The chronicles of England from Brute vnto this present yeare of Christ. 1580. Collected by Iohn Stow citizen of London.

¶ King Henry Beawclerke (Book Henry I)

[illustration]

HEnry brother to Willi∣am* 1.1 Rufus, and y^• first of that name, for his learning cal∣led Beawclearke, brought vp in the studie of the liberall artes at Cambridge, chieflye through the trauell of Hen∣rye Nowborough Earle of Warwike who appeased all debates of that time to the* 1.2 contrarie) obteyned the do∣minion ouer this Realme of Englande, and beganne his raigne the first day of August, in the yeare o•• ••ure Lorde 1100. and was crowned at Westminster on the fifth day of August, by Mawrice Bishop of London, bycause at that time* 1.3 Anselme Archbishop of Canturburie, was by persecution of William Rufus exiled.

This Henry borne at Selbe in Englande, was a noble Prince, strong and mightie of body, high of stature, and a∣miable of countenance. He was excellent in wit, eloquent,

and fortunate in battaile, and for these thrée, he had thrée no∣table vices, couetousnesse, crueltie, and lecherie.

He maryed Mawde the daughter of Malcoline King of Scottes, of whome he begate William, and a daughter named Mawde.

At the beginning of his raigne, he restored the state of the Cleargie, aswaged the gréeuous payments, reduced a∣gaine Saint Edwards lawes, and amended them.

He put out of his Court all nice and wanton persons.

He reformed the olde vntrue measures, and made a* 1.4 measure by the length of his owne arme, whiche was then called Vlno, an Elle, and now the same is called a yarde, or metewand &c.

He restored to his Subiects the vse of lights in the night,* 1.5 which lightes, and also fire, had him forbidden by his father to be vsed, after the ringing of a Bell, at eyght of the clocke at night.

Edgar King of Scottes did homage to this Henry.

This yeare Iordan Briset Baron, the sonne of Raufe, the* 1.6 sonne of Brian Briset founded the house of Saint Iohn of Hie∣rusalem, néere vnto London, by Smithfield.

The same Iordan gaue fourtéene Acres of ground lying* 1.7 in the field next adioyning vnto Clarken well, to build there∣vpon a house of Nunnes, wherein, he, with Murioll hys wife were both buryed in the Chapter house.

Robert Shorthose Duke of Normandy, the Kings eldest* 1.8 brother, whiche was nowe returned from Hierusalem, made warre vpon his brother Henry for the Crowne of England, who assembled a strong armie, and landed at Portesmouth, but by mediation a peace was made, on condition, that* 1.9 Henry should pay thrée thousand markes yearely to Duke Robert, and if the one dyed without issue, the longer liuer should inherit. Winchester was brent the xvij. of May, and Glocester was brent the twentith of May:

Robert Fitzham, who came with the Conquerour out of Normandy, with Sibell his wife, founded a new the Church

of Theukesbery and was there buryed.

Robert de Belasine Earle of Shrewsburie, eldest sonne to* 1.10 Roger Mountgomery strengthned the Towne and Castell of Shrewsbury, so did he the Castels of Bridgenorth, Tichile, and Arundell with vi••••uals, and armed men against King Henry: but the King being warned thereof, he gathereth his power, and beséegeth Bridgenorth, whiche Towne was yéelded vnto him. And this being knowne to them of Arun∣dell, they forthwith submitted themselues, with condi∣tion, that their Lorde Robert de Belasme might be per∣mitted fréely to passe into Normandy. Also they of Shrewsbury sent the keyes of their Castell, and pledges of their obey∣sance, and then Robert, with his brother Ernulfus, and Ro∣ger of Poytiers abiured this land for euer.

The Cathedrall Churche of Norwich was founded by* 1.11 Herbert Bishop of Norwich.

The Priorie and Hospitall of Saint Barthelmewe in Smithfield was founded by a pleasant I ester or Minstrell of the Kings, named Reior, who became first Prior there.

Before this time Smithfield was a laystow of all drdure and filth: and the place where fellons and other transgres∣sors were put to execution.

Roberte Duke of Normandy comming into Englande, through the subtelty of King Henry his yonger brother, re∣leased* 1.12 to him the tribute of thrée thousand Markes of Sil∣uer.

Hugh Lacy founded the Monasterie of Saint Iohn at* 1.13 Lanthony, the Chanons of which place were since translated by Miles high Connestable, and Earle of Here ford to a place néere vnto Glocester, then called Hide, since called Lanthony.

Iuga Baynard Lady of little Donmow, caused Maurice Bi∣shop of London to dedicate the Church of Donmow which the* 1.14 had founded, and the same day she gaue to it halfe a hide of land.

This Lady Iuga was late wife to Baynard, that firste buylded Baynards Castle in London.

Great malice was kindled betwéene the two bréthren* 1.15 Robert and Henry wherevpon deadly warre ensued.

There appeared about the Sunne foure circles, and a blasing Starre.

King Henry remayned in Normandy, making strong* 1.16 warres vpon his brother Robert and Rorsia his wife.

Eudo Dapifere, or sewer to King Henry founded the Monasterie of Saint Iohn in Colchester of blacke Channons, and those were the first in England.

Simon Earle of North-hampton; and Mawde his wife,* 1.17 founded the Monasterie of Saint Andrew in North-hampton.

Robert Duke of Normandy came to his brother at North∣hampton and friendly desired him to beare brotherly loue fo∣ward him, but King Henry féeling his conscience accusing him, for obteyning the Kingdome by defrauding of his el∣der brother, and fearing men more than God, first he recon∣ciled the Nobles of the Realme with faire promises, thin∣king afterwards to make amende for his great wrongs, by founding of an Abbey.

The Duke returning into Normandy the King followed with a great power, where betwéene them were many sore battayles fought, but at the last the valiant man Roberte was taken.

This yeare appeared a blasing Starre; from thrée of the* 1.18 clocke till nine. And on the Maundy Thursday was séene two full Moones, one in the East, and another in the West.

The first Chanons entred into the Church of our Lady* 1.19 in Southwarke, called Saint Mary Ouery, foūded by William Pountlarge Knight, and Wiliam Daneys, Normans. Aige∣dus was first Prior there.

Whē King Henry had set in order Normady according to his pleasure, he returning into England, brought with him his brother Robert; & W••rlham of Morton, & put them in per∣petuall prison, frō whēce shortly after, Duke Robert decei∣uing* 1.20 his kepers; sought to escape; but he was takē as he fled, & by his brothers cōmandement had his eies put out, & kept

streighter till his dying day.

This yeare, the Priorie of the holy Trinitie, within* 1.21 Aldgate of London, was founded by Matild the Quéene, in the Parishes of Mary Magdalen, Saint Michael, Saint Ka∣therine; and the holy Trinitie, all whiche are nowe but one Parish of Christ Church, in old time called holy Roode pa∣rish.* 1.22 She gaue to the same Priorie the port of Aldgate, with the stocke therevnto belōging, which was of hir demaynes, and is now called Aldgate Warde.

King Henry with sundry expeditions brought vnder him the Welchmen, and to pull downe their stoutenesse, he* 1.23 sent all the Flemings that inhabited England thither, which of late were come hither, when great part of Flanders was drowned, and also in time of his father, by aliance of his mother, in so muche, that through their greate multitude they séemed gréeuous to the Realme, wherefore he sente them ali with their substance and kindred into Rose, a Cōun∣trey of Wales, a•• into a•• stucke, that he mighte clense the Realme of them, and also suppresse the wildnesse of the e∣nimie, and not long after he made expedition thither, com∣pelling the Welchmen to giue him for pledges the sonnes of the Nobilitie, with some money, and much Cattell, and returned.

Henry Emperour of: Rome sente messengers into En∣gland, requiring to haue Mawde the Kings daughter gi∣uen* 1.24 him in mariage, which was granted by the King, who then tooke thrée. Shillings of euery hide of lande through England.

The King translated the Abbey of Eoly into a Bishop∣ricke,* 1.25 and made Haruey Crust Bishop of Bancor, Bishop there.

A Comete appeared after a strange fashion, for it was risen out of the East, and astended vpwards.

A great Earthquake was at Shrewesburie, and the water* 1.26 of Trent at Nottingham was dryed vp from one of the clocke, till thrée.

King Henry maryed Robert his bastard son to Mawde,* 1.27 daughter and heire to Robert Fatzham, and made him the first Earle of Glocester, who after builded the Castels of Bri∣stow* 1.28 and Cardeffe, with the Priorie of S. Iames in Bristowe, where his body was buryed. And his sonne Earle William began the Abbey of Kensham.

King Henry went into Normandy to make war against the Earle of Angiew, whiche kept Maine againste the Kings will, and spoyled the whole Countrey.

William Baynard, vnder whome Lady Iuga helde the* 1.29 title of Dunmow, by misfortune lost his Barony, and King Henry gaue it wholly to Robert the sonne of Richard the* 1.30 sonne of Gilbert Earle of Clare, and to his heires, togither with the honor of Baynards Castell in London, and the appur∣tenances. This Robert was Cupbearer or Butler to the King.

Aboute this time, Gefferey Clinton, Treasourer and* 1.31 Chamberlayne to King Henry the first, founded the Prio∣rie at Kenelworth of regular Chanons. Geffery Clinton the yonger, confirmed to the Chanons all which Geffery his fa∣ther gaue them, except those landes which his father reser∣ued, to make his Castell and Parke on in Kenelworth.

This yeare was a great mortalitie of men, and moreine* 1.32 of Beastes.

The Citie of Worcester, the chiefe Church, the Castell,* 1.33 and all other buildings, one of the Monkes, with two ser∣uants, and fiftéene Citizēs, were all brent the twentith day of July.

The King subdued the Walchmen.

The King caused all his Nobles to sweare to William his sonne.

The tenth of October, the Riuer of Medway, by no small* 1.34 number of miles, did so fayle of water, that in the midst of the Chanell the smallest Uessels and Boates coulde not passe. The selfe same day the Thamis did suffer the like lack of water, for betwéen the Tower of London and the bridge, and

vnder the Bridge, not only with Horse, but also a greate* 1.35 number of men and children did wade ouer on foote, whiche defecte of water did endure the space of two dayes.

Chichester with the principall Monasterie was brent.

There was many stormes, and a blasing Starre.

This yeare through an hard Winter, almost all the bridges in England were borne downe with Yse.

Edgar sometime King of England granted vnto thirtéene Knightes a portion of grounde without the walles of the Citie of London, lefte voyde in the East part of the same Ci∣tie,* 1.36 togither with a gilde, which he named Knighten Gild, that now is called Portsoken warde, and now the Church of the holy Trinitie being founded within Aldgate of London by Mathild then Quéene, as is afore shewed. The successors of those Knightes, to wéete, Radulphus fitz Algede, Winiard le Douershe, &c. gaue the foresayde Lands called Knighten Gild, to the same Church: but Othowerus, Accolinillus, Ot∣to, and Gefferey Earle of Estsex, Constables of the To∣wer of London by succession, with-helde by force a portion of the same lande, that is to say East Smithfield, néere to the Tower, to make a Uineyard, and would not depart from it by any meanes, till the seconde yeare of King Stephen, when the same was adiudged and restored to the Church of the holy Trinitie.

King Henry hauing greate warres with Lewes King* 1.37 of France, the Realme of England was sore oppressed with exactions.

The Towne of Peterborow with the stately Churche there, was burned downe to the ground.

In March was excéeding lightning, and in December* 1.38 thunder and hayle: and the Moone at both times séemed to be turned into bloud.

This yeare in Lumbardy was an Earthquake, continu∣ed fortie dayes, whiche ouerthrewe many houses, and that* 1.39 whiche was maruellous to be séene, a Towne was moued from his seate, and set a good way off.

Mathild the Quéene, wife to King Henry of Englande,* 1.40 deceassed at Westminster, and was there buryed in the Re∣uostrie.

She founded the Priorie of Christes Church within the East gate of London, called Aldgate, and an Hospitall of* 1.41 Saint Giles in the fielde, without the Weast part of the same Citie.

The order of the Templers began.* 1.42

Many sore battayles were fought in France and Norman∣dy betwéene the King of England and of France.* 1.43

King Henry hauing tamed the Frenchmen, and pacifyed Normandy, returned into Engalnde, in whiche voyage, Wil∣liam Duke of Normandy, and Richard his sonnes, and Ma∣rye his daughter, Richard Earle of Chester, and his wife, with many noble men, and to the number of one hundred and sixtie persons were miserably drowned, the Sea being calme.

King Henry marryed Adelizia, the Duke of Louans* 1.44 daughter, at London: from thence the King with a great ar∣mie wente towarde Wales, but the Welchmen met him hum∣bly, and agréed with him at his pleasure.

The Citie of Glocester with the principall Monasterie, was brent againe, as before, and Lincolne was burned.* 1.45

King Henry sayled into Normandy, where he remayned long, trauelling to quiet that Countrey.

Henry Earle of Warwike, and Margaret his wife, foun∣ded the Colledge of Saint Mary in y^• towne of Warwike. And Roger de Belemound his sonne Earle of Warwike, and Ae∣line his wife, translated the same Colledge into the Castell of Warwike, in Anno 1123.

At that time were nine parishes in Warwike, Saint Se∣pulcre, Saint Hellens, of these twayne were made one Prio∣rie of Saint Sepulchre: Alhalowes, Saint Michaell, Saint Iohn, Saint Peter, Saint Lawrēce, Saint Iames, these fiue last* 1.46 were ioyned to Saint Maryes, in Anno 1367. Saint Ni∣cholas.

Waleran Earle of Mellent is takē in Normandy by King* 1.47 Henry, and he with many other are imprisoned at Roane.

Iohn Thremensis Cardinall came into England, who in∣ueying sore against Priestes Concubines, was himselfe de∣tected of whoredome.

The King caused all the Coyners of England to haue their priuie members cut off, and also their right hand, by∣cause they had corrupted the Coyne.

Henry the fourth Emperour being dead (as it was said)* 1.48 and Mawde the Empresse returning into England, dwelte with the Quéene in hir Chamber, bycause she was suspect of hir husbands death, but some affirmed him to be long after in England, lyuing as an Hermite, and in the end to be bury∣ed at Chester.

King Henry held his Courte with great magnificence* 1.49 in his Castell of Winsore, and there assembled all the nobili∣tie of his Realme, where when the Archbishop of Yorke woulde haue Crowned the King equally with the Arch∣shop of Canturbury, by the iudgement of all menne he* 1.50 was repulsed, the bearer of his Crosse, togither with the Crosse, was throwne out of the Kings Chappell: for it was affirmed that no Metropolitane out of his owne Prouince might haue any Crosse borne before him. The feast being ended, the King with all the States of the Realme togither came to London, and there at the Kings commandement, William the Archbishop, and the Legate of the Romish Churche, and all other Bishops of the En∣glish Nation, with the Nobilitie, tooke an othe. to defend a∣gainst all men the Kingdome to his daughter, if she surui∣ued hir father, except that before his deceasse he begate some sonne to succéede him.

The King also granted to the Churche of Canturbu∣rie, and to William and his successors, the custodie and Constableship of the Castell of Rochester for euer.

The Archbishop of Canturbury assembled a counsell of Bi∣shops,* 1.51 Abbots and other Prelates at Westminster, where they

determined many causes concerning Ecclesiastical businesse: and the King with his counsell confirmed them.

King Henry went with a warlike army into Fraunce, by∣cause* 1.52 Lodowike the French King defēded the Erle of Flaun∣ders the Kings Nephew and enimy.

At this time men had such a pride in their haire, that they* 1.53 contended with women in length of haire.

King Henry helde a Counsell at London, wherein it was graunted him to haue the correction of the Cleargie, whiche came to an euill purpose, for the King tooke infinite summes of mony of Priests, and suffred them to do what they would.

Robert Deolley Knight, great Conestable of England, was the first founder of Osney.

King Henry gaue his daughter the Empresse to Geffrey* 1.54 Plantagenet Earle of Angiou.

In the Moneth of May, the King beyng present, the Citie of Rochester was sore defaced wyth fire.

The King made a Bishopricke at Carleil.

Mawde the Empresse did beare to Geffrey Plantagenet Earle of Angiou a sonne, and named him Henry, which when the King knewe, hée called hys nobles togyther, and orday∣ned, that his daughter, and the heires of hir body, should suc∣céede him in hys Kingdome.

In Whitsonwéeke, a great fire beginning at Gilbert Bec∣kets house in Weast Cheape, consumed a greate parte of Lon∣don, from thence to Algate with the Priorie of Channons of the holy Trinitie, and many houses of Office thereto belon∣ging.

An Earthquake in England.* 1.55

Henry Bloys Bishop of Winchester, builded the Hospitall* 1.56 of Saint Crosse neare vnto Winchester. The same hadde béene a Hospitall in the Saxons time, but after spoyled by the Danes.

There was greate darkenesse in England, and the Sunne* 1.57 became like the Moone in the thyrd quarter.

Worcester, as it had oft before chaunced, was sore defaced with fire.

Mawde the Empresse brought forth a sonne named Gef∣frey, for which cause King Henrie went ouer into Normandie.

Robert Shorthose King Henries brother died in the Ca∣stel* 1.58 of Cardife, and was buried at Glocester.

King Henrie remayning in Normandie, vpō a day did eat Lampraies, wherof he toke a surfeite, and deceased the firste day of December, Anno. 1135. when he had raigned 35. yeres 4. monthes: his bowels, braynes and eyes, were buried at Roan, the rest of his bodie was pondered with salt, and wrap∣ped in Bulles hydes, bycause of the stincke, which poysoned them that stood about him. The Phisition which being hyred with a great reward to cleaue his heade to take out y^e brain, with the stinck therof died, so that he enioyed not the reward that was couenaunted. Thus among a gret many that king Henrie slew, this Phisition was the last.

King Henrie was buried at Reding, which he had founde••. He also founded the Priorie of Dunstable, he conuerted a rich Colledge of Prebends in the Towne of Cirencester, in∣to an Abbay of Chanons regular: he also builded* 1.59 there an Hospitall of Saint Iohn: and newe builded the Castel of Windsor with a Colledge there.

(∵)

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno reg. 1. Io. Rouse.
• * 1.2

  The. R••dborne. W. Malme.
• * 1.3

  Ge••••••. Dor••.
• * 1.4

  Measures reformed. W. Malme. Vlno, novv cal∣led a yard. W. Malme.
• * 1.5

  Vse of light in the night per∣mitted.
• * 1.6

  Saint Iohns by Smithfielde
• * 1.7

  Clarken vvell. Register of Cler∣ken well. Ex Carta.
• * 1.8

  1101 Anno reg. 2.
• * 1.9

  Tribute to Ro∣bert Shorthose. VVinchester and Glocester brent. Liber Glocestr. Tevvkesbery builded. Cronica de Theoksbery.
• * 1.10

  1102 Robert de Be∣lasme rebelled. W••l. Malme. Floriacens••s.
• * 1.11

  Minster of Norvviche. Anno reg. 3. Register of Saint Barthelmew. Hospitall of S. Barthelmevv. 1103 Anno reg. 4.
• * 1.12

  The yonger brother begy∣leth the elder.
• * 1.13

  Ex libre Lanthony Mathew Paris. Lanthony foun∣ded. Chro. Donmow.
• * 1.14

  Priorie of Don∣movv in Essex founded by the VViddovv of Baynard that buylded Bay∣nards Castell in London.
• * 1.15

  1104 Anno reg. 5.
• * 1.16

  1105 Anno reg. 6. Saint Iohns in Colchester.
• * 1.17

  Saint Andrevve in North-hamp∣ton. Ex Carta. ••o. Rouse. 1106 Anno reg. 7. Elder brother seeketh fauour of the yonger.
• * 1.18

  A Blasing Starre. Mathew Paris.
• * 1.19

  T Rudborne. Saint Mary Ouery. Liber Roffensis▪ ••o. Reuerla. 1107 Anno reg. 8.
• * 1.20

  The yonger brother puttet•• out the eyes of his elder.
• * 1.21

  1108 Priorie of the Trinitie in London. Liber trini.
• * 1.22

  W. Dunthorne.
• * 1.23

  Anno reg. 9. W••it. Malme. Gerua. Doro, Flemings sent into VVales.
• * 1.24

  1109 An••. reg. 10.
• * 1.25

  A Taxe. Iohn Taxtor, Eelȳ a Bishop∣rick. Mathew Paris. ••ibermōn. Elie.
• * 1.26

  1110 Anno reg. 11 A Comete. Trent dried vp. Floria censis.
• * 1.27

  Floriacen.
• * 1.28

  Castels at Bri∣stovv and Car∣dife. Saint Iames at Bristovv, Ken∣sham. 1111 Anno reg. 12 Mathew Paris.
• * 1.29

  Cro. Dun.
• * 1.30

  Robert Fit•••• Richard.
• * 1.31

  1112 Anno reg. 13 Kenelvvorth Priory and Ca∣stell founded. Lib. Ken.
• * 1.32

  Mathew Paris.
• * 1.33

  1113 Anno reg. 14. Floriacen. Cro. Hautenprice.
• * 1.34

  1114 Anno reg. 15 Thames and Medvvay dried vp.
• * 1.35

  Thomas de Wike. Walter Couen. Iohn Taxtor. William Sheepe∣head. Liber Roffensis. Chichester brent. A blasing starre. 1115 Anno reg. 16 Liber trinitatis.
• * 1.36

  Knighten Gild, novv Portso∣ken vvard.
• * 1.37

  1116 Anno. reg. 17 Cro. Peter.
• * 1.38

  1117 Anno. reg. 18. Tempest and Earthquake.
• * 1.39

  Floriacen.
• * 1.40

  1118 Anno reg. 19. Mathew Paris.
• * 1.41

  Mathilds Ho∣spitall.
• * 1.42

  Knightes of the Temple.
• * 1.43

  1119 Anno reg. 20 1120 Anno reg. 21. The Kings chil∣dren drovvned. W. Malme. Mathew Paris.
• * 1.44

  1121 Anno reg. 22.
• * 1.45

  1122 Anno reg. 23 Glocester brent Lib. Glocest. Mathew Paris. 1123 Anno reg. 24. VVarvvike vvith the Col∣ledge.
• * 1.46

  Liber Warwic••••▪ Io. Rouse.
• * 1.47

  1124 Anno reg. 25 1125 Anno reg. 26 Mathew Paris. Taxtor. Coyners puni∣shed.
• * 1.48

  1126 Anno reg. 27. The Empresse returned into England. Giraldus Cambr.
• * 1.49

  Floriacen.
• * 1.50

  Archbishop of Yorke vvith his Crosse cast out of the Kings Chappell.
• * 1.51

  1127 Anno reg. 28.
• * 1.52

  1128 Anno reg. 29
• * 1.53

  Men vveare haire like vvo∣men. W. Malme. 1129 Anno reg. 30 Mathew Paris.
• * 1.54

  1130 Anno reg. 31 1131 Anno reg. 32 Rochester brent Richard Diuiensis 1132 Anno reg. 33 Carleil a By∣shopricke. Geruasius. Gualter Couen. London brent. Geruasius Doro. Thomas Wikes.
• * 1.55

  Earthquake.
• * 1.56

  Liber canoni∣trinitatis.
• * 1.57

  1133 Anno reg. 34. VVorcester brent.
• * 1.58

  1134 Anno reg. 35 Robert Short∣••ose died. 1135 Anno reg. 36 Death of King Henrie. Mathew Paris.
• * 1.59

  ••. Leyland.