne Geoffrey, where going about the countrey to visite the Cities and townes, he re∣formed many misorders, laying as it wer a ma∣ner of a new fundation of things there, fortify∣ing the Castels, Cities and townes, and com∣muning in courteous manner with the Lordes and peeres of the countrey, sought to win their good willes: and so in suche exercises, he spent a great parte of the tyme.* 1.162 He kept his Christmasse at Nauntes, whether all the greate lordes and barons of Britayne resorted to him, and when the solemnitie of that feast was paste, he entred into the lands of an Erle called Eudo, and wa∣sted the same, tyll the sayd Earle submitted him selfe. At length after that the king had taken or∣der for the good gouernment of Normandie, and his other Countries on that side the sea, he retur∣ned into England in the first weeke of the month of March, but not without great daunger, by re∣son of a tempest that took him on the seas, begin∣ning about mydnight, and not ceassing til .ix. of the clocke in the morning, about which houre he came a lande at Portesmouth, not with many of his ships, the reste being tossed and driuen to seeke succour in sundrye creekes and hauens of the lande, and one of them which was the chie∣fest and newest, was loste in the middle of the flouds, togyther with .iiij. C. persons of menne and women: amongest the which were Henry de Aguell with .ij. of his sonnes Gilbert Sul•…•…e∣muy and Rafe Beumount the kings Physition and houshold seruaunt.

After this the king held his Easter at Wyn∣sor,* 1.163 whyther came to him William the Scot∣tishe king, wyth his brother Dauid to welcom him home, and to congratulate his happie suc∣cesse in his businesse on the further syde the seas. They were honourably entertained, and at their departure princely rewarded.

The King beeyng returned thus into Eng∣lande, punished the Sheriffes of the lande right grieuously for their extortion, brybery, and ra∣pine.

After this,* 1.164 studying howe to assure the estate of the Realme vnto his sonnes, vpon good con∣sideration, remembring that no liuing creature was more subiecte to the vncertayntie of death than Adams heires,* 1.165 and that there is ingrafted suche a feruent desyre in the ambitions nature of man to gouerne, that so ofte as they once come

in hope of a kingdome, they are without regard eyther of right or wrong, God or deuyll, tyll they be in possession of theyr desyred pray: Hee thought it not the worst poynt of wysedome to foresee that whyche myghte happen: for if hee shoulde chaunce to departe thys lyfe, and leaue his sonnes young, and not able to maynteyne warres through lacke of knowledge, it myght fortune them thorough the ambition of some to be defrauded and disappoynted of theyr lawfull [ 10] inheritaunce. Therefore to preuente the chaun∣ces of fortune, he determined whylest hee was alyue to crowne his eldest sonne Henry, being nowe of the age of .xvij. yeares, and so to in∣ueste hym in the kingdome by his owne acte in his lyfe tyme: which died turned hym to much trouble, as after shall appeare.

Thus being vpon this poynt resolued, he cal∣leth togyther a parliament of the nobles bothe spirituall and temporall at London,* 1.166 and there [ 20] [on Saint Bartholomews daye] proclaymed his sayd sonne Henry fellowe with hym in the kyngdome, whome after this on [the Sundaye followyng] beyng the fourtenth daye of Iune 1170.* 1.167 Roger the Archbishoppe of Yorke dyd crowne accordyng to the manner, commaun∣ded so to doe by the kyng. Thys office apper∣tayned vnto the Archbishoppe of Canterbury, but bycause he was banished the Realme, the Kyng appoynted the Archbishoppe of Yorke [ 30] to doe it, which he ought not to haue done with∣out licence of the Archebyshop of Canterbury within the precincte of his prouince,* 1.168 (as was alledged by the Archbyshop Becket) who com∣playned thereof vnto Pope Alexander, and so incensed the Pope, that hee beyng hyghly mo∣ued, by his letters forbad, not only the Archbi∣shop of Yorke,* 1.169 but also Gilberte Bishoppe of London, and Iocelyn Bishop of Salisburye, (which were presente at the Coronation) the vse [ 40] of the Sacramentes, whiche made king Henry farre more displeased wyth the Archebishoppe Thomas than he was before.* 1.170

Vpon the day of the Coronation, king Hen∣ry the father serued hys sonne at the Table as sewer, bringing vp the Bores head with trum∣pettes afore it, accordyng to the maner. For the whiche the yong man conceyuing a pride in his hearte,* 1.171 beheld the standers by with a more state∣ly countenaunce than he had bin wonte. Wher∣vpon [ 50] the Archebishoppe of Yorke whiche sat by hym, turnyng vnto hym, sayde, Be glad my good sonne, there is not an other Prince in the worlde that hath suche a sewer at his table. To this the newe king answered,* 1.172 as it were disdain∣fully thus: Why, doest thou maruell at that? My father in doing it, thinketh it not more thā becommeth him, that he being borne of princely bloud onely on the mothers syde, serueth mee that am borne, hauyng both a Kyng to my fa∣ther, and a Queene to my mother.

Thus the yong man of an euill and peruerse nature, was puffed vp in pryde by his fathers vnseemely dooings. But the Kyng hys father hearyng his talke, was right sorrowfull in his mynde, and sayde to the Archbishoppe softlye in his eare: It repenteth me•…•…̄ it repenteth mee my Lorde, that I haue thus aduaunced the boy. For he guessed hereby what a one he woulde proue afterwarde, that shewed himselfe so diso∣bediente and frowarde already. But although he was displeased with hym self in that he had done euyll, yet nowe when that whyche was done, coulde not bee vndoone, he caused all the nobles and lords of the realme, togither with the king of Scots and his brother Dauid, to do homage vnto his sayde sonne thus made fellow with hym in the kingdome: but he would not release them of theyr othe of allegiance wherin they stoode bounde to obeye him the father, so long as he lyued.

Yet there hee that write, that hee renounced his estate firste afore all the Lordes of the land, and after caused his sonne to be crowned▪ but in suche vncertayne poyntes set foorth by parciall wryters, that is to be receyued as a truth, which is confirmed by the order and sequele of thyngs after done and put in practise. For trouthe it is, that kyng Henry the father so long as his sonne lyued, did shewe himselfe sometyme as fellowe with his son in gouernmēt, & somtime as abso∣lute kyng: And after his sons decease, he conti∣nued in the entier gouernment, so long as he lyued. But to proceede.

The Frenche kyng hearyng that hys sonne in lawe was thus crowned, and not his daugh∣ter, the wyfe of Henry the sonne,* 1.173 he was high∣ly offended therewith, and threatened to make warre against kyng Henry the father, excepte hys daughter Margarete myghte receyue the Crowne also, as Queene immediately.

The cause why she was not crowned, was by reason of hir yong yeares, and had not as yet companyed with hir husbande. But king Hen∣rye the Father, vnderstandyng the Frenche kyngs threates, sayled ouer into Normandye, where whylest they prepare for warre on bothe sydes, by the earneste diligence of Theobalde Earle of Bloys,* 1.174 bothe the Kyngs come to an entervewe at Vendosme, where at length they were accorded, vppon promyse made by kyng Henrye, that he woulde cause his sonne to bee crowned agayne, and wyth hym his wyse the sayde Margarete the Frenche kings daughter.

The Frenche kyng contented therewyth, de∣parted homewardes, and kyng Henry retour∣nyng came to Vernon, where hee fell into so great a sickenesse, that anone it was bruted tho∣roughout

In deede he him selfe was in suche dispayre of yfe,* 1.175 that he made his Testament: wherein he •…•…ssigned his sonne Richard the Duchie of A∣quitayne, and all those landes which came by Queene Elianor the mother of the same Ri∣chard.* 1.176 And to his sonne Geffrey he bequea∣thed Britaigne (with the daughter of Earle Conan) the which he had purchased to his vse of the French kyng. And to his sonne Kyng Henry he gaue the Duchie of Normandy, and [ 10] all those landes which came by his father Gef∣frey Earle of Anion. And to his youngest sonne Iohn he bequeathed the Earledome of Mortaign. And further he appoynted where he woulde haue his body to be buryed.

* 1.177In this meane tyme Henry the sonne re∣maynyng at home in Englande, fell from all good order of measure keeping, and gaue hym selfe to all excessiue riot, spending and wasting his reuenewes inordinately. Of whiche dea∣ling [ 20] his father being aduertised, returned into Englande, where he taryed not long, but pas∣sed ouer againe into Normandy,* 1.178 hauyng his said sonne in his companye, meaning thereby to remoue hym from the company of those that were very like to corrupt his nature, and frame the same to all lewdnesse.

In this meane while Thomas the Archbi∣shop of Canterbury remayned in exile almost sixe yeares,* 1.179 and could not be restored, tyll part∣ly [ 30] through the minatorie threates of the Pope, and partly through the earnest suite made by Lewes the French Kyng, Theobald Earle of Bloys, and other, King Henry beganne som∣what to shew hym selfe conformable towards an agreement.

* 1.180Wherupon at diuers tymes the two kings met, and the Archbishop Thomas came with the French King, and at one tyme he humbled hym selfe so to the King of Englande, that [ 40] kneeling downe at his feete, saide: My soue∣raigne liege Lorde, I commit the whole cause of the controuersie betwixt your Grace and me, vnto your maiesties order, Gods honour onely reserued.

The King offended with that ambiguous exception, said to the King of Fraunce:

What so euer displeaseth this man, is taken, as he in∣terpreteth it, contrary to Gods honour, and so by that shyft wyll he challenge to hym selfe all [ 50] that belongeth vnto me. But bicause ye shall not thinke that I goe about to resist Gods ho∣nour, or hym, in any reasonable order, looke what the greatest and most holy of all his aun∣cestours haue done vnto the meanest of myne auncestours, let hym doo the same vnto me, and I am contented therwith.

All the company present cryed, that the king humbled hym selfe enough. My Lord Arch∣bishop, said the French King, wyll ye be grea∣ter than Saintes? and better than Saint Pe∣ter? Whereof stande you in doubt? Beholde, your peace is at hand.

The Archbishop made answere in commen∣dation of the present state of holy Churche, as thus: My holy predecessours in their tyme,* 1.181 al∣though they cut not all things away that ex∣tolled it selfe against God, yet dyd they cut of diuers of them: but if they had plucked vp all by the harde rootes, which might offende, who should nowe haue raised the fire of temptation agaynst vs? Wee are in muche better case, thankes be to God, so that as we haue laboured in their lot and number, so are we partakers of their labour and rewarde. What if any of them had bin faint, or exceeded in any poynt, are we bounde to folowe the example of their faintnesse or excesse? We blame Peter for his denying of Christe, but we prayse hym in re∣prouyng of Neroes violence, with daunger of his lyfe. The Churche hath risen and increa∣sed out of many daungerous oppressions, our fathers haue suffered many things, bicause they woulde not forsake the name of Christe, and ought I to suppresse his honour, to be reconci∣led vnto any mans fauour? God forbyd, said he, God forbyd.

When the Noble men present hearde this answeare of a subiect against his Soueraigne,* 1.182 they all held against him, imputing the fault to the Bishops arrogancie, that the peace was not made betweene the king and hym, in so muche that there was an Earle which openly said, syth that hee resisteth the wyll of both the Realmes, he is not worthy to be succoured by either of them from henceforth: and there∣fore being cast out of Englande, let not France receyue hym.

The Councell then being broken vp, the Kings departed without biddyng the Arch∣bishop farewell, and such as were mediatours for peace, in departing from this meting, spake many reprochefull wordes to hym,* 1.183 alledgyng that he had benne euer stoute and wise in his owne conceit, and a folower of his owne will and opinion: adding that it was a great hin∣deraunce to the Churche, that he was ordey∣ned Archbishop, and that by hym the Churche was alreadye in part destroyed, and woulde shortly be altogether brought to ruine.

But the Archbyshop settyng a watche be∣fore his mouth, kept silence as though he had not heard, and folowed the Frenche king with his people. Many saide by the way as they iourneyed, Beholde the Archbishop yonder, whiche in talke the last night, woulde not for

the pleasure of the King denie God, nor keepe his honor in silence.

After this, when the Archbishop was come to Sens, and aduised with himselfe whether it shoulde bee best for him to goe, at length hee saide, God is able in the last poynte of miserie and distresse, to help those chat be his: and here∣with came a messenger from the French King to bring him to the Court, for the French King as one that had bin better instructed in the mat∣ter, [ 10] repented himselfe that he had iudged euil of his aunsweres at the last meeting, and herevp∣pon receyued him againe into his fauour, and rested not to trauell so muche in his cause,* 1.184 that at length another meeting was assigned at a certayne place neere the confines of Norman∣dy, whther King Henry came, and there foūd Kyng Lewes, the Archbishop of Rouen, and diuers other Bishops togither, with the fore∣saide Archbishop,* 1.185 who after they had reasoned [ 20] of the matter throughly as they saw cause, K. Henry receiued the Archbishop into his fauour againe, and promised to redresse all that hadde bin done amisse, and pardon all those that had followed him out of the Realme, wherevppon the King and the Archbishop being recōciled, the Archbishoppe the same day came before the Kings presence, and talked with him. And a∣mongst other things, the Archbishop required of the King, that it might be lawfull vnto him [ 30] withoute the offending of his maiestie, to pu∣nish, a•…•… or •…•…ing o•…•… the sensures of the Churche, the iniurie done vnto him by the Archbyshop of Yorke, and other Bishops in the Coronati∣on of his sonne, which the King graunted, and shewed himselfe in all things to the Archby∣shop at that time so curteous, that as it is said, he held his stirrop when he mounted on Hors∣backe. But whereas twice within a few dayes after,* 1.186 the King and the said Archbishop met at [ 40] Masse, the King refused the kisse of peace with him, which was marked as a signe of a fained reconciliation, though indeede he afterwardes entertained him very curteously, and at his de∣parture ouer into England, tooke leaue of hym in frindly manner, and directed letters vnder his seale, to his sonne the newe King in forme as followeth.* 1.187

Knowe yee that Thomas the Archbishop of Cāterbury hath made his peace with mee at my will and pleasure, and there∣fore [ 50] I commaunde you, that both hee and hys may remayne in peace, and that he and al those which for his cause departed out of y^e Realm, may haue to them restored all their goodes in rest and quiet, and in suche estate as they were possessed of them at any time within three mo∣nethes before their departure from thence. And further, cause to come before vs of the best, and most auncient Knightes,* 1.188 of the honor of Sal∣wood, that vppon their othes, they maye find what fee the Archbishop ought to haue within that honor, and that which shall appeare to ap∣perteyne vnto him, as in see let him enioy to same. And thus fare ye well.

The Archbishop before he tooke his iourne▪ into England, went to visit the French King, and to giue him thankes for his greate paynes and trauell susteyned in his cause,* 1.189 who aduised him in no wise as yet to committe hymselfe to presente daunger amongst his new reconciled enimies, but rather to stay til their malice wer somewhat aswaged: for he perceyued by Kyng Henries words and countenaunce such a deepe rooted displeasure in his hart, that hee agreed to receyue him into fauoure rather by compulsi∣on and against his will than otherwise.

But when the Archbishop would nedes de∣part and goe ouer into Englande, the Frenche K. suffered him so to doe, doing him al the ho∣nor he could at his leaue taking.* 1.190 Thē y^e Arch∣bishoppe departing out of Fraunce, came into England, and landed at Sandwiche about the

[illustration]

first of December, in the seuenth yeare after his first departure out of the Realme. Shortly af∣ter his arriuall, Roger y^e Archbishop of Yorke Gilbert Bishop of London, and Ioscelline the Bishop of Salisbury, with diuers other, came vnto him, as to the Popes Legate, and requi∣red that it might please him to restore them to the ministration of their offices againe. Theyr request he graunted, but yet vpon condition y^t they shuld vndertake to stand to his iudgemēt and order in al things, which to do, they by the Counsell of the Archbyshop of Yorke vtterly refused. Heere authors agree not, as Polidor truely saith, for some write, howe the Archbi∣shop Thomas immediately vpon his returne into England, denounced the Archbishoppe of Yorke with the Bishops of Salisburie & Lō∣dō accursed, wheras before they were depriued

of the vse and administration of the Sacra∣mentes: and some agayne wryte, that nowe at his comming ouer into Englande from his exile, he depriued them onely of the ministra∣tion of the Sacramentes together wyth the Bishoppes of Execster, Chester, Rochester, Saint Asaph, and Landaffe, whiche had bin presente at the Coronation of king Henry the sonne, to the derogatiō of the dignitie of their primate the Archbishop of Canterbury (as be∣fore [ 10] ye haue herd.) It shuld some yet by Geru. Dorobernensis, that the Archbishop of York, & the Bishop of Durham were suspended, and the Bishops of London, Salisbury, & diuers other were excommunicate.* 1.191 But how soeuer he vsed them, the Archbishop of York, the two Bishops of London, & Salisbury being offen∣ded with his doings, sailed ouer into Normā∣die, and there complayned vnto kyng Henry of iniuries done to them by the Archebishoppe [ 20] Thomas, grieuously accusing him, that hee went about to take away the libertie of priest∣hood, to destroy, corrupte, and fynally to abo∣lishe bothe the lawes of God and man, toge∣ther with the auncient decrees and statutes of their elders: insomuch that he tooke vpon him to exclude Bishoppes at his pleasure from the companie of Christian men, and so being ex∣cluded, to banishe them for euer. Also to dero∣gate things merely preiudiciall to the kinges [ 30] royall prerogatiue. And finally to take away from all men the equitie of Lawes and Ci∣uill orders.

The Kyng giuyng eare to theyr tale, was so displeased in his mynde towardes the Arch∣chebishop Thomas, that in open audience of his Lordes, Knightes, and Gentlemenne, he sayd these or the lyke wordes: In what my∣serable state am I,* 1.192 that can not bee in reste within myne owne Realme, by reason of one [ 40] onely Prieste? neyther his there any of my fol∣kes that will helpe to deliuer me out of suche troubles.

There were that stoode aboute the King whyche guessed by these woordes, that hys mynde was to signifye he woulde haue some man to dispatche the Archebishop out of the waye.

The Kinges displeasure towardes the Archbishop was knowne well ynough, which [ 50] caused men to haue no reuerence to him at all, so that as there goeth a tale: it chaunced on a tyme, that hee came to Strowde in Kente, where the inhabitauntes meanyng to do som∣what to his infamye, beyng thus oure of the Kings fauour, and despised of the world, cut off his horsses tayle.

There were of the Kinges seruauntes that thought after an offer maner of sort to reuēge the displeasure done to the kyngs maiestie,* 1.193 as Sir Hugh Moreville, sir William Tracy, sir Richard Britaigne, and Sir Reignold Fitz Vrse, knightes, the whiche taking aduyce to∣gither, and agreeing in one mynde and will, tooke shipping, and sayled ouer into England, landyng at a place called Dogges hauen, nere vnto Douer.

The firste nighte they lodged in the Ca∣stel of Saltwood, which Randolffe de Brocke hadde in keepyng, the nexte morning beeing the nyne and twentie of December, & fifte day of Christmas which as that yeare came aboute fel vpon a tuisday. They (hauing got togyther certain souldiors in the countrey thereabouts) came to Canterbury, and first entring into the court of the abbey of S. Augustine, they talked wyth Clarenbalde, the electe Abbotte of that place. And after conference hadde with hym, they proceeded about their businesse in maner as followeth.

The fyrste knyght Sir Reynold Fitz Vrse came to hym aboute the eleuenth houre of the daye,* 1.194 as the Archebishop satte in his chamber and sitting downe afore his feete vppon the grounde without any manner of greeting or saluation, At lengthe beganne wyth hym thus:

Wee beeing sente of oure Soueraigne Lorde the king from the parties of beyond the sea, doe here present vnto you his graces com∣maundementes, to witte, that you shoulde go to his sonne the King, to doe vnto hym that whiche appertayneth vnto you to doe vnto your soueraigne Lorde, and to do your fealtie vnto hym in takyng an othe, and further to a∣mende that wherin you haue offended against his Maiestie. Whervnto the archbishop aun∣swered: For what cause ought I to confirme my fealtie vnto him by othe? or wherin am I giltie in offending the Kinges Maiestie?* 1.195 Sir Reignold sayde: For your Barony fealtie is demaunded of you wyth an othe, and an o∣ther othe is required of those Clerkes, whiche you haue broughte wyth you, if they meane to continue within the lande. The Archebishop aunswered: For my Baronie I am redye to doe to the Kyng whatsoeuer Lawe or Rea∣son shall allowe of. But lette him for certaine holde, that he shall not get any othe eyther of me or of my Clerkes. We knowe that (sayd the knight, that you woulde not doe anye of these thinges whiche wee proponed vnto you. Moreouer the King commaundeth you, that you shall absoyle those Bishoppes that are excommunicated by you without his lycence. Whereunto he sayde: The bishops are excōmu∣nicated

not by mee, but by the Pope, who hath therto authoritie from the Lorde. If in deede he hathe reuenged the iniurie doone to my Chur∣che, I confesse that I am not displeased there∣with. Then sayde the knyght: Syth that such thinges in despyte of the King do please you, it is to be thought that you would take from him his crowne, and bee called and taken for Kyng your self, but you shall misse of your purpose sure∣ly therin. The Archbish then againe answered: I [ 10] do not aspire to the name of a king, rather would I knitte three crownes vnto his crowne if it laye in my power.

* 1.196At length after such words, the Knights tur∣ning them to the Monkes, sayd: Vpon the behalf of our soueraigne Lord the King, we commaund you, that in any wyse ye kepe this man safe, and presente him to the king when it shall please his grace to send for him. The Archbishop said: Doe ye thinke that I will run away? I came not to [ 20] run away, but looke for the outrage and malice of wicked men. Truly (sayd they) you shall not run away, and herewith they going forth with noyse and threatnings, maister Iohn of Salisbury his Chancellor sayde vnto him:* 1.197 My Lorde, this is a wonderfull matter that you wil take no mans counsell: had it not bin mete to haue giuen them a more meeke and gentle answere? but the Arch∣bishop said: Surely I haue alreadie taken all the counsel that I will take,* 1.198 I know what I ought [ 30] to do. Then sayd Salisburie, I pray God it may be good, the knightes therfore departing oute of the place, and going aboute to putte on their ar∣mour, certaine persons came to the Archebishop,* 1.199 and sayd: My Lord, they arme themselues. Then sayd he: What forceth it? let them arme them∣selues. Nowe when they were once armed, and with many other about thē, entred into the Arch∣bishops palace. Those that were about the Arch∣bishop cryed vppon him to flee, but he sat still and [ 40] woulde not once remoue, til the Monkes brought him euen by force and againste his will into the Churche.* 1.200 The comming of the armed men bee∣ing knowne, some of the Monkes contynued in singing of euensong, & some sought places where to hide themselues, other came to the Archbishop, who was lothe to haue entred into the Churche, and when he was within he woulde not yet suf∣fer them to make fast the dores, so that there was a great sturre among them, but chiefly when they [ 50] perceyued that the armed men went about to seke for the Archbish▪ by meane wherof their euensong was left vnfinished.* 1.201 At length y^e knights w^t their seruaunts hauing sought the palace, came rushing into the Churche by the Cloyster dore with theyr swordes drawen,* 1.202 some of them askyng for the Traytor, and some of them for the Archbyshoppe who came and mette them, saying here am I, no traytor but the Archebishop. The formost of the knightes sayde vnto him flee, thou art but deade. To whome the Archebishop saide I will not flee: The knight stepte to hym taking him by the sleue and with his sworde caste his cappe besides hys heade, and sayde, come hither for thou art a pri∣soner, I will not sayde the Archbishop) doe wyth me here what thou wylte, and plucked his sleeue with a myghty strength out of the knights hand. Wherwith the knight stepped back .ij. or three pa¦ces:* 1.203 Then the Archebishope turning to one of the knightes sayde vnto him, what meaneth this Reygnolde? I haue done vnto thee many hygh pleasures, and cōmest thou now vnto me into the Church armed, vnto whom the knight answered and sayde, Thou shalte knowe a none what is ment. Thou arte but deade: It is not possyble for thee longer to liue. Vnto whome the Archbyshop sayde: And I am redy to dye for my God and for the defence of his Iustice and the lybertye of the Church, gladdely do I imbrace death, so that the Church may purchase peace and lyberty in the shedding of my bloud: And herewith takyng on other of the knightes by the Habergeon, hee sloung him from him with suche violence, that hee hadde almoste throwne hym downe to the grounde. This was syr Wylliam Thracye, as he himself did after confesse. After this the arch∣byshoppe inclyned hys heade after the manner of one that shoulde pray, pronouncing these his laste wordes: Vnto God and to Saint Marye and to the Saintes that are Patrons of thys Churche, and to Sainte Denise, I commende my selfe and the Churches cause. There wyth Sir Reig∣nalde Fytz Vrse strykyng a full blowe at hys heade, chaunced to light vpon the arme of a clerke named Edwarde of Cambridge,* 1.204 who caste vp his arme to saue the Archebyshoppe: but when hee was not able to beare the weight of the blowe, hee plucked his, arme backe, and so the stroke stayed vppon the Archbyshoppes heade, in suche wyse that the bloud ran down by hs face: and then they stroke at hym one after an other,* 1.205 and thoughe hee fell to the grounde at the seconde blowe, they lefte hym not tyll they hadde cutte and tourned out his braynes and strowed them aboute vppon the Churche panement, whiche done, they went to the ryfling of hys house, spoyled all his goodes and toke them to their owne vses, supposing it lawefull for them so to doe beeyng the kinges ser∣uauntes. But yet doubtyng howe the mat∣ter woulde bee taken, after they hadde wrought theyr feate, they gotte them into the Byshoprike of Duresme, there to remayne tyll they myght heare howe the Kyng woulde take thys theyr vnlawfull enterpryse: Althoughe (as they tooke it and alledged) they hadde lustily defended hys cause, and reuēged his quarell as faithful seruāts

ought to do, but it chaunced otherwise than they looked it should haue done. for King Henry con∣ned them so little thanke for these presumptuous acte, sounding to y^e euill exāple of other in breache of his lawes, that they dispairing vtterly of par∣don, fledde one into one place,* 1.206 and another into another, so that within four years they al dyed an euill death (as it hath bin reported). Some write, that they wente to Rome by the Kinges com∣maundement, and there presented them selues be∣fore [ 10] the Pope to receiue suche pennaunce for their wicked acte as he should enioyne them. Herevpon the Pope appointed them to goe vnto Ierusalem, there to doe their penaunce, where they remained certaine yeares, applying themselues right dili∣gently to performe the satisfaction of there offer, according to the maner prescribed to them by the Pope, and so at length they departed this life.

* 1.207And this was the ende of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, whiche was after hee [ 20] first entred into that sea eight yeres and sixe mo∣nethes, in the yeare after the birthe of our Lorde 1171.* 1.208 On Christmas day before his deathe, which fel that yeare on the fryday, he preached a sermon

[illustration]

[ 30] [ 40] to the people, and when he had made an end ther∣of, he accursed Nigell de Sackeuille, the violente incumbent of the Church of Berges, and Robert de Brocke,* 1.209 y^t which had vpō a despite curtayled y^t horse of the sayde Archbishoppe: and as the same day whilest he was at the aulter according to his custome altogether in teares and lamentation, so at dinner he shewed him selfe very pleasaunt and [ 50] merry, in so muche, that when those that were at the table semed somewhat doubtful to eate of the flesh that was sette before them, bycause it was Fryday, why doe ye abhorre, why do ye abhorre (saithe he) to eate fleshe, this daye fleshe hathe a greate priueledge, for this same day the worde was made fleshe, and came into light, & appeared vnto vs. These his words greatly contented all the company. But to let this matter passe.* 1.210 Kyng Henry doubtlesse was right pensiue for his death, bycause hee wist well ynough that it woulde be iudged, that he himselfe was priuie to the thyng: and euen so came it to passe, for immediately vp∣pon notice giuen into France of the Archbishops death, K. Lewis,* 1.211 and the Earle of Bloys Theo∣bald, as they that loued hym most deerely, were most sorowful for it, & iudging straight way that K. Henry was the procurer, they wrote their let∣ters vnto Pope Alexander, giuing him to vnder∣stand both of y^e slaughter, & how K. Henry hadde caused it to bee put in execution, requiring most instantly, that suche an iniurie done to the Chri∣stian Religion, might speedily be punished. The Pope was muche offended, and determined to haue the matter throughly considered and orde∣red, so as mighte stand with his dignitie and ac∣cordingly as the haynous state of the case requi∣red K. Henry whilest these things were a doing, lay certaine dayes at Argentō so much displeased in his mind, that he would suffer no man once to speake to him about any maner of businesse.* 1.212 At length, he sent his Ambassadors to Rome, partly to purge himselfe of the Archbishops death, partly to excuse his faulte, for that in his furie he hadde vttered wordes against y^e Archbishop whiche had giuen occasion to naughty men to contriue hys death, partly to require the Pope to send his Le∣gates into England, to make enquire both for y^e deathe of the Archbishop, & also of the state of the Cleargie. The Kings Ambassadours found the Pope at Tiuoli, & there were herd to declare their message: but little credite was giuen to theyr words, in so muche, that the Pope playnely tolde them, that he vnderstoode the matter to be muche otherwise than they had declared. Yet accordyng to the kings request, he sent two of his Cardinals into Englād, whiche vpō due examinatiō, might vnderstand y^e truth of y^e matter throughly as ap∣perteined. There be that write, that the K.* 1.213 sente Ambassadors twice vnto y^e Pope, for the firste y^t went, could not come to his presence, nor be suf∣fered to declare their message those that were sent the second time, were receiued of some of y^e Car∣dinals, but yet onely with wordes withoute any other way of friendly entertainement. At length, whē y^e feast of Easter drew neere, on y^e which ey∣ther absolution or excommunication was to bee denounced against euery man, there were certain of the Cardinals whiche gaue intelligence to the Englishe Ambassadours, that the Pope by ad∣uice of the Colledge, ment on the thursday before Easter day to declare the sentence of interdictiō against the K. of Englande, and against all hys dominions, and to confirme that whiche had bin already pronounced against Richarde the Arch∣bishop of Yorke, and the other Bishops his com∣plices

plices. The Ambassadors beeing broughte to a strait issue herwith by help of some of y^e Cardinals sound meanes to haue it put into the Popes head, how the English Ambassadors had commissiō to vndertake that the K. of England should obey in al things what order soeuer it pleased the Pope & his court to award him. Herevpon they toke their othe, that it should so be, and so by y^e meanes they auoided the interdiction. The messengers of the Archbishop of Yorke and the other Bishops vsed [ 10] the like shifte, but yet y^e same day the Pope did ex∣communicate the knights that had murthred the Archbishop Thomas, and all those that had pro∣cured,* 1.214 ayded, succoured, or abetted them therein. Some write, that those Ambassadors which y^e K. sent to y^e Court of Rome,* 1.215 could not be suffered to come to y^e Popes presence, till according to y^e fa∣shiō, they had giuē .500. markes in reward, and so at length were admitted to his presence. Howsoe∣uer y^e matter passed, y^e K. stoode in great feare least [ 20] his land shuld be interdited, in so much, that he cō∣manded y^e wardens of y^e portes both on this side y^e sea & beyond, to take good heed, least any cōmyng with letters of interdictiō should passe into Eng∣land, but if any such came, y^e the bringer should be arested & committed to prison. Also he cōmanded, y^t no clearke wer suffered to come ouer into Eng∣lād, except he first toke an oth that he came about no businesse y^t might turne to y^e preiudice of y^e K. or his realme. This commandement he set foorth, [ 30] at what time he transported ouer into Englande himselfe, where he lāded this yere at Portesmouth y^e third day of August. About which time it came into y^e kings mind, to make a Conquest of Irelād vpō this occasion.* 1.216 It chanced, whereas diuers ru∣lers (or as we may cal them) pety kings, gouerned y^e same season in that Iland (whiche was deuided into seueral estates or kingdomes) that continuall strife & dissentiō remained amongst them, so y^t of∣tentimes they made sore war after the manner of [ 40] their countrey one against an other. Herevppon it fortuned, that one of those kings or rulers about y^e 14. yere of this kings raigne, was sore afflicted and oppressed by his neighbours, whervpō taking ad∣uice what he might best doe for remedie in y^t case,* 1.217 at length he sent his son into England to reteyne souldiers & men of war, & to bring them ouer vnto his aid in hope of gaine, & such commoditie as he assured them of. Now it came to passe, that by y^e assistance of such Englishmen as then came ouer, [ 50] the foresaid Irish K. began to recouer his losses, & in the end waxed so strong, that he subdued all his enimies. Whē he had thus obteined the victory, he did not only not send backe his aiders, but so libe∣rally reteined them stil with him, that they had no hast to returne home, but setled themselues in that countrey, where they liued a pleasant and very li∣cētious life. For this cause also the stoutest Lords and Rulers of the Irish nation began sore to sto∣macke y^e matter against, him y^e had thus brought the Englishe nation into their Countrey, in so much, that the Englishmen perceiuing their ma∣lice, and therewithall hauing some feare of them∣selues, bycause of their small number, they sent o∣uer into England for such as wanted liuings and were willing to seeke for it in other countreys, of which sort, great nūbers went ouer thither within a short space, whereof the multitude of the Eng∣lishe greatly encreased: but for as muche as they had no ruler to gouerne them,* 1.218 they procured Ri∣chard Strāgbow erle of Struguille, alias Chep∣stow in Wales to come ouer thither, & to receyue the soueraigne gouernement, with such honorable prouision for maintenance of his estate, as should seme requisite. Some write,* 1.219 y^t this Erle Richarde (being also Erle Marshal of England) for a Re∣bellion moued against K. Henry, had before thys time forfeited al his lāds, but other affirme y^e tho∣rough riot and more sumptuous port thā his abi∣lity might beare he had made away & consumed y^e most parte of his liuings,* 1.220 and was runne so farre in debt, that he knew not how to satisfie his credi∣tors, and therefore was he the redier to incline to their request, which made labor vnto him to come ouer into Ireland to haue the gouernance of suche English people, as had already planted thēselues there to inhabite and remaine. Heerevpon he pre∣pared a nauie & assembled togither a great num∣ber of such as lacked liuings, and shortly determi∣ned to passe ouer into Irelande.* 1.221 But euen as hee was ready to set forwarde, there came vnto hym messengers from K. Henry, commanding him to stay, & not to take that iourney in hand. But the Earle hauing nothing in Englande whereof to make anye greate accompte, notwithstanding the kings commandement, taketh the sea, and passeth ouer into that countrey, where he greatly reioyced suche Englishmen as dayly had looked for his re∣paire and comming thither. Heere by the way yee shal note, that whatsoeuer I haue here set downe touching these Irishe matters, I tooke the same foorthe of suche authors as yee may find heere al∣ledged, before I got sight of Giraldus Cambrē∣sis his booke entituled Vanticinalis historia, wher∣in is cōteined y^e truest report of al these doings, as partly may appeare by that which in y^e historie of Ireland is exēplified out of Campiō, & somewhat enlarged by mine owne collections out of the said Giraldus his booke. But for so much as time wil not serue me to transpose that which I haue here inserted into the Irish history (as I wished) for y^e more large setting foorth thereof, as place and oc∣casion might haue required, I haue here deliuered the historie vnto you as I first gathered it out of those authors which first came to my handes, re∣ferring the consideration thereof to the Readers

discretion vpon conference of the same with that which is conteined in the said historie of Ireland. To proceede therefore with Earle Strangbowe? Shortly after, ioyning those whiche he broughte oute with him, with the other that were there be∣fore his cōming, he thought to worke some feate, whereby he mighte make his name famous, and cause the Irishmē to haue him in feare. And here∣vpon he first assailed the Citie of Dublin,* 1.222 and by force wan it. He likewise, wan Waterford, and

[illustration]

diuers other Townes neere vnto the Sea syde. Also to haue some friendship amongst those bar∣barous people,* 1.223 he married the daughter of the cō∣federate King, and so grewe into very greate esti∣mation in that countrey and Region. Howbeit, with these and the lyke doings of the Erle, King [ 30] Henry tooke such displeasure (but chiefly for diso∣beying his commaundemente) that hee confyned him the realme,* 1.224 seased his lands as forfeyted, and by proclamation restreyned all his subiectes from passing into Ireland with any kind of marchan∣dise, prouision of vittailes, or other commodities what soeuer. By reason whereof, Earle Strang∣bowe partly by constreynte, and partly in hope to returne into fauoure with King Henry, and for other respectes as maye be coniectured,* 1.225 aduertised [ 40] him of the whole state of the countrey of Irelāde, promising him, that if it woulde p•…•…ase his grace to come ouer thither, he woulde so worke that hee should be admitted soueraigne Lord of al y^e land. Heerevpon King Henry pardoned him of al for∣mer trespasses,* 1.226 and restored vnto him al his lands and inheritances within England and Normā∣dy. And further, confyrmed to him suche liuings abrode in Ireland out of the walled Townes, as he helde already in right of his wife. And further∣more [ 50] ordeyned, that he should be high Stewarde of Irelād vnder him. Kyng Henry then retur∣ning out of Normandy into England about the sixth day of August as is aforesaid, caused a nauie of .400. Ships to be made ready, and to assemble at Milford haue•••• in Penbrokeshie•…•…,* 1.227 with all such prouission and furniture as was thought necessa∣ry for such a iourney. Heerewith also he leuieth a great army both of Horsemen and footemen, and came forward with the same vnto Penbroke,* 1.228 and so when all his prouision and Ships were ready, be entreth the Sea at Milford hauen aforesaid the sixtenth day of October, and landed in Irelande,

[illustration]

at a place called Crouch,* 1.229 not past a seuen myles from Waterford the day next following, about nine of the clocke: and on the morrow after being S. Luke the Euangelists day, hee with all hys o•…•…nly marched foorthe to Waterforde, where hee foūd William Fitz Alde•••••• his Sewer, and Ro∣bert Fitz Bernard, with other whom he had sent thither before him for such purposes as he thought most conuenient. He remayned at Waterforde fiftene dayes, during whiche tyme, there came in vnto him the K. of Corke, the K. of Limerike, the K. of Offorie, y^e K. of Merth, Reginald de Wa∣terford, and diuers other great Princes of Irelād.

At his first arriuall, the foresayd Earle Richarde surrendred into his hands all those Townes and places whiche he had subdued in that Countrey.* 1.230 Herewithal, the whole land began to tremble, so that the Rulers of Townes and Countreys sent vnto him messengers, offering to become tribu∣taries, and to deliuer hostages: for whilest euery of those Rulers whiche had the gouernemente of Ireland in their hands feared their owne estate,* 1.231 & mistrusted their owne powers, they all in maner [ 10] submitted themselues, so that this victory chaun∣ced to K. Henry, withoute the drawing foorthe of his sword, & in such wise, that hee coulde not haue wished for better or more speedy successe therein. For whereas the whole Ilande was deuided into sundry dominions, and ruled by sundry gouer∣nours, not drawing all one way, but through fa∣ctions and contrary studies one enuying an o∣thers welth, nothing more hindred the fierce and vnquiet nation from making resistance, than in [ 20] that they could not agree to take councell togy∣ther for defending of their liberties, and entier state of the common wealth. Wherevpon, why∣lest euery of them a part by himselfe is in doubt to attempt the hazard of warre against so mighty a King, they are all ouercome, as were the Britons likewise in the time of Cesar and of the Saxons. King Henry therefore gladly receiued their hum∣ble submission, and they doing homage vnto him, sware to be his liege and faithfull subiects. Onely [ 30] Roderike gouernour of Connagh refused to sub∣mit himselfe. This Roderike pretended to be the chiefe King of Ireland,* 1.232 and therefore kept conti∣nuall warre with the other Rulers, whiche was partly the cause wherefore they submitted them∣selues so soone vnto King Henry.* 1.233 This Roderike held that part of Ireland which lieth towarde the West, being full of great and thicke woodds, and hereto defended with very high and great Moun∣taines, also closed with waters and marishes, so [ 40] that it shoulde bee very harde, and specially in the winter season, to bring an army vnto it: whyche was the only cause why King Henry attempted nothing against Roderike at that time, but tooke in hand to plāt garnisons of Souldiers in places conuenient, to keepe the lande in quiet, whiche hee had wonne already, and to giue order for the go∣uernement of the whole estate of the Countrey to his behoofe and commoditie. Herevpon going to Dublin which is the chiefest Citie of all Ireland, [ 50] he assembled all the Rulers and Lordes as well spirituall as temporall togither there in Counsel, consulting with them for the assurance of the do∣minion of the land to him and his heires for euer∣more. The Irish men alledge for themselues,* 1.234 that his deuise therein coulde not be broughte to passe without the Popes authoritie were therein firste obteyned: for they affirmed, that immediately vp∣pon receyuing the Christian faith, they did sub∣mit themselues, and all that they hadde, vnto the Sea of Rome, so that they could not acknowlege any for their soueraigne Lord, but only the Pope, which opinion some of them (although vaynely) haue holden vnto these our dayes. King Henry then vnderstanding this matter, dispatched Am∣bassadors to Rome, requiring of Pope Alexan∣der, that he would by his authoritie graunte hym licence to adioyne the Countrey of Ireland vnto the Realme of England, who went thither with all expedition according to their charge. And cer∣tainely, these Ambassadours whiche the Kyng sent now out of Ireland to Rome in this behalfe, returned with better speede in their message, than did y^e other which he had sent to him out of Nor∣mandy to excuse him of the deathe of the Archby∣shop Thomas: for the Pope vpon good aduice ta∣ken in this matter (considering that he had nowe no profit growing to him by that Ile, and that the Irish people being wilde and rude, were farre off from all good order of Christianitie in diuers poyntes, he thought it would be a mean to bring some gaine to his cofers, and the people more ea∣sily from their naughty customes, if they were once made subiect vnto some Christian Prince, that was of puissance able to tame them, and cō∣streine them by force to be more meeke and trac∣table.) In consideration whereof, he was content to graunt vnto the K. all that herein he required. Wherevpon, K. Henry considering in what re∣spect the Pope was so ready to accomplishe hys request, called a Counsell of the Bishops to as∣semble at Cassille,* 1.235 where many things were de∣creed and ordeined for the reforming of diuers cu∣stomes vsed before amongst the Irishmen, and meerely repugnant to the lawes of the Christian Religion.* 1.236 Ther were also appointed as solicitors in these matters, and to sit as assistants with the Irish Bishops,* 1.237 one of the kings Chaplaynes na∣med Nicholas, and one Raulf the Archdiecon of Landaf. Amongst other things there concluded it was ordeined, y^t children shuld be brought to y^e Churche, three to receiue Baptisme in ••••∣ter, with three dippings into the same, inuaine of the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Christ, & that by the Priests hands, except in cases where daun∣ger of death was feared: whiche then mighte bee done by any other person, and in any other place. Also it was ordeined, that •…•…ythes should be layde to Churches, and that suche lay men as woulde keepe wiues, should keepe them according to the lawes of holy Churche, and not otherwise. The Peterpence also y^e Adrian 〈…〉〈…〉 his B••••••es, sent to the K. touching the sauior ••••ther in the be∣ginning of his raigne, with diuers other thyngs were in like maner appointed to be payde that nothing was omitted that mighte pleas••••e the

Pope, or recouer his gracious fauour already lost in the matters of Thomas Becket, wherof you haue heard alredy. Thus you heare what successe our Ambassadours had in this voyage. Now wil I tel you ere I proceede any further, what strāge things did happen in England whilest the King was thus occupied in Irelād, and within the cō∣passe of that yere, and first of al, in the night before Christmas day last passed,* 1.238 there chaunced such a tempest of lightning and thūder, that the like had [ 10] not bin heard of.* 1.239 And this tempest was not only generally throughout all England, but also in o∣ther forraine parties neere adioyning, namely in Irelande, where it continued all that nighte, and Christmas day following,* 1.240 to so great terror of y^e people, that they looked for present deathe. The same night at Andeuer in Hamshire, a Priest be∣ing in his prayers afore the Aulter, was striken with the Tempest, so that he died ere it was nine of the clocke in the morning. Also, a Temporall [ 20] man that was there the same time, was brenned with the lightning,* 1.241 and whereas his brother bee∣ing present, ranne to him to haue succoured hym, hee likewise was caught with the fire, and in lyke maner consumed.* 1.242 In Irelande also, euill diet in eating of fresh flesh and drinking water contrary to the custome of the Englishmen, broughte the flixe and other diseases in the Kyngs army, so that many dyed thereof. Wherefore, about the be∣ginning of Lent, the Kyng remoued from Dub∣lin, [ 30] and went vnto the Citie of Wexford,* 1.243 where he remayned till towardes Easter, and then pre∣pared to returne into England: but before he toke the Sea hee gaue, and by his charter confirmed vnto Hugh Lacy, all the landes of Meeth, with y^e appurtenances,* 1.244 tohold of him and his heires in fee by Knightes seruice, as to finde him an hundred Knightes or men of armes as wee maye tearme them for euermore. Hee gaue also vnto the same Hugh, the keeping of the Citie of Dublin, and [ 40] made him chiefe Iustice of Ireland. Vnto Ro∣berte Fitz Bernarde hee commited the Cities of Waterford, and Wesseford, that he should keepe the same to his vse, and build in them Castels, for a more sure desense against the enimies. And thus when the King had planted garrisons of Soul∣diers in those and in other places also where was thought needefull. And further had giuen order for the politike gouernemente of the whole coun∣trey, so farre as he had conquered, he firste sent o∣uer [ 50] his houshold seruants whiche tooke the water on Easter day, and landed at Millefourd, but hee himselfe and other of the nobles stayed there all that day, by reason of the high solemnitie of that feast howbeit the day next after they tooke y^e Sea togither,* 1.245 and lāded neere to S. Dauids in South Wales, from whence withoute delay hee hasted forthe to Douer, and hauing his sonne the yong K. with him,* 1.246 hee sailed ouer into Normandy in the Crosse weke to meete the Popes Legates, the which he vnderstod to be already come thither. At his meeting with them there, hee shewed them a right good countenance, and gaue them also very honorable entertainemēt, omitting nothing that mighte, do them pleasure. Heere when the matter came to be discussed touching the death of y^e Arch∣bishop Thomas, bycause it could not be certaine∣ly tried out in whome the fault rested, much rea∣soning too and fro passed about obiections and excuses layde as in doubtfull causes it often hap∣peneth, so that welneere the space of foure mo∣nethes was spente in debating of that matter, in which meane time, the King to auoyde all con∣tention and strife betwixte him and King Le∣wis, sent his sonne Henry togither with his wife, ouer into England, there eftsoones to receyue the Crowne, and with them came Rotrod the Arch∣bishop of Rouen, Giles Bishop of Eureux,* 1.247 Ro∣ger Bishop of Worceter, and dyuers other.

Herevpon the yong king being arriued in En∣glande called an assemblie of the Lords spiritual and temporal at Winchester,* 1.248 where both he and his sayde wife Margaret daughter to the French king was crowned with all solemnitie, by the handes of the said Rotrode Archbishop of Roan vpon the .xxj. of August.

In the meane tyme (sayeth one writer) his father king Henry might haue foreseen & founde meanes to haue auoyded the discord which euen nowe began to spring vp betwixt him and hys children, causing a sore and ciuile warre, if hee had not bin a man that vtterly did deteste all su∣perstitious admonitions: for being told I wote not by whom, that if he did not repent, and take more regarde to minister Iustice, which is a ver∣tue (that conteyneth in it selfe all other vertues) it would come to passe, that within shorte tyme he shoulde fall into great and manyfold calami∣ties. In his returne also out of Irelande (sayth an other) vpon the Sunday nexte after the feast of Easter, commonly called Lowsunday, as he should take his horse at Cardiffe in Wales, there appeared vnto him a man of pale and wanne co∣lour, barefooted, and in a white kirtell, the which boldly in the Dutche language spake vnto him, and admonished him of amendmente of lyfe, and to haue regard that the Sabboth day commonly called the Sundaye, myghte bee more duely kept and obserued, so that no markettes nor bo∣dily workes be holden, vsed, or done vppon that day within the boundes of hys domynions, ex∣cepte that whyche apperteyneth to dressing of meates. And if thou doe (sayeth hee) after thys commandemente, I assure thee that all things whiche thou doest enterprise of good intente and purpose, shall sort to good effect, & very lucky end.

But the K. was not greatly pleased with these wordes, and in Frenche saide to the Knight that helde his bridle. Aske of this Chorle whether hee hathe dreamed all this that hee telleth or not, and the Knight expounded it in English, wherevnto the man aunswered, whether I haue dreamed it in my sleepe or not, take thou heede to my words, and marke what day this is, for if thou do not a∣mende thy life and doe as I haue aduertised thee, before a twelue moneth come to an ende, thou [ 10] shalt heare such tidings as will make thee sorow∣full all the dayes of thy life after. The man when this was saide, vanished away suddenly, and the King tooke his wordes but in sporte: howbeit hee wondered that hee was so suddenly gone, as hee did likewise at his suddayne appearing. Many o∣ther warnings the King had (saith mine author,) but he set little thereby. The seconde warnyng hee receyued of an Irishman, that tolde hym tokens that were most priuie. The thirde tyme a [ 20] Knighte of Lindsey called Philip of Chesterby, passing the Sea, came to the Kyng into Nor∣mandy, and there declared vnto him seuen Arti∣cles which he should amend, and if he so did, then he told him that he should raigne seuen yeares in great honor, and winne the holy Crosse, and sub∣due Gods enimies. If he did not amend and re∣dresse those poyntes, then should he come to death with dishonor in the fourth yeare.

The first article or point was, that he shoulde [ 30] seeke to maynteyne holy Church.

The seconde, that hee shoulde cause rightfull lawes to be executed.

The thirde, that he shoulde condemne no man without lawfull proces.

The fourth, that he shoulde restore the landes, goodes and heritages to those rightfull owners from whome he had taken them by any wrong∣full dome, or other vnlawfull meanes.

The fifth, that he should cause euery manne to [ 40] haue right, without bribing and giuing of meede.

The sixth, that he should pay his debtes as wel due to any of his subiects, for any stuffe taken vp of them to his vse, as to his seruantes and Soul∣diers, whiche bycause they coulde not haue theyr wages truely payde to them, fell to robbing and spoyling of true labouring men.

The seuenth & last Article was, that he should cause the Iewes to be auoyded out of the lande, by whome the people were sore empouerished [ 50] with suche vnmercifull vsurie as they exercised.

The K. notwithstanding these and other like warnings, tooke no regard to the amendmente of his sinfull life, wherevpon as is thought, the trou∣bles which ensued light vppon him by Gods iust appoyntment. But nowe to returne to his sonne the yong King, by whome the troubles were mo∣ued, who after that he had receyued the Crowne togither with his sayde wife,* 1.249 they both passed the seas incontinently backe againe into Norman∣dy, where on the seuen and twentith of Septem∣ber, at a generall assemble holden within the Ci∣tie of Auranches in the Church of the Apostle S. Andrew,* 1.250 King Henry the father before the Car∣dinals the Popes Legates, and a greate number of Bishops and other people, made his purgation in receyuing an oth vppon the holy relikes of the Saints, and vpon the sacred Euangelistes, that he neyther willed, nor commaunded the Archby∣shop Thomas to be murthred, and that when hee heard of it he was sorie for it. But bycause hee could not catch them that slew the Archbishoppe, and for that he feared in his conscience, least they had executed that vnlawfull acte vpō a presump∣tuous boldnesse, for that they had perceiued hym to bee offended with the Archbishop, hee sware to make satisfaction for giuing such occasion in this maner: First, that he woulde not depart frō Pope Alexander, nor from his Catholike successours, so long as they shoulde repute him for a Catholike King. Agayne, that hee would neyther impeache Appeales, nor suffer them to bee impeached, but that they might freely be made within y^e Realme vnto the Pope, in causes ecclesiasticall, so yet that if the King haue the parties suspected, they shall finde hym sureties that they shall not procure harme or hinderance whatsoeuer to him or to his Realme. He also sware, that within three yeares after the natiuitie of our Lorde next ensuing, he shoulde take vpon him the Crosse, and in person passe into the holy lande, excepte Pope Alexander or his successors tooke other order with him. But if vpon any vrgente necessitie he chaunced to goe into Spaine to war againste the Sarazens there, then so long space of time as he spēt in that iour∣ney, hee mighte deferre his going into the East partes. In the meane time, he bound hymselfe by his oth to employ so muche money as the Tem∣plers shoulde thinke sufficiente for the finding of two hundred Knightes or men of armes, for one yeares tearme, in defense of the holy lande. Fur∣thermore, hee pardoned his wrath conceyued a∣gainste those which were in exile for the Archby∣shop Thomas his came, so that they mighte re∣turne againe into the Realme. He further sware, to restore all the lands and possessions which had bin taken away from the See of Canterbury, as they were belonging thereto in the yere before the departure of y^e Archbishop Thomas out of Eng∣land. He sware also to take away and abolish all those customes which in his time had burbrought in against the Church, as preiudiciall thereto. All these Articles faithfully, and withoute male in∣gene to performe and fulfil in euery degree, he re∣ceiued a solemne oth, and caused his son the yong K. being there present, to receiue the same for per∣formance

of all those Articles, such as touched his owne person only excepted: and to the intente the same shoulde remayne in the Popes consistorie as matter of record, he put his seale vnto the writing wherein the same Articles were ingrossed, togy∣ther with the seales of the abouementioned Car∣dinals. Shortly after. K. Henry the father, suffe∣red the yong K. his son to goe into Fraunce, to∣gither with his wife, to visit his father King Le∣wis, accordingly as their duties required, whyche [ 10] iourney verily bred the cause of the dissentiō that followed betwixt him and his father. King Le∣wis most louingly receiued them as reason was, and caused diuers kindes of triumphant playes & pastimes to be shewed to the honor and delectati∣on of his son in law and daughter. But yet whi∣lest this yong Prince soiourned in France, King Lewis not hartily fauouring the K. of England, and there withall perceiuing the rash and hedstrōg disposition of the yong K. did first of all inuegle [ 20] him to consider of his estate,* 1.251 and to remember y^t he was now a K. equal vnto his father, and ther∣fore he aduised him so shortly as he could, to get y^e entire gouernemente out of hys fathers handes: wherevnto hee furthermore promised him all the aide that lay in hym to performe. The yong K. being ready ynough not only to worke vnquiet∣nesse, but also to folow his father in lawes coun∣sel, (as he that was apt of nature to aspire to the sole gouernement, and loth to haue anye parte∣ner [ 30] in authoritie, and namely such one as mighte controll him,) was the more encouraged thereto, by a number of prodigall curry fauours, who by flatterie set him aloft, declaring vnto him that hee was borne to rule, and not to obey, and therefore it became not his highnesse to reigne, by the ap∣pointmēt of other, but rather to haue y^e gouerne∣ment freely in his owne handes. Whereupon, the youthfull courage of the yong King being tickled herewith, began to waxe of a contrary minde to [ 40] his father: howbeit, beeing called home out of France, he returned vnto him with all speede, hys father (indeede suspecting y^t which chanced, which was, least hys sonnes yong yeares not able yet to discerne good and wholesome councell from e∣uil, might easily bee infected there with some sini∣ster practise,) thought it not good to suffer hym to be long absente from him, and therefore sente for him: who taking leaue of his father in law Kyng Lewis in courteous maner, returned and came to [ 50] his father K. Henry into Normandy,* 1.252 who when y^e feast of Christmas drew nere, repaired towards Aniou, where in the Towne of Chinon, he solē∣nized that feast, hauing left his son the yong K. and his wife al that while in Normādy: but sen∣ding for him after the feast was ended, they went both into Auvergne, where being at Mount Fer∣rat,* 1.253 there came vnto them Hubert Erle of Mori∣enne, bringing with him his eldest daughter A∣lice, whom K. Henry y^e father bought of him, for the summe of fiue M. markes, that he mighte be∣stow hir in marriage vpon his yongest son Iohn, with the heritage of the countie of Morienne if hir father died without other issue,* 1.254 or at the least wise y^e said Hubert chanced to haue any son law∣fully begottē, y^t then shuld he leaue vnto them and to their heires the Countie of Russellon,* 1.255 y^e Coun∣tie of Belle, as he thē held the same, Pierre Castel with the appurtenances, y^e Valley of Noualleyse, also Chambry with the appurtenaunces, Aiz, As∣permont, Rochet, Mont Magor, & Chambres, w^t Burg, al which lying on this side y^e Mountaines with their appurtenances, y^e said Hubert granted to them immediatly for euer. And beyōd y^e Moū∣taines he couenanted to giue vnto them Tunne with y^e appurtenances, the Colledge of Gauoreth with y^e appurtenāces, & al y^e fees which the Erles of Canaues helde of him, togither with y^e fealties & seruices. And also, the fees fealties, and seruices which belong to him in y^e Countie of Amunde, & in the valley called Vale Dosta. And in like ma∣ner, the Towne of Castellone, and al these afore∣named places the foresaide Erle (I say) gaue and granted to y^e sayd Iohn, son to the K. of Englād for euermore, with his daughter, so freely, whol∣ly & quietly (in men & Cities, Castels, fortresses, or other places of defence, in medowes, leassewes, milnes, woddes plaines, waters, valleys & Moū∣taines in customes & all other things) as euer hee or his father hadde held or enioyed the same. And furthermore, the saide Erle would, that immedi∣ately (whē it pleased the K. of England) his peo∣ple shuld do homage & fealtie to y^e K. of Englāds son, sauing y^e fealtie due to him so lōg as he liued.* 1.256

Moreouer, the said Earle Hubert granted to the said Iohn and his wife all the right that he had in the Countie of Granople, and what soeuer might be got & euicted in the same Countie. It was al∣so couenanted, that if y^e elder daughter died, then should the said Iohn marry the yonger daughter with al & the like portions & parties of inheritance as he should haue enioyed with the first: and that these couenantes, graunts & agreements shuld be performed on y^e part & behalf of the said Erle Hu∣bert, both he, the said Erle, & the Erle of Geneua, & in manner al the great Lords & Barōs of those countreys receiued an oth, and vndertoke to come and offer thēselues as hostages to remaine with y^e K. of Englande, in case the saide Earle Huberte failed in performance of any of the aforesaide Ar∣ticles, til he framed himself to satisfie y^e kings ple∣sure in such behalfe. And furthermore, Peter, the reuerend Archbishop of Tarensasia, & Ardune the B. of Geneua, & also William the B. of Moriē∣ne, with y^e Abbot of S. Mighell promised vppon their oth to be ready at the appointmēt of y^e K. of England, to put vnder the censures of the Church the sayde Earle and hys landes, refusing to

performe the foresayde couenauntes, and so to keepe him and the same lands bound, till he hadde satisfied the K. of Englande therein. William Earle of Mandeuill,* 1.257 and William Earle of A∣rundell sware on the parte of K. Henry, that hee should performe the Articles, couenaunts and a∣greements on his part, as first to make payment immediatly vnto y^e said Hubert of one thousande marks, & assoone as he should receyue his daugh∣ter, he shuld pay to him an other thousand marks [ 10] at the least, and the residue then remaining behind of the said summe of fiue M. marks, shuld be paid when y^e marriage was cōsummate. It was pro∣uided also, y^t the said Earle Hubert might marry his yonger daughter where he woulde, withoute any great deminishing of the Earledome after y^t the first marriage were consummate with y^e K. of Englands son, y^e Lord Iohn: and that if either y^e said Lord Iohn, or his affianced wife chāced to die before y^e consummation of the marriage, then [ 20] should the money whiche the Erle had receyued, be repayed to the K. againe, or disposed, so as the K. shuld appoint. Shortly after y^t the parties wer agreed vpon these couenaunts & agreemēts afore recited, the Marques of Montferrate & one Gef∣frey de Plozac with his son Miles & other noble mē came to the K. as Ambassadors from y^e Erle of Moriēne, & receiued an oth, that they shuld see & procure y^e said Erle to performe the couenaunts & agreemēts concluded betwixt the K. and hym. [ 30] And thus after y^t these things were ordred, as see∣med good to both parties for the establishment of y^e foresaid marriage, the K. the father, and the K. the sonne remoued to Limoges, whether came to them y^e Erle of S. Giles,* 1.258 and was there accorded w^t K. Henry, & his son Richard Duke of Guyen, concerning y^e controuersie y^t had bin moued for y^e Countie of Tholouze, doing his homage as well vnto y^e father,* 1.259 as to the son for the same Countie, & further couenanted to serue them with an hun∣dred [ 40] Knightes or men of armes as we may call thē, for the tearme of 40 dayes at all times, vpon lawful summonāce: & if y^e King or his son Duke Richard would haue his seruice longer time after y^e 40. dayes were expired, they should pay wages both to him and to his men in reasonable maner. Moreouer, the said Erle condiscended and agreed to giue yerely for Tholouse an hundred markes,* 1.260 or else ten Horses with ten marks a peece. More∣ouer, whilest the K. soiourned at Lymoges, there came thither to him the Erle of Moriēne & requi∣red to vnderstād what parcels of lande he woulde assigne foorth vnto his son Iohn: wherevpō y^e K. resolued to assigne vnto him y^e Chappell of Chi∣non, Lodun and Mirabel,* 1.261 wherewith he offended his eldest son y^e yong K. as after it may appeare. Who also was glad to haue such occasion there∣by to broch hys conceiued purpose of Rebellion which he of late had imagined, and now began to put it in practise vpon occasion, as after shall ap∣peare.

The same yeare the Monkes of Canterbu∣rie by the kings assent, chose for their Archbishop one Richard that before was y^e prior of Douer, he was the .39. in number that had ruled the Church of Canterbury, being a man of an euill life, as he well shewed,* 1.262 in that hee wasted the goodes of the Church inordinatly. Roger the Abbot of Bechel∣louin was first chosen, but hee refused that digni∣tie, more as some take it, bicause of slouthfulnes, than of wisedome, so hard a thing it is to please y^e people whiche measure all things to be honest or dishonest, as they abound or deminish in profit & gaine. The said Richard, after y^t hee was elected,* 1.263 did homage vnto K. Henry, & sware fealtie vnto him, hys order always saued, withoute makyng mētion of y^e customes of y^e Kingdom. This was done at Westminster in the Chappell of S. Ka∣therin, the kyngs iustice giuing his assent there∣vnto, where a Counsel was holden y^e same time.* 1.264

[illustration]

In the which Councell the Popes letters were read before the Bishoppes and Barons of the Realme, conteyning amongest other things this that followeth:

We do admonish you all, and by the authori∣tie which we reteyne, wee straightly charge you, that you celebrate the daye of the suffring of the blessed man Thomas the glorious Martyr,* 1.265 som∣time Archbishop of Canterburie, euery yeare in most solemne wise, and that with deuout prayers [ 10] ye endeuour your selues to purchase forgiuenesse of sinnes, that he which for Christes sake suffred banishment in this life, and martyrdome in death by constancie of vertue, through continuall sup∣plication of faythfull people, may make interces∣sion for vs vnto God.

The tenor of these letters were vneth read, when euery man with loude voice beganne to re∣cite this Psalme or Hymne, Te Deum landamus. And bycause his suffraganes had not exhibited [ 20] to hym theyr father, due reuerence eyther in time of his banishment, or at his returne from the same, but rather had persecuted him, that they might confesse their errour and wickednesse to all men openly,* 1.266 they made this Collect: Be fauou∣rable good Lorde to our supplication and prayer, that we which acknowledge our selues guiltie of iniquitie, may be deliuered by the intercession of Thomas thy blessed Martyr and Bishop.

This prayer was vsed by the Couent of Saint [ 30] Albones in the day of his Martyrdome.

The same yeare also, the sister of the same Archbishop was made Abbesse of Berking.

* 1.267But now touching the new elected Archbi∣shop Richard, we finde that comming to Can∣terbury the Saterday after his election, in hope to be there consecrated, he was disappoynted by let∣ters that came from King Henrye the sonne, in forme as followeth.

Henry by the grace of God king of England, [ 40] duke of Normandie, and erle of Anion, son of K. Henrie,

To our deare and faythfull friend Od•…•…, Prior of the Church of Canterburie, and to al the conuent there sendeth greeting.

By the assured report of some we vnderstād, that in your church and in other Churches also, my father goeth a∣bout to institute certaine persons not verie meete for such calling: and bycause without our con∣sent it ought not so to be done, who by reason of our kingly annoynting haue taken vpon vs the [ 50] kingdome and charge of the whole realme: here∣vpō we haue in the presence of many persons ap∣pealed to the sea of Rome, and haue signified our appeale in that behalfe, made vnto our reuerende fathers & friends Albert, and Theodorike, Cardi∣nals & legates of the Apostolike sea by our wri∣ting and messenger, who like wise and discreete personages haue assented therevnto. We haue likewise signified the same our appeale vnto our faythfull friendes the Bishops of London, Exe∣ter, and Worcester, and as we haue appealed, so likewise we doe appeale vnder your testimonie.

Here the Bishops were driuen to their shiftes, some of them desiring to goe forwarde with the consecration, and some supposing it better to yeelde vnto the appeale.

The elect Archbishop herevpon sent first mes∣sengers vnto Rome with letters, not written on∣ly by himselfe, but also by all the Bishops and cō∣uent of Canterburie.

After this he followed himselfe in person, and comming to the Popes court, found there diuerse aduersaries to his cause. For some there were that tooke part with the king the father, & some with the king the sonne, and so his businesse could haue no speedie dispatch. And in the meane time the rancor which king Henrie the sonne had concey∣ued agaynst his father was so ripened, y^t it coulde not but burst out, and shew it selfe to the breach of all dutifull obedience which nature requireth of a sonne towards the father.

Ye haue heard howe king Henrie promised to the Earle of Morienne when the mariage was concluded betwixt his sonne Iohn and the sayde Erles daughter, to giue vnto the sayd Iohn cer∣tain townes in Normandie, for the better main∣teyning of his estate and his wyues.

This gift of the fathers caused his eldest sonne the yong king Henrie, the sooner to poure out his poyson which he had sucked before at his beeing with his father in law king Lewes. For concey∣uing an offence, that his father should giue away any portion of his inheritance, he would not con∣discend to any such giftes, but alledged y^e sithence he was king of England, and that al belonged to him, his father coulde not nowe haue any tytle to giue away that whiche did in no wise apper∣teyne vnto him.

There was another cause that troubled hys minde also,* 2.1 and moued him to grudge at his fa∣ther, which was for that the proportion of his al∣lowance for maintenance of his housholde and port was verie slender, and yet more slenderly payed. Also his father remoued from him certaine of his seruants, as Astoulf de S. Hillarie,* 2.2 & other whome hee suspected to giue him euill counsell. Wherefore those that were procurers of him to attempt the leasing of the gouernment into hys handes, vpon this occasion slept not, but put into his head suche matter, that at length hee openly demaunded to haue the whole rule committed to him: which when he saw woulde not be obteyned of his father by quiet meanes, he fled secretly a∣way vnto his father in law king Lewes,* 2.3 requy∣ring him of ayde to recouer his right, which king Henrie the elder vniustly deteyned from him.

The Frenche King recomforted him, and badde him bee of good cheare, for he ment to doe for him al that in hym lay. Herewith he proclay∣med hym Duke of Normandie, and receyued of him homage for the same.

His father King Henrie, vnderstanding that his sonne was thus fledde to the Frenche King, sent Ambassadours forthwyth to the same king, requyring him to gyue his Sonne some good wholsome counsayle, that hee myght repente, [ 10] and not followe suche wilfulnesse of mynde in swaruing from hys fathers friendshippe, but rather with speede to returne home agayne, and to promise in hys name, that if any thing were otherwyse than well, hee woulde bee conten∣ted to suffer the same to bee reformed by hys order and correction. But so farre was king Lewes from meaning to sette a quietnesse be∣twixt the father and the sonne, that hee woulde not heare the Ambassadors declare their message, [ 20] bycause they named the father King to the de∣rogation of the sonnes ryght, to whome hee sayde hee offered manifest wrong in vsurping the gouernment whiche hee had alreadie gyuen ouer and resigned. Insomuche that when the Ambassadours had declared some part of theyr message,* 2.4 hee asked them what hee was that wylled suche things of hym, and when they an∣swered that the King of Englande hadde sent them with that Message. That is a false lye [ 30] (sayeth he) for beholde here is the king of Eng∣lande, who hathe gyuen you no Commission to declare anye message from hym vnto mee at all.

King Henrie the father perceyuing hereby that warres woulde followe,* 2.5 prepared the best hee coulde for his owne defence: but hee was in great doubt on euery side, not knowing whome he might trust. And to encrease this mischiefe, his wife Queene Elenore studied to mainteyne [ 40] the strife betwixt hir sonnes. The yong King then getting an armye togyther entered into Guian.

King Henrie was not hastie to go agaynste hym, but sought rather wyth gentlenesse and all courteous meanes to reconcile him. Insomuch that where as diuerse graue personages that were of the yong Kinges Counsayle, doub∣ting to runne into the displeasure of hys Fa∣ther,* 2.6 [ 50] reuolted from the Sonne to the Father, and brought with them the sonnes Seale which hee vsed in sealing of Letters, the Father recey∣ued them not, but sent them backe againe to his sonne, commaunding them to continue fayth∣full in seruing him as he shoulde appoynt them, and herewith hee sent Ambassadours vnto hys sonne to entreate with him of peace and con∣corde.

But whilest the father goeth about to asswage the sonnes displeasure, the mother Queene E∣lenore doth what shee coulde to pricke him for∣warde in his disobediente attemptes. For she be∣ing enraged agaynst hir husband bycause he kept sundrie Concubines, and therefore delyted the lesse in hir companie, she cared not what mischief she procured against him: and herevpon she made hir complaynt so grieuously vnto hir sonnes Ri∣chard and Geffray, that they ioyned with theyr brother agaynst theyr father, and came to hym into Guien, to ayde him to the vttermost of their powers. The yong king reioysing that bee had his brethren thus on hys side readie to take hys part, became more stoute than before, and for aunswere vnto the Messengers that came to him from his father, hee declared that if his fa∣ther woulde delyuer vp the whole gouernment into his handes, hee woulde bee contented to breake vp his armie. And those Souldiers that woulde wyllingly take his part in this quarell, he caused them to sweare that they should fayth∣fully serue him agaynst his aduersaries: And those that had leauer serue on the other syde, hee lycensed them freely to departe, and to got to hys father.

King Henrie the Father receyuing suche a rebellious aunswere from his Sonne, muche lamented the matter, and so muche the more, for that he saw there was no remedie,* 2.7 but to haue the controuersie decided by the sword. Therfore least he shoulde be taken vnprouided, hee kept his ar∣mie in a readinesse about him, hauing reteyned certain bands of Brabanders called the Rowtes.

Those Lordes that tooke part with hys sonne, being aduertised by espyals of the doings of the father,* 2.8 and hearing that hee was readie (as is sayde) if he were constrayned to defende himselfe by battaile, and yet willing to receyue his sonnes into hys fauour agayne, if they would be so refourmed, they tooke greate thought howe to cause his sonnes to persist in theyr enterprise, till the father were compelled by force to resigne the gouernment vnto them. But namelye the Frenche king coueted to mainteyne the discorde, till it might be ended by force of armes: and ther∣fore sente vnto King Henrie the sonne, willing him to come to Paris, where hee caused a Coun∣cell to bee called, and there made a league be∣twixt the sayde Henry and hymselfe, with Wil∣liam King of Scotlande,* 2.9 Hugh Earle of Che∣ster, William Patrike the elder, with the three sonnes of Robert Earle of Mellent, whose Ca∣stels K. Henry the elder had in possession, Roger Moumbray, Hugh Bigot, & diuerse other cōpli∣ces of the cōspiracy that toke part with Henry the son. Here after they had cōsulted of y^e maner how to maintein the warre, bicause they would assure

the yong king that they ment not to forsake him, First king Lewes,* 2.10 and after all the residue tooke an othe to ayde him with men and money, tyll his father should either be driuen out of his king∣dome, or brought to agree with him at his will & pleasure. And on the other part, he sware neuer to conclude any peace with his father without their consent & good wil.* 2.11 He also promised vpō his othe to giue, & by his charter vnder his seale he confir∣med vnto Philip Earle of Flaunders for his ho∣mage [ 10] a thousande pounds of yearely reuenues in England, and the countie of Kent, with the ca∣stels of Douer and Rochester, and to Mathewe Earle of Bolloigne for his homage, he likewyse promised and confirmed the Soke of Kitketon in Lyndsey, and the Earledome of Morton, with the honour of Hey. Also to Theobalde Earle of Bloys, for his homage hee gaue and graunted fiue hundred Markes of yerely reuenue in Aniou with the Castell of Amboys, and all that which [ 20] he claymed as hys right within the Countrie of Touraine, and released to him all the right which he and his father claimed and demaunded to haue in Chateau Reignald.* 2.12

To the king of Scottes he gaue and graun∣ted all Northumberlande, vnto the Ryuer of Tyne, for to haue his assistance. And vnto hys brother Dauid to haue his seruice,* 2.13 hee graunted the Counties of Huntington, and Cambridge. To Hugh Bygot for his seruice he gaue the Ca∣stell [ 30] of Norwich.* 2.14

All these giftes and grauntes with dyuerse o∣ther vnto other persons, promised, made and graunted, hee confirmed with his newe seale whiche the king of Fraunce had caused hym to make.

These things being thus ordered at Paris,* 2.15 e∣uery man resorted to his charge, that hee might prouide for the warre with all speede conuenient. King Henrie the father aduertised of this newe league of the conspiratours agaynste hym, was in greate perplexitie of mynde for that hee sawe hymselfe in daunger, not onely of outwarde e∣nimies, but also of his owne subiectes at home. Yet bycause the Winter season was alreadie at hande, taking away all conuenient occasions of attempting any great exployte by warre for that time, he was in hope to compasse some agreemēt with his sonnes ere the spring of the yeare should returne, and therefore he made not so great pro∣uision for his defence, as had beene necessarie in so daungerous a case. But the Frenchmen who were bent to set forwarde this warre with all di∣ligence,* 2.16 were readie in the steid immediatly vpon the comming of the spring with king Henrie the sonne, and euen at one instant they made theyr inuasions vpon the landes of king Henrie the fa∣ther in three seuerall parties, that is to witte, to Normandie, Guian, and Brytaine, whiche a∣gaynst the will of his sonne Geffrey Duke there∣of, king Henrie the father did holde and retaine in his own handes.

The Frenche men thus inuading the fore∣sayde Countreys, did muche hurte wyth rob∣bing and spoyling, and also tooke dyuerse castels and townes.

[illustration]

* 2.17Moreouer, aboute the same time, William king of Scotland entred with a great power, first into Cumberland and besieged Carleil, but hea∣ring that an armie was prepared agaynst hym in the South parties of the Realme, and readie to sette forwarde, he raysed his siege and entred into Northumberlande (which Prouince king Henrie the sonne had gyuen him in the last as∣sembly holden at Paris) endeuouring himselfe to bring it into his possession. But the more earnestly hee went aboute to enforce the people to his will, the more styffely did they wyth∣stande

his purpose, hating him so much, that in no condition they were willing to come vnder his rule, whereby the Scottes were put backe and re∣pulsed, and that to their great losse.

The kings power also comming into the coū∣trey followed them, and passing ouer the water of Tweede, which deuided then (as it doth at this day) the two Realmes in sunder,* 2.18 made the lyke spoyle in the lande of the enimies, as they had made in the Countreys of Northumberland, and [ 10] Cumberlande.

But in Normandie whilest others in other places, make theyr hande in fetching prayes and booties out of the enimies countrey,* 2.19 king Lewes besieged Vernueil, whiche towne being strong of it selfe,* 2.20 Hugh Beauchampe and others that had charge therof valiantly defended, so y^t the French king was a moneth before it, ere he coulde winne any part thereof.

This towne of Vernueil was in those dayes [ 20] deuided into three portions beside the castel euery of them a part from other with mighty walles & deep ditches ful of water. One of these parts was called the great borough w^tout the walles wherof the French king had pight his field & planted hys engines. About a moneth after whose comming thither, vitails began to fail thē within, so that at length they required a truce for three days only, & if no succor came within those three dayes, they promised to yeeld y^e parte of the towne called the [ 30] great borough, & the day peremptorie was y^e vigil of S. Laurence. Herevpon were hostages by the burgesses deliuered vnto the French king, & if they deliuered the towne at the day appointed for wāt of succors to come to relieue thē, king Henrie the son, & Robert y^e french kings brother with y^e erles of Troys & Blayes, Henry, & Theobald, & Wil. Archb. of Sens, vndertooke vpon their othes that the hostages should thē be restored free & without any hurt or domage. K. Henry being certified frō [ 40] them within of the composition thus made, was driuē to a very hard shift: for he doubted nothing lesse then that any such thing should haue chaun∣ced. Yet considering with himself, that the sauing of the towne stood in his speedy cōming to the re∣scue, without any stay he hasted thither, & came to the place the day before the thirde and last day of the truce.* 2.21 King Lewes perceyuing him to bee come, doubting least he shuld lose the pray which he looked for, sent vnto the king, & required that he might common with him on the next daye tou∣ching some meanes of agreement to be had be∣twixt him and his sonnes.

This did he of a plicie to feede him in hope of some ende to be made in the troubles betwixt him and his sonnes, till hee had got possession of the Towne. And euen as he forecast in that matter, so it came to passe, for whilest a great peece of the next day was spent in feyned talke about an a∣greement, king Lewes appoynted a great part of his host to close the towne aboute, and to de∣clare vnto them within that king Henrie was put to flight, which talke they within Vernueil be∣leeuing, yeelded the towne and themselues to the French men. Soone after, king Lewes mistru∣sting least he shoulde not be able to keepe it, set it on fire, and so burnt it contrarie to the compositi∣on betwixt him and them agreed and concluded vpon.* 2.22 He kept also the souldiers that had yeelded it into his handes togither with the hostages as prisoners and doubting to cope with his enimie went awaye in the night with as still noyse as was possible.* 2.23 King Henrie at length perceyuing the fraude, sent certaine bandes of his horsmen after to pursue the enimie: but for that king Le∣wes was alreadie gotten into the inner partes of his owne Countrey, those whiche were sente turned vpon those that were left in the hynder∣most warde, of whome they slue a great num∣ber bothe of Horsemen and footemen.

[illustration]

King Henrie following hys men came to Vernueil, and staying there that nyght, tooke order for the repayring and newe fortifying of the towne.

On the morrow after he went to the Castell of Danuille and wanne it,* 2.24 taking diuers knights and yeomen within it. This Castell belonged to one Gilbert de Tileres.* 2.25 And thus it came to passe touching the attempt of the French king for the winning of Vernueil, as in some Authours we finde reported.

Other write otherwise of the matter, as thus,* 2.26 the French king beeing summoned by king Hen∣rie the father, eyther to departe from the siege

of Verneuyle, or to looke for battaile: and hearing also that in performaunce of the message king Henrie approched with his power, he sent a Bi∣shop and an Abbot vnto him to vnderstande if he ment to giue battaile in deede. The Messengers met King Henrie as hee was aduaunced before his hoste vpon some occasion, with a small com∣panie about him, vnto whom they declared that theyr master the French king requyred to bee as∣sured whether he should haue battail or no. King [ 10] Henrie armed as he was, with fierce countenance and dreadfull voyce made this short answere.* 2.27 Get you hence and tell your king that I am here at hande. The Messengers returning to theyr maister, declare what they had seene and hearde. Wherevpon without longer stay hee raysed hys field, and with his braue & mighty army departed home to his great dishonor, not winning y^e towne at all, as by the same Authors it should appeare.

About the same time the Erle of Flanders, one [ 20] of the confederates besieged the towne of Albe∣marle,* 2.28 and the Earle thereof within it, the which Earle was thought to betray the towne, bycause it was so easily woonne, and both he himselfe, and those which king Henrie the father had sent thi∣ther to defende the towne were taken prisoners. Diuerse other places which belonged to the same Earle were also immediately deliuered into the enimies handes which encreased the suspition.

After this the towne of Newcastell otherwise called Drincourt in those frontiers was besieged,* 2.29 and finally woonne by surrender, by the sayd Erle of Flaunders, who reioyced nothing at the gaine of that towne, for hys brother Mathew the Erle of Bollongne which shoulde haue beene his heire was shot into the knee with an arrow as he ap∣proched to the walles, and died of the hurt within a few dayes after. The Erle of Flanders was so pensife for his brothers death, that he brake vp his iourney and returned, blaming the euill happe and folly in that he had attempted warre against his cousin germain king Henrie which neuer had harmed him, but rather had done him many great and singular pleasures from time to time.

Moreouer Henrie the elder after the iourney of Verueuile ended, came backe to Rouen, and there vnderstanding that Hugh Earle of Chester, and Rauf de Foulgieres, mē of singular prowes, that long before were reuolted to his sonne Henrie, had taken the Castell of Dole in Baytaigne, and there making warre, brought al the Countrey in∣to trouble, he sent forth streyght wayes certaine of his captaynes with the Brabanders to ayd his people in those parties, the whiche on the .xx.* 2.30 day of August being Munday, encountring with the enimies discomfited them in battayle, tooke seuentene Knightes, beside diuerse other bothe Horsemen and footemen, slue aboue fiftene hun∣dred

[illustration]

of the enimies, being Brytaynes, and pur∣suing the residue, they entred the towne it selfe, [ 50] which they wanne, and droue their aduersaries into the Castell where they besieged them, and with all speede aduertised the king of that enter∣prise, who immediately with all possible haste came thither, applying his whole diligence to winne the place, that he might haue them at his commaundement which were within the same. To be short, it was not long ere he had his desire, for they being suche a multitude that they were not able long to continue within so strayte a roumth for want of vittayl fell to a composition, yeelding the Castell vnto the king, theyr bodies with lyues & members saued on the .xxv. day of August. There were taken within this castel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 knights besides yeomen, and other common soul∣diers. In like maner, and with the semblable good fortune about y^e same time his contains in Eng∣land ouercame his enimies for where as Robert

Erle of Leycester it at tooke part with king Hen∣rie the sonne, had assembled at the towne of Ley∣cester a great host of men, in purpose to set vpon Reginalde Earle of Cornewall, and Richarde Lucie Captaynes on the syde of king Henrie the father: they vnderstanding his meaning, mar∣ched streight towards Leycester, and by the way met with their enimie Earle Robert, whom they so fiercely assaile that they put him to flight,* 2.31 and after approching the towne, had it surrendred vnto them, permitting the Inhabitantes to de∣part with bagge and baggage, and then burned

[illustration]

the towne: but the Castell which in those dayes was of great strength by situation of the place, they could not win.* 2.32 Yet there be that write, how by vndermining, the walles of the town were re∣uersed & throwne downe, so that the towne was [ 30] entred by force, although they within withdrew into the castell & other strong houses whiche they defended for a time, til at length they surrēdred al but one parcell of the Castel by composition pay∣ing by way of a fine the summe of three. C. poūd to the vse of king Henrie the father. The siege be∣gon the .vij. day of Iuly, & finally on the xxviij. day of Iuly the army departed frō thence, a truce being graunted to those that still defended a cer∣taine tower of the castel into the which they were [ 40] withdrawne.* 2.33 William also the Scottish king with an armye of Scottes and Gallowaymen inuaded Northumberland, and passing by the cō∣fines of the Bishoprike of Durhā did much hurt by slaughter, burning and spoyling the countrey: but hearing of a power raysed by the Englishe Lords in those parties to resist him,* 2.34 he withdrew into his country. But the English army follow∣ing him,* 2.35 wasted the countrey of Louthian, till at length by mediation of certaine religious men, a [ 50] truce was graunted to the Scots to endure tyll the feast of S. Hillarie. For the which truce hap∣pely some rewardes went betwixt, & so the Eng∣lish Lords with spoyles and gain returned home∣wards againe. A fewe dayes after these luckie chaunces thus happening to king Henrie, king Lewes perceyning fortune to be on that side, de∣termined to assay whether he coulde obteyne hys purpose by some meanes of treatie, or at the least put King Henrye in hope of a peace for a time, knowing that he woulde rather suffer all incom∣modities whatsoeuer, than once to trie the mat∣ter by battaile with his sonnes, and therefore of∣fered to come to a communication with him be∣twixt Gysors & Trye,* 2.36 shewing bread in the one hande (as they say) and hyding a stone in the o∣ther. King Henry was easily intreated to heare of anye talke for peace, and therefore comming to the place on a Tuesday the .xv. daye of Sep∣tember, made so large offers, that he had almoste conuerted the yong mens myndes vnto concord:* 2.37 first he offred to his sonne Henrie the yong king, the moitie or one halfe of all the reuenues belon∣ging to the demaines of the crown within Eng∣land, & foure conuenient castels within the same. Or if his son had leuer remain in Normandy, he offred the halfe of all y^e reuenues of that duchie, w^t al the rents & reuenues that were his fathers per∣teyning to the Earledome of Aniou, with certain Castels in Normandie, one Castel in Aniou, one in Mayne, and one in Towraine.

To his sonne Rychard, he offred halfe the re∣uenues of Guyen, and foure conuenient Castels in the same.

And to his sonne Geffrey, hee offred all those landes that belonged by right of inheritance vn∣to the daughter of Conan Earle of Brytayne, if he might by the Popes licence marry hir.

And further King Henrie the father put him∣self to the order of the Archbishop of Tharent, and other the Popes legates, not refusing to giue vnto

his sonnes what more rentes and reuenues they should say to be reasonable, reseruing only to him the administration of Iustice, and the regall power.

These seemed to be large offers, but yet they might not be accepted. For certain sonnes of Be∣tiall, set vpon nothing but mischiefe, troublers of common peace and quietnesse, wrought so with them, that no conditions of peace were the same neuer so reasonable could cōtent thē so that [ 10] without effect this communication brake vp, but not without contumelious words passed betwixt the parties, insomuch that the Earle of Leycester (who bring put from all his ayde in Englande, was come ouer to the Frenche king to purchase ayde at his handes) coulde not refraine, but after many opprobrions wordes vttered agaynst king Henrie the father,* 2.38 he layde hand on his sworde to haue striken him, but the slanders by woulde not suffer him, and so they departed. [ 20]

On the morrow after, the Frenche men and Englishe men skirmished togither, and made fray betwixt Curseils and Gysors, in the which fight Enguerane Chastillone de Trys was ta∣ken prisoner by Earle William de Mande∣uille, who presented him to the King of Eng∣lande.

King Lewes though he iudged it his part to preserue his sonne in lawe from daunger, yet he ment nothing lesse than to ioyne battayle wyth [ 30] the Englishmen at that present. But within a fewe dayes after, he sent Robert Earle of Ley∣cester into England with an armie of Flemings and other, there to ioyne with Hugh Bigotte, that both of them might as well by force as falle promyses and gentle perswasions, bring the whole Realme vnto the obedience of King Henrie the sonne.

The Earle of Leycester therefore landing at Walton the .xxj.* 2.39 of September, passed through [ 40] the Countrey vnto Framingham, where he was receyued of hugh Bigot Earle of Norffolke, and after that an other fleete of Flemings were arri∣ued in their ayde, they went vnto Gipswich, where after they had remayned a few dayes and augmented theyr forces by certaine handes of men of warre that belonged vnto Earle Bigot,* 2.40 they goe to the Castell of Hogheuel (that belon∣ged vnto Ranulph Broc) which they tooke, spoy∣led and burned, and then returned to Framing∣ham.

After this, hearing that the Countesse of Ley∣cester was arriued at Orreforde with an other power of Flemings, they went to meete hir: and so the Earle of Leycester hauing nowe a strong armie aboute him, tooke leaue of Earle Bygot, and ment to passe through the Countrey into Leycestershyre, there to succour his friendes, and to worke some feate auayleable to the behoofe and furtherance of their quarell.

In the meane time the arriuall of the Earle of Leycester beeing knowne, the people of the Countrey were assembled togyther.* 2.41 Also Ry∣charde Lucie Lorde, chiefe Iustice, and Hum∣fery de Boun highe Conestable of Englande with the Kings power of Horsemen which late∣ly before had beene in Scotlande, and made rodes there as before is mentioned, came with al spende to saue the Countrey from spoyle, hauing first taken a truce (as before is sayde) with the king of Scottes, tyll the feast of Saint Hilla∣rie next ensuing (or rather Easter) hostages be∣ing deliuered on both sides. Vpon knowledge then had where the enimies were lodged, and what they intended to doe, the sayde Richarde Lucie and Humfrey de Boun came to Saint Edmondsburie,* 2.42 whither resorted vnto them Re∣ginalde Earle of Cornewall the kings vncle, Robert Earle of Gloucester, and William Erle of Arundell.

In this meane while, the Earle of Leycester was aduaunced forward on his waye so farre as Fornham a village a little beside S. Edmonds∣burie: the Lord chief Iustice, and the Erles afore mentioned with a great array, & amongest other the said Hūfrey de Boun that had the leading of 300. knightes or mē of armes at the kings wages came out of the towne of S. Edmondsbury, ha∣uing the baner of S Edmond borne before them, and in a moore or marish groued betwixt Forn∣ham & S. Edmondsbury, they encountred with the said Erle of Leycester,* 2.43 & after long and cruell fight discomfited his people, & tooke him prisoner, togither with his wife the Countesse Petronille,

[illustration]

after he had done all that belonged to a valiant Captain.* 2.44 Some write that there should be killed that day of his people to the number of ten thou∣sand [and almost as many taken] verily [all the footemen of the Flemings being in number foure or fiue thousand were either taken or slain.] The residue that escaped fled towards Leycester,* 2.45 that they might both defende the towne and themsel∣ues from the daunger of their enimies. But here is to be noted, that it seemeth by the report of that [ 10] which some write, how the Erle of Leycester had not so great an army there at that battaile, as by others account of the number slaine and taken it should appeare he had. For at his departure from his companion in armes Hugh Bygot, he tooke vpon him to passe through the countrey (as some write) partly vpon trust that he had of the force & number of his souldiers being about foure or fiue thousand stoute & valiant footemen, besides .lxxx. chosen and wel appointed horsmen, and partly in [ 20] hope that many of those which were in his aduer∣saries campe, would rather turne to him thā fight against him: he had a great confidence in the Fle∣mings, the which in deede presumed muche vpon their owne strength, so that they made account of some great conquest in such wise, that when they came into any large plain where they might rest,* 2.46 they would take eche others by the hand, and lea∣ding a daunce, sing in their countrey language, Hoppe hoppe VVilkine, hoppe VVilkine, Eng∣land is myn and tyn. But as ye haue heard, they were cut short by the martial power of the Eng∣lish captaines, and al their iolitie layd in the dust. The foresayde battaile was fought on the .xvij. day of October.

King Henrie receyuing aduertisement of the victorie which his captaines had gotten thus in England, was marueylous ioyfull thereof, com∣maunding that the prisoners should be brought ouer vnto him into Normandie: and this done he went into Aniou, & there fortified the townes and castels of the country with sure garrisons of men, to resist all sodaine inuasions, secret practises, and other attempts of the enimies.

Also on the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle,* 2.47 he tooke by force the towne of Vandosme, the which Buchard de Lauerdyn held agaynst him, hauing first expulsed his father the Erle of Vandosme.

[illustration]

About this season or rather somewhat before, king Henrie the father contrarie to the prohibiti∣on of the king his sonne, and after the appeale made vnto the Pope, gaue not onely vnto Ry∣chard, prior of Douer, the Archbishoprike of Cā∣terburie, but also to Reginald Fitz Iocelyne the Bishoprike of Bath, to Richarde de Yorecester [ 50] Archdeacon of Poicters, he gaue the Bishoprike of Winchester, to Robert Foliot the Bishoprike of Hereford, to Geffrey Ridel Archdeacon of Cā∣terburie he gaue the Bishoprike of Ely, and to Iohn de Oxenford the Bishoprike of Chichester.

* 2.48But now to our purpose. The nobles of the realme of England after the battaile of S. Ed∣mondsburie with an infinite nūber of men went agaynste Hugh Bigot, in purpose to abate hys pride. But whereas they might easily haue had him at their pleasure, by meanes of such summes of many as he gaue in brybes, a peace was graū∣ted to him til Whitsontide, in which mean while hauing got togither .xiiij. thousand Flemings, he passed through Essex, and so getting ouer into Kent, came to Douer, where he tooke shippe and transported ouer into France.

King Henry the father helde his Christmasse this yeare at Cain in Normandie.* 2.49 And aboute the same time was a truce taken betwixt hym and king Lewes to endure tyll Easter, or as o∣thers, write for the tearme of sixe monethes. For ye haue to vnderstande, y^t the same of the victorie

got by the Captaynes of king Henry the father, agaynst the Earle of Leycester, being not onely spred through Englande, but also blowne ouer into Fraunce, put those that tooke part agaynst him in great feare, and specially king Lewes mis∣trusting the matter began to waxe wearie that he had attempted so farre, and susteined so great tra∣uaile and expences in an other mans cause.

* 2.50Whilest this truce endured, the Archbishop of Canterburie being readie to returne home in de∣spayre [ 10] of his businesse, vpō a feigned rumor spred that there was a peace cōcluded betwixt the two kings, the father and sonne, hee was called backe and consecrated by the Pope the Sunday after Easter: and then furnished with the dignities of Primate and Legate of England, and other pri∣uiledges according, he tooke his way homewards towards Englande, after he had layd forth great summes of Money to disappoint the purposes of his aduersaries. [ 20]

This yeare in Iune, the Lorde Geffrey the e∣lect of Lincolne the kings sonne besieged the Ca∣stell which Roger de Mowbray had repayred at Kinarde Ferie, within the Ile of Oxholme, and compelling the soldiers within to yeelde, he beate downe & razed the same castel vnto y^e very groūd. Robert Mowbray Conestable of that castell, as he passed through the country towards Leycester there to procure some ayde, was taken by the mē of Clay, & kept as a prisoner. Moreouer the said [ 30] elect of Lincolne tooke the castel of Malcsert that belonged to the said Roger Mowbray, which be∣ing now taken, was deliuered vnto the keeping of the Archb. of Yorke. The sayd elect also fortified a castel at Topelif, & tooke it to the keeping of Wil. Stuteuille. In this meane while the king tooke the strengthes and fortresses which his sonne Ri∣chard had fortified at Xanctes, & tooke in the same fortes & Church which was also fortified against him .lx. knightes or men of armes, and foure .C. [ 40] Archbalesters, that is, such as bare Crossebowes.

* 2.51Philip Erle of Flanders in the presence of the French king and other the peeres of Fraunce, lay∣ing his hand vpon the holy Relikes, sware that within .xv. dayes next ensuing the feast of Saint Iohn then instant to enter Englande with an armie, and to doe his best to subdue the same to king Henry the son. Vpon trust wherof the yong king the more presuming came downe to Whit∣sande, the .xiiij. day of Iuly, that he might from [ 50] thence send ouer into England Raufe de la Hay with certaine bandes of souldiers. Before this the Earle of Flanders had sent ouer three .C. & .xviij. knightes or men of armes as we may call them. But after their arriuall at Orwel, which chaun∣ced the .xiiij. of Iune,* 2.52 by reason that their associ∣ates were dispersed, & for the more part subdued, they tooke with them Earle Hugh Bigot, and marching to Norwich, assaulted the Citie and wan it, gayning there great riches, and specially iu readie money, & led away a great sort of priso∣ners whō they raunsomed at their pleasure. This chaunced the .xviij. of Iune.* 2.53

I doe remember that William Paruus wri∣teth, that the Citie of Norwiche was taken by the Flemings that came ouer with the Earle of Leycester in the yeare last past, by the conduct of the sayde Earle before hee was taken, and that after he had taken that Citie, being accompanied with Earle Bigot, he ledde those Flemings also vnto Dunwiche, purposing to winne and sacke that towne also: but the Inhabitantes beeing better prouided agaynst the comming of theyr enimies than they of Norwiche were, shewed suche countenance of defence, that they preserued their towne from that daunger, so that the two Earles with their Flemings were constrayned to depart without atchieuing their purpose. But whether that this attempte agaynst Dunwiche was made by the Earle of Leycester (before hys taking) in companie of Earle Bigot, I haue not to auouch. But verily for the wynning of Nor∣wiche, I suppose that William Paruus mista∣keth the tyme, except wee shall say that it was twice taken, as first by the Earle of Leycester in the yeare .1173. For it is certaine by consent of most wryters, and especially those that haue re∣corded particulerly the incidentes that chaun∣ced here in this lande during these troubles be∣twixt the king and his sonnes, that it was taken nowe this yeare .1174. by Earle Bigot, (as be∣fore we haue shewed.)

But now to proceede. The Lordes that had the rule of the land for king Henry the father, per∣ceyuing Erle Bigots proceedings, sent know∣ledge therof with all expedition to the king, as yet remayning in the parties of beyonde the sea.

Whilest these things were a doing, although the myndes of many of the conspirators agaynst king Henrie the father were inclined to peace,* 2.54 yet Roger Mombray, and Hugh Bigot (by reason of this new supply of men got out of Flaunders) ceassed not to attempt new exploytes: and chiefly they solicited the matter in such wise with Wil∣liam king of Scotlande, that whilest they in o∣ther quarters of the Realme played theyr partes, hee entred into the confines of Cumberlande,* 2.55 and fyrst besieged the Citie of Carleil, but per∣ceyuing hee coulde not winne it in any shorte tyme, hee left one part of hys armie to keepe siege before it, and with the residue marched in∣to the Countrey alongest by the Ryuce of Eden, taking by force the Castels of Bourgh and Ap∣pleby,* 2.56 with diuers other.

This done, be passed ouer the Ryuer, and came through Northumberlande (wasting the

Countrey as hee went) vnto Alnewike, whiche place he attempted to winne, though his labour therein proued but in vaine.

This enterprise whiche hee made into Nor∣thumberlande, hee tooke in hande chiefely at the suyte and request of Roger Mounbray, from whom Geffrey (that was after Bishop of Lyn∣colne) king Henrie the elders Bastard sonne had taken two of hys Castels, so that hee kept the thirde with muche a doe. Hee had gyuen hys eldest sonne in hostage vnto the sayde King of Scottes for assuraunce of suche couenaunts to be kepte on hys behalfe as were passed betwixt them.

In the meane tyme one Duncane or Roth∣lande,* 2.57 with an other part of the Scottishe ar∣mye entered into Kendall, and wasted that Countrey in moste cruell wise, neyther spa∣ring

[illustration]

age nor sexe, insomuche that he brake into the Churches, slue those that were fledde into [ 30] the same for safegarde of theyr lyues as well Priestes as other.

The English power of Horsemen which pas∣sed not the number of foure hundred) was assem∣bled at Newcastell,* 2.58 vnder the leading of Robert de Stouteuille, Raufe Glanuille, William Ve∣sie, Bernarde Balliolle, [and Odouette de Vm∣freyuille.]

These Captaynes hauing knowledge that Duncane was in one side of the Countrey, and [ 40] king William in another, they determined to is∣sue forth and trie theyr chaunce agaynste the e∣nimies, sithe it shoulde be a great rebuke to them to suffer the Country to be wasted after that sort without reuengement. Herevpō ryding forth one morning, there rose by chaunce such a thick fogge and myst that they coulde not discerne any way forth about them, so that doubting to fall within the lappes of theyr enimyes at vnwares, they stayed a while to take aduise what should be best [ 50] for them to do. Here whē they were almost fully resolued to haue turned backe again, by the com∣fortable wordes and bolde exhortation of Ber∣narde Balliolle,* 2.59 they chaunged theyr purpose, and rode forwarde, tyll at length the Northren winde beganne to waken, and droue awaye the myst, so that the Countrey was discouered vn∣to them, and perceyuing where Alnewike stoode, not knowing as yet whether the Scottes had wonne it or not, they stayed theyr pace, and ryding softly, at length learning by the Inha∣bitaunts of the Countrey, that the Scottishe King dispayring to wynne Alnewike, had ray∣sed hys siege from thence the same daye, they turned streyght thyther, and lodging there all nyght, in the morning gotte to theyr Horses verye earely, ryding foorth towardes the eni∣myes that were spredde abroade in the Coun∣trey to forrey the same. They had anon espied where the King was, and incontinently com∣passe hym aboute on euery syde, who percey∣uing the Englishe Horsemen to bee readie thus to assayle him, wyth all diligence calleth backe his menne from the spoyle, but the more parte of them beeing strayed farre of throughe the sweetenesse they founde in getting of prayes, coulde not heare the sounde of the Trumpette, yet notwithstanding wyth those his horsemen whiche hee coulde get togyther, hee encountred the Englishe men which came vppon him verie hastily.

The battaile was begonne right fiercely at the first, and well foughten for a time, but the Scot∣tish horsemen being toyled before in forraying the Countrey, could not long continue agaynst the fierce assault of the English men, but were either beaten downe, or else constrayned to saue them∣selues by flight.

[illustration]

* 2.60The king with a fewe other, which at the first [ 20] had begonne the battaile was taken. Also many of the Scottes which being farre off, and yet hea∣ring of the fray, came running towarde the place, and were taken ere they could vnderstande howe the matter had passed. This taking of the king of Scots chanced on a Saterday, being the seuenth of Iuly.* 2.61

The English captains hauing thus taken the Scottishe king in the midst of his army contey∣ning the number of .80000.* 2.62 men, returned to [ 30] Newcastell, greatly reioycing of their good suc∣cesse, aduertising king Henrie the father hereof with all speede,* 2.63 who as then was come ouer from Normandie, & was the same day that the Scot∣tish king was taken at Canterburie, in making his prayers there before the sepulture of the Arch∣bishop Becket (as after it shall appeare.)

* 2.64In this meane while and somewhat before this time, the Erle of Leycesters men which lay at Leycester vnder the conduct of Robert Ferreys [ 40] Erle of Darbie, (as some write) or rather of An∣ketille Malorie Conestable or gouernour (if we shall so call him) as Roger Houedē hath, came to Northampton, where they fought with them of that towne, and getting the victorie they tooke two hundred prisoners,* 2.65 and slue or wounded nere hande as many more, and so with this good suc∣cesse in y^t enterprise they returned againe to Ley∣cester, from whence they first set forth. The kings horsmen herevpon came streightwayes so Nor∣thampton, [ 50] & following the enimies, could not o∣uertake them.* 2.66 Robert Ferreis Erle of Darbie be∣ing nowe come vnto Leycester in ayde of them that lay there, stayed not there past ten dayes: but finding meanes to encrease his number of horsmen,* 2.67 sodenly made to Notinghā, the which Reginald de Lucy had in keeping, & cōming thi∣ther earely in the morning tooke it, droue out the kings souldiers that lay there in garison, burned the towne, slue y^t inhabitāts, & deuided their goods amongst his souldiers: which thing put the coun∣try about in such feare, that many of y^e inhabitāts submitted thēselues vnto him. K. Henrie the son being hereof aduertised by letters oftentimes sent vnto him by this Robert Ferreys, and other hys friends here in Englande, eftsoones conceyued some good hope to obteyne his purpose: and there∣fore determined to prepare for the war. And here∣vpon purchased ayd of king Lewes, who (bycause the truce whiche hee had taken wyth king Henrie the father was now expired) thought it was rea∣son to further his sonne in lawes enterprise so far as in him lay.* 2.68 He made his prouision at Graue∣ling, and there encamping with his people, stayed till his ships were readie to transport him and his armie ouer, which consisted of certaine Horse∣men, and of a number of Brabanders. King Henrie the father beeing aduertised both of his sonnes purpose, and of the doings in Englande, with all possible speede determined also to passe o∣uer into Englande, and therefore gotte his soul∣diers a Shippebourde, among the whiche were certaine bands of his Brabanders:* 2.69 and so soone as the winde blewe to his minde, hee caused the sayles to be hoysted vp, and the nauie to set for∣ward. Being landed he first repayred vnto Can∣terbury, there to make his prayers, doubting least the bloud of the Archbishop Thomas Becket be∣ing spilt through his occasiō,* 2.70 did yet require ven∣geance against him for that fact. From Canter∣burie he came to London, and tooke order for the placing of captains w^t their bāds in certen towns about y^e coast to defend the landing places, where he thought his son was like to arriue.* 2.71 Then went he vnto Hūtingtō, & subdued the castell there the xix. of Iuly: for the knights & other soldiers y^t wer within it yeelded themselues to the kings mercy

theyr liues and limmes saued.

* 2.72After this, assembling his people on all sides, hee made his generall musters at Saint Ed∣munds burie, and determined to besiege the Ca∣stels of Bunghey and Framingham, which the Erle Hugh Bigot held agaynst him.* 2.73 The which Earle mistrusting that he was not able to defend himselfe and those places agaynste the king, a∣greed with the King to haue peace, paying to the king the summe of a thousande Markes by [ 10] composition.

This agreement was concluded the .xxv. of Iuly.* 2.74 Herevpon a multitude of the Flemings whiche Philip Earle of Flaunders had sent into England (as before is mencioned) vpon their oth receyued, not afterwards to come as enimies into England, had licence to returne into their coun∣trey. Also the bandes of souldiers that came into the realme with Raufe de la Hay departed with∣out impeachment by the kings sufferance. [ 20]

* 2.75The king hauing thus accōplished that which stoode with his pleasure in those parties, remoued from thence and drewe towardes Northamton. To which towne after his comming thither,* 2.76 the king of Scots was brought with his feet bounde vnder the horses belly. Also thither came the Bi∣shop of Durham, and deliuered to the king the ca∣stels of Durhā, Norham, & Allerton. There came also thither vnto the K. Roger Mowbray, & sur∣rendred to him the Castell of Treske, and Ro∣bert [ 30] Erle Ferrers deliuered vp into his hands the Castels of Tutburie and Duffield, and Anketill Mallorie, and William de Diue Constables to the Erle of Leycester, yeelded to the king the Ca∣stels of Leycester, Groby, and Mountsorell, to the intent that he should deale more curteously with the Erle their maister.

Also William Earle of Gloucester,* 2.77 and Erle Richard of Clare submitted themselues to the king, and so he brougth all his aduersaries within the realme of Englande vnto suche frame as hee himselfe wished. And thus may ye see oftentimes vpon small occasions, greate mutations and chaunges do happen. And so the king hauing at∣chieued the vpper hande of his enimies returned to London.

About this time or shortly after,* 2.78 he commit∣ted his wife Queen Elenor vnto close prison, by∣cause she had procured his sonnes Richarde and Geffrey to ioyne with their elder brother agaynst him their father (as before ye haue partly heard.)

But to proceede, king Lewes being aduertised that there was no great number of men of warre left in Normandie to defend the countrey, rayseth a power, and comming to Rouen, besieged it right straitly.

Shortly after also king Henrie the sonne and Philip Erle of Flanders came thither,* 2.79 meaning to obteyne first the possession of Normandie, and after to go into England.* 2.80 The Citizens of Ro∣uen perceiuing in what daunger they stood, with∣out fainting heartes, prepare all things necessary for defence, and do euery thing in order, purpo∣sing not to giue ouer their Citie for any threates or menaces of their enimies.

Whilest they within were busie in deuising how to repulse the assault, and to defende them∣selues, the aduersaries aboute midnight came forth of their campe, and approching the walles with their Ladders, rayse them vp and begin to

[illustration]

scale the Citie: But the Citizens being aduized [ 50] therof, boldly got them to the loupes and towers, ouerthrow the Ladders of the enimies that were comming vp, and with arrowes, stones and dartes beate them backe, to their great losse and hynderance. Howbeit though the enimies coulde not preuaile thus to get the citie by thys assault, yet they continue the siege, and suffer not them within to bee in quiet, but daye and night they assayle them by one meanes or other.

King Henrie the father being aduertised here∣of,* 2.81 after hee had set order in his businesse tou∣ching the suretie and safe defence of the Eng∣lish estate, hee returneth into Normandie, and landeth at Harfleete on a Thursday beeing the viij. day of August, bringing with him backe

againe hys Brabanders, and a thousande Welchmen.

In this meane while, king Lewes continu∣eth still his siege before Rouen, constrayning them within by all meanes hee coulde deuise to yeelde vp theyr Citie. At length came the feast of Saint Laurence, on which day the French king commaunded that no man shoulde attempt any enterprice against the Citizens, graunting them truce for that day, in worship of that Saint. [ 10]

This truce was so acceptable a thing to them within, that they forgetting themselues, without all respect to the daunger wherin the Citie stood, threwe off theyr armour, and gaue themselues to sleepe and rest. Some also fell to banketting and other pastimes for their recreation, in so dissolute maner, that the Frenchmen perceyuing their er∣rours, required licence of the French king to giue assault to the Citie, declaring in what state the matter presently stoode. The king not mea∣ning [ 20] to violate the reuerence of that day, and hys promised fayth, with any such vnlawful attempt, commaunded his men of warre that made the request, in no wise to stirre. But the soldiers not∣withstanding vpon couetousnesse of the spoyle, rayse the Ladders to that part of the wall whiche they iudged to be most without warders,* 2.82 so that some of them mounting vp, got vpon the walles, and were about to helpe vp their fellowes, when by chaunce it happened so well for the Citie, that [ 30] two priests being gone vp into the Steple of the chiefe Churche, to looke about them for their plea∣sures, fortuned to see where the French men were about to enter the Citie, and streight wayes gaue knowledge to the Citizens beneath. Herevpon the alarme rose, and with all speede the people ranne to the place, and with such violence came vppon theyr enimies which were entred vpō the walles,* 2.83 that streyght wayes they had slaine them, and chased the residue oute of the Ditches, so that [ 40] they returned with many a bleeding wound vn∣to theyr campe, repenting them of theyr vn∣happye, begunne enterprice, that so turned to theyr cost.

* 2.84The same day also a little before night, king Henrie the father came vnto Rouen, and was re∣ceyued into the Citie with great ioy and glad∣nesse: for he came thither by chaunce euen about the time that the Citie had thus like to haue bene taken at vnwares. [ 50]

* 2.85There be that write, howe the French King immediately vpon the arriuall of king Henrie, le∣uyed his fielde and departed, greatly to his disho∣nour, burning vp his engines of warre, and not staying till his men might haue leysure to charge theyr wagons with theyr armor and other stuffe which they were glad to leaue behinde for a pray to the English men issuing forth vpon them.

But other declare, that the French king being nothing abashed of king Henries comming, con∣tinued the siege, in hope to winne the Citie.The next day early in the morning (or as other say in the night season) the king did sende forth a cer∣taine number of the Welchmen to passe ouer the Ryuer of Sayne, whiche they did,* 2.86 and by force made themselues way through the French camp, getting without losse or daunger vnto a greate wood, and slue that day of their aduersaries a∣boue an hundred men.

After this, lying abrode in the cuntry, they skir∣mished dayly with the Frenche horsemen,* 2.87 and oft times cut off such prouision of vitails as came to vitaile the campe.

The king himselfe on the other side remaining within the Citie, caused his people to issue out at the gates, and to keepe the enimies occupied with skirmishes afore the Citie.

And moreouer where there was a great trench cast betwixt the French campe and the walles of the Citie,* 2.88 he caused the same to be filled vp with fagottes, stones, and earth, and the French men sawe this doing well ynough, but none of them issued forth of theyr tentes to hinder the English men of their purpose.

King Lewes therefore being thus vexed with his enimies on eche syde, and perceyuing the Citie woulde not be wonne wythin any shorte tyme, beganne to waxe wearie, and to repente himselfe (as afore) for taking in hande so charge∣able and great a warre for another mans qua∣rell.

And herevppon caused William Bishoppe of Sens, And Theobalde Earle of Bloys,* 2.89 to goe vnto King Henrie, and to promise vppon abstenence of warre to be had for a tyme, to finde meanes to agree hym and his sonnes.

King Henrie being most desyrous hereof, ta∣king a truce, appoynted to come vnto Gysors,* 2.90 [in the feast of the Natiuitie of our Ladie] and there to meete King Lewes, that they myght talke of the matter to bring it to some good passe.

The French King so soone as hee vnderstoode that truce was taken,* 2.91 raysed his siege and retur∣ned home, and within a fewe dayes after (accor∣ding to the appoyntment) came to Gysors, and there communed with King Henrie: but bycause he could not make any agreement betwixt him and his sonnes at that time, he appoynted an o∣ther time to meete about it.

King Henrie the father whilest the truce con∣tinued with the French king, and with his sonne Henrie, went into Poictow, where his sonne Ri∣chard (whilest his father had beene occupied in o∣ther places) had gotte the most part of the coun∣trey into hys possession: but nowe hearing of

his fathers comming, and howe that truce was taken with the french king, and with his brother, he considered with himselfe that without their as∣sistance he was not able to withstand his fathers power.

* 2.92At length yet choosing rather to trie the matter with force of armes, than recreantly to yeelde, he repayreth for defence, furnishing diuerse townes and castels with garisons of mē: and as∣sembling togither al the other power that he was [ 10] able to make, commeth into the field, and pitched downe his tentes not farre of from his father. In the meane while, which way soeuer his father pas∣sed, the townes and Castelles submit themselues vnto him,* 2.93 so that Richarde beganne to dispayre in the matter, insomuch that he durst not approch neare vnto his father, but kept allofe, doubting to be entrapped. At length when he had considered his owne state, and weyed howe vnthankefully the French king and his brother had dealt with [ 20] him,* 2.94 in hauing no consideration of him at the tyme when they tooke truce, he determined to al∣ter his purpose, and hauing some good hope in his fathers clemencie, thought best to trie it, which he found to be the best way that he could haue taken. For so oftentymes it chaūceth, y^t latter thoughts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 better aduised than the first. Herevpon thys Richard laying armour aside, commeth of hys owne accorde vnto his father,* 2.95 vpon the .xxj. of September, and asketh pardon. His father moste [ 30] courteously receyuing him, made so much of him as though he had not offended at all. Which ex∣ample of curtesie did much to the alluring of hys other sonnes to come to a reconciliation. For the bringing whereof to speedie effect, he sent this Ri∣charde vnto king Lewes, and to his other sonne Henrie, to commen with them of peace, at which time Erle Richard did so effectually his message, that he brought them both in good forwardnesse to agree to his fathers purpose, so that there was [ 40] a day appoynted for them to meete with hys fa∣ther, betwixt Towres in Touraigne, and Am∣boise.

King Henrie reioysing hereat, kept his day, (being the morrow after the feast of Saint Mi∣chaell) and there met him both king Lewes,* 2.96 and his two sonnes Henrie and Geffrey, where final∣ly the father and the sonnes were accorded. Hee promising to receyue them into fauor vpon these conditions. First the prisoners to be released free∣ly [ 50] without raunsome on both sides, and their of∣fences to be likewise pardoned, which had taken eyther the one part or the other. Excepted out of this article,* 2.97 all those which before the concluding of this peace had alreadie compounded for theyr raunsomes, as the king of Scots, the Earles of Leicester and Chester, and Raufe Fulgiers, with their pledges. Also it was agreed, that all those Castels which had bene buylded in time of thys warre, should be razed & throwne downe, and all such cities, townes, Castels, countreys & places, which had bene woon by either part during these warres, shoulde bee restored vnto those persones that helde the same, and were in possession of them .xv. dayes before the departure of the sonnes from king Henrie the father.

Againe king Henrie the father should assigne to his sonnes more larger reuenues for mainte∣nance of theyr estates, with a caution included, that they shoulde not spende the same riotouslye in any prodigall sort or maner.

First to the king his sonne,* 2.98 he gaue two Ca∣stels in Normandie, with an encrease of yearely reuenues, to the summe of .xv. thousande pounde Aniouyn.* 2.99 And to his sonne Richard he gaue al∣so two houses in Poictou, with the one halfe of al the reuenues of the Countie of Poictou to be re∣ceyued in money.* 2.100 Vnto his sonne Geffrey hee graunted also in money, the moitie of that which he should haue by the mariage of Erle Conanes daughter, and after that he had maried hir by li∣cense purchased of the Pope, he shoulde enioy all the whole liuings and reuenues that discended to hir, as in hir fathers wryting thereof more at large was conteyned.

On the other part king Henrie the sonne, co∣uenanted and graunted to and with the King his father, that hee shoulde perfourme and con∣fyrme all those gyftes of almes whiche his father shoulde graunt oute of his landes, and also all those gyftes of landes which hee eyther had made and assured, or hereafter shoulde make and assure, vnto any of his men for any of their seruices. And likewise those gyftes whiche hee had made vnto his sonne Iohn the brother of King Henrie the sonne, that is to witte,* 2.101 a thousande poundes in landes by yeare in Englande of his demaine and excheates with the appurtenaunces, and the Ca∣stell and Countie of Notingham, with the Ca∣stell of Marlebrough, and the appurtenances. Al∣so a thousand poundes Aniouyn of yearely reue∣nues in Normandie, and two Castelles there. And in Aniou a thousande poundes Aniouyn, of suche landes as belonged to the Earle of An∣iou, with one Castell in Aniou and one in Tou∣raine and another in Maine.

Thus were the father and sonnes agreed and made friendes, the sonnes couenanting neuer to withdrawe theyr seruices and bounden dueties from theyr father, but to obey him in all things from that day forwarde.

Herewith also the peace was renued betwixt King Henrie and King Lewes, and for the fur∣ther confyrmation, a newe alliaunce was accor∣ded betwixt them,* 2.102 whiche was that the Ladie Adela the daughter of king Lewes shoulde be gi∣uen

in maryage vnto Earle Richarde the sonne of King Henrie, and bycause she was not yet of age able to mary, shee was conueyed into Eng∣lande to be vnder the guyding of King Henrie, till she came to lawfull yeares.

Thus the peace being concluded, king Hen∣rie for getting all passed in••••reyes, brought howe his sonnes in maner aforesayde. And they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will pleased with the agreement, attended theyr father into Normandie,* 2.103 where Richarde and [ 10] Geffrey did homage to theyr father receyuing theyr othes of allegiance according to the maner in that ease requyred. But king Henrie the sonne did no homage,* 2.104 for his father (in respect that he was a king) woulde not suffer him, and there∣fore tooke onely sureties of him for performance of the couenants on his part, as was thought expedient.

* 2.105At length king Henrie goeth to Faleyse, and there delyuereth out of captiuitie William king [ 20] of Scotlande, Robert Earle of Leycester, Hugh Earle of Chester, with diuerse other noble men whiche were kepte there as prisoners, putting them to theyr raunsomes, and receyuing of them pledges with an othe of allegiance.

* 2.106King Henrie the father released for hys part the number of nine hundred .lxix. knightes or menne of armes (if yee lyst so to tearme them) which had beene taken sith the begynning of these passed warres. [ 30]

And king Henrie the sonne set at lybertie a∣boue an hundred, and that without raunsome paying, according to the Articles of the peace (as before ye haue heard.) But yet some (as before we haue specified were excepted out of the benefit of that article, as William king of Scotlande, who being not able to pay his raunsome in pre∣sent money, deliuered vp in gage foure of the strongest Castelles within his realme into king Henries handes, Barwike, Edenbourgh, Rox∣bourgh, [ 40] and Sterling,* 2.107 with condition, that if he brake the peace, and payed not the money be∣hinde due for his raunsome, king Henrie and his successours shoulde enioy for euer the same Ca∣stelles. He also couenaunted, not to receyue any English Rebels into his realme.

* 2.108Other write that the king of Scottes did not onely become the king of Englands liegeman at this time, and couenanted to doe homage vnto him for the Realme of Scotlande, and all other [ 50] his landes, but also deliuered the Castels of Bar∣wike, and Roxbourgh to be possessed of the same king of Englande and hys heyres for euer with∣out any couenant mentioned of morgage.

Things beeing setled thus in good order, King Henry leauing his sonne Henrie at Ro∣uen, goeth to Argenton, and there helde hys Christenmasse, and afterwardes, that is to wit, in the feast of the Purification of our Ladie,* 2.109 both the kings as well the father as the sonne, were at Ma•…•…ns, and vpon their return from thence into Normandie, they came to a communicati∣on with the Frenche King at Gysors,* 2.110 and then being come backe into Normandie at Bure, the sonne to put the father out of all doubt and mys∣twist of any euill meaning in him, sware 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him agaynst all persons, and so became hys liegeman in the presence of Rothrod Archebi∣shops of Ro•…•…len, Henrie Bishop of Baycax, Wil∣liam Earle of Mandauille, Richarde de Humez his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and many other.

After this they kept theyr Easter at Ch••••∣bourgh, and from thence they came to Ca••••,* 2.111 where they mette wyth Philippe Earle of Flan∣ders, who had lately before taken vpon hym the Crossed to goe into the holy lande: and there King Henry the father requyred him to releasse all suche couenauntes as King Henry the sonne had made vnto him in tyme of his last warres, whiche hee freely did, and delyuered vppe the wryting whiche hee hadde of the same King concerning those couenauntes, and so then they confyrmed vnto him the yearely rent whiche hee was wont to receyue out of Englande before the sayde warres.

Finally after that king Henrie had visited the most parte of the Countrey,* 2.112 he commeth to Harflewe, and causeth his Nauie to bee becked and rigged, that hee might sayle ouer into Eng∣lande. Whilest he taryed here tyll his ships were readie, hee sendeth letters to his sonne King Henrie, willing him to repayre vnto him, mea∣ning that he shoulde accompanie him into Eng∣lande. At the first the sonne was loth to obey hys fathers pleasure herein, bicause some enuious per∣sons aboute him, had put in his heade a doubt,* 2.113 least his father had not altogither forgot his for∣mer grudge, and that he ment at his comming into Englande to commite him to prison. But yet the father handled him so gently with cour∣teous letters and messages, that shortly after hee came to his father of his owne accorde vnto Har∣flewe, from whence shortlye after they sayled both togyther ouer into Englande,* 2.114 landing at Portsmouth on a Fryday the .ix. of May, they tooke the way frō thence streight vnto London, al the wayes beeing full of people that came to see them, & to shewe thēselues glad & ioyfull of theyr concord and happy arriual. At their comming to the citie they were receyued with great reioycing of the people, besieching God long to preserue thē both in health and honour.

The same yeare William de Breause hauing got a great number of Welchmen into the Ca∣stell of Begemini,* 2.115 vnder a colourable pretext of a communication, proponed this ordinance to be

receyued of them vnder a corporall othe, that no trauayler by the waye amongest them shoulde beare any vow, or other vnlawful weapon: which othe when they refused to take,* 2.116 bycause they woulde not stande to that ordinance, he condem∣ned them all to death. And this deceyt he vsed to∣wardes them in reuenge of the death of his vncle Henrie of Hereford, whom vpon Easter euen be∣fore, they had through treason murthered, & were now acquited with the like againe. [ 10]

The same yeare died Reignald Erle of Corn∣wall, hastard sonne to king Henry the first with∣out heyres male, by reason whereof the K.* 2.117 tooke into his handes all the inheritance of landes and liuings which he helde within Englande, Nor∣mandie & Wales, except certaine portions which the daughters of the same Erle had by assignmēt allotted to them. Also Richard Earle of Glou∣cester deceassed this yere, & his son Philip succeded him.* 2.118 The same yeare was a Sinode of the Hen∣rie kept at Westminster, wherein many things were decreed for the conseruation of Religion,

[illustration]

and among other things it was prouided, that those Abbayes and Churches which were voyde of gouernours, and could haue none placed in them by the time of the late ciuill warres, shoulde now be committed vnto men worthie to enioye the same, for the reformation of enormities being growne and diuersely replenished in time of the vacations.

The Realme being nowe brought into good order and delyuered from the troubles of warre, [ 40] as well at home as abrode, the king being at good leysure determined to ride about a great part of the realme,* 2.119 and comming to Yorke, sent for the king of Scots to come and do his homage, which was done: for the king of Scots according to co∣uenants before concluded, came vnto Yorke in the Moneth of August, where doing his homage about the .xx. day of the same Moneth in S. Pe∣ters Church, graunted further by his letters pa∣tents, that he and his successours kings of Scot∣lande, [ 50] shoulde doe homage and fealtie to kings of Englande so often as they shoulde be necessarily requyred therevnto. And in signe and token of that subiection, the king of Scots offred his Hat, and his Saddle vpon the Aulter of S. Peter in Yorke, which Hatte and Saddle for a remem∣braunce hereof was kept there many yeres after that day.

The Charter also conteyning the Articles of the peace and agreement concluded betwixt the two kings was read there in S. Peters church at the same time, the tenor whereof ensueth.* 2.120

VVIlhelmus rex Scotia deuents home ligius domini regis Anglia contra omnes homi∣nes, de Scotia & de alijs terris suis,* 2.121 & fidelitatem ei fecit vt ligio domino suo sicut alij homines sui ipsi facere solent. Similiter fecit homagium Herico filio regis salua fide domini regis patris sui. Omnes vero Episcopi, Abbates & Clerus terrae Scotiae & successores sui facient domina regi sicut ligio domino fidelitatem, de quibus labere voluerit sicut alij E∣piscopi sui ipsi facere solere, & Homico filio suo & Dauid et haeredibus eorum. Cācessit autem rex Sco∣tiae, et frater eius, & Baronis, & alij homines sui domino regi, quod ecclesia Scotiae talem subiectio∣nem amedo faciet ecclesia Angliae, qualem facore debet, & solebat tempore regum Angliae praede∣cessorum fucrum. Similiter Richardus Episcopus Sancti Andrea, & Richardus Episcopus Dunkel∣den et Gaufridus Abbas de Dūfermlyn. & Her∣bertus Prior de Coldingham concesserunt, vt Eccle∣sia Anglicana illud habeat ius in Ecclesia Scotiae, quod de iure debet habere: & quod ipsi non erunt contra ius Anglicanae Ecclesiae. Et de hac concessione sicut quando ligiam fidelitatem domino regi & domino Henrico filio suo fecerint, ita cos in∣de

essecur auerint. Hoc idem facient alij episcopi & clerus Scotiae, per conuentionem inter dominum regē Scotiae & Dauid featrē suum & barones suos fac∣tam, Comites & barones & alij homines de ter∣ra regis Scotia (de quibus dominus rex habere volu∣erit) facient ei homagium contra omnem hominem, & fidelitatem vt legio domino suo sicut alij homines sui facere ei solent, & Henrico filio suo & haeredi∣bus su•…•… salua fide domini regis patris sui. Simili∣ter haeredes regis Scotiae & baronum & hominum [ 10] suorum homaguum & ligiantiam faciet haeredibus domini regis contra omnem hominem. Preterea rex Scotiae & homines sui nullum amodo fugitiuum de terra domini regis pro selonia receptabunt, vel in alia terra sua nesi voluerit venire ad rectum in curia domini regis & stare iudicio curia. Sed rex Scotiae & homines sui quam citius poterunt eum capient, & domino regi reddent, vel iusticiarijs su∣is dut balliuis suis in Anglia. Si autem de terra re∣gis Scotia aliquis fugitinus fuerit pro felonia in [ 20] Anglia, nisi voluerit venire ad rectum in curia domini regis Scotiae, & stare iudicio curiae, non re∣ceptabitur in terra regis, sed liberabitur hominibus regis Scotia, per balliuos domini regis vbi inuen∣tus fuerit. Praeterea homines domino regis habebūt terras suas quas habebant, & habere debent de do∣mino rege, & hominibus suis, & de rege Scotiae & de hominibus suis. Et homines regis Scotiae habebunt terras suas, quas habebant, & habere debent de do∣mino rege & hominibus suis: pro ista vero conuen∣tione [ 30] & sine firmiter obseruando domino regi & Hērico filio suo & haeredibus suis à rege Scotiae & haeredibus suis, liberauit rex Scotiae domino regi Ca∣stellum de Rockesburgh, & Castellum Puellarū, & Castellum de Striueling, in manu domini Regis, & ad custodienda Castella assignabit rex Scotiae de redditu suo mesurabiliter ad voluntatem Domini regis. Preterea pro predicta conuentione & sine exe∣quendo, liberauit rex Scotiae domino regi Dauid fratrem suum in obsidem & comitem Duncanum, [ 40] & comitem VValdenum, similiter alios comites & barones cum alijs viris potentibus quorum numerus xviij. Et quando castella reddita fuerint illis, rex Scotiae & Dauid frater suus liberabuntur. Comites quidem & barones praenominati vnusquis{que} postquā liberauerit obsidem suum, scilicet filiū legittimum, qui habuerit, & alij nepotes suos vel propinquio∣res sibi haeredes, & castellis vt dictum est redditis li∣berabuntur. Preterea rex Scotiae & barones sui prae∣nominati assecurauerint, quod ipsi bona fide, & sine [ 50] malo ingenio, & sine occasione facient vt episcopi & barones et caeteri homines terrae suae, qui non af∣fuerunt quādo rex Scotiae cum domino rege finiuit, eandem ligiantiam & fidelitatem domino regi & Henrico filio suo quam ipsi fecerunt, & vt barones, & homines qui affuerunt obsides liberabunt domi∣no regi de quibus habere voluerit. Preterea episcopi comites & barones conuentionauerunt domino re∣gi & Henrico filio suo, quod sirex Scotiae aliquo ca∣su à fidelitate domini regis & filij, & à conuen∣tione praedicta rocederet, ipsi cum domino rege tene∣bunt sicut cum ligio domino suo contra regem Sco∣tiae & contra omnes homines ei inimicantes. Et e∣piscopi sub interdicto ponent terram regis Scotiae do∣nec ipse ad fidelitatem domini regis redeat. Praedi∣ctam itaque conuentionem firmiter obseruandam bona fide, & sine malo ingenio domino regi & Hē∣rico filio suo & heredibus suis à VVilhelmo rege Scotiae & Dauid fratre suo & baronibus suis prae∣dictis & haeredibus eorum assecurauit ipse rex Sco∣tiae & Dauid frater cius & omnes barones sui pre∣nominati sicut ligij homines Domini regis contra omnem hominem & Hērici filij sui (salua fidelita∣te pat is sui) hijs testibus, Richardo episcopo Abrin∣censi, & Iohanne Salisburiae decano, & Roberto ab∣bate Malm•…•… sburiae, & Radulpho abbate Mundes∣berg, nec no•…•… alijs abbatibus, comitibus & baro•…•…ibu•…•… & duobus filijs suis scilicet Richardo & Galfrido.

These things therefore beeyng recited in the Church of Saint Peters in Yorke in the presence of the sayde Kings and of Dauid the King of Scottes his brother, and before an innumerable number of other people, the Bishops, Erles, Ba∣rons and Knightes of Scotland sware to the K. of England and to Henry his sonne, and to their heires fealtie against all men, as to their liege and soueraigne Lordes.

King Henry hauyng ended hys businesse at Yorke with the King of Scottes and other, whi∣che likewise did homage to him there, he returned to London. In the Octaues of S. Michaell,* 2.122 king Henry the father called a Parliament at Wind∣sor, in the whiche were presente King Henry the sonne, Richard Archbishop of Canterbury, and o∣ther Bishops of England, Laurence Archbishop of Dublin with a greate number of Earles and Barons of this Realme. About the same tyme the Archbishop of Tuamon,* 2.123 and the Abbot of Saint Brandon with Laurence the Chauncelloure of Roderike King of Connagh in Irelād wer come as Ambassadours from the sayde Roderike, vnto

[illustration]

King Henry, who willingly heard them, as hee that was more desirous to grow to some accord with those sauage people by some friendly order, than to warre with them that hadde nothing to lose: so that he might in pursuing of them seeme to fishe with an hooke of golde. Therefore in this Parliament the matter was debated, and in the ende a peace was concluded at request of the said Ambassadors, the King appointing Roderike to pay vnto him in token of subiection, a tribute of [ 10] Oxe hides.* 2.124 The charter of the agreemente was written and subscribed in this forme. Haec est finis & Concordia quae facta fuit apud VVindeshore in Octauis sancti Michaelis Anno gratiae .1175. inter dominum regem Angliae Henricum secundum, & Rodericum regem Conaciae, per Catholicū Tua∣mensem Archiepiscopum & Abbatem C. sancti Brandani, & magistrum L. Cancellarium Regis Co∣naciae. Scilicet quòd rex Angliae concedit praedicto Roderico ligio homini suo regnū Conaciae, quādiu ei [ 20] fideliter seruiet, vt sit Rex sub eo, paratus ad serui∣cium suum sicut homo suus, & vt teneat terram suam ita bene & in pace, sicut tenuit, antequam dominus rex Angliae intraret Hiberniam, redden∣do ei tributum & totam aliam terram, & habita∣tores terrae habeat sub se, & insticiet vt tributum Regi Angliae integrè per••••luant, & per manum eius sua iura sibi conseruent. Et illi qui modo tenēt, teneant in pace quandiu manserint in fidelitate re∣gis Angliae, & fideliter & integrè persoluerint [ 30] tributum & alia iura sua quae ei debent per ma∣num regis Conaciae, saluo in omnibus iure & hono∣re domini regis Angliae & suo. Et si qui ex eis re∣gi Angliae & ei rebelles fuerint, & tributum & alia iura regis Angliae per manum eius soluere no∣luerint, & à fidelitate regis Angliae recesserint, ipse eos iusticiet & amoueat. Et si eos per se iustici∣are non poterit, Constabularius regis Angliae, & familia sua de terra illa iuuabunt eum ad hoc faci∣endum, cùm ab ipso fuerint requisiti, & ipsi vide∣rint [ 40] quod necesse fuerit. Et propter hunc finem, red∣det praedictus Rex Conaciae domino regi Angliae tributum singulis Annis, scilicet de singulis de∣cem animalibus vnum corium placabile mercatori∣bus, tam de tota terra sua quàm de aliena. Excepto •…•… de terris illis quas dominus Rex Angliae re∣tinuit in dominio suo, & in dominio Baronum suo∣•…•…ū, nihil, se intromittet, scilicet Duvelina cum per∣tinentijs suis, & Midia cum omnibus pertinentijs suis, sicut vnquā Marchat VVamailethlachlin, eā [ 50] melius & plenius tenuit, aut aliqui qui eam de eo tenuerint. Et excepta VVesefordia, cum omnibus pertinentijs suis, scilicet cum tota lagenia. Et ex∣cepta VVaterfordia cum tota terra illa, quae est à VVaterford vs{que} ad Dunca•…•…nam, ita vt Duncarnā sit cum omnibus pertinentijs suis infra terram illā. Et si Hibernenses qui aufugerint redire voluerint ad terram Baronū regis Angliae, redeant in pace, reddendo tributum praedictum quod alij reddun•…•…, vel faciendo antiqua seruicia quae facere solebant pro terris suis. Et hoc sit in Arbitri•…•… dominorum suorum. Et si aliqui eorum redire noluerint, domi∣ni eorum & rex Conaciae accipiat obsides ab omni∣bus quos ei commisit dominus rex Angliae ad vo∣luntatem domini regis & suam. Et ipse dabit obs•…•…∣des ad voluntatem domini regis Angliae illos vel alios, & ipsi seruient domino de canibus & auibus suis singulis annis de presentis suis. Et nullum om∣ninò de quacunque terra regis sit, retinebunt con∣tra voluntatem domini regis & mandatum. Hijs testibus, Richardo Episcopo VVintoniae, Gaufrido episcopo Eliensi, Laurentio Duvilinensi archiepis∣copo, Gaufrido, Nicholao, & Rogero Capellanis re∣gis, Guilhelmo Comite de Essex, & alijs multis.

Moreouer, at this Parliament, the King gaue vnto an Irishman that was named Augustine, the Bishopricke of Waterford, whiche see was then voyd, and sent him into Ireland with Lau∣rence the Archbishop of Dublin, to be consecrated of Donate the Archbishop of Cassels.* 2.125 The same yeare, both Englande, and the countreyes adioy∣ning, were sore vexed with a greate mortalitie of people, and immediately after followed a sore dearth and famine.

King Henry helde his Christmas at Wind∣sor,* 2.126 and about the feast of the conuersiō of Saint Paule, he came to Northampton, and now after that the mortalitie was well ceassed,* 2.127 hee called a Parliamente there, at the whiche was presente a Deacon Cardinall entitled of S. Angelo, beyng sent into England as a Legate from the Pope to take order in the controuersies betwixte the two Archbishops of Canterbury and Yorke.

This Cardinall whose name was Hugh Pe∣tro Lione,* 2.128 assembling in the same place a conuo∣cation or Synod of the Bishops and Clergie, as well of England as Scotland: in which conuo∣cation after the ceassing of certeine strifes and de∣crees made as well concerning the state of cōmon wealth, as for the honest behauiour of mans life, the Cardinall consented that (accordingly as by the Kings lawes it was already ordeined) all ma∣ner of persons within the sacred orders of y^e Cler∣gie,* 2.129 which should hunt within y^e Kings groundes and kill any of his Deare, shuld be conuented and punisheable before a temporall Iudge, which li∣bertie graunted to the King, did so infringe the immunitie which the Cleargie pretended to haue within this Realme, that afterwardes in many poyntes, Priestes were called before temporall Iudges and punished for their offences as well as the Laitie, though they haue grudged indeede and mainteined that they had wrong therein, as they that would be exempt and iudged by none except by those of their owne order.* 2.130

Moreouer in this Counsell, the matter came in

question touching the obedience which the Bi∣shoppes of Scotlande dyd owe by right vnto the Archebishop of Yorke,* 2.131 whom from the beginning the Popes of Rome had constitute and ordeyned

[illustration]

to be Primate of all Scotlande, and of the Isles belongyng to that Realme, as well of the Orke∣neys as all the other: the which constitution was obserued by the Bishoppes of those parties many yeares togither, though after they renounced their obedience. Whervpon the Archebishops of Yorke for the tyme being continually cōplayned, so that these Popes, Pascall the seconde, Calixte the se∣conde, Honorius, Innocentius, Eugenius the [ 30] thirde, and Hadrian the fourth hadde the hearing of the matter, and with often sending theyr let∣ters went about to reduce them vnto the prouince of Yorke. But the Scots still withstanding this ordinaunce, at length the matter thus in contro∣uersie was referred to Pope Alexander, who sent the foresayd Cardinall Hugh as well to make an ende of that contention, as of diuers other: but yet he left it vndecided.* 2.132 William King of Scotland came in person vnto this parliamēt at Northam∣ton, [ 40] by commaundemente of Kyng Henry, and brought with him Richarde Bishoppe of S. An∣drew, and Iosseline Bishop of Glascow, with o∣ther Bishops and Abbots of Scotland, the which being commaunded by King Henry to shew such subiection to the Church of England as they wer bound to do by the faith which they ought to him and by the oth of fealtie whiche they had made to him, they made this aunswer, that they had neuer shewed any subiection to the Church of Englād, [ 50] nor ought to shew any: against which deniall, the Archbishop of Yorke replyed, and shewed foorthe sufficiente priuileges graunted by the forenamed Popes, to proue the subiection of the Scottishe Bishoppes, and namely Glascow and Whiterne vnto the see of Yorke. But bycause the Archby∣shop of Canterbury meant to bring the Scottish Bishops vnder subiection of his See, he wrought so for that tyme with the King, that hee suffered them to depart home, without doing any subie∣ction to the Churche of Englande. The letters which the foresayd Popes did send touching this matter, were remayning safe and sound amongst other writings in the Colledge at Yorke, when Polidore Virgill wrote the histories of England, the copies whereof in an old antient booke, he con∣fesseth to haue seene and redde. But to speake fur∣ther of things ordered and done at this Parliamēt holden at Northampton,* 2.133 the King by common consente of his nobles and other estates, deuided his realme into sixe partes, appointing three iusti∣ces Itinerantes in euery of them, as here followeth, Hugh de Cressy, Walter Fitz Robert, and Ro∣bert Mantel, wer deputed vnto Northfolke, Suf∣folke, Cambridgeshire, Huntingtonshire, Bed∣fordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertford∣shire: Hugh de Gunduille, William Fitz Raufe, and William Basset were appoynted to Lin∣colnshire, Notinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staf∣fordshire, Warwikeshire, Northamptonshire and Lecestershire: Roberte Fitz Bernarde, Richarde Giffard, Roger Fitz Remfrey, were assigned to Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Berkshire and Oxfordshire: William Fitz Stephan, Berthran de Verdun, Thurstan Fitz Simō were ordeyned to Herefordshire, Glocestershire, Worcetershire, and Salopshire: Raufe Fitz Stephan, William Ruffe, and Gilberte Pipard were putte in charge with Wilshire, Dorsetshire, Sommersetshire, Deuonshire and Cornewall: Roberte de Wals, Ranulf de Glanuile, and Roberte Pikenet were appoynted to Yorkshire, Richmondshire, Lanca∣shire, Copeland, Westmerland,* 2.134 Northumberlād and Cumberland. The Kyng caused these Iu∣stices to sweare vpon the holy Euangelistes, that

they should keepe his assises which he first had or∣deyned at Clarendon, and after had renewed here at Northampton, and also cause all his subiectes within the Realme of England, to keepe and ob∣serue the same.

* 2.135Moreouer at this Counsell, Kyng Henry re∣stored vnto Robert Earle of Lecester all his lāds, both on this side the sea, and beyond, in manner as hee helde the same fifteene dayes before the warre. [ 10]

To William de Albeny Earle of Arundell, he gaue the Erledome of Sussex. About midlent, the King with hys sonne and the Legate came to London, where at Westminster a Conuocation of the Cleargie was called, but when the Legate was set, and the Archbishop of Canterbury on his right hand as primate of the Realme, the Archby∣shop of Yorke comming in,* 2.136 & disdeining to sitte on the left hand where he might seeme to giue prehe∣minence vnto the Archbishop of Canterbury, (vn∣manerly ynough indede) swasht him down, mea∣ning to thrust himselfe in betwixt the Legate, and the Archb. of Canterbury: & where belike the sayd Archb. of Canterbury was loth to remoue, hee set his buttockes iust in his lappe, but he vnneth tou∣ched the Archbishops skirt with his bumme, whē the Bishops and other Chapleines and their ser∣uantes stept, to him pulled him away, and threwe him to the grounde, and beginning to ley on hym with bats & fistes, the Archb. of Canterbury yeel∣ding good for euill, sought to saue him from theyr hands.

The Archbishop of Yorke with his rent Rochet got vp, and away he went to the K. with a greate

[illustration]

complaint againste the Archb. of Canterbury, but when vpon examination of the matter the trueth was knowen, hee was well laught at for hys la∣bour, & that was al the remedie he gote. As he de∣parted [ 40] so bebuffeted forth of the conuocation house towards the Kyng, they cried out vppon him, goe Traytor that diddest betray that holy man Tho∣mas, goe get thee hence, thy handes yet stinke of bloud. The assemble was by this meanes disper∣sed, and the Legate fled and gote him foorth of the way.

* 2.137After this, followed appealings, the Archby∣shop of Yorke appealed to Rome, and the Legate also for his owne safegard appealed the Archby∣shoppe [ 50] of Canterbury vnto Rome, whiche Arch∣bishop submitting himselfe and his cause vnder the Popes protection, made a like solemne appeale from the Legate to the Pope. The Legate per∣ceiuing that the matter wente otherwise than hee wished, and sawe little remedie to be had at that present, gaue ouer his Legateship as it had bin of his owne accorde, though greatly agaynste hys will, and prepared himselfe to depart. Yet neuer∣thelesse, through mediation of friendes that tra∣uelled betwixt them, they gaue ouer their appeales on either syde, and dissimuled the displeasures whiche they had conceyued eyther against other, but yet the conuocation was dissolued for that time,* 2.138 and the two Archbishoppes presented theyr compleyntes to the King, who kepte his Easter thys yeare at Winchester, and about the same time or shortly after, licenced his sonne Henry to sayle ouer into Normandy, meaning shortly af∣ter to goe vnto Compostella in Spaine, to visite the body of Saint Iames the Apostle, but beeing otherwise aduised by his fathers letters, hee kepte not on his purpose but stayed at home.

The same yeare, the Lady Iohan the Kyngs daughter, was giuen in marriage vnto William King of Sicill. Also the same yere died the Lorde chiefe Iustice of Irelande,* 2.139 Roberte Earle of Striguill otherwise Chepstow, then was Wil∣liam Fitzaldelme ordeined Lorde chiefe Iustice in hys place, who seased into the Kynges

hands all those fortresses which the sayd Earle of Striguill helde within the Realme of Irelande. The Irishmen agreed also to yeelde to the Kyng a tribute of twelue pence yearely for euery house,* 2.140 or else for euery yoke of Oxen whiche they had of their owne.* 2.141 William Earle of Arundell dyed also this yeare at Wauerley, and was buried at Wy∣mondham.

[illustration]

* 2.142This yeare when it mighte haue bin thoughte that all things hadde bin forgotten touching the rebellious attemptes made against King Henry the father by his sonnes,* 2.143 and other (as before yee haue heard) he caused the walles both of the town and Castell of Leicester to bee raced and broken downe, and also all such other Castels and places [ 30] of strength whiche had bin kept againste him du∣ring the time of that Rebellion, were likewise o∣uerthrowen and made playne with the grounde, as the Castels of Huntington, Waleton, Grow∣by, Hey, Stutesbirry or Sterdesbirry, Malasert; the newe Castell of Allerton, the Castels of Fre∣mingham and Bungey, with diuers other bothe in England and Normandy. But the Castels of Pascy and Mountsorell he reteined in hys owne hands as his of right, beeing so found by a iurie of [ 40] free holders empanelled there in the countrey. And further, he seazed into his hands all the other Ca∣stels of Byshoppes, Earles and Barons, bothe in Englande and Normandy, appoynting keepers in them at hys pleasure.* 2.144 Also this yeare, he marri∣ed his daughter Eleanor vnto Alfonse K. of Ca∣stile. Moreouer, Gilbert the son of Fergus Lord of Galloway whiche hadde slayne his brother V∣thred, cousin to King Henry, came this yeare into Englande, vnder conduit of William King of [ 50] Scotlande, and became King Henry the fathers man, swearing to him fealtie against all men: and for to haue his loue and fauour, he gaue to hym a thousand markes of siluer, and deliuered into hys hands his sonne Duncane as a pledge. It is to be remembred also,* 2.145 that in this yeare, Richard Earle of Poyctow sonne to King Henry, foughte with certaine Brabanders his enimies betwixte Saint Megrine and Buteuille, where he ouercame thē.

Here I haue thought good, to aduertise y^e Rea∣d••••, that these men of warre, whiche I haue gene∣rally in this parte of this booke named Braban∣ders, we finde them writtē in olde copies diuersly, as Brebazones, Brebanceni, and Brebationes, the whiche for so muche as I haue found them by the learned translated Brabanders, and that the French word somewhat yeeldeth thereto, I haue likewise so named them, wherein whether I haue erred or not, I must submitte mine opinion to the learned and skilful searchers of such poynts of an∣tiquities. For to confesse in playne truth myne ig∣norance, or rather vnresolued doubt herein, I can not satisfie my selfe with any thing that I haue red, wherby to assure my coniecture what to make of them, although verily it may be, and the likely∣hood is great, that the Brabanders in those dayes for their trayned skill and vsuall practise in war∣like feates, wanne themselues a name, wherby not only those that were naturally borne in Brabant, but such other also which serued amongst them, or else vsed the same warlike furniture, order, trade and discipline, which was in vse among them, pas∣sed in that age vnder the name of Brabanders: eyther else must I thinke, that by reason of some odde manner habite or other speciall cause, some certayne kind of souldiers purchased to themselues the priuiledge of that name so to be called Braban∣ceni or Brebationes whether ye will, as hath chan∣ced to the Lansquenetz and Reisters in our time, and likewise to the companiōs Arminaes and E∣scorchers in the dayes of our forefathers, and as in al ages likewise it hath fortuned amongst men of war, which if it so chanced to these Brabanceni, I

know not then what countrymen to make them: for as I remember, Marchades that was a chiefe leader of such souldiers as were known by y^e name (as after ye shall heare) is reported by some auc∣thours to be a Prouancois. It should seeme also y^t they were called by other names, as y^e Rowtes (in Latine Ruptarij) which name whether it came of a Frenche word (as ye would say) some vnru∣ly and headestronge company, or of the Te•…•…iche worde Rutters, that signifieth a Rider, I cannot [ 10] say. But it may suffice for the course of y^e historie to vnderstand that they were a kind of hired soul∣diers, in those dayes highely esteemed and no lesse feared, in so muche that agaynst them and other ther was an article cōtayned amōg y^e decrees of y^e Laterane councell holdē at Rome in y^e yere .1179. wherby al those wer to be denoūced accursed whi∣che did hire, maintain and otherwise nourish those Brebationes, Aragonois, Nauarrois, Basques,* 2.146 and Coterelles, whiche did so muche hurte in the Christian world in those dayes. But nowe to re∣turne where we left to Earle Richarde, beside the foremētioned victory against those Brabanders, if we shall so take them. Hee vanquished also Ha∣merike, the vicount of Lymoges, and William Earle of Angolesme, with the vicounts of Ven∣tadore, and Cambanays, whiche attempted rebel∣lion against him, but Earle Richard subdued thē, and tooke them prisoners, with dyuers Castels and strong holdes which they had fortified.

[illustration]

* 2.147About the feast of Peter and Paule the Legate departed forthe of the realme, of whom we finde [ 30] that as he graunted to the King some liberties against the priuiledges whiche y^e Clergie preten∣ded to haue a right vnto:* 2.148 so he obteined of the king certain graunts in fauour of them and their order, as thus.

Firste, that for no offence, crime or transgres∣sion any spirituall person shuld be brought before a Temporall Iudge personally, excepte for hun∣ting, or for some lay fee for y^e which some tempo∣rall seruice was due to bee yeelded, eyther to the [ 40] King, or some other that was chiefe Lorde thereof.

Secondly, that no Archbishoppes See, nor Bi∣shoppes See, nor any Abbathie should be kept in the Kings handes more than one yeare, excepte vppon some euidente cause or necessitie con∣streyning.

Thirdly it was graunted, that suche as slewe any spirituall person, and were of suche offence conuict, eyther by euidence or confession before the [ 50] Iustice of the Realme in presence of the Bishop, they should be punished as the Temporall lawe in suche cases required.

Fourthly, y^e spirituall men should not be com∣pelled to fight in listes for the triall of any matter or cause whatsoeuer. It shuld appeare by Nicho∣las Triuet,* 2.149 y^t the Archebishop of Canterbury pro∣cured the bishops of Winchester, Elie, and Nor∣wiche three Prelates highely at that present in y^e Kings fauour, to further these grauntes, namely that suche as slew any prieste or spirituall person might haue the lawe for it: wher before, there was no punishemēt for a season vsed against such offē∣dors but onely excommunication. But nowe to leaue priestes, we will passe to other matters.* 2.150 In this meane time, King Henry y^e sonne remaining in Normandie, beganne to deuise newe practises howe to remoue his father from the gouernement and to take it to him selfe: but one of his seruants named Adam de Chirehedune beyng of his secret Counsell, aduertised King Henry the father ther∣of, for the whiche his master King Henry the son put him to greate shame and rebuke, causing hym to be stripped naked, and whipped round about the streetes of the Citie of Poicters,* 2.151 where hee then was vpon his returne from his brother Erle Ri∣chard, with whome hee hadde bin to ayde hym a∣gainst his enimies. But the father perceyuing the naughty mind of his sonne, not to ceasse from hys wilfull maliciousnesse, thoughte to dissemble all things sith he saw no hope of amendment in him: but yet to be prouided against his wicked attēpts, hee furnished all his fortresses both in Englande and in Normandy with strong garnisons of men, and all necessary munition: about whyche time, the sea rose on suche height, that many men were drowned thereby.

Also a great Snowe fell this yeare, whiche by

reason of the hard frost that chaunced therewith, continued long withoute wasting away, so that fishes both in the sea and fresh water dyed through sharpnesse and vehemencie of that Frost; neyther could husbandmen till the ground.

Ther chaunced also a sore Eclipse of the sonne the sixth Ides of Ianuary. The Monastery of Westwood or Lesnos was begun to bee founded by Richard de Lucy Lord chiefe Iustice. The same yeare at Wodstocke, the King made hys [ 10] sonne the Lord Geffrey Knight.

* 2.152Also in the yeare .1177. King Henry helde hys Christmas at Northampton, with hys two sons Geffrey and Iohn, his other two sonnes the yong King Henry, and Richarde Earle of Poictowe, were in the parties of beyond the sea, as the Kyng in Normandy, and the Earle in Gascoigne,* 2.153 where hee besieged the Citie of Aques whiche the vicount of Aques and the Earle of Bigo•…•…re hadde fortified against him, but he wan it within tenne dayes after his comming before it.

And within the like terme hee wanne the Ci∣tie of Bayon also, whiche Ernald Berthram had fortified against hym, and comming to the vtter∣most fronters of that Countrey adioyning to Spayne, hee tooke a Castell called Saint Piero

[illustration]

which he destroyed, and constreyned the Basques and Naruerroys to receyue an othe, that from thencefoorth they should suffer passengers quietly to come and goe through their countrey, and that they shoulde liue in quiet and keepe peace one with an other, and so he reformed the state of that Countrey, and caused them to renounce many e∣uill customes whiche they before that time hadde [ 40] vnlawfully vsed.

* 2.154Moreouer, Kyng Henry to auoyde further slaunder, placed for Byshoppe in that see of Lin∣colne a Bastard sonne, which he had named Gef∣frey, after hee had kept that Bishopricke in hys hands so long till he had almost cleerely destroyed it. And his sonne that was nowe made Bishoppe to help the matter for his parte, made hauocke in wasting and spending foorthe in riotous manner the goodes of that Churche, and in the end forsooke [ 50] hys myter, and left the See agayne in the Kyngs hands to make his best of it. Furthermore, the King in times past made a vowe to builde a new Monasterie in satisfactiō of his offences commit∣ted against Thomas the Archbishop of Canter∣bury, and nowe therefore hee required of the Bi∣shoppes and other spirituall fathers, to haue some place by them assigned, where he might begin that foundation. But whilest they shoulde haue ta∣ken aduice heerein, hee secretely practised with the Cardinals, and with diuers other Bishops, that hee mighte remoue the secular Canons out of the Colledge at Waltham, and place therein regular Canons, so to saue money in his cofers, plantyng in another mans vineyard. But yet bycause it should not be thought he did this of suche a coue∣tous meaning, hee promised to giue great posses∣sions to that house, whiche hee after but slenderly performed, though vppon licence obteyned at the Bishoppes handes, he displaced the Canons,* 2.155 and broughte in to their roumthes the Chanons as it were by way of exchange.

Also the same yeare hee thrust the Nunnes of Amesbury out of their house,* 2.156 bycause of their in∣continente liuing in abusing theyr bodyes great∣ly to theyr reproche, and bestowed them in o∣ther Monasteries to bee kepte within more straightly. And theyr house was committed vn∣to the Abbesse and couent of Founteuererd, the whyche sent ouer certayne of their number to fur∣nishe the house of Amesbury, wherein they were placed by the Archbyshoppe of Caunterbury, in the presence of the King and a greate number of others.

* 2.157Philippe Earle of Flaunders by sendyng ouer Ambassadors to Kyng Henry promised, that hee woulde not bestowe his two neeces daughters to his brother Mathew Erle of Bullongne, without consente of the same King: but shortly after hee forgot his promise, and married the elder of them to the Duke of Zaringes, and the yonger to Hē∣ry Duke of Louayn.* 2.158 Iohn de Curcy Lord chiefe Iustice of Ireland discomfiting a power of Irish∣men, wanne the Citie of Dun in Vlnestre,* 2.159 where the bodies of S. Patricke and S. Colme confes∣sors, and S. Brigit the virgin are buried, for the taking of whiche Citie,* 2.160 Roderike King of Vlne∣stre being sore offended, reysed a mighty host, and comming into the fielde, foughte with the Lorde chiefe Iustice, and in the ende receyued the ouer∣throwe

[illustration]

at his handes, although the Lorde chiefe Iustice at that encounter lost no small number of his men. Amongst prisoners that were taken, the [ 30] Bishop of Dun was one, whome yet the Lorde chiefe Iustice released, and set at libertie in respect of a request and sute made to him by a Cardinall the Popes Legate, that was there in Irelande at that time.* 2.161 This Cardinals name was Viuiano, entitled the Cardinall of S. Stephen in Mont Celio. He was sent from the Pope the last yeare, & comming into England though without licence, was pardoned vppon knowledging his faulte for his entring without the Kings leaue firste obtey∣ned, [ 40] and so permitted to goe into Scotland, why∣ther, and into other the Northwest regions, hee was sente as Legate, authorised from the Pope. After he had ended his businesse in Scotland, hee passed ouer into Man, and there helde his Christ∣mas with Euthred K. of Man, and after the feast of the Epiphany, hee sailed from thence into Ire∣land,* 2.162 and chaunced the same time that the Eng∣lishmen inuaded that countrey, to bee in the Citie of Dune, where hee was receiued of the King and [ 50] Bishops of that land with great reuerence. The inuasion then of the Englishmen being signified to them of the countrey aforehande, they asked councell of the Legate what he thought best to be done in that matter, who straighte wayes tolde them, that they ought to fighte in defense of theyr countrey, and at their setting forward, he gaue thē his benediction in way of their good speede. But they comming (as yee haue hearde) to encounter with the Englishmen, were put to flight, and bea∣ten backe into the Citie, the which was heerewith also wonne vy the Englishmen, so that the Ro∣mane Legate was glad to get him into y^e Church for his more safegard, and like a wise fellow had prouided afore hand for such happes if they chan∣ced, hauing there with him the King of Englāds letters directed to the Captaynes in Irelande in the Legates fauour, so that by the assistaunce and authoritie of the same, he went to Dublin,* 2.163 & there in name of the Pope and of the King of Englād held a councell, but when hee began to practise af∣ter the manner of Legates in those dayes some∣what largely for his owne aduātage, in y^e Chur∣ches of that simple rude countrey, the Englishe Captaines commaunded him eyther to departe, or else to goe foorth to y^e warres with them: wher∣vpan he returned into Scotland againe, with his bagges well stuffed with Irish golde, for the whi∣che it seemed he greatly thirsted. But as to the do∣ings of Iohn de Curcy, and of those Englishmen that were with him, they did not only defend such places as they had wonne out of the Irishmens handes againste those Kyngs and their powers, but also enlarged daily more and more their fron∣ters, and wanne the Towne of Armach (wherein is the Metropolitane see of all that land) with the whole prouince thereto belonging.

About the same time,* 2.164 came Ambassadors vnto King Henry, from Alfonse King of Castile, and

Garsias King of Nauarre, to aduertise him, that in a cōtrouersie risen betwixt the said two Kings touching the possession of certaine groundes neere vnto the confines of their Realmes, they had cho∣sen him for Iudge by compromise, promising vp∣pon their othes to stande vnto and abide his order and decree therein. Therefore they required hym to end the matter by his authoritie•…•… sith they had wholly put it to his iudgement.* 2.165 Furthermore, ey∣ther King hadde sente a most able and valiaunt [ 10] Knighte furnished with horse and armoure ready in their Princes cause to fight the combate, if K. Henry should happily committe the triall of their quarrell vnto the iudgement of battayle.

King Henry gladly accepted their request, so y^t therevppon calling his counsellours togither, hee aduised with them of the thing▪* 2.166 and hearing euery mans opinion, at length hee gaue iudgemente so with the one, that the other was contented to bee agreeable therevnto. [ 20]

Within a while after, Philip Earle of Flaun∣ders came ouer into England to doe his deuotiōs at the Tombe of Thomas Archbishop of Caun∣terbury, of whome the most part of men then had conceyued an opinion of such holynesse, that they reputed him for a Saint. The King mette hym there, and very friendly enterteyned him, and by∣cause he was appoynted shortly after to goe ouer into the holy land to warre against Goddes eni∣mies, the King gaue him fiue hundred markes in reward, and licenced William Mandeuile Earle of Essex to go in that iourney with other Lords, Knightes and men of warre of sundry nations that were of his dominions.

The King then returning vnto London, tooke order for the establishing of things touching the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Realme, and his owne estate.* 2.167 And first he appoynted the custodie of such Castels, as were of most importance by their situation, vnto the keeping of certaine worthy Captaynes.

To Sir William de Stuteuille hee assigned the custodie of Rockesburgh Castell to Sir Ro∣ger de Stuteuille, the Castell of Edinburgh, to Sir William Neuille, the Castell of Norham, to Sir Geffrey Neuill the Castell of Berwike, and to the Archbishop of Yorke, hee deliuered the Ca∣stell of Scarbarrough, and Sir Roger Conyers hee made Captayne of the tower of Durham,* 2.168 which he had taken from the Bishop, bycause hee had shewed himself an vnstedfast man in the time of the ciuill warre, and therefore to haue the kings fauoure againe, hee gaue to hym two thousande markes, with condition that his castels myghte stand, and that his sonne Henry de Putcey alias Pudsey,* 2.169 might enioy one of the Kynges manor places called Wighton.

After this, the King wente to Oxenforde,* 2.170 and there helde a Parliament, at the which hee created

[illustration]

his sonne Iohn Kyng of Ireland,* 2.171 hauing a grant and confirmation thereto from Pope Alexan∣der. [ 10]

About the same time it rayned bloud in the Ile of Wighte, by the space of two dayes togither, so that linen clothes that hoong on the hedges, were couloured therewith: which vnketh wonder cau∣sed the people as the manner is, to suspect some e∣uill of the sayd Iohns gouernement.

Moreouer, to this Parliament holden at Ox∣enforde, all the chiefe rulers and gouernoures of Southwales and Northwales repaired, and be∣came the King of Englands liege men,* 2.172 swearing fealtie to him against all men. Heerevpon he gaue vnto Rice ap Griffin Prince of Southwales the lande of Merionith, and to Dauid ap Owan hee gaue the lands of Ellesmare.

Also at the same time, hee gaue and confirmed vnto Hugh Lacie (as before is saide) the lande of Meth in Ireland, with the appurtenances for the

seruice of an hundred knightes or men of armes to holde of him and of his sonne Iohn by a char∣ter, whyche he made therof: and also he deuided there the landes and possessions of Irelande with the seruices to his subiectes, as well of England as Irelande, appoynting some to holde by ser∣uice to fynde fortie knights, or menne of armes, and some thirtie, and so foorth. Vnto two Itish Lordes hee graunted the kyngdome of Corgh, for the seruice of fortie knights, and to other three [ 10] Lordes hee gaue the kingdome of Limeryke, for the seruice of the lyke number of knightes to bee holden of him and his sonne Iohn, reseruyng to him selfe and to his heires the Citie of Lymerike with one Cantred. To William Fitz Aldelme hys Sewer,* 2.173 he gaue the Citie of Willeford with the appurtenaunces and seruices: and to Ro∣berte de Poer his Marshall,* 2.174 he gaue the Citie of Waterforde, and to Hugh Lacy, hee committed the safe keping of the Citie of Dyuelyne. And [ 20] these persons to whome suche giftes and assig∣nations were made, receyued othes of fealtie to beare theyr allegiance vnto hym and to his sonne for those landes and possessions in Irelande, in manner and forme as was requisite.

The Cardinall Viuian hauyng dispatched hys businesse in Irelande, came backe into En∣glande, and by the Kyngs safeconducte retour∣ned agayne into Scotlande, where in a Coun∣cell holden at Edenburgh, he suspended the Bi∣shoppe [ 30] of Whiterne, bicause he did refuse to come to that Councell: But the Bishoppe made no accompte of that suspension, hauyng a defence good ynough by the Bishoppe of Yorke, whose Suffragane he was.

After the King had broken vp his Parlia∣ment at Oxenford, he came to Marleborrough, and there graunted vnto Philippe de Breuse all the kingdome of Limerike for the seruice of for∣tie knights:* 2.175 for Hubert and Williā the brethren [ 40] of Reignald earle of Cornewall, and Iohn de la Pumeray their nephue, refused the gift therof, by∣cause it was not as yet conquered For the kyng thereof, surnamed Monoculus, that is, wyth the one eye, who hadde holden that kyngdome of the Kyng of Englande, beyng lately slayne, one of hys kynsemenne gotte possession of that kingdome, and helde it without the acknowled∣ging any subiection to Kyng Henry, nor would [ 50] obeye his officers, bycause of the seathes and do∣mages whyche they dyd practise agaynst the I∣rishe people, withoute occasion (as they allead∣ged,) by reason whereof the Kyng of Corke al∣so rebelled agaynste the Kyng of Englande and hys people, and so that Realme was full of trouble.

* 2.176The same season, Queene Margaret the wife of King Henry the sonne was deliuered of a man childe, which liued not past three dayes. In that time there was also through all England a great multitude of Iewes, and bycause they hadde no place appoynted them where to bury those that di∣ed, but only at London, they were constreyned to bring al their dead corpses thither from all parties of the Realme. To ease them therefore of that in∣conuenience, they obteyned of K. Henry a grant, to haue a place assigned them in euery quarter where they dwelled, to bury their dead bodies.

The same yeare was the body of S. Amphi∣bosus the Martir, that was instruster to Saint Albone founde, not farre from the Towne of Saint Albones, and there in the Monasterie of that Towne burled with great and solemne Ce∣remonies.

In the meanetyme, King Henry tran∣sported ouer into Normandy, hearing that the old grudge betwixt him and King Lewes began to be renewed vppon this occasion, whereas King Henry had receyued the French Kings daughter Alice, promised in marriage vnto his sonne Ri∣chard, to remayne in England with him, till shee were able to company with hir husband, King Henry being of a dissolute life, and giuen much to the pleasure of the body, at the least wise (as the French King suspected,) beganne to fantesie the yong Ladye, and by suche wanton talke and company keeping as hee vsed with hir, hee was thought to haue brought hir to consente vnto hys fleshly will, whiche was the cause wherefore hee woulde not suffer that his sonne shoulde marrie hir, being not of ripe yeares fitte therevnto. Wherevpon the Frenche King gessing howe the matter wente, thoughte iustly that suche reproche wroughte againste him in his bloud,* 2.177 was in no wise to be suffered. Herevpon therfore he complei∣ned to y^e Pope, who for redresse thereof, sente one Peter a Priest, Cardinall, entitled of S. Griso∣gone as Legate from him into Fraunce, with cō∣mission to put Normandy, and all the lands that belonged to King Henry, vnder inderdiction, if he woulde not suffer the marriage to bee solemnised withoute delay betwixte his sonne Richarde, and Ales the French Kings daughter. The King ad∣uertised heereof,* 2.178 came to a communication with the French King at Yvry vpon the .21. of Septē∣ber, and there offered to cause the marriage to bee solemnised out of hād, if the French King would giue in marriage with his daughter the Citte of Burges, with all the appurtenances as it was accorded, and also vnto his sonne King Henry the countrey of Veulgesyne, that is to say, all the lande betwixt Gisors and Pussy, as hee had like∣wise couenaunted, but bycause the French King refused so to do, King Henry would not suffer his sonne Richarde to marry his daughter Alice: but yet at this enternewe of the two Princes by the

helpe of the Cardinal, and other noble men of both sides, they agreed to be friendes, and that if they could not take order betwixt them, to the end all matters touching the controuersies depending betwixt them for the lādes in Abuergne and Ber∣ry, and for the fee of Chateau Raoul, then should the matter be putte to twelue persons, sixe on the one side, and sixe on the other, authorising them to compound and finish that controuersie and all o∣ther whiche mighte rise betwixt them. For the [ 10] French King these were named the Bishoppes of Claremont, Neuers, and Troys, and three Ba∣rons, Earle Theobald Earle Roberte, and Peter de Courtney, the Kings breethren. For the Kyng of England were named the Bishops of Mauns, Peregort, and Nauntes, with three Barons also, Maurice de Croum, William Maigot, and Pe∣ter de Mount rabell. At the same time also, both these kings promised and vndertooke to ioyne their powers togither, and to goe into the holy land to [ 20] ayde Guido King of Ierusalem, whome the Sa∣razen Saladine King of Egipte did sore oppresse with continuall and most cruell warre.

This done, the Frenche King returned home, and King Henry came to Vernueil, where hee made this ordinance,* 2.179 that no man shoulde trouble the vassall or tennant, as we may cal them, for his Lords debt.

After this, King Henry went into Berry, and tooke Chateau Roux or Raoul, and marchyng [ 30] towards Castre, the Lorde of that towne came & met him on the way, surrendring into his handes the daughter of Raufe de Dolis lately before de∣ceassed, whome the King gaue vnto Baldwine de Riuers, with the honor of Chateau Roux or Raoul. Then wēt he vnto Graundemont, where Andebert Erle of March came vnto him, and sold to him the whole countrey of March for the sūme of fifteene thousande lb Aniouyn,* 2.180 twentie mules, and twentie palfreys. The Charters of this grant [ 40] and sale made and giuen vnder the seale of y^e sayd Earle of March, bare date in the moneth of Sep∣tember Anno Christi .1177. And then did the king receyue the fealtie and homages of all the Barōs and Knightes of the countrey of March, after hee had satisfied,* 2.181 contented, and payde the money vn∣to the Earle according to the couenauntes.

* 2.182The King this yeare helde his Christmas at Angiers, and meaning shortly after to returne in∣to Englande, he sent to the Frenche King for let∣ters [ 50] of protection, which were graunted, and sente to him in forme as followeth,* 2.183

Ludouicus rex Francorum

omnibus ad quos presen∣tes literae peruenerint Salutem.

Nouerit vniuersitas vestrae quòd nos recipimus, in protectione & custo∣dia nostra totam terram Henrici Regis Angliae cha∣rissimi fratris nostri, in cismarinis partibus sitam, si contigerit eum in Angliam transfretare vel peregrê proficisci. Itae plane, vt quando balliui sui de terra transm•…•…rina nos requifierent, bona fide & sine ma∣lo tagenio e•…•… consilium & auxilium prastabi∣mu•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 euisdem terrae def••••si••••em & protectionem.

Act•••• apud Nici•••…•••…as.

The Englishe whereof is thus.

Lewis King of Fraunce,

to all those to whom these present letters shall come:

Knowe all you that we haue receyued into our protection and custody all the landes of Henry K. of Englande our deere brother, set and being in these parties of this side the sea, if it chance him to passe ouer into England, or to goe any way forth from home, so that when his Bailifes of his lands on this hither side the Sea shall require vs, wee shall help them and councell them faithfully and withoute male engine for defence and protection of the same lāds.

Giuen at Nicens.

Shortly after, King Henry re∣turned into Englande from Normandy, and at Woodstocke made his sonne Geffrey Knighte. This yeare Pope Alexander sente into all partes Legates to summon the Bishops and Prelates to a generall Counsell to be holden at Rome in the beginning of the Lent in the yeare next follo∣wing.* 4.1 There came therefore two Legates into England, the one named Albert de Suma, who had in commission to summon them of Englāde and Normandy: and the other was cleped Pietro di Santa Agatha, appoynted to summon them of Scotland, Ireland, and the Iles about y^e same: wherevpon obteyning licence to passe through the King of Englands dominions, he was constrey∣ned to sweare vpon the holy Euangelists, that hee shoulde not attempt any thing in his Legateship that might be hurtfull to the King or his Realm, and that he should come and visit the King again as hee returned homewards.

This yeare on the sunday before the natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist, being the eighteenth of Iune,* 4.2 after the setting of the Sunne, there appeared a maruellous sighte in the aire vnto certaine per∣sons that beheld the same. For whereas the newe Moone shone foorth very faire with his horns to∣wardes the east,* 4.3 straighte wayes the vpper horne was deuided into two, out of the middes of whi∣che deuision, a brenning brand sprang vp, ca•…•…ting from it a farre off coales and sparkes, as it had bin of fire. The body of the Moone in the meanetime that was beneath▪ seemed to wrast and writh in resemblance like to an adder or snake that had bin beaten, and anone after it came to the olde state a∣gayne. This chanced aboue a dosen times, and at length from horne to horne it became halfe blacke.

In September following, the Moone beyng about seuen and twentith dayes olde, at sixe of the clocke, the Sunne was eclipsed, not vniuersally,* 4.4 but particularly, for y^e body thereof appeared as it wer horned, shoting y^e hornes towards y^e West as

the moone doth, being twentie dayes olde. The re∣sidue of the compasse of it, was couered with a blacke roundell, whiche comming downe by little and little, threw about the horned brightnesse that remained, til both the hornes came to hang down on eyther side to the earthwards, and as the blacke roundell went by little and little forwardes, the hornes at length were turned towards the West, and so the blacknes passing away, the sunne recei∣ued hir brightnesse againe. In the meane time, the [ 10] aire being ful of cloudes of diuers coulours, as red, yellow, greene, and pale, holp y^e peoples sight with more ease to discerne the maner of it.* 4.5 The K. thys yeare held his Christmas at Winchester, at whi∣che time, newes came abroade of a great wonder that hadde chaunced at a place called Oxenhale, within y^e Lordship of Derlington, in which place a part of the earth lifted it selfe vp on height in ap∣parance like to a mighty Tower, and so it remai∣ned from nine of the clocke in the morning, till the [ 20] euen tyde, and then it fell downe with an horrible noise, so that all suche as were neighbours there∣about, were put in great feare. That peece of earth with the fall, was swallowed vp, leauing a greate deepe pitte in the place, as was to bee seene many yeares after.

Laurence Archbishop of Dublin, and Catho∣licus the Archbishoppe Tuamon. with fiue or sixe other Irish Bishops and diuers both Byshoppes and Abbots of Scotlande, passed through Eng∣land [ 30] towardes the generall counsell, and withall tooke their oth, that they shoulde not procure anye domage to the Kyng or Realme of Englande. There went but only foure Bishops out of Eng∣land, to witte, Hugh Putsey or Pudsey Byshop of Durham, Iohn Bishop of Norwich, Reignald Bishop of Bath, and Robert Bishop of Hereford, beside Abbots: for the English Bishoppes firmely stoode in it, that there ought but four Bishops on∣ly to goe foorth of England to any generall coun∣cell called by the Pope.* 4.6 This yeare after Richard de Lucy Lord chiefe Iustice of England gaue o∣uer his office, and became a Chanon in the Abbey of Westwood or Lesnos, which he had founded, & built vppon his owne ground, endowing it with great reuenewes, and in Iuly after he dyed there.* 4.7 After whose decesse, King Henry the father called a Parliamente at Windsore, at the whiche was present King Henry the sonne, and a greate num∣ber of Lords, Earles and Barons. At this Parli∣ament, order was taken for pertition of y^e Realm, so that it was deuided into foure partes, certayne sage personages being alotted vnto euery part to gouerne the same,* 4.8 but not by the name of Iusti∣ces, albeit that Ranulfe de Glanuille was made ruler of Yorkshire, and authorised Iustice there, as he that best vnderstood in those dayes the auncient lawes and customes of the Realme.

The same yeare, Geffrey Earle of Britayne by his fathers commaundement leuied an army,* 4.9 and passing ouer into Britaine, wasted the lands of Guidomer de Leons, and constreyned hym

[illustration]

to submit himselfe vnto him.

The eighteene day of August, the Moone was eclipsed,* 4.10 which was seene of King Henry and hys company as he rode all that night towards Do∣uer there to meete the Frenche King that was cō∣m•…•…ng towards England to visit the tombe of the Archbishop Thomas Becket, as hee hadde before time vowed. He landed at Douer the .22. daye of August.

There came ouer with him Henry Duke of Louayne, Philip Earle of Flaunders, Baldwine Earle of Guines, Erle William de Mandeuille, and dyuers other Earles, Lordes, Barons and Knightes.

King Henry was ready to receyue him at the water side, and the morrowe after, broughte hym

with greate honor vnto Canterbury, where they were with due reuerence and vnspeakeable ioy re∣ceiued of the Archbishop Richard, and diuers other Bishops there assembled togither with the conuēt of Christes Churche, and an infinite multitude of nobles and Gentlemen. The French K. offered vpon the tombe of the said Archbishop Thomas, a riche cuppe of golde,* 4.11 and gaue to the Monkes there an hundred tunnes of wine to bee receyued yearely of his gift for euer at Poyssy in Fraunce. [ 10] And further he graunted to the same Monks, that whatsoeuer was bought within his dominions of Fraunce to their vse, should be free from tolle, tal∣lage, and paying any maner of excise for the same. And these grauntes hee confirmed with his char∣ter thereof, made and deliuered to them by y^e hāds of Hugh de Pulsey, sonne to the Bishop of Du∣resme that was his Chauncellor.

King Lewis hauing performed his vowe, and receyued many rich giftes of King Henry, retur∣ned [ 20] home into Fraunce,* 4.12 and shortly after caused his sonne to be Crowned King, and resigned the gouernemente to him, as by some Writers it ap∣peareth.

Aboute the same time,* 4.13 Cadwallan Prince of Wales being brought before the King to make aunswere to diuers accusations exhibited against him, as hee returned towarde his countrey vnder the kings sause conduit, was layde for by his eni∣mies, and slayne to the Kings greate slaunder, [ 30] though he were not giltie in the matter.

After this,* 4.14 K. Henry the father held his Christ∣mas at Nottingham, and William K. of Scot∣land with him. The same yere fell discord betwixt the yong King of Fraunce, and his mother and vncles, hir breethren, Erle Theobalde and Earle Stephen, the which thinking them selues not well vsed, procured King Henry the sonne to ioyne with them in friendshippe, and to goe ouer into Englande to purchase his fathers assistaunce in [ 40] their behalfe against their nephew. He being come ouer to his father, enformed him of the whole ma∣ter, and did so much by his earnest suite therein, y^t before the feast of Easter, his father wente ouer with him into Normandy. and immediately vp∣pon their arriual in those parties, the olde Frenche Queene, mother to the yong K. Phillip, with hir breethren the sayd Earles, and many other noble men of Fraunce, came vnto him, and concluding a league with him, deliuered hostages into hys [ 50] handes, and receyued an oth to followe his coun∣cell and aduice in all things. Herevpon King Hē∣ry assembled a greate army▪ in purpose after Ea∣ster to inuade the Frenche Kings dominions: but before any greate exployte was made, he came to an enteruew with the new King of Fraunce, be∣twixte Gisors and Treodsunt,* 4.15 where partly by gentle words, and partly by threatnings whyche King Henry vsed for perswasion, the French king releassed all his indignation conceiued against his mother and vncles, and receiued them agayne in∣to his fauour, couenaunting to allow his mother for euery day towards hir expences seuen pounde of Paris money, during his father King Lewes hys life tyme, and after his deathe, shee shoulde enioy all hir dower, excepte the Castels whyche King Phillip might reteine still in his hands. Al∣so at this assemble, King Henry the father in the presence of the French King,* 4.16 receiued homage of Philip Earle of Flanders, and graunted to hym for the same a thousand markes of siluer to be re∣ceyued yearely out of the Checker at London, so that in consideration thereof, hee should finde fiue hundred Knightes, or men of armes, to serue the King of Englande for the space of fortie dayes, when so euer he shoulde haue warning gyuen vn∣to him.

Moreouer, the two Kings at this assembly concluded a league togither, and whereas certaine landes were in controuersie betwixte them, as the fee of Chateau, Raoul and other small fees, if they coulde not agree among themselues, concer∣ning the same, eyther of them was contented to committee the order thereof, and of all other con∣trouersies betwixte them vnto sixe Bishoppes, to be chosen indifferently betwixte them, the one to choose three, and the other other three.

In this yeare, or as the Annales of Aquitaine haue, in the yeare last passed,* 4.17 Richarde Earle of Poictowe subdued the strong fortresse of Tayl∣bourg, whiche was iudged before y^e time impreg∣nable: but Earle Richarde constreyned them that kepte it, so sore with straighte siege, that first in a desparate moode they sallied foorthe, and assayled his people righte valiantly, but yet neuerthelesse, they were beaten backe, and driuen to retire into their fortresse, whiche finally they surrendred in∣to the hands of Earle Richarde, who caused the walles thereof to bee rased. And the like fortune chaunced to diuers other Castels▪ and fortresses that stoode in Rebellion againste hym within a moneth space.

Tailbourg belonged vnto one Geffrey de Rancin, whose proude and loftie stomacke pra∣ctising Rebellion agaynste Duke Richarde cau∣sed him to take this enterprise in hande,* 4.18 and when hee hadde atchieued the same to his owne con∣tentation, hee passed ouer into Englande, and was receyued with great triumph.

About the same tyme, the forme of the Kings Coyne was altered and chaunged,* 4.19 bycause that many naughty and wicked persons had deui∣sed wayes to counterfeyt the same, so that the al∣teration thereof was very necessary, but greeuous yet and chargeable to the poore inhabitants of the Realme.

* 4.20King Henry the father, whilest he was at Ma∣uns after Christmas made this ordinaunce, that euery man beeing worth in goodes to the valewe of an hundred poundes Aniouyn,* 4.21 should kepe one Horse able for seruice in the warres, and armoure complete for a Knighte or man of armes as wee may rather call them. Also that those that hadde goodes worth in value from fortie poundes to fiue and twentie poundes of the same money, shoulde at the least haue in his house for his furni∣ture [ 10] an Habergeon, a cappe of steele, a Speare, and a sword or bowe and arrowes. And furthermore hee ordeyned, that no man mighte sell or lay to gage hys armour and weapon, but should be boūd to leaue it to his next heire.

When the Frenche Kyng and the Earle of Flaunders were aduertised that King Henry had made this ordinance amongst his subiectes, they gaue commaundemente that their people shoulde be armed after the lyke manner. [ 20]

This yeare after Candlemas, Laurence Arch∣bishoppe of Dublin came ouer to the King into Normandy, and broughte with him the sonne of Roderike King of Conagh, to remaine with him as a pledge, for performance of couenauntes pas∣sed betwixte them, as the payment of tribute and such like. The sayd Archbishop dyed ther in Nor∣mandy, wherevppon the King sente Geffrey de Hay one of his Chaplaynes and Chapleyne also to the Popes Legate Alexius, into Irelande, to [ 30] sease that Archbishops See into his handes.

He also sente Iohn Lacie Conestable of Che∣ster, and Richarde de Peake, to haue the Citie of Dublin in keeping, whiche Hugh Lacy hadde in charge before, and nowe was discharged, bycause the Kyng tooke displeasure with him, for that hee had married without his licence a daughter of the King of Conagh, according to the maner of that countrey.

* 4.22This yeare also, Geffrey the Kings bastarde [ 40] sonne, that was the elect of Lincolne, and hadde receyued the profites of that Bishopricke y^e space of seuen yeares, and had his election confirmed by the Pope in the feast of the Epiphany at Marle∣bridge, in presence of the King and the Byshops of the Realme, renounced that benefice of his own free will. After that the Pope hadde sente a strayte commaundement vnto Richard Archbishoppe of Caunterbury,* 4.23 eyther to cause the same Geffrey by the censures of the Church, to renounce his miter, [ 50] or else to take vppon him the order of Priesthood, wherefore vppon good aduice taken in the matter with his father and other of his especiall friendes, iudging himselfe insufficiente for the one, hee was contented to depart with the other. And therevpon wrote letters vnto the sayde Archbishop of Caun∣terbury, in forme as foloweth.

Venerabili patri Ri∣chardo dei gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo apo∣stolicae sedis legato, Gaufridus domini Regis An∣gliae filius & cancellarius salutem

& reuerentiam debitam ac deuotam.

Placuit maiestati Apostolicae, vestrae iniungere sanctitati, vt me certo tempore vo∣caretis ad suscipendum ordinem sacerdotis, & pon∣tificalis officij dignitatem. Ego verò considerans quā∣plures episcopos maturiores ac prouectiores, pruden∣tia & aetate, vix tantae administrationi sufficere, nec sine periculo animarum suarum sui officiū pontifica∣tus ad perfectum explere, veritus sum onus importa∣bile senioribus, mihi imponere iuniori: faciens haec nō ex leuitate animi, sed ob reuerentiam sacramenti. Habito ita{que} tractatu super eo cū domino rege patre meo, dominis fratribus meis{que} rege & Pictauensi & Britannorum comitibus: episcopis etiā Henrico Baio∣cēsi, Frogerio Sagiensi, Reginaldo Batoniensi, Sefrido Cicestrēsi qui praesentes aderāt, aliter de vita & sta∣tu meo disposui, volens patris mei obsequijs militare ad tempus, & ab episcopalibus abstinere: omne ita{que} ius electionis inde & Lincolnensem episcopaetū spon∣taneè, liberè, quietè, & integrè, in manu vestra pater sancte resigno, tam electionē quā episcopaetus absolu∣tionem postulans à vobis, tanquam à metropolitano meo, & ad hoc ab apostolica sede specialiter delegato.

Bene vale.

The K. for his maintenance now af∣ter he had resigned his Bishopricke, gaue to hym fiue C. Markes of yerely rent in England, and as much in Normandy, & made him moreouer lord Chancellor. This yere also after Ester, the kings of Englād & Fraunce came to an enteruew togi∣ther, at a place in y^e confines of their coūtreys cal∣led by some writers Vadum Sancti Remigij, on a munday being the .27. of April, in which assemble of those two Princes y^e Knightes tēplers & hospi∣tallers presented to them letters directed frō Pope Alexāder vnto al Christiā princes, aduertising thē of the danger wherin the holy land stood at y^e pre∣sent, if speedy remedie were not y^e soner prouided.* 5.1 He therfore exhorted thē to addresse their helpyng hand towards the reliefe thereof, granting vnto al such as woulde enterprise to goe thither in person, (to remain there vpō defence of y^e coūtrey against y^e Infidels) great pardon as to those that did con∣tinue there the space of two yeres wer pardoned of penance for al their sinnes, except theft, extortion, roberie, & vsurie, in which cases restitution was to be made, if y^e partie were able to doe it, if not, then he should be assoiled as wel for those things as for other: & those that remained one yere in those par∣ties were pardoned of halfe their whole penaunce due for all their sinnes. And to those that wente to visite the holy sepulchre, he granted also great par∣don, as remission of their sins, whether they came thither or peraduenture died by the way. Hee also granted al such indulgence vnto those that wēt to war against y^e enimies of our Religion in y^e holy lande, as his predecessors the Popes Vrbanus and Eugenius hadde graunted in time past: and hee

receiued likewise their wiues, childrē, their goodes & possessiōs vnder the protection of Saint Peter and the Church of Rome. The two Kings ha∣uing heard the Popes letters red, and taken good aduice thereof, they promised by Goddes fauoure shortly to prouide conueniente ayde for releefe of the holy land, and of the Christians as yet remai∣ning in the same. And this was the end of theyr communication for that time, and so they depart, the French King into Fraunce, and the Kyng of [ 10] England into Normandy.

In the meane time, by the King of Englands appoyntment, William King of Scotland went ouer into Normandy, and by the aduice and good admonition of King Henry, hee graunted licence vnto two Bishops of his Realme of Scotlande, that is to wit, Aberdene and Saint Androwes, to returne into Scotlande, whome hee had lately be∣fore banished, & driuen out of his Realme. More∣ouer, as K. Henry lay at Harfleete ready to tran∣sport [ 20] ouer into England, there fel discord betwixt the King of Fraunce, and the Earle of Flanders, so that the King of England at desire of y^e French King, returned backe, and came vnto Gisors, where the Frenche King met him, and so dyd the Earle of Flaunders, betwixte whome vpon talke had in the matter depending in controuersie, hee made a concorde, and then comming downe to Chireburg, hee and the King of Scottes in hys company, transported ouer into Englande, lan∣ding [ 30] at Portesmouth the sixe and twētith of Iu∣ly, being sunday.

[illustration]

[ 40]

The King being now returned into England,* 5.2 ordeyned a statute for armour and weapon to bee [ 50] had amongst his subiectes heere in this Realme, which was thus. Euery mā that held a Knightes fee should be bound to haue a payre of curasses, an helmet, with shield and Speare, and euery knight or man of armes shoulde haue as many curasses, helmets, shieldes, and speares as he helde knightes fees in demaine. Euery man of the layty hauyng goodes or reuenues to y^e value of sixteene markes, he should haue one paire of curasses, an helmet, a Speare, and a Shield. And euery free man of the layty hauing goodes in valew worth ten markes, shall haue an habergeon, a steele cappe, and a Speare, and all burgesses, and the whole commu∣naltie of free men shall haue a Wambais, a cappe of steele, and a Speare.

And further it was ordeyned, that euery man thus bound to haue armour, shoulde be sworne to haue the same before the feast of S. Hillarie, and to be true vnto King Henry Fitz Emprice, in de∣fence of whome and of his Realme they shoulde keepe with them suche armoure and weapon, ac∣cording to his precepte and commaundemente thereof hadde and made. And no man after he bee furnished with suche armour; shoulde sell, pledge, lende, or otherwise alien the same, neyther maye his Lorde by anye meanes take the same from him, neyther by way of forfeyture, neyther by di∣stresse nor pledge, nor by any other meanes: and whē any man dyeth, hauing such armour, he shal leaue it to his heire, and if his heire be not of law∣full age to weare it into the fielde, then he that hathe the custodie of his body shall haue the ar∣mour, and fynde an able man to weare it for him, till he come to age.

If any burgesse of any good towne haue more armoure than hee oughte to haue by this statute, he shall sell it or gyue it to some man that maye weare it in the Kings seruice.

No Iewe might haue armour by this statute:* 5.3 but those that had any, were appoynted to sell the same to suche as were inhabitantes within the Realme, for no man might sell or transporte any armoure ouer the Sea, withoute the Kings li∣cence.

Also for the better execution of this ordinance, it was ordeyned, that inquests should be taken by sufficiente Iurors, what they were that were able to haue armoure by theyr abilitie in landes and goodes. Also the King woulde, that none shoulde be sworne to haue armour, excepte hee were a free man of birth and bloud.

The same yere, the King being at Waltham,* 5.4 assigned an ayde to the maintenance of the Chri∣stian Souldiers in the holy land, that is to witte, 42. thousande markes of siluer, and fiue hundred markes of golde. Hugh Bosun otherwise called Keuelocke the sonne of Ranulfe the seconde of y^e name Earle of Chester, deceassed this yeare,* 5.5 and was buried at Leeke. Hee left behind him issue by his wife the Countesse Beautrice daughter of Richard Lacie Lord Iustice of Englād, a sonne named Ranulfe that succeeded hym, beeyng the sixth Earle of Chester, and thirde of that name after the Conquest. Beside this Ranulfe, he had also four daghters by his said wife, to wit, Maud, married to Dauid Erle of Angus, Huntington &

Galloway Mabell coupled with Williā Dau∣bigny Erle of Arundell, Agnes married to Wil∣liam Ferrers Erle of Derbie, and Hauise ioyned with Robert Quincy Earle of Lincolne.

* 5.6The .21. of Nouember, dyed Roger Archbi∣shop of Yorke, who (when he perceyued hymselfe in daunger of death by force of that his last sick∣nesse) deliuered greate summes of money vnto certayne Bishoppes and other graue personages to be distributed amongst poore people: but after [ 10] his deathe, the Kyng called for the money, and seased it to hys vse, alledging a sentence gyuen by the same Archbishop in his lyfe time, that no ecclesiasticall person myghte giue any thyng by will, except hee deuised the same whilest he was in perfect healthe: yet the Bishoppe of Durham woulde not departe with foure hundred markes which he had receyued to distribute amongst the poore, alledging that he dealt the same away be∣fore the Archbishops death, and therefore hee that [ 20] would haue it againe, must goe gather it vppe of them, to whome he had distributed it, whiche hee himselfe woulde in no wise do. But the K. tooke no small displeasure with this vndiscrete aun∣swere, in so muche, that hee seased the Castell of Durham into his handes, and sought meanes to disquiete the said Bishoppe by dyuers manner of wayes.

* 5.7The King helde his Christmas this yeare at Winchester, and afterwardes sayled ouer into [ 30] Normandy, bycause he heard that the Kyng hys sonne was gone to his brother in lawe K. Phil∣lip, and began to practise eftsoones newe trouble which was true indede: but yet at length he came backe,* 5.8 and was reconciled to his father, and tooke an oth, that from thencefoorthe hee woulde neuer swarue from hym, nor demaunde more for hys mayntenance but an hundred poundes Aniouin by the day, and tenne lb a day of the same money for his wife. Hys father graunted this, and also [ 40] couenanted, that within the tearme of one yeare hee woulde giue him the seruices of an hundred Knightes.

After this, King Henry the father as a medi∣ator betwixt the King of Fraunce, and the Erle of Flaunders touching suche controuersies as hanged betwixt them, did so much in the matter, that he set them at one for that time.

* 5.9About the same season, King Henry the father sente William de Mandeuille Earle of Albe∣marle, [ 50] and other Ambassadors vnto the Empe∣rour Frederike,* 5.10 to intreate for his sonne in lawe y^e Duke of Saxony, that he might be againe resto∣red into his fauour, which could not be obteined: for hee was already condemned to exile, but yet thus much to pleasure the King of England the Emperour granted, that so many as went with him out of their countrey, might returne agayne at their pleasure, and that his wife the Duches Maude the King of Englands daughter, should enioy hir dowry, and be at libertie, whether shee would remayne vpon it, or followe hir husbande into exile, therefore when the day came that hee must departe out of his countrey, he set forwarde with his wife and children, and a great number of the Nobles of his Countrey, and finally came into Normandy, where he was right ioyfully re∣ceyued of his father in law King Henry. Short∣ly after his comming thither, he gaue licence to y^e noble menne that were come thither with him, to returne home, and then hee himselfe wente into Spayne to visite the body of Saint Iames the Apostle.

Hys wife beeyng greate with childe,* 5.11 re∣mayned with hir father in Normandy, and at Argenton she was deliuered of a sonne.

This yere the Welchmen slew Ranulph Po∣er Sherife of Glowcestershire.* 5.12

King Henry helde hys Christmas at Caen, with his three sonnes, Henry the King, Richard Earle of Poictow, and Geffrey Earle of Bry∣tayne.

There was also Henry Duke of Saxony, with his wife and their children, besydes the Archbyshoppes of Caunterbury and Dublin, with other Byshoppes Earles and Barons in great number.

Heere woulde Kyng Henry the father, that hys sonne the Kyng shoulde receyue homage of his breethren Richarde Earle of Poictowe, and Geffrey Earle of Britayne. The Earle of Bry∣tayne did not stay at the matter, but the Earle of Poictow refused, alledging, that it was not con∣uenient so long as their father liued, to acknow∣ledge any superioritie in their brother:* 5.13 for as the fathers inheritance was due to the eldest sonne, so he claymed the landes whiche hee helde due to him in righte of his mother. This denyall so much offended his brother the King, that after∣wards when Richard would haue done homage he would not receyue it, wherevpon Richard de∣parted from the Court in greate displeasure,* 5.14 and comming into Poictow, hee beganne to fortifie his Castels and Townes, that hee might be in a redinesse to stand vppon his safegard if his father or breethren should come to pursue him. King Henry the sonne followed him, sette on by the Earles and Barons of Poictow, whiche for the sharp and cruell gouernement of Earle Richard,* 5.15 hated hym. And on the other side, for the amiable courtesie, seemely personage, and other noble qualities which they saw in the yong King, mo∣ued thē to take part with him against Richard, and shortly after commeth their brother Geffrey with a greate army in ayde of his brother the K. in somuch,* 5.16 that Erle Richard not knowing how

to shift off the present daunger, sent to his father for ayde, who right sorie in his mynde to see such vnnaturall dealing amongst his sonnes ga∣thered an armie, and came forwarde. He had a litle before trauailed to set them at one, insomuch that where Earle Richarde helde a Castell na∣med Clarevalx, which after the fathers deceasse ought to remaine vnto King Henrye the sonne, vpon hys complaynte thereof made, the father did so much with the Earle, that he surrendred it [ 10] into his fathers handes.* 5.17 And immediately after all the three sonnes came to Angers, and there sware to bee obedient vnto theyr fathers wyll, and to serue him agaynst all men: wherevpon he appoynted them a daye to meete at Mirabell, where the Barons of Guyen shoulde also bee, vnto whome King Henry the sonne had sworne to ayde them agaynst Earle Richarde. Herewith was Earle Geffray sent vnto them to perswade them to peace and quietnesse, and to come vnto [ 20] Mirabell according to king Henrie the fathers appoyntment:* 5.18 but in steede of perswading them to peace (contrarie to his othe so oftentymes re∣ceyued) hee procured them to pursue the warre both agaynst his father and hys brother Earle Richarde.

King Henrie the sonne remayning with his father, shewed outwardely that hee wished for peace, but his meaning was all contrarie, and so obteyned lycence of his father to goe vnto [ 30] Lymoges, that hee might labour to reduce both his brother Geffrey, and the Barons of Guien vnto quietnesse.

But such dissembling was put in practise by king Henrie, that when the father followed wyth an armie, and came vnto Lymoges, in steade of receyuing him with honour, as it had bene theyr dueties to haue done, they shotte at him, and pier∣ced through his vppermost armour, so that both hee and hys Sonne Rycharde were constray∣ned [ 40] to depart. Yet afterwardes hee entered that Citie, and comming forth of it agayne to talke wyth his Sonnes, those within Lymo∣ges eftsoones rebelled, so that certaine of them wythin shotte, the Horse whereon King Hen∣rie the father rode into the heade, and if it had so chaunced that the Horse in casting vppe hys heade had not receyued the blowe, the arrowe had lyght in the Kings breast, to the great daun∣ger and perill of his person, neyther dyd hys [ 50] sonnes the King and his brother Geffrey goe a∣bout to see suche an heynous attempt punished, but rather seemed to lyke well of it, and to mainteyne those moste malicious enimyes of theyr soueraigne Lorde and father, for they ioyned wyth them agaynste him, althoughe King Henrie the sonne made countenaunce to bee wylling to reconcile his brother, and the Barons of Guien to his father by way of some agreement:* 5.19 but his double dealing was too ma∣nifest, although in deede hee abused his fathers pacience for a while, who was of nothing more desyrous than to wynne his sonnes by some courteous meanes, and therefore dyuerse tymes offered to pardon all offences committed by hys enimies, at the suyte of his Sonne the King, who in deede offered hymselfe nowe and then as an intreatour, but that was onely to wynne tyme, that hys brother wyth suche Braban∣ders and other Souldiers as hee had with hym in ayde, besyde the forces of the Barons of Guien might worke the more mischiefe agaynste theyr father, and theyr brother Earle Richarde, in wasting and destroying their Countreys that stoode stedfast on their syde.

In the meane time Richarde the Archebi∣shoppe of Canterburie, and dyuerse other By∣shoppes and Abbottes both of Englande and Normandie assembled togyther at Caen, and in the Abbey Churche of Saint Stephen pro∣nounced the sentence of Excommunication a∣gaynste all those that did hynder and impeache theyr purpose, which (was to haue peace and concorde concluded betwixte the King and hys Sonnes) the same Sonnes onely not of the sayd sentence excepted.

Dyuerse shyftes were made by King Hen∣rie the Sonne, and his brother Earle Geffray al∣so to get money for the payment of theyr Soul∣diours, as spoyling of Shrynes, and suche lyke.

But at length when things framed not to theyr purpose, and that the harme whiche they coulde doe agaynste theyr Father was muche lesse than they wished, if power had beene aun∣swerable to their willes,* 5.20 King Henrie the sonne through indignation and displeasure (as some write) fell into a grieuous sicknesse in a Vyl∣lage called Mertell, not farre from Lymoges, where his father lay at siege.

At the fyrst he was taken with an extreeme Feuer, and after followed a sore Flixe. Then perceyuing himselfe in daunger of death, and that the Phisitions had giuen hym ouer,* 5.21 hee sent to his Father confessiing hys trespasse commyt∣ted agaynste hym, and requyred hym of hys fa∣therly loue to come and to see hym once before hee dyed. But for that the father thought not good to committe hymselfe into the handes of suche vngracious persones as were aboute hys sonne, hee sente vnto hym hys Ring, in token of his blessing, and as it were a pledge to sig∣nifie that he had forgiuen him his vnnaturall do∣ings agaynst him.

The sonne recceyuing it with great humi∣litie, kissed it, and so ended his lyfe in the pre∣sence

of the Archbishoppe of Burdeaux and o∣thers on the daye of Saint Barnabie the A∣postle.

* 5.22He dyed (as some wryte) very penitently, and where as in his life time he had vowed to make a iourney into the holye lande agaynst Gods eni∣mies, and taken vpon him the Crosse for that in∣tent, he deliuered it vnto his familiar friend Wil∣liam Marshall to go thither with it in his steade.

Moreouer when he perceyued present death at [ 10] hande, he first confessed his sinnes secretely, and after openly afore sundrie Bishops and men of religion, and receyued absolution in most humble wise.

After this, hee caused his fine clothes to bee taken from him, and therewith an heare cloth to be put vpon him,* 5.23 and after tying a corde aboute his necke, he sayde vnto the Bishoppes and other that stoode by him, I deliuer my selfe an vnwor∣thie and grieuous sinner vnto you the ministers [ 20] of God by this corde, beseeching our Lorde Ie∣sus Christ, whiche pardoned the theefe confes∣sing hys faultes on the Crosse, that throughe your prayers and for his great mercyes sake it may please him to bee mercifull vnto my soule, wherevnto they all answered Amen. Then sayde he vnto them, drawe me out of this bedde with this Corde, and lay me in that bedde stre∣wed with Ashes which he had of purpose prepa∣red) and as he commaunded so they did:* 5.24 and they [ 30] layde at his feete and at his heade two greate square stones. And thus hee beeyng prepared to death, he willed that his bodie after his deceasse shoulde be conueyed into Normandie, and bu∣ryed at Rouen.

And so after he had receyued the Sacrament of the bodie and bloud of our Lorde, hee departed this life as afore is sayde,* 5.25 about the .xxviij. yeare of his age.

Thus dyed this yong King in hys flouri∣shing youth, to whome through hys owne iust desertes, long lyfe was iustly denyed, sithe hee delyghted to begynne his gouernement wyth vnlawfull attemptes, as an other Absolon a∣gaynste hys owne naturall Father, seeking by wrongfull violence to pull the Scepter out of his hande.

Hee is not put in the number of Kings, by∣cause he remayned forthe more parte vnder the gouernaunce of his father, and was taken oute of this lyfe before hys father, so that hee rather bare the name of king, as appoynted to raigne, than that he maye bee sayde to haue raigned in deede.

His body after his death was cōueyed towards Rouen, there to be buried accordingly as hee had wylled:* 5.26 but when those that had charge to con∣uey it thyther were come vnto the Citie of Mauns, the Bishoppe there and the Cleargie would not suffer them to go any further wyth it, but committed it to buryall in honourable wyfe within the Church of Saint Iulian.

When the Citizens of Rouen were hereof aduertised, they were sore offended with that do∣ing, & streyght wayes sent vnto them of Mauns, requyring to haue the corps d•…•…liuered, threatning otherwise with manye earnest othes to fetche it from them by force.

King Henrie therefore to sette order in thys matter, commaunded that the corps of his sonne the King shoulde bee deliuered vnto them of Rouen to be buryed in theyr Citie, as he him∣selfe had willed before his death. And so it was taken vp and conueyed to Rouen,* 5.27 where it was eftsoones there buryed in the Churche of oure Ladie.

[illustration]

King Henrie (after his sonne the king was thus deade) enforced hys power more earnestly than before to winne the Citie and Castell of Lymoges whiche hee hadde besieged,* 5.28 and at length had them bothe rendred ouer into hys handes, with all other Castelles and places of strength kept by his enimies in those partyes, of the which some he furnished with garnisons, and some hee caused to bee razed flatte wyth the grounde. [ 10]

There rose aboute the same tyme occasion of strife and variaunce, betwixt king Henry and the Frenche King, aboute the enioying of the Countrey lying about Gysors, cleped Veulque∣sine,* 5.29 on thys syde the Ryuer of Hept, whiche was gyuen vnto King Henrie the Sonne, in consideration of the maryage had betwixt hym and Queene Margaret the Frenche Kinges sister. For the Frenche King nowe after the death of hys brother in lawe King Henrie the [ 20] sonne, requyred to haue the same restored vnto the Crowne of France: but king Henrie was not willing to depart with it.

* 5.30At length they mette betwixt Trie and Gy∣sors to talke of the matter, where they agreed that Queene Margaret the widow of the late deceas∣sed king Henrie the sonne, shoulde receyue yearely during hir lyfe .1750. poundes of Aniouyn money at Paris, of king Henry the father, and his heires, in consideration whereof, shee shoulde release and [ 30] quiteclayme all hir right to those lands that were demaunded, as Veulquesine and others.

Shortly after, Geffrey Earle of Brytayne came to his father, and submitting himselfe, was reconciled to him, and also to his brother Richard Earle of Poictou.

* 5.31Also I finde that king Henrie at an enteruiew had betwixt him and the French king at their ac∣customed place of meeting betwixt Trie and Gi∣sors on Saint Nicholas day, did his homage to [ 40] the same French king for the lands which he held of him on that side the sea, which to doe till then he had refused.

The same yeare king Henrie helde his Christ∣masse at the Citie of Mauns. Also when the king had agreed the Frenche king and the Earle of Flaunders,* 5.32 for the controuersie that chaunced betwixt them about the landes of Vermendoys, he passed through the Earle of Flanders Coun∣trey, and comming to Wysande, tooke shippe [ 50] and sayled ouer into Englande, landing at Do∣uer the tenth day of Iune, with his daughter the Duches of Saxonie,* 5.33 the which was afterwardes deliuered of a sonne at Winchester, and hir hus∣bande the Duke of Saxonie came also this yeare into Englande, and was ioyfully receyued and honourably interteyned of the king his fa∣ther in lawe.

And wheras the Archbi. of Colen came ouer in∣to England this yere to visite the tumbe of Tho∣mas late Archbishop of Canterbury the king tra∣uayled to make an agreement betwixt him and the duke of Saxonic touching certaine variance depending betwixt them,* 5.34 wherein the king did so much, that y^e Archbishop forgaue all iniuries past, and so they were made friends. Also by the coun∣sell of the same Archb. the king sent Hugh Nouāt Archdeacon of Lyseux and others,* 5.35 Ambassadors frō him vnto Pope Lucius, that by his helpe there

[illustration]

migh•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 way to obteyn a pardon for the sayd duke, & lic•…•…nce for him to returne into his countrey. Those that were sent demeaned them∣selues so discretly in doing their message, that the Emperor cōming where the Pope then was, that is to say at Verona in Italy, at the earnest sute of the said Pope was cōtented to release all his euill will which he bare towardes the duke,* 5.36 pardoned him for all things past, and licenced him now at length to returne home into his country, his con∣demnation of exile being clearely reuoked.

There died this yeare sundry honorable perso∣nages, as Simon Erle of Huntington, that was son to Simō Erle of Northampton, after whose decease the king gaue his erledome vnto his bro∣ther Dauid, or as Radulfus de Diceto sayth,* 5.37 by∣cause the said Simon died without issue, the king gaue the Erledom of Huntingt. vnto Wil. king of Scots, son to Erle Henry, that was son to K. Dauid. Also the Erle of Warwik died this yere, & Thomas Fitz Bernard L. chiefe iustice of the Forests, which roumth Alain de Neuill had en∣ioyed before him. But now after the death of this Tho. Fitz Bernard,* 5.38 the k. diuided his forests into sundrie quarters, & to euerie quarter he appointed foure iustices, two of y^e spiritualtie, & two knights of the temporaltie, beside two generall wardens that were of his owne-seruants, to be as surueyers aboue all other Foresters of vert & venison, whose office was to see that no misorder nor spoyle were committed within any groundes of Warren cō∣trarie

to the assises of Forests. There dyed this yeare also diuerse Prelates, as foure Bishoppes, to witte, Gerald surnamed la Pucelle Bishop of Chester, Walranne Bishop of Rochester, Ioce∣line Bishop of Salisburie, and Bartholmew bi∣shop of Exeter. There died also diuerse Abbots, & vpon the .xvj. of Febuarie died Richard Archbish. of Canterburie in the .xj. yeare after his first en∣tring into the gouernment of that sea. His bodie was buried at Canterburie. He was noted to be a [ 10] man of euill life, and wasted the goodes of that Churche inordinately. It was reported that be∣fore his death there appeared vnto him a vision, which sayde, thou hast wasted the goodes of the Church, & I shall roote thee out of the earth. Here∣of he tooke suche a feare, that he died within .viij. dayes after. Then succeeded after him Baldwin that before was Bishop of Worcester. He was the .xi. Archb. that had ruled the Church of Can∣terburie. The king and Bishops procured his e∣lection [ 20] not without much ado. For the Monkes pretending a right therto, were sore against it. It is reported of him, that after he was made a white Monke, he neuer eate flesh to his liues ende. On a time an olde leane woman met him, and asked of him if it were sooth that he neuer rate any maner of flesh. It is sooth (sayd he.) It is false quoth she, for I had but one cow to finde me with, and thy seruants haue taken hir from me. Wherevnto he answered, that if it so were, she shoulde haue as [ 30] good a Cow restored to hir by Gods grace as hir owne was.

The same time also, Margaret the wife of the late deceassed king Henrie the sonne, returned into France to hir brother king Philip, and was after ioyned in mariage with Bela king of Hungary.

But after long digression to returne again to our purpose. The king being aduertised of the de∣struction and spoyle which the Welchmen dayly did practise against his subiects, both in their per∣sons [ 40] and substance: he assembled a mightie armie and came with the same vnto Worcester, mea∣ning to inuade the enimies countreys. But Rees ap Griffin fearing his puissance thus bent against him and other the leaders of the Welchmen, hee came by safeconduct vnto Worcester, and there submitting himselfe, sware fealtie to the king, and became his liegeman, promising to bring his son and nephewes vnto him as pledges. But when according to his promise he would haue brought [ 50] them, they refused to goe with him, and so the matter rested for a time.

After this, king Henry helde his Christmasse at Winsore,* 5.39 and the same yere Heraclius the Pa∣triarke of Ierusalem, and Roger master of the house of S. Iohns of Ierusalē, came into Eng∣land, to made sute vnto king Henrie for ayde a∣gaynst the Sarasins that dayly wanne from the Christians, townes and holdes in the holy land, taking and killing the people most miserably, as in the description of the holye lande maye more plainly appeare, where the doings of Saladine the Sarasine are touched. The Patriarke made earnest request vnto the king, proffering him the Keyes of the Citie of Ierusalem, and of the holy Sepulchre, (with the letters of Lucius the thirde as then Pope of Rome) charging him to take vp∣on him the iourney, and to haue mind of the othe which before time he had made.

The king deferred his answere for a time,* 5.40 and calling a Councel of his Lords togither at Cler∣kenwell, on the fiftenth day of Aprill, asked theyr aduice in this matter: who declared to him, that as they tooke it, he might not well depart so farre out of his Realme and other dominions, leauing the same as a praye to his enimies. And where as it was thought by some, that hee myght ap∣poynt one of his sonnes to take vppon him that iourney, yet bycause they were not as then with∣in the realme. It was iudged that in their absence there was no reason whye it shoulde bee so de∣creed.

In the meane tyme yet vpon licence gran∣ted by the kyng,* 5.41 that so manye myghte goe as woulde, Baldwyn the Archebishoppe of Can∣terburie preached, and exhorted men to take vp∣on

[illustration]

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Crosse so effectually, that a greate number receyuing it, fully purposed to goe on in that iourney.

At length the King gaue answere to the Pa∣triarke, excusing himselfe in that hee myght not goe, for he declared that hee myght not leaue hys lande wythoute keeping, beeing in daunger to remayne as a praye to the robberie and spoyle of the Frenche menne:* 5.42 but hee offered to giue large summes of gold and siluer to such as would take vppon them that voyage. With thys an∣swere the Cardinall was nothing pleased, and

therefore,* 5.43 sayde we seeke a man and not money: well neare euery Christian Region sendeth vn∣to vs money, but no Countrey sendeth vnto vs a Prince. And therefore wee require a Prince that needeth money, and not money that nee∣deth a Prince. But the King styll alledged matter for his excuse, so that the Patriarke de∣parted from him comfortlesse, and greatly dis∣contented in his minde: whereof the King ha∣uing knowledge, and intending somewhat to [ 10] recomfort him with sweete and pleasaunt wor∣des, followed him to the Sea syde. But the more the King thought to satisfie the Patriarke with wordes, the more wroth and discontented hee shewed hymselfe to be. Insomuche that at the laste hee sayde vnto him, Hytherto hast thou raigned gloriously,* 5.44 but hereafter shalt thou bee forsaken of hym, whom thou at this time forsa∣kest. Consider of him, and remember what hee hath gyuen to thee, and what thou hast yeelded [ 20] to him againe, howe first thou wast false to the King of Fraunce, and after slue the Archbishop Becket, and now lastlye thou forsakest the pro∣tection of Christes fayth.

The King was styrred with these wordes, and sayde vnto the Patriarke. Though all the menne of the lande were one bodie, and spake with one mouth, they durste not vtter suche wordes agaynste mee. No woonder (sayde the Patriarke) for they loue thine and not thee. That [ 30] is to meane, they loue thy Temporall goodes, and stande in feare of thee for losse of Promo∣tion, but thy soule they loue not. And when hee hadde so sayde, hee offered his heade to the King, saying, Doe by mee euen as thou diddest by the Archebyshoppe Becket, for all is one to mee, eyther to bee slaine here in Europe of a wicked Christian, or in the holy lande by a Sarasine, for thou art worse than a Sarasine, and thy people followeth pray and spoyle, and [ 40] not a manne. The King kepte hys patience, and sayde I maye not goe oute of my lande, for if I shoulde, mine owne Sonnes woulde rise and rebell agaynste mee.* 5.45 No maruaile (sayde the Patriarke) for of the Diuell they came, and to the Diuell they shall. And thus hee departed from the King in greate dis∣pleasure.

Thus haue some written: But by others it appeareth that the Patryarke remayned here [ 50] tyll the king went ouer into Normandie himself, in companie of whom the Patriarke went also (as after shall appeare.)

* 5.46This yeare the last of March, king Henrie made his Sonne Iohn knight, and shortly af∣ter sent him ouer into Irelande, of which Coun∣trey he had made him king.

At his comming into Irelande, he was ho∣nourably receyued of the Archebishoppe of Diue∣line, and other noble menne that had beene sent thither before him.

The King allowed him great aboundance, of treasure, but he keeping it in his Coffers (as one nowe come into a straunge place, and not knowing what he shoulde want woulde not de∣part with it so freely amongest his Souldiers and menne of warre as they looked for: by rea∣son whereof their seruice was suche, that in dy∣uerse conflictes hee lost many of his menne, and at length was dryuen through want of conue∣nable ayde, to returne againe into Englande, hauing appoynted his Captaynes and Soul∣diours to remayne in places moste expedient for the defence of that Countrey. But hereof yee maye reade more in the Hystorie of Ire∣lande.

Vppon the Monday in the Weeke before Easter,* 5.47 there chaunced a sore Earthquake tho∣rowe all the parties of this lande, suche one as the like had not beene hearde of in Englande sith the beginning of the worlde. Stones were re∣moued out of their places that laye couched fast in the Earth, stone houses were ouerthrowne, and the great Church of Lincolne was rent from the top downwards.

The day next after this terrible wonder,* 5.48 the King and the Patriarke with the Bishoppe of Durham, and a great sort of other Noble men of this Realme, passed the Seas from Douer to Wyssande, and so rode foorth towardes Nor∣mandie, where immediately vpon his comming thither he raysed a power, and sent worde to hys sonne Richarde Earle of Poictou (whiche hadde fortified the townes and Castelles of Poictou agaynst him,* 5.49 and taken his brother Geffrey pri∣soner) that except hee deliuered vp into his mo∣thers handes the whole Countrey of Poictou, he woulde surely come to chastice him with an I∣ron rodde, and bring him vnder obedience smally to his ease.

Vpon this message Earle Richarde beeing somewhat better aduised, obeyed his fathers com∣maundements in all poynts,* 5.50 rendring vp into his mothers handes the Earledome of Poictou, and comming to his father as an obedient sonne, she∣wed himself readie to serue him at commaunde∣ment with a glad and willing minde.

Soone after this,* 5.51 and aboute the seuenth houre of the day, the Sunne suffered a generall Eclipse, so that no part of it appeared, and there∣with followed greate thunder with lightning and a sore tempest, with the violence whereof there were both men and beastes destroyed, and many houses burned.

Shortly after this, the Kings of Englande and Fraunce mette and commumed togyther

for the ayding of them in the holye lande, and they promysed in deede to sende thyther bothe menne and money: but the Patriarke made small accounte thereof, for hee was muche de∣ceyued of that which hee hoped to haue brought to passe, whiche was, eyther to haue gotte the King of Englande, or one of hys Sonnes, or some other manne of greate aucthoritie foorth wyth hym into the holye lande: but bycause that would not be, he departed from the Courte [ 10] verye sorrowfull and sore displeased, so that it maye bee thought, that then and not before hys departure oute of Englande, he spake his minde so plainlye vnto the King (as before yee haue hearde.)

Moreouer aboute this tyme, King Henrie obteyned of Pope Vrbane the third, that he might crowne whiche of his Sonnes it shoulde please him King of Irelande,* 5.52 in token of which graunt and confirmation, the sayde Pope sent vnto hym [ 20] a Crowne of Peacocks feathers, after a frat ma∣ner wouen in with golde.

Thys yeare the King helde hys Christmasse at Danfrount,* 5.53 and shortly after came to a com∣munication wyth the French king, at the which hee tooke a solemne othe that hee woulde dely∣uer the Ladye Alice the Frenche Kinges Si∣ster (whome hee hadde as yet in his custodie) vn∣to hys sonne Richarde Earle of Positon in ma∣ryage. For the which maryage to be had and so∣lemnised, the French King graunted to deliuer vnto the sayde Richarde the towne of Gysors, wyth all that which his father king Lewes pro∣mised vnto king Henrie the sonne (lately deceas∣sed) in maryage with Queene Margaret the wife of the same Henrie, receyuing an othe thereto, ne∣uer to make any clayme or chalenge to the same towne and landes.

King Henrie after hee hadde thus conclu∣ded and finished hys affayres wyth the Frenche King, returned backe into Englande in Maye,* 5.54 and then was Hugh Priour of Witham in∣stituted Byshoppe of Lyncolne after that the Sea there hadde beene voyde and wythout any lawfull gouernour almoste the space of seuentine yeares. This Hugh was reputed a verye godly and vertuous man.

Before him Walter Constaunce was no∣minated to that Sea, but bycause he was made Archebyshoppe of Rouen before hee was inue∣sted in the Church of Lyncolne, hee is not ac∣counted in number of the Bishoppes of Lyn∣colne.

Moreouer King Henrie shortlye after his returne at thys tyme into Englande, assem∣bled a greate army, and went wyth the same vn∣to Carleil, in purpose to haue entred Galloway, and there to haue chastised Rouland Lorde of

[illustration]

that Countrey, that was sonne to Vthred the sonne of Fergus, for the iniuries done to his co∣sin [ 50] Germains, and namely to Duncane the son of Gylbert that was sonne to the same Fer∣gus in spoyling him and the residue (after the de∣ceasse of the sayde Gylbert) of theyr partes of in∣heritaunce, vsurping the whole to himselfe. But as the King was now readie to inuade his coun∣trey, Roulande came to him, and vsed suche meanes vnder pretence of satisfaction, that hee made his peace with the King, who therevpon brought backe his armye, and did no more at that tyme.

About the same tyme came newes to the King, that Hugh Lacie was slaine in Irelande by an Irishe Gentleman,* 5.55 that was his confede∣rate, (or rather by a labourer, as in the Irishe Hystorie ye may read) whereof the King was nothing sorie, bycause that the same Hugh was growne to so high degree of puissaunce in that

Countrey, that he refused to obey the kings com∣maundement when he sent for him.

It is to bee noted, that when King Henrie had conquered the moste parte of Irelande, and set the Countrey in some order, after his com∣ming from thence, such Captains as he left there behind him were not ydle, but still did what they could to enlarge the confines which were com∣mitted to theyr gouernaunce: but amongest them all this Hugh Lacie was the chiefest, inso∣much [ 10] that after the death of Richarde Earle of Seriguile,* 5.56 the king made him gouernour of the Countrey in place of the sayde Earle, by reason whereof he so enlarged his possessions, that with∣in a while he became dreadfull, not onely to the enimies, but also to his associates, as to suche English Captaines as were abyding in Ireland vpon garde of the English Frontiers. For if any of them disobeyed his cōmaundement, he would not sticke to chastice them at his pleasure, so that [ 20] by such meanes he seemed rather to conquere the Countrry to his owne vse, than to the Kinges. He had also ioyned himselfe in maryage with a daughter of the King of Vnlester, not making King Henrie priuie to the same. Wherevpon the King hauing sundrie informations presen∣ted to him of suche his presumptuous demeanor, commaunded him by his letters to returne home, and repayre to his presence, whiche to doe (as be∣fore I haue sayde) hee refused, by reason where∣of [ 30] hee confirmed the suspition whiche was con∣ceyued of him, to ryse vpon no vaine coniectures, and therefore the euyll that came to hym was nothing lamented of King Henrie,* 5.57 who with good cause was highly offended towardes him for the contempt and considerations aforesayde.

This yeare Geffrey the Kings sonne that was Earle of Brytayne dyed at Paris,* 5.58 and was buryed in the same Citie, leauing behinde him, besides two daughters one onely sonne as yet in his mothers wombe, of whome shee was de∣lyuered in the nyght of the feast of Easter next ensuyng hir husbandes death. Hee was na∣med Arthure, and succeded his father in the Erle∣dome of Brytaine.

Hys fathers death was occasioned as men iudge, by a fall whiche hee caught at a iourney, for hee was sore bruysed therewith, and neuer had his health, but finally felt into a flixe and so dyed.

About this season Pope Vrbane wrote vnto Baldwyn the Archebishoppe of Canterburie, graunting him licence to buylde a Churche in honour of Saint Stephen, and Thomas Bec∣ket nowe reputed a Martyr, at Alkynton, and that the fourth part of the offrings which came to the boxe of Thomas the Martyr shoulde be as∣signed to the vse of the Monkes, and an other fourth part to the buyldings of that Church, and an other fourth part to be giuen to the poore, and the other fourth part remayning, he might reserue to himselfe to bestowe at his pleasure.

But within a while after, at the sute and con∣templation of the Priour and Couent of Can∣terburie (who lyked nothing of the former parti∣tion) the Pope sent letters of prohibition to the sayde Archebishoppe, that hee shoulde ceasse from buylding of the fore mentioned Churche, bycause the buylding thereof should be preiudiciall to the Church of Canterburie.

About the same time also King Henrie gaue his Cousin the Ladie Ermengarde that was daughter to Richarde Vicount Baumount in Mariage, vnto William King of Scotlande,* 5.59 causing the Archebishoppe of Canterburie to ioyne them togyther in the bonde of Matrimo∣nie wythin the Chappell at Woodstocke, where hee kept great cheare in honour of that maryage

[illustration]

for the space of foure dayes togither. And further he gaue at the same time vnto the king of Scots the Castell of Edenbourgh:* 5.60 and the King of Scottes streyght wayes gaue it vnto his wife the foresayde Ermengarde, as a portion of hir dower, augmented wyth an hundred poundes of landes by the yeare, and fortye Knightes fees.

The Frenche King requyred to haue the cu∣stodie of the infant Arthure, heyre to Geffrey [ 10] Earle of Brytaine: but king Henrie would in no wise graunt thereto.* 5.61 Hee sent therefore Walter Archbishoppe of Rouen, William de Maunde∣uille Earle of Albemarle, and Ranulfe de Glan∣deuille Lorde chiefe Iustice of Englande to the Frenche Courte to talke wyth King Philip a∣boute that matter, so that king Philip hauing hearde them, was contented to staye from at∣tempting force tyll the feast of Saint Hillarie: But in the meane tyme it chaunced,* 5.62 that one [ 20] Sir Rycharde de Walles a knight of the realme of Fraunce, went about to fortifie a Castell in a Vyllage that belonged to him called Walles, situate betwixte Trye and Gisors. Wherevp∣on Henrie Vere (Conestable of Gysors vnder William Earle of Aubemarle) was nothing content therewyth, and therefore gotte a com∣panie togyther, and went foorth to desturbe the worke. Vpon this occasion the seruaunts of the sayde Sir Rycharde de Wals come forth, and [ 30] encountred wyth him in the fielde, insomuche that Raufe the sonne of Sir Rycharde de Wals was slayne, and the residue that were with hym fledde, manye of them beeing sore beaten and wounded.

* 5.63When the French King was enformed here∣of, he caused all the King of Englande his sub∣iectes that coulde bee founde within his Coun∣treys and dominion of Fraunce to be apprehen∣ded, and their goodes seazed. [ 40]

* 5.64The Stewardes, Baylifes, and officers then of king Henrie, did the like by the French kings subiects that chaunced to be at that present with∣in the king of Englandes Countreys, on that further syde of the Sea. But within a smal while after, the French king set the English subiects at libertie, and so likewise did the king of Englands officers release the French subiects.

* 5.65After this, king Henrie helde his Christmasse at Gildeforde, and shortly after came one Oc∣tauianus [ 50] a Subdeacon Cardinall, and Hugh de Nouaunt from the Courte of Rome, sent as Legates from Pope Vrbane into Irelande, that they might crowne Earle Iohn the kings sonne king of that lande.* 5.66 But king Henrie made a de∣lay therein, taking the Legates with him into Normandie, whether he sayled at the same time, and landing at Wissand, hee went from thence into Normandie, and shortly after came to a cō∣munication with the French king, at a place cal∣led Vadum Sancti Remig•…•…, where after much talk they coulde not agree, by reason the French king demaunded things vnreasonable,* 5.67 and so they de∣parted without any thing concluded [sauing a truce, till after Whitsuntide.]

About the same time,* 5.68 the Citie of Ierusalem was taken by Saladine the chiefe Prince of the Sarafins. Wherevppon much conference was had among the christian princes for the succoring of those Christians which as yet held & defended other peeces in y^e holy lande, so that by publishing of the Popes Bulles, many toke on thē the crosse: and amongst other Richard the son of K. Henry (withoute any licence obteyned of his father) re∣ceyued the same, vowing to go thither out of hād, and to fight against Gods enimies to the vtter∣most of his power. In the meane time the grudge still encreasing betwixt king Henrie and Philip the French king, partly for one cause,* 5.69 and partly for an other (but specially one chiefe occasion was for that Earle Richarde deferred the doing of hys homage vnto king Philip for the Duchie of Poi∣cton, which by his fathers appoyntment he nowe enioyed and helde.) The French king to preuent his enimies, immediately vpō the expiring of the truce raysed a power, and entring into the domi∣nions belonging to king Henrie, hee wasted the Countrey till he came vnto Chateau Raoul. A∣bout which Castell also he forthwith planted his siege. Hereof when king Henrie was aduertised, he raysed his power also, and togyther with hys sonne Earle Richarde came with all speede to succour his people, and to saue his Castell from the handes of his enimies. When he approched neare vnto the place, he pight downe his tents o∣uer agaynst the one side of the French campe, and Erle Richard on the other, so that they were rea∣die to assail the French king on both sides at once, but before they came to ioyne in battaile, by the mediation of a Cardinall (as some wryte) or as other haue,* 5.70 through meanes made by the Erle of Flanders, the matter was taken vp. For Earle Richard through perswasion of the sayd Erle of Flanders came to the Frenche king, and agreed with him before that his father king Henrie was for his part resolued of any such matter, so that he was now in a maruellous perplexity, and almost to seeke what was best to do, in such a doubtfull case, as a man fearing his owne suretie, by reason of mistrust which hee had in his sonne Richarde.* 5.71 But yet at the length through humble sute made by his sayde sonne vnto the Frenche king a truce was graunted by the space of two yeares.

Earle Richarde after that the matter was thus taken vp, went into Fraunce with the Frenche King, of whome hee was so honoured

whilest he was there, that they kept one Table at dinner and supper in the day tyme, and (as was sayde) one bedde serued them both to sleepe on in the night.

In the meane time king Henrie hearing of al this, he fell into great suspition whereto this great familiaritie betwixte the Frenche king and hys sonne woulde tende,* 5.72 and doubting the likelyest, be sent for him to returne vnto him. But Earle Richarde perceyuing his father to mistrust hys [ 10] loyaltie, gaue fayre wordes, and promised to re∣turne with all conuenient speede. Howbeit hee ment an other matter, and so departing from the French Court, came to Chinon, where he gotte into his handes a greate portion of his fathers treasure that was kept there,* 5.73 agaynst the will of him that had the custodie of it, and taking it thus awaye with him, hee beganne to fortifie hys Castelles and Townes wythin hys Countrey of Poictou, and clearely refused to come backe to his father for a tyme, although at length for∣saking the counsayle of naughtie menne, hee turned home vnto hym, and humbly submit∣ted hymselfe, in suche wyse as to hys duetie ap∣perteyned. And for the more assuraunce there∣of, he renueth his feaultie, in receyuing an othe vppon the holy Euangelystes. Whiche done, King Henrye wente into Brytayne wyth an armie, and wanne the Castell of Mountre∣leys by siege, whiche one Heruey de Lions, and

[illustration]

one Guynemer hys brother hadde gotten into theyr handes, after the deceasse of Geffrey Earle of Brytayne.

This yeare the twentie of October, the Ci∣tie of Chichester was almoste wholy consumed to ashes by mischaunce of fyre. The heade [ 40] Church with the Bishoppes Palayce, and the houses of the Canons were burnt euen downe to the grounde.

* 5.74After this king Henrie helde his Christmasse at Cam, from whence he went to Harfleete, and there taking the sea passed ouer into England.

The French king hearing by and by of hys departure, assembled a great armye, and threat∣ned to destroy the Countrey of Normandie, and other landes on that side the sea, except that king [ 50] Henrie woulde deliuer ouer into his handes the town of Gisors, with the appurtenances, or cause his son Richard Erle of Poictou to take to wife his sister Alyce, according to his promise.

* 5.75When King Henrie was hereof aduerti∣sed, hee turned with all speede into Normandie, that he might prouide for timely resistaunce, if the Frenche king came forwarde to inuade hys dominions.

About the selfe same tyme also came know∣ledge out of the holy land,* 5.76 that Saladine after the wynning of Ierusalem, pursued his victorie with such successe, that hee had taken from the Chry∣stians the more parte of all other townes and strengthes within the lande.

These newes were nothing pleasant to the Christian princes, and namely the two kings Henrie and Philip seemed sorowful for the same,* 5.77 and therefore came to an enteruiew togyther on the .xxj. day of Ianuarie betwixt Trie and Gi∣sors, where the Archbishoppe of Tyre was pre∣sent, through whose earnest exhortation the two Kings were made friendes,* 5.78 and the same daye receyued the Crosse at hys handes in purpose to make a iourney togyther agaynst those Sa∣rasyns, that hadde done suche iniuryes to the Christian name. And for a difference that one Nation myght bee knowne from an other,* 5.79 the Frenche King and his people tooke vpon them to weare redde Crosses, the King of Eng∣lande and hys subiectes whyte Crosses: but the Earle of Flaunders and hys menne ware

greene.

And herewith they departed in sunder eche one repayring to theyr Countreys to prouide theyr armies, and make them in a readinesse to set forwarde by a day towardes this necessarie iour∣ney. King Henrie comming to Chinon, by ad∣uice of his Counsaille, ordeyned that euery one of his subiectes shoulde yeelde a tenth part of his re∣uenues and moueable goodes for that yeare to∣wardes the ayde of them in the holy lande (corne [ 10] of that yeares growth except,* 5.80 and also all armor, horses, brokes, apparell, ornaments of Chappels, and precious stones, which shoulde not come in the rate of goods now taxed, nor be charged with this payment.

Moreouer those knightes and men of warre that were appoynted to goe in thys iourney pay∣ed nothing, but had that money also towardes theyr furniture, which were gathered of theyr te∣nants and fermours, howbeit Burgesses and o∣ther [ 20] that tooke vpon them the Crosse without ly∣cense of theyr Lordes, payed this tenth, so that none of them went free.

There were also good orders deuised, both for the aduauncement of Gods glorie, and the reliefe of the common wealth,* 5.81 as that no manne shoulde sweare in any outrageous maner, that no man should play at Cardes, Dice or Tables, and that no maner of person after Easter shoulde weare anye costly furres or cloth of Scarlette, nor that menne shoulde vse to haue theyr Ta∣bles serued wyth more than two Dishes of meate at one meale, nor shoulde haue theyr apparell cutte, iagged, or laced: and further, that none of them shoulde take anye women forth wyth them in this iourney, except suche a landresse, of the which there myght not growe any suspition of wanton life.

It was also ordeyned, that the money of suche as dyed in this iourney, shoulde goe to∣wardes the fynding and mayntenaunce of theyr seruaunts and of poore people, and towardes the ayde of the Christians in the holy land.

Moreouer, the Pope graunted that all those that went foorth in this iourney, repenting and confessing theyr sinnes, should be assoyled and pardoned of the same.

The King hauing thus taken order for hys businesse in the partyes on the further syde the Sea, came nowe ouer into Englande agayne,* 5.82 landing at Wynchelsey on a Saterday the thirtith day of Ianuarie,* 5.83 and calling a Coun∣cell togyther at Gaitington, whiche is eyght or nine myles from Northampton, hee there de∣clared what orders hee had taken for his iour∣ney into the holye lande.* 5.84 Wherevpon the By∣shoppes

[illustration]

of Norwiche and Lyncolne, and a great number of other people tooke vpō them the crosse [ 50] at the preaching of the Archbishop of Canterbu∣rie, and the Bishop of Rochester.

This done, king Henrie tooke order also for the leuying of the tenth,* 5.85 as well here in England as he had don in the parties subiect to him on the further side the sea. Hee also sent Hugh Bishop of Durham, and other both spirituall and tem∣porall persons, vnto William king of Scottes, to gather the tenth likewise within his Coun∣trey, but hee mette them betwixt Warke and Bryghtham,* 5.86 and woulde not suffer them to en∣ter into Scotlande, but hee offered to giue vnto the king of England in recompence of the tenths, and for to haue againe his Castels, the summe of 5000. Markes of siluer, which could not be accep∣ted. The French king likewise gathered y^e tēthes in his Countrey towardes this intended iourney. But by the working of some wicked spirite

(as we may lawfully thinke) whiche enuied the aduauncement of the christian common wealth,* 5.87 that good meaning of the two kings was bro∣ken and disappoynted. For the peace lately con∣cluded betwixt them continued not long vnuio∣lated. The French writers impute the fault ther∣of vnto English men, and the English writers lay it to the French men. The French wryters say,* 5.88 that Earle Richard the sonne of king Henrie in breach of the league, made warre vpon Ray∣mond [ 10] Erle of Tholouze. The English wryters reproue the French king as a wicked man, in that he shoulde of purpose breake the peace and moue war against king Henry, to withdraw him from going to make war against the Sarasins, to the which enterprise he was wholy bent and encly∣ned. Such is the maner of many writers, the which more affectionate to the loue of their coun∣trey than to the truth, doe not obserue the lawe of Histories in their writings, but rather inuey one against another in brawling & reprouing maner.

In deed as Roger Houeden and other do wit∣nesse, the foresayd Erle Reymond,* 5.89 & also Aymer Erle of Angolesme, Geffrey de Racon, & Geffrey de Lusignan with the most part of all the nobles of Poictou, made warre agaynst Earle Richard, and hee helde tacke agaynst them all, and in the ende ouercame them.

[illustration]

* 5.90Amongst other of Erle Reymonds part whō he tooke, was one Peter Seille, by whose counsel Earle Reymonde had taken diuerse Merchants of Poictou, that were subiects to Earle Richard, and done many other displeasures to him, and to [ 30] his Countrey, wherefore Earle Richarde kepte this Peter in verie strayte prison, and would not put him to his raunsome: wherefore Earle Rey∣mond toke two of the king of Englands knights sir Robert Poer, and sir Richarde Fraser, as they were returning from Compostella, where they had beene to visite the bodie of Saint Iames, but they were quickely set at libertie by the Frenche kings commaundement, for the reuerence of S. Iames whose Pilgrymes they were. [ 40]

* 5.91After this, Earle Richard entred with a great army into the lands of Erle Reymonde, wasted the same, and tooke by siege a Castell of his situ∣ate neare vnto Tholouze, cleped Moysac: wherof the French king hearing, he sent out of hande to the king of Englande, requiring to knowe if the domages done by his sonne Earle Richarde vn∣to him and his people in Tholousyne, were done by his commaundement, for the whiche hee de∣maunded restitution. Herevnto the king of Eng∣lande [ 50] answered, that his sonne Earle Richarde did nothing in that behalfe, eyther by hys know∣ledge, or commaundement: but that as hee had signified to hym by the Archbishoppe of Dublyn whatsoeuer he did therein, was done by the coun∣sell of the French king himselfe.

Howsoeuer this matter went, certaine it is, that king Philip taking weapon in hande, vpon a sodaine entred into Berry, and tooke from king Henrie Chasteau Raoull, Brezancois, Argen∣ton, Mountricharde, Mountresor, Vandosme,* 5.92 Leporose, Blanc en Berry, Culan and Molig∣non, wherefore King Henrie (who was at this tyme in Englande aboute to prepare an ar∣my to go therewith into the holy lande) when he heard thereof, with all speede possible,* 5.93 hee sente Baldwyn Archbishop of Canterburie, and Hugh Byshoppe of Durham ouer into Fraunce to ap∣pease the Frenche kings displeasure with courte∣ous woordes and reasonable perswasions if it myght bee, but when that coulde not be brought to passe, he sayled ouer into Normandie hym∣selfe, with an army of English men and Welch∣men, landing with the same at Herflue the tenth day of Iuly,* 5.94 after he had beene sore tossed by a cruell tempest that rose as he was on the Sea, to the great daunger of his person, and all that were with him.

Now after his comming to land, he repayred vnto Alencon, encreasing his power by gathering vp Souldiers and menne of warre out of Nor∣mandye and other hys Countreyes on that syde the Sea.

In the meane tyme hys sonne Rycharde Earle of Poictou entreth into Berry wyth a mightie armye,* 5.95 and the Frenche King delyue∣ring Chateou Raoull vnto the keeping of Sir William de Berres returneth into Fraunce, so that Earle Rycharde spoyled and wasted the landes of those Earles and Barons which tooke the French part exceedingly.

The French K. kept him as yet within France and durst not come forth now after the arriual of king Henry, but many enterprises were atchieued by the Captaines on both sides.

Philip Bishop of Beauvoys inuading the Fronters of Normandie, burned Blangeuille, be∣longing to the Earle of Augi, and the Castell Albemarle (that belonged to William de Man∣deuille, whereof he bare the tytle of Erle) and wa∣sted the countrey rounde about. [ 10]

The French king also came to the towne of Trow, and burned it, and tooke .xl. men of armes there, but the Castell he could not winne. On the other part, Richarde Earle of Poictou tooke a strong place called les Roches, beyonde Trow to∣wards Vandosme,* 5.96 with .xxv. men of armes, and lx. yeomen.

About which time king Henrie sent eftsoones Ambassadours vnto the French king, as Walter the Archbishop of Rouen, Iohn Bishop of Eu∣reux, [ 20] and William Marshall, to require restitu∣tion for the domages done to him and to his peo∣ple. And furthermore if the French king refused to make restitution, then had they in commaunde∣ment to declare defiaunce agaynst him. Where∣vnto the French king answered, that he woulde not giue ouer to make warre tyll hee had Berry, and the country of Veuxin or Veulgesynt who∣ly in his possession. Wherfore king Henrie with a mightie armie on the Tuesday after the feast of the Decollation of Saint Iohn, entred into the Realme of Fraunce, and burned in any townes and villages, approching the same day neare vn∣to the towne of Maunt; where the Frenche king was thought to be. And as it chaunced William de Berres, and Drogo de Merlo, incoūtred with Richarde Erle of Poictou, & William de Man∣deuille Earle of Albemarle, so that William de Barres was taken by Erle Richard, but by neg∣ligence of them that should haue takē heed to him he escaped away vpon his Pages horse. The morrow after also, Erle Richard departed from his father towards Berry, and vpon the Thurs∣day the Welchmen burned many villages,* 5.97 with the Castel of Danuille that belonged to Simon Daneth, & tooke many rich prayes and booties.

[illustration]

Also William Mandeuille Earle of Albe∣marle, burned a place called Saint Clare, that was belonging vnto the Demaine of the French king: but see, when the English were fully bent to prosecute the warres (with all extremitie) now in hand, there came messengers vnto king Henry frō the French king, requiring him that he would graunt a peace to be had betwixt them, with pro∣mise [ 50] that if he would condiscend therevnto, that he should receyue by way of restitution al that the French king had now taken from him in Berry. And herevpon they came to a communication betwixt Trie and Gisors,* 5.98 and when they coulde not agree, the French king caused a great Elme stāding betwixt those two places to be cut down,* 5.99 at which the kings of England and France were accustomed to meete when they treated of mat∣ters in controuersie betwixt them, swearing that from thenceforth there shoulde neuer be any more meetings holden at that place. Afterwarde when the Erle of Flanders, & the Earle of Bloys w^t di∣uerse other Erles and Barons of the Realme of France, layd their armor aside,* 5.100 protesting openly that they woulde not put on the same againe to make war against any christian, till they shoulde returne from their iorney which they had vowed into the holy land, y^e French king destitute of mē to serue him, made sute once again to K. Hē. that they might meet & talk of peace, which was hard∣ly granted, and so they met on the morrow after Saint Faythes day, or seuenth of October, at Chatellon,* 5.101 where they entreated of a fourme of peace, so that the Frenche king shoulde haue re∣stored all that he hadde taken within the Coun∣treys

belonging to King Henrie, and likewise Richarde Earle of Poictou, shoulde delyuer vp vnto the Earle of Saint Giles, otherwise cal∣led Earle of Tholouze, all that hee hadde ta∣ken from him sithe the breach of the laste truce. But when King Henrie woulde not deliuer the Castell of Pascie in pledge to the Frenche king, they departed in sunder (as before) without anye thing concluded.

The king of France after this tooke the Ca∣stell [ 10] of Paluell.* 5.102 Vpon the .xviij. day of August the two kings came againe togither about a new treatie of peace betwixt Bonsemblance and Su∣kenny, where the French king offred king Hen∣rie, to restore to him all that he had taken by hys last warres, if hys syster Alyce might be ioyned in maryage with Richarde Earle of Poictou, nowe eldest sonne in lyfe to king Henrie, and that all king Henries subiectes might do homage and sweare feaultie to the same Richarde. But king [ 20] Henrie hauing in memorie the iniuries done to him by his sonne Henry, after such his aduaunce∣ment to kingly degree, he woulde not graunt the French kings request herein. Wherevpon a fur∣ther mischiefe happened, for his sonne Earle Ri∣charde (taking displeasure that his father shoulde denie him that honour,* 5.103 whiche made altogyther for his more assuraunce to succeede him as king) fell from his sayde father manifestly, and became the Frenche kings man, doing homage to hym [ 30] also without consent of king Henrie, for all those lands that belonged to his sayd father on that fur∣ther side the sea. The French king for his homage and fealtie, gaue vnto him Chateau Raoull, and Ysoldun, with al the honor thereto belonging.

There be that write, that the chiefest cause that moued king Henrie to refuse to ioyne his son erle Richard & the ladie Alice,* 5.104 daughter to the French king in mariage togither, was, bycause he was linked in the combersome chayne of hote burning [ 40] loue with the same Ladie, and therfore he sought all the shiftes of excuses and delayes that might be imagined, so that it appeared he had no minde to depart with hir. The truth was (as writers af∣fyrme) he had alredie perswaded hir to satisfie his lust, insomuch that hee liked hir so well, that hee ment to be deuorsed from his wife Queene Ele∣nor, & to marry this yong ladie, which if he might bring to passe, and haue children by hir, he purpo∣sed to disinherite those which he had by Elenor, & [ 50] to make the other which he should haue by Adela his legitimate and lawfull heyres. Yet before they departed from this communication,* 5.105 a truce was taken to endure till the feast of S. Hillarie. And Henry Bishop of Alba a Cardinal that was sent from the Pope to ende this controuersie be∣twixt these two mightie Princes, accursed Ry∣chard Erle of Poictou, for, that by his meanes the troubles rose and were continued betwixt them.

The towne of Beuerlay,* 5.106 with the Church of Saint Iohn the Archbishop, was in maner who∣ly consumed with fire, on the .xx. of September.

[illustration]

Also the same yeare dyed William of Sem∣pringham,* 5.107 the Author and first founder of the religious order of Sempringham. Moreouer Gilbert de Ogerstan a knight Templer put in trust by king Henry with others to gather the tenthes towardes the reliefe of the holy land,* 5.108 was proued to vse falsehood in the receipt, and so was deliuered vnto the master of the Temple at Lon∣don, to bee punished according to the statutes of his order. Also this yeare in the vigill of S. Lau∣rence,* 5.109 there was seene at Dunstable by diuerse persons a figure of the Crosse very long & large in the ayre, with the shape of a crucifixe theron, and streames of bloud to their sight seemed to runne out of the woundes of the feete, handes and sides. And this straunge appearance continued in sight from noone till almost night.

King Henrie helde his Christmasse at Sau∣mur in Aniou,* 5.110 but many of his Earles and Ba∣rons were gone from him, and tooke part with the French king, and with his sonne Richard Erle of Poictou. Then after the day was once come, in which the truce expired, the Britains (which had a charter of couenants of the French king & Erle Richard, that if they concluded any peace with king Henrie, the Brytaynes should de partakers in the same) enter into the confines of those coun∣treys which still continued their due obedience to∣wards King Henrie, spoyling and wasting the same on eche syde with barbarous crueltie. At which time also there was a Legate came from the Pope named Iohn de Anagnia,* 5.111 who assayed both by courteous meanes and also by threates and menacinges to reduce the partyes vnto peace and concorde: Insomuche that by hys procurement they mette this yeare after Easter neare vnto Fiert Bernarde, twise wythin

a fewe dayes togither, to trie if by talke they might sorte to some reasonable conditions of a∣greement.

The last tyme of those theyr meetings, was in the Whitsunweeke,* 5.112 at what tyme the French king requyred not onely to haue his sister Alice delyuered vnto Earle Richarde for wyfe, accor∣ding to the former couenaunts, but also some as∣suraunce gyuen vnto the same Earle Richarde, that he shoulde enherite his fathers landes after [ 10] his decesse. And also he requyred that Erle Iohn might take vpon him the Crosse to passe ouer in∣to the holy lande also, for otherwise Earle Ri∣chard woulde not goe. Howbeit King Henrye woulde in no wise consent to anye of these de∣maundes:* 5.113 but yet as some write, hee offred thus much vnto King Philip, that if he coulde bee so contented, his sonne Iohn shoulde marry his si∣ster Alyce, and enioy with hir all suche thinges as hee demaunded in preferment of hys sonne [ 20] Richarde, and that in more large maner than hee had requested the same. But King Philip would none of that.

Thus howsoeuer it was, whilest the one demaunded that which the other thought no rea∣son to graunt, they departed withoute conclu∣ding any agreement, so that King Philip ha∣uing gotte by thys meanes a good occasion to further his enterpryses,* 5.114 with all hys whole puis∣saunce entred into Mayne, where hee destroyed [ 30] a greate part of that Countrey, and approched to the Citie of Mauns, where Kyng Henrie as then laye, in purpose to besiege it. But King Henrye beeyng warned of his comming set the Suburbes on fyre, bycause hys enimyes should haue no succour in them. Howe be it the flame of the fyre was by force of the winde dryuen so directly into the Citie, that what with heate and assault of the enimie, the King beeing withoute any store of Souldiers to defende it longer, was constrayned to forsake it.

Heerewyth hee was so amooued, that in departing from the Citie, he sayde these wordes of his Sonne Rycharde to himselfe:* 5.115 Sith thou hast taken from mee thys daye the thing that I most loued in this Worlde, I shall acquite thee, for after this daye, I shall depriue thee of that thing which in me shoulde most please thee, that is to meane, mine heart.

Being thus dryuen to leaue the defaced Ci∣tie of Mauns, he repayred vnto Chiuon,* 5.116 and the Citizens of Mauns beeing lefte destitute of ayde, yeelded themselues to the Frenche King, who taking a greate pryde in his doings for that victorie passed ouer Loyre, and wanne the Ci∣tie of Towrs, wherein hee placed a garnison, and so hauing spedde hys businesse wyth good successe, bringeth home hys armie laden wyth prayes and booties.

[illustration]

* 5.117King Henrie beeing thus put to the worse, and not perceyuing anye readie meane howe to recouer his losses, beganne to despayre in hym∣selfe, and therefore of necessitie thought it best to seeke for peace,* 5.118 but hys suyte was in vaine: for the enimie hauing now the aduantage, would not graunt to agree vpon any reasonable condi∣tions. At the last Philip the Earle of Flaun∣ders,* 5.119 and William Archbishoppe of Reymes, [ 50] with Hugh Duke of Burgoyne, came to king Henrie to moue wayes of agreement, and to con∣clude the same betwixte hym on the one partie, and the French King and Earle Richarde on the other parte. Earle Richarde had the Bry∣taynes and them of Poictou confederate wyth him, vnder such conditions, as hee myght not agree with his father, without that they mighte bee comprysed in the agreemente.* 5.120 At length they agreed vpon conditions, not altogither ad∣uauntageable to the King of Englande, yet in the ende, Chateau Raoul was restored to king Henrye wyth all that had beene taken from him sithe the tyme that the Frenche king and hee tooke vppon them the Crosse: On the other part King Henrye did homage to the Frenche King whiche in the beginning of thys warre he hadde surrendred and renounced.* 5.121 He was bounde also to paye to the Frenche King twentie thousande Markes for the ayde whiche Earle Rycharde had receyued of him. Moreouer to resigne and acquite vnto the Frenche King,* 5.122 all that whiche eyther he or hys predecessours helde or possessed within Aluergne.

Other Articles there were which king Henry

agreed vnto sore agaynst hys will, as the dely∣uery of the Ladie Alice or Adela, and suche o∣ther, which (as not muche materiall) wee passe ouer.

This peace was concluded not farre from Towrs,* 5.123 in a place appoynted conuenient for both the Kings to meete in, aboute the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paule. And as writers recorde, there chaunced great thunder and light∣ning at the very tyme when the two kings came [ 10] to enteruiew and talke togither,* 5.124 so that the leit bolt light betwixt them two. And yet notwyth∣standing suche thunder and lightning, the ayre was cleare and nothing troubled.

The two Kings departed in sunder through feare thereof for that day, and on the next day the like chaunce happened, greatly to the terrour of them both. Which moued King Henrie the soo∣ner to condifcende to the agreement.

Moreouer this is not-to-bee forgotten, that [ 20] when all matters were quieted and accorded a∣mongst them, King Henrie requyred to haue all theyr names delyuered vnto him in wryting, which had promised to take part (& were ioined as confederates) with the French king and Erle Ri∣chard. This was graunted, and when the rolle was presented vnto him, he founde his son Iohn the first person that was named in that register, wherewith he was so troubled, and disquieted in his mynde, that comming to Chinon hee felte [ 30] such griefe hereof, that hee cursed euen the verye day in whiche he was borne, and as was sayde, gaue to hys sonnes Gods cursse and hys, the whiche hee woulde neuer release, although he was admonished to do it both of sundry Bishops and other religious and godly men. Thus hath Houeden.

Howbeit it is not like that Earle Richarde at this tyme had procured hys brother Iohn to bee confederate with hym in hys rebellious dea∣lings, [ 40] but rather bycause Earle Rycharde had some suspition, leaste his father woulde make Iohn hys heyre and successour in the kingdome, it might bee a pollicie wrought by the Frenche king and Earle Richarde, to alienate his fathers minde from the sayd Iohn.

These euils were esteemed to fall vnto king Henrie by the iust iudgement of God, for that be∣ing admonished dyuerse wayes, as well by di∣uine Reuelation, as by the wholesome aduise of [ 50] graue menne, as Hugh Bishoppe of Lincolne and others, hee woulde not refourme hys lycen∣cious appetyte of heaping vppe sinne vpon sinne, but styll wallowed therein to his owne destructi∣on. Wherevpon beeing brought to suche an ex∣tremitie as ye haue heard, hee was taken with a grieuous sickenesse, which bringing him to vtter desperation of recouering of health, he finally de∣parted this lyfe (though more through verie an∣guishe and griefe of hys late losse and troubles su∣steyned, than by the force of hys bodily disease,* 5.125 (as wryters haue affyrmed.) But howsoeuer it was, he ended nowe his life the sixth of Iuly in the .lxj. yeare of his age, and after he had raigned xxxiiij. yeares, nine Monethes, and two dayes, whiche was in the yeare after the byrth of oure Sauiour .1189. and of the creation of the Worlde .5155.

And here may be thought, that the raigne of the Normans and French men ouer the realme of England tooke ende a hundred .xxij. yeares af∣ter the comming in of the Conquerour, for those that raigned after this Henrie the seconde, wee may rightly esteeme them to bee Englishemen, bycause they were borne in Englande, and vsed the English tongue, customes, and maners, ac∣cording to the nature and qualitie of the Coun∣trey. His bodie was buryed at Founteverarde, whiche is an Abbey situate not farre from the Towne of the Eagle wythin the Duchie of A∣lancon.

Immediately vpon his death, those that were about him applyed theyr market so busily in cat∣ching and filching awaye things that lay readie for them,* 5.126 that the kings corps lay naked a long time, tyll a childe couered the nether partes of his bodie with a short Cloke, and then it seemed that his surname was fulfilled that hee had from hys childhood, which was shortmantell, being so cal∣led, bycause hee was the first that brought shorte clokes one of Anion into England.

As his sonne Richarde mette the corpse go∣ing towardes the buryall, sodainly there issued bloud oute of the deade bodyes Nosthrillos, whiche was taken for a signifycation that it abhorred the presence of so wicked a Sonne, whiche in hys lyfe tyme hadde so persecuted the father.

His death was signified by a marueylous straunge woonder,* 5.127 for a fewe dayes before hee dyed, all the fishes in a certayne Meere or Poole in Normandie leapt forth on lande in the nighte season, and fought togyther with suche a noyse, that a great multitude of men came running thi∣ther to beholde the wonder, and coulde not finde one fishe aliue in the Meere.

He had issue by hys wyse Queene Elonor,* 5.128 (as may appeare by that whiche alreadie is re∣hearsed •…•…foure sonnes, Henrye, Rycharde, Gef∣frey, and Iohn▪ besides two other that died yong, (as some Authours haue recorded:) Also three daughters, Mawde,* 5.129 maryed vnto Henrie the Duke of Saxonie, Elenor the wyfe of Alfonso the eight of that name king of Castel, and Ioane gyuen in maryage vnto William king of Sicille. He had also two bastarde sonnes

by a concubine,* 5.130 the one named William, and the other Geffray. Hee was of bodie fleshie and strong,* 5.131 and coulde abide very paciently the dis∣pleasures both of colde and heate, he had a large heade, a broade breast, a broken voyce, and was furthermore verye spare of diet, chiefely bycause he would not be too fatte: and therefore when he was at quiet without anye trouble of warres, he woulde exercise himselfe in hunting or trauay∣ling abroade.* 5.132 He was of a good stature and ve∣rie [ 10] well fourmed, of a comely countenaunce, partly redde heared wyth gray eyes, of wit quick, and of a perfite good memorie, so that he woulde long remember those things whiche he had either read,* 5.133 hearde, or seene. Hee was stoute of sto∣macke, and more constant in tyme of aduersitie than in tyme of prosperitie, except at the tyme of hys death, when beeing destitute in maner of all his friendes, hee shewed himselfe almoste in dispayre. Hee was liberall towardes all men, of∣tentymes [ 20] gyuing rewardes to his souldiers ouer and besides theyr wages.

* 5.134Moreouer, of nature hee was pitifull to∣wardes the poore, as it well appeared by diuerse his charitable deedes: as for example. When in the yeare .1176. there was a greate dearth and scarcitie of bread in the partyes of Aniou and Mayne, hee fedde euery day with sufficient suste∣naunce tenne thousande persons, from the begin∣ning of Aprill, till the time that newe corne was [ 30] inned, and what prouision soeuer was layde vp in Garners, Cellers, and store houses, for the kings necessarie vses, he caused the same to be im∣ployed towardes the reliefe of religious houses, and poore people. Hee tooke of his subiectes but seldome tymes any great trybutes. He was very expert in feates of warre, and righte fortunate therein. He praysed his Captaynes and men of warre when they were deade, and lamented their losses more than hee shewed to loue them when [ 40] they were aliue. And this did he of pollicie, that they might vnderstande that they shoulde be ho∣noured after death, and therefore feare it the lesse. He was somewhat learned, and also knowne to be wise.

* 5.135His care to haue iustice duly ministred in hys Realme was exceeding greate, in so muche that finding how the Sherifes were rather inclyned to seeke theyr owne gayne, than to deale vp∣rightly with his subiectes, hee appoynted other [ 50] officers to haue a regarde to their doings, as if they had beene comptrollers, that they knowing howe there were such appoynted to haue an ouer∣sight in theyr dealings, they might bee the more circumspect in theyr duties.

He ordeyned also punishment for hunters in Forrests and groundes of warren, eyther by fi∣ning them, or by imprisonment.

And moreouer hee ordeyned that murtherers shoulde suffer death by hanging: and so for other transgressors hee appoynted other kindes of pu∣nishments, as some to be condemned to exile, and other to losse of lymmes. &c. according to the qua∣litie of the offence committed. And to haue the lawes duely executed, and iustice vprightly mi∣nistred on all handes, he was so carefull that hee tried all orders of menne, in placing them in roumthes of Iustices. And lastly trusting to find among the Cleargie suche as woulde not be cor∣rupted with bribes, nor for respect of feare or friendship decline from right iudgement, he chose forth the Bishops of Winchester. Elie, & Nor∣wich, to be principall Iustices of the Realme, so as they might ende and determine al matters ex∣cept in certain cases reserued to the hearing of the Prince himselfe.

His vices were these, as they are remembred. In time of aduerse fortune no man could shewe himselfe more curteous, gentle, meeke, and pro∣mising more largely than he woulde. But when fortune once began to smile, no man was more sharpe, harde to deale with, nor more readie to breake his promise and fayth. He was also noted partly with couetousnesse. For although he was liberall towards souldiers & straungers, yet was he straite ynough towards his owne people, and namely towards his sonnes, which caused them to estraunge themselues and their good willes from him. He was not so zealous toward the ex∣ecution of right and equitie as to the furtherance of his owne priuate commoditie.* 5.136 He was out of measure giuen to fleshly lust, and satisfying of his inordinate concupiscence. For not cōtented with the vse of his wise, he kept many concubines, but namely he delited most in the companie of a plea∣sant Damosell, whome he cleped the Rose of the world, the cōmon people named hir Rosamond,* 5.137 for hir passing beautie, propernesse of person, and pleasant wit, with other amyable qualities, being verily a rare and peerelesse peece in those dayes. He made for hir an house at Woodstocke in Ox∣fordshire, like to a Laberinth, that is to meane, wrought like to a knot in a Gardē called a Maze, with suche turnings and windings in and out, that no creature might finde hir nor come to hir, except he were instructed by the king, or suche as were secrete with him in that matter. But the common report of the people is, that the Queene finally found hir out by a silke threede whiche the king had drawne forth of hir Chamber with his foote, and dealt with hir in such sharpe and cruell wise, that she lyued not long after. She was bu∣ried in the Nunrie of Goodstow beside Oxforde, with these verses vpon hir tumbe.

Hic iacet in tumulo, Rosa mundi nō Rosamūda, Non redolet sed olet, quae redolere solet.

* 5.138Long time after the death of this Damosel, in the sayde Abbey was shewed a cofer, that some∣times was hirs, of the length of two foote, in the which appeared Gyauntes fighting, stertlyng of Beasts, swimming of fishes, and flying of foules, so liuely, that a man mighte wonder at the fine deuice.

Moreouer, King Henry was noted not to bee so fauourable to the liberties and freedomes of the Church as he might haue bin, for besides the per∣secuting [ 10] of the foresaid Thomas Archbishoppe of Caunterbury, hee woulde not suffer the Legates sent from the Pope, to enter within the bounds of his dominion, till they had sworne that they shuld doe nothing preiudiciall to the customes of hys Kingdome, neyther by prescribing orders, nor any other manner of acte or meanes.* 5.139 Hee was thought to be negligent in ayding the Christian common wealth in the holy land. For though hee hadde appoynted twice or thrice to goe thither in [ 20] person, yet being letted by light occasions he stay∣ed at home, and sente small reliefe thither, though he was earnestly called vpon for the same. Hys estimation was such amongst forraine Princes, that Phillip King of Fraunce beeing newly en∣tred into the gouernemente of that Realme after his fathers decesse, committed himselfe and hys Kingdome to the disposition and order of Kyng Henry, as if he had bin regent of his Realme, and gouernour of his person. [ 30]

There lyued in the dayes of this King Henry the seconde, diuers honorable personages & Cap∣taynes of great fame for their approoued valian∣cie and experience in warlike enterprises, as Ro∣berte Earle of Leicester, Hugh Biger Earle of Northfolke, Reginald Earle of Cornewale, Ro∣bert Ferers Earle of Derby, Richard Lacy, Ro∣ger Mowbray, Raufe de Fulgiers, Humfrey Bohun Connestable of England, Ranulf Glan∣deuille, William Vescy, and Bernard de Balli∣ol.* 5.140 [ 40] Also there flourished in his time heere in thys land, men of singular learning in artes and scien∣ces, as Nicholas Breakespeare; Serlo surnamed Grammaticus, William Rheualensis. Adam de Euesham, Thomas of Munmouth, Adelbertus Leuita, Geruasius Cicestrensis, Odo Cātianus, Ealred Rhieuellensis, Iohannes Sarisburiensis, Clemens Lanthoniensis, Walter Daniel, Ro∣bert Knought alias Camtus, Roberte Folioth, William Ramsey, Senatus Brauonus, Robert [ 50] the Scribe, Odo Miremuth, Hugh of Readyng, Richard of Douer, Williā of Peterburgh, Cicer∣ciensis, Bartholmew Iscanus, and Gilberte de Sempringham with other.

And heere to make an ende with this high and mighty Prince Henry the secōd, I haue thought good to make you partaker of an Epitaph, which wee fynde in Mathew Paris and others written of hym as followeth.

An Epitaph of King Henry the seconde.

REx Henricus eram, mihi plurima regnā subegi, Multiplici{que} modo dux{que} comes{que} fui, Cui satis ad votum, non essent omnia terrae Climata, terra modò sufficit octo pedum: Qui legis haec pensa, discrimina mortis & indè, Humanae specula conditionis habe. Quod potes instanter operate bonum, quia mundus Transit, & incautos mors inopina rapit.

An other.

TVmuli regis superscriptio breuis exornat, Sufficit hic tumulus, cui non sufficerat orbis, Res breuis est ampla, cui fuit ampla breuis.

The first is thus Englished.

OF late King Henry was my name,* 5.141 whiche conquerde many a lande, And diuers Dukedomes did possesse, and Earledomes held in hande. And yet while all the earth could scarce, my greedy mind suffice, Eight foote within the ground now serues, wherein my carcas lyes. Now thou that readest this, note well my force with force of death, And let that serue to shew the state, of all that yeeldeth breath. Do good then here, foreslowe no time, cast off all worldly cares, For brittle world full soone doth fayle, and death doth strike vnwares.

The other thus.

SMall Epitaph now serues, to decke this tombe of stately King,* 5.142 And he who whilome thought whole earth could scarce his minde content, In little roome hath roome at large, that serues now life is spente.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Henry the se∣conde. An. reg. 1.
• * 1.2

  1154
• * 1.3

  Nic. Treuet. Math. Paris.
• * 1.4

  Nic. Treuet. The Archbi∣shop Rouen.
• * 1.5

  Polidor.
• * 1.6

  Counsellors chosen.
• * 1.7

  Ran. Higd.
• * 1.8

  Thomas Becket Lorde Chauncellor.
• * 1.9

  1155
• * 1.10

  Nic. Treuet. Polidor. VVil. Paruus. Strangers ap∣poynted to de∣parte the Realme.
• * 1.11

  Aliens auoyde the lande.
• * 1.12

  William de Ipres.
• * 1.13

  Castels ouer∣throwen. Polidor. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.14

  VVil. Paeruus. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.15

  Nic. Treuet. Mat. Paris. Math. VVest. William Pe∣uerell disheri∣ted.
• * 1.16

  Nic. Treuet.
• * 1.17

  Mat. Paris. Nic. Treuet.
• * 1.18

  Hugh de Mortimer. The Castell of Cleberie.
• * 1.19

  Roger Fitz Miles.
• * 1.20

  An. reg. 2. The King go∣eth into the North.
• * 1.21

  The Castell of Scarbrough VVil. Paruus. Nic. Treuet. The death of the Kings son William.
• * 1.22

  Geffrey the Kings brother rebelleth.
• * 1.23

  VVil. Par••••••
• * 1.24

  Pope Adrian an Englishmā borne A dispensatio•…•… for an oth. Nic. Treuen.
• * 1.25

  1156
• * 1.26

  King Henry goeth agai•••••• the Scottes.
• * 1.27

  He wanne Carleil and Newcastell and others.
• * 1.28

  The Erledome of Huntingtō.
• * 1.29

  William Erle of Mortaigne. Math. Paris. Nic. Treuet.
• * 1.30

  An. Reg. 3. 1157
• * 1.31

  Theoderike Earle of Flan∣ders.
• * 1.32

  Rebellion of Welchmen.
• * 1.33

  The King in∣uadeth them.
• * 1.34

  Eustace Fitz Iohn, and Ro∣bert de Cur•…•…y.
• * 1.35

  Henry of Essex.
• * 1.36

  Math. VVest. VVi. Paruus. A combate be∣twixt Henry de Essex, and Robert de Montford.
• * 1.37

  Mat. VVest.
• * 1.38

  The Welch∣men submit themselues.
• * 1.39

  The Castell of Rutland and Basingwerke built. Math. Paris.
• * 1.40

  An. Reg. 4.

  Thomas Bec∣ket Lorde Chauncellour.

  1158

  Math. Paris.
• * 1.41

  The King layeth hys Crowne on the Aulter.
• * 1.42

  Coine altred.
• * 1.43

  Additions to Iohn Pike. The Lord Chauncellour Becket sent into Fraunce. Mat. VVest.
• * 1.44

  Geffrey the Kings found sonne borne.
• * 1.45

  Petroke Earle of Perch.
• * 1.46

  Raymonde Earle of Bar∣zelone. Richard the Kings sonne offered to Erle Raymond•…•… daughter.
• * 1.47

  A fayned friendship. William Duke of Aquitayne.
• * 1.48

  Earle of Sai•••• Giles other∣wise Tholou••••
• * 1.49

  An. reg. 6.
• * 1.50

  An. reg. 5. Mat. Paris. Math. VVest.

  1159
• * 1.51

  VVi. Paruus.
• * 1.52

  William Trencheuill.
• * 1.53

  Nic. Treuet.
• * 1.54

  The Citie of Cahors.
• * 1.55

  Nic. Triuet.
• * 1.56

  The Lorde Chauncellour Becket.
• * 1.57

  Rob. Houed. William Erle of Bolleigne.
• * 1.58

  The Countie of Beauvoisin.
• * 1.59

  A truce taken. Anno reg. 6.
• * 1.60

  0911

  A peace con∣cluded. A marriage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concluded.
• * 1.61

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.62

  Legates.
• * 1.63

  VVil. Paruus Certayne of the Valdoyes came into Engl•••••• being Dutchmen.
• * 1.64

  A Counsell a•…•… Oxforde.
• * 1.65

  The professi∣ons of the Waldoys.
• * 1.66

  Their exami∣nation and protestation.
• * 1.67

  The Vall••••s con••••••ned.
• * 1.68

  They are for∣bidden meate and drinke. They are ster∣uē to death.
• * 1.69

  Nic. Triuet.
• * 1.70

  The first fal∣ling out be∣twixt the king and Thomas Becket.

  Anno reg. Mat. Par. Math. VVes•…•…

  1161
• * 1.71

  Rob. Houed.
• * 1.72

  Gaguinus. The Frenche and Normans fight.
• * 1.73

  N. Triuet.
• * 1.74

  Thre knightes Templers. Rog. Houed.
• * 1.75

  M. Paris.
• * 1.76

  The death of Theobald Ar∣chebishop of Canterbury.
• * 1.77

  The povver Legantine an∣nexed to Cant. VV. Paruus.
• * 1.78

  The authoritie of Becket.

  An. reg. 6.
• * 1.79

  He is consecrat Archbishop. VVil. Paruus

  1162

  Quadrilog•…•…um ex vita etusdē Tho••••••.
• * 1.80

  The Archbis. a better cour∣tyer than a preacher.
• * 1.81

  The Queene brought to be•…•… of a daughter. An entervevv

  An. reg. 9.

  1163.

  N. Triuet.
• * 1.82

  Homage of the K. of Scottes.
• * 1.83

  A Counsel at Tours.
• * 1.84

  The Archbish. practiseth trea∣son secretly.
• * 1.85

  Homage for the casteil of Tunbridge.
• * 1.86

  Mat. Paris. Mat. VVest.
• * 1.87

  An. reg. 10. Iomage of the velchmen.

  1164

  N. Triuet.
• * 1.88

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.89

  Discord still kindeleth be∣evvixt the king and the Archb.
• * 1.90

  Murders com∣mitted by prie∣stes.
• * 1.91

  VVil. Paruus
• * 1.92

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.93

  The king meaneth to ••••∣dic the spiri∣enaltie from pre¦sumptuous dea∣lyng.

  Th prelates against the king Gerua. Dora.
• * 1.94

  Their order saued.
• * 1.95

  The Kyng offended vvith the Bishops.
• * 1.96

  R. Houe.
• * 1.97

  R. Houe.

  1164.

  Ger. Dor. A Counsell at Clarendō.
• * 1.98

  Geruasius Dorobern.
• * 1.99

  M. Paris.
• * 1.100

  The Archb. Becket re∣ceiueth an oth.
• * 1.101

  He repēteth him in that he had recei∣ued an oth. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.102

  The Archb. Becket vvould haue fled out of the Realme.
• * 1.103

  The Archb. cited to ap∣peare at Northamp∣ton. R. Houed.
• * 1.104

  Sentence gi∣uen against the archb.
• * 1.105

  The archb. condemned in fiue hun∣dred Markes An assembly of bishops.
• * 1.106

  The archb. called to an account.
• * 1.107

  The bishops persvvade the archb. to submit hym selfe to the kings plea∣sure.
• * 1.108

  The archb. ansvvere to his breth.••••.
• * 1.109

  He appealeth to the churche of Rome.
• * 1.110

  He goeth to the courte
• * 1.111

  He is reputed a Traytour.
• * 1.112

  The bishops disallovve the Archbishop.
• * 1.113

  Gerua. Dor•…•… The stoute comage of th•…•… Archbishop.
• * 1.114

  Reg. Houedē The Archebi∣••••op Becket 〈◊〉〈◊〉 avvay in ••••e night.
• * 1.115

  •…•…bert Folli∣oith bishop of London vvas sente to the French king.
• * 1.116

  •…•…onsio 〈…〉〈…〉. Paris. Gerud Doro.
• * 1.117

  Roger Archbi∣shop of Yorke vvith others, are sent to the Pope.
• * 1.118

  The kings tale coulde not be hearde.
• * 1.119

  The Archebi∣shop Becket. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.120

  The Popes an∣svvere to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Archbishop.
• * 1.121

  The Archebi∣shop resigneth his Palle.
• * 1.122

  Gerua. Dota.
• * 1.123

  1165

  Mat. VVest. Math. Paris.
• * 1.124

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.125

  The VVelche∣men make vvar on the English marches.
• * 1.126

  VV. Paruus. Polidore The king inua∣deth VVales.
• * 1.127

  Rog. Houedē. The seuere pu∣nishement vsed by king Henry againste the VVelchmen.
• * 1.128

  Geruas. Dor. Radulphus Cogeshall. Cardigan Ca∣stel vvonne by the VVelche∣men.
• * 1.129

  Huberte de Saint Clere co∣nestable of Colchester.
• * 1.130

  VVilliam de Langualee.
• * 1.131

  VVil. Parstus
• * 1.132

  VVilliam king of Scots doeth his homage to king Henry.
• * 1.133

  N. Triuet. Mat. Parus Gerua. Dore. An edicte a∣gainst the Arch¦bishop Becket.
• * 1.134

  Appeales for∣bidden.
• * 1.135

  The kings of Englande and Fraunce enter∣vievve. Chro. Sigeb. Mat. Paris. K. Iohn borne.
• * 1.136

  Gerua. Dore.
• * 1.137

  A cōtribution.
• * 1.138

  The castell of Foulgiers. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.139

  Vizeley. The Archebi∣shop Becket accursed those in Englād that mainteyned the customes of their elders.
• * 1.140

  R. N.
• * 1.141

  Math. Paris Legates from the Pope.
• * 1.142

  •…•…omes Sa∣•…•… •…•…ensis.
• * 1.143

  •…•…. Triues. •…•…lerium
• * 1.144

  •…•…onan Duke •…•… Britayne de∣•…•…asseth. Mat. Paris.
• * 1.145

  •…•… mariage con∣•…•…uded be∣tvvixt Geffrey •…•…e kings sonne •…•… the Duchesse •…•… Britayne. VV. Paruus.
• * 1.146

  An reg. 13.
• * 1.147

  1167.

  •…•…. Triues. king Hēry in∣•…•…deth the erle •…•…f Anuergnes ••••dos.
• * 1.148

  Geruas. Dor. The Earle of Bolongne pre∣pareth .600. ships to inuade Englande.
• * 1.149

  The deceasse of the empresse Maude. Mat. VVest.
• * 1.150

  An. reg. 14.
• * 1.151

  An ambassade from the Em∣perour.
• * 1.152

  1168.
• * 1.153

  Mat. VVest
• * 1.154

  Debate be∣tvvixt the pope & the em∣perour.
• * 1.155

  King Henry of∣fereth to ayde the emperour▪
• * 1.156

  An entervevve betvvixt the king•…•… of En∣glād and king of Fraunce.
• * 1.157

  The kings met agayne to cō∣men of peace.
• * 1.158

  A truce. Patrike Earle of Salisburye slayne.
• * 1.159

  An. reg. 15.

  1169

  Geruas Dore. N. Triues.
• * 1.160

  Geffrey duke of Britayn.
• * 1.161

  Heruey de Yuon.
• * 1.162

  An. reg. 16.

  1170.
• * 1.163

  Polidor. Dauid vvas made knighte by king Henry as Houeden hath.
• * 1.164

  A prudent con∣sideratiō in the king.
• * 1.165

  Mans nature ambicious.
• * 1.166

  Rog. Houedē.
• * 1.167

  Henrye the son crovvned the 18. of Iuly hath Math. Paris.
• * 1.168

  VVil. Paruus
• * 1.169

  The Archebi∣shop of Yorke is to b•…•…ddē the vse of the Sa∣cramentes.
• * 1.170

  Mat. Paris. Polidore The king be∣come seruatour to his sonne.
• * 1.171

  Honors change manners.
• * 1.172

  Yong men set 〈…〉〈…〉 dignitie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forget 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…e•…•…uce.
• * 1.173

  The Frenche king offended
• * 1.174

  An entervevve of the kings, Rog. Houede•…•…
• * 1.175

  He made his testament.
• * 1.176

  R. Houe.
• * 1.177

  Polid. King Henry the sone his misordr.
• * 1.178

  A•…•…n re∣gn. 16.
• * 1.179

  1170.
• * 1.180

  Ex Qua∣drilogio. The king & the archb. Becket met together in presence of the French kyng.
• * 1.181

  The present state of the church in Beckets dayes.
• * 1.182

  The archb. Becker bla∣med of arro∣gancie.
• * 1.183

  Archb. Bec∣ket vvilful in his ovvne opinion.
• * 1.184

  The French King recey∣ueth the Archbishop Becket a∣gayne into fauoure.
• * 1.185

  The Archb. is reconciled to the king.
• * 1.186

  The King vvould not kisse the paxe vvith the Archb.
• * 1.187

  M. Paris.
• * 1.188

  The honor of Saltvved
• * 1.189

  The French Kings aduice •••• the Arch∣b•…•…h. Becket.
• * 1.190

  M. Paris. The Archb. Becket re∣turneth into Englande.
• * 1.191

  The archbish. of Yorke and other go ouer to the king to complayne of the Archebish. Becket.

  Gerua. Dore.
• * 1.192

  The occasion of the kinges vvoordes that cost bishoppe Becket his life.
• * 1.193

  The knightes the knightes that slevve the Ar•…•…hbi. Becket.
• * 1.194

  Reynolde Fitz Vrse. That is be∣tvvene 4. and 5. of the euening
• * 1.195

  An othe requi∣red of him for his Baronie
• * 1.196

  The knightes cōmaunde the Monkes to see the Archbis. kept safe.
• * 1.197

  Iohn de Salis∣bury the Arch∣bishop Bec∣kets chancellor
• * 1.198

  The archebi∣shops resolu∣tion.
• * 1.199

  The knightes put on their ar∣mour.
• * 1.200

  The Monkes vvith force bring the Arch¦bishop into the Church.
• * 1.201

  The knightes enter the churche.
• * 1.202

  As thoughe Archebishops cā be no trai∣tours.
• * 1.203

  The courage •••• the Archbishop
• * 1.204

  Edvvarde de Cambridge.
• * 1.205

  The Archbish. is slayne.
• * 1.206

  The murthe∣•…•…rs come to •…•… euil ende. Math. Paris. VV. Paruus.
• * 1.207

  •…•…r. reg. 17.
• * 1.208

  1171

  •…•…rer their ac∣•…•…mpt that •…•…g in the yere Christmas •…•…y.
• * 1.209

  •…•…ert de •…•…ke.
• * 1.210

  King Henry sory for the Archbishop Beckets death.
• * 1.211

  Polidor.
• * 1.212

  King Henry sendeth Am∣bassadors to the Pope.
• * 1.213

  Math. Paris.
• * 1.214

  Ger. Do.
• * 1.215

  The Ambas∣sadors were glad to vse a shift by briberie.
• * 1.216

  Sundry rulers in Ireland.
• * 1.217

  Math. Paris. VVi. Parius. See more hereof in Irelande.
• * 1.218

  Earle Stra•••• bowe. Nic. Trim•…•…
• * 1.219

  N. Triuet. VVil. Pa•…•…
• * 1.220

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.221

  Strangbo•…•… conterm•…•…
• * 1.222

  Dublin won. Additions to Iohn Pike.
• * 1.223

  Strangbow marrieth Dermutius his daughter.
• * 1.224

  Strangbow vnfined.
• * 1.225

  •…•…o seeketh to •…•…ocure the •…•…ngs fauour.
• * 1.226

  •…•…he King •…•…rdoneth •…•…m. •…•…ic. Triuet.
• * 1.227

  •…•…g. Hon.
• * 1.228

  Milford Ha∣uen. King Henry landeth in Ireland.
• * 1.229

  Crowch.
• * 1.230

  The surrender made by Earle Strangbow.
• * 1.231

  Sundry Ru∣lers in a land what weake∣nes it causeth.
• * 1.232

  Roderike K. of Connagh.
• * 1.233

  Math. Paris. Polidor. The nature of the Countrey of Connagh.
• * 1.234

  The allegatiō of the Irishmē
• * 1.235

  A Counsell Casshill.
• * 1.236

  Rob. Hou
• * 1.237

  The Arch•…•… con of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.238

  •…•…n. reg. 18.
• * 1.239

  •…•…at. Paris. •…•…at. VVest. •…•…ore tempest
• * 1.240

  1172
• * 1.241

  •…•…ghtning.
• * 1.242

  •…•…lidor.
• * 1.243

  •…•…g. Houd.
• * 1.244

  •…•…he Kings •…•…t vnto •…•…ugh Lacy.
• * 1.245

  •…•…he King re∣•…•…neth into •…•…glande.
• * 1.246

  Ger. Do. The Popes Legates.
• * 1.247

  Ger. Do. Rog. Houd.
• * 1.248

  Rog. Houd.
• * 1.249

  Ro. Houd. Gerua. D••••.
• * 1.250

  King Henry purgeth him selfe of the Archbishop Beckets 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.251

  The French •…•…ng seeketh •…•…t•…•…w seditiō betwixt the ••••tner and the ••••nne.
• * 1.252

  ••••og. Hou.

  An. Reg. 19.

  1173
• * 1.253

  Hubert Earle Morienne.
• * 1.254

  A marriage contracted.
• * 1.255

  Comitatus bellensis.
• * 1.256

  The Countie of Granople.
• * 1.257

  The Earles of Mandeuille and Arundell.
• * 1.258

  The Earle of Saint Giles.
• * 1.259

  Nic. Triuet.
• * 1.260

  Tribute for Tholouse.
• * 1.261

  Gerua. D•…•…n.
• * 1.262

  Mat. VV •…•… Nic. Triuet.
• * 1.263

  Mat. Paris.
• * 1.264

  A Counsell holden at Westminster.
• * 1.265

  The Popes letters for a new holyday.
• * 1.266

  A Collect de∣uised in honor of the Archbi∣shop Becket.
• * 1.267

  Ser. Do. The Archbi∣shops consecra∣sion disturbed by the yong king.
• * 2.1

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.2

  Astoulf de S. Hillarie a coū∣seller, or rather corruped of K. Henrie the s•••• Polidor.
• * 2.3

  King Henrie the sonne fled to the French king.
• * 2.4

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.5

  King Henrie the father knoweth not whom he may tru•…•…t.Polidor.
• * 2.6

  Richard Barre Chauncellor to the yong K also his Chap∣•…•…ain sir Wal∣•…•…er A•…•…lwarde with others. •…•…g. Houed.
• * 2.7

  Twentie thou∣sand Braban∣ders were re∣teyned by king Henrie the fa∣ther as hath R. Houed.
• * 2.8

  VVil. Par. Nic. Triue•…•… Polidor.
• * 2.9

  Nic. Triuet. Polidor.
• * 2.10

  The French king taketh an oth to ayde K. Henry the son. R. Houed. Ger. Do.
• * 2.11

  Philip Erle of Flanders. Mathew Erle of Bollongne.
• * 2.12

  Chateau Reig∣nalde.
• * 2.13

  Earle Dauid.
• * 2.14

  Hugh Bigot.
• * 2.15

  Polidore
• * 2.16

  The confede∣rates inuade the dominions of king Henrie the father.
• * 2.17

  The king of Scots inuadeth Cumberland.
• * 2.18

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.19

  Vernueil besieged.
• * 2.20

  Rog. Houed. Hugh Beau∣champe.
• * 2.21

  The French king require•…•… to talke.
• * 2.22

  Rog. Houed
• * 2.23

  The ninth •…•… August being Thursd. say•…•… Rog. Houed King Lewes fleeth away •…•… the night.
• * 2.24

  Danuille.
• * 2.25

  Gilbert de Tilleres.
• * 2.26

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.27

  •…•…g Henry short an∣•…•…re vnto the ••••ch Kings •…•…ssengers.
• * 2.28

  •…•…bemarle •…•…n by the erle Flanders.
• * 2.29

  Rog. Houed. la. Meir. Ger. Do. The Earle of Bollongne wounded.
• * 2.30

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.31

  The Earle Leycester •…•… to flight.
• * 2.32

  Mat. Paris. Leycester won by force.
• * 2.33

  The king of Scots inuadeth Northumber∣lande.
• * 2.34

  He re•…•…yreth.
• * 2.35

  The Englishe spoyle Lou∣thiao.

  A truce.
• * 2.36

  Rog. Ho•…•… A treatie •…•… peace.
• * 2.37

  Rog. Ho•…•… The offer •…•… Henry the •…•… ther to his sonnes.
• * 2.38

  The Earle of Leycester of∣fered to strike •…•…he king.
• * 2.39

  •…•…dditions to Iohn Pike.
• * 2.40

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.41

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.42

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.43

  The Earle of Leycester ta∣ken prisoner.
• * 2.44

  Rog. Houed. Polidor.
• * 2.45

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.46

  Mat. Pa.
• * 2.47

  R. Houed. The towne Vandosme wonne.
• * 2.48

  Mat. Paris.
• * 2.49

  An. Reg. •…•… 1174
• * 2.50

  Ger. Dor
• * 2.51

  The othe of the Earle of Flaunders.
• * 2.52

  Additions to Iohn Pike.
• * 2.53

  Mat Par. Ger. Do.
• * 2.54

  Additions to Iohn Pike.
• * 2.55

  The king of Scots inuadeth England.
• * 2.56

  Castels wonne by the Scots.
• * 2.57

  Polidor•…•… Duncane a Scottish cap∣taine wasted Kendall.
• * 2.58

  VVil. Par••••s. Rog. Houed.
• * 2.59

  Barnarde de Balliolle.
• * 2.60

  The king of •…•…ots taken.
• * 2.61

  ••••r. Do.
• * 2.62

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.63

  Mat. Par. •…•…at. VVest. VVil. Par. •…•…er. De.
• * 2.64

  Polidor.
• * 2.65

  This chanced little a•…•…ter Whitsuntide.
• * 2.66

  Rob. Ferreis.
• * 2.67

  Polidor. Rog. Houed. Notingham taken.
• * 2.68

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.69

  Polidor.
• * 2.70

  VVil. Paruus.
• * 2.71

  Huntington castell wonne
• * 2.72

  R. Houed.
• * 2.73

  Mat. Par. Erle Bigot is accorded with the king.
• * 2.74

  The Flemings sent home.
• * 2.75

  Rog. Hou.
• * 2.76

  The king of Scots presen∣ted to the king of Englande.
• * 2.77

  The Earle of Gloucester. The Earle Ri∣chard of Clare
• * 2.78

  Queen Elenor is commi•••• to close prison
• * 2.79

  Polidor.
• * 2.80

  Rouen besie∣ged by the French king VVil. Par.
• * 2.81

  Rog. Houed King Henrie returneth in Normandie.
• * 2.82

  ••••e French •…•…n assault •…•… Citie with∣•••• commaun∣dment of •••• king. •…•…o Priestes.
• * 2.83

  The French 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are re∣••••sed.
• * 2.84

  Polidor.
• * 2.85

  Mat. Par.
• * 2.86

  Rog. Houed. The Welch mens good se••••••
• * 2.87

  Nic. Triuets.
• * 2.88

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.89

  The French king maketh an ouercure for peace.
• * 2.90

  Nic. Triuet. A truce.
• * 2.91

  The French king leaueth his siege.
• * 2.92

  Richarde the kings sonne prepareth to resist his fa∣ther.
• * 2.93

  He beginneth to dispayre of god successe.
• * 2.94

  Polidor.
• * 2.95

  〈…〉〈…〉 him∣•••••• the 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.96

  Gor. Do. The father and sonnes are ac∣corded. The conditi∣ons of the a∣greement.
• * 2.97

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.98

  Rog. Ho••••
• * 2.99

  Richard.
• * 2.100

  Geffrey.
• * 2.101

  Iohn.
• * 2.102

  A maria•••• conclude•…•….
• * 2.103

  VVil. Par.
• * 2.104

  Rog. Houed. VVil. Par. sayth that he did homage also.
• * 2.105

  Wil. king of Scots deliue∣red out of prison with other.
• * 2.106

  Mat. Par. Prisoners re∣leased.
• * 2.107

  Castels deliue∣red by the K. of Scottes.
• * 2.108

  Nic. Triuet: Mat. Par.
• * 2.109

  Rog. Hou. 1175
• * 2.110

  The Kings of Englande and France meete at Gisors.
• * 2.111

  Philip Earle of Flanders.
• * 2.112

  Polidor.
• * 2.113

  Enuious per∣sons readie to forge matters of suspition.
• * 2.114

  The two kings the father and the sonne re∣turne into England.
• * 2.115

  William de Breause.
• * 2.116

  The Welchmē not well deale with.
• * 2.117

  Nic. Triuet. Reginald Erle of Cornwall departed this life.
• * 2.118

  Mat. VVil. A Sinode •…•…∣den at London
• * 2.119

  VVil. Par. The king of Scottes doth homage to the king of Eng∣lande.
• * 2.120

  The tenor of the Charter.
• * 2.121

  Ro. Houed.
• * 2.122

  A parliament at Windsor.
• * 2.123

  Ambassadors from Kyng Connagh.
• * 2.124

  A tribute of Oxe hides. The tenor of the charter of the agreement
• * 2.125

  A great de••••
• * 2.126

  An. Reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

  1176
• * 2.127

  A Parliam•••••• at North••••¦ton.
• * 2.128

  Mat. Par••••
• * 2.129

  An acte a∣gainst Pri•••••• that were ••••••¦ters.
• * 2.130

  Polidor.
• * 2.131

  Obedience of the Ghurch of Scotland to the Church of England.
• * 2.132

  Ro. Houed. The King of Scottes commeth to the Parliamēt
• * 2.133

  Rog. Houed. Deuision of circ•…•…ites for Iustices itine∣rantes.
• * 2.134

  The oth of the Iustices.
• * 2.135

  •…•…eruas. Dor•…•….
• * 2.136

  The presump∣tuous dem••••¦nor of the Archbishop of Yorke.
• * 2.137

  Appeales made.
• * 2.138

  The Conuo∣cation dissol∣ued.
• * 2.139

  N. Triuet.
• * 2.140

  •…•…eg. Hou. •…•…ic. triuet.
• * 2.141

  A tribute grā∣ted by the Irishe
• * 2.142

  •…•…eg. Houed.
• * 2.143

  •…•…he walles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the towne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Castell •…•…f Lecester ••••••••s;ed.
• * 2.144

  •…•…leanor the •…•…ings daugh∣••••r married 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the king •…•…f Castile. •…•…ilbert Fitz •…•…ergus.
• * 2.145

  Richard Earle •…•…f Poictow.
• * 2.146

  VVi. Paru•••• lib. 3. cap. 3.
• * 2.147

  The departure of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Legate forth of the Realme.
• * 2.148

  Liberties ob∣teyned for Churchmen.
• * 2.149

  Nic. Triuet.
• * 2.150

  The yong K•…•… beginneth new practi•••• againste his father.
• * 2.151

  Rog. Ho••••••
• * 2.152

  •…•…og. Houe.

  1177
• * 2.153

  The Citie of Aques or A•…•…gues.
• * 2.154

  •…•…n. Reg. 23. ••••lidor. ••••ffrey the ••••ngs base ••••ne made ••••••hop of ••••••colne.
• * 2.155

  Priests displa∣ced, and Cha∣nons regular put in theyr roomthes.
• * 2.156

  Rog. Houed. Nunnes of Amesburie.
• * 2.157

  Philip Earle of Flaunders.
• * 2.158

  Iohn de Curcy.
• * 2.159

  The Citie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dun taken.
• * 2.160

  Roderike K•…•… of Vlnester vanquished
• * 2.161

  Viuiano a Cardinall.
• * 2.162

  VVil. Paru••••.
• * 2.163

  The Leg•••••• holdeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Counsell•…•… Dublin.
• * 2.164

  Mat. Pa•••••• Polidor.
• * 2.165

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.166

  •…•…olidor.
• * 2.167

  Rog. Houed•…•…
• * 2.168

  Durham Tower.
• * 2.169

  Henry de Pudsey.
• * 2.170

  A Parliament at Oxforde.
• * 2.171

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne ••••ted K of ••••••••nde. ••••••••dor. ••••••yned 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.172

  Rog. Houed.
• * 2.173

  William Fitz Aldelme.
• * 2.174

  Robert de Poer. Hugh Lacy.
• * 2.175

  Philip de Breuse.
• * 2.176

  Math. Paris. Polidor.
• * 2.177

  Rog. Hou•…•…
• * 2.178

  The Kings meete at 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.179

  •…•…og. Houe. •…•…lawe.
• * 2.180

  •…•…he purchase 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Erle∣•…•… of march.
• * 2.181

  •…•…n. reg. 24.
• * 2.182

  1178
• * 2.183

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 tenour of French 〈◊〉〈◊〉 letters ••••otection.
• * 4.1

  A general coū∣sel summoned at Rome.
• * 4.2

  Gerua. Dor•…•….
• * 4.3

  A strange sight about the Moone.
• * 4.4

  A strāge eclips of the Sunne.
• * 4.5

  An. Reg. 25. Rog. Houe.

  1179

  A strange wonder.
• * 4.6

  Richard de Lucy Lord chiefe Iustice of Englande deceasseth.
• * 4.7

  A Parliament at Windso••••
• * 4.8

  Ranulfe de Glanuille.
• * 4.9

  Geffrey Earle of Britayne sonne to K•…•… Henry. Guidomer de Leons.
• * 4.10

  The Moone eclipsed. The French K. commeth a madding to visit the Arch∣bishop Bec∣kets tombe.
• * 4.11

  •…•…he Frenche •…•…ord is Muys.
• * 4.12

  ••••lidor.
• * 4.13

  •…•…at. Par. ••••dwallan 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of •…•…ales.
• * 4.14

  An. reg. 26. •…•…og. Houedē.

  1180

  ••••scord be∣••••ixt the ••••ench Kyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his nobles
• * 4.15

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Houed.
• * 4.16

  The Earle of Flaunders dothe homage to the Kyng of Englande.
• * 4.17

  Math. Paris. Tailburg wonne.
• * 4.18

  Mat. Par.
• * 4.19

  VVi. Paruus. The forme of the Kings Coine chāged.
• * 4.20

  An. reg. 27. Ro. Houed.
• * 4.21

  1181
• * 4.22

  Math. Paris.
• * 4.23

  Rog. Houed.
• * 5.1

  The dang•••• the holy 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 5.2

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ordinance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 armour.
• * 5.3

  Iewes might haue no ar∣moure.
• * 5.4

  Mat. Par.
• * 5.5

  The decesse of Hugh Earle of Chester. Ran. Higd.
• * 5.6

  The Archb. of York de∣ceasseth.
• * 5.7

  1182

  The K. ••••letha ouer into Normandy.
• * 5.8

  The K his son eftsoones reconciled.
• * 5.9

  Ro. Houed.
• * 5.10

  The Duke of Saxonie.
• * 5.11

  The Duche•••••• of Saxony deliuered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne.
• * 5.12

  Ranulfe Po•••• slayne.

  An. reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉

  1183
• * 5.13

  VVil. Par••••••
• * 5.14

  Rog. Hou••••
• * 5.15

  Geruas. Do•…•…
• * 5.16

  Rog. Ho•••••• War betwi•••• the brethren.
• * 5.17

  The father •…•…eeketh to ap∣pease the qua∣•…•…ell betwixt •…•…is sonnes.
• * 5.18

  •…•…arle Geffray •…•…ealeth vn∣••••ythfully.
• * 5.19

  The disloyall dissembling of the yong king.
• * 5.20

  King Henrie the sonne fal∣leth sicke.
• * 5.21

  He sendeth to his father.
• * 5.22

  His repentance before his death.
• * 5.23

  A straunge kinde of su∣perstitious de∣uotion, of this report•…•… four author be true
• * 5.24

  He is drawne out of his bed a thing vnlike to be true.
• * 5.25

  His death.
• * 5.26

  Nic. Triuet.
• * 5.27

  The bodie of the yong ki•••• lastly buried at Rouen.
• * 5.28

  •…•…ymoges ren∣••••ed to king •…•…enrie.
• * 5.29

  •…•…eulquesine.
• * 5.30

  The kings of •…•…ngland and •…•…rance talke ••••gither.
• * 5.31

  An. Reg. 30
• * 5.32

  1184
• * 5.33

  The duchesse of Saxonie de∣•…•…iuered of a •…•…onne.
• * 5.34

  The Archb. of Colen.
• * 5.35

  Hugh Nouan
• * 5.36

  The Duke of Saxonie par∣doned and re∣uoked out of exile.
• * 5.37

  Death of noble men.
• * 5.38

  The gouern∣ment of the fo∣rests deuided.
• * 5.39

  Heraclius Pa∣triarke of Ie∣rusalem.
• * 5.40

  A Counce•…•… Clerkenw•…•…
• * 5.41

  Baldwin Ar•…•…¦bishop of C•…•…¦terburie ex∣horteth me•…•… to go to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the S•…•…rasins.
• * 5.42

  Fiftie th•…•… markes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gerua. I•…•…
• * 5.43

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Higd.
• * 5.44

  •…•…e wordes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Patriarke •…•…he king.
• * 5.45

  •…•…sh iudge∣•…•…ent in an •…•…y father.
• * 5.46

  •…•…g. Houed. •…•…on the •…•…ngs sonne •…•…de king of •…•…elande. •…•…er. Do.
• * 5.47

  An earth∣quake.
• * 5.48

  The king and the Patriarke passe ouer in∣to Fraunce.
• * 5.49

  The kings message to his sonne Earle Richarde.
• * 5.50

  Earle Richard obayeth his father.
• * 5.51

  Rog. Houed. Particuler and not generall, hath Ger. Do.
• * 5.52

  An. Reg. 32.
• * 5.53

  1186
• * 5.54

  King H•…•… returneth England•…•… Ger. Do. Hugh P•…•… Withā•…•… Bishop of •…•…¦colne.
• * 5.55

  Hugh Lacie slaine.
• * 5.56

  •…•…ugh Lacies •…•…igence to •…•…arge his •…•…ssessions in •…•…lande.
• * 5.57

  •…•…g Henrie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sorie for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 death of •…•…ie.
• * 5.58

  •…•…e death of •…•…ffrey the •…•…gs sonne.
• * 5.59

  The Ladie Er∣mingarde the vicount Beau∣monts daugh∣ter, maried to William king of Scottes.
• * 5.60

  Castell of E∣denbourgh.
• * 5.61

  Ambassadors sent to the French king.
• * 5.62

  Sir William de Wals.
• * 5.63

  The king of Englands sub∣iects arested in Fraunce.
• * 5.64

  The French subiects are∣sted in Nor∣mandie.
• * 5.65

  An. reg. 33.

  1187

  Octauianus a Cardinall.
• * 5.66

  King Henrie passeth ouer into Nor∣mandie.
• * 5.67

  Ger. Do•…•…
• * 5.68

  Hierusal•…•… taken.
• * 5.69

  Out of th•…•… nales of •…•… written by colle 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 5.70

  Ger. Do.
• * 5.71

  A truce g•…•…¦ted.
• * 5.72

  •…•…le Richard •…•…eth his fa∣•…•…r fayre •…•…rdes.
• * 5.73

  He seaseth vp∣on his fathers treasure.
• * 5.74

  •…•…n. reg. 34.

  1188

  •…•…g Henry •…•…rneth into •…•…glande.
• * 5.75

  •…•…g Henry •…•…eth againe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nor∣•…•…ndie.
• * 5.76

  Polidor. Heauie newes from the East partes.
• * 5.77

  An enteruiew betwixt the two kings.
• * 5.78

  The two kings receyue the Crosse.
• * 5.79

  The French ware redde crosses.

  The English white.

  The Flemings greene.
• * 5.80

  An ayde gran∣ted to them in the holy lande. VVil. Paru us.
• * 5.81

  Good orders and discipline instituted.
• * 5.82

  The king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 turneth i•…•… England.
• * 5.83

  A counsaile holden at Gaiting•…•…n
• * 5.84

  Ger. Do.
• * 5.85

  A tenth leuied
• * 5.86

  The king o•…•… Scottes.
• * 5.87

  •…•…e good •…•…eaning of •…•…e two kings •…•…sappointed. •…•…lidor.
• * 5.88

  •…•…eymond erle •…•… Tholouze.
• * 5.89

  Rog. Houed. The nobles of Poictou rebell against Earle Richarde.
• * 5.90

  •…•…ter Scille.
• * 5.91

  •…•…rle Richard •…•…adeth the •…•…le Tholouze •…•…des.
• * 5.92

  Annales de France.
• * 5.93

  Rog. Houed. The Archb. of Cant. with the Bishops of Lincolne and Chester, hath Ger. Do.
• * 5.94

  Ger. Dor.
• * 5.95

  Chateau Roux it is called in the French an∣nales: but the Chronicles of Aniou name it Chasteau Ra∣oul, and right∣ly as I thinke.
• * 5.96

  Sergeants.
• * 5.97

  The Welch¦men.
• * 5.98

  The two kings come to a treatie.
• * 5.99

  An Elme cut downe.
• * 5.100

  A comme•…•…¦ble pro•…•…ta¦tion and •…•…¦thie to be coted.
• * 5.101

  Castellion▪
• * 5.102

  •…•…n other trea∣•…•…e betwixt •…•…he two kings.
• * 5.103

  Earle Richard •…•…euolteth frō his father to •…•…erue the French king.
• * 5.104

  Polidor.
• * 5.105

  Rog. Houed.
• * 5.106

  Beuerley burnt.
• * 5.107

  William de Sempringham deceasseth.
• * 5.108

  Gilbert de Ogerstan.
• * 5.109

  A straunge ap∣perance in the ayre.
• * 5.110

  An. Reg. 35.

  1189
• * 5.111

  A Legate.
• * 5.112

  Mat. Par.
• * 5.113

  Rog. Houed.
• * 5.114

  King Philip h•…•…rrieth the Countrey of Mayne.
• * 5.115

  The worde•…•… king Henry •…•… his displea•…•… towards Earle Richarde.
• * 5.116

  Maunsyel•…•… to the French king.

  VVil. Par•…•…
• * 5.117

  Polidor.
• * 5.118

  The Earle of Flaunders see∣keth to agree the Parties.
• * 5.119

  Mat. Paris.
• * 5.120

  A peace con∣cluded.
• * 5.121

  Thirty tho•…•…∣sand to the king and .xx. to the Baron of France, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 5.122

  Ger. Do.
• * 5.123

  •…•…g. Houed. Gisors saith •…•…er. Do.
• * 5.124

  •…•…ange thun∣•…•…r and light∣•…•…ng.
• * 5.125

  King Henrie departeth this life.
• * 5.126

  His surname whereof it came.
• * 5.127

  A straunge maner of fight betwixt fishes.
• * 5.128

  The issue of Henrie the se∣conde.

  His sonnes.
• * 5.129

  His daugh∣ters.
• * 5.130

  His base sonns
• * 5.131

  The constitu∣tion of his bodie.
• * 5.132

  His stature.
• * 5.133

  His qualities and conditi∣ons of minde.
• * 5.134

  Radulphus de Diceto.
• * 5.135

  Radulphus de Diceto.
• * 5.136

  His incon•…•…¦nencie.
• * 5.137

  Rosamond•…•… concubine.
• * 5.138

  •…•…n. Higd.
• * 5.139

  •…•…is ngligence •…•…aydyng the Christians a∣•…•…inst the •…•…alens.
• * 5.140

  •…•…le.
• * 5.141

  I. H.
• * 5.142

  L. H.