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.

King Richard the seconde.

[illustration]

[ 10]

* 1.1RIchard, the second of that name, and son to Prince Edward, cal∣led the blacke Prince, the sonne of K. Edward y^e third, a child of the age of eleuen yeares, beganne to raigne ouer the realme of England, the .22. day of Iune, in the yere of the world .5344. of our Lord 1377. after the conquest .310. about the .32. yere of y^e Emperour Charles the fourth, and in the foure∣tenth [ 20] yere of Charles the fifth K. of France, and about the seuenth yere of y^e raigne of Roberte the second K. of Scotland:* 1.2 he was named Richarde of Burdeaux, bycause hee was borne at Burde∣aux in Gascoigne,* 1.3 whilest his father ruled there. The day before it was vnderstod, that his grand∣father K. Edward was departed this life, beeing the .21. of Iune (on which day neuerthelesse he de∣ceassed) the Citizens of London hauing certayne knowledge that he could not escape his sicknesse, sente certayne Aldermen vnto Kingston,* 1.4 where [ 30] the Prince with his mother the Princesse then lay, to declare vnto the saide Prince, their readye good willes, to accept him for their lawfull kyng and gouernour, immediately after it should please God to call to his mercy his grandfather, beeyng now past hope of recouerye to healthe: wherefore they besought him, to haue their Citie recommē∣ded vnto his good grace, and that it would please him to visit y^e same w^t his presence, sith they were [ 40] ready in all sorts to honor & obey hym, & to spend both liues & goodes in his cause, if neede required.

Moreouer, they besought him, that it myghte please his grace to make an ende of the discorde betwixt the Citizēs, and the Duke of Lancaster, which through the malice of some, had bin ray∣sed,* 1.5 to the commoditie of none, but to the discom∣moditie of diuers. When Iohn Philpot, one of y^e foresaid Aldermen, that had the words in al their names, had ended his oration, he was aunswered [ 50] by the Prince and his counsell, that he would en∣deuours hymselfe in all things, to satisfie their re∣quests, and so were they sent home to bring a ioy∣full answere of their message to the Citie. The morrow after, there were sent to London frō the K. y^e Lord Latimer, sir Nicholas Bond, sir Si∣mon Burley, & sir Richard Adderbury knightes, to bring thē sorowful newes of the assured death of K. Edwarde, who as we haue said, deceassed y^e day before, but comfortable newes again•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gret towardlinesse & good meaning of y^e y•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who promised to loue them and their C•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come to the same citie, as they had desi•…•… him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doe. And further, that he had spoken to y^e Duke of Lācaster in their behalfe, and y^t the Duke h•…•… submitted himselfe to him in all things •…•…ouc•…•… y^e cause,* 1.6 wherevpō the kings pleasure was y^t they shuld likewise submitte thēselues, & he would doe his endeuour, that an agreemēt might be had to y^e honor of y^e Citizens, and profite of the Citie. The Citizens liked not of this forme of proceeding in the Dukes matter, bycause the K. was yong, and coulde not giue order therein, but by substitutes, yet at lēgth, with muche adoe, they were cōten∣ted to submit themselues, as the Duke had done before, though not, til y^t the knights had vnderta∣kē vpon their oth of fidelitie and knighthood, that their submissiō shuld not redound to y^e tēporall or bodily harme of any of thē, cōsenting to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will in this pointe. And so with this caution they toke their iourney towardes Shene, where they found y^e new K. with his mother, y^e duke of Lan∣caster, & his breethren, vncles to y^e K. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bishops, about y^e body of the decessed K. When it was knowen that y^e Londoners were come, they were called before y^e K. by whom the matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so handled, y^t the duke and they were made 〈◊〉〈◊〉. After this, when y^e K. shuld ride through the Ci∣tie towards the coronation, the said Duke and y^e L. Percy riding on greate horses before him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by vertue of their offices appointed to make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, vsed thēselues so courteously, m•…•…y, & pleasantly, that where before they two wer great∣ly suspected to y^e cōmon people, by reason of their great puissance in the Realm, & huge route of re∣teiners, they ordred the matter so, that neither this day, nor y^e morrow after, being y^e day of the kings coronatiō, they offended any maner of person 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather by gentle & sweete demeanor, they •…•…∣med y^e harts of many, to whom before they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greatly had in suspition, & thought euill of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now sith we are entred into y^e ma•…•…r of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 coronatiō, we haue thought good dre•…•…ly to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some perticular point thereof as in Tho. W•…•…. we find it, though nothing so largely heer•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 author himselfe setteth it forth, bycause y^e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this worke wil not so permit. The K. in •…•…ng through y^e citie towards Westminster on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Iuly bring Wednesday,* 1.7 was accōpa•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a traine of y^e nobilitie & •…•…hers, as in such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was requisite: sir Simon Burley haue the •…•…orde before him, and Sir Nicholas Bonde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kings horse by the bridle on foote. The noise of trumpets & other instrumēts was maruellous, so that this seemed a day of ioy & mirth, a day y^t had bin long loked for, bycause it was hoped, y^t now y^e quiet orders & good lawes of the land, which tho∣rough y^e slouthfulnes of y^e aged K. deceassed, & co∣•…•…ousnesse

of those y^e ruled about him had bin lōg banished, should now be renued, & brought againe in vse. The Citie was adorned in all sortes most richly. The water conduites ran w^t wine, for the space of three houres togither. In the vpper end of Cheape, was a certain Castell made with foure towers, out of y^e which Castel, on two sides of it, there ran forth wine abundantly. In the towers wer placed four beautiful virgins, of stature & age like to y^e K. apparelled in white vestures, in euery [ 10] tower one, y^t which blew in y^e kings face, at his a∣proching nere to thē, leaues of gold, and as he ap∣proched also, they threwe on him and his horse florens of golde counterfeit. When he was come before y^e Castell, they toke cuppes of gold, & filling thē with wine at y^e spoutes of the Castel, presen∣ted the same to the K. & to his nobles. On the top of y^e Castel, betwixt the four towers, stoode a gol∣dē Angel, holding a crowne in his hands, whych was so cōtriued, that whē the K. came, he bowed [ 20] downe, & offered to him y^e Crowne. But to speake of al y^e Pageants & shewes which y^e Citizens had caused to be made and set forth in honor of their newe K. it were superfluous, euery one in theyr quarters striuing to surmounte other, & so with great triumphing of Citizēs, & ioy of y^e lords and noble menne, hee was conueyed vnto his palace at Westminster, where he rested for y^e night. The morowe after, being Thursday, & the 16. of Iuly, he was fetched to y^e Church with procession of y^e [ 30] bishops and Monkes, & comming before the high •…•…ter, where the pauemēt was couered with rich clothes of Tapistrie, he there kneeled downe, and made his pra•…•…s, whilest two bishops song y^e Le∣•…•…, which being finished, the K. was brought to his feare, y^e queare singing an Autheme, begin∣ning Firmetur manus tua. That done, there was a sermon preached by a B. touching the dutie of a K. how he ought to behaue himselfe towards the people, & how y^e people ought to be obedient vnto [ 40] him. The sermon being ended, the K. receiued his othe before y^e Archb. and Nobles: which done, the Archb. hauing the L. Henry Percy L. Marshall going before him, turneth him to euery quarter of y^e church, declaring to y^e people y^e kings othe, and demanding of thē, if they would submit thēselues to such a prince & gouernour, & obey his commā∣demēts: & whē the people with a loude voice had answered, y^t they would obey him, y^e Archb. vsing certain prayers, blessed y^e K. which ended, y^e Arch. cōmeth vnto him, & tearing his garmēts from the highest part to y^e lowest, strippeth him to his shirt Then was brought by Erles, a certain couerture of cloth of gold, vnder y^t which, he remained, whi∣lest he was anointed. The Arch. as we haue said, hauing stripped him, first anointed his hāds, after his head, brest, shoulders, & the ioints of his armes with y^e sacred oile, saying certain prayers, & in the meane time, did the quier sing y^e antheme, begin∣ning Vnxerūt regem Salamone &c. And y^e Arch. added another praice Deus dei filius &c. which en¦ded, he with the other byshops song the H•…•…pne, Veni creator spiritus, the K. k•…•…ng in a lōg ve∣sture, y^e Archb. with his Suffraganes about him. Whē y^e Himne was ended, he was lift vp by the Archb. and clad first with y^e coa•…•… of S. Edward, and after with his mantel•…•… a stoale being cast a∣bout his necke, y^e Archb. in y^e meane time, saying certain praiers apointed for y^e purpose. After this, the Archb. and bishops deliuered to him y^e sword, saying Accipe gladium &c. And when y^e prayer was ended, two Erles girded him to the sword, whiche done, the Archb. gaue to him bracelletes saying, Accipe armill•…•…. &c. After this, y^e Archb. putteth vpon him an vppermost vesture, called a Palle saying, Accipe Palium &c. In the meane time, whilest y^e Archb. blesseth the Kings crowne, he to whose office it apper•…•…d, did put 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on his heeles. After the Crowne was blessed the Archbyshop set it on his head, saying Co•…•… •…•…e

[illustration]

deus. &c. then did the Archb. deliuer to hym a ring, with these wordes, A ccipe annulum. &c. Immediately herewith, came the Lord Furniual by vertue of his ofice, offering to him a red gloue, which the Archb. blessed, & putting it on his hand, gaue to him the scepter, with these words, Acci∣pe sceptrum. &c. then did the Archb. deliuer to him in his other hand a rodde, in the top wherof stoode a doue, with these words, A ccipe vi•…•…gam virtu∣cu. &c. after this, the Archb. blessed the K. saying, [ 10] Benedicat de deus. &c. These things done, the K. kissed the bishops and Abbots, by whome he was led afterwards vnto his seate, the bishops begin∣ning to sing (Te deum,) which ended, the Archbi∣shop said to him,

Sta et retine amodo locum. &c.

Whē these things wer finished, they begā Masse, the bishop of Worceter redde the Epistle, and the B. of Elie the Gospel. At the offertorie, the King rose from his seate, and was brought to offer. He therfore offered first his sword, and after so much [ 20] golde as he would, but not lesse than a marke, by reason of the custome, for more he might offer to God, and S. Peter, but lesse he could not. After this, he offered bread and wine, with which, he & the Archb. did after cōmunicate. This done, the Erle, to whom it apperteined to beare the sworde before the K. redeemed the sword which the kyng had offered with money, & receyuing y^e same, bare it afore the K. When the Masse should be song, the K. was brought againe to the Altare, & there [ 30] kneeling down, and saying Confite•…•… to the Arch∣bishop, did communicate, & so was brought backe to his seate. The Wardens of the fiue portes by their office, as well in time of the procession; as when he was annointed also at Masse time, and as he returned from the Churche to the palace to dinner, held ouer him a large canapie of blew vel∣uet; fastned vnto four staues at the foure corners.

In the meane time, sir Iohn Dimocke that claimed to be the kings champion, had bin at the [ 40] kings armory and stable, where he had chosen ac∣cording to his tenure, the best armour saue one, & the best Steed saue one. Albe•…•…t, sir Balwin Fre∣•…•…ill claimed the same office, but could not obteine it, so that the saide sir Iohn Dimmocke hauyng armed himself, and being mounted on horseback, came to the Abbey gates, with two riding before him, the one carrying his speare, and the other his shield, staying there til Masse should be ended but the Lord Henry Percy L. Marshall, appoynted [ 50] to make way before the K. with the Duke of Lā∣caster, L. Stewarde, the L. Thomas of Wood∣stocke, L. Constable, and the Lorde Marshals brother, sir Thomas Percy, beeing all mounted on great horses, came to the knight, and told him, that he ought not come at that time, but whē the K. was at dinner, and therefore it should be good for him to vnarme himselfe for a while, and take his ease, till the appointed time were come. The knight did as the Lord Marshall willed him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so after his departure, the K. hauing those L•…•… riding afore him, was borne on knightes shoul∣ders vnto his palace, and so had to his chamber, where he rested a while, beeing somewhat fay•…•… with trauell, and toke a small refectiō. After this,* 1.8 cōming into the halle, he created four new Erles, before he sate downe to meate, to witte, his vncle the L. Thomas de Wodstocke, Earle of Buc∣kingham, to whom he gaue a thousand markes a yere out of his treasure, til he prouided him of lāds to the like value, the Lorde Guischard de Eng∣lesme, that had bin his tutor, was created E•…•…le of Huntington, to whome hee gaue likewise a thousand markes annuitie, till he were prouided of lands of the same valewe. The Lorde M•…•…∣bray was created Earle of Nottingham, and the L. Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland. He made also nine knightes the same day. To shewe what royall seruice was at this feast, it passeth our vnderstanding to discriue, but to conclude, y^e fare was exceeding sumptuous, and the furniture princely in all things, that if the same shoulde bee rehearsed, the reader would perhappes doubt of y^e trueth thereof. In the middes of the Kinges p•…•…∣lace was a marble piller reysed hollowe vppon steppes on the toppe whereof was a greate gifte Egle placed, vnder whose feete in the Chapiter of the piller, diuers kindes of wine came gushing forth at four seuerall places, all the day long, nei∣ther was any forbidden to receiue the same, were he neuer so poore or abiect. The morrow after the Coronation, there was a generall procession of y^e Archb. Bishop, and Abbots, then present, with y^e lords, and a great multitude of people, to pray 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the K. and the peace of the kingdome; At the go∣ing forth of which procession, the Bishop of Ro∣chester preached, exhorting them, that the •…•…¦tions and discords which had long continued be∣twixt the people and their superiours, •…•…g•…•… bee appeased and forgotten, prouing by many argu∣ments, that the same highly displease 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hee admonished the Lords, not to be so extreame and hard towards the people. On the other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hee exhorted the people in necessary caused for y^e •…•…yde of the K. and Realme, cheerfully, & they without g•…•…udging to put too their helping 〈…〉〈…〉 accor∣ding to their bounden duetice: he fi•…•…he exhorted those in generall that were appointed to be about the King, that they should forsake vice, and •…•…udy to liue in cleannesse of life and vertue. F•…•… by their example, the K. were trayned to go•…•…sse, all should be well, but if he declined through their sufferance from the right way, the people & kyng∣dome were like to fallen daunger to perishe. After that the sermon and procession •…•…ere ended, the Lords and Prelates went to their lodging•…•…: but

now bycause the Englishmen should haue theyr ioyes mingled with some sorrowes, it chaunced that the Frenchmen (whiche about the same time that the kings grandfather departed this life, wer wafting on the Seas) within a sixe or seauen dayes after his decesse,* 1.9 brent the Towne of Rye, wherevpon immediately after the Coronation, the Earles of Cambridge & Buckingham, were sent with a power vnto Douer, and the Earle of Salisbury, vnto Southhamptō: but in the meane [ 10] time, to wit, the .21. of August, the Frenchmē en∣tring the Ile of Wight, brente diuers townes in the same,* 1.10 and although they were repulsed from the Castell, by the valiante manhood of sir Hugh Tirrell Captaine thereof, who laid no small nū∣ber of them on the ground, yet they constreyned y^e men of the Ile to giue them a thousand markes of siluer to saue the residue of their houses & goods, and so they departed from thence, sayling still a∣longst the costes, and where they sawe aduaun∣tage [ 20] set a lande, brenning sundry townes neere to the shore,* 1.11 as Portesmouth, Dartmouth, and Plimmouth: they made countenance also to haue set vppon Southhampton, if sir Iohn Arundell, brother to the Earle of Arundell had not bin rea∣dy there, with a number of men of armes & ar∣chers, by whom the towne was defended, and the enimies chased to their Shippes. From thence y^e Frenchmen departed, and sayling towards Do∣uer,* 1.12 brent Hastings, but Winchelsey they could [ 30] not winne, being valiantly defended by the Ab∣bot of Batell and others. After this, they landed one day not farre from the Abbey of Lewes, at a place called Rottington,* 1.13 where the Prior of Le∣wes, and two Knightes, the one named Sir Thomas Cheynye, and the other Sir Iohn Fallesley, hauing assembled a number of y^e coun∣trey people, encountred the frenchmen, but were ouerthrowen, so that there were slayne about an hundred Englishmenne, and the Prior with the [ 40] two knightes, and an Esquier called Iohn Bro∣kas, were taken prisoners, but yet the Frenchmen lost a greate number of their owne men at thys conflict, and so with theyr prisoners retired to their Shippes and galleys, and after returned in∣to Fraunce.* 1.14 But now touching the doings about the new King. You shal vnderstand, that by rea∣son of his yong yeres, as yet hee was not able to gouerne himselfe,* 1.15 and therefore Iohn Duke of [ 50] Lancaster, and Edmond Earle of Cambridge, with other peeres of the Realme, were appointed to haue the administratiō. He was of good dispo∣sition and towardnesse, but his age being redy to encline which way soeuer a mā shuld bēd it, those that were appointed to haue the gouernemente of his person, did what lay in them now at the first, to keepe him from all maner of lighte demeanor. But afterwards, when euery one began to study more for his owne priuate commoditie, than for the aduauncement of the common wealthe, they set open the gates to other, which being ready to corrupt his good nature, by little and little grewe familiar with him, and dimming the brightnesse of true honor, with the counterfeite shine of the contrary, so maskered his vnderstanding, that in the ende, they brought him to tract the steppes of lewde demeanor, and so were causers, both of hys and their owne destruction. The Frenchmen not ignoraunte of suche mischiefes as were like to growe in Englande, suffered no time to passe, but tooke occasiōs of aduantage when they were offered.

Among other enterprises I finde,* 1.16 that shortly after the decesse of King Edwarde, the Duke of Burgoigne wanne Arde, and two or three other fortresses in those marches.

The Scottes this yeare also wanne the Ca∣stell of Barwike by stelthe one morning,* 1.17 but shortly vpon knowledge had, the Earles of Nor∣thumberland and Notingham, the Lordes Ne∣uile, Lucy, Graystocke, and Stafford, with other Lords, Knightes, and Esquiers, came with their powers in all hast thither, and entring y^e towne, besieged the Castell, and finally, assaulting them that kept it, wanne it of them by force,* 1.18 and slewe all those Scottishmen whych they found with∣in it, excepte Alexander Raniscy theyr Capi∣tayne.

When the Englishmen had thus recouered the Castell, they entred into Scotland, in hope to find the Scottes, and to fight with thē whome they knew to be assembled. The Englishe host was three thousande men of armes, and seauen thousand archers, but they sent forth Sir Tho∣mas Musgraue, with three hundred Speares, and three hundred archers, to Meuros, to trie if he might vnderstand any thing of the Scottes in those parties, with whome the Earle Douglas,* 1.19 hauing with him seauen hundred Speares, and two thousand of other called yomē, with glaiues and other weapons, encountred by chance, and distressed him, and his company. Sir Thomas Musgraue himselfe, and sixe score other, were ta∣ken prisoners, besides those that were slayne, the residue escaped by flighte, making the best shifte they coulde for them selues. The L. Neuill, Sir Thomas Triuet, sir Wil. Scrope, and dyuers o∣ther valiant Captaines of Englande, were sente into Gascoigne this yeare, whiche first landed at Burdeaux, on the euen of the Natiuitie of oure Lady, where after they had rested them a while,* 1.20 they went and reysed the siege, which the french∣men hadde held before Mortaigne in Poictowe a long time before. Gouernour of thys siege at the firste, was Yuan or Owen of Wales, but hee was murthered one morning as hee sate alone

viewing the Castell, and combing his head, by one of his owne Contreymen, which vnder cou∣lour to serue hym, was become with him very familiar. This Owen or Yuan whether ye wil, (for all is one) was sonne to a noble man of Wales, whome King Edward had put to death for some offence by him committed, where thys Yuan got him into Fraunce, being as then very yong, and was brought vp in the French Court, and proued an expert mā of warre, so that great [ 10] lamentation was made for his deathe by the Frenchmen. But the Englishmenne, although they misliked y^e maner of his death, yet they were not greatly sorowfull for the chaunce, sith they were ridde thereby of an extreame enimy.

After that the Englishmenne hadde reysed the Frenchmen from the siege of Mortagne, they re∣turned to Burdeaux, and after recouered sundry Castels and fortresses in the marches of Burde∣loys, and about Bayone. Also they ayded the K. [ 20] of Nauarre, against the King of Castille, & made a roade into the confynes of Castille, but shortly after, a peace was concluded betwixte those two Kings, so that the Lorde Charles of Nauarre should marrie the daughter of the King of Ca∣stille, vpon certain conditions: and so the Eng∣lishmen had their wages truely paide them, and therevpon returned.

* 1.21About Michaelmas began a Parliamēt that was summoned at Westminster, whiche conti∣nued [ 30] til the feast of Saint Andrew. In this par∣liament the foresayde Sir Peter de la Mere and other the Knightes that hadde bin so earnest a∣gainst Dame Alice Perers in the fast Parliamēt holden by King Edward the third, so prosecuted the same cause now in this Parliament, that the sayde Dame Ali•…•… Perers was banished the Realme, and all hir goodes moueable and vn∣moueable, forfeyted to the King, bycause cōtrary to that shee had promised by oth in the saide last [ 40] Parliament, she hadde presumed to come within the Courte, and to obteyne of the King what so euer was to hir liking.

There was two tenthes graunted by the Cleargie to the King in this Parliament, & two fifteenes of the temporaltie, to bee paide the same yeare,* 1.22 and two Citizens of London, William Walworth, and Iohn Philpot were appoynted to haue the keeping of that money, to the ende it might be employed to the Kings necessary vses, [ 50] for defence of the Realme.

* 1.23Sir Hugh Caluerley beeing deputie of Ca∣lais, comming one morning to Bulloigne, brent certaine Shippes which lay there in the hauen, to the number of sixe and twentie, besides two pro∣per barkes, beeing vessels of no small accompte: And hauing spoiled and brēt the most part of the base Towne, he returned to Calais, with a great rich booty of goodes and Cattell.

Also, where the Castell of Marke in absence of the Captain, sir Robert de Salle, that was g•…•… ouer into England, was lost through negligince of them that were left in charge within it, the same sir Hugh Caluerley made such speede in the matter,* 1.24 that he recouered it againe the same daye it was, lost by force of assault, taking the F•…•… men prisoners that were gotten into it, and •…•…¦ging certaine picardes stipendary Souldiers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the saide Castell, vnder the saide. Sir Roberte de Salle, for that whilest the Englishmen were g•…•… foorth, to see the shooting of a match which they had made amongst themselues, a little off 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Castell, those Picards being left within, that the gates againste them, and rece•…•… in the Frenchmen, with whome they had pre•…•… treason, keeping the Englishmen forth, to whom the safekeeping of that Castell was dominion.

This yeare, was a Bulle sente from the Pope vnto the Vniuersitie of Oxforde,* 1.25 to apprehende Iohn Wicliffe,* 1.26 Parson of Lutterworth in L•…•…∣cestershire, within the diocesse of Lincolne.

Also, there were other Bulles to the same ef∣fect, sent to the Archbishop of Caunterbury, and to the Bishop of London.

Likewise to the King were letters directed sed the Pope, to require his fauour against the sayde Wiclife, so greeuously was the Pope incensed againste him, and not withoute cause, for if hys conclusions in doctrine toke effect, he well percey∣ued his papisticall authoritie woulde shortly de∣caye.

There went forth this yeare a greate nauie of Shippes to the Sea, vnder the guiding of the Earle of Buckingham, the Duke of Britayne, the Lord Latimer, the Lorde Fitz Water, Sir Robert Knolles, and other valyant Captaines,* 1.27 meaning to haue intercepted the Spanish fleet•…•… that was gone to Sluse in Flaunders, but tho∣rough rage of tempest, and contrary windes, they were driuen home, although twice they attemp∣ted their fortune: But sir Hugh Caluceley dep•…•…∣tie of Calice, slept not his businesse, doing still what displeasures he could to the Frenchmenne.

Shortly after Christmas,* 1.28 he spoyled y^e towne of Estaples the same daye the faire was kepte there, to the which, a great number of Mecch•…•…s of Bulleigne were come to make their mark•…•… but the sellers had quicke vtterance for that, that might easily be carried away, the Englishmenne layde hands on, and caused the owners to re•…•…e the residue, with great summes of money, which they vndertooke to pay, or else sir Hugh threatned to haue brent all that was left, togither with the houses.

Ye haue hearde, how at the first, the Duke of Lancaster was one of the chiefe about the yong

King in gouernement of his person and Realm, who prudently considering, that sith there must needes be an alteration in the state, and doubting least if any thing chaunced otherwise than well,* 1.29 the fault and blame might bee chiefly imputed to hym, and thankes (howsoeuer things wente) he looked for none, he gaue therefore the slip, obtey∣ning licence of the Kyng to departe, and so gote hym home vnto his Castell of Kelingworth, per∣mitting other to haue the whole sway: for before [ 10] his departure from the Courte, there were with his consent ordeyned such as should be attending on the Kings person, and haue the rule and orde∣ring of matters perteyning to the state, as Wil∣liam Courtney, then Bishop of London (though shortly after remoued to the Archbyshoppes Sea of Caunterbury) Edmond Mortimer Earle of Marche, and diuers other, of whome the people had conceiued a good opinion, but yet bycause the Byshoppe of Salisbury, and the Lorde La•…•…ner [ 20] were admitted amongst the residue, the com•…•…s murmured greatly agaynst them.

The Earle of Northumberland resigned hys office of Lorde Marshall, in whose place succee∣ded Sir Iohn Arundell, brother to the Earle of Arundell.

The Duke of Lancaster, although retired frō the Court, yet desirous to haue the money in his handes that was graunted the last Parliamente, at length obteyned it, vpon promise to defend the Realme from inuasion of all enimies, for one yeares space: hee therefore prouided a greate na∣•…•… to goe to the Sea, hyring nine Shippes of Bayone, to assist his enterprise herein, the whych in making sayle hitherwardes, encountred with the Spanish fleete, and tooke fourteene vessels la∣den with wines and other merchandise: but in the meane time, one Mercer, a Scottishmā, with certayne saile of Scottes, Frenchmen, and Spa∣niardes, came to Scarburgh, and there tooke cer∣tayne Shippes, and led them away to the Sea, as it were in reuenge of his fathers emprison∣ment, •…•…ed Iohn Mercer, who before beeyng ca•…•… by certayne Shippes of the Northparts, and deliuered to the Earle of Northumberland, was committed to prison within the Castell of Sca•…•…brough.

Iohn Philpot that worshipfull Citizen of London,* 1.30 lamenting the negligence of them that should haue prouided against such inconuenien∣ces, made foorthe a fleete at his owne charges, strongly furnished with men of warre and mu∣nition necessary: the men of warre meeting with the same Mercer, accompanyed with hys owne shippes, and fifteene other Spanyards that were newly ioyned with hym, set vppon them, and so valiantly behaued themselues, that they tooke the sayd Mercer, with all them that were then in

[illustration]

his company, so recouering agayne the Shippes that were taken from Scarbourgh, besides great [ 50] riches which were founde aboorde, as well in the fifteene Spanish Shippes, as the other that were of the olde retinue, belonging to the sayd Mercer. Iohn Philpot was afterwardes blamed of the Lords, for presuming thus farre, as to set foorthe a nauie of men of warre, withoute the aduice of the Kings counsell: but he made his aunswere in suche wise vnto the Earle of Stafford, and other that layde the faulte to his charge, that hee was permitted to departe, without further trouble for that matter. Before all suche prouision as the Duke of Lancaster prepared for his iourney to the Sea coulde be ready, the Earles of Salisbu∣rie and Arundeil sayled ouer into Normandye, where by suche composition as was taken be∣twixt the Kyng of Englande,* 1.31 and the King of Nauarre, who of new was become enimie to the French King, the Towne of Chierburg was de∣liuered

vnto the sayd Erles, who sending know∣ledge therof backe into England, there were sent ouer such, as should haue in charge the keepyng of that towne: and so the two Earles returned. We finde,* 1.32 that the Kyng of Nauarre hauing bin heere in Englande, with the King and his coun∣sell, hadde agreed with the King for a certayne yeerely rent to demise vnto him the sayd fortresse of Chierburg, whereby the Englishmen myghte haue free entrie into Normandye, when they [ 10] would▪ as well to ayde the King of Nauarre in his necessitie, as to worke anye enterprice, that should be thought expediente, to the aduauntage of the Kyng of England as occasion serued, but the obteyning of the possessiō of Chierburg brou∣ght not so much ioy to the english nation, as the unshappe that happened at the going foorth of the saide Earles did cause lamentation and heaui∣nesse. For vpon the first entring into the Sea, it fortuned, that Sir Phillip, and sir Peter Court∣ney,* 1.33 [ 20] discouered a certayne number of Shippes that were enimies, and vndiscretely entring a∣mongst them, there suddaynely came vpon them the Spanish fleete, so that the Englishe Shippes that were in company with the sayd Phillip, and sir Peter, were not able to make their partie good, in so much, that finally, after that sir Phillip had lost diuers of his men that were there slayne, hee gote away by flight himselfe, though greeuously wounded, but sir Peter was taken prisoner, with [ 30] a fewe other Knightes that were with him, and the most part of al the valiant Esquiers of Som∣mersetshire and Deuonshire, being there abroade with him, wer slain & drowned, which was estee∣med no small losse, to y^e whole common wealth.

Thus were the Englishmen occupyed in thys firste yeare of Kyng Richarde, with troubles of warre, and not onely against the Frenchmenne, but also againste the Scottes, for euen in the be∣ginning of the same yeare, the Scottes brente [ 40] Rockesbourgh,* 1.34 in reuenge whereof, the newe Earle of Northumberlande entred Scotlande with tenne thousande men, and fore spoyled the landes of the Earle of Marche, for the space of three dayes togither, bycause the sayde Earle of Marche was the chiefe author of the brenning of Rockesburgh, and so for that time, the English∣men were well reuenged of those enimies. But at an other time, when the Northren men woulde needes make a roade into Scotlande, entring by [ 50] the West bordures, they were encountred by the Scottes, and putte to flight, so that many of thē being slayne, the Scottes tooke the more courage to inuade the bordures, till at length, Edmonde Mortimer Earle of Marche came at the daye of truce, and tooke an abstinence of warre betwixte both nations for the time, though the same con∣tinued not long.

Andue after Midsomer,* 1.35 the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…er with a strong power tooke the Sea, and •…•…¦ding in Britaine, besieged the Towne of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mal•…•… de Liste, a fortresse of greate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 There wēt ouer with him y^e Erles of Bucking∣ham, Warwike, Stafforde, and dyue•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Englishe nobilitie, the whiche made •…•…p∣proches, and fiercely assayles the Towne, 〈…〉〈…〉 was so valiantly defended, that in the ende, the Duke with his army raysed from the•…•…, and re∣turned without atchieuing his purpose.

About the same time, there was a notable and haynous murther committed within S•…•…e Peters Churche at Westminster by dec•…•… of variance betweene the Lorde La•…•… and Sir Raufe Ferrers on the one partie,* 1.36 and two Esquiers, the one called Roberte Hall and the other Iohn Shakell on the other partie, a∣boute a prisoner whiche was taken at the bastell of Nazers in Spayne, called the Erle of Deane, who as some write,* 1.37 was taken by one sir F•…•…e de Hall at the sayde battell, and bycause hee re∣mayned in his handes at the deathe of the sayde Sir Franke, hee bequeathed him vnto his sonne the sayde Roberte Hall Esquier. But as othir write, the sayde Earle was taken by the sayde Roberte Hall hymselfe,* 1.38 and Iohn Shakell ioyntly, and iudged to bee theyr lawfull priso∣ner, by the sentence of the Prince of Wales, and Sir Iohn Shandos, that was master to the said Esquiers: wherevpon afterwards, the said Earle obteyned so muche fauour, that by leauing hys sonne and heire in guage for his raunsome, he re∣turned into Spayne, to prouide for money to dis∣charge it, but he was so slow in that matter, after he was at libertie, that he departed this lift, before he made anye paymente, and so his lands fell to his sonne, that remayned in guage for the mo∣ney, with the two Esquiers: wherevpon hap∣pened afterwardes, that the Duke of Lancaster, desirous to haue the yong Earle in his hands (in hope through hys meanes the better to accom∣plishe his enterprice whiche hee meant to take in hande agaynste the kyng of Cast ille, for the right of that Kingdome) procured hys nephew Kyng Richard to require the sayde Earle of Deane, at the hands of the sayd Esquiers, but they refused to deliuer him, keeping their prisoner foorthe of the way, so that none wist where hee was be∣come: the Esquiers therefore were committed to the Tower, out of the whiche they escaped vnto Westminster, and there registred them∣selues for sanctuarie men.

The Duke of Lancaster was heerewith sore offended, and their enimies the sayde Lorde La∣timer, and Sir Raufe Ferrers tooke counsell togither, with Sir Allene Boxhull and o∣thers, howe they myghte bee reuenged of thys

despite: This sir Alane Boxhull, was Conne∣stable of the Tower, and therefore it greued him not alitle, that the Esquiers had broken frō him, and kept themselues thus at Westminster, vnder protection of that priuiledged place. Heerevpon it was concluded, that Sir Raufe Ferrers, and the sayd Alane Boxhull, taking with them certayne men in armour, to the number of a fiftie persons, shoulde goe and fetch them by force from West∣minster, vnto the Tower agayne. [ 10]

The morrow therefore after Saint Laurence day, being y^e eleuēth of August, these two knights accompanyed with certayne of the Kyngs ser∣uauntes and other, to the number afore mentio∣ned, came into the Church at Westminster, whi∣lest the sayde Esquiers were there hearing of the high Masse, which was then in celebrating, and first laying hands vppon Iohn Shakell, vsed the matter so with him, that they drewe him foorthe of the Church, and ledde him straight to the To∣wer, [ 20] but when they came to Roberte Hall, and fell in reasoning with him, hee woulde not suffer them to come within his reache, and perceyuing they meante to take him by force, he drew out a falcheō or short sword which he had girt to him, and therewith layde so freely about him, trauer∣sing twice round about the Monkes quier, that til they had beset him on eache syde, they coulde doe him no hurt, but at length, when they hadde got him at that aduauntage,* 1.39 one of them cloue hys [ 30] head to the very braynes, and an other thrust him through the body behinde, with a sworde, and so they murthered him amongst them. They slewe also one of the Monkes that woulde haue hadde them to haue saued the Esquiers life. Much adoe was made aboute this matter, for the breakyng thus of the Sainctuarie, in so muche, that the Archbysh. of Canterbury, and fiue other Bishops his suffraganes openly pronounced all them that were presente at this murder accursed, and [ 40] lykewise all such as ayded or counselled them to it chiefly, and namely sir Alane Boxhull, and sir Raufe Ferreis, Captaynes and leaders of them. The king, the Queene, and the Duke of Lanca∣ster were yet excepted by speciall names. The Bishop of London a long time after euery Sun∣day, Wednesday, and Friday, pronounced thys excommunication in the Church of Saint Paul at London.

The Duke of Lancaster (though excepted in [ 50] the same,) yet in behalfe of his friends, was not a little offended with the Byshops doings, in so muche, that in a Counsell holden at Windesore (to the which the Byshop of London was called, but would not come, nor yet ceasse the pronoun∣cing of the curse, notwithstanding the Kyng had requested him by his letters) the Duke sayd open∣ly, that the Bishops froward dealings were not to be borne with, but (saith he) if the King would commaund me, I should gladly goe to London, and fetch that disobediente Prelate, in despite of those rybauldes (for so he termed them) the Lon∣doners.

These wordes procured the Duke muche e∣uill will, as well of the Londoners, as of other: for it was commonly sayde, that whatsoeuer had bin done at Westminster concerning the mur∣ther there committed in the Churche, was done by his commaundement.

About the feast of Saint Luke,* 1.40 was a Parli∣amente holden at Gloucester, for the displeasure as was thought, which some of the Counsell had conceyued againste the Londoners, or rather as some tooke it, for feare of them, least if any thyng were done contrary to their myndes, they should be about to hinder it, if the Parliament had bene kept neere to them, for many things (as some iud∣ged) were meant to haue bin put foorthe and con∣cluded in thys Parliamente, albeit fewe in ef∣fect came to passe of those matters that were sur∣mised, sauing that it was enacted, that the Kyng shoulde haue a marke of the Merchauntes, for e∣uery sacke of theyr woolles, for thys presente yeare, and for euery poundes worth of wares that was broughte in from beyonde the Seas, and heere solde, sixe pence of the byers.

Also, certayne priuiledges were graunted in thys Parliamente, to Merchaunte straungers, that they myghte buye and sell in grosse, or by retayle within thys Realme, as in the Printed booke of Statutes it appeareth.

Thys yeare came messengers from the newe elected Pope Vrbane, with letters,* 1.41 to require the Kynges assistaunce and ayde agaynste suche Cardinals as hee named Scismatickes, that hadde elected an other Pope, whome they na∣med Clemente, whyche Cardinalles sente lykewise theyr messengers with letters, to be∣sieche the Kyng to ayde them with hys fauou∣rable assistaunce, but through perswasion of the Archbyshoppe of Caunterbury, Vrbanes request was graunted, and Clementes reie∣cted.

About the same tyme, to witte,* 1.42 on Thurse∣day before the feast of Saint Andrewe the Apo∣stle, the Scottes by stealth entred by nyght into the Castell of Barwike, and slewe Sir Ro∣bert Boynton, a ryghte valiant Knighte, that was Connestable thereof, permitting his wife, Children, and seruauntes, to departe, with con∣dition, that within three weekes next ensuing, they shoulde eyther paye them three thousande markes, or else yeelde theyr bodyes agayne to prison.

The morrowe after, the same Scottes fetched a great bootie of Cattell out of the countreys next

adidyning, but immediately after the Earle of Northumberland was aduertised hereof, he ha∣sted thither with foure hundred armed men, and assaulting the Castell on eache side, after two houres defence,* 1.43 wanne it, slaying of the defen∣dauntes about eight and fortie, referning onely one of the whole number aliue, that he might en∣forme the Englishmen thoroughly of y^e Scottish mens purposes.* 1.44 At this enterprice, was the Earle of Northumberlāds eldest sonne, spreading there [ 10] first his banner, & doing so valiantly, that hee de∣serued singular commendation, as likewise dyd Sir Alane de Heton, and Sir Thomas de Ilder∣ron, with those of the surname of the Herons, e∣uery of these hauing their quarters assigned to as∣sault: thus was the Castell recouered the ninth day after the Scottes had entred the same, so that they enioyed not long that victorious exployte. Bycause this enterprice was taken in hande a∣gainste the couenaunte of the truce, the Earle of [ 20] Northumberlande before he attempted to reco∣uer the Castell, sente to the Earle of Marche in Scotlande, to vnderstand if he would anow that which his countreymen had done, touching the winning of that Castell, who sente him know∣ledge agayne, that he neyther vnderstoode of their enterprise, nor woulde bee partakers with them therein, but if it so pleased the Erle of Northum∣berland, he would come himselfe, and help to re∣couer it to the King of Englāds vse, out of those [ 30] Scottishmens hands, whiche withoute publyke authoritie,* 1.45 had made that exployte. This yere, sir Roberte Rous, Captayne of Chierburgh, was called home, after hee hadde taken Sir Oliuer de Clisson, and atchieued manye other worthy ad∣uentures against the kings enimies. In his place was sent sir Iohn Herleston, to remayne vppon the garde of that Castel. Also, sir Hugh Caluer∣ley, deputy of Calais, that had so valiantly borne himselfe against the Frenchmenne, was likewise [ 40] discharged, and comming home, was made Ad∣mirall, being ioyned in commission in that office, with sir Thomas Percy. Sir William Moun∣tague Earle of Salisbury, was sent ouer to Ca∣lais, to bee the Kinges Lieutenaunte there, who shortly after his comming thither, fetched a great bootie of cattell out of the enimies countrey ad∣ioyning, so that Calais was furnished with no small number of the same. Sir Hugh Caluerley, and sir Thomas Percy, going to Sea, tooke sea∣uen [ 50] Shippes laden with merchandise, and one Shippe of warre. The Archbishop of Cassils in Irelande, returning from Rome, broughte with him large authoritie, of binding and loosing, grā∣ted to him by Pope Vrbane, in fauour of whome at his comming to London in a Sermon which he preached, he declared to the people, howe the Frenche King, holding with the Antipape Cle∣mente, was denounced accursed, and sh•…•… now was the time for Englishmen to make war in France, hauing such occasion, as greater c•…•… not bee offered, specially, sith it was like that the excommunicated King should haue no courage to make resistance.

In a Parliamēt holden at Westminster thys yeare after Easter, it was ordeyned,* 1.46 that the pri∣uiledges and immunities of the Abbey of West∣minster should remaine whole and inuiolate, but yet there was a prouiso, against those that tooke Sainctuarie, with purpose to defraude their cre∣ditours, that their landes and goodes shoulde bee aunswerable to the discharging of their debtes.

In y^e same Parliament, was granted to the K. a subsedie, to be leuied of the great men of y^e land.* 1.47 To the ende the commons might be spared, the Dukes of Lancaster and Britaine paide twentie markes, euery Earle sixe markes, Bishoppes and Abbots with miters asmuch, and for euery Mōke three shillings foure pence: also, euery Iustice, Sherife, Knighte, Esquier, Parson, Vicar, and Chapleyne, were charged after a certayne rate, but not any of the commons that were of the laytie.

Ye haue hearde how sir Iohn Harleston was sent to Chierburg, as Captayne of that fortresse,* 1.48 who issuing abroade one day, with such power as he might take foorth, leauing the fortresse furni∣shed, came to a place, where within a Church and in a mille, the frenchmē had layde vp, as in store∣houses, a great quantitie of vittailes, for prouisi∣on, which Church and Mille the Englishmenne assaulted so vigorously, that notwithstandyng there were within a good number of the enimies, that did their best to defende themselues, yet at length they were taken, and sir Iohn Harleston with his company, returned with the vittayles towarde Chierburg, but by the way they were encountred by one Sir William de Boundes, whome the Frenche King had appoynted to bee in Mont Burg, with a strong power of men of warre, to countergarison Chierburg: here c•…•…d a sore cōflict, and many an hardy man was bea∣tē to the ground. And although at the first it see∣med that the Englishmen were ouermatched in number, yet they stucke to it manfully. Theyr Captayne sir Iohn Harleston, fighting in the foremost presse, was felled, and lay on the g•…•… at his enimies feete, in great hazard of death. The Englishmen neuerthelesse continue the fyghte, till at length, sir Geffrey Worsley, with a wing of armed footemen, with axes, came to the res∣cue (for to that ende hee was left behinde, of pur∣pose to come to their ayde, if neede required) with whose comming, the Frenchmen were so hardly handled, that to conclude, they were broken in sunder, beaten downe, and wholly vanquished:

there were of them slayne aboue sixe score, and as many taken prisoners, among whiche number, was their chiefe Capitayne Sir William de Bourdes taken, and brought to Chierburg, with the residue, and there put in safekeeping. Thys exployt was archieued by the Englishmenne, on S. Martins day in winter, in this third yeare of King Richard his raigne: but least any ioy shuld come to the English people in that season, with∣out some mixture of grief,* 1.49 one sir Iohn Clearke, [ 10] a righte valiaunt Knighte, and fellow in armes with sir Hugh Caluerley, chaunced this yeare to lye in garrison in a Castell in Britaine, where was an hauen, and diuers Englishe Shippes ly∣ing in the same, whereof the frenche galeys bee∣ing aduertised, came thither, to set those Shippes on fyre, appoynting one of their galleys firste to attempt the feate, and if fortune so woulde, to trayne the Englishmen foorthe,* 1.50 till they shoulde fall into the lappes of foure other galleys whyche [ 20] they layde as it had bin in ambushe: and as the e∣nimies wished, so it came to passe, for the Eng∣lishmen perceyning their vessels in daunger to be brent of the enimies, ranne euery man aboorde to saue the Shippes and goodes within them, and amongst the rest, Sir Iohn Clearke their Cap∣tayne, meaning to take such part as his men did, got aboorde also, and streight falling in pursute of the galley that withdrewe for the purpose a∣foresayd, the Englishmen were shortly enclosed [ 30] with the other galleys, before they were aware, not knowing what shift to make to auoyde the present daunger. Sir Iohn Clearke perceyuing howe the case stoode, layde about him like a Gy∣ant, causing his company still to drawe backe a∣gayne, whilest he resisting the enimies, did shewe such proofe of his valiancie, that they were much astonished therewith. To be short, he so manfully behaued himselfe, that the most parte of his com∣pany had time to recouer land, but when hee that [ 40] had thus preserued others shoulde leape forthe of the Shippe to saue him selfe, he was striken in the thigh with an axe, that down he fell, and so came into the enimies hands, being not able to recouer that hurt, for his thigh was almost quite cut off from the body, so that hee dyed of that and other hurtes presently, leauing a remembrance behinde him, of many worthy actes through his valian∣cie atchieued, to his high prayse and great com∣mendation. The Barke of Yorke was also lost [ 50] the same time, beeing a proper vessell, and nowe taken suddaynely, sanke with all that were a∣boorde in hir, both Englishmen, and the enimies also that were entred into hir, thinking to carrie hir away.

Aboute the same time, the Duke of Britayne returning into his countrey, vnder the conduit of Sir Thomas Percy, and Sir Hugh Caluerley, landed at a Hauen not farre from Saint Malo, the fourth daye of August, beeing receyued with vnspeakeable ioy of the Britaynes, as wel lords as commons, so that the louing harts which they bare towards him, might well appeare, although the loue which he bare to the Kyng of England, had caused his subiects in fauoure of Fraunce, to keepe him many yeares forth of his Dukedome,* 1.51 as a banished Prince, but at length, they beeyng ouercome with irkesomnesse of his long absence, with generall consents, sent for him home, so that there were but fewe of the Brittishe nobilitie that withdrew their dutifull obedience from him, and those were only suche, as firmely linked in seruice with the French King, were loth to forgoe suche roomthes and dignities as vnder him they enioy∣ed, namely, the Constable of Fraunce, sir Ber∣thram de Cleaquin, the Lord Clisson, the Lorde de Rohen, and the Lord Rochfort, and certayne others: The Lord de la Vall amōgst other, came to him as we finde in Thomas Wals. offering him his seruice as well as the residue. At his lan∣ding, he was likely to haue lost all such furniture, as well of vittailes, apparell, hangings, bedding, armour, and other things, which either he or hys trayne had broughte with them, for the Frenche galleys espying their time, immediately as hee and his company were set a land, before y^e Ships in which the sayd furniture was fraughte, coulde enter the hauen, whiche was somewhat straighte and narrow, came vppon them,* 1.52 and had them at such aduantage, that if sir Hugh Caluerley with his Archers hadde not caused the master of hys Shippe euen against his will to returne agayne to the rescue, the Galleys had taken and gone a∣way with the other Shippes, but through the manfull prowesse of sir Hugh, the Galleys were repulsed, and the Shippes saued: for according to his wonted valiancy, hee would not returne, till hee sawe all other in sauetie, and then defendyng himselfe so well as he might, withdrewe into the hauen, & landed safely with the residue. About the same time, was an haynous murther committed in London, of a Merchant Genewes,* 1.53 whom cer∣tayne English Merchants vpon a spite and en∣uie which they bare towards him, caused to bee slayne one euening in the streete, before his owne gates. The cause that moued the merchaunts so to procure his death was, for that hee vndertooke to furnishe this lande, hauing the staple allowed hym at Southhamptō, of all such wares as came foorth of Leuant so plentifully as was to be had in any place in all these west partes of Christen∣dome. In the Sommer of this yeare,* 1.54 a greeuous mortalitie afflicted the Northe partes of this land, so that the Countrey became almost de∣solate, and to the increase of that miserie, the Scottes thynkyng the tyme to serue theyr

turne,* 1.55 inuaded the bordures, and most cruelly, harried, robbed, and spoyled the same, not letting passe any parte, of most cruell murthering of the people that were left aliue, and not made away by that sore contagious sicknesse. The number of Cattell was infinite which they droue out of the lande with them, not sparing heardes of Swine which they tooke at this time, where they neuer medled with that kind of Cattell before that pre∣sente. [ 10]

Before the Scottes made this iourney into Englande, whilest the mortalitie was most in force, they calling vnto certayne of the Englishe bordurers, asked of thē how it came to passe, that so great a death raigned amōgst thē. The Eng∣lishmen, as good, playne, and simple meanyng men, tolde them, that truely they knewe not the cause, for Gods iudgements were hid from them in such behalfe: but one thing they knewe, that all calamitie, deathe, and aduersitie that chaunced [ 20] vnto them, came by the speciall grace of God, to the ende, that beeing punished for theyr synnes, they myghte learne to repent and amende theyr wicked liues. The Scottes hearing this, when they shoulde enter this lande, vnderstandyng lewdely what the Englishmen hadde tolde them concerning the disease, and the grace of God, de∣uised a blessing forsooth to bee sayd euery mor∣ning, of the most antient person in euery family, as thus, Benedicite (saide hee,) dominus sayde the [ 30] residue: then began hee agayne, saying, God and Saint Mango, Saint Romayne and Sainct Andrewe, shielde vs thys daye fra Goddes grace, and the foule deathe that Englishmenne dyen vpon.

Thus the senselesse men misconstruing thys worde the grace of God, prayed for their owne destruction, whiche if not in this worlde, yet for theyr brutishe crueltie vsed at that presente, a∣gaynste the miserable creatures, which the hand [ 40] of God had spared, in time of that grenous mor∣talitie, it is to be feared, least in another worlde it came to them, as the very words of their prayers imported.

About the same time, Iohn Schakell Esquier was set at libertie, y^e K. cōpounded with him for his prisoner, giuing fiue C. markes in ready mo∣ney, & lands to the valew of a C. markes by yere. When he should bring foorth his prisoner, and de∣liuer him to the Kyng, this is to bee noted, as a [ 50] thing very strange and wonderfull, for when hee shoulde appeare, it was knowen to bee the very grome that had serued him in all the time of hys trouble, and would neuer vtter himselfe what hee was,* 1.56 before that time, hauing serued hym as an hyred seruaunte all that while in prison, and out of prison, in daunger of life, when his other mai∣ster was murthered, where, if he would haue vt∣tered himselfe, hee might haue bin enterteyned 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suche honorable state, as for a prisoner of his di∣gree hadde bin requisite, so that the faithfull 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and assured constancie in this noble Gentle•…•…, was highly commended, and no lesse ma•…•…ed at of all men.

About the feast of Sainte Nicholas, in thys third yeare of King Richards raigne, there went to Sea an army of men, that shoulde haue passed ouer into Britaigne, to the ayde of the Duke there, vnder the conduit of Sir Iohn Arundell, sir Hughe Caluerley, Sir Thomas Percye, Sir William Elmham, sir Thomas Morews, Sir Thomas Banester, and many other Knightes and Esquiers, too long to rehearse, a sufficiente power vndoubtedly, to haue done a greate enter∣prise: but they were no sooner on the Sea, but suddainely there arose such an hideous tempest of winde and stormes,* 1.57 that they looked presently to be all cast away, they were scattered heere and there, and driuen they wist not whether. The Shippe wherein Sir Iohn Arundell was a∣boord, chaunced to be cast on the coast of Irelād, and there driuen to forsake his Shippe, that was ready to be broken in peeces, by rage of waues, beating it there against the rockes: he was drow∣ned before hee coulde winne to lande, in an Ile. neere to the whiche they had thrust in, the

[illustration]

Shippe.

To the like ende came sir Thomas Banester, sir Nicholas Trumpington, and Sir Thomas Dale, impeaching each others, as they leapt forth of the Shippe: also an Esquier one Mufarde, a most seemely personage and a bolde, and ano∣ther Esquier, named Denyoke, being almost out of daunger, were fetched away by the surges of the sea, and so perished, with many other. Robert Rust a cunning sea man, belonging to Black∣ney in Northfolke, and master of the Shippe wherein sir Iohn Arundell was embarqued, was the first that got to lande, giuing ensample to o∣thers, how to shift for themselues: but when hee

saw his chiefe Captayne, the sayd Sir Iohn A∣rundell g•…•… foorth to the sands, and as one thin∣king himselfe past all daunger, to shake his wette garments about him, the sayd Rust waying the daungerous state wherein the sayd Sir Iohn A∣rundell yet stoode, came downe, and raught to hym his hand, enforsing hymselfe to plucke hym to the shore: but whilest hee tooke care for an o∣ther mans safetie, and neglected his owne, hee lost his life, and so they both perished togither, for [ 10] through a mighty billowe of the raging Seas, they were both ouerthrowen, and with returning of the waues back, drawen into the deepe, so that they coulde neuer recouer footeholde agayne, but were drowned.

The sayd Rust was much lamented, bycause he was not onely knowen to be a skilfull master, but also counselled the sayd Sir Iohn Arundell in no wise to goe to sea, at what time he woulde needes set forward, forcing the said Rust and the [ 20] Marriners to hoist vp sailes, and make waye. They that escaped to land in that Ile, founde no∣thing there to relieue their miseries, but bare ground, so that diuers starued through cold, wā∣ting fier and other succour: the residue that were lustie and wise withall, ranne vp and downe, and sometime wrastling, and otherwise chasing thē∣selues, remayned there in greate miserie, from the Thursday, till Sunday at noone next ensuing. At what time, when the Sea was appeased and [ 30] waxen calme, the Irishmen that dwelled ouer a∣gainst this Ile on the maine, came and fetched them thence, and relieued them the best they coulde, being almost dead, through trauell, hun∣ger and colde.

The saide Sir Iohn Arundell lost not onely his life,* 1.58 but all his furniture and apparell for hys body, which was very sumptuous, so that it was thought to surmount the apparell of any King. For he had two and fiftie new sutes of apparell [ 40] of cloth of golde, or Tissewe, as was reported, all the which, togither with his horses and geldings, amounting to y^e valew of ten thousand markes, was lost in the Sea.* 1.59 And besides this, there were lost the same time, a fyue and twentie Shippes, with menne, Horses, and other riches, whiche attended him in that voyage. Sir Thomas Per∣cy yet, and sir Hugh Caluerley, with Sir Wil∣liam Elmham, and certayne others, escaped, but cruelly tormented with vnmercifull tempest: and [ 50] before Sir Thomas Percy could get to land af∣ter the Sea was quieted, hee was assaulted by a Spanyards against whom he so defēded hymself, y^t in the end he toke the Spanish vessel, & brought hir, with all that he found aboorde in hir, vnto the nexte shore, and solde the same for an hundred poundes, and without long delay, tooke the Sea, and passed ouer to Brest, of whiche fortresse hee was Captaine ioyntly with Sir Hugh Caluer∣ley, and therefore doubting least some incōueni∣ence mighte thereto nowe in both their absence chaunce, hee made the more hast, not taking rest till hee came thither, notwithstanding his passed paynefull trauells.

Sir Hugh Caluerley was neuer in his lyfe in more daunger of deathe, than at that time: for all that were in his Shippe (as Froyssarte writeth) were drowned, except hymselfe, and seauen mar∣riners.

We fynde, that there were drowned in one place and other, aboue a thousand English men, in that vnlucky voyage.

Some writers impute this calamitie to lyghte on the saide Sir Iohn Arundell and his compa∣ny, for the lasciuious and filthy rule, whiche they kept before their setting foorthe, in places where they laye till theyr prouision was ready, and not contented with that whiche they did before they tooke Shippe, in rauishing mens wiues,* 1.60 maydes and daughters, they caried them aboord, that they might haue the vse of them whilest they were on the Sea: and yet when the tempest rose like cru∣ell and vnmercifull persons, they threw them in∣to the Sea: eyther for that they woulde not bee troubled with their lamentable noyse and cry∣ing, or for that they thought so long as they had such women aboorde with them (whom they had abused so long) God would not ceasse the rage of the tempest.

But it shoulde appeare this tempest was ge∣nerall, for where the Spanish and Frenche fleetes were abroade the same time, being assembled to∣gither to annoy the coastes of this lande, theyr Shippes were likewise tossed and turm•…•…yled, so as no smal number of them were lost, in somuch, that the domage which they susteyned, was thou∣ght farre to passe that which happened to y^e eng∣lish nauie.

Thys yeare about Christmas, Sir William de Montacute Earle of Salisburie,* 1.61 after he had remayned a twelue monethes space at Calaice, the Kyngs Lieutenante there, was called home, and Sir Iohn Deueroux,* 1.62 a ryghte valiaunte Knighte, and an olde man of warre, was sente thither in his place.

Also, Sir Iohn Harleston was called home from Chierburgh, and sir William Windeshore a noble Knight, was sent thither, to be Captaine of that fortresse.

After the Epiphanie, was a Parliament cal∣led at London, whiche continued till the begyn∣ning of the Calendes of Marche.

Whereas the yeare before, there had bene cer∣taine, Byshoppes, Earles, Barons, and Iustices appointed, to haue y^e gouernemēt and ru•…•…e about the Kyng, now at the request of the Lordes and

commons in this Parliament assembled, y^e Lord Thomas Beauchampe Erle of Warwike,* 1.63 was chosen to remayne continually with the Kyng, as chief gouernour, both of his person, and to giue aunswere to all straungers that should come hy∣ther about any businesse whatsoeuer, and further to haue the rule and order of all things, in lieu of those that were chosen thereto before: it was per∣ceyued that they had sought to enrich thēselues, & had done little, to the aduancemēt of the kings [ 10] honor, or state of the common wealth, but rather emptied the Kings cofers.

In this Parliamente also, the Lord Richarde Scrope gaue ouer the office of Chancellor, and Simon Sudbury Archbyshop of Caunte•…•… tooke it vpon him.* 1.64

In this Parliament was graunted a te•…•… the Cleargie, and a fiftenth by the laytie, with •…•…∣dition that from henceforth, to witte, from y^e •…•…∣lends of Marche, vnto the feast of Saint Micha∣ell, which then shoulde be in the yeare .1381. there shoulde be no more Parliamentes, but thys con∣dition was not performed, as after it appea∣red.

In the Octaues of Easter,* 1.65 the Lord Val•…•… Earle of Saint Paule, married the Kings ha•…•… sister, the Lady Ioane de Courtney: the solem•…•…∣zation of this mariage, was holden at Windsor,

[illustration]

with great triumphing.

The Princesse that was mother to the bride, was greatly against the marriage, but the bryde hir selfe had suche a liking to the Earle, that the King was contented that they should match to∣gither, and set him free of his raunsome, whyche [ 40] he should haue paide, for that hee hadde bin taken prisoner in the marches of Caleis, and further, gaue with his sister by way of endowmente, the Towneship and manor of Byfleete.

* 1.66The seuenth of Iune, a combate was foughte before the Kings palace at Westminster, on the pauement there, betwixte one sir Iohn Annesley knight, and one Thomas Katrington Esquier.

The occasion of this straunge and notable triall rose hereof. The knight accused the Esquier [ 50] of treason, for that where the fortresse of Sainte Sauiour within the Isle of Cōstantine in Nor∣mandie, belonging sometime to Sir Iohn Chā∣dos, had bin committed to the said Katrington, as Captayne thereof, to keepe it againste the e∣nimies, he hadde for money solde and deliuered it ouer to the Frenchmen, where he was sufficient∣ly prouided, of men, munition and vittayles, to haue defended it against them: And sith the inhe∣ritaunce of that fortresse and land•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereto, had apperteyned to the saide Annesley in righte of his, wife, as neerest cousin by •…•…itie vnto Sir Iohn Chandos, if by the false co•…•…∣ance of the said Katrington, it had not hi•…•… ma•…•… away, and alienated into the enimies hands, hee offered therefore to trie the quarrell by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the saide Katrington; wherevpon was the same Katrington apprehended, and 〈…〉〈…〉 prison, but shortly after set at libertie againe.

Whilest the Duke of Lancaster during the time that his father King Edward lay in hys last sicknesse, did in al things what liked 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and so at the contemplation of the Lord Latimer as was thought, hee releassed Katrington for the time, so that Sir Iohn Annesley could not come to the effect of his sute in all the meane time, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nowe. Such as feared to be charged with the like offences, stayed the matter, till at length, by the opinion of true and auntiente Knightes, •…•…t was defyned,* 1.67 that for such a foraine controuersie that hadde not risen within the limmit•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Realme, but touched possession of thynges on

the further side the sea, it was lawfull to haue it tryed by battayle, if the cause were firste noti∣fied to the Connestable and Marshall of the realme, and that the combate was accepted by the parties.

Herevpon was the day and place appoynted, and all things prouided readie, with lystes rayled and made so substantially, as if the same shoulde haue endured for euer. The concourse of people that came to Lōdon to see this tried, was thought [ 10] to exceede that of the kings coronation, so desy∣rous men were to beholde a sight so straunge and vnaccustomed.

The King and his Nobles, and all the peo∣ple beeing come togyther in the morning of the day appoynted, to the place where the lystes were set vp,* 1.68 the knight beeing armed and mounted on a fayre courser seemely trapped, entereth first as appellant, staying till his aduersarie the defendant should come. And shortly after was the Esquier [ 20] called to defende his cause, in this fourme: Tho∣mas Katrington defendant, come and appeare to saue the action, for whiche sir Iohn Annesley▪ Knight and appellant hath publiquely & by wry∣ting appelled thee: He being thus called thrise•…•…y an Herault at armes, at the thirde call hee com∣meth armed likewise, and ryding on a Courser trapped with Trappes embrodered with his armes.

At his approching to the lystes he alyght from [ 40] his horse, least according to the lawe of armes the Conestable shoulde haue chalenged the horse if he had entered within the lystes, but his shifting no∣thing auayled him, for the horse after hys maister was alyght beside him, ranne vp and downe by the rayles,* 1.69 nowe thrusting his heade ouer, and nowe both heade and breast, to that the Earle of Buckingham, bycause he was highe Conestable of Englande, claymed the Horse afterwardes, swearing that hee woulde haue so much of hym [ 30] as had appeared ouer the ray•…•…s, and so the horse was adiudged vnto him.

But now to the matter of the combate (for this chalenge of the Horse was made after) as soone as the Esquier was come wythin the lysts the Indenture was brought forth by the Mar∣shall and Conestable, which had •…•…eene made and sealed before them, with consent of the partyes, in which were conteyned the Articles exhibited by the knight agaynst the Esquier, and there the [ 50] same was read afore all the assemble.

The Esquier whose conscience was thought not to be cleare, but rather guiltie, went about to make exceptions, that his cause by some meanes might haue seemed the sound•…•…e. But the Duke of Lancaster hearing him so staye at the mat•…•…er, •…•…ware, that except according to the conditions of the combate, and the lawe of armes, hee woulde admit all things in the Indentures comprysed, that were not made without his owne consent, he shoulde as guiltie of the treason forthwith be had forth to execution.

The Duke with those wordes wanne greate commendation, and auoyded no small suspition that had beene conceyued of him, as partiall in the Esquires cause. The Esquier hearing this, sayd, that he durst fight with the knight, not onely in those poyntes, but in all other in the worlde what soeuer the same might be: For he trusted more to his strength of bodie, and fauour of his friendes, than in the cause whiche he had taken vpon hym to defende. Hee was in deede a mightie man of stature, where the knight among those that were of a meane stature was one of the least.

Friendes to the Esquier in whom he had great affyance to be borne out through their assystance, were the Lordes Latimer, and Basset, wyth o∣ther.

Before they entred battaile, they tooke an othe, as well the knight as the Esquier, that the cause in which they were to fight, was true, and that they delt with no witche craft, nor arte Magicke whereby they •…•…ughe obteyne the victorie of their aduersarie, for had about the any herb or stone or other kind of experiment with which Magicians vse, to triumph ouer theyr enimies. This othe re∣ceyued of eyther of them, and there with ha•…•…g made their prayers deuoutly, they begin the bat∣tayle, first with speares, after with swordes, and lastly with daggers.

[illustration]

They •…•…ght long, 〈…〉〈…〉 the knight had bereft the esquier of all his weapons,* 1.70 〈…〉〈…〉 length 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Esquier 〈…〉〈…〉 ouerthrowne by the knight: but as the knight woulde haue fallen vp∣pon the Esquier, through 〈…〉〈…〉 downe by his helmet, his sighte was H•…•…d, so that thinking to fall vpon the Esquires, hee fell downe side•…•…ing himselfe, not comming more to the Es∣quier, wh•…•… •…•…y•…•…g what had happened, al∣though he 〈…〉〈…〉 come with long figh∣ting,

made to the knight, and threw himselfe vp∣on him, so that many thought the knight shoulde haue beene ouercome: other doubted not but that the knight woulde recouer his feete againe, and get the victorie of his aduersarie.

The king in the meane tyme caused it to bee proclaymed that they shoulde stay, and that the knight shoulde be raysed vp from the ground, and so ment to take vp the matter betwixt them.

To be short, such were sent as should take vp [ 10] the Esquier, but comming to the knight, hee be∣sought them, that it might please the king to per∣mit them to lie still, for he thanked God hee was well, and mistrusted not to obteyne the victorie, if the Esquier might be layde vpon him, in maner as he was earst.

Finally, when it woulde not bee so graun∣ted, hee was contented to be raysed vp, and was no sooner set on his feete, but hee cheerefully went to the King, without any mans helpe, where the [ 20] Esquier coulde neyther stand nor go without the helpe of two men to holde him vp, and therefore was set in his Chaire to take his ease, to see if hee might recouer his strength.

The knight at his comming before the king, besought him and his nobles, to graunt him so much, that hee might bee eftsoones layde on the ground as before, and the Esquier to be layd aloft vpō him, for the knight perceyued that the esquire through excessiue heate, and the weight of his ar∣mor, [ 30] did maruellously faint, so as his spirits were in maner taken from him. The king and the no∣bles perceyuing the knight so couragiously to de∣maund to trie the battel forth to the vtterance, of∣fring great summes of money, that so it might be done, decreed that they should be restored again to the same plight in which they lay whē they were raised vp: but in the meane time the esquier fain∣ting,* 1.71 and falling down in a swoune, fel out of his chaire as one y^t was like to yeeld vp his last breth [ 40] presently among thē. Those that stood about him cast wine and water vpō him, seeking so to bring him againe, but all would not serue, till they had plucked off his armor, & his whole apparel, which thing proued the knight to be vanquisher,* 1.72 and the esquier to be vanquished.

After a little time the esquire began to come to himself, and lifting vp his eyes, began to holde vp his hed, & to cast a gastly looke on euery one about him: which when it was reported to the knight, he [ 50] commeth to him armed as he was (for he had put off no peece since the beginning of the fight) and speaking to him, called him traitor, and false per∣iured man, asking of him if he durst trie the battel with him againe: but the Esquier hauing neither sense nor spirite whereby to make answere, Pro∣clamation was made that the battell was ended, and euery one might go to his lodging.

The esquier immediately after he was brought to his lodging, and layde in bed, beganne to •…•…¦raging woode, and so continuing still out of hys wittes, about nine of the clocke the next day hee yeelded vp the ghost.

This combate was fought (as before ye haue heard) the vij. of Iune, to the great reioysing of the cōmon people, and discoragement of traytours.

About the same time, or rather somewhat be∣fore, the Lorde Oliuer de Clisson with a number of shippes and gallies of Fraunce and Spayne, tooke the Sea, and comming on the coast of Englande, landed in dyuerse places of the w•…•…st Countrey, and also in the South parts, spoyling and burning sundrie townes, taking such shippes and vesselles as they myght lay holde vpon,* 1.73 and so continued to endomage the Englishe people that inhabited neare to the sea side, all that Som∣mer following.

In the beginning of the fourth yeare of thys king,* 1.74 Thomas of Woodstocke Erle of Bucking∣ham, vncle to the king, with an armie of .vij. or viij.M. men of armes, and archers, was sent ouer to Calais, that he might inuade France, and passe through the same to come into Britaine vnto the ayde of the Duke there.* 1.75 You haue heard how the French king had seased into his handes the more part of the Duchie of Brytaine, bycause that the Duke hadde ioyned himselfe in league with the king of Englande: but yet there were dyuerse of the good townes, and also many of the Barons and Nobles of the Countrey whiche kept them∣selues as neuters a long season, but at length, longing to see the returne of theyr naturall Lord and duke, sent vnto him into England, requiring him to repaire home, and to see to the quieting of the troubled state of his Countrey.

The Duke beeing thus earnestly desyred to returne home, by the aduice of the king of Eng∣land and his counsaile graunted to theyr request, that had so instantly required him, both by letters and sufficient Messengers: whervpon he tooke the Sea, and sayling forth, arryued in Brytaine, ha∣uing with him sir Robert Knolles, and a certaine number of Englishmen, both armed men and ar∣chers (as before ye haue heard.)

The K. also promised to send him a new sup∣ply very shortly, whiche was not forgotten: but fortune was so contrarie, that sir Iohn Arundell generall of those that were sent, and many of hys companie, were drowned by force of tempest, and the other driuen backe againe into England (as before ye haue heard.) In the meane time, though the Duke of Brytaine with ayde of his subiectes, did manfully defend his townes & coūtry against the Frenchmen, yet he was in doubt to be oppres∣sed by the great puissaunce of the Frenchmen, of ayde came not the sooner. Which being signif•…•…d

ouer into Englande, moued the king and hys counsaile to appoynt the Earle of Buckingham to take vpon him this voyage. He landed at Ca∣lais three dayes before the feast of Marie Mag∣dalene.

There went ouer with him in that armie, the Earles of Scafford, and Deuonshire, the Lorde Spencer Conestable of the hoste, the Lorde Fitz Water Marshall, the Lorde Basset, the Lorde Bourchier, the Lorde Farreis▪ the Lorde Mor∣ley, [ 10] the Lorde Darcie, sir William Windsore, sir Hugh Caluerley, sir Hugh Hastings sir Hugh de la Sente, Sir Thomas Percye, Sir Tho∣mas Triuet, sir Hugh Tirell, sir William Fee∣rington, sir Iohn, & sir Nicolas Daubriticourt, Thomas Cantois, Raufe Neuill, sonne to the Lord Neuill, sir Henrie basterd Ferrers, sir Hugh Broe, sir Geffrey Woursley, sir William Clin∣ton, sir I•…•…on Fitz Warren, and diuerse other.

After they had rested them at Calais two [ 20] dayes, they remoued the thirde day oute of the towne, and came to Marqueignes, where they remayned three dayes, till all their companie, ca∣riages, and prouisions, were come to them oute of Calais: From thence they remoued and came before Arde,* 1.76 where the Earle of Buckingham made knightes, these that follow: the Earle of Deuonshire, the Lorde Morley, the sonne of the Lord Fitz Water, sir Roger Straunge, sir Iohn Iyre, sir Iohn Colle, sir Iames Tyrell, sir Tho∣mas [ 30] Ramston, sir Iohn Neuill, and sir Tho∣mas Ros, or Rosley, as some copies haue. These persons were made knightes bycause they went in the •…•…owarde, which was sent to win a strong house called Follant, which the owner had forti∣fied against them. But though he defended him∣selfe manfully for a time, yet in the ende both hee and all his companie were taken prisoners.

After this, the Duke passed by Saint Omers, shewing himselfe afore it like a mile off, with hys [ 40] host in order of battail, aloft vpon a Mountaine. Some of the English men rode to the barriers, requiring that some of them within would come forth, and break slaues with them, but they could not be answered.

* 1.77The same day that the English menne thus came before Saint Omers, the Earle of Buc∣kingham made again newe knights, as sir Rauf Neuill, sir Bartilmew Bourchier, sir Thomas Camois, sir Foulke Corbet, sir Thomas Dang∣lure, [ 50] sir Rauf Petipas, sir Lewes Saint Albine, and sir Iohn Pauley, or rather Paulet.

These Englishmen rode through the Coun∣trey, demaunding iustes and deedes of armes, but they coulde not bee answered.* 1.78 In deede the townes of the frontiers were wel replenished and stuffed with men of warre, and still were the Englishmen coasted, but they kept themselues so close togither, withoute breaking theyr order, that theyr enimies coulde finde them at none ad∣uauntage.

They passed by Tyrwine, and by Betwyn, where they lodged one day. They made but easy iourneis, and seemed to requyre nothing but bat∣taile. They passed by Arras, by Myramont, and so to Clerye on the water of Some, and taried there three dayes, and in other places aboute in that Countrey.

The fourth day they dislodged, and drew to∣wardes Cambray, and so to Saint Quintines, and after vp towardes Reimes.

They founde little riches, and small store of vitayles abrode in the Countrey, for the French king had abandoned al to his men of warre, who eyther wasted or conueyed all things of any va∣lue into the fortresses and walled townes.

The Englishe men therefore sent to them of Reymes, requiring to haue some vyttaile sent to the host, for the which they would spare the coū∣trey from wasting: but they of Reymes woulde not consent herevnto. Whervpō the Englishmen began to light them such Candels, as their eyes within the Citie ached to behold the same a farre of. Moreouer the Englishmen approched so nere to the walles & ditches of the citie, y^t they brought away .xx. thousand head of cattell, which the Ci∣tizens had gotten within the compasse of theyr ditches, and further sent to thē within,* 1.79 that if they would not send bread and wine forth to vyttaile the host, in that behalfe they would burne al their corne, for doubt wherof, the Citizens sent forth to the host six Charets, laden with as much breade and wine as they might carie.

Thus was their corne saued from destruction, and the English men by soft and easie iourneys drewe towardes the Citie of Trois, in the which was the Duke of Burgoine, with the Dukes of Burbon and Bar, the Earle of Ewe, the Lorde Coucie, sir Iohn de Vienne high Admyrall of Fraunce, and a great nūber of other of the French nobilitie.

They had made a Bastide without the town able to receyue a thousand men of armes: b•…•… vp∣pon the English mens approche to assault it, they did forsake that strength,* 1.80 and withdrewe to the towne. Sir Thomas Triuet was here made a Banaret. Also there were certaine new knights made, as Sir Peter Berton, sir Iohn, and Sir Thomas Pauley, or Paulet,* 1.81 sir Iohn Stingu∣ley, sir Thomas Dortingues, sir Iohn Vasseco•…•…, sir Thomas Braysey. Sir Iohn Brauin, Sir Henrie Vernier, Sir Iohn Coleuile, Sir Wil∣liam Euerat, Sir Nicholas Stinguley,* 1.82 and sir Hugh Lunie.

The English host perceiuing the Frenchmen to withdraw into the towne, drew togither, and

stoode in order of battayle, for the space of two houres, and then returned to their lodgings. The next day they remoued to Mailleroies le Vicount nere to Sens, and there they remained two dayes and after drew into Gastinois, & so into Bcause. They were coasted all the way by a great power of men of warre, as many or more in number, as they were themselues, but the French king being a politique prince, wisely considered what losses the realme of Fraunce had susteyned afore tyme, [ 10] by giuing battaile to the Englishmen, & therefore was fully resolued,* 1.83 that in no wise he would giue licence to his people to fight with the Earle of Buckingham, but thought better (as he had ler∣ned by good experience) to keepe his townes close agaynst his enimies, and so in the ende to wea∣rie them, than by giuing battaile to put things in hazard, whereas hee knewe they coulde not take from him his Countreys by this kinde of warre, though they sore endomaged the same for a time. [ 20]

There chaunced many small skirmished a∣mongest those that made forth to discouer the countrey, but no notable encounter at all. For the Englishmen in those dayes were cattes, not to be catched without Myttens, as Iacob Meir is one place sayth, and againe the French men were as ware howe they aduentured to come neere them. Onely they sought how to enclose them vp in the Countrey, and to famishe them that they might then fight wth them at some great aduan∣tage, but still the Englishe host passed forwarde, holding on theyr voyage towardes Brytaine by Vandosme, Pont Volayne, and so ouer the ri∣uer of Sartre.

In this meane while the French king Charles the fifth was taken with a sore sicknesse,* 1.84 whereof he departed this life the same day that the Eng∣lish army passed ouer the riuer of Sartre, whiche was on the .xxvj. of September, his brethren the dukes of Anion, Berry, Burbon, and Burgoine

[illustration]

were at Paris with him at the houre of his death [ 40] where as a little before they had bin abrode in the Countrey with their powers, to defend the cities and townes of importance against the Englishe men, and ment indeede if they could haue espyed their aduauntage, and gotten licence thereto of the king, to haue giuen their enimyes battaile. But nowe they were otherwise occupied. How∣beit they had left their men abrode in the countrey to coast the Englishmen as they had done before. All the French power was assembled in the Citie [ 50] of Mans, vnder the leading of the duke of Bar, y^e Lord Coucie, and others.

* 1.85In this meane while that the Earle of Buc∣kingham was passing through the Realme of Fraunce, the French and Spanishe gallies did much mischief on the coast of England: but about the latter ende of Iune, by a fleete of Englishmen of the west countreyes, part of them were forced to retyre, and take herbrough in an hauen in Ire∣lande called Kingsale,* 1.86 where beeing assayled of the Englishe menne and Irish menne, they were vanquished, so that to the number of foure hun∣dred of them were slaine, and their chiefe Cap∣taynes taken, as Gonsalue de Verse, and hys brother Iohn Martyn de Motrigo, Turgo Lorde of Morants. Also the Lorde of Reyth, Peers Martyn of Vermewe, Iohn Modite of Vermew the Seneshal of Wargarie, the Sene∣shal of S. Andrew, Cornelius of S. Sebastians, Pascale de Biskey, Iohn Martinis, Sopogorge of S. Sebastiano, and diuerse other.

There were taken foure of their Barges, with a Ballenger, and .xxj. English vessels recouered, which they had robbed and taken away from the owners. There escaped yet foure of their notable captains frō the hāds of our mē, Martin Grantz, Iohn Perys Montago, Iohn Husce de Gitario,

and one Garcias of S. Sebastiano, so that the malice of those robbers ceassed not. For they with the French Gallyes still lying on the Seas, when they espyed any aduauntage woulde lande theyr people, and doe what myschiefe they coulde in ta∣king prayes,* 1.87 and burning townes and villages, although nowe and then they came short to their vessels againe, losing somtimes an hundred, som∣tymes .lxxx. that were ouertaken by the Englishe men that came forth against them: but among o∣ther [ 10] inuasions which they made this sommer on the coastes, we finde that they burnt the towne of Winchelsey,* 1.88 & put the Abbot of battall to flight with his people, comming to succor that towne, and tooke one of his Monks that was there in ar∣mor with the Abbot.

Some write also, that they burnt Rie, Hastings,, and Portesmouth. Finally, their bold∣nesse so farre encreased, that in August they en∣tring with their gallies into y^e riuer of Thames, [ 20] came vp to Grauesend, where they burnt the most part of the towne,* 1.89 and on the other side of the ry∣uer, aswell in Essex as Kent, they burnt & spoyled diuerse places, and with their prisoners & booties returned withoute receyuing any hurt, bringyng with them into Fraunce, both riche spoyles and good prisoners.

But to returne to the Erle of Buckingham where we left. The English army drew stil to∣wards [ 30] Brytaine, but with so small doubt of their aduersaries, y^t they lay three or foure days some∣times still in one place. At their approching to the marches of Brytain,* 1.90 they came to Vytry a town situate at the first entring into that Countrey, and from thence went to Chateau Briant, and there rested, whither came to thē certaine knights sent from the Duke of Brytayne, whiche signi∣fied to the Earle of Buckingham, what the Dukes meaning was. In deede by the death of [ 40] the French king, the Dukes malice was great∣ly abated towarde the Frenchmen, so that hee had not much passed if the Englishmen had beene at home againe.

Moreouer his townes were not determined to receyue the Englishe men, as enimies to the crowne of Fraunce: so that he was in a perplexity how to order his businesse. At lēgth to shew him∣selfe a stedfast friend to the Englishmē, & one that was no chaungeling, he determined by their sup∣port, [ 50] to force all those to allow the league whiche he had established with the Englishmen, whiche had denyed to beare armour agaynst the crowne of Fraunce.

And fyrst bycause they of Nauntes were the ringleaders of that rebellious demeanour, he ap∣poynted fyrst to besiege theyr Citie.* 1.91 They ha∣uing knowledge thereof, sente into Fraunce for ayde.

The Dukes of Anion, Berry, Burgoigne, and Burbon, brethren to the late King, and vn∣cle to his sonne the yong king, hauing the gouer∣naunce of the Realme vnder him, sent sixe hun∣dred Speares with all speede to strengthen them of Nauntes, whiche defended the Citie in suche wise from the puyssaunce of the Englishe men which enuironed the same wyth a strong siege, that in the ende bycause the Duke came not to them (according to his promise) the siege was raysed, the morrowe after New yeares day,* 1.92 two Monethes and foure dayes after the same was first layde.

The Duke of Brytayne woulde gladly haue come to the siege of Nauntes, in strengthning of the English host, but he could not perswade hys Lordes to ayde hym in any such enterprise. And therefore now that the Erle of Buckingham, had broken vp his siege, he caused him to be lodged in the Citie of Vannes, and his men abrode in the Countrey, some here, and some there, acquiting himselfe as well towardes them as he might: but surely the hearts of the Britains were wōderful∣ly changed, & in no wise would cōsent to haue a∣ny warre with the Frenchmen, if any reasonable peace might be cōcluded. For many that hated y^e father, bare good will & heartie loue towardes the sonne, whose yong yeares and great towardnesse, allured the heartes of manye to wishe him well. Herevpon was mean made for a peace,* 1.93 which by the duke of Aniou his consent, who bare the grea∣test rule in Fraunce in that season a final accord was made, betwixt the yong king and the Duke of Brytaine, so that the Duke shoulde come and do his homage vnto the French king,* 1.94 and sweare to be true and faythfull vnto him. Also that hee should rid the Englishmen out of his Countrey, and helpe them with shippes and vessels to trans∣port them home into Englande.

The Earle of Buckingham when he vnder∣stood of this peace, was not a little displeased in his minde, considering that the Duke of Bry∣taine had delt so vniustly with him, and hys ne∣phew the king of Englande. But the duke styll excused him by his subiects, as though if hee had not thus agreed, he shoulde haue bene in daunger to haue loste his heritage of that Countrey. Fi∣nally, the Earle after he had shippes prouided for his passage, the .xj. of Aprill departed out of Van∣nes, and went to the hauen where hys Shippes lay, and so went abourde in lyke maner as other of his men did from other Hanens, and shortly after (when the wind serued) tooke the sea,* 1.95 and re∣turned into Englande, sore displeased with the duke of Britaine, for his great vntruth & dissimu∣lation (as he tooke it) notwithstanding all excuses to cloke the matter by him alledged.

Whilest the Englishmen were thus occupied

in warres agaynst the Frenchmen (as before ye haue heard) the Scots could not rest in quiet, but in reuenge for a ship, which the townesmē of new Castell and Hull had taken on the sea, knowing them to be pyrates, determined to doe what mis∣chiefe they coulde vnto the English borders: for the losse of that ship grieued them, bycause it was esteemed to be very rich, the goods that 〈…〉〈…〉 being valued to .vij. thousand Marks. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Scottes entring by the west borders, •…•…e and spoyle the Countreys of Westmerland and Cumberlande, and comming into the forrest of Inglewood, they take away with them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 number of beastes and cattel, that they were we∣kened

[illustration]

to .xl.M. heades of one and other:* 1.96 besides this, they cruelly slue all such as they coulde lay handes vpon, and burnt vp all the townes, villa∣ges, and houses as they passed: and not content [ 30] herewith, they stale vpon the towne of Penreth, when the fayre was kept there, sleaing, taking, & chasing away the people, and after gathering to∣gyther all the goodes and ryches there found, toke it away with them, whereof there was such plen∣tie, as might haue satisfied the couetous desire of a most greedie armie.

They returned by Carleil, but bearing that there were gotten into it a great number of men out of the Countreyes adioyning, they durste [ 40] not staye to make anye attempt agaynste that towne, but compassed theyr way to escape with theyr booties home into theyr Countrey, whiche they did, although they lost some of theyr compa∣nie as they passed by an embushment of certaine archers of Westmerlande and Cumberland, that were layd for them, of purpose. When the Earle of Northumberland woulde haue gone forth to reuenge those iniuries done to the Countrey by the Scots, he was written to from the king and [ 50] his counsaile, to forbeare till the day of truce, at what time it might be known what was further to be done in the matter.

* 1.97About Michaelmas, the Duke of Lancaster, the Erles of Warwike, and Stafforde, with o∣ther Lordes and men of honour, hauing with thē a great power of Souldiers and men of warre, went into the North parties, and cōming to the borders, they lay there till they had consumed no small summes of money, & endomaged the coun∣try as much as if the Scottish army had inuaded the same. The good they did, was that after long treatie with the Scottish Cōmissioners a •…•…ruce was agreed vpon till Easter folowing, which be∣ing concluded, they returned home without any more adoe. For the space of halfe a score yeares togither nowe last past,* 1.98 the Englishe men euerie yere had one or two such treaties with the Scots about the incursions and roades which they yere∣ly made into the English borders, sore endoma∣ging the inhabitants of those north partes of the realme, notwithstanding any truce or abstinence of warre that might be cōcluded. Whilest the ar∣mie (as ye haue heard) lay idle in the north partes, there were certaine letters founde by a poore man about London, who deliuered them vnto y^e wor∣thy Citizen Iohn Philpot,* 1.99 who calling vnto him certain other worshipfull Citizens, opened one of thē, in which was conteyned matter of high trea∣son: and perceyuing by the seale that it belonged vnto sir Raufe Ferrers knight, one of the kings priuie counsail, deliuered that letter with foure o∣ther letters closed with the same seale, first to the Lord Chancellor, and after to the king, the which being read, and the seale knowne to be the sayd sir Rauf Ferrers his seale, many greatly maruelled that so auncient a knight, & one in whom so great trust was put, should go about any such treasons. One of the letters was directed to sir Bertram de Claikin, an other to the lord de la Riuer, & cham∣berlaine

of France, an other to the Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and another to the patrone of the gallies, and to the captaine of the armie of Frenchmen & Span∣yardes, which at the same time wafting alongst the coastes, did much hurt in diuerse places of the lande. Forthwith the sayde Philpot and others were sent in post frou•…•… the king to the Duke of Lancaster, that forsomuch as the sayd sir Raufe Ferrers was then in the north partes with hym, intreating with the Scottes, he should arrest him [ 10] and put him in safe keeping, which commaunde∣ment the Duke did accomplish, and committed him to be safely kept in the Castell, of D•…•…, but shortly after in the ne•…•… Parliament he was set at libertie, foure Barons being bound for hys forth comming, till time that he might more eui∣dently declare his innocence.

* 1.100About the feast of S. Martyn, was a Parlia∣ment holden at Northampton to the more trou∣ble of them that came to it bycause in that season [ 20] of the yere they were constrayned to come, where there was no store of fewell to make them fiers: and beside that, lodgings were very straite for •…•…o great a multitude. But the cause that moued the Counsaile to appoynte this Parliament there, was to the ende that they might the more surely proceede to the tryall of Iohn Kirkeby a Citizen of London,* 1.101 that had murthered the Genewais (as before ye haue heard) which Kirkby was condem∣ned at this Parliament, and drawne and hanged [ 30] in sight of the Lōdoners that were come thither, which execution if it shoulde haue bene done at London, the Lordes doubted least some tumult might haue beene raysed by the Citizens, who were reckened in those dayes verie rashe and pre∣sumptuous in their doings.

* 1.102But nowe to the effect of this Parliament. There was a new and straunge subsidie or taske graunted to be leuyed to the kings vse, and to∣wardes the charges of this armie that went ouer [ 40] into Fraunce with the Earle of Buckingham, to witte of euerie priest secular or regular sixe shil∣lings .viij. pens and as much of euery Nunne, and of euery man & woman maried, or not ma∣ried,* 1.103 beeing .xvj. yeares of age (beggers certainly knowne onely excepted) foure pens for euery one. Great grudging and many a bitter curse follo∣wed about the leuying of this money, and muche mischief rose thereof, as after it appeared.

* 1.104In this fourth yere of king Richards raigne, [ 50] immediately after Christmasse. Thomas Bran∣tingham Bishop of Exeter and Lord Treasorer, was discharged of hys office of Treasorershippe, and Sir Robert Hales, Lord of S. Iohns was aduaunced in his place, a right noble and manly knight, but not beloued of the Commons.

* 1.105About this time, did Iohn Wiclife chiefly set forth his opinion touching the Sacrament of the •…•…ulta•…•…, denying the doctrine of transubstantia∣tion, and that it ought not in any wise to be wor∣shipped in such sort as the Church of Rome then did teach.

There were Aufl•…•…don•…•…s sent into Ger∣manie, ma•…•…, to •…•…te with the Emperour for a mary∣age to be as, betwixt the king of Englande, and the Emperors sister.

About the beginning of March they returned, bringing with them the Cardinall, intituled of Saint P•…•…a•…•…d•…•…, and the duke of Ta•…•…ia, & other nobles that came frō the Emperor, to •…•…eat with the king & his counsaile about the same mariage.

This Cardinal whithe•…•… he passed the bounds of his commission and authoritie to him graun∣ted by the Pope (as sou•…•… write) or whether hee was furnished with such 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.106 he was verye liberall in bestowing of •…•…drdde, to all suche as would come wit•…•… •…•… Indulgeners which the Pope had vsed only 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for himselfe to best•…•… this man graunted the same liberally, both Bic•…•…nals, and Triemals.* 1.107 He gaue also let∣ters co•…•…fos•…•…ionall, to all those that would pay for them, admitting aswell •…•…ced men as other, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Popes chaplaines.* 1.108 He made notaries for money, and denied not Au•…•…ers por•…•…anu•…•… to any that woulde pay for them. Hee receyued fortie poundes besides other giftes of the Monkes of the Eisteaux order, to graunt to them a generall ly∣ce•…•… to eate flesh indifferently, as well abrode, as they had bene accustomed to doe at home within their Monasteries.

To those that were excommunicate he gaue absolution: those that had vowed to goe in Pyl∣grimage to Rome, to the holy lande, or to Saint Iames, he would not first release them, till he had receyued so muche money, according to the true valuation, as they should haue spent in their ior∣neyes: and to be briefe, nothing coulde be asked, but for money he was readie to graunt it.

And when he was requested to shew by what power hee did all these things, wyth great indig∣nation hee answered, that hee woulde let them vnderstande at Rome, if they woulde needes knowe the authoritie which hee had. At length, his Males were so filled with syluer, that his ser∣uants disdeyned to make them any answere, ex∣cept they brought golde, saying bring vs golde, for we are full of your siluer: but at his departure he tooke all away with him, both golde and siluer in such abundance as was marueylous.

But now to returne to other matters concer∣ning the state of the realme. After the returne of the Erle of Buckingham, it was ordeined by ad∣uice of coūsail, that the duke of Lancaster shoulde eftsoones go as ambassador frō K. R•…•… into Scot∣lād, to see if he might renue the truce (which short∣ly would haue bin expired) for three yeres longer.

Also whereas there was variaunce and open warre mainteyned, betwixt Iohn king of Ca∣stille, and Iohn king of Portingale, the Earle of Cambridge,* 1.109 the Lord William de Beauchamp, the Lorde Botreux, and sir Mathew Gourney, were sent into Portingale with fiue .C. armed men, and fiue hundred archers to ayd the king of Portingale against y^e K. of Castille, which was sonne to the basterde Henrie: for the Duke of Lancaster reioyced greatly that hee might haue [ 10] such a friende as the king of Portingale to ioyne with him in ayde agaynst the king of Castille, meaning as soone as oportunity woulde serue, to goe ouer with an armie to chalenge his right, and pursue his clayme to the crowne of Castille and Leon, agaynst the vsurper, in ryght of hys wyfe Queene Constance, eldest daughter to the late lawfull king Peter, whome Henrie the ba∣starde (as before ye haue heard) did still persecute, till he had bereft from him both his life and king∣dome. [ 20] It was ment therefore that if the Duke of Lancaster coulde compasse his purpose, for the whiche he went at that tyme into Scotlande, to the honour of the king and Realme, then shoulde be shortly after follow his brother of Cambridge with a greate power, to trie what chaunce God woulde sende vnto him, agaynst his aduersarie the King of Castile. But in the meane tyme o∣ther incidents fell within the realme in the fourth yeare of king Richarde, sore to the disquieting of [ 30] the same, and vtter disappoynting for that tyme of the duke of Lancasters intent.

The commons of the realme sore repining, not onely for the pole grotes that were demaunded of them, by reason of the graunt made in Parlia∣ment (as ye haue heard) but also (as some write) for that they were sore oppressed as they tooke the matter,* 1.110 by theyr land Lordes, that demaunded of them theyr auncient customes and seruices, set on by some diuelishe instinct and perswasion of [ 40] theyr owne beastly intentions, as men not con∣tent with the state wherevnto they were called, rose in diuerse parts of this realm, and assembled togither in companies, purposing to enforce the Prince to make them free, and to release them of all seruitude,* 1.111 whereby they stoode as bondmen to their Lordes and superiors.

Where this rebellion of the Cōmons first be∣gan diuerse haue written dyuersly. One Author writeth, that as be learned by one that was not [ 50] farre frō the place at that time,* 1.112 the first beginning shoulde be at Dertford in Kent: For when those pole shillings, or rather as other haue, pole grotes, were to bee collected, no small murmuring cur∣sing, and repyning among the common people, rose aboute the same, and the more in deede, through the lewde demeanour of some vndis∣creete officers, that were assigned to the gathe∣ring thereof, 〈…〉〈…〉 one of 〈…〉〈…〉 bring appoynted to gather •…•…pp•…•… that 〈…〉〈…〉 Der•…•…ord aforesayde, came to y^e •…•…use 〈…〉〈…〉 Tyle•…•…, that had both seruants in his 〈…〉〈…〉 faire yong mayde to his daughter. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore demaunding money for the sayde •…•…∣•…•…ee, and for his wife, his seruantes, and daughter, the wife being at home, & hir husband abrode it work•…•… in the towne, made aunswere that hyr daughter was not of age, and therefore she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to pay for hir.

Now here is to be •…•…ed, that this mony 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in common speech said, to be due for all 〈…〉〈…〉 were vndergrowne, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that yong persons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 well of the man as of the woman •…•…ide, •…•…ing to the age of .xiiij. or .xv. yeares, haue commonly heare growing forth aboute those pr•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which for honesties sake nature hath taught vs to couer & kepe secrete. The o•…•…er therfore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣fled with the mothers excuse, said he would •…•…e whither hir daughter were of lawfull age or 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and therewith began to misuse the maye, & •…•…th further than honestie would haue permitted. The mother streight wayes made an •…•…u•…•…etie, so that hir husbande being in the towne at worke, & •…•…∣ring of this ado at his house, came running home with his latthing staffe in his hand, and beg•…•…nne to question with the officer, asking who made him so bolde to keepe suche a rule in his house▪ the officer beeing somewhat presumptuous, and highe minded, woulde forthwith haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon this Tyler, but the Tyler auoyding the of∣ficers blowe, taught him such a rappe on the pa•…•…, that his braynes flew out, & so presently he vsed.

Greate noyse rose aboute this matter in the streetes, and the poore folks being glad, euery man arrayed himselfe to supporte Iohn Tyler, and thus the commons drew togyther, and went to Maydstone, and from thence to blacke Heathe, where their number so encreased, that they were reckened to be .xxx. thousand. And the sayd Iohn Tyler tooke vpon him to be their chiefe captaine, naming himselfe Iacke Strawe.

Other write, y^t one Thomas Baker of Fob∣hinges was the first that procured y^e people thus to assemble togither: and that one of the kings seruants named Iohn Leg, with three of his fel∣lowes, practised to feele yong Maydes whe∣ther they were vndergrowne (as ye haue heard the officer did at Dertford) which dishonest and vn∣seemely kinde of dealing did set the people streight in such a rage & vprore, that they cared not what they did to be reuenged of such iniuries.

But Thomas Walsingham affyrmeth, that the first sparkes of this rebellion kindled in Essex,* 1.113 where the inhabitants of two townes only at the first that were the authors and first stirrers of all this mischief, did send vnto euery litle town about

that all maner of men, as well those that were a∣ged, as others that were in their lustiest time, and youthfull yeres, shoulde come to them with speed, setting all excuses apart, in their best array and furniture for warre, threatning to suche as came not, that their goodes should be spoyled, their hou∣ses burnt or cast downe, and they to lose theyr heades when they were taken. The terror of this threatning, caused the ignorant people to flock to them by heapes, leauing of al their businesse, let∣ting [ 10] plough and cart stand, forsaking wife, chil∣dren, & houses, so that in a short time there was a fiue .M. gotten togither of those commons & hus∣bandmen,* 1.114 of which number many were weapo∣ned onely with staues, some with rustie swordes and billes, & other with smokie bowes, more rud∣die than old Iuerie, not hauing past two or three arrowes, & the same happely with one feather a∣peece. Among a thousand of those kinde of per∣sons, ye should not haue seene one well armed: & [ 20] yet by reason of their multitude, when they were once got togither, they thought the whole realme had not bin able to resist thē: & to make their part the stronger, those Essex mē sent ouer into Kent, aduertising the people ther of their enterprice, and therfore willed them to make them ready to ioine with them for their obteyning of libertie and re∣forming of the euil customs of the realme. Whe∣ther the Kentishmen through perswasions of their neighbors of Essex, by occasion of that which had [ 30] chaunced at Dertford (as before ye haue heard) or as it may be, the same chancing at that self time, they being moued as wel by the one as the other, vp they got (as ye haue heard) and gathering their power out of the next quarters adioyning, by the like pollicie which had bin practised by the Essex men, they stirre vp the moste part of the country to ioyne with them, and forthwith stopping the way, that led to Canterburie, and arresting all such as passed by the same, they caused them to sweare that they should be true to king Richarde,* 1.115 and to the commons, and neuer to receyue anye king that shuld be called Iohn. And this was for the enuie which they bare to the duke of Lancaster Iohn of Gaunt, who in right of his wife Con∣stance, that was daughter to king Peter of Ca∣stille, did name hymselfe King of Castille.

Also they caused them to sweare that they should be readie to come to them whensoeuer they sent for them, and induce all their neighbours to take part with them. And further that they should neuer yeeld to any taxe to be leuied in the realm, except a fiftenth only. Thus it came to passe, that after it was spredde abrode what flurre these Es∣sex and Kentish men kept. The Commons also in the counties of Sussex, Hertford, Cambridge,* 1.116 Suffolke, and Norffolke, and other shires about bustled vp and ranne togither on heanes, so that the number of those vnruly people maruellously encreased, in suche wise as nowe they feare no re∣sistance,* 1.117 and therefore began to shewe pronse of those things which they had before conceyued in their mindes, beheading all such men of law, Iu∣stices, and Iurors, as they might catche, and lay

[illustration]

handes vppon, without all respect, pitie, or re∣morse of conscience, alledging that the lande coulde neuer enioy hir natiue and true libertie, till al those sortes of people wer dispatched out of the way.

* 1.118This talke liked well the eares of the cōmon vplādish people, & by the lesse cōueying the more, they purposed to burne and destroy all Recordes, euidences, Courtrolles, & other minuments, that the remēbrance of auncient matters being remo∣ued out of mind, their Landlords might not haue wherby to chalēge any right at their hāds. Their number stil encreased: for all such as were in debt or danger of law, for their misdemeaners and of∣fences,

came out of all coastes vnto them, so that when the Essex men, and other of the hither side the Thames, were passed ouer and ioyned wyth the Kentishmē,* 1.119 and those that were assembled on that side the riuer vpon Blackheath, they were esteemed to be an hundred thousande,* 1.120 hauing dy∣uerse captaines besides the sayde Iacke Strawe, as William Wraw, Wat Tyler, Iack Sheep∣hearde, Thom Miller, and Hob Carter. Why∣lest they were lodged on Blackheath, the king [ 10] sent to them certaine knightes, to vnderstande of them the cause of their gathering thus togither, to whom answere was made, that they were come togither to speake with the king, about certaine causes and businesse,* 1.121 and therefore they had the Messengers returne, and declare to the king that there was no remedie but that hee muste needes come and speake with them.

When this tale was told to the king, there were some that thought it best that he should go [ 20] to them,* 1.122 and know what their meaning was: but Simō de Sudburie the Archbishop of Cant. that was L. Chancellor, and also sir Robert Hales Lord of S. Iohns, & as then L. Treaforer, spake earnestly agaynst that aduise, and woulde not by any meanes that the king shuld go to such a sort of barelegged ribalds, but rather they wished that he shoulde take some order to abate the pride of such vile rascals. After that the commons vnder∣stoode that the king would not come to them, by [ 30] reason of the contrarie aduice giuen to him by those two persons, the L. Chancellor, and the L. Treasorer they were maruelously moued against thē, and sware that they woulde not rest till they had got thē, & chopped off their heades, calling thē traitors to the king & realme. There be that write neuerthelesse that the king to cut off the branches of such mischief now in the first budding therof, to satisfie in part the desire of those rude people,* 1.123 went downe the riuer in his Barge to Rethereth, and [ 40] there neare the shore keeping himselfe stil on the water, talked with a great number of them that came downe to the riuer side. But forsomuch as he would not come forth of his barge to them on land, which they seemed most to desire, they were in a great rage, & so for that they coulde not haue him amongest them (as they wyshed) in furious wise they runne to the Citie, and at the fyrst ap∣proch,* 1.124 they spoyle the Bourough of Southwark, breake vppe the prysons of the Marshalsea, and [ 50] the Kings Bench, set the prisoners at liberty, and admitte them into their companie.

This was on Corpus Christi day, as the same Authours write, that the King should thus talke with them: but their firste entring into Southwarke, was on Corpus Christi euen, as Thomas Walsingham hath, passing at theyr pleasure to and fro ouer the bridge all that night: for although the Lorde Maior, and other of the best Citizens woulde gladly haue closed the ga•…•… agaynst them, yet they durst not doe it,* 1.125 for •…•…eare of the Commons of the Citie, that seemed to fa∣uour the cause of the rebels, so apparauntly, that they threatned to kill both the Lorde Maior, and all other that woulde take vpon them to shut the gates against the cōmons. The Londoners ly∣ked better of the commons,* 1.126 for that they protested the cause of their assembling togither, was not but to seeke out the traytors of the realme, and when they had founde them forth, and punished them according to that they had deserued, they ment to be quiet. And to giue the more credite to their sayings, they suffred none of their compa•…•… to rob or spoile, but caused them to pay for th•…•… they toke. On the morow being Corpus Christi day, on the which day it is reported, that the king should talke with them at Rethereth (as before ye haue heard) after that they sawe that they coulde not haue him to come and talke with thē on land as they wished, and that now they had filled their heades full with the fume of such Wines as they dranke in euerie mans Seller that was set ape•…•… for them, enter who would: they fel in talke with the Londoners of many lewde deuises, as of the apprehending of traytors, and specially concer∣ning such mislyking as they had of the Duke of Lancaster, whom they hated aboue all other per∣sons. And herevpon agreeing in one minde, after diuerse other of their outragious doings, they run the same day to the sayd dukes house of the Sa∣uoy,* 1.127 to the whiche in beautie and statelinesse of buylding, with all maner of princely furniture, there was not any other in the realme compara∣ble, which in despite of the Duke, whō they called traytour, they set on fire, and by all wayes and meanes endeuoured vtterly to destroy it.

The shamefull spoyle which they there made was wōderful, & yet the zeale of iustice, truth, and vpright dealing whiche they woulde seeme to shewe, was as nice and straunge on the other parte, specially in suche kinde of misgouerned people: for in that spoyling of the Dukes house, all the Iewels, Plate, and other riche and sump∣tuous furniture which they there found in great plentie, they would not that any man should fare the better by it of a mite, but threw al into y^e fire,* 1.128 so to be cōsumed, & such things as y^e fire could not altogither destroy, as plate & iewels, they brake & punned in pieces, throwing the same into the Thames. One of them hauing thrust a fayre siluer peece into his bosome, meaning to con∣uey it away, was espied of his fellowes, who toke him, and cast both him and the peece into the fire, saying they might not suffer any such thing,* 1.129 s•…•…he they professed themselues to bee zealous of truth and iustice, and not theeues nor robbers.

There were .xxxij. of them that being gotten into the Seller of the Sauoy, where the Dukes Wines lay, dranke so muche of such sweete wine as they founde there, that they were not able to come forth, but with stones and woodde that fell downe as the house burned, they were mured in, so that oute they coulde not gette. They lay there showting and crying seuen dayes togy∣ther, and were hearde of manye, but none came to helpe them, and so finally they perished. [ 10]

Now after that these wicked people had thus destroyed the duke of Lancasters house, and done what they coulde deuise to his reproch,* 1.130 they went to the Temple, and burnt the men of lawes lod∣gings, with their bookes, writings, and all that they might lay hande vpon. Also the house of S. Iohns by Smithfielde they set on fire, so that it burned for the space of seuen dayes togither. On Friday a great number of them, esteemed to .xx. thousande, went to the Manour of Heyburie, [ 20] that belonged also to the Lorde of Saint Iohns, and setting fire on it, sought vtterly to destroy all the whole buildings about it.

They were nowe deuided into three partes, one vnder the leading of Iacke Strawe tooke in hande to ruinate that house, and an other number of them lay on Mile ende greene, and the thirde companie kept vpon the Tower hill, and woulde not suffer anye vittayles to be conueyed into the Tower, where the king at that tyme was lodged [ 30] and was put in suche feare by those rude people, that hee suffered them to enter into the Tower, where they soughte so narrowly for the Lorde Chauncellour,* 1.131 that fynding him in the Chapell, they drewe him forth togyther with the Lorde Treasorer, and on the Tower hill without reue∣rence of theyr estates and degrees, with greate noyse and fell cryes, they stroke off theyr heades.

There were also beheaded the same tyme by [ 40] those rude people, one of the kings seruaunts that was a Sergeant at armes called Iohn Legge, who had vsed himselfe somewhat extreemely in gathering vp of the pole money, as by one writer it appeareth.

* 1.132Also to make vp the messe, they beheaded a Franciscan Frier, whom thee had taken there the same time, for malice of the Duke of Lancaster, bycause he was verie familiar with him.

Some write that this Frier was Confessor, [ 50] and other say that he was Phisition to the King, but whatsoeuer he was, the Commons chopped off his head, to beare the other companie, not spa∣ring for any respect that might be alledged in any of their behalfes.

The same day also they beheaded manye o∣thers, as well English men as Flemings, for no cause in the worlde, but onely to satisfie the cru∣eltie of the Commons, that then were in theyr kingdome, for it was a sport to them, when they gat any one amongst them, that was not sworne to them, and seemed to myslike of their doings,* 1.133 or if they bare but neuer so little hatred to him, streyghtwayes to plucke off his Hoode, with such a yelling noyse as they tooke vp amongst them, and immediatelye to come thronging into the streetes, and stryke off hys heade. Neither had they any regarde to sacred places, for breaking into the Churche of the Augustine Friers, they drew forth thirtene Flemings,* 1.134 and beheaded them in the open streetes, and out of the parishe Chur∣ches in the Citie, they tooke forth .xvij. and lyke∣wyse stroke of theyr heades, wythout reuerence eyther of the Churche, or feare of God. But they continuing in theyr mischieuous purpose, shewed their malice specially against straungers, so that entring into euery streete, lane, and place, where they might finde them, they brake vp their houses, murthered them whiche they founde wythin, and spoyled theyr goodes, in most outra∣gious maner.

Likewise they entred into Churches (as be∣fore yee haue heard) into Abbeyes, Monasteries,* 1.135 and other houses, namely of men of law, whiche in semblable sorte they ransacked. They also brake vp the prisons of Newgate, and of both the Counters, destroyed the bookes, and set prisoners at libertie, and likewise the Sanctuarie men of Saint Martyne le grand. And so likewise dyd they at Westminster, where they brake open the Eschequer, and destroyed the ancient bookes and other Recordes there.

They that entred the Tower, vsed themselues most presumptuously, and no lesse vnreuerently agaynst the princesse of Wales, mother to the K. for thrusting into hir Chāber, they offred to kisse hir, and swasht themselues downe vpon hir bed, putting hir into suche feare, that shee fell into a sowne, and being taken vp and recouered, was had to the water side, and put into a Barge, and cōueyed to the place called the Queenes Ward∣robe, or the tower Ryall, where she remayned all that day and night following, as a woman halfe deade, till the King came to recomfort hir.

It was straunge to consider, in what feare the Lordes, knightes, and gentlemen stoode of the cruell proceedings of those rude base people. For where there were six hūdred armed men, and as many archers in the tower a•…•… that present, there was not one that durst gainsay theyr doings. Fi∣nally, when they hadde cased theyr stomackes, wyth the spoyling, burning, and defacing of sundrye places, they became more quiet, and the king by the aduice of such as were thē about him,* 1.136 vpon good deliberation of counsaile, offred to thē pardon, and his peace, with condition that they

should cease from burning and ruinating of hou∣ses, from killing and murthering of men, and de∣part euerie man to his home without more adoe, and there to tarrie for the kings Charters confir∣matorie of the same pardon,

The Essex men were content with this offer, as they that were desirous to see their wiues and children, being waxen wearie of continuall tra∣uaile and paynes which they were constrayned to take.* 1.137 The king went forth vnto Mile ende, and [ 10] there declared vnto the cōmons that they shoulde haue charters made to them of his graūt, to make them all free. And further that euery shire, towne, lordship and libertie should haue banners of his armes deliuered vnto them, for a confirmation of his graunt. Herevpon they seemed well appeased, and the king rode to the Queenes Wardrobe, o∣therwise called the Tower ryall, to visit his mo∣ther, and so did comfort hir so well as he coulde, and taried with hir there all night. The Essex [ 20] men satisfied with the kings promises, immedi∣ately departed homewarde. They appoynted yet certaine of their companie to remayne still and tarie for the kings Charters. The Kentish men also remayned, and were as busie in maner the next day being Saterday, in all kinde of mischie∣uous dealings, as they had bene before, to wit in murthering of men, ouerthrowing and burning of houses. The king therfore sent vnto them such as declared in what sort their fellowes were gone [ 30] home well satisfied, and from thenceforth to liue in quiet, and the same forme of peace he was con∣tented to graunt vnto them, if it lyked them to accept the same. Herevpon their chiefe captaine Wat Tyler, a verie craftie fellow, and indued with much witte, if he had well applied it, sayde, that peace indeed he wished, but so yet as the con∣ditions might be indited to his purpose. He was determined to feede forth the king and his coun∣saile (bycause he was of greater force than they) [ 40] with cauils and shiftes till the next day, that in the night following hee might the more easilye haue compassed his resolution,* 1.138 whiche was, ha∣uing all the poorer sort of the Citie on his side, to haue spoiled the Citie, and to set fire in foure cor∣ners of it, killing first the king and the Lordes that were aboute him: but hee that resisteth the prowd, and giueth his grace to the humble, would not permit the vngracious deuises of the naugh∣tie lewde patrone to take place, but sodainly dis∣appoynted [ 50] his mischieuous drift: for where∣as diuerse fourmes of Charters hadde beene drawne according to the effecte of the agree∣ment with the Essex menne, and none of them might please this Lordelye fellowe, at length the king sent to him one of his knightes called sir Iohn Newton, to requeste him to come to the king, that they might talke of the articles whiche he stoode vpon, to haue inserted in the Ch•…•…, of the which one was to haue had a commission 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put to death all Lawyers, Escheaters,* 1.139 and o•…•… which by any office had any thing to do with the lawe, for his meaning was that hauing made all those away that vnderstoode the lawes, all things should then be ordered according to the will and disposition of the common people. It was re∣ported in deede, that he shoulde say with greate pride the day before these things chaunced, put∣ting his handes to his lippes, that within foure dayes all the lawes of Englande shoulde come forth of his mouth.* 1.140 When therefore the sayde de Iohn Newton called vpon him to come away to the king, he answered as it were with indigna∣tion: If thou (sayth he) hast so much haste to re∣turne to the king, thou mayst depart, I wil c•…•…e at my pleasure. When the knight therefore 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come from him, he followed indeed, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slowly. And when hee was come neare to the place in Smithfields where the king then was, with certaine Lordes and knightes, and other companie about him, the sayde Sir Iohn New∣ton was sent to him againe, to vnderstande what he ment. And bycause the knight came to him on horseback, and did not alight from his horse, Wat Tyler was offended, and sayde in his f•…•…rie that it became him rather a foote than horsebacke to ap∣proche into his presence. The knight not able to abide such presumptuous demeaner in that pro•…•… and arrogant person, shaped him this an•…•…er: It is not amisse that I being on horsebacke, shoulde come to thee sitting on horsebacke, with whiche wordes Wat Tyler taking indignation, dr•…•…we out his dagger, menacing to strike y^e knight, cal∣ling him therewith trayter: the knight dis•…•…yning to be misused at the handes of such a ry•…•…a•…•…d w•…•… him that hee lyed falsely, and with that pl•…•…d forth his dagger. Wat Tyler being among hys men, shewed that he woulde not beare that iniu∣rie, and forthwith made towardes the knight to runne vpon him. The king perceyuing the knight in daunger, bad him alight from his horse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliuer his dagger to Wat Tyler: but when that woulde not pacifie his prowde and high •…•…de, but that hee woulde •…•…des flie vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.141 the Maior of London William Wa•…•…h, and o∣ther knightes and Esquieres that 〈…〉〈…〉 the king, tolde him that it shoulde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shame 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them all, if they permitted the knight in theyr presence before the eyes of their Prince so to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 murthered: wherefore they gaue counsaile to suc∣cor him forthwith, & to apprehend y^e v•…•…e naughty ribauld. The king though he was 〈…〉〈…〉 yeares, yet taking courage to him, commaunded the Maior to arrest him. The Maior being a mā of incomparable boldnesse, forthwith ri•…•…esh to him and arrested him, in reaching him such a •…•…low on

the head, y^t he sore astonied him therw^t: & streight wayes other that were aboute the king,* 1.142 as Iohn Standish an Esquier, & diuerse more of the kings seruants drew their swords, & thrust him through in diuerse parts of his bodie, so that he fell present∣ly from his horse downe to the earth, & died there in the place.

When the commons behelde this, they cryed out, our captain is traiterously slain, let vs stande [ 10] togither, and die with him: let vs shoote & reuenge his death manfully: and so bending their bowes, made them redy to shoot. The king shewing both hardinesse & wisedome at that instant, more than his age required, set his spurres to his horse, & rode to them, saying, what is the matter my mē, what meane you?* 1.143 will you shoote at your king? be not troubled nor offended at the death of a traytor & rybauld, I will be your king, captaine and leader, follow me into the fieldes, and you shall haue all [ 20] things that you can desire. This did the king, to the ende he might appease them, least they should haue set fire on the houses there in Smithfield, & haue attempted some further mischief, in reuenge of the displeasure which they tooke for the death of their chiefe leader. They moued with these the kings words, followed him and the knights that were with him, into the open fields, not yet resol∣ued whether they should set vpō the king and slea him, or else to be quiet, and to returne home with the kings charter. [ 30]

In the meane time, the Lord Maior of Lon∣don was returned into the Citie, with one man onely attending vpon him, and cryed to the Ci∣tizens,* 1.144 Oh ye good and vertuous Citizens, come forth out of hand, & helpe your king readie to bee slaine, and helpe me your Maior standing in the same perill, or if yee will not helpe mee for some faults committed by me against you, yet forsake not your king, but helpe and succour him in thys present daunger. When the worshipfull Citizens [ 40] and other that in their loial hearts loued the king, had hearde these wordes, incontinently they put themselues in strong and sure armor, to the num∣ber of a thousand men,* 1.145 and gathering themselues togither into the streetes, taried but for some lord or knight that might conduct them to the King: and by chaunce there came vnto them sir Robert Knolles, whom all of them requested y^t he would be their leader, least comming out of array & or∣der, they might the sooner be brokē, who willing∣ly [ 50] led one part of them, and certaine other knights led other of them, clad in faire bright armor vnto the kings presence: the king with y^e lords, knights & esquiers, not a little reioysed at the comming of those armed men, and streightwayes cōpassed the commons about, as they had bin a flock of sheepe that should haue bin closed within some folde, till it pleased the sheepheard to appoynt forth, whiche should be thrust into pasture, & which taken to go to the shambels.

There was to be seene a maruellous chaunge of the right hand of the lord to beholde how they throwing downe stanes, billes, axes, swordes,* 1.146 bowes & arrowes, humbly began to sue for par∣don, which a little before gloried to haue the lyfe of the king, and his seruaunts wholy and altogi∣ther in their handes, power, and disposition. The poore wretches sought to hide themselues in the corne that grew in the fields, in ditches, hedges, and dennes, and wheresoeuer they might get out of the way, so to safegard their liues. The knights that were with the king would gladly haue beene doing with them, and requested licence of him to strike off the heades of some one or two hundred of them, that it might bee a witnesse in time to come, that the force of the order of knighthoode, was able to do somewhat agaynst the Carters & ploughmen: but the king woulde not suffer them, alledging that many of them were come thither by compulsion, and not of their owne accord, and therefore it might come to passe that those should die for it, that had nothing offended: but he com∣maūded that there should be proclamation made in Lōdon, that the Citizens should haue no dea∣lings with them, nor suffer any of them to come within the Citie that night, but to cause them to lie without doores: but yet the charter which they had requested, faire written and sealed, to auoyd a greater mischiefe, he commaunded for a time to deliuer vnto them, knowing that Essex & Kent,* 1.147 were not so pacified, but that if they were not the sooner cōtented, and that partly after their minds, they would vp againe. The tenor of the charter which was got thus by force of the K. was this.

RIchardus dei gratia rex Angliae & Franciae,* 2.1 & dominus Hiberniae:

omnibus balliuis & fi∣delibus suis, ad quos praesentes litterae peruenerint, salutē.

Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali manu∣misimus vniuersos ligeos & singulos subditos no∣stros et alios comitatus Hertfordiae, & ipsos et eorū quēlibet ab omni bondagio, exuimus & quietos fa∣cimus per praesentes ac etiā perdonamus eisde ligeis ac subditis nostris omnimodas felonias, proditiones, trāsgressiones, & extortiones, per ipsos vel aliquem eorū qualitercū{que}, factas siue perpetratas, ac etiā vt∣lagariam & vtlagarias, si qua vel quae in ipsos vel aliquē ipsorum fuerint vel fuerint hijs occasionibus promulgata vel promulgatae, & summā pacem no∣stram eis & eorū cuilibit inde concedimus. In cuius rei testimonium, hac litteras nostras fieri fecimus pa∣tentes.

Teste meipso apud London .xv. die Iunij. Anno regni nostro quarto.

The commons hauing obteyned this charter departed home, but ceassed not from their riotous demeanour in sundrie partes of the realme,* 2.2 & espe∣cially at S. Albons, where after the townesmen were returned home, they kept such a coile against the Abbot and Monkes, to haue certaine auncient

Charters deliuered them that concerned theyr ly∣berties, & to haue such newe made & deliuered to them as might serue theyr purpose, that bycause such olde Charters as they requested were not to be had, the Abbot and Monkes looked euery houre when their houses shoulde be set on fire and burnt ouer their heades.

The Prior and certaine other as well Monks as lay men that were seruantes to the Abbot, fled for feare of the rage of those misgouerned people, [ 10] knowing that they hated them deadly, and there∣fore loked for no courtesey at their handes. They had obteyned the kings letters vnto the Abbot, commaunding him to deliuer vnto them suche Charters as they had gyuen information to be remayning in his hands, so that vnder color ther∣of, they called for those wrytings in most impor∣tunate wise, threatning sore if they were not brought to lyght, vtterly to destroy the house by setting it on fire. [ 20]

But to speake of all the vnrulye partes of those vnruly people, it were to long a processe: yet at length after they vnderstoode howe theyr grande Captaine and cheife ringleader Watte Tyler was slaine, they began somewhat to as∣swage theyr presumptuous attemptes, the rather for that there came a knight with the kings letter of protection in behalf of the Abbot and his house, and yet they were not so calmed, but that they continued in requyring to haue charters made to [ 30] them by the Abbot of the like forme and effect to that which the king had made, cōcerning the in∣franchising them frō bondage, whereby they that obteyned such charters tooke themselues to be dis∣charged of all seruices and accustomed labors, so that they ment not to do any further workes, nor yeeld suche customes as before time they vsually had bin accustomed to doe and yeelde vnto their Landlordes.

Neither did the townesmen of S. Albones, and [ 40] the tenants of other townes & villages theral out that belonged to the Abbey of S. Albones, thus outragiously misdemeane themselues, but euery where else the cōmons kept such like stur, so that it was rightly called the hurling time,* 2.3 there were such hurly burlyes kept in euery place, to y^e great daunger of ouerthrowing the whole state of all good gouernmēt in this land: for euen the selfsame Saterday after corpus Christi day, in Suffolke there were got togither to the number of fiftie M. [ 50] men, by the setting on of Iohn Wraw, a naugh∣tie lewd priest, that had bene first among the Es∣sex men at London,* 2.4 and was sent downe in all post hast from Wat Tyler, to stirre the cōmons in those partes to commit the like mischiefe as he had seene begon about London. These fellowes therefore after they were assembled togither, fell to y^t destroying of the manors & houses of mē of law, & such lawyers as they caught, they slue,* 2.5 & beheaded sir Iohn Cauendish lord chief Iustice of England, and set his head vpon the pillorie in the Market place, in S. Edmōdsburie. Also sir Iohn of Cambridge the Prior of S. Edmondsbury,* 2.6 as he would haue fled from them, was taken not far from Mildenhale, and likewise beheadded, his bo∣die being left naked in the open field, and no man presuming to burie it, during the space of fiue dayes, for feare of the cruell commons. His heade was set vpon a pole, & caried before Iohn Wraw and other of those wicked people, the which com∣ming to Burie, and entring the towne in maner of a Procession: when they came into the Market place where the Pillorie stood, as it were in a ta∣ken of the olde friendship betwixt the Lord chiefe Iustice, and the sayd Prior, they made sport with their heades, making them somtime as it were to kisse, otherwhiles to sounde in either others eare. After they had taken their pastime ynough here∣with, they set both the heads againe aloft vpon the Pillorie.

After this, they beheaded an other Monke called Dan Iohn de Lakinghuyth, whose head was likewise set by the other two vpon the Pillorie.

Moreouer, they caused the Monkes to come forth and bring vnto them all suche obligations in which the townesmen stoode bounde vnto the Monasterie for their good abearing, likewise such charters of liberties of the towne of Burie, which king Knute the founder of the sayde Monasterie, and his successors had graunted vnto the same, which writings whē they had brought forth, and protested that they knew of no more, the cōmons would scarcely beleue them, & therefore called the townesmen forth, & bad them see if y^t there were al such writings as they thought stood with their aduātage to haue brought to light. The townes∣men feigned as though they had beene sorie to see such rule kept against the Monkes, where in deed they had set the commons in hande with al these things.

To conclude, the Commons tooke thys or∣der with the Monkes, that if the townesmen might not obteyne their auncient liberties, by the hauing of those writings, they shoulde declare what the same liberties were, which they were wont to enioy, and the Abbot of Burie,* 2.7 Edmond Brounfield being then in prison at Notingham whom they purposed to deliuer (so that he should celebrat diuine seruice in his Monastery on Mid∣sommer day next) within .xl. dayes after his com∣ming home, should confirme with his seale such Charter as was to be deuised and made concer∣ning the same liberties of the saide townesmen, & the Couent should likewise put thervnto their cō∣mon seale.

They constreyned the Monkes further to delyuer vnto the townesmen, a Crosse and a Chalice of fine golde, and other Iewels that be∣lōged to the Abbey, being in value aboue y^e worth of a thousand pounds in mony, the which was to remaine in the handes of the townesmen, vpon this condition, that if Edmonde Brounfield be∣ing deliuered out of prison enioyed the dignitie of Abbot there, and with all put his seale togither with the Couent seale within the tyme limitted, [ 10] vnto a wryting that should conteine the liberties of the towne, that then the same Crosse, Chalice, and other Iewels shoulde bee restored vnto the Monasterie, or else the same to remaine for euer to the Townesmen as forfeyted: suche were the doings of those Rebels in and about the towne of Burie, and the like disorders and breach of peace followed by the Commotions of the Commons in Cambridgeshire, and in the Ile of Elie, resem∣bling the others in slaughters of men, destroying [ 20] of houses, and all other sortes of mischiefe. In like maner in Norffolke there was assembled an huge number of those vnruly Countrey people, whiche vnder the guiding of a dier of cloth,* 2.8 cōmonly cal∣led Iohn Littester, that had dwelt in Norwiche, attempted and did all such vngracious seates, as they had heard that other did in other parts of the realme, yea and greater also, putting forth their handes vnto rapine & robbery. And whereas they were wholy conspired togither, and bent to com∣mit [ 30] all kind of mischiefe, yet esteeming their own authoritie to bee small, they purposed to haue brought William Vfford Erle of Suffolke into their felowship,* 2.9 y^t if afterwards they might happi∣ly be impeached hereafter, for such their naughty & most wicked doings, they might haue had some shadow or color, as if were throgh him, why they had delt in such vnruly sort. But the Erle aduer∣tised of their intention sodenly, rose from supper, and got him away by vnknowne wayes, stil flee∣ing [ 40] from the Commons, till at length hee got to Saint Albones, and so from thence to the king.

The commons missing of their purpose for the hauing of him,* 2.10 layd hold vpon al such knights and other gentlemen as came in their way, and and were found at home in their houses, compel∣ling them to be sworne to them, and to ride with them through the Country, as the Lord Scales, William Lord Morley, sir Iohn Brewes, sir [ 50] Stephen Hales,* 2.11 and sir Robert Salle, which sir Robert continued not long aliue among them, for he could not dissemble as the residue, but begā to reproue openly their naughty doings, for the which he had his braynes dasht out by a Coūtrey Clowne, one that was his bondman, and so hee ended his life, who if he might haue come to haue tryed his manhoode and strength with them in plaine battaile, had bene able to haue put a thou∣sande of those villaynes in feare, his valiancie and prowes was such.

The residue taught by hys example that they must either dissemble or die for it, were glad to curry fauor, praysing or dispraysing all things as they sawe the Commons affected,* 2.12 and so comming into credite with their chieftaine Iohn Littester, that named himself king of the cōmōs, they were preferred to serue him at the table in taking the assay of his meates and drinkes, and doing other seruice, with kneling humbly before him as hee sate at meate, as sir Stephen Ha∣les who was appoynted his carner, & others had other offices assigned them. At length when those Commons beganne to waxe wearie of taking paynes in euill doings, they tooke counsaile togi∣ther, and agreed to sende two knights, to wit, the lord Morley, and sir Iohn Brewes, & three of the Commons in whom they put great confidence, vnto the king, to obtaine theyr charter of manu∣missiō & enfranchising, & to haue the same charter more larger thā those that were granted to other coūtreys: they deliuered great summes of money vnto those whō they sent, to bestow the same for the obteining of pardon, and such graunts as they sued for, which money they had gotte by force of the Citizens of Norwich, to saue the Citie from fire and sacking.

These knights as they were on their iourney,* 2.13 at Ichingham not farre distant from Newmar∣ket, not looking for any such thing mette with sir Henrie Spencer Bishoppe of Norwich, a man more fitte for the field than the Church, and bet∣ter skilled as may appere in armes than in diui∣nitie. This bishop had aduertisemēts at his Ma∣nor of Burley neare to Okam in the partyes a∣bout Stanford, of the sturre which the Commōs in Norffolk kept, and thervpon resolued streight∣wayes to see what rule there was holden: He had in his companie at that time, not past an eight launces, and a small number of Archers.

The Bishop meeting thus with the knights, examined them streight wayes if there were any of the traitours there with them.

The knights at the first were doubtfull to be∣wray theyr associates: but at length enboldned by the Bishops wordes, declared that two of the chiefe doers in the Rebellion were there present, and the thirde was gone to prouide for their din∣ner.

The Bishop streight wayes commaunded those two to be made shorter by the head, and the thirde hee hymselfe went to seeke, as one of his Sheepe that was lost, not to bring hym home to the folde, but to the slaughter house, as he had well deserued in the Bishops opinion, sith he had so mischieuouslye gone astraye and alienated

himselfe from his dutifull allegiance.

These persons being executed, and their heads pight on the endes of polles, & so set vp at New∣market, the Bishop with the knightes tooke their way with all speede towards Northwalsham in Norffolk,* 2.14 where the Commons were purposed to stay for answere from the king: and as hee passed through the Countrey, his number encreased, for the knights and gentlemen of the Countrey, hea∣ring how their bishop had taken his speare in hād, [ 10] and was come into the fielde armed, they ioyne themselues with him. When therefore the bishop was come into the place where the cōmons were encāped,* 2.15 he perceyued that they had fortified their campe verie strongly with ditches, and such other stuffe as they could make shift of, as doores, win∣dowes, boords, and tables, and behinde them were all their cariages placed, so that it seemed they ment not to flee. Herewith the bishop being cha∣fed with the presumptuous boldnes of such a sort [ 20] of disordered persons, commaunded his trumpets to sound to the battaile, and with the speare in the arrest,* 2.16 he chargeth them with such violence, that he goeth ouer the ditch, and layeth so about hym, that through his manful doings, all his company found meanes to passe the ditch likewise, and so therewith followed a right sore and terrible fight, both partes doing their best to vanquish the other: but finally the cōmons were ouercom, and driuen [ 30] to seeke their safegarde by flight,* 2.17 which was sore hindered by their cariages that stood behind them, ouer the which they were forced to clime & leape so well as they might. Iohn Littester and other chiefe captaines were taken aliue. The Bishop therefore caused the sayd Littester to be arreigned of his treason, and condemned, and so hee was drawne, hanged, and headed according to the iudgement.

The Bishop heard his confession, and by ver∣tue of his office assoyled him, and to shewe some [ 40] parcell of sorowing for the mans mischaunce, hee went with him to the gallowes. But it seemed that pitie wrought not with the bishop, to quench the zeale of iustice: for he caused not Littester on∣ly to be executed, but sought for al other that were the chiefe doers in that rebellion, causing them to be put vnto death, and so by that meanes quieted the Countrey.

To recite what was done in euery part of the realme in time of those hellishe troubles, it is not [ 50] possible: but this is to be considered, that the rage of the cōmons was vniuersally such, as it might seeme they had generally conspired togither, to do what mischiefe they could deuise, as among sun∣drie other, what wickednesse was to compell tea∣chers of children in grammer schooles to sweare neuer to instruct any in their arte? Againe could they haue a more mischieuous meaning, than to burne and destroy al olde & auncient monumēts, and to murther & dispatch out of the way al suche as were able to cōmit to memorie, either any new or old records: for it was dangerous among thē to be knowne for one that was lerned, & more dā∣gerous, if any man were found with a penner & ynkhorne at his side: for such seldom or neuer es∣caped from them with life.* 2.18 But to returne to say somwhat more concerning the end of their rebel∣lious enterprises, you must vnderstand,* 2.19 that after that Watte Tyler was slaine at London in the presence of the king (as before ye haue heard) the hope and confidence of the rebels greatly dec•…•…ied: and yet neuerthelesse, the king and his counsaile being not wel assured, granted to the cōmons (as ye haue heard) charters of Manumission, & enfrā∣chisement from all bondage, & so sent them away home to their coūtries: & forthwith herevpon hee assembled an army of the Lōdoners, & of al others in the countreys abrode that bare him good will, apointing none to come, but such as were armed & had horses, for he would haue no footemen with him. This it came to passe,* 2.20 that within three days he had about him .xl. thousand horsemen, as was estemed, so that in Englande had not bene heard of the like army assembled togither at one tyme. And herewith was the king aduertised, that the Kentish men beganne eftsoones to styrre,* 2.21 where∣with the king & the whole army were so grieuous∣ly offended, that they ment streyght to haue sette vpon that Country, and to haue wholy destroyed that rebellious generation, but through in∣tercession made by the Lordes and Gentlemen of that Countrey, the King pacified his moode, and so resolued to proceede agaynst them by or∣der of law and iustice, causing Iudges to sit & to make inquisition of the Malefactors, & especially of such as were authors of the mischiefes. And a∣bout the same time did the Maior of London sit in iudgement as well vppon the offenders that were Citizens, as of other that were of Kent, Es∣sex, Southsex, Norffolk, Suffolk, and other coū∣ties, being found within the liberties of the citie, and such as were founde culpable he caused them to lose their heades, as Iack Straw, Iohn Kirk∣by, Alane Tredera, and Iohn Sterling,* 2.22 that glo∣ryed of himself, for that he was the man that had slaine the Archbishop.

This fellow (as it is written by some Au∣thors) streight wayes after he had done that wic∣ked deed, fell out of his wittes, and cōming home into Essex where he dwelt, tied a naked sword a∣bout his neck, that hung down before on his brest and likewise a dagger naked, that hanged downe behind on his backe, & so went vp and downe the lanes and streetes about home, crying out, & pro∣testing, that with those weapōs he had dispatched y^e Archb. & after he had remained a while at home,

hee came to London againe, for that hee shoulde receyue as hee saide, the reward there, of the acte whiche he had committed: and so indeede, when he came thither, and boldly confessed that he was the man that had beheaded the Archbyshoppe, he lost his head in stead of a recompence: & diuers o∣ther both of Essex and Kent that had layd violēt hāds vpō the Archb. came to the like end at Lon∣don, where they did the deede, being bewrayed by their owne cōfessions. Heere is to be remembred, [ 10] that the K. after the Citie of London was dely∣uered from the daunger of the Rebels (as before ye haue heard) in respect of the greate manhoode, & assured loyaltie which had appeared in the May∣or, and other of the Aldermen, for some parte of recompence of their faithfull assistance in that dangerous season,* 2.23 made the sayd Mayor Williā Walworth Knighte, with fiue other Aldermen, his brethren, to witte, Nicholas Bramble, Iohn Philpot, Nicholas Twyford, Robert Laundre, [ 20] and Robert Gayton, also Iohn Standishe, that as ye haue heard, holp to slay Wat Tyler.

* 2.24Moreouer, the K. granted, that there shoulde be a dagger added to the armes of the citie of Lō∣don, in the right quarter of the shield, for an aug∣mentation of the same armes, and for a remem∣brance of this Maior, his valiāt acte, as doth ap∣peare vnto this daye, for till that time, the Citie bare only the Crosse, without the dagger.

Although the kings authoritie thus began to [ 30] shew it self,* 2.25 to the terror of rebels, yet the cōmons of Essex eftsoones assembled themselues togither, not farre from Hatfield Peuerell, and sente to the Kyng to knowe of him if his pleasure was, that they shoulde enioy their promised liberties: and further, that they might be as free, as their Lords, and not to come to any Court, except it were to the great Leete, twice in the yere. When the king hearde suche presumptuous requests, he was in a great chafe, and dispatched the messengers away, with a sore threatning answer, saying, y^e bondmē they were, & bondmen they should be, and that in more vile maner than before, to the terrible exam∣ple of all other that shoulde attempt any the lyke disorders: and forthwith, the Earle of Bucking∣ham, and the Lorde Thomas Percy, brother to the Earle of Northumberlande, were sente with an army, to represse those Rebels,* 2.26 whome they founde fortifyed within woddes, hedges and dit∣ches very strongly: but with small adoe they were put to flighte, and a fiue hundred of them slayne, the residue saued thēselues as well as they might, by succour of the woddes. There were an eyghte hundred horses also taken, whiche those Rebels had there with them, to drawe and carrie theyr baggage. Those of the Rebels that escaped, were not yet so tamed by that ouerthrowe, but that as∣sembling themselues togither, they made to∣wards Colchester: and comming thither, would haue perswaded the Townesmen to haue ioyned with them in a new Rebellion. But when they coulde not bring their purpose to passe, they mar∣ched towards Sudbury. The Lord Fitz Water, and Sir Iohn Harleston, vnderstanding whyche way they tooke, followed them, with a company of armed men, and suddaynely setting vpon them as they were making their proclamations, slewe of them so many as it liked them, and the other they saued, and suffered to departe, or else com∣mitted them to prison.

After this, the King came to Hauering at the bowre, and from thence to Chelmfford, where he appoynted sir Robert Trisilian to sit in Iudge∣ment of the offendors, and Rebelles of that coū∣trey, wherevppon, an inquest beeing chosen, a greate number were indicted, arraigned, and founde giltie, so that vppon some one gallowes, there were nyne or tenne hanged togither.* 2.27

[illustration]

* 2.28In euerie countrie were like enquiries made, and the chiefe offendors apprehended and put to deathe in euery Lordship through the Realme, where any of them were detected by tenne, by twelue, twētie, thirtie, yea and in some places by fortie at once, so that the whole number grew to fifteene hundred and aboue.

* 2.29At the firste, when the Kings Iustices began to sitte in Essex, Kent, and at London, by reason of the multitude that were to bee executed, they [ 10] onely chopped off their heads, but afterwardes when that kinde of death seemed too close and se∣crete for so open offences, they proceeded accor∣ding to the accustomed lawe of the Realme, by condemning them to be drawen and hanged, and according therevnto, they were executed.

* 2.30In the meane time, the King by the aduice of his counsell, directed his letters reuocatory into euery Countie there, to bee proclaymed in euery Citie, borrow towne, and place, as well within [ 20] the liberties as without, by the whiche letters hee reuoked, made voyde, and frustrate his former letters, of enfranchising the bond menne of hys Realme, and commaunded that such as had the same letters, shoulde withoute delay bring them in, and restore them to him and his counsell to be cancelled, as they woulde aunswere vppon theyr faith and allegiance whiche they ought to hym, and vppon payne of forfeiting all that they had. The date of whiche letters reuocatorie, was at [ 30] Chelmefforde, the second day of Iuly, in the fifth yere of his raigne.

* 2.31When the King had quieted the countrey of Essex, and punished suche as were the chiefe sturrers of that wicked commotion in those par∣ties, he went to Saint Albons to see iustice done vpon suche as hadde demeaned themselues most presumptuously againste the Kinges peace in that towne, namely againste the Abbot and hys house, and sought to defende themselues, vnder a [ 40] couloure of friendship, that they trusted to fynde in some persons about the King: but that trust deceyued them, and procured the more displeasure against them, for that they woulde not su•…•… for fa∣uoure at the Abbots handes in time, by submit∣ting themselues vnto his will and pleasure. To bee briefe, the King came thither with a greate number of armed men and archers, and caused his Iustice sir Robert Trisilian to sitte in iudge∣ment vpon the malefactors, that were broughte [ 50] thither from Hertford Iayle.* 2.32 Thither was brou∣ght also to the King from Couentrie, Iohn Ball Priest, whome the Citizens of Couentrie hadde taken, and now heere at Saint Albons they pre∣sented him to the Kings presence, wherevpon, he was arreigned and condemned, to bee drawen, hanged and headed for suche notable treasons as hee was there conuicted of. He receyued iudge∣mente vpon the Saterday the firste day that the sayde Sir Robert Trisilian sate in Iudgement, but he was not executed till the Monday follo∣wing.

This man hadde bin a Preacher the space of twentie yeres, and bycause his doctrine was not according to the religion then by the Bishoppes mainteined, he was firste prohibited to preache in any churche or chappell, and when he ceassed not for all that, but set forth his doctrine in the streets and fieldes where he mighte haue audience, at length hee was committed to prison,* 2.33 out of the whiche he prophecied, that he shoulde be deliuered with the force of twentie thousand men, and euen so it came to passe in time of the rebellion of the commons.

When all the prisons were broken vppe, and the prisoners sette at libertie, hee beeing therefore so deliuered, followed them, and at Blacke heath when the greatest multitude was there got togi∣ther as some write, he made a sermō, taking this saying or commō prouerbe for his theme,* 2.34 VVhen Adam de•…•…fe, and Eue spanne, who was then a gentleman: and so continuing his sermon, wente

[illustration]

aboute to proue by the wordes of that prouerbe, that from the beginning, all men by nature were created alike, and that bōdage or seruitude came in by iniust oppression of naughtie men: for if God would haue had any bondmen from the be∣ginning, he would haue appointed who should be bonde and who free. And therefore hee exhorted them to consider, that nowe the time was come appointed to them by God, in whiche they might if they woulde, cast off the yoke of bondage, and recouer libertie. Hee counselled them there∣fore to remember themselues, and to take good hearts vnto them, that after the maner of a good husbandman that tilled hys grounde, and ridde out thereof suche euill weedes as choked and destroyed the good corne, they mighte destroye firste the greate Lordes of the Realme, and after the Iudges and Lawyers, Questmongers and

all other whome they vndertooke to be againste the commons, for so mighte they procure peace and suretie to them selues in time to come, if dispatching out of the way the greate men, there shoulde bee an equalitie in libertie, no difference in degrees of nobilitie, but a like dignitie and equall authoritie in all things brought in among them. When he had preached and set foorth such kynde of doctrine, and other the like fonde and foolishe toyes vnto the people, they extolled hym [ 10] to the Starres, affirming that hee ought to bee Archbishop and Lord Chancellor, where he that then enioyed those roomthes, meaning Sir Si∣mon de Sudburie that then was aliue, was a Traytor to the King and Realme, and worthy to lose his head, wheresoeuer he mighte be appre∣hended. Many other things are reported by wri∣ters of this Iohn Ball, as the letter, which vnder a kinde of darke ryddelles he wrote to the Cap∣tayne of the Essex Rebels, the copie wherof was [ 20] founde in one of theyr purses that was executed at London, the tenor whereof was as follo∣weth.

IOhn Scheepe Saint Marie Priest of Yorke, and nowe of Colchester, greeteth well Iohn namelesse, and Iohn the Miller, and Iohn Car∣ter, and biddeth them that they beware of guyle in Bourrough, and stande togither in Goddes name, and biddeth Piers Plowman goe to hys worke, and chastise well Hob the robber, and [ 30] take with you Iohn Trewman, and all his fel∣lowes, and no moe. Iohn the Miller y ground small, small, small, the Kyngs sonne of heauen shall pay for all. Beware or yee bee woe, knowe your friend from youre foe, haue ynough, and say whoe, and do well and better, flee synne and seeke peace, and holde you therein, and so biddeth Iohn Trewman, and all his fellowes.

This letter he confessed himself to haue writ∣ten, as Thomas Wals. affirmeth, with many o∣ther [ 40] things which he had done and committed, to the disquieting of the Realme, for the whiche hee was drawen,* 2.35 hanged, and beheaded at Saincte Albons, the fifteenth of Iuly, being Monday, in this fifth yeare of King Richards raigne.

The same day, the Kings Iustice, sir Roberte Trisilian, sate vpon the Rebels of Saint Albōs, and other of the Countrey of Hertforde, afore whome, by suche policie as he vsed, there were a [ 50] great number endited, and diuers being arreig∣ned, were found giltie, as William Grindecobbe, William Cadindon, Iohn Barbor, and cer∣taine others, which were hanged and drawen, to the number of fifteene persons in all, diuers chiefe men of the Towne were committed to prison, as Richard Wallingforde, Iohn Garleeke, Willi∣am Berewill, Thomas Putor, and others of the Countrey about. There were committed to prison to the number of fourescore persons, the which neuerthelesse, by the Kyngs pardon, were releassed, and dismissed.

The hatred which the Townesmen had con∣ceyued againste the Abbot and couent of Saincte Albons, was surely greate, and manye deuises they had to haue saued those that were executed. And where as well the Townesmen, as other of the Abbots and conuēts tenauntes, both of Hert∣fordshire, and Buckinghamshire, had gotten of the Abbot and Conuent letters of discharge, from doing any bound seruice, the King directed hys letters vnto certaine Commissioners, as to Iohn Ludowicke, Iohn Westwicombe, Iohn Ken∣ting, Richarde Perers, Walter Saunforde, Ri∣chard Gifforde, Thomas Eydon,* 2.36 and to Willi∣am Eccleshal, commaunding them to cause pro∣clamation to bee made in all suche townes and places as were thought necessarie, through the whole countreys of Buckingham and Hertford, that all and euery person and persons that ought and hadde bin accustomed to doe or yeelde anye maner of seruices, customes, or dueties, whether they were bound men or free, vnto the sayde Ab∣bot and Couente of Saint Albons, shoulde doe and yeelde the same seruices, customes and due∣ties, in suche like forme and manner, as they had bin vsed to doe, before the time of the late trou∣bles, and not to chalenge or clayme any libertie or priuiledge whiche they enioyed not before the same troubles, vpon their faith and allegiance in whiche they stoode bound to him, and vpō payne to forfaite all that they might forfait: and in case any were founde to doe contrary therevnto, the same commissioners hadde authoritie, and were commaunded to arrest and emprison them, till for their further punishment, order mighte be ta∣ken.

On Saint Margarets day, the Kyng beyng ready to take his iourney to Berkhamsteede in the greate Court of the Abbey of Saint Albons,* 2.37 had all the commons of the countie of Hertforde before him, that had summons there to appeare, all that were betwixt fifteene and threescore yeres of age, where they tooke an othe togither from thenceforth, to be faithfull subiects vnto him, and neuer to rise or make any commotion, to the di∣sturbance of his peace, and rather to die, than to consente vnto anye rebellious persons, whome they shoulde to the vttermost of their powers doe their best, to apprehende and deliuer them to the Kings prison, that they mighte he foorthe com∣ming.

After they had receyued this othe, they were li∣cenced to depart, and the King rode to Berkham∣steede, where hee remained for a time, and after went to Esthamsteede to recreate himselfe with hunting, where hee was enformed, that those

whiche were hanged at Saint Albons, were ta∣ken from the gallowes and remoued a good way from the same: with whiche presamption he was so stirred, that he sent forthwith his letters to the Baylifes of the Towne of Saint Albons, com∣maunding them vppon the sighte of the same, to cause cheynes to be made, and to bring the sayde bodyes backe vnto the gallowes, and to hang them in those chaynes vpon the same gallowes, there to remayne, so long as one peece myghte [ 10] sticke to an other, according to the forme of the iudgement giuen. The teste of this writ thus di∣rected to the Baylifes of Saint Albons, was at Esthamsteede the thirde of August, in the fifth yeare of this kings raigne. The Townesmen of S. Albons durst not disobey the kings comman∣dement, and so hanged vp againe in cheynes the dead bodies of their neighbours, greatly to theyr shame and reproch, when they could get none o∣ther for anye wages, to come neere the stincking [ 20] carcasses, but that they were constreyned them∣selues to take in hande so vile an office. And such was the ende of the tumultes at Saint Albons, where as well as in other places, the vnruly cō∣mons had played their partes. To conclude and make an ende of these diuelish troubles, to y^e ende it may appeare, in what daunger as well the K. as whole state of the Realme stoode, by the mis∣cheuous attemptes of the vnruly people, I haue thoughte good to declare the confession of Iacke [ 30] Strawe one of their chiefe Captaynes (and next in reputation amongst them vnto Watte Ty∣ler) when he came to be executed in London.* 2.38 The same time (said he) that we were assembled vpon Blackeheath, and hadde sente to the king to come vnto vs, our purpose was to haue slayne al suche Knightes, Esquiers, and Gentlemen as should haue giuen their attendance thither vppon hym: and as for the King, we woulde haue kepte hym amongst vs, to the ende that the people myghte [ 40] more boldly haue repaired to vs, sith they shoulde haue thought, that whatsoeuer we did, the same had bin done by his authoritie. Finally when we had got power ynough, that we needed not to feare any force that might be made forth against vs, we would haue slayne all such noble men, as mighte either haue giuen counsell, or made anye resistance againste vs, specially, the Knightes of the Rhodes, and lastly, wee woulde haue kylled the Kyng and all menne of possessions, with [ 50] Byshoppes, Monkes, Chanons, and parsons of Churches, onely Friers Mendicants we would haue spared, that myghte haue suffised for the ministration of the Sacramentes, and when we hadde made a riddance of all those, wee woulde haue deuised lawes, according to the whych, the subiectes of thys Realme shoulde haue liued, for we woulde haue created Kyngs, as Watte •…•…∣ler in Kente, and other in other Countreys: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bycause thys oure purpose was disappoynted by the Archbyshoppe of Caunterbury, that wo•…•…e not permitte the King to come vnto vs, we sought by all meanes to dispatch hym out of the way, as at length we did.

Moreouer, the same euening that Watte Ti∣ler was kylled, wee were determined, hauyng the greatest parte of the commons of the Citie bent to ioyne with vs, to haue sette fyre in foure corners of the Citie, and so to haue deuided a∣mongst vs the spoyle of the chiefest ryches that myghte haue beene founde at oure pleasure, and thys (sayde hee) was oure purpose, as God maye help me now at my last ende.

Thus maye you see, after what sorte they were conspired, to the destruction of the Realme. And least this one mans confession might seeme insufficiente, diuers other of them confessed the same, or muchwhat the lyke in effect, when they sawe no remedie, but presente deathe before their eyes.

To declare the occasion why suche mischiefes happened thus in the Realme, wee leaue to the iudgemente of those that maye coniecture a troth thereof, by conferring the manners of that age and behauior of all states then, sith they that wrote in those dayes, maye happely in that behalfe misse the trueth, in construing things, ac∣cording to theyr affections: but truely it is to bee thoughte, that the faultes, as well in one degree, as other, specially the synnes of the whole na∣tion, procured suche vengeaunce to rise,* 2.39 whereby they myghte bee warned of theyr euill doings, and seeke to reforme the same in tyme conue∣nient. But as it commeth still to passe, when the daunger is once ouershotte, repentaunce lykewise is putte ouer, and is no more regar∣ded, till an other scourge commeth eftsoones to putte menne in remembraunce of theyr duetie, so in lyke manner as seemeth, it chaunced in this Kynges dayes, as by that whiche followeth it may more playnely appeare.

In thys meane tyme that these troubles were at the hottest in Englande, the Duke of Lan∣caster beeyng in Scotlande, so behaued hym∣selfe (in the treatie whyche hee hadde in hande with the Scottes,) dissembling the matter so, as if he had not vnderstoode of any trouble in Eng∣lande at all,* 2.40 that finallye before the Scottes hadde knowledge thereof, a truce was conclu∣ded to endure (for two yeares) or as other haue, for three yeares. When hee hadde made an ende there, and that all thyngs were agreed vppon and passed, for the confirmation of that accorde, hee returned to Berwike, but at

his comming thither, the Captayne sir Mathew Redmā would not suffer him to enter y^e towne,* 2.41 bycause of a commaundement giuen to him frō the Earle of Northumberlande, Lord Warden of the marches: wherefore the Duke was glad to returne into Scotlande agayne, obteyning li∣cence of the Scottes to remayne amongst them, till the Realme of England was reduced to bet∣ter quiet. Herevpon, the Commons in England that fauored hym not, tooke occasion to reporte [ 10] the worst of hym that myghte bee deuised, cal∣ling him nowe in tyme of their rebellious com∣motions, a traytor to the Realme, declaring that hee hadde ioyned hymselfe to the Scottes, and meant to take part with them, against his owne natiue countrey.

The Kyng indeede hadde sente commaunde∣mente during the time of the rebellious troubles, vnto the Earle of Northumberlande, that hee shoulde haue good regard to the safekeeping of all [ 20] the Townes and Castels vnder his rule, and not to suffer anye person to enter the same, hauing forgot to except the Duke of Lancaster beeyng then in Scotlande: wherevppon the Duke tooke no small displeasure with the Earle of Nor∣thumberlande, as after hee well shewed at hys cōming home. But before hee returned foorth of Scotlande, he wrote to the Kyng, to vnderstād his pleasure, in what sort he should returne, hum∣bling hymselfe in such wise, as hee made offer to [ 30] come with one Knight, one Esquier, & a grome, if it should please the Kyng so to appoynt him, or if it so were that by his presence it was thoughte the Realme was like to fall in anye trouble, hee was ready to departe into exile, neuer to returne into his Countrey agayne, if so bee that through his absence the King and Realme mighte enioy peace and quietnesse.

The Kyng hearing such offers, wrote to him, that his pleasure was to haue hym to returne [ 40] home, with all hys whole trayne, and if the same were not thoughte sufficiente to guarde him, hee should take of euery Towne by the which he pas∣sed, a certayne nūber of men to attend hym vnto the next Towne for hys safegarde, and so it was done, the Kyng sending him commission to that effect, and thus cōming to the Courte, he was of the Kyng right honorably receyued.

Within a few dayes after his commyng, hee exhibited a greeuous complaynte agaynst y^e Erle [ 50] of Northumberland, for abusing hym in dyuers sortes,* 2.42 in time of the late troubles, so as his ho∣nor was greatly thereby touched, for whych the Earle was sente for, and commaunded to come vnto Barkhamsteede, where all the Lordes in manner of the land were assembled in Counsell.

Heere, after the Duke had la•…•…de dyuers things so the Earles charge, for his disobedience, vn∣faithfulnesse, and ingratitude, the Earle after the manner of his Countrey, not able to forbeare, brake out into reprochfull wordes againste the Duke, although hee was commaunded by the Kyng to ceasse, where the Duke kept silence in humble manner, at the first word, when the king commaunded hym to holde his peace, so that by reason of the Earles disobedience in that behalfe, he was arrested. But yet the Erles of Warwike and Suffolke vndertaking for his appearance at the nexte Parliament, he was suffered to depart, and so the Counsell brake vp.

About the feast of all Sainctes,* 2.43 the Parlia∣mente beganne, to the whiche the Duke of Lan∣caster came, bringing with him an exceedyng number of armed men, and lykewise the Earle of Northumberlande, with no lesse company came likewise to London, and was lodged within the Citie, hauing great friendship shewed towardes hym of the Citizens,* 2.44 who promised to assist hym at all tymes, when necessitie required, so that hys parte seemed to bee ouerstrong for the Duke, if they shoulde haue come to any triall of their for∣ces at that time.

The Duke laye with his people in the sub∣urbes,* 2.45 and euery day when they went to the Par∣liament house at Westminster, both partes went thither in armour, to the great terror of those that were wise and graue personages, fearing some mischiefe to fall foorth of that vnaccustomed ma∣ner of theyr goyng armed to the Parliamente house, contrary to the auntient vsage of y^e realme. At length, to quiet the parties,* 2.46 and to auoyde suche inconuenientes as mighte haue growen of theyr dissention, the Kyng tooke the matter into hys handes, and so they were made friendes, to the ende that some good myghte bee done in that Parliamente, for reformation of things touching the state of the Realme, for whiche cause, it was especially called: but nowe after it had continued a long tyme, and fewe things at all concluded, newes came, that the Lady Anne, sister to the Emperoure Wenslaus, and fyanced wife to the Kyng of England, was come to Caleis, where∣vppon, the Parliamente was proroged till after Christmas, that in the meane time, the marri∣age myght bee solemnised, whyche was appoyn∣ted after the Epiphanie: and foorthwith, grea•…•… preparation was made to receyue the Bryde, that shee myghte bee conueyed with all honor vnto the Kyngs presence.

Suche as shoulde receyue hir at Douer,* 2.47 re∣payred thither, where at hir landing a maruel∣lous, and righte straunge wonder happened, for shee was no sooner out of hir Shippe, and g•…•… to lande in safetie with all hir company, •…•…t that forthwith the water was so troubled and shaken, as the like thing had not to any mans remem∣braunce

euer bin hearde of: so that the Shippe in which the appoynted Queene came ouer, was terribly rent into peeces, and the residue so beaten one againste an other, that they were scattered heere and there, after a wonderfull manner. Be∣fore hir comming to the Citie of London, shee was met on Blackheath, by the Maior, and Ci∣tizens of London,* 2.48 in most honorable wise, and so with greate triumph conueyd to Westminster, where at the time appoynted, all the Nobilitie of [ 10] the Realme being assembled,* 2.49 shee was ioyned in marriage to the King, and Crownes Queene, by the Archbyshop of Caunterbury, with all the glory and honor that might be deuised.

There were also holden for the more honor of the same marriage, solemne Iustes for certayne dayes togither, in which, as well the Englishmen as y^e new Queenes Countreymen, shewed proofe of their manhoode and valiancie, whereby prayse and commendation of Knightly prowes was [ 20] atchieued, not withoute domage of both the par∣ties.

After that the solemnitie of the marriage was finished, the Parliamente eftsoones beganne, in the whiche, many things were enacted, for the behoofe of the common wealthe. And amongst o∣ther things it was ordeyned, that all maner ma∣numissions, obligations, releasses, and other bondes made by compulsion, dures, and menace, in time of this last tumulte and ryot agaynste [ 30] the lawes of the lande, and good fayth, should bee vtterly voyde and adnihillate. And further, that if the Kynges faythfull liege people did perceyue any gathering of the Commons in suspect wise, to the number of sixe or seauen, holding conuen∣ticles togither, they shoulde not stay for y^e Kings writte in that behalfe, for theyr warrante, but forthwith it shoulde bee lawfull for them to apprehende suche people, assembling togither, and to lay them in prison, till they mighte aunswere [ 40] their doings.

These and many other things were establi∣shed in this Parliamente, of the whiche, the most part are set foorthe in the Printed Booke of Sta∣tutes, where yee maye reade the same more at large.

In tyme of thys Parliamente, the Earle of Suffolke, William Vfforde, beeyng chosen by the Knyghtes of the Shires, to pronounce in be∣halfe of the common wealthe, certayne matters [ 50] concerning the same: The very day and houre in whyche hee shoulde haue serued that turne, as hee wente vp the staires,* 2.50 towardes the vpper house, he suddaynely fell downe, and dyed in the handes of hys seruauntes, busie about to take hym vp, whereas hee felte no griefe of sicknesse when hee came into Westminster, beeyng then and before merrie and pleasante ynough, to all mens sights.

Of hys suddayne death, many were grea•…•… abasshed, for that in hys lyfe tyme, hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shewed hymselfe courteous and amiable to all men.

The Parliamente shortly therevppon tooke ende, after that the Merchauntes had graunted to the Kyng for a subsedie certayne customes of theyr woolles, whiche they bought and solde, cal∣led a Maletot, to endure for four yeares.

The Lord Richard Scrope was made Lord Chancellor, and the Lorde Hugh Segraue Lord Treasorer.

About the same time,* 2.51 the Lorde Edmonde Mortimer Earle of Marche, the Kings Lieute∣naunt in Irelande departed this life, after hee had brought in manner all that lande to peace and quiete, by his noble and prudente gouerne∣mente.

In this season,* 2.52 Wiclife set foorthe dyuers Ar∣ticles and conclusions of hys doctrine, whiche the newe Archbyshoppe of Caunterbury, Wil∣liam Courtney, lately remoued from the Sea of London, vnto the higher dignitie, dyd what hee coulde by all shiftes to suppresse, and to force suche as were the setters foorthe, and mayn∣teyners thereof, to recante, and vtterly to re∣nounce. What hee brought to passe, in the Booke of Actes and monumentes set foorthe by maister Foxe, ye may finde at large.

The Twesday next after the feast of Sain•…•…t Iohn Port latine, an other Parliament began, in whiche at the earnest sute and request of the Knyghtes of the shires, Iohn Wrawe Priest,* 2.53 that was the chiefe doer among the commons in Suffolke, at Bury, and Mildenhale, was ad∣iudged to be drawen, and hanged, although ma∣ny beleeued, that hys lyfe should haue bin redee∣med for some great portion of money.

A lewde fellowe that tooke vppon hym to bee skilfull in Phisicke and Astronomy, caused it to bee published thorough the Citie of London, that vppon the Ascention euen, there would rise suche a pestilente Planet, that all those whyche came abroade foorthe of theyr chambers, before they hadde sayde fyue tymes the Lordes prayer, then cōmonly called the Pater noster, & dyd not eate somewhat that morning, before theyr go∣ing foorthe, shoulde bee taken with sicknesse, and suddaynely dye therof. Many fooles beleeued him, and obserued hys order, but the nexte daye, when hys presumptuous lying coulde be no longer fa∣ced out, hee was set on Horsebacke, with his face towardes the tayle, whyche hee was compelled to holde in hys hande in stead of a bridell,* 2.54 and so was ledde about the Citie, with two Iorden pottes about hys necke, and a whetstone, in to∣ken that hee had well deserued it, for the notable lye which he had made.

* 2.55Aboute the same time, certayne Englishe Shippes of Rye, and other places, wente to the Sea, and meeting with certayne Pirats, fought with them, and ouercame them, raking a sea∣uen

[illustration]

Shippes, with a three hundred men in thē. One of those Shippes had bin taken from the Englishe men afore tyme, and was called the Fawcon, belongyng to the Lorde William La∣timer. They were al richly ladē with wine, wax, and other good merchandise.

This yeare, the Maior of London, Iohn de Northhampton, otherwise called Iohn de Cō∣berton,* 2.56 [ 30] did punishe suche as were taken in Adul∣tery, very extreamely: for fyrste, hee putte them in the prison, called the Tonne, that then stoode in Cornehill, and after caused the women to haue theyr heare cutte, as theeues in those dayes were serued, that were appeachers of others, and so were they ledde about the streetes, with trumpettes and pipes goyng before them. Ney∣ther were the menne spared more than the wo∣men, beeyng putte to manye open shames and [ 40] reproches.

But bycause the punishmente of suche offen∣ces, was thoughte rather to apperteyne vnto the spirituall iurisdiction, than to the temporall, the Byshoppe of London, and other of the Clear∣gie, tooke it in very euill parte, but the Ma∣ior beeyng a stoute man, woulde not forbeare, but vsed hys authoritie heerein, to the vtter∣most.

About the same tyme also, when the Arche∣byshoppe [ 50] of Caunterbury sate in iudgemente vppon a processe that was framed agaynst one Iohn Aston,* 2.57 a maister of arte, that was an ear∣nest follower of Wicliffes doctrine, the Londo∣ners brake open the dores, where the Archbyshop with hys Diuines sate, and caused them to gyue ouer, so that they durst proceede no further in that matter.

The same yeare, were the Fishmongers of London sore disquieted by the foresayde Maior,* 2.58 who soughte to infringe theyr liberties, graun∣ting licence to forreyners, to come and sell all manner of fyshe, as freely, and more freely, than anye of the companye of Fishmongers: for they mighte not buy it at the forreyners handes to sell it agayne, by anye meanes, and so that com∣panye, whyche before hadde beene accompted one of the chiefest in the Citie, was nowe so broughte downe, as it seeemed to bee one of the meanest, beeyng compelled to confesse, that theyr occupation was no craft, nor worthy so to bee accompted amongst other the craftes of the Citie.

Thys yeare, the one and twentith of Maye beeyng Wednesday, a greate earthquake chaun∣ced about one of the clocke in the after noone,* 2.59 it was so vehemente, and namely in Kent, that the Churches were shaken therewith in suche wise, that some of them were ouerthrowen to the grounde.

On the Saterday after, beeing the foure and twentith daye of May, earely in the morning, chaunced an other earthquake, or as some write, a watershake, beeyng so vehemente, that it made the Shippes in the hauens to beare one againste an other, by reason whereof,* 2.60 they were sore bruysed by suche knocking togyther, to the great wonder of the people, who being amased at suche straunge tokens, stoode a long time after in more awe of Gods wrath and displeasure, than before, for these so vnketh and dreadfull wonders thus shewed amongst them.

* 2.61About this season, the Lord Richard Scrope, Lord Chācellor, was deposed from that roomth, and the King receiuing the greate seale at hys handes, kept it a certaine time, and sealed there∣with suche grauntes and writings as it pleased him at length,* 2.62 it was deliuered to Robert Brai∣bro•…•… Bishop of London, who was made Lorde Chancellor.

The cause why the Lord Scrope was remo∣ued from that dignitie, was this, when the Kyng [ 10] vpon certayne respects hadde graunted vnto cer∣taine Gentlemen, the lands and possessions that belonged to the late Earle of Marche, and other that were deceassed, (which he during the time of their heires minorities, oughte to enioy by the lawes of the Realme) the sayd Lord Chancellor refused to seale suche grauntes, alledging that the King being greatly in debt, which he was to dis∣change, stoode in neede of suche profites hymselfe, and therefore as hee sayde, he tooke not them for [ 20] faithfull seruauntes, nor dutifull subiectes to hys grace, that respecting their owne priuate com∣moditie more than his or the Realmes, did sue for such grauntes at his hands, aduising them to holde themselues cōtented with such other things a•…•… it had pleased or mighte please the King to be∣stowe vppon them, for surely hee would not con∣sent, that they shoulde enioy suche giftes as those were.

They that were thus reiected, made theyr [ 30] complaynte in suche sort to the King, that he ta∣kyng displeasure with the sayd Lord Scrope, de∣posed hym from hys office, to the greate offence, both of the Nobles, and commons, by whose consente, hee was preferred vnto that digni∣tie.

* 2.63About Michaelmas this yere, certayn naugh∣tie disposed persons in Northfolke, not warned by the successe of the late Rebellion, went aboute a newe commotion, intending to murther the [ 40] Byshoppe of Norwiche, and all the Nobles and Gentlemen of that Countrey: and to bring theyr wicked purpose the better to passe, they determi∣ned to haue assembled togither at Saint Faithes fayre, and to haue compelled all those that should haue bin presente at the same faire, to haue taken parte with them, or else to haue lost their liues: and this beeing done, they woulde haue taken Sainct Benettes Abbey at Holme, whyche they woulde haue kepte for a fortresse, to haue with∣drawen [ 50] into vpon any force that had bin against them. But ere they could bring their purpose to passe, one of the conspiracie bewraying the mat∣ter, they were apprehended, and lost their heads at Norwich, for theyr malitious deuises.

About the same time, a Parliament was cal∣led, to the whiche, certayne commissioners from the Countrey of Flaunders came, to treate of cer∣tayne agreementes betwixt the King and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the estates of theyr Countrey:* 2.64 but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those that came ouer at this time, seemed not suf∣ficient to conclude suche treaties, as then was in hande, they were sente backe to fetche other more sufficiente, as from euery Towne in Flaunders some suche as myghte haue full authoritie to goe through, and confirme the agreementes, then in hande.

In this Parliamente, the Maior of London, with a great part of the commoners of the Citie, vpon suggestion by them made against the fishe∣mongers,* 2.65 for vsing greate deceyt in v•…•…ng of their fishes, obteyned to haue it enacted, that from thenceforth, none of that company, nor •…•…ye of the Vintners, Butchers, Grossers, or other that solde any prouision of vittailes, should be comit∣ted Maior of the Citie, and so by this shifts they sought to cut off all meanes from the Fi•…•…mon∣gers, to recouer againe their olde forfiter •…•…gree. And bycause it was knowen well ynough of what authoritie sir Iohn Philpot Knight was within the Citie, and that hee fauoured those whome the Lord Maior, y^t said Iohn de North∣hampton fauoured not, hee was put off from the benche, and myght not sitte with them that were of the secrete counsell in y^e Cities affayres, wher∣as neuerthelesse he had trauelled more for the pre∣seruation of the Cities liberties, than all the re∣sidue.

Sir Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwiche, re∣ceyued a little before this presente, Builes from Pope Vrbane, to signe all such with the Crosse, that woulde take vpon them to goe ouer y^e Seas with hym to warre agaynst those that held with the Antipape Clemente, that tooke himselfe for Pope, and to suche as woulde receyue the Crosse in that quarrell, suche lyke beneficiall pardons were graunted by Pope Vrbane,* 2.66 as were accu∣stomarily granted vnto such as went to fighte against the Infidels, the Turkes, and Sarasins, to witte free remission of sinnes, and many other graces.

The Byshop of Norwiche that had the dis∣posing of the benefites graunted by those Bulles, to all suche as eyther woulde goe themselues in person, or else giue any thing towardes the fur∣therance of that voyage, and mayntenance of thē that went in the same, shewed those Bulles now in open Parliamente, and caused copies to bee written foorth, and sente into euery quarter, that his authoritie and power Legantine, mighte be notifyed to all menne, for the better bringing to passe, of that hee hadde in charge: and truely it shoulde appeare, there wanted no diligence in the man to accomplishe the Popes purpose: and on the other parte yee must note, that the priuiled∣ges which he hadde from the Pope, were passing

large, so that as the matter was handled, there were d•…•…s Lords, Knights, esquiers, and other men of warre in good numbers, that o•…•…red them selues to go in that voyage, and to follow the stā∣d•…•…rdes of the church with the Bishop, & no s•…•…all su•…•…s of •…•…ncy were lented and gathered a∣mongest the people, for the •…•…ishyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the of that armie,* 2.67 as afor•…•… ye shall heare. In this meane tyme the erle of Cambridge returned home from Portingale; whether as ye haue hearde, he•…•… was sent the laste yeare, and promise made, that: the duke of Lancaster should haue folowed him, but [ 10] by reason of the late rebellion, and also for other considerations, as the warres in Flaunders: be∣twixt the Erle and them of Gaunt, it was not thought couentent that any men of warre shuld go foorth of the realme: and so the K. of Portin∣gale not able of himselfe to go through with his enterprise against y^e K. of Spain, after som smal exploits atcheued by y^e Englishmē, & other of the Erle of Cambridge his companie, as the wyn∣ning of certain fortresses belonging to the King [ 20] of Castille, and that the two kings had layne in field, the one against the other by the space of .xv. days without battayle, the matter was taken vp, and a peace concluded betwixt them, sore against the mynde of the Erle of Cambridge, who did what in him lay, to haue brought them to a sette field: but when there was no remedie, he bare it so paciently as hee mighte, and returned home with his people, sore offended (thoughe he sayde [ 30] little) against the king of Portingale, for that he delt otherwise in this mater than was looked for.* 2.68 He had fianced his sonne whiche hee had by the daughter of Peter sometime king K. of Castille, vnto the king of Portingales daughter nowe in the time of his being there but although he was earnestly requested of the said king, he would not leaue his son behind him, but brought him backe with him again into England (together with his mother) doubting the slipper faith of those people. [ 40]

* 2.69In the Lent season of this sixt yere of K. Ri∣chards raigne an other parliament was called at London, in the which there was hard holde about the bulles sente to the bishop of Norwiche from Pope Vrbane,* 2.70 concerning his iourneye that he should take in hand against the Clementines as we may call thē for y^t they held with Pope Cle∣ment, whom the Vrbanists, that is, such as held with pope Vrbane, tooke for Scismatiks. Diuers ther were, that thought it not good that such sum∣mes [ 50] of mony shuld be leuied of the kings subiects and the same togither with an armie of mē to be committed vnto the guiding of a Prelate vnskil∣full in warrelike affaires: other there were that would needes haue hym to goe, that the enimies of the churche (as they tooke them) might be sub∣dued. And although the more parte of the lordes of the vpper house, and likewise the Knightes and Burgesses of the lower house were earnestly bent against this iorney, yet at length those that were of the contrary minde, preuailed,* 2.71 and so it was decreede, that it should forwarde, and that the, saide bishoppe of Norwiche shoulde haue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the graunted to the king in the laste parlia∣ment, to pay the wages of suche men of warre as shoulde goe •…•…er with hym: for souldiors wyth∣out m•…•…ey passed not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of pardones, no not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those dayes excepte at the very point of death, if they were not ass•…•…ed howe to be aunswered of their wages, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of some other cōsideration wher∣by they myghte gay•…•…e. The tenthe that was graunted afore by the Bishops at Oxforde, is nowe in this same Parliament appoynted to re∣mayne to the king for the keepyng of the seas, whilest the Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be forme of the realme in folowing those warres. Those things being thus appointed the bishop sendeth forth his letters s•…•…∣med with his seale into euery prouince & coūtrey of this lād, giuing to al persons, vicars, & curates through this realme power & authoritie to •…•…re the confessions of their parishoners,* 2.72 & to graunte vnto those that wold bestow any parcel of theyr goods which God had lent•…•… •…•…dwards the ad∣uauncing of the iorney to be made by the crossed souldiors against Pope. Vrbans enimies, the ob∣solutions & remission of al their sinnes by y^e Popes authoritie, according to the forme of the Bul, be∣fore mencioned. The people vnderstanding of so great & gracious a benefite, as they tooke it, thus offred to the english natiō, at home in their own houses, were desirous to be partakers therof, and those y^t were warlike men, prepared thēselues to go forth in that iorney with al speed possible: the residue that were not fit to be warryours, accor∣dyng to that they were exhorted by theyr con∣fessours, bestowed liberally of theyr goods to the furtheraunce of those that wente: and so, fewe there were within the whole kingdome, but that eyther they went, or gaue somewhat to the ad∣uauncing foorth of the Bishop of Norwiche his voyage. Which Bishop chose diuers to be asso∣ciate with him,* 2.73 as Captains that were expert in warlike enterprises. The first & principal was sir Hugh Caluerley an old mā of warre, & one that in all places had borne himself both valiantly & politikely: Next vnto him was sir Williā Farin¦gton, who stoutely spake in the Bishops cause, when the matter came in question in the parlia∣ment house, touching his going ouer with thys Croysey. Beside these, ther wēt diuers noble mē and knightes of high renoune, as the lord Henry Beaumount, sir Williā Elmham, and sir Tho∣mas Triuet, sir Iohn Ferrers, sir Hugh Spēcer,* 2.74 the bishops nephue by his brother sir Mathewe Redman captain of Barwicke, Sir Nicholas

Tarenson or Traicton, sir William Farington and manye other of the Englishe nation: and of Gascongne there wente le sire de Chasteauneuf, and his brother sir Iohn de Chasteauneuf, Ray∣mund de Marsen, Guillonet de Paux, Gariot Vighier, Iohn de Cachitan, and diuers other: Sir Iohn Beauchamp was appointed Marshal of the field, but bicause he was at that present in the marches of the realme towards Scotland, he was not readie to passe ouer when the Bishoppe [ 10] did. The Duke of Lancaster liked not wel of the Bishops iorney, for that hee sawe howe hys voyage that he meant to make into Spayn was hereby for the tyme disappoynted, and he coulde haue bin better contented, as appeareth by wri∣ters, to haue had the money imployed vpon the wartes agaynst the king of Castille, that was a Clementine, than to haue it bestowed vpon this voyage, which the Bishop was to take in hande against the French king, and other in this neerer [ 20] parties. Herevpon there were not many of the Nobilitie that offered to go with the Bishop.

But to saye somewhat of other thyngs that were concluded in this last parliament, we fynd, that the Fishmongers,* 2.75 whiche through meanes of the late Lorde Maior Iohn of Northamp∣ton and his complices were put from theyr aun∣cient customes and liberties, whiche they enioyed aforetyme within the Citie, were nowe restored to the same agayne, sauing that they myght not [ 30] keepe Courtes among themselues, as in tymes past they vsed, but that after the maner of other craftes and companies, all transgressions, offen∣ces and breaches of lawes and customs by them committed, should be heard, tryed, and reformed in the Mayres Courte.

All thys winter the matter touching the ga∣thering of mony towards the Croysey, was ear∣nestly applyed, so that there was leuied what of the disme, and by the deuotion of the people for [ 40] obteyning of the pardon, so muche as drewe to the summe of .xxv. thousand frankes.

When the Bishop therefore had set things in good forwardnesse for his iourney, he drewe to∣wardes the sea side, and was so desirous to passe ouer,* 2.76 & to inuade his aduersaries, that althoughe the king sent to him an expresse cōmaundement by letters to returne to the Court, that he might conferre with him before he toke the seas, yet he excusing himselfe, that the tyme would not then [ 50] permit him to staye longer, passed ouer to Ca∣leys, where he landed the .xxiij. of Aprill in thys vj. yeare of King Richards reigne.* 2.77 The armye appoynted to attende him in this iourney, rose to the number of .ij.M. horsmen, and fifteene thou∣sand footmen,* 2.78 as some write, though other speak of a farre lesser number: but it should seeme that they went not ouer all at one time, but by parts, as some before the Bishop, some with him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some after him. And when he and the•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before named, were come ouer to 〈…〉〈…〉 tooke counsel togither into what place they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make their first i•…•…asion, and bicause 〈…〉〈…〉 mission was to make warre onely against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that held with Pope Clement, the•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were of this mynde, tha•…•… it should be most ex∣pedient for them to enter into Fraunce, and to •…•…ake warre against the Frenchemen, wh•…•… men knewe to be chiefe maynteyners of the sayd Clemente. But the Bishop of Norwiche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this opinion, that they coulde not doe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than to inuade the countreye of Flaunders, by∣cause that a little before, Earle Lewes hauyng intelligence that king Richard had made a con∣federacie with them of Gaunt, had in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 part, expulsed all Englishmen out of hi•…•… •…•…∣nions and countreyes, so that the 〈…〉〈…〉 whiche hadde their goodes at Bruges, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places in Flaunders, susteyned great losses.

Though there were that replyed against the Bi∣shops purpose herein,* 2.79 as sir Hugh Cal•…•…rley and others, yet at length they yelded thereto, and so by his commaundement, they wente s•…•…ght to Grauelyn, the .xxj. day of May, and immedi•…•… wan it by assault.* 2.80 Whervpon Bruckburg was yelded vnto them, the lyues and goodes of them within saued. Then went they to Dunkirk,* 2.81 and without any great resistance entred the Towne and wanne there exceeding much by the spoyle, for it was full of riches, whiche the Englishmen pylfered at their pleasure. The Earle of Flaun∣ders lying at Lisle was aduertised how the en∣glishmen were thus entred his countrey,* 2.82 where∣vpon he sent ambassadors vnto the English host to vnderstande why they made him warre that was a right Vrbanist. The bishop of Norwich for aunswere, declared to them that were sente, that hee tooke the countrey to appertayne to the French king, as he that had of late conquered it, whom all the whole world knewe to be a Cle∣mentine, or at the least he was assured, that the countrey therabouts was of the inheritāce of the lady of Bar, which likewise was a Clementin, & therfore except the people of that countrey wold come and ioyne with hym to goe against such as were knowne to be enimies to Pope Vrban, he would surely seeke to destroy them. And where as the Earles ambassadoures required a safeconduct, to go into Englande by Caleys to vnderstand the kings pleasure in this matter, the bishop would grant them none at all, wherefore they went back againe to the Erle their maister, with that aunswere. The Englishemen after the taking and spoyling of Dunkirke retourned to Grauelyn and Bruckburg, whyche places they fortifyed, and then leauyng garnysons in

them, they went to Mar•…•…, and 〈…〉〈…〉 for it was not closed. In the meane time, the co•…•…ey men of West Flaunders rose in armour, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Dunkirke, meaning to resist the Englishmen wherof when the bishoppes, was certified, with •…•…l speede he marched thither, and commyng to the place, where the Flemmings, to the number of more tha•…•…, thousand, were aranged withoute the towre,* 2.83 he sent an herauld vnto them to know the truthe of whether Pope they helde, but the [ 10] rude people, not vnderstāding what appertained to the law of armes, ranne vpon the heraulde at his approching to them, and slewe him befor•…•… •…•…e could beginne to tell his tale.

The englishmen herewith enflamed, determi∣ned either to reuenge the death of their heraulde or to dye for it, and therwith ordered their bat∣tailes ready to fight, and being not aboue .v. M. fighting men in all,* 2.84 the bishoppe placed hymselfe ammongest the horsemen, and s•…•…t the footmen in [ 20] a battaile marshalled wedge wyse, broade behind, and sharpe before,* 2.85 hauing wyth them a h•…•…nner wherin the crosse was beaten. The archers were raunged on eyther side: The stande•…•…de of the church went before, the fielde gewles, and two keys siluer, signifying that they were souldiours of Pope Vrbane. Moreouer, the Bishop had his penon there Siluer and azure quarterly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fre•…•…t gold on the azure, a bend gules on the siluer and bicause he was yongest of the Spēcers, he bare a [ 30] border g•…•…les for a difference. At the approching of the battayles togither, the trumpets blew vp and the archers beganne to shoot against the bat∣tayle of the Flemmings, the which valiantly de∣fēded themselues, and fought egrely a long time but at length they were so galled with arrowes, which the archers shot at them a flanke, that they were not able to endure, but were compelled to giue back. They were deuided into two battails, [ 40] a vaward, & a rerewarde. When the vaward be∣gan to shrinke, the rerewarde also brake, order, and fled, but the Englishmen pursued them so fast,* 2.86 that they could not escape, but were ouerta∣ken and slaine in great numbers.

Some say, there dyed of them in the battayle & chase v. thousand, some .vj. thousand: and other write,* 2.87 that there were .ix. thousand of them slain: and Tho. Wals. affirmeth .xij.M. Many of thē fled into the Towne of Dunkirke for f•…•…re coure,* 2.88 [ 50] but the Englishmen pursued them so egerly, that they entred the town with thē, & slew thē downe in the streetes. The Flemmings in diuers places gathered themselues togither againe as they fled, and shewed countenance of defence, but stil, they were driuen out of order, and brought to confu∣sion.* 2.89 The Priestes and religious men th•…•… were with the Bishoppe fought most egrely, some one of them slaying .xvj. of the enimies.

The•…•… •…•…ed of Englishmen as this batt•…•… about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣men amongest them,* 2.90 〈…〉〈…〉 the men for they 〈…〉〈…〉 of the •…•…¦glish 〈…〉〈…〉 come to m•…•… bat∣tayle with them, but keping, 〈…〉〈…〉 cōmons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 countrey in •…•…de to try•…•… what they against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Englishmen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 able to doe without them

This battaile was fought vpon a M•…•…e being the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of May. 〈…〉〈…〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a wonderfull 〈…〉〈…〉 townes and 〈…〉〈…〉 some yelded the•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Englishmen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Berghe•…•… and others Some 〈…〉〈…〉 as the castel of Dri•…•…ht•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 of S. •…•…¦nant.* 2.91 T. o•…•… shorte, the Englishmenne, became maisters of all 〈…〉〈…〉 the sea sides euen from Grauelyn to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 got 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣ches by pillage and spoile 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ould dost with for greater 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in maner all the close to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…yli•…•… wickes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, of •…•…ring Mess•…•…nes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Furneys, with the townes of 〈…〉〈…〉 berke, and dyuers other. 〈…〉〈…〉 the woods of 〈…〉〈…〉 bootie, of 〈…〉〈…〉 as greate sorte of prisoners of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people, whiche were fledde into those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for f•…•…re of the eni∣mies; but the Englishmen •…•…ng the 〈…〉〈…〉 good bloud 〈…〉〈…〉 their booties and pray vnto Gra•…•…lin and Bi•…•…∣hu•…•…e.

The eigthe daye of •…•…uke they ca•…•… before the townes I•…•…re, and layde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therein,* 2.92 wher∣at they continued the space of it weekes. Thy∣ther came to their ayde .xx.M. Gaun•…•…rs bil∣der the leadyng of Frauncis A•…•…eman, Peter Wood, and Peter Wyn•…•…er; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they with•…•… Ipre, were straightely, basieged •…•…t there were within it in garniso•…•… diuers valiaunt knyghtes and Capitains, which defended the towne right manfully: It was fen•…•…d with a mighte •…•…∣pire, and a thicke hedge, trimly pla•…•… wound wyth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as the manner of fortifying tow∣nes was in auncient time amongst them in that countrey was 〈…〉〈…〉.

D•…•…yng the tyme that the siege •…•…ye before Ipre, the Englishmen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abroade in the coūtrey for when it was ones known what good successe the first companie that went•…•… ouer had found the•…•… came dayly forth of England greate others to be partakers of the gain: & sir Io. Phil∣pot y^t fauored the bishope iorney,* 2.93 prouided theyr of vesselles for theyr Passage, till the Bishop •…•…∣derstandyng that the more parte of those that came th•…•…s ouer were vnarmed, and broughte nothyng wyth them from home, but onely

swordes, bowes and arrowes, did write vnto the sayde sir Iohn Philpot that he shoulde suffer none to passe the seas, but such as were men able and likely to do seruice, where a great number of those that were come to hym, were fitte for no∣thing but to consume victuals.

The multitude of Englishemen and Galiti∣ners at this siege was great, so that diuers skir∣mishes chanced betwixt them, and such as were appointed by the Earle to lie in garnisons about [ 10] in the country against them: but still the victorie aboade on the Englishe side. Also there was an English priest,* 2.94 one sir Iohn Boring that wente to Gaunt, with .v.C. English Archers, by whose ayde, Arnold Hans, one of the captains of Gaūt ouercame his enimies in battail, which were laid in a castel nere to the hauen of Alloste, and stop∣ped that no victuals mighte safely come oute of Holland or Zeland to be conueyd vnto Gaunt.

The Erle of Flaunders was not wel conten∣ted [ 20] in his mynd,* 2.95 that the Englishmen were thus entred into his countrey, and therfore he earnest∣ly laboured to the Duke of Burgogne (that had maryed his daughter, and shoulde be heire of all his dominions and seigniories after his deceasse) to find some remedie in the matter. The Duke whome the matter touched so neere,* 2.96 did so much with his nephue the Frenche king, that eftsoones he raysed his whole puissance, and came downe [ 30] into Flanders, so that the Englishmē perceiuing themselues not of power to encounter with this huge and mightie armie, were constrayned after a great assault, whiche they gaue the .viij. of Au∣gust,* 2.97 to reyse their siege from Ipre the Monday after, being. S. Laurence day, and to withdrawe into Bruckburg, Berghen, Dixmew, Newport, Cassell, Dunkirke, Grauelyn, and other places which they had wonne. But at Newporte the townesmen set vp the Erles banner, and assay∣ling [ 40] those that were come into the towne, slewe diuers of them. The Englishmen being sore of∣fended therwith,* 2.98 came running thither with cer∣tain Gauntiners, and made greate slaughter of them that had so murthered their fellowes. The town was sacked, & al the goods aswell Churche iewels, as other, wer sent away, partly by sea in∣to England, & partly by waggons vnto Berge. After this, they sette fire in more than .xxx. places of the towne, so that there remained nothing vn∣brent. The Englishmen and Gantiners y^t were [ 50] withdrawn into Berg, got togither al the wag∣gons in the country about, placing the same vp∣on the ditches and rampiers, to fortifye the same against their enimies.* 2.99 Some write, that after the breaking vp of the siege at Ipres, the Bishop of Norwich wold gladly haue perswaded the lords and knightes that were there with him,* 2.100 to haue entred into Picardie, and there to haue offred the French K. bataille; before his whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣bin assembled but sir Tho. Triuet & sir 〈…〉〈…〉 Elmhā with other, wold in no wise 〈…〉〈…〉 vnto, so that y^e bishop taking with him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Caluerley, that did the life forsake him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣ther farewell, and flist making a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and •…•…∣cardie, he after withdrew into Grauelyn, •…•…∣les the other went to Bruckburg: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fros∣sart, and other writers, it appereth, that 〈…〉〈…〉 was certainly at Berge, with other that •…•…∣tired thither, in purpose to defende 〈…〉〈…〉 the frenche king, who still folowed them and •…•…∣red dyuers places out of theyr hands by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mont Cassell, the castell of Drinth•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 Also at his cōming to Berghen, y^• sa•…•…e sir Hugh Caluerley, and other that were within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣uing that they were not able to defend it 〈…〉〈…〉 suche a puissa•…•…ce as the french K. had there with him, being greater than euer sir Hugh •…•…∣ley that auncient captaine would haue thought that Fraūce had bin able to haue set wyth, •…•…∣ted, & left the town to be spoyled of the Bryto•…•… and other french souldiors, which exe•…•… there all kinds of cruelty. The more part of y^e english∣men went to Bruckburgh, but sir Hugh C•…•…∣ley went to Grauelin, & so to Caleis, 〈…〉〈…〉 displeased in his minde, for that his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could not be regarded in all this voiage, which if it had bin followed, wold haue brought it to a better is∣sue than now it was, as was supposed.

The Frenche Kyng followyng the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of good fortune, that guided his stern,* 2.101 marched forth to Bruckburghe, so that the vaward of his army came before that towne on the Holyrood day, in September, vnder the leading of y^e erle of Flaū∣ders, the duke of Britaine, the Lorde Oliuer de Clisson hygh Constable of Fraunce,* 2.102 and the L. Valeran erle of S. Paule, the whiche demeaned themselues in such sorte that althought the eng∣lishemen within, valiantly defended the frenche∣mens assaulte, yet the iij. day after the frenche∣mens cōming thither, the englishmē by composi∣tion that they might depart with bag & bagage, yelded vp the towne, which on the .xix. of Septē∣ber being Satterday, as that yere came aboute, was abandoned to the frenche souldiors, to rifle and spoile at their pleasure, in the whiche feate the Britons bare y^e bell away, dooing more mis∣chiefe vnto the poore inhabitants, than with to•…•…g can be recited.* 2.103 The duke of Britaine holpe great∣ly to make the composition, that the englishmen might departe in safetie: for the which doing he was in greate hatred and obloquy of the souldi∣ers, the which affirmed that he was not onely a friende to the englishemen, but an enimy to hys countrey and a traytor to the commen wealthe.

The Englishmen cōming to Grauelyn, set it on fire, and departed streight to Caleys, leauing

the countrey of Flanders to the Frenchmen, and so returned into Englande, where they were not greatly commended for their seruice, but were put so farre in blame, that sir Thomas Tri•…•…, and sir William El•…•… wer cōmitted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pri∣son, within the Tower of London, as men sus∣pected of euill dealing in the deliuerie of Bruck∣burg and Grauelin to the French mens handes: for immediatly after that they had lefte Graue∣lyn,* 2.104 the Frenchmen came thither, and fortifyed [ 10] it for a countergarison to Caleys. There be that write how the French king offred to giue the bi∣shop of Norwich .xv.M. marks to rase the town of Grauelyn, & so to leaue it vnto him, the bishop hauing libertie with all his people and goodes to depart in safetie. The bishop required to haue li∣bertie for certain days, to make herevnto a full & deliberate answere, which was graunted, and in the meane tyme he sent into England to aduer∣tise the king in what state he stood, and how the [ 20] Frenche king lay before him with a mightie ar∣mye: & therfore if he meant euer to trie battayle with the Frenchemen, nowe was the tyme.

The same sommer, the King w^t the Queene wēt abrode in progresse, visiting in their way the riche abbeys of the realme,* 2.105 as Bury, Thetforde, Norwich & others going about a great part of y^t realme: and when these newes came to him frō the bishop of Norwich, he was at Dauentrie in [ 30] Northamtonshire, and beeing the same time at supper, he put the table from him, & rising with al hast, got him to horseback, and rode in post that night, changing horse diuers tymes, with suche speed that he came to S. Albons about midnight & making no stay there longer than he had boro∣wed the Abbots gelding, hasted forth til he came to Westminster: so that it appered he wold neuer haue rested til he had passed the sea, & giuē battail to the Frenchmē. But after his cōming to West [ 40] minster, aweried with that hastic iorney, he got him to bed, & liked so wel of ease, that he thought good to send a lieutenant in his stead to passe the seas, to deliuer y^e bish. frō danger of his enimies. Herevpon was the duke of Lacaster sent for,* 2.106 that he might with suche power as was redy to passe the seas, goe ouer with the same, and giue bat∣tayle to the French king: but he protracted time till the respite graunted to the Bishoppe to make answer, was expired, and so the Bishop when he [ 50] sawe no succour come forth of Englande, rased the towne, as the couenant was: but money he would not or did not receiue, bicause he thought in so doing, he should offend the counsaile. At his cōming backe into England, he found the duke of Lancaster at the sea syde with a great power of menne readye to haue come ouer,* 2.107 althoughe some thought that he deferred tyme of purpose, for that he myslyked of the Bishops whole en∣terprist: and now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cause it hadde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ray∣le•…•…▪ he blamed the Bishop for his euill g•…•…e∣men•…•… the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but sir Hughe Caluerley he retey∣ned with hym a tyrk•…•… d•…•…ng hi•…•… all honour, by reason of the owe app•…•… valiancie, that had bin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 founde in 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And this was the end of the Bishop of N•…•…

The Scots in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 why be safe not •…•…all, but made roades into England, toke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brent the castel of Wark. M•…•…er,* 2.108 whilest the •…•…g•…•… laye before •…•…s Nines, the Frenchmen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contain ves∣sels, and sent them •…•…o the sea, namely ha•…•… valen∣gers, as wel to intercept such as should p•…•…sse be∣twene Englande and Flanders, as also to stop such as were apointe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 g•…•… ouer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…aoyn, that were souldiors also of the Croysey, appoin∣ted thither vnder the •…•…g of the Lorde Bri∣t•…•…ale de la Bre•…•…te, and certain others. When they of Portesmouth 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…hat the•…•… fiue ships were abroade, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth to the Sea, and meeting with their aduersa•…•…, sought •…•…yth them a •…•…e cruel battaile, and in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slow •…•…ll the enimies, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 excepted, and toke all the•…•… ves∣sels.* 2.109 An other fleet of Englishmen took .•…•…ij. frēch ships, which had aboord, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 omits of good wi∣nes, that comforted the Englishmens greatly.

About the feast of al Saint•…•… was a parliamēt holden at London,* 2.110 in which was granted to the K. one moytie of a fifteenth by y^e laytie, & shortly after, a maytie of a tenth by the clergie.* 2.111 Moreo∣uer the K. toke into his hands the temporalties y^t belonged to the Bishop of Norwich, bicause he obeyed not the kings cōmendemēt when he was sent for at the time when he toke the seas to passe into Flanders. The knights also y^e had not she∣wed such obedience to the bishop as was requi∣site in that iorney, were cōnulted to prison, but shortly after they were set at libertie vpon sure∣ties, that vndertooke for them: it was also de∣creed in this parliament, that the Erle of Buc∣kingā the kings vncle shoulde goe to the borders against Scotland with a thousand launces, and ij.M. Archers, to represse the presumptuous at∣tempts of the Scots, who aduertised therof, sent embassadors to treat of peace, but they were dis∣patched home againe, withoute obteyning that which they came to sue for. At the motion & in∣stance of the duke of Britain, immediatly vpon the returne of the English armie out of Flaun∣ders, there was a meeting of certain commissio∣ners in the marches of Caleys,* 2.112 at a place called Lelleghen, for the treatie of a peace to be con∣cluded betwixte the two Realmes of Englande and Fraunce.

There appeared for king Richard, the duke of Lancaster, and his brother y^e Erle of Bucking∣ham, sir Iohn Hollande brother to the Kyng, Sir Thomas Percye, and a Bishop. For the

Frenche king, thither came the Dukes of Be•…•…y and B•…•…gongne, the Bishop of Laon, and the Chauncellor of Fraunce. There were also the duke of Britain, & the erle of Flanders. Also there came a bishop with other cōmissioners from the king of Spayne: for the Frenchmen would no∣thing doe except the K. of Spayne might be also comprised in the treatie and conclusion. They were .iij. wekes in cōmoning of an agreemente: but when nothing else coulde be brought to passe [ 10] they concluded a truce to endure till the feaste of S. Michaell,* 2.113 which shoulde be in the yeare .1384. The erle of Flāders was iudged most in blame, for y^t no peace could be accorded, bicause he wold not that the Gantiners should be comprised ther∣in, but the Englishmen would not agree either to truce or peace, except regard might be had of the Gantiners, as their frends and alies. The kings of Spayn and Scotland were comprised in this truce as confederates to the Frenchmen, whiche [ 20] shuld haue signified the same into Scotlande, but did not, til great harme folowed through negli∣gēce vsed in that matter, as after ye shal perceiue.

* 2.114The same yere in the nighte of the feast of the Purification of our Lady, great lightenings and thunders chaunced, which put many in no small feare, so huge and hideous was that tempest.

Shortly after, there rose no small adde in the citie of London about the electiō of their Maior: for such as fauored the late Maior Io.* 2.115 de Nor∣thamton, [ 30] otherwise called Iohn de Comberton, stood against sir Nicholas Brambre knight that was chosen to succeede the sayde Iohn de Nor∣thampton, insomuch that a shoemaker that was one of the same Iohn de Northamptons parta∣ke•…•…s, profuine through a number of wy•…•… were ready to fauor ha•…•…,* 2.116 to take vppon 〈…〉〈…〉 May 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but through the counsell of sir 〈◊〉〈◊〉 K•…•…tsis knyght, he was sodeinly vpp•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 drawne, and be handed as •…•…ell, an•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 the kings peace. In the Lent season, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lancaster with his brother the Erle de B•…•…∣kingham wēt towards the borders,* 2.117 hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him a mightie power of knights, esquiers, & Ar∣chers, and after he had remained a certain tyme vpon the borders,* 2.118 about Easter he entred Scot∣land, and cōming within three myles of •…•…¦burghe, he stayed there a three dayes, 〈…〉〈…〉 meane tyme the Scottes conueyed all thilt goo∣des out of the towne ouer the water of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so that when the armie came thither, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nothing but bare walles, which grieued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣diours not a little. The Scots would not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth to giue any battaile to the Englishmē, but got them into woods and mountains, or else pas∣sed ouer the riuer of Firth, suffering the English∣men to fight with the vehemēt cold wether, that then sore anoyed those parts, in so much that •…•…n Easter daye at nighte thorough snowe that fell, and suche extreme colde and boysterous stormes as sore afflicted the Armye, beeing encamped within the cōpasse of a mareis grounde for their more suertie: there died aboue .v. hundred horsses,* 2.119 to let passe the losse of men that perished the same time, of whom we make no mētion. To cōclude after the duke & his brother the Erle had remai∣ned a tyme thus in Scotlande, and brent certain townes, they returned into Englande.

About the same tyme, to witte,* 2.120 in the Quin∣dene of Easter, a parliament of the nobles was

[illustration]

holden at Salisbury, during the which, an Irish fryer of the order of the Carmelites,* 2.121 being a ba∣cheler in diuinitie, exhibited to the king a bill a∣gainste the Duke of Lancaster, charging hym wyth heynous treasons: as that he ment vpon a sodayne to destroye the Kyng, and to vsurpe the Crowne, shewyng the tyme, place and circum∣staunces of the whole contryued matter.

The king being yong both in yeares and dis∣cretion, when he had heard the Fryers informa∣tion, called two of his Chaplaynes vnto hym, one sir Nicholas Slake, and an other, and asked their aduise what they thoughte good to be done in such a weighty cause: And as they were busye in talk about y^e same, the duke of Lācaster came into the kings chamber after his wonted maner, not vnderstanding any thing of the mater wher∣of they were in talk. The king with a stern coū∣tenance [ 10] beheld the duke, not doing him the honor that he was accustomed. The Duke suspecting that the king had somwhat in his head y^e touched his person, withdrew: In the mean time those ij. that were thus in coūsel w^t the king, fearing hap∣ly the Dukes power, or els vpon good will they bare towards him, perswaded the king that in a∣ny wise he should call him to see and heare what was laid to his charge. The duke after he had red the bill of his accusation, made such answere, & so [ 20] excused himself in declaring his innocencie, that the king gaue credite to his words, and receiued his excuse: herewith the duke besought the king, that the Frier might be kept in safegarde, till the time came that he might purge himselfe of that he had charged him with, & that the Lorde Iohn Holland the Kings halfe brother might haue the custodie of hym till the day appointed, that the Duke should come to his full triall.

The night before whiche day, the sayd Lord Holland, and sir Henry Greene, knight, came to [ 30] this Fryer, and putting a corde about his necke, tied the other end about his priuie members, and after hanging hym vp from the grounde,* 2.122 layde a stone vpon his bely, with the weight wherof, and peyse of his body withall, he was strangled and tormented, so as his very back bone burst in sun∣der therewith, besides the strayning of his priuie members: and thus with three kind of tormen∣tings, be ended his wretched lyfe.

The morow after, they caused his dead corps [ 40] to be drawne about the town, to the end it might appeare, he had suffered worthily for his greate falsehoode and treason.

But now to the Parliament. At length when the K. had obteined of the laytie a graunt of an halfe .xv. the same parliament was dissolued.

In the sommer folowing the borderers of En∣gāld & Scotlād,* 2.123 made rodes ech into others coū∣tries, to the great disquieting of both the realms. [ 50]

Amongs other roades that the Englishmenne made shortely after Easter (as Froissarte hath) the Earles of Northumberlande and Not∣tingham, reysing an armye of two thousande speares, and six thousande Archers, entred Scot∣lande by Rockesburgh, brente the countreye e∣uen to Edenburgh, and so returned without da∣mage. In the meane time came messengers frō from the Frenche king to aduertise the Scottes of the conclusion of the truce.

But the Scots prouoked with this last inua∣sion made by the Englishemen into theyr coun∣trey, wold not heare of any truce, till they had in parte reuenged their displeasure vpon the En∣glishemen:* 2.124 And so wyth certaine men of armes of Fraunce, that lately before were come thy∣ther, not yet vnderstandyng of any truce, they roaded into Northumberland, doing what mis∣chief they might: so that for the Sommer season of this yeare, eyther part sought to endomage o∣ther, as Walsingham hath: although Froissart write, y^t through the earnest trauaile of the mes∣sengers that came to intimate the abstinence of warre takē, the parties now that their stomacks were wel eased with the enterchange of endoma∣ging either others confines, agreed to bee quiet, and so the truce was proclaimed in both realms, and accordingly obserued.

About the beginning of August in the eighte yeare of this kings reigne,* 2.125 the duke of Lancaster went ouer agayn into France, to treate of peace, but after he had remained there a long time, and spent no smal store of treasure, he returned with a truce, to endure only till the first day of Maye then next ensuyng.

Whilst the duke o•…•… Lancaster was thus forth of the realme, Iohn •…•…f Northampton,* 2.126 that had borne suche rule in the Citie of London, why∣lest hee was Mayre, and also after, (as partely ye haue heard) was accused by a Chaplain (that he had in his house) of seditious sturres, whiche he went about, so that being arraigned therof, he was in the ende condemned to perpetual prison, and the same not to be within the space of one hundred miles at the least of the citie of London. All his goodes were confiscated, and so hee was sent to the Castell of Tyntagill, in Cornewall, and the Kyngs officers seysed vppon his goodes and cattels.

Aboute the feast of Saint Martine, a parlia∣ment was called at London, in whiche money was demaunded of the clergie and temporaltie, towards the mayntenance of the kings warres.

During this parliamente also,* 2.127 a combat was fought within lists betwixt an english Esquier, named Io. Walshe, & an Esquier of Nauarre, that accused the said Walche of treason, though not iustly, but moued through displesure, concei∣ued of an iniury don to him by the same Walch whilest he was vnder captain or vice deputie, as we may cal him of Chierburgh,* 2.128 in abusing the Nauarrois wife. Whervppon when the Na∣uarrois was vāquisht, & confest y^e trouth, he was adiudged by the K. to be drawne to the place of execution, and hanged, notwithstāding that the Quene & diuers other made ernest sute for him.

Also before that this parliament was dissolued, newes came foorth of the North partes, that the Scots had won the castel of Berwike:* 2.129 for which the Erle of Northumberland that was captaine thereof, was put in high blame, for that he hadde not committed the keeping thereof to more cir∣cumspect persons.

The Duke of Lancaster that bare no good will to the saide Earle, was well apayde that he had so good mater to charge his aduersarie with∣al, [ 10] so that through his meanes the Erle of Nor∣thumberlande, was sore accused, and had muche adoe to escape the daunger of beeyng reputed a traytour.

Wherevpon great occasion of malice and dis∣pleasure grew betwixt those two noble persona∣ges as after it well appered. But howsoeuer the matter was handled, the Earle was licenced by the king to go into his coūtrey, & seke to recouer agayne possession of the castell thus lately loste. [ 20] Wherevpon he reysing an armie,* 2.130 and besiegyng the Scots that were within y^e castel, so constray∣ned them, that for the summe of .2000. markes they surrendred the fortresse into his hands, their liues and goodes saued: and so the Erle of Nor∣thumberlande recouered the Castell againe out of the Scottishmennes handes, beeing taughte to committe it to more warie kepers than the o∣ther before. [ 30]

The king being incensed against the duke of Lancaster,* 2.131 meant that he shuld haue bin arrested and arraigned of certain points of treason before sir Robert Tryssyllyan chiefe Iustice (as Tho. Walsing sayth) and peraduenture there might be some suche reporte, that suche was the Kings meaning: But yet how this may stand, conside∣ring he was to be tried by his peeres, in case that any the like matter had bin pretended, I see not.

* 2.132But how soeuer it was, he being warned ther∣of [ 40] by some of the counsell, got him to his castell of Pont•…•…ret, which he fortified, and banded him self so with his frendes, that it appeared he wold defend his cause with force of armes, rather than to come to his tryall by order of lawe afore such a Iudge: and by reason hereof, it was greately doubted, least some ciuile warre wold haue bro∣ken foorth.* 2.133 But through the earnest labor of the kings mother that notwithstanding hir indispo∣sition of bodie to trauaile, by reason of hir corpu∣lencie) [ 50] riding to and fro betwixt them, made an agreement betwixt the Kyng hir sonne, and the Duke, to hir greate comforte and contentation of mynde, and no lesse suretie of quietnesse to the whole realme.

About the same tyme the Frenche kyng had a great fleete of Shippes in Flaunders, so that it was doubted leaste he meant some inuasyon in∣to Englande. Wherevppon there was sente to the sea the Lorde of Saincte Iohnes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thomas Percye wyth a strong Nauyes•…•… they didde no good, sufferyng the Frenche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dyuers tymes to passe by them, and not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 offered to sette vpon them: But the Shippes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Portesmouth and Dertemouth, bestirred th•…•…¦selues better: for entirng into the riuer of Say•…•…,* 2.134 they drowned foure of theyr enimyes shyppes, and tooke other foure, wyth a Barque of the Lorde Clissons, one of the fayrest that was to be founde eyther in Fraunce or Englande.

In these vesselles the Englishemenne h•…•… a ryche praye of Wynes, and other Merch•…•…¦dyses.

The Kyng vppon some occasion tooke great displeasure agaynst William Courteney Arch∣bishoppe of Canterburye, stormyng against him so, as fewe durste speake any thyng in hys ex∣cuse.

The Lord Chancellour Michael de la •…•…le seemyng to fauour his cause, was lykely to haue runne in hygh displeasure. Syr Thomas Tri∣uet, and Syr Iohn Deuereux intreatyng for hym, were sore rebuked at hys handes. Yet at length after that the Archebyshoppe was wyth∣drawne & had kept hym close for a tyme, he was thorough mediation of some freendes, recounci∣led to the kinges fauour.

About the same tyme the Frenche kyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Scotlande the Admyrall of Fraunce,* 2.135 with a thousande men of armes, knyghtes, and Es∣quiers, besides Crossebowes and other to ioyne with the Scots, and to make warres in Englād.

The Scottes encouraged wyth thys newe ayde, sente to them out of Fraunce, leuyed a po∣wer, and so together wyth the Frenchemenne,* 2.136 enter into the Englyshe confynes, and beginne to rob and spoyle, and further tooke certain Ca∣stels and houses of defence.

The King of Englande aduertised hereof,* 2.137 as∣sembled an huge power of menne of warre, and fyrste sente before hym the Duke of Lancaster wyth parte of the Armye,* 2.138 and afterward follo∣wed hymselfe, wyth all conuenyent speed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 myght bee.

At hys commyng into the parties aboute Yorke, he was enformed that the Scottes and Frenchemen were withdrawne vppon the duke of Lancasters approche towardes them, but the kyng thought to kepe on his iourney.

Whylest hee was lodged in those parties a greate myschaunce happened by reason of vari∣aunce that fell betwixte certayne persones of the retinewe of Sir Iohn Hollande brother vnto the Earle of Kente,* 2.139 and halfe brother to the Kyng, and other of the retinue of the Lorde Rycharde Stafforde, sonne to the Earle of Stafforde.

The cause of their falling out was aboute a knight of Boheme, called sir Miles, that was come to see the Queene. This Knight kepte companie moste an end with the L. Richarde Stafforde, and chauncing to be at words with twoo of Sir Iohn Hollandes seruantes, there came twoo Archers perteynyng to the Lorde Stafford, which blamed them, that were so a∣boute to mysuse the stranger in words, as they tooke it: the strife hereby grewe to that point in [ 10] the ende,* 2.140 that one of the archers shotte at one of sir Iohn Hollandes seruantes, and slewe him. This mishap being reported to sir Iohn Hol∣land, sette him in suche a furie (by reason of the loue which he had to his seruant) that immedi∣atly he rushed foorth of his lodging, to reuenge his deathe, and throughe misfortune meeting with the Lorde Stafforde slewe hym, & doub∣ting in what sorte his deede myghte be taken, fled straight vnto Beuerley, & there tooke San∣ctuarie. [ 20] The Erle of Stafford tooke this mis∣aduenture right heuily, as reason was, yet by∣cause he would not trouble the hoste nor disap∣point the iourney whiche they had in hand, vp∣pon the kings promise that he would doe vp∣right iustice in the mater, as should be thought meete and conuenient, he bare his griefe so pa∣tiently as he might, so that he wanne himselfe muche praise for his wisdome therin shewed. The King aduauncing forwards with his ar∣my,* 2.141 [ 30] came to y^t borders, & entring into Scotlād, passed thorough Mers and Louthian, wasting & spoiling all the towns, houses and villages in his way. The abbeis of Melros, Dryburgh, & Newebottell were brente, and those Monkes and other prople that were founde in the same were slaine.* 2.142 At his comming to Edenburghe, he founde all the people fled out of the towne, but the houses & buildings hee consumed with fier togither with the Churche of saint Giles. [ 40]

At the humble sute of his vncle the Duke of Lācaster, Holyrood house was preserued from hurt, for that the same Duke in tyme of the re∣bellion of the commons here in England, was lodged in that house, and found muche gentle∣nesse and frendshippe in the Abbot & Conuent. Thus when the King had reuenged the dis∣plesure afore receyued at the Scots & frenchmēs hands (& remained in Edenburgh a fiue dayes) he retourned without proffer of battell, or any [ 50] notable encounter. The Admirall of Fraunce was earnestly in hande with the Scottish lords to perswade them to haue gyuen battell to the Englishe army,* 2.143 till he & diuers other Knights of Fraunce were brought to the top of a moū∣taine, from whence they might beholde all the Englishe army, as the same passed vnderneath them, by a passage that laye by the foote of that mountaine: for after that they had viewed the puissaunce of the Englishmen, and as neare as they could, numbred thē, they had no such care mindes to fight with them as before, for they estemed them to be a sixe .M. men of armes & a .lx.M. archers, & other men of warre, where the Scots and Frenchmen were not paste a .M. speares and .xxx.M. of all other sortes, and the moste parke of those but euill armed.

Therefore they determined vpon an other point, which was, to inuade England in an o∣ther quarter, whilest the englishmen brente vp their country, and so they set forwards toward the west borders,* 2.144 & passing ouer the mo•…•…tains that deuide Northumberland from Scotland, they entred into Cumberlande, doing muche hurte in y^e landes that belonged to the Lorde Mowbray, to the Earles of Nottingham, and Stafford, to the baron of Graystock, and to the Musgraues. Lastly, they came to Careleill, and boldly assaulted the Citie:* 2.145 but sir Lewes Clifforde, and sir Thomas Musgraue Dauye Holgraue, and diuers other worthie capitaines being within it, so defended the walles & gates, that their enimies g•…•… small aduantage: and fi∣nally hearing that the englishe army was re∣turning homewardes, the Scots and frenche∣men drewe backe into Scotlande, doubting to be enclosed by the Englishmen, as they had bin in deed, if the Duke of Lancaster and his bre∣thrē, vncles to the king, might haue bin beleued,* 2.146 who counselled the king to pursue the enimies, and stop the passages through which they must needs passe in their comming backe. But the Earle of Oxforde being moste in fauour and credit with the king, in those dayes, as one that ruled all things at his pleasure, did aduise him to the contrarie, by putting him in beliefe (as was saide) that his vncles went about to being him in daunger to be loste and surprised of his enimies, wherevppon hee tooke the nexte way home, and so brake vp his iourney.

When the Scottes and Frenchemen were returned into Scotlande,* 2.147 the Scottishe Kyng hauing conceyued a iust displeasure towardes the frenche Admirall, for that by his meanes the realme of Scotland had susteined such damage in that season,* 2.148 caused him and his frenchemen to bee dispoiled of the most part of their goods, and sente them so away out of hys countrey, that the Scottes might receiue some euen sorte by those warres.

This yeare was the battell of Alg•…•…ta in Portingale,* 2.149 where Iohn king of Portingal discomfyted a great host of Spaniards & frēch∣men by the helpe & policie of certain englishmē which he had there with him vnder the leading of two Esquiers Norbery and Hartelle. The•…•…

were slaine diuers Erles and greate Lordes of Spaniardes, but for that our writers doe not note rightly the Spanish names, but write thē corruptly as strangers vse to doe, wee here o∣mit them.* 2.150 The king of Portingale (after this victorie obteined againste his enimies) sent sixe Galleis vnto the king of England to aide him agaynste his aduersaries, the whiche were well receyued and highlye made of by the Londo∣ners and other, so that the Portingales had no [ 10] cause to repent of their comming hither.

The Frenche king this yeare besieged and wanne the towne of Dam, after he had bin at greate charges aboute it. Whilest his Nauie returned from Scluis, wher the same had laine at Ancre a long time, the ships by tempest were scatered and wederdriuen, so that in the feast day of the Exaltation of the crosse, two of their galleis, a great ship a barge and .vij. balengers [ 20] were caste a shore aboute Callais, and the Ca∣lisians tooke .v. C. frenchemen and Normans that escaped to land. An other day .lxxij. french ships (as they were comming from Scluis, to passe by Calleis,* 2.151 were mette wyth by them of Callais, who behaued themseues so manfully that they tooke .xviij. of those frenche ships and a great Barke, in whiche three score armed mē were slaine before it coulde be taken. Within three dayes after this the Calisians mette .xlv. [ 30] other frenche ships, and after .vj. houres fight obteyned the victorie, taking three of the moste principall vessels, wherof one being a Hulke of Eastlande was hired by the Normans, to gard the residue. The other .ij. that were taken were of suche molde, that they coulde not enter into the Hauen at Callais, and therefore were sente to Sandwiche, the one of them beeing a newe shippe, the lord Clisson had bought at Scluis, paying for hir three thousand frankes. On S. [ 40] Denis day the souldiors of Callais and other English fortresses there abouts,* 2.152 made a secrete iourney into Fraunce, and got a bootie of foure M. sheepe, and three hundreth heade of greate cattell whiche they droue towards theyr holdes, and as y^e lord de Rambures gouernor of Bol∣longne wold haue recouered y^e pray, he was vn¦horsed with the rencounter of an english speare & being releued by his companie, and mounted againe, withdrewe himself, not attempting to trie any further mastries, and so the englishmē [ 50] safely passed forthe with their bootie of cattell, and aboue a hundreth good prisoners which they had taken at this roade. In this .ix yeare a∣boute the feast of saint Martin,* 2.153 the king called his highe Courte of parliament at Westmin∣ster,* 2.154 in the whiche amongst other thinges there concluded, he created two Dukes, a Marques, and .v. Earles. First Edmund Langley erle of of Cambridge the Kinges vncle, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of Yorke, Thomas of Woodsto•…•… other vncle, Erle of Buckingham, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of Gloucester, Robert Vere erle of Ox∣forde was made Marques of Deuelin: Henry of Bollingbrooke, sonne and heire to Iohn de Gaunt duke of Lancaster,* 2.155 was created Earle of Darbie: Edwarde Plantagenet sonne and heire to the Duke of Yorke, was made erle of Rutlande: Michaell lorde de la Poole chaun∣cellor of England was created erle of Suffolk and sir Thomas Moubray erle of Notingham was made earle Marshall.

Also by auctoritie of this parliament, Ro∣ger lorde Mortimer earle of March,* 2.156 sonne and heire of Edmund Mortimer Earle of Marche and of the Lady Phillippe eldest daughter and heire vnto Lionell Duke of Clarence, thirde sonne to king Edwarde the third, was establi∣shed heire aparant to the crown of this realme and shortlye after so proclaimed. The whiche erle of Marche anone after the end of the same parliament, sailed into Ireland to his lordship of Vlster, wherof he was owner by right of his saide mother: but whilest he remained there to pacifie the rebellions of the wild Irishe,* 2.157 a great number of them togither assembled, came vpon him and slew him, togither with the moste part of his companie.

This Roger erle of Marche had issue Ed∣munde and Roger, Anne, Ales and Eleanore,* 2.158 whiche Eleanor was made a Nunne. The .ij. sonnes died without issue, and Anne the eldest of the daughters was married to Richarde erle of Cambridge, son vnto Edmunde of Lang∣lie before remembred: The which Richard had issue by the saide Anne, a sonne called Richard, that was after Duke of Yorke, and father to king Edwarde the fourth: also a daughter na∣med Isabell, afterwardes married to the lorde Bourcher. This Richard Erle of Cambridge was put to deathe by Henry the fifth, as after ye shall heare. Moreouer, in this yeare Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Darbie married a daughter & heir of Hūfrey Bohun, erle of Here¦ford, in whose right he was after made duke of Herford, & by hir he had issue Henry, that after hym was K. of this realme, the Ladie Blāche Duches of Bar, and the Ladie Phillip mar∣ried to the king of Denmarke: also Thomas Duke of Clarence, Iohn Duke of Bedforde & Humfrey duke of Gloucester. The Gauntiners still mainteined warre againste the Earle of Flaūders during his life, and after his deceasse against Phillip duke of Burgoin, by such aide and comfort as they had from time to time of the king of Englande, till finally this yeare a∣boute the eighteenth day of December, a peace

was concluded betwixt the saide duke, and the towne of Gaont:* 2.159 and sir Iohn Bourchier that had laine a long season there, as Captain vnder Kyng of Englande, and P•…•…ter de Boys one of the chiefe captaines of the Gauntiners before the concluding of this peace were safely con∣ducted to Caleis by vertue of the duke of Bu•…•…∣goigne his safe conduit, and so they came ouer into Englande, and the king gaue vnto Peter de Bois a pencion of an hundreth markes ster∣lyng, [ 10] yearely to be paide to him out of the sta∣ples of the woolles in London.

* 2.160This yere K. Richarde holding his Christ∣masse at Eltham, thither came to him Leo king of Armeny, whose countrey and realm be∣yng in daunger to be conquered of the Turkes, he was come into those Weste partes of Chri∣stendome for aide and succour at the handes of the christian princes here. The king honourably [ 20] receiued him, and after he had takē counsell tou∣ching his request, he gaue to him great su•…•… of money and other riche giftes, with a stipende as some write of a .M. poundes yerely to be paide to him during his life.* 2.161 After he had remained here a twoo Moneths space, he tooke leaue of the king and departed. The chiefest point of his er∣rand was, to haue procured a peace betwixt the two kings of England and Fraunce, but desti∣ny woulde not permit so good a purpose to take effect: for the hatred which either nation bare to [ 30] other, woulde not suffer theyr loftye myndes to yeld in any one point further than semed good in their owne opinions.

* 2.162In this nynthe yeare of Kyng Richarde, (though by other writers it shoulde seeme to bee rather in the yere folowing,) the Duke of Lan∣caster with a greate power of men of warre wente into Spain, and ledde with hym thither his wife the Ladye Constance, and a daughter whiche he had by hir named Katherin, and two [ 40] other daughters whiche hee hadde by hys former wife: He hadde bene aboute the preparing of an armye, and all furniture necessarie for thys iourneye a twoo or three yeares before, and therefore hauing nowe a seuen galleis and eigh∣teene shippes, sente to hym out of Portingale, (whiche arriued at Bristowe) he caused all such vesselles as be hadde prouided to resorte likewise thither, where making his generall assemble, [ 50] when all his men of warre were come togyther he bestowed them aboorde, wyth all their horses and purueyaunces, and causing sailes to bee hoisted vp, set foreward on his long wished ior∣ney. This was in the Moneth of Maye, when the seas were calme, the ayre swete & the winds plesant and agreeable to his purpose. He apoin∣ted for Admirall of his whole fleet sir Thomas Percie, & sir Iohn Holland that was after crea∣ted erle of Huntington, and had maried one of his daughters, was ordeined Constable of the hoste, and Sir Thomas Moreaux hauing mar∣ried his bastard daughter, was one of his Mar∣shalles.

There were that attended him in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 iour∣ney many other Lordes and Knights of honor, as the Lorde Lucie, the Lord Val•…•…at, the lord Basset, the Lorde Willonghby, the Lorde Fitz Walter, the lord Poinings, the lord Bradston, y^e L. of Pommiers a Gascoigne the L. Y•…•…e Fitz Warien, Henry Lorde Beaumont. Wil∣liam Lorde Beauchampe, Sir Richard Bur∣ley that was another of the Marshalles of the armye, Sir Hughe Spenser, Sir Wyllyam Windesor sir Iohn Daubreticourte, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Wyllyam Fartington, sir Tho∣mas Worceter, sir Thomas Treshā, sir Mau∣burin de •…•…i•…•…iers, sir Thomas Worceter, Syr Iohn Sowtrey, sir Roberte Clinton, sir Phil∣lippe Tirell, sir Lewes Rochester, Huguelin Caluerley, Dauid Holg•…•…ue, Thomas Alerie, Hobequin Beaucester, and diuers other: they were in all to the number of fifteene hundreth men of armes, whereof a thousande at the least were Knightes and Esquiers, besides a foure thousande Archers, and other men of warre, so perfectly appointed and arrayed, as coulde bee thought meete and conuenient.* 2.163 As they passed by Britaine, they landed at Breste, the captaine whereof, at that time named Sir Iohn Roche, finding himselfe greatly annoyed by the french∣men that were lodged in two Bastides erected before the Castell declared to the Duke in what state he stoode. Wherevppon he caused the saide Bastides to be assailed, which was done by the lorde Fitz Walter, & others, who bare thēselues so manfully, that the Bastides were won, bro∣ken downe, & a great praye with prisoners ob∣teyned, although not without losse of diuers valiant personages. And thus were they within Brest castell deliuered of their vnfrendly neigh∣boures by the duke of Lancaster and his people.* 2.164 Who hauing done their feat tooke the seas, and sailed forth till they came on the coastes of Gal∣lice, where on S. Laurence euen, they arriued in the hauē of Groigne, otherwise called Corun, and there they vnshipped al their prouisions, de∣termining to inuade the country on that side.

After the duke had remained the•…•… a moneth, he went to Copostella, and there so iorned for a sea∣son, during the which, his Constable Sir Iohn Hollande, wanne dyuers Townes and for∣tresses whiche the enimies kepte: Diuers yel∣ded to the duke with better will, for that the da∣chesse hys wyfe was there wyth him, whome they knewe to bee ryghte inherytoure to the Realme.

At Mouson a towne on the confines bee∣twixte Spaine and Portingale, the King of Portingal and the duke of Lācaster met, where they communed and tooke counsell togyther for the more speedy proceding in their enterprise a∣gainst their aduersaries of Castille.

* 2.165Also ther was a mariage concluded betwixt the saide K. of Portingale, and the Lady Phil∣lip daughter to the saide duke, whiche mariage shortly after was wholy consummated, the said [ 10] Lady being first maried by procuration at Cō∣postella, and after sente into Portingale righte honorably accompanied. The duke continued at Compostella all the Winter season, till to∣wards Marche, and then according to appoint∣ment taken betwixte him, and the king of Por∣tingale, at theyr beeyng togither at Mouson, for theyr iourney to bee made into Castille, the saide King assembled an armye of a thousande [ 20] menne of armes, and tenne thousande other souldiours,* 2.166 wyth the whyche, entring the con∣fines of Castille, hee firste tooke the Towne of Feroule, and after ioyning with the Duke, who hadde in the meane whiles by his Marshall ta∣kē the towns of Ruelles, Ville Lopes, Poūce∣voide, Dighos, Baionne in la Maroll, Ribadā, Maures, Besanses, and Orens, wyth others in the countrey of Gallice, they marched foorthe wyth their whole powers bothe togyther, and [ 30] passing ouer the Riuer of Dure, entred into the countrey de Campo.

Here the Englishe writers make mention of a batail, which y^e Constable of Castille shuld giue to the duke, and that the victorie remained on the Dukes side, and the Spaniardes chased out of the fielde.* 2.167 But Froissart who liued in those dayes, and learned that whiche hee wrote of those that were with the Duke in his iorney, maketh no remembraunce of any suche thing, [ 40] but that contrarily the King of Castille folow∣ing the aduise of suche Frenchemenne as were sente into Spaine to aide hym, caused all the riches of the countrey to bee brought into the walled Townes and fortresses, whiche he stuf∣fed wyth men of warre, to defende them from the Englishemenne and Portingales, and fur∣ther to cutte off their victualles, and to keepe them from hauing sorrage abroade in the coun∣trey, vnlesse suche as were sente, were garded wyth the greater Troupes for theyr suretie and [ 50] defence. And thus bestowing the moste parte of all suche menne of warre, bothe Frenche∣menne and Spanyardes, as hee coulde make in places moste conuenient for that purpose, he fully determened not to giue battaile till hys enimies hadde wearied themselues in keeping of the fields, and that a newe power was come to his aide out of Fraunce, which hee dayly loo∣ked for, by whiche meanes it came to passe,* 2.168 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Englishemenne not vsed to suche 〈…〉〈…〉 as they founde in those parties in that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the yeare (for it w•…•… aboute) M•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fell daily into many perillous di•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no small number died, and other 〈…〉〈…〉 that they were not able to helpe th•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 to consider the my•…•…rie in whiche they were, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 woulde haue rued the hartes of th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Herevppon, was the duke 〈…〉〈…〉 fall to a communication for a peace, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ende was accorded, thoughe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at th•…•… in∣stant: howbeit a truce was graunted, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suche wise as it might be at the Englishemen•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to retourne into theyr countrey, eyther by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or by lande, through Fraunce. Suche as passed through Spayne into Fraunce, hadde safe con∣ducts sealed and signed by the King of Spaine, but vnneth the halfe of those that came out of Englande with the Duke, retourned thither a∣gai•…•…e, they died so fast, aswell after the breaking vp of their Campe, as before. Amongst other,* 2.169 there died before the breaking vp of the Campe, one of the greatest Batous of all the companie, named the Lorde Fitz Walter, and afterwards within the Towne of Ville Arpent:* 2.170 there dy∣ed (as Froissarte hath) three greate Barons of Englande, and menne of great possessions: sir Rycharde Burley, a Knyghte of the Garter, who hadde bene as it were highe Marshall of the armye: the Lorde Poyninges: and Syr Henry Percie cousin Germaine to the Earle of Northumberlande. In the Towne of Noye deceassed Sir Mauburin de Liniers, a Poicto∣uin, and in the Towne of Ruelles dyed the Lord Talbot, and so here and there saithe Froi∣sarte, there dyed in all twelue greate Lordes,* 2.171 foure score Knightes, twoo hundreth Esquiers, and of the meaner sorte of Souldioures aboue fiue hundreth. After that the Armie was bro∣ken vp, the Duke of Lancaster and the Duchesse his wife went into Portingal, & there remained a season, and then taking the sea, sailed to Bay∣onne in the Marches of Gascoigne, where hee rested a long time after.

In this meane while, there was communi∣cation and offers made for a marriage to bee hadde beetwixte the Duke of Berry, vncle to the frenche Kyng, and the Ladye Katherine daughter to the Duke of Lancaster, and of the Duchesse vys wife the Ladye Constance.

When the Kyng of Spaine vnderstoode of that treatie, he beganne to doubt, leaste if that marriage tooke place it might tourne to hys disaduantage, and therefore to bee at quietnes wyth the Duke of Lancaster, whose puissance hee doubted, and whose wisedome hee perfect∣lye vnderstoode, by pollitike meanes and earnest

su•…•…te, at lengthe hee concluded a peace wyth hym on this wise,* 2.172 that his eldest sonne Henrye shoulde haue in marriage the Lady Katherin daughter to the Duke of Lancaster, begotte on hys wife the Duchesse Constance, and be enti∣tuled prince of Austurgus. In consideration of whiche marriage to bee had, and all claymes to craste, whiche the Duke in right of hys wife might chalendge or pretende, it was agreed that the saide Duke shoulde receyue yerely the [ 10] summe of tenne thousande markes, to be payde to him,* 2.173 or to his assigns in the citie of Baionne in Gascoigne, during the terme of the liues of the saide Duke and Duchesse, and further to haue in hand the summe of two hundreth thou∣sande nobles.

This agreemente and marriage was not concluded, till aboute the thirteenth yeare of King Richardes raigne, so that in the meane while many incidentes chaunced in Englande [ 20] and in other Regions, which in their time and places shall bee touched, as to purpose serueth.

* 2.174And firste it is not to bee forgotten, that the Frenchemenne neuer shewed more vanitie than they did this yeare,* 2.175 sith the Linage of the Ca∣petes beganne firste to rule in Fraunce.

All the shippes that they could prouide from the confines of Spaine, vnto the mouth of the Rhine, all alongest the coaste, they assembled at Sluise, and therabout, and made so great pre∣parations [ 30] for the warre, that the like hadde not bene hearde of, (meaning as they boasted, and made their auauntes) to passe ouer into Eng∣lande, and to deuoure the whole countrey, in doyng sacrifice to the soules of their elders with the bloude of the englishe people. But accor∣ding to the prouerbe, The Mountaines trauell, wyth childe, and forth commeth a little mouse.

* 2.176There were numbred in the Monethe of September aboute Sluise, Dam, and Blank∣berke [ 40] .1287. ships, beside those whiche were rig∣ged in Britain by the Constable, who had cau∣sed an enclosure of a field to be made of timber, like rayles or barriers,* 2.177 that when they were once a lande in Englande, they might therwith enclose their field, and so lodge more at suertie, and when they remoued, it was so made wyth ioynts,* 2.178 y^t they might take it vp in peeces & cast∣ly cōuey it with them. This closure or wall of woode, was .20. foote in heigth, and conteined [ 50] in lengthe or in compasse when it was sette vp lij.M. paces, and at the end of euery .xij. paces stood a Turret able to receiue .x. men, that was higher than the rest of the wall by .x. foote at the leaste.* 2.179 There were appointed to haue passed o∣uer in those shippes .xx.M. men of armes .xx.M. Crosbowes. & .xx.M. other men of warre To haue seene the great apparrel, furniture and prouisiō, the shiping, trassing, bearing, and car∣rying to and fro of things needeful for this ior∣ney, a man might haue meruelled,* 2.180 for surely the like hath seldome bin remembred. All that was done there on that side the sea by the frenchmen, was notified into Englande, so that the frēch∣mē were not more occupied to prepare thēselues to inuade Englande, than the englishemē were to make themselues redy to defēd theyr countrey from all daunger of enimies,* 2.181 so that euery hauē towne, especially alongst the West, South and Eastcoastes, were kepte and warded wyth no∣table numbers of armed men and archers.

There were redy wythin the realme at that season, in one part & other an .100000. archers, & x.M. men of armes, beside those that were gon into Spaine with the duke of Lācaster. All this preparation lasted for the more part of the som∣mer, euen till the beginning of winter: and still the french K. that was come downe into Flaū∣ders, stayed for the cōming of his vncle the duke of Berry: the whiche at length in the moneth of Nouember came to Sluise, hauing protracted time, of purpose, that he might by the excuse of Winter, cause this iorney to be put off till ano∣ther season. Wherin he shewed more wit thā all y^e coūselors which y^e french king had about him: for if he had not politikely shifted off the matter, the K. had landed here in England, to the great daunger of his persone and losse of hys people. And yet if we shall beleue writers that liued in those days, by reason of the bruit that was spred throughe the realme, of that huge preparation which the french king made to inuade this land, no small feare entred into the hartes of many,* 2.182 namely of the Londoners, who as if the enimies had bin alreadie landed, besturred them, in ma∣king what prouisiō they might for their defēce, thoughe it seemed by their manner of doings, they stoode in doubt leaste the whole realme had not bin able to make sufficient resistance.

In deede diuers were the more afraide, for that they perceiued,* 2.183 howe the barons and great lordes agreed not in many pointes among thē∣selues, and so being not of one minde, the wiser sorte doubted least throughe their disagreeing in that troublesome time, some daunger mighte growe to the state of the whole reealme.* 2.184 Not∣withstanding no smal number of others, wished nothing more than that the french king in go∣ing forward with his purpose, might haue come ouer, not doubting but that be shold haue foūd such a welcom, as wold haue bē litle to his ease. About the feaste of saint Michaell, a parliamēt was called and holden at London,* 2.185 and wyth∣all greate numbers of menne of armes and Archers were appoynted to come and lye a∣boute London, that they might be ready to

marche forthwith agaynst the enimies whenso∣euer it chaunced them to lande. Thus all the townes and villages twenty miles in compasse round about Londō, were ful of men of armes and archers, lying as it had bin in campe, and wanting both victuals and money, they were driuen to spoile, and to take by violence what they might get. At lengthe after they had layne thus to small purpose along season, they were licenced to departe home, with commaundemēt [ 10] to bee readie to retourne againe vppon the firste summonaunce: Many of them were constrey∣ned throughe necessitie, to sell their horses, and armour, and some to spoyling and robbing as they wente homewarde, not sparing what they might laye their handes vppon. Althoughe the menne of warre were dismissed home, the par∣liamēt yet continued, & the lordes still remained at London, hearening still for the french kings [ 20] comming.* 2.186 The Lorde Roberte Veer Earle of Oxford, whom the king in the last parliament hadde made Marques of Dubeline,* 2.187 was nowe in this parliament created duke of Ireland: the other lordes sore enuying so high preferremente in a man that so little deserued, as they tooke it: for by reason of the kings immoderate affection whiche he bare not onely to this noble man, but also to the lorde Michaell de la Poole, whome he had lately created Erle of Suffolke, and af∣ter [ 30] aduaunced him to the office of lorde Chaun∣cellor, as before yee haue hearde, not onely the lords, but also the cōmons sore grudged at suche their high preferrement, in so muche that in this present parliament, the knightes and burgesses of the lower house, exhibited a bill agaynste the lorde Chauncellor, of diuers crimes whiche they laide to his chardge, and so vsed the matter, with the helpe of the Lordes, that in the ende in some respect they had their willes agaynste hym, con∣trarie [ 40] to the kings mind, as after may appeare. And where the King had demaunded a relief of money towards the mainteināce of his estate, & chardges of the warres, it was aunswered, that he needed not any ta•…•…lage of his subiectes, sith he might furnishe hymselfe wyth suche a summe at the handes of the said Earle, that was iustely indebted vnto hym therein, as they were able well to proue. But the kyng was nothyng here∣with contented, conceyuyng no small displea∣sure, aswell agaynst them of the lower house, as [ 50] againste the Lordes in the vpper, for fauouring them in the lower, in matters that went so sore againste his minde. Herevppon as was saide, (whether trulye or otherwise, the Lorde know∣eth) by a conspiracye begon betwixte the kyng and suche as were moste in fauour wyth hym, it was deuised,* 2.188 that the Duke of Gloucester (as principall) and suche other Lordes as fauoured the knights and burgesses in their suite 〈…〉〈…〉 the Earle of Suffolke,* 2.189 and were 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…¦gainste the Kyng in his demaunde of 〈…〉〈…〉 shoulde hee willed to a supper in 〈…〉〈…〉 to bee murthered. But the Duke 〈…〉〈…〉 some meanes to vnderstande of th•…•…s 〈…〉〈…〉 practise, hadde no desire to take parte of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 supper where suche sharpe s••••ce was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and with all gaue warning to the residue, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they likewise should not come there, but to con∣tent thēselues wyth their owne suppers at their lodginges. It was said, that sir Nicholas •…•…∣ber, who had bin Maior the yeare before, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promised his assistaunce in the execution of the horrible facte: but throughe the commendable constancie of Richard Exton that was Maior this yeare, being moued by the king for his fur∣theraunce therein, and denying flatly to consent to the deathe of suche innocent persones, that heynous practise was omitted. Thys matter being broughte to lighte, the hatred and ma∣lice whiche men bare to suche counsellors of the king greatly increased and the Duke of Glou∣cester and suche as withstoode the King, daylye grewe more and more into the peoples fauour▪ At length yet throughe the earnest suite of some of the greate lordes,* 2.190 there was graunted to the king halfe a tenthe and halfe a fifteenthe, whiche should not be spent at the pleasure of the prince, but by the order and appoyntment of the sayde lordes, and so at lengthe the Earle of Arundell was apointed to receyue it,* 2.191 to furnish him with a Nauie to the seas. But beefore this payment might be graunted, there was muche a doe, and harde holde ye may be sure: for where the saide Earle of Suffolke then lorde Chauncellour, at the first had demaunded of the commons in the kinges name foure fifteenes, for with lesse (said he,) the king could not mainteine his estate and the warres which he had in hande. The whole body of the parliament made aunswer therein, that without the king were present (for hee was then at Eltham) they coulde make therein no aunswere at all: and heerewith they tooke occa∣sion at lengthe to saye further, that excepte the said Earle of Suffolke were remoued from the office of Chauncellorship, they would medle no further with any acte in this parliament, were it neuer of so small importance.

The king being aduertised heereof,* 2.192 sente a∣gaine to the commons, that they shoulde sende vnto Eltham (where he lay) fortie of the wisest and best lerned of the cōmon house, the whiche in the name of the whole house shoulde declare vnto him their mindes: and then the house was in no small feare, by reason of a brute that was raised, howe the Kyng sought meanes to en∣trappe and destroye them that followed not his

purpose Herevppon aswell the lordes of the vp∣per house as the commons of the lower, assem∣bled togither, and agreed with one consēt, that the duke of Gloucester,* 2.193 and Thomas Arundell bishop of Elie should in the name of the whole parliament be sente to the king vnto Eitham: which was done, and the king was well con∣tented that they should come. When they came before his presence, with humble reuerence they declared their message, which consisted in these [ 10] points:* 2.194 That the lords and commons assembled at that presente in parliament, be sought him of his lawful fauor, that they might liue in peace & tranquilitie vnder him. They further declared, that one olde statute and laudable custome was approued,* 2.195 whiche no man could deny, that the Kyng once in the yeare might lawfully som∣mon his highe Courte of parliament, and call the Lordes and commons therevnto, as to the highest Courte of his realme, in which Courte [ 20] all right and equitie ought to shine as the Sun being at the highest, whereof poore & riche may take refreshing,* 2.196 where also reformation ought to be had of al oppressions, wrongs, extortions and enormities within the realme, and there the king ought to take counsell with the wise men of his realme, for the maintenance of his estate, and conseruation of the same. And if it mighte be knowen that any persons within the realme or without, intended the contrarie, there muste [ 30] also be deuised howe suche euill weedes maye be destroyed. There muste also be studied and foreseene, that if any chardge doe come vppon the King and realme, how it may be honorably borne and discharged. Further, they declared that til that presēt his subiects, as was thought, had louingly demeaned themselues towardes him, in aiding him with their substaunce to the beste of their powers, and that their desire was to vnderstande howe those goodes were spente. [ 40] And further they said, they had one thing to de¦clare vnto hym, how that by an olde ordinance it was enacted,* 2.197 that if the king shoulde absente himselfe fortye dayes, not being sicke, and re∣fuse to come to the Parliament, withoute re∣garde to the chardges of his people, and their greate paines, they then may lawfully returne home to their houses: and therefore sith he had bin absent a long time, and yet refused to come among them,* 2.198 it was greately to their discom∣fort. [ 50] To this the Kyng as we find, made this aunswere: Well, we doe perceiue that our peo∣ple and commons, goe aboute to rise against vs: wherfore wee thinke wee cannot doe bet∣ter than to aske aide of our cousin the french K. & rather submit vs vnto hym, than to our owne subiects. The lordes aunswered, that it shoulde not be good for him so to doe, but a way rather to bring him into extreme daunger, sith it was plaine enough, that the frenche Kyng was hys auncient enimie and greatest aduersarie, who if he might once s•…•…t foote in the realme of Eng∣lande, he would rather dispoile, and dispossesse the Kyng of hys kingdome, than to put hys helping hande to relieue hym: hee might (they saide) call to rememberaunce, howe hys noble progenito•…•…re Kyng Edwarde the thirde, hys Grandfather and Prince Edward hys father, hadde trauailed in heate and colde wyth great anguishe and troubles incessantly, to make a conquest of Fraunce, that rightfully appertey∣ned vnto them, and nowe to hy•…•… in whiche warres he might likewise remember how ma∣ny Lordes, noble men, and good commons of bothe Realmes had loste their liues and what chardges bothe the Realmes likewise bare in mainteining those warres and nowe (the •…•…∣pitie) greater burthens were laide vppon the neckes of the englishe subiect•…•… for the supporta∣tion of his charges by reason wherof, they wer so lowe brought (said they) that they haue not to pay their rents, & so by such meanes was his power decaied, his lords brought behind hād,* 2.199 & al his people sore enpouerished & as that Kyng cannot be poore that hath riche people, so cannot he be rich that hath poore cōmons: & as he tooke hurte by such inconueniences •…•…haūcing through euill counsellours that were aboute hym, so the lords and noblemen susteined no lesse hurt eche one after his estate and calling. And if remedie were not in time prouided through his helping hand, the realme must needes fall in ruine, and the default should be imputed to hym & to those his euill counsellors. By these & the like persua∣sions, the K. was induced to come to the parlia∣ment, & according to his appointment, he came indeede.* 2.200 Soone after his comming was Iohn Fortham byshop of Durham dischardged of his office of Lord Treasorer, and in his place was appoynted one Iohn Gilberte, Byshoppe of Hereforde, that was a Frier of the order of preachers, a man more eloquent than faithfull, as some reported of hym. Also the Earle of Suffolke was dischardged of hys office of Lorde Chauncellour, and Thomas Arundell Byshoppe of Elye placed in hys roomthe, by whole consent of the Parliament. The same Earle of Suffolke was chardged wyth ma∣ny and right great enormious crimes, fraudes, falseties, and treasons, whiche hee hadde prac∣tized, to the great preiudice of the Kyng and Realme,* 2.201 and thervpon was cōmitted to warde in the Castell of Windsor. Notwythstanding they adiudged him not to death, as some write, nor disgraded him of y^e honor of knighthood, but condemned him to pay a fine of .xx.M. marks,

and also to forfeit .j. M. poūds of yerely rentes which hee had purchased. But other write, that notwithstanding the K. was sore offended for the accusations brought against the said erle of Suffolke and others, whom he loued, and was lothe to heare any euill of, yet he was constrei∣ned at length after he had shifted off the matter by sundry deuises, to appoint certaine persones with full power and auctoritie to heare, and in [ 10] iudgement to determine those matters. The duke of Gloucester therefore, and the Earle of Arūdell were apointed as iudges, (which whi∣lest the King as yet was absent, who got hym forth of the way of purpose, bycause he woulde not be present at the condēnatiō of those whome hee moste entirely •…•…oned and fauoured) wente earnestly in hande with their busines, and so at length (as Walsinghā hath) the earle of Suf∣folke was conuict, & found giltie of sundry cri∣mes, [ 20] trespasses, & naughtie partes: for which it was thought, that he deseened to lose his life & goods, but he was yet suffred (as y^e same Wal∣singhā sai•…•…th) to goe abroade vnder fuerty, cer∣taine great men being bounde for him in great sums of mony. But what order so euer was ta∣ken for the punishmēt of him, sure it is, hee was displaced frō his office of chaūcellorship, as be∣fore ye haue heard: and further the lords, & other estates in this parliamēt, cōsidering y^t through [ 30] couetousnesse of the newe deposed officers, the kings tresure had bin imbeselde, leudly wasted, & prodigally spent,* 2.202 nothing to his profit, there wer in this parliamēt .xiij. lords chosen, to haue ouersight vnder the K. of y^e whole gouernment of the realme, as by their cōmissiō in the statuts of the .x. yere of this king it dothe in y^e booke of statutes at large apeare. Of these .xiij. ther wer iij. of the new officers named, as the bishop of Elie L. chaūcellor, y^e bishop of Herford L. trea∣sorer, [ 40] & Nich. Abbot of Waltham L. keeper of the priuy seale, y^e other .x. were these, Wil. arch∣bishop of Canterbury: Alexāder archebishop of Yorke: Edmūd Langly duke of Yorke: Tho. Duke of Gloucester: Wil. bishop of Winche∣ster: Tho. bishop of Excester: Rich. erle of A∣rūdel: Rich. L. Scrope, & Iohn L. Deberoux

Moreouer, at y^t kings instance and earnest sute it was graūted, y^e Rob. de Veer late Mar∣ques of Dublin, & nowe newly created Duke of Ireland, shuld haue & receiue to his own vse [ 50] xix.M. markes, that y^e frenchmen were to giue for y^e heires of the L. Charles de Blois, that re∣mained here in England, which Charles in ti∣mes past, chalenged as his rightfull inheritance, the duchie of Britain, against the erle of Mōt∣fort. This graūt was made to the duke of Ire∣lād, with conditiō, that beeing furnished wyth this mony, he shuld passe ouer into Irelād, be∣fore y^e next Easter, there to recouer 〈…〉〈…〉 as the K. had giuē to him: for aswell 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as y^e cōmons, wer so desirous to h•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 y^t they wished y^e realm rather to s•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 treasure,* 2.203 thā to haue his presence and 〈…〉〈…〉 to allure him to f•…•…lly•…•… The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 v•…•… y^e 〈…〉〈…〉 Armony sued for a safe conduit to & 〈…〉〈…〉 ouer into this •…•…de, to speake with y^e 〈…〉〈…〉 had bin about y^e mouing of some peace 〈…〉〈…〉 y^e .ij. realmes of Englād & Fraūce•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 meaning was suspected to be to mag•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but to benefit himself by re•…•…ing of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good gifts at the kings boūtiful hands 〈…〉〈…〉 not graūted. In this meane time also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the frēch K. with such a cōpanie of 〈…〉〈…〉 & other lords, as had not bin hearde of still •…•…∣tinued in Flanders, staying aswel f•…•… conue∣nient winde, as for y^e comming of the duke of Berry, it chaunced y^e certaine english shippes they wafred the seas,* 2.204 met with .ij. of the french ships, y^t were sailing towards S•…•…uise, & figh∣ting with thē, tooke thē, & brought them to these Sandwich. In these ships party of y^e clos•…•… wall of wood (wherof ye haue heath) was sold, the master carpenter y^t was the chiefe deuiser to frame•…•…t, being an english mā borne, but banish∣ed his caūtry afore y^t time, for some office. Also there was foūd aboorde the same ships, a master gunner, that sometime had serued y^e englishmē at Callais, whē sir Hughe Caluerley was •…•…∣tenaunt there. Also diuers greate gunnes and engins to beate downe walles were foūd & ta∣ken in the same ships, with a greate quātity of powder y^t was more worthe thā all the rest.* 2.205 A∣bout the same time, or rather somwhat before, the englishmē also tooke certaine hulks and .vj. cariks of the Genewes, ladē with great riches, but bicause they were marchāts, they foūd such fauor at the kings hāds through means of Mi∣chael de la Poole thē L. Chancellor (whom they had made their friend) y^t they had their vessells,* 2.206 & all their goods restored, & streighte wayes they passed with the same vnto Sluise where y^e eni∣mies laye, to make sale of their wares there. Wherevpon much murmuring rose among the kings subiectes, taking it in euill parte y^t they shuld be suffred so to goe their wayes to releue the enimies of the realme, with such goodes as were once brought into the englishmēs posses∣sion, & speciallie the L. Chaūcellor was very e∣uill thought of, for shewing so much fauor vn∣to those strangers. The frēch K. still remaining in Flaunders tarying for the comming of the duke of Berrie & also for a conueniēt winde, at length on the euen of All saintes,* 2.207 the wind came about very fauorably for the frenchemens pur∣pose: wherevppon they weyed Ancres, and lanched from the hauē of Sluse, but they were

not past twentie miles forwarde on theyr way,* 2.208 when the winde suddaynely turned contrary to their course againe, and brought them back with such violence, that diuers of them, as they should enter the Hauen, were broken and bruised, and so by this occasion, and the Counsell of the Duke of Berry togither, the French King brake vp his iourney for that yeare, and returned into France.

Yee haue hearde what was done by the states assembled in Parliamente againste the Earle of [ 10] Suffolke, whome the most parte of the Realme so greatly hated, but yet neuerthelesse, the Kyng had such an affection towardes him, that imme∣diately after the Parliamente was dissolued, hee vndid all that had bin enacted againste him, re∣ceyuing him into more familiaritie than before, and caused him to cōtinue with the Duke of Ire∣lande,* 2.209 and Alexander Neuill Archbyshoppe of Yorke, which two lords, trauelled most earnest∣ly to moue the K. against the other Lords, and to [ 20] disadnull all that had bin done in the last Parli∣ament.

There encreased therefore in the King an in∣ward hatred, whyche hee conceyued agaynst the Lordes, these men putting it into his eare, that hee was lyke no King, but rather resembled a shadowe of a King, saying, it woulde come to passe, that hee shoulde bee able to doe nothing of hymselfe, if the Lordes myght enioy the authori∣tie which they had taken vpon them. [ 30]

The King gaue credite to these tales, and therefore had the Lordes in greate iealosie, not∣withstanding they were thought to bee his most true and faithfull subiectes, and the other craftie, deceitfull, and vntrustie, but such an affection had the King to them, that no informations, nor ac∣cusations, though neuer so manifestly proued, could bring them out of his fauoure, in so muche, as at the feast of Christmas nexte following,* 2.210 he caused the Earle of Suffolke to sitte with hym [ 40] of his own table, in robes accustomarily appoin∣ted for Kings to weare, and not for meaner e∣states, which was much noted, and no little en∣creased the enuie against him.

About the beginning of Marche, in this tenth yeare, Richarde Erle of Arundell, being appoin∣ted Lorde Admirall, and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham, the Earle of Deuonshire, and the Bishop of Norwiche as Froissart hathe,* 2.211 went to the Sea with a warlike power of men of [ 50] armes and archers, so well trimmed and appoin∣ted as was possible, for the Lorde Admirall vn∣derstanding that the Duke of Gloucester, and many other noble men woulde see the musters of his menne, vsed all diligence, and spared for no costes, to haue the most choysest and pikest fel∣lowes that mighte be gotten, not following the euill example of others in times past, whiche re∣ceyued tagge and ragge to fill vp their numbers,* 2.212 whome they hired for small wages, and reser∣ued the residue to their purses, and when to the aduauncement of the Realmes commoditie they shoulde haue encountred the enimies, they shifted off all occasions thereto, and onely prolonged time, withoute atchieuing anye enterprice auay∣lable, to the ende they mighte receyue the whole wages, and keepe themselues from daunger, whi∣che they shoulde hardly haue auoyded, when they had not about them suche able men as were lyke to matche the enimies: but the Earle of Arundell contrarily gote the ablest menne hee mighte, not sparing his owne purse, to the ende that by theyr seruice, hee mighte atchieue some worthy enter∣price, to redounde vnto the commoditie of hys Countrey.

After the Duke of Gloucester had behelde so faire and chosen a power of men of warre, they were straight wayes appoynted to gette them a Shippebourd, and so beeing embarqued, y^e whole nauie passed foorth to the Thames mouth, where they stayed to watch for the fleete of Flaunders, that was ready to come from Rochelle with wines. At length, vpon a Sunday being the euen of the Annuntiation of oure Lady, the Flemishe fleete was discouered a good way off, by one that was mounted into one of the •…•…oppes of a Shippe of the Englishe fleete. The Earle of Arundell greatly reioycing at those newes, forthwith with his whole fleete, made to the Sea. When y^e Fle∣mings approched neere to our Nauie, they made sayle, as if they woulde sette vpon the same,* 2.213 and our menne of purpose made countenaunce, as if they woulde haue retired, as mistrusting them∣selues to be able to match their aduersaries, who coueting rather a safe passage than battayle,* 2.214 pas∣sed by, but the Englishmen hauing once gote the winde fitte for their purpose, suddaynely set vp∣pon the Flemish Shippes, and fought with them right fiereely: at length, after a sore conflict whi∣che endured foure houres, the victorye fell to the Englishemen. There were taken fourescore Shippes, with diuers Captaynes, and menne of armes, namely theyr chiefe Admirall, named Iohn Euyche, a perfect good Seaman, and one that had aforetime done much hurt to the Eng∣lish nation Diuers of their Shippes were, boug∣th and some escaped yet from the battell, but the Earle of Arundell pur•…•…ed them so agrely for the space of two dayes togither, that at length hee tooke them and broughte them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his •…•…∣uie, so that what in the battell and in the ch•…•…s•…•… there were to •…•…n of great and small, to the num∣ber of an hundred vessels, all fraught, with win•…•… so that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was •…•…unde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the same 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nine thousand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or rather as other haue,* 2.215 nyne∣teene thousand, which togither with the vesselles

were straight sente vnto Orwell hauen, and to other hauens abroade in the Realme, beside that whiche fell to the Kings share, as due to hym by his prerogatiue.

The Citizens of Middlebourgh came to the Earle, and requested him that they mighte buy those wines of him, and pay for the same after the rate of an hundred shillings the tunne, alled∣ging how they were the kings friends, and stoode in neede of wines: but the Earle of Arundell, [ 10] thinking it more reason, that those whiche hadde borne the charges of his iourney, to witte the cō∣mons of the Realme of England should haue the commoditie thereof than anye other, hee denyed their sute,* 2.216 but yet to shewe them some pleasure as his friendes, hee gaue to them twentie tunnes to make merrie with: As for that whiche fell to the Earles share, he vsed suche bountifulnesse in be∣stowing it among his friends, that he left not to [ 20] himselfe so much as one tunne, hee wanne there∣fore no small prayse, that forbearing his owne commoditie which hee might haue reaped in sel∣ling those wines to straungers, hee had more re∣gard to the profit of the commons, whereby they might vnderstand, that that which they had layd forthe towardes the setting forward of this iour∣ney, was not altogither lost nor cast away. Part of the Flemish fleete escaping as before yee haue heard, was pursued vnto the hauen of Sluse, and Blankerke. [ 30]

* 2.217All the Countrey of Flaunders, neere to the Sea coastes, was in great feare, for the English∣men landed, and euery daye wente abroade into the Countrey, brenning diuers townes and vil∣lages, as Mude, Ostburg, Houckam, Monacha∣redam, and others. And at length, after they had taken their pleasure in the Countrey, for the space of tenne dayes togither, they hoisted vp sailes, and returned with all their pray and booties, whiche beeing solde, and vttered abroade in the [ 40] Realme,* 2.218 made wine so plentifull heere in Eng∣lande, that it was solde for thirteene shillings foure pence the tunne, and twentie shillings the best and choisest.

The Earle of Arundel not satisfyed with this happie archieued enterprice, but minding to doe more seruice to the benefite of hys Countreye, gathered his Shippes togither, and hyring newe Souldiers to supplye the roomthes of them that were hurte, maimed, or slayne, turned his sayles [ 50] towards the Castell of Brest, whiche seemed to be a keye to the lesse Britaine, and being (as yee haue heard) in the Englishmens possession, the French menne were about to reyse vp and build farre greater and stronger bastillions,* 2.219 than those were that the Duke of Lancaster had taken and destroyed as he sailed forward on his iourney to∣ward Spayne: one of these two new Bastilles y^e Earle of Arundell wanne by force from them that kept it, and bycause it seemed necessary to be kepte for a defence to the Castell, if it were in the Englishmens hands, hee committed it to the cu∣stodie of certaine Englishmen. The other beyng not yet finished, but begunne in sumptuous wise to be builded, he set on fyre and brent. This done, furnishing the garrison with sufficient vittalles, and munition to serue them for one whole yere, hee returned home into Englande, with greate prayse and commendations of the 〈…〉〈…〉 his doings: but the Duke of Irelande, the Earle of Suffolke, sir Simon de Burley, and Sir Ri∣charde Sturrie, that still continued aboute the Kyng, seemed rather to enuie the Earle of A∣rundels good name, than otherwise,* 2.220 to commend hym and others to the King, that hadde beene foorthe in that iourney, in so muche, that when the Earle of Nottingham, otherwise called Earle Marshall, that had beene euer the Kyngs pleyfellowe, and of equall age to hym, came nowe to the Courte, hoping to bee righte wel∣come, and to receyue great thankes at the kings handes, he hadde no good countenaunce shewed hym, neyther of the King, nor of the Duke of Irelande, who disdeyning once to talke with hym, seemed to enuie the worthy prowes in o∣ther, whiche he knewe wanted in hymselfe.

Shortly after, by the counsell of those Lordes and Knightes that remayned aboute the Kyng,* 2.221 the Lorde Henry Percy, sonne to the Earle of Northumberlande, was sente to the Seas, to beate backe the attemptes of the enimies, but hee was slenderly appoynted to atchieue anye greate enterprise: and this was done of some en∣uious purpose, bycause hee had got a name amōg the common people, to be a right hardie and va∣liant Gentleman, as well among Englishmen as Scottes. But he eyther ignorant, or not much waying of that whiche they craftely had imagi∣ned againste him, boldly and valiantly executed the businesse enioyned hym, and hauing remay∣ned abroade, during the whole time of hys ap∣poynted seruice, returned safely home.

Aboute the same time, a Frier Carmelite, na∣med Walter Disse, that had bene confessor to the Duke of Lancaster, obteyned in fauoure of the same Duke, at Pope Vrbanes hands, certayne faculties, to be distributed to such as would pray and pay for them.

Among other of those faculties, one was, in make al those whome he thought good, the Popes Chaplaynes, according to forme of law, and the custome vsed in the Court of Rome. Nowe by∣cause such as obteyned this fauour, enioyed great liberties, many were glad to bestowe largely, to be so preferred, the Frier being ready to admitte those that offered most.

* 2.222Among other, one Peeter Pateshull, a Frier of the Augustines order, was made by hym the Popes Chaplayne, a man not vnlearned and one that fauoured Wiclifes doctrine, and there∣vpon forsaking his priuate profession, gaue him∣selfe to a publique trade of life whiche myghte seeme to him more holy, commaundable, and sure. Herevpon, he tooke vpon him to preache a∣gainste his owne order, namely, in a Sermon whiche hee made in S. Christofers, Ch•…•… in [ 10]

[illustration]

[ 20] London, hee mueyed so earnestly againste the a∣buses and heynous crimes which y^e Friers, some∣times his breethren, vsed to put in practise, that it was an horror to heare.* 2.223 There were presente [ 30] an hundred at the least of Wiclifes opinion at his sermon, and in the meane while, that hee so layde forth what he knewe againste his late bree∣thren, some persons there were that ranne to the Augustine Friers, and declared the whole mat∣ter, wherevpon, a dozen of the hardiest and lusti∣est fellowes among them came to the Churche where this Pati•…•…hull was preaching, and hea∣ring what was sayde, they began to be sore mo∣ued, in so muche, that one of them, more zealous [ 40] for his Religion than the other, stepped foorthe, and agayne sayd those things which the preacher proponed, which thing, when the Wickleuists perceyued, they sette vpon him that so disquieted the congregation, and laying handes on hym, threwe hym downe, trode him vnder their feete, and lent him many a good buffet, and chasing all the other Friers away, they were fully bente to haue killed them, and sette their house a fyre, cry∣ing out with loude voyces, Let vs destroy these [ 50] murtherers, let vs breune these Sodomites, and hand vp such traytors of the King and Realme, and running thus with such a furious noyse and outrage, they purposed verily to haue sette fyre on the Friers lodgings, but that through the humble prayer of Frier Thomas Ashborne, and one that was his fellow, being reputed for two good men, and doctors of diuinitie, they were stayed. The comming also of one of the Sherifes of London, holpe muche to appease them, so that by his per∣swasion, they returned home to their houses, but No•…•…tr Pateshul, being mainteined among them, was counselled, sith hee was interrupted in hys sermon, to set downe in writing all such matters as he was about to intreat of, and what he •…•…ew further, he therefore deuised a lybell,* 2.224 in whych the accused diuers of his breethren, of mu•…•…thering sundry of their fellowes. And for more proofe to bee giuen to his sayings, hee reade the names of them that were made away, and the names 〈…〉〈…〉 of the murtherers, and shewes where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that were murthered were buryed & hee affirmed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that, that the sayde Fyires his breethren of late, were S•…•…ites and •…•…tay•…•…rs, both to the king and realme, and many other things hee declared, too hadde to speake of, in that his writing or ly∣bell which he fastned vppon the Churche dor•…•… of S. Paule in London, that the more confusion might thereby redounde vnto his late breethren, the Friers aforesaid. In the beginning of y^e same Lybell hee protested, that hee was got foorthe of the Diuels dungeon, and through the grace of God, escaped from amongst wicked and filthy persons, by reason whereof, and for that hee was an auoucher of the veritie, he saide, he was sure to suffer great aduersities at the Friers hands, if they might lay hold on him, but he thanked Pope Vr∣bane, for that through his graunte, he had obtey∣ned suche libertie, that by helpe of his friends, hee might lawfully withdraw himselfe from y^e hāds of his enimies. There were diuers men of good worship, that mainteyned this Pateshull, and caused a transcript of this Lybell, to bee written forth, affirming all to bee true that was therein mentioned.

Amongst other that thus fauoured this cause,* 2.225 were diuers Knightes, as Sir William Neuill, Sir Lewis Clifford, Sir Iohn Clanbowe, Sir Richard Sturry, and sir Thomas Latimer, and the chiefest of all, was one sir Iohn Montague, who caused all the Images to bee taken downe, and set aside in corners, which Iohn Aubrey, and his successor sir Alane Buxhull, or any their an∣cestors had set vp in their Chappell of Chenelcy.

Aboute the same time, the Duke of Irelande soughte to bee diuorsed from his lawfull wife, a trimme yong Lady, daughter to the Lady Isa∣bell, that was one of King Edwarde the thyrde his daughters, and tooke to wife one Lancegrone a Bohemer, one of the Queenes maydes, by rea∣son whereof, greate occasion of slaunder and re∣proch grewe, and diuers Lords, specially y^e Duke of Gloucester, that was vncle to the Ladye that was forsaken, tooke greate displeasure heere∣with. But sith the King allowed of all the Duke of Irelandes doyngs, the Duke of Gloucester

dissembled such iniuries done to his neece for the time, till oportunitie mighte serue to reuenge the same.

The Duke of Irelande vnderstoode all these things, and therefore was the more circumspect for his owne safetie, and studyed howe by some meanes he mighte dispatche the Duke of Glou∣cester out of the way, as the man whome he most feared, least his life shoulde be his destruction, by one meanes or other. [ 10]

Easter was nowe past, the tyme (as yee haue hearde appoynted) before the which the Duke of Irelande should haue transported ouer into Ire∣lande, and yet was hee not set forward, but least somewhat myght be thought in the matter, and for feare of some sturre to be raysed by the Lords of the Realme, that wished him gone, accordyng to the order prescribed at the last Parliament,* 2.226 the King as it were to bring hym to the water side, wente with him into Wales, where beeyng out [ 20] of the way, they myghte deuise how to dispatche the Duke of Gloucester, the Earles of Arundell, Warwike, Darbye, and Nottingham, with o∣thers of that faction There were with the King, besyde the Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Roberte Trisilian Lorde chiefe Iustice, and diuers other, whiche doubtfull of theyr owne safegardes, dyd what they coulde as writers reporte, to moue the King forwarde to the destruction of those noble men.

After the Kyng had remayned in those par∣ties a good while, hee returned,* 2.227 and broughte the Duke of Irelande backe with him agayne, so that it semed hys boyage into Ireland was now quite forgotten.

About the same tyme,* 2.228 Robert Trisilian Lord chiefe Iustice of Englande came to Cou•…•…e, and in•…•…ited there two thousand persons. The King and the Queene came to Groby, and thither came by hys commaundement the Iusti∣ces of the Realme. There were also with hym the same tyme, Alexander Archbishop of Yorke, Roberte Vere Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Robert Trisilian,* 2.229 and his fellowes, of whome it was demaunded, if by the lawes of the Realme, the King myghte re∣uoke the ordinances made in the last Parlia∣ment, to the whiche he had giuen his consente in •…•…an•…•…er by constraint, and they made aunswere that he might. Then were the Iustices com∣maunded to come vnto Nothingham, where the King appoynted to meete them, and thither hee came, according to his appoyntment,* 2.230 and helde a solemne Counsell in the Castell of Notting∣ham,

[illustration]

the morrowe after Saint Bartholmewes day. In whiche Counsell, were the aforesayde Archbyshop of Yorke, the Duke of Irelande, the Earle of Suffolke, Roberte Trisilian Iustice, [ 50] Roberte Bramble Iustice, and sundry other, all which Iustices were commaunded to sette theyr handes vnto the questions vnder written, that by meanes thereof, those persons that were about the Kyng, thought they might haue good occa∣sion, to putte the Duke of Gloucester, and other Lords that were his complices vnto death, whi∣che in the last Parliament were ordeyned to haue the gouernaunce of the Realme, and all suche as were consenting to the same. Diuers of the Iu∣stices refused to subscribe, but yet they were con∣streyned to doe as the rest did, among the whych was Iohn Bel•…•…nappe, who vtterly refused,* 2.231 tyll the Duke of Ireland, and the Earle of Suffolke compelled hym thereto, for if hee had persisted in the refusall, hee had not escaped their handes, and yet when he hadde set too hys seale, he burst out into these wordes:* 2.232 Nowe (sayde hee) heere lac∣keth nothing but a rope, that I mighte receyue a rewarde worthy for my desert, and I know, if I

had not done this, I mighte not haue escaped your handes, so that for youre pleasures and the Kings I haue done it, and deserued therby death at the handes of the Lordes: whyche indeede shortly followed, for in the next Parliamente hee was condemned and executed. But nowe that thys myghte remayne in recorde, an Acte of Counsell was made thereof, in manner as follo∣weth.

* 2.233Memorand. that the fiue and twentith daye of [ 10] August, in the eleuenth yeare of the raigne of King Richard the second, at the Castell of Not∣tingham aforesayde, Roberte Trisilian, Lorde chiefe Iustice of Englande, Roberte Belknap Lord chiefe Iustice of the common pleas, Iohn Holte, Roger Fulthorp, and Williā Borough, Knightes and associates of the sayde Roberte Belknap, and Iohn Lockton, one of the Kyngs sergeants at the lawe, beeing personally required in presence of the Lordes and other witnesses [ 20] vnder written by our sayd soueraigne Lorde the Kyng, in that faith and allegiance in whiche to him they were bounden, that they shoulde truely aunswere to certayne questions vnderwritten, and vpon the same by their discretions, to say the lawe.

[ 1] Firste it was asked of them, whether the newe statute,* 2.234 ordinaunce, and commission made in the last Parliament holden at Westminster, bee hurtfull to the kings prerogatiue. Wherevnto [ 30] all of one minde aunswered, that they were hurt∣full, and specially bycause they bee agaynste the kings will.

[ 2] Item, it was enquired of them, howe they oughte to bee punished, that procured the sayde Statute, ordinance and Comission to be made. Wherevnto with one assent they answered, that they deserued death, except the King of his grace would pardon them.

[ 3] Item, it was enquired, how they ought to be [ 40] punished, whiche moued the King to consente to the making of the said statute, ordinance, and cō∣mission. Wherevnto they aunswered, that vnlesse the King woulde giue them his pardon, they ought to lose their liues.

[ 4] Item, it was enquired of them what punish∣ment they deserued, that compelled the Kyng to the making of that statute, ordinance, and com∣mission. Wherevnto they gaue aunswere, that they ought to suffer as Traytors. [ 50]

[ 5] Item, it was demaunded of them howe they ought to bee punished that interrupted the Kyng so, that hee myghte not exercise those things that apperteyned to his regaltie and prerogatiue. Wherevnto aunswere was made, that they ought to be punished as Traytors.

[ 6] Item, it was enquired of them, whether that after the affayres of the Realme, and the cause of the callyng togither the states to the Parlia∣mente, were once by the Kyngs commaunde∣mente declared and opened, and other articles on the Kyngs behalfe limitted, vppon whyche the Lordes and commons of the Realme ought to intreate and proceede, if the Lordes neuer∣thelesse woulde proceede vpon other articles, and not meddle with those articles which the Kyng hadde limited, till time the King hadde aunswe∣red the Articles proponed by them, notwithstan∣ding the Kyng enioyned them to the contrarie: Whether in this case the Kyng myghte rule the Parliament, and cause them to proceede vp∣pon the Articles by hym limited, before they pro∣ceede any further. To whyche question, it was aunswered, that the Kyng shoulde haue in thys parte the rule, for order of all suche articles to be prosecuted, vntill the ende of the Parliamente. And if any presumed to goe contrary to this rule, he was to be punished as a traytor.

Item, it was asked, whether the King when so euer it pleased hym myghte not dissolue the Parliamente, and commaunde the Lordes and commons to depart from thence or not. Where∣vnto it was aunswered that hee might.

Item, it was inquired, that for asmuche as it was in the Kyng to remoue suche Iustices and officers as offende, and to punishe them for theyr offences: Whether the Lordes and com∣mons myghte without the Kings wil, impeache the same officers and Iustices, vpō their offences in Parliament or not. To this aunswere was made, that they myghte not, and hee that at∣tempted contrarye, was to suffer as a Tray∣tor.

Item, it was enquired, howe hee is to bee pu∣nished, that moued in the Parliamente, that the statute wherein Edwarde, the sonne of Kyng Edwarde, greate grandfather to the Kyng that nowe is, was endited in Parliamente, myght be sente for, by inspection of whyche Statute, the sayde newe statute or ordinaunce and commis∣sion were conceyued, and deuised in the Parlia∣ment.

To whiche question, with one accorde, as in all the residue they aunswered, that as well hee that so summoned, as the other, whyche by force of the same motion, broughte the sayde Statute into the Parliamente house, be as pub∣lique offendors and Traytors to bee puni∣shed.

Item, it was enquired of them, whether the Iudgemente giuen in the Parliament agaynste Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, were er∣ronious and reuocable, or not:

To which question likewise with one assente

they sayd, that if the same iudgement were nowe to bee giuen, the Iustices and Sergeaunte a∣foresayde woulde not gyue the same, bycause it seemed to them, that the sayde iudgemente is re∣uocable and erronious in euery part. In wit∣nesse whereof, the Iustices and Sergeaunte a∣foresayde, to these presentes, haue set there seales, these beeing witnesses, Alexander Archbyshop of Yorke, Roberte Archbyshoppe of Dublin, Iohn Byshop of Durham, Thomas Byshop of Che∣ster, [ 10] Iohn Byshoppe of Bangor, Robert Duke of Irelande, Mighell Earle of Suffolke, Iohn Rypon Clearke, and Iohn Blake.

* 2.235Now beside these Iustices and Sergeaunte, there were called at that presente vnto Noting∣ham, all other Iustices of the Realme, and the Sherifes. Also, diuers of the Citie of London, which the King knewe would encline to his will the rather, for that some of them, hauing afore∣time confessed treason against the King by them [ 20] imagined, and obteyning pardon for the same, were ready at his commaundemente, to recom∣pence suche fauoure, in the accomplishmente of what soeuer they knewe myghte stand with hys pleasure. Heerevppon, they beeing enpanelled to enquire of certayne treasons that were supposed to be committed by the Lordes, which in the last Parliament hadde so caused things to passe, con∣trary to the Kyngs pleasure,* 2.236 endited the same Lordes of many crimes enformed against them. [ 30]

The Londoners indeede are euill reported of in those dayes, by some writers, for their vn∣stablenesse, one whyle holding on the Kinges part, and with suche as were chiefe in counsell a∣bout hym, and an other whyle on the Lordes syde that were of a contrary faction.

* 2.237But nowe as concerning the cause why the Sherifes were called hither, it was chiefly to vn∣derstande what power of men they might assure the Kyng of, to serue hym agaynste the Lordes [ 40] and Barons, whome hee tooke to be his enimies: and further, that where he meane to call a Parli∣ament very shortly, they shoulde so vse the mat∣ter that no Knyght might be chosen, but such as the Kyng and his Counsell shoulde name. But aunswere was made heerevnto by the Sherifes, that the Lordes were so highly beloued of y^e com∣mons, that it lay not in their powers to assemble any great forces againste the Lords, and as for chosing the Knightes of the Shires, they sayde, [ 50] that the commons would vndoubtedly vse theyr auntiente liberties, and priuiledges, in choosing suche as they thoughte meetest.

But yet after that the indictments were found, according to the desire of the kyng and hys coun∣sellors, and that those whiche hadde beene called aboute this matter, were licenced to depart home, the Kyng and the Duke of Irelande sent mes∣sengers into euerye parte of the Realme,* 2.238 to •…•…∣teyne men of warre to assiste them in the •…•…∣rell againste the Lordes if neede were. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made aunswere, that sith they knew the•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be f•…•…ythfull and loyall to the King, such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the bottome of theyr heartes, and were ready to study, to deuise, and to do all thyngs that •…•…ght tende to his honor, and wealthe of the Realme, they myghte not by anye meanes beare armoure againste them. But a great number of other that tooke it that they were reteyned for a good and necessary purpose, promised to be ready whenso∣euer it shoulde please the King to sende for them.

The Lordes beeing in this meane while ad∣uertised of these doyngs, were striken with great he aumesse, for that not knowing themselues (as they tooke it) giltie of anye offence, the Kyng shoulde thus seeke theyr destruction.

Heerewith, the Duke of Gloucester, meaning to mitigate the Kinges displeasure, reteyned a solemne othe before the Byshop of London,* 2.239 and diuers other Lords, protesting by the same oth•…•…, that hee neuer imagined, nor wente aboute anye thing, to the Kings hinderance, but to his power, hadde alwayes done what hee myghte, to ad∣uaunce the Kings honor, prosperous state, and good liking, except onely that hee hadde gyuen no good countenaunce to the Duke of Irelande, whome the Kyng so muche loued: and surely for that the sayd Duke had dishonored his kins•…•…d∣man, and the Kings also, hee was firmely deter∣mined to reuenge that iniurie vppon him, and heerewith, hee besoughte the Byshoppe of Lon∣don to declare what hys wordes were vnto the King.

The Byshoppe commyng to the King, made reporte of the Duke of Gloucesters protestation, cōfirmed with his othe, in such wise, as the king beganne somewhat to bee perswaded, that it was true. But when the Earle of Suffolke perceyued that, fearing least the reconciliation of the King and the Duke his vncle shoulde turne to his vn∣doing, hee beganne to speake against the Duke, tyll the Byshoppe •…•…ad hym holde hys peace, and tolde hym, that it nothing became hym to speake at all, and when the Earle asked why so,* 2.240 by∣cause (said the Byshoppe) thou wast in the last Parliamente condemned for an euill person, and one not worthy to lyue, but onely it pleaseth the King to shew thee fauour.

The Kyng beeyng offended with the By∣shoppes presumptuous wordes, commaunded hym to departe and get hym home to his Chur∣che, who forthwith departed, and declared to the Duke of Gloucester what he had heard and sene.

Heerevpon, the great misliking that had bin afore time betwixte the Kyng and the Lordes, was nowe more vehemently increased, the Duke

of Ireland, the Earle of Suffolke the Archbishop of Yorke, the Lord chiefe Iustice Robert Trisi∣lian and others still procuring, stirring, and con∣firming the Kyngs heauie displeasure against the Lordes.

The Duke of Gloucester considering to what conclusion these things tended, came secretely to a conference with the Earles of Arundell, War∣wike,* 2.241 and Derby, who were in lyke daunger, if they prouided not more speedelie for their safetie, [ 10] wherevppon, hee discouereth to them the perill wherein they all stoode in commune, so that whē they wayed what was the moste expedient meane to sauegarde theyr lyues, they gathered their po∣wers togither, determining to talke with the Kyng, with their armour vpon their backes, for their more suretie, as well concerning his pre∣tence, to bring them to their deathes, as for the fauour which he haue to those whome they repu∣ted to be traytors, both to him, and to the whole [ 20] state of the Realme, whereby the same coulde not auoyde speedie remedie, if ruine were not the sooner prouided.

The Kyng on the other parte tooke aduice, how he mighte apprehende these Lordes (whome he tooke to bee playne traytors) eche one a parte, before they mighte gather their strengthes about them, and firste, hee sent the Earle of Northum∣berlande and others,* 2.242 vnto the Castell of Reigate to take the Earle of Arundell, who laye there at [ 30] that present. But howsoeuer it fortuned the Erle of Northumberlande came backe, and fayled to accomplishe that which hee had in commaunde∣mente.

After this, a greate number were sente by nyghte, to haue layde handes on hym, and to haue broughte hym to the Kyngs presence, or in case hee resisted, to haue slayne hym, if by anye meanes they myghte: but hee beeyng warned by a messenger, that came to him from the Duke of [ 40] Gloucester, conueyed hymselfe away, and with suche bandes as hee hadde gote togither, rode all that nyghte,* 2.243 so that in the morning hauing pas∣sed a thirtie myles, not without greate trauayle, and all speede possible, hee was in the morning aduaunced vnto Haringey Parke, where hee founde the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earle of Warwike, with a greate power of menne about them.

The same tyme, the Kyng was aboute to [ 50] sette forwardes towardes Caunterbury, there to performe some vowe of pilgrimage, whiche hee hadde vndertaken to make, vnto the shrine of Thomas Becket, but a brute was reysed, and a slaunder (belyke) contriued, to bryng hym in further hatred of his subiectes, that hee meante to steale ouer into Fraunce, vnto the French King, hauyng promised to deliuer vp into hys handes the Towne of Calais, with the Castell of Guy∣nes, and all the fortresses, whyche hys predeces∣sors had possessed in those parties, eyther by right from their auncestors, or by warlike conquest, but his iourney to Caunterbury was suddayne∣ly stayed, vppon knowledge had of the gathering togither of the Lords in Haringey Parke, wher∣with the Kyng beeyng sore amased, called togy∣ther such as he trusted, to vnderstande what their opinion was of the matter, and vnderstandyng that the purposed intention of the Lordes, for whiche they were so assembled, was to this ende as they pretended, to bring hym vnto a better trade of life and more profitable order of gouern∣ment, hee was straighte striken with no small feare, demaunding of them their aduice,* 2.244 what was best for hym to doe in suche troublesome state of things. Some were of this minde, that it shoulde bee best to seeke to appease the Lordes with faire promises, assuring them, that they should haue their desires. Other thought it bet∣ter, to assemble the Kings friendes, and ioyning them with the Londoners, to goe foorth and trie the hazard of battayle with the Lordes. Among them that were of thys mynde, the Archbyshop of Yorke was the chiefest. But other that were thought to vnderstande more of the worlde than he did, iudged it not wisedome so to doe, conside∣ring that if the Kyng lost the fielde, then shoulde great harme and dishonor followe, and if the vi∣ctory fell to his syde, yet could he gaine naughte, but lose a great number of his subiectes. Thys was in Nouember, at what time the King vp∣pon his returning from Caunterbury, meante to haue holden a Parliamente, but through those sturres, neyther hys iourney to Caunterbury, nor the Parliamente wente forwarde: hee caused yet order to be giuen, that no Citizen of London shoulde fell to the Duke of Gloucester, the Earle of Arundell, or anye other of the Lordes, anye armour, bowes, arrowes, or other munition or matter, that myghte tende to the furniture of warre vpon a great payne.

But notwithstanding the Lordes went for∣warde with their businesse,* 2.245 and before they ap∣proched the Citie of London, they sente to the Kyng the Archbyshop of Caunterburie, the lord Iohn Louell, the Lorde Cobham, and the Lorde Iohn Deuerour, requiring to haue deliuered vn∣to them suche as were aboute hym, that were Traytors and seducers both of hym, and the Realme, that sought nothing else, but to trouble both poore and riche, and to sowe discorde and variance betwixte the Kyng and his Nobles.

And further, they declared that theyr com∣myng was, for the honor and wealthe, both of the King and Realme. But the, Kyng beeyng ruled altogither by the Duke of Irelād, the Erle

of Suffolke, and two or three other, was fully perswaded, that the Lordes intended to bryng him vnder their gouernement, and therefore hee was counselled, to make the Frenche Kyng hys sure friend, in all vrgent necessities, and to be as∣sured of him, it was reported, that those E•…•…in∣•…•…ors aduised him to render vp into the Frenche Kynges handes, the Towne of Caleis, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all that hee hadde else in possession, on the further syde the Sea. [ 10]

But howsoeuer this matter went, troth it is, that the Kyng sente for the Maior of London, requiring to know of hym how many able men they thoughte the Citie coulde make,* 2.246 the Maior aunswered, that hee thought verily the Citizens might make in time of neede, fiftie thousand mē, within an houres respit: well sayd the King, then I besiech you goe and prooue what will be done: but when the Maior began to attempt the mat∣ter,* 2.247 he was answered generally, that they would [ 20] neuer fight agaynst the Kyngs friendes, and de∣fendours of the Realme, as indeede they tooke the Lordes to be, but against the enimies of the king and Realme, they woulde alwayes be ready to fyghte, and shewe what resistaunce they were able. This aunswere the Maior reported to the Kyng.

The same time, there was about the Kyng the Lorde Raufe Basset, who sayde thus to the King flatly and playnely, Sir, I haue bin, and [ 30] euer will bee youre true liege man, and my body and goodes shall euer be at your graces commā∣dement,* 2.248 in all iustice and trueth. But neuerthe∣lesse, heereof I assure you, that if my happe bee to come into the field, I will without fayle alwayes followe the true parte, and it is not I that will aduenture to haue my head broken, for the Duke of Irelandes pleasure.

Likewise, the Earle of Northumberland, be∣ing at that time in the Court, spake these wordes [ 40] to the K. Sir, there is no doubt, but these Lordes whiche nowe be in the field, alwayes haue beene youre true and faithfull subiects, and yet are, not intending to attempte anye thing against youre state, wealth, and honor. Neuerthelesse, they feele themselues fore molested and disquieted, by the wicked deuises of certaine persons about you, that seeke to oppresse them: and verily without fayle, all your Realm is sore greeued therewith, [ 50] both great and small, as well Lords as cōmons, and I see not the contrary, but they mind to ad∣uenture their liues with the Lords that are thus in armes, specially in this case, which they recon to be yours and your realmes: and sir, now ye bee in the chiefe place of your Realme, and in y^e place of your coronation, order your selfe now therfore wisely, and like a King, send to them so come be∣fore your presence in some publique place, where they maye declare vnto you the intente 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣pose of theyr commyng,* 2.249 accompanyed 〈…〉〈…〉 greate a number of people into these p•…•…, 〈…〉〈…〉 I beleeue it verily, they will shewe suche 〈…〉〈…〉 that you will holde them excused. The Arch∣byshoppe of Caunterbury, and the Lord •…•…∣cessor Byshoppe of Elie, and other of the •…•…∣shoppes also there presente, affirmed the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduice to bee good,* 2.250 and the Kyng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wisely the case as it stoode, beganne to bee •…•…∣sed, and accorded to follow theyr aduice, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Archebyshop of Caunterbury, and the •…•…∣shoppe of Elie, to aduertise them of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whiche was, that hee willed them to c•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hym to Westminster, on Sonday then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 following, and so they repayring to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made reporte to them of the Kyngs my•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purpose. But the Duke of Gloucest•…•…,* 2.251 and •…•…∣ther Lordes, were so fully •…•…ente in theyr 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on, that they swore all whole togither, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 woulde neuer giue ouer their enterprise, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as they hadde a penny to spende, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣naunce of theyr cause: and if it chanced 〈…〉〈…〉 them to departe thys lyfe, the ouerlyuers 〈…〉〈…〉 persist therein, vntill the time that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 broughte theyr purpose to some good effect, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bycause they doubted least the Kyng my•…•… stirre the Citie of London against them,* 2.252 they •…•…∣termined fyrste to aduertise the Maior 〈…〉〈…〉 Citie, howe theyr commyng was onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forme certayne greate enormities, whych 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set downe in writing, and sente it to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Citizens, beseeching them of these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and counsell therein: thys done, they de•…•…¦ned yet to keepe their daye on the Sonday •…•…¦wing, to appeare before the Kyngs presente 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this was not got of them, till that the L•…•… Chancellor,* 2.253 with dyuers other noble m•…•… good credite hadde vndertaken vppon theyr 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Kings behalfe, that no fraude nor •…•…∣cept, no perill nor euill pretence shoulde be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in practise agaynste the Lordes, whereby they myghte come to losse eyther of lyfe, 〈…〉〈…〉 goodes, or otherwise, through the kings meanes, but that if he should goe about any such things, the sayd Lorde Chancellor, and other the medi∣ators shoulde warne the Lordes aforehande thereof.

When therefore the Lordes were ready, ac∣cording to couenaunte, to come vnto Westmin∣ster, they were secretely aduertised,* 2.254 that there was an ambush layd in a place called y^e Mewes, and so they stayed, and came not at the appoin∣ted houre. Wherevppon, when the King de∣maunded, howe it fortuned that the Lordes kept not promise, the Byshoppe of Ely Lorde Chauncellor made hym this aunswere, bycause saith hee, there is an ambushe of a thousande

armed men or more layd in such a place, (and na∣med it) contraite to couenant, and therefore they neyther come nor holde you for faythfull of your worde.

The king hearing this, was astonied, and a•…•…∣•…•…med with an othe, that hee knewe of no suche thing and withal he sent to the Sherifes of Lon∣don cōmaunding them to repaire to the Mewes, and vpon search made, if they founde any force of [ 10] men there assembled, to take and kill all suche as they coulde lay handes vppon. But sir Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and sir Nicholas Bramble, knightes, that had in deed assembled such a number of men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they vnderstoode what order the king had gain therein, they sent theyr men backe vnto London.

The Lords after this, receyuing a safe conduct from the king, and perceyuing all to bee safe and cleare, came vnto Westminster with a strong power of men about them.* 2.255 The king when hee heard they were come, apparelled himselfe in his kingly robes, and with his Scepter in hand com∣meth into the great hall at Westminster.

The Lords as soone as they had sight of him, made vnto him theyr humble obeysaunce, and so went forth vntil they came to the nether steps, going vp to the kings seate of estate, where they made their seconde obeysaunce, and then the king gaue them a countenaunce to come nearer vnto him, & they so did, kneeling down before him, and

[illustration]

forthwith hee rose from his place, and louingly welcomming them, tooke eche of thē by the hand, and that done sate him downe againe. Herewith the Bishop of Elie Lord Chauncellor, as mouth to the king, declared vnto these Lordes in effect as followeth. [ 40]

* 2.256My Lordes (sayde he) our soueraigne Lorde the king, hearing that you were assembled in Ha∣ringey Parke, in other maner than was conueni∣ent, would not forthwith runne vpon you wyth force to destroy you, as he might easily haue don, if he had not wished your safetie, for no mā doub∣teth but if his pleasure had bin to gather an army, he might haue had more people than you coulde haue got to haue taken part with you, agaynste him, and so happily muche bloud myght haue [ 50] bene spylt, which thing certainly our soueraigne Lord the king vtterly abhorreth, and therefore v∣sing pacience and mildenesse, he hath rather cho∣sen to talke with you in peaceable wise, that hee may vnderstād the cause why ye haue assembled so great a number of people togither.* 2.257

The Lordes for answere herevnto sayd, that they assembled theyr forces togither, for the profit both of the king and realme, and especially to take away from him such traytors as remayned con∣tinually about him, to wit, Robert de Vere duke of Ireland, Alexander Neuil Archbishop of York, Michaell de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Robert Trisslian that false Iustice, and sir Nicholas Brambre that disloyall knight of London, for to they tearmed them. And to proue their accusati∣ons true, they threwe downe their gloues, prote∣sting by their othes to prosecute it by battaile. Nay (sayth the king) not so, but in the next Par∣liament which we do appoynt before hand •…•…o be∣gin the morow after the Purification of our La∣die, both they and you appearing, shall receyue according to lawe, all that, whiche reason shall appoynt.

And nowe to you my Lordes I speake,* 2.258 by what meane, or by what reason durst you so pre∣sumptuously take vpon you within this my land to rise thus against me? Did you thinke to feare me with such your presumptuous boldnesse? haue I not armed mere sufficient to haue beaten you downe, compassed about like a sort of Deere in a ioyle? if I would: Truly in this behalf I make

no more account of you, than of the vylest skul∣lions in my kitchen.

When he had sayd these wordes, with much more, he lyft vp the Duke of Gloucester, that all this while kneeled afore him, and commaunded the residue to rise also.

After this, he led them curteously to his cham∣ber, where they sate and dranke togither. And finally it was concluded,* 2.259 that they should al meet togither againe at the next Parliament, and eche [ 10] one to receyue according to iustice: and in the meane time the king toke aswel the duke of Glo∣cester, as the duke of Ireland into his protection, so that neither part in the meane time should hurt the other, nor presume to make any gathering of people vnto the time prefixed: and so this counsail brake vp, and the Lordes departed.

These things yet were done in absence of the forenamed persons whom the Lordes accused,* 2.260 for they durst not appeare in presence of the lords, [ 20] for if they had bin espied they had smarted for it, as was thought, without any respect that would haue bene had of the kings presence.

And nowe forasmuch as it shoulde bee well knowne through all the Citie, that these Lordes had nothing offended him with their comming, the king caused a Proclamation to be made, the tenour whereof was as followeth.

* 3.1

Richard by the grace of God. &c.

We wil that it bee knowne to all our liege people throughoute [ 30] our realme of England, that whereas Thomas duke of Gloucester, Richard Earle of Arundell, and Thomas Earle of Warwike, haue bene de∣famed of treason by certain of our coūsailors we as it apperteineth, diligently searching y^e ground & cause of this defamation, finde no such thing in them, nor any suspition thereof, wherefore we de∣clare the same diffamatiō to be false, and vntrue, and do receyue the same duke and erles into our speciall protection. And bycause these accusers [ 40] shall be notoriously knowne, their names are A∣lexander Archb. of Yorke, sir Robert Veere duke of Irelande, Michael de la Pole Erle of Suffolk, Robert Trisilian L. chiefe Iustice, and sir Ni∣cholas Brambre of London knight, who in like case shal remaine till the next Parliament, & there shall stand to their answere: but in the mean time we likewise take them into our protection, streyt∣ly charging and cōmaunding that no maner of person, charge any of the forenamed, either priui∣ly [ 50] or apertly in word or deed to hurt thē, or cause any hurt to be done to them, but all quarels and demaundes agaynst them to be remitted, vnto the next Parliament prefixed.

And to haue all things in more perfect readi∣nesse and remembrance when the estates shoulde be assembled, certain of the Lords were appointed to sit in the meane time to deuise how they might proceed orderly in redresse of such matters, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to require some speedie reformation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did they think it good to depart in sunder, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be entrapped through the malicious practise of their aduersaries: which their doubt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 After∣ward to stand them in steed of great wisedome for immediately after, their sayd aduersaries c•…•…me to the king, and declared howe they were dayly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dāger of their liues, by reason of y^e malice which the Lords had conceyued against them onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the kings sake, & not for any matter of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And where the king had promised that the•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeare at the next Parliament, whiche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hād, they told him plainly that they neither durst nor would put their bodies in such manifest da•…•…¦ger. The king considering hereof, withdrew him∣selfe from the companie of the Lordes that were assigned to sit at London, to deliberate of matte•…•…s that were to bee talked of & ordred in the Parlia∣ment: and so that counsaile was deferred, & layde aside, and the kings counsailors that stood in dan∣ger of their liues through the malice of the Lords confederated with the duke of Gloucester, got thē from the Court, & withdrew some into this place and some into that. Among other the erle of S•…•…f∣folke fied ouer vnto Calais in secrete wise,* 3.2 by the helpe of a knight called sir William Hoo, who holpe to conuey him thither.

He had chaunged his apparell, and shauen •…•…s hearde, and so disguised, counterfeyted himselfe to be a Poulter, and to sell certaine foule whiche hee had gotten, by whiche meanes hee was not knowne, till at length comming to the gates of the Castell whereof hys brother sir Edmonde de la Poole was Captaine, hee discouered to hym (scarcely knowing who he was, by reasō he was so disguised) the whole occasion of his repayring thyther, requyring him to keepe his counsayle, and that hee mighte remayne with him in priuie maner for a tyme, tyll hee myght heare more howe things wente in Englande, from whence hee was thus fled to auoyde the bloudie handes of his enimies, that sought his life.

His brother doubting what might be layde to his charge if he shoulde conceale this matter from the Lorde William Beauchampe Lord Depu∣tie of the towne, streyghtwayes aduertised hym thereof, who tooke order that the Earle shoulde foorthwith bee s•…•…nt backe agayne into Englande to the King,* 3.3 who receyued hym wyth small thanks to them that brought him ouer, insomuch (as some write) his brother being one, was com∣mitted to Pryson for disclosing him. But yet bycause it shoulde not seeme that hee impryso∣ned hym for that cause, hee was shortlye after set at libertie, and returned againe to his charge at Calais.

The Erle was also permytted to go whither

he woulde, although the king had vndertaken to present him and others at the •…•…ext Parliament, to answere theyr offences, as the same might bee layde to theyr charge.

But here it may be doubted by the vncerten∣tie of writtes, whether the Erle of Suffolke thus fled ouer to Calais, before the iourney at Ra•…•…∣c•…•…te bridge, or after: but whether it chaunced ey∣ther after or before, it is certain that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the time that the Lordes had enforced the King to pro∣mise [ 10] to exhibite him and others at the •…•…xt Par∣liament to abide their trials, he durst not openly remaine in the Court, but taking leaue of the king, departed from him. Wherevpon the King being oute of quiet for the absence of him and o∣ther his best beloued counsaylers, whome hee so much esteemed, and namely of the Duke of Ire∣lande, and the sayd Erle of Suffolke, he appoyn∣ted one Thomas Molineux Conestable of the Castell of Chester, a man of high valiauncie, [ 20] and great power in the parties of Chesshire and Lancashire,* 3.4 to rayse an armie of men, with the assistance of the Sherife of Chesshire, to whome his commission of authoritie in that behalfe, vn∣der the great scale was directed, to the ende that they might conuey the duke of Irelande in all safetie vnto the kings presence.

The Sherife hauing receyued this commis∣sion, togither with the sayd Thomas Molineux, raysed a power, and such as refused to serue, in re∣spect [ 30] of such good will as they bare to the Lordes, he committed to prison, commaunding the Iay∣lers to keepe them streyte in Irons wyth bread and water, till his returne.

Moreouer, the king sent to sir Raufe Ver∣non, and sir Richarde Ra•…•…cliffe, willing them to assist the other. And so thus they set forwarde with the number of fiue thousande men.

* 3.5When the Lordes vnderstoode that the duke [ 40] of Irelande was marching towardes London with such a power of menne, meaning to ioyne with the Londoners, and so to make as it had bin an inuin•…•…ble armie, they besturred themselues, and fell in hand to arme theyr men, and to exhort one another, that nowe they shoulde not bee neg∣ligent in their owne defence, but to make hast for the dispatching of those that craftily had gone a∣bout to conspire their deathes. And so these lords, to wit, the duke of Gloucester, the Erles of War∣di•…•…, [ 50] Arundell, Warwike, and Notingham, assē∣bled their powers oute of all quarters, to encoun∣ter with the Duke of Irelande, and when they had got their companies togither, they forelayde al the wayes by which hee was thought to come.

But the Duke of Irelande hauing wyth him Molineux, Vernon, and Ratclise, roade for∣warde in stately and glorious arraye, with an armie as yee haue hearde) of fiue thousande men, supposing that none durst come forth to wyth∣stande him. Neuerthelesse when he came to Rat∣•…•…o•…•…e bridge, not passe foure miles from Cheping Norton which bridge the coulde haue passed, he had beene out of the daunger of an enimies) hee sodainely espied where the armie of the Lordes lay not farre distant from him, readie in the midst of a •…•…alley to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his comming. Some of the Erle of Dar••••es company had broken the bridge, and so stopped his passage. He therefore percey∣uing his enimies intention, stayed, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the kings banner to be spred, and began to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a good countenance of the matter, and to exhort his people to shew themselues valiant, and herewith cause•…•… the trumpets is to founde. But when it ap∣peared that as some were readie to fight in his quarel, so there were other that quite forsooke him,* 3.6 and sayde •…•…atly they woulde not fight agaynst to many noble men, into vniust a cause, hee beeing thereof aduertised, began to waxe same hearted, and to prepare himself to escape by flight and de∣claring no lesse openly vnto them, sayde: before we come to ioyne, I w•…•… seeke to withdraw my selfe out of the way, and saue my self 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I can, for me they onely seeke, agaynste you they haue no quarell, so that I being shifted away, ye shall easily be preserued.

Herewith one of the knightes sayde to him, you haue brought vs forth of our Countrey, you haue procured vs to giue you out promise, you haue caused vs to take this iourney in hand: here therefore are wee readie to fight and winne the victorie with you, if our happe be suche, or if for∣tune will nor so fauour •…•…s, we are readie to spend our liues with you. No sayd he, ye shall not so doe,* 3.7 and forthwith •…•…king his Horse with the spurres, he fled from them. Wherevpon many that were with him, cursing thys his demea∣nour, prepared to yeeld themselues to the Lords. But Thomas Molment determined to fighte it out, sithe the Lordes were not yet all come togy∣ther to that place, but onely the Earle of Darbie and certaine other. Neuerthelesse, after hee had fought a while, and perceyued it would not auail him to tarie lōger, as one dispairing of the victo∣rie, tooke him likewise to flight, as the Duke of Irelande had led him the way, and plunging in∣to the riuer which was at hande, it chaunced that sir Thomas Mortimer being present amongest other at the same place, willed him to come forth of the water vnto him, for if he woulde not, bee threatned to shoote him through with arrowes in the riuer where he stoode. If I come (sayd Moth∣neux) will yee saue my life: I will make you no suche promise (saide sir Thomas Mortimer) but notwithstanding, eyther come vp, or thou shalt presently die for it: well then (sayde Mollineux) if there be no other remedie, suffer me to come vp,

and let me trie with hande blowes, eyther wyth you or some other, and so die like a man; but as he came vp, the knight caught him by the helmet, plucked it off his heade, and streightwayes draw∣ing forth his dagger,* 3.8 stroke him into the braynes, and so dispatched him.

In the meane time, the duke of Ireland (as ye haue heard) seeking to escape by flight, came to the riuers side, but finding the bridge broken, he gal∣loped till he found an other bridge, where he found [ 10] a number of archers readie to stoppe his passage. When he saw that he was thus enclosed with his enimies on the one side, and the riuer of Thames on the other, he thought to put all in aduenture, and casting away his gantlets, and sworde, to be the more nymble, gaue his horse the spurres, & lept into the riuer, but missing the fourd, and not able to lande with his horse on the further side, he forsooke him, and swimming ouer so well as hee might, got to the banke, and so escaped. It was [ 20] now night, and therfore his enimies hauing no knowledge of the countrey, folowed him not, but his horse, helmet, cuirasses, gantlet, & sword being founde, it was thought verily that hee had beene drowned. The next newes heard of him, was y^t he had passed the seas,* 3.9 and was got into Hollād, where he had no great friendly welcome, by rea∣son that Albert duke of Bauiere, that was Lorde of that countrey, bare such good will to his cosins of England, the Dukes of Lancaster, Yorke, and [ 30] Gloucester, that bee commaunded this Duke of Ireland to depart forth of his country, as imme∣diately therevpon he did, from thence resorting to the Bishoprike of V•…•…ic•…•…, & after into other coun∣treys, till finally be ended the course of his life, as after in place conuenient it shall appeare.

But now to returne to the armies where wee left them. After the Duke was fledde, and Tho∣mas Molineux slaine (as before yee haue hearde) the armie of the Lordes set vpon the people that [ 40] were come with the Duke of Irelande (as hathe beene sayde) forth of Chesshyre, Lancashire, and Wales, and taking them as enimyes, spoyled them of their horse, armour, bowes and arrowes. The knights and esquiers had their armour and horses againe to them restored, and were reteined with the Lordes to serue them: but the commons without either armor or weapon, were sent home and had no other harme done vnto them. The Duke of Irelandes cariage being taken, letters [ 50] were founde in his trunkes or males,* 3.10 whiche the king had written to him exhorting him with all speede to repayre vnto London, with what power he might make, and there he should find him rea∣die to liue and die with him. Such was the con∣clusion of this battaile, which happened neare vn∣to Burfoued,* 3.11 fast by Bablake, to the great reioy∣sing of many through the realm, for that the eni∣mies thereof (as they tooke the matter) 〈…〉〈…〉 ouerthrowne. But yet the escaping away of the duke of Ireland did somwhat •…•…ttigate th•…•…, for what was become of him it was 〈…〉〈…〉 After this the duke of Gloucester, and the •…•…ther Lordes went to Oxforde, beeing s•…•…y that theyr fortune was not to haue takē the dukes of Irelād.

The same time, or rather before, the Archbi∣shop of Yorke, and the Lorde chiefe Iustice, sir Robert Trisilian, fearing the indignation of the lordes, withdrew out of the way, and durst not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seene.* 3.12 But now the Lordes who after the •…•…¦ney at Radcote bridge, were come (as yee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heard) to Oxford. We find that the same tyme a bruyte was raysed, whether of truth or not,* 3.13 w•…•… haue neither to affirme nor denie, how there w•…•… a messenger taken being sent from the French 〈◊〉〈◊〉. with letters, in which was conteyned a licence or safeconduct, for the king of England, the duke of Ireland and others, to come vnto Bolloughe•…•… a certaine nūber limitted, where they should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the French K. come down thither redie to receiue them, to y^e end that for a certaine summe of m•…•…∣ney, which the Frenche king shoulde giue is the king of Englande, the Towne of Calays, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all the other fortresses in those parts, which were in the English mens handes, should be deliuered to the Frenchmen, & further y^t the K. of England should do his homage to the French king for the lands which he held in Gascoigne, and so where acknowledged himselfe his liegeman. The Lords as it was reported, hauing got these lettes, and taken counsaile togythers, howe to proceede in their businesse, to bring the same to good end, re∣moue frō Oxford, & on Christmas euē they come to S. Albons, & there stayed that day & the next.

On Saint Stephens day they tooke their way to London with an army of .xl. thousande me•…•… as some write, and comming into the fieldes,* 3.14 be∣side Clerkenwell, mustred their men, being deui∣ded into three seueral battails very wel appointed with Armour and weapon, that it was a beauti∣full sight to behold them.

The king kept his Christmasse,* 3.15 not at West∣mynster, but in the tower, not doubting but there to be defended what chaunce soeuer shoulde hap∣pen. The Lordes mistrusting the Londoners, lodged them with their people in the Suburbes. They sent yet two knightes, and two esquiers,* 3.16 vnto the Maior and Aldermen of the Citie, to vn∣derstande whether they were minded to take part with them, or with the duke of Irelande, and hys a•…•…h•…•…rents, traytors as they termed them, both to the king and realme.

The Londoners were now in no small feare and perplexitie, not knowing wel what way was best for them to take, weying diuers perils, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kinges displeasure, if they opened theyr

gates vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lordes, and if they shutte them forth, they •…•…d the indignation and wrath of the Commons that were come thither with the Lordes,* 3.17 and were readie to breake downe theyr walles and gates, if they were neuer so lyttle prouoked.

Besides this, they stoode moste in doubt, least if the wealthiest Citizens shoulde not giue theyr consent to receyue the Lordes into the Citie, the meaner sort, and such as wished rather to see som [ 10] burle than to continue in peace, woulde secke by force to set •…•…pon the gates, and make way for the Lordes and their people to enter, that they might make •…•…cke, and spoyle whatsoeuer might bee founde of value in the rich mens houses.

These doubtes with all the circumstaunces being well weyed and considered,* 3.18 the Maior Ni∣cholas Exton and certain of the chiefe men in the Citie, went forth to the Lordes and offred them to lodge in the Citie at their pleasure, wyth all [ 20] things necessarie as they should deuise.

The Maior caused also wine, ale, breade, and cheese, to be distributed amongst the armie, so as eche one had parte, which courtesie turned greatlye afterwardes to the commoditie of the Citie.

The Lordes vpon searche made, perceyuing that there was no guile mēt by laying of men in ambushes within the Citie to entrappe them,* 3.19 or otherwise, but that all was sure ynough & cleare [ 30] without any such euill meaning, they entred the Citie and there abode quietly.

Then went the Archbishop of Canterbury and other, betwixt the King and the Lordes to make peace betwixt them. But the king at the first see∣med little to esteeme the matter, saying to the Archbishop,* 3.20 well let them lie here with their great multitude of people hardely, till they haue spent all they haue, and then I trust they will returne poore ynough and needie, and then I doubt not [ 40] but I shall talke with them, and vse the matter so as iustice may require.

The Lordes beeing enformed hereof, were maruellously mooued, and sware that they would not depart till they had spoke with him face to face, and forthwith they sent parte of their com∣panies to watche the Thames, for feare the king shoulde escape theyr handes, and then laugh them to scorne.

When the king then perceyued himselfe to be [ 50] enclosed on eche side, he talked eftsoones with the Archbishop and his associates that were Messen∣gers betwixt him and the Lordes, willing them to declare to the Lordes that he would be conten∣ted to treate with them in reasonable order, wher∣vpon they required that he should on the morow next ensuing come vnto Westminster, where he should vnderstand their demaundes.

When the king heard that he refused to come vnto Westminster, but willed that they shoulde come to him there in the Tower.* 3.21 The Lordes sent him worde againe, that the Tower was a place to be suspected, for that they might there be surprised by some guilefull practise deuised to in∣trappe them. The king herevnto made answere, that they might send some two hundred men, or so many as they shoulde thinke good, to make a through search, whether they needed to feare any such thing, and this accordingly was done, they hauing the keyes of the gates and of al the strong chambers, turrets, and places within the tower, sent vnto them, and so on the Fryday,* 3.22 the Duke of Gloucester, the Earles of Darbie, and No∣tingham, came to the king,* 3.23 where he was set in a pauelion richely arrayed,* 3.24 and after theyr humble salutations done, and some talke had betwixte them, they wente at the kings request with him, into his chāber, where they recited vnto him the conspiracie of their aduersaries through whiche they had bene indited.

They also shewed forth the letters which hee had sent to the Duke of Irelande, to leuie an ar∣mie vnto theyr destruction. Likewise the letters which the Frenche king had written to him con∣teyning a safeconducte for him to come into Fraunce, there to confyrme things to the dimi∣nishment of his honor, to the decay of his power, and losse of his fame.

During the time of this communication also, the Earle of Darbie desired the king to beholde the people that were assembled in sight before the Tower, for the preseruation of him & his realme: which he did, and marueyling to see such a good∣ly armie and strength, as he declared to them no lesse, the Duke of Gloucester sayde vnto him, sir this is not the tenth part of your willing subiects that haue rysen to destroy those false traytours, that haue misled you with their wicked & naugh∣tie counsaile.

The king being brought to his wittes ende, aswell with those things whiche the Lordes had charged him with, as otherwise with the sight of that great multitude of people, seemed greatly a∣mazed. Wherevpon the Lordes, vnder condition that the next day hee shoulde come to Westmin∣ster to heare more of theyr myndes, and to con∣clude further for the behoofe of the common wealth of the Realme,* 3.25 beganne to take leaue of him, meaning so to depart: but the King desired them to tarie all nyght with him & the Queene. The Duke thinking to make all sure, made ex∣cuse that he durst not be absent frō al those folks, which they had brought with them, for feare that some disorder might arise, eyther in the armie, or in the Citie: yet at the kings instance, the Earles of Notingham and Darbie taried there all night.

* 3.26The king before his going to bed, was quite turned cōcerning his determination and promise made to go the next day vnto Westmin. through such whispering tales as was put into his •…•…ares,* 3.27 by some that were about him, telling him that it stood neither with his safetie, nor honor, so lightly to agree to depart frō the tower, vnto such place as the Lordes had thus appoynted him, to serue more for their purpose thā for suretie of his person

When the Lords therefore vnderstood that he [ 10] would not keepe promise with them, they were greatly offended, insomuch as they sent him flat word, that if he woulde not come (according to promise) they would surely choose an other king, that would and ought to obey the faythful coun∣saile of his Lordes.

The king with this message being touched to the quicke,* 3.28 to satisfie their mindes, and to auoyde further perill, remoued the nexte morning vnto Westminster, where the Lords comming before [ 20] his presence, after a little other talke, they decla∣red vnto him, that aswel in respect of his own ho∣nour, as the commoditie and wealth of his king∣dome, it was behouefull that such traytors, most wicked and slanderous persons, as were nothing profitable, but hurtful to him, and his louing sub∣iects, should be remoued out of his court, and that other that both could, and would serue him more honorably and faythfully were placed in theyr rowmthes. The king although sore agaynst his [ 30] minde, when he sawe how the Lordes were bent, and that he wanted power to withstande theyr pleasures, condiscended to doe what they woulde haue him. And so when he had graunted thereto, they iudged that Alexander Neuill Archbishop of Yorke, Iohn Fourdham Bishop of Durham, Lord Treasorer, Thomas Rushoke a Frier of the order of the Preachers, Bishop of Chichester, and confessor to the king, were worthie to bee a∣uoyded the Court. But the Archbishop 〈…〉〈…〉 and the Bi. of Chichester would 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣nings, but got them out of the way, 〈…〉〈…〉 was not knowne whither.

The Lordes exp•…•…sed also out of 〈…〉〈…〉 Lord Zouche of Haringworth,* 3.29 the L. B•…•… the Lord Beaumont, Albrey de Vter, B•…•…in de Bereford, Richard A•…•…burie, Iohn Worth, Thomas Clyfford, and Iohn Lo•…•…ell •…•…ightes. These were dismissed out of the Court, and re∣moued from the king but not discharged, for they were constreyned to put in sureties •…•…o app•…•… the n•…•…t Parliament.

There were also certaine Ladies 〈…〉〈…〉 Court,* 3.30 as those that were thought to doe 〈…〉〈…〉 harme about the K. to wit the Ladie P•…•…ynings, wife to Iohn Worth of Mowen, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Moulinge, with others, which also 〈…〉〈…〉 to answere at the next Parliament, 〈…〉〈…〉 things as might be obiected agaynst 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Moreouer there were arrested & 〈…〉〈…〉 seuerall prisons, sir Simon Burley,* 3.31 Wil. •…•…m∣ham, Iohn Beauchampe of Ho•…•… steward of the kings house, sir Iohn Salisburie, sir Th•…•…. Ta∣uet, sir Iames Barneis, sir Nichol. Dagworth, & sir Nicolas Brambre knights. Also Richarde Clifford Iohn Lincolne, Ric. Mitford the kings chaplains, & Nic. Sclake deaue of the kings cha∣pel, whose worde might doe much in the Court. There was also apprehēded Iohn Bla•…•… ap∣prentice of the law: al which persons were kept to strait ward till the next Parliamēt, in which they were appointed to stād vnto their trial & answers

Shortly after, to witte, the morrow after the Purification of our lady, the Parliament beg•…•…n,* 3.32 the which was named the Parliamēt y^t wrought wonders. The king would gladly haue proro∣ged the time of this Parliamēt if by any meanes he might.* 3.33

[illustration]

* 3.34The Lordes came to the same Parliament, with a sufficiēt armie for their owne safeties.

The first day of this Parliament, were arested as they sate in their places,* 3.35 all the Iustices (except sir William Skipworth) as sir Roger Fulthrop, sir Robert Belknap,* 3.36 sir Iohn Carey, sir Iohn Holt, sir William Brooke, & Iohn Alocton the kings Sergeant at law, all the whiche were sent to the Tower, and there kept in seuerall places: The cause why they were thus apprehēded, was [ 10] for that where in the last Parliament, diuerse Lordes were made gouerners of the realme, both by the assent of the same Parliament,* 3.37 and also by the aduise & coūsail of all the Iustices then being, and Indentuces tripertite thereof made, of the which one part remayned with the king, an other with the Lordes so chosen to gouerne the realme, and the thirde part with the Iustices: and yet notwithstanding, the sayde Iustices at a Coun∣cell holden at Notingham (as ye haue heard be∣fore) [ 20] didde goe contrarie to that agreement. Wherevpon it was nowe determyned, that they shoulde make answere to theyr doings.

Moreouer in the beginning of this Parlia∣ment,* 3.38 were openly called Robert Veer Duke of Ireland, Alexander Neuill Archbishop of York, Michaell de la Poole Earle of Suffolke, sir Ro∣bert Trisilian Lorde chiefe Iustice of Englande, to answere Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Gloucester, Rycharde Earle of Arundell, Henrie [ 30] Earle of Darbie, and Thomas Earle of No∣tingham vpon certaine articles of high treason, which these Lordes did charge them with, and forasmuche as none of these appeared, it was or∣deyned by the whole assent of the Parliament, that they shoulde be banished for euer, and theyr landes and goodes moueable and vnmoueable to be forfeyt and seysed into the kings handes, theyr landes entayled onely excepted.

Shortly after was the Lorde chiefe Iustice, Robert Tresilian founde founde in a Potheca∣ries house at Westminster, lurking there,* 3.39 to vn∣derstande by spyes dayly what was done in the Parliament: he was discried by one of his owne men, and so taken and brought to the Duke of Gloucester, who caused him forthwith the same day to be had to the Tower, and from thence drawne to Tyburne and there hanged.

The morrow after, sir Nicholas Brambre that sometime had beene Maior of London, was brought forth to iudgement and condemned, al∣though he had many friendes that made suyte to saue his life.

This man had done many oppressions with∣in the Citie of London (as was reported.)

In his Mayraltie, he caused great and mon∣struous Stoks to be made to imprison men ther∣in, and also a common Axe, to strike off the hea∣des of them whiche shoulde resist hys wyll and pleasure, for hee was so highly in the kings fa∣uour, that he might doe what he woulde. And the report went, that hee had caused eight thou∣sande or more to be indited, which before had ta∣ken part with the Lordes, intending to haue put thē all to death, if God had not shortned his days.

Many other euill fauoured reportes went a∣brode of him, as that hee ment to haue chaunged the name of London, and to haue named it little Troy, of which citie baptised with y^e new name, he purposed to bee intituled Duke. But these were forged rumors deuised and spred abrode in those dayes, as many other were, partly by the vaine imagination of the people, and partly of purpose, to bring those whome the king fauoured further out of the peoples lyking.

But now touching sir Nicholas Brambre.* 3.40 In the ende beeing thus called to aunswere hys transgressions, hee was founde guiltie, and had

[illustration]

iudgement, neither to bee hanged, nor drawne, but to bee beheaded with his owne are which be∣fore he had deuised.

* 3.41After this sir Iohn Salisburie, and sir Iames Berneis, both knights and lustie yong men, were by iudgement of Parliament drawne & hanged. Thē followed Iohn Beauchampe of y^e Holt, L. Steward of the kings house, that had serued king Edward the third, and his sonne Lionel Duke of Clarence: who likewise by decree of this Parlia∣ment [ 10] was drawne and hanged.

Also Iohn Blake Esquier, that in an vnfortu∣nate houre stood against the Lords in the Coun∣cell at Notingham, was now drawne and han∣ged, and so was one Thomas Vske.

Last of all (or as some holde, first of all) was sir Simon Burley beheaded, although the Earle of Darbie did what he coulde to saue his life, by reason whereof, great dissention rose betwixt the fayde Earle, and the Duke of Gloucester: for the [ 20] Duke beeing a sore,* 3.42 and a right seuere manne, myght not by any meanes be remoued from hys opinion and purpose, if he once resolued vpon any matter.

Some spite he bare (as was thought) towards the sayde sir Simon Burley, both as well for the faythfull friēdship,* 3.43 whiche was growne betwixte the Duke of Irelande, and the sayde sir Simon, as also for that he looked to haue had such offices [ 30] and rowmeths which sir Sir Simon enioyed, by the kings gracious fauour and grauntes thereof to him made, as the Wardenshippe of the cinque portes, and Conestableship of the Castel of Do∣uer, and the office of high Chāberlain. But now bycause of all these which were condemned and executed at this Parliamēt, in our cōmon Chro∣nicles there is least written, and in Froissart, and diuerse priuate Phamphlets I haue read most of this Sir Simon, I haue thought good to sette [ 40] downe some parte of his lyfe, so largely as thys Volume maye well beare, although a greate deale more briefe than where I founde it.

This sir Simon, was the sonne of sir Iohn Burley, knight of the Garter, and brought vp in his youth vnder his kinnesman doctor Walter Burley, who (as in the latter ende of king Ed∣warde the thirde you haue heard) was one of the chiefe that had charge in the bringing vppe of the blacke Prince, eldest sonne to the sayde king Ed∣warde. [ 50] By this occasion he grewe into suche fa∣uour with the Prince, that afterwardes the sayde Prince committed vnto him the gouernaunce of his sonne Richarde of Burdeaux, who as he was of a gentle and courteous nature, began then to conceyue so great loue and liking towards hym, that when he came to the crowne, and was king, he aduaunced him highly to great honours and promotions, insomuch that at one time hee was made knight of the Garter, Conestable of the ca∣stell of Douer, Lord warden of the cinque por•…•…, Lorde Chamberlaine, and also one of the pr•…•…ye counsaile to the king. Neyther was there anye thing done concerning the affayres apperteyning to the state, without his counsaile, appoyntment, and direction, wherein he so much fauoured and leaned to the partie of the Duke of Irelande, that he was sore enuied, and greatly hated of dyuerse of the rest of the nobilitie, especially of the kings vncle the Duke of Gloucester, who vpon malice that he bare to the man, not somuch for his owne demeanour, as for his allies, and peraduenture for desire of his rowmeths, more than of his life, caused him to bee accused of diuerse offences a∣gainst the Crowne, Realme, and church, namely for that he had (as they surmised agaynste hym) spoyled and wasted the Kings treasure, & with∣holden the pay of the souldiers and men of warre. wherevpon he was arested, called to account, and hauing no clearke allowed him to make vppe the same, was founde in arrerages .250000. frankes. And although for one part therof he demaunded allowance of money, whiche he had defreyd and and layde out in Almaine, and in Boheme, about the kings mariage, and for the residue desired dais of payment, yet he could obteyne neyther.

Further, he was accused that the duke of Ire∣lande, and he, had gathered great summes of mo∣ney, conueyed the same to Douer, and frō thence sent it in the night by sea into Germanie.

Lastly, the Archbishop forsooth, & the Montes of Canterburie, charged him that hee soughte the meanes to remoue the Shrine of the Archb. Thomas, otherwise called Thomas Becket, from Canterburie vnto Douer, vnder a colour of feare, least the Frenchmen being assembled in Flaunders to inuade Englande, should lande in Kent, and take Canterburie, and spoyle it where in deede (as they surmised agaynst him) he ment to sende it ouer the Seas vnto the King of Bo∣heme.

Herevpon he was first cōmitted to the tower,* 3.44 and before the King or his other friendes coulde procure his deliuerance, he was without lawe or Iustice before anye of the residue (as some holde) brought forth and beheaded on the Tower hill, by cōmaundement of the duke of Gloucester, & other of his faction, quite contrarie to the kings will or knowledge, insomuch that when hee vnderstoode it, he spake many sore wordes agaynst the Duke, affirming that hee was a wicked man, and wor∣thie to be kept shorter, sithe vnder a colour of do∣ing iustice, hee went aboute to destroy euery good and honest man.

The king was also offended with the Duke of Yorke, for his brothers presumptuous doings, though the sayde Duke of Yorke beeing •…•…ly a

man of a gentle nature, wished that the state of the common wealth might haue beene returned without losse of any mans lyfe, or other cruell dealing: but the Duke of Gloucester, and diuerse other of the nobilitie, the lesse that they passed for the Kings threatning speache, so muche more were they readie to punish all those whome they tooke to bee theyr enimies.* 3.45 In deede the sayde Sir Symon Burley, was thought to beare himselfe more loftie, by reason of the Kings fa∣uour, [ 10] than was requisite, whiche procured hym enuye of them, that coulde not abyde others to bee in anye condition theyr equalles in autho∣ritie.

It shoulde appeare by Froissart, that hee was firste of all in the beginning of these sturres be∣twixt the king and the Lords, committed to the Tower, and notwithstanding all the shift that eyther the King, or the Duke of Irelande, or any other of his friendes coulde make for him, by the [ 20] duke of Gloucesters commaundement bee was cruelly beheaded, so greatly to the offence of the king, and those that were his trustie counsailers, that therevpon the king caused the Duke of Ire∣lande the sooner to assemble an armie against the said duke and his complices, thereby to restraine their presumptuous proceedings, but whether he was thus at the first or last executed, to please the king the better, now at this Parliament amongst others that were cōdemned in the same: his lands [ 30] were giuen to the king, a great part whereof he afterwards disposed to diuers men as be thought expedient: but yet in the Parliament holdē in the xxj. yere of this kings raigne, the act of atteynder of the sayd sir Simon was repealed, and at an o∣ther Parliament holden in the seconde yeare of king Henrie the fourth, all his landes which then remayned vngraunted and vnsold, were restored to sir Iohn Burley knight, son & heyre of sir Ro∣ger Burley, brother to the sayd Simon, of whom [ 40] lineally is discended Thomas Eyns Esquier, now Secretarie to the Queenes Mai. counsaile in the north parts. And thus far touching sir Si∣mon Burley, of whom many reports went of his disloyall dealings towardes the state, as partly ye haue heard, but how truely the Lorde knoweth.

Among other slaunderous tales that were spredde abrode of him, one was that he consented to the deliuering of Douer Castell by the kings appoyntment vnto the Frenchmen for money. [ 50] But as this was a thing not like to be true, so no doubt, many things that the persons aforesayde which were executed had bin charged with, at the least by common report among the people, were nothing true at al, although happely the substāce of those things for which they died, might be true in some respect. Sir William Elmham that was charged also for the withdrawing the soul∣diers wages, discharged himselfe thereof, and of all other thinges that mighte bee layde to hys charge.

As touching the Iustices,* 3.46 they were all con∣demned to death by the Parliament, but suche meanes was made for them vnto the Queene,* 3.47 that the obteined pardon for their liues. But they forfeyted theyr landes and goodes, and were ap∣poynted to remayne in perpetuall exile, with a certaine portion of Money to them assigned for theyr dayly sustentation: the names of whiche Iustices so condemned to exile were these, Robert Belknap, Iohn Holt, Iohn Cray, Roger Fulthorpe, William Burgh, and Iohn Lokton.

Finally, in this Parliament was an othe re∣quired and obteyned of the king, that hee shoulde stand vnto and abide such rule and order as the Lordes shoulde take:* 3.48 and this othe was not re∣quyred onely of the king, but also of all the Inha∣bitantes of the realme.

In these troubles was the realme of England in these dayes, and the king brought into that case, that hee •…•…ed not, but was ruled by hys vncles, and other, to the•…•… associate.

In the latter ende of this eleuenth yeare was the Erle of Arundell sent to the sea with a greate nauie of ships and men of war.* 3.49 There went with him in this iorney, of noble men, the Erle of No∣tingham, and Deuonshire, sir Thomas Percy, the Lorde Clifford, the L. Camois, sir William Elmhā, sir Thomas Morieux, sir Iohn Dan∣breticourt, sir William Shelley, sir Iohn War∣wike, or Barwike, sir Stephen de Libery, sir Ro∣bert Sere, sir Peter Montberie,* 3.50 sir Lewes Clan∣bow, sir Thomas Coq or Cooke, sir William Pauley or Paulet, and diuerse others. They wer a thousande men of armes, and three thousande archers.

The purpose for which they were sent, was to haue ayded the duke of Brytaine (if he woulde haue receyued them) being then eftsoones run into the French kings displeasure; for the imprisoning of the Lord Clisson Conestable of Fraunce.

But after that (contrary to expectation,* 3.51) the duke of Brytain was come to an agreemēt with the French king, the Erle of Arundell drew with his nauie alongst the coastes of Poictou, & Xain∣tonge, till at length hee arriued in the hauen that goeth vp to Rochell, and landed with his men at Marraunt foure leagues from Rochelle, and beganne to pilfre, spoyle, and fetche booties abrode in the Countrey.

The French menne within Rochelle, issued forth to skirmish with the English men, but they were easily put to flight, and followed euen to the barriers of the gates of Rochel. Perot le Bernois a captaine of Gascoine, that made warre for the king of England in Lymosin, and lay in the for∣tresse

of Galuset, came forth the same time, and made a road into Berry with foure .C. speares.

* 3.52The Earle of Arundell after hee had layne at Marrant .xv. dayes, returned to his shippes, and finally came backe into Englande, and Perot le Bernois likewise returned to his fortresse.

About the same time was a truce taken be∣twixte the parties Englishe and Frenche on the marches, of Aquitaine to beginne the first day of August, and to endure till the first of May nexte [ 10] ensuing.

* 3.53This yeare in August, the Scots inuaded the Countrey of Northumberlande, and at Otter∣burne ouerthrew a power of Englishmen, which the Earle of Northumberlande and his sonnes had leuied against them. In this battaile the Erle Dowglas chiefe of that armie of Scottes was slaine, and the Lord Henrie Percy, & his brother sir Raufe, sonnes to the sayd Erle of Northum∣berland, were taken prisoners, as in the Scottish [ 20] Chronicles ye may read more at large.

* 3.54After the feast of the Natiuitie of our Ladie, a Parliament was holden at Cambridge,* 3.55 in the which diuerse new statutes were ordeyned, as for the limiting of seruants wages: of punishment of vagarant persons: for the inhibiting of certain persons to weare weapon: for the debarring of vnlawfull games: for maintenaunce of shooting in the long bow: for remoouing of the Staple of woolles from Middleburgh vnto Calays: for la∣bourers [ 30] not to be receyued, but where they are in∣habiting, except with licence vnder Seale of the hundred where they dwell.

There was also an act made, that none should goe forth of the realme, to purchase any benefice with cure or without cure, except by licence ob∣teyned of the king, and if they did contrarie here∣vnto, they were to be excluded out of the Kings protection.

There was graunted to the king in this Par∣liament, [ 40] a tenth to be leuied of the Clergie, and a fiftenth of the laitie.

Moreouer, during the time of this Parlia∣mēt,* 3.56 as sir Thomas Triuet was ryding towards Barnewel with the king, where the king lodged, by forcing his horse too muche with the spurres, the horse fell with him so rudely to the grounde, that his intrailes within him were so burst and perished, that he dyed the next day after.

Many reioyced at this mans death, as well [ 50] for that menne iudged him to be exceeding baw∣tie and prowde, as also for that he was suspected not to haue dealt iustly with the Bishop of Nor∣wiche, in the iourney whiche the Bishoppe made, into Flaunders: but specially men hadde an euil opinion of him, for that hee stoode with the king agaynste the Lordes, counsayling him in the yeare last paste, to dispatche them oute of the way.

Sir Iohn Hollande, the kings brother 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mothers syde, that was lately returned to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spaine, where hee hadde beene wyth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lancaster, was nowe made Earle of •…•…∣tingdon.

Also in this .xij. yeare, were commissi•…•… appoynted to meete at Balingham,* 3.57 betwixt •…•…∣lais and Bollongne, to treate a truce to bee had betwixt the realmes of England, Fraunce,* 3.58 and Scotlande. Walter Skitlow Bishop of Dur∣ham, that had beene lately before remoued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bathe vnto Durham, from whence Iohn Ford∣ham had beene translated vnto Elie, was sent as head commissionce for the king of England, and with him were ioyned sir Iohn Clanbow, and sir Nicholas Dagworth, knightes, and Richarde Rowhale Clearke, a doctor of law.

By Froissart it appeareth that the Earle of Salisburie was one,* 3.59 & sir William Beauchamp Lorde Deputie of Calais poynted likewise as an assistant with them.

The Bishop of Bayen•…•…, the Lorde Vale•…•… Earle of Saint Poule, sir Guillam de Melin, sir Nicholas Bracque, & sir Iohn le Mercier, came thither for the French king. And for the king of Scottes there appeared, the Bishop of Aberdyne, sir Iames, and sir Dauid Lindsey, and sir Wal∣ter Sanckler, knights.

After long treatie, and muche adoe, at length a truce was concluded to begin at Midsommer next, and to endure for the space of three yeares next ensuing.

Whilest the Commissioners were occupied in the Marches betwixt Calais and Bollongne about this truce,* 3.60 the Scottes entring into Nor∣thumberland, did much mischiefe, leading away many prisoners, of men and women, beside other great booties & prayes which they got abroade in the countrey. The Lord Thomas Mowbray erle of Notingham was sent with fiue .C. speares to reuēge those attempts of the enimies: but for that his power was small in comparison to theirs, he preuayled litle or nothing against them sir Iohn Clanbow, and sir Richard Rouale Clerke tooke the French kings othe, and the Erle of S. Paule that had maried the Ladie Mawde Courtency with other noble men, came into Englande, and receiued the kings othe here for the confirming of this last mentioned truce.* 3.61 The Scots might not without muche adoe be perswaded to accept this truce, being ready the same time with an army to enter into England, but yet through the diligēce of suche Frenchmen as went thither for that pur∣pose, at length they agreed.

This yeare the King by counsayle of some that were aboute hym, called the Nobles and greate menne of the Realme togyther, and as

they were set in the Counsaile Chamber staying till hee came: at length he entring into the same Chamber,* 3.62 and taking his place to sit among thē, demaunded of them, of what age he was nowe? Wherevnto answere was made that he was full twentie yeares olde: then (sayde hee) I am of yeres sufficient to gouerne mine owne house and family, and also myne Kingdome: for it seemeth agaynst reason that the estate of the meanest per∣son within my kingdome shoulde be better than [ 10] myne. Euerie heyre that is once come to the age of .xx. yeares, is permitted, if his father be not lyuing, to order his businesse himselfe: then that thing whiche is permitted to euery other person of meane degree by lawe, why is the same denied vnto me?

When the Barons herewith astonied made answere, that there shoulde bee no right abridged from him, but that he might take vpon hym the gouernment as of reason was due: Well sayde [ 20] hee, ye knowe that I haue beene a long time ru∣led by tutors, so as it hath not beene lawfull to mee to doe any thing, were it of neuer so small importance, without their consents. Now there∣fore I will, that they meddle no further with mat∣ters perteyning to my gouernment, and after the maner of an heyre come to lawfull age, I wil call to my counsaile such as pleaseth mee,* 3.63 and I will deale in mine owne businesse my selfe. And therefore I will first that the Chauncellor resigne [ 30] to me his seale. When the Archbishop of Yorke (who in the yeare last past had bin remoued from Ely vnto Yorke, and Alexander Neuill displa∣ced,) had delyuered to him the seale, the King re∣ceyuing it of him, put it in his bosome, and so∣dainly rysing, departed forth of the Chamber, and after a little while returning, sate downe a∣gaine,* 3.64 and delyuered the Seale to the Bishop of Wynchester, William Wickham, and so made him Chancellor, although sore agaynst the same [ 40] Bishops will: he made also many other new of∣ficers, remouing the olde, and vsed in all things his owne discretion and authoritie.

The Duke of Gloucester, the Earle of War∣wicke, and other honourable and worthie men, were discharged and put from the Counsaile, and others placed in theyr rowmethes, such as plea∣sed the king to appoynt. The same time he made fiue new Iustices.

* 3.65In this season, the followers of Wicklifes [ 50] doctrine maruellously increased, specially in the Diocesse of Sarum, where they had many that tooke vpon them as Ministers, both to preach the worde, and to dispence the Sacraments.

This they did in secrete: but they were dis∣couered by one that had beene of theyr fellow∣ship, who declared to the Bishoppe of Salisburie at his Manour of Sonning, all the whole cir∣cumstaunces therof, as he knewe.

There were of them that preached in those dayes earnestly agaynst pylgrimages, callyng such Images as y^e people had in most veneratiō, as that at Walsingham, and the Roode of the North doore at Paules in London, rotten stocks, and worme eaten blocks, through which the vnskilfull people being mocked and deceyued, were compelled most manifestly to commit ido∣latrie.

The Bishops (sayth Thomas Walsingham) hearing, beholding & knowing these things with much more to be true, did little or nothing to re∣dresse the same, saue only the bishop of Norwich who stirred coales, swearing and storing, that if any of that sect presumed to preache any peruerse doctrine within his diocesse, he would cause them either to hop headlesse, or to frie a fagot for it: he was therefore not a little praysed and extolled by the Monks and other religious men, as should appeare for that his zeale.

In Nouember,* 3.66 the Duke of Lancaster came forth of Gascoigne into England after he had re∣mayned first in Spaine, and after in Gascoigne, three yeares togither. Of his successe in Spaine is spoken before, and likewyse of the agreement betwixte the King of Castille, and the sayde Duke, whiche was not in all poyntes con∣fyrmed, till a little before his returne nowe into Englande.

About the same time the King had called a counsaile of his Nobilitie at Reading,* 3.67 to the whiche the Duke of Lancaster made the more haste to come, bycause hee knewe that the King woulde shewe no good countenaunce to some of the noble men, and therefore he doubted least ma∣licious offences might arise betwixt them, whiche to appease he ment the best he coulde, and his tra∣uaile came to good effect: for he did so much, that as well the king as the Lordes departed from the Counsaile as friendes, the Lordes taking theyr leaues of him in louing maner, and he curteously bidding them farewell: and so eche of them resor∣ted to their homes well pleased and satisfied for that present.

The king helde his Christmasse this yeare at Woodstocke, and the Duke of Lancaster lay at his Castell of Hertford.

The same tyme the Lorde Iohn de Ha∣stings erle of Pembroke,* 3.68 as he was practising to learne to iust, through mishap was striken about the priuie partes, by a knight called sir Iohn S. Iohn, that ran against him, so as his inner parts being perished, death presently followed.

The losse of this erle was greatly bemoned by men of al degrees, for he was liberal, gētle, hum∣ble, and curteous to eche one, aboue all the other yong Lordes in the land of his time.

Of this Earles auncestours thys is repor∣ted for a thing straunge and marueylous, that from the dayes of Aymer de Valence Earle of Pembrooke, that was one amongest other that sate in iudgement of Thomas Earle of Lanca∣ster, there was not any Earle of Pembrooke suc∣ceeding the same Aymer de Valence, vnto the dayes of this yong Earle by misfortune thus slaine, that euer saw his father, nor yet anye of their fathers might reioyce in the sight of anye of [ 10] their sonnes, being still called hence, ere the time came for them so to doe.

This yeare, the same Thomas Erle of Lan∣caster, for the opinion which had bene conceyued of him,* 3.69 by reason of myracles and other respects, was canonized for a Saint.

The Monday next after the feast of Saint Hillarie,* 3.70 a Parliament was begonne at West∣minster, in which there was a Byll exhibited by the commons, that the Lordes and great men of [ 20] the realme, shoulde not giue to theyr men Bad∣ges to weare as their cognizances, by reason that through the abuse thereof, many great oppressi∣ons, imbraseries, vnlawfull maintenances, and wrongs were practised, to the hinderaunce of all good orders, lawes and iustice.

The Lordes woulde not consent altogither to lay down their badges,* 3.71 but yee they agreed that none shoulde weare any such cognizaunce except their seruaunts of housholde, and such as were in [ 30] ordinarie wages by the yeare.

In the same Parliament, certaine persons that had gone about some new rebellion in Kent being apprehended, were condemned, and so were drawne and hanged.

There was also an act made against suche as should passe the Seas, to purchase prouisions (as they tearmed them) in any Church or Churches. And if any from thenceforth attempted so to doe, he should be reputed and taken as a rebell. [ 40]

* 3.72Also there was an act prouided against those that committed any wilfull murder, that none should presume to sue for their pardon. A duke or an Archb. that so sued, should forfeyt to the king an hundred poundes. Likewise an Erle or a Bi∣shop, an hundred markes. &c.

Moreouer, in this Parliament it was gran∣ted, that the King should haue of euery sacke of wooll fortie shillings, of the which ten shillings should be applyed presently to the kings vses, and [ 50] xxx. ss. residue of the .xl. ss. shoulde remaine in the hāds of the Treasorers, towards y^e bearing forth of the charges of warres when any chaunced.

Also there was a subsidie graunted of sixe pens in the pound, foure pens to the vse last men∣tioned, and two pens to be imployed at the kings pleasure.

In the same Parliament, Iohn duke of Lan∣caster was created Duke of Aquitaine,* 3.73 receyuing at the kings hand the rodde and cappe, as •…•…∣stures of that dignitie. Also the duke of Yorke his sonne and heire was created Erle of Rutland.

The fifth of March,* 3.74 a sore and terrible winde rose, with the violence whereof, muche hurt was done, houses ouerthrowne, cattell destroyed, and trees ouerturned.

After this ensued great mortalitie by pestilence so that much youth died euery where,* 3.75 in cities and townes, in passing great numbers.

Herewith followed a great dearth of corne,* 3.76 so that a bushell of wheate in some places was solde at .xiij. pens, which then was thought to bee at a great price.

In this .xiij. yeare of king Richardes raigne,* 3.77 the Christians tooke in hande a iourney agaynste the Sarazens of Barbarie, through sute of the Geneways, so that there went a great number of Lordes, knights, and gentlemen of Fraunce, and Englande, the duke of Burbon being theyr ge∣nerall. Out of Englande there went one Iohn de Beaufort bastarde sonne to the Duke of Lan∣caster (as Froissart hath noted) also sir Iohn Rus∣sell, sir Iohn Butler and others. They set for∣warde in the latter ende of this .xiij. yeare, and came to Genoa, where they remayned not long, but that the gallyes and other vessels of the Ge∣newayes were readie to passe them ouer into Barbarie.

And so about Mydsommer in the beginning of the fourtenth yeare of thys Kings reigne,* 3.78 the whole armie beeing embarked, sayled forth to the coastes of Barbarie,* 3.79 where neare to the Citie of Afrike they landed, at which instant the English Archers as some write) stoode all the companie in good steade, with theyr long Bowes, heating backe the enimies from the shore, whiche came downe to resyst theyr landing.

After they had got to land, they enuyroned the Citie of Affrike (called by the Moorts Maheme∣dia) with a strong siege: but at length constrained wyth the intemperancie of the sealding ayre in that hote countrey, breeding in the armie sundrie diseases, they fell to a composition vpon certaine articles to be perfourmed in the behalfe of the Sa∣razens, and so .lxj. dayes after theyr fyrst arriuall there, they tooke the Seas againe, and returned home, as in the histories of Fraunce and Italy is likewise expressed.

Where by Polidore Virgile it may se•…•…e, that the Lorde Henrie of Lancaster Earle of Derbie, shoulde bee Captaine of the Englishe menne, that (as before ye haue hearde) went into Barbarie wyth the French men, & Genewayes, it shoulde otherwise appeare by other Wryters,* 3.80 who affyrme that the sayde Earle made a iour∣ney in deede the same tyme agaynste the mys∣creantes,

not into Barbarie,* 3.81 but into Prutzen∣lande, where he shewed good proufe of his noble and valiant courage: for ioyning with the mai∣sters and knightes of the Teutsch order there, the armie of the Lithuanians that came agaynst the sayd order was vanquished, and foure chiefe lea∣ders of the Lithuanians were taken prisoners, three other being slain, with three hūdred of their chiefest and best approued souldiers.

Through the policie also and worthie man∣hood [ 10] of the Erle of Darbie, there was a certaine Citie taken, where the said Erle and his men first entring vpon the walles, did set vp his banner: o∣ther being slouthfull, or at the least vnskilful how to deale in such exploytes.

There were taken & slaine foure .M. of the cō∣mon people, and amongst them that were founde dead, the king of Poloignes brother was one.

The Castell of the same Citie was besieged fiue weekes space: but by reason of sicknesse & such [ 20] infirmities as chanced in the army, the masters of Prutzen, & Liefland would not tarie any longer, but brake vp their siege and returned.

The Master of Leifland led with him into his countrey three thousand prisoners.

In the meane time, whilest the Christians were thus occupied, as well agaynst the infidels in Barbarie, as in the Easte partes towardes Lyttawe, a royall Iustes and Martiall turna∣ment was proclaymed to bee holden wythin [ 30] Smithfielde in London,* 3.82 to beginne on Sunday next after the feast of Saint Michaell. And by∣cause this triumphaunt pastime was published, not onely in Englande, but also in Scotlande, in Almaigne, in Flaunders, in Brabant, in Hey∣nault, and in Fraunce, many straungers came hyther forth of diuerse Countreys, namely Va∣leran Earle of Saint Paule, that had maryed King Richardes sister the Ladie Mawde de Courteney, and William the yong Erle of O∣sternant,* 3.83 son to Albert de Baniere Erle of Hol∣lande and Heynalt.

At the day appoynted, when all things were prepared, there issued forth of the Tower about three of the clocke in the after noone lx. Coursers apparelled for the Iustes, and vpon euerie one an Esquier of honour, riding a soft pace.

Then came forth .xxiiij. Ladies of honour (lx. sayth Froissart) mounted on Palfreys,* 3.84 ryding on the one side richly apparelled, and euery Ladie led a knight with a chaine of golde. Those knightes being on the kings part, had their armor and ap∣parell garnished with white heartes and crownes of golde about theyr neckes,* 3.85 and so they came ry∣ding through the streets of Lōdon vnto Smith∣field, with a great number of Trumpets and o∣ther Instruments before them.

The King and the Queene, with many other great estates were readie placed in Chambers richly adorned to see the Iustes: and when the Ladies that led the knightes, were come to the place, they were taken downe from their Pal∣freys, and went vp into Chambers readie prepa∣red for them. Their alighted the esquiers of honor from their coursers, and the knights in good order mounted vpon them. And so when their helmets were set on their heades, and that they were rea∣die in all poyntes, after Proclamations made by the Heraults, the iustes began, and many com∣mendable courses were runne, to the great plea∣sure, comfort, and recreation of the King, the Queene, and all other the beholders.

The price that day on the answerers part was giuen to the Earle of Saint Paule, and on the Chalengers side, to the Earle of Huntington.

On the Monday, the King himselfe, wyth Dukes, Erles, Lordes, and knights, came to the iustes, he being chiefe of the inner part.

[illustration]

That day the price was giuen to the Erle of Osteruant for the best doer, of the vtter part: and of the inner part, to a knight of Englande called sir Hugh Spencer. On the Tuesday, all maner of Esquiers iusted, and likewise on the Wednesday al maner of knights and esquiers that woulde, on which day was a sore and rude iustes, enduring till night. And so many a noble course and other martiall feates were atchieued in those four days, to the great contentation and pleasure of many a [ 10] yong batchler desirous to win fame, & also highly to the kings honor,* 3.86 who by all that season helde his Court in the Bishops Palayce by Paules church, keeping open houshold for all honest per∣sones that thither resorted, especially euery night after the iustes were ended, a right sumptuous & princely supper was prepared for the strangers & other, and after supper, the time was spent in dan∣cing & reuelling, after the most courtlike maner.

* 3.87The Thursday, the king made a supper to al [ 20] the Lords, knights and gentlemen strangers, and the Queene to all the ladies and gentlewomen.

On the Fryday the duke of Lancaster feasted at dinner al the sayd Lords,* 3.88 knights, & gentlemē strangers, in most sumptuous & plentiful maner.

On the Saterday, the king and all the whole companie departed from Lōdon vnto Winsore, where newe feasting beganne, and specially the king did all the honour that might be deuised vn∣to [ 30] the Erles of S. Paule and Osteruant.

The Erle of Osteruant, at the ernest request of the king, receyued of him the order of the Gar∣ter, for the whiche hee was euill thought of after∣wardes by his friendes, namely the French king and others.

Finally, after that the king had thus feasted the strangers and other at Windsore, eche man tooke leaue of the king, the Queene, and the kings vn∣cles, and other Lords and Ladies, and so depar∣ted [ 40] the strangers into their own coūtreys, & other home to their houses, or whither they thoght best.

* 3.89Ambassadours were sent from the Frenche

[illustration]

[ 50] king, vnto the king of Englande,* 3.90 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣uerture of peace to be had, and to endure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwixt the two realmes of England & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sith that by warre it was apparant ynough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neyther realme could greatly benefite it selfe, but rather sore endomage eyther other, as before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it had come apparantly to passe. Therefore the matter beeing well considered, both partes ar∣med well affected towardes some good confu∣sion by treatie to bee hadde of a full and perfect peace.

About the same time, by the king with the aduice of his counsaile, proclamation was made and published at London, that all beneficed and abyding in the Court of Rome,* 3.91 being Englishe men borne, should returne home into Englande before the feast of Saint Nicholas, vnder p•…•…e to forfeyte all theyr benefices, and such as were not beneficed, vnder a paine likewise lymitted. The English men hearing such a thunder clap a farre off, fearing the blowe, left the Popes Court, and returned to their natiue soyle.

The Pope troubled with such a rūbling noise,* 3.92 sent in all hast an Abbot as his nuncio vnto the king of Englande, aswell to vnderstand the cau∣ses of this proclamation, as of statutes deuised & made lately in Parliament, agaynst those that prouided themselues of benefices in the Court of Rome by the Popes Bulles, which seemed not a little preiudiciall to the Church of Rome: in con∣sideration whereof the sayd nuncio, required that the same statutes might be repealed & abolished, so farre as they tended to the derogation of y^e church liberties: but if y^e same statuts were not abolished, the Pope might not (sayd his nuncio) with a safe conscience otherwise do than proceede against thē that made those statuts, in such order as the Ca∣nons did appoint. Moreouer the said nuncio de∣clared to the king, certaine daungerous practises betwixt the Antipape and the French king as to make the duke of Touraine the Frēch kings bro∣ther king of Tuskaine and Lombardie, and to establish the Duke of Aniou in the kingdome of Sicille.

Moreouer, he gaue the king to vnderstande,* 3.93 that if the Frenche king might compasse by the Antipapes meane to bee chosen Emperour, hee woulde seeke to vsurpe vpon ech mans right, and therefore it stoode the king of England chiefly in hande to prouyde agaynst such practises in time. And as for the treatie of peace which the Frenche men seemed so much to fauour, it was to none other ende, but that vpon agreement once hadde, they might more conueniently compasse theyr purpose in the premisses.

Furthermore,* 3.94 the nuncio ernestly besought the king of ayd in the Popes behalf against the Frēch king, if (as he threatned to do) he shoulde inuade

him in Italie with open force.

The king seemed to giue fauourable eare vnto the nuncio, and after aduice taken, appoynted to stay till after Michaelmasse, at what time a par∣liament was appoynted to be assembled, wherein such things as he had proponed shoulde be weyed and cōsidered of, & some conclusion taken therein.

* 3.95About the same time, the Duke of Gloucester went into Prutzen land, to the great griefe of the people, that made account by his departure, as if [ 10] the sunne had beene taken from the earth, doub∣ting some mishappe to followe to the common welth by his absēce,* 3.96 whose presence they thought sufficient to stay all detriments y^t might chaunce, for in hym the hope of the Commons onelye rested.

In his returne home, he was sore formented with rough weather & tēpestuous seas. At length yet he arriued in Northumberlande, and came to [ 20] the Castell of Tinmouth, as to a Sanctuarie knowne to him of olde, where after hee had refre∣shed him certaine dayes, he tooke his iourney homewardes to Plaschy in Essex, bringyng no small ioy for his safe returne to all the King∣dome.

* 3.97The ninth of Iuly the Sunne seemed dark∣ned, wyth certaine grosse and euill fauoured cloudes comming betwixt it and the earth, so as it appeared ruddie, but gaue no light from noone, till the setting thereof. And afterwardes conti∣nually [ 30] for the space of sixe Weekes, aboute the midst of the day, clowds customarily rose, & som∣times they continued both day and nighte, not vanishing away at all.

The same tyme, suche a mortalitie and death of peope increased in Norffolke, and in many o∣ther Countrees of England, that it seemed not vnlike the season of the great pestilence.

* 3.98In the Citie of Yorke there died .xj. thousande within a short space. [ 40]

Henrie Percy Erle of Northumberland lieu∣tenaunt of Calais, was called home from that charge, and created warden of the Marches a∣gaynst Scotland, & Robert Mowbray was sent to Calays to be the kings lieutenant there.

* 3.99On Fryday next after all soules day, the Par∣liament began at London, in which the knightes would in no wise agree that the statute made a∣gaynst spirituall men, for the prouiding themsel∣ues of benefices in the Court of Rome, should be [ 50] repelled: but yet they agreed thus much, that it should be tollerated, so as with the kings lycence such spirituall men might purchase to themselues such benefices till the next Parliament.

Halfe a tenth, and halfe a fiftenth were gran∣ted to the King in thys Parliament, to the furnishing of the treatie of peace whiche the Duke of Lancaster was appoynted to prosecute. Also conditionally a whole tenth, and a whole fiftenth were graunted to him, if it chaunced that hee made anye iourney that yeare agaynst the Scottes.

The price of corne that had continued at an high rate, almost for the space of two yeres,* 3.100 began to fall immediately after the haruest got in, to the great reliefe of the poore, which before throughe immoderate eating of Nuttes, and Aples, fell in∣to the disease called the Flixe, whereof manye dyed, and surely (as was thought) the death and dearth had beene greater, if the commendable di∣ligence of the Lorde Maior of London had not beene,* 3.101 in relieuing the Commons by suche pro∣uision as hee made for corne to bee brought vnto London, from the partyes of beyonde the Seas, where otherwise neyther had the Countrey beene able in any thing to haue sufficed the Citie, nor the Citie the Countrey.

On Christmasse day, a Dolphin that came forth of the Sea vp the Thames vnto London bridge, was espyed of the Citizens as he played in the water, and being followed and pursued,* 3.102 wyth much ado was taken. He was ten foote long, and a monstrous growne fishe, so as the sight of him was straunge to many that behelde him. He was thought by his cōming so far into the landward, to foreshew such tempests as within a weeke af∣ter did follow.

Ye haue heard how the matter for a treatie of peace had beene first broched by the French king by sending Ambassadours to the king of Eng∣lande, to moue the same.* 3.103 Which motion beeyng throughly considered of the estates assembled in this last Parliament, it was decreed, that it shuld goe forwarde (as before ye haue heard) and so a∣bout Candlemasse, the Lorde Thomas Percy,* 3.104 sir Lewes Clifford, and sir Robert Briquet, with diuerse other in their companie, were sent ouer to the French king, and comming to Paris, founde him lodged in his house of Louvre, where they de∣clared to him the good affection of the king theyr maister towardes peace: and the better to bryng it to passe, they shewed that king Richardes de∣sire was to haue some place and time appoynted for Commissioners to meete, with authoritie to treate and conclude vpon articles, as shoulde bee thought expedient.

The French king greatly honored these Am∣bassadors, in feasting and banquetting them for the space of sixe dayes togither, and for answere, concluded with them, that he himselfe, with hys vncles and other of his counsaile would bee at A∣miens by the midst of Marche nest ensuing, there to abide the king of Englāds comming, and his vncles, if it should please them thither to come.

The English Ambassadors said there was no doubt, but that either the K. himself or his vncles

should be there at the day assigned, with full au∣thoritie to conclude any agreement that shoulde seeme reasonable,* 3.105 and so those Ambassadors re∣turned with great giftes presented on the kings behalfe to eche of them, excepted sir Robert Bri∣quet, vnto whom it seemed the French king bare no great good will, for that being a French man borne, he had euer serued the Nauarrois or Eng∣lish men, and was nowe one of king Richardes priuie Chamber. [ 10]

The king of Englande (as some write) was once minded to haue passed the seas himselfe, to haue met the French king at Amiens, at the time appointed, but finally the Duke of Lancaster, the B. of Durhā, and others, were sent thither with a traine neare hand of a thousande horse.

* 3.106At their comming into Fraunce they were royally receyued: for the French king had made no lesse preparation for the Duke of Lancasters comming, than if he had bene Emperour. [ 20]

* 3.107The Duke of Lancaster verily was esteemed to be a right mightie Prince, and one of the wy∣sest and sage•…•… Princes in all Christendome in those dayes, so that it seemed the French king re∣ioyced greatly, that he might come to haue con∣ference with him.

There were with the French king here at A∣miens, his brother y^e duke of Thouraigne, his vn∣cles, the dukes of Berry, Burbon, & Burgoigne, and a great number of Erles, Lordes, and other [ 30] nobles of the realme of France. Before the Eng∣lish mens cōming for auoyding of strife and de∣base that mighte arise betwixt the Englishe and French, a Proclamation was set forth cōteining certain articles, for the demeanor which y^e French men should obserue towards the English men.

Whilest they there remayned all the English mens charges were borne by the French king, from theyr setting forth from Calais, till they came backe thither againe. As touching theyr [ 40] treatie, many things were proponed, diuerse de∣maundes made, and some offers, though to smal purpose, for they toke not effect, insomuch as they departed without concluding any thing, further than that the truce whiche was to ende at Myd∣sommer next,* 3.108 was prolonged to continue one yere more, that in the meane time, the Lords and estates of the realme of Englande might assem∣ble,* 3.109 and with good aduice deliberate, whether it were more expedient to agree vnto a determinate [ 50] peace, or to pursue the doubtfull chaunces of warre. And such was the ende of that royall am∣bassage, to the furnishing forth whereof, the king demaunded an ayde aswell of the Abbottes and Priors, as of the cities and good townes through the whole realme.

Anon after the returne of the duke of Lanca∣ster, and other the Ambassadors that had bene at Amiens, a Councell of the Lordes and chiefe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 states of the realme was called at Stamford,* 3.110 the which as if it had bin to a Parliamēt, there come forth of euery good town certain persons •…•…∣ted to deliberate and take aduice in so weighte 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter, as eyther to conclude vpon peace, or else vpon warre. But in the ende they brought little or nothing to passe, sauing that they agreed to haue the truce to endure for a twelue month •…•…∣ger: both the kings sware to obserue the s•…•…me, afore suche as were appoynted to see theyr othes receyued,

About the same time came the Duke of G•…•…∣derland into this realme,* 3.111 being the kings co•…•… right valiant and hardie gentlemā▪ he was hono∣rably receyued & welcomed of the king, and of his vncles, the dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester.

This duke of Guelderland counsailed the king not to conclude peace,* 3.112 eyther with the Frenchmē or Scots, except vpon such conditions as might be knowne to be both profitable and honourable to him and his realme, promising that if hee had occasion to make war against either of those two nations, he woulde be readie to serue hym wyth a cōuenient power of men at armes of his country.

After he had bin here a time, and highly trusted, and banquetted, aswell by the king as other great estates of the realme, he returned home not with∣out diuerse riche giftes.

The King about this season sent to the Lon∣doners,* 3.113 requesting to borrow of them the summe of one thousande poundes, which they vncourte∣ously refused to lende: and moreouer they fell vpon an Italian or Lumbarde (as they tea•…•…ed him) whom they beate, and neare hande fiue: by∣cause hee offered to lende the King that money. Whereof when the king was aduertised, hee was sore moued agaynst them, and calling togither the most part of the Peeres and noble men of hys Realme, declared vnto them the frowarde dea∣lings of the Londoners, complayning sore of such their presumption.

The Lordes and great menne, seeming not greatly to fauor the Londoners, gaue counsayle that the insolent pride of those presumtuous per∣sons might with speed be repressed.

The Citizens of London in those dayes (as should appeare) vsing their authoritie to the vtter∣most, had deuised & set forth diuerse orders & con∣stitutiōs to abridge the libertie of Foreyners that came to the Citie to vtter their cōmodities: religi∣ous men that wrote the doings of that age, see∣med also to find fault with them, for that they fa∣uored Wiclifes opinions, and therfore charge thē with infidelitie, & mainteyning I know not how of lollards and heretiks: but howsoeuer the matter went they fell at this present into the kings heauie displeasure.

Some there be that write, how the King pi∣•…•…ed the first, quarrell against the Maior & She∣rifes, for a ryot committed by the vnruly Citi∣zens, againste the seruauntes of the Bishoppe of Salisbury:* 3.114 for that where one of the same By∣shops seruauntes had taken a horse lofe from a a bakers mā, as he passed by in Fleete streete with his basket to serue his masters customers, and would not deliuer it againe, but brake the bakers mans head, when hee was earnest to haue reco∣uered [ 10] the lofe, the inhabitants of the streetes rose, and would haue had the Bishops man to prison, for breaking the kings peace: but he was rescued by his fellowes, & escaped into Salisburie house, that stoode there within the alley, and as then belonged to his maister the Byshop of Salisbu∣rie, beeing at that time high Treasorer of Eng∣lande.

* 3.115The people beeing set in a rage for the rescue so made, gathered togither in great multitude a∣bout [ 20] the Bishops palace gate, and woulde haue fetched out the offendor by force.

To conclude, such a hurling was in the strete, that the Maior, with the Sherifes, and dyuers Aldermen came thither with all speede, to take order in the matter, and see the peace kepte, but after the comming thither of the Maior, the com∣mons of the Citie resorted to the place in farre greater numbers than before, and the more they were, the worse they were to rule, and would not [ 30] bee perswaded to quiet themselues, excepte the Bishops seruaunte, whose name was Walter Romane,* 3.116 might bee had out of the house, & com∣mitted to prison: but at length, after manye as∣saultes, liftes, and other indeuours made to haue broken vp the gates of the house, the Maior and Aldermen, with other the discrete commoners▪ appealed the people so, as they brought them to quiet, and sent euery man to his house.

The Byshop was then at Windesor, where [ 40] the Courte lay, and being enformed of this mat∣ter, by a greeuous reporte, and happely in worse manner than the thing had happened indede, toke suche indignation therewith, that taking with him Thomas Arundell,* 3.117 Archbishoppe of Yorke, then Lord Chancellor of England, he wente to the King, and made an heynous complaynte a∣gainste the Citizens, for their misdemeanor, so that his displeasure was y^e more kindled against the Citizens, in so muche, that whether in respect [ 50] of this last remembred complainte, or rather for their vncourteous deniall to lende him the thou∣sande poundes,* 3.118 and misusing the Lombarde that offered to lend the same. I cannot say, but sure it is, that the Maior and Sherife, and a great sorte more of the Citizens, were sent for to come to the Courte, where diuers misdemeanors were obie∣cted and layde to their charge, and notwithstan∣ding, what excuse they pretented, the Maior and Sherifes, with diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the most substan∣ciall Citizens, were 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Maior was committed to the C•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the other, vnto other Coast 〈…〉〈…〉 to be safely kept, till the King, thy the 〈…〉〈…〉 shoulde determi•…•… further 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wha•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with th•…•…▪

The liberties of the Citie were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into the Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 3.119 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Ma•…•… vtterly •…•…ss•…•… the King vppo•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 w•…•…dth to gouerne the Citie 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…∣ling•…•…age Knight,* 3.120 that shoulde both time the Ci∣tie, and see that euery 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…mmitted, as the •…•…ase required.

This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edwarde Darlingrugge beganne to gouerne,* 3.121 the Citie of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the name of Lorde Warden, the one and •…•…entith of Iune, on whiche day, the King entred into the sixte•…•…th yeare of his raigne: by 〈…〉〈…〉 thoughte, that the saide Sir Edwarde Darlingrugge was ouer fauourable to the Citizens, hee continued in his office but till the first of Iuly, and being then discharged, one Sir Baldwine Radington,* 3.122 a right •…•…cumspect and biscret Knight, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in that roomth, that knewe how both to con•…•…fe the Kings, minde, and to comforte the Citizens, and put them in hope of the kings fauour in a•…•…e to be obteyned, to the reliefe of their sorowe and heauinesse.

At length, the King, through sute and in∣stant labour made by certaine noble men, speci∣ally the Duke of Gloucester, began somewhat to relent, and pacifie himselfe, as touching his rigo∣rous displeasure against y^e Londoners, calling to mind y^e great honor he had diuers ways receyued at their hāds, with y^e great giftes which they had likewise bestowed vpon him, wherevpon, he pur∣poseth to deale the more mildly with them, and so sendeth for diuers of the chiefe Citizens to come vnto Windesor, where hee then kepte hys Court, there to shewe forth the priuiledges, liber∣ties, and lawes of their Citie, as well the newe as olde, that with the aduice of his counsell, hee might determine which should remayne in force, and which should be abolished. Herevpon, when the sayde priuiledges, lawes,* 3.123 and liberties were layd forth, to the view of suche persons as hadde to consider of them, some were ratified, some per∣mitted by tolleration, and some vtterly condem∣ned and abrogated. Neyther might they recouer at that presente, either the person or dignitie of their Maior, nor obteine the kings entier fauour, till they had satisfyed the King of the domages and iniuries by them done, either to him or hys people. And where he had bin at great charges, in preparing forces to chastice them, as he was de∣termined, if they had not submitted themselues

vnto him, they were sure that their purses must aunswere all that he hadde laid foorth about that matter, they therefore with humble submission, in recompence and satisfaction of their trespasses, offered to giue him tenne thousand poundes, but they were for this time sent home, and appoyn∣ted to returne againe at a certaine daye, not vn∣derstanding what they must pay, till the Kyng, with the aduice of his Counsell, had taken fur∣ther order for them. At length, through such day∣ly [ 10] sute as was made for the quieting of the kings whole displeasure towardes the Londoners, hee was contented to pardon all offences past, but first, the Citizēs were tolde, that the King meant to come from his manor at Sheue, to the Citie of London, and then vndoubtedly, vppon know∣ledge hadde of their good meanings, heereafter to beare themselues like louing subiects, they should obteyne his fauoure.

* 3.124The Citizens aduertised heereof, did not onely [ 20] prepare themselues to meete him, and to presente him with giftes in most liberall manner, but also to adorne, decke, and trimme their Citie with sumptuous pageants, riche hangings, and other gorgeous furniture, in all poyntes like as is vsed at any Coronation.

At the day appoynted, there met him beside o∣ther, foure hundred of the Citizens on horsebacke, cladde in one liuerie, presenting themselues in that order,* 3.125 vppon the heath on this side Shene, [ 30] and in most humble wise, crauing pardon for their offences past, besought him to take his way to his palaice of Westminster, through the Ci∣tie of London.

This sute made by the Recorder, in name of all the Citizens, hee graciously graunted, and so helde on his iourney, till hee came to London bridge,* 3.126 where vnto him was presented a passing faire steede, white, saddled, brideled, and trapped in riche cloth of golde, parted with redde & white. [ 40]

And likewise to the Queene was gyuen a milke white palfrey, saddled, brideled, and trapped in the same sort, as the other was. These presents were thankfully accepted, and so both the Kyng and the Queene passing forward, entred the Ci∣tie,* 3.127 prepared and hanged with rich clothes (as be∣fore ye haue heard) the Citizens standing on each side the streetes in their liueries, crying Kyng Richard, King Richard.

At the Stādert in Cheape, was a right sump∣tuous [ 50] stage ordeyned, on whiche were set dyuers personages, and an Angell, that set a rich crowne of golde, garnished with stone and pearle vppon the Kings head, as hee passed by, and likewise an other on the Queenes head.

This done, the King rode to Poules, & there offered, and so tooke his horse againe, and rode to Westminster, where the Maior and his compa∣nie taking their leaue, returned to London.

On the morrow, the Maior and his breethren went againe to Westminster,* 3.128 and there pre•…•…en∣ted the King with two basens gilte, and in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two thousand nobles of golde, bes•…•…eching 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be good and gracious Lord to the Citie: he recey∣ued their present in courteous manner, and gifte them many comfortable words.* 3.129 The thirde daye after, they receyued a newe confirmation of all their olde liberties (at the least suche as might he an aide to the Citie, and no detriment to Forrey∣ners) wherefore, by counsell of their friends, they ordeined a table for an auiter of siluer and gi•…•…, engrauen with imagerie, and enameled in most curious wise, conteyning the story of Saint Ed∣warde, it was valued to be worth a M. markes. This was presented to the King, the whiche hee shortly after offered to the shrine of Saint Ed∣ward within the Abbey. The Londoners belee∣ued, that by these gifts they had bin quite ridde of all danger, but yet they were cōpelled to giue the K. after this, tenne thousand pounds, which was collected of the commons in the citie, not without great offence and grudging in their mindes.

The same time, the Duke of Gloucester, ha∣uing receyued money to leauie an army whiche hee shoulde haue conueyed ouer into Ireland,* 3.130 of which countrey, a good while before that present, the king had made him Duke, was nowe readye set forward, when suddainely, through y^e malice of some priuie detractours about the King,* 3.131 hee was contermaunded, and so hys iourney was stayed, to the great hinderance and preiudice, of both the Countreys of Englande and Irelande: for euen vppon the fame that was bruted of hys comming into Irelande, in manner all the I∣rish Lords determined to submit themselues vn∣to him, so greatly was his name both loued, re∣uerēced, and feared, euen among those wilde and sauage people.

This yere Robert Veere,* 3.132 late Earle of Ox∣ford, & Duke of Ireland, departed this life at L•…•…∣uaigne in Brabant, in great anguishe of mind, & miserable necessitie: which yong gētleman doubt∣lesse, was apt to al cōmendable exercises & partes fitte for a noble mā, if in his youth he had bin wel trained and brought vp in necessarie discipline.

This yeare after Christmas,* 3.133 a Parliamente was called at Winchester, in which only a grant was made by the Cleargie, of halfe a tenth, for the expēces of the Duke of Lancaster and Glou∣cester, that wer appointed to goe ouer into Frāce to treate of peace, betwixte the two kingdomes.

The Courtes of the kings bench and Chaun∣cerie,* 3.134 whiche hadde bene remoued from West∣minster to Yorke, either in disfauour only of the Londoners, or in fauoure of the Citizens of Yorke, for that the Archbishoppe of that Citie,

being Lorde Chancellor, wished to aduaunce (so farre as in him lay) the commoditie and wealthe therof, were neuerthelesse about this season brou∣ght backe againe to Westminster, after they had remayned a small time at Yorke, to the displea∣sure of many.

This yere, the Lord Aubrey de Veere, Vncle to the late Duke of Ireland, was made Earle of Oxford.

The two and twentith of Februarie, Iohn [ 10] Eures,* 3.135 Connestable of Douer Castel, and Lord Steward of the Kings house, departed this life, in whose roomth, the Lord Thomas Percy, that before was Vicechamberlayne, was created Lord Steward, and the Lord Thomas Beau∣mont, was made Connestable of Douer, & Lord Warden of the cinque Portes: and the Lorde William Scrope was made Vicechamber∣laine, who aboute the same time, bought of the Lorde William Montagewe the Ile of Man,* 3.136 [ 20] with the regalitie thereof, for it is a Kingdome as Thomas Wals. affirmeth.

* 3.137The Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester, went ouer vnto Calais, and down to Bulloigne came y^e Dukes of Berry and Burgoigne. These noble men were sufficiently furnished with au∣ctoritie, to conclude a perfect peace, both by Sea and land, betweene the two Realmes of Fraunce and England, and all their Alies.

The place appoynted for thē to treate in, was [ 30] at Balingham, where tentes and pauilions were pight vp, for the ease of both parties.

They mette there twice or thrice a weeke, in a fayre tent prepared for the purpose, about nyne of the clocke in the forenoone. This was aboute the beginning of May.

When they entred first into communication, and had seene eache others authoritie, one of the first demaundes that the Frenchmen made,* 3.138 was to haue Calais rased in such wise, as there should [ 40] neuer bee anye habitation there after that tyme. The Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester aun∣swered heerevnto, howe they had no authoritie to conclude so farre, but that England shoulde hold Calais still, as in demeyne, and true inheritāce, and therefore, if they purposed to enter anye fur∣ther in the treatie of peace, they should ceasse from that demaund, and speake no more thereof.

When the Dukes of Berrie and Burgoigne heard their two Cousins of Englande aunswere [ 50] so roundly, they spake no more of that matter.

* 3.139Then the Dukes of Lancaster and Glouce∣ster demaunded to haue restitution of all suche lands as hadde bin deliuered, either to King Ri∣chard, or to King Edward the thirde, or to anye their deputies or commissioners, and also to haue fully payde the summe of Florens that was lefte vnpaid, at the time when the warre renued, be∣twixt England and Fraunce: and this the Eng∣lish Lawyers proued to stande with equitie and reason, but neuerthelesse, the Lords and Chaun∣cellor of Fraunce, argued to the contrary, and so agree they could not, in so much, as the Frenche men required, that if the Englishmen meant to haue any conclusion of peace, they should drawe to some neerer paynts.* 3.140

At length, the four Dukes tooke order, that all their demaundes on eyther side shoulde bee sette downe in writing, and deliuered to eyther partie interchangeably, that they might be regarded at length, and suche as shoulde bee founde vnreaso∣nable, to be rased or reformed.

[illustration]

After they had communed togithers dyuers times, and remayned there a fifteene dayes, they appointed to aduertise the two Kings of theyr whole doyngs, and after nine dayes space to meete againe.

The Frenche Dukes rode to Abbeuile, where the Frenche King then laye: and the Englishe Dukes returning to Calais, wrote to the King of England, of all the whole matter. The Duke of Gloucester was harder to deale with in eache behalfe, concerning the conclusion of peace, than was the Duke of Lancaster, for he rather desired to haue had warre than any peace, excepte such a one as shoulde bee greatly to the aduantage and honor of the Realme of Englande: and therefore the commons of Englande vnderstanding hys disposition, agreed that hee should be sent, rather than any other. For where in times past y^e Eng∣lishmenne hadde greatly gayned by the warres of Fraunce, as well the commons,* 3.141 as the Knightes and Esquiers, who had by the same, mainteyned their estate, they could not giue their willing con∣sents, to haue any peace at all with the French∣men, in hope by reason of the warres, to profyte themselues, as in times past they had done. The Frenche King and the nobles of Fraunce were greately enclined to peace, and so likewise was the King of England, & the Duke of Lancaster.

But the Frenchmen were so subtile,* 3.142 and vsed so many darke and coloured words, that the Eng∣lishmen had much adoe to vnderstād them, whi∣che offended much the Duke of Gloucester. But neuerthelesse, at the daye prefixed, these foure Dukes met againe at Balingham, and with the French Lords came the King of Armony; new∣ly retorned into France foorth of Grecia, for into his owne countey •…•…e durst not come,* 3.143 the Turkes hauing conquered it, except the strong Towne [ 10] of Coniche,* 3.144 which the Genewayes held. The K. of Armonye woulde gladly that peace mighte haue bin established bitwixt Fraunce and Eng∣lande, in hope to procure the sooner some ayde of the Kings, to recouer his kingdome. But to cō∣clude, after that the Dukes, and other with them associate as assistants, had diligently perused and examined the articles of their treatie, they would not passe nor seale to anye,* 3.145 till all darke and ob∣scure words were cleerely declared, opened, and [ 20] made perfect, so that no generall peace mighte be concluded.* 3.146 Notwithstanding yet as Froyssarte hath, a truce for four yeares, vppon certayne ar∣ticles was agreed to be kept, as well by sea as by lande. It was thought, that when they were at poynt to haue growen to agreement concerning many articles, if the French King had not new∣ly fallen into his former disease of frensie, there had better effect followed of this treatie, but by occasion of his sicknesse, eache man departed, be∣fore [ 30] that anye principall articles coulde be fully ordered and made perfect. The same time, Sir Thomas Percy the yonger, was made Lorde Warden of Burdeaux and Aquitaine.

* 3.147In September, muche hurte was done, tho∣rough exceeding greate thunder, lightning, and tempestes, whiche chaunced in many partes of Englande, but speciallye in Cambridge shire, where manye houses were brente, with no small quantitie of corne. Greate inundations and [ 40] flouds of water followed shortly after in Octo∣ber,* 3.148 whiche did muche hurt at Bury, and New-market in Suffolke, where it ouerthrew walles of houses, and putte men and women in greate daunger of drowning.

* 3.149In Essex also in September, greate mortali∣tie fell by pestilence amongst the people, whereof many died.

The Towne of Chierburg was restored a∣gaine to the King of Nauarre, who had enga∣ged [ 50] it to the King of England, for two thousand markes.

* 3.150A Parliamente was holden at Westminster, whiche began in the Octaues of Saint Hillarie.

The King purposing to goe ouer into Ire∣land, required a subsedie, the Cleargie graunted to him a whole tēth, toward the furnishing forth of that iourney, if he wente himselfe, if he wente not, yet they agreed to giue to him the mo•…•… of a tenth.

In time of this Parliamente, there appeares great euill will to remayne, betwixt the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earle of Arundell, for the Duke imposed to the Earle, that about the exal∣tation of the Crosse,* 3.151 hee lay wyth a company of armed men in the castell of Holte by Chester, the same time that the country there rose against the Duke, with their Capitaine Nicholas Clifton, and his complices, whome he ment, as the Duke alledged, to haue aided against him: but the Erle this flatly denyed, and with probable reasons so excused himselfe, as the quarrell at length was taken vp, and the parties for the time well qui∣eted.

This yeare on Whitsonday beeing the sea∣uenth of Iune, Queene Anne departed this life,* 3.152 to the great griefe of hir husband King Richard, who loued hir entierly. She deceassed at She•…•…e, and was buried at Westminster, vpon y^e South side of Saint Edwards Shrine.

The King tooke suche a conceyte with the house of Shene, where she departed this life,* 3.153 that hee caused the buildings to bee throwen downe and defaced, whereas the former Kings of this lande, beeing weery of the Citie, vsed custo∣marilye thither to resorte, as to a place of pleasure, and seruing highly to theyr recu•…•…∣tion.

Thus the King, the Duke of Lancaster, and his sonne the Earle of Derby, were widdowers, all in one season: for the Lady Constance Du∣ches of Lancaster, daughter to Peter Kyng of Spaine, deceassed the last yeare, whilest hir hus∣bande the Duke of Lancaster was at the treatie in Fraunce: and the same tyme also deceassed the Countesse of Derby, wife to the Lorde Henry Earle of Derby.

Moreouer in this yeare .1394. Isabell Du∣chesse of Yorke departed this life, that was halfe sister to the Duchesse of Lancaster, beeing borne of one mother. She was buried at La•…•…g∣ley.

This yeare in August,* 3.154 was a proclamation sette foorthe, that all Irishmenne shoulde auoyde this lande, and returne home into their owne Countrey, before the feast of the Natiuitie of our Lady, on payne of life.

The occasion of whiche proclamation was, for that such multitudes of Irishmen were come ouer into this region, in hope of gaine, that the Countreys in Ireland, subiect to England,* 3.155 were in manner lefte voyde of people, so that the eni∣mies spoyled and wasted those Countreys at theyr pleasure, finding fewe or none to with∣stande them. And where King Edwarde the third had placed in Ireland his benche and Iud∣ges,

with his Eschecker, for the good administra∣tion of Iustice, and politike gouernemente to bee vsed there, hee receiued from thence yeerely in re∣uenewes and profites, comming to his owne co∣fers,* 3.156 the summe of thirtie thousande poundes: the King nowe layde forthe no lesse a summe to re∣pulse the enimies, whiche by absence of those that were come ouer hither, could not otherwise be re∣sisted, sith the power of the Rebels was so increa∣sed, and the force of the Countreys subiect, tho∣rough [ 10] lacke of the former inhabitantes so demi∣nished.

About the feast of the Natiuitie of oure Lady, the King set forward to passe into Irelande, ha∣uing made such preparation for that iourney, as the like for Ireland had not bin heard of, at anye time before.

There wēt ouer with him the Duke of Glou∣cester, the Earles of Marche, Nottingham, and Rutland, the Lord Thomas Percy Lord Ste∣warde, [ 20] and diuers other of the Englishe Nobi∣litie.

The Duke of Lancaster, that in the thirtenth yeare of King Richards raigne had bin created by authority of Parliament, Duke of Aquitaine, was about this presente time sent thither, with a fiue hundred men of armes,* 3.157 and a thousande ar∣chers, to take possession of that Duchie, accor∣ding to the Kings graunt, by his letters patents thereof, had, made and confirmed with his seale, [ 30] in presence of the most part of all the Nobles and great Lords of England, to hold all that Coun∣trey to the saide Duke and his heires for euer, in as large manner and forme, as his father Kyng Edwarde the third, or any other Kings of Eng∣lande, or Dukes of Aquitaine before time hadde holden, and as King Richard at that season had and held the same, the homage alwayes yet reser∣ued to the Kings of Englande for euer. But all this notwithstanding, at his comming thither, so farre were the Gascoignes,* 3.158 and other people of those marches from receiuing him with ioy and triumph, that they plainely tolde him, they would not at turne to him, nor be vnder his iurisdiction at any hande, although he had brought ouer with him commissioners sufficiently authorised, both to discharge them of their former allegiaunce to the King, and to inuest him in possession of that Duchie, in manner and forme as before is sayde.

But now to returne to King Richard, ye shal vnderstand, that when all his prouision and roy∣all army was ready, about Michaelmas,* 3.159 he tooke the Sea, and landed at Waterford the second of October, and so remayned in Irelande all that Winter: his people were lodged abroade in the Countrey, and lay so warely as they myght, for although the Irishmen durst not attempte anye exployte openly against the Englishmen, after the kings arriuall with so puissante an army, yet they woulde steale sometimes vpon them, where they espyed any aduantage, and disquiet them in their lodgings: but when the Englishmen still preuailed, diuers of the greatest Princes amongst them came in, and submitted themselues.

Amongst other, foure Kings are mentioned,* 3.160 as the greate Oncle King of Methe, Bryne of Thomounde King of Thowounde, Arthur Mack•…•… King of Lineyster, and Cōbur K. of Cheueno and Darpe: those Kings were courte∣ously

[illustration]

entertayned, and muche made of, by Kyng Richard,* 3.161 who kepte his Christmas this yeare at Dublin.* 3.162 And after that feast was ended, he helde a Parliament there, to the which, all his subiectes of Ireland, to whome it apperteyned, 〈…〉〈…〉 well those that had contiunce vnder the English gouernement afortime, as those that were lately yeelded.

Also the same time, after the Octaues of the Epiphanie, the Duke of Yorke, Lord Warden of England, now in the Kings absence, caused a Parliament to be called at Westminster,* 3.163 to the whiche was sente forthe of Ireland the Duke of Gloucester, that he might declare to the cōmons the Kings necessitie, to haue some graunte of money to supply his want, hauing spent no smal quantitie of treasure in that iourney made into Irelande. The Dukes words were so wel heard [ 10] and beleeued, that a whole Tenth was graun∣ted by the Cleargie, and a fiftenth by the Laitie, but not without protestation, that those paimēts were graunted of a meere free will, for the loue they bare to the King, and to haue his businesse goe forwards.

The same time, those that followed Wick∣lifes opinions,* 3.164 set vp publiquely on the Churche dore of Paules in London, and the Church dores of Westminster, certayne writings, conteyning [ 20] accusations of the Cleargie, and conclusiōs such as had not commonly bin heard against Eccle∣siasticall persons, and the vse of the Sacraments, as the Churche then maynteyned: they were en∣couraged thus to doe, as it was sayde, by some noble men and Knightes of great worship, as sir Richard Sturrie, Sir Lewes Clifford, sir Tho∣mas Latimer, Sir Iohn Montagew, and others, who comforted and pricked forwarde those kinde of men, then called Heretikes, and Lollardes, to [ 30] the confounding of Monkes, Friers, and other Religious persons, by all wayes they myghte. Heerevpon, the Archbishop of Yorke, the Bishop of London, and certaine other as messengers frō the whole state of the Cleargie, passed ouer into Irelande,* 3.165 where to the King they made a gree∣uous complaint, as well againste those that had framed and set forth suche writings, as agaynste them that mainteyned them in their doings, and therefore besoughte him with speede to returne [ 40] home into England, there to take such order, for the restreining of those misordered persons, as to the reliefe of the Church might be thought expe∣dient, beeing then in great daunger of susteyning irrecouerable losse and domage, if good reforma∣tion were not the sooner had. King Richard hea∣ring these things, vppon good deliberation had in the matter, determined to returne home, but first vpon the day of the annuntiation of our Lady, he made the four aboue remembred Kings,* 3.166 to wit, [ 50] O Nele, Brine of Thomond, Arthur Mack∣mur, and Conhu•…•…, Knightes, in the Cathedrall Churche of Dublin, and likewise one Sir Tho∣mas Orphen,* 3.167 Sir Ioatas Pado, and his cousin sir Iohn Pado.

This done, and nowe after that they were set in quiet in that Countrey (the Rebels not beyng so hardy as to stirre, whilest suche a mighty army was there ready at hande to assayle them,* 3.168) the K. about Easter, came backe into Englande, with∣out any more adoe▪ so that the gain was thought nothing to coūteruayle the charges, whiche were very greate: for the King had ouer with hym in that iourney, foure thousand men of armes, and thirtie thousande archers, as Froissart saith hee was enformed) by an English Esquier, that had bin in that iourney. The King at his comming ouer, did not forget what complaint the Archby∣shop of Yorke, and the Bishop of London hadde exhibited to him, againste those that were called Lollards, and Heretikes,* 3.169 wherevpon immediate∣ly, hee called afore him certaine of the noble men, that were thoughte and knowen to fauour suche kinde of men, threatning terribly, if from thence∣forth they shoulde in anye wise comforte, and re∣leeue them. Hee caused Sir Richard Sturry to receyue an oth, that he should not maynteyne frō that day forward anye such erronious opinions, menacing him, and as it were, couenaunting with him by an interchangeable othe, that if e∣uer he might vnderstand, that he did violate and breake that oth, he should die for it a most shame∣full death.

This yeare, the Danes that lay rouing on the Seas, did much hurt to the English Merchants, taking and robbing many English Shippes, & when the hauen townes alongst the Coastes of Northfolke, made forth a number of Shippes,* 3.170 & ventured to fighte with those Pirats, they were vanquished by the Danes, so that manye were slayne, and manye taken prisoners, whiche were constreined to pay great ransomes. The enimies also found in ransacking the Englishe Shippes,* 3.171 twentie M. poundes, which the Englishe Mer∣chants had aboorde with thē to buy wares with, in place whither they were bound to goe.

The same yere, Wil. Courtney Archb. of Canterbury, hauing more regard to his own pri∣uate cōmodity, thā to the discōmodity of others, purchased a Bull of the Pope, whereby hee was authorised, to leauie through his whole prouince four pence of the pound of all Ecclesiastical pro∣motions, as well in places exempt, as not exēpt, no true nor lawfull cause being shewed or pre∣tended, why he ought so to doe: and to see y^e exe∣cution of this Bull put in practise, the Archby∣shop of York, & the Bishop of London, were na∣med & appoynted: many that feared y^t censures of suche high executioners, chose rather to paye the money forthwith, than to goe to the lawe, and be compelled happely, maugre their good willes. Some there were, that appealed to the Sea of Rome, meaning to defende their cause, and to procure, that so vnlawfull an exaction myghte be reuoked. Specially, the prebendaries of Lin∣colne stoode most stiffely againste those By∣shops,

but the death of the Archbyshop that chan∣ced shortly after, made an ende of those so passing great troubles.

This yeare, Iohn Waltham, Byshoppe of Salisburie,* 3.172 and Lorde Treasorer of Englande, departed this life, and by King Richarde hys appoyntmente, hadde the honor to haue his bodye enterred at Westminster among the Kings.

After his deceasse, Roger Walden, that before [ 10] was Secretarie to the Kyng, and Treasorer of Calais, was now made Lord Treasorer.

* 3.173Ye haue hearde, that in the yeare .1392. Robert Veer Duke of Ireland departed this life in Lo∣name in Brabant. King Richarde therefore thys yeare in Nouember, caused his corps being em∣baulmed, to be conueyed into Englande, and so to the Priorie of Colney in Essex,* 3.174 appoynting him to bee layde in a Coffine of Cypres, and to be adorned with princely garmentes, hauyng a [ 20] chayne of golde about his necke, and riche ryngs on his fingers. And to shew what loue and asser∣tion hee bare vnto him in his life time, the Kyng caused the Coffine to bee opened, that hee mighte beholde his face bared, and touche him with hys hands: he honored his funerall exequies, with hys presence, accompanyed with the Countesse of Oxforde, mother to the sayde Duke, the Archby∣shop of Canterburie, and many other Byshops, Abbots, and Priors, but of noble men there were [ 30] very few, for they had not yet disgested the enuie and hatred whiche they hadde conceyued against hym.

* 3.175In this meane whyle, the Duke of Lancaster was in Gascoigne, treating with the Lordes of the Countrey, and the inhabitantes of the good Townes, whiche vtterly refused to receyue hym otherwise than as a Lieutenaunte or substitute to the Kyng of England, and in the ende addres∣sed messengers into Englande, to signifie to the [ 40] Kyng, that they hadde bin accustomed to be go∣uerned by Kings,* 3.176 and meant not now to become subiectes to any other, contrary to all reason, sith the King could not (sauing his othe) alyene them from the Crowne.

The Duke of Lancaster vsed all wayes hee mighte deuise, howe to winne theyr good willes, and hadde sente also certayne of his trustie coun∣sellors ouer hither into Englande, as Sir Wil∣liam Perreer, Sir Peter Clifton, & two clearkes [ 50] learned in the lawe, the one called master Iohn Hucch, and the other master Iohn Richardes a Chanon of Leycester, to pleade and solicite hys cause: but to bee briefe, suche reasons were she∣wed, and suche matter vnfolded by the Gas∣coignes, why they ought not bee separated from the Crowne of England, that finally (notwith∣standing the Duke of Gloucester, and certayne other were againste them) it was decreed, that the Countrey and Duchie of Aquitayne shoulde remayne still in demayne of the Crowne of Englande,* 3.177 least that by thys transportyng thereof, it myghte fortune in tyme, that the heri∣tage thereof shoulde fall into the handes of some straunger and enimie to the Englishe nation, so that then the homage and soueraignetie mighte perhappes be lost for euer.

Indeede, the Duke of Gloucester, beeyng a Prince of an hygh minde, and loth to haue the Duke of Lancaster at home, being so hyghly in the Kyngs fauoure, coulde haue beene well pleased, that hee shoulde haue enioyed hys gifte, for that hee thoughte thereby to haue borne all the rule about the Kyng, for the Duke of Yorke was a man, rather coueting to lyue in pleasure, than to deale with muche businesse, and the weightie affayres of the Realme.

Aboute the same tyme, or somewhat before, the Kyng sente an Ambassade to the Frenche Kyng, the Archebyshoppe of Dublin, the Earle of Rutlande, the Earle Marshall,* 3.178 the Lorde Beaumonde, the Lorde Spencer, the Lorde Clifforde, named Lewes, and twentie knightes with fortie Esquiers.

The cause of theyr going ouer, was to in∣treate of a marriage to be had betwixt hym, and the Lady Isabell, daughter to the French king, shee beeyng as then not past an eighte yeares of age, whiche before hadde beene promised vn∣to the Duke of Britaignes sonne: but in consi∣deration of the greate benefite that was lykely to ensue by thys communication and alliance with Englande, there was a meane founde, to vndoe that knotte, though not presently.

These Englishe Lordes, at their comming to Paris, were ioyfully receyued, and so courte∣ously entertayned, banqueted, feasted, and cheri∣shed, and that in most honorable sorte, as no∣thyng coulde bee more: all their charges and ex∣penses were borne by the Frenche Kyng, and when they shoulde departe, they receyued for aunswere of theyr message, very comfortable wordes, and so with hope to haue their matter spedde, they returned.

But nowe when the Duke of Lancaster had, by laying foorthe an inestimable masse of trea∣sure purchased in a manner the good willes of them of Aquitayne,* 3.179 and compassed hys whole desire, hee was suddaynely countermaunded home by the King, and so to satisfie the kings pleasure, hee returned into Englande, and commyng to the Kyng at Langley, where hee helde hys Christmas, was receyued with more honor than loue, as was thoughte, wherevpon,* 3.180 hee roade in all hast that might be, to Lincolne, where Katherine Swinforde as then laye,

whome shortly after the Epiphanie, hee tooke to wife. This woman was borne in Haynaulte, daughter to a Knighte of that Countrey, called sir Paou de Ruer: shee was broughte vp in hir youth,* 3.181 in the Duke of Lancasters houses, and at∣tended on his first wife the Duchesse Blanche of Lancaster, and in the dayes of his seconde wyfe the duchesse Constance, he kept the foresaid Ka∣therin to his Concubine, who afterwardes was married to a Knight of England, named Swin∣ford, [ 10] that was nowe deceassed. Before shee was married, the Duke had by hir three children, two sonnes and a daughter, one of the sonnes highte Thomas de Beaufort, and the other Henry, who was brought vp at Aken in Almaine, proo∣ued a good Lawyer, and was after Byshoppe of Winchester. For the loue that the Duke had to these his children, he married their mother y^e sayd Katherine Swinfort, being now a widow, wher∣of men maruelled muche, considering hir meane [ 20] estate was farre vnmeete to matche with hys highnesse, and nothing comparable in honor to his other two former wiues. And indeede, the great Ladies of Englād, as the Duches of Glou∣cester, the Countesses of Derby, Arundell, and others, discended of the bloud royall, greately dis∣deyned, that she should be matched with y^e Duke of Lancaster, and by that meanes be accompted seconde person in the Realme, and preferred in roomth afore them, and therefore they sayde, that [ 30] they woulde not come in anye place where shee should be present for it should be a shame to them that a woman of so base birthe, and Concubine to the Duke in his other wiues dayes, shoulde goe and haue place before them.

The Duke of Gloucester also, being a man of an high minde and stoute stomacke, misliked with his brothers matching so meanely, but the Duke of Yorke bare it well ynough, and verily, the Lady hir selfe was a woman of suche brin∣ging [ 40] vp, and honorable demeanor, that enuie coulde not in the ende, but giue place to well de∣seruing.

* 3.182About this season, the doctrine of Iohn Wic∣kliffe still mightely spred abroade heere in Eng∣lande, and the scisme also still continued in the Churche, betwixt the two factions of Cardinals Frenche and Romanes, for one of their Popes coulde no sooner be dead, but that they ordeyned an other in his place. [ 50]

In this eighteenth yeare also, was a wonder∣full tempest of winde in the monethes of Iuly and August, and also most specially in Septem∣ber, by violence whereof, in sundry places of this Realme, greate and wonderfull hurte was done, both in Churches and houses.

The Ambassadors that hadde bin lately in Fraunce, about the treatie of the marriage, (as before you haue heard,* 3.183 wente thither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so after that the two Kings by sending 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fro were light vppon certaine poyntes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…¦nauntes of agreemente, the Earle Ma•…•… letters of procuration, married the Lady 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in name of King Richarde, so that from th•…•… forth she was called Queene of England.

Amongst other couenauntes and Articles of this marriage, there was a truce accorded, to •…•…∣dure betwixt the two Realmes of England and Fraunce, for tearme of thirtie yeares.

The Pope wrote to king Richard, besieching him to assist the Prelates againste the L•…•…s (as they tearme them) whome hee pronounce•…•… be traytors, both to the Church and Kingdome, and therefore hee besoughte him to take order, for the punishmente of them, whome the Prelates should denounce to be Heretikes.

The same time,* 3.184 hee sente a Bull reuocat•…•… concerning religious men, that had either at hys hands, or at the handes of his Legates or N•…•…∣cios purchased to be his Chaplaines, & accomp∣ting themselues thereby exempt from their order, so that nowe they were by this reuocatorie Bull, appointed to returne to their order, and to obserue all rules thereto belonging. This liked the F•…•…∣ers well, namely the Minors, that sought by all meanes they mighte deuise, how to bring theyr breethren home againe, which by suche exempti∣ons in being the Popes Chaplayne, were segre∣gate and deuided frō the residue of their brethren.* 3.185

The King in this twētith yere of his raigne, went ouer to Calice with his vncles the Dukes of Yorke, and Gloucester, and a greate manie of other Lordes and Ladies of honor, and thyther came to him the Duke of Burgoigne, and so they communed of the peace. There was no eni∣mie to the conclusion thereof, but the Duke of Gloucester, who shewed well by his words, that he wished rather war than peace, in so muche as the King stoode in doubt of him, least hee woulde procure some rebellion againste him by his sub∣iects, whome he knewe not to fauor greatly thys new aliaunce with Fraunce.

The King after the Duke of Burgoigne had talked with him throughly of all things, and was departed from him, returned into Eng∣lande (leauing y^e Ladyes still at Calais) to open the couenauntes of the marriage and peace vn∣to his subiects, and after hee hadde finished with that businesse, and vnderstoode theyr myndes, hee went againe to Calais, and with him hys two Vncles, of Lancaster and Gloucester, and dy∣uers Prelates and Lordes of the Realme, and shortly after came the Frenche Kyng to the bastide of Arde, accompanyed with the Dukes of Burgoigne, Berrie, Britaigne and Bur∣bonne.

* 3.186There were set vp for the king of Englande aright faire and riche pauillion a little beyonde Guysnes within the English pale, and an other the lyke pauillion was pight vp for the Frenche king on this syde Arde, within the Frenche do∣minion,* 3.187 so that betweene the sayde Pauillions was the distaunce of .lxx. paces, and in the mid∣waye betwixte them bothe, was ordeyned the thyrde Pauillion, at the whyche bothe Kings comming from eyther of theyr Tentes sundrye [ 10] tymes shoulde meete and haue communication togyther: The distance betwixte the two tentes was beset on eyther side in tyme of the enterview with knights armed with theyr swordes in their hands,* 3.188 that is to say, on the one side stood .iiij.C. French knights in armure with swords in their hands, & on the other side foure hundred English knightes armed with swordes in theyr handes, making as it were a lane betwixte them through the whiche the two kings came and mette,* 3.189 wyth [ 20] suche noble men as were appoynted to attende them. And a certaine distance from the two first pauillions, were appointed to stande suche com∣panies of men as either of them by appointment had couenanted to bring with them.

* 3.190The two kyngs before their meeting, recey∣ued a solemne othe for assurance of their faithfull and true meaning to obserue the sacred lawes of amitie one towarde an other in that their enter∣viewe, so as no damage, violence, molestation, [ 30] arrest, disturbance, or other inconuenience should be practised by them, or their frendes and subiec∣tes: and that if any disorder rose thorough any myshappe, arrogancie, or strife moued by anye person, the same shoulde be reformed, promising in the wordes of Princes to assist one an other in suppressing the malice of suche as should pre∣sume to doe or attempt any thyng that myghte founde to the breache of freendly amitie, during the tyme of that assemble eight dayes before, and [ 40] seuen dayes after.

The .xxvj. of October the King of Englande remoued from Caleys towarde the Castell of Guysnes, and with him the duke of Berry, who was seate to take his othe.

The morrow after, being the euen of Symon and Iude, the Kings mette, and the Lordes of Fraunce, to witte, the duke of Berry, Burgun∣die, Orleans, and Bourbon, the Earle of Sa∣uoy, [ 50] the Vicounte of Meaux and others, con∣ueyed the Kyng of Englande, and from hym were sente to conduct the Frenche kyng dyuers of the Englishe Lordes, as the two Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester, foure Earles, to wit, of Derbye, Rutlande, Notingham, and Northumberlande. After the two kinges were come together into the tent for that purpose pre∣pared, it was fyrst accorded betwixt them, that in the same place where they thus mette,* 3.191 shoulde be buylded of both their costs a chapell for a per∣petuall memorie, which should be called the cha∣pell of our Ladie of peace.

On the Saterday being the feast daye of the Apostles Simon and Iude, the kings talked to∣gither of certayn articles touching the treasie of peace, and hauing concluded vpon the same, they receyued eyther of them an othe vpon the holye Euangelistes, to obserue and keepe all the coue∣nantes accorded vppon. On the Mondaye the French king came to the king of Englande his pauillion,* 3.192 and the same tyme was brought thy∣ther the young Queene Isabell daughter to the Frenche King, who there deliuered hir vnto K. Richarde, whiche taking hir by the hande kissed hir, and gaue to hir Father great thanks for that so honourable and gracious a gifte, openly pro∣testing that vpon the conditions concluded be∣twixt them, he did receyue hir, that by suche af∣finitie both realmes might continue in quietnes, and come to a good ende and perfecte conclusion of a perpetuall peace. The Queene was com∣mitted vnto the duchesses of Lancaster, & Glou∣cester, to the Countesses of Huntington & Staf∣forde, to the Marchionesse of Dublyn, daughter to the Lord Couey, to the Ladies of Namure, Poignings, and others, whyche wyth a noble trayne of men and horsses, conueyed hir to Ca∣leys: for there were .xij. chareis ful of ladies and gentlewomen. This done, the kings came togi∣ther into the king of Englāds pauilion to diner.

The French K. sat on the right side of the hal,* 3.193 & was royally serued after the maner of his coū∣trey, that is to wit of al maner of meates apoin∣ted to be serued at the first course in one mightie large dish or platter, & likewise after the same sort at the second course. But the K. of Englād was serued after the english maner. Whē the cables wer taken vp, & that they had made an end of di∣ner, the kings kissed eche other, and tooke theyr horses. The K. of England brought the French K. on his way, & at length they toke leaue either of other, in shakyng handes, and embracing on horsebacke. The French king rode to Arde, and the king of England returned to Caleys.

We haue omitted (as things superfluous to speake of) all the honorable demeanor & curteous entertainment vsed & shewed betwixt these prin∣ces & noble men on both parts, their sundry fea∣stings & bākettings, what rich apparel, place, and other furniture of cupbords & tables, the princely gifts & rich iewels which were presented frō one to an other, striuing as it might seem, who shuld shew himself most bounteous & liberal: beside the giftes which the King of Englande gaue vnto the French king, and to the nobles of his realme (whyche amounted aboue the summe of tenne

thousande markes) the king of England spent at this tyme (as the fame went) aboue .iij.C. thou∣sande markes.* 3.194

After the kyngs returne to Caleys on Wed∣nesday next ensuyng,* 3.195 being Allhallon day, in so∣lemne wise he maryed the sayd Ladye Isabell in the Church of S. Nicholas, the Archebishop of Canterburie doing the office of the minister.

The Thursday after, the dukes of Orleance and Bourbon came to Caleys to see the Kyng [ 10] and the Queene: And on the Fridaye they tooke their leaue and departed, and rode to S. Omers to the Frenche kyng. And the same daye in the morning the King and the Queene tooke theyr shippe, and hadde faire passage: for within three houres they arriued at Douer, from whence they sped them towardes London, wherof the Citi∣zens being warned, made out certaine horsemen well appoynted in one liuerie of colour, with a deuise embroudered on their sleeues, that euery [ 20] companie mighte bee knowne from other, the whiche with the Mayre and his brethren,* 3.196 clo∣thed in skarlet, met the king and Queen on black Heath, and there doing their dueties with hum∣ble reuerence attended vpon their maiesties tyll they came to Newington: where the King cō∣maunded the Mayre with his companie to re∣turne, for that hee was appoynted to lodge that nyght at Kenington.

Shortly after, to witte the .xiij. of Nouem∣ber, [ 30] the young Queene was conueyed from thence with greate pompe vnto the Tower, at whiche tyme there was suche preasse on Lon∣don bridge,* 3.197 that by reason thereof, certayn per∣sones were thruste to death: among the whiche the Prior of Tiptree, a place in Essex was one, and a worshipfull matrone in Cornehill an o∣ther.* 3.198 The Morrowe after she was conueyed to Westminster with the honour that aright be de∣uised,* 3.199 [ 40] and finally there crowned Queene vppon the Sunday being then the .vij. of Ianuarie.

* 3.200The .xxij. of Ianuarie was a parliament be∣gon at Westminster in whiche the duke of Lan∣caster caused to bee legittimated the issue whiche he had begotte of Katherin Swinfort, before she was his wife: & the same time Thomas Beau∣forte sonne to the sayde Duke, by the sayde Ka∣therin, was created Earle of Sommerset.

There was an ordinaunce made in the same Parliament, that Iustices shoulde not haue any [ 50] to sit wyth them as assistaunts. Moreouer, there was a tenth graunted by the clergie to be paide to the kings vse at two seuerall termes in that pre∣sent yeare.

* 3.201This yere the king contrarie to his othe reuo∣ked the Iustices foorth of Irelande, whome by constraynt as before ye haue hearde, he was in∣forced to banish, therby to satisfie the noble men that woulde haue it so.

In this .xx. yeare of his reigne king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receyuing the summes of money (for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the strong towne of Brest was engaged to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by euill counsayle as many thought,* 3.202 〈…〉〈…〉 vnto the Duke of Britayne, by reason wherof, no small sparke of displeasure arose betwixt the king and the duke of Gloucester, whiche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vp suche a •…•…ame as it was easy to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, fy•…•… matter inough to frede vpon in both their br•…•…s that finally it coulde no longer be kepte d•…•…, nor by any meanes quenched.

In the moneth of Februarye, the King hol∣ding a sumptuous feast at Westminster, many of the Souldiors that were newely come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brest preassed into the hall,* 3.203 and kept a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together, whome as the duke of Gloucester be∣held, and vnderstoode what they were to •…•…∣ber howe that towne was giuen vp contrary to his mynde and pleasure, it grieued him not a lit∣tle: and therefore as the Kyng was entred in∣to hys chaumber, and fewe aboute him, he could not forbeare, but brake foorth,* 3.204 and sayde to the king: Syr saw you not those felowes that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in suche number this daye in the Hall, at suche a Table? The King aunswered that hee •…•…ewe them, and asked the Duke what they were▪

To whome the Duke made thys aunswere: Syr, these bee the Souldiors come from Brest, and as nowe haue nothyng to take t•…•…, nor yet knowe howe to shifte for their lyuyngs, and •…•…he woorse, for that as I am enfourmed, they h•…•… bin euill payde. Then sayde the Kyng, that is agaynste my wyll: for I woulde that they shoulde haue their due wages: And if any haue cause to complayne, lette them shewe the mat∣ter to the Treasourer, and they shall bee reaso∣nably answered: and here with he commaunded that they shoulde be appoynted to foure certaine villages aboute London,* 3.205 there to remayne and to haue meate, drink, and lodging vpon his char∣ges tyll they were payde.

Thus as they fell into reasoning of this mat∣ter, the duke sayde to the kyng: Sy•…•… your grace ought to put your body in payne to win a strong holde or towne by feate of warre, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you tooke vppon you to selle or delyuer anye Towne or strong holde gotten with greate aduenture by the manhoode and policie of your nob•…•…e proge∣nitours.

To this the kyng with changed countenance aunswered and sayde: Vncle, howe saye you that? and the Duke boldely without •…•…∣fed the same agayne, not chaungyng one worde in any better sorte. Whervppon the Kyng be∣ing more chafed, replyed thus: Thynke you that I am a Merchaunce, or a verye •…•…e, to fell my lande? by Saincte Iohn Baptist 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪

But trouth it is, that oure cousin the Duke of Britayne hath satisfyed vs of all suche summes of money as our progenitours lente vnto hym, and in his auncetour•…•…, vpon guage of the sayd towne of Brest, for the whiche reason and con∣science will no lesse but that the towne shoulde therevpon be to him restored.

Vppon this multiplying of wordes in suche presumptuous maner by the Duke against the Kyng, there kindeled suche displeasure betwixt [ 10] them, that it neuer ceassed to increase in flames, till the duke was brought to his ende.

* 3.206The Earle of Saint Paule at his laste com∣ming into England to receyue king Richardes othe for obseruing the truce, had conference with the king of diuers matters. The king by way of complaynt, shewed vnto him how stiffe the duke of Gloucester was in hindering all such matters as he would haue forwarde, not onely seking to haue the peace broken betwixt the realms of En∣gland [ 20] and France, but also procuring trouble at home by stirring the people to rebellion.

The Earle of Sainte Paule hearing of this stoute demeanour of the Duke, tolde the King that it should be best to prouide in tyme against suche mischiefes as might ensue therof, and that it was not to be suffred, that a subiecte should be∣haue himselfe in suche sorte towarde his prince.

The kyng marking his wordes, thought that he gaue him good and faithfull counsel,* 3.207 and ther∣vpon [ 30] determined to suppresse both the duke and other of his complices, and tooke more diligente regarde to the sayings and doings of the Duke thā before he had done: and as it cōmeth to passe that those whiche suspect any euil, doe euer deme the worst, so he tooke euery thing in euill part, in so muche that he complayned of the Duke▪ vnto his brethren the dukes of Lancaster and Yorke, in that he should stand agaynst him in al things [ 40] and seeke his destruction, the death of his coun∣sellours, and destruction of his realme.

* 3.208The two Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke to deliuer the kings mynde of suspition, made an∣swere, that they were not ignorant, howe theyr brother of Gloucester, as a man somtymes rash in woordes, woulde speak oftentimes more than he coulde or would bring to effecte, and the same proceeded of a faithfull hearte, which he bare to∣wardes the king, for that it greeued him to vn∣derstande, [ 50] that the confines of the Englishe do∣minions shoulde in anye wyse bee diminished: therfore his grace ought not to regard his wor∣des, sith he should take no hurt thereby.

These persuasions quieted the king for a time til he was enformed of the practise which y^e duke of Gloucester had contriued (as the fame wente amongst diuers persons) to imprison the Kyng, for then the duke of Lancaster and Yorke, fyrste reprouing the duke of Gloucester for his too libe∣ral talking, and perceyuing that he set nothyng by their words, werein doubt least if they should remayne in the count still he would vpon a pre∣sumptuous mynde, in truste to bee borne out by thē, attempt some outragious enterprise. Where∣fore they thought best to depart for a tyme into theyr countrays, that by their absence hee might the sooner learne to stay himself for doubt of fur∣ther displeasure. But it come to passe that their departure from the Court was the casting away of the duke of Gloucester. For after that they were gone, there ceassed not suche as bare hym euill will, to procure the King to dispatche him out of the waye.

The Duke in deede sore stomacked the mat∣ter, that his counsell might not be followed in al things, and specially for that be sawe (as he toke it) that the King was •…•…de by some persons that were about him, otherwise th•…•…n stoode with his honour: for reformation whereof, he confer∣red with the Abbot of S. Albons, and the Prior of Westminster.* 3.209 The Abbot was both his cou∣sin and godfather: and hauing one day both the Duke and Prior at his house in Saint Albons: after dinner, he fell in talke with the Duke and Priour, and amongst other communication re∣quired of the Priour to tell a trouthe, whether he had any vision y^e night before or not. The Prior seemed loth to make a direct answer, but at lēgth being earnestly requested,* 3.210 as well by the abbot as duke, he declared that hee had a vision in deede, which was, that the realme of England should be destroyed through the misgouernment of K. Richard. By the virgine Mary, sayd the Abbot, I had the verie, same vision. The Duke here vpon disclosed vnto them all the secrets of his mynde, and by their deuises presently cōtriued an assem∣ble of diuers great lordes of the realme at Arun∣dell castell that day fortnighte, at what tyme he himselfe appointed to be there, with the Earles of Darbie, Arundell, Marshall, and Warwike: Also the Archebishoppe of Canterburye the Ab∣botte of Sainte Albons, the Priour of West∣minster, with diuers other.

These estates beeing come to Arundell Ca∣stell at the daye appoynted,* 3.211 aboute the verie be∣ginning of the .xxj. yere of king Richards reigne. They sware eche to other to bee assistant in all suche matters as they shoulde determyne, and therewith receyued the Sacrament at the hands of the Archebishoppe of Canterbury, who cele∣brated Masse before them the morrowe after. Whiche doone, they with drewe into a chaum∣ber, and fell in counsell togyther, where in the ende they light vpon this poynte, to take Kyng Rycharde, the Dukes of Lancaster,* 3.212 and Yorke, and commytte them to pryson, and

all the other Lordes of the kings Counsell, they determined shuld be drawen and hanged. Such was their purpose whiche they ment to haue ac∣complished in August following.

But the Erle Marshall that was Lord de∣putie of Caleys,* 3.213 and had maryed the Erle of A∣rundels daughter, discouered all theyr counsell to the Kyng, and the verie daye in whiche they shoulde beginne their enterprise. The king bad the Earle Marshall take heede what hee hadde sayde, for if it proued not true, hee shoulde re∣pente [ 10] it: But the Earle constantely herevn∣to aunswered, that if the matter mighte bee pro∣ued otherwise, he was contented to bee drawen and quartered.

The king herevpon wente to London, where he dyned at the house of his brother the Earle of Huntington in the streete behynde All hallowes churche vpon the banke of the riuer of Thames, whiche was a ryght fayre and stately house.

After dinner, he gaue his counsell to vnder∣stande [ 20] all the matter, by whose aduise it was a∣greed, that the King should assemble forthwith what power he might cōueniently make of men of armes and archers, and streighte wayes take horsse, accompanied with his brother the Erle of Huntington, and the Erle Marshall. Herevpon at .vj. of the clock in the afternoone, the iust houre when they vsed to go to supper, the king moun∣ted on horsebacke, and roade his waye, whereof the Londoners had great meruaile. [ 30]

After that the K. began to approche the dukes house at Plaschy in Essex, where he then lay, he cōmaunded his brother the Erle of Huntington to ride afore,* 3.214 to know if the duke were at home, and if he were, then to tel him that the king was comming at hande to speake with him. The erle with .x. persons in his companie amending his pace, (for the king had made no greate haste all the night before, as should appeare by his iorney) came to the house, and entring into the court, as∣ked [ 40] if the duke were at home, and vnderstanding by a Gentlewoman that made him answer, that both the duke and the Duchesse were yet in bed, he be sought hir to go to the Duke, and to shewe him, that the K. was cōming at hand to speake with him, & forthwith came the king with a cō∣petent number of menne of armes, and a greate companie of Archers, riding into the base court, his trumpets sounding before him.

The duke herewith came downe into the base [ 50] court, where the king was, hauyng none other apparell vpon him, but his shirt, and a cloke or a mantel cast aboute his shoulders, & with humble reuerence, sayd, y^t his grace was welcome, asking of the lords how it chanced they came so early, & sent him no word of their cōming?

The Kyng heerewith courteously requested him to goe and make him readye, 〈…〉〈…〉 his house to be sadled, for that hee 〈…〉〈…〉 ryde with him a little waye; and co•…•… him of busynesse. The Duke 〈…〉〈…〉 into his chamber to put vpon hym his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Kyng alyghtyng from hys 〈…〉〈…〉 in talke with the duchesse and hir la•…•…s.

The Earle of Huntington and diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣lowed the duke into the hall, and there 〈…〉〈…〉 him til he had put on his raument. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whyle they came foorth againe all togither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the base court, wher the king was, de•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the duchesse in pleasant talke, whome 〈…〉〈…〉 nowe to returne to hir lodgyng againe, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 might stay no longer, and so tooke his horse a∣gaine, and the Duke likewise: And shortely af∣ter that the king and all his companie were go•…•… foorth of the gate of the base court, be co•…•… the Erle Marshal to apprehend the Duke,* 3.215 which incontinently was •…•…oon according to the Kings appoyntment.

Here we finde some variance in writers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as by an old French pamphlet (which I haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉) it should appere, the King commanded first, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Duke should be conueyed vnto the Tower, where he ment to common with him, and 〈…〉〈…〉 any other place: but neuerthelesse the king short∣ly after appointed, that he should be sent to Ca∣leys, as in the same Pamphlet is also contended: others write, that immediatly vppon his appre∣hension, the Earle Marshall conueyed him vnto the Thames, and there beeing set aboorde in a shippe prepared of purpose, hee was broughte to Calleys, where hee was at lengthe dispatched out of lyfe, eyther strangled or smoothered with pillowes, (as some doe write.* 3.216) For the Kyng shynkyng it not good, that the Duke of Glou∣cester should stand to his answer openly, bicause the people bare him so good much will, sent one of his Iustices called Williā Rikil, an Irisheman borne, ouer vnto Caleis, there to inquire of the the duke of Gloucester, whether he had commit∣ted any such treasons, as were alledged against him, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwike, as after shall be specified. Iustice Rik•…•…l hearing what he confessed vpon his examination, wrote the same as he was cōmaunded to doe, and ther∣with speedily returned to the king, and as it hath bin reported, he enformed the king (whether tru∣ly or not, I haue not to say) that the duke fran•…•…∣ly confessed euery thing, wherwith he was char∣ged. Wherevpon the King sent vnto Thomas Mowbray Erle Marshall and of Notingham, to make the Duke secretly away.

The Earle prolonged tyme for the executing of the kings cōmandement, though the K. wold haue had it done with all expedition, whereby the King conceiued no small displeasure, and •…•…rare

that it should cost the Earle his life if he quickly obeyed not his commaundement. The Earle thus as it seemed in 〈…〉〈…〉, called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Duke at midnight, as if he should haue ta∣ken shippe to passe ouer into England, and there in the lodging called the Pri•…•… on Iune, he ra•…•…∣sed his seruantes to cast f•…•…ther •…•…des vpon hym▪ and so to smoother him for death, or otherwyse t•…•… strangle him with towels (as some write.)

This was the ende of that noble man, •…•…e [ 10] of nature, hastye, wyfull, and giuen more to warre than to peace: and in this greatly to bee discōmended, that he was euer repining against the king in all things, whatsoeuer he wished to haue forward. He was thus made away not so soon as the brute ran of his death: but as it shuld appeare by some authors, he remained alyue till the parliament that next ensued, and then about the same time that the Erle of Arundell suffred, he was dispatched, as before ye haue heard. His [ 20] bodie was afterwardes with all funerall pompe conueyd into England, and buryed at his owne manour of Plashy within the church there. In a sepulchre whiche he in his life tyme had caused to he made, and there erected.

The same euening that the K. departed from London towardes Plashye, to apprehende the Duke of Gloucester,* 3.217 the Erle of Rutlande, and the Erle of Kent, were sent with a greate, num∣ber of men of armes & archers to arrest the Erle [ 30] of Arundell, whiche was done easily inough, by reason that the sayde Earle was trayned wyth fayre wordes at the kings handes, till hee was within his daunger, where otherwyse he mighte haue bin hable to haue saued hymselfe, and deli∣uered his frendes. The Earle of Warwike was taken, and cōmitted to the Tower the same day that the King hadde willed hym to dinner, and shewed him verie good countenaunce.

There were also apprehended and committed [ 40] to the Tower the same tyme, the Lorde Iohn Cobham, and sir Iohn Cheyny knightes.

The Earle of Arundell was sente to the Isle of Wight there to remayne as prisoner, till the next parliament, in the whiche he determined so to prouide, that they shoulde bee all condemned, and put to death. And for doubt of some com∣motion that might aryse amōgst the commons, he caused it by open proclamation to be signified [ 50] that these noble men were not apprehended, for any offence committed long agone, but for newe trespasses agaynst the kyng, as in the next Par∣liamēt, it shuld be manifestly declared & proued.

Shortly after, he procured them to be indited at Notingham, suborning suche as should ap∣peale them in parliament,* 3.218 to wit, Edward erle of Rutlande, Thomas Mowbray Erle Mar∣shal, Thomas Holland erle of Kent, Iohn Hol∣land Erle of •…•…ngton 〈…〉〈…〉 Bo•…•… Erle of •…•…set, Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Earle of Salisbury, Thomas Lorde Spe•…•…, and the Lorde William S•…•…rop•…•… Lorde C•…•…berlaine.

In the meane tyme, the King •…•…earing what mighte he attempted against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by those t•…•… fauoured these noblemen th•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 sent for•…•… power of Cheshire 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that mighte day and nighte keepe watch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warde about his person.* 3.219 They were aboute .ij. thousand ar∣chers, payde weekely, as by the Annales of Bri∣tayne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeareth. The King had •…•…ttle trust in any of the nobilitie, except in h•…•… brother the eld•…•… of Huntington, and the Earle•…•… of Rutland•…•… son to the duke of Yorke, and in the Earle of Sa∣lusburye: in these onely he repose•…•… a confidence, and not in any other, except a certain knightes and gentlemen of his priuie chamber.

In the meane tyme whyles thinges were thus in broy•…•…e before the beginning of the parliament, diuers other besyde them whom we haue spo•…•… of, were apprehended and put in sundry prisons.

The Parliament was summoned to begin at Westminster the xvij. of September,* 3.220 and writ∣tes therevpon directed to euery of the Lordes to appeare, and to bring with them a sufficient nū∣ber of armed men and archers in their best aray: for it was not knowen how the Dukes of Lan∣caster and Yorke, would take the death of their brother, nor howe other peares of the Realme would take the apprehension and imprisonment of their kynsemen, the Earles of Arundell and Warwicke, and of the other prisoners. Surely the two Dukes when they heard that their bro∣ther was so sodainly made away,* 3.221 they will not what to saye to the matter, and beganne bothe to be sorowfull for his death, and doubtefull of their owne states: for sith they sawe howe the Kyng (abused by the counsell of euill men) ab∣steyned not from suche an heynous acte, they thought he would afterwardes attempte greater my sorders from tyme to tyme. Therefore they assembled in all haste, greate numbers of theyr seruauntes, frendes, and tenauntes,* 3.222 and com∣myng to London, were receyued into the Ci∣tie: For the Londoners were ryghte sorye for the death of the Duke of Gloucester, who hadde euer sought their fauour, in somuche, that now they woulde haue bin contented to haue ioyned with the Dukes in seeking reuenge of so noble a mannes death, procured and broughte to passe without lawe or reason, as the common bruite then walked, although peraduenture he was not as yet made awaye.

Heere the Dukes and other fell in counsell, & manie thinges were proponed, some wold that they should by force reuenge the duke of Glou∣cesters death: other thought it mere y^t the Erles

Marshall and Huntington, and certaine others, as chiefe authours of all the mischiefe shoulde be pursued and punished for their demerites, hauing trayned vp the king in vice and euill customes, euen from his youth. But the dukes (after their displeasure was somewhat assuaged) determined to couer the stinges of their griefs for a tyme, and if the king would amende his maners, to forget also the iniuries past. In the meane time the K. lay at Eltham,* 3.223 and had got about him a greate [ 10] power (namely of those archers, which he hadde sent for out of Cheshyre, in whome he put a sin∣gular trust more than in any other.)

There went messengers betwixt him and the Dukes, whiche beeing men of honour did theyr endeuor to appease both parties.

The Kyng discharged himselfe of blame for the duke of Gloucesters death, considering that he had gone about to breake the truce, whiche he had taken with France, and also stirred the peo∣ple [ 20] of the realme to rebellion, and further hadde soughte the destruction and losse of his lyfe, that was his soueraigne Lorde and lawfull kyng. Contrarily, the Dukes affirmed, that their bro∣ther was wrongfully put to death,* 3.224 hauing done nothing worthy of death. At length, by the in∣tercession and meanes of those noble menne that went to and fro betwixt them, they were accor∣ded, and the kyng promysed from thenceforth to doe nothyng but by the assent of the dukes: but [ 30] he kept small promise in this behalf, as after wel appeared.

* 3.225When the tyme came, that the Parliamente should be holden at Westminster, according to the t•…•…nour of the summonance, the Lordes re∣paired thither, furnished with great retinues both of armed men and archers, as the Erle of Dar∣bie, the Erle Marshall, the Erle of Rutland, the Lorde Spenser, the Erle of Northumberlande, with his sonne the Lorde Henry Percie, and the [ 40] Lord Thomas Pri•…•…ie the sayde Erles brother, also the Lord Scrope T•…•…asourer of Englande, and dyuers other. All the whiche Earles and Lordes brought with them a great and strong power, euery of them in their best aray, as it wer to strengthen the king against his enimies.

The dukes of Lancaster and Yorke were like∣wyse there, giuing their attendance on the king, with lyke furniture of men of armes & archers.

There was not half lodging sufficient with∣in [ 50] the Citie and suburbes of London, for suche companies of men,* 3.226 as the Lordes brought wyth them to this Parliamēt, called the great Parlia∣ment: insomuche that they were constrayned to lye in villages abrode .x. or .xij. myles on ech side the Citie.* 3.227

In the beginning of this Parliament, the K. greatly complayned of the mysdemeanour of the peeres and lordes of his realme, as 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…¦ges done against his will and pleas•…•…, 〈…〉〈…〉 was yong, as for the •…•…ruite dealyng, 〈…〉〈…〉 had shewed towards the Queene, who was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 houres at one time on her knees before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arundell, for one of hi•…•… esquires, named Io•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who neuerthelesse had his head smile 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his s•…•…oulders, & al the answere that she could g•…•…, was this Madame, pray for your selfe, and y•…•… husbande, for that is beste and lette this •…•…ite a∣lone. Those that set foorth the kings gre•…•…▪ as prolocutors in this Parliamente were these:* 3.228 Iohn Bushy, Williā Bagot, & Tho•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The king had caused a large house of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be made within the Palaice at Westminstre,* 3.229 whiche was called an Hall, couered aboue heade with tyles, and was open at the endes, that all men myght see thorough it. This house was of so great a compasse, that vn•…•…th it mighte 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within the roomth of the palaice. In this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was made an high throne for the Kyng, and a large place for all estates besides to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in.

There were places also made for the appel∣lante•…•… to stande on the one syde, and the defen∣dants on the other, and a lyke roomth was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 behynde for the knights and burgesses of the Par∣liament.* 3.230 There was a place deuised for the spea∣ker, named Sir Iohn Bushy, a knight of Lin∣colneshire,* 3.231 accompted to be an exceeding euill man, ambicious and couetous beyond measure▪

Immediatly after, eche man being placed in his roomth, the cause of assembling that parlia∣mente was shewed, as that the kyng had called it, for reformation of diuers transgressions and oppressions committed against the peace of hys lande by the Duke of Gloucester, the Earles of Arundell, Warwicke, and others. Then sir Io. Bushy stepte foorth, and made request on the be∣halfe of the communaltie, that it myghte pleas•…•… the kings highnesse for their heinous acts attemp¦ted against his lawes and royal maiestie, to ap∣point them punishment according to their deser∣uings, and specially to the Archb. of Canterbury,* 3.232 (who then sat nexte the K.) whom he accused of high treson, for that he had euil coūselled his ma∣iesty, inducing him to graūt his letters of pardon to his brother the Erle of Arundel, being a ranke traytor. When the Archbishop began to answer in his own defence, the K. willed him to sit downe again, and to hold his peace, for al shuld be well. Herewith sir Io. Bushy besought the Kyng, that the Archebishoppe shoulde not bee admitted to make his answer, which if he did by reason of his great wit & good vtterāce, he feared least he shuld lead men away to beleue him: so y^e Archb. might be heard no further. Sir Iohn Bushy in all his talke when hee proponed any matter vnto the King, did not attribute to him titles of honour,

due and accustomed, but inuented vnvsed to•…•…n•…•…s and such strange names, as were rather agreable to the diuine maiestie of God,* 3.233 than to any •…•…∣ly potentate. The Prince being desirous •…•…ough of all honour, and more ambitious that was •…•…∣quisite, seemed to like wel of his speech, and gaue good care to his talke.

Thus when the Archbish. was constrained to kepe silence, sir Iohn Bushy procured in his pur¦pose, requiring on the behalf of the cōmons, that [ 10] the Charters of pardons graunted vnto the trai∣tors, to witte, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwike, should be re∣uoked by consent of all the estates nowe in par∣liament assembled. The King also for his parte protested, that those pardons were not volunta∣rily graūted by him, but rather extorted by com∣pulsion, and therfore he besought them that euery man wold shew foorth their opinions what they thought thereof. There were two other persons [ 20] of greate credite with the King, besides sir Iohn Bushy,* 3.234 that were, as before yon haue heard, very earnest to haue those Charters of pardon reuo∣ked and made voyde, to witte, sir William Ba∣got, and sir Thomas Greene.

But bicause this matter semed to require good deliberation, it was first put to the Bishops, who with small adoe, gaue sentence, that the sayde Charters were reuocable, and might wel inough be called in: yet the Archbishop of Canterburye [ 30] in his answere herevnto sayde, that the K. from whome those pardons came, was so hygh an e∣state, that he durst not say, that any suche char∣ters by him granted, might be reuoked: notwith∣standing, his brethren the bishops thought other∣wyse: not considering (sayth Thomas Wals.) that such reuoking of the kings Charters of par∣don shoulde sound highly to the kings dishonor▪ forsomuche as mercie and pardoning transgres∣sions is accompted to bee the confirmation and [ 40] establishing of the kings seate and royall estate.

The temporal lords perceiuing what the Bi∣shops had done, did likewise giue their consents, to reuoke the same pardons: but the iudges with those that were toward the law, were not of this opinion, but finally the Bishops pretendyng a scrupulositie, as if they might not with safe con∣sciences bee presente where iudgement of bloud shoulde passe, they appoynted a laye man to be [ 50] their prolocutor to serue that turn. To conclude, at length all maner of Charters of pardon were made voyde,* 3.235 for that the same seemed to impeach the suretie of the Kings person. When sir Iohn Bushy and his associats, had obteined that reuo∣cation, it was further by them declared, that the Erle of Arundel had yet a other speciall charter of pardon for his owne person, which he had ob∣teined after the first. And therfore sir Io. Bushy earnestly requisted in in•…•…re of the Communaltie that the same might likewyse be reuoked.

The question then was asked of the bishops, who declared themselues to be of the lyke opini∣on, touching that Charter, as they were of the other. At that selfe tyme t•…•…e Archbishop of Can∣terbury absented himselfe from the Parliament,* 3.236 in hope that the king woulde be his friende, and stande his verie good Lorde, for that he had pro∣mised nothing should be done against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the parliament whilest he was absent but neuerthe∣lesse,* 3.237 at the importunate suite of the sayd sir Iohn Bushy and others, the Archbishop was condem∣ned vnto perpetuall exile, and apoynted to auoyd the realme within six weekes. And therwith the king sente secretly to the Pope for order that the Archebishoppe might be remoued from his sea to some other, whiche suite was obteyned, and Ro∣ger Walden Lorde Treasoner was ordeyned Archbishop in his place, as after shal appeare.* 3.238 On the frast day of Saint Matthewe, Rich. Fitz A•…•…¦leyn, Earle of Arundel, was broughte foorthe to swere before the king and whole Parliamente to suche Articles as he was to be charged with.

And as he stoode at the barre,* 3.239 the Lorde Ne∣uill was commaunded by the Duke of Lanca∣ster which sate that day as high steward of En∣glande, to take the hoode from his necke, and the gyrdle from his waste. Then the Duke of Lan∣caster declared vnto him, that for his manyfolde rebellions and treasons against the kings maie∣stie he hadde bin arrested, and hytherto kepte in warde, and nowe at the petition of the Lordes and commons, he was called to aunswere suche crimes as were there to be obiected agaynst him, and so to purge himselfe, or else to suffer for his offences, suche punishement as lawe appointed.

Fyrst, he charged him, for that he had trayte∣rously ridde in armour against the king in com∣panye of the duke of Gloucester, and of the Erle of Warwike, to the breache of peace, and dis∣quieting of the realme.

His answere herevnto was,* 3.240 that he didde not this vpon any euill meaning towardes the kings persone, but rather for the benefite of the King, and realme, if it were interpreted aright, and ta∣ken as it ought to be.

It was further demaunded of hym, why hee procured letters of pardon from the kyng, if he knewe hymselfe giltlesse? He aunswered, that he did not purchase them for any feare he hadde of faultes by him committed, but to staye the ma∣licious speache of them that neyther loued the K. nor hym. He was agayne asked, whether he would denye that he made any such roade with the persones before named, and that in compa∣nye of them he entred not armed vnto the kings presence against the kings will and pleasure▪

To this he answered, that he coulde not deny it, but that he so did.

Then the speaker sir Iohn Bushy with open mouth besought that iudgemēt might be had a∣gainst such a traitour, and your faithful cōmons (said he to the K.) aske and require that so it may be don. The Erle turning his head aside, quietly said to him,

not the kings faithfull cōmōs require this, but thou, and what thou art I knowe.

Then the eight appellants standing on the o∣ther side, cast their gloues to him, and in prose∣cuting [ 10] their appeale (which already had bin red) offred to fyght with him man to man to iustifye the same. Then sayde the Earle, if I were at li∣bertie, and that it myght so stande with the plea∣sure of my Soueraigne, I woulde not refuse to proue you all lyers in this behalfe.

Then spake the duke of Lancaster, saying to him, What haue you further to say, to the poin∣tes before layde against you? He answered, that [ 20] of the Kings grace he hadde his letters generall pardon, which he required to haue allowed.

Then the duke told him, that the pardon was reuoked by the Prelates and noble men in the parliamente, and therefore willed hym to make some other answere. The Erle tolde him agayn that he had an other pardon vnder y^e kings great seale graunted him long after of the kings owne motion, whiche also hee required to be allowed. The Duke tolde hym, that the same was lyke∣wyse [ 30] reuoked.

* 3.241After this, when the Earle had nothing more to saye for himselfe, the duke pronounced iudge∣ment against him, as in cases of treason is vsed.

But after he had made an ende, and paused a little, he sayd: The king oure soueraigne Lorde of his mercie and grace, bicause thou art of hys bloud, and one of the peeres of the realme, hath remitted all the other paines, sauing the last, that is to wit, the beheadyng, and so thou shalt onely [ 40] lose thy head, and forthwith he was had away, and ledde through London vnto the tower hill.

There went with him to see the execution don vj. great lords, of whom there were three Erles, Notingham (that had maried his daughter) Kēt (that was his daughters son,) and Huntington, being mounted on greate horsses, with a greate companie of armed men, & the fierce bands of the Cheshire mē, furnished w^t axes, swerdes, bowes & arrowes, marching before & behynde him, who [ 50] only in this parliament, had licence to bear wea∣pon, as some haue written. When he should de∣part the palaice, he desired that his handes might be lewsed to dispose suche money as he had in his purse betwixte that place and Charingcrosse. This was permitted, and so he gaue suche mo∣ney as he had, in almes with his owne handes, but his armes were still bound behynde hym.

When he came to the Tower hill, she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men that were about him, moued him right •…•…∣nestly to acknowledge his treason agaynste the king. But he•…•…re no wise wold so doe, but may•…•…∣teyned, that he was neuer traytour to worde in deede: and heerewith perceyuing the Earles of Notingham and Kent, that stood by with other noble men busy to further the execution (being as ye haue heard) of kin and alyed to him, he sp•…•…ke to them, and sayd: Truly it woulde haue bese∣emed you rather to haue bin absente than heere at this businesse. But the tyme will come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it be long, when as many that meruayle at your mis∣fortune as do nowe at myne.

After this, forgiuing the executione•…•…, he be∣soughte hym not to tormente hym long, but to strike off his heade at one blowe, and feeling the edge of the sworde, whether it was sharpe y∣nough or not, he sayde, It is verie will, do that that thou haste to doe quickely, and so •…•…lyng

[illustration]

downe, the executioner with one stroke,* 3.242 strake off his head: his bodie was buried togither with his head in the Churche of the Augustine Friers in Breadstreete within the Citie of London.

The death of this erle was much lamented a∣mong the people, considering his sodeyn fall and miserable ende, where as not long before among all the noble men of this land (within the whiche was such a nūber, as no countrey in the worlde had greater store at that present) there was none more estemed: so noble and valiant he was, that all men spake honour of him. After his death, as the fame went, the K. was sore vexed in his slept with horrible dreames, imaginyng that he sawe this Earle appeare vnto him, threatening him, and putting him in horrible fear, with which vi∣sions being sore troubled in his sleepe, hee curssed the daye that euer he knewe the Earle. And he was the more vnquiet, bicause he heard it repor∣ted, that the common people tooke the Earle for a martyr, in so muche that some came to visite the place of his sepulture, for the opinion they had

conceiued of his holines: and where it was bru∣ted abroade as for a miracle, that his head shold be growen to his bodie againe, the .x. day after his buriall, the king sent aboute .x. of the clocke in the night, certaine of the nobilitie to see hys body taken vp, that he might be certified of the truth. Whiche done, and perceiuing it was a fable, he commanded the Friers to take down his armes that were sette vp aboute the place of his buriall, & to couer the graue, so as it should [ 10] not be perceyued where he was buryed.

But nowe to returne to the parliament. After the death of this earle,* 3.243 the lorde Thomas Beauchamp earle of Warwicke, was brought forth to abide his triall by Parliament, & when his accusers charged him of like points of trea∣son, suche as before were imposed to the Earle of Arundell: he answered that he neuer ment e∣uill to the kings person, nor thought that those [ 20] roades and assembles that were made in com∣panie of the Duke of Gloucester, the Earle of Arundel, and others, might be accompted trea∣son. But when the Iudges had shewed hym, that they could not be otherwise taken than for treason, he humblie besought the king of mercy and grace. The king then asked of hym, whe∣ther he had ridde with the Duke of Gloucester, and the earle of Arundell, as had bin alledged? he answered that he could not deny it, and wi∣shed [ 30] that he had neuer seen them. Then said the king, doe ye not knowe that you are guiltie of treason? hee answered againe, I acknowledge it, and with sobbing teares besought all them that were present, to make intercession to the kings maiestie for him. Then the king and the duke of Lancaster commu•…•…ed, and after the K. had a while with silence considered of the mat∣ter, he saide to the erle, by S. Iohn Baptiste, Thomas of Warwik, this confession that thou [ 40] hast made, is vnto me more agreable than al the duke of Gloucesters, & the earle of Warwikes landes. Herewith the Erle making still inter∣cession for pardon, the Lordes humbly besought the K. to graunt it. Finally the king pardoned him of life, but he banished him into the Isle of Man, which then was the L. Scropes, promi∣sing y^e both hee & his wife & children shuld haue good enterteinment: whiche promise notwith∣standing, was but slenderly kept, for bothe the earle and the Countesse liued in great penurie, [ 50] (as some write) and yet the lorde Scrope, that was L. Chāberlaine, had allowed for the erles diet .iiij. M. nobles yerely paid out of the kings coffers. On the Monday nexte after the ar∣reignement of the erle of Warwick, to witte, the .xxiiij. of September, was the Lorde Iohn Cobham, and Syr Iohn Cheyney arreigned, and founde guiltie of like treasons for whiche the other had bin condempned afore: but at the earnest instance & suite of the nobles, they were pardoned of life, and banished, or as Fabian hath, condempned to perpetuall prison. The king desirous to see the force of the Londoners, caused them during the time of this parliament to muster before hym on Blacke Heath, where a man might haue seene a great number of able personages. And now after that the parliamēt had continued almoste till Christemasse,* 3.244 it was adiourned vntill the Quinden of saint Hillarie, then to begin agayne at Shrewesbury.

The Kyng then came downe to Lichefield,* 3.245 and there helde a Royall Christmasse, whiche being ended, he took his iorny towards Shreus∣bury, where the parliament was appointed to begin in the quinden of S. Hillarie, as before ye haue hearde. In which parliament there holdē vpon prorogation for the loue that the K. dare to the gentlemen & cōmons of the shire of Che∣ster, he caused it to be ordeined,* 3.246 that from thence forth it shuld be called and knowe by the name of the Principalitie of Chester: and herewith he entitiled himself prince of Chester.* 3.247 He helde al∣so so a total feast, keping open houshold for al ho∣nest cōmers, during the which feast, he created v. dukes & a duchesse, a Marques, and .iiij. ertes.* 3.248 The Erle of Derbie was created duke of Here∣ford: the erle of Notingham y^t was also erle of Marshall, the duke of Norfolk: the erle of Rut∣lande, Duke of Aubemarle: the Earle of Kent Duke of Surrey: and the Earle of Hunting∣ton Duke of Excester: The Lady Margaret Marshall Countesse of Norfolke, was created Duchesse of Norfolke: The Earle of Som∣merset Marques Dorset: the Lorde Spencer Earle of Gloucester: the Lorde Neuill surna∣med Dauraby Earle of Westmerlande: The Lorde William Serope Lorde Chamberlaine Earle of Wilteshire: and the Lorde Thomas Percie Lorde Stewarde of the Kynges house Earle of Worceter.

And for the better mayntenaunce of the e∣state of these noble men, whom he had thus ad∣uaunced to higher degrees of honour, hee gaue vnto them a greate parte of those landes, that belonged to the Duke of Gloucester, the earles of Warwicke, and Arundell.

And nowe hee was in good hope, that hee had rooted vp all plantes of treason, and there∣fore cared lesse who might be his friende or foe, than before he hadde done, esteeming hymselfe hygher in degree, than any Prynce lyuing, and so presumed further than euer his grande∣father did,* 3.249 and tooke vpon hym to beare the armes of Sainct Edwarde, ioyning them vn∣to his owne armes.

To conclude, whatsoeuer hee then did, none

durste speake a worde contrarie thereto. And yet suche as were chiefe of his coūsell, were este∣med of the commons to bee the worst creatures that might be, as the Dukes of Aumarie, Nor∣folk and Excester, the Erle of Wilteshire: sir Iohn Bushie: sir William Bagot: and Sir Thomas Grene: which three last remembred, were Knightes of the Bathe, againste whome the commons vndoubtedly bare greate and priuy hatred. [ 10]

* 3.250But now to proceede. In this Parliament holden at Shrewsburye, the Lorde Reignolde Cobham, beeing a verye aged manne, simple and vpright in all his dealings, was condem∣ned, for none other cause, but for that in the xj. yeare of the Kings raigne, hee was apoin∣ted with other, to be attendaunt about the king as one of his gouernors. The actes and ordi∣naunces also deuised and established in the par∣liament [ 20] holden in that .xj. yeare were likwise repealed. Moreouer, in this Parliament at Shrewesbury, it was decreed, that the Lorde Iohn Cobham shoulde be sente into the Isle of Gernesey, there to remaine in exile, hauyng a small portion assigned hym to liue vpon. The king so wroughte, that hee obteyned the whole power of bothe houses, to be graunted vnto cer∣taine persones, as to Iohn duke of Lancaster: Edmunde duke of Yorke: Edmunde Duke of [ 30] Aumerle:* 3.251 Tho. duke of Surrey: Iohn duke of Excester: Iohn Marques Dorset: Rog. erle of Marche: Io. erle of Salisbury, & Henry erle of Northumberland: Tho. erle of Gloucester: & Wil. erle of Wiltshire: Iohn Hussey, Henry Cheimeswick, Robert Tey, and Io. Goulofer knights,* 3.252 or to .vij. or .viij. of them. These were appointed to heare & determine certaine petiti∣ons and maters, yet depending and not ended: but by vertue of this graunt, they proceeded to [ 40] conclude vpon other thinges, whiche generally touched the knowledge of the whole parliamēt, in derogation of the states thereof, to the dis∣aduantage of the kyng, & perillous example in time to come. When the king had spente much money in time of this parliamēt, he demanded a disme & a halfe of the clergie, and a .xv. of the temporaltie. Finally, a generall pardon was graunted for all offences to all the kinges sub∣iects (•…•…0. only excepted) whose names he wold not by any meanes expresse, but reserued them [ 50] to his owne knowledge, that when any of the nobilitie offended him, he might at his pleasure name him to be one of the number excepted, and so keepe them still within his daunger. To the ende that the ordinaunces, iudge∣mentes, and actes made, pronounced and established in this Parliamente, mighte be and abide in perpetuall strengthe and force, the Kyng purchased the Popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which were conteined greuous censures •…•…¦ses,* 3.253 pronounced agaynst al suche as did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 means go about to break & violate the statute•…•… the same parliamente ordeined. These 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were openly published and red at Paules 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in London, & in other the most publike places of the realme. Many other things were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this parliamēt, to the displeasure of no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 number of people, namely,* 3.254 for that diuers right∣full heires were disinherited of their lands and liuings, by auctoritie of the same parliament with which wrongfull doings the people w•…•… muche offended, so that the K. and those that were about him, & chiefe in counse•…•…, come 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greate infamy and slaunder: In deede the king after he had dispatched the duke of Gloucest•…•… and the other noble men, was not a little 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for that he knewe them still ready to disappo•…•… him in all his purposes, & therefore being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as it were carelesse, did not behaue hymselfe (〈◊〉〈◊〉 some haue written) in such discreete order,* 3.255 at many wished: but rather (as in time of prospe∣ritie it often happeneth) he forgot hymselfe,* 3.256 and beganne to rule by will more than by reason, threatning deathe to eche one that obeyed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his inordinate desires: by meanes wherof, the lords of the realme began to feare their owne estates, being in danger of his furious outrage whome they tooke for a manne destitute of so∣brietie and wisedome, and therefore coulde not like of him, that so abused his auctoritie. Here∣vpon there were sundry of the nobles, that la∣mented these mischiefes, and specially shewed their griefes vnto such, by whose naughty coū∣sell they vnderstoode the king to be missed, and this they did, to the ende that they being aboute him, might either turne their copies, and giue him better coūsell, or else he hauing knowledge what euill reporte went of him, might amende his maners. But all was in vaine, for so it fell forthe, that in this parliamēt holdē at Shrews∣bury, Henry Duke of Hereford,* 3.257 accused Tho. Mowbray duke of Norfolke, of certaine wordes which he shuld vtter in talke had betwixt them, as they roade togyther lately before, betwixte London and Brainforde, sounding highely to the kings dishonor.* 3.258 And for further proofe there∣of, he presented a supplication to the K. wher∣in he appealed the duke of Norfolke in field of battaile, for a traitour, false and disloiall to the K. and enimy vnto the realme. This supplica∣tion was redde beefore bothe the Dukes in presence of the Kyng: whiche done, the Duke of Norfolke tooke vppon hym to aunswere it, declaring that whatsoeuer the Duke of Here∣forde hadde sayde agaynste hym other than well, hee lyed falsely like an vntrue Knighte,

as he was: And whē the king asked of the duke of Hereforde what he saide to it, he taking hys hoode off his heade, said 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soue•…•… Lorde, euen as the supplication whiche I tooke you importeth, right so I say to •…•…ruthe, that Tho∣mas Moubray duke of Norfolke, is a traito•…•… false and disloyall to your to•…•… Maiestie, was crowne, and to all the s•…•…s of your realme.

Then the Duke of Norfolke beeyng asked [ 10] what he said to this, he answered,

Right d•…•… Lord, with your fauour that I make aunswere vnto your cousin here, I say (your reuerence saued,) that Henry of Lancaster duke of Here∣forde, like a false and disloyall traitour as he is, dothe lye in that he hath or shall say of mee o∣therwise than well.

No more

saide the Kyng,

wee haue hearde enough:

and herewyth com∣maunded the Duke of Surrey for that tourne Marshall of Englande, to arrest in his name [ 20] the twoo Dukes:* 3.259 the Duke of Lancaster father to the Duke of Hereforde, the Duke of Yorke, the Duke of Aumarle Constable of Englande, and the duke of Surrey Marshal of the realm, vndertook as pledges body for body for the duke of Herford: but the duke of Norfolke was not suffred to put in pledges, and so vnder arrest was led vnto Windsor castel, and there garded wyth keepers, that were appointed to see hym safely kept. Nowe after the dissoluing of the [ 30] Parliament at Shrewsbury, there was a day appointed about a sixe weekes after, for the K. to come vnto Winsor to hear and to take some order betwixte the twoo dukes, which had thus appealed eche other.* 3.260 There was a greate skaf∣fold erected within the castell of Windsore for the king to sit with the Lordes and Prelates of his realme: and so at the day apointed, he with the saide lords & prelats being come thither and set in their places, the duke of Herford appellāt, [ 40] and the duke of Norfolke defendant, were sent for to come and apeare before the K. sitting ther in his seate of Iustice. And then began to speak sir Io. Bushy for the K. declaring to the lords how they shuld vnderstand that where the duke of Hereford had presented a supplication to the K. that was there set to minister iustice vnto al men that wold demaund the same, as appertei∣ned to his roiall Maiesty, he therfore wold now heare what the parties could say one against an other, & withall the K. commaunded the dukes [ 50] of Aumarle & Surrey, the one beyng constable, & the other marshall to go vnto the two dukes, appellant and defendant, requiring them on his behalf, to grow to some agreement: and for hys parte, hee woulde be readye to pardon all that hadde bene sayde or done amisse betwixte them, touching any barme or dishonour to him or hys realme: but they aunswered bothe assu∣redly that it was not possible to haue any peace or agreement made betwixt them. When hee hearde what they hadde aunswered, hee com∣maunded that they shoulde bee broughte forth∣with before his presente, to heate what they woulde saye.

Herewith an Herauld in the Kings name with loude voice commaunded the Dukes to come before the King, either of them to shewe his reason, or else to make peace togither with∣out more delay.

When they were come before the King and Lordes, the King spake himselfe to them, wil∣ling them to agree, and make peace togither: for it is (saide he) the best way ye can take.

The Duke of Norfolke with due reuerence herevnto aunswered, that it coulde not bee so brought to passe, his honour saued.

Then the King asked of the Duke of Here∣forde, what it was that hee demaunded of the Duke of Norfolke, and what is the matter that ye cannot make peace togyther, and beecome friendes?

Then stoode forth a Knight that asking and obteining licence to speake for the duke of Her∣ford, said, Right dere and soueraigne Lorde,* 3.261 here is Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereforde and Erle of Darbie, who saith, and I for hym likewise say, that Thomas Moubray Duke of Norfolke is a false and disloyall traytour to you, & your royall Maiestie, and to your whole realme: and likewise the duke of Hereford saith and I for him, that Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke hath receyued .viij.M. nobles to paye the souldiores that keepe your Towne of Callais, whiche he hath not done as he oughte: and furthermore the saide Duke of Norfolke hath bin the occasion of all the treason that hath bin contriued in your Realme for the spare of these .xviij. yeres, and by his false suggestions and malicious counsell, hath caused to dye and to be murthered your right dere vncle, the duke of Gloucester, sonne to king Edwarde.

Moreouer, the Duke of Hereforde saith and I for hym, that he will proue this with his bo∣dye, against the body of the said duke of Nor∣folke within listes.

The king herewith waxed angry, and asked the Duke of Hereford, if these were his words, who aunswered, Right deare Lord, they are my wordes, and hereof I require right, and the battell against hym.

There was a Knight also that asked licence to speake for the Duke of Norfolke, and obtei∣ning it, began to aunswere thus: Right deare soueraigne Lorde, here is Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, who aunswereth and saith, and I for him, that all that Henry of Lancaster

hath sayde and declared (sauing the reuerence due to the king and his counsell) is a lye, and the saide Henrye of Lancaster hath falsely and wickedly lyed as a false and disloyall Knyght, and bothe hath bene, and is a traitour againste you, your Crowne, royall Maiestye, and Realme.

This will I proue and defende as becom∣meth a loyall Knyghte to doe, wyth my bo∣dy [ 10] againste his: Right deare Lord, I beseeche you therefore, and your counsell, that it maye please you in your royal discretion, to consider and marke, what Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereforde suche a one as he is, hath saide.

The King then demaunded of the duke of Norfolk, if these were his words, and whether he had any more to say. The Duke of Norfolk then answered for himself. Right deare sir, true it is,* 3.262 that I haue receyued so muche golde to [ 20] pay your people of the town of Callaice, which I haue done, & I do auouche that your towne of Callais is aswell kept at your commaunde∣mente as euer it was at any time before, and that there neuer hathe bene by any of Callais any complaint made vnto you of me. Ryghte deare and my soueraigne Lorde for the voiage that I made into Fraunce, aboute your mari∣age I neuer receyued eyther golde or siluer of you, nor yet for the voyage that the Duke of [ 30] Aumarle, and I made into Almaigne, where wee spente great treasure: mary true it is, that once I laid an ambushe to haue slaine the duke of Lancaster, that there sitteth: but neuerthe∣lesse hee hathe pardoned mee thereof, and there was good peace made betwixt vs, for the whi∣che I yelde hym harty thankes.

This is that whiche I haue to aunswere, and am ready to defende my selfe against mine aduersarie, I beeseeche you therefore of righte [ 40] and to haue the bataile against him, in vpright iudgement.

After this, when the King had communed with his counsell a little, hee commaunded the two Dukes to stande forth, that their answers might bee hearde. The kyng then caused them once againe to bee asked if they woulde agree, and make peace togither, and they bothe flatly aunswered that they woulde not: and wythall the duke of Herford caste downe his gage, and the duke of Norfolk tooke it vp. The king per∣ceyuing [ 50] this demeanor betwixte them, sware by S. Iohn Baptist, that he wold neuer seeke to make peace betwixt them againe. And ther∣with sir Io. Bushy in name of the K. and his counsell, declared, that the king and his coun∣sell had commaunded,* 3.263 and ordeined, that they shold haue a day of battell, appoynted them, at Couentrie. Here writers disagree about the day that was appointed for some say 〈…〉〈…〉 on a Monday in August:* 3.264 other ky•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…¦ber•…•… day•…•…, being the .xvij. at Se•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…¦ther on the .xj. of September:* 3.265 But 〈…〉〈…〉 that the K. assigned them not •…•…ly the 〈…〉〈…〉 also apoynted them lists and place for•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…¦bate, and thervppon greate preparation w•…•… made, an to suche a matter apperteined. At the time appointed the King came to Couen•…•…,* 3.266 where the two Dukes were re•…•… according to the order prescribed▪ therin comming 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in greate ar•…•…aye, accompanied with the Lorde and gentlemen of their kinges. The king had caused a sumptuous scaffolde or theatre, and royall listes there to bee erected and prepared: The Sundaye heefore they shoulde fight, after diner the duke of Hereforde came to the Kyng (being lodged like a quarter of a mile without the towne in a tower that belōged to sir Wil. Bagot) to take his leaue of him. The morrow after, being the day apointed for the combat a∣bout the spring of the day came y^e duke of Nor∣folke to the Court to take leaue likewise of the King.

The Duke of Hereforde armed hym in his tent, that was set vp nere to the lists, & the duke of Norfolke putte on his armour, betwixte the gate and the barrier of the towne, in a beauti∣full house, hauing a faire perelois of wood to∣wardes the gate, that none might see what was done within the house.

The duke of Aumerle that daye being highe Constable of Englande,* 3.267 and the duke of Sur∣rey Marshall, placed themselues betwixt them, well armed and apointed, and when they sawe their time, they first entred into the listes wyth a greate company of men apparelled in •…•…ilke send all, embroudered with siluer, both richely, and curiously, euery man hauing a tipped staffe to keepe the fielde in order.

Aboute the houre of Prime came to the bar∣riers of the lists, the duke of Hereford, mounted on a white courser, barded wyth greene and blewe veluet embroydered sumptuouslye wyth Swans and Antelops of gooldsmithes worke, armed at all points. The Constable and Mar∣shall came to the barriers, demaunding of hym what hee was, hee aunswered I am Henry of Lancaster duke of Hereforde, whiche am come hither to do my denoir against Thomas Moun∣bray duke of Norfolke, as a traitor vntrue to god, the K. his realme, and me. Then inconti∣nently hee sware vpon the holy Euangelistes, that his quarrell was true and iuste, and vp∣on that point he required to enter the lists.

Then hee put vp his sworde, which before he helde naked in his hand, and putting down his viser, made a crosse on his horse, & with speare

in hande, entred into the listes, and discended from his horse, & set hym downe in a chaire of greene veluet, at the one end of the lists, & there reposed hymselfe, abiding the comming of his aduersary. Soon after him, entred into the field with greate triumph, King Richarde accom∣panied with all the peares of the realme, and in his company was the earle of sainct Paule, whiche was come out of Fraunce in post to see [ 10] this chalenge performed. The King had there aboue tenne thousande men in armour, least some •…•…ray or tumult might rise amōgst his no∣bles, by quarrelling or partaking. Whē the K. was set in his seate, which was richely hanged and adorned: a king at armes made open pro∣clamation, prohibiting all men in the name of the King, & of the high constable, and Marshal, to enterprise or attempte, to approche or touche any parte of the listes, vpon paine of death, ex∣cepte [ 20] suche as were appointed to order or mar∣shall the fielde.

The proclamation ended, an other Herault cried, beholde here Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereforde appellant, whiche is entred into the listes royall to do his deuoir againste Tho∣mas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke defendant, vpon paine to be founde false and recreant.

The duke of Norfolke houered on horseback at the entrie of the lists, his horse being barded [ 30] with crimosen veluet, embroudered richly with Lions of siluer and Mulbery trees, & when he had made his othe before the constable, & Mar∣shall that his quarrell was iust and true, he en∣tred the fielde manfully, saying aloude: God aide hym that hath the righte, and then hee de∣parted from his horse, and sate hym downe in his chaire which was crimsen veluet, courtined aboute wyth white and redde damaske. The Lord Marshal viewed their speares, to see that [ 40] they were of equall lengthe, and deliuered the one speare hymselfe to the Duke of Hereforde, and sent the other vnto the Duke of Norfolke by a Knighte. Then the Herrault proclaimed that the trauerses, and chaires of the champi∣ons shoulde bee remoued, commaunding them on the kinges behalfe, to mount on horsebacke and addresse themselues to the battaile and cō∣bate. The duke of Herford was quickly horsed, and closed his bauier, and caste his speare into [ 50] the reste, and when the trumpet founded sette forwarde couragiously towards hys enimy sixe or .vij. paces. The duke of Norfolke was not fully set forward, when the K. caste downe hys warder,* 3.268 and the Heraultes cried, ho, ho. Then the K. caused their spears to be taken frō them and cōmaunded them to repaire againe to their chaires, where they remayned .ij. long houres; while the K. & his coūsell deliberatly consulted what order was beste to be had in so weight ye a cause. Finally after they had deuised, & fully determined what shuld be done therin, the Her∣raultes cried silence, and Syr Iohn Bushy the kings secretary red the sentence and determi∣nation of the K. and his counsell, in a long roll,* 3.269 the effect wherof was, that Henry duke of Her∣ford should within .xv. dayes depart out of the realme, and not to returne before the terme of & yeres were expired, except by the Kyng hee should bee repealed again, and this vpon paine of deathe: And that Thomas Moubray duke of Norfolke, bycause hee had lowen sedition in the realme by his words, should likewise auoid the Realme, and neuer to retourne againe into Englande, nor approche the borders or con∣fines therof, vpon paine of death, and that the K. would stay the profits of his landes, till he had leuied therof suche summes of mony as the duke had taken vp of the kings treasurer for the wages of the garrison of Calleis, whych were still vnpaide. When these iudgements were once red, the K. called before him both the par∣ties, & made them to sweare that the one shuld neuer come in place, where the other was, wil∣lingly, nor keepe any companye to gither in a∣ny forrein region, whiche othe they bothe recei∣ued humbly, and so wente their waies. The Duke of Norfolke departed sorowfully out of the realme into Almaine, and at the laste came to Venice, where he for thought and melanco∣ly deceased: for he was in hope as writers re∣corde, that he should haue bene borne out in the matter by the K. which when it fell out other∣wise, it greeued hym not a little. The Duke of Hereford tooke his leane of the K. at Eltham, which there released .iiij. yeres of hys banishe∣ment: So he tooke hys iorney ouer into Cal∣lais, and from thence went into Fraunce, wher hee remained. A wonder it was to see what number of people ran after him in euery town and strete, where he came, before he took the sea, lamenting & bewailing his departure, as who shuld say, that whē he departed, the only shield,* 3.270 defence and comforte of the common wealthe was vaded and gone. At his comming into Fraunce K. Charles hearyng the cause of hys banishement (whiche he esteemed to bee verye light) receiued hym gently,* 3.271 and him honorably interteined, in so much that he had by fauor ob∣teyned in mariage the only daughter of y^e duke of Berry, vncle to the frenche K. if King Ri∣chard had not bin a let in that matter, who be∣ing thereof certified, sent the earle of Salisbu∣ry with all speede into France,* 3.272 both to surmise by vntrue suggestion, hainous offences against him, and also to require the frenche King that in no wise hee woulde suffer his cousin to bee

matched in mariage with him that was so ma∣nifest an offendor. On Neweyeares day this yeare,* 3.273 the riuer that passeth betwixte Suelle∣ston or Snelston, and Harewood, twoo villa∣ges not farre from Bedforde, sodeinly ceassed hir course, so as the chanell remained drie by the space of three miles, that any man might en∣ter into, and passe the same drie foote at his ple∣sure. This deuision whiche the water made in [ 10] that place, the one part seeming as it were not to come nere to the other, was iudged, to sig∣nifie the reuolting of the subiectes of this land, from their naturall Prince: althoughe it may be, that the water of that riuer sanke into the ground, and by some secrete passage, or chanell tooke course till it came to the place where it might rise again, as in other places is likewise seene. Ye haue heard before, howe the Arche∣bishop of Canterbury Thomas Arundel, was banished the Realme,* 3.274 & Roger Walden was [ 20] made Archbishop of that see, who was a greate fauourer of the citie of London, the which was eftsoones about this season falne into the kings displeasure: but by the diligente labour of this Archebishop, and of Roberte Braybrooke then bishop of London, vpon the humble supplica∣tion of the citizens, the kings wrathe was pa∣cified.* 3.275 But yet to content the kings mind, ma∣ny blanke charters were deuised, and brought into the citie, which many of the substanciall & [ 30] welthie citizens, were fayne to seale, to their greate chardge, as in the ende appeared. And the like charters were sent abroad into al shires within the realme, wherby greate grudge and murmuring arose among the people: for when they were so sealed, the kings officers wrote in the same what liked them, as well for charging the parties with payment of money, as other∣wise.* 3.276 In this meane time, the duke of Lanca∣ster departed out of this life at the bishop of E∣lies [ 40] place in Holborne, and lieth buryed in the cathedrall churche of S. Paule in London, on the North side of the highe Aulter, by the Lady Blaunche his firste wife.

The death of this duke gaue occasion of en∣creasing more hatred in the people of this realm towarde the king, for he seased into his handes all the goods that belonged to hym, and also re∣ceyued all the rents and reuenues of his landes whiche ought to haue discended vnto the duke [ 50] of Hereforde by lawfull inheritaunce, in reuo∣king his letters patents, which he had graunted to him before,* 3.277 by vertue wherof, he might make his attorneis generall to sue liuery for hym, of any maner of inheritaunces or possessions that myghte from thenceforthe fall vnto hym, and that hys homage myghte bee respited, wyth making reasonable fine.: wherby it was eui∣dent, that the king ment his vtter vn•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Thys hards dealing was muche my•…•… of all the nobilitie, and cried out against, of the meaner sorte: But namely the Duke of Yorke was therewyth sore amoued, who before this time, had borne things with so pacient a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as he could, though the same touched him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 neare, as the death of his brother the Duke of Gloucester, the banishment of hys neph•…•… the said duke of Hereford, and other mo iniuries 〈◊〉〈◊〉 greate number, which for the slippery youth of the king, hee passed ouer for the tyme, and did forget aswell as he might.

But now perceiuing that neither law, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nor equitie could take place, where the kinges wilful wil was bent vpon any wrongfull pur∣pose, he considered that the glorie of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wealthe of his countrey must needes decay, by reason o the king his lacke of witte, and want of suche (as would without flattery) admonish hym of hys duty: and therefore hee thought it the parte of a wise man to get hym in time to a resting place, and to leaue the followyng of suche an vnaduised capitaine, as wyth a leaders sworde would cut his owne throate.

Herevpon he wyth the duke of Aumarle his sonne, went to his house at Langley,* 3.278 reioicing that nothing had mishappened in the common wealthe throughe his deuise or consent.* 3.279 The common brute •…•…anne, that the kyng had sette to ferme the realme of England, vnto sir Wylli∣am Scrope Earle of Wiltshire, and then trea∣sourer of Englande, to sir Iohn Bushy, Syr Iohn Bagot, and sir Henry Greene Knights.

Aboute the same time, the Earle of Arun∣dels sonne, named Thomas, whiche was kept in the duke of Exeters house, escaped out of the realme, by meanes of one Willyam Scot mee∣cer, and went to his vncle Thomas Arundell, late Archbishop of Canterbury, as then soior∣ning at Coleyn.

King Richarde beeing destitute of treasure to furnishe suche a Princely porte as he main∣teined,* 3.280 borrowed greate summes of money of many of the greate Lordes and Peeres of hys realme, both spiritual and temporall, and like∣wise of other meane persones, promysing them in good earnest, by deliuering to them his let∣ters patentes for assuraunce, that hee woulde repay the money so borrowed at a day appoin∣ted: which notwithstanding he neuer payd. Moreoreouer,* 3.281 this yere he caused .xvij. shires of the realme by way of putting thē to their fines to pay no smal sūmes of money, for redeeming their offēces, that they had aided y^e duke of Glou¦cester, the erles of Arudel, & Warwik whē the•…•… rose in armor against him. The nobles, gentle∣mē, and commons of those shires were enforced

also to receiue a newe othe to assure the king of their fidelitie in time to come,* 3.282 and withall cer∣taine prelates and other honorable perso•…•…ges, were sent into the same shites, to persuade men to this payment, and to see thinges ordered at the pleasure of the Prince: and surely the •…•…nes whiche the nobles, and other the meaner estates of those shires were constrayned to pay, were not small, but exceeding greate, to the offence of many. Moreouer, the kings letters p•…•…co•…•…tes [ 10] were sent into euery shire within this land, by vertue whereof,* 3.283 an othe was demaunded of all the kings liege people for a further assuraunce of their due obedience, and they were consteri∣ned to ratifie the same in writing vnder their handes and seales.

Moreouer they were compelled to put their hands and seales, to certaine blankes, whereof yee haue hearde beefore, in the whiche, when it pleased hym hee might write, what hee thought [ 20] good. There was also a newe othe deuised for the sheriffs of euery county through the realme to receiue: finally many of the kings liege peo∣ple were throughe spite, 〈…〉〈…〉 malice, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cased, apprehended, and put in prison,* 3.284 and after, broughts before the constable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Marshall of Englande, in the Courte of Chi•…•…a•…•…y•…•…, and myght not otherwise bee deliuered except th•…•… coulde iustifie themselues by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and figh∣ting in lis•…•… against their acusers hād to hand, although the accusters for the moste parte; were lustie, yong and baliant, where the parties ac∣cused were perchaunce olde, impotent, mained and sirkly. Wherevppon not onely the greate distruction of the realme in generall, but also of euery singular person in particular, was to bee feared and looked for.

In this meane time the King being aduer∣tised that the wilde Irishe dayly wasted,* 3.285 and destroyed the tow•…•…s and •…•…ges within the english Pal•…•… had slaine many of the soul∣diours whiche lay there in garison for defence of that county, determined to make eftsoones a volage thither, and prepared al things necessary for his passage nowe against the spring.

A little before his settyng f•…•…the, he caused

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a iustes to be holden at Windsor of .xl. knights and .xl. Esquiers,* 3.286 againste all commers, and they to bee apparelled in greene, wyth a white Fawcon, and the Queene to bee there well ac∣companied with Ladies and damosels. When these iustes were finished,* 3.287 the king departed to∣warde Bristow, from thence to passe into Ire∣lande, leauing the Queene with hir traine still [ 50] at Windsor: He appointed for hys lie•…•…tenaunt generall in hys absence hys vncle the Duke of Yorke: and so in the moneth of Aprill, as diuers authors write, he set forward from Windsor, and finally tooke shipping at Milford, and from thence with .ij.C. ships, and a puissant power of men of armes and archers he sailed into Ire∣land. The Friday nexte after his arriuall there were slaine .ij.C. Irishemenne at Fourde in Ken•…•…s within the countie of Kildare, by that valiant gentelmen Ienico Da•…•…ois, and suche englishmen as he had ther with him: and on the more owe nexte ensuing the citizens of Dublia inuaded the countrey of Obrin, and slewe .33. Irishemen. The king also after her had re∣mained about .vj. days at Waterford,* 3.288 marched from thence towards Kelkenny, and comming thither, stayed thereaboute .xiiij. days, looking for the duke of Aumarle that was appointed to haue met him, but he failed & came not, where∣vppon the king on Midso•…•…er euen set forward again, marching streight towards the country of Mackmur the principall rebell in that season within Irelande,* 3.289 who keping himselfe among

woodes wyth .iij.M. right hardy men seemed to passe little for any power that myght bee brought against hym. The king yet approching to the skirtes of the woodes, commaunded hys souldiors to fier the houses and villages, which was executed wyth great forwardnesse of the men of warre. And here for some valiant acte that hee dyd, or some other fauourable respect, which the king bare to the lord Henry son to the Duke of Herford, he made him Knight. This [ 10] Henry was after king of England, succeeding his father and called by the name of Henry the fift: there were a .ix. or .x. others made knights also the same time.

* 3.290Moreouer, there were two thousande .v.C. Pioners set a work to cut down the wooddes, and to make passages throughe, and so then the englishmen entred, and by force got throughe: for the Irishmen sore feared the english bowes, [ 20] but yet now and then they espying their aduan∣tage, assailed oftentimes the englishmen wyth their darts, and slew diuers that went abroade to fetch in forrage.

The Vncle of Macmur with a wythie or withe about hys necke, came in and submit∣ted hymselfe, and lykewise many other naked and bare legged, so that the Kyng seemyng to pitye theyr myserable state, pardoned them, and afterward he also sent vnto Macmur, pro∣mysing [ 30] that if he woulde come in and require pardon as his vncle had done, he would receyue him to mercy: but Macmur vnderstanding that for want of victuals, the king must needes re∣tire within a shorte time, he refused the kinges offer. The King wyth his army remaining in those partes .xj. dayes, was in the ende con∣strained to come backe, when all their victualls were spent: for more than they brought wyth them they could not get. They lost many hor∣ses [ 40] in thys iourney for wante of prouision and forrage.

* 3.291As the Kyng was wythdrawen towardes Dubline, marching throughe the countrey, in despite of his enimies, that houered still aboute his army, Macmur sent to the Kyng, offering to talke of an agreement if it should please him to sende any noble manne to meete hym at a place appointed.

* 3.292The king herevpon commaunded the Erle [ 50] of Gloucester to take wyth hym twoo hundreth launces, and a thousande archers, and to go to trie if he might by persuasion cause him to come in and submit himselfe. The earle went, and cōming to talk with hym, found him so obsti∣nate, that their parley straightways brake off: so taking leaue eche of other, they departed and the Earle retourned to the Kyng to aduertise hym what hee hadde done and perceyued, by the communication whiche hee had had with M•…•…¦mur.

The King was sore offended with the ob∣stinatenesse of the rebell, that would not agree otherwise: but so as he myght remaine still at libertie, without daunger to suffer any m•…•… of punishment for his passed offences. Where∣vppon the king after his comming to Dub•…•…,* 3.293 and that the army hadde rested there, and in the countrey nere to the citie, for the space of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies, hee deuided his people into three partes, and sent them abroade into the country to pur∣sue the enimies, and withall made proclama∣tion, that whosoeuer could bring Macmur vn∣to his presence, should haue for his recompence a greate rewarde: for he determined not to de∣parte the countrey till he had hym eyther deade or aliue. But he knew full little then what in∣cidents to hinder his purposed intention 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after followe.

The same daye that he sent abroade his •…•…∣my thus into .iij. seuerall partes,* 3.294 the Duke of Aumarle wyth an .C. saile arriued, of whose comming the king was ryght ioyfull, and al∣though he had vsed no small negligence 〈…〉〈…〉 he came no sooner according to order before ap∣pointed, yet the king (as he was of a gen•…•… •…•…∣ture) courteously accepted his excuse: wh•…•… he was in fault or not, I haue not to say▪ but veryly he was greatly suspected, that he •…•…e not well in tarying so long after his time as∣signed.

But nowe whilest the king resteth at Dub∣lin, hys people so demeaned themselues, that the most parte of the rebells, what by manhood and pollicie were subdued, and brought vnder subiection, and (as is to be thought) if no trou∣ble vse had risen in Englande to haue called hym backe, he ment to haue rid vp the woodes, and made some notable conquest at that time vpon the rebelles, that yet helde out. But whilest he was thus occupied in deuising howe to reduce them into subiection, and takyng orders for the good staye and quyet gouernement of the countrey, diuers of the nobilitie aswel Prelats as other, and likewise many of the magistrats and rulers of the cities. Townes, and Com∣munaltie, here in Englande, perceyuing dayly how the realme drewe to vtter ruine, not like to be recouered to the former state of wealche, whilest king Richarde liued and reigned (as they tooke it) deuised with great deliberation,* 3.295 and considerate aduise to sende and signifye by letters vnto Duke Henry, whome they nowe called (as he was in deede) Duke of Lancaster and Hereforde, requiring hym with all con∣uenient speede to conueye hymselfe into Eng∣land, promising hym all theyr aide, power and

assistaunce, if he expulsing King Richard, as a man not meete for the office he bare, would take vpō him the scepter, rule and diademe of his na∣tiue land and region: he therfore being thus cal∣led vppon, by messengers and letters from hys friends, and chiefly, through the earnest perswa∣sion of Thomas Arundell, late Archbishoppe of Canterburie, (who as before ye haue heard) had bin remoued frō his sea, and banished the realme by king Richardes meanes, got hym downe in∣to [ 10] Britaine, togither with the said Archbishop, where he was ioyfully receiued of the Duke, and Duchesse,* 3.296 and found such friēdship at the Dukes handes, that there were certaine shippes rigged, and made readie for him, at a place in base Bri∣taigne, called le Porte Blanc, as we finde in the Chronicles of Britaigne: and when all his prouision was made ready,* 3.297 he tooke the sea, to∣gither with the said Archbishop of Canterburie, and hys nephew Thomas Arundell, sonne and [ 20] heyre to the late Earle of Arundell, beheaded at the Tower hill.

* 3.298There were also with hym, Reginalde Lord Cobham, Sir Thomas Erpingham, and Sir Thomas Ramston knightes, Iohn Norbury, Roberte Waterton, and Frauncis Coint esqui∣ers: few else were there: for (as some write) he had not past a .xv. launces, as they tearmed them in those dayes,* 3.299 that is to wit, men of armes, fur∣nished and appointed as the vse then was: yet [ 30] other write,* 3.300 that the duke of Britaigne deliuered vnto hym three thousand men of warre, to at∣tende hym, and that he had .viij. ships well fur∣nished for the warre, wher Froissart yet speaketh but of three.* 3.301

Moreouer, where Froissarte and also the Chronicles of Britaine auouche, that he should lande at Plimmouth,* 3.302 by our English writers it seemeth otherwise: for it appeareth by their as∣sured reporte, that he approching to the shore, [ 40] did not straight take lande, but laye aloofe, ho∣uering, and shewed himselfe nowe in this place, and nowe in that, to see what countenaunce was made by the people, whether they meante enuiouslie to resiste him, or friendely to receyue him.

When the lorde gouernour Edmond duke of Yorke was aduertised, that the duke of Lanca∣ster kepte still the sea, and was ready to arriue, (but where hee meant first to sette foote a lande, [ 50] there was not any that vnderstoode the certain∣tie) hee sente for the Lorde Chauncellour,* 3.303 Ed∣monde Stafforde Bishoppe of Exeter, and for the Lorde Treasurer, Wyllyam Scrope Earle of Wiltshire, and other of the Kynges priuy counsell, as Iohn Bushye, Wyllyam Bagot, Henrye Greene, and Iohn Russell Knightes: of these he required to knowe what they thought good to bee done in this matter, concerning the Duke of Lancaster, beeyng on the Seas.

Theyr aduise was, to depart from London, vnto Sainct Albons, and there to gather an armye to resist the Duke in his landing, but to howe small purpose theyr counsell serued, the conclusion thereof plainely declared, for the moste parte that were called,* 3.304 when they came thither boldely protested, that they woulde not fight againste the Duke of Lancaster, whome they knewe to bee euill dealte with.

The Lorde Treasorer, Bushye, Bagot, and Greene, perceyuyng that the commons woulde cleane vnto, and take parte wyth the Duke, slipped away, leauing the Lorde go∣uernour of the Realme, and the Lorde Chaun∣cellour to make what shift they coulde for them∣selues: Bagot got hym to Chester, and so esca∣ped into Irelande, the other fledde to the Ca∣stell of Bristowe, in hope there to bee in safe∣tye.

The Duke of Lancaster, after that hee hadde coasted alongst the shore a certain time,* 3.305 and had gotte some intelligence howe the peoples minds were affected towardes hym, landed aboute the beginning of Iuly in Yorkshire, at a place som∣time called Rauenspurre, betwixte Hulle and

[illustration]

Bridlington, and wyth hym not paste .lx. per∣sons, as some write:* 3.306 But hee was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ioyfullye receiued of the Lordes, Knightes, and Gentle∣men of those partyes, that hee founde meanes (by theyr helpe) forthwyth to assemble a greate number of people, that were willing to take his parte. Fyrst that came to hym, were the Lords of Lincolneshire, and other Countreys adioy∣ning, as the Lordes Willoughby, Ros, Darcy, and Beaumont.

At his commyng vnto Doncaster, the Erle of Northumberlande, and his sonne Sir Hen∣rie Percy, wardens of the Marches agaynste Scotland, with the Earle of West•…•… lande,

came vnto hym,* 3.307 where hee sware vnto those Lordes, that hee woulde demaund no more, but the landes that were to hym discended by inhe∣ritance from hys father, and in right of his wife.

Moreouer, hee vndertooke to cause the pay∣ment of taxes and •…•…allages to bee sayde downe, and to bring the King to good gouernemente, and to remoue from hym the Cheshire menne, which were enuyed of many, for that the Kyng esteemed of them more than of any other, hap∣pely, [ 10] bycause they were more faythfull to hym than other, readye in all respectes to obey hys commaundements and pleasure.

From Doncaster hauing now gote a migh∣tie armie about hym, hee marched forth with all speede through the Countreys, comming by E∣uesham, vnto Berkeley: within the space of three dayes, all the Kyngs Castels in those parties were surrendred vnto hym.

The Duke of Yorke, whome King Richard [ 20] had left as gouernour of the Realme in hys ab∣sence, hearing that his nephewe the Duke of Lancaster was thus arriued, and had gathered an armye,* 3.308 hee also assembled a puissant power of men of armes and archers (as before yee haue hearde) but all was in vayne, for there was not a man that willingly woulde thrust out one ar∣row against the Duke of Lancaster, or his par∣takers, or in any wise offende him or his friends.

The Duke of Yorke therefore passing forthe [ 30] towardes Wales to meete the Kyng, at hys commyng forth of Irelande, was receyued into the Castell of Barkeley, and there remayned, til the comming thither of the Duke of Lanca∣ster, (whome when he perceyued that hee was not able to resist) on the Sonday, after the feast of Saint Iames, whiche as that yeare came a∣bout, fell vpon the Friday, he came forth into the Church that stoode without the Castel, and there communed with the Duke of Lancaster: with [ 40] the Duke of Yorke were the Byshops of Nor∣wiche, the Lord Barkeley, the Lord Seymour, and other: with the Duke of Lancaster were these, Thomas Arundell, Archbyshop of Can∣terburie, that had bin banished, the Abbot of Lei∣cester, the Erles of Nrothumberlād and West∣me•…•…and, Thomas Arundel, son to Richard, late Erle of Arūdel y^e Baron of Greistock, the Lords Willoughby and Ros, with diuers other, lords, Knightes, and other people, which daily came to [ 50] him frō euery part of the Realm: those that came not were spoyled of all they had, so as they were neuer able to recouer themselues againe, for their goodes being then taken away, were neuer resto∣red & thus what for loue, & what for fear of losse, they came flocking vnto him from euery part.

At y^e same present ther wer arested, & comitted to safe custodie, the B. of Norwiche, Sir Wil. Elmam, & Sir Walter Burley, Knights, La•…•…¦rente Drew, and Iohn Golofer Esquiers.* 3.309

The morow after, y^e foresayd Dukes w^t their power, wente towardes Bristow, where at their comming, they shewed thēselues before y^e towne and Castell, beeing an huge multitude of people.

There were enclosed within the Castell, the lord Wil. Scrope Erle of Wilshire, and Trea∣sorer of Englande, sir Henry Greene, and Sir Iohn Busshy knightes, who prepared to make resistance, but when it would not preuayle, they were takē, and brought forth •…•…ound as prisoners into the Campe, before the Duke of Lancaster,* 3.310 On y^e morow next ensuing, they wer arreigned before the Connestable and Marshal, and found giltie of treason, for misgouerning the king and Realm, and forthwith, had their heads s•…•…t o•…•…,

[illustration]

Sir Iohn Russell was also taken there, who faining himselfe to be out of his wittes,* 3.311 escaped their hands for a time. In this meane time, king Richard aduertised, how the Duke of Lancaster was landed in Englād; & that the Lords, Gētle∣men & Cōmons, assembled thēselues to take hys part he forthwith caused y^e L. Henry, son to the sayde Duke of Lancaster, and the L. Humfrey, son to the Duke of Gloucester, to be shut vp fast in the Castell of Trymme, and with all speede, made hast to returne into Englād, in hope with an army to encounter y^e Duke, before he shoulde haue time to assemble his friends togither. But heere ye shal note, that it fortuned the same time, in whiche the Duke of Hereforde or Lancaster,* 3.312 whether ye list to call him, arriued thus in Eng∣land, the seas were so troubled by tempests, and the windes blewe so contrary for any passage, to come ouer forthe of Englande to the Kyng, remayning still in Irelande, that for the space of syxe weekes, hee receyued no aduertise∣mentes from thence: at length yet, when the Seas became calme, and the winde ouer •…•…∣ned any thyng fauourable, there came ouer a Shippe, whereby the Kyng vnderstoode the

manner of the Dukes arriuall, and all his pro∣ceedings to that daye, in whiche the Shippe •…•…e∣parted from the coast of Englande, wherevpon, hee meant forthwith to haue returned ouer into England, to make resistance against the Duke, but through perswasion of the Duke of Au∣marle as was thought, he stayed, till hee myghte haue all his Shippes, and other prouision, fully ready for his passage. And in the meane time, he sent the Earle of Salisburie ouer into Eng∣land, [ 10] to gather a power togither, by help of the Kings friends in Wales, and Cheshire, with al speede possible, that they myght bee ready to as∣sist hym agaynste the Duke, vpon his first arri∣uall, for hee meante hymselfe to followe the Earle, within sixe dayes after. The Earle pas∣sing ouer into Wales, landed at Conwey, and sente foorthe letters to the Kings friends, both in Wales and Cheshire, to leauie their people, and to come with all speede to assist the King, whose [ 20] request, with greate desire, and very willyng myndes they dyd, hoping to haue found the king hymselfe at Conwey, in so muche, that within foure dayes space, there were to the number of fortie thousande men assembled, ready to march with the King againste his enimies, if hee hadde bin there hymselfe in person, but when they mis∣sed the Kyng, there was a brute spredde among them, that the Kyng was surely dead, whyche wrought suche an impression, and euill disposi∣tion [ 30] in the myndes of the Welchmenne and o∣thers, that for any perswasion which the Earle of Salisburie mighte vse, they woulde not goe foorth with hym, till they sawe the Kyng: onely they were contented to staye foureteene dayes, to see if he should come or not, but when hee came not within that tearme, they would no longer abyde, but scaled and departed away, whereas if the King had come before theyr breakyng vp, no doubt, but they would haue put the Duke of [ 40] of Hereforde in aduenture of a fielde: so that the Kyngs lingering of tyme before his commyng ouer, gaue oportunitie to the Duke, to bryng things to passe as hee coulde haue wished, and tooke from the Kyng all occasion, to recouer af∣terwardes anye sorces, sufficiente to resist hym. At length yet, an eighteene dayes after that the Kyng had sente from hym the Earle of Salis∣burie, he tooke the Sea, togither with the Dukes of Aumarle, Exeter, Surrey, and dyuers others [ 50] of the nobilitie, with the Byshops of London, Lincolne,* 3.313 and Careleill. They landed neere to the Castell of Barclowlie in Wales, about the feast of Saint Iames the Apostle, and stayed awhyle in the same Castell, being aduertised of the greate forces which the Duke of Lancaster had gote togither againste him, wherewith hee was maruellously amased,* 3.314 knowing certaynely that those whiche were thus in armes with the Duke of Lancaster agaynste hym, woulde ra∣ther die than gyue place, as well for the hatred as feare whiche they had conceyued of him. Ne∣uerthelesse, hee departing from Barclowly, ha∣sted with all speede towards Comwey, where hee vnderstoode the Earle of Salisburie to bee still remayning:* 3.315 hee therefore taking with him suche Cheshire menne as hee hadde with him at that presente (in whome all hys trust was reposed) hee doubted not to reuenge hymselfe of his ad∣uersaries, and so at the first he passed wi•…•…h a good courage, but whē he vnderstood as he went thus forward, that all the Castels, euen from the bor∣dures of Scotland vnto Bristowe were deliue∣red vnto the Duke of Lancaster, and that lyke∣wise the Nobles and commons, as well of the South partes, as the North, were fully bente to take parte with the same Duke againste hym, and further, hearing howe hys trustie counsel∣lors hadde lost theyr heads at Bristowe, he be∣came so greately discomforted,* 3.316 that sorowfully lamenting his miserable state, he vtterly despai∣red of his owne safetie, and calling his army to∣gither, whiche was not small, licenced euery mā to departe to his home.

The Souldiers being well bente to fighte in his defence, besoughte him to be of good cheere, promising with an othe to stand with hym a∣gainste the Duke, and all his partakers vnto death, but this coulde not encourage him at all, so that in the nyght nexte ensuing,* 3.317 he stale from his armye, and with the Dukes of Exeter and Surrey, the Byshop of Careleil, and Sir Ste∣phen Scrope, and about halfe a score of others, hee gote him to the Castell of Comwey, where hee founde the Earle of Salisburie, determining there to holde himselfe, till he might see y^e worlde at some better stay, for what counsell to take to remedie the mischiefe thus pressing vppon hym hee wist not. On the one parte hee knewe hys title iust, true, and infallible, and his conscience cleane, pure, and without spotte of enuie or ma∣lice: he had also no small affiance in the Welch∣men, and Cheshire men.

On the other side, hee sawe the puissaunce of hys aduersaries, the suddayne departing of them whome he most trusted, and all thyngs turned vpside downe: he euidently sawe, and manifest∣ly perceyued, that hee was forsaken of them▪ by whome in time hee myghte haue bin ayded and relieued, where now it was too late, and too farre ouerpassed.

Thys surelye is a very notable example,* 3.318 and not vnworthye of all Princes to bee well wayed, and diligently marked, that this Henry

Duke of Lancaster shoulde be thus called to the kingdome, and haue the helpe and assistance (al∣most) of all the whole realme, which perchaunce neuer thereof thought or yet dreamed, and that king Richard should thus be left desolate, voide, and in despaire of all hope and comfort, in whom if there were anye offence, it ought rather to bee imputed to the frayletie of wanton youth, than to the malice of his hart: but such is y^e deceiuable iudgement of man, whiche not regarding thyngs [ 10] present with due cōsideration, thinketh euer that things to come, shall haue good successe, and a pleasante delectable ende. Sir Thomas Percye Earle of Worceter,* 3.319 Lord Steward of the kyngs house, either being so commaunded by the King, or else vpon displeasure (as some write) for that the King had proclaymed his brother the Earle of Northumberlande Traytor, brake his whyte staffe, which is the representing signe and token of his office, and without delay wente to Duke [ 20] Henry.

When the Kyngs seruauntes of housholde sawe this (for it was done before them all) they dispersed themselues, some into one Countrey, and some into an other. When the Duke of Lā∣caster vnderstoode that King Richarde was re∣turned foorth of Ireland, he left y^e Duke of Yorke still at Bristowe, and came backe with his po∣wer vnto Berkley, the seconde daye hee came to Gloucester, and so to Roos, after to Hereforde, [ 30] where came to him the Byshop of Hereford, and Sir Edmond Mortimer Knighte.

On the Sonday following, he went to Lim∣ster, and there the Lord Charleton came to him. From thence he went to Ludlowe, and the next day to Shrewesburie,* 3.320 where hee rested one daye, and thither came to him Sir Roberte Legh, and Sir Iohn Legh, and manie other beeing sente from Chester, to treate with the Duke of Lanca∣ster, for the Citie and Countie of Chester, that [ 40] were now ready to submit themselues vnto hym in all things.

There came hither vnto him also the Lorde Scales, and the Lorde Berdolfe, foorth of Ire∣land, hauing bin spoyled of all they hadde aboute them in Wales, as they came through y^e Coun∣trey. From Shrewesburie, be kept on his iour∣ney towards Chester, and lodging one night by the way, in a Towne there in the bordures of Wales,* 3.321 he came the seconde night vnto Chester, [ 50] and stayed there certaine dayes togither, making a iolly muster of his armye there in sighte of the Citie. The Cleargie mette, and receyued hym with procession: he sent forthwith for hys sonne and heire, and likewise for the Duke of Glouce∣sters sonne and heire, that were as yet remaining in Ireland, commaunding them with all speede to returne home into England: but the Duke of Gloucesters sonne, through mischance perished, as he was on the Seas to come ouer, for•…•… losse, his mother tooke such griefe, that shortly af∣ter through immoderate sorrowe, shee likewise passed out of this transitorie life.

In this meane time, King Richard beyng in the Castell of Conwey sore discomfited, and fea∣ring least he could not remaine there long in safe∣tie, vppon knowledge had by his trustie friendes Iohn Pallet, and Richarde Seimoure, of the dealings and approche of his aduersaries, sent the Duke of Exeter, to talke with the Duke of Lā∣caster, who in this meane while, had caused one of King Richards faithfull and trustie friendes, Sir Peers a Legh,* 3.322 commonly called Perkin a Lee, lose his head, and commaunded the same to be set vp, vppon one of the highest turrets aboute

[illustration]

all the Citie, and so that true and faithfull Gētle∣man, for his stedfast faith, and assured loyaltie to his louing soueraigne, thus lost his life.

There came to him about the same tyme, or somewhat before, the Dukes of Aumarle and Surrey, the Lord Louell, and sir Iohn Stan∣ley, besieching him to receiue him into his fauour.

By some writers it should seeme,* 3.323 that not on∣ly the Duke of Exeter, but also y^e Duke of Sur∣rey were sent vnto Duke Henry from King Ri∣chard, and that Duke Henry stayed them bothe, and would not suffer them to returne to the king againe, keeping the Duke of Exeter still aboute him, and committing the Duke of Surrey to prison, within the Castell of Chester.

The King heerewith went to Beumaris, and after to Kaerna•…•…on: but finding no prouision, either of vittailes or other things in those Ca∣stels, no not so muche as a bed to lie in, hee came backe agayne to Conwey, and in the meane time, was the Castell of Holte, deliuered to the Duke of Hereford, by those that had it in keping,* 3.324 wherein was great store of Iewels, to the valew of two hundred thousand markes, beside an hun∣dred thousand markes in ready coyne.

After this, the Duke with aduice of coun∣sell, sente the Earle of Northumberlande vnto the King, accompanyed with foure hundred launces,* 3.325 and a thousand archers, who commyng to y^e Castell of Flint, had it deliuered vnto him.

And from thence, hee hafted forthe towardes Conwey, but before he approched neere y^e place, hee left his power behind him, hid closely in two ambushes, behinde a craggie mountayne, besyde the high way that leadeth from Flint to Con∣wey. [ 10]

This done, taking not past foure or fiue with him, he passed foorth, till he came before y^e towne, and then sending an Herrault to the Kyng, re∣quested a safe conduct from the King, that hee might come and talke with him, which the kyng graunted,* 3.326 and so the Earle of Northumberlande passing the water, entred the Castell, and com∣ming to the Kyng, declared to hym, that if it mighte please his grace to vndertake, that there [ 20] should be a Parliament assembled, in the whyche iustice might bee had, against suche as were eni∣mies to the common wealthe, and had procured the destruction of the Duke of Gloucester, and o∣ther noble men, and heerewith pardon the Duke of Hereford of all things wherein hee had offen∣ded him, the Duke woulde bee readye to come to him on his knees, to craue of him forgiuenes, and as an humble subiect, to obey hym in all dutifull seruices. [ 30]

* 3.327The King taking aduice vppon these offers, and other made by the Earle of Northumber∣land on the behalfe of the Duke of Hereford: vp∣pon the Earles othe, for assurance that the same shoulde bee performed in eache condition, agreed to goe with the Earle to meete the Duke, and heerevpon, taking their horses, they rode forthe, but the Earle rode before, as it were, to prepare dynner for the King at Rutland, but commyng to the place where he had left his people, he stayed [ 40] there with them.

The King keeping on his way, had not rid∣den past foure myles, when he came to the place where the ambushes were lodged, and being en∣tred within daunger of them, before hee was a∣ware, shewed himselfe to bee sore abasshed, but now there was no remedie: for the Earle beeyng there with his men, woulde not suffer him to re∣turne, as he gladly would haue done if he might, but being enclosed with the Sea on the one side, [ 50] and the rockes on the other, hauing his aduersa∣ries so neere at hande before hym, hee coulde not shift away by any meanes, for if he shoulde haue fledde backe, they mighte easily haue ouertaken hym, ere he could haue got out of theyr daunger, and thus of force hee was then constreyned to goe with the Earle, who broughte him to Rut∣lande, where they dyned, and from thence they rode vnto Flint to bed.

The King hadde very fewe about him of hys friendes, except only the Earle of Salisburie, the Byshop of Careleill, the Lord Stephē Scroupe, Sir N. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fereby, a sonne also of the Coun∣tesse of Salisburie, and Ienico D•…•…is,* 3.328 a Gas∣coigne, that still ware the cognisance or deuise of his master King Richarde, that is to witte, a white hart, and would not putte it from him, nei∣ther for perswasions, nor threates, by reason whereof, when the Duke of Hereforde vnderstood it, hee caused hym to bee committed to prison, within the Castell of Chester.

Thys man was the last, as sayth myne Au∣thor, whiche ware that deuise, and shewed well thereby his constant heart towardes hys maister, for the whiche it was thoughte hee shoulde haue lost his life, but yet hee was pardoned, and at length reconciled to the Dukes fauour, after hee was King.

But now to oure purpose, King Richarde be∣ing thus come vnto the Castell of Flint, on the Monday, the eyghtenth of August, and y^e Duke of Hereforde beeyng still aduertised from houre to houre by postes, how the Earle of Northum∣berlande spedde, the morrowe following beeyng Tuisday, and the nintenth of August, he came thither, and mustred hys armye before the kings presence, whyche vndoubtedly made a passing fayre shewe, beyng very well ordered by the Lorde Henry Percye, that was appoynted ge∣nerall, or rather as wee maye call hym, maister of the Campe, vnder the Duke, of the whole armye.

There were come already to the Castell, be∣fore the approching of the mayne armie, the Archebyshoppe of Caunterburye, the Duke of Aumarle, the Earle of Worcetor, and dyuers other. The Archebyshoppe entred fyrste, and then followed the other, commyng into the firste warde.

The King that was walking aloft on the brayes of the walles, to beholde the commyng of the Duke a farre off, myghte see, that the Arche∣byshoppe and the other were came, and as hee tooke it to talke with him: wherevpon, hee forth∣with came down vnto them, and beholding that they did theyr due reuerence to hym on theyr knees, hee tooke them vp, and drawing y^e Arche∣byshop aside from the residue, talked with hym a good while, and as it was reported, the Arche∣byshoppe willed him to bee of good comforte, for hee should bee assured, not to haue any hurte, as touching his person, but hee prophesied not as a Prelate, but as a Pilate, as by the sequeale it well appeared.

Some write, as before in a marginall note I haue quoted, that the Archbyshop of Caunter∣bury went with the Earle of Northumberlande vnto Conwey, and there talked with him: & fur∣ther, that euen then, the King offered in conside∣ration of his insufficiencie to gouerne, freely to resigne the Crowne, and his Kingly title to the same, vnto the Duke of Hereforde: but for as much as those that were continually attendante about the Kyng, during the whole tyme of hys [ 10] abode at Conwey, and tyll hys commyng to Flynt, doe playnly affirme, that the Archbyshop came not to hym, till this Tuisday before hys remouing from Flint vnto Chester, it maye bee thought (the circumstances wel considered) that he rather made that promise heere at Flint, than at Conwey, although by the tenor of an instru∣ment, conteyning the declaration of the Archby∣shop of Yorke, and other commissioners sent frō the estates assembled in the nexte Parliamente, [ 20] vnto the saide Kyng, it is recorded to be at Con∣wey, as after ye may read. But ther may be some defaulte in the copie, as taking the one place for the other. But whersoeuer this offer was made, after that the Archbyshoppe hadde now heere at Flynt communed with the King, hee departed, and taking his horse agayne, rode backe to meete the Duke, who began at that presente to approche the Castell, and compassed it rounde a∣bout, euen downe to the Sea, with his people a∣raunged [ 30] in good and seemely order, at the foote of the mountaynes, and then the Earle of Nor∣thumberlande passing foorth of the Castell to the Duke, talked with him a whyle in sighte of the King, being againe got vp to the walles, to take better viewe of the armie, beeyng nowe aduaun∣ced within two bowe shootes of the Castell, to the small reioycing yee maye bee sure of the so∣rowfull King.

The Earle of Northumberlande, returnyng [ 40] to the Castell, appoynted the King to bee sette to dynner, (for hee was fasting till then) and after he had dined, the Duke came downe to the Ca∣stell himselfe, and entred the same all armed, hys bassenet onely excepted, and beeing within the firste gate, hee stayed there, tyll the Kyng came foorthe of the inner parte of the Castell vnto hym.

The Kyng accompanyed with the Bishop of Careleill, the Earle of Salisburie, and Sir Ste∣phen [ 50] Scrope Knight, who bare the sword before hym, and a fewe other, came foorthe into the vt∣ter warde, and sate downe in a place prepared for hym: forthwith as the Duke gote sighte of the Kyng, hee shewed a reuerente duetie as became him,* 3.329 in bowing his knee, and cōming foreward, did so likewise the seconde and thirde time, till the King tooke him by the hande, and lift him vppe, saying, deere Cousin, ye are welcome: the Duke humbly thanking him sayde, My sou•…•… Lorde and Kyng, the cause of my comming at this presente, is (your honour saued,* 3.330) to haue a∣gayne restitution of my person, my landes and heritage, through your fauourable licence.

The King heerevnto aunswered, deare Cou∣sin, I am ready to accomplish your will, •…•…o that yee maye enioy all that is yours, without excep∣tion. And thus commyng togither, they came foorthe of the Castell, and the King there called for wine, and after they had dronke, they moun∣ted on horsebacke, and rode that nyght to Flint,* 3.331 and the nexte daye vnto Chester, the thirde vnto Nantwich, the fourth to Newcastell: heere with glad countenaunce, the Lorde Thomas Beau∣champ Earle of Warwike, mette them, that had beene confyned into the Isle of Man, as before ye haue hearde, but now was reuoked home by the Duke of Lancaster. From Newcastel they •…•…e to Stafford, and the sixth daye vnto Lichefielde, and there rested Sonday all day.

After this, they rode forthe, and lodged at these places ensuing, Couentrie, Dauntree, North∣hampton, Dunstable, Sainte Albons, and so came to London: neyther was the King permit∣ted all this while to chaunge his apparrell, but rode still through all these Townes simply clo∣thed in one sute of raymente, and yet hee was in his tyme exceeding sumptuous in apparrell, in so muche, as hee had one coate, whiche he caused to be made for him of golde and stone,* 3.332 valued at 30000. markes.

The King was nowe broughte vnto West∣minster the next way, and the Duke was recey∣ued with all the ioy and pompe that myghte bee of the Londoners, and was lodged in the By∣shops Palace, by Poules Churche.

It was a wonder to see what great concourse of people,* 3.333 what number of Horses came to hym on the way as he thus passed the Countreys, tyll his comming to London, where vpō his approch to the Citie, the Maior rode foorthe to receyue hym, and a great number of other Citizens. Also the Cleargie mette him with procession, & suche ioy appeared in the countenaunces of the people, vttering the same also with words, as the lyke had not lightly bin seene: for in euery towne and village where he passed, children reioyced, womē clapped their handes, and men cryed out for ioy. But to speake of the greate numbers of people that flocked togither in the fieldes and streetes of London at his comming, I heere omitte, ney∣ther wil I speake of the presents, welcommings, landes, and gratifications made to him, by the Citizens and communaltie.

But now to the purpose. The next day after his comming to London, the King from West∣minster,

was had to the Tower,* 3.334 and there com∣mitted to safe custodie. Many euill disposed per∣sons, assembling themselues togither in greate numbers, intended to haue met with him, and to haue taken him from suche as had the conueying of him, that they might haue slayne him: but the Maior and Aldermen gathered to them the wor∣shipfull Commoners, and graue Citizens, by whose policie, and not without much adoe, y^e o∣ther were reuoked from their euill purpose: albe∣it, [ 10] before they might be pacified, they comming to Westminster, tooke maister Iohn Sclake Deane of the Kings Chappell, and from thence brought him to Newgate, and there layde hym fast in irons.

* 3.335After this, was a Parliamente called by the Duke of Lancaster, vsing the name of King Ri∣chard in the writtes directed foorth to the Lordes, and other states for theyr sommonaunce.

This Parliamente began the thirtenth day of [ 20] September, in the which, many haynous pointes of misgouernaunce, and iniurious dealings in the administration of his kingly office, were layd to the charge of this noble Prince king Richard, the whiche (to the ende the commons myghte bee perswaded, that he was an vnprofitable Prince to the common wealthe, and worthy to be depo∣sed) were engrossed vp in .33. solemne Articles, heynous to the eares of all men, and to some al∣most incredible, the very effect of whiche Articles [ 30] heere ensue, according to the copie whyche I haue seene, and is abridged by master Hall as followeth.

[ 1] * 3.336Firste, that Kyng Richarde wastfully spente the treasure of the Realme, and had giuen y^e pos∣sessions of the Crowne to menne vnworthy, by reason wherof, new charges more and more were laide in the neckes of the poore communalty. And where diuers Lords, as well Spiritual as Tem∣porall, were appoynted by the high Courte of [ 40] Parliament, to commune and treate of dyuers matters concerning the common wealthe of the Realme, which being busie about the same com∣mission, he with other of his affinitie went about to empeach, and by force and menacing, compel∣led the iustices of y^e Realme at Shrewesburie to condiscend to his opinion, for the destruction of y^e said Lords, in so much, y^t he began to raise warre against Iohn Duke of Lancaster, Richard Erle of Arundell, Thomas Erle of Warwike, & other [ 50] Lordes, contrary to his honor and promise.

[ 2] Item, that hee caused his Vncle the Duke of Gloucester to be arrested without lawe, and sente him to Calais, and there withoute iudgemente murthered him, and although the Earle of Arū∣dell vpon his arreignement pleaded his Chartor of pardon, he could not be heard, but was in most vile & shamefull maner suddainely put to deathe.

[ 3] Item, hee assembled certaine Lancashire and Chesshire men, to the intente to make warre on the same Lordes, and suffered them to robbe and pill, without correction or reprieue.

[ 4] Item, although the King flateringly, and with greate dissimulation, made proclamation thorough out the Realme, that the Lords before named, were not attached of anye crime of trea∣son, but only for extortions & oppressiōs done in this realme, yet he layde to them in the Parlia∣ment rebellion, and manifest treason.

[ 5] Item, he hathe compelled diuers of the sayde Lordes, seruauntes, and friends, by menace and extreame paynes, to make greate fines, to their vtter vndoing and notwithstanding hys pardon, yet he made them fyne of newe.

[ 6] Item, where diuers were appoynted to com∣mune of the state of the Realme, and the com∣mon wealthe thereof, the same King caused all the rolles and recordes to bee kept from them, cō∣trarie to promise made in the Parliamente, to his open dishonor.

[ 7] Item, he vncharitably commaunded, that no man, vpon paine of losse of life and goodes, should once intreate him for the returne of Henry nowe Duke of Lancaster.

[ 8] Item, where this Realme is holden of God, and not of the Pope or other Prince, the sayde King Richard, after hee hadde obteyned dyuers Actes of Parliament, for his owne peculiar pro∣fit and pleasure, then hee obteyned Bulles and extreame censures from Rome, to compell all men straightly to keepe the same, contrary to the honour and auntiente priuiledges of thys Realme.

[ 9] Item, although the Duke of Lancaster hadde done his deuoyre againste Thomas Duke of Northfolke in proofe of his quarrell, yet the sayde King, without reason or ground, banished hym the Realme for tenne yeares, contrarye to all e∣quitie.

[ 10] Item, before the Dukes departure, hee vnder hys broade scale •…•…nced him to ma•…•…e atturneys, to prosecute and defende his causes: the fayde King after his departure, woulde suffer none at∣tourney to appeare for him, but did wyth his at his pleasure.

[ 11] Item the same king put oute diuers Sheriffes lawfully elected, and put in their •…•…oomthes diuers other of his owne, subuerting the lawe, contrary to his othe and honor.

[ 12] Item, he borowed great summes of money, & bound him vnder his letters patents, for the re∣paymente of the same, & yet not one peny payde.

[ 13] Item, hee taxed men at the will of hym and his vnhappie counsayle, and the same treasure spent in folly, not paying poore men for their vit∣tayle and viande.

[ 14] Item, hee sayde, that the lawes of the Realme were in his head, and sometimes in hys brest, by reason of whych fantasticall opinion, he destroy∣ed noble menne, and empouerished the poore commons.

[ 15] Item, the Parliamente setting and enacting diuers notable statutes, for the profit and ad∣uauncemente of the common wealthe, hee by hys priuie friendes and solicitors caused to be enac∣tect, that no Acte then enacted, shoulde bee more [ 10] preiudiciall to him, than it was to anye of hys predecessors: through whyche prouiso, hee dyd often as hee listed, and not as the Lawe did meane.

[ 16] Item, for to serue his purpose, hee woulde suffer the Sherifes of the Shire, to remayne a∣boue one yeare or two.

[ 17] Item, at the summonance of y^e Parliament, when Knightes and burgesses should be elected, that the election hadde beene full proceeded, hee [ 20] putte out dyuers persons elected, and putte other in theyr places, to serue hys will and appe∣tite.

[ 18] Item, hee hadde priuie espials in euery Shire, to heare who hadde of hym anye communica∣tion, and if hee communed of hys laseiuios ly∣uing, or outrageous doyngs, hee straighte∣wayes was apprehended, and put to a greeuous fyne.

[ 19] Item, the Spiritualtie alledged against hym, [ 30] that he at hys goyng into Irelande, exacted ma∣ny notable summes of money, beside plate and iewels, without lawe or custome, contrary to his othe taken at his coronation.

[ 20] Item, where dyuers Lordes and Iustices were sworne to saye the troth of dyuers thyngs to them committed in charge, both for the honor of the Realme, and profite of the Kyng, the sayde King so menaced them with sore threat∣nings, that no man woulde or durst saye the [ 40] righte.

[ 21] Item, that without the assente of the nobili∣tie, he carried the iewelles, plate, and Treasure ouer into Ireland, to the great empouerishmente of the Realme: and all the good recordes for the common wealthe, and againste hys extorcions, hee caused priuily to be embesyled, and conueyed away.

[ 22] Item, in all leagues and letters to be conclu∣ded or sent to the See of Rome, or other regions, [ 50] his writing was so subtill and darke, that no o∣ther Prince once beleeued him, nor yet his owne subiectes.

[ 23] Item, hee most tyrannously and vnprincely sayde, that the lyues and goodes of all his sub∣iectes were in his handes, and at hys disposi∣tion.

[ 24] Item, that contrarye to the greate Char•…•… of Englande, hee caused diuers iustie menne to ap∣peale dyuers olde menne, vpon matters determi∣nable, at the common lawe in the Court Ma•…•…∣all, bycause that there is no tryall, but onely by battayle: wherevppon, the sayde aged persons, fearyng the sequele of the matter, submitted thē∣selues to his mercie, whome hee fyned and raun∣somed vnreasonably at his pleasure.

[ 25] Item, he craftely deuised certaine priuie othes, contrary to the lawe, and caused diuers of hys subiectes firste to be sworne to obserue the same, and after bounde them in bondes, for keeping of the same, to the greate vndoing of manye honest men.

[ 26] Item, where the Chancellor, according to the lawe, would in no wise graunt a prohibition to a certayne person, the King graunted it vnto the same, vnder his priuie seale, with greate threatenings, if it shoulde be disobeyed.

[ 27] Item, hee banished the Bishoppe of Caun∣terburie without cause or Iudgement, and kepte hym in the Parliamente chamber with men of armes.

[ 28] Item, the Byshoppes goodes hee graunted to hys successor, vppon condition, that he shoulde mayneteyne all his Statutes made at Shrewes∣burie, Anno .21. and the Statutes made Anno 22. at Couentrie.

[ 29] Item, vppon the accusation of the sayde By∣shoppe, the Kyng craftely perswaded hym, to make no aunswere, for hee woulde bee his war∣rante, and aduised hym not to come to the Par∣liamente, and so withoute aunswere hee was condemned and exiled, and hys goodes sea∣sed.

These bee all the Articles of any effecte, whych were layde agaynste hym, sauing foure other, whyche touched onely the Archebyshoppes mat∣ter, whose working wroughte Kyng Richarde at length from hys crowne.

Then for as muche as these Articles, and o∣ther haynous and detestable accusations were layde agaynste hym in open Parliament, it was thought by the most parte, that hee was worthy to bee deposed of all Kingly honor, and princely gouernemente: and to bring the matter without slaunder the better to passe, dyuers of the Kyngs seruauntes, whyche by licence had arcesse to hys person, comforted hym (beyng with sorrowe al∣most consumed, and in manner halfe dead) in the best wise they coulde, exhorting hym to regarde his health, and saue his life.

And fyrst they aduised hym willingly to suf∣fer hymselfe to bee deposed,* 3.337 and to resigne hys righte of hys owne accorde, so that the Duke of Lancaster myghte withoute murther or

battaile obteyne the Scepter and Diademe, after which they well perceyued hee gaped: by meane whereof they thought hee might be in perfect assu∣rance of his life long to continue. Whether thys their perswasion proceeded by the suborning of the Duke of Lancaster and his fauourers, or of a sincere affection which they bare to the K. as sup∣posing it most surest in such an extremity, it is vn¦certain, but yet the effect followed not, howsoeuer their meaning was: notwithstāding the K. being [ 10] now in the hands of his enimies, & vtterly dispay∣ring of all comforte, was easily perswaded to re∣nounce his Crowne and princely preheminence, so that in hope of life only, he agreed to all things that were of him demaunded.* 3.338 And so (as it should seeme by the Copie of an Instrument hereafter following) he renounced and voluntarily was de∣posed from his royal Crowne, and kingly digni∣tie, the Monday being the .xxix. day of Septem∣ber, and feast of Saint Michaell the Archangell, [ 20] in the yeare of our Lorde .1399. and in the .xxiij. yeare of his raigne. The Copie of which Instru∣ment here ensueth.

* 3.339THis present Indenture made the .xxix. day of September, and feast of Saint Michaell, in the yeare of our Lorde .1399. and the .xxiij. yeare of king Richarde the seconde. Witnesseth that where by the authoritie of the Lordes spirituall and temporall of this present Parliament, and Commons of the same, the right honourable and [ 30] discrete persons herevnder named, were by the sayde authoritie assigned to go to the Tower of London, there to heare and testifie such questions and answeres as then and there shoulde be by the sayde honourable and discrete persones hearde: Know al men to whom these present letters shall come, that we, sir Richard Scrope Archbishop of Yorke, Iohn Bishop of Hereforde, Henrie Earle of Northumberlande, Raufe Earle of Westmer∣lande, Thomas Lorde Berkeley, William Ab∣bot [ 40] of Westminster, Iohn Prior of Canterburie, William Thyrning & Hugh Burnell knights, Iohn Markham Iustice, Thomas Stow and Iohn Buchage doctors of the Law ciuill, Tho∣mas Erpingham and Thomas Grey knightes, Thomas Fereby and Denis Lopeham notaries publike, the day and yere abouesayd, betwene the houres of eight and nine of the clock before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were present in the chiefe Chamber of the Kings lodging, within the sayde place of the Tower, [ 50] where was rehearsed vnto the king by the mouth of the foresayde Earle of Northumberlande, that before time at Conway in Northwales,* 3.340 the •…•…g being there at his pleasure and libertie, promised vnto the Archbishop of Canterburie then Tho∣mas Arundell, and vnto the sayde Earle of Nor∣thumberlande, that he for insufficiencie which doe knewe himselfe to bee of, to occupie to greate a charge, as to gouerne the Realme of Englande, he would gladly leaue off and renounce his •…•…ight & title, as well of that as of his •…•…le to the crowne of Fraunce, and his maiestie royall, vnto Henrie Duke of Hereforde, and that to doe in such con∣uenient wife, as by the learned men of this lande it shoulde most sufficiently be deuised and ordey∣ned. To the whiche rehearsall, the king in ouer sayde presences answered beningly and said, that such promise he made, and so to doe the same, he was at that houre in ful purpose to performe and fulfill, sauing that he desired first to haue personal speache with the sayde Duke, and with the arch∣bishop of Canterburie his cousins. And further, he desired to haue a bill drawne of the sayd resig∣nation, that he might bee perfite in the rehearsall thereof.

After which •…•…il drawne, & a copie therof to him by me the saye Erle deliuered, we the sayd Lords and other departed and vpon the same after noone the king loking for the cōming of the duke of Lā∣caster, at the last the sayd duke, with the Archb. of Cant. and the persones afore recited, entred the foresayde Chamber, bringing wyth them the Lords Roos, Burgeyny, and Willough•…•…, with diuerse other. Where after due obeysance done do thē vnto the king, hee familiarly and with a glad countenance (as to them and vs appeared talked with the sayde Archbishop and Duke a good sea∣son, and that communicatiō finished, the king with glad countenance in presence of vs and the other aboue rehearsed, sayde openly that he was readie to renounce and resigne all his kingly Maiestie in maner and forme as hee before had promised. And although he had and might sufficiently haue declared his renouncement by the reading of an other meane person, yet for the more fiftene of the matter, and for that the sayd resignation shoulde haue his full force and strength, himselfe therfore read the scroll of resignation, in maister and forme as followeth.

IN the name of God Amen.* 4.1

I Richard by the grace of God, king of Englande and of Fraunce. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lorde of Irelande, 〈…〉〈…〉 a•…•…∣soyle all Archbishops, Bishoppes, and other Pre∣lates, secular, or religious, of what dignitie, de∣gree, state, o•…•… condition so euer they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of, and al∣so al Dukes, Marques•…•… Erles, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lordes, and all my liege men, both spirituall, and secular, of what maner or degree they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from their othe de fealtie and homage, and all other deedes also priuiledges made vnto me, and from all manner bondes of allegiance, regalme and lordshippe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which they were or be bounden to mee, or any o∣therwise constrayned, and them then heyres and successors for euermore, from the same bandes, and othes, I release, deliuer and acq•…•…e, and set them for free, dissolued, and acqui•…•…ite, and to •…•…re

harmelesse, for as much as longeth to my person by any maner way or tytle of right that to mee might follow, of the foresayde things or any of them. And also I resigne all my kingly dignitie, Maiestie and crowne, with all the Lordshippes, power, and priuiledges to the foresayde kingly dignitie and Crowne belonging, and all other Lordshippes and possessions to me in any maner of wise perteyning, what name or condition they be of, except the landes and possessions for mee [ 10] and mine obite purchased and bought. And I re∣nounce all right, and all maner of title of posses∣sion, which I euer had or haue in the same lord∣shippes and possessions, or any of them, with a∣ny maner of rightes belonging or apperteyning vnto anye parte of them. And also the rule and gouernaunce of the same kingdome and Lord∣shippes, with all ministrations of the same, and all things and euerye eche of them, that to the whole Empyre and iurisdictions of the same, be∣longeth [ 20] of right or in any wise may belong. And also I renounce the name, worship, & regaltie and kingly highnesse, clearly, freely, singularly and wholy, in the most best maner and fourme that I may, and wyth deede and worde I leaue off and resigne them, and goe from them for euer∣more, sauing alwayes to my successours kings of Englande, all the rightes, priuiledges and ap∣purtenaunces to the sayde kingdome and Lord∣ships abouesayde belonging and apperteyning. [ 30] For well I wote and knowledge, and deeme my selfe to bee, and haue beene vnsufficient and vn∣able, and also vnprofitable, and for my open de∣sertes, not vnworthie to bee put downe. And I sweare vpon the holy Euangelysts here present∣ly with my handes touched, that I shall neuer repugne to this resignation, demission or yeelding vp, nor neuer impugne them in any manner by worde or by deede by my selfe nor by none other: nor I shall not suffer it to bee impugned, in as [ 40] much as in mee is priuily, or apert. But I shall haue holde and keepe this renouncing, dimission, and leauing vp for fyrme and stable for euermore in all and euery part thereof, so God mee helpe and all Saintes, and by this holy Euangelist, by me bodily touched and kissed. And for more recorde of the same, here openly I subscribe and signe this present resignation with mine owne hande.

And forthwith in our presences and other, [ 50] be subscribed the same, and after deliuered it vn∣to the Archbishop of Caunterburie, saying that if it were in his power, or at his assignment, hee woulde that the Duke of Lancaster there pre∣sent should be his successour, and King after him.

And in token hereof, hee tooke a Ring of gold from his finger being his Signet, and put it vp∣on the sayde Dukes finger, desiring and requy∣ring the Archebishoppe of Yorke, and the By∣shoppe of Hereforde, to shewe and make reporte vnto the Lordes of the Parliament of his volun∣tarie resignation, and also of his intent and g•…•… minde that hee bare towardes his cousin the Duke of Lancaster, to haue him hys Succes∣sour and theyr King after him. And thys done, euery man tooke theyr leaue and returned to theyr owne.

Vpon the Morrowe after beeing Tuesday, and the last day of September, all the Lords spi∣rituall and temporall, with the Commons of the sayde Parliament, assembled at Westmynster, where in the presence of them, the Archbishoppe of Yorke, and the Bishoppe of Hereforde, accor∣ding to the Kings request, shewed vnto them the voluntarie renouncing of the king, with the fauor also whiche he bare to his cousin of Lancaster for to haue him his successor.

And moreouer shewed vnto them the scedule or byll of renouncement, signed with king Ry∣chardes owne hand, which they caused to be read first in Latine, as it was written, and after in Englishe.

This done, the question was first asked of the Lordes, if they would admit and allow that re∣nouncement:* 4.2 The which when it was of them graunted and confirmed, the like question was asked of the commons, and of them in like maner confirmed.

After this, it was then declared, that notwith∣standing the foresayde renouncing, so by the Lords and Commons admitted and confirmēd, it were necessarie in auoyding of all suspitions and surmises of euill disposed persons, to haue in wryting and registred the manifolde crymes and defaults before done by K. Ri. to y^e ende that they might first bee openly declared to the people, and after to remaine of recorde amongst other of the kings recordes for euer: which was done accor∣dingly: for the articles which before ye haue heard were drawne and engrossed vp, and there shewed ready to be read, but for other causes more needful as thē to be preferred, the reading of those articles at that season was deferred.

Then forasmuch as the Lordes of the Parlia∣ment had well considered the voluntarie resigna∣tion of king Richarde, and that it was behouefull and as they thought necessary for the weale of the realme, to proceede vnto the sentence of his depo∣sing, there were appoynted by the authoritie of al the estates there in Parliamēt assembled, the Bi∣shop of Saint Asaph, the Abbot of Glastenburie, the Erle of Gloucester, the Lorde Berkley. Wil∣liam Thirning iustice, and Tho. Expingham & Th. Gray knights, y^t they shuld giue & pronoūce the opē sentence of the deposing of king Richarde Wherevpon the sayde. Commissioners taking

counsaile togither, by good and deliberate aduise therein had, with one assent agreed, that the B. of S. Asaph shoulde publish the sentence for them and in their names as followeth.

IN the name of God Amen. We Iohn B. of S. Asaph,* 4.3 Iohn Abbot of Glastenburie, Thomas erle of Gloucester, Thomas L. Bark∣ley, Wil. Thirninge Iustice, Thomas Erping∣ham and Thomas Gray knights, chosē & depu∣ted speciall cōmissaries by the thre estates of thys [ 10] present Parliament, representing the whole body of the realme, for all such matters by the sayde e∣states to vs committed: we vnderstanding & con∣sidering the manifold crymes, hurts, and harmes done by Richarde king of England, and misgo∣uernance of the same by a long time, to the great decay of the sayd land, and vtter ruine of the same shortly to haue bin, had not the speciall grace of our God therevnto put the sooner remedie: and al∣so furthermore aduerting, that the sayd king Ri∣chard [ 20] by acknowledging his own insufficiencie, hath of his owne mere volunte and free will, re∣nounced and giuen ouer the rule and gouernance of this lande, with all rights and honors vnto the same belonging, and vtterly for his merites hath iudged himselfe not vnworthily to be deposed of all kingly Maiestie and estate roial. We the pre∣misses well considering by good and diligent deli∣beration, by the power, name, and authoritie to vs [ 30] (as aboue is said) committed, pronounce, discern, and declare the same king Richard, before this to haue bin, and to be vnprofitable, vnable, vnsuffi∣cient, & vnworthy to the rule and gouernaunce of the foresayde realmes and Lordships, and of all rights and other the appurtenances to the same belonging. And for the same causes we depriue him of al kingly dignitie and worship, and of any kingly worship in himself. And we depose him by our sentence definitiue, forbidding expresly to all [ 40] Archbishops, Bishops, & all other prelates, dukes, Marquesses, Erles, Barons and Knights, and al other men of the foresayde kingdome and Lord∣ships, subiects, and lieges whatsoeuer they be, that none of them from this day forward, to the fore∣sayd Richard as K. & lord of the foresaid realmes and lordships be neither obedient nor attendant.

After which sentence thus openly declared, the said estates admitted forthwith the forenamed cōmissioners for their procurators, to resigne and [ 50] yeeld vp vnto king Richard, al their homage and fealty, which in times past they had made & ought vnto him, and also for to declare vnto him (if need were) all thinges before done that concerned the purpose and cause of his deposing: the which re∣signation was respited till the morow folowing.

Immediatly as the sentence was in this wise passed, & that by reason therof the realm stood void without head or gouernor for the time, the Duke of Lancaster rising from the place where he before sate, and standing where all those in the house might behold him, in reuerent maner made a sign of the crosse on his forehed, & likewise on his brest, & after silence by an officer cōmaūded, said vnto y^e people there being present, these words following.

IN the name of the father, and of the son,* 4.4 and of the holy ghost. I Henrie of Lancaster clayme the realme of England and the crowne, with all the appurtenances, as I that am discended by right line of the bloud cōming frō that good Lord king Henrie the thirde, and through the right that God of his grace hath sent to me, with the helpe of my kyn, and of my friends, to recouer the same which was in poynt to be vndone for default of good gouernance and due iustice.

After whiche words thus by him vttered, he returned and sate him down in the place where before he had sitten.

Then the Lords hauing heard and wel percei∣ued this claime thus made by this noble man, ech of them asked of other what they thought therin. At length after a little pausing or stay made, the Archb. of Cāterburie hauing notice of the minds of the Lordes,* 4.5 stood vp and asked the commons if they woulde assent to the Lordes, which in theyr mindes thought the clayme of the Duke made, to bee rightfull and necessarie for the wealth of the realme and them all: wherevnto the Commons with one voyce cried, yea, yea, yea. After which answere, the sayd Archbishop going to the duke, and kneeling downe before him on his knee, ad∣dressed to him his purpose in fewe wordes. The which when he had ended, he rose,* 4.6 and taking the duke by the right hād, led him vnto the kings seat,* 4.7 the Archbishop of Yorke assysting him, and with great reuerence set him therein, after that the duke had first vpon his knees made his prayer in de∣uout maner vnto almightie God. When he thus was placed in his throne to the great reioysing of the people,* 4.8 y^e Archb. of Cant. began a brief collatiō

[illustration]

taking for his theme these wordes, written in the first booke of kings the ninth Chapter. Vir domi∣nabitur in populo, handling the same & the whole tenour of his tale to the prayse of the King, whose settled iudgement, grounded wisedome, perfite reason, and rype discretion was such, (sayd he) as declared him to bee no childe, neyther in yeares, nor in lighte conditions, but a manne able and meete for the gouernment of a Realme, so that there was no small cause of comforte ministred [ 10] to them through the fauourable goodnesse of al∣mightie God, which had prouided them of suche a gouernour, as lyke a discreete Iudge shall deeme in causes by skylfull doomes, and rule hys Subiectes in vpryghte equitie, settyng a∣parte all wylfull pleasures, and chyldishe incon∣stancie.

After the Archbishop had ended, wishing that it might so come to passe, the people answered Amen. [ 20]

* 4.9The king then standing on his feet, said vnto the Lordes and Cōmons there present: I thanke you my Lordes both spirituall and temporal, and all the states of this lande, and doe you to witte, that it is not my will that any man thinke, that I by the way of conquest, would disinherite any man of his heritage, franches, or other ryghtes, that him ought to haue of right, nor for to putte him out of that which he now enioyeth, and hath had before time by custome of good law of thys [ 30] realme, except such priuate persons as haue beene against the good purpose, and the common profit of the realme.

When hee had thus ended, then all the She∣rifes and other officers were put in their authori∣ties againe, to exercise the same as before, whiche they could not doe whilest the kings royal throne was voyde.

* 4.10Moreouer a Proclamation was made, that the states shoulde assemble againe in Parliament [ 40] on Monday then next ensuing, beeing the feast day of S. Fayth, whiche is the sixt of October, and that the Monday then next following, being the .xiij. of the same Moneth, and the feast day of Saint Edward the king,* 4.11 and Confessor, the co∣ronation should be solemnised, and that al such as had to clayme any seruice to be done by them at the same by any tenure, they shoulde come to the white Hall in the kings Palace, afore the steward Marshall and Conestable of Englande, on Sa∣terday [ 50] next before the same day of y^e Parliamēt,* 4.12 and presenting their petitions that were due and rightfull, they should obteyne that to them apper∣teyned. Excuse was also made on the kings be∣halfe, for calling a Parliament vpon so short a warning so as the knights and Burgesses were not chaunged, but onely appoynted to assemble againe, as if the other Parliament had rather bin continued than dis•…•…owed. The cause was •…•…¦ged to bee for easing of the charges that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 haue rysen if eche man had bene sent hom•…•… new knightes and burgesses called. These 〈◊〉〈◊〉 done, the king rose from his place, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cheerefull and right courteous countenaunce re∣garding the people, went to whyte Hall, w•…•… the same day he helde a great feast.

In the after Noone were Proclamations made in the accustomed places of the E•…•… in the name of king Henrie the fourth.* 4.13

On the morrow following being Wednes∣day, and first of October, the Procurators 〈◊〉〈◊〉 named, repayred to the Tower of London; and there signified to king Richarde of the admission of King Henrie. And the aforesayde Iustice William Thyrning in name of the other, and for all the states of the lande,* 4.14 renounced vnto the sayde Richarde late king, all homage and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him before time due, in maner and forme as apperteyned.

And thus was King Richarde depriued of all kingly honour and princely dignitie, by reason he was so giuen to followe euill counsaile, and vsed suche inconuenient wayes and meanes, through insolēt misgouernāce, & youthful outrage, though otherwise a righte noble and woorthie Prince: He raigned .xxij. yeares, three moneths, and .viij. dayes.

He deliuered to king Henrie now that he was thus deposed, all the goodes that he had,* 4.15 to the summe of three hundred thousande poundes in coyne, besides Plate and Iewels, as a pledge and satisfaction of the iniuries by him committed and done, in hope to bee in more suretie of life for the deliuerie thereof: but whatsoeuer was promised, he was deceyued therein. For shortly after his re∣signation, hee was conueyed to the Castell of Leedes in Kent, and from thence to Pumfret, where he departed out of this miserable life (as af∣ter you shal heare.) He was seemely of shape and fauour, and of nature good ynough,* 4.16 if the wicked∣nesse and naughtie demeanor of such as were a∣bout him had not altered it. His chaunce verily was greatly infortunate, whiche fell into suche calamitie, that hee tooke it for the beste waye hee coulde deuise to renounce hys Kingdome, for the whiche mortall menne are accustomed to hazarde all they haue to atteyne therevnto: but such mysfortune, or the lyke oftentymes falleth vnto those Princes, whiche when they are a∣loft, cast no doubt for perilles that maye fol∣lowe. He was prodigall, ambitious, and muche giuen to the pleasure of the bodie.* 4.17 Hee kept the greatest port, and mainteyned the most plentifull house that euer any king in Englande did eyther before his time or since.* 4.18

There resorted dayly to his court aboue .x.M.

persons that had meate and drinke there allowed them. In his kitchen there were three hundred seruitors, and euerie other office was furnished af∣ter the like rate: Of Ladies, Chamberers, & Laū∣derers, there were aboue three hūdred at the least. And in gorgeous and costly apparell they excee∣ded all measure,* 4.19 not one of them that kept with∣in the boundes of his degree. Yeomen & Groomes were clothed in silkes, with clothe of graine and skarlet, ouer sumptuous ye may be sure for theyr [ 10] estates. And this vanitie was not onely vsed in the Court in those dayes, but also other people a∣brode in the townes and Countreys, had theyr garments cutte farre otherwise than had beene accustomed afore his dayes, with embroderyes, riche furres, and goldsmithes worke, and euerie day there was deuising of newe fashions, to the greate hynderaunce and decay of the common wealth.

Moreouer such were preferred to Bishoprikes, [ 20] and other Ecclesiastical lyuings,* 4.20 as neither could teache nor preache, nor knewe any thing of the scripture of God, but onely to call for theyr tithes and dueties, so that they were moste vnworthie the name of Bishops, being lewd and most vaine persons disguised in Bishops apparell.

Moreouer there reigned abundantly the fil∣thie sinne of lecherie and fornication, with abho∣minable adulterie, specially in the king, but moste chiefly in the prelacie, whereby the whole realme [ 30] by such their euill ensample, was so infected, that the wrath of God was dayly prouoked to ven∣geance, for the sinnes of the Prince and hys people.

Thus haue ye heard what wryters do report touching the state of the time and doings of this king. But if I may boldly say what I think: he was a Prince the most vnthankfully vsed of hys subiects, of any one of whom ye shal lightly read. For although through the frailtie of youth he de∣meaned [ 40] himselfe more dissolutely than seemed conuenient for his royall estate, and made choyse of such Counsaylers as were not fauoured of the people, wherby he was the lesse fauoured himself: yet in no kings days were the commons in grea∣ter wealth, if they could haue perceyued their hap∣pie state: neither in any other time were the No∣bles and Gentlemen more cherished, nor Church∣men lesse wronged: but such was their ingrati∣tude towardes their bountifull and louing soue∣raigne, [ 50] that those whome he had chiefly aduaun∣ced, were readiest to controll him, for that they might not rule all things at their will, and re∣moue from him such as they mislyked, and place in theyr rowmthes whome they thought good, and that rather by strong hande, than by gentle and courteous meanes, which stirred such malice betwixt him and them, till at length it could not be asswaged without perill of destruction to them both.

The Duke of Gloucester chiefe instrument of this mischiefe, to what ende hee came yee haue heard: and although his nephewe the Duke of Hereforde, tooke vpon him to reuenge his death, yet wāted he moderation and loyaltie in hys do∣ings, for the which both he himself and his l•…•…neal race were scourged afterwardes, as a due punish∣ment with rebellious subiects, so as deserued ven∣geance seemed not to stay long for his ambitious crueltie, that could not be contented to driue king Richard to resigne his Crowne and regall dig∣nitie ouer vnto him, except hee also shoulde take from him his guiltlesse life.

But to let this passe to the consideration of the learned: according to our order, I will shewe what wryters of our English nation liued in his dayes, as wee finde them in Iohn Bales Cen∣turies.

First Henrie Bederic, otherwise surnamed of Burie, after the name of the towne where hee is thought to haue bin borne, an Augustine Frier: Simon Alcocke: Vthred Bolton a Monke of Durham, but borne in the borders of Wales, be∣yond Seuerne: William Iordan a black Frier: Iohn Hilton a Frier Minor: Iohn Clipton'a Carmelite Frier in Notingham: Henrie Daniel a black Frier & a good Phisition: Raufe Marhā: Iohn Marcheley a gray Frier, or cordelier as some call them: Thomas Broome a Carmelite Frier of London: Iohn Bridlington borne in Yorkeshire: William Thorne an Augustine Frier of Canterburie, an Historiographer: Adam Merimouth a Canon of Saint Paules Church in London, that wrote two treatises of hystori∣call matters, the o•…•…e intituled Chronicon. 40 anno∣rum, & the other, Chronicon. 60. an. Simon Bre∣don borne in Winchcombe, a doctor of Phisicke, and a skilfull Astronomer: Iohn Thompson, borne in Norffolk in a village of that name, and a Carmelite frier in Blackney: Thomas Win∣terton borne in Lincolnshyre, and an Augustine Frier in Stamford: William Packington Se∣cretarie sometime to the blacke Prince, an excel∣lēt historiographer: Geffray Hinghā a ciuilian: Iohn Botlesham borne in Cambridgeshire a black Frier: William Badby a Carmelite frier, Bishop of Worcester, and confessor to the Duke of Lancaster: William Folleuille a Frier minor borne in Lincolnshire: Iohn Bourgh parson of Collinghā in Notinghāshire a doct. of diuinity, and Chancellor of the vniuersitie of Cambridge: William Sclade a Monke of Buckefast Abbay in Deuonshire: Iohn Thoresbie Archbishop of Yorke, and Lord Chauncellor of England, was admitted by Pope Vrbane the fifth into the Col∣ledge of Cardinals, but he died before K. Richard

came to the Crowne aboute the .xlviij. yeare of king Edwarde the thirde, in the yeare of our lord 1374. Thomas Ashborne an Augustine Frier: Iohn Astone an earnest follower of Wicklifes doctrine, and therefore condemned to perpetuall prison: Casterton a Monke of Norwiche, and an excellent diuine: Nicholas Radclife a monke of S. Albones: Iohn Ashwarby a diuine, and a fauorer of Wicklifs doctrine: Richard Maydston so called of the towne in Kent where hee was [ 10] borne, a Carmelite Frier of Aylefford: Iohn Wardby an Augustine Frier, and a great diuine: Robert Waldby excellently learned as well in diuinitie as other artes,* 4.21 for the which he was first aduaunced to a Bishoprike in Gascoigne, and af∣ter he was admitted Archbishoppe of Dubline: William Berton a doctor of diuinitie, and Chā∣cellor of the Vniuersitie of Oxford, an aduersarie to Wicklif: Philip Repingtō Abbot of Leycester a notable diuine & defēder of Wicklife: Thomas [ 20] Lombe a Carmelite Frier of Lynne: Nicholas Hereford a secular priest, a doctor of diuinitie, and scholer to Wicklife: Walter Britte also ano∣ther of Wicklifs scholers, wrote both of diuinitie and other arguments: Henry Herkley Chaun∣cellour of the vniuersitie of Oxford, an enimie to Wicklife, and a great Sophister: Robert Iuo∣rie a Carmelite Frier of London, and the .xx. prouinciall of his order here in Englande: Lan∣kine a Londoner, an Augustine Frier, professed [ 30] in the same Citie a doctor of diuinitie, an aduer∣sarie to Wicklife: Wil. Gillingham a Monke of Saint Sauiours in Canterburie: Iohn Chil∣marke a fellow of Marton Colledge in Oxford, a great Philosopher and Mathemetician: Iohn Sharpe a Philosopher, and a diuine, wrote many treatises, a great aduersarie to Wicklife: Richard Lauingham borne in Suffolke, and a Frier of Gipswich, an excellent Logitian, but a sore eni∣mie to thē that fauored Wicklifes doctrine: Peter [ 40] Pateshull, of whom ye haue heard before: it is sayde that hee was in the ende constrayned for doubt of persecution to flie into Boheme: Wil∣liam Woodforde a Franciscane Frier, a chosen champion agaynst Wicklife beeing nowe dead, procured thereto by the Archbishop of Canterbu∣rie Thomas Arundell: Iohn Bromyard a Do∣minicke Frier, both a notable lawyer and a di∣uine, a sore enimie also to the Wicklinistes: Marcill Ingelne an excellent Philosopher, and a diuine, one of the first teachers of the Vniuersi∣tie of Heydelberg, which Robert duke of Baniere and Counte Palatine of the Rhine had institu∣ted about that season: Richarde Northall sonne to a Maior of London, (as is sayd) of that name, he became a Carmelite Frier in the same Citie: Thomas Edwardson Prior of the Frier Augu∣stines at Clare in Suffolke: Iohn Sommer a Franciscan Frier at Bridgewater, an enimie to the Wickliuistes: Richard Withe a learned Priest, and an earnest follower of Wicklif: Iohn Swafham a Carmelite Frier of Linne, a stu∣dent in Cambridge, and became bishop of Ban∣gor, a great aduersarie to the Wickliuists: Wil∣liam Egumonde a Frier Ermite of the sect of the Augustines in Stamford: Iohn Tyssington a Franciscane Frier, a mainteyner of the Popes doctrine: William Rymston or Rimington, a Monke of Salley, an enimie also to the Wickli∣nistes: Adam Eston well seene in the tongues, was made a Cardinall by Pope Gregorie the xi. but by Pope Vrban the sixt he was commit∣ted to prison in Genoa, but at the contemplation of king Richarde he was taken out of prison, but not fully delyuered till the dayes of Boniface the ix. who restored him to his former dignitie: Iohn Beaufu a Carmelite of Northamton, proceeded doctor of Diuinitie in Oxforde, and was made Prior of his house: Roger Twiford alias Good∣luck, an Augustine Frier: Iohn Trenise a Cor∣nish man borne, and a secular Priest & Vicar of Berkley, he translated the Byble, Bart. de Pro∣pri•…•…tatibus, Polichron of Ranulfe Higeden, and diuerse other treatises: Raufe Spalding a Car∣melite Frier of Stāford: Iohn Moone an Eng∣lishman borne, but a student in Paris, who com∣pyled in the Frenche tongue the Romant of the Rose, translated into English by Geffrey Chau∣cer: William Shirborn: Richard Wichingham borne in Norffolke, and diuerse other.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rich. the se∣conde.

  An. reg. 1.

  1377
• * 1.2

  Fabian.
• * 1.3

  Tho. VVals.
• * 1.4

  The Londo∣ners sent to K. Richard, com∣mēding them¦selues to his fauour, before the •…•…eath of king Edward.
• * 1.5

  Iohn Philpot.
• * 1.6

  The Duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lancaster 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the L•…•… submit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 qu•…•…els 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.7

  The •…•…er 〈◊〉〈◊〉 order of the kings co•…•…∣tion.
• * 1.8

  Fo•…•… I•…•… co•…•….
• * 1.9

  Froissort.

  •…•…ye brent by •…•…e Frenchmē
• * 1.10

  Tho. VVals. The Frenche∣men spoyle •…•…he Isle of Wyght. •…•…ye Hughe Tyrrell.
• * 1.11

  Froissart. Tho. VVals.

  •…•…rtmouth. •…•…mouth, & •…•…ymmouth, •…•…ence by the Frenche.
• * 1.12

  •…•…tings brēt.
• * 1.13

  An ouerthrow •…•…iuen by the French to the •…•…nglishmen.
• * 1.14

  •…•…lidore.
• * 1.15

  The duke of Lancaster and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Earle of Cambridge appointed pro •…•…rs.
• * 1.16

  Froissart.
• * 1.17

  Froissart.

  Barwik castell won by the Scottes.
• * 1.18

  Barvvik castell recouered by the English∣men.
• * 1.19

  An ouerthrow giuen by the Scots to the englishmen.
• * 1.20

  The siege of Mortaigne raysed.
• * 1.21

  A Parliamēt. Tho. VVals.
• * 1.22

  Two Citizens of London appointed to keepe the subsedie grā∣ted by Par∣liament.
• * 1.23

  Sir Hugh Caluerley a valiant Cap∣tayne.
• * 1.24

  Ma•…•…e 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…erley, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was l•…•….
• * 1.25

  117•…•…
• * 1.26

  Iohn W•…•…
• * 1.27

  The •…•…ie setteth f•…•… and is bea•…•… backe by •…•…¦pest.
• * 1.28

  Expl•…•… done by Sir Hugh Ca•…•…∣uerley.
• * 1.29

  The Duke of Lancaster mi∣•…•…taking the •…•…ders of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, getteth himself home to the Castell of Keling∣worth.
• * 1.30

  Iohn Philpot Alderman of London, set∣teth foorth a fleete at his owne charges, to recouer certaine Eng∣lish Shippes taken by the Scottes.
• * 1.31

  Chierburg de∣liuered to the English∣man.
• * 1.32

  Additions to Merimouth.
• * 1.33

  The Englishe nauie is o∣uermatched and ouercome by the Spanish fleete.
• * 1.34

  Rockesburgh brent by the Scottes.
• * 1.35

  An. reg. •••• The Duke of Lanca•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.36

  Hall and •…•…¦ke•…•…ley h•…•…e C•…•…on.
• * 1.37

  Polidore.
• * 1.38

  Tho. VV•…•…
• * 1.39

  A cruell mur∣ther in West∣minster chur∣che.
• * 1.40

  A Parliamente at Gloucester.
• * 1.41

  The Pope sendeth to the King for ayd.
• * 1.42

  Barwike Ca∣stel wonne by the Scottes.
• * 1.43

  Alexander Ramsey was only saued, as Froys. hath.
• * 1.44

  Barwike Ca∣stell recoue∣red by the Earle o•…•… Nor∣thumberland.
• * 1.45

  Sir Roberte Rous a valiāt Captayne. 1379
• * 1.46

  The Sa•…•…¦ry a•…•… West∣minster con∣firmed by Parliaments
• * 1.47

  A subsed•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be payd by the greate men, and the comm•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.48

  An. reg. •…•…. A notable •…•…¦ploy•…•… done by sir Iohn Harlaston.
• * 1.49

  Sir Iohn Clearke a valiant Cap∣tayne.
• * 1.50

  A Policie.
• * 1.51

  The Duke of Britayne re∣stored to his Dukedome.
• * 1.52

  Sir Hugh Caluerly.
• * 1.53

  An heynous murther of a merchante stranger.
• * 1.54

  Great death in the North Countrey.
• * 1.55

  Great spoyle by the Scottes in the death time.
• * 1.56

  A notable ex∣ample of a faythfull pri∣soner.
• * 1.57

  The english •…•…e sc•…•…∣red by a •…•…∣ble tempest.
• * 1.58

  The excesse and s•…•…mptu∣ous apparell, of sir Iohn Arundell.
• * 1.59

  There were drowned a∣boue a thou∣sand men in one place and other, as the additions to Me•…•…mouth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 testifie.
• * 1.60

  Outragious wickednesse iustly puni∣shed.
• * 1.61

  1380
• * 1.62

  Sir Iohn De∣ueroux made deputie of Calais.
• * 1.63

  The Earle of Warwike ele∣cted protector
• * 1.64

  The Archbi∣shop of Ca•…•…∣•…•…ry 〈…〉〈…〉 Chaun∣cellour.
• * 1.65

  The kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sister 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Erle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paule.
• * 1.66

  A combat be∣twixt sir Iohn Ansleye and Thomas Ka∣trington.
• * 1.67

  Triall by 〈…〉〈…〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 case la•…•….
• * 1.68

  The order of the Combate.
• * 1.69

  The Erle of Buckingham day meth the horse.
• * 1.70

  The Esquire is ouerthrowne.
• * 1.71

  The Esquier fainteth.
• * 1.72

  The Knight is iud•…•…ed▪ the vā∣quished.
• * 1.73

  The French•…•… spoyle 〈…〉〈…〉 diuers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the west countrey.
• * 1.74

  An. reg. •…•….
• * 1.75

  Froissort. The Erle of Buckingham sent•…•… i•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tak•…•… to and the Duke a∣gainst the French king.
• * 1.76

  Knights made by the erle of Buckingham at his entry to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fr•…•….
• * 1.77

  Knights again 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.78

  T•…•… iourney of the English ar∣my through France.
• * 1.79

  The Citizens of Reimes saue their corne fieldes from destroying by sending vic∣tailes to the English host.
• * 1.80

  Sir Thomas Triuet created a Baronet.
• * 1.81

  Knightes crea∣ted.
• * 1.82

  Verne or Ver∣non.
• * 1.83

  The pollicie of the Frēch king
• * 1.84

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Charles the French king
• * 1.85

  Thom. VVals.
• * 1.86

  The French •…•… Spanish ga•…•… chased frō the coast of Engl•…•… to Kingsale in Ireland and there van∣quished.
• * 1.87

  Diuers townes on the english coastes destroy¦ed and brent.
• * 1.88

  The Abbot of battel in resen∣ing Wynchel∣sey is put to •…•…ghe.
• * 1.89

  Grauesende burnt.
• * 1.90

  The Englishe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 coueth into Britaine.
• * 1.91

  •…•…anets besie∣ged by the Englishmen.
• * 1.92

  The siege at Naunts bro∣ken vp.
• * 1.93

  A peace be∣twixt the French king the Duke of Britaine.
• * 1.94

  The Articles of the peace.
• * 1.95

  The Erle of Buckingham returned into Englande.
• * 1.96

  The Scots in∣vade the Eng∣lish borders & spoyle whole countrye•…•… carrying away great booties.
• * 1.97

  An army lyn∣gring in the North partes greatly enpo∣uerisheth the country.
• * 1.98

  Adit•…•… Adam Me•…•….
• * 1.99

  Treason in letters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by Sir Raufe Ferrers •…•…∣taine French Lordes.
• * 1.100

  A parlament at Northamtō
• * 1.101

  Iohn Kerkby executed for •…•…ing a merchant stranger.
• * 1.102

  •…•…s •…•…ty.
• * 1.103

  Twelue pens as •…•…e haue.
• * 1.104

  1381

  T•…•…. VVals.
• * 1.105

  •…•…us op•…•…iō
• * 1.106

  The Cardinall of S. Praxede.
• * 1.107

  Tryennals.
• * 1.108

  Al for money.
• * 1.109

  An army sent into Portin∣gale to aide the k. there against the king of Castile.
• * 1.110

  The comm•…•…s by reason of the great sub¦sidie and other oppressiōs use in diuers parts of the realme.
• * 1.111

  Villaines.
• * 1.112

  The begin∣ning of the re∣bellion at Der∣ford in Kent.
• * 1.113

  The com•…•… of Essex be•…•… the oc•…•… as Walsing∣ham 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.114

  The armor of the Essex rebels
• * 1.115

  The oth mini∣stred by the re¦bels to all pas∣sengers.
• * 1.116

  The commons of other shires hearing of the sturre in Kent and Essex, rise in like maner.
• * 1.117

  Lawiers iusti∣ces and Iurors brought to blockam feaste by the rebels.
• * 1.118

  The next way 〈◊〉〈◊〉 extinguish •…•…ight.
• * 1.119

  An huge num∣ber of the rebls
• * 1.120

  Fabian.

  Captaines of the Essex and Kentish rebels
• * 1.121

  The rebels send to the k. to come speake with them.
• * 1.122

  Il counsayle.
• * 1.123

  Froissart.
• * 1.124

  The rebels spoyle South∣warke, and set al prisoners at large.
• * 1.125

  The co•…•… of London •…•…¦ers of the •…•…¦belles.
• * 1.126

  All rebels 〈…〉〈…〉 but i•…•… purpose dis¦truction ha•…•… of K. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.127

  The Sauoy•…•… Duke of Lan∣caster house brent by the Rebels.
• * 1.128

  Stra•…•… dea∣ling of the re∣bels.
• * 1.129

  The iustice of the rebels.
• * 1.130

  The lawiers lodgings in the temple •…•…nt by the rebels.
• * 1.131

  The L. Chan∣•…•…elor and the L. Treasurer •…•…wne out of •…•…ē Tower & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to death •…•…y the rebels.
• * 1.132

  •…•…h. VVals.
• * 1.133

  The raging re¦bels make a pas¦time to kil mē.
• * 1.134

  No respect of place with the rebels.
• * 1.135

  The outragi∣ous dealings of the rebels.
• * 1.136

  The K. offreth the rebels pardō.
• * 1.137

  Froissart.
• * 1.138

  The wicked purpose of the rebels.
• * 1.139

  The rebel•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 law ab•…•…
• * 1.140

  Arrogant a•…•… pr•…•…e w•…•… of a vylla•…•….
• * 1.141

  William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lo•…•… a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 co•…•…∣glo•…•….
• * 1.142

  The death of War T•…•…let •…•…e of the •…•…ls.
• * 1.143

  The K. perswa∣deth the rebels.
• * 1.144

  Vehement words of the Maior of Lon∣don to the Ci∣tizens crying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…de against the rebels.
• * 1.145

  An army with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a captain.
• * 1.146

  The rebels quite discora∣ged threw downe their weapons at th•…•… comming of the Londoner•…•… in ayde of the King.
• * 1.147

  The forme of the kings Char¦ter of Manu∣mission.
• * 2.1

  The like there was graunted to them of o∣ther Countries aswel to these of Herfordshire in the same forme the names of the counties chan∣ged.
• * 2.2

  The townes∣mē of S. Albōs not yet quieted
• * 2.3

  The hurling tyme.
• * 2.4

  The outragi∣ous dealings of the suffolke rebels.
• * 2.5

  Sir Iohn Cauen∣dish l. chief iustice •…•…ded.
• * 2.6

  The prior of S. Edmond•…•… •…•…∣ry slayne.
• * 2.7

  This Edmond Brounfield commi•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prisō by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for his pe•…•…∣tuous in•…•… into the •…•…∣ba•…•…ye of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.8

  Iohn Lyttester certaine of the Norfolk re∣bels.
• * 2.9

  The Early of Suffolke esca∣peth from the rebels.
• * 2.10

  The Norffolk rebels compel the noblemen and gentlemen to be sworne to them.
• * 2.11

  sir Robert Sa•…•… slayne by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his own villeyn.
• * 2.12

  The captaine of the Nor∣folke rebels forceth the no∣ble men and gentlemen to serue him as the table.
• * 2.13

  A warlike Bi∣shop.
• * 2.14

  •…•…pncer bishop •…•…t Norwich •…•…oeth as cap∣•…•…ine against •…•…he Rebels.
• * 2.15

  The fortefying •…•…f the Rebels •…•…ampe.
• * 2.16

  The Bishop is •…•…he first man that chargeth •…•…he rebels in their campe.
• * 2.17

  The Norffolk rebels vanqui∣shed.
• * 2.18

  An. Reg. 5.
• * 2.19

  The captain once slaine the souldier 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.20

  An army of forty thousand horsemen.
• * 2.21

  The Kēti•…•… eftsoones 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.22

  Iacke S•…•… and his •…•…∣tents ex•…•…
• * 2.23

  The Maior and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Al∣•…•…nne Knighted.
• * 2.24

  The armes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aug∣mented, by addition of •…•…e dagger.
• * 2.25

  The commōs of Essex rebel •…•…fre•…•…he.
• * 2.26

  The Rebels of Essex are seat∣tered & slaine
• * 2.27

  Fabian.
• * 2.28

  The Rebels executed in euery lord∣ship.
• * 2.29

  Froissart.
• * 2.30

  The King calleth in hys letters of en∣franchising graunted to the bondmen.
• * 2.31

  The King re∣moueth to S. Albons.
• * 2.32

  Iohn Ball.
• * 2.33

  Iohn Ball his prophecie.
• * 2.34

  Iohn Ball his sermon to the Rebels.
• * 2.35

  Iohn Ball ex∣cuted at S. Albons.
• * 2.36

  The Kyng calleth in by proclamation all such let∣ters of manu∣mission, as the Abbot of saint Albons had graunted to his bondmen.
• * 2.37

  The commōs of Hertford∣shire sworne to the Kyng.
• * 2.38

  The confessiō of Iacke Straw at the time of his death.
• * 2.39

  The c•…•…e of the late •…•…∣multes.
• * 2.40

  A truce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scotlande. Tho. VVal•…•… Froissart.
• * 2.41

  The captain of Berwyke will not suffer the duke of Lan∣caster to enter into the town
• * 2.42

  The Duke of Lancaster that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the earle of Northum∣•…•… ioyth •…•…alty crimes
• * 2.43

  The duke of Lancaster and the Earle of Northumber∣land come to the parliamēt with greate troupes of ar∣med men.
• * 2.44

  The Londo∣ners, frends to the Earle of Northumber∣lande.
• * 2.45

  The Lords si•…•… in armour in the parliamē•…•… house.
• * 2.46

  The K. ma∣keth an agree∣mēt betweene the duke of Lancaster an•…•… the Earle of Northum∣berland.
• * 2.47

  The Empe∣rours sister a•…•…∣fy•…•… •…•…o kyng Richard, is re¦ceyued at Douer. A watershak•…•…
• * 2.48

  1382
• * 2.49

  The Kings marriage with the Em∣perors sister.
• * 2.50

  The suddayne •…•…eath of the Earle of Suf∣folke.
• * 2.51

  The Earle of Marche, his good seruice, whil•…•…st he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dep•…•…ie of Irelande.
• * 2.52

  Wiclif•…•… doctrine.
• * 2.53

  Iohn Wrawe▪
• * 2.54

  A Col•…•… •…•…∣phet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aright.
• * 2.55

  •…•…ips of Rye •…•…ce a god 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.56

  •…•…ohn de Nor∣•…•…ampton Ma∣•…•… of London, •…•…raite puni∣•…•… of adul∣•…•…rie in hys •…•…e.
• * 2.57

  The Londo∣•…•…ers fauourers •…•… Wicliffes •…•…octrine.
• * 2.58

  The Fishmon¦gers sore trou¦bled by the Maior.
• * 2.59

  A great earth∣quake. Churches o∣uerthrown by the earth∣quake.
• * 2.60

  A waterquake.
• * 2.61

  An. reg. 6.
• * 2.62

  The bishop of London made L. Chancellour in the Lorde Scrope his roome.
• * 2.63

  A new rebel∣lion intended in Norffolke, is bewrayed by one of the conspiracie be¦fore it burste out.
• * 2.64

  The 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.65

  An act 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Fish•…•…∣gers within the citie of London.
• * 2.66

  Remision 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of sins gra•…•…¦ted to as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as would sig•…•… against Cle∣ment the An∣tipape.
• * 2.67

  The Earle of Cambridge re∣turneth out of Portingale.
• * 2.68

  The Earle of Cambridge his sonne aff•…•…ed to the K. of Portin¦gales daughter.
• * 2.69

  1383.
• * 2.70

  Clementines. Vrbanistes.
• * 2.71

  A fifteenth assi∣gned to the Bis¦shop of Nor∣vvich tovvards the vvarres ta∣ken in hande a∣gainst the Anti∣pape.
• * 2.72

  The Crossed Souldiours.
• * 2.73

  The captaines that vvēt vvith the Bishop of against the An-Norvviche a∣tipape.
• * 2.74

  Froissart.
• * 2.75

  The statute a∣gainste Fishe∣mongers re∣pealed, they restored to their liberties.
• * 2.76

  The Byshoppe of Norvviche setteth for∣vvard vvith hys armye.
• * 2.77

  Polidor.
• * 2.78

  Froissart. v. C. speares & xv.C. other.
• * 2.79

  The By•…•… of Norvvi•…•… in•…•…deth Flaunders.
• * 2.80

  Ia. Me•…•….
• * 2.81

  Dūkir•…•… vv•…•… and s•…•…ed by the englishmē.
• * 2.82

  The Earle of Flaunders •…•…¦deth to the Byshoppe of Norvvic•…•… to knovve the cause of his in∣uasion of Flaū∣ders.
• * 2.83

  An •…•…lde of •…•…ts sente to the Fleminges by the Bishop of Norvviche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 s•…•….
• * 2.84

  T•…•… VVal.
• * 2.85

  The order of the Bishoppe of Norvviche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 battaile a∣gainste the Fle•…•…ges,
• * 2.86

  The Flemings •…•…icorized by the englishmen.
• * 2.87

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Meir.
• * 2.88

  Froissart.
• * 2.89

  Tho. VVals. Priests & reli∣•…•…o•••• men har∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.90

  Iames Meir.
• * 2.91

  The Englishmē subdue diuers tovvns in Flā∣ders, & spoyle the countrey. The tovvne of Ipre besieged.
• * 2.92

  The maner of fortifying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tovvnes in old tyme.
• * 2.93

  Hope of gayne encourageth 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.94

  Iac. Meir.
• * 2.95

  An. reg. 7.
• * 2.96

  The french K. cōmeth dovvn vvith a •…•…nigh∣tie armie to raise the siege at Ipre.
• * 2.97

  The siege at Ipre brokē vp.
• * 2.98

  Nevvport sac∣ked and brente by the Engli•…•…h men and Ga•…•…∣tyners.
• * 2.99

  Thom. VVal.
• * 2.100

  A couragious and vvarlik bi∣shoppe.
• * 2.101

  The Frēche K•…•… vvith his huge army 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the English 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of F•…•…
• * 2.102

  Bruckburgh yelded to the French.
• * 2.103

  The duke of Britain a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the English∣men.
• * 2.104

  Grauelyn for∣•…•… by the Frenchemen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 counter∣•…•… to Ca∣•…•… Tho. VVals.
• * 2.105

  The Kyng and Queene in pro∣•…•….
• * 2.106

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 heate •…•…one cooled.
• * 2.107

  The bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into •…•…lande out •…•…ders.
• * 2.108

  VVarke castell brent by the Scottes.
• * 2.109

  Dyuers French shippes taken by the En∣glishmen.
• * 2.110

  A parliament at London.
• * 2.111

  The temporal∣ties of the bi∣shoprike of Norvvich sey∣sed into the kings handes for the bishops disobedience.
• * 2.112

  A treatie of peace betvven Englande and Fraunce.
• * 2.113

  A truce taken 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betvvene En∣•…•…glande and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fraunce.
• * 2.114

  Tho. VVals.
• * 2.115

  Great conten∣tion aboute the election of the Maior of Lon∣don.
• * 2.116

  Sir Robert Knolles.
• * 2.117

  The duke of Lancaster •…•…∣•…•…adeth Scot•…•… vvith 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.118

  Ed•…•… •…•…¦de•…•…e.
• * 2.119

  Great death of horses and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Englishe •…•…oste, by rea∣son of extreme colde.
• * 2.120

  A parliament at Salisburie.
• * 2.121

  An Irish fryer appeacheth the duke of Lanca∣ster of treason.
• * 2.122

  A •…•…rable & •…•…l •…•…ure.
• * 2.123

  A reade into 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.124

  One mischiefe aske the ano∣ther.
• * 2.125

  An. reg. 8. The Duke of Lancaster sente into Fraunce to treate of a peace.
• * 2.126

  Iohn de Nor∣thampton late Maior of Lon∣dō cōdemned to perpetuall pri∣son and all his goodes confis∣cate.
• * 2.127

  A Combate.
• * 2.128

  The Appeltane being vanqui∣shed is adiud∣ged, to be han∣ged.
• * 2.129

  Barvvike ca∣stel vvonne by the Scottes.
• * 2.130

  Bervvike ca∣stel recouered by the Earle of Northumber∣lande.
• * 2.131

  1385
• * 2.132

  The Duke of Lancaster get∣teth him to hys castell of Pont∣faet, and forti∣fyeth it.
• * 2.133

  The Princesse of VVales ma∣keth an attone∣ment betvvene the kyng & the duke of Lan∣caster.
• * 2.134

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 P•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 be•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.135

  Ia. M•…•…r. Froissart. The Frenche king 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.136

  The Sco•…•… made the •…•…¦tion of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.137

  An. reg. 9.
• * 2.138

  The K. goeth vvith an anye agaynst the Scottes.
• * 2.139

  Variaunce •…•…¦tvvene s•…•… Holland •…•…¦uants 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Richard Stafforde•…•….
• * 2.140

  The Lord Ri∣chard Stafford •…•…layne by Sir Iohn Holland.
• * 2.141

  H•…•…. Boetius. K. Richard en∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scot∣land, and spoy∣•…•… dyuers •…•…s and •…•…aces.
• * 2.142

  Edenborough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by king Richarde.
• * 2.143

  The Frenche admirall per∣swadeth the Scottes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vvith the English h•…•…e.
• * 2.144

  The Scotts in¦vade England vvhilsst King Richarde is a spoiling Scot∣lande. Cumberlande sore spoiled by the Scottes.
• * 2.145

  Carlell assaul∣ted by the Scottes.
• * 2.146

  Good counsell neglected.
• * 2.147

  Polidor.
• * 2.148

  A noble re∣uenge.
• * 2.149

  There vvere 600. English∣mē vvho vvith their bovves did greate ser∣uice as b•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and •…•…or is ap¦peareth.
• * 2.150

  The King of Portingale sen∣deth sixe Caleis to King Ri∣chardes •…•…de,
• * 2.151

  A good victory of them of Cal∣lais againste the Frenche fleete
• * 2.152

  The Calisians & others make a roade into Fraunce and vvinne greate booties.
• * 2.153

  Fabian.
• * 2.154

  Creation of Dukes and Earles at the parliament,
• * 2.155

  Henry of 〈…〉〈…〉 Earle of D•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King.
• * 2.156

  The Lorde M•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Marche 〈…〉〈…〉 appeare in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.157

  The Earle of Marche 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the vv•…•… Irishe.
• * 2.158

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉〈…〉 of Marche.
• * 2.159

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.160

  The king of Ar¦•…•… commeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Englande 〈…〉〈…〉 against •…•…e Turkes.
• * 2.161

  Tho. VVals.
• * 2.162

  T•…•… VVal. Froissart. I•…•…. Me•…•….

  1•…•…86

  The duke of Lancaster goth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spayne vvith an armie.
• * 2.163

  Tho. VVals. The duke of Lancaster lan∣deth at Breste and vvinnethe tvvo Bastides frō the frenche∣menne.
• * 2.164

  An. reg. 10. The Duke of Lancaster lan∣deth at Groigne. Froissart. Le Groigne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Coron•…•….
• * 2.165

  Phillippe the Duke of Lanca∣sters daughter married to the Kyng of Portin∣gale.
• * 2.166

  The Kyng of Portingale and the Duke of Lancaster ioy∣ning theyr ar∣mies togither inuade Castell.
• * 2.167

  Variaunce a∣mongest vv•…•…i∣cers.
• * 2.168

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.169

  Froissart. The Lorde Fitz VV•…•…
• * 2.170

  I thinke that none of th•…•…se three vv•…•… Barons 〈…〉〈…〉 lye the Lorde Poininges.
• * 2.171

  The Duke of Lancaster •…•…∣turneth 〈…〉〈…〉 Portingale 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gascoigne.
• * 2.172

  A•…•…ge con∣cluded betvven the Prince of Spay•…•…, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lanca∣sters daughter.
• * 2.173

  R. Fabian.
• * 2.174

  Ia. Me•…•….
• * 2.175

  Froissart.
• * 2.176

  A •…•…ghty great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of french •…•…hips at Scluys •…•…ng to in¦•…•… England.
• * 2.177

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…docere of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to com∣•…•… the frēch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.178

  The descripti∣•…•… of the •…•…ncl∣•…•….
• * 2.179

  Tho. VVals.
• * 2.180

  Tho. VVals.
• * 2.181

  The prouision of the English men to resiste great povver oft Frēchmen.
• * 2.182

  The Londo∣ners especially afrayd of the French forces
• * 2.183

  Dissention a∣mong the no∣ble men.
• * 2.184

  Froissart.
• * 2.185

  Tho. VVals. A parliament at London,
• * 2.186

  Roberte Veer Marques of Dub•…•…n created Duke of Irelād.
• * 2.187

  A bill exhibi∣ted by the lo∣vver house in this parliament against the erle of Suffolke lord Chauncello•…•…r. A vvicked purpose pre∣uented.
• * 2.188

  Richarde •…•…x∣ton iustly con∣tended.
• * 2.189

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.190

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…¦ted & appoin∣ted to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 according to the 〈…〉〈…〉 the nobilitie.
• * 2.191

  Gr•…•… and Henry of Lei¦cester.
• * 2.192

  Discent•…•… •…•…¦tvveene the King and the parliament house.
• * 2.193

  The Duke of Gloucester and the Bishoppe of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 〈…〉〈…〉 vvhole bodie of the parliament.
• * 2.194

  Their requestes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King.
• * 2.195

  And oftner if •…•…eede require.
• * 2.196

  The causes and •…•…ions of a •…•…ment.
• * 2.197

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for space of al•…•… •…•…es.
• * 2.198

  •…•…he Kynges •…•…vvere.
• * 2.199

  VVealthe of the people in the glorye of the Prince and suretie of his raigne.
• * 2.200

  Change of offi∣cers by the parliament.
• * 2.201

  The Earle of Suffolke gre∣uously ned by the Parliament house for sun∣dry his off•…•…ces.
• * 2.202

  XIII. lordes appointed by Parliament to haue the g•…•…¦uernement of the realme vnder the king.
• * 2.203

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.204

  Tvvo of the french king ships take vvith a g•…•…t price in 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.205

  G•…•…es vvas inuented 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye•…•…es being this time, to vvit, An. •…•…
• * 2.206

  Restition of man chan•…•… goodes taken•…•…
• * 2.207

  The french •…•…e•…•…te •…•…ering forvvarde to∣vvardes Eng∣lande is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 backe by com∣•…•…ly vv•…•…
• * 2.208

  The French •…•…leete letting forward to∣wards Eng∣land, is driuen •…•…ande by con∣trary windes.
• * 2.209

  The kings in∣•…•…te af∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to∣wardes the Duke of Ire∣land and the Earle of Suf∣f•…•…lke.
• * 2.210

  1387
• * 2.211

  The Earle of •…•…undell go∣•…•… in the Sea. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 C. •…•…e of armes •…•…nd a thou∣•…•…and archers •…•…roissart •…•…eth.
• * 2.212

  A greate abuse in choyse of Souldiers.
• * 2.213

  A good po∣lici•…•….
• * 2.214

  A great victo∣rie of the English nauie against the Flemish fleete Ia. Meir. Tho. VVals.
• * 2.215

  I•…•…. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tho. VValf.
• * 2.216

  The liberali∣tie of the Erle of Arundell.
• * 2.217

  Diuers roades made into Flaunders by the English∣men, & greate spoyle done.
• * 2.218

  Wine solde for thirteene shillings four pence the tun.
• * 2.219

  The Earle of Arundell say∣leth into Bri∣tayne, with a great power.
• * 2.220

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fol∣lower of ve•…•…∣tue 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.221

  The Lorde Percy sent to the Seas.
• * 2.222

  F•…•…ier Pateshul for taking his profession, preacheth in o∣•…•… agaynst •…•…own order.
• * 2.223

  Wicklenistes.
• * 2.224

  A Lybell by Frier Pateshul against his breethren.
• * 2.225

  The fauou∣rers of Frier Pateshull.
• * 2.226

  Dissention betwixt the Kyng, and the nobles.
• * 2.227

  An. reg. •…•….
• * 2.228

  Grafton.
• * 2.229

  C•…•…tayne question in law •…•…∣ded of the iustices.
• * 2.230

  A Co•…•…ll holden at Not•…•…ingham.
• * 2.231

  Iustice Bel•…•…∣nap o•…•…opell•…•… to subscri•…•…
• * 2.232

  Iustice Bel•…•…∣nap•…•… wordes.
• * 2.233

  Addition to Pa•…•…
• * 2.234

  Question in laws demided 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Iustice.
• * 2.235

  Tho. VVals.
• * 2.236

  The Lordes •…•…ed of di∣uers offences.
• * 2.237

  Why the She∣rifes of all shires were sent for to the Courte.
• * 2.238

  Souldiers •…•…ined on all sides by the K. agaynste the Lordes.
• * 2.239

  The Duke of Gloucester protesting vpon his oth•…•….
• * 2.240

  Stou•…•…e wor•…•… of the Bishop of London.
• * 2.241

  The Lordes con•…•…e howe to preuent the perils preten∣ded against them.
• * 2.242

  The Earle of Northumber∣land sent to apprehend the Earle of A∣rundell.
• * 2.243

  The Earle of Ar•…•…ll ioy∣•…•… with the •…•…er Lordes.
• * 2.244

  Counsell ta∣ken how to deale againste the Lordes.
• * 2.245

  The Lordes send messen∣gers to the King.
• * 2.246

  A rashe answer of the Maior of London.
• * 2.247

  The Lōdoners refuse to fight agaynst the Lordes.
• * 2.248

  The Earle of Northumber∣lands and the L. Bassets wor∣des to the K. in the behalfe of the lordes.
• * 2.249

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.250

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.251

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.252

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.253

  Tho. VV•…•…
• * 2.254

  An a•…•… at Mewes.
• * 2.255

  The Lordes come before the kings pre∣sence in West∣minster hal.
• * 2.256

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chā∣•…•… speaketh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the king to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lordes.
• * 2.257

  The answere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lordes. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 theire •…•…es.
• * 2.258

  The k. repro∣ueth the lords doings.
• * 2.259

  The king ta∣keth both par∣ties into his protection.
• * 2.260

  Grafton.
• * 3.1

  A proclamatiō clearing the lordes of any treason.
• * 3.2

  The erle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…¦folk 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o∣uer to Ca•…•…
• * 3.3

  Graft•…•….
• * 3.4

  A commission to the Sherif of Ch•…•…shire to s•…•…onduct 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of •…•…land to the kings presēce.
• * 3.5

  The lord•…•… seke to stop the passage of the Irelande.
• * 3.6

  The Duke of Ireland his sol¦diers reuolt from him.
• * 3.7

  The Duke of Ireland flieth from his army
• * 3.8

  Thomas Mo∣lyneux slayne.
• * 3.9

  The Duke of Ireland flyeth into Holland.
• * 3.10

  Letters found in the Duke of Irelands trunkes.
• * 3.11

  Burforde.
• * 3.12

  Tho. VV•…•…
• * 3.13

  A brake •…•…∣sed that king Richard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to yelde•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 leys was the French kings h•…•…ds.
• * 3.14

  The lords co•…•…e •…•…o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with a g•…•… army.
• * 3.15

  King Richard kepeth Christ¦masse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the town of Lon∣don.
• * 3.16

  The lordes •…•…d the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and citi•…•… London •…•…¦stand their m•…•…ning.
• * 3.17

  •…•…e •…•…o•…•…ers •…•…gue per∣•…•…e which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ke.
• * 3.18

  •…•…e Lōdoners 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.19

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 lordes en∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Londō
• * 3.20

  The kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 touch∣•…•… the lords •…•…ngs.
• * 3.21

  The lords re∣fuse to come-into the tower but after search made they com¦thither to the kings presence
• * 3.22

  Grafton.
• * 3.23

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.24

  The lords op•…•…¦their greefes to the king.
• * 3.25

  Grafton.
• * 3.26

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.27

  The inconstā∣cie of the king
• * 3.28

  The K. is com∣pelled to con∣discend to the lords requests.
• * 3.29

  C•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.30

  C•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expulsed the Court.
• * 3.31

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 those that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 c•…•…m•…•…ed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prison by the Lords.
• * 3.32

  The par•…•… that wrought wonders.
• * 3.33

  Grafton.
• * 3.34

  Grafton. Tho. VVal.
• * 3.35

  Grafton.
• * 3.36

  The Iustices a •…•…ed and sent to the tower.
• * 3.37

  Why the Iusti¦ces were appre∣hended.
• * 3.38

  The Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and his •…•…ates at∣tayned of trea¦son by this par¦liament.
• * 3.39

  Tresilian chief iustice discried by his own mā is executed at Tiburn.
• * 3.40

  Sir Nicholas Brambre exe∣cuted with an Axe of his owne deuise.
• * 3.41

  Diuers that stode agenst the lords executed
• * 3.42

  The Duke of Gloucester a seuere man.
• * 3.43

  Sir Simon Burley.
• * 3.44

  Froissart.
• * 3.45

  Th•…•…. VVals.
• * 3.46

  Graften.
• * 3.47

  The iustices condemned to perpetual exile
• * 3.48

  The K. taketh an oth to per∣forme the lords orders.
• * 3.49

  The erle of A∣rundel sent to the sea with a great Nauie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ayde of the Duke of Bri∣taine.
• * 3.50

  Peraduenter Maluere it may be Mon∣gomery.
• * 3.51

  An. reg. 12.
• * 3.52

  The Erle of A∣rundel retur∣neth out of Fraunce.
• * 3.53

  An ouerthrow giuen to the Englishemen by to Scots at Otterborne.
• * 3.54

  Fabian.
• * 3.55

  Caxton. A parliament at Cambridge
• * 3.56

  Sir Thomas Triuet slayne with th•…•… fall of his horse.
• * 3.57

  1389
• * 3.58

  Comi 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 truce betwixt Englande, Fraunce, and Scotlande.
• * 3.59

  Froissart.
• * 3.60

  The Scots in the time of treatie spoyle the •…•…try of Northu•…•…
• * 3.61

  The Scots hauing pro∣uided as a•…•…∣my to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 england ha•…•…∣ly perswaded to accept the truce.
• * 3.62

  The kings question to his lords & others in the counsel chamber.
• * 3.63

  The K. taking vppon him the gouernement of al things displaceth di∣•…•…ers officers and setteth o∣thers in their roomes.
• * 3.64

  Wickham Bi¦shop of Win∣chester made •…•…ouncelor.
• * 3.65

  An. reg. 14. •…•…erl•…•…ists •…•…ease.
• * 3.66

  The Duke of Lancaster re∣turneth into England forth of Gascoigne.
• * 3.67

  A counsel hol¦den at Reding where the D. of Lanca. recō∣cileth the king and the lords.
• * 3.68

  1390

  The Erle of Pembrok slain as he was lear∣ning to iust wounded to death.
• * 3.69

  The earle of Lancaster ca∣nonised for a Saint.
• * 3.70

  A bil against wearing of badges.
• * 3.71

  No reteyners to wear badges
• * 3.72

  Ad act against mediators for wilful murde∣rers.
• * 3.73

  The Duke of Lācaster 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Duke of •…•…∣tayne.
• * 3.74

  Great 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.75

  Great pla•…•…
• * 3.76

  Great death.
• * 3.77

  A iourney a∣gainst the S•…•…∣rasy•…•….
• * 3.78

  An. Reg. •…•…
• * 3.79

  The English arche is good seruice.
• * 3.80

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.81

  The earle of Derby his ex∣•…•…es in hys •…•…rney against the infidels of Prutzaland.
• * 3.82

  A •…•…al iustes •…•…ellē in Smith¦field at Londō.
• * 3.83

  Some copies haue Osternāt
• * 3.84

  The man n•…•… of the iusts in Smithfield.
• * 3.85

  Siluer sayth Frosart.
• * 3.86

  The King kept open hou¦shold in the Bishop of Lon∣don his palaice by Paules church.
• * 3.87

  The K. festeth the straungers
• * 3.88

  The Duke of Lancaster feas∣teth the stran∣gers.
• * 3.89

  1391
• * 3.90

  〈…〉〈…〉 Froissart.
• * 3.91

  A p•…•… that a•…•… eng•…•… beneficed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Rome 〈◊〉〈◊〉 returne into Englande.
• * 3.92

  The Pope sen∣deth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nun∣cio to king Richard.
• * 3.93

  The Pope N•…•…∣•…•…io open•…•… the king the French king p•…•…y pract•…•…
• * 3.94

  Nuncio.
• * 3.95

  The Duke of Gloucester his iourney into Prutzen land.
• * 3.96

  The Duke of Gloucester in great fauor with the com∣mons.
• * 3.97

  An. reg. 15.
• * 3.98

  A great death in York & sun dry other places.
• * 3.99

  A parliament at London.
• * 3.100

  The flix gottē by excessiue feeding on fruites.
• * 3.101

  The L. Maior of London cō∣mended for his careful proui∣sion of corne from beyonde the seas in the time of dearth
• * 3.102

  A Dolphyn ta∣ken at Lon∣don bridge,
• * 3.103

  1392
• * 3.104

  Embassadors sent to the French king to trea•…•…e of peace
• * 3.105

  Sir Robert Bri¦quet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 French∣man of king Richard his pri∣uie chamber The Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke, the erls of Darby and Huntington, the lord Tho∣mas Percy the Bishops of dur¦ham and Lon∣don were sente ouer as Froi•…•…. hath.
• * 3.106

  A royal Am∣bassade.
• * 3.107

  The Duke of Lanca. a Prince of great re∣noume.
• * 3.108

  The truce pro∣longed for a yeare.
• * 3.109

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.110

  A counsel at Stamford.
• * 3.111

  The Duke of Gelderland commeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Englande.
• * 3.112

  The Duke of Gelderland 〈◊〉〈◊〉 swadeth the king from peace with the French and Scottes.
• * 3.113

  The Lo•…•…don•…•… refuse to l•…•…nd the K•…•… thou∣sand pound•…•….
• * 3.114

  A greate fire •…•…(led about •…•…ttle sparke.
• * 3.115

  A ryot by the Londoners vp∣on the Byshop of Salisburies men.
• * 3.116

  Walter Ro∣mane.
• * 3.117

  The bishop of Salisbury ma∣keth agree∣•…•… c•…•…pla•…•…nt •…•… the Londo∣ners to the K.
• * 3.118

  The Maior & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lon¦don sent for to Windsore to the king, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 impri∣•…•…ned.
• * 3.119

  The liberties of London seysed.
• * 3.120

  A Gardian ap∣pointed to go∣uerne the citie of London.
• * 3.121

  An. reg. 16. Sir Edw. Dar∣lingrugge L. warden of London.
• * 3.122

  Darlingrugge remoued, and sir Baldwyne Radyngton made Lorde warden of London.
• * 3.123

  The liberties of London in part confirmed in parte con∣•…•…emned.
• * 3.124

  e•…•…sa.
• * 3.125

  He was mette with processi∣on of the bish. and clergie at S. Georges Churche in Southwarke.
• * 3.126

  Gifts presēted the K. by the Londoners to pacifie his dis∣pleasure con∣ceyued against them.
• * 3.127

  K. Richarde royally recey∣ued into Lon∣don.
• * 3.128

  More gi•…•…es by the Londo•…•… to the king.
• * 3.129

  Tho. VVa•…•… The liberties of London •…•…∣tified by King to Richard.
• * 3.130

  The duke of Gloucester made Duke of Irelande.
• * 3.131

  His iourney into Irelande vnluckely stayed.
• * 3.132

  Veere, a•…•…te Duke of Ire∣land, •…•…ieth a Louayne.
• * 3.133

  1393

  Tho. VVa•…•… A Parliament at Winchester
• * 3.134

  The Chauncerie and Kings bench •…•…e•…•…e at Yorke, and from thence remoued to London.
• * 3.135

  Eures.
• * 3.136

  The Ile of Man.
• * 3.137

  The Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester •…•…cisco Frāce to •…•…ents of a •…•…e•…•…e.
• * 3.138

  The Frenche •…•…ssioners would haue Caleys rased 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ground.
• * 3.139

  The demands 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the English commissio∣ners.
• * 3.140

  Order taken, that the de∣maundes on eyther side should be sette downe in wri∣ting, the bet∣ter to be con∣sidered of.
• * 3.141

  The Englishe Gentlemen maynteyned by the French warres.
• * 3.142

  The subtiltie of the French∣men
• * 3.143

  The commis∣sioners meete agayne.
• * 3.144

  The King of Armony.
• * 3.145

  Obscure and doutfull words to be opened.
• * 3.146

  A truce for .4. yeres betwene Englande and Fraunce.
• * 3.147

  An. reg. 17. Great tem∣pestes.
• * 3.148

  Muche hurte done by great flouds in Suf∣folke.
• * 3.149

  A great plage in Essex.
• * 3.150

  1394
• * 3.151

  Varl•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 duke of Lan∣caster and the Erle of •…•…∣•…•…ell.
• * 3.152

  The death of Queene Anne.
• * 3.153

  The K. defi∣ceth the house of Shene by∣cause the queene dyed there.
• * 3.154

  An. reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A proclama∣tion that 〈…〉〈…〉 re•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.155

  The English 〈…〉〈…〉 almost 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 3.156

  The yerely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ireland in K. Edward the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his days.
• * 3.157

  The Duke of Lancaster say∣•…•… into A∣•…•…yne with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ay.
• * 3.158

  The Gascoines flatly refuse to accept the Duke of Lan∣caster for their soueraigne.
• * 3.159

  King Richard passeth ouer into Irelande with a migh∣ty armye.
• * 3.160

  Froissart. Foure Irish Kings submit themselues to K. Richarde.
• * 3.161

  1•…•…95
• * 3.162

  •…•…amente 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in •…•…de.
• * 3.163

  A Parliament at Westmin∣ster, King Ri∣chard being in Ireland.
• * 3.164

  The Wickle∣uists wrote against the Cleargie.
• * 3.165

  The Cleargie complaine to the king of the Wickle∣uists, and their fauorers.
• * 3.166

  King Richard Knighteth the four Irishe Kings, and o∣thers.
• * 3.167

  Froissart.
• * 3.168

  K. Richard •…•…¦turneth 〈…〉〈…〉 Ireland.
• * 3.169

  K. Richard•…•…s dealinges a∣gainste the fa∣uours of the Wicleuists.
• * 3.170

  The Danes robbe the En¦glish march•…•… on the seas.
• * 3.171

  Great prises wonne by th•…•… Da•…•…l•…•…h•…•…pe•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the english men.
• * 3.172

  Waltham bi∣shop of Salis∣bury buried at Westminster amongst the kings.
• * 3.173

  An. reg. 19.
• * 3.174

  The Duke of Irelandes corps •…•…eyed frō I•…•…yn into Englande, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 royally •…•…red.
• * 3.175

  Froisart.
• * 3.176

  The Gascoyns •…•…de vnto K. Rich signify 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto hym, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be de∣•…•…ed from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…wne.
• * 3.177

  The graunt of the duchie of Aquitayne to the duke of Lancaster re∣uoked.
• * 3.178

  Ambassadours sente into France to treat a mariage be∣tvvene K. Ri∣charde and the French kings daughter.
• * 3.179

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.180

  1396
• * 3.181

  The Duke of Lancaster ma∣rieth a Ladye •…•…a meane estate, whome he had kept as his concubine.
• * 3.182

  Wicleuistes encrease.
• * 3.183

  〈…〉〈…〉 An. reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A tr•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 yeres b•…•… England, and Fraunce. Tho. VV•…•…
• * 3.184

  The Popes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈…〉〈…〉 the W•…•…
• * 3.185

  K. Rich g•…•… ouer to C•…•…
• * 3.186

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the •…•…vievv 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 Kyng.
• * 3.187

  Fabian.
• * 3.188

  Froissart.
• * 3.189

  Fabian.
• * 3.190

  The othe of the tvvo kings.
• * 3.191

  The Chappell of our Lady of peace.
• * 3.192

  The french K. giueth his daughter to king Richarde in marriage.
• * 3.193

  The order of the frenche Kings seruice at table.
• * 3.194

  The expences of K. Richard at this enter∣v•…•…evve.
• * 3.195

  The marriage solempnised at Callais,
• * 3.196

  The Maior of London, and the citizens meete the king and the Quene on Blackheath.
• * 3.197

  Certaine thrust to deathe in the preasse on Londō bridge. Iohn Stow.
• * 3.198

  The Queenes coronation.
• * 3.199

  1397
• * 3.200

  The Duke of Lancaster his bastardes made legittimate by Parliament.
• * 3.201

  The Iustices reuoked out of •…•…le.
• * 3.202

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 y•…•… vp to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.203

  P•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betvvene the K. and the duke of Gloucester▪
• * 3.204

  The ta•…•…e be∣tvvixt the king and the Duke of Gloucester
• * 3.205

  Out of a french pamphlet.
• * 3.206

  The Erle of S. P•…•…le his coū∣•…•… to king Ri∣charde.
• * 3.207

  Polidor.
• * 3.208

  The Dukes of Lancaster, and Yorke, excuse the Duke of Gloucester to the Kyng.
• * 3.209

  A conspiracy betvvene the duke of Glou∣cester, and the Abbot of Saint Albons.
• * 3.210

  Out of an olde frenche pamph•…•… belonging to Iohn Stovv.
• * 3.211

  An. reg. 2•…•…
• * 3.212

  The purpose of the conspi∣rators.
• * 3.213

  The erle Mar∣shall discloseth the conspiracy.
• * 3.214

  The Earle of Rutlande hathe Grafton.
• * 3.215

  The Duke of G•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.216

  Out of an •…•…le •…•…reach 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.217

  The Earle of •…•…all appre∣ed.
• * 3.218

  The •…•…es of •…•…e appe•…•…nts.
• * 3.219

  A garde of Cheshire men about the king.
• * 3.220

  The lordes ap∣poynted to come in vvar∣like manner to the parliament.
• * 3.221

  Polidor.
• * 3.222

  The Dukes of Lancaster, and Yorke assemble their povvers to resiste the Kings dealings.
• * 3.223

  Caxton. Fabian. Polidor.
• * 3.224

  The Kyng and the Dukes re∣cōciled.
• * 3.225

  Caxton.
• * 3.226

  The greate Parliament.
• * 3.227

  The Kinges gre•…•…a•…•…ces opened in this Parliament.
• * 3.228

  Thom. VV•…•… Iohn B•…•…e, VV•…•…am •…•…¦got, T•…•… Gree•…•…e.
• * 3.229

  A nevve •…•…e made vvith the Pallace of VVestminstres for the •…•…∣ment of the Lordes 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 3.230

  Additions to Policr•…•….
• * 3.231

  Sir Ioh. Bushy speaker.
• * 3.232

  The arche∣bishop of Can∣terburie sitting in parliament is accused of treason by the speaker.
• * 3.233

  Impudent flat∣•…•…e.
• * 3.234

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.235

  The charters of pardon gran•…•…∣ted to the leads •…•…de voide by P•…•…ent.
• * 3.236

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.237

  The archbishop of Canterbury condempned to perpetuall ba∣nishment .vi. dayes hath Grafton.
• * 3.238

  The Earle of Arundell areig∣reigned.
• * 3.239

  The Duke of Lancaster highe Stevvarde of England at this arreinement.
• * 3.240

  The Earle of Arundell his aunsvveres to the pointes of his indirement.
• * 3.241

  The Earle of Arundell con∣demned.
• * 3.242

  The execution of the Earle of Arundell.
• * 3.243

  The Earle of VVarvvicke areigned of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.244

  The parliament adiourned to Shrevvsbury.
• * 3.245

  The K. keepeth his Christmasse at Lichefielde. 1398
• * 3.246

  Cheshire made a Principalitie.
• * 3.247

  King Richarde Prince of Ches∣ter.
• * 3.248

  Creation of dukes and Earles.
• * 3.249

  King Richarde peareth Sainct Edvva•…•…de hys armes.
• * 3.250

  The Lorde Reignolde Cobham con∣demned.
• * 3.251

  The auctoritie of bothe houses in parliament graūted to cer∣taine persons.
• * 3.252

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.253

  The king 〈…〉〈…〉 again•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 3.254

  Rightfull 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 3.255

  Polidor.
• * 3.256

  Kyng Richarde his euill go∣uernement.
• * 3.257

  The Duke of Hereforde ap∣pealeth the duke of Nor∣folk of oftetimes
• * 3.258

  Thom. VVa•…•…
• * 3.259

  The Duke of •…•…ry Marshal and the Duke of Aumarle c•…•…able of Englande.
• * 3.260

  The order of the proceeding in this appeale.
• * 3.261

  The obiections against the Duke of Norfolkes.
• * 3.262

  The duke of •…•…folke his •…•…svvere for hymselfe.
• * 3.263

  The com•…•…te apointed to bee done at Couen∣trye.
• * 3.264

  The Frenche People 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 3.265

  Fabian.
• * 3.266

  An. reg. 22.
• * 3.267

  The order of the combate.
• * 3.268

  The combate •…•…ed by the Kyng.
• * 3.269

  The King his dome betvvixt the .ii. Dukes.
• * 3.270

  The Duke of Hereforde be∣loued of the people.
• * 3.271

  The Duke of Hereford is ho∣norably enter∣teined vvith the french king.
• * 3.272

  Froissart.
• * 3.273

  1399
• * 3.274

  Fabian.
• * 3.275

  Blanke char∣ters.
• * 3.276

  The deathe of •…•…e duke of Lancaster.
• * 3.277

  Thom VVal.
• * 3.278

  The duke of York mistaketh the court, and goeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.279

  The realme let to ferme by the Kyng.
• * 3.280

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.281

  Nevve •…•…∣action•…•….
• * 3.282

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 vvas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pl•…•…ce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vvere to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King vvithall, but the same disple∣•…•… many that vvas that con∣•…•…d to pay against their vv•…•…es.
• * 3.283

  The people cō¦•…•… their othe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 alegea•…•…nce by vvriting •…•…ed.
• * 3.284

  Indirect dea∣lings.
• * 3.285

  Polidore.
• * 3.286

  A Earles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 VVin•…•…sor.
• * 3.287

  The K. faileth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ire∣lande againe vvith a greate 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

  Fabian and Caxton.

  The Duke of Yorke •…•…e•…•…re∣•…•… generall of England, the king being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Irelande. Hen. Marl.
• * 3.288

  Out of a french pamphlet that belongeth to master Iohn Dee.
• * 3.289

  Macmur.
• * 3.290

  Pioners set a vvorke to cutte dovvne vvoodes.
• * 3.291

  Macmur sēdeth to the king, offering a parley.
• * 3.292

  The Erle of Gloucester.
• * 3.293

  An. reg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 He c•…•… to Dublin the 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 Henry M•…•… sa•…•…
• * 3.294

  The Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.295

  The Duke of Lan•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 3.296

  The duke of Brita•…•… a g•…•… friends 〈◊〉〈◊〉 duke of Lancaster.
• * 3.297

  The Duke of Lancaster, and his adherences 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eng∣lande.
• * 3.298

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 to •…•…o•…•….
• * 3.299

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.300

  Ch•…•…s.
• * 3.301

  Froissart.
• * 3.302

  Th. VVals.
• * 3.303

  •…•…sell takē by the duke of Yorke Lorde 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Englande how to deale a∣gaynste the duke of Lan∣caster.
• * 3.304

  The commō deny to resiste the Duke of Lancaster.
• * 3.305

  The Duke of Lancaster lan∣deth in York∣shire.
• * 3.306

  Additions to Polichron.
• * 3.307

  The Duke of Lācasters othe to the Lords that ayded hym.
• * 3.308

  The harts of the commons wholly addi∣cted to the Duke of Lan∣caster.
• * 3.309

  The Duke of Lancaster •…•…¦cheth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bri∣stowe.
• * 3.310

  Scrope L•…•… •…•…easo•…•… Bushy and Greene exe∣cuted.
• * 3.311

  A poli•…•…ke madnesse.
• * 3.312

  Out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dees French booke.
• * 3.313

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Richard •…•…th out 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and •…•…deth in 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.314

  Tho. VVals.
• * 3.315

  Additions to Polichron.
• * 3.316

  King Richard in vtter de∣spaire.
• * 3.317

  King Richard stealeth away from his ar∣my, and ta∣keth the Ca∣stell of Flint.
• * 3.318

  A special note worthy to bee well wayed.
• * 3.319

  The Earle of Worcester leaueth the K. and fleeth to the Duke.
• * 3.320

  Where for∣tune fauoreth, thyther the peoples fauor fleeth.
• * 3.321

  The duke of Lancasters cō¦ming to Che∣ster.
• * 3.322

  Pe•…•…l•…•…ye•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.323

  Out of M•…•… Dees b•…•…ke
• * 3.324

  Holt Castell deliuered to the Duke.
• * 3.325

  S•…•… write, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Arc•…•…∣•…•… of Cant. and the Erle of Westmerland we•…•… also with the Earle of Northu•…•…er∣•…•… to C•…•…ey.
• * 3.326

  The Earle of Northumber∣•…•… message to the King.
• * 3.327

  The king lea∣ueth Conwaye castell, and be∣•…•…th himself to his enimies
• * 3.328

  A constaunt seruaunt.
• * 3.329

  The Dukes behauiour to the king at their meeting.
• * 3.330

  The dukes 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 3.331

  The king and the duke iour∣neys together towards Lon∣don.
• * 3.332

  K. Richarde s•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 apparell.
• * 3.333

  The dukes re∣ceyuing into London.
• * 3.334

  The king cō∣mited to the Tower.
• * 3.335

  A Parliament in the kinges •…•…e.
• * 3.336

  The Articles obiected to king Richard.
• * 3.337

  The King is pers•…•… •…•…a resigne the Crowne to the Duke.
• * 3.338

  Fabian.
• * 3.339

  A copy of the instrument making the de•…•…ation of the •…•…issi∣•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the estates in Parliament vn¦to K. Richard.
• * 3.340

  This promise he made at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rather thē at Cōuey as by t•…•… which go∣eth before it may be part∣ly coniectured
• * 4.1

  The tenor of the instrumēt wherby king Richard re∣signeth the crowne to the D. of Lancaster
• * 4.2

  K. Richarde res•••• confirmed by the parliament
• * 4.3

  The publica∣•…•…io•…•… of King Richards de∣posing.
• * 4.4

  The Duke of Lancaster clay¦meth the Crowne.
• * 4.5

  The demaund of the Archbi. of Canterbury to the com∣mons.
• * 4.6

  Tho. VVals.
• * 4.7

  The Duke of Herford placed in the regal throne.
• * 4.8

  The Archbi. preacheth.
• * 4.9

  The wordes of the elected king
• * 4.10

  Tho. VVals.
• * 4.11

  The coronatiō proclaymed.
• * 4.12

  The parliamēt
• * 4.13

  King Henry the fourth pro¦claymed.
• * 4.14

  King Richard dep•…•…ed.
• * 4.15

  Hall.
• * 4.16

  His pers•…•…
• * 4.17

  Harding.
• * 4.18

  The noble house kep•…•… of K. Richa•…•…
• * 4.19

  Excesse in ap∣p•…•…l.
• * 4.20

  Ignorant pro∣•…•…
• * 4.21

  Adunerfis Episcopus.