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

¶ King VVilliam Conquerour. (Book William the Conqueror)

[illustration]

WIlliam Duke of Norman∣die,* 1.1 surnamed Conquerour, Ba∣starde sonne of Robert the sixte, Duke of that Duchie, and Coosin germane vnto King Edward on the mothers side, beganne his do∣minion ouer the Realme of En∣gland, the fourtéenth day of Octo∣ber, being Saterday, in the yeare of our Lord 1066. After the battayle at Hastings, Duke William came to London, where with great ioy he was re∣ceyued, both of the Cleargie and people, and was proclay∣med King.

When the Citie of London was thus yéelded vnto him, he tooke his iourney towardes the Castell of Douer, to sub∣due that, and the rest of Kent also: which when the Archbi∣shop Stigand, and Egelsin the Abbot of Saint Augustines (being as it were the chiefest Lords and gouernours of all Kent) did perceyue and consider, that the whole Realme

was in an euill state, and that whereas in this Realme of England, before the comming of the foresayd Duke William there were no bondmen, now all, as well noble men, as the common people, were without respect made subiecte vnto the perpetuall bondage of the Normans, taking an occasion by the perill and danger that their neighbors were in, to prouide for the safegard of themselues and their Countrey, they caused to assemble at Canterbury all the people of the Countie of Kent, and declared to them the perils and dan∣gers imminent, the miserie that their neighbours were come into, the pride and insolencie of the Normans, and the hardnesse and griefe of bondage and seruile estate: where∣vpon all the people rather choosing to end their vnfortunate life, than to submit themselues to an vnaccustomed yoke of seruitude and bondage, with a common consent determined to méete Duke William, and to fight with him for the laws of their Countrey. And y^• foresayd Stigand the Archbishop, and the Abbot Egelsin, choosing rather to die in battell, than to sée their nation in so euill an estate, being encouraged by the examples of the holy Machabees, became Captayne of the armie. And at a day appoynted, all the people met at Swanescombe two miles west from Graues-end and being hid∣den in the woods, lay priuily in wayte for the comming of the foresayd Duke William. And bycause it can not hurt to be very wary in such cases, they agréed before hande, that when the Duke was come, and the passages on euery side stopped, to the end he should no way be able to escape, euery one of them, as well Horsemen as footemen, should beare boughes in their hands. The next day after, whē the Duke was come into the fields and territories néere vnto Swanes∣combe, and saw all the Countrey set and placed round about him, as it had bin a stirring & mouing wood, and that with a meane pace they approched and drewe néere vnto him, with great discomfiture of mind he wondered at that sight. And as soone as the Captaynes of the Kentishmen sawe that Duke William was enclosed in the middest of their armie,

they caused the trumpets to be sounded, their banners to be displayed, and threw downe their boughes, and with their bowes bent, their swords drawne, and their speares and o∣ther kinde of weapons stretched forthe, they shewed them∣selues readie to fight. Duke William and they that were with him, stoode (as no maruell it was) sore astonied, and a∣mazed, and he which thought that he had already all England fast in his fist, did now dispaire of his owne life. Therefore on the behalfe of the Kentishmen were sent vnto Duke Wil∣liam the Archbishop Stigand, and Egelsin Abbot of Saint Augustines, who told him their message in this sort:

My Lord Duke, behold the people of Kent commeth forth to méete you, and to receiue you as their liege Lord, requi∣ring at your hands the things which pertayne to peace, and that vnder this condition, that all the people of Kent may enioy for euer their antient liberties, and may for euermore vse the lawes and customes of the Countrey, otherwise they are ready presently to bidde battell to you, and them that be with you, and are minded rather to die héere altogi∣ther, than to departe from the lawes and customes of their Countrey, and to submit themselues to bondage, whereof as yet they neuer had experience. The Duke séeing himself to be driuen in such a straight and narrow pinch, consulted a while with them that came with him, prudently conside∣ring, that if he should take any repulse or displeasure at the hands of this people, which be the key of England, all that e∣uer he had done before, should be vndone againe, and of no effect, and all his hope and safetie shoulde stande in danger and ieopardy: not so willingly as wisely he granted the people of Kent their request. So when the couenant was e∣stablished, and pledges giuen on both sides, the Kentishmen being ioyfull, conducted the Normans (who also were glad) vnto Rochester, and yéelded vp to the Duke, the Earledome of Kent, and the noble Castell of Douer. Thus the antiente liberties of Englande, and the lawes and customes of the Countrey, whiche before the comming of Duke William

out of Normandy, were equally kept throughout all England, do (through this industrie and earnest trauell of the Archbi∣shop* 1.2 Stigand and Egelsin Abbot of Saint Augustines) re∣mayne inuiolably obserued vntill this day, onely in the Countie of Kent. Thus farre Thomas Sprot, after him William Thorne.

After this, Duke William wasted Sussex, Hampshire, Sou∣thery,* 1.3 Middlesex, and Hertfortshire, not ceassing to burne Townes, and sley the people, till he came to Barkehamsteed, where the Archbishop Alredus, Wolstan Bishop of Worce∣ster, Wilferus Bishop of Hereford, Clito Edgar, the Earles Edwine and Morcare, and euery one of the noble men about London came to him, and giuing pledges, submitted them∣selues, and sware fealtie to him, with whome also he made a league, & neuerthelesse permitted his army still to burne Townes, and to take spoyles.* 1.4

There was at that time an Abbot of Saint Albons cal∣led* 1.5 Fretherike, who hearing of the comming of Duke Willi∣am into Hartfordshire, caused the woods betwixt London and Saint Albons to be felled, that no man could eyther ride or go that way for them: and thus the Abbot kept his Mona∣sterie, that Duke William might not come there, but was fayne to coast ouer to the Castell of Barkehamsteede, who there, vnder suretie, sent for Frederike Abbot of Saint Al∣bons, and demanded of him why such felling of woods was made about him, more than in other places: Frederike an∣swered and saide, if the Spirituall men through this land had done their indeuour, it shoulde not haue bin in thy po∣wer to haue entred the land so farre: for the Spiritualtie is of great power. Duke William answered, and I may liue and reioyce, I shall loose their power, and make it lesse, and specially I will beginne with thée.

The Abbot thought he had said too farre, and (as soone as he might) departed home, called a Chapiter of his bréethrē, tolde them of Duke William, tooke his leaue of them, and went to Eely, and neuer returned.

Then Duke William toke much of the liuelode of Saint Albons. At Christmasse he would be crowned at Glocester, at Whitsontide at Westminster, at Easter at Winchester: these feastes he kept with great royaltie, but he made his cōmons bare, and himselfe riche. He was proude of port, and had a great belly, balde heade, and a bigge man in all the parts of his body, he was a good Archer, and right fewe might bende his bowe. He brought the Iewes from Rhone to inhabite here.

Whē Christmasse approched he marched with al his army* 1.6 to London, that there he mighte be crowned King, which was there done on Christmasse daye by Aldred Archbishoppe of Yorke, and not by Stigande of Canturburie bycause he came not lawfully by that dignitie: then he receyued homage, othe of fidelitie, and pledges of the nobles, and commaunded that in euery towne and village a bel should be roong euery nighte at eight of the clocke, and y^• all people should then put forth* 1.7 theyr fire and candle, and goe to bed, which order was obser∣ued through this realme during hys raigne, and the raigne of William his sonne.

The Historiographers of that time accompted the yere to beginne at Christmas, after which accompt then began the yeare 1067. but after the accompt of England now obserued, the yeare beginneth not til the. 25. of March following.

And now bicause those houses may not be vnremembred vnto whō King William disposed y^• lands and possessions of this realm for their good seruice, I haue thought good to pub∣lishe the names of them as heretofore I haue done, out of the Chronicles of Normandie, gathered by William Tayleur of Rhone.

To witte, Odo Bishoppe of Baion▪ Robert Earle of Mor∣taigne: These two were brethren to Duke William by hys mother: Bandonni de Buillon: Roger Earle of Beamont, that was surnamed with the Beard, of him came the linage of Mellent.

• ... Guillam Ma••••••▪ * 1.8
• Guilliam fitz Osberne.
• Le sire de Mōtfort sus Rille▪
• Guillam de vielz Pōt.
• Neel de saint Saueur le vicont.
• Le sire de F••••giers.
• Henry sire de Ferrers.
• Le sire Dambemare.
• Guilliā sire de Romare.
• Le sire di Lichare.
• Le sire de Tonque.
• Le sire de la Mare.
• Le sire de Nehabon.
• Le sire de Piron.
• Le sire de Beauson.
• Le sire Damnon.
• Le sire de Soteuile.
• Le sire de margneuille.
• Le sire de Tankeruille.
• Eustace Dambleuille.
• Le sire de Magneuille.
• Le sire de Gremesuille.
• Guillam Crespin.
• Le sir de sainct Martin.
• Guillem de Moulins.
• Le sire de Pins.
• Gieffray sir de Mayēne.
• Affroy de Behunt.
• Affroy & Mau••gr. de Cartaict.
• Guillam de Garennes.
• Hue de Cournay sire le de Bray.
• Le conte Hue de Do••r∣nay.
• E••g••••••o••nt de Laigle.
• Le vicont de Touars.
• Richart Donnemchni.
• Le sire de Biars.
• Le sire de Salligny.
• Le Boutellier daubegny.
• Le sire de Marre.
• Le sire de Victry.
• Le sire de Lacy.
• Le sire du vall Darie.
• Le sire de Tracy.
• Hue sire de Montfort.
• Le sire de Piqgny.
• Hamon de Brayen.
• Le sire de Spinay.
• Le sire de Port.
• Le sire de Torchy.
• Le sire de Iort.
• Le sire de Riuers.
• Guillem M••yon.
• Raoul Tesson de Chig∣nelois.
• Rogier Marmion.
• Raoul de Gael.
• Au•• Neel de Biars.
• Parnel du Monstier.
• Bertram le Tort.
• Hubert Robert.
• Le sire de Seukee.
• Le sire de Dormal.
• Le sire de Brenal.
• Le sire de sainct Iehan.
• Le sire de Bois.
• Le sire de Homme.
• Le sire de Saussay.
• Le sire de Cailly.
• Le sire de Semilly.
• Le sire de Tilly.
• Le sire de Romely.
• Martel de Basqueuill.
• Le sire de Praux.
• Le sire de Gonys.
• Le sire de Saincteaulx.
• De Mullox.
• These Archers of the vale of Rueill, and of Bretueill, & of ma∣ny other places.
• Le sire de seinct Saen.
• Le sire de la Rimer.
• Le sire de Salnarinlle.
• Le sire de Tony.
• Eude de Beaugien.
• Le sire de Ollie.
• Le sire de Sacy.
• Le sire de Vassye.
• Le Bisquams de Chay∣mes.
• Le sire de Sap.
• Le sire Duglosse.
• Le sire de Nim••.
• Le sire de Blamuille.
• Le sire de Brencon.
• Le vidā de Partenay.
• Raoult do Mormont.
• Pierre de Bailleul.
• Sir de Foscamp.
• Le sir de Beaufault.
• Le sir de Tillieres.
• Le sir de Pacy.
• Le seneschall de Tor∣chy.
• ...

• Le sir de Lacy.
• Le sir de Gacy.
• Le sir de Doully.
• Le sir de Sancy.
• Le sir de Bacy.
• Le sir de Tourneur.
• Le sir de Praores.
• Guillem de Colombiers.
• Hue sir de Bollebec.
• Richart sir Dorbec.
• Le sir de Donnebos.
• Le sir de Trois gros.
• Le sir de mont Fiquet.
• Hue le Vigot, alias Bi∣got de Mal••••ot.
• Le sir de la Haye.
• Le sir de Bracy.
• Le sir de Moubray.
• Le sir de Say.
• Le sir de Laser••.
• Bonteuillam Tronse∣bours.
• Guillem Patris de la land.
• Hue de Mortemer.
• Le sir Donuiller.
• Le sir Donnebant.
• L•• sir de saint Cler.
• Robert le fitz Herneys duke Dorlians.
• Le sir de Harecourt.
• Le sir Creuecure.
• Le sir de Dancourt.
• Le sir de Brunetot.
• Le sir de Cambray.
• Le sir Dauncy.
• Le sir Fonteney.
• Le counte Deureux.
• Le sir de Roberchil.
• Alan sergent Counte de Britaigne.
• Le sir de ••aint Wallery.
• Le counte Deden.
• Gualtar Guisart, coun∣te de Longeuile.
• Le sir de Scouteuile.
• Le counte Thomas Dā∣binale.
• Guillem de Hoimes e•• Darques.
• Le sir de Barreuile.
• Le sir de Breante.
• Le sir de Freamuile.
• Le sir de Panilly.
• Le sir de Cler••.
• Tostamdubec.
• Le sir de Mangny.
• Roger du Mont Gome∣ry, Comes.
• Almary de Touaers.
• Beside a very greate number of Knighte and esquires that wer vnder them.
• Thus far out of the Cronicle of Norman∣die, the other follow∣ing are taken out of a Table sometime in Battaile Abbey.
• Awmerle.
• Audeley.
• Angilliam.
• Argentoun.
• Arundell.
• Auenant.
• Abel.
• Awgers.
• Angenoun.
• Archer.
• Asperuile.
• Amonerduil••.
• Arey.
• Akeny.
• Albeny.
• Asperemound.
• Bertram.
• Buttecourt.
• Brahus.
• Byseg.
• Bardelf.
• Basset.
• Bygot.
• Bohun.
• Baylife.
• Bondeuile.
• Barbason.
• Beer.
• ... Bures. * 1.9
• Bonylayne.
• Barbayon.
• Berners.
• Braybuf.
• Brand.
• Bonuile.
• Burgh.
• Busshy.
• Blundell.
• Breton.
• ...

• Bela••yse.
• Bowser.
• Bayons.
• Bulmere.
• Broune.
• Beke.
• Bowlers.
• Banastre.
• Belomy.
• Belknape.
• Beauchamp.
• Bandy.
• Broyleby.
• Burnel.
• Belot.
• Beufort.
• Baudewine.
• Burdon.
• Berteuylay.
• Barre.
• Busseuile.
• Blunt.
• Beawper.
• Bret.
• Barret.
• Bainard.
• Barnevale.
• Barry.
• Bodyt.
• Berteuile.
• Bertine.
• Belew.
• Bushell.
• Beleners.
• Buffard.
• Boteler.
• Boteuile.
• Brasard.
• Belhelme.
• Braunche.
• Bolesur.
• Blundel.
• Burdet.
• Bagot.
• Beawpount.
• Bools.
• Belefroun.
• Barchampe.
• Camos.
• Canuille.
• Chawent.
• Chauncy.
• Couderay.
• Coluyle.
• Chamberlaine.
• Chambernoune.
• Cribet.
• Corbine.
• Corbet.
• Coniers.
• Chaundos.
• Coucy.
• Chaworth••.
• Claremaus.
• Clarell.
• Camuine.
• Chaunduyt.
• Claruays.
• Chantilowe.
• Colet.
• Cressy.
• Courtenay.
• Constable.
• Chaucer.
• Cholmelay.
• Corneuile.
• Champeney.
• Carew.
• Chawnos.
• Claruaile.
• Champaine.
• Carbonell.
• Charles.
• Chereberge.
• Chawnes.
• Chawmont.
• Cheyne.
• Cursen.
• Conell.
• Chayters.
• Cheynes.
• Cateray.
• Cherecourt.
• Chaunuile.
• Clereney.
• Curly.
• Clyfford.
• Denauile.
• Dercy.
• Dine.
• Dispencer.
• Daniel.
• Denyse.
• Druell.
• Deuaus.
• Dauers.
• Doningsels.
• Da••el.
• Delabere.
• De la Pole.
• De la Lind.
• De la Hill.
• De la Wate.
• De la Watche.
• Dakeny.
• Dauntre.
• Desnye.
• Dabernoune.
• Damry.
• Daueros.
• De la Vere.
• De Lee.
• De la Warde.
• De la Planch.
• Danway.
• De Hewse.
• Disard.
• Durant.
• Drury.
• Estrange.
• Escutauile.
• Escriols.
• Engayne.
• Euers.
• Esturney.
• Foluile.
• Fitz Water.
• Fitz marmaduk
• Filberd.
• Fitz Roger.
• Fitz Robert.
• Fanecourt.
• Fitz Phillip.
• Fitz William.
• ...

• Fitz Paine.
• Fitz Alyne.
• Fitz Raufe.
• Fitz Browne.
• Foke.
• Freuile.
• Faconbrige.
• Frissel.
• F••lioll.
• Fitz Thomas.
• Fitz Morice.
• Fitz Hughe.
• Fitz Warren.
• Faunuille.
• Formay.
• Formiband.
• Frison.
• Finer.
• Fitz vrcy.
• Furniuall.
• Fitz Herbert.
• Fitchet.
• Fitz Iohn.
• Gargraue.
• Graunson.
• Gracy.
• Glaunuile.
• Gouer.
• Gascoyne.
• Gray.
• Golofer.
• Grauns.
• Gurly.
• Gurdon.
• Gamages.
• Gaunt.
• Hansard.
• Hastings.
• Haulay.
• Husie.
• Herne.
• Hamelyn.
• Harewell.
• Hardel.
• Heck••t.
• Hamound.
• Harecord.
• Iarden.
• Iay.
• Ianuile.
• Iasparuile.
• Karre.
• Karron.
• Kyriell.
• Le Strange.
• Leuony.
• Latomere.
• Loueday.
• Logenton.
• Leuel.
• Le Scrope.
• Lemare.
• Litteril••.
• Lucy.
• Lislay.
• Longspes.
• Longschampe.
• Lastels.
• LindSey.
• Loterell.
• Lindsey.
• Longuaile.
• Le Vawse.
• Loy.
• Laue.
• Le dispenser.
• Marmilou.
• Moribray.
• Moruile.
• Manley.
• Malebranche.
• Malemaine.
• Muschampe.
• Musgraue.
• M••nilebillers.
• Mortmaine.
• Muse.
• Marteine.
• Mountbocher.
• Maleuile.
• Mountney.
• Maleherbe.
• Musgros.
• Musard.
• Mautrauers.
• Merke.
• Murres.
• Montague.
• Mantalent.
• Mandute.
• Manle.
• Mal••ry.
• Merny.
• Muffet.
• Menpincoy.
• Mainard.
• Morell.
• Morley.
• Mounrmartin.
• Myners.
• Mauley.
• Mainwaring▪
• Mantell.
• Mayel.
• Morton.
• Neuile.
• Newmarche.
• Norton.
• Norbet.
• Norece.
• Newborough.
• Neele.
• Normanuile.
• Otenell.
• Olibef.
• Olifaunt.
• Oysell.
• Oliford.
• Oryoll.
• Pigot.
• Pery.
• Perecount.
• Pershale.
• Power.
• Paynel.
• Peche.
• Peuerell.
• Perot.
• Picard▪
• Pudsey.
• Pimeray.
• Pounsey.
• Punchardon.
• Pynchard.
• ...

• Placy.
• Patifine.
• Pampilion.
• Poterell.
• Pekeney.
• Peruinke.
• Penicord.
• Quincy.
• Quintine.
• Rose.
• Ridle.
• Rynel.
• Rous.
• Russell.
• Ro••d.
• Richmond.
• Rocheford.
• Reymond.
• Seuche.
• Seint Quintine.
• Seint Omer.
• Seint Amond.
• Seint Leger.
• Someruile.
• Sanford.
• Somerey.
• Seint George.
• Seint Les.
• Sauine.
• Seint Clo.
• Seint Albine.
• Seint Barbe.
• Sandeuile.
• Seint More.
• Seint Scudemor
• Towrs.
• Toget.
• Talybois.
• Tuchet.
• Truslot.
• Trusbut.
• Traynel.
• Taket.
• Talbo••.
• Tanny.
• Tibtote.
• Trusell.
• Turbeuile.
• Turuile.
• Totet.
• Tauers.
• Torel.
• Tirell.
• Totels.
• Tauerner.
• Valence.
• Vancord.
• Vau••sour.
• Vender.
• Verder.
• Verdon.
• Aubrie de Vere.
• Vernoune.
• Venables.
• Ven••ure.
• Verlaud.
• Verlay.
• Vernoys.
• Verny.
• Vilan.
• Vmframuile.
• Vnket
• Vrnall.
• Wake.
• Walenger.
• Warde.
• Wardebus.
• Waren.
• Wate.
• Wateline.
• Wateuile.
• Woly.
• Wyuell.

THis yeare through the greate suite and labour of Williā the Norman, then. Bishoppe of London, King William grā∣ted the Charter and liberties to the same William, By∣shoppe,* 1.10 and Godfrey, Portgreue, and al the Burgies of the Cittie of London, in as large forme as they enioyed the same, in the time of Saint Edwarde before the Conquest: in re∣warde whereof, the Citizens haue fixed on hys graue, being in the middest of the great West Ile of Saint Paules Church in London, this Epitaph following.

GVilielme viro sapiētia & vitae sanctitate clar••, qui pri∣mùm* 2.1 diuo Edwardo Regi & Confessori familiaris, nuper in Episcopum Londinensem erectus, nec multò post apud inuictissimū Principem Guilelmum Angliae regem eius nominis primum, ob prudentiam fidemqúe singularem in consilium adhibitus: amplissima huic vrbi celeberimae priuilegia abeodem impetrauit. Senatus populusque Londinensis be∣ne merenti posuit. Sedit Episcopus annos. 20. Decessit anno à Chri∣sto nato. 1070.

HAEc tibi, clare pater posuerunt marmora ciues, Praemia, non meritis, aequiparanda tuis: Namque sibi populus, te Londoniensis amicum, Sensit, & huic vrbi non leue praesidium. Reddita libertas duce te, dotaque multis Te duce, res fuerat publica muneribus. Diuitias, genus, & formam breuis opprimat hora, Haec tua sed pietas, & benefacta manent.

Obijt anno. 1070 Sedit Episcopus annos. 20.

The same in English.

TO William a man famous in wisedome and holy∣nesse of life, who first with Saint Edward the king and Confessour being familiar, of late preferred to be Byshoppe of London, and not long after for hys prudencie and sincere fidelitie, admitted to be of counsel with the moste victorious Prince William king of Englande of that name the first, who obteyned of the same great and large pri∣uiledges to this famous Citie. The Senate and Citizens of Lō∣don to him hauing well deserued, haue made this. He con∣tinued Bishop. xx. yeares and died in the yere after Christ his natiuitie. 1070.

THese Marble monuments to thee thy Citizens assigne, Rewardes (O Father) far vnfit to those deserts of thine. Thee vnto them a faithfull friend, thy London people founde, And to thys towne, of no small weyght, a stay both sure and sounde: Their liberties restorde to them, by means of thee haue been, Their publike weale by meanes of thee, large gifts haue felte and seen. Thy riches, stocke, and beautie braue, one houre hathe them supprest, Yet these thy vertues and good deedes, with vs for euer reste.

KIng William, (leauing his brother Odo Byshop of Bay∣on,* 2.2 and William Fitz Osberne whom he had made Earle of Hereforde, to be Wardens of England) retourned into Nor∣mandie, which at that time was bent to shrink from him. Hée toke with him Edgare Etheling, Stigandus Archbishoppe of* 2.3 Canturburie, Frederike Abbot of Saint Albons, Egelnothus Ab∣bot of Glastenburie, Edwyne Duke of Mercia, Morcarus duke of Northumberlande, Walden Earle of Northampton and of Huntington, Roger late Earle of Hertford, Renulphe Earle of Cambridge, Gospatrike Earle of Cumberlande, Gualter the son of Siward, and manye other nobles of England thinking they woulde be truer to him in a forraine Countrey than in their owne: by theyr diligence he subdued the rebelling Normans. When Winter was at hand, King William retourned, and set an importable tribute on the Englishmen.

After this going into Deuonshire he besieged Excester,* 2.4 which the Citizens and other English men helde againste him.

The Countesse Githa mother of King Harolde, and sister to Swanus king of Denmarke with manye other fléeing out of the Cittie escaped, and got them ouer into Flaunders, and the Citizens yéelded to the King.* 2.5

Mathild wife to King William came forth of Normandie, and on Whitsonday, was consecrated Quéene by Aldred Arche∣byshop

of Yorke. After this Marleswin, Gospatricke, and other noble menne of Northumberlande, to auoyde king Williams roughe and boysterous dealings, taking with them Edgar, Etheling, and his mother Agatha, with his two sisters Mar∣garet and Christian, wente by sea into Scotlande, where they were receiued and well entertayned of Malcoline king of Scottes, who tooke Margaret the sister of Edgar to wife.* 2.6

King William with his armye wente to Notingham and* 2.7 there builded a Castel: he went to Yorke, and made there two Castels, and put in them garisons: he cōmaunded also Ca∣stels to be made at Lincolne and other places.

This yere Henrie the kings sonne was borne in Englād,* 2.8 for his eldest sons Robert and William Rufus were borne in Normandie, before he Conquered England.

King William gaue to Robert Commin the Earledome* 2.9 of Northumberland, who entred by force into Duresme, but for his outrages there done, he and 900. of his men were slaine by the men of that Countrey, in the Bishoppes palace, that* 2.10 had himselfe receyued him honourablye, and king William came Afterward vpon them and slewe them euery one.

Agelricus bishop of Durham, being accused of treason, was* 2.11 imprisoned at Westminster. And his brother Egelwine be∣ing made Bishop there, was soone banished.

The Englishmen that were fledde out of Englande, hauyng Edgar to be their Captaine, returned out of Scotlande, and sodainely set vpon the garisons that King William had sette at Yorke, put them to flighte, slewe them, possessed the Citie, and pronounced Edgar to be King: but not long after King William came with a great armye and recouered thr Citie, constrayning Edgar to retourne into Scollande. Edgar seeing he coulde not make his partye good with king William, ad∣ioyned vnto hym Canutus king of the Danes, promising hym halfe of the kingdome. Thus they entred Englande and came to Yorke.

The Normaines that were left to defende the Citie, sette* 2.12 their suburbes on fire, that their enimies shoulde haue no

commoditie of it, but the winde droue the fire on high, and set all the Cittie on fire, so that the garisons were forced to flée into their enimies hands. In the ••kirmish were slaine 3000▪ Normans, wherevppon all the North parte of England fell from William to Edgar.

When William had word, of the slaughter of his men, hée with great trauel came to Yorke, where he fought with hys enimies, and put them to flighte. Canutus with a few Danes got to their shippes, but Edgar and the Englishmen which es∣caped, retourned into Scotland. King William spoyled all the Countrey beyonde Humber.

Such a dearth was in England that men did eate horsses,* 2.13 cattes, dogges, and mans flesh.

King William bereaued all the Monasteries and Ab∣bayes in Englande of theyr golde and siluer, sparing ney∣ther chalice nor shrine, appropriating the sayd Monasteries and Abbayes to himselfe: he also brought vnder Knightes seruice, all those Bishoprickes and Abbayes that held Ba∣ronies, which had bin frée from all secular bondage, appoin∣ting them howe many souldiours they should finde him and his successours in time of warre.

In a counsel at Winchester Stigand was deposed as an* 2.14 Apostata Archebishop, who for money got his Bishopricke: and Lanfranke was chosen Archbishop of Canturburie.* 2.15

Edwine Earle of Mercia, Marcherus Earle of Northūber∣lande, and Swardus an Earle, with Egelwine Bishop of Dur∣ham, and many other of the cleargie and laitie, kéeping the* 2.16 wooddes, for that they were not able to abyde the Kings dis∣pleasure, at the last came into the Ile of Elie, Herewarde be∣ing their Captaine, who sore afflicted that Countrey, but king William besieging the Ile, they all sauing Herewarde submitted them to his plesure, who committed some to per∣petual prison, some he put to death, and some he ransomed, but Hereward by strong hande broughte his men out of the Ile and escaped.

The Castell of Ledes in Kent, was builded by Creueken,* 2.17 and the Castel of Oxforde by Robert de Olly, two noble men that came into England with William Conquerour.

In a Counsel holden at Windsore, the primacie of y^• church of Canturburie ouer the Churche of Yorke being examined, it was founde by good aucthoritie of olde writings, that the Church of Yorke ought to be subiect to the Church of Cantur∣burie and faithfully to obey the same.

King William with a great power inuaded Scotland, and forced Malcoline to do him homage and fealtie.

King William with a greate power of Englishmen, wente into Normand••e which rebelled, and subdued it, spoyling the Cities, townes, vineyardes, corne, &c.

Gregory the seauenth Pope, excommunicated all com∣mitters* 2.18 of Simony, and remoued maried Priestes from ex∣ecuting of deuine seruice, whereof rose greate troubles in England.

Ranulph Erle of y^e East-English, by y^• counsel of the Erles Woltheopus & Roger, trauelled to expel K. Williā out of his kingdome. The cōspiracie was concluded at a mariage in y^•* 2.19 Citie of Norwich, & forthwith they sente to the King of Den∣marke, desiring his ayde, and hauing confederated with the Walchmen, euerye one where they came, robbed the Kyngs townes.

King William came sodainly out of Normandie, and toke the Earles, committing them to prison: but the Walchmen he caused to haue theyr eyes put out, and some to be hanged.

Kanut the sonne of Swayne, and Hacon the Earle, came* 2.20 out of Denmarke, with 200 saile but when they heard y^• theyr fautors were ouercome, they tourned into Flaunders.

King William caused a castell to be builded at Dirham, &* 2.21 commaunded Waltheothus, Earle of Northampton and of Huntindon, son to Siward duke of Northumberland, to be behea∣ded at Winchester, who was buried at Crowland.

The king sayled into Brytaine, and besieged the Castel of Dolens, but preuayled not.

Walter Bishoppe of Durham, bought of king William the* 2.22 Earledome of Northumberlande, wherin he vsed such cruelty, that at the length the inhabitants slewe him and an hundred of his men, by the riuer of Tine, where the Bishop helde his courtes.

The Earth was harde frozen, from the Calendes of No∣uember,* 2.23 till the middest of Aprill.

King William gaue the castel with the town of Pontfrait, with land lying there about, to Hilbert Lacy a Norman. The castel town & lāds about Pontfraite, longed before y^• Cōquest to one Richard Ashnalde, who had issue Ailricke, who had Swane, who had Adam, of whom came two daughters, one of them maried to Gaulfride Neuile, the other to Thomas Burgh, but neyther of them had anye part of the Towne or lands about Pontfrait. Robert sonne to Hildebert Lacy, foun∣ded the Priory of Pontfraite.

Robert the first sonne of King William, bycause he could not possesse Normandie, which his father had giuen him be∣fore his cōming into England, (in the presence of Phillip king of Fraunce) he went into Fraunce, and through ayde of Kyng Phillip he fetched prayes in Normandie, brent townes, slewe men, and brought his father into no small perplexitie.

Upon Palme sondaye aboute noone, appeared a Blasing* 2.24 starre neare vnto the sunne.

Malcoline King of Scots, wasted Northumberland, slew ma∣ny, and toke a great pray with him into Scotland.

The Cathedral Church of Hereford was brent by Grifin and Algare sonne to Leof icke Earle of Merce.

While King William gaue battayle vnto his eldest son Robert, before the Castell of Kerbothead, which King Phi∣lip* 2.25 had lent him, he was wounded by hym in hys arme and caste besides his horsse, but as soone as Robert knew him by his voyce, he straight alighted, and required his Father to mount on his horsse, and suffred him to depart: many of king* 2.26 Williams men were slaine, and his son William with many other sore wounded.

Trustin Abbot of Glastenbury, committed a filthy acte in his* 2.27 Church, for he caused thrée Monkes to be slaine which were layde vnder the Altare, and xviij. men to be wounded, that their bloud ran from the Alter down y^• steps to y^• pauement.

This yeare was a great wind on Christmas daye. And* 2.28 a greate Earthquake and roarings out of the earth, the vj. of Aprill.

Henry Erle Ferrers founded a Priory within hys Castel of Tutsbury, the late new Church was builded in Anno. 1407. when the Normans were put out.

Alwin Child a Citizen of London founder of the Monaste∣rie of S. Sauior at Bermondfeey in Surrey, gaue vnto the Mon∣kes there, dyuers rents in the Cittie of London.

Matild the Quéene, daughter to Baldwin Earle of Flaun∣ders, and wife to King William, died, and was buryed at Cane in the Monastery of Nunnes, whych she had builded.

Richard sonne to King William, died in the new Forrest, and was buryed at Winchester.

King William caused inquirie to be made, howe manye* 2.29 acres of lande were sufficient for one ploughe by the yeare, howe many beastes to the tilling of one hide, how many Ci∣ties, Castels, Farmes, Oranges, Townes, Riuers, Mar∣shes, and Woods, what rent they were by yeare, and howe many Knightes or Souldiors were in euery shire, all whych was put in writing, and remayneth at Westminster.

King William tooke homage, and othe of allegiaunce of all Englande, of what tenor or fée soeuer they were, and tooke* 2.30 of euery hide of land sire shillings, and then fayled into Nor∣mandy.

When the Normans had accomplished their pleasure vp∣on* 2.31 the Englishmen, so that there was no noble man of that na∣tion left to beare any rule ouer thē, it became a reproch to be* 2.32 called an Englishman. Wicked customes sprang vp, and the more the people spake of equitie, the more wrōg was done: the Justiciers were the authors of al vnrighteousnes. Who so did take a Deare or a Goate, had hys eyes putte oute. It

was broughte to passe, that for the space of more than. xxx.* 2.33 miles, good profitable corne ground was turned into a chace for wilde beastes.

Remingus Bishop of Dorchester, remoued his Sea to Lin∣colne,* 2.34 where he bu••lded a new Church to be his seate.

King William kept his feast of Christmas at Gloucester▪* 2.35 where to thrée of his Chaplaines he gaue thrée Bishoprikes, to Mawrice, the Bishopricke of London: to William, that of Thetford: and to Robert, that of Chester.

There was a greate water floude, so that hils were made* 2.36 softe and consumed, & with their fal ouer whelmed many vil∣lages. King William founded the Abbeys of Battel, where hée ouercame Harolde of Selbe in Yorkeshire, and of Cane in Nor∣mandy,* 2.37 in the which he was buried. He founded the Priory of Saint Nicholas at Excester. He gaue greate Priuiledges to* 2.38 Saint Martins le grand in London, (which Church was founded before the Conquest by Ingelricus and Ewardus his brother cousins to king Edward the Confessor) he also gaue to y^e Chl∣ledge, as appeareth by his Charter, in these words: I do giue* 2.39 and graunt to the same Church al the land and more without the Posterne which is called Criplesgate on either parte of the posterne, that is to say, from the North corner of the wall, as the riuer of the Wells there running, departe the same more from the wal, to y^e rūning water which entreth the Citie, &c.

This yere was a great death of Cattel, and sore distempe∣rancie* 2.40 of ayre, many dyed first of feuers, and after of famine.

In the mean time, a deuouring fire spread ouer al the prin∣cipall* 2.41 Cities of Englande. The Church of Saint Paule in Lon∣don was brent with the more part of the Citie, which fire be∣gan* 2.42 at the entry of the West gate & consumed so y^e East gate. Mawrice then Bishop of London began the foundation of the new Church of Paules. Richard his successor did wonderfully encrease the walles of the said Church, and of his owne cost* 2.43 purchased y^• large stréetes about it where were wont to dwel many laye men, and compassed it with a strong wall.

In a prouince of Wales, called Rose, was found the sepul∣chre

of Gawen vpon the sea shore, who was sisters sonne to* 2.44 Arthur king of the Britaines, being xiij. foote of length. King William being at Roane in Normandie, Philip king of Fraunce saide that he kept his Chamber as women do in childbed, & nourished his fat belly, but when he is churched I will offer a thousand candles with him. King William hearing of these scornes, went with a great army into Fraunce, spoyling al things as he passed. Last of al he burned the Citie of Me∣anx with our Lady Churche and two Anchers that were en∣closed there, who perswaded themselues, they ought not to forsake their house in such extremitie: whereat the King re∣ioysing, cheared his men to féede the fire, & came himselfe so neare, y^• with the heate of his harneys he got a disease to the encrease of his sicknesse. Also the kings horsse leaping ouer a ditch, did burst the inner parts of the K. with the pain wher∣of he was sore afflilcted, and retourned to Roane, wher shortly after he ended his life. The. ix. day of Septem, in the yere of* 2.45 our Lord. 1087. when he had rained xx. yeres & xj. monthes lacking fine days, his body being brought w^t great solēnitie in Cane in Normandie there to be buried in a Church whiche he had founded, a certaine knight boldly forbod the burial of* 2.46 him in that place, affirming that by title of inheritaunce the ground was his, & that king William ought not to be buried* 2.47 in the ground, which by violence he had obtayned: wherfore by consent of Henry his son, this reproch was appeased with the payment of an hundred pounde of siluer. He had issue by Matild his wife, daughter to Baldwin Erle of Flaunders: Ro∣bert Curthose, vnto whom he gaue Normandie. Richard that* 2.48 dyed yong: William Rufus, vnto whom he gaue England: and Henry to whō he gaue his wiues inheritance & treasure: hée had daughters Cicily, Abbesse of Cane: Constance marryed to Alane Earle of Brytain: Adale wife to Stephen Earle of Bloyse: Margaret promised to Harold king of Englād, & Alianor betrothed to Alfonse King of Galicia. King Williā comman∣ded all prisoners to be released, & his tresure to be distribu∣ted vnto churches.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno. reg. 1.
• * 1.2

  The antient li∣berties and lavves of Eng∣land, remayne in Kent only. Thomas Sprot. Wil. Thorne.
• * 1.3

  Marianus. Floriacen. Wigor.
• * 1.4

  Chro. S. Albani.
• * 1.5

  Frederike Ab∣bot of S. Albons his policie a∣gainst Duke VVilliam.
• * 1.6

  Duke VVilli∣am crovvned.
• * 1.7

  Fire and light forbidden to the Englishmen.
• * 1.8

  The Cronicles of Normandie vvri••tē in frēch by Guillem Tailleur.
• * 1.9

  Carta W. Reg••▪ de S. Martin •••• g••••••d••.
• * 1.10

  VVherefore the Mayor and Citizens of Lō∣don repayre to Poules.
• * 2.1

  Epitaph of VVilliam By∣shop of Londō.
• * 2.2

  Marianus. Ypodigm•• Neustri••.
• * 2.3

  W. de W••lum.
• * 2.4

  Excester be∣sieged.
• * 2.5

  Anno reg. 2. 1068 Ypodigma.
• * 2.6

  Iohn Rouse.
• * 2.7

  Castel at No∣tingham, Yorke and Lincolne. builded.
• * 2.8

  T. Rudborne. Earle of Nor∣thumberlande slaine.
• * 2.9

  Liber Dunelme. Anno. reg. 3.
• * 2.10

  Sea. Cro.
• * 2.11

  1069
• * 2.12

  Yorke brent.
• * 2.13

  Anno reg. 4. Mans flesh good meate. Ioh Taxtor. 1070 Monasteries rifled.
• * 2.14

  Ypodigma. Stigand deposed
• * 2.15

  Anno. reg. 5. 1071
• * 2.16

  Noble men fled
• * 2.17

  Anno. reg. 6. Ex libro Nor••. Castel of Leder and of Oxforde builded. Iohn Rouse. 1072 Mathew Paris. Yorke subiect to Canturburie. Anno reg. 7. 1073 Anno reg. 8.
• * 2.18

  1074 Maried priestes remoued. Ypodigma. Mathew Paris.
• * 2.19

  Conspiracie.
• * 2.20

  Anno reg. 9.
• * 2.21

  1075 Ypodigma.
• * 2.22

  Bisshop murde∣red. Anno. reg. 10
• * 2.23

  1076 T. Castleforde. Iohn Leyland. Anno. reg. 11
• * 2.24

  1077 Anno. reg. 12 1078 Ypodigma.
• * 2.25

  King VVilliam vvounded.
• * 2.26

  Anno. reg. 13
• * 2.27

  1379 Murder. Mathew Paris.
• * 2.28

  Anno. reg. 14 1080 Anno. reg. 15 1081 Anno. reg. 16 Tutsbury. Liber Tutsbury. 1982 Bermondsey. Anno. reg. 17 1083
• * 2.29

  Acres of land numbred. ••••. Rouse. Anno. reg. 18. 1084 A greate taxe
• * 2.30

  Anno. reg. 19
• * 2.31

  1085
• * 2.32

  Nev•••• ••••rrest.
• * 2.33

  Mathew Paris. Bishop at Lin∣colne.
• * 2.34

  Anno reg. 20.
• * 2.35

  Flori. Wigmore.
• * 2.36

  1086 VVater floude.
• * 2.37

  Battell Abbey.
• * 2.38

  Saint Martins le Graunde. Liber S. Mar. Anno reg. 21
• * 2.39

  Creeplesgate of London, but a Posterne and all the grounde ad∣ioyning vvas a Doore or Ma∣rishe.
• * 2.40

  1087
• * 2.41

  Famine and Pestilence.
• * 2.42

  London and Poules Churche brent. 〈…〉〈…〉 Erkenwaldi.
• * 2.43

  Floria Wig.
• * 2.44

  Wil. Malme. Mens bones of large sixe.
• * 2.45

  King VVilliam dyed.
• * 2.46

  W. Malme.
• * 2.47

  Burial forbiddē to VVilliam Conquerour.
• * 2.48

  Issue of VVilliā Conquerour.