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. XV. The policie vsed by the King and his Councell for the dissolution and extirpation of Religious Foundations, and Religious Orders, with∣in this Realme of England and Wales. The reformation of Religion. of Inscriptions in Churches. The Kings warrant of the surrender of Religious Houses. An information made to Queene Elizabeth of the seuerall abuses done vnto the State generall, and Crowne, by the corruption of such as were imployed by her Father vpon the suppression of Abbeyes.

HEnry the eighth hauing (as ye haue heard) thus setled the Suprema∣cy where he would haue it, either by the aduise of politick Cromwell, or by the example of proud Wolsey, or else of himselfe (hee being nothing so scrupulous in conscience, nor so stayed in sacred resolutions as was Hen∣ry the fourth) vpon a greedie desire to enrich his coffers, began now to lay plots, deuises, and proiects for the vtter subuersion of all Abbeyes, Priories, Nunneries, and other religious foundations; within this his kingdome of England and Wales: and first for an induction to the businesse, He put in Commission his seruant Cromwell, Thomas Lee, and Richard Laiton, Do∣ctors of the Ciuill Law, Thomas Bedell, Deane of Cornwall, Thomas Bart∣let publike Notarie, and others, to visit all the foresaid religious Houses, and to make inquirie of their Orders, Founders, values, debenters, reliques, pilgrimages, and other Queres: but most especially they were to make dili∣gent scrutinie, and to learne, vijs & modis omnibus, by all manner of meanes the wicked abuses of those times, practised amongst the Fraternitie, and Si∣sterhood of each seuerall Couent. Which with their Commission they re∣turned; making a shamefull discoueri•• of the bestiall sensualitie of Mona∣sticke profession.

This generall visitation began in the moneth of October, and in Febru∣arie next following, a Parliament vpon prorogation was holden at West∣minster, in which these vnspeakable crimes of all the Couents were certi∣fied by the Commissioners to the King, and that high Court. Vpon the reading whereof, because their offences were found to be many and odious, or that King Henry would haue it so (which I rather beleeue) it was en∣acted by both houses in that present Parliament,* 1.1 that all religious houses of and vnder the yearely value of two hundred pound, within the whole Realme of England and Wales, should be giuen and granted to the King and his heires for euer: with all and singuler the lands, tenements, rents, reuersions, goods, cattels, debts, ornaments and iewels, with all things else thereunto, or to their Orders, in any wise appertaining or belonging.

The number of these houses then suppressed, were three hundred seuenty sixe. The value of their lands, yearely as then easily rated, was twentie nine thousand fourtie one pounds three pence halfe penie qua: others, for thirtie two thousand pound,* 1.2 and more, the moueable goods as they were

sold, Robin Hoods peniworths, amounted to more then one hundred thou∣sand pounds, the religious persons that were put out of the same houses, were in number aboue ten thousand.

It was a pitifull thing to here the lamentation that the people in the countrey made for them, for there was great hospitalitie kept among them, and as it was thought more then ten thousand persons, masters, and ser∣uants, had lost their liuings, by the putting downe of those houses at that time.

Before the dissolution of these religious houses, the plot was laid for the suppression of the rest. For first of all, for an introduction to that which fol∣lowed, Cromwell and the rest of the Visiters, in their visitations, put forth of their Couents all religious persons, that desired to be eased of the bur∣denous yoke of their profession, to whom the Abbot or Prior was to giue to such so departed for their habit, a Priests gowne, and fourty shillings of money. The Nunnes to haue such apparell as secular women wore, and to go whither they would. They put forth likewise all religious persons that were vnder the age of foure and twenty yeares, and afterwards closed vp the residue that would remaine, so, that they could not come out of their places; and tooke order that no man should come to the houses of women, nor women to the houses of men, but onely to heare their seruice in the Church. This little bondage, after so long and so licentious a time of liber∣tie, could not be endured; which being perceiued by the Commissioners, with faire promises of other preferments, or competent yearely pensions, they so wrought with the Abbots, Priors, and Prioresses, and the rest of the Couents, that diuers of them surrendred vp their houses with the appur∣tenances into the Kings hands, before the sitting of this Parliament, as by these words in the foresaid Act doth plainly appeare.

And also be it enacted, that his Highnes shall haue to him and his heires all and singular such Monasteries, Abbies, and Priories, which at any time within on yeare next before the making of this Act, hath beene giuen and granted, by any Abbot, Prior, Abbesse, or Prioresse, vnder their Couent Seale, or that otherwise hath beene suppressed or dissolued, and all and sin••gular the lands, tenements, goods, &c. interests and hereditaments, &c. to the same appertaining and belonging.

Now (by the example of these, or by what other meanes I know not) the rest of the Abbots, Priors, Abbesses, and Prioresses, at other times, with vnanimous consent of their Couents, in great compunction of spirit, con∣trition of heart, and confession of their manifold enormities, did seuerally giue and grant to the Kings Maiestie, and to his heires, all their right and interest which they had in their Monasteries, lands, goods, or heredita∣ments; by certaine instruments or writings vnder their hands and S••ales, of which I will set downe one or two for example, which I had from my louing friend, Master Iohn Masters, Master of the Augmentation Office; in forme as followeth.

But first will it please you reade the copie of the Kings Warrant, to such his Commissioners as were to take the Surrenders of Religious houses. The forme of which thus followeth.

Henry the eighth, &c.

To our trustie, &c.

Forasmuche as we vnderstand that the Monastery of S. A. is at this pre∣sente in such state, as the same is neither vsed to the glory of God, nor to the benefyte of our Comon welth, We let you wit, that therfore being mynd∣ed to take the same into our owne hands for a better purpose; like as we doubt not but the head of the same wilbe contented to make his surrender accordingly, we for the spesyall truste and confydence that we haue in your fydellity, wisdomes and discrecions, haue, and by these presents, doo au∣thoryse, name, assygne, and appoynte you, that immediatly repayring to the sayd Howse, ye shall receave of the sayd Head such a wryting vnder the Couent Seale, as to your discretyons shall seeme requisite, meete, and con∣uenient, for the due surrender to our vse of the same, and thervpon take pos••sessyon therof, and of all the goodes cattelles plate, fuel••es, implements and stuffe, being within, or apperteyneng thervnto. And forther causyng all the goodes and implements to be indisterently sold, either for reddy mo∣ney, or at dayes vpon suffyciente suertyes; so that the same day passe not one yere and a halfe. Ye shall deliuer to the said Head and Brethren, suche parte of the sayd money and goodes, as ye by your discresyons shall thinke meete and conuenyente for their despeche. And forther to see them haue convenyente pensyons, by your wysdomes assigned accordyngly: which done, and moreouer seeing the rightfull and due debts therof payd and sa∣tysfyed, as well of the revenewes as of the sayd stuffe, as to reason and good ••onscyens apperteyneth, and your charges reasonablie allowed, ye shall proceed to the dissolutyon of the sayd howse: And forther in your name take possessyon of the same to be kept to our vse and profyte. Ye shall fur∣thermore bringe and convaye to owr Tower of London after yowr sayd discressyons all the rest of the sayd money, Plate, Iuelles, and ornaments that in any wyse shall come to your hands by meane of the premysses, or of any parte therof. Straitely charging and commandynge all Maires, Sheryffes, Bayli••••••s, Constables, and all other our Officers, Ministers, and Subiects, to whom in this case it shall apperteyne, that vnto you, and euery of you in exe••ution herof, they be helpinge, aydinge, sauoring, and assisting, as they will answer vnto vs to the contrary at their vttermoste perrilles.

Yeuen, &c.

The resignation or surrender of the Prior and Couent of Saint Andrewes, Northampton: with a recognition of their manifold enormities.

* 3.1Most noble and vertuous Prince, owr most rightuous and gracyous So∣ueraign Lorde, and vndoubted Founder, and in erthe next vndre God Su∣preme heed of this Englyshe Churche. We yowr Gracys pore and most vnworthy Subiects, Francys, Priour of yowr Graces Monastery of Saint Andrew the Apostle, within yowr Graces Towne of Northampton, and the hoole Couent of the same, being steryd by the gryffe of owr consci∣ence, vnto greate contricion for the manifolde negligence, enormytes, and abuses, of long tyme by vs and other owr predecessours, vndre the pretence and shadow of perfyght Religion, vsyd and comytted, to the greuous dis∣pleasure

of Almyghty God, the craftye decepcion, and subtell seduccion of the pure and symple myndys of the good Christian people of this yowr noble Reame, knowlegen owr selffes to haue greuously offendyd God, and yowr Highnesse owr Soueraign Lord and Founder. Aswell in corrupting the conscience of yowr good Christian subiects, with vayne, superstitious, and other vnprofitable ceremonyes, the very means and playn induccions to the abominable synne of Idolatry; as in omyttyng the execucion of suche deuowte and due observaunces, and charitable acts as we were boun••den to do, by the promises, and avowe made by vs and our predecessors, vnto Almighty God, and to yowr graces most noble progeni••ors, orygy∣nall Founders of yowr saide Monastery. For the which obseruances, and dedys of charyte, only yowr saide Monastery was indowed with son••ry possessions, Iewels, ornaments, and other goods, moueable and vnmoue∣able, by yowr graces saide noble progenitors. The revenues of which pos∣sessions, we the saide Priour and Couent, voluntaryly onely by owr pr••pre conscience compellyd, do recognyce, neither by vs, nor owr predecessors to haue ben emploied accordyng to the origynall intent of the Founders, of yowr saide Monastery; that is to saie, in the pure observaunce of Chrysts Religion, accordyng to the devowte rule, and doctryne, of holy Saint Be∣nedict, in vertuose exercyse, and study, accordyng to owr professyon and avowe; ne yett in the charytable sustayning, comforting, and releiving of the pore people, by the kepyng of good and necessary hospitality. But as well we as others owr predecessors, callyd religiouse persones within yowr said Monastery, taking on vs the habite or owtewarde vesture of the saide rule, onely to the intent to lead owr liffes in an ydell quyetnes, and not in vertuose exercyse, in a stately estymacion, and not in obedient humylyte, haue vndre the shadowe, or color of the saide Rule and habite, vaynly, de∣testably, and also vngodly, employed, yea rather deuowred, the yerely re∣uenues yssuing and comyng of the saide possessions, in contynuall ingurgi¦tacions and farcyngs of owr carayne bodyes, and of others, the support••res of owr voluptuose and carnall appetyte, with other vayne and vngodly expensys; to the manyfest subvertion of deuocion, and clennes of lyvyng; and to the most notable slaunder of Chrysts holy Euangely, which in the forme of owr professyon, we dyd ostentate, and openly advaunte to kepe most exactly: withdrawing therby from the symple, and pure myndys of yowr graces subiects, the onely truth and comfort, which they oughte to haue by the true faith of Christe. And also the devyne honor, and glory, onely due to the glorious Maiestye of God Almyghty, steryng them with all persuasions, ingynes, and polyce, to dedd Images, and counterfett re∣liques, for owr dampnable lucre. Which our most horryble abhominaci∣ons, and execrable persuacions of yowr graces people, to detestable er∣rours, and our long coueryd Ipocrysie cloked with fayned sanctite; We re∣volving dayly, and continually ponderyng in owr sorowfull harts, and therby perseyuing the botomlas gulf of euerlastyng fyre redy to devowre vs, if persysting in this state of lyvyng, we shulde departe from this vncer∣tayn and transytory liffe; constrayned, by the intollerable anguysh of owr conscience, callyd as we trust by the grace of God, who wolde haue no man to perysh in synne: with harts most contrite, and repentante, prostrate

at the noble feet of yowr most roiall Maiestye, most lamentably doo craue of yowr highnes, of yowr habundant mercy, to grant vnto vs, most gre∣uous agaynst God, and yowr highnes, yowr most gracious perdon, for owr saide sondry offences, omyssyons, and negligences, comytted as before by vs is confessyd, agaynst yowr hyghnes, and yowr most noble progeni∣tors. And where yowr hyghnes, being supreme hedd, immediately next aftre Christe, of his Church, in this yowr Roialme of England, so conse∣quently generall and only reformator of all religious persones, there, haue full authority to correcte or dyssolue at your graces pleasure, and libertye, all Couents and Relygious companyes abusyng the Rewles of their pro∣fession. And moreouer to yowr highnes, being owr soueraygn Lord, and vndoubted founder of yowr saide Monastery, by dissolucion whereof ap¦perteyneth onely the oryginall title, and propre inherytance, as well of all other goods moueable and vnmoueable, to the saide Monastery in any wyse apperteyning or belonging, to be dissposed, and imployed, as to yowr graces most excellent wysdome shall seme expedyent and necessary. All which possessyons, and goods, yowr highnes for our saide offences, abuses omys∣syons, and neglygences, being to all men obedyent, and by vs playnly con∣fessed, now hath, and of long tyme past hath hadd, iust and lafull cawse, to resume into yowr graces hands and possessyon, at yowr graces pleasure. The resumption wherof, yowr highnes neverthelesse, licke a most naturall lovyng Prince, and clement gouernor, ouer vs yowr graces po••e, and for owr offences, most vnworthy subiects, hath of long season differred, and yet doth, in hope and trust of owr voluntary reconciliacion and amendment, by yowr graces manyfolde, lovyng, and gentyll admonyshments, shewyd vnto vs by dyuerse and sondry meanys. We therfor consyderyng with owr selffes your graces exceedyng goodnes and mercy, extended at all tymes vnto vs, most miserable trespassers against God and yowr hyghnes; For a perfight declaracion of yowr vnfeyned contricion and repentance, felyng owr selffes very weeke, and vnable to obserue and performe owr aforesaid avowes and promyses, made by vs and owr predecessors, to God, and yowr graces noble progenitors; and to imploy the possessyons of yowr saide Monastery, accordyng to the fyrst will and intent of the oryginall Founders. And to the intent that yowr highnes, yowr noble heires and suc∣cessors, with the true Christian people, of this yowr graces Roialme of England, be not from hensforth estsones abused with such feyned deuoci∣on, and deyllysh persuasions, vndre the pretext and habyte of Relygion, by vs or any other, which shulde happen to bear the name of Relygyous with∣in yowr saide Monastery. And moreouer, that the saide possessyons and goods shulde be no lenger restreyned, from a bettyr or more necessary em∣ployment. Most humble beseechen yowr highnes, owr most gracyous soue∣raign Lord and Founder, that it might licke yowr Maiesty, for the dischar∣ging and exoncrating vs, of the most greuous bourden of owr payned con∣sciens, to the immynent parell and danger of owr dampnacion, that we shuld be in, if by persisting in the state that we now rest in, we shulde be the lett of a more godly and necessarie imployment: graciously to accept owr free gifts withought coercion, persuasion, or procurement, of any crea∣ture liuing, other then of owr voluntary free will, of all such possessions,

right, title, or interest, as we the sayd Prior and Couent hath or euyr hadd, or ar supposed to have hadde, in or to your sayd Monastery of Northamp∣ton aforesaide. And all and euery parcell of the lands, advousons, como∣dytes, and other reuenues, whatsoeuyr they ben belonging to the same And all maner of goods, Iewels, ornaments, wi••h all other manner of cat∣tals, moueable and vnmoueable, to the sayd Monastery in any wise apper∣teyning or belonging, into whoes handes or possession to euyr they ben come into, to be imployed, and disposed, is to your graces most excellent wysedome shall seme expedy••nt and necessary. And although, most gra••cious soueraign Lord, that the thyng by vs g••ven vnto your highnes, is properly and of right ought to be yowr graces owne, as well by the me∣ryt, of our offences, as by the ordre of our graces lawes; Yet notwythstan••dyng we eftsones most humble beseechen yowr highnes, graciously and benevolently to accept owr free wyll, with the gift therof, nothing requy∣ring of yowr Maiesty therfor, other then your most gracious perdon, with some pece of yowr graces almes, and habundant charyte towards the mayntenance of owr pore lyving, and lycence hensforth to liue in such forme in correcting the rest of our liffes, as we hope to make satysfaccion therby to God, and yowr highnes: for owr hypocrasie, and other owr greuous offences by vs commytted, as well againe his Di••te, as your Ma∣iesty. And for the more infallyble proffe that this our recognycion vnto yowr highnes, is only the mere and voluntary Acte of us the said Priour and Couent aforesaid, withought any compulcion, or inducement, other then of owr propre consciens, we haue not only publyshed the same, open∣ly in the presence of your graces true and faithfull subiects, and seruants, Sir Wylliam Apparre, Knyght, Richard Layton, Doitor in the Lawes, Arche••deacon of Buckingham, and Roberd Southwell, Atturnay for the Augmen∣tacions of yowr graces most noble Crowne yowr graces Commyssyoners here, with diuerse other that wer present at that tyme. And vndre this owr present Recognicion Sealed with our Couent Seale, subscrybed owr owne names; but also haue made sealed with owr Couent Seale, and delyuered to the saide Roberd Sowthwell to yowr highnesse vse, a sufficient and law∣full deade, framed accordyng to the forme of yowr graces lawes, for the possessing your grace, yowr noble heires, and successors therof for ••uyr, to be presented by him vnto yowr highnes, together with this owr free Re∣cognicion and assent; offering owr selffes most humbly vnto your highnes, to be at all tymes redy ••o do from tyme to tyme, any other Act or Acts, as by yowr highnes, and yowr most honorable Councell shall be of vs farther requyred, for the more persight Assurans of this owr voluntary surrendre and gift vnto yowr highnes. And fynally we most humbly, and reuerent∣ly, with ••abundant teares proceedyng from our harts, having before owr even owr detestable offences, submytt owr selffes totally to the ordre of God, and yowr mercyfull and benygne Maiesty, most hartely beseching al∣myghty God to grante your highnes, with the noble Prince Edward your graces most noble and naturall sonne, next vnto yowr grace the most preci••ous ••uell, and chyse comforte of this yowr graces Roialme, long to lyue among vs, yowr naturall and true subiects, with prosperous and fortunate successe, of all yowr graces honorable and deuoute procedings, which

hytherto thorow your graces most excellent wysdome, and wonderfull industry, assidually solycyted abought the confirming and stabyshyng mens consciens contynually vexed, with sondry doubtfull opynions, and vaine ceremonyes, haue taken both good and lawdable effecte; to the vn∣doubted contentation of Almighty God, the greate renowne, and immor∣tall memorie of your graces hye wysedome and excellent knowledge, and to the spyrituall weale of all your graces subiects.

Datyd and subscrybyd in our Chaptre the first day of March in the xxix yeare of yowr graces Reign. By the hands of yowr graces pore and vnworthy subiects.

• ...Per me Franciscum Priorem.
• ...Per me Iohannem subpriorem.
• ...Per me Tho. Smyth.
• ...Per me Tho. Golston.
• ...Per me Rob. Martin.
• ...Per me Iacob. Hopkins.
• ...Per me Ric. Bunbery.
• ...Per me Iohannem Pette.
• ...Per me Io. Harrold.
• ...Per me Tho. Barly.
• ...Per me Will. Ward.
• ...Per me Tho. Atterbury.
• ...Per me Will. Fowler

The Surrender of the Warden and Friers of S. Francis in Stanford.

For as moche as we, the Warden, and Freers, of the howse of Saynt Frances in Stannforde, comenly callyd the gray Freers in Stannford, in the County of Lincoln, doo profoundly concider that the perfeccion of Chri∣stian liuyng dothe not conciste in dome ceremonies, weryng of a grey cootte, disgeasing our selffe aftyr straunge fassions, dokyng, and beckyng, in gurdyng owr selffes wyth a gurdle full of knots, and other like Papisti∣call ceremonyes, wherin we haue byn moost principally practysed, and misselyd in tymes past; but the very tru waye to please God, and to liue a true Christian man, wythe owte all ypocrasie, and fayned dissimulacion, is sinceerly declaryd vnto vs by owr Master Christe, his Euangelists, and A∣postoles. Being mindyd herafter to folowe the same; conformyng owr selffe vnto the will and pleasure of owr supreme hedde vndre God in erthe the Kings Maiesty; and not to follow hensforth the supersticious tradicions of of ony forincycall potentate, or poore, wythe mutuall assent, and consent, doo submytt owr selffes vnto the mercy of owr saide soueraygn Lorde. And wythe like mutuall assent and consent, doo surrender, and yelde vpe vnto, the hands of the same, all owr saide howse of Saynt Frances in Stannforde comenly callyd the grey Friers in Stannforde, wythe all lands, tenements, gardens, medowes, waters, pondyards, fedyngs, pastures, comens, rentes, reuersions, and all other our interest, ryghtes, or titles, aperteynyng vnto the same: mooste humbly besechyng his mooste noble grace, to disspose of vs, and of the same as best schall stonde wythe his mooste graciouse plea∣sure. And farther frely to grant vnto euery on of vs his licens vndre wre∣tynge and Seall, to change our abites into seculer fassion, and to receve suche maner of livyngs, as other seculer Pristes comenly be preferryd vnto. And we all faythfully schall prey vnto allmyghty god long to preserue his mooste noble grace, wythe encrease of moche felicitie and honor.

And in witnes of all and singuler the premysses, we the saide Warden, and Couent of

the grey Freers in Stannforde, to thes presentes haue putte owr Couent Sceall the yeght day of Octobre, in the thirty the yere of the raygn of owr mooste Souerayne Kinge Henry the yeght.

• ...Factum Iohannis Schemy Gardian:
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Robards.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Chadwhort.
• ...Per me Fratrem Richardum Pye.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Clarke.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Quoyte.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem German.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Yong.
• ...Per me Fratrem Iohannem Lovell.
• ...Per me Fratrem Willielmum Tomson.

With the like petition and recognition of their seuerall delinquencies, the Prior and Couent of the White Friers Carmelites in Stanford, the ••bbo•• and Couent of our blessed Lady of Bidlesden, the Warden and brethren of the grey Friers of Couentrie, Bedford, and Alesbury, surrendred vp them houses into the kings hands.

Battaile Abbey in Sussex, Martine Abbey in Surrey, Stra••ford Abbey in Essex, Lewis in Suffex, Saint Austines in Canterbury, the new Abbey at the Tower hill, the Minories without Aldgate, the Nunnery at Clerken well: The Hospitall of Saint Thomas Akers, the Blacke-Friers, the White-Friers, the grey Friers, and the Charterhouse Monks in London, with the most, or all other, were surrendred after the same manner.

In September the same yeare. Viz. An. 30. Hen. 8. by the speciall mo∣tion of great Cromwell, all the notable images, vnto the which were made any especiall pilgrimages, and offerings, as the images of our Lady of Wal∣singham, Ipswich, Worcester, the Lady of Wilsdon; the rood of Grace, of our Ladie of Boxley, and the image of the rood of Saint Sauiour at Ber∣mondsey, with all the rest, were brought vp to London, and burnt at Chel∣sey, at the commandement of the foresaid Cromwell, all the Iewels, and other rich offerings, to these, and to the Shrines, (which were all likewise taken away or beaten to peeces) of other Saints throughout both England and Wales, were brought into the Kings Treasurie.

In the same yeare also the Abbey of Westminster was surrendred, being valued to dispend by the yeare three thousand foure hundred and seuenty pound, or by some 3977. l. 6. s. 4. d. ob. q. as in the Catalogue of religious houses; the Monkes being expelled, King Henry placed therein a Deane and Prebendaries, and made the last Abbot, whose name was Benson, the first Deane; in the time of Edward the sixth it was made a Bishops See, shortly after (the benefits of the Church being abridged) it came againe to a Deane and Prebends; Againe Queene Marie ordained there an Abbot and his Monkes, who continued not many yeares, but were againe cut off by Act of Parliament. And lastly Queene Elizabeth (that wonder of the world) made it a collegiate Church, or rather a Nursery for the Church, saith Norden, for there she ordained (to the glory of God, the propagation of true Religion and good literature) a Deane, twelue Prebendaries, an

vpper master, and an Vsher for the Schoole, fourtie Schollers, called the Queenes or Kings Schollers, who (as they become worthie) are preferred to the Vniuersities, besides Ministers, Singers, and Organists; ten Quiri¦sters, and twelue well deseruing Souldiers. Thus you see the interchangea∣ble vicissitude of her foundacion, and if it had not beene for the reuerend regard they had of the Sepulchres, inauguration and vnction here of their famous Ancestors, these forenamed Kings (if I may ground my reason vp∣on the passages of those times) had taken her commings in, to haue inrich•• their owne coffers, despoiled her o•• her vnualuable wealth and ornaments, and battered downe to the ground her sacred Ed••fice.

The fifth of December ••n the soresaid yeare, the Abbey of Saint Al∣ba••s was surrendred, by the Abbot and Monkes there, by deliuering the Couent Seale into the hands of Tho. Pope, D. Peter, Master Canendish, and others the Kings visiters.

* 4.1Now all, or the most of all, the religious houses in England and Wales, being thus surrendred, the King summoned another Parliament at West••minster; for howsoeuer these forenamed religious orders, and other more, of their owne free and voluntary mindes, good wills, and assents, without constra••••t ••oact••on or compulsion (as are the words in the Statute) of any manner of person or persons, by due order of law, and by their sufficient writings of Record, vnder their Couent, and common Seales; had alreadie g••uen, granted, and confirmed, renounced, left, and forsaken, all their reli∣gious h••u••••s, with their lands, and all other the appurtenances to the same belonging•• vnto the King his heires and successors for euer. Yet it was thought necessarie by the King and his Councell, that these their ••o u••ta••ic donations should bee further ratified by authoritie of that high 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereupon it was enacted, that all Monasteries, with their Scites, circuits and precincts; la••ds, Lordships, and all oth••r franchises, not onely those which were surrendred or dissolued, before the session of this Parliament, but also such as were to bee surrendred or dissolued hereafter, shou••d bee vested, deemed, and adiudged to be in the very actuall and reall season, and possession of the King his heires and successors for euer.

The religious Order of Saint Iohns of Ierusalem, whose chiefe mansion house was in the precincts of Clerkenwell Parish, within the Country of Middlesex, consisting of gentlemen and souldiers, of ancient families and high spirits, could by no means be brought in, to present to his Maiestie any of these puling petitions, and publike recognitions of their errors, thereby, like the rest, to giue a loafe, and beg a shiue, to turne themselues out of actu∣all possession, and lie at the Kings mercie for some poore yearely pension. But like sto•••••• fellowes stood out against any that thought to enrich them∣selues with their ample reuenues, vntill they were cast out of their glorious structures, and all other their estates, for these causes following alledged a••gainst them in open Parliament; as appeares by the statute beginning thus.

* 4.2The Lords Spirituall and Temporall, and the Commons of this pre∣sent Parliament assembled, hauing credible knowledge, that diuers and sun∣drie the kings subiects, called the Knights of the Rhodes, otherwise called Knights of Saint Iohns; otherwise called Friers of the religion of S. Iohn of Ierusalem in England, and of a like house being in Ireland, abiding in

the parties of beyond the sea, and hauing aswell out of this Realme, as out of Ireland, and other the Kings dominions, yearely great summes of mo∣ney for maintenance of their liuings, Haue vnnaturally, and contrary to the dutie of their alleageances sustained, and maintained, 〈…〉〈…〉 power and authoritie of the Bishop of Rome, lately vsed and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within this Realme, and other the Kings dominions, and haue not onely adhered them∣selues to the said Bishop, being common enemy to the King our soueraigne Lord, and to this his Realme, vntruely vpholding, knowledging, and affir∣ming maliciously and traiterously, the same Bishop to bee supreme, and chiefe head of Christs Church, by Gods holy word. Entending thereby to subuert and ouerthrow the good and godly laws and statutes of this realme, for the abolishing, expulsing, and vtter extincting of the said vsurped power and authoritie: but also haue defamed and slandered as well the Kings Maiestie, as the Noblemen, Prelates, and other the Kings true and louing subiects of this Realme, for their good and godly proceeding in that behalfe.

Vpon these causes and other considerations, it was enacted, That the Corporation of the said Religion, as well within this Realme, as within the Kings dominion, and Land of Ireland, should be vtterly dissolued, and void to all entents and purposes. And that Sir William Weston Knight, as then Prior, of the said Religion, of this Realme of England, should not be named or called from henceforth, Prior of Saint Iohns of Ierusalem in England, but by his proper name of William Weston Knight, without further addi∣tion touching the said Religion. And that likewise Sir Iohn Rauson knight, being then Prior of Kilmainam in Ireland, should not bee called or named from thenceforth, Prior of Kilmainam in Ireland, but onely by his proper name of Iohn Rauson, knight, without farther addition. And that none of the Brethren or Confriers of the said Religion within this Realme of Eng∣land, and Land of Ireland, should bee called Knights of the Rhodes, or knights of Saint Iohns, but by their owne proper Christian names, and surnames of their parents without any other additions.

And furthermore it was enacted vnder a great penaltie, that they should not weare about their necks, in, or vpon any apparell of their bodies, any chaine with a Ierusalem Crosse, or any other signe marke, or token thereto••fore vsed, and deuised, for the knowledge of the said Religion, and that they should not make any congregations, chapiters, or assemblies touching the same Religion, or maintaine, support, vse, or defend any liberties▪ franchi∣ses, or priuiledges, theretofore granted to the said Religion, by the autho∣ritie of the Bishop of Rome, or of the See of the same.

Lastly, it was granted by the authoritie of the said Parliament, that the Kings Maiestie, his heires and successors, should haue and enioy their said mansion house in the Parish aforesaid, within the County of Midlesex; and also the Hospitall of Kilmainam in Ireland, with all their appurtenances for euer.

Yet it was prouided by the said Act, that Sir William Weston and Sir Iohn Rauson Priors, as also some other of the Confriers, should haue a cer∣taine annuall pension during their liues, with some reasonable proportion of their owne proper goods. And this was done (saith the words in the sta∣tute)

by the agreement and assent of the Kings most excellent goodnes.

Sir William Weston had giuen vnto him one thousand pound of annuall rent or pension. Sir Iohn Rauson fiue hundred Markes. Clement West Con∣frier, two hundred pound. Thomas Pemberton, fourescore pound. Gyles Russell, one hundred pound. George Ailmer, one hundred pound. Iohn Sutton, two hundred pound. Edward Bellingham, an hundred pound. Ed∣ward Browne fifty pound. Edmund Husse, an hundred Markes. Ambrose Caue, an hundred Markes. Thomas Copledyke, fifty pound. Cuthbert Leigh∣ton, threescore pound. Richard Broke, an hundred Markes. Henry Poole two hundred Markes. William Tyrell, thirty pound. Iohn Rauson, Confrier, two hundred Markes.

To Anthony Rogers, Oswald Massingberd, Iames Husse, Thomas Thornell, Nicholas Hopton, Philip Babington, Henry Gerard, Dunstan Nudegate, Ni∣cholas Lambert, and Dauid Gonson, being Confriers professed, and hauing no certaine liuing, was giuen ten pound a peece of yearely pension.

And if any pro••es••ed in the said Religion were negligently forgotten, or omitted out of that present Act, for lacke of knowledge of their names; yet it was ordered by the same, that they should haue such honest, conuenient, and reasonable yearly pension, and portion of goods, as should please the Kings Maiestie to limit and appoint.

And by the said Act Io••n Mableston, Subprior of this Hospitall in Eng∣land; William Ermested Master of the Temple of London: Walter Lymsey, and Iohn Winter Chapleines; were authorized to receiue and enioy, during their natura••l liues, all such mansion houses, stipends, and wages, in as large and ample manner, as euer they did before the sitting of that Parliament.

What other pensions were giuen, or how much the value in money was of the yearely profits of these foure last remembred, I do not reade. But the annuities or pensions appointed to the said two knights, and the Confriers, amounted to the summe of two thousand eight hundred and seuenty pound the yeare, issuing out of the lands to this Hospitall appertaining. And I finde that at the very same time of the dissolution of this Fraternitie, certaine lusts and Tourneaments being holden at Westminster, wherein the chal∣lengers against all commers were, Sir Iohn Dudley, Sir Thomas Seymor, Sir Thomas Poinings, Sir George Carew, knights, Antony Kingston, and Richard Cromwell, Esquires. To each one of which, for a reward of their valiant∣nesse; the King gaue an hundred Markes of yearely reuenues, and an house to dwell in, and both of them, to them and their heires for euer, out of the lands and liuings belonging to this Hospitall. Of such a large extensure were her possessions. And much what after this manner, the rest of the Manors, honors, lands, tenements, rents, and reuersions, were bestowed; and like∣wise at that time vpon small considerations, the scite and lands of all other Monasteries were begged, bought, and alienated by such who respected their owne profit aboue the seruice of Almighty God. Albeit it was then declared, saith Camden, that such religious places, being of most pious in∣tent consecrated to the glory of God,* 4.3 might haue beene according to the Canons of the Church, bestowed in exhibition and almes for Gods Mi∣nisters, reliefe of the poore, redemption of captiues, and repairing of Churches.

All Monasteries being thus suppressed; it followed that (vnder a faire pretence of rooting out of superstition) all Chanteries,* 4.4 Colledges, and Hos∣pitals, were likewise by Act of Parliament left to the dispose and pleasure of the King: And all these Monuments (aforesaid) of our forefathers pietie and deuotion, to the honour of God, the propagation of Christian saith and good learning,* 4.5 and also for the reliefe and maintenance of the poore and im∣potent (if without offence I may speake the truth.) All these, I say, for the most part, were shortly after; to wit, within the remainder of his raigne, and the short time of his Sonnes, King Edward the sixth: euery where pul¦led downe, their reuenues sold and made a way: and those goods and riches which the Christian pietie of our English Nation had consecrated vnto God,* 4.6 since they first professed Christianity, were in a moment, as it were, dispersed, and (to the displeasure of no man be it spoken) profaned.

Thus haue you seene, by degrees, the fatall and finall period of Abbeyes, Priories, and such like religious Structures; with the casting out to the wide world of a••l their religious Votaries: chiefly occasioned by their owne abhominable crying sinnes, more then by any other secondarie meanes; as plainly doth appeare by the premisses All which Queene Mary attempted to haue restored to their pristine estate, and former glory. But all in vaine; for these religious Edi••ices with the lands and possessions thereunto belonging, were so infringed, alienated and transferred, that nei∣ther the power of Maiestie, nor the force of Parliament, could reduce them againe to the proper vse, for which by the Founders they were intended.

Howsoeuer she (being a Prince more zealous then poli••••ke•• resigned, and confirmed by Parliament, to God and holy Church, all those Ecclesi∣asticall reuenues,* 4.7 which by the authoritie of that high Court, in the time of her father King Henry had beene annexed to the Crowne, to the great diminution and impouerishing of the same. And this she did frankly and freely, moued thereunto by her owne conscience, saying (with a Christian and princely resolution I must confesse) to certaine of her Counsel••our••, that albeit they might obiect against her,* 4.8 that the state of her kingdome, the dignitie thereof, and her Crowne imperiall, could not bee honourably maintained and furnished, without the possessions aforesaid; yet she set more by the saluation of her soule, then she did by ten kingdomes.

And whereas in the raigne of King Edward the sixth,* 4.9 it was enacted, that all the bookes, called Antiphoners, Missales, Grailes, Portuassis, and Latine Primmers, vsed for seruice in the Church, in the time of Poperie, should be clearely abolished; All images grauen, painted, or carued, taken out of any Church or Chappell, with the foresaid bookes, should bee de∣faced or openly burned. She being now more forward then wise to obserue the rites and ceremonies of the Romanists, caused the like bookes and ima∣ges to be bought, and brought againe into all the Churches within her do∣minions. Holy water, Pax, and censers were commanded to be employed at the celebration of Masses, and Mattens, Oyle, Creame, and Spittle, vsed in the Administration of the Sacrament of Baptisme. Altars furnished with pictures, costly couerings, and the Crucifix thereon solemnly placed: Vn∣to whom Lights, Candles, and Tapers, were offered The restauration and dispose of these, as also of all other matters concerning the Church, shee

committed to the Pope, and Cardinall Poole his Legate, by whose autho∣ritie and meanes by all probabilitie,* 4.10 all Statutes made in her father and bro¦thers raigne against the See of Rome, the Pope and his Supremacie were altogether repealed; and the sixe bloudie Articles enacted by Henry the eighth tyrannically put in execution; by force of which (shee being ouer∣swayed by the authoritie of Church men, for of her selfe she was of a more facile and better inclined disposition) so many, in lesse then foure yeares con∣tinuance, were consumed with fire, for the testimoniall of their consciences in that case.

* 4.11In the heate of whose flames were burned to ashes fiue Bishops, one and twentie Diuines, eight Gentlemen, eightie foure Artificers, one hundred husbandmen, seruants and labourers, twentie sixe wiues, twentie widowes, nine Virgines, two boyes, and two Infants, one of them whipped to death by Bonner, alias Sauage, Bishop of London; and the other springing out of his mothers wombe from the stake as she burned, was by the Sergeants throwne againe into the fire. Sixtie foure more, in those furious times were persecuted for their profession and faith, whereof seuen were whipped, six∣teene perished in prison, and twelue buried in dunghills, many lay in capti∣uity condemned; but were released, and saued by the auspicious entrance of peaceable Elizabeth, and many fled the Land in those dayes of distresse, which by her vpon their returne home were honourably preferred, and prouided for according to their worthes.

Queene Mary now dead, and Elizabeth of famous memory proclaimed Queene, possessed of her lawfull inheritance, placed in her glorious Throne, and crowned with the imperiall Diadem; presently after followed a Par¦liament, wherein the title of Supremacie,* 4.12 and all ancient iurisdictions were againe restored, all forraine power abolished; and for the more augmenta∣tion and maintenance of her State royall, it was ordained and established, that the first-fruits and Tenths of all Ecclesiasticall liuings, with the lands and Scites of Monasteries, giuen away by Queene Mary, should be vnited and annexed againe to the Crowne; that all Statutes should bee repealed, which were enacted by the said Queene Marie, in fauour of the Romish Religion, and that the booke of Common Prayer, vsed in King Edwards time, for an vniforme celebration of Gods diuine seruice in the English Churches, should bee ratified and authorised againe by this present Par∣liament.

This Parliament ended vpon the eight of May, vpon the fourteenth day of the same moneth next following, being Whitsonday, diuine Seruice was celebrated in the English tongue, whereby Gods word might be heard in a perfect sound, and the prayers of the Congregation vttered with an vn∣derstanding heart.

Soone after in the same yeare certaine Commissioners were appointed in seuerall places, for the establishing of Religion throughout the whole Realme; then all the religious houses which were reedified, erected, or re∣stored by Queene Mary, as the Priory of Saint Iohns Ierusalem; the Nuns and Brethren of Sion and Sheene, the blacke Friers in Smithfield, the Friers of Greenwich, with all other of the like foundation were vtterly suppressed. All Roods and Images set vp in Churches, whose sight had often captiua∣ted

the senses of the zealous beholder, and heated the blinde zeale of many poore ignorant people, were now themselues consumed in the fire, and with them (in some places) the copes, vestments, altar-clothes, Amises, bookes, banners, and rood lo••••s, were like wise burned in the open streets.

Vpon the walls, pillars, and other places of all Churches, certaine In∣scriptions were cut, painted, or engrauen, which being holden to be super∣stitious, were as then defaced, erazed, washt ouer, or obliterated: of which a few for example.

This Inscription was vsuall to the picture of the blessed Trinitie, repre∣sented by the Effigies of an old man, our Sauiour in his bosome, and a Doue.

Ave Pater, Rex Creator, Ave fili, lux Seruator. Ave pax & charitas. Ave simplex, Ave Trine, Ave regnans si••e si••e, Vna summa Trini••as.

Vnder the picture of the blessed Trinitie,* 4.13 sometimes in the Abbey Church of Rufford in Nottinghamshire, as it is in the booke of the said house.

Sede Pater summa disponit secula cuncta: Patre D••o genitus creat & regit omnia natu••. Omnia vi••ificat procedens Spiritus almus. Flamma, calor, pruna, tria sunt hec, res sed & vna•• Sic ab igne calor non diuiditur neque fulgor. Ast his vnitis vnus subsi••lit & ignis. Sic Pater & natus & Spiritus sed Deus vnus. Huic laude munus qui regnat trinus & vnus. Huic laus et doxa nunc et per secula cuncta.

Vnder the picture of Christ crucified.

Nec Deus est nec Homo presens quam cerno figura, Et Deus est et Homo que signat sacra figura. Verus Homo verusque Deus tamen vnus vterque. Probra crucis patitur, mortem su••it, et sepelitur Viuit, item crucis hic per signa triumphat ab hoste. Id notum nobis crucis huius litera reddit, Scilicet ipsius nota sunt c••ux et crucifixus: Hec et ego veneror Iesum'quoque semper adore.

Againe vnder the Crucifix.

Quantum pro nobis Christus tulit ecce videmus Et tamen à lachrymis heu lumina sicca tenemus.

Vnder the picture of Christ, vsually in all Abbey Churches.

Effigiem Christi dum transis semper honora▪ Non tamen effigiem sed quem designat adora; Nam Deus est quod imago docet, sed non Deus ipsa:

Hanc videas, et mente colas quod cernis in illa.

And this.

Sum Rex cunctorum caro factus amore reorum. Ne desperetis venie dum tempus habetis.

To the picture of Christ, speaking thus to man in the agonie of his Pas∣sion.

Aspice mortalis, fuit vnquam pas••o talis? Peccatum sperne, pro quo mea vulnera cerne. Aspice qui transis, quia tu mihi causa doloris▪

And thus, exhorting man to amendment of life.

Aspice Serue Deisic me posi••ere Iudei. Aspice deuote, quoniam sic pendeo pro t••. Aspice mortalis, pro te datur hostia talis. In••roitum vite reddo tibi, redde mihi te. In cruce sum pro te, qui peccas desine pro me. Desine, do veniam, dic culpam, corrige vitam.

The Knights Templers before they came to that house, now called the Temple, had an house in Holborne, which is now Southampton place, where in their Chappell was a representation of Christs Sepulchre, with these verses brought from Ierusalem.

Vita mori voluit, et in hoc tumulo requieuit, Mors quia vita fuit nostram victrix aboleuit. Nam qui confregit nigra inferna ille subegit, Educen••o suos cuius Dux ipse cohortis. Tartarus inde gemit, et mors lugens spoliatur.

Another Inscription vpon the same.

Hac sub clausura recubat Christi caro puro, Sub cura semper stat nostra figura. Est Deus hic tantus natus de Vigine quantus, Militie caput hic, mundi medicena iacet hic.

Another.

Sum Deus, ex quo carnem sumsi, sed sine neuo: ••lebs mea me ligno fixit pendente maligno; Aspice plasma tuum, qui transis ante sepulchrum. Qui triduo iacui cum pro te passus obiui. Quid pro me pateris, aut quae mihi grata rependis? Sum Deus et puluis, sed regnes si modo serues. Pro te passus, ita tu pro me prospera vita. Pro te plagatus pro me tu pelle reatus.

Vpon the picture of the holy Lambe.

Mortuus et viuus idem sum Pastor et agnus: Hic agnus mundum instaurat sanguine lapsum.

Many were the Altars here in England consecrated to the blessed Vir∣gine

Mary, more then to Christ; m••ny the pictures and statues, many the Churches erected and dedicated to her holinesse, and many were the ex∣orbitant honours, due onely to our blessed Sauiour, attributed to her hea∣uenly Deitie: As did appeare by Inscriptions numberlesse about her Altars. Of which some few.

In celo lata, nos seruet Virgo beata, Sede locata pia; nostri memor esto Maria. Que super astra manet lapsorum vulnera sanet▪ Que celo floret, pro nobis omnibus oret. Sit nobis grata virgo super astra leuata. Ora mente pia, pro nobis virgo Maria. Virgo Dei genetrix sit nobis auxiliatrix. Stella Maria maris, succurre pijssima nobis▪ Virgo Dei digna poscentibus esto benigna, Mater virtutis det nobis dona salutis. Liberet à pena nos celi porta serena. Virgo Maria tuos serva sine crimine servos. Virginis auxilium foueat nos nunc et in euum. Virgo fecunda pia, tu nos à crimine munda. Nos benedic grata pia mater et inviolata. Nos iuuet illud Ave per quam patet exitus a ve Virgo salutata iuuet omnes prole beata Nos Gabriele nata saluet partu grauidata▪

Virginis intacte cum veneris ante figuram Pretereundo caue ne sileatur Ave.

Sol penetrat vitrum, penetratur nec violatur, Sic Virgo peperit, nec violata fuit.

Hac non vade via nisi dicas Ave Maria: Semper sit sine ve qui mihi dicit Aue.* 4.14

O Regina lucis almae syderum, Intacta parens, puerpera virgo, Salutisque nostre digna propago. Parce iam parce mitissima quaeso, Hanc animam Christo redde benigna Et miserere canentis Osanna.

Her salutation.

Virgo salutatur, verboque Dei grauidatur, Nec grauat intactum gremium verbum caro factum.

Virgo parens humilisque Deo cara, sibi viles An••uem calcauit, que prima superbia strauit. * 4.15Virgo parit puerum, lumen de lumine verbum Est vox celestis, lux celica, stellaque testis.

In the Churches of Corpus Christi most commonly these Inscriptions following.

Hic est cibus qui plene re••icit non corpus sed animam, non ventr••m sed mentem, si quis ex hoc comederit, viuet in eternum.

Panis mutatur specie remanente priore, Sed non est talis qualis sentitur in ore: Res occultatur, quare? nam si videatur, •• unc abhorreres & manducare timeres.

Panis mutatur in carnem, sic operatur Christus ipse, verum sub pane latens caro, Verbum.

To the portraitures of the soure Euangelists these.

* 4.16Per Euangelica dicta deleantur nostra delicta. Euangelicis armis muniat nos Conditor orbis▪ Euangelica lectio sit nobis salus & protecti••. Fo••s Euangelij repleat nos dogmate celi.

Que ••eque naturas retinent nec vtrique figuras, Sic act••s Christi describunt quatuor isti. Queque s••b obscuris de Christo dicta figuris His aperire datur, & in his os ipse notatur.

About or neare to the Altars consecrated to all Saints.

De•• venie munus nobis Rex trinus et vnus. Virga virens Iesse nos verum ducat ad esse▪ S•••• ••obis portus ad vitam virginis ortus. Sumamus portum vite per virginis ortum▪ In vite portu saluemur virginis ortu. Ortus solamen det nobis virginis Amen. Nos ditet venia sanctissima Virgo Maria. Nos rege summe pater, nos integra protege Mater. Nos ope conforta celorum fulgida porta. Nos famulos serva genetrix à morte proterva. Nosiungat thronis veri thronus Salomonis: Ad fontem venie ducat nos dextra Marie. Ad celi decoranos transfer virgo decora.

Impetret à genito nobis veniam pia Virgo. Turmis Angelicis societ nos conditor orbis. Ordo Phrophetarum minuat penas animarum. Cetus Apostolicus sit nobis semper amicus. Martyribus sisti facia•• ••os gratia Christi. Grex confessorum purget peccata reorum. Virginci flores nostros delete dolores. Nos reg••, nos muni Sanctis Deus omnibus vni.

Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Bishop of Rome, to certaine Churches and Altars, were likewise depensild vpon the walls. In forme as followeth.

Alexander Episcopus Seruus seruorum Dei, vniuersis Christi sidelibus presentibus & futuris salutem, & Apostolicam benedictionem. Lice•• ad o••∣nes * 4.17 S. R. E. sideles muni••icenti•• nostre dextram debeamus extendere debi∣tricem, maxime tamen spiritualis gratie prerogatiua nos decet illos at••ollere, & dignioribus beneficentie nostre fauoribus ampliare, qui se nobis & S. R. F. feruentiori deuotione exibent, & in fide stabiles, & in opere sideli••er ••ffi••aces. Sane igitur cupientes vt Ecclesia S. Ia. C. preementioribus frequentetur ••o noribus, & vt Christi ••ideles eo libentius de••otionis causa conslu••nt ad e••••∣dem, manusque ad conseruationemeius dein prompti••s porrigentes adiutrices, quo ex inde dono celestis gratie conspexerint se ibidem vherius refertos; de omni potentis Dei miserecordia, & B B. Petri & Pauli Apostolorum eius au∣toritate con••isi, omnibus vere penitentibus & confes••is & contritis, qu•• di•• Ascensionis Domini nostri Iesu Christi a vespera Vigilie ipsius v••que ad vesperam eiusdem diei dictam S. Ia. C. Ecclesiam deuote visitauerint annua∣tim, et manus adeius conseruationem por••exerint adiutrices, plenam omnium suorum peccatorum absolutionem concedimus. Ins••per per septem dies dictum festum sequentes, et quolibet ipsorum dierum de iniunctis ipsorum peniten••ijs septimam partem miserecorditer in Domino relaxamus, presentibus perpe∣tuis temporibus duraturis. Nulli ergo hominum liceat ••anc nostram concessi∣onis et relaxationis paginam infringere, vel ei ausu temerario contraire. S•• quis antem hoc attemptare presumpserit, indignationem omnipotentis Dei et B B. Petriet Pauli Apostolorum se incursurum nouerit, atque in extremo in∣dicio districti Iudicis ira crudeliter permulctari. Dat. R. apud S. P. Id. M. Pontisica••us nostri anno. Testes A. Episcopus. P. G. Episcopus. S. E. S. E••sta∣tij presbiter Cardinalis, &c.

Against an Altar.

Si quis Missam ad hoc Altare fieri curabit, plenariam peccatorum remis∣sionem consequetur. Si vero pro defuncti alicuius anima ad idem Altare le∣gatur Missa, statim in ipso actu et celebratione Misse anima defuncti ex pur∣gatorio in celum ascendet et seruabitur.

Nihil certius.

Neare to the place where reliques were kept, such a like Inscription was either painted, insculpt, or written vpon a table hanging vpon some pillar or other of the Church.

Hic sacra sanctarum si nomina reliquiarum Lector se••re velis docet hoc te charta fidelis. De Christi cuna, que virga refloruit vna. Coelo manna datum, paranymphi manna beatum. Mensa gerens cenam, turbamque cibans duodenam. Claud••tur & cista chlamys inconsutilis ista. Sanguine Baptiste pariter locis omnibus iste Est sacer & magni sudaria continet agni.

The reliques kept in the Church being all thus reckoned, they were con∣cluded much what after this manner.

Horum reliquijs constat locus iste celebris Hinc & multorum possemus nomina, quorum Dicere si in tabula locus illis esset in ista; Nos meritis horum redeamus ad alta polorum.

Inscriptions neare and vpon Bells.

Bels in time of Poperie were baptised, they were anointed, oleo chrisma∣tis, they were exorcized; they were blest by the Bishop: these and other ce∣remonies ended, it was verily beleeued that they had power to driue the de∣uill out of the aire, to make him quake and tremble, to make him at the sound thereof flie, Tanquam ante crucis vexillum: that they had power to calme stormes and tempests, to make faire weather, to extinguish sudden fires, to recreate euen the dead; and the like. And as you may reade in the Romane Pontificals, they had the name of some Saint or other giuen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them in their Baptisme; I will bring in for example the Bells of the Parish Church of Winington in Bedfordshire, whose names are cast about the verge of euery one in particular, with these riming Hexameters.

Nomina Campanis hec indita sunt quoque nostris.

• 1. Hoc signum Petri pulsatur nomine Christi.
• 2. Nomen Magdalene Campana sonat melodie.
• 3. Sit nomen Domini benedictum semper in euum.
• 4. Musa Raphaelis sonat auribus Immanuelis.
• 5. Sum Rosa pulsata mundi que Maria vocata.

Vpon or within the steeple these verses following, or others to the same effect, were either engrauen in brasse, cut in the stone, or painted within, on the wall.

En ego campana nunquam denuncio vana; Laudo Deum verum, plebem voco, congrego clerum. Defunctos plango, viuos voco, fulmina frango, Vox mea vox vite, voco vos ad sacra, venite. Sanctos collando, tonitrus fugo, funera claudo.

Or these.

Funera plango, fulgura frango, Sabbatha pango, Excito lentos, dissipo ventos, paco cruentos.

For the power of holy water sprinkled vpon the people vpon their en∣trance into the Church, these Inscriptions.

Huius aque tactus depellet Demonis actus. Asperget vos Deus cum omnibus sanctis suis ad vitam eternam. Sex operantur aqua benedicta. Cor mundat, Accidiam fugat, venalia tollit, Auget ope••••, remouetque hostem, phantasmata pellit.

Organs, Pulpits, Portals, Crosses, Candlesticks, Roods, Crucifixes, and what else of that kinde were likewise thus inscribed, all which with the rest were erazed, scraped, cut out, or taken away by the Commissioners, and in∣stead of them certaine sentences of the holy Scripture appointed to be pain¦ted or dispensild in euery Church.

Thus iudicious Reader thou maiest by this Chapter vnderstand, how, by Gods diuine prouidence, and the depth of state pollicie, first of all, the authoritie of the Pope here in England was abrogated, the Supremacie of the Church in our Kings inuested Abbeyes, and all other such like religious houses subuerted, Superstition and Idolatrie rooted out and suppressed, and how this kingdome, from all Papall infection cleared, and with the Sunne shine of the Gospell enlightned, the true worship of the euerliuing God was established. Which onely true worship that it may continue in our Church without Schismes, rents, and diuisions, vnto the end of the world, let vs all with vnanimous consent both of heart and voice, pray vnto him who is Truth it selfe, and the Authour of all vnitie, peace, and concord.

Now gentle Reader giue me leaue to adde vnto this Chapter (howsoeuer thou wilt say (perhaps) it is too long already) the copie of the Kings Warrant to Commissioners, to take the surrender of Religious houses, as al∣so a copie of an Information to Queene Elizabeth, of the frauds and cor∣ruption of such so imployed by her Father; being in my iudgement coinci∣dent with the Contents of the same. Thus the Warrant speakes.

Henry,* 6.1 &c. To or trustie, &c. Forasmoche as we vnderstand that the Monastery of ...... is at this presente in soche state, as the same is neither vsed to the honour of God, nor to the benefyte of our comon welth; we let you wit that therfore being mynded to take the same into our owne hand for a better purpose; like as we doubt but the head of the same will be con¦tented to make his surrender accordyngly; we for the spesyall truste and confydence that we haue in your fidelytye, wisdomes, and discrecions, haue, and by these presents doo authorise, name, assygne, and appoynt yow that ymmediatly reparyng to the sayd howse, ye shall receyve of the sayd Head such a wryting vnder the Couent seale, as to yowr discrecions shall seeme requisite, meete, and conuenient, for the due surrender to our vse of the same; and thervpon take possessyon therof, and of all the goods and implements to be indifferently sold, eyther for redy money, or at dayes vp∣on suffyciente suretyes, so that the same day passe not one yeare and a half. Ye shall deliuer to the sayd Head and Brethren soche parte of the sayd mo∣ney and goodes, as ye by your discrecions shall thynke meete and conve∣nyente for their dispeche. And further to see them have convenyente pen∣syons by yuur wisdomes assygned accordyngly. Whych done, and more∣ouer

seeing the rightfull and due debts there payd and satysfyed, aswell of the reuenewes as of the sayd stuffe, as to reason and good conscyence ap∣perteyneth, and yowr charges reasonably allowed; ye shall proceede to the dissolutyon of the sayde howle; and forther in our name take possessyon of the same to be kept to our vse and profyte. Ye shall furthermore bring and convaye to our Tower of London after your seyd discressyons all the rest of the seyd money, plate, Iue••les, and ornaments that in any wise shall come to your hands by meane of the premisses or of any parte therof. Straytely chargynge and commandyng all Mai••es, Sheriffes, Bayliffes, Constables, and all other our officers, ministers, and subiects, to whom in this case it shall apperteyne, that vnto yow, and euery of yow, in execucion herof they be helpynge, ayding, favoringe, and assistyng, as they will answere vnto vs to the contrary at their vttermost perrilles. Yeven, &c.

An Information made to Queene Elizabeth by ...... of the se∣uerall abuses and frauds done vnto the State generall, and Crowne by the corruption of such as haue bine imployed by her Fa∣ther vppon the suppression of the Abbeyes, and Continuance of the same.

Part of the corrupt, deceitfull, fraudulente, and vnrighteouse dealinge of many Subiects of this Realme at and since the visitation and suppression of Abbeyes, which with all the rest God by his grace hath made me hate and refuse, and also deteste and resiste in otheres to the vtmoste of my small powere, beyng contrary to this commaundemente of the second Table, Thou shal•• not ••••eale: wherby the possessiones, reuenues, and treasure of the Crowne have byn vnmesurably robbed and diminyshed, to the great of∣fence of God, and slaunder of the Gospell, and to the no small impoueresh∣ynge and weakenynge of the Imperiall Crowne, and vtter vndoinge of a nomber of your Maiesties pore Tenants and Subiects, and so to the great slaundere of your Maiestie, and withdrawinge of their harts from you, whos Acte it is told them to be, and so to them it semeth, because some of your seales be at all or most parte of them, and the confirmacion of your head officers at the reste: and to the vttere spoyling and vndoynge (before God and good men) of a nomber of lerned persones and exelente witts who vnderstanding that many before them had byne therby greatly en∣riched and advaunced; and that the gapp thervnto as vnto a vertue was made wyde opene for all without any punyshement, but rather commen∣dacions, were and ••re still the easilier ouercom by temptacion of the wise∣dome of Satane, the world, and the fleshe, to seeke and labour to become riche by like wicked wayes; of whom as the nomber is now of late yeres in∣creased, so also deceave they moore subtillie and detestablie, and in more things then euer before. For redresse wherof, and of a nombere of other cunnynge and clenly Thefts and decepts which I know and can in time re∣member and discouere, beside the multetude out of my compasse sayd by common brute to be in other calings. There must be pennede (by some persones learnede in the Lawe that be knowne to hate all kynds of vnrigh∣teousnes)

some strong Act or Actes (to passe by Parliament, and afterward•• to be roundly executed) with great penalties, forfeitures, and ponyshments, to reche vnto lands, goods, and bodie, as the greatnes or the smalnes of the case shall require, without the which God wil be yet more offended, the Gospell more slaundered, the Crowne more impouereshed and wekened, your people more vndone, your Maiestie more slaundered, your peoples harts more drawne from you, the lerned persones and exelente witts of your people more spoyled, and many other particuler euills will grow thereby, besides Gods great strokes: which at length will come without repentance and amendment: Wheras yf reformacion be had, God wilbe therin pleased, the Gospelle commended, the Crowne enriched, your peo∣ple profited, ther loues towards you encreased; the learned and exelente wittes enforced from deceite, to seeke prefermente and welthe by godly and honeste meanes; and many other things will grow therby, besides Gods good blessing which your Maiestie shall be sure to haue for it.

Deceiptfull and vnrighteouse dealings, viz. at and vpon the visitation and suppression of Abbeyes.

Wher the Images of gold and siluer, &c. with the costelye Shrines, Ta∣bernacles, [unspec 1] Alteres, and Roodloftes, and the pretious Jewelles, rich Stones, and perles, &c. belonging to the same, and the pixes, phallaces, Patenes, Basines, Ewers, candlestickes, Crewets, challices, Sensors, and multitudes of other riche vesselles of gold and siluer, &c. And the costly Alter clothes, curtenes, copes, vestments, Aulbes, Tunicles, and other riche ornaments, and the fine linnen, iette, marble, precious wood, brasse, iron, lead, belles, stone, &c. and the houshould plate, householde stuffe, and furniture of hou∣sholde, and the Leases and chattalles, and the horses, oxen, kine, sheepe, and other cattell, and the superfluous howses and buildings, and multitudes of other things that belonged to Abbeyes, &c. were worth a million of gold. The salles of the parte whereof were so cunningly made, and the pre∣seruation of the rest was suche that your Maiesties Father, and the Crowne of England hade in comparison but meane portiones of the same, of which muche was vnpayd by ill dealinge in many yeres aftre. For the fynding out of which, and punishyng the great decept and fraude, thear was not then, nether hath thear byne at any time since, for the like euilles afterwards also committed to this day any good order or diligent labour taken, but let passe, as though to fynd out and punishe such wickednes were no profite to the Prince and Crowne, or good seruice to God. All which haue byne the easelier let slip, because perhaps some of them that sholde haue punysh∣ed vnder the Prince might also be partly guiltie, and so, Ca••••••ce: Ca¦thee.

Item, wher diueres of the Visitores and Suppressores had afterwards [unspec 2] yerly allowance of Fees, annueties, corodies, &c. graunted by the Abbeyes, &c. to themselues, their servaunts and friends, was it likely that they came by them without fraude.

Item, the most part of the Evedences of Abbeyes and Nunneries were [unspec 3] pilfered away, sold and loste, as herein following vnder the title of your

Maiesties tyme more playnlie a••pereth.

[unspec 4] Item, Mannores, Landes and T••nements, and other hereditaments were ofte solde at vnder yerly Rents, by many subtile deceipts and frawdes.

[unspec 5] Item, many Lands and Tenements, &c. were sometime solde with thap∣portenances at the old yerly Rents: but where the woods were vnvalued (as ofte they were) the same went from the Kyng without recompen••••.

[unspec 6] Item, Mannores, Lands, and Tenements, &c. sold to diuers, and after the woods were felled and solde, and the Rents enhaunced, or for great fines leased out for many yeres, then the same Mannores, lands, &c. were retorned to the kyng in exchange for other lands that had plentie of woods, and were vnenhauncede, and vnleased in all or in parte, or the Leases were nere expyred.

[unspec 7] Item, muche Lands and Tenements, and many great woods, and other hereditaments were then solde away, wher the money for the same by de∣ceptfull defrawde was not payd in many yeres after the due dayes of pay∣mente.

So likewise in the time of the reigne of King Edward the sixt, your Ma∣iesties Brother, many things were done amisse, though not so many and so great as befoar.

Exchanges more were then in King Henries tyme, and almost as badde, wherof the Rents of many of them muste needs decaye in a great parte when that Leases shall end that were made by the Exchang••r••s, or when their Bonds made to warrant thos Rents shall either be lost, or not ex∣tended.

Much Lands, &c. were sold at vnder values by great decepte of many.

And in the shorte tyme of the Reigne of Queene M••ry your Maiesties Sister, many great gifts, Sales, and Exchanges were made, wherein was great deceipt and losse to the Prince and Crowne

In your Maiesties time and before, all or the greateste parte of all the Evi∣dences of the Lands, possessions and hereditaments of all the Abbeyes, &c. have by litle and litle by fraudulent meanes byne so pilfered, and solde a∣waye and so drawne into many priuate mens handes, that there is almoste none of them left to your Maiesties vse; so that your Maiestie hath nothing to mainteyne your title yf neede so requyre, but onely the long possession, and your owne Records made since suppression, whereof a nomber of them be gone.

This Informer, (a man in authoritie, as appeares by the sequele, of whose name I am ignorant) proceeds further in the rehearsall of many more deceipts, frawdes, and corruptions, vsed by diuers of the Officers of those dayes, onely for their owne lucre and advauncement, which are too many here to set downe; I will end this Chapter with the conclusion of his ar∣guments.

When I speke (saith he) write, or worke against thes, and multitudes of like things, what adoe ther is on euery side, and what outcries ther i•• againste me, and what inward hatred is borne me, which sometime brek••s foarth, and shewes it selfe, by their sowre lookes, bittere speches, and taunt and by their liftings at me, and paying me home one way or other when they can themselues, or when others canne for them, your Maiestie wo••••

wondere yf you knewe; And the more because some of them beare great shew and name of good men and Gospelers: But alas piteous ones God a∣mend them and vs all; That we together that prof••sse the Gospell may studye and strive not onely to loue and doe what he commands, and to hate and resist what he forbids; But also thos of vs that be in authore•••• to bring all others ther vnto by great intreaty and good rewards, yf that will serve, yf not by roughe threats, and sharpe strokes, as he hath appointed for the bringing home vnto himself of euery creature.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Stat. in 27. Hen. 8. ca. 28.
• * 1.2

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 3.1

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 4.1

  〈…〉〈…〉 13.
• * 4.2

  〈…〉〈…〉 2. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 4.3

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 4.4

  〈…〉〈…〉. ••7. Hen. 8. ••••. ••.
• * 4.5

  Camd. ••••. ••••••. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 4.6

  Id•••• •••• ••••. l.
• * 4.7

  Parl. An 2. C•• 3. 〈…〉〈…〉 C. ••. 4.
• * 4.8

  Ho••••in•• p•• 112••
• * 4.9

  In Parl 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 4 〈◊〉〈◊〉. c. l. 12.
• * 4.10

  In Parl. An••. & 2. Phil. •••• Mar. cap 8. In Parl. ••••. Hen. 8. ••ap. ••
• * 4.11

  ••eed. cap. 23.
• * 4.12

  In Parl. An. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 c. ••.2. & ••.
• * 4.13

  •••• lib. Co••
• * 4.14

  Iuxta aram ••••. virginis in Fano Arenae patauiis.
• * 4.15

  The nativity of Christ.
• * 4.16

  Mat. Ma•• Luc. Iohannes.
• * 4.17

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉.
• * 6.1

  Ex 〈…〉〈…〉.