Ancient funerall monuments within the vnited monarchie of Great Britaine, Ireland, and the islands adiacent with the dissolued monasteries therein contained: their founders, and what eminent persons haue beene in the same interred. As also the death and buriall of certaine of the bloud royall; the nobilitie and gentrie of these kingdomes entombed in forraine nations. A worke reuiuing the dead memory of the royall progenie, the nobilitie, gentrie, and communaltie, of these his Maiesties dominions. Intermixed and illustrated with variety of historicall obseruations, annotations, and briefe notes, extracted out of approued authors ... Whereunto is prefixed a discourse of funerall monuments ... Composed by the studie and trauels of Iohn Weeuer.

CHAP. XIIII. Of the policie vsed by King Henry the eighth, and his Coun∣cell, in the expelling of the Popes authoritie out of his Dominions.

THus you haue seene the abrogation and extinguishment of the Popes vsurped authoritie here in England, & the establishment of that power in the Crowne imperiall, which was not rashly attempted by his Maiestie; but vndertaken vpon mature deliberation, and proceeded in, by the aduise, consultation, and iudgement of the most great and famous Clerkes in Chri∣stendome: amongst which number, was that pure Orator and learned di∣uine Philip Melanchton; whose presence here in England (after his opi¦nion) the king much desired; as by this letter following, sent to Secretarie Cromwell from the Duke of Norfolke, and Viscount Rocheford ap∣peareth.

Master Secretary after our most harty commendacions,* 1.1 ye shall vnder∣stand that hauing receyued the letters sent vnto yow from Sir Iohn Wallop, and shewed the same vnto the Kings Maiestie, his pleasure therevpon was that we should dispatch these owr letters incontynently vnto youe con¦cernyng thaccomplishment and doing of these things ensuing. First, his graces pleasure is that youe shall immediatly vpon the receipt hereof, dis∣patch Barnes in Post with Deryk in his company into Germany, comman¦ding him to vse such diligence in his iournay, that he may, and it be possi∣ble, mete with Melanchton, before his arryuall in France, and in case he shall so mete with him, not onely to disuade his going thither, declaring how extremely the French king doth persecute all those that will not grant vn∣to the Bishop of Romes vsurped power, and iurisdiction; vsyng in this parte all persuasions, reasons, and meanes that he canne deuise, to empeach, and let his said iornay thither, layeng vnto him how moche it shuld be to his shame, and reproche, to vary and goo nowe from that true opinnion where∣in he hath so long continued. But also on thother side to persuade him all that he may to conuert his said iournay hither, shewing aswell the confor∣mity of his opinnion and doctrine here, as the nobilitie and vertues of the Kings Maiestie, with the good entretaynement which no doubt he shall haue here at his grace hand. And if percase the said Barnes shall not meet•• with him before his arriuall in France; thenne the said Barnes proceding himselfe forth in his Iournay towards the Prynces of Germany, shall with all diligence returne in post to the Kings highness the said Derik, with the advertisement of the certainty of Melanchtons commyng into France, and such other occurrants as he shall then knowe. And if the said Derik be not now redy to go with him, the Kings pleasure is, you shall in his stede ap∣point and sende suche onn other with the said Barnes, as you shall thinke mete for that purpose.

And when the said Barnes shall arriue with the said Princes of Germa∣ny, the Kings pleasure is, he shall on his grace behaulfe aswell persuade

them to persist and continue in their former good opinion concerning the denyall of the Bishop of Romes vsurped authoritie, declaring their owne honor, reputacion, and surety to depend thereon, and that they nowe may better mayntain their said iust opinion therein then euer they might, having the kings Maiestie, oon of the moost noble and puissant Princes of the world, of like opinion and iudgement with them, who, having proceeded therein by great aduise, deliberacion, consultacion, and iudgement of the most parte of the greate and famous Clerkes in Christendome, will in no wise relent, vary, or alter in that behalfe, as the said Barnes may declare and shew vnto them, by a booke made by the Deane of the Chappell, and as many of the Bishops Sermons as ye haue, whiche booke ye shall receyue herwith, the copies wherof, and of the said Sermons, ye must deliuer vnto the said Barnes at his departure, for his better remembrance and instructi∣on. To whom also his graces pleasure is, ye shall shew as moche of Sir Iohn Wallops letter which we send you also again, as ye shall see drawne and merkt with a penne in the mergent of the same. As also exhorte and moue them in any wise to beware howe they commyt any of their affayres to thorder, direction, or determinacion of the French King, consideryng he and his counsail be altogether Papist, and addict and bent to the mayn∣tenance and confirmacion of the Bishop of Romes pretended authoritie. Furthermore the Kings pleasure is, ye shall vpon the receipt herof imme∣diatly cause Master Haynes and Christofer Mount in post to repaire into France to Sir Iohn Wallop, in as secrete maner as they canne, as cummyng like his friends to visite him, and not as sent by the King. And in case they shall by him or otherwise lerne and knowe that Melanchton is there arry∣ued, then his grace wold that the said Haynes and Mount shall, in such sort as they be not moche noted, resorte vnto him, and for the disuading of his continuance there, or alteration of his opinion, and alluring of him hither, to vse suche reasons and persuasions as be before written, with suche other as they can further deuise for that purpose. To the which Haynes and Mount the Kings pleasure is, ye shall deliuer like copies of the said Deanes booke, and Bishops Sermons to be shewed vnto the said Melanchton, or otherwise vsed, as may be most expedient for thachyeuement of the Kings purpose in that behaulfe.

Ye shall also vnderstande that the kings pleasure is, ye shall write to Sir Iohn Wallop, and send vnto him therwith like copies; willing him in case he shall haue certain knowledge that tharticles be true written in these his let∣ters concernyng the French Kings sending into Germany, for the continu∣ance of the Bishop of Romes pretended supremacie, to repaire with the said copies to the French King, and not only to set the same furth with such reasons as he can deuise in that part, shewing how moche it shalbe against his honour, both to geue himselfe subiect to the said Bishop, and moue other to doo the semblable, but also to declare vnto him, that the Kings highnes remembring his old frendly promises concernyng the mayntenance of his cause, and of his procedyngs touching the same, cannot thinke it a litle strange that the said French King (seing his Maiestie hath in his doings touching the said Bishop of Rome, moued neyther his nor any Princes subiects) will m••ue and styr the Germayns to condescende vpon a

contrary opinion, both to themselfs, and to his grace in this behalfe; And that his Maiestie must nedes thinke this Amytie moche touched in that he shuld moue any state or cuntrie to doo that thing, whiche is so moche against the Kings highnes and his owne promes, vsing all the waies to di∣suade him from the dishonorable obedience of the said Bishops See, mouing him to inclyne to the Kings iust opinion touching the same.

Finally the Kings pleasure is, ye shall write an other letter to the Bishop of Aberden, signifying that the Kings Maiestie taketh it very vnkindly that the King his Nephieu wold now embrace without his aduise or counsail, being his derest frend and Vncle, and now in liege and Amytie with him, the mariage of Mounsieur de vandous daughter, wherevnto he wold geue non eare at his graces ouerture hertofore made of the same. In your seid let∣ter imputing a great negligence therein to the said Bishop and other of his Masters counsail, seing their Master sheweth not in the doing therof suche amytie towards the Kings highnes, as the frendship betwene them doth re∣quire. And to make an end, his grace will in no wise that Barnes of Haynes shall tarry for any further instruction of the Bishop of Canterbury, or any other, his grace hauing determyned to sende the same after by Master Al∣moner and Heth: but that he, Master Haynes, and Mount shal with all possi∣ble diligence departe immediatly in post without lenger tarying thenne for this their depeche shal be necessary, soo as their abode empeche not the Kings purpose touching the said Melanchton. And thus fare youe most hartly well.

From Langley in moche hast this Monday at iiii of the clocke at after none.

Your louyng Frends,

• ...T. Norffolk.
• ...George Roc••ford.

Also, before the beginning of that Parliament wherin the Popes supreme authoritie here in England was abolished, these remarkable Inductions fol∣lowing were set downe, and commanded by the King and his Councell to be suddenly put in execution.

First, to send for all the Bishops of this realme, and speciallie for suche as be nerest to the Courte,* 1.2 and to examine them a parte, whether they by the law of God can proue and iustifie, that he that now is called the Pope of Rome is aboue the generall Counsaile, or the generall Counsail aboue him; Or whether he hath gyuen vnto him by the law of God any more auctority within the realme, then any other foreyn Bishop.

Item, to deuise with all the Bishoppes of this realme, to set furth, preach, and cause to be preched to the Kings people, that the said Bishop of Rome called the Pope, is not in auctoryte aboue the generall Counsell, but the generall Counsell is aboue him and all Bishpos. And that he hathe not by Goddes law any more iurisdiction within this realme then an other forraine Bishop, being of any other realme hath. And that such auctority as he before this hath vsurped within this realme, is both against Gods law, and also against the generall Counsalles; Which vsurpation of aucto∣ritie onely hath growen to him by the sufferance of Prynces of this realme, and by none auctority from God.

Item, therefore that order be taken for such as shall preach at Paules

Crosse from henceforth, shall continually from Sonday to Sonday preach there, and also teach and declare to the people, that hee that now calleth himselfe Pope, nether any of his Predecessours is and were but onely the Bishops of Rome, and hath no more authoritie and iurisdiction by Gods law within this realme, then any other forraine Bishop hath, which is no∣thing at all. And that such authoritie as hee hath claimed heretofore hath been onely by vsurpation and sufferance of Princes of this realme. And that the Bishop of London may bee bound to suffer none other to preach at Paules Crosse, as hee will answer, but such as will preach and set forth the same.

Item, that all the Bishops within this realme bee bound and ordered in the same wise, and cause the same to bee preached throughout all their Diocesses.

Item, that a speciall practise be made, and a straight commandement gi∣uen to all Prouincialls, Ministers, and rulers of all the foure Orders of Fri∣ers within this realme, commanding them to cause the same to be preached by all the Preachers of their religions, and through the whole realme.

Item, to practise with all the Friers Obseruants of this realme, and to command them to preach likewise; or else that they may be stayed, and no•• suffered to preach in no place of the realme.

Item, that euery Abbot, Prior, and other heads of religious houses with∣in this realme, shall in like manner teach their Conuents and brethren, to teach and declare the same.

Item, that euery Bishop shall make speciall commandements to euerie Parson, Vicar, and Curate within his Diocesse to preach and declare to his Parishoners in likewise.

Item, Proclamations to be made throughout the realme containing the whole Act of Appeales; And that the same Act may bee impressed, transu∣med, and set vp on euery Church doore in England, to the intent that no Parson, Vicar, Curate, nor any other of the Kings subiects shall make them∣selues ignorant thereof.

Item, the Kings prouocations and appellations made from the Bishop of Rome vnto the generall Councell, may also be transumed, impressed, pub∣lished and set vp on euery Church-doore in England, to the intent that if any censures should be fulminate against the king or his realme, that then it may appeare to all the world, that the censures be of none effect, consi∣dering that the king hath already, and also before any censures promulged, both prouoked and appealed.

Item, like transumpts to bee made, and sent into all other realmes and dominions, and specially into Flanders, concerning the kings said prouo∣cations and appellations, to the intent falsehood, iniquitie, malice, and in∣iustice of the Bishop of Rome may thereby appeare to all the world. And also to the intent that all the world may know that the Kings highnes stan∣ding vnder those appeales, no censures can preuaile, neither take any effect against him and his realme.

* 1.3Item, a letter to be conceiued from all the Nobles, as well Spirituall as Temporall of this Realme, vnto the Bishop of Rome, declaring the wrongs iniuries, and vsurpations vsed against the kings highnes and this realme.

Item, to send exploratours and espies into Scotland, and to see and per∣ceiue their practises, and what they intend there; And whether they will confederate themselues with any other outward Princes.

Item, to send letters for that purpose to the Earle of Northumberland, my Lord Daves, and Sir Thomas Clyfford.

Item, certaine discreete and graue persons to bee appointed, to repaire into the parts of Germany, to practise and conclude some lege or amitie with the Princes and Potentates of Germany, that is to say, the King of Pole, Iohn of Hungary, the Duke of Saxony, the Duke of Bauyere, Duke Frede∣ricke, the Landegraue Van Hesse, the Bishop of Magous, Bishop of Treuers, the Bishop of Collene, and other the Potentates of Germany, and also to ensearch of what inclination the said Princes and Potentates be of towards the King and this realme.

Item, like practise to be made and practised with the Cities of Lubeke, Danske, Hambourgh, Bromeswicke, and all other the steads of the Haunse Tu••onyk; and to ensearch of what inclination they bee towards the King and this realme.

Item, like practise to be made and practised with the Cities of Norim∣bourgh, and Aughsbrough.

Item, to remember the Merchants aduenturers, haunting the dominions of Braband, and to speake with them.

Item, to set order and establishment of the Princes Dowagers house, with all celeritie, and also of my Lady Maryes house.

To these (or some of these) purposes, the King dispatched messengers to all his Embassadours and Agents beyond seas, hauing before that sent the Duke of Norfolke, Viscount Rocheford, Sir William Pawlet (afterwards Marquesse of Winchester) and others, to the Pope, the Emperour, and the French King, being all three together at Nice. He also caused his Secretarie to write in this manner to Iames the fifth, King of Scotland.

Moste excellent,* 1.4 myghtye and victorious Prynce, Ple••s••th your Magestie that by the commaundment of my most dread Lord and Soueraigne Kyng of England, your graces moste dere Vncle, I haue in charge, vndre com∣myssion, certeyn specyall maters concernyng his highnes pleasure, secreat∣ly to be signyfyed vnto your grace, wherein not only as a naturall Cousyne of your royall consanguinity; but as a moste loueing Father entierly ten∣dryng your worthye honor, no lesse desirous hereof, then regardyng his owne peculyer prosperyte, vnfaynedly accomptyng your graces aduance∣ment his moste conformable consolacion. In consideracyon whereof sith it hath so pleasyd God of his infynyte fauour to revele vnto his highnes as well by studyous endeuor of good letters, as by erudyte consultacyon of famous estemyde Clerke; Also by long attempted experience, ensearchyng truyth chyeflye in Christs doctryne, who, saith Iohn the fourteenth, Ego sum veritas: now clerely to perceive the thrall, captyvyte, vndre the vsur∣pyd power of the Busshop of Rome, and his vngodly lawes. Wherein his highnes and other many of his noble progenitors were moste wyckedly abusyde, to their intollerable calamity; and excedyng molestacion of their Subiects, ouer whom God had yeuon them auctoryte and gouernaunce to rule, as by all storyes of the olde testament, and informacyon of the new

playnely apperith. Which groundly knowen to his highnes, wisshith lyke∣wise, the same to be persuadyd vnto your grace; wherby your honorable renoune and royall auctoryte shuld be moche enlargyd, with no lesse fely∣citye of soule, pryncipally to be regardyd, then with aboundant comoditie of riches, and vnfayned obeysaunce of faythfull Subiects, ferr from the comeberous calamyte of the Popysshe myserable molestacyon. What more intollerable calamyte may ther be to a Christian Prynce, than vniustlye to be defeatyd of his righteous iurisdiction within his realme? to be a King by name, and not indede, to be a ruler without regyment ouer his owne liege people? what more greuous molestacion can chaunce to true harted Sub∣iects, than to be seuer••d from the alliegiaunce due to their naturall Soue∣raigne, ther annoyntyd King grauntyd by Gods lawes, and to become ser∣vile slaues to a foreyn Potentat, vsurpyng to reigne ouer them agaynste the lawe of God? as by the violent tyrannye of the Bushop of Rome hathe many yeres hitherto bene practysed throughout all regions, to the ruynous desolacyon of the hole Christentie? what Realme is ther but that the Bus••shop of Rome hath planted therein his kingdome? and established his regi∣ment after soche a subtiell way, that he and his cra••tye creatures were obeyd of Prynces, to whome of dutye they ought to haue bene subiect: 1. Pet. 2. siue Regi tanquam praecellenti, &c. of whome all Romayn Busshops haue presumyd to be successors, but not folowers, contrarye to his example, Qui non venit ministrari, sed ministrare. In all Realmes the Popisshe practise hath had soche confederacye of false forsworne factious and trayterous * 1.5 Titinylks vntrue to ther Soueraigne, that nothyng was so secreatly in counsaill of any Prynce, but forthwith it was caried by relacion to the Popes care. And if ought were attemptyd agaynste his owne person, or any crookyd creature of his creation, in restraynyng of ther extortionate claymes (as ther was nothyng but they claymed to haue auctoryte vpon) incontynent they bouncyd out their thunderbolts, and currsyng fulmina∣tions, with soche intollerable force of vnmercyfull crudelyte, that they made the greatiste personages of the world to trymble and quake for feare. For by the negligente soufferaunce of Prynces, thrughe d••faute of know∣lege of Goddes worde the Popisshe pride was so haught, his auctoryte so preemynent, his power so puisaunte, his strengthe so myghtye, his displea∣sure so daungerous, his Tyrrannye so terrible; that scarse any durst resiste; to coutrevaill none was able. Example of many excellente Prynces; as Iohn the furst, and Henry the second of gracyous memory, Kings of Eng∣land, here in their liffe times moste cruelly vexyd, and after there disseas, by forged leasyngs, and slaunderous ympechements mysreportyd, and faulse∣lye belied, with dispitfull dishonor of ther excellent progenye. After like fasshion the victorious Emperor Lodovicus enterprysing to interrupte the pestilente peruersyte of Pope Iohn the two and twentieth, to what carefull confusion was he brought? Moreouer the godly and well disposed Henry the third, Emperour of Allmayn, how traytterouslye was he betrayed by Pope Hildebrande, procuryng his owne son vnnaturally to war agaynst his Father, to take him prisoner, and fynally to depose him of his Empereall crowne? Furthermore, what Christian hart can refrayn from sorrofull sighes, and morening lamentation to considre how the Innocent and harm∣les

Prynce Childevicus King of France, was extremely handelyd of his owne servant Pepyne, beryved of his Kyngdome through the instigacion of the Busshop of Rome. And no marvaill though he ha•• thus encroched vpon Prynces, being men; wheras he hath exalted hymself agaynst God, thrustyng him out of his roome, and setlyng hymself in Gods place, the con∣science of Christian people, of whose vsurped power, S. Paul prophecyeng, Thessall. 2. chap. 2. callyth him the sinfull man, the sonn of perdicion, qui est aduersarius & effertur adversus omne quod dicitur Deus, adeo vt in templo Dei sedeat. Doth not he sytt in the temple of God, by dampnable dispensacions, by dysceyvable remyssions, by lyenge myrracles, by fayned reliques, by false religion, &c. And as he hath avoyded God out of the con∣scyence of Christian people, so hath he defeated Prynces of ther iurisdicti∣ons, and debarred euery commen weale from ther politick gouernaunce, bringyng in his lawlesse Canons, and detestable decrees, supplantyng the devyne ordynaunce of power yeuen to Pryncely rulers. And the cause why they haue bene so decey••ed, S. Paul declaryth, Eo quod dilectionem veritatis non acceperunt. This legally consideryd of your moste prudent, singuler, and high politike discretion, aswell by probable experience with∣in your Domynyons, as by euident examples of other Christian regions, wher the Popisshe vnruly regiment hath raigned with intollerable vsurpa∣cion, tyrannouslye defacing all power of Prynces.

It may please your gracious benygnytie to aduertice the entier intent, the louyng mynd, and vnfayned hart of my Soueraigne, your most dere vncle, so fervently moued with a faithfull loue, vnable to be expressed, to allure your graces affection toward the fauourable embracement of Gods worde; wherein, his highnes onlye reioysinge, ardently desyreth to imparte the same, his speciall ioye, with your most excellent grace, which shuld be greatly thadvauncement of your estate royall, the quietacion of your lo∣uing Subiects, and most highlie the pleasure of God.

Now to make the Pope more odious, his Kinglie power, and deliberate proceedings in these his weightie causes of greater validitie, and more war∣rantable, as well by the lawes of God, as generall Councells; he caused to be pend, and published abroad, here, and beyond seas, to the same effect in these words.

If mortall creatures to theyr hedds,* 1.6 soueraignes, and naturell Princes, be cheeflye bounde next vnto God, specially where they as moste carefull fa∣thers and Tutors, prudently and sagely rule and gouern the great numbers and multitudes of men, commytted to theyr obedyence; And where they in their royall persons often forgetting the regard of theyr Princely mage∣sties, valyantly withstand, abyde and resist, whatsoeuer troubles, daungers, perells, assawts, wrongs, iniuryes, or displeasures myght at any tyme hap∣pen, chaunce, threten, or be incident vnto theyr people, or countries, be∣syds many and innumerable other displeasures and troubles, which dailie and heurely for the defence mayntenaunce and supportacion of theyr realmes, people and cuntryes, secretly happen, and chaunce them, theyr people seldome, or at no time pryvey thervnto; wherby of good congru∣ence, all Subiects become most bounden to theyr soueraignes and Prynces, and them ought most feithfully to loue, honour, obeye, serue and dreade,

and theyr magesties to mayntayn, support, and defend with all theyr powre, myghte, strength, and habilitie. Then let no Englyssheman for∣gett the most noble and louyng Prynce of this realme, who for the godly ensample of his people, the loue and dread he hath to God, and obseruance of his most reuerend lawes, hathe to the evydent knowlege of all his welbe∣louyd Subiects long endured and abyden, to his inestimable coste, charge, trouble, vexation, and inquye••nes,* 1.7 the triall of his great cause: And at last after innumerable most famous learned mens iudgements on his syde therin gyuen. Yet for all that most wrongfully iudged by the great Idoll and most cruell enymye to Christs law and his religion, which calleth him∣selfe Pope, And his most iust and lawfull prouocacion and appellacion from the sayd enemye of Christs law to the generall counsail made, also re∣fused, denyed, and forsaken; Wherfore and to thintente all men may know the abhominable wrongs, which our most noble and gracious Prynce doth susteyne by so vnlawfull intreatyngs, Therfore are these few articles here∣after following presented vnto those, that shall both desyre to knowe the truth, and in truth shall thyrste and couet feythfully to assyst, maynteyn, supporte, defende, and stand by theyr Prynce and Souerayn, in his most iust, lawfull, and right wise cause.

First that the generall Counsail lawfully gathered is and ought to be su∣periour to all Iurisdictions, either vsurped and suffred (as the Papall) or iustly holden as kings in all matters concernyng the feythe and direction of the whole Churche of Christe. And also ought to be iudged thereby, and by the decrees of the same only, and by none other, they being consonant to the law of Christe.

Secondly, that Prynces have two wayes principally; when none other can prevayle to attaine right thone against thother; that is to say, in cawses concernyng the sowle beyng mere spirituell, appellacion to the generall counsail In temporall cawses the sword only, except by mediation of frends the matters may be compounded; So that whosoeuer wolde go about to take away these naturell defenses from Prynces, is to be manly withstood, both by the Princes and their Subiects. And therto all Christien men shuld be anymated by the words of our Lord Iesu Christe, which are, Obey ye Prynces aboue all; and then theyr deputyes or mynysters, not gevyng powre to forreyns wythin theyr rules and domynyons.

Thirdly, that dyuers generall Counsaills haue determyned, that cawses of strife or controuersie beyng ones begonne in any Regyon, shall there, and in the sayd Regyon be finally determyned, and not elsewhere. Vpon which grounde the Kings highnes, his nobles, both spirituell and tempo∣rall, and Commons by one hole consent, vpon diuers most prudent, wyse, and polytike reasons, and weyghty consideracions, agreable to the seyd ge∣nerall Counsaills, haue made a Law, by the which good people, lyving within the lymets of true and lawfull matrymonye, shall not by malice or evill will be so long deteyned and interrupted from their ryght, as in tymes passyd they haue byn. Neither vnlawfull matrymonye shall haue his in∣iust and incestuous demoure and contynuance, as by delayes to Rome it was wont to haue; Which now may evydently appere, by that, that our Prynces weyghtye and long protracted cause of matrymonye hath his

finall and prosperous end, accordyng to the lawes of God, with briefe suc∣cesse of Issue alredy had, and other like to follow, lawdes be to God, thonly werker of the same.

Forthely, that our sayd Prynce and Soueraigne, accordyng to the liber∣tie and lawes of Nature, and constitucions of generall Counsaills (as afore) hath both prouoked and appeled from the most iniust and vnlawfull sen∣tence wrongfully geuen against him, by the Bushop of Rome, to the gene∣rall Counsaill next ensying, and lawfully congregate, that is to say, from the sentence of the vsurper of Goddes lawes, and infringer of generall Counsells, which callyth himselfe Pope. In the which our sayd Prynces doyings, all iust and true Christien men, specyally his most louyng Sub∣iects I doubt not will supporte and maynteyne him: Which prouocacions and appellacions also standyng in force, and beyng intimate to the person of the said Vsurper (as indede they be) and by him denyde and refused, se∣questreth him rightfully from all maner of Processes belongyng, or in any wyse apperteynyng to the sayd fact or matter; other Diabolike acts and statuts by some of his predecessors to the contrary made notwithstandyng. Wherfore what censures, interdictions, or other his cursed invencions so euer they be, fulminate or set forthe by the sayd vsurper, the same ought not only to be abhorred and despysed, but manfully to be withstood and defended. And who so doen shall haue for theyr bukler the latter and better parte of this verse ensuyng, and the maligners the forparte, which is, Quo∣niam qui malignant exterminabuntur, sustinentes autem Domini ipsi here∣dita••unt terram.

Fyftely, that where indede by holy Scripture and Christs lawe, there is none authoryte nor Iurisdiction graunted more to the Bushop of Rome, then to any other Bushop, extra Prouinciam, yet because that sufferaunce of people, and blyndnes of Prynces with theyr supportacion hetherto hath susteyned the same, doyng themselffs thereby to great iniurye and wrong; It is now thought therfore not only conuenyent, but also moche more then necessarye, to open the same vnto the people, to thyntent they shulde from henceforth no longer be disteyned in honouryng him as an Idoll; which is but a man vsurpyng Goddes powre and auctoryte: And a man neither in life, learnyng, or conuersacion like Christs minister or disci∣ple: yea a man also (though the See Apostolike were neuer of so high au∣ctoryte) vnworthy and vnlawfull by theyr owen decrees and lawes to oc∣cupye and enioy that vsurped place. For first he is both base, and also come to that dygnytie by Symonye. And now by denying the Kings lawfull prouocacion and appele, and in supportyng that Diabolike decree of his predecessor Pius, is determyned by a generall Counsaill a very Heretike. Wherfor all true Christien people (except he amend) ought to despise both him and all his facts, and be no lenger blynded by him; but geue themselffs entierly to the obseruaunce of Christes lawes, in which is all swetenes and truthe; and in the other nothing else but pompe, pride, ambycion, and wayes to make himselfe riche: which is moche contrarious to theyr pro∣fession. Our Lord amend them.

Likewise such was the wisedome of the King and his Councell, that the best schollers of the kingdome, as well verst in historie humane, as in the

storie of sacred Writ, were appointed to collect out of holy Scripture, Ca∣tholike Authours, and generall Councells, such materiall points, as might annihilate the Popes power and authoritie, confirme his Maiesties Supre∣macy; and delineate and set forth the manifold abuses found to be practi∣sed by the Popish Clergie. Which they diuided into certaine membranes, containing these heads following.

• ...* 1.8Regia institutio, officium, & potestas ex veteri testamento.
• ...Regia institutio, officium, & potestas ex nouo testamento, Item ex authori∣bus Catholicis.
• ...In clerum Regia Potestas.
• ...Regia Potestas in Ecclesiam seu Concilium.
• ...Regia potestas in personas Ecclesiasticas.
• ...Regia potestas in res Ecclesiasticas.
• ...Regi Anglie legem petenti iubet S. Pontifex, vt relictis Romanorum legibus, lege Dei se ac populum Dei rogat.
• ...Regis Anglie officium & potestas.
• ...Regis Anglie in Concilium, in personas, & res Ecclesiasticas, potestas.
• ...Regis Anglie in Gualliam, Hiberniam, & Scotiam ditio.
• ...Regis Anglie in summum pontificem liberalitas.
• ...Regia in Investiendis Episcopis potestas.
• ...Regum Anglie in Investiendis Episcopis authoritas.
• ...Episcoporum Iusiurandum duplex.
• ...Concilij potestas & pontificis.
• ...Regia & ecclesiastica potestas simul, tam quoad personas qaum res, seu gla∣dij duo.
• ...Regia & Ecclesiastica potestas simul seu gladij duo in Anglia tam quoad personas quam res.
• ...Episcopale officium & Sacerdotale.
• ...Episcopi vel sacerdotis potestas.
• ...Terrenarum, temporalium, vel secularium rerum fuga Ecclesiasticis pre∣scripta: Dominium, imperium, potentia terrena Ecclesiasticorum.
• ...Iudicia, leges, Negotia Ecclesiasticorum.
• ...Predia, possessiones Ecclesias.
• ...Bona Ecclesiastica cur & à quibus donata.
• ...Bonorum Ecclesiasticorum per auaritiam vel ambitum effrenis cupido:
• ...Bona Ecclesiastica cur queruntur.
• ...Honores & bona ecclesiastica quibus acquirantur artibus.
• ...Bonorum Ecclesiasticorum vsus et ad quos ea pertineant.
• ...Abu sus bonorum Ecclesiasticorum per auaritiam, luxum, fastum in victu, veste, Suppellectile domestica, edificijs, nobilitando genere, per libiainem, per∣que otium, se•• fugam laboris.
• ...Luxus et fastus in victu, veste, ac Edificijs.
• ...Convinia. Libido.
• ...Nobilitatio generis seu cognatorum.
• ...Otium, fugalaboris et pericula.
• ...Periculum.
• ...Honor et gloria.
• ...Ecclesia primitiua.
• ...

• ...Pontificis summi potestas et offcium.
• ...Pontifex de sua ipsius potestate.
• ...Pontificis potestas in electionibus et confirmationibus Episcoporum.
• ...Excomunicandi potestas.
• ...Onera et iuiurie Apostolice sedis, vel dominium Romane sedis.
• ...Onera à Romana sede Anglis imposita.
• ...Annatarum origo.
• ...Annate ex Anglia.
• ...Anglorum de non soluendis Annatis decretum.
• ...Angli in Comitijs se perlamento Annatarum solucionem damnant.
• ...De Annatis & similibus ex Concilio Constan.
• ...De Annatis ex Concilio Basilien.
• ...De Annatis ex glossa pragmatice sanctionis.
• ...Bulla Nicolai Pape de approbatione Consilij Basilien.
• ...Concilij Basiliensis confirmatio ex Panormitano.
• ...Annatas Romane sedi denegare sidei Christiane non repugnas.
• ...Romanorum mores ex ijsdem authoribus.
• ...Metropolitani legati priuilegium.
• ...Ne Aclor reum extra Diocesim vocet.
• ...Iudicia peregrina vel Primatis iurisdictio. Vel Iurisdictio Prouincialis.
• ...Iudicia peregrina vel Iurisdicto Primatis in Anglia.
• ...Primatis vel Patriarche ius.
• ...Legati ius.
• ...Cantuariensis Iurisdictio. Contra prouisiones Papales.
• ...Canones Patrum quando et quo pacto primo in Anglia recepti sunt.
• ...Fundatio Monasterij Sancti Albani.

These Heads or Chapters are all succinctly handled, glossed vpon, and illustrated by diuers examples, which are too long (though perhaps they would not seeme tedious) for this my present discourse; I will onely then insist vpon the last, the foundation I meane of Saint Albans, by Ossa King of the Mercians; for that by this Donation, the Supremacie of Kings is ve∣ry apparent; and also that once for all I may by this one, shew my Reader the forme of all those Cartularies, by which such deuout Saxon Princes endowed their sacred Structures.

Fundatio Monasterij Sancti Albani vbi & Regia potestas apparet.

REgnante imperpetuum Deo & Domino nostro Iesu Christo, licet per to∣tum mundum beatorum Marty••um qui suum in Christo sanguinem fu∣derunt merita diuine laudis exultatione celebranda sint;* 2.1 Eorumque Dei auxilio exempla gloriosa consequenda; precipue tamen nobis beatissimi Al∣bani qui sub hac Britannie Insula gloriosus Martyrio effulsit: memoria pia semper intentione et sedula sollicitudine obseruanda est. Vnde ego offa gra∣tia Dei Rex Merciorum cum filio meo Egfrido, pro amore omnipotentis Dei & huius Sancti intercessione terram XXX. manentium in locis quorum subinferuntur nomina Domino meo Iesu Christo ad Ecclesiam sancti Albani, vbi ipse Tyro primus in passione victima effectus est iure perpetuo perdonabo.

Eoque deleclabilius hanc donationem perficio, quia superna protectio tam nobilem temporibus nostris thesaurum qui diu fuit clausus, et huius terre indigenis abditus, reuelare dignata est. Hec itaque supradictarum vocabula terrarum. Et Wineslawe XII. manentium cum terminis suis. Et Stelsdune sine B••ldinistotum trium Manentium, quorum scilicet trium manentium termini sunt hij. Suanaburna. Heortmere. Stretreolab. Item vero X. Manentium vbi dicitur Senecaulilan vel Feutun, cum sylua que cognomina∣tur Lioropuda cum terminis suis. Et Lystune V. Manentium: quam vide∣licet terram Albumundus Abbas expeditionem subterfugiens mihi recon∣ciliacionis gracia dabat. Et quia ipse Martyr almifluus caput et exemplum Christianitatis omnis Britannie indubitanter habetur: dignum est vt locus in quo sanctum corpus eius requiescit, et ab omni populo veneratur, speciali qua••dam et singulari priuilegij libertate per nos honoretur. Hoc igitur con∣〈8 letters〉〈8 letters〉us Episcopis et Abbatibus, Ducibus et Principibus meis sub inuo∣••a••ione sancle Trinitatis & indiuidue Vnitatis donando precipio, vt Ecclesia ••ancti Albani omnisque possessio nunc et in futuris temporibus illi subdita. s••mper sit libera et quieta ab omni tributo et necessitate seu Regis, seu Epis∣copi, ducis, indicis et exactorum et operum que iudici solent, neque emenda∣tione Pontium, neque fossam adversum immicos faciendam, totum omne prefatur terre stipendium, et exactio ad supradicti martyris tumbam inso∣lubiliter persoluatur. Statuo etiam, et cum fidelium meorum assensi•• confir∣mo, vt Episcopi vel eorum Ministrinudam aliquatenus super ipsam Eccle∣siam vel super perochiales Ecclesias eidem quibuscunque temporibus subia∣centes nisi tantummodo cum advocati fuerint, dedicandi, vel in Paschali so∣lennitate sanctum Chrisma et oleum ex more tribuendi potestatem habeant. ••ec earum Presbiteros ad Sinodum suam, vel capitulum conuocare vel ab officio diuino suspendere, seu aliquod in eos, vel minimum ius exercere pre∣sumant. Sed omnia quecunque Ecclesie sancte fuerint Abbatis solummodo ••••usdem Monasterij potestati tractanda libere subiaceant. De censu quoque singulis annis per vniuersam Britanniam colligendo et sacre Romane Ecclesie pro slabilitate Regni nostri et salute communi transmittendo decernimus, vt quantum in terra sancti Martyris peruenerit, ab hijs quibus iniunctum fuerit ab Abbate vndecunque collectum nullatenus alias asportetur, sed aliari sancti Albani fideliter oblatum ad vtilitatem eiusdem Eccles••e secundum quod Abbas decreuerit inviolabiliter expendatur. Esi forte quis intra eiusdem Ecclesie protestatem aut exitum cum Episcopo seu Abbate inveniatur bello surto vel fornicacione, aut alio quolibet simili reatu astrictus, semper ••a pars pene et emendacionis que Regi Episcopo committi debetur, ad beati Albani Monasterium inviolato semper federe reddatur. Credo enim et vera∣••iter consido quod hec munificentia non solum mihi meisque sed etiam vni∣uersis Anglorum populis summopere prodesse uult. Quia pro eius amore ille miles intrepidus meruit coronari qui totius mundi pericula passus est suo san∣guine expiare. Si autem quod absit vspiam quis laruarico attactus instinctu m••nte subdola hec machinatus fuerit annullare, vel quippiam in penis quod consti••uimus transuertere, sua pro audacia à cetu in hac vita anathematize∣tur fidelium, et in tremendo Dei examine astantibus celorum agminibus ho∣minum{que} turmis, nec non et horrendis herebi vermulis palam cunctis damxe∣tur cum hedis Auerni cruciamenta sine fine lucturus, ni ante obitum condigne emendauerit.

Hec sunt nomina qui hanc donationem meam consentientes signo crucis Christi confirmauerunt.

• ✚ Ego offa Rex huic donationi mee signum crucis impono.
• ✚ Ego Egfridus paterne munificentie consentiens subscripst.
• ✚ Ego Higberht Archiepiscopus consensi & subscripst.
• ✚ Ego Ceelnulf Episcopus consensi.
• ✚ Ego Hethered Episcopus consensi.
• ✚ Ego Vmmona Episcopus consensi.
• ✚ Signum manus Alhmundi Abbatis.
• ✚ Signum Beonnon Abbatis.
• ✚ Signum Yigmundi Abbatis.
• ✚ Signum Brordon Patricij.
• ✚ Signum Bynman Principis.
• ✚ Signum Esnuini Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Alhumundi Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Yighberti Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Athelmundi Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Radgari Ducis:
• ✚ Signum Heardberhti Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Althmundi Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Cuthberti Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Radbirhti Ducis.
• ✚ Signum Vulpheardi Ducis.

Perscripta est autem huius donationis cartula Anno Dominice incarnatio∣nu D.CC.XC.V. & Regni Regis Offani XXXV. Indictione V. sub. IIII. Nonas Mai••s in loco qui dicitur & Beoranporda.

It was generally conceiued (and truly as I thinke) that these politike wayes for the taking away from the Pope his vnlimited authoritie here in England, as also in the suppression of religious houses (of which in the next Chapter) were principally deuised by Secretarie Cromwell, afterwards Earle of Essex, which may appeare both by the premises and sequele of this my discourse, as also by the intimation of Nicholas Shaxton Bishop of Sa∣rum, in a letter sent vnto him the said Cromwell, thus worded.

Honorable syr

I certifie your good mastership that I haue this daye re∣ceyued the Kyng his most honorable letters sent vnto me from you by my servant,* 3.1 And reioyse nott a litle that itt hath pleased his highnes to write so ernestly vnto the Bishopps in this so ernest a cause, thynkyng suyrly that God hath vsed your wisdom to stire vp the good Prynce herevnto, whereof I heighli thanke the almighti Lord; preyeng you also to goo on still from one thyng to another, as your wisdom, yea Gods veray wisdom in you ex∣citeth and serueth you, till the vsurped poure of that man of Rome be clene

abolished; and put out of the hartes of the kyngs subiects. And I shall with all my diligence applie my self to thaccomplishment of this his so godly commandement by Goddes grace. And for as moche as I haue taken my leue of the Kyng and Quene, and tarry for noothing now but only for the instrument called Custodias temporalium. I eftsones beseche your ma∣stirship to haue that in your remembraunce whan ye shall next repaire vnto the Court, together with a discharge for takyng of any othe of the resi∣dentiaries of Sarum, which suyrly they will exact of me, oneles I bryng some thyng outher from the Kyng his highnes, or elles from you his chefe Counsellor for to stopp their mouthes. And as for seallyng of new obli∣gacions if itt like you to commande your servaunt to send me them to mo∣row by this brynger, I shall seale them and send them to you, without any tariaunce, by the grace of God: who preserue you and prosper you in all your godly purposes and interprises.

Murtelack the iiii daye of Iuin.

Yorn owne to comaunde Nic. Sarum.

But howsoeuer the honour of this act, as also of the dissolution of Ab∣beys be principally attributed to Cromwell and his complotments; yet at the same time there was others of the priuie Councell, as forward, and as able for their singular endowments, to conclude a matter of that conse∣quence as euer was Cromwell. I meane Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, whose zeale and abilities are generally knowne to all that euer heard of the booke of Martyrs. Sir Thomas Audley Knight, speaker of the Parliament, for his demerits created by Henry the eighth, Baron Audley of Walden, and also aduanced to the honour of the Chancellorship of Eng∣land. Sir William Pawlet Knight, Comptroller of the Kings house, who, for his wisedome, the said King created Lord S. Iohn of Basing, and Knight of the Garter, whom Edward the sixt made great Master of his houshold, President of his Councell, and Lord Treasurer of England; whom he crea∣ted Earle of Wiltshire, and Marquesse of Winchester; to whom Queene Elizabeth committed the keeping of the great Seale. Who liued to see one hundred and three persons issue out of his loynes, who died at Basing in Hampshire the tenth of March, 1571. where hee was honourablie buried, when he had liued eightie seuen yeares. Another pillar of the State at that time, was that wise and iudicious gentleman▪ Sir Richard Rich, Lord Chan∣cellour of England, vnder King Edward the sixth, who in the first yeare of his raigne, aduanced him to this office, and created him Baron Rich of Leez in Essex. These and other more of the Nobilitie had both their hands and heads in this businesse, yet Cromwell, Audley, and Rich, were thought to be the onely men; who, for their religious paines, ranne into great oblo∣quie with the common people; insomuch that the Commons of Lincoln∣shire finding themselues fore troubled with this strange alteration, and ri∣sing in rebellion, presented diuers articles of aggrieuances to the Kings Maiestie▪

Amongst the said Articles and demands of Robert Ask••, and his rebel∣lious crew, the Commons of Yorkeshire, Cumberland, Westmerland, Nor∣thumberland,

and the countries adiacent▪ at the conference holden at Don∣caster, betwixt Thomas Duke of Norfolke, Generall of the Kings Armie, and certaine Commissioners on the partie of the said Captaine Aske, and his fellow rebels. Thus it was propounded by their Speaker, Sir Thomas Hyl∣ton Knight.

The fowrt that Thomas Cromwell, nor any of his bande or secte, be not at our metinge at Doncastre, but abcent themselfe from the Councell.

Also to haue the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Chancellor, and Sir Ryc. Rich to haue condigne punyshment, as subuerters of the gud lawes of the ••eame, and ouetemers of the slese secte of theys fals Heretykes, first inuenters and brengers of them.

Likewise Doctor Leyton, and Doctor Le••, who had bene loyned in com∣mission with Cromwell for the visitation of religious Foundations (of which hereafter) were maliciouslye detracted, by this demand of the Commons in the foresaid conference.

Also that Doctor Lee, and Doctor Leyton, may haue condigne punysh∣ment for theyr extortions, in time of visitation, in brybes, of some religy∣ous houses, x. lib. xx. lib. and for other summes, besyde horsys, vowsens, leases, vndre Couent Seallys, by them taken, and other abomynable acts by them committed and done.

I might haue occasion here to speake of the abrogation of the Popes au∣thoritie, of the subuersion of religious foundations, of the suppression of re∣ligious Votaries, and of the reformation of Religion in that neuer-conque∣red Nation of Scotland, where, at this time, Religion is double refined, pure and spotlesse without ceremonie, and plaine as a pike staffe without a sur∣plise. But I will reserue this narration till I come to speake of the conuersion of Scotland to the Christian faith. As also of the Funerall Monuments which are there to be found, which will be but a few, if Sir Robert Cottons Librarie do not helpe me, for by my owne obseruation, in the famous mai∣den-citie of Edenborough, and in the Parish Churches of other Townes, the Sepulchres of the dead are shamefully abused, or quite taken away, yea and the Churches themselues, with religious houses, and other holy places, violated, demolished, or defaced.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.2

  Out of the said Mss. in bib. Cot.
• * 1.3

  This could not well be done before the Parliament.
• * 1.4

  In predict. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bib. Cot.
• * 1.5

  Taleb••••rers.
• * 1.6

  Ex eod. M••ss. in bib. Cot.
• * 1.7

  Which was the diu••rce betwixt him and his wife Katherine.
• * 1.8

  Ex eod. M••ss. in bib. Co••t.
• * 2.1

  The founda¦cion of S. Al∣bans Abbey.
• * 3.1

  Ex eod. lib. in bib. Cottoniana.