The survey of London containing the original, increase, modern estate and government of that city, methodically set down : with a memorial of those famouser acts of charity, which for publick and pious vses have been bestowed by many worshipfull citizens and benefactors : as also all the ancient and modern monuments erected in the churches, not only of those two famous cities, London and Westminster, but (now newly added) four miles compass / begun first by the pains and industry of John Stow, in the year 1598 ; afterwards inlarged by the care and diligence of A.M. in the year 1618 ; and now compleatly finished by the study & labour of A.M., H.D. and others, this present year 1633 ; whereunto, besides many additions (as appears by the contents) are annexed divers alphabetical tables, especially two, the first, an index of things, the second, a concordance of names.

The Copie of an ancient Deed of Gift, given to Bethlem or Bedlem, by Simon the sonne of Mary.

TO all the children of our Mother holy Church, to whom this present writing shall come; Simon the sonne of Mary sendeth greeting inour Lord. Where among other things, and before other Lauds, the high altitude of the heavenly Councells, marvelously wrought by some readier devotion, it ought to be more wor∣shipped; of which things the mortall sicknes (after the fall of our first Father Adam) hath taken the beginning of this new repay∣ring: Therefore forsooth, it beseemeth wor∣thy, that the place, in which the Sonne of God is become man, and hath proceeded from the Virgins wombe, which is increaser and beginner of mans redemption, namely ought to be with reverence worshipped, and with beneficiall portions to bee increased. Therefore it is, that the said Simon, sonne of Mary; having speciall and singulor devo∣tion to the Church of the glorious Virgin at Bethelem, where the same Virgin of her brought forth our Saviour incarnate, and lying in the Cratch, and with her own milke nourished; and where the same Child to us there borne, the Chivalrie of the heavenly Company, sang the new Hymne, Gloria in excelsis Deo. The same time, the increa∣ser of our health, (as a King, and his Mo∣ther a Queene) willed to bee worshipped of Kings: a new starre going before them at

the honour and reverence of the same Child, and his most meeke Mother: And to the exaltation of my most Noble Lord, Henry, King of England; whose wife and child the foresaid Mother of God, and her onely Son, have in their keeping and protection: And to the manifold increase of this Citie of Lon∣don, in which I was borne: And also for the health of my soule, and the soules of my predecessors and successors, my Father, Mo∣ther, and my friends: And specially for the soules of Guy of Marlowe, John Durant, Ralph Ashwye, Maud, Margaret, and Dennis, women: Have given, granted, and by this my present Charter, here have confirmed to God, and to the Church of S. Mary of Bethelem, all my Lands which I have in the Parish of S. Burtolph without Bishopsgate of London; that is to say, whatsoever I there now have, or had, or in time to come may have, in houses, gardens, pooles, ponds, ditches and pits, and all their appurtenances, as they be closed in by their bounds; which now extend in length from the Kings high street East, to the great ditch in the West, the which is called Deepe ditch and in breadth, to the Lands of Raph Dow∣ning in the North: and to the Land of the Church of Saint Buttolph in the South. To have and to hold the foresaid Church of Be∣thelem in free and perpetuall Almes: And also to make there a Priorie, and to ordaine a Prior and Canons, Brothers and also Si∣sters, when Iesus Christ shall enlarge his grace upon it. And in the same place, the Rule and order of the said Church of Bethe∣lem solemnly professing, which shall beare the token of a Starre openly in their Coapes and Mantles of profession, and for to say di∣vine Service there for the soules aforesaid, and all Christian soules: And specially to receive there the Bishop of Bethelem, ca∣nons, Brothers and Messengers of the Church of Bethelem for evermore, as often as they shall come thither. And that a Church or Oratory there shall be builded, as soone as our Lord shall enlarge his grace: under such forme, that the order, institution of Pri∣ors, Canons, Brothers, Sisters of the visita∣tion, correction and reformation of the said place, to the Bishop of Bethelem and his successors, and to the Charter of his Church, and of his Messengers, as often as they shall come thither, as shall seeme them expedient, no mans contradiction notwithstanding, shall pertaine for evermore: Saving alway the services of the chiefe Lords, as much as per∣taineth to the said Land. And to the more surety of this thing, I have put my selfe out of this Land, and all mine: And Lord God∣frey, then chosen of the Nobles of the Citie of Rome, Bishop of Bethelem, and of the Pope confirmed then by his name in Eng∣land, in his name, and of his successors, and of his Chapter of his Church of Bethelem, into bodily possession: I have indented and given to his possession, all the foresaid lands, which possession hee hath received, and en∣tred in forme abovesaid. And in token of subjection and reverence, the said place in London without Bishopsgate, shall pay yeerely in the said Citie, a Marke sterling at Easter, to the Bishop of Bethelem, his Successors of his Messengers, in the name of a Pension. And if the faculties or goods of the said place (our Lord granting) happen to grow more, the said place shall pay more, in the name of pension, at the said terme, to the Mother Church of Bethelem. This (forsooth) gift and confirmation of my deed, and the putting to of my Scale for mee and mine heires, I have stedfastly made strong, the yeere of our Lord God,* 1.1 A thousand, two hundred,* 1.2 forty seven, the Wednesday after the Feast of S. Luke the Evangelist: These being witnesses, Peter the sonne of Allen, then Maior of London, Nicholas Bet, then Sheriffe of the said Citie, and Alderman of the said Ward; Raph Sparling, Alder∣man; Godfrey of Campes, Simon Co∣micent, Simon Ronner, Rob. of Wood∣ford, Thomas of Woodford, Walter Pointell, Walter of Woodford, &c.

The same yeere, King Henry the 8. gave this Hospitall unto the Cittie: the Church and Chappell whereof were taken downe in the reigne of Queene Elizabeth, and houses builded there, by the Governors of Christs Hospitall in London. In this place, people that be di∣straught in their wits, are (by the suite of their friends) received and kept as a∣fore, but not without charges to their bringers in.* 1.3

At a Court of Aldermen, holden on Tuesday, the 20. of Ianuary, An. 4. Ed. 6. a Carre-roome was freely given to the inhabitants of Bishopsgate Ward, to the intent, that they should cause the utter parts of the said Ward without the gate to be kept cleane.

Also, at a Court of Aldermen, hol∣den on Tuesday the 7. of April, An. 5. Edw. 6.* 1.4 It was ordered that the inhabi∣tants within the precinct of Bethlem should be (from thenceforth) united to the parish Church of Saint Buttolph without Bishopsgate, and so by the Par∣son and parishioners of the same parish accepted and taken; and to bee allotted and charged with them, to all offices and charges (Tithes and Clarkes wages ex∣cepted:) In consideration whereof, the Parson of the said parish was to receive yeerely out of the Chamber of London 20 shillings, and the Parish Clarke 6. shillings 8. pence.

In the yeere 1569. Sir Thomas Roe,* 1.5 Merchant-Taylor, Maior, caused to bee inclosed (with a wall of brick) about one Acre of ground,* 1.6 being part of the said Hospitall of Bethlem, to wit, on the bank of a deepe ditch so called, parting the said Hospitall of Bethlem from the Moore field: this he did for buriall, and ease of such parishes in London, as wan∣ted ground convenient within their Parishes. The Lady his wife was there buried (by whose perswasion hee inclo∣sed it) but himselfe borne in London, was buried in the Parish Church of Hack∣ney.

From this hospitall Northward upon the streets side, many houses have been builded with Allies backward, of late time too much pesterd with people (a great cause of infection) up to the Bars.

The other side of this high streete from Bishopsgate and Hounds-ditch,* 1.7 the first building is, a large Inne for receit of travellers, and is called the Dolphin, of such a signe.

In the yeere 1513. Margaret Ricroft Widdow, gave this house with the Gardens and appurtenances, unto Willi∣am Gam, R. Glye, their wives, her daugh∣ters, and to their heires, with condition, they yeerely give to the Warden or Governour of the Gray Fryers Church within Newgate fortie shillings, to finde a Student of Divinity in the Vniversity for ever.

Then is there a faire house of late builded by Iohn Powlet. Next to that, a farre more large and beautifull house, with Gardens of pleasure, howling al∣lies, * 1.8 and such like, builded by Iasper Fi∣sher, free of the Goldsmiths, late one of the sixe Clerkes of the Chancery, and a Iustice of peace. It hath since (for a time) beene the Earle of Oxfords place. The late Queene Elizabeth hath lod∣ged there: It now belongeth to the Earle of Devonshire. This house being so large and sumptuously builded, by a man of no great calling, possessions or wealth, (for hee was indebted to many) was mockingly called Fishers folly, and a Rithme was made of it, and other the like, in this manner;

Kirbies Castle, and Fishers Folly, Spinilas pleasure, and Megses glory.

And so of other like buildings about the Citie, by Citizens, men have not letted to speake their pleasure.

From Fishers folly,* 1.9 up to the west end of Berwards lane, of old time so called, but now Hogge lane, because it meeteth with Hogge lane, which commeth from the Barres without Ealdgate, as is afore∣shewed; is a continuall building of te∣nements, with Allies of Cottages, pe∣stered, * 1.10 &c. Then is there a large Close, called Tazell Close, sometime, for that there were Tazels planted for the use of Cloth-workers: since letten to the Crosse-bow makers, wherein they used to shoote for games at the Popingey. Now the same being inclosed with a Bricke wall,* 1.11 serveth to bee an Artillery yard, or Garden, whereunto the Gun∣ners of the Tower weekely doe repaire; namely, every Thursday, and there le∣velling certaine Brasse Pieces of great Artillery against a But of earth, made for that purpose, they discharged them for their exercise. Present use is made thereof, by divers worthy Cittizens, Gentlemen and Captaines, using Mar∣tiall Discipline, and where they meete (well-neere) weekely, to their great commendation in so worthy an exer∣cise, wherof hereafter I will speake more at large.

Then have ye the late dissolved Pri∣ory and Hospitall,* 1.12 commonly called, Saint Marie Spittle, founded by Walter Brune, and Rosia his wife, for Canons regular; Walter, Archdeacon of London, laid the first stone in the yeere 1197. William of Saint Mary Church, then Bishop of London, dedicated it to the

honour of Iesus Christ, and his Mother the perpetuall Virgin Mary by the name of Domus Dei, and Beatae Mariae, ex∣tra Bishopsgate, in the parish of S Buttolph, the bounds whereof, as appeareth by composition betwixt the Parson & Prior of the said Hospitall,* 1.13 concerning tithes, beginneth at Berwards lane toward the south & extendeth in breadth to the Pa∣rish of S. Leonard of Sores ditch towards the North,* 1.14 and in length, from the Kings streete on the West to the Bi∣shops of Londons field, called Lollesworth on the East. The Prior of this Saint Ma∣ry Spittle, for the emortising and pro∣priation of the Priory of Bikenacar in Essex, to his said house of S. Mary Spit∣tle, gave to Henry the seventh 400. l. in the two and twentieth of his reigne. This Hospitall surrendred to Henry the eighth, was valued to dispend 478. l. wherein was found, besides ornaments of the Church, and other goods pertai∣ning to the Hospitall, 180. beds well furnished, for receipt of the poore: for it was an Hospitall of great reliefe. Sir Henry Plesington, Knight, was buried there, 1452.

In place of this Hospitall,* 1.15 and neere adjoyning,* 1.16 are now many faire houses builded, for receipt and lodging of wor∣shipfull persons. A part of the large Church-yard pertaining to this Hospi∣tall, and severed from the rest with a Brick wall, yet remaineth as of old time, with a Pulpit Crosse therein,* 1.17 somewhat like to that in Pauls Church-yard. And against the said Pulpit on the South side before the Charnell and Chappell of Saint Edmond the Bishop, and Mary Magdalen, which Chappell was foun∣ded about the yeere 1391. by W. Eue∣sham, Citizen and Peperer of London, who was there buried; remaineth also one faire builded house of two stories in height for the Maior, and other hono∣rable persons, with the Aldermen and Sheriffes to sit in, there to heare the Sermons preached in the Easter holy∣dayes. In the Loft over them stood the Bishop of London, and other Prelates; but now the Ladies, and Aldermens Wives doe there stand at a faire Win∣dow, or sit at their pleasure.

And here is to bee noted, that time out of minde, it hath beene a laudable custome, that on good Fryday in the af∣ter-noone, some especiall learned man, by appointment of the Prelates, hath preached a Sermon at Pauls Crosse, treating of Christs passion: and upon the three next Easter Holydayes, Mun∣day, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the like learned men, by the like appointment, have used to preach on the forenoones at the said Spittle, to perswade the Ar∣ticle of Christs resurection: and then on Low Sunday, one other learned man at Pauls Crosse, to make rehearsall of those foure former Sermons, either commending or reproouing them, as to him (by iudgement of the learned Di∣vines) was thought convenient. And that done, he was to make a Sermon of his owne studie, which in all were fiue Sermons in one. At these Sermons so severally preached, the Maior with his Brethren the Aldermen were accusto∣med to bee present in their Violets at Pauls on good Fryday, and in their Scarlets at the Spittle in the Holydaies, except Wednesday, in Violet, and the Maior with his Brethren on Low Sun∣day in Scarlet, at Pauls Crosse, continu∣ed untill this day.

Touching the Antiquity of this Custome, I find that in the yeere 1398. King Richard having procured from Rome, confirmation of such statutes, and ordinances, as were made in the Parlia∣ment, begun at Westminster, and ended at Shrewsbury, he caused the same con∣firmation to be read and pronounced at Pauls Crosse and at Saint Mary Spittle, in the Sermons before all the people. Philip Malpas one of the Sheriffes in the yeere 1439. gave 20. shillings by the yeere to the three Preachers at the Spit∣le. * 1.18 Stephen Forstor Maior in the yeere 1594. gave forty pounds to the Prea∣chers of Pauls Crosse and Spittle. I finde also, that the aforesaid house, wherein the Maior and Aldermen doe sit at the Spittle, was builded (for that purpose) or the goods, and by the exe∣cutors of Rich. Rawson Alderman, and Isabel his wife, in the yeere 1488. In the yeere 1594. this Pulpit being old, was taken downe, and a new one set up, the Preachers face turned towards the South, which was before toward the West. Also a large house (on the East

side of the said Pulpit) was then buil∣ded, * 1.19 for the Governours and Children of Christs Hospitall to sit in: and this was done of the goods of William Elkin Alderman, late deceased. But within the first yeere, the same house decaying, and like to have fallen, was againe (with great ••ost) repaired at the Cities charge.

Here I may not omit an especiall mat∣ter, because in my remebrance, nor else (in my reading) I finde not the like. On Munday in Easter weeke,* 1.20 be∣ing April 21. 1617. our most Gracious Soveraigne King Iames, being gone on his Journey to Scotland: It pleased di∣vers Lords and other of his Majesties most Honourable Privie Councell, to visit this place of Saint Mary Spittle, and there to remaine in company (du∣ring the Sermon time) with the Lord Maior, Sir Iohn Lemman, and his wor∣thy Brethren the Aldermen of this City. The Sermon being ended, they rode home with the Lord Maior to his house neere Belingsgate, where they were loving∣ly and honourably both welcommed and entertained with a most liberall and bountifull Dinner, and all the Gentle∣men attending on them. The Lords, were the right reverend Father in God, George Lord Archbishop of Canturbury, Sir Francis Bacon, Lord keeper of the great Seale of England; the Earle of Worcester; the Lord Lis••e, Lord Cham∣berlaine to her Majesty, the Lord Bi∣shop of London; the Lord Carew; the Lord Knivet; Sir Iulius Caesar; Sir Tho∣mas Edmonds; Sir Iohn Digby, with di∣vers other Knights and worthy Gentle∣men, &c. And the Preacher that then preached, was Master Doctor Page, of Detford in Kent.

On the East side of this Churchyard ly∣eth a large field,* 1.21 of old time called Loles∣worth,* 1.22 now Spittle field, which about the yeere 1576. was broken up for Clay to make Bricke: in the digging thereof many earther pots called Vrnae, were found full of Ashes,* 1.23 and burnt bones of men, to wit of the Romans that inhabi∣ted here. For it was the custome of the Romans, to burne their dead, to put their Ashes in an Vrne, and then bury the same with certain Ceremonies, in some field appointed for that purpose neere unto their City.

Every of these pots had in them (with the Ashes of the dead) one piece of Copper money, with the inscription of the Emperour then reigning: some of them were of Claudius, some of V••spasian, some of Nere, of Antoninus Pius, of Tra∣janus, and others. Besides those Vrnes, many other pots were found in the same place, made of a white earth, with long necks, and handles, like to our stone Jugs: these were empty, but seemed to be buried full of some liquid matter, long since consumed and soked through. For there were found divers Vials, and other fashioned Glasses, some most cun∣ningly wrought, such as I have not seen the like, and some of Chrystall, all which had water in them, nothing dif∣fering in clearnesse, taste, or savour from common spring water; whatsoever it was at the first. Some of these Glasses had Oyle in them very thick, and earth∣ly in savour. Some were supposed to have Balme in them, but had lost the vertue: many of these pots and Glasses were broken in cutting of the Clay, so that few were taken up whole.

There were also found divers Dishes and Cups, of a fine red coloured earth, which shewed outwardly such a shining smoothnesse, as if they had been of Cur∣rall. Those had (in the bottomes) Ro∣man letters printed, there were also Lampes of white earth and red, artifi∣cially wrought with divers Antiques a∣bout them, some three or foure Images, made of white earth, about a span long each of them: one I remember was of Pallas, the rest I have forgotten. I my selfe have reserved (amongst divers of those antiquities there) one Vrne, with the Ashes and bones, and one pot of white earth very small, not exceeding the quantity of a quarter of a wine pint, made in shape of a Hare, squatted upon her legs, and betweene her eares is the mouth of the por.

There hath also been found (in the same field) divers Coffins of stone,* 1.24 con∣taining the bones of men: these I sup∣pose to bee the burials of some speciall persons, in time of the Brittons, or Sax∣ons, after that the Romans had left to go∣verne here. Moreover, there were also found the scuis and bones of men, with∣out Coffins, or rather whose Coffins

(being of great timber) were consumed.* 1.25 Divers great Nayles of Iron were there found, such as are used in the Wheeles of shod Carts, being each of them as big as a mans finger, and a quarter of a yard long, the heads two inches over. Those Nayles were more wondred at than the rest of the things there sound, and many opinions of men were there uttered of them, namely, that the men there buried, were murthered by dri∣ving those Nayles into their heads; a thing unlikely: for a smaller Nayle would more aptly serve to so bad a pur∣pose, and a more secret place would lightly be employed for such buriall.

But to set downe what I have obser∣ved concerning this matter, I there be∣held the bones of a man lying (as I no∣ted) the head North, the feet South, and round about him (as thwart his head, along both his sides, and thwart his feet) such Nayles were found. Wher∣fore I conjectured them to be the nayles of his Coffin, which had been a trough, cut out of some great tree, and the same covered with a planke of a great thick∣nesse, fastened with such Nayles, and therfore I caused some of the Nayles to be reached up to me; and found under the broad heads of them, the old wood, skant turned into earth, but still retai∣ning both the graine and proper colour. Of these Nayles (with the wood under the head thereof) I reserved one, as al∣so the nether jaw-bone of the man, the teeth being great, sound, and fixed, which (amongst many other Monu∣ments there found) I have yet to shew; but the Nayle lying dry, is by scaling greatly wasted. And thus much for this part of Bishopsgate Ward, without the Gate: for I have in another place spo∣ken of the Gate, and therefore I am to speake of that other part of this Ward, which lyeth within the Gate.

And first to begin on the left hand of Bishopsgate street,* 1.26 from the Gate ye have certaine Tenements of old time pertai∣ning to a brotherhood of St. Nicholas, granted to the Parish Clarkes of London for two Chaplens to bee kept in the Chappell of St. Mary Magdalen, neere unto the Guild hall of London, in the 27. of Henry the sixth. The first of these house towards the North, and against the Wall of the City, was sometime a large Inne or Court, called the Wrastlers of such a signe, and the last in the high street towards the South, was sometime also a faire Inne called the Angel, of such a signe. Amongst these said Tenements was (on the same street side) a faire En∣try or Court to the common Hall of the said Parish Clarks, with proper Almes-houses, seven in number, adjoyning, for Parish Clarkes, and their Wives, their Widdowes, such as were in great yeeres not able to labour. One of these, by the said Brotherhood of Parish Clarkes, was allowed sixteene pence the weeke, the other sixe had each of them nine pence the weeke, according to the Pa∣tent thereof granted. This Brotherhood (amongst other) being suppressed: In the reigne of Edward the sixth, the said Hall with the other buildings there, was given to Sir Robert Chester, a Knight of Cambridge-shire, against whom the Pa∣rish Clarkes commencing sute, in the reigne of Queen Mary, and being like to have prevailed, the said Sir Robert Che∣ster pulled down the Hall, sold the tim∣ber, stone and lead, and thereupon the sute was ended. The Almes-houses re∣mained in the Queenes hands, and peo∣ple were there placed, such as could make best friends. Some of them ta∣king the pension appointed, have let forth their houses for great rent, giving occasion to the Parson of the Parish, to challenge tithes of the poore, &c.

Next unto this is the small Parish Church of Saint Ethelburge,* 1.27 Virgin, and from thence some small distance is a large Court, called little S. Helens, be∣cause it pertained to the Nunnes of St. Helens,* 1.28 and was their house: there were seven Almes-roomes or houses for the poore, belonging to the Company of Leathersellers. Then somewhat more West is another Court with a winding lane, which commeth out against the West end of Saint Andrew Vndershafts Church. In this Court standeth the faire Church of Saint Helen,* 1.29 sometime a Priory of blacke Nunnes, and in the same a parish Church of S. Helen.

This Priory was founded before the reigne of Henry the third. William Ba∣sing, Deane of Pauls was the first Foun∣der, and was their buried, and William

Basing, one of the Sheriffes of London, in the second yeere of Edward the se∣cond, was holden also to be a Founder, or rather an helper there. This Priory being value at 314. l. 2. s. 6. d. was surrendred the 25. of November, the 30. of Henry the 8. The whole Church, th•• ••rtition betwixt the Nuns Church and Parish Church being taken down, remaineth now to the Parish, and is a faire Parish Church, but wanteth such a steeple, as Sir Thomas Gresham promi∣sed to have builded, in recompence of ground in their Church filled up with his Monument.

The Nuns Hall, and other housing thereto pertaining,* 1.30 was since purchased by the Company of Leather sellers, and is their common Hall: which Compa∣ny was incorporate in the 21. yeere of Richard the second.

In the Church of S. Hellen, have yee these Monuments of the dead:

Thomas Langton, Chaplaine, buried in the Quire, 1350.

Adam Francis, Maior 1354.

Elizabeth Vennar, wife to William Vennar, Alderman, one of the Sheriffes of London, 1401.

Ioane, daughter to Henry Seamer, wife to Richard, sonne and heire to Robert Lord Poynings, dyed a Virgin, 1420.

Iohn Swinflat, 1420.

Nicholas Marshall, Ironmonger, Al∣derman, 1474.

Sir Iohn Crosby, Alderman, 1475. and Anne his wife.

Thomas Williams, Gentleman, 1495.

Ioane Cocken, wife to Iohn Cocken, E∣squire, 1509.

Mary Orrell, wife to Sir Lewes Orrell, Knight.

Henry Sommer, and Katharine his wife.

Walter Huntington, Esquire.

John Langthrop, Esquire, 1510.

John Gower, Steward of Saint Helens, 1512

Robert Rochester, Esquire, Serjeant of the Pantrie to Henry the eighth.

Sir William Sanctlo, and Sir William Sanctlo, father and fonne.

Elianor, daughter to Sir Thomas Butler, Lord Sudley. John Southworth.

Nicholas Harpsfield, Esquire.

Thomas Sanderford, or Sommerford, Alderman.

Alexander Cheney.

Walter Dawbeney.

George Fastolph, fonne to Hugh Fa∣stolph.

Robert Liade.

Thomas Benolt, alias Clarentiaulx, King at Armes, 1534.

William Hollis, Maior, 1540.

John Fauconbridge, Esquire, 1545.

Hacket, Gentleman of the Kings Chappell.

Sir Andrew Iud, Maior, 1551.

Sir Thomas Gresham, Mercer, 1579.

William Skegges, Serjeant Poulter.

Richard Gresham, fonne to Sir Thomas Gresham, 1564.

Quiescit hic Gulielmus Pickeringus, Pa∣ter, Equestris Ordinis vir, Miles Mari∣scallus. Qui obiit 19. die Maii, An∣no Salutis a Christo, 1542.

Iacet hic etiam Gulielmus Pickeringus, Films, Miles, corporis animi{que} bonie in-signiter ornatus; Literis excultus, & Re∣ligione Sincerus; linguas exacte percal∣luit. Quatuor Principibus Summa cum laude inservivit: Henrico Scilicet octa∣vo, Militari virtue: Edvardo sexto, Legatione Gallica: Regine Mariae, ne∣gotiatione Germanica : Elizabethae, Principi omnium illustrissimae, summis officiis devotissimus. Obiit Londini, in adibus Pickeringiis, Etate 58. Anno Gratie, 1574. Ianuarii quarto.

Cujus Memorie, Thomas Henneagius, Miles, Camer & Regi & Thesaurarius; Johannes Asteley, Armiger, Iocalium Magister; Drugo Drureius, & Tho∣mas Wotton Armig. Testamenti Sui Executores, Monumentum hoc posuere.

Here lyeth the body of William Bond, Al∣derman, and sometime Sheriffe of Lon∣don; A Merchant Adventurer, and most famous (in his age) for this great ad∣ventures both by Sea and Land. Obiit 30. die Maii, 1576.

Flos Mercatorum, quos terra britanna creavit, Ecce sub hoc tumulo Gulielmus Bondus humatur. Ille mari multum pass us per saxa per undas,

Vitavit Patrias Peragrinis mercibus oras. Magnanimum Greci mirantur Iasona vates, Aurea de gelido retulit guiavellera Phasi. Grecia decta tace, Graii concedite vates, Hicjacet Argolico Mercator Iafone Major. Vellera multa tulit, magis aurea vellere phryxi, Etsreta multa Scidit magis ardua Phasidos undis: Hei mihi quod nullo morsest Superabilis auro, Fles Mercatorum, Gulielmus Bondus humatur.

Hicsitus eft Ioannes Spencer, Eques Au∣rasus Civis & Senator Loadinenfis, ejufdem Civitatis Pretor, An. Dom. 1594. Lui ex Alicia Bromefeldia Vxore, unican reliquit Filiam Eli∣zabeth, Gulielmo, Earoni Compton e∣nuptam. Obit 30. die Martii, Anno fa∣lutis. M.D. C.IX.

Socero bene merico Gulielmus Baro Compton gener pofuis.

Within this monument lyeth the earthly parts of Iohn Robinson, Merchant of the Staple in England, free of the Mer∣chant Taylors, and sometime Alderman of London: And Christian his wife, eldest daughter of Thomas Anderson, Grocer. They spent together in holy wed∣locke 36. yeeres, and were happy (be∣sides other worldly blessings) in nine Sonnes and Seven Daughters. Shee chan∣ged her mortall habitation for a heaven∣ly, on the 24. day of April, An. Dom. 1592. Her Husband following her, on the 19. day of February, 1599. Both much beloved in their lives, and more lamented at their deaths; especially by the poore, to whom their good deeds (being alive) begot many prayers, now (being dead, many teares. The Glaffe of his life held 70. yeeres and then ranne out. To live long, and happy, is an honour; but to dye happy, a greater glory: Both these aspired to both. Heaven (no doubt) bath their foules, and this house of stone their bodies, where they Sleepe in peace, till the summons of a glorious resurrecti∣on wakens them.

Here lieth the body of William Kerwin,* 1.31 of this Citie, free Mason. Who departed this life the 26. day of Decemb. 1594.

Aedibus Attalicis Londinum qui decoravi, Exiguum tribuunt hanc mihi fata domum. Me duce surgebant aliis regalia tecta, Me duce conficitur ossibus urna meis.

Here also lyeth the body of Magdalen Ker∣win, his wife, by whom he had issue, two sonnes and two daughters. She deceased the 23. day of August, 1592.

Magdalena jacet virtus post fata superstes, Conjugiique fides, Religioque manen••. Corpus humo tectum, Christo veniente resurget, Vt mentis consors astra suprema colat. Christus mihi vita. Mors mihi lucrum. Nos quos certus amor primis conjunxit ab annis, Iunxit idem Tumulus, junxit idemque polus.

There is a faire Grave-stone, engra∣ven on the plaine stone, being there laid in memoriall of Mr. Abraham Orelius, a learned Preacher of the French Church; it lyeth neere to Sir Iohn Spen∣cers Tombe, in the South Ile of the Chancell; but none new else beside.

A yong new-borne childe was taken up,* 1.32 betweene the great Ware-house and Sir Iohn Spencers backe gate, being (by a most unnaturall mother) there bu∣ried in a great dung-hill of Sea-coale ashes, with the face upward; yet found alive by Richard Atkinson, who used to make cleane the passage there of the soyle, carrying it thence with his wheel-barrow. The child had not any ragge or cloth about it, but was all bloudied, by reason that the Navillstring was un∣tyed, and the body meerely crusted o∣ver with the Sea-coale dust. Yet being made cleane by the poore mans wife, it

was found to be a most goodly Man∣child, strong and well featur'd, without any blemish or harm upon it: but stran∣gled inwardly, by sucking in the noy∣some filth and ashes.

It was christened, and named Iob cl∣nere extractus; Iob taken out of the ashes. It lived 3. dayes, and dying, lyes buried in the Churchyard, the 5. of September, 1612. Richard Ball, Minister; William Robinson, and Richard Westney, Church-wardens; Thomas Edwards and Abra∣ham Gramer, Side-men; Iohn Harvey, Clerke.

The charity that I finde in this Parish given to the poore, is 2. s. every Sun∣day (for ever) in Bread, allowed by the gift of the fore-remembred Mr. Robin∣son. And 1. s. also in Bread every Sun∣day given by Mistris Scioll.

The bounds and limits of S. Helens Parish, called Bishopsgate-street, the fur∣thest house on the East side, wherein Thomas Childe now dwelleth, towards the South, abutteth upon the tenement now in the occupation of Iames Austen, in the Parish of Saint Martins Otes∣wich. The furthest house, wherein Ed∣ward Higges, Sadler, now dwelleth, to∣wards the North, abutteth upon the Parsonage house of Saint Ethelburges Parish, enclosing (withall) little S. He∣lens Close, wherein the Leather-sellers Hall, other Tenements, and Almes-houses belonging to the said Company, doe stand. As also great Saint Helens Close; wherein the Parish Church, with a thorow-fare to the backe-gate, leading into S. Mary at the Axe; and the utmost house belonging to the said Parish, is next adjoyning to the said gate towards the South, and openeth into the street there, commonly called Saint Mary at Axe.

On the West side of the street, cal∣led Bishopsgate-street, the furthest house, wherein Thomas Goodson now dwelleth, (towards the South) abutteth upon the gate, wherein Mr. Richard Foxe, Alder∣mans Deputy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dwelled, in the Pa∣rish of S. Martin Oteswich. And the furthest house, wherin Nathaniel Wright then also dwelled, towards the North, abutteth upon the messuage or Tene∣ment Inue, called the Blacke Bull, in the said Parish of Saint Ethelburge. By me, Io. Warner, Parish-Clerke there.

Then have ye one great house,* 1.33 called Crosbie Place, because the same was builded by Sir Iohn Crosbie, Gracer and Woollman, in place of certaine Tene∣ments, with their appurtenances, letten to him by Alice Ashfeld, Prioresse of S. Helens, and the Covent, for ninety nine yeeres, from the yeere 1466. unto the yeere 1565. for the annuall rent of eleven pounds six shillings eight pence. This house hee builded of stone and timber, very large and beautifull, and the highest at that time in London: hee was one of the Sheriffes, and an Alder∣man in the yeere 1470. knighted by Edward the fourth, in the yeere 1471. and deceased in the yeere 1475. so short a time enjoyed he that his large and sumptuous building.

He was buried in Saint Helens, the Parish Church, a faire Monument of him and his Lady is raised there: hee gave towards the reforming of that Church five hundred markes, which was bestowed with the better, as ap∣peareth by his Armes, both in the stone-worke, roofe of Timber, and gla∣sing.

I hold it a fable said of him, to be na∣med Crosbie, of being found by a crosse; for I have reade of other to have that name of Crosbie before him; namely, in the yeere 1406. the 7. of Henry the 4. the said King gave to his servant Iohn Crosbie, the wardship of Iohn, daughter and sole heire to Iohn Iordaine, Fish∣monger, &c. This Crosbie might bee Father or Grandfather to Sir Iohn Crosbie.

Richard Duke of Glocester, and Lord Protector, afterward King, by the name of Richard the third, was lodged in this house: since which time, among other, Anthony B••nvice, a rich Merchant of I∣taly, dwelled there; after him Garmain Cioll. Then William Bond, Alderman, increased this house in heighth, with building a Turret on the top thereof: Hee deceased in the yeere 1576. and was buried in Saint Helens Church. Divers Ambassadours have beene lod∣ged there; namely, in the yeere 1586. Henry Ramelius, Chancellour

of Denmarke, Ambassadour unto the Queens Majesty of England, from Fre∣derick the second, King of Denmarke: An Ambassadour of France, &c. Sir Iohn Spencer, Alderman, lately purcha∣sed this house, made great reparations, kept his Maioralty there, and since builded a most large ware-house neere thereunto.

From this Crosby place, up to Leaden Hall corner, and so downe Grasse-street, among other tenements, are divers faire and large-builded houses for Mer∣chants and such like.

Now for the other side of this Ward, namely the right hand,* 1.34 hard by within the Gate, is one faire water-Conduit, which Tho. Knesworth, Maior in the yeer 1505. founded, hee gave 60. pounds, the rest was furnished at the common charges of the Citie. This Conduit hath since beene taken downe, and new builded. David Woodroffe, Alderman, gave 20. pounds towards the convey∣ance of more water thereto. From this Conduit have ye (amongst many faire tenements) divers faire Innes, large for receit of travellers, and some houses for men of Worship; namely, one most spacious of all other there about, buil∣ded of bricke and timber,* 1.35 by Sir Tho∣mas Gresham, Knight, who deceased in the yeere 1579. and was buried in S. Helens Church, under a faire Monu∣ment, by him prepared in his life: hee appointed by his Testament, this house to be made a Colledge of Readers, as before is said in the Chapter of schools and houses of learning.

Somewhat West from this house, is one other faire house, wherein Sir Wil∣liam Hollis kept his Maioralty, and was buried in the Parish Church of Saint Helen. Sir Andrew Iud also kept his Maioralty there, and was buried at S. Helens.* 1.36 He builded Almes-houses for six poore Almes-people, neere to the said Parish Church and gave Lands to the Skinners, out of which they are to give 4. shillings every weeke to the six poore Almes-people, 8. d. the peece, and 25. s. 4. d. the yeere in Coales a∣mongst them for ever.

Then in the very West corner, over against the East end of S. Martins Otes∣wich Church, (from whence the street windeth towards the south, you had, of old time, a faire Well with two Buc∣kets, so fastned, that the drawing up of the one let downe the other; but now of late that Well is turned into a Pumpe.

From this to the corner over against the Leaden Hall, and so downe Grasse-street, are many faire houses for Mer∣chants and Artificers, and many faire Innes for travellours, even to the corner where that Ward endeth, over against Grasse-Church.

Thus much for this Bishopsgate Ward shall suffice: which hath an Alderman, two Deputies, one without the Gate, another within; Common Counsel∣lors, 6. Constables, 7. Scavengers, 7. for Wardmore inquest, 13. and a Bea∣dle: it is taxed to the Fifteene at 13. l.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno 39.
• * 1.2

  Hen. 3.
• * 1.3

  H••m. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.4

  H••m. Diso••
• * 1.5

  Buriall for the dead prepared.
• * 1.6

  Deepe ditch by Bethlem.
• * 1.7

  Dolphin without Bishopsgate.
• * 1.8

  Fishers folly.
• * 1.9

  Berwards lane.
• * 1.10

  Tazell Close.
• * 1.11

  Artillary yard.
• * 1.12

  Walter Brune Mer∣cer, one of the Sheriffes of London, 1203.
• * 1.13

  Berwards lane.
• * 1.14

  Soreditch so called more than 400. yeers since.
• * 1.15

  Pulpit Crosse at the Spittle.
• * 1.16

  Charnell and Chap∣pell of S. Edmond and of Mary Magdalen.
• * 1.17

  Sermons in the Ea∣ster holy∣dayes at the Spittle.
• * 1.18

  House in S. Mary Spittle Church-yard builded for the Maior and Aldermen Pulpit Crosse in Spittle Church-yard new builded.
• * 1.19

  A house in Spittle Church-yard buil∣ded for the Gover∣ners and Children of Christs Hospitall.
• * 1.20

  On Mun∣day in Ea∣ster week, An. Dom. 1617. A Saint Ma∣ry Spittle.
• * 1.21

  Lolesworth field.
• * 1.22

  Buriall of the Romans in Spittle field.
• * 1.23

  Old Mo∣numents of the Ro∣manes found.
• * 1.24

  Troughs of Stone found in the Spittle field.
• * 1.25

  Great Nayles of Irō found in the field and fond opinions of men.
• * 1.26

  Clarkes Hall and their alms∣houses in Bishopsgate street.
• * 1.27

  Parish Church of S. Ethel∣biage.
• * 1.28

  Priory of S. Helens and almes-houses.
• * 1.29

  Parish Church of S. Helen.
• * 1.30

  Leather∣sellers Hall.
• * 1.31

  A comely Alabaster Tombe, standing in the midst of the Church below.
• * 1.32

  A printed memory hanging up in a Table, at the en∣tranced to the Church doore.
• * 1.33

  Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place, and of Sir Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.34

  Water-conduit at Bishopsgate.
• * 1.35

  Sir Thomas Greshams house builded.
• * 1.36

  Sir An∣drew Iud his Almes houses.