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.

Essex.

West Ham.

QVeene Mawd,* 1.1 wife to king Henry the first, passing ouer the riuer of Ley at Ouldford, hardly escaped danger of drowning: after which shee gaue order that a little beneath, at Stretford, there should be a bridge made ouer the water; going ouer which towards West Ham, I saw the remaines of a Monasterie, pleasantly watered about with seuerall streames, which William Montfichet (a Lord of great name of the Norman race) built, in the yeare of our Lord, 1140. The reuenues of this house were much aug∣mented and confirmed by king Richard the second, in the tenth yeare of his raigne, as by his charter amongst the Records in the Tower appeareth. Dedicated it was to the honour of Christ, and Mary his blessed mother, re∣plenished with blacke Monkes. And valued at the suppression to be worth 573. l. 15. s. 6 d. ob. q.

Diuers other beside the founder endowed this religious Structure. Some of whose donations I finde to be confirmed by the said William Montfichet in this manner.

Willelmus de Montefixo omnibus prepositis & ministris & hominibus suis tam Francis quam Anglis Salutem.* 1.2 Sciatis quod ego concedo et confirmo do∣nationem quam fecerunt Ecclesie Sancte Marie de Ham; Matheus Geron, de tota terra sua de Cambridg cum pertinenciis absque omni servicio; & Geral∣dus de Hamma de vno prato per concessum Martini filia sui, & aliorum siliorum suorum. Donationem etiam quam fecit ergo Capellanus meus ••ecime Dominii mei, &c. Quod si quis hominum meorum Elemosinam de terra fa∣cere voluerit, quod de feodo meo sit, non concedo vt alibi det nisi ad Abbati∣am meam de Ham. Et insuper si quis hominum meorum quicquam beneficii deinceps eidem Ecclesie facere voluerit in terra, prato vel quacanque re libere

donet, hec, omnia que et ego concedo confirmo Abbatic & Monachis de Ham ••••perpetuum. Precor igitur omnes homines meos vt islam meam Elemosinam manuteneant et conseruant. Hiis testibus Margareta vxore mea, Richardo de Poylei, Humfrido filio Eustachii Willelmo filio Richardi Willelmo de By∣ron. The Seale of this deed is in blouddy waxe.

* 1.3The Baronie or habitation of this familie de Monte Fixo, or Montfichet, was Stansted in this County, from whom the Towne is called Stansted Montfichet to this day. They were reputed men of very great Nobilitie; vntill that their ample inheritance was diuided among three Sisters. One of which progenie, namely Richard, was in the raignes of king Iohn and Hen∣ry the third famous for his high prowesse and chiualrie: Three the most for∣cible and valiant knights of England (saith Stow) in those dayes were Ro∣bert Fitz-water, Robert Fitz Roger, and Rich. Mont-Fichet.

* 1.4Here lieth Iohn Hamerton Esquvr, Sergeant at Armes to kyng Henry the eyght, and of Edith his wife, and Richard Hamerton his brother of the Pa∣rysh of Fedston in the County of Yorke. Which Iohn and Richard fell both sicke in an houre and died both in one houre, Ann. Dom. M.ccccc.xii. on whose Sowles Iesu haue mercy. Amen.

* 1.5Hic iacet Henricus Ketleby quondam Serviens illustrissimi Principis Hen∣rici filii metuendissimi Regis Hen. septimi qui obiit 8. die Augusti, 1508.

* 1.6Hic sub pede iacet Margareta quondam vxor Iohannis Ketleby de Com. Wigorn. Armig. que obiit 10. die Iunii.....

* 1.7Of your cheritie prey for the sowles of Io. Eglesfeeld, who died 13. of Au¦gust, 1504. and for the sowl of Edith his wyf. Who died 22. of Iune 1533.

* 1.8Of your cherite prey for the soul of Walter Froste of West Ham, Esquyr, and Sewar to kyng Harry the eyght, and of Anne his wyff, doughter of ..... and widow of Richard Caly Merchant of the Staple of Calis. Which Anne died the xxiii of October 1527.

For the word Sewar, saith Minshew, I haue heard of an old French book containing the Officers of the king of Englands Court, as it was anciently gouerned, that he whom in Court we now call Sewar, was called Asseour, which commeth from the French Asseoir, to set, setle, or place, wherein his Office in setting downe the meate is well expressed.

Or Sewar, saith he, is deriued perhaps from the French word Esquire, id est, a Squire, because he goeth before the meat as a Squire or Gentleman Vsher. The Fees allowed to this Officer in the raigne of Queene Elizabeth (as I haue it out of a generall collection of all the Offices of England in her dayes) was thirtie and three pounds thirteene shillings foure pence.

* 1.9Orate pro anima Valentini Clerke & Elisabethe vxoris eius qui quidem Valentinus obiit 6. die Iunii 1533. et dicta Elisabetha.....

Waltham Stow.

* 1.10Here lyeth Sir Georg Monox knight, somtym Lord Maior of London, and Dame Ann his wyfe, whych Sir Georg dyed..... 1543. and Dame Ann—1500.

This Lord Maior, reedified the decayed Steeple of this Church, and ad∣ded thereunto the side Isle, with the Chappell wherein he lieth entombed.

He founded here a faire Almeshouse in the Churchyard, for an Almesse Priest, and thirteene poore Almesse people, which he endowed with com∣petent reuenues. He also made a cawsey of timber for foot Trauellers ouer the marshes, from this Towne to Lock-bridge.

Ilford.

Hic iacet Thomas Heron filius & heres Iohannis Heron militis Thesaurar▪ Camere Domini Regis,* 1.11 qui obiit in Alderbroke, 18. Martii 1517. et Ann. Reg. Regis Henrici 8. nono.

The valiant Familie of the Herons,* 1.12 or Heiruns, in foregoing ages, were the warlike possessors of very large reuenues in the County of Northum∣berland; parcels of whose Baronie, was Chipches Tower, Swinborne and Foard Castles, belonging now to the houses of the Woderingtons, and Carrs.

Raynam.

Hic iacet Richardus Pasmer generosus,* 1.13 quondam Scriba communis The∣sauri, pro Magistro et conventu Rhodi in Prioratu Sancti Iohannis Ierusalem in Anglia, nec non Seneschallus Hospitii Sancti Iohannis, tempore reuerendi Patris fratris Willelmi Tournay Prioris; ac etiam Superuisoris omnium Maneriorum, terrarum et tenementorum infra regnum Anglie, ad Priorem dicti Prioratus pertinentium, tempore presati Prioris, ac tempore reuerendo∣rum Patrum fratrum Io. Longstrother, Io. Weston: Io. Kendall.... obiit vii die Octob. Ann. Dom. M.ccccc.

Barking.

Here lyeth Rychard Cheyney and Ioane his wyf.* 1.14 Whych Rychard dyed 1514. on whos.

...Iohn Scot and Ioane his wyf...* 1.15 1519.

Vnder the picture of a Ship sailing in the haven, this Inscription.

Desiderata porta. Inveni Portum,* 1.16 spes, et fortuna valete; Nil mihi vobiscum, ludite nunc alios.

Here are to be seene the ruines of the first Nunnery in England, built in the infancie of the Saxons conuersion to Christianitie,* 1.17 by Erkenwald Bishop of London; which he dedicated to the honour of Christ, and the blessed Virgine Mary his mother, in which he placed blacke Nunnes▪ and made his Sister Ethelburgh the first gouernesse or Abbesse ouer the rest.* 1.18 Wherein she deuoutly spent her dayes, and died the 5. of the Ides of October, about the yeare 678.

Her next successor was Hildetha,* 1.19 who gouerned her charge with great austeritie and strictnesse of life for many yeares, till being ouerladen with de••••epit old age, she laid aside the burthen of mortality, and entred into the

ioyes of heauen, the Ides of December, about the yeare 721. Many mira∣cles (saith venerable Bede) were wrought here in this Church (famous for the Sepulture of these and other Saints) at the Shrynes of these holy hand∣maidens of God,* 1.20 much confirming the doctrine of those dayes for which (in that most pregnant and fruitfull age of Saints) they were ca∣nonized, and their dayes kept holy. This house was valued at the suppressi∣on to be worth 1084. l. 6. s 2. d. ob. q.

In nomine Dei nostri et Saluatoris Iesu Christi. Ego Erkenwaldus Episco∣pus Prouincie Est Saxonum seruorum Dei seruus. Dilectissimis in Christo sororibus in Monasterio quod appellatur Berecing habitantibus quod deo auxiliante construxi. Concedo vt tam vos quam posteri vestri in perpetuum vt constructum est ita possideatis. Et ne quis Presul ••uiuslibet sit ordinis, vel qui in meum locum successerit, vllam in eodem Monasterio exerceat potesta∣tem Nec sui iuris ditione,* 1.21 contra canonum decreta, inquietudines aliquas fa∣cere presumat. Ea vero tantum faciat in predicto Monasterio, que ad vtilita∣tem animarum pertinent; ordinationes Sacerdotum vel consecrationes Ancillarum Dei. Ipsa vero sancta congregatio que propter dei amorem ibidem deo laudes exhibet moriente Abbatissa ex seipsa sibi aliam eligat cum dei timore. Omnes terras que michi ex deuotionibus Regum sunt concesse, ad no∣men eiusdem Monasterij quemadmodum donate sunt ex integro et quieto iure possideant, sicut chartule donationum continent, quas in presenti vobis tra∣didi. Et ne quis sorte improbus negator huius donationis erumpat, ideo sigil∣latim has terras in hac chartula enumerandas et nominandas optimum duxi. Quarum prima, &c.

Here he reckons vp all the Mannors, Lordships, and other donations to this his Monasterie in particular: concluding thus.

Si quis autem Episcoporum cuiuslibet dignitaris fuerit, velsi quis omnium secularium potestatum contra hanc chartulam canonice et regulariter a me constitutam contendere presumpserit, vel aliquid ex inde subtrahere; sit seperatus a consortio Sanctorum in hoc seculo omnium, et in futuro celestis Regni portas clausas contra se vndique inveniat a Sancto Petro clauiculario celestis Regni a quo michi licentia huius Priuilegij data et permissa fuerat, per os beatissimi Agathonis Apostolice sedis Presulis, cum Romam adij ante an. xviii. Ann. ab incarnatione Domini, DC. lxxvij. Chartula autem hec a medictata, confirmata in sua stabilitate nichilominus maneat.

✚ Ego Erkenwaldus Episcopus Donator pro confirmatione subscripsi.

✚ Ego Wilfridus Episcopus consensi et subscripsi.

✚ Ego Hedda Episcopus consensi et subscripsi.

✚ Ego Guda Presbyter et Abbas consentiens subscripsi.

✚ Ego Eghaldus Presbyter et Abbas consentiens subscripsi.

✚ Ego Hagona Presbyter et Abbas consentiens subscripsi.

✚ Ego Hooc Presbyter et Abbas consentiens subscripsi.

Sig. ✚ num manus Sebbi Regis Est saxonum.

Sig. ✚ num manus Sigihardi Regis.

Sig. ✚ num manus Suebred Regis.

Ex Registro regio.

Dagenham.

Hic iacet Richardus Treswel filius Iohaunis Treswel generosi qui obijt 18 Iulij 1509.* 1.22

Here lieth Anne Barentine,* 1.23 wyf to Syr William Barentine, who dyed 27 Decem. 1522. on whos.

Here lieth Sir Thomas Vrswicke Knight.....* 1.24 Recorder of London, who died.....

By the meanes of this Recorder Vrswick, (whose perswasions were for∣cible with the Citizens) King Edward the fourth was receiued into Lon∣don,* 1.25 with generall applause, Anno regni sui vndecimo; who, entring into the Bishop of London his Palace by a Posterne gate, there tooke King Henry the sixt, and the Archbishop of Yorke, George Neuill, Prisoners, and sent them both to the Tower on Maundy Thursday.

Here lieth Elizabeth Fitz-Lewis,* 1.26 wyfe of Sir Richard Fitz-Lewis, daughter of Sir Raph Sheldon: she dyed the second of Ianuary, M.ccccc.xxii. vpon whos sowl.

Thorndon, not farre off, where now the Lord Petre hath a goodly faire house,* 1.27 was in times past, (saith Camden) the dwelling place of this wor∣shipfull Familie of Fitz-Lewis; the last of which name (if wee may beleeue the common report,) by occasion that the house happened to be set on fire in the time of his wedding feast, was piteously himselfe therein burnt to death.

Wennington.

In the Church of this little Parish which (as I am told) containes but twelue Mansion houses, are three ancient monuments, shamefully defaced, howsoeuer some fragments of their inscriptions remaining. ...... Gilderburgh ....l' an de grace... Mil. ccc.lxxxix. .....:

Ioanna & Ioanna Enfants Iohan et Mariore de Gildesburgh gisent icy.* 1.28 Dieu de lour almes eit Mercy. Amen. ..... Mariori qe fust la seme Iohan de Gildesburgh gist icy, Dieu des'alme eit mercy. Amen.

Aueloy.

Hic iacet Radulphus de Kneuynton,* 1.29 obitus eius die Iouis ante sestum san∣cti Nicholai Anno Dom. M.ccc.lxxiii. Reg. Regis Ed. tertij xlvii. litera Dominicalis F.

Hic iacet Editha Pert, vxor Willelmi Pert, que in vita sua prudens fuit et fidelis ob. xxviii. Septemb. M.cccc.l.vii. cuius anime.

South Okenden.

* 1.30Hic iacet Ingstramus Bruin miles quondam Dominus istius Ville et huius Ecclesie Patronus, qui obijt 12. Aug. 1400.

One of the Ancestors of this Bruin, (as I haue it out of a booke of the vi∣sitation of Essex in the Heralds office) was Chamberlaine to King Edward the first, who gaue him the Mannor of Bekingham in Kent, who married ••sold, the sole heire of this Mannor of south Okenden, who serued Q. Elia∣nor, wife to the said King Edward, which gaue to them diuers Lordships in Hampshire.* 1.31 This Familie of Bruin, saith Camden, was in former ages, as famous as any one in this tract. Out of the two heires female whereof, be∣ing many times married to sundry husbands, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolke, the Tirels, Berners, Harlestons, Heueninghams, are descended, and of that house there be males yet remaining in Southamptonshire.

Coringham.

* 1.32The Monuments in this Church, (which haue beene many) are quite defaced. I read in an old Manuscript, thus much of the Baudes there buri∣ed, and in other places sometimes Lords of the Towne, and Patrons of the Church.

Anno Domini 1174. Sir Symon de Baud or Bauld, Knight, died in the holy land.

* 1.33Anno 1189. Nich. Bauld Knight died in Gallicia in Spaine.

Anno 1216. Sir Walter Bauld died at Coringham.

Anno 1270. Sir William Bauld died at Coringham.

Anno 1310. Sir Walter Bauld died at Coringham.

Anno 1343. Sir William Bauld died at Coringham.

Anno 1346. Sir Iohn le Bauld died in Gascoigne.

Anno 1375. Sir William Bauld died at Hadham Parua.

Anno 1420. on the feast of Saint Bartholomew, died Thomas Bauld, or Bawde, the first Esquire at little Hadham.

Anno 1449. Tho. Bawde the second Esquier, died at little Hadham.

Anno 1500. Mens. Iunij obijt Dominus Thomas Bawd miles, obijt apud London, cuius anime propitietur deus.

Anno 1550. obijt Iohannes Baud Ar. apud Coringham.

This ancient familie of the Bawdes, Stow saith, as he had read out of an ancient deed, gaue vnto the Deane and Chapter of Pauls, vpon the day of the conuersion of Saint Paul, a good Doe; and vpon the feast of the com∣memoration of Saint Paul, a fat Bucke; in consideration of twenty two A∣cres of land, by them granted, within their Mannor of Westley in Essex, to be inclosed into their Parke of Coringham. Sir William Baud about the third of Edward the first, was the first that granted this deed, which was confirmed by his sonne Walter, and others of his line.

This Bucke and Doe were brought vpon the said festiuall daies, at the houres of Procession,* 1.34 and thorow the Procession to the high Altar; the manner of it is reported by Stow, who partly (as he saith) saw it, thus.

On the feast day of the commemoration of Saint Paul, the Bucke being brought vp to the steps of the high Altar in Pauls Church, at the houre of Procession, the Deane and Chapter being apparelled in Coapes and Vest∣ments, with Garlands of Roses on their heads,* 1.35 they sent the body of the Bucke to baking, and had the head fixed on a Pole, borne before the Crosse in their Procession, vntill they issued out of the West dore; where the Kee∣per that brought it, blowed the death of the Bucke, and then the Horners that were about the Citie, presently answered him in like manner. For the which paines, they had each man of the Deane and Chapter, foure pence in money, and their dinner, and the Keeper that brought it, was al∣lowed, during his abode there for that seruice, meate, drinke and lodging, at the Deane and Chapters charges, and fiue shillings in money, at his go∣ing away, together with a loafe of bread, hauing the picture of Saint Paul vpon it, &c.

There was belonging to the Church of Saint Paul, for both the daies, two speciall Sutes of Vestments, the one embrodered with Buckes, the o∣ther with Does, both giuen by the said Bauds.

Baud is the surname (saith Verstegan) of a worshipfull familie in Eng∣land,* 1.36 and of a Marquesse in Germany, anciently written Bade, and the let∣ter D vsed of our Ancestors in composition, as th: so the right name is Bathe, and so this family (might be) tooke the name of some office belong∣ing to the Bathe, at the time of the Coronation of some King, when as the Knights of the Bathe are wont to be made.

Ralegh.

Here is a monument in this Church which makes a shew of great anti∣quity, but who should be therein entombed, I could not certainly learne; some of the Inhabitants say, that one of the ancient house of the Alens, other say, that it was made for one of the familie of the Essexes, who were Lords of this towne, and noble Barons of England, both before and since the Conquest: Swein de Essex, the sonne of Robert, who was the sonne of Winmarke, Baron of Ralegh, built the ruined Castle in this towne, in the raigne of Edward the Confessor, whom the King calleth Brother, in this his Charter to Ranulph Peperking.

Iche Edward Koning Haue geuen of my Forest the keping:* 1.37 Of the hundred of Chelmer and Dancing,* 1.38 To Randolph Peperking and to his kindling. Wyth Heorte and Hynde, Doe and Bocke, Hare and Foxe, Catt and Brocke, Wylde fowel with his flocke, Partrich, Fesant hen, and Fesant cocke, With greene and wylde stob and stocke: To kepen and to yemen by al her might, Both by day and eke by night.

And hounds for to hold, Good, and swift, and bolde. Foure Greyhounds, and sixe Racches, For Hare, and Foxe, and wilde Cattes. And therefore iche made him my booke. Witnes the Bishop Wolston, And booke ylered many on. And Swein of Essex our brother, And teken him many other. And owr steward Howelin, That by sought me for him.

This forme of Grants was vsed both before and after this Kings time, for example.

I King A••helstane, geues to Paullane, * 1.39Odhiam and Rodhiam, Als guid and als faire, Als euyr yay myne waire, And yarto witnes Mawd my wyff.

And William the Conquerour gaue certaine lands by the like deede, to one Pauline Roydon, the coppie whereof was found in the Registers Office at Glocester, (which I had from my deare deceased friend, Aug. Vincent,) which is almost all one with that, to the Norman Hunter, collected by Iohn Stow out of an old Chronicle in the Librarie at Richmond.

I William, Kyng, the thurd yere of my reigne, Geue to the Paulyn Roydon, Hope and Hopetowne, With all the bounds both vp and downe. From heuen to yerth, from yerth to hel, For the and thyn ther to dwel. As truly as this Kyng right is myn; For a crossebow and an arrow, When I sal com to hunt on Yarrow. And in teken that this thing is sooth, I bit the whyt wax with my tooth. Befor Megg, Mawd, and Margery, And my thurd Sonne Herry.

Such was the good meaning of great men in those daies, that a few words did make a firme bargaine: but to returne from whence I haue di∣gressed.

* 1.40Orate pro anima Wilielmi Talburgh quondam Rectoris istius Ecclesie, qui obijt apud London in Parochia Sancti Petri apud Cornhil. 5. Decemb. 1420.

Es testis Christe, quod non iacet hic lapis iste, Corpus vt ornetur, sed spiritus vt memoretur. Hinc tu qui transis, magnus, medius, puer an sis, Pro me sunde preces, quia sic mihi fit venie spes.

Orate pro anima venerabilis viri Richardi Lincolne,* 1.41 Theologie professor is, & buius Ecclesie Rectoris qui obiit 29. Iulii 1492.

Talis eris qui calce teris mea busta pedestris Qualis ego iaceo vermiculosus homo.

Orate pro anima Willelmi Sutton nuper Valecti corone,* 1.42 domini Regis & Iohanne vxoris eius, qui ob... 1428.

Valetti (saith learned Selden) was vsed for young heires,* 1.43 or young gen∣tlemen, or attendants. And Valectus, or Valettus, to tell you once for all (saith Camden) was in those daies, viz. tempore Ed. 3. an honourable title as well in France,* 1.44 as in England, but afterward, applied vnto Seruants and Groomes: whereupon when the Gentrie reiected it, by changing the name, they began to be called Gentlemen of the Bedchamber.

Orate pro animabus Iohannis Barrington,* 1.45 et l homasine vxoris eius, qui quidem Iohannes obiit 8. die mens. Nouemb. 1416. et Thomasina obiit 15. Septemb. 1420. Quorum animabus.

Ryding from Ralegh towards Rochford, I happened to haue the good companie of a gentleman of this countrey,* 1.46 who, by the way, shewed me a little hill, which he called the Kings Hill; and told me of a strange customa∣rie Court, & of long continuance, there yearely kept, the next Wednesday after Michaelmas day, in the night, vpon the first cockcrowing without any kinde of light, saue such as the heauens will affoard: The Steward of the Court writes onely with coales, and calleth all such as are bound to ap¦peare, with as low a voice as possiblie he may; giuing no notice when he goeth to execute his office. Howsoeuer he that giues not an answer is deep∣ly amerced; which seruile attendance (said he) was imposed at the first, vp∣on certaine Tenants of diuers Mannors hereabouts, for conspiring in this place, at such an vnseasonable time, to raise a commotion. The title of the Entrie of the Court, hee had in memory, and writ it downe for me when we came to Rochford. Thus it runnes in obscure barbarous rimes.

Curia de Domino Rege dicta sine Lege, Tenta est ibidem per eiusdem cons••etudinem. Anteortum solis luceat nisi polus: Seneschallus solus scribit nisi colis. Clamat clam pro Rege; in Curia sine lege. Et qui non cito venerit citius penitebit. Si venerit cum lumine, errat in regimine, Et dum sunt sine lumine capti sunt in crimine. Curia sine cura iurata de iniuria Tenta die Mercurij prox. post festum Sancti Michaelis.

Thus much haue I spoken of a Lawlesse Court, for which I haue nei∣ther law nor reason. For I am sure that this discourse is impertinent, and quite from the subiect to which I haue tied my selfe to treat of. Yet I hope these lines will not seeme much vnpleasing for my Reader to peruse, when

his minde is ouercharged with dull, heauie, and vncomfortable Epitaphs.

Rochford.

I am looking for some Monument or other in this Church, to the me∣morie of some one of the Lords of ancient Nobilitie, to which this Towne gaue the Surname of Rochford (as now it giues the title of Viscount Roch∣ford to that truly honourable and right worthie gentleman Henry Cary, Lord Hunsden, and Earle of Douer.

* 1.47Pris pur Anne Snokeshall fille Iohn filol de Landmare, qe gist ici: Dieu de salme eit pite et mercy, qe ob iour de Seynt Valentin ••an I••su crist, M.ccc.lxxxxvi.

* 1.48Of your cherite prey for the sowl of Rose Crymvill, wyf of Richard Crymvill. Which Rose desesyd viii. April, M.cccccxxiiii. on her sowl Iesu haue mercy.

Hic iacet Maria Dilcock, que obiit xiiii die Decembris, Ann. Dom. M. Vc. Cuius anime. ....

The Tower and the Steeple of this Church was built from the ground, as the inhabitants by tradition affirme, by Richard, Lord Rich, Baron of Leez, and Chancellour of England. A most prudent and iudicious States∣man, a singular treasure and supporter of the kingdome: who for his great good deserts receiued the office of Chancellour of England at the hands of King Edward the sixth.* 1.49 Howsoeuer the Armes of the Butlers, Earles of Or∣mond (whose inheritance this Towne was in times past) are cut in some places on the stone.

* 1.50Robert Lord Rich, and Earle of Warwicke, lately deceased, founded here sixe Almes houses, for fiue poore impotent men, and an aged woman.

But here let me conclude what I haue spoken of this towne, with the words of Camden.

More inward (saith he) is Rochford placed, that hath giuen name to this Hundred;* 1.51 now it belongeth to the (now Earles of Warwicke) Barons Rich, and in old time it had Lords of great nobility, surnamed thereof; whose inheritance came at length to Butler, Earle of Ormond and Wilt∣shire, and from them to Sir Thomas Bullen, whom King Henry the eight created Viscount Rochford, and afterward Earle of Wiltshire; out of whose progenie sprung that most gratious Queene Elizabeth, and the Barons of Hunsdon.

Pritlewell.

* 1.52Swein de Essex (before remembred) built here a Priory for blacke Monkes, which he dedicated to the blessed Virgine Mary. Which was much augmented by others, and holden to be a cell to the Priory of Lewes: vntill the yeare 1518. when as a great contention arose betweene the two Houses: insomuch that Iohn Prior de Pritlewel noluit soluere vnam Marcam Priori de Lewes nomine subiectionis.* 1.53 This house was valued at the suppres∣sion to be worth 194 l. 14. s. 3. d. ob. yearely.

* 1.54Hic iacet Magister Iohannes Lucas, Theologie Bacchalaureus, quondam

vicarius istius Ecclesie Parochialis, qui ob. 16. Ian. 1477. Cuius anime.

Prey for the sowl of Iohn Cock the younger,* 1.55 and Margaret his wyff. Whych Io. dyed......1522.

Her vndyr this Grauston lyth beryed Richard Bowrd.* 1.56 ... Marchant of Callys.... dyed... 1432.

Vnder this inscription these words are engrauen in a trewe Loues knot.

Quod servaui perdidi; quod expendi habui; Quod donaui habui, quod negaui perdidi.

Stangate.

Here sometime stood a small Priory built by the Predecessours of the Prior of Lewes,* 1.57 about what time I cannot learne; valued to bee yearely worth 43. l. 8. s. 6. d.

Saint Osithes.

Whose ancient name was Chich,* 1.58 now growne out of vse by reason of Osith the virgine of royall parentage; who being wholly deuoted to the ser∣uice of God, was here stabbed to death by the Danish pyrates, in the yeare 653 in the moneth of October.* 1.59 And being by our Ancestours honoured for a Saint, Richard de Beaveyes Bishop of London, in her memoriall, built here a religious house, of Regular Chanons, about the yeare 1120. in the raigne of King Henry the first. His grant I haue read in the Records of the Tower,* 1.60 beginning thus. Richardus Dei gratia London Episcopus, &c. Salu∣tem. Sciatis quod ego dedi Ecclesie Sancte Osithe virginis de Ciz. ecclesias de Sudemenestra et de Clachentona cum omnibus que ad illas pertinent, &c. King Henry confirmes and augments this donation by his Charter dated at Roan in the nineteenth yeare of his raigne. And many others so added to the reuenues of this Monastery, that at the time of the suppression, it was valued at 758. pound, fiue shillings eight pence. This Bishop, the founder, was diuers times about to resigne his Bishopricke, that he might become a regular Canon in this his owne new built Monasterie; and that the rather, because being taken with an irrecouerable Palsie,* 1.61 he well knew his time to be short. But he so long deferred the execution of this intent, that he was surprised by death before he could performe it, the sixteenth day of Ianua∣rie, 1127. He was Warden of the marches of Wales, and gouernour of the County of Salop, he sate Bishop twenty yeares, in which time (beside the building of this Monastery) he purchased diuers whole streets, and much housing neere to his Cathedrall Church of Saint Pauls. All which he pull∣ed downe, and leauing the ground vnbuilt for a Cemitery or Churchyard, enclosed the same with a wall, which for the most part remaineth; but at this day so couered with houses, as it can hardly be seene. The Canons of this house desired his body to be here buried: which they entombed vnder a marble Monument with this inscription.

Hic iacet Richardus Beauueis,* 1.62 cognomine Rufus, London Episcopus, vir probus et grandeuus, per totam vitam laboriosus, Fundator noster religiosus,

et qui multa bona nobis et Ministris Ecclesie sue sancti pauli contulit, obijt xvi. Iaenuarij M.c.xx.vii. cuius anime propitietur altissimus.

Woodham waters.

In this Church I finde no monument of any great antiquity, howsoeuer here was the ancient seate of the Lords Fitz-waters, who being nobly de∣scended (saith Camden) were of a most ancient race,* 1.63 deriued from Robert, the yonger sonne of Richard, sonne to Gislebert of Clare, accounted Earle of Hertford; but in the age lately foregoing, translated by a daughter into the stocke of the Radcliffes, the predecessors of the Earles of Sussex.

Woodham Mortimer.

* 1.64Prey for the sowlys of Iron Cokar and Christian his wyf, which Ion dyed the viii. of Octobre, on thowsand fowr hundryd seuenty and eight: and the seyd Ion for the helth of his sowl, gaue by his Testament, and last Will to God and to his Church, a yeerely rent of xx. pens, and iii. schillyngs iiii. pens, for kepyng his obit in this Chirch, to bee takyn out of his croft callyd Windets yerly for euer.

Maldon.

* 1.65In this towne stood the pallace royall of Cunobeline or Kimbaline, King of great Britaine, a Prince that spent his yonger yeares in the warres, vnder Augustus Caesar, of whom he receiued the order of Knighthood, by whom he was so fauoured,* 1.66 that by his alone request, the peace of this kingdome was continued,* 1.67 without the payment of Romane Tribute, who hauing for a long time enioyed peace, in the vniuersall peace of the world, (for in the xiii. yeare of his raigne,* 1.68 the God of peace our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, was borne of the blessed Virgin.) He trained vp his people in a more ciuill and peaceable kinde of gouernement, then that to which they had beene formerly accustomed,* 1.69 and departed this world in peace, within this his Citie of Maldon, then the chamber of his kingdome; in the one and twentieth yeare of our redemption, when he had raigned thirty and fiue yeares, of whom thus writeth my Author Io Harding, ca. xlv.

* 1.70Kymbaline, so was his sonne and heyre, Noryshed at Rome, instruct with Cheualre, That knyght was made wyth honor greate and ••ayer By Octauian, reigning then enterly, Emperor then of Romes great Monarchy, In whose time was both peace and all concord Through all the worlde, and borne was Christ our Lorde.

He was buried in this his chiefe citie, some say at London.

Hic iacet Henricus Coggeshale filius et heres Thome Coggeshale filij Thome Coggeshale Armigeri,* 1.71 qui obijt 9. Ian. 1427. cuius.

Quisquis eris quitransieris sta, perlege plora Sum quod eris, fueramque quod es, pro me precor ora.

Orate pro anima Thome Darcy Ar. corporis Regum Edwardi quarti et Henrici sexti,* 1.72 et nuper vnius Iusticiar. ad pacem in com. Essex, ac filij et he∣redis Roberti Darcy militis, nec non pro anima Margarete consortis sue vni∣us filiarum et heredis Iohannis Harleton in com. Suffolk Ar. qui quidem Tho. obijt 25. Mens. Septemb. 1485.

Hic iacet Rogerus Darcy Ar. filius et heres Tho. Darcy Ar. pro corpore il∣lustrissimi Principis Henrici septimi Regis Anglie,* 1.73 et Elizabetha vxor eius filia Henrici Wentworth militis qui obijt vltimo die Septemb. 1508.

Diuers other faire monuments (but shamefully defaced) are here erected to the memory of the Darcies, a numerous familie, and for antiquity and noblenesse of birth, of great respect in many places of this kingdome.

Sir Robert Darcy Knight, remembred in the former inscription, by his last will and testament, bequeathed his body to be buried in this Church; the substance whereof I haue read in an old Manuscript,* 1.74 as followeth.

Robert Darcy Knight, made his Testament, the 5 of October, Anno Domini,* 1.75 1469. his body he willed to be buried in all Hallowes Church of Maldon, before the Altar, in the Isle, where his father lieth in a Tombe of marble. Also he willed l▪ markes to be disposed for two thousand masses for him to be said, within sixe weekes next after his deceyse, iiii. d. for e∣uery masse; and that they be charged for to prey for his soule, his wifs soul, his fathers and his mothers, and for all his sisters soules; and for all their husbands soules, and for all the soules that he is bound to prey for. Of which said l. markes, hee willed to haue somewhat euery Prist that dwelled in Penbroke hall in Cambridge. Also he willed that euery Fryer that was a Prist in Colchester, haue xx. d. and euery little Fryer vi. d. to say three dirgees, considering that he was a brother of that Order. And the house of Chennesford xl. s. the house of Clare xx. s. and each yong Frier vi. d. considering that hee was a brother of their Order. And he made his Executors, Elizabeth his wife, Io. Clopton Esquire, Nicolas Sax∣ton, and Richard Astley, Clerkes. And the superuisors of this his Testa∣ment, my Lord of Essex, my Lord Dinham, Thomas Mountgomery, and Thomas Tirrill Knights; lowly beseeching the said Lord of Essex, the Lord Dinham, Sir Thomas Mountgomery, and Sir Thomas Tirrill, to helpe his sonne Thomas and all his children. Also hee willed that my Lord of Essex, and the Lord Dinham, should each of them haue a But of Malmesey, and that Sir Thomas Mountgomery, and Sir Thomas Tirrill should each of them haue a pipe of red wine. Also he willed that his brother Iohn Clopton, one of his Executors, should haue for his labour xx.l. Also he willed mistresse Anne Darcy his brothers wife, to haue xx. markes. Yeuen at Danbury the day and yeare aboue said. This his will was proued, quarto di•• mensis Maij, coram reuerendo in Christo Patre Domino Thoma Episcopo London; infra manerium suum de Wekeham, Anno Domini 1470.

* 1.76One King a Butcher, with his two wiues, Alice and Anne, lie here inter∣red vnder a goodly marble, richly inlayd with brasse, his Axe for his Armes, with this Epitaph, who died 1415▪

Subiacet hic pictus, diues, durus, nece victus, Nomine Rex dictus, non re, sed homo modo fictus. De Maldon Carnifex, at Rex vir vocitatus, Nostre fraternitatis pater et peramatus. Mundi mense pleno Ianuarii die noueno C. quater, mille, ter et v. tunc Rex ruit ille. Sponse que fantur Alys, Ann secum tumulantur Quibus solamen precor precamur & Amen.

* 1.77Augusti vndena sumpta bis in hac requieuit Petra Richardus Wood coninge cumque Iohanna. Quorum sunt nati quinque, nate quoque sene, Iesu cunctorum miserator sis precor horum.

Farwel you world, I tak leue for euer I am cityd to appere I not where Yen al yis world yis tym had I leuer, A litl spase to mak a sith for fere Of my trespace, broken is for sorrow Myn hart, now be that sal not be to morrow.

Farwell frendys, ye tide bidyth no man; I am tak fro hens, and so salye: But to what passage tel you I ne can, Ye yat be liuyng may prey wel ye be, Nakyd I go, nakyd hider we cam Prey ye for me, Requiem eternam.

Orate pro animabus Tho. Drakes et Elisabethe vxoris eius quondam filia Iohannis Heydon Ar. et Alicie vxoris eius filie et vnius heredum Roberti Swynborne militis qui.... ob.* 1.78 26. Iunii 1464.

* 1.79Orate pro animabus Richardi Lyon Shereman Fundatoris huius capelle et Katherine vxoris eius......

Quisquis ades, qui morte cades, sta, respice, plora, Sum quod eris, modicum cineris, prome precor ora.

* 1.80Here in this towne sometime stood a religious house of Carmelites or white Friers, founded by Richard de Grauesend, Bishop of London, and one Richard Iselham a Priest, about the yeare 1292. valued at the suppres∣sion at twentie sixe pounds, eight shillings: a poore Foundation for so great a Prelate, hauing the assistance and charitable contribution of another Priest.

* 1.81This little couent was honoured with diuers great schollers, which I finde to haue beene therein buried: and first Thomas Maldon, so called of this towne, the place of his birth, brought vp of a boy in this house of the

Carmelites; from whence hee went to Cambridge, when hee attained to ripenesse of yeares, where he profited exceedingly in all kindes of learning; in so much that he was chosen to be the chiefe master or professor of Diui∣nity in that Vniuersity; he was, saith Pits, de illustribus Anglie scriptoribus, from whom Bale doth not much dissent, subtilis disputator, elegans cōciona∣tor, in omni concertatione scholastica promptus et expeditus, in dubiis expli∣candis clarus et dilucidus, in decernendis et diffiniendis rebus arduis constans et solidus.

He was called from Cambridge to take vpon him the gouernement of this Priorie; in which office he ended his daies, in the yeare 1404. and was interred in the Church of his Couent; vpon whose Tombe this Epitaph was engrauen, as I haue it in a Manuscript.

Carmeli Thomas decus hic iacet Ordinis almus* 1.82 Presul, cui virtus tot bona iuncta dedit, Ingenium, Formam, mores, linguamque disertam, Post mortem et vitam: que manet vsque piis, Obiit Anno Domini M.cccciiii.

Robert of Colchester a Carme and a good scholler,* 1.83 was likewise here in∣terred, with this Epitaph or inscription vpon his grauestone.

Orate pro anima Roberti de Colchester Fratris de monte Carmeli litera∣tissimi, piissimique, ac quondam prioris huius Cenobii, Qui obiit in vigiliis S. Agathe virginis, Anno Domini M.cccc.lxv.

An Epitaph to the memory of Frier William Horkisle here inhumed.

Carmelita pius iacet hic pro parte Wilhelmus,* 1.84 Pars erat ad superos Horkisle postea tutus. obiit Anno Dom. 1473.

Hic iacet Magister Frater Richardus Acton sacre pagine professor,* 1.85 huins∣que conuentus carmelitarum peruigilac versutus quondam Gubernator. Qui ex hac luce migrauit Anno Dom. M.cccc.xlvi. cuius anime propitietur al∣tissimus.

Here sometime likewise one Frier Tho. Hatfield was remembred with this Epitaph.* 1.86

In campo mortis Frater celeb••rrimus Hatfelde Conditur, eximium continet vrna virum. Dogmate precipuus, nullique secundus amore, Claruit ingenio, moribus, ore, stilo.

The Monument of another, namelesse, Carmelite was thus inscribed.

Miseri beatus portus hic est corporis, Qui sim viator, queris: ipse nescio. Qui sis futurus, tu tamen per me scies. Ego tuque puluis, vmbra et vmbre somnium. Veni, abij: sic vos venistis, abihitis omnes.

Colchester.

* 1.87Here lieth Henry Bedford and Alis his wyf. Whych Alis died the 10. of August, 1592. they had xi sonnes and 6 daughters.

* 1.88Here lyeth Georg Willoughby, and Anastacia his wyf, whych Georg dyed 28 of May 1533.

* 1.89Here lyeth Robart Rockwood, and Agnes his wyf, which Robart dyed ...... 1497.

Within this Citie and the suburbes are contained ten Parish Churches; in all which I could collect no more Inscriptions of any antiquitie, saue these in Saint Gyles Church. But howsoeuer her Churches at this day be no wayes beautified with the ancient funerall Trophies of any illustrious per∣sonages; yet her inhabitants may bragge of the buriall of Coill, that braue British Prince, who built this their Towne of Colchester, about one hun∣dred twenty and foure yeares after the birth of our Sauiour Christ. Where∣in his sonne Lucius, Helena, and Constantine, the first Christian King, Em∣presse, and Emperour in the world, were borne: which made Necham (saith Speed) for Constantine to sing as he did.* 1.90

From Colchester there rose a Starre, The Rayes whereof gaue glorious light Throughout the world, in climates farre; Great Constantine Romes Emperour bright.

This Coilus was brought vp euen from his youth in Rome, and there∣fore fauouring the Romanes, payed them his tribute. He raigned fifty fiue yeares saith Stow. Harding saith but eleuen. In whose commendations will it please you heare himselfe speake.* 1.91

Coell ruled the Realme in Lawe and peacefull well That for his wyt and vertuosite * 1.92Able he was as Chronycles could fele, To haue ruled all the Emperalyte For ryght wesnesse, manhode, and moralyte, A doughter had he, and none other heyre, Elyne that hyght, farre passing good and fayre. Buryed at Care colune he was his owne cytee Greatly commended, well famed, and laudifee, Both on this syde and beyond the See Eleuen yere regnyd in great dignitee.

Another of him (more ancient) thus.

* 1.93Coel was a noble man, and much power hadde an honde Erle he was of Colchestre, here in his londe, And aftur his name Colchestre is cluped as iche vnderstond. Our Lord amongs othur things hym send a faire sonde, That he gat a fair doughter at Colchestre in this londe Seynt Helyne was cluped hee is, the holy croys hee fonde Constance for her heritage this mayde to wyve nom And nam wyth hur al this londe, and the kyngdom

And let hym crouny to kyng, that goodde knyght was and fyn And on hur begat one Sone, men cluped Constantyn▪

Without the walls of this Towne,* 1.94 stood a large and stately Monastery, which Eudo Sewar to king Henry the firs••, founded and consecrated to the honour of Christ and Saint Iohn Baptist, wherein he placed blacke Monkes. The Ancestors of the right honourable Sir Edward Sackvile, knight of the Bath, and Earle of Dorset, were great benefactours, or rather cofounders of this religious structure. For in the booke of the Abbey of Colchester I haue read,* 1.95 that Iordanus de Saukevil miles et Baro de Bergholt Saukevil, filius & heres Roberti Saukevil, superstes tempore Stephani Regis, & Henrici secun∣di confirmavit Ecclesie Sancti Iohannis de Colecestria in perpetuam Eleemo∣sinam, manerium de Wicham (or Witham) quod pater s••us Robertus eidem Ecclesie donauerat.

The foresaid Eudo founded likewise in this Towne an Hospitall for peo¦ple infected with the contagious disease of Leprosie,* 1.96 which he dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalen.

Here was another religious house wherein were placed brethren of the holy Crosse,* 1.97 but by whom founded I cannot finde. Valued at the suppres∣sion to 7. l. 7.5.8. d.per annum.

Robert Lord Fitzwater in the yeare 1309.* 1.98 founded here an Abbey for Friers Minors, into whose order and House he entred himselfe in the yeare 1325. and then and there tooke vpon him the habite of a religious Votary, wherein he spent the rest of his dayes,* 1.99 Ann. M.ccc.ix. (saith the booke of Dunmow) Robertus filius Walteri custos de Essex fundamentum posuit Ecclesie Fratrum Minorum de Colcestria. And in the Catalogue of such Emperours, Kings, Princes, and other potent personages, which from the beginning haue entred into this religious order. This Robert is reckoned for one. These are the words.

Frater Dominus Robertus Fitzwater Baro fundator Conventus Colce∣strie intrauit ibidem ordinem.* 1.100 Ann. Domini Milesimo tricentesimo vicesimo quinto.

This house was valued at the suppression at 113. l. 12. s 8. d. of yearely reuenewes.

Earles Colne.

So called of the Sepulture of the Earles of Oxford,* 1.101 which deriue their descent (saith Camden) from the Earles of Guines in France, and haue the surname of Vere from Vere a Towne in Zeland. In this parish Church are two Monuments of this familie of the Veres, the one lieth crosse-legd, with a Sarasins head vpon his tombe, which Sarasin (say the Inhabitants) this Earle slew in the holy Land. The other of them with his wife, lieth en∣tombed; at her feet is the Talbot, at his feet the Boare: they are both shamefully defaced. They were remooued out of the Priory neare adioi∣ning at the suppression, as I was told.

This Priorie was first founded by Aubrey de Vere soone after the Con∣quest,* 1.102 which he dedicated to the honour of God and Saint Andrew; and

placed therein black Monks, translated from Abingdon, to which Abbey he made this Priory to be subiect vpon this occasion,* 1.103 as I haue it out of the booke of Abingdon.

Godfrey de Vere the sonne and heire of the foresaid Aubrey by Beatrice his wife, dying in his fathers life time, was buried in the Monastery of A∣bingdon, to which he had beene a benefactor, whereupon, saith the Story, Aubrey his father and Beatrice his mother were determined to choose A∣bingdon for their buriall place, in respect of the tender affection they bore to their child. But their Lands lying here in Essex farre off, they procured a Grant from King Henry the first to build a religious House at Colne in Essex, for their soules health, their Sonnes, and others, as also for their Se∣pultures; et hanc domum Sancto Andr••e Apostolo dedicatam, subiectam et coher••ntem Ecclesie Abingdonen si faciebant. Not long after the finishing of this worke, and a little before his death, Aubrey the Founder tooke vpon him the habite of Religion in this his owne house, wherein hee died, and was here buried by a younger sonne of his, named William, in whose re∣membrance this Epitaph was engrauen vpon their Monument.

Cedunt a vita votis animisque cupita,* 1.104 Barbarus, et Scita, Gentilis, et lsraelita: Has pariter metas habet omnis sexus et et aes, En puer, en senior, Pater alter, filius alter, Legem, fortunam, terram venere sub unam Non iuvenie ••ote quas epotavit Athene Non v••tulo vote vires velopes valuere. Sed valuere fides, et predia quae memoramus. Vt valeant, valeant per secula cuncta precamus.

* 1.105For the said Aubrey de Vere and Beatrice his wife, I found this Inscrip∣tion to be engrauen vpon their Monument, in the booke of Colne Priory.

Here lyeth Aulbery de Veer, the first Erle of Guisnes, the sonne of Al∣phonsus de Veer, the whyche Aulbery was the fownder of this place, and Bettrys hys wyf syster of kyng Wylliam the Conquerour.

This Priorie was valued at the fatall ouerthrow of such like buildings to be yearely worth 175. l. 14. s. 8▪ d ob. The house is standing at this day, conuerted into a priuate dwelling place, as also the old Chappell to it, wherein are diuers Monuments, vnder which lie buried many of this thrice honourable Familie of the Veres, but they are all gone to decay, and their Inscriptions by time and stealth quite taken away. Vpon one Tombe of Ala∣baster which is thought to bee the ancientest, is the pourtraiture of a man lying in his armour, crosse-legged, but what was carued at his feet cannot be discerned. Vpon another, is one lying armed wtih the blew Bore vnder his head, which was also crosse-legged, as I was informed; but now is no∣thing remaining from the middle downeward. A third of wood armed crosse-legged, on his Target the Armes of the house of Oxford; and there lieth by him a woman made of wood, which is thought to haue beene his Lady, and Countesse. Here are two more likewise in wood armed, and crosse-legged, the one hath an Hound or Talbot vnder his feet: the cote

Armour of the other is quite broken away with his Target. Here is one in Alabaster not crosse-legged, the Garter about one of his legges; what is vn∣der his feet cannot be discerned. A woman pourtrayed in Alabaster with a Falcon vnder her feet, and a little Monument of Alabaster, vpon which is the image of one in a Gowne, with a purse hanging at his girdle: hee is in length about foure foot. But I will shew the Reader the names of such Earles and others of this house which by supposition and certainty are said to haue beene heere interred; which may giue some light to the further knowledge of these, in this manner intombed.

Aubrey de Vere the sonne of Aubrey,* 1.106 Chamberlaine vnder King Henry the first, or Camerarius Anglie, as I finde it in old Cartularies, hauing lost this his Office of great Chamberlaine, and other dignities, in the turmoiles betweene King Stephen and Maude the Empresse, was by the said Empresse and Henry the second (as you may haue it more fully in Vincents discouery of errours) restored to all his former honours, and withall created Earle of Oxford. He died in the yeare 1194. the sixth of king Richard the first, and was here buried by his father.* 1.107 His wife Agnes or Adeliza lieth buried by him, who was the daughter of Henry of Essex, Baron of Ralegh, the Kings Constable.

Such was the Epitaph or inscription vpon his Tombe, as it is in the book of Colne Priory.* 1.108

Hic iacet Albericus de Vere, silius Alberici de Veer, Comes de Guisney & primus Comes Oxonie magnus Camerarius Anglie qui propter summam audatiam, & effrenatam prauitatem Grymme Aubrey vocabatur, obiit 26. die Decembris, anno Christi, 1194. Richardi ••. sexto.

Aubrey de Vere, the sonne of the foresaid Aubrey, succeeded his father in all his dignities; I finde little written of him in our Histories, saue that out of his Christian pietie he did confirme the gift of septem librat. terre which Aubrey his father gaue to the Chanons of Saint O sith here in Essex, adding thereto something of his owne. He dyed in the yeare of our Lord, 1214. and sleepeth now in the same Bed, with three other Aubreyes his Ancestors. To whom this Epitaph vpon Conrad the Emperour at Spires in Germany may be fitly applied.

Filius hic, Pater hic, Auus hic, Proauus iacet istie. The great Belsire, the Grandsire, Sire, and Sonne Lie here interred vnder this Grauestone.

Hugh de Vere the sonne of Robert the first of that Christian name,* 1.109 Earle of Oxford, and Lord great Chamberlaine of England, was here entombed with his Ancestors, who died in the yeare 1263. He had the title of Lord Bolebeck, which came by his mother Isabell de Bolebeck, daughter and heire of Hugh de Bolebeck, a Baron, who was Lord of Bolebeck Castle in Whitechurch within Buckinghamshire, and of Swaffam Bolebeck in Cam∣bridgeshire. Hee had to wife Hawisia the daughter of Saier de Quin∣cy, Earle of Winchester, as appeares by this Inscription sometime insculpt vpon their Tombe.

Hic iacent Hugo de Veer eius nominis primus: Comes Oxonie quartus, magnus Camerarius Anglie, filius & heres Roberti Comitis, & Hawisua

vxor cius, filia Saeri de Quincy comitis Wintonie, qui quidem Hugo obiit 1263. Quorum animabus propitietur altissimus.

* 1.110Robert de Vere, the sonne of Hugh aforesaid, Earle of Oxford, who en∣ioyed his fathers inheritances and honours the space of thirtie and two yeares, lieth here entombed with his ancestours: who died in the yeare 1295. Alice his wife, the daughter and heire of Gilbert Lord Samford, Lord of Hormead in Hertfordshire was interred by him, who died at Caufeld house neare Dunmow, the ninth day of September, 1312.

* 1.111Here lieth buried the body of Robert de Vere, sonne and successour to the foresaid Robert, whose gouernment both in peace and warre was so pru∣dent, his hospitalitie and other workes of charitie so wisely abundant; and his Temperance with a religious zeale so admirablie conioyned, that he was of all surnamed the good Earle of Oxford; and the vulgar esteemed him as a Saint. He died the 19. of Aprill, 1331.

* 1.112Here lyeth entombed Robert de Vere, Richard the seconds Mignion; who to adde to his honours created him Marquesse of Dublin, a title not knowne before that time in England, and in the yeare following Duke of Ireland, with commission to execute most inseparable prerogatiues royall. These Stiles were of too high a nature, and therefore infinitely subiected to enuy. Whereupon, like a second Gaueston, he was hated of the Nobilitie; especially for that he was a man nec prudentia, caeteris proceribus, nec armis valentior, as Walsingham saith, 9. R. 2. But it was not long before he was banished England by the Barons, for abusing the Kings eare to the hurt of the State. He had to wife a young, faire, and noble Lady, and the Kings neare kinswoman (for she was grandchilde to King Edward by his daugh∣ter Isabell) he put her away, and tooke one of Queene Annes women, a Bo∣hemian of base birth, Sellarij filia, saith Walsingham, a Sadlers daughter, some say a Ioyners, an act full of wickednesse and indignitie. Yet this in∣tollerable villanie offered to the bloud-royall,* 1.113 King Richard did not en∣counter, neither had the power, some say, who deemed that by witchcrafts and forceries (practised vpon him by one of the Dukes followers) his iudge∣ment was so seduced and captiuated, that he could not see what was honest or si•• to doe. But where Princes are wilfull or slothfull, and their Fauorites flatterers or time-seruers, there needs no other enchantments to infatuate, yea and ruinate the greatest Monarch. Vpon his banishment he went into France, where he liued about fiue yeares, and there being a hunting, he was slaine by a wilde Boare, in the yeare 1392. King Richard hearing thereof, out of his loue, caused his body to be brought into England, and to be ap∣parrelled in Princely ornaments and robes, and put about his neck a chaine of gold, and Rings vpon his fingers, and so was buried in this Priory; the King being there present, and wearing blackes.

* 1.114After the death of Robert Duke of Ireland, who died without issue, his Nephew Aubrey de Vere succeeded him in the Earledome of Oxford; he enioyed his honours not passing eight yeares, but dyed die Veneris in festo Sancti Georgij, Ann. primo Hen. quarti, 1400. and lieth here entombed with his worthie Ancestors.

* 1.115Here lieth buried in this Priorie Iohn de Vere, the third of that Christian name, and the thirteenth Earle of Oxford, Lord Bolebecke, Samford, and

Scales, great Chamberlaine, and Lord high Admirall of England. Who died the fourth of Henry the eight, 1512. hauing beene Earle of Oxford full fifty yeares; a long time to tugge out, in the troublesome raignes of so many kings, especially for men of eminent places and high spirits, euer apt to take any occasion to shew their manly prowesse: which fire of honour flamed in this Earles breast, at Barnet field, where (in a mist) the great Earle of Warwickes men, not able to distinguish betwixt the Sun with streames vpon King Edwards liuery, and the Starre with streames on this Earles li∣uery, shot at this Earles followers; and by that misprision the battell was lost. After which he fled into Cornwall, and seized vpon Saint Michaels Mount. But Edward the fourth got him in his power, and committed him prisoner to the Castle of Hames beyond the Seas, where he remained for the space of twelue yeares, vntill the first of King Henry the seuenth, with whom he came into England, and by whom he was made Captaine of the Archers at Bosworth-field, where after a short resistance hee discomfited the Foreward of King Richard, whereof a great number were slaine in the chase, and no small number fell vnder the victors sword. This Earle gaue a great contribution to the finishing of Saint Maries Church in Cambridge; His hospitalitie, and the great port he carried here in his country, may be gathered out of a discourse, in that exquisite History of Henry the seuenth, penned by that learned and iudicious Statesman, Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Alban, lately deceased.

The last Earle that I finde to be here entombed of ancient times,* 1.116 is Iohn de Vere, the fourth of that christian name, Earle of Oxford, Lord Bulbeck Samford and Scales, Lord great Chamberlaine of England, and Knight of the Garter; he was commonly called little Iohn of Campes, Castle Cam∣pes, in Cambridgeshire, being the ancient seate of the Veres, where this Earle vsed much to reside; He married Anne, daughter of Thomas How∣ard Duke of Norfolke, and died without issue the 14 of July, 1526.

I finde in a booke of Dunmow,* 1.117 in bib. Cot. that Maud, the wife of Iohn de Vere the seuenth Earle of Oxford, lyeth here intombed: shee was the daughter of Bartholomew, Lord Badelismere, Baron of Leedes in Kent; and one of the heires of Giles Lord Badelismere her brother. She was first married to Robert, sonne of Robert Fitz-Paine. She outliued her later hus∣band some few yeares, and died the 24. of May, 1365.

... Coggeshall.

....... Coggeshale ...... mil. .... M. ccc. ..... For which of the name, this broken inscription should be engrauen, I can∣not learne; but I finde that these Coggeshals in foregoing ages, were Gen∣tlemen of exemplarie regard and knightly degree, whose ancient habitation was in this Towne; one of which familie was knighted by King Edward the third, the same day that hee created Edward his eldest sonne Earle of Chester, and Duke of Cornwall, Anno 1336.

Hic iacet Thomas Paycocke quondam Carnifex de Coggeshal qui obijt 21 Maij,* 1.118 1461. et Christiana vxor eius, quorum animabus.

Prey for the sowl of Robert Paycock of Coggeshale cloth-maker, for Eli∣zabeth and Ioan his wyfs,* 1.119 who died 21. Octob. 1520. on whos soul.

Here lyeth Thomas Paycock cloth-worker, Margaret and Ann his wyfs: which Tho. died the 4. of September,* 1.120 1518.

Orate pro anima Iohannis Paycock et Iohanne vxoris eius, qui quidem Io∣hannes obijt 2 Aprilis 1533.* 1.121 The Creede in Latine is all curiously inlaid with brasse, round about the Tombestone, Credo in Deum patrem, &c.

* 1.122Orate pro animabus Iohannis Kebulet Isabelle et Iohanne vx. eius Quo∣rum, &c.

About the verge of the stone in brasse, a Pater noster inlaid. Pater Noster qui es in celis sanctificetur nomen tuum, and so to the end of the praier.

Vpon the middest of the marble this Aue Maria.

Aue Maria, gratia plena; Dominus tecum: Benedicta tu: in mulieribus; et benedictus sit fructus ventris tui. Iesus Amen.

* 1.123I haue not seene such rich monuments, for so meane persons.

Orate pro anima Gulielmi Goldwyre, et Isabelle et Christiane vxorum, qui quidem Gulielmus obijt.... 1514.

Mary Moder mayden clere Prey for me William Goldwyre. And for me Isabel his wyf. Lady for thy Ioyes fyf. Hav mercy on Christian his second wyf, Swete Iesu for thy wowndys fyf.

* 1.124Here in this towne of Cogshal was sometime an Abbey built, and en∣dowed by King Stephen, and Maud his Queene, in the yeare 1140. the fift of his raigne, according to the booke of Saint Austins in Canterbury, An∣no M. c. xl. facta est Abbathia de Cogeshal a Rege Stephano et Matilde Re∣gina, qui primo fundauerunt Abbathiam de Furnesse, Abbatiam de Longe∣leyrs, et postea Abbathiam de Feuersham, &c. this house was dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary, wherein were placed white Monkes ••luniackes; the reuenues of which were valued to be yearely worth 298. l. 8. s. it was surrendred the 18. of March, 29. Hen. 8.

Adioyning to the Rode called Coccill-way, which to this towne lea∣deth, was lately found an arched Vault of bricke, and therein a burning lampe of glasse couered with a Romane Tyle some 14 inches square, and one Vrne with ashes and bones, besides two sacrificing dishes of smooth and pollished red earth, hauing the bottome of one of them with faire Ro∣mane letters inscribed, COCCILLI.M. I may probably coniecture this to haue beene the sepulchrall monument of the Lord of this towne, who liued about the time of Antoninus Pius, (as by the coyne there like∣wise found appeareth) the affinitie betweene his and the now townes name being almost one and the same. These remaine in the custody of that iudi∣cious great Statesman Sir Richard Weston Knight, Baron Weston of Nea∣land, Lord Treasurer of England, and of the most honourable Order of the Garter companion. Who for his approued vertues and industrie, both

vnder father and sonne, doth to the publique good fully answere the place and dignity.

Before these times, in a place called Westfield, three quarters of a mile distant from this towne, and belonging to the Abbey there, was found by touching of a plough,* 1.125 a great brasen pot: The ploughmen supposing to haue beene hid treasure, sent for the Abbot of Cogeshall to see the taking vp of it; and he going thither, met with Sir Clement Harleston, and desired him also to accompany him thither. The mouth of the pot was closed with a white substance, like past or clay, as hard as burned bricke: when that by force was remoued, there was found within it another pot, but that was of earth; that being opened, there was found in it a lesser pot of earth, of the quantity of a gallon, couered with a matter like Veluet, and fastened at the mouth with a silke lace; in it they found some whole bones, and ma∣ny pieces of small bones wrapped vp in fine silke, of fresh colour, which the Abbot tooke for the reliques of some Saints, and laid vp in his Vestuary.

Bocking Dorewards.

So denominated of the Dorewardes sometimes Lords of this towne, and Patrons of this fat Parsonage, which is xxxv.l. x. s. in the Kings bookes▪ as I am perswaded by relation, and these Inscriptions vpon ancient Tombes.

Hic iacet Iohannes Doreward Armig. filius Willelmi Doreward mil.... qui obijt .... 1420. et Isabella vxor eius ....:* 1.126

Hic iacet Iohannes Doreward Armiger qui obiit xxx.die Ianuar. Anno Dom. Mil. cccc. lxv. et Blancha vxor eius que obiit ... die mens. .... An Dom. Mil. cccc.lx. quorum animabus propitietur dens. Amen.

Clauiger Ethereus nobis sis Ianitor almus.

Haulsteed.

The Lordship of Stansteed within this Parish, was the ancient inheri∣tance of the noble family of the Bourchiers, in which they had a mansion house; many of which surname, lie here entombed; to continue whose re∣membrance in the south side of the Quire is a Chappell, which to this day is called Bowsers Chappell, wherein they lie interred; the inscriptions which were vpon their monuments, are quite gone, this one following excepted.

Hic iacet Bartholomeus quondam Dominus de Bourgchier,* 1.127 qui obiit viii. die mens. Maii Anno Dom. M.cccc.ix. et Margereta Sutton ac Idonea Lo∣uey vxores eius. Quorum animabus propitietur Deu S. Amen.

Vnder another of these monuments, lieth the body of Robert Bourchier, Lord Chancelor of England, in the fourteenth yeare of King Edward the third, from whom (saith the light of great Britaine, Clarentie••x) sprang a most honourable progenie of Earles, and Barons of that name.

Here stands a monument, vnder which one of the right honourable fa∣milie of the Veres lieth interred, it is much defaced .... Georgio Vere filio Georgii Vere .... militis ....... 1498.

High Esterne:

Here lyeth Dame Agnes Gate, the wyf of Sir Geffrey Gate knight, the which Sir Geffrey was six yeares Captane of the Isle of Wyght,* 1.128 and after, Marshal of Caleys, and there kept with the Pykards worschipul warrys, and euyr entendyd as a good Knyght, to please the Kyng in the partyes of Normandy wyth al his myght: which Agnes dyed the ix. of Decembyr. M.cccc.lxxxvii. on whos soul Iesu haue mercy, Amen.

Prey for the sowl al ye that liue in sight, Of Sir Geffrey Gate, the curtesse knight, Whos wyff is beryed here by Goddys might. He bowght the Manor of Garnets by right Of Koppeden gentylman, so he behight Of this Witnesses his wyff and Executors. This yer ...... delihowrs. xxii. Ian. M. cccc. lxxvii. Pater de celis Deus miserere nobis: Fili redemptor mundi Deus miserere nobis. Sancta Trinitas vnus Deus miserere nobis.

This Manour of Garnets here mentioned, and all his other inheritance (as I haue it by relation from the Inhabitants) about fourescore yeares af∣ter the death of this Sir Geffray, was forfeited to the Crowne, by the at∣taindour of Sir Iohn Gate Knight, beheaded on the Tower hill, with Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland, and Sir Thomas Palmer Knight, for that they had endeuoured to haue made Lady Iane, (the daughter of Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolke, by Frances his wife, who was the daughter of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke, by Mary his wife, second sister to King Henry the eight, and the wife of Guilford Dudley, the fourth sonne of the said Duke of Northumberland) Queene of England, the xxii. of August, M. ccccc. 53. the first of Queene Mary.

Barmiston.

* 1.129Of your cherite prey for the sowl of Peter Wood, Who died the thirtyth dey of May, Vnto hym that was crucified on the rood, To send hym ioyes for ay.

Castle Heningham.

* 1.130Here lieth interred vnder a Tombe of marble and Tuch now ruinous, Iohn de Vere the fift of that Christian name, Earle of Oxford, Lord Bul∣beck, Samford and Scales, and great Chamberlaine of England. Vpon which monument I finde nothing engrauen, but the names of his children which he had by his wife Elizabeth, daughter & heire of Edward Trussell

of Staffordshire knight Banneret. Which were three sonnes and three daughters, namely, Iohn de Vere, the sixth of that Christian name, Earle of Oxford;* 1.131 Aubrey de Vere second sonne; Geffrey Vere the third sonne (Fa∣ther of Iohn Vere of Kirbey Hall, of Sir Francis Vere knight, the great Lea∣der in the Low countries, and of that renowned Souldier, Sir Horatio Vere knight, Lord Baron of Tilbery in this County) Elizabeth, married to Tho∣mas Lord Darcy of Chich: Anne wife to Edmund Lord Sheffield, and Francis, married to Henry Howard Earle of Surrey. This Earle Iohn was knight of the Garter, and Councellour of State to king Henry the eight. Who died here in his Castle at Heueningham the 19. of March, 1539.

Prey for the soul of Dorethy Scroop,* 1.132 dawghter of Richard Scroop, bro∣ther to the Lord Scroop of Bolton.... who.... 1491.

This Dorothie was sister of Elisabeth (the widow of William Lord Beau∣mont, and daughter of Richard Scroope knight) the second wife of Iohn de Vere, the third of that Christian name, Earle of Oxford.

In a parchment Roll without date,* 1.133 belonging to the Earle of Oxford, I find that one Lucia (belike some one of that right honourable house) foun∣ded a Priory in this Parish for blacke veyled Nunnes: Which she dedicated to the holy Grosse, and the blessed Virgine Mary. Of which religious foun∣dation she her selfe was the first Prioresse: whose death was wondrously la∣mented by Agnes, who did next succeed her in that office, and the rest of the Couent: who desire the prayers and suffrages of all the religious houses in England, for her soules health. The forme whereof to transcribe, cannot seeme much impertinent to the subiect I haue in hand, nor tedious to the iudicious Reader.

Anima domine Lucie, prime & Fundatricis Ecclesie Sancte Crucis et Sancte Marie de Heningham,* 1.134 et anime Ricardi et Sare, Galfridi et Dametre, et Helene, et anime omnium defunctorum per miserecordi∣am Dei requiescant in pace. Amen.

Vniuersis sancte Matris Ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum peruenerit: Agnes Ecclesie sancte crucis, & Sancte Marie de Henigeham humilis Mi∣nistra; eiusdemque loci conuentus eternam in Domino salutem. Post imbres lacrimarum, et fletuum innundacionem quam in transitu karissime Matris nostre venerande Lucie prime Priorisse ac fundatricis Domus nostre fudi∣mus: que vocante Domino tertio Idus Iulij, viam vniuerse carnis ingressa, terre debitum humani generis persoluit: manum misimus ad calamum vni∣uersitati vestre scripto denunciantes calamitatem quam patimur: subtracta enim tam felici matre, in hac valle miserie simul & cor nostrum dereliquit nos.ec mirum, cum eadem tot virtutum polleret moribus; tantis gratia∣rum rutilaret honoribus; tot meritorum fragaret odoribus: vt merito illi congruat hoc nomen Lucia, quod est lucis scientia. Recte ideo Lucia dicta, quia nomen beate virginis Lucie sortita, illius pro viribus imitabatur exempla. Illa meritis & precibus fluxum sanguinis in Matre deleuit. Ista in se omnis motus concupiscentie carnalis restringens, fluxum in aliis incontinentie & contaminationis per ariditatem sancte conuersationis & sobrie vite radicitus extirpauit. Illa sponso suo carnalem copulam nutu diuino subtraxit. Ista vt nouimus vinculo Matrimonij septies constricta, consortii virilis ignara; in∣contaminata semper & illesa permansit, & ita de laqueo venantium tempo∣raliter

est erepta. Et hoc fecit diuina prudentia, vt nullum preter eum ad∣mitteret amatorem. Ista etiam discreta fuit in silentio vtilis in verbo, vere∣cundia grauis, pudore venerabilis, singulis compassione proxima, pre cunctis contemplatione suspensa; sicque studuit bene agentibus esse per humilitatem socia vt per zelum iusticie delinquentium corrigeret errata. Vnde in titilla∣tione carnis ex ea didicimus habere prudentiam, in aduersitate fortitudinem; in tribulatione patientiam, in desperatione solatium; in periculo refugium, in estu refrigerium, in asperitate lenitatem. Et suit nobis ipsius exemplo lectio fr••quentior, oratio pinguior, & feruentior affectus. Quid multa, tanta efflo∣r•••••• in hac benignissima virgine, & pia matre nostra virtus abstinentie, tan∣ta ieiuniorum & vigiliarum nec non & vestimentorum asperitate, disciplina∣rum que assiduitate corpus suum extenuauit vt fere simul cum Iob sanctissi∣mo, pelli sue consumptis carnibus os suum adhereret. Et hec talis tantaque sub∣lata est, et hec omnia simul. Migrauit autem ad illum qui sibi fructuum deci∣mas persolui voluit, qui etiam Decalogum constituit mandatorum. Misere∣mini igitur nostri, miseremini nostri saltem vos amici nostri; et vobis miseris compatiamini fluentes lacrimas per orationum suffragia desiccantes: quia pi∣um est & saluberrimum pro defunctis exorare vt à peccatis solvantur. Sub∣uenite igitur benigni Monachi, subuenite venerabiles Canonici, & vos sancte virgines, in conspectu Altissimi preces & bostias offerentes, vt ipsius pie mi∣sercatur qui abstergit omnem lacrimam ab oculis Sanctorum, quatenus que ei macule de terrenis contagijs adheserunt, remissionis eius remedio deleantur. Amen.

To this Supplication the religious of all houses answer in this forme.

Titulus Ecclesie Apostolorum Petri & Pauli & sancte Osithe Virginis & Matris de Chich. Anima Domine Lucie Priorisse de Hengeham et anime omnium sidelium defunctorum per Dei miserecordiam requiescant in pace. Amen. Concedimus ei commune beneficium Ecclesie nostre. Oranimus pro ve∣stris, orate pro nostris. Some againe do answer thus: Preter autem commune beneficium et orationes communes Ecclesie nostre, concedimus ei ab vnoquo∣que Sacerdote vnam Missam, inferioris ordinis vnum Psalterium, et diem ipsius obitus in Martyrilogio nostro annotari fecimus. All concluding euer with Oranimus pro vestris, orate pro nostris.

Vnder the picture of the Crucifix, the blessed Virgine, and vpon her portraiture drawne vpon her Tombe, these nicking, nice, allusiue verses were cut and engrauen.

* 1.135Crux bona crux digna lignum super omnia ligna. Me tibi consigna redimens a peste maligna.

* 1.136Stella Maris, candoris ebur speculum Paradysi Fons venie, vite ianua, Virgo vale.

* 1.137Hec Virgo vite mitis super astra locatur. Et sic Lucie lux sine fine datur. Transijt ad superos venerabilis hec Monialis. Vix succedit ei virtutum munere talis. Luci lucie prece lux mediente Marie Luceat eterna, quia floruit vt rosa verna.

Ad lucem Lucia venit sine fine manentem. Et sic quem coluit patrem videt omnipotentem. Tres tibi gemmate lucent Lucia coron••. Insuper aurate dic lector qua ration••. Mater virgo tamen Martir fuit, ergo inu Amen. Cernat ad examen districti Iudicis Amen. Subueniant anime Lucie celica queque Ad quorum laudes dapsilis vrna f••it.

Sible Heueningham.

In this Parish Church sometime stood a Tombe, arched ouer, and en∣grauen to the likenesse of Hawkes flying in a wood, which was raised to the remembrance of Sir Iohn Hawkewood knight,* 1.138 borne in this village, the sonne of Gilbert Hawkewood Tanner, bound an apprentice to a Tailor in the Citie of London;* 1.139 from whence he was prest in the seruice of King Ed∣ward the third, in the warres of France. Of whom for his admired valour, he was honoured with the order of knighthood; and in the like regard of his notable demerits, Barnabie the warlicke brother of Galeasius, Lord of Millaine (father to Iohn the first, Duke of Millaine) gaue him his daughter Domnia in marriage: by whom he had a sonne named Iohn, borne in Italie, made knight, and naturalized in the seuenth yeare of King Hon. the fourth; as I haue it out of a Manuscript in these words.* 1.140 Iohannes silius Iohannis Haukewood Miles, natus in partibus Italie factus indigena Ann. viii. Hen. iiij. mater eius nata in partibus transmarinis.

The Florentines in testimony of his surpassing valour, and singular faithfull seruice to their state, adorned him with the statue of a man of armes, and a sumptuous Monument, wherein his ashes remaine honoured at this present day. The Italian writers, both * 1.141 Historians and * 1.142 Poets, re¦sound his worthie acts with full mouth. But for my part (to vse M. Cam∣dens words) it may suffice to adde vnto the rest these foure verses of Iulius Feroldus.

Hawkwood Anglorum decus, et decus addite genti Italicae, Italico praesidiumque solo. Vt tumuli quondam Florentia, sic simulacri, Virtutem Iouius donat honore tuam.

The glorie prime of Englishmen, then of Italians bold, O Hawkwood, and to Italie a sure defensiue hold: Thy vertue Florence honored sometime with costly Graue, And Iouius adornes the same now with a Statue braue.

He died an aged man, in the yeare of our redemption, 1394. and in the eighteenth of King Richard the second. His friends here in England, who erected for him the foresaid Monument in this Church (which were Ro∣bert Rokeden senior,* 1.143 Robert Rokeden iunior, and Iohn Coe) founded here also for him a Chantrie, and another in the Priorie of Heningham Castle,

to pray for his soule, and the soules of Iohn Oliuer, and Thomas Newenton Esquires, his militarie companions.

Chesterford.

* 1.144Here ly the bodyes of William Holden, and Agnes his wyf, whych Wil∣liam dyed. . . 1532. on whos sowlys and al Christian sowlys. ...

Here ly William Holden and Katherin his wyf. . . . . . 1524.

This familie (as I was told) is now extinct, here is an old ruinous house still remaining, called Holdens.

Saffron Walden.

So called of the great plentie of Saffron growing in the fields round about the Towne, a commoditie brought into England in the time of King Ed∣ward the third. But I digresse, and am quite off my Subiect; being out of the Parish Church wherein Sir Thomas Audley, knight of the Garter, Baron Audley of this Towne, sometime Sergeant at Law, Attourney of the Duchie of Lancaster, and Lord Chancellour of England, lieth entombed; with this seeli Epitaph.

* 1.145The stroke of deaths ineuitable dart; Hath now, alas, of life bereft the hart, Of Sir Thomas Audley, of the Garter knight: Later Chancellor of England vnder our Prince of might. Henry the eight, worthie of high renowne, And made by him Lord Audley of this Towne. Obijt vltimo Aprilu, Ann. Dom. 1544. Henrici 36. Cancel∣leriatus sui 13. aetatis 56.

* 1.146Haue mercy good Lord on the soul of Thomas Holden, That hit may rest wyth God good neyghbors say Amen. He gave the new Organs wheron hys name is set; For bycause only yee shold not hym forget; In yowr good preyers: to God he took hys wey, On thowsand fyve hundryd and eleuin, in Nouembyr the fourth dey.

Hic iacet his stratus West Matheus tumulatus, * 1.147Qui fuit hic gratus vicarius ciueque natus. M. Dominiter C . . . . terris sit remeatus Huic . . . . . .: existit propiciatus.

* 1.148Of yowr cherite prey for the soulys of Ion Nichols, Alys, Ione, Alys, and Ione his wyfs.

Iohannes: Pater Noster miserere nobis. Alisia: Fili redemptor mundi miserere nobis. Ioanna: Spiritus sancte miserere nobis.

Alisia. Sancta Maria miserere nobis. Ioanna. Sancta dei genetrix, virgo virginum, miserere nobis.

Here lieth interred vnder an ancient monument very ruinous, the body of one Leche, a great benefactor to this Church, as appeareth by this his broken Epitaph.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quo non est,* 1.149 nec erit, nec clarior extitit vllus; .... clausum hoc marmore .... habet Huic Lech nomen erat, diuine legis amator Huius quem Templi curam habuisse palam est. Iste huic multa dabat sacro donaria Fano Inceptique operis sedulus Author erat. Pauperibus fuit inde pius, pauit miserosque, Et me qui temere hec carmina composui. Sit Huius ergo anima ..... celum .... vt altum Huc quiades instanti pectore funde preces.

Prey for the soul of Katerin Semar, Walter Coke, Roger Pirke, and Thomas Semar, husband to the seyd Katerin, principall founder of the preest which singeth before the Trinity. For thees soulys sey a Pater noster and an Aue of cherite.

Who so hym bethoft,* 1.150 ful inwardly and oft. How hard tis to flit, from bed to the pit. From pit vnto peyne, which sal neuer end certeyne, He wold not do on sin, al the world to win.

Orate .... Hugonis Price Abbatis Monasterij de Conwey Cicestrens. or∣dinis,* 1.151 Assauens. Dioces, qui ab hac vita migrauit ad Christum viii. Iulij M.ccccc.xx.viii.

Conditur hoc tumulo corpus Chynt ecce Iohannis,* 1.152 Doctrine speculum plebi qui fulfit in annis. Istius Ecclesie regimen contraxerat ipse, Atque cacumine Doctorali vixit ille. M. C quater anno sexagenoque secundo, Martini festo decessit ab orbe molesto.

Autor Sophie suffragia facta Marie Per te Magdelena sint mihi remedia.

Vicarius gratus Robertus Wylde vocitatus▪* 1.153 Hic iacet, et mundus, prudens fuit, atque facundus▪ Pacem seruauit, et oues proprias bene pauit, Et residens annis bis denis plus quoque trinis; Anno milleno sic C quater octuageno Quarto, lux dena septena fuit sibi pena. Ianuar. . . . . cuius celo sit amena.

This Towne was famous in times past, (saith Clarentieux) for a Castle of the Magnauilles (which now is almost all vanished out of sight) and an Abbey adioyning,* 1.154 founded in a place very commodious, in the yeare 1136. wherein the Magnauilles, founders thereof, were buried. The principall and first founder hereof, was Geffrey Magnauile, or Mandeuill the first Earle of Essex, with Rohesia or Rose his wife, daughter of Aubrey de Vere, chiefe Iustice of England, who consecrated this their religious Structure to the honour of God, the blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Iames the A∣postle, endowed it with large reuenues, and placed therein blacke Monkes; to which effect will it please you reade a few words out of his deed of Grant.

* 1.155Gaufridus de Mandeuilla comes Essex, &c. salutem. Ad vniuersitatis ve∣sire noticiam volo peruenire me fundasse quoddam monasterium in vsus Mo∣nachorum apud Waldenam, in honore Dei, et sancte Marie et beati Iacobi Apostoti, pro salute anime mee et omnium parentum, antecessorum & success∣sorum meorum, &c. To which by the same deed hee giueth the Churches of Walden, Waltham, Estrene, Sabridgworth, Thorley and others. This house was valued at the suppression, to be yearely worth, foure hundred sixe pounds, fifteene shillings and eleuen pence.

This place is now called Audley End, of Sir Thomas Audley Lord Chancelour, (of whom I haue spoken before) who changed the Abbey in∣to his owne dwelling house; whose sole daughter and heire Margaret, was second wife to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke, and mother of Thomas Lord Howard of Walden, Earle of Suffolke, lately deceased, who liued to finish here a most magnificent building, belonging at this present to that worthy gentleman Theophilus his sonne and heire, Lord Walden and Earle of Suffolke.

Geffrey de Mandeuill the founder aforesaid, a man both mighty and martiall, was shot into the head with an arrow, a quodam pedite vilissimo, saith Houeden, out of the Castle of Burwell in Cambridgeshire; of which wound, after certaine daies hee died, being at that time excommunicated. Lying at the point of death, ready to giue his last gaspe,* 1.156 (saith Camden out of the Register booke of Walden) there came by chance certaine Knights Templars, who laid vpon him the habit of their religious profession, signed with a red crosse, and afterwards when he was full dead, taking him vp with them, enclosed him within a coffin of lead, and hung him vpon a tree in the Orchard of the old Temple at London, in the yeare 1144. for in a re∣uerend awe of the Church, they durst not bury him, because he died ex∣communicated, so fearefull in those daies was the sentence of excommuni∣cation: a violent inuader he was of other mens lands, and possessions, and therefore iustly incurred (saith the same Author) the worlds censure, and this heauy doome of the Church: but I must leaue him, where buried, or where not buried, God knowes.

As the Church of this monasterie was honoured with the funerall mo∣numents of the Mandeuills, so was it with those of the Bohuns, Earles of Hereford and Essex, of which you may reade in the Catalogues of Nobi∣lity.

It was also honoured with the Sepulture of Humfrey Plantaginet, Earle of

Buckingham,* 1.157 (the onely sonne of Thomas Earle of Buckingham, and Duke of Glocester, commonly called Thomas of Woodstocke, the yongest sonne of King Edward the third) who (after the vntimely death of his father) was banished into Ireland by King Richard the second, and being recalled backed againe by King Henry the fourth, in the first yeare of his raigne, in his returne died of the plague in Chester, from whence, his mother Elianor daughter and coheire of Humfrey de Bohun Earle of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton, caused his body to be conueyed to this Abbey, which shee sumptuously here interred, amongst his and her noble progenitors; his mother, the said Elianor, liued not long after him, but died the third of October in the same yeare, as in a French Inscription vpon her monument in Westminster you may reade; and scarce two yeares after the murder of her husband at Callis; of whose deaths thus writeth that old Poet Sir Iohn Gower Knight, in his booke intituled Vox Clamantis.

Interea transit moriens nec in orbe remansit, Humfredus dictus redit ille Deo benedictus. Defuncto nato cito post de fine beato Mater transiuit, dum nati funera sciuit. Primo decessit * 1.158 Cignus dolor vnder repressit: Matrem cum pullo sibi mors nec parcit in ullo.

Liston.

Hic iacet ..... Liston de Ouerhal .... que ob ....

All that I can make of this maimed inscription is, that Ioane, the wife of William Liston, held the Mannor of Ouerhall in this parish by grand Ser∣geantie, namely by the seruice of paying for,* 1.159 bringing in, and placing of fiue Wafers before the King, as he sits at dinner vpon the day of his coro∣nation: and whether this be she here buried or not I know not.

Richard Lions held the said Mannor after her,* 1.160 by the seruice of making Wafers, vpon the day of the Kings Coronation, and of seruing the King with the same Wafers as he sits at dinner the same day.

Leez Abbey.

This Abbey of old time was founded by the Gernons; now it is the seate of the Right Honourable,* 1.161 and one right worthy of all his due honours, Ro∣bert Lord Rich, Baron Leez, and Earle of Warwicke now liuing, An. 1631. This Abbey or Priory, was valued at the time of the suppression, as it is in the catalogue of Religious houses, to be yearely worth one hundred forty one pound, fourteene shillings eight pence.

Rickling.

Humfrey Waldene le premer gist icy* 1.162 Dieu de salme eit mercy. Amen.

* 1.163Hic iacet Henricus Langley Armig. qui obijt xx. Sept. M.cccc.lviii. et Margareta vxor cius vna filiarum et heredum Iohannis Waldene Armigeri, que obijt v. Martii, M.cccc.liii.

* 1.164Hic tacet Thomas Langley Ar. qui obijt 1 Mar. M.cccc.lii.

* 1.165Here lyth Henry Langley Esquyr, and Dame Katherin his wyff, whych Henry departyd this lyff, 11 April, M.cccc, lxxx.viii. and Dame Katherine died ..... the yere of our Lord God, M. ..... on whos.

Vpon this last marble stone are the portraitures in brasse, of the three daughters of Henry Langley, amongst whom his inheritance was diuided, as I haue it by tradition, as Waldens was before: whose chiefe seate was at Langley Wilbores in this parish.

Thaxted.

This Church is spatious, beautifull, and built Cathedrall-like; but nei∣ther in this Church, in Braintrie, nor scarcely in any other Church seated within a Market Towne, shall you finde either Monument or Inscription: onely some two or three Inscriptions are here remaining.

* 1.166Her lyth Rychard Dammary and Alys his wyff, and Rychard Dammary his sonn, Ione, Elizabyth, and Ann, on whos soulys God hau mercy. Which Rychard the yongyrgawe a Meide callyd Abel Meide, for a perpetual mynd yerly to be kept for ther soulys and al christen soulys.

* 1.167Syr Walter Clerk gist icy Dieu de s'alme eit mercy.

* 1.168Orate pro animabus Richardi Large et Alicie vxoris eius, qui quidem Ri∣chardus obijt 27. Martij 1458.

The Inhabitants say, that this Richard Large was brother to a certaine Lord Maior of London, named Large, who at his death bestowed won∣drous largely vpon the poore, and the repairing of high waies; which I take to haue beene Robert Large, Maior of London, Anno 1440. who gaue 120. l. to poore prisoners, and euery yeare for fiue yeare, 403. Shirts and Smockes, 40. paire of Sheetes, and one hundred and fifty Gownes of good Frize, to poore people. To poore Maids marriages, one hundred markes; to repairing high waies, one hundred markes; to fiue hundred poore peo∣ple in London, euery one sixe shillings viii.d. the rest of his bountifull cha∣ritie you may reade in Stow Suruay.

Little Easton.

* 1.169Here is a goodly Tombe of marble on the north side of the Chancell, ••nder which saith Brooke, in his Catalogue of Nobility, William Bourchier Earle of Ewe in Normandy lyeth interred; but Vincent, (whom I rather be∣leeue) (in his discouery of Brookes Errors) approues this Earle, as also his wife Anne (the daughter of Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Glocester) to be buried in the Abbey of Lanthonie by Gloucester. If this monument

could speake like others by her inscription, it might haply decide the con∣trouersie: but all the words vpon it are, Fili Dei miserere mei, Mater Dei miserere mei. Which seemingly commeth by a labell from a man, and a woman thereupon pourtraied. Of this Earle more when I come to Lan∣thony.

Betweene the Chancell and the Bowsers Isle or Chappell,* 1.170 is a very cost∣ly arched Tombe of polished marble, inlaid with brasse, the picture of a man and a woman, and in diuers places of the foresaid Arch, on the wo∣mans side, is the Fetter lock and Bowsers knot, but without inscription. By supposition made to the memorie of Henry Bourchier (sonne of William Bourchier aforesaid, Earle of Essex and Ewe; and Isabell his wife, daughter of Richard Earle of Cambridge, and sister of Richard Duke of Yorke. Which Henry died quarto Aprilis, 1483. a valiant and worthie Nobleman he was, fortunate in Martiall enterprises; and in matters of peace so learn∣ed, wise, and politicke, that he was thought fit by Edward the fourth to be Lord Chancellour of England.

In the same Chappell,* 1.171 on the North side, remaineth a very faire Al∣tar Tombe of marble, within the which lyeth the body of Henry Lord Bourchier and Louaine, and Earle of Essex, Sonne and heire of William Bourchier, that died before his father, and grandchilde to Henry Earle of Essex, next before mentioned: ouer his Tombe hangeth as yet part of his achieuements, as the cote of his Armes, Helme, Crest, and sword. This Earle brake his necke by a fall from his horse, the twelfth day of March, in the one and thirtieth yeare of the raigne of King Henry the eight, 1539. His horse was young, saith Stow,* 1.172 and he the oldest Earle in England: for if you will reckon the yeares from the death of his Grandfather, who liued after his sonne, the father of this Henry (as I haue said before) vntill the yeare of this his fatall misfortune, you shall finde them to be fifty sixe; and what age he was at his Grandfathers death you may imagine:

In the Hall of the Mannor house of Newton,* 1.173 in the Parish of little Dun∣mowe, remaineth in old painting two postures; the one for an ancestor of the Bourchiers, combatant with another, being a Pagan king, for the truth of Christ; whom the said Englishman ouercame, and in memory thereof his descendants haue euer since borne the head of the said Infidell, as also vsed the surname of Bourchier or Bowser.

Here are foure wondrous ancient Monuments of the Louaines, all the Inscriptions of them are worne out, these few words excepted.

Sire Thomas Louaine ici gist Margarie la file Moun....* 1.174

This noble familie of the Lovaines in former ages did here inhabite, by the name of Fitz-Gilbert,* 1.175 one of which house, namely, Maurice Fitz-Gilbert, was surnamed de Louaine, as descended from Godfrey of Louaine, brother to Henry the sixth of that name, Duke of Brabant. Who being sent hither to keepe the honor of Eye his posterity flourished among the Peeres of this Realme, to the time of Edward the third: when the heire generall was married to the house of Bourchier.

This Bowsers Chappell (for it is so commonly called) is now the buriall place for the noble familie of the Maynards.

* 1.176In Northburne natus Robertus sum vocitatus, De terra factus in terram sumque redactus: Intercedendo spiritum tibi Christe comendo.

* 1.177Propitietur Deus Benefactoribus omnibus Ecclesie pauperis huius.

The treble Bell in the steeple of this Church is called the Bowsers Bell, on which is cast a peece of coine of siluer, of King Edward the fourth; it was giuen by one of the Countesses of Essex, as one may partly gather by an old Inscription; vpon it is the Bowsers knot.

Tiltey.

* 1.178Here sometime stood a Monastery founded by Maurice Fitz-Gilbert, before remembred, not long after the Conquest, which he dedicated to the honour of the Virgine Mary, and therein placed white Monkes of the Ci∣stertian order.

The donations to this religious house are confirmed in the Records of the Tower, Cart. Antiq. lit. S.

The valuation of it at the suppression was 177. l. 9: s. 4. d.

This Monasterie is not altogether ruinous, in the little Church whereof I found these Funerall Inscriptions following.

* 1.179Bruntingthorpe neare to Leicester hath long beene the habitation of the ancient familie of Dannet, saith Master Burton, who beareth sable Guttee Argent a Canton Ermine, one of which familie lieth here interred, with this Epitaph.

* 1.180Hic iacet sepultus, cum coniuge Maria Gerardus Dannet de Bruntingthorp in Com Lecestr. Ar. & serenissimi Regis Henrici octaui Consiliarius, qui obijt Anno Christi M.ccccc.xx. mensis Maij quarto. The armes afore bla∣zoned are ouer the Monument of this Councellour to king Henry.

* 1.181Abbas famosus, bonus, & viuendo probatus, In Thakley natus, qui iacet hic tumulatus: Thomas dictatus, qui Christo sit sociatus: Rite gubernauit, istumque locum peramauit.

Great Easton.

Orate.... Willelmi Moigne Ar....qui obiit. .... M.ccc.v.

* 1.182This William Moigne (or Monke) held this Mannor of Easton ad mon∣tem (for so it was anciently called) with Winterborne and Maston in the Countie of Wilts, by seruice; of being Clarke of the Kings Kitchin, and keeper of his Lardarie, tempore Coronationis.

Hatfield Brad-oke.

* 1.183So called (saith Camden) of a broad spread Oake, in which Towne Ro∣bert de Vere, the third Earle of Oxford, and great Chamberlaine of Eng∣land,

founded a Priorie for blacke Monkes. About the beginning of the raigne of King Henry the third, valued at the suppression at 157. l. 3. s. 2. d. ob. per annum: which Priory Aubrey de Vere (the third of that Christian name, Earle of Oxford) enfeoffed with the Tithes of this Towne, and to the instrument of his donation, he affixed, by a harpe string (as a labell to the bottome of the parchment) a short blacke hafted knife, like vnto an old halfe penny whitle, instead of a Seale. These are the words in his Grant.

Per istum cultellum Albericus de Vere tertius feoffauit Prioratum et Con∣ventum de Hatfeeld Regis,* 1.184 alas Brodoke, cum omnibus decimis in villa pre∣dicta: Habend. &c. a festo Assumptionis beate Marie virginis in puram & perpetuam Eleemosinam, &c.

Of this old manner of signing and sealing of deeds, you may read Lam∣bard in his perambulation of Kent, pag. 318.

This Robert was first entombed in the Church of his owne foundation, and at the dissolution remoued into the Quire of this Parish Church, where he lieth crosse-legged, with this inscription now almost worne out.

Sire Robert de Veer le premier, count de Oxenford le tierz git ci, Dieux del alme si luy plest sace merci. Oi pur lame priera, xl iors de pardonn anera. * 1.185 Pater Noster.

Sir Robert Vere the first, and third Earle of Oxford, lieth here. God if he please have mercy of his soule; whosoeuer shall pray for his soule, shall obtaine fourty dayes Pardon. He died in the yeare 1221.

Hic iacent Thomas Barington Ar. & Anna vxor eius,* 1.186 qui quidem Tho∣mas obijt v. Aprilis M.cccc lxxij. & Anna obiit proximo die sequenti. Quo∣rum animabus propitietur Altissimus.

At Barington Hall (within this Parish) (saith that learned delineator of Great Britaine M. Camden) dwelleth that right ancient familie of the Ba∣ringtons,* 1.187 which in the raigne of King Stephen, the Barons of Montfitchet inriched with faire possessions, since which time this house is much eno∣bled by the marriage of Sir Thomas Barington knight, with Winifred the daughter and coheire of Sir Henry Pole knight,* 1.188 Lord Montague, sonne of Margaret Plantaginet, Countesse of Salisbury, descended of the bloud royall, being the daughter of George Duke of Clarence.

Great Dunmow.

Exoretis miserecordiam Dei pro anima Walteri Bigod Armigeri qui obijt 17. die mens. Mar. 1397.* 1.189

Simon de Regham iadis Parson de Dunmow gist icy,* 1.190 Dieu de son alme eit mercy. Amen.

Of yowr cherite prey for the sowls of Iohn Ienone Esquyr,* 1.191 somtym on of the Common Pleas of Westmynstre, and Alys his wyff. Whych Iohn dyed xvii Septembyr, M.Vc.xlii.

Little Dunmow.

Iuga the wife of one Baynard,* 1.192 a Nobleman, that came in with the Con∣querour; the builder of Baynards Castle in London, founded the Priority in

this village, in the beginning of the raigne of Henry Beauclerke, and entrea∣ted Mauricius,* 1.193 Bishop of London, to dedicate the Church to the honour of the virgine Mary, to which, the same day, she gaue halfe a Hide of land. Her sonne and heire Geffrey Baynard placed blacke Chanons therein, by the consent of Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury. This house was valued at the suppression to be yearely worth 173. l. 2. s. 4. d.

* 1.194The Church of this monastery is as yet standing, in the Quire whereof, betweene two pillars, lieth the body of Matilda the faire entombed, who was the daughter of Robert Fitz-water, the most valiant knight of Eng∣land. About the yeare 1213. saith the booke of Dunmow, there arose a great discord betwixt king Iohn and his Barons, because of Matilda surnamed the faire, daughter of Robert Fitz-water, whom the King vnlawfully loued, but could not obtaine her, nor her fathers consent thereunto. Whereupon, and for other like causes, ensued warre through the whole Realme. The king banished the said Fitz-water amongst other, and caused his Castle, called Baynard, and other his houses to be spoiled. Which being done, he sent a messenger vnto Matilda the faire,* 1.195 about his old Suit in Loue, Et quia noluit consentire toxicauit eam. And because she would not agree to his wicked motion, the messenger poisoned a boiled, or potched Egge, against she was hungrie, and gaue it vnto her, whereof she died, the yeare 1213.

In the yeare following after her death, her banished father was restored to the kings fauour, vpon this occasion. It happened in the yeare 1214. king Iohn being then in France,* 1.196 with a great armie, that a truce was taken betwixt the two Kings of England and France, for the terme of fiue yeares: and a riuer or arme of the Sea, being betwixt either host, there was a knight in the English host, that cried to them of the other side, willing some one of their knights, to come and iust a course or two with him. Wherupon with∣out stay Robert Fitz-water, being on the French part, made himselfe ready, ferried ouer, & got on horseback, and shewed himself ready to the face of his challenger, whom at the first course, he stroke so hard with his great speare, that horse and man fell to the ground; and when his Speare was broken, he went backe againe to the king of France. Which king Iohn seeing, by Gods tooth, quoth he, (such was his vsuall oath) hee were a King indeed, that had such a knight. The friends of Robert hearing these his words, kneeled downe, and said, O king he is your knight, it is Robert Fitz-water;* 1.197 where∣upon the next day he was sent for, and restored to the kings fauour. By which meanes peace was concluded, and he receiued his liuings, and had licence to repaire his Castle of Baynard, and all his other Castles. After which, this strenuous knight, this Mars of men, this Marshall of Gods Armie and holy Church (for so he was enstiled, by the common multitude) liued in all affluence of riches and honour, the space of sixteene yeares; de∣ceased in the yeare 1234. and lieth here entombed by his daughter. Thus saith the booke,* 1.198 Ann. 1234. Obijt nobilis vir Robertus filius Walteri Pa∣tronus Ecclesie Dunmow, qui tumulatur iuxta maius Altare in suo Mo∣nasterio, & succedit Walterus filius eius in heriditatem.

* 1.199In the middest of the Quire, vnder a goodly marble stone, lyeth the body of Walter, the father of the foresaid Robert Fitz-water, and sonne of Ro∣bert, the sonne of Richard, who was the sonne of Gilbert of Clare. This

Walter tooke to wife Maud de Bocham, and after her decea••e, Matilda or Maud, the daughter and coheire of Richard de Lucy, on whom he begate Robert the valiant, before remembred; he died in the yeare ••••••8. as I haue it in my old Author, Anno vero Domini M.c.lxxxxviii. obiit Walterus filius Roberti Patroni Ecclesie de Dunmow, qui iacet intumulatus in medio cho••i Ecclesie sue, et succedit Robertus filius Walteri miles stren••••s.

Now will it please you heare a little further of this noble family, and of their deuotions to this Priory, out of an old Gartularie, sans date in my cu••stody.

Robertus filius Richardi et Mathilda vxor eius Episcopo London et omni∣bus hominibus, et Amicis suis et cunctis Ecclesie fidelibus salutem. Scialis quia concedimus et canonice hac carta confirmauimus, Quod Ecclesia sancte Marie de Donmowe, et fratres ibidem Deo seruientes teneant ita quiete el pacifice, et libere omnes illas Elemosinas quas tenuerunt die qua Rex Henri∣cus mihi Roberto filio Richardi terram dedit. Sicut vnquam quiecius et ho••norificentius et liberius tenuerunt, scilicet in terris, in hominibus, in pratis, in bosco, et plano, et in omni Decima nostra et omnium hominum nostrorum eiusdem ville, & in decima Prati et Pannagij nostri et in decima molendino∣rum nostrorum, et in omni pastura eiusdem Ville: Preteria sci••tis quia conce∣dimus et confirmamus quod predicta Ecclesia et fratres eiusdem Ecclesie te∣neant incrementa que nos eidem Ecclesie concessimus et dedimus. Scilicet duas partes decime Dominij nostri de Henham; duas partes decime Dominij nostri de Northon; duas partes decime Dominij nostri de Sty∣ston, et decimam de Passfeld. Et decimam de terra que fuit Ernaldi le Blache in Beruston; Et decimam de Pachesham; et Essertum de Leffwyfewode, Et Es∣sertum de Acho, et turbariam de Esteye. Hanc donationem predicte Ecclesie donauimus et confirmauimus pro dei dilectione, et sancte genetricis Marie, et pro fidelibus defunctis.

Robertus erat noster primus Fundator et erat silius Richardi et est sepul∣tus in monasterio,* 1.200 S. Neoti. Walterus erat silius eius et est sepulius apud nos in tumba marmorea in medio chori. Robertus filius Walteri predicti de est tu∣mulatus ante summum Altare.

Anno Dom. 1501. decimo die mens. Augusti campane in Campanile.* 1.201 Ec∣clesie beate Marie de Dunmow nouiter facte et baptisate fuere.

Prima in honore sancti Michaelis Archangeli. Secunda in honore. S. Iohannis Euangeliste. Tertia in honore S. Iohannis Baptiste. Quarta in honore Assumptionis beate Marie. Quinta in honore sancte trinitatis, et omnium Sanctorum.

In the Quire of the Church,* 1.202 vnder a goodly faire monument, the body of Iohn Blakemore, Prior of this dissolued house of Dunmow, as I finde it in an abstract of the Chronicle of this monasterie, lieth interred; for whom this Epitaph following was composed.

Subtus hic, hoc tumulo recubat Prior ecce Iohannes De Blakemor dictus vir probus, atque pius.

Peruigil implebat quod lex diuina iubebat, Eius consilium que fuit et studium. Debilibus, dubijs, cecis, claudis, peregrinis, Tectum, pes, oculi, consilium, baculu••, Vespere et absconso Machuti sole Nouembris Quindecimo hic moritur, viuere vt incipiat. Ergo preces cineri dones quicumque viator, Ista preces tantum flebilis vrna petit.

His death happened in the yeare of our sauing health, one thousand fiue hundred and eighteene, as by the humble petition of the Subprior and his brethren to their Patron Sir Robert Radcliffe Knight,* 1.203 Lord Fitz-water (afterwards Earle of Sussex) for the speedy election of another Prior may appeare, the forme whereof, transcribed out of the originall, I thought good here to insert, being a president not commonly knowne in these daies.

Egregio et prenobili viro Domino Roberto Radclif militi, Domino Fitz-water; vestri humiles et deuoti silij Galfridus Shether Supprior et presidens Domus siue Prioratus beate Marie Virginis de Dunmowe ordinis sancti Au∣gustini London Dioc. vestre fundationis et patronatus; et eiusdem loci con∣uentus, omnimod. Reuerencias cum honore, orationumque suffragia, et quic∣quid dulcius de latere Crucifixi hauriri poterit: vestre reuerencie innotesci∣mus et certificamus per presentes: Quod bone memorie Dominus Iohannes Blakemore noster iamdudum et dicte domus nostre Prior, quinto decimo die instantis mensis Nouembris viam est vniuerse carnis ingressus, et sequent. prox. ex tunc die ipsius corpus Ecclesiastice traditum est sepulturex; Sicque sumus et est dicta domus siue prioratus Prioris et pas••oris solatio et regimine destitut. Ne igitur ex diurna eiusdem vacatione grauia nobis proueniant incommoda; vestre reuerencie humiliter et deuote supplicamus; quatinus cum sitis noster et dicte Domus siue prioratus fundator, et patronus vt prefertur, vestram vt moris est ad noui seu futuri prioris & pastoris electionem proce∣dend. ac iuxta canonicas sanctiones dei presidio celebrand. patronalem licen∣ciam nobis concedere dignemini cum fauore. Prosperitatemque vestram con∣seruet Altissimus per tempora longiora. Dat. in domo nostra Capitulari, no∣stro sub sigillo xvij. die predicti mens. Nouemb. Anno Domini millesimo quin∣gentesimo decimo nono.

* 1.204In the hall of the Mannor house of Newton Hall, in this Parish, remai∣neth in old painting, two postures, th'one for an Ancestor of the Bourchi∣ers combatant with another, being a pagan king, for the truth of Christ, whom the said Englishman ouercame, and in memory thereof, his descen∣dants haue euer since borne the head of the said Infidell, as also vsed the surname of Bowser, as I had it out of the collections of Augustine Vin∣cent, Windsore Herald, deceased.

Boreham.

The inheritance and honours of this famous, and right noble race of the Fitz-waters, came at length by mariage into the stocke of the Radcliffes,

for (in the pedegree of Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall in the county of Lancaster, knight of the Bath; descended, as the Earle of Sussex is, from the Radcliffes, anciently of Radcliffe in the said County; the sonne of that valiant and generally beloued Gentleman, Sir Iohn Radcliffe, Lieuetenant Colonell, slaine, fighting against the French, in the Isle of Rhee, the 29. day of October, in the yeare of our Lord, one thousand sixe hundred, twenty and seuen) I finde that Sir Iohn Radcliffe Knight, (sonne of Sir Iohn Rad∣cliffe knight, who married Katherine, the daughter and heire of Edward Lord Burnell of Acton Burnell in the county of Salop) married Elizabeth, the daughter and heire of Walter, Lord Fitz-water, of Woodham, a Ba∣ron of great riches, as of ancient nobility, the father of Iohn, who was Fa∣ther of Robert Radcliffe, the first of that sirname, Earle of Sussex, Viscount Fitz-water, Lord Egremont and Burnell, who with other two Earles, his Sonne and Grandchilde, lie here interred vnder a sumptuous monument, as appeareth by their seuerall inscriptions and liuely portraitures. To the memory of the first Earle (for I am tied by my method onely to his at this time) these funerall lines following are engrauen.

Robertus Radcliffe miles Dominus Fitz-water,* 1.205 Egremond et Burnel, Vi∣cecomes Fitz-water (magnus Camerarius, Anglie) Camerarius Hospitij Re∣gis Henrici octaui, ac eidem a consilijs Prelijs in Gallia commissis aliquoties inter primos ductores honoratus, in alijs belii pacisque consultationibus non inter postremos habitus, aequitatis, Institiae, constantiae, magnum aetatis suae columen, obijt xxvii. die Nouemb. Anno Dom. M.ccccc.xlii. aetat.

This Earle had three wiues, whose portraitures are cut here vpon the Tombe, by all of which he had issue. By his first wife Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Henry Stafford Duke of Buckingham; hee had Henry, after him Earle of Sussex, here intombed; George Radcliffe, and Sir Humfrey Rat∣cliffe of Elnestow. By Margaret his second wife, daughter of Thomas Lord Stanley, Earle of Darby, he had Anne, married to Thomas Lord Wharton, who lieth here buried by her father, and Iane maried to Sir Antony Browne, Knight, Viscount Mountague. By his third wife, the daughter of Sir Iohn Arundell of Lanherne in Cornwall, Knight; he had issue, Sir Iohn Radcliffe, Knight, who died without issue, in the yeare 1566. and lieth buried in Saint Olaues Hart-streete, London.

Henry Radcliffe, Earle of Sussex, sonne of this Robert as aforesaid, was one of the priuie Councell to Queene Mary, as I finde it in her Grant of li∣berty made vnto him for the wearing of Coyfes or Cappes in her presence, which I coppied out of the Originall amongst the Euidences of Robert late Earle of Sussex deceased; expressed in these words following.

Mary the Queene.

Mary,* 1.206 by the grace of God, Quene of Englonde, France, and Irelonde, defendor of the Feythe, and in Earthe, of the Church of Englonde and Irelonde supreme Hede. To all to whom this present wryting shall come, sendeth greting in our Lord euerlasting. Know ye that wee do gyue and pardon to our welbeloued and trusty Cosen, & one of oure priuey Coun∣sell, Henry Earle of Sussex, Viscount Fitz-water, Lord Egremond and Bur∣nell,

liberty, licens and pardon, to were his Cappe, Coyf, or night Cappe, or twoo of them at his pleasor, as well in oure presens, as in the presens of any other person or persons within this our Relme, or any other place of our dominion wheresoeuer during his life. And these oure lettres shall be his sufficient warrant in this behalfe. Yeuen vndre oure Signe Manuell, at oure Palaes of Westminstre the second dey of October, in the first yere of oure Reigne.

Her Seale with the Garter about it is fixed to this Grant with a labell of silke, and so are the Armes of the Kings of England: and E. R. the Seale manuell of Edward the sixt, not altered.

This Henry, departed this life at Sir Henry Sidneyes house in Chanon Row at Westminster, on wednesday morning, the 17. of February, be∣tweene fiue and sixe a clocke, in the third and fourth yeare of Philip and Mary, Anno 1556. as Vincent in his Discouerie of Brookes Errors verifieth by a certificate thereof in the booke of Burials in the Office of Armes, Fol. 225.

He was buried first by his Father, in Saint Laurence Poultney Church in London, from whence their remaines were remoued hither, as you shall vnderstand by the present sequele.

That braue-spirited politicke-wise Lord, Thomas Earle of Sussex, Lord Chamberlaine of the Houshold to Queene Elizabeth of famous memory, built, or began to build a Chappell in this Church, wherein this glorious Tombe is erected, as a place of buriall for himselfe and his worthy proge∣ny; and commanded by his last Will and Testament (as I was told) that the honourable remaines of his Father, and Grandfather Henry, and the foresaid Robert, Earles of Sussex, should be remoued from the parish Church of Saint Laurence Poultney London, where their bodies lay buried, to this his Chapbell at Boreham, wherein hee desired to be entombed: all which was accordingly performed. This Tombe was made by one Richard Ste∣phens, an outlandish man, and finished with all furniture, as gilding, colou∣ring, and the like, thereunto belonging, the xxviii. of May, M.D. lxxxxix. the whole charge thereof amounting to the summe of cclxxxxii.l. xii. s. viii. d. as appeares by the account which I haue seene. This Thomas, Earle of Sussex, saith Camden, was a most worthy and honourable personage, in whose minde were seated ioyntly both politicke wisedome, and martiall prowesse, as England and Ireland acknowledged; but more of him hereaf∣ter. These Earles of Sussex of this sirname, from Robert the first, to Robert the last, who died An. Dom. 1629. haue euer beene Knights of the Garter.

* 1.207Hic iacet Thomas Coggeshale Ar. filius Thome Coggeshale Armigeri & Iohanna vxor eius que quidem Iohanna obijt xvii. Iulij M.ccc.xv. Thomas obiit. .....

Newport.

* 1.208Her lyeth Thomas Brown, Whos sowl God pardown. ......... M.ccccc.xv.

Her vndyr this marble ston, Lyeth the body of master Ion Heynes, Bacheler of Law, And somtym Vycar of this Chirch I traw. Who passyd out .......... ...... M.cccc.

Here sometime stood an hospitall in this Towne,* 1.209 by whom founded I cannot reade. Valued at the fatall destruction of all such houses, at 23. l. 10. s. 8. d. per annum.

Pleshy.

This Collegiate Church was founded by Thomas of Woodstocke,* 1.210 Duke of Glocester, for Canons regular: which was valued in the Kings bookes to be yearely worth one hundred thirty nine pounds three shillings ten pence. The vpper part of which Church, within these few yeares, was taken downe; and as I was told in the Towne, the Parishioners (being either vn∣willing or vnable to repaire the decayes) carried away the materials which were employed to other vses. This part of the Church was adorned and beautified with diuers rich funerall Monuments, which were hammered a peeces, bestowed, and diuided, according to the discretion of the Inhabi∣tants. Vpon one of the parts of a dismembred Monument, carelesly cast here and there in the body of the Church, I found these words.

Here lyeth Iohn Holland,* 1.211 Erle of Exceter, Erle of Huntington, and Chamberleyne of England. Who dyed.......

This Iohn was halfe brother to King Richard the second, and Duke of Exceter. From which dignitie he was deposed, by Act of Parliament in the first yeare of King Henry the fourth, whose sister he had married: and in the same yeare beheaded in this Towne for a seditious conspiracie (saith Camden) and in the very place where the Duke of Glocester was arrested by King Richard,* 1.212 which was in the base court of the Castle of Pleshie (now quite ruined) that he might seeme (saith he) to haue beene iustly punished by way of satisfaction, for the foresaid Duke of Glocester; of whose death he was thought to be the principall procurer. He was beheaded the third day after the Epiphanie, 1399. 1. Hen. 4.

Vpon a broken peece of a faire marble stone, reared to the side of a pil∣lar, whereupon were the pictures in brasse of an armed knight and his La∣dy, this ensuing disticke was engrauen.

Militis o miserere tui,* 1.213 miserere Parentum, Alme deus regnis gaudeat ille tuis.

Vnder this stone (if Tradition may go for truth) Sir Edward Holland, Earle of Mortaigne, sonne of the foresaid Iohn Holland, beheaded; with his Lady were entombed.

Orate pro anima Iohannis Scot,* 1.214 primi Magistri huius Collegij, qui obijt primo die Ianuar. M.cccc.x.

Qui me psalmasti miserere mei

Qui me pretioso tuo sanguine redimisti miserere mei. Qui me ad Christianitatem vocasti miserere mei.

* 1.215Here lyeth Robert Frevyt, a man letterd sowndyt For hys sowl and for all christine, sey a Pater Noster and an Ave.

* 1.216But I shall forget the Founder Thomas of Woodstocke, the sixth sonne of King Edward the third, and Vncle to King Richard, who was taken by force from this his Castle of Plessy, by Thomas Mowbray, Earle Marshall, and conuayed to Callis, where he was smothered vnder a Featherbed, 1397. His body was afterwards conueyed with all funerall pompe into England, and buried here in this Church of his owne foundation,* 1.217 in a goodly sepul∣chre prouided by himselfe in his life time. Whose reliques were afterwards remoued and laid vnder a marble, inlaid with brasse, in the Kings Chappell at Westminster. In which Church Elianor his wife (of whom I haue spo∣ken before) lieth entombed,* 1.218 with this French inscription, who after the death of her husband became a Nunne in the Abbey of Barking within this County.

Cy gist Aleonore de Bohun aysue fille et vn des heirs l'hounrable seignour Mons. Humfrey de Bohun Counte de Hereford d'Essex et de Northampton et Constable d'Engleterre;* 1.219 Femme a puissant et noble prince Tho. de Wood∣stock Fitz a tresexcellent et tre puisant seignour Edward Roi d'Engleterre puis le Conquest tiers. Duc de Glocestre, Counte d'Essexie et de Buchingham et Constable d'Engleterre, quemorust le tierz iour a'October, ban du grace 1399. de gi aisme Dieux face mercy, Amen,

But againe to returne to the Duke her husband, touching whose life and death, with the manner thereof, thus writeth Gower in his booke called Vox clamantis.

O quam Fortuna stabilis non permanet una, Exemplum cujus stat in ordine carminis hujus Rex agit, et * 1.220 Cygnus patitur de Corde benignus, Ille prostratus non est de Rege levatus, Ad Plessye captus tunc est velut Hostia raptus Rex jubet arma geri, nec eo voluit misereri; Cum Sponsa nati lugent quasi morti gravati; Plusque Lupo sevit Rex dummodo Femina flevit. Nil pietas munit quem tunc manus invida punit, Rex stetit obliquus nec erat tunc unus amicus. O Regale genus, Princeps quasi pauper egenus, Turpiter attractus jacet et sine iure subactus. Sunt ibi Fautores Regis de sorte Priores Qui Cygnum pendent, vbi captum ducere tendent, Sic ducendo ducem, perdit sine lumine lucem. Anglia que tota tenebrescit luce remota; Trans mare natavit, regnum qui semper amavit; Flent centum mille quia Cygnus preterit ille, Calisij portus petit unde dolus latet ortus, Error quem Regis genuit putredine legis

Carcere conclusus subito fuit ille reclusus, Nescit quo fine, sit vite, sive ruine Tunc Rex elatum sumpsit quasi Falco volatum, Vnde suas gentes perdit Custode carentes.

A little after follow these verses, touching the deniall of buriall to bee granted vnto him among the rest of his honourable and royall Ancestors.

Sic nece devictum, sic corpus ab hoste relictum, Clam de conclavi susceperat Anglia navi, Per mare regreditur, corpus nec adhuc sepelitur, Namque sepulturam, defendit Rex sibi puram; Desuper a latere patris loca justa tenere, Dummodo quesivit vix bassa sepulchra subivit.

Of the manner of his death these three verses following.

Hen quam tortorum quidam de sorte malorum, Sic Ducis electi plumarum pondere lecti, Corpus quassatum jugulant que necant jugulatum.

Such was the end of this royall Prince, sonne to a King, and vncle to a King: who by our writers is discommended in this, that he was euer repi∣ning against the King in all things whatsoeuer he wished to haue forward:* 1.221 Erat enim vir ferocissimus & precipitis ingenij (as Polidor censures him) a most fierce man, and of an headlong wit; who thinking still that those times, wherein he had mastred the King, were nothing changed, though the King was aboue thirty yeeares old, forbare not, roughlie, not so much to admonish, as to check and schoole his Soueraigne.

Hatfield Peuerell.

So denominated of one Randolph Peuerell the owner thereof, to whom Edward the Confessor was very munificent for that hee had married his kinswoman,* 1.222 the daughter of Ingelrick, a man of great Nobilitie among the English Saxons. A Lady of that admirable beautie, that with her lookes she conquered the Conquerour William, who desired nothing more then to be her prisoner in Armes, which to effect, hee begins to expresse a kinde of loue to the remembrance of her deceased father Ingelrick, enriching the Colledge of Saint Martins le grand in London, first founded by him and her vncle Edward, hee honours and aduanceth her two brethren, William Peuerell Castellane or Keeper of Douer Castle, and Payne Peuerell Baron of Bourne or Brun, in Cambridgeshire, the founder of Barnwell Abbey; Stan¦dard bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy in the holy warre against Infi∣dels. He prefers her kindred and friends, he sollicites her by the messen∣gers of the Deuils Bedchamber, his slie enchanting Bawdes, and comes sometimes himselfe like Iupiter in a golden shower. Thus by these forcible demonstrations of his loue, and vnauoidable allurements (especially from a King) shee was brought at length to his vnlawfull bed, vnto whom shee

bare a sonne named William, who was Lord of Nottingham, the founder of Lenton Abbey. His mother (toucht with remorse of conscience for her sinnes) to expiate her guilt (for such was the doctrine taught in those daies) founded a Colledge here in this village of Hatfield,* 1.223 which shee consecrated to the honour of God, and S. Mary Magdelen; wherein, setting apart all worldlie employments, she spent the remainder of her dayes, and here de∣parted her life about the yeere 1100. sixteene yeeres after the death of the Conquerour. Here she lieth buried, and her image or portraiture cut in stone is to be seene at this present day in the Church window. This house was a Cell to Saint Albons, valued to be yeerely worth 83. l. 19▪ s. 7. d.

Harlow.

* 1.224Hic iacet Robertus Symond quondam Auditor principalis Regis Henrici septimi in Ducatu suo Lancastrie..... qui ob......... Erum∣narum portus meta viarum, mors.

.......Iohn Drunkeston.......... Vulnera quinque Dei sint medicina mei. Scilicet, Pia mors & Passio Christi.

Danbury.

* 1.225Hic iacet Gerardus quondam filius & heres Gerardi Braybroke militis qui obijt xxix. Marcij M.cccc.xxii.

Icy gist perne Femme a Gerard Braybroke, fille a Monsieur Reynold de Grey Seignour de wilton, que morust viii. jour d'aueril, l'an de grace M.cccc.xiiii. a qua Dieu fait mercy.

I shall haue occasion to speake of the Braibrokes, when I come to Brai∣broke in Northamptonshire, of which they were Lords.

Here lie two men armed in their portraitures, and crosse legged, which were (as it goes by relation from father to the sonne) of the familie of the Darcies,* 1.226 who for a time had here their habitation.

Although it be somewhat from my purpose, yet I hold it not much a∣misse to ammuse my Reader with a short story.* 1.227 Vpon Corpus Christi day, in the yeare 1402. the third of Henry the fourth, at Euensong time, the De∣uill entred into this Church, in the likenesse of a Gray Frier, and raged hor∣ribly, playing his parts like a Deuill indeed, to the great astonishment and feare of the parishioners: and the same houre with a tempest of whirle∣wind and thunder, the top of the Steeple was broken downe, and halfe of the Chancell scattered abroad.

Great Baddow.

* 1.228Hic iacet Robertus Tendering nuper Firmarius Manerij de magna Bad∣dow

qui obijt xx Octob M.ccccc.xxxvii. Anno Hen. viii xxix.

This prayer following is inlaid in brasse vpon the marble.

✚ Omnipotens & misericors Deus, i•• cujus potestate humana conditio con∣sistit: animam famuli tui Roberti, queso ab omnibus absolve peccatis; ut pe∣nitentie fructum quem voluntas ejus optabit, preventus morte non perdat. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum. Amen.

Hic tumulantur Thomas Kille, & Margeria uxor ejus,* 1.229 qui quidem Tho∣mas erat Pincerna quondam cum illustri Principe Tho. Woodsloke, Duc•• du∣dum Glocestrie; deinde cum nobilissima Domina Comitissa Hereford, & po∣stea cum Christianissmo Principe, & invictissimo Henrico quinto, ultimo cum honore dignissimo Katherina Regina & ejusdem Domini Regis consorte: nove Cantarie Sancte Trinitatis in Capella istius Ecclesie Fundator; qui quidem Thomas plenus annorum obijt xvii. Decemb. M.cccc.xlix. & dicta Mar∣geria penultimo die Februarij M.cccc.lxi.ex hac luce migravit.

Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.

Orate .......... Badewe ........ Ed. 3.

I read that one Edmund Badewe did hold certaine Tenements in this Towne by Sergeantie:* 1.230 viz. to keepe and conuey one of the Kings Pal∣freyes for the space of twentie daies at the Kings charges when hee shall happen to come into these parts. Anno 5. Ed. 3.

Chensford.

Orate pro animabus Iohannis Biglon nuper Carnificis istius ville,* 1.231 & Flo∣rentie uxoris eius, qui quidem Iohannes obiit ..... die .... An. Dom. 1500. et dicta Florencia obijt 1. Nouemb: 1509. Quorum animabus.

This marble Monument is faire inlaid with brasse, besitting the corps of a more eminent man then a Butcher. From a labell of brasse these words seeme to proceed out of his mouth: Ostende mihi Domine miserecordiam tuam. From hers these: Et salutare tuum da nobis.

This Church was reedified about some hundred thirtie and seuen yeares since, as appeareth by a broken inscription on the out side of the South wall.

Prey for the good estat of the Townshyp of Chelmsford that hath bin willying and prompt of helpys, to.... this Chirch, and for all them that be..... M.cccc.lxxxix.

Here stood a small religious house, built by Malcolme king of Scots, for Friers Preachers: valued at 9. l. 6. s. 5. d. per annum.

Engerston.

Hic iacet Iohannes Rocheford Ar. filius Domini Radulphi Rocheford militis,* 1.232 qui obiit decimo die Nouemb. 1444. et anno Regis Henrici sexti, 24.

Of this surname I haue spoken before in Rocheford.

Hic iacet Gertrudis filia Iohannis Terrel de Warley equitis aurati,* 1.233 & con∣iux prenobilis viri Gulielmi Petri Equitis aurati, quae obiit 28. Maii. 1541.

Her said Husband that graue Councellour, and Secretary of State to king Henry the eight, Edward, Queene Mary, and Elizabeth; lieth likewise here interred. Who liued some thirtie sixe yeares after the death of this Ger∣trude his first wife, euen to these later times; whose Epitaph (according to my method) I reserue for another part of these my funerall Monuments.

Vnder the picture of Christ in one of the windowes are these two words, Petra nostra.

Waltham Abbey.

This Abbey was founded by a King of England, who of all other raigned least and lost most.* 1.234 For within the compasse of a yeare, hee lost both his life and his kingdome, at one cast, and both of them to a Stranger; I meane Harold the second, the sonne of Earle Godwin. Who hauing built and sufficiently endowed this his Foundation, for a Deane, and eleuen secu∣lar blacke Canons, he caused it to bee consecrated, to the honour of a cer∣taine holy Crosse,* 1.235 found farre Westward, and brought hither by miracle. King Henry the second new builded this Monastery, and placed therein Regular Canons; augmenting their number to foure and twenty, and also their reuenues. Richard Cordelion his sonne confirmes the gift and ex∣change of the Canons made by his father, by his Charter to be read in the Tower, in these words.

Richardus Dei gratia, &c. Inde est, quod sicut Pater noster mutationem Canonicorum secularium,* 1.236 & institutionem Canonicorum regularium fecit in Ecclesia de Waltham, & eis quasdam non as possessiones, et veteres concessit, & confirmauit: Sic nos laudabiliter virorum commutationem in prefata Ecclesia factam, nostra autem approbamus. Et pro salute predicti Patris no∣stri, et Matris nostre, et Fratrum nostrorum, et pro salute omnium fidelium, constitutionem Canonicorum Regularium in eadem Ecclesia factam, & dona∣tiones, & possessiones nouas, que a Patre nostro eis facte sunt presenti carta no∣stra confirmamus. Dat. &c.

Henry the third encreased much their reuenues with Faires and Mar∣kets; a Faire here for seuen dayes; and at Epping a Market euery Monday, and a Faire for three dayes. So by the munificence of these Kings, their Successours, and Subiects, this Abbey at the generall suruey, and surrender, was valued (at Robin Hoods pennieworths) to dispend yearely 900. pounds foure shillings and foure pence.* 1.237 The Catalogue of religious houses saith, 1079. l. 12. s. and a pennie.

* 1.238The Church of this Monastery hath escaped the hammers of destruction, and with a venerable aspect, sheweth vnto vs the magnitude of the rest of this religious Structure. Herein Harold made his vowes, and prayers, for victorie when hee marched against the Norman Conquerour. In which battell by the shot of an arrow through the left eye into his braines, he was slaine the 14. of October, being Saturday, 1066. hauing raigned nine moneths and odde dayes: whose body by the mediation of his mother Gi∣tha, and two religious men of this Abbey, being obtained of the Conque∣rour (howsoeuer at the first by him denyed, affirming that buriall was not fit for him, whose ambition had beene the cause of so many funeralls) was

conueyed (with great lamentation) by his said mother Githa,* 1.239 and a small deiected remainder of the English Nobilitie, to this his owne Church, and herein solemnly interred, vpon whose Monument this Epitaph was en∣grauen.

Heu cadis hosle sero, Rex, a Duce Rege sutaro Par paris gladio, milite & valido. Firmini iusti lux est tibi, luce Calixti; Pronior hinc superas, hinc superatus eras. Ergo tibi requiem deposcat vtrumque perennem: Sicque precetur eum, quod colit omne Deum.

A fierce foe thee slew, thou a King, he king in view, Both Peeres, both Peerelesse, both fear'd, and both fearlesse; That sad day was mixt, by Firmin and Calixt. Th'one helpt thee to vanquish, t'other made thee languish, Both now for thee pray, and thy Requiem say; So let good men all, to God for the call.

Girth and Leofwin his two brethren lost their liues likewise vnder Ha∣rolds Banner (which was brondet (saith Robert of Glocester) with sy∣gur of a man fyghtyng biset al about wyth gold and preciosse stons,* 1.240 which Baner aftur the Bataile Duc William sent to the Pope in tokne of the victory.) Whose bodyes were in like manner brought to this Church, and here entombed.

It is said that Girthe, not holding it best to hazard the Kindome of England at one cast,* 1.241 signified to the King, that the successe of warre was doubtfull, that victory was rather swayed by fortune then by valour, that aduised delay was most important in martiall affaires;* 1.242 and if so bee bro∣ther (said hee) you haue plighted your faith to the Duke, retire your selfe, for no force can serue against a mans owne conscience; God will re∣uenge the violation of an oath: you may reserue your selfe to giue them a new encounter, which will be more to their terrour. As for me, if you will commit the charge to me, I will performe both the part of a kinde brother, and a couragious Leader. For being cleare in conscience, I shall sell my life, or discomfit your enemy with more felicitie.

But the King not liking his speech, answered, I will neuer turne my back, with dishonour, to the Norman, neither can I in any sort digest the reproach of a base minde: well then be it so (said some discontented of the company) let him beare the brunt that hath giuen the occasion.

This Harold is much commended for his courteous affabilitie,* 1.243 gentle deportment, Iustice, and warlike prowesse, in nothing blame worthy, saue that in the opinion of his owne valour, he addicted himselfe wholly to his owne resolutions, neglecting the wise deliberations of his best friends and Councellors. And that his courage could neuer stoope to be lower then a King. For which he is taxed to be an impious man, falsely aspiring to the Crowne by vsurpation. Of which my old Author, with whom I will con∣clude, hath these rimes.

Harold the falls Erle, tho Sent Edward ded ley* 1.244

Hym selue let corone King, thulk self dey Falsliche.

Richard the first, king of England, for his matchlesse valour surnamed Cordelion, or Lions-heart, is, by some of our old English writers, said to haue slaine a Lion, and by the pulling out of his heart, to haue gained that attribute or denomination;* 1.245 the truth is, that Hugh Nevill a gentleman of noble linage, one of King Richards speciall familiars, is recorded to haue slaine a Lion in the holy Land, driuing first an arrow into his breast, and then running him thorow with his sword, whereupon this Hexameter was made.

Viribus Hugonis vires periere Leonis. The strength of Hugh a Lion slue.

Which atchiuement belike was transferred from the man to the master, and the story applied to the by-name of K. Richard.

* 1.246This Hugh was high Iustice, Gardian, or Prothoforester of England. He died about the sixt of King Henry the third, being full of yeeres, & cor∣pus eius, saith Paris, in Ecclesia de Waltam nobili Sarchophago marmoreo et in sculpto traditur sepulturae; and his body was buried in this Church of Waltham vnder a noble engrauen marble Sepulchre.

* 1.247Iohn Nevill his sonne (non ultimus inter Angliae nobiles patris sui pede∣tentim sequens vestigia) and the sonne and heire as well of his vertues as re∣uenues and offices,* 1.248 being accused by one Robert Passelew, (a man of emi∣nent authoritie vnder King Henry the third) of diuers transgressions, or o∣missions in the Forrest Lawes, committed by him, by his conniuencie, or sufferance, in this Forrest of Waltham, and other the Kings Forrests, Parks, and Chaces, was adiudged to pay a Fine of two thousand markes, and ignominiouslie to be cast out of his offices, which he tooke so to heart, that (not long after languishing away with sorrow) he breathed out his af∣flicted spirit in Iuly 1245. at his Mannor of Whelperfield, from whence he was conueyed to this Abbey, and here honourably entombed by his father.

I finde, in Registro Cartarum Abbatie de Waltam, that these two Nevils were great benefactors to this Monasterie, to which Hugh Nevill afore∣said, gaue by his deed the Mannor of Thorndon, in these words,

Omnibus ad quos, &c. Hugo de Nevil, salutem. Noveritis quod ego pro salute anime mee,* 1.249 et Iohanne uxoris mee, per consensum & bonam volunta∣tem Iohannis filij mei et heredis concessi Ecclesie de Waltham in liberam Ele∣••mosinam totum manerium meum de Thorndon, &c.

* 1.250Robert Passelew before remembred, was here likewise interred, who was one of the Kings instruments for gathering vp money, in which his office be vsed such rigor, as multitudes of people were vtterlie vndone; so vnsafe are priuate mens estates, where Princes fall into great wants. He was Arch∣deacon of Lewes,* 1.251 and for his good seruice in this businesse (Kings haue e∣uer such seruants to expresse their pleasures in what course soeuer they take) he should haue bin preferred to the Bishoprick of Chichester; but the Bishops withstanding the King therein, his election was disanuld in

the yeare 1234. being (with other) called to a strict account for the Kings Treasure ill spent,* 1.252 or worse employed, he was constrained to take Sanctu∣arie, and seeke odde corners for his safety; yet afterwards (an argument of the Kings lenitie) he was receiued into grace and fauour: at the length lea∣uing the troubles which attend the Court, hee liued priuately at his parso∣nage of Derham in Norfolke, but died at his house here in Waltham vpon the sixt day of Iune, in the yeare 1252. of whom will it please you heare Mathew Paris speake in his owne language.

Archidiaconus Lewensis,* 1.253 Robertus Passeleue, eodem quoque anno, octa∣uo Idus Iunij obijt apud Waltham, de quo multa praescribuntur. Hic Robertus Clericus et praelatus, non est veritus Regi adhaerendo multos multiformiter depauperare, vt Regem impinguaret. Opera autem sua sequuntur eum.

In the Sun-shine of his fortune hee was flattered (as all Kings Fauorites are) by this allusion to his name Pass-le-eau as surpassing the pure water,* 1.254 the most excellent element of all, if you beleeue Pindar. whereupon these verses were written not the worst in that age, if you pardon a little impro∣prietie. Out of the collections of Camden, Mss. in Bib. Cot.

Robertus transgressor aquae, nec enim quia transit, Sed precellit aquam, cognomine credo notari. Est aqua lenis, & est aqua dulcis, et est aqua clara, Mulcens, albiciens, emundans omnia, lenis Languenti, dulcis gustanti, clara videnti; Tu praecellis aquam, nam leni lenior es tu, Dulci dulcior es tu, clara clarior estu, Mente quidem lenis, re dulcis, sanguine clarus: In tribus his excellis aquam, nam murmure lenis Est aqua, tu mente, gustu dulciflua, tu re, Limpiditate nitens tu sanguine: quodlibet horum Est magis intensum procul in te quam sit in ipsa.

Here lyeth Ion and Ione Cressy, On whos sowlys Iesu hav mercy. Amen. Of yowr cherite for vs and al Christian sowlys, Say a Pater Noster and an Aue.

On lyue when we wer God sent vs spase,* 1.255 To yink on hym and of his grete grase, For as we be both body and fase, So both mor and less must be in lik case. In piteous aray as now yow see, It is no nay, so sal ye be. Your self mak mon, or ye bin gon, and prey for vs, Wythout deley, past is the dey, we may not prey for yow; its thus. Whylst yat yow mey, both nyght and dey, look yat yow prey Iesu of grase, When ye bin gon, help is ther non, wherfor yink on; Whylye hav spase.* 1.256

Here stands a faire monument to the memory of Sir Edward Denny,

(sonne of the right honourable Sir Antony Denny, Counsellor of Estate and one of the executors of King Henry the eight) and of Ioane Champer∣noun his wife; of whom more hereafter.

This Monasterie is now one of the mansion houses of that honourable Lord, Sir Edward Denny Knight, Baron Denny of Waltham, and Earle of Norwich.

I found since I writ the premisses, that Edward the Confessour was the prime cause of this religious foundation, for that he gaue to Harold certaine Lands here conditionally that hee should thereupon build a Monasterie, and furnish it with all necessaries, as appeares by his Charter of that dona∣tion amongst the Records in the Tower.

* 1.257Ego Edwardus Dei dono Anglorum Rex, &c. Haraldo Comiti meo quan∣dam terram antiquitus ab incolis istius loci Waltham nuncupatam, cum omnibus ad se pertinentijs ••ampis, pratis, sylvis, aquis, &c. sub conditione quod in prescripto loco Monasterium edificet, in memoriam mei et conjugis mee Eadithe. Et insuper ornet diversis Sanctorum martyrum et reliquijs et li∣bris, Anglicisque vestibus et alijs ornamentis congruentibus: Ibique * 1.258 Ca∣tervulam quorundam Fratrum Canonice Regule subjectam constituet. Plu∣rimeque terre ut donentur in Monasterij illius extruendi usum, et alimentum, ipsius etiam Haraldi cure et fidei commisi, &c.

Here he names the lands in particular, which are many. Et hec omnia (saith he) ad diluenda mea et Antecessorum meorum peccata collata sunt.

Quod si quis meorum successorum aliquam partem illius terre subtrahat, vel subtrahi proinde requisitus emendare noluerit. Ei Dominus justus judex Regnum pariter ac Coronam auferat, &c.

Preterea volo et promitto, quod omnia in Monasterij illius opem data vel danda sint semper libera, et a Sherifs, et a hundredis, et extra Curiam sancte Crucis omnibus placitis Geldis, &c.

Scriptum est autem istud privilegium Ann. Dominice incarnationis M.lxii. Indictionibus terquinis, Epactis Septembris concurrentibus. Hijs testi∣bus, Ego Edwardus Anglorum Basileus, confirmo et corrobero. Ego Editha divini numine Christi Regina hec eadem confirmando testimonium do. Ego Stigandus Archiepiscopus Dorobernens. eadem affirmo. Ego Ealdredus E∣bor. Archiepiscopus hec consollido: cum multis alijs Episcopis et Abba∣tibus.

Horne-Church.

Named in times past (saith M. Camden) Cornutum Monasterium, the Horned Minster, for that there shoot out at the end of the Church certaine points of Lead fashioned like hotnes. To the brethren de monte Iovis, or Mountioy;* 1.259 or Priory de cornuto by Hauering at the Bower (saith Stow) the house of Savoy in the Strand did sometime belong, which Eleanor wife to King Henry the third, purchased of the said Fraternitie or Brotherhood, for her sonne Edmond Earle of Lancaster. The inhabitants of this parish say (by tradition) that this Church was built by a female conuertite, to ex∣piate and make satisfaction for her former sinnes; and that it was called Hore-Church at the first,* 1.260 vntill by a certaine King, but by what King they

are vncertaine, which came riding that way, it was called, The Horned-Church, who caused those Hornes to be put out at the East end of the same, in remembrance of so remarkable a Foundation.

But to leaue these coniectures and returne to the Grauestones which I finde thus inscribed.

Hic iacet Henricus filius Domini Richardi Arundel militis,* 1.261 qui obiit ..... 1412 anno etatis primo. Cuius anime propitietur Deus.

I will borrow an Epitaph for this Infant which I reade in Rome in the Church, bearing the title of S. Maria in Aracaeli.

Blandidulus nitidus, dulcissimas, vnicus Infans Matris delitia delitiaeque patris. Hic tegitur raptus teneris Henricus in annis Vt Rosa quae subitis imbribus icta cadit.

Of yowr cheritie a Pater Noster and an Ave for the sowl of William Ai∣liff gentlman owner of the Mannowr of Bret-Howse who died 1517.* 1.262

Here lyeth Iulian Roche wyf of Sir William Roche Alderman of Lon∣don,* 1.263 who died....1526. and Elisabeth Roche wyf to Sir Iohn Roche, sonne of William, and dawghter of Sir William Forman knyght and Alder∣man. .....

Sir William Roche, here mentioned, the sonne of Iohn Roche of Wixley in Yorkshire,* 1.264 was Lord Maior of London, in the yeare 1540. In which yeare (saith Stow) the Bible was openly read in English.

Here lyeth Katherin,* 1.265 the dawghter of Sir William Powlet knyght, wyf of William Fermor, Clarke of the Crown. Who died 26 May the second of Henry the eight.

Orate pro anima Tho. Seargile Armig. ... 1475. et pro anima Elisabe∣the vxoris eius.* 1.266

Romford.

In the East window of the South Isle of this Church, I finde these words vnder the pictures of Edward the Confessour, and two pilgrims, Iohannes per peregrinos misit Regi Edwardo....the rest broken out with the glasse. Vpon which words hangs an old Tale; that at Hauering, hereunto adioy∣ning, certaine Pilgrims came to King Edward the Confessour from Ieru∣salem, and gaue him a ring; which ring he had secretly before giuen to a poore man that asked his charitie in the name of God, and Saint Iohn the Euanglist: and that these Pilgrims gaue the said Edward notice of his owne death, according to these old rimes.

Seynt Edward wiste of his dethe ex he hennes wende* 1.267 For Seynt Iohn the Euangeliste tokne to hym sende As men may in his Legend see els war And than to * 1.268 pour he delte his goode, and made hymself * 1.269 yar.

This Story is likewise wrought in the Hangings in the Quire of West∣minster Abbey, explayned by these verses following vnder the pourtrai∣tures of Saint Iohn Euangelist and king Edward.

Vilibus in pannis mendicat ymago Iohannis, Rex dat ei munus, Donum fuit annulus vnus.

Annulus iste datus, mittente Iohanne, relatus Regi scire moram, vite dat mortis et horam.

But enough of this, and more perhaps then will be beleeued. Now to the Funerall Monuments.

* 1.270The mortall corses buryed here behold, Of Avery Cornburgh and Beatrice his wyff, Sqwire for the body in worschip manyfold, With Henry and Edward kings in this lyff; And vndertreasurer with king Henry the seuenth full blyff. Till deth him raft the world as yow may se, And of Master Iohn Crowland Doctor of Diuinitie.

Within this Church to sing perpetuell, They stablysh a Doctor, or Bacheler of Diuinitie, Or a Master of Art, for nede continuell, Ten pound for his Salerie and chamber fee, And thre pound more, there as yow may se: Yerlie xxs. the liuelode to repare, For euery yere an Obit, the residue is fare.

Of Preests xii, and Clerks vi, alsoo, Six pens the Preest, and fowr pens euery Clerk, For brede, chese, and Ale in mony there must goo: To poor folk xl.d. fulfilling this werk: The Baylie and Wardens of this Church must herk: To levy the lyvelode, dispose, and employ; And ech of them yerly for their labour shall xl.d. enioy:

Moreouer this call to yowr remembrance anon, That in the beadroll of vsage euery Sonday redd; The sowls of this Avery, Beatrice, and Iohn, Be prayed for in speciall; se that owr will be spedd, And that the Curate of this Church curtesly be ledd And for his labor have in reding of that Roll Forty pens to prey for them and euery Christian sowl.

The Chantrie Preest in this Church shall bynd him preching, And in other when he is disposyd Soul helth to avans: Namely at South Okendon, Hornchurch, Dagenham, and Bar∣king; At euery of them twise a yere, or moo to Goddys pleasans, And at two times seuerall this is sufficians. Forty days in the yere he shall haue to disport, If his disposition require such comfort.

The Baylie and Wardens of the same town; This chantre Preest shall puruay and prouyd, Within six wekes by ther own election,

But aftyr such seyson if it shall betyd, To stand lenger vacant, thei shall it not hyd, The Bishop of London, and the Archdekon, As is owr will for that on tym shall haue ther election.

But aftyr six wekes a moneth of vacation, Not elet by them twein, depriuyth ther liberte. For then shall the King ha gift and nomination, Namely for that on tym; we will that so it be. A chest in the Church with euidenses se, Concerning the liuelode with Indenture tripartite; Remeyning with the Bishop, and Herres of Auery: The third with the Wardens trowth to Annuity.

Now Iesu for thy bitter passion, Reward the sowls with euerlasting blis Of them, which caused this Foundation; And of thy mercy let them neuer mis. And Virgin Mary shew thy grace in this, Eternally, that they may liue with the, Amen, Amen, Amen, for cherite.

It seemeth that this Tombe was made by himselfe in his life time, and that he trusted to his Executors to set downe the yeare and day of his de∣parture, his wiues, and Doctor Crowlands. For the verge of the monu∣ment is thus inscribed, making one date for all: ......yere of owr Lord 1480....and Beatrice his wyf which decessid the—day of—the yere of owr Lord God 1480—and of Mai∣ster Iohn Crowland..... who decessid the day—of the yere of owr Lord God, 1480. on whos souls Iesu haue mercy.

Vpon the same monument this Epitaph following is inlaid with brasse.

Her lyeth Elisabyth Hannys,* 1.271 sister to Master Auery Cornburgh Sqwire

Farwel my frendys, the Tyde abydeth no man; I am departyd fro hens, and so sall ye, But in my pasage the best song I can, Is Requiem eternam: now Iesu grant it me, When I haue endyd all my auersite; Grant me in Paradys to haue a mansion, That shed thy blood for my redemption.

Isto sub lapide...... Christ•• Taleworth:* 1.272.... qui migrauid ad do∣minum.....

I know not what to make of this broken Inscription,* 1.273 onely I finde that one Nicholas Taleworth held a Tenement in Hauering (hereby) by Sear∣geantie, to giue the King a paire of Hare-skin gloues euery Christmas day, pat. 31. Ed. 3.

Most glorious Trinity on God and persons thre* 1.274 Haue mercy on the sowlys of Richard Ballard, and his wyf Margery,

Whos bodyes her befor yow lyn closyd in cley. Euery man and woman of yowr cheritie do yow prey: That to the blis of heuen sweet Iesu do their soulys bring, Vnto the plas celestial befor owr heuenly King.

Richard deseysed the iiii. of August, M.ccccc.xxvii. and Margerie—M.ccccc. . .—

* 1.275Her vndyr this ston lyes Piers Ion, And Elisabyth his wyff, lyeth him hard by. On whos sowlys Iesu haue mercy, Besech yow for cherite, Sey a Pater Noster and an Aue. The whych decessyd the on and twentyth of Septembre, In the yer of owr Lord God, on thowsand four hundred seuenty and thre.

* 1.276Her lye Iohn Outred, and Ione his wyff, Who liuyd long togeddyr withoutyn stryff. Iohn left this world, and passyd to heuen On thowsand fyue hundryd yere and eleuen:

This Church is beautified with a sumptuous funerall Monument, wher∣in diuers of the familie of the Cookes lie entombed: whose habitation was at Giddy-Hall hereunto adioyning, which house was built for the most part by Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Maior of London, and knight of the Bath, at the Coronation of Elizabeth, wife to King Edward the fourth: vpon the Frontispice of which, these verses were engrauen of later times.

* 1.277Aedibus his frontem Proauns Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus, 1568.

Aedes quisque suas; Domini sed maenia pauci Aedisicant; leuior cura minora decet.

Vpmenster.

This towne of Vpmenster or Vpminster, as it is diuersly written, lying three miles from Rumpford, requireth some large remembrance from mee, in respect that it hath enioyed within little more then the space of three hundred yeares, diuers eminent families, who haue beene Lords of the same, or at least of the Mannor of Gains, called also the Mannor of Vp∣menster, lying within the same; to which mannor, as long tradition hath left to posteritie, there is a little Isle or Chappell, standing on the north side of the Chancell of the same Church, belonging, and time out of minde, ap∣pendant to the Mannor of Gains aforesaid, and appropriated to the Lords of the same for their particular place of buriall for themselues and their issue.

The first familie (of whose posteritie I can dilate) which I finde to haue beene Lords of the said mannor of Gains, alias Vpmenster, was that most

ancient sirname of Engaine (whether thence drawne or no, I leaue to others to coniecture) and it is warranted by a long tradition that Sir Iohn Engain Knight, the sonne of Vitalis Engayn being * 1.278 Lord of the said mannor, did build the before mentioned Chappell, which since hath receiued its deno∣mination from the blessed Virgin. This familie ended in the male line, when Sir Thomas Engayne Knight, sonne of Iohn Engayne Esquire, and grand∣childe to the former Sir Iohn, left his three daughters, his coheirs, of whom Iocosa the eldest was wife of Iohn de Goldington. Elizabeth the second, was married to Sir Lawrence de Pakenham knight: & Mary the third daughter & coheire,* 1.279 was wife of Sir William de Barnake knight. There is no Tombe or grauestone left of this familie, but onely their Coatarmour in the East win∣dow of the aforesaid Chappell.

This Mannor of Gains, alias Vpmenster, was afterwards seuerally in the possession of Symon de Hauering (* 1.280 who I conceiue was but the Feoffe in trust of Sir Iohn the sonne and heire of Iohn Engayne) of Alice de Perrers, * 1.281 afterwards attainted by Act of Parliament in a. 1. R. 2. and of Henry de la Felde, whose further mention leauing the first two in silence, serueth onely to this present Narration.

The said Henry de la Felde did by his Deede indented, a. 9. H 4. entaile the said mannour vpon Richard,* 1.282 Walter, and Iohn his sonnes, each after o∣ther vpon the default of issue; and lastly, vpon Iohn Deincourt and Eliza∣beth his wife, the daughter of the said Henry de la Felde, in whose right af∣terwards it should seeme he came to be Lord thereof; and there lieth buried together, with his wife, vnder a faire Tombe, placed iust vnder the Arch which diuideth the said north Chappell or Isle from the Chancell of Vp∣menster Church.

Es testis Christe quod non iacet hic lapis iste Corpus vt ornetur sed spiritus vt memoretur.

And about the tombe, though somewhat mutilated is written this Epi∣taph.

Sancte deus sancte fortis sancte miserecors saluator miserere: Animabus Ro∣geri Dencourt Armigeri & Elizabeth consortis sue quorum corpora sub isto lapide marmoreo tumulantur ac etiam orate * 1.283 :::::::::::: Filiarum suarum qui quidem Rogerus obijt vicesimo :::::::: An. Domini Millesimo cccclv. Nec non orate pro animabus omnium ::::::::: defunctorum hic & vbique in Christo quiescencium:

The next owner of this mannor of a new sirname, I finde to haue beene Nicholas Wayte, of whom or his familie, I can say little; onely by his sale it came to be the inheritance of Ralph Lathum Esquire, a lyneall descendant in the male line, from a yonger branch of the ancient familie of Lathom of Lancashire, who were Lords of that place in the said Countie (as all the receiued descents of that familie warrant) from the time of King R. 1. vntill the latter end of E. 3. when Isabel the sole daughter and heire of Sir Thomas Lathom Knight, was married to Sir Iohn Stanlye knight, from whom the now earle of Darbie is lineally descended, and (as I conceiue) is from the right of this intermarriage, Lord of the Mannor of Lathom at this day.

The Epitaph of this aboue said Ralph Lathom, is placed in brasse, set into a faire marble stone, couering his tombe, and is as followeth.

Here lieth buried Rayff Lathum esquire, late Lord of Vpmistre, and * 1.284 E∣lizabeth his wife, which Rayffe deceased the xix. day of Iuly, An. M.ccccc.Lvii. whose soule and all christen soules Iesus haue mercy.

The next familie to whom by the sale of William Lathom, sonne and heire of the aforesaid Ralfe Lathom, the before mentioned Mannor of Gains did appertaine, was the familie of D'Ewes, (from whom also it was a∣gain at last repurchased by Lathom) for Adrian D'Ewes being descended of the ancient stem of Des Ewes, Dynasts or Lords of the Dition of Kessell in the Dutchie of Gelderland, setling and marrying in England not many yeares after the beginning of the raigne of King H. 8. had issue, Gerardt D'Ewes his sonne and heire, who hauing purchased the said Mannor of Gains as aforesaid, was after his death, according to the former vsage, buri∣ed in the said Chappell, appendant to the said Mannor, as other Lords of the same had beene, whose Epitaph, because it is replenished with many particulars touching the antiquity and ensignes of this familie. I haue beene more exact in the full delineation thereof in the figure following.

[illustration]

ANTIQVA IN∣SIGNIA FAMI\LIAE DES EWES DYNASTARVM DE KESSEL.

INSIGNIA GESTA AB EORVM POS∣TERIS.

Ad memoriam aeternam Geerardt D'Ewes Filij Primogeniti Adriani D'Ewes ex Illustri & perantiqua Familia Des Ewes Dynastarum ditionis de Kessel in ducatu Gelriae oriundi & Aliciae Rauenscroft coniugis suae viri sin∣gularis sub hoc marmore tumulati qui obiit die xii. Aprilis, Anno Domini CI••DXCI. Vnico relicto sui ipsius & Graciae Hind primae suae coniu∣gis Filio & haeredae Paulo D'Ewes Armigero (qui duxit in vxorem Sissiliam Filiam vnicam & Haeredem Richardi Simonds de Coxden in Pago Dor∣setensi Armigeri) & vnicâ filiâ Aliciâ nupta Gulielmo Lathum de Vp∣menster in Comitatu Essex Armigero.

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

Egregiâ natus Geerardt de stirpe propinquûm Gueldrorum hic foelix ossa regenda tegit. Scilice•• invidia fatorum ipse ante sepultus Quam vitâ orbatus, mors ita sacra quies. Stémata nam{que} Deus modo deprimit et modo Ne nobis coeli gaudia terra ferat. Fundamenta tamen proli struxisse regaudec ditat Primaevū ut poterint cōmemorare DECVS. Hinc proavos superans claros virtute ferendi Non fit ONVS sed erit posteritatis HONOS.

Arkesden:

Here lieth Anne the daughter and heire of Richard Fox, and the wife of Thamas Langley Esquire,.....1467.

* 1.285Orate pro anima Willi Cook generosi filij Thome Cook militis & Elizabe∣the uxoris ejus, qui obijt, 1500. et Elizabetha 1503.

* 1.286Pray for the sowls of Thomas Alderton Stockfishmonger of London, and Alis his wyff, which Alis decessyd on Saint George his Eue 1513.

This Inscription following is vpon the North Wall of this Church.

Thomas Alderton was a goodd benefactor to this Chirch, as by his last Wil and Testament, remeyning in this Chirch, mor pleynly it doth appere. He gave certeyne lands towards the sustentatyon of a Chantre Prest, to sing at the Awter, and to help devyn Servis at the sam, on the Holiday, He built this Isle from the north dor hitherto, on whos sowl Iesu haue mercy. Amen.

Stansted Mont-fichet:

* 1.287The habitation in times past of the familie de Monte Fixo, commonly Mont-fitchet, whereupon the towne had that denomination.

* 1.288In the Church lieth buried Roger of Lancaster, who married Philip daughter and heire of Hugh de Bulbeck, the second, saith Norden, and lieth crosse legged in an ancient tombe of white stone, vpon which no inscripti∣on remaineth. He was, in her right, Lord of Stansted, the said mannor af∣terward came vnto Hugo de Playze, by marriage of the yongest daughter of Richard Mont-fitchet, of whom came Elizabeth Countesse of Oxford, who was daughter to Iohn Howard knight, by whom the land came to the Earle of Oxford.

South Church.

In this Church are some old Monuments of the Bruins, which haue

beene old inhabitants there, and descended, saith Norden, as hee thinks, from Iordan le Brune,* 1.289 a knight, Lord of Hacwell in Henry the thirds time.

Here is an old mannor wherein the old knights which surnamed them∣selues of the towne, Chirche,* 1.290 inhabited, whereof one Sir Richard in Henry the thirds time, was one of the kings Iustices for Gaole deliuery. He gaue the greatest part of his land to Christs Church in Canterbury, mooued thereunto for want of heires males.

Shopland.

In Shopland is an ancient mannor called Butlers,* 1.291 of a race of knights, and gentlemen that dwelt there, and gaue three couered Cups, as appea∣reth in the Church window, there is one most beautifull Monument in the Church, made to the memory of one Staple,* 1.292 a Sergeant at Armes, to King Ed. the third, which gaue in his Shield a Salter mixt with Staples: which in colours with other Scutcheons remaine in the North windowes. His tombe is thus inscribed.

Tho. Stapel iadis Seriant d'armes nostre Seigneus le Roi, qi morust le se∣cunde iour de Mars, l'an de Gras Mil. ccclxxi gist ici. Dieu de s'alme eit mer∣cy. Amen.

Canewdon.

A great parish, so called from King Canutus the Dane, who kept his Court here; unde Canuti domus. The Mannor house hath beene double trenched, and fensed after the oldest fashion. In the same are other Man∣nors exceeding ancient: as that of Clarendon Hall, the old seat of the Chanceux,* 1.293 many of them were knights; as Sir Giles Chanceux, in Edward the first his time; many of them lie buryed in the Church, with their Pictures, Scutcheons, and French Poesies all defaced. Another Mannor called Breamstons, or rather Beanstons, honoured by knights, descended of Bartholomew a yonger sonne to the Earle of Ewe in Normandy; it hath beene inhabited by a knight or more of the name of Scot.* 1.294 Another Man∣nor called Apton Hall, and another called Piuersey Hall, whereof Sir Iohn Greyton was Lord in Edward the first his time.* 1.295 One of the best called Lam∣berne Hall,* 1.296 whereof one Lamberne vnder Swaine was Lord in the Con∣quest time, and so continued till Richard the second, at which time his daughter Thamasin carried all to Toteham, and from thence to Barington, and from thence to Lumsford a Squire of Sussex, that being better planted in his natiue Country, vseth this for a Farme: as I thinke it was in Lam∣bernes time.

So many Lordships in the parish haue caused so many of their owners to honour this Church with their Sepultures, but to whose memory, in par∣ticular, any one of these monuments were erected, cannot bee discerned, they are all so shamefully abused.

Great Stanbridge.

* 1.297Here was the inheritance and sepulture of a wariike crew of Knights called Tanye, or Thanye, one of which named Lucas Tanye, a knight, and an expert warriour, at the taking of the Isle of Anglesey and Castle of Oxe in Wales,* 1.298 was with Sir William Lindsey, William de Audley, Roger Clif∣ford and twelue other of the Kings chiefest Captaines and Knights, besides seuenteene young Gentlemen, and two hundred common souldiers slaine, by Dauid Lord of Denbigh, brother to Lhewelin Prince of Wales, and his band of fierce Welshmen, in the tenth yeare of the raigne of King Edward the first.* 1.299 This famous knight was Steward of Gascoyn.

Writle.

* 1.300Hic iacet Thomasia filia et heres Tho. Heueningham iunioris Ar. filij & heredis Tho. Heueningham senioris Ar. & Tomasie consortis sue, que quidem Thomasia dicta filia & heres primo nupta suit Tho. Berdefield, secundo Iohan∣ni Bedel, & vltimo Waltero Thomas gen. et obiit die Martis 21. Iunij 1513 et qui Tho. Heueningham senior, & Thomasia Consors eius, ac Tho. Heueningham iunior, iacent partem sub isto lapide, & partem magis directe coram imagine. S. Trinitatis. Quorum animabus propitietur Altissimus.

* 1.301Here lieth Thomas Fige, and Margaret his wife, one of the two daugh∣ters, and heires of Raffe Toppesfeld Esquire. He deceased in April 1513. and had issue one sonne and two daughters.

* 1.302Here lieth Iohane somtym wyff of William Wyborne, daughter and heire of Thomas Hyde. Who died....1487.

* 1.303Here lieth Iohn Pinchon Esquire, who died:....with Ione his wyff, daughter to Sir Richard Empson beheaded. Of whom I haue spoken be∣fore.

Out of the collections of the right honourable Thomas Lord Brud∣nell of Stouton, as followeth.

* 1.304Margaret daughter of Richard Vere of Addington magna in Com. Nor∣thampton. Esq. by his wife Isabell, sister and heire of Sir Henry Greene of Drayton in the said County: which Margaret was sister to Sir Henry Vere, whose eldest daughter and coheire Elisabeth, was wife of Iohn first Lord Mordant, lieth here buried with her husband Iohn Barners.

* 1.305Iohn Barners of Writle in Essex Esquire, Lord of a place there called Turges or Cassus; was gentleman Vsher to Princesse Elizabeth, eldest daugh∣ter to King Edward the fourth, after Sewer to King Edward the fifth, as appeareth by his Monument in Writle where he lieth buried.

* 1.306Constance daughter of Sir Robert Pakenham of Streetham in Surrey, was his second wife; she is likewise buried by her husband at Writle, ob. 1522.

Finchingfeeld.

* 1.307Iohn Barners of Peches in Finchingfeeld Parish Esq died, Ann. Dom.

1500. and there lieth buried by him, his first wife Elisabeth, daughter of Symon Wiseman.....

Debden or Depondon.

Here lieth buried Nicholas Barners,* 1.308 with his wife Margaret, one of the daughters and coheires of Iohn Swyndon Esquire, who died...1441.....

Of this name thus much as followeth. Sir Iames Barners,* 1.309 or Berners (for it is written both wayes) (saith Mils) was so great in fauour with Richard the second, that it cost him his head, though he were restord in bloud by Act of Parliament, the one and twentieth yeare of the said King Richard, was the onely off-spring of so many knights of the Berners of Berners Ro∣ding in Essex. This Sir Iames Berners had three sonnes: Sir Richard Berners of Westhorsley in Surry, whose daughter and heire Margerie was married to Iohn Bourchier, created Lord Berners. From whom Sir Tho. Knyvet of Ashulthorp in Norfolke knight. Tho. whose Grandchild Iohn Berners Es∣quire, Sewer to Prince Edward the fifth, was great Grandfather of William Berners of Tharfield in Hartfordshire: And William, of whom are come the Berners of Finchingfield in Essex.

Great Thorndon.

Hic....heres Iohannis Eton Ar.... que quidem Isabella sedere ma∣trimoniali nupsit Roberto Tyrell Armig. vni filiorum.....* 1.310

Voluitur in terra magne virtutis alumpna* 1.311 Elisbet que Tyrell generoso sanguine clara, .............vxor veneranda marito, .................amica deo. ........oro vobis dignetur vt miserere Vt gratiamque Dei sic famuletur ei.

Hic iacet humata Alicia filia Willelmi Cogeshale militis & Antiochie con∣sortis sue quondam vxor Iohannis Tyrell militis,* 1.312 qui quidem Iohannes & Alicia habuerunt inter se exitum, filios & filias, quorum nomina sunt scripta ex viraque parte istius lapidis.... M. cccc.xxii. Filii.

1. Walterus.* 1.313 2. Thomas. 3. Willelmus senior. 4. Iohannes. 5. Willelmus iu∣nior. 6. Iohannes Tyrell Clericus. Filie. 1. Alicia. 2. Elizabetha. 3. Aliono∣ra. 4. Another whose name is worne out of the Tombestone.

Here lyeth Thomas Tyrell,* 1.314 sonne and heire of Iohn Tyrell knyht, and Dame Anne his wyff, doughter to Syr William Marney knyght, which Tho∣mas deceysyd the xxii of March in the yeare of.....

In the glasse of the East window.

....Tyrell knyth and Dame......and for al the soulys schuld be preyd for.

Prey for the welfar of the seyd Thomas Tyrell knyth, of Iohn Tyrell knyth, Alyce hys wyffe, and for al christen souls.

....The wellfar of the seyd dame Anne....ter of William Marney knyth, and....and....bet hys wyffe, and for all christen souls.

There be other funerall Monuments in this Church, erected to the ho∣nour of this familie; but their Inscriptions are all torne or worne out, and their Sepulchers, like all the rest, foulie defaced: These Tirells (me thinks) hauing beene gentlemen, for so many reuolutions of yeares, of exemplarie note, and principall regard, in this Countrey, might haue preserued these houses of rest for their Ancestors, from such violation. But the Monuments are answerable to the Church, both ruinous.

This Surname hath euer beene as remarkable as ancient, since Walter Tirrell the French knight slue his cosin king William Rufus. Of whom thus much out of the Norman History.

Gualter Tirrell a knight of Normandy, cosin to William Rufus (and the killer of the said William) after the vnfortunate death of the said Wil∣liam departed into Normandy, where he liued long in the Castle of Chaw∣mont, and there deceased.

The place where he swomme the water, vpon the sudden death of his Soueraigne, is called Tirrells Foard to this day.

Willingale.

* 1.315Hic iacet Domina Catherina filia Domini Rogeri Beauchamp militis de Com. Bedsord, nuper vxor Thome Torell Armig. que obiit vi die Nouemb. Ann. Dom. 1436. et Ann. Regni R. Hen. vi post conquest......

Stanbridge.

Edward Mackwilliams Esq. and Henry his Sonne, with Anne Spelman, wife of the said Henry lye here buried in the Chancell vnder a faire Tombe, whereupon this Epitaph following is engrauen or inlaid in brasse.

* 1.316Remember all yee that by this toune be to pass, And groundly revolue in yowr rememberance, Both the world is frayle and britle as glass, The end is death of euerye mans chance: All worldly peple must lerne to foot his dance; As Edward Mackwilliham that lith vndre this stonn, Out of this transytorye liff is past and gonn: Harry Mackwilliham, his sonn, lith here also, with Ann Mackwilliham his lovyng wiff and dere, Thes thre persons togidder and no mo, Vndre this Tombe interred they be here. Prey for their souls, I prey yow, with harte inteere, A Pater Noster an Ave, and a Creede, And iii hundryd deyes of pardon yow have for yowr meede.

This Anne is figured on the Tombe kneeling, with the Spelmans Armes of plates all ouer her gowne, and so in the great East-window of the Chan∣cell.

Ashdon.

In the south Isle of this Church, and in the south window thereof, there are seene three seuerall Cloptons kneeling in their compleat Armour, with their seuerall Escurchions of Armes vpon their breasts, (being S. a bend Or,* 1.317 betweene 2 cotizes dauncitee Or) of which three the first is sir William Clopton Knight, there mentioned to haue died in the fifth yeare of King Edward the third.* 1.318 The second Sir Thomas Clopton Knight mentioned to haue died the second yeare of the raigne of King Richard the second, and the third Edmund Clopton,* 1.319 the yeare of whose decease is there set downe to haue beene the thirteenth yeare of the said King Richard. And it is very likely the said Edmund lieth there buried vnder the Window: for Sir Wil∣liam de Clopton of Clopton, the father of these three, and of other brethren buying the Mannor of Newenham, lying for the most part in this parish, of Iohn de Lacy, the brother and heire of Sir Henry de Lacy Knight, in anno 2. E. 3. (of which I haue seene the originall deed) left to the said Ed∣mund his second sonne by Iuetta the daughter of William de Gray,* 1.320 his first wife, his said Mannor, from whom it descending to William Clopton his sonne and heire, and he dying without issue (as did also Sir William Clop∣ton, the sonne of the aboue mentioned Sir William.* 1.321) The said Mannor of Newenham passed by Conueyance, dated at Ashdon: 6. die Iunij an. 13. Hen. 4. as did most of all the other large possessions of the Cloptons in Suf∣folke and Cambridgeshire, to William Clopton of Melford, the sonne and heire of Sir Thomas Clopton Knight, who lyeth buried with his wife, the daughter and heire of Mylde, vnder a faire Tombe in the north Isle of the said Church of Melford, called the Cloptons Isle, as doth also the said Wil∣liam Clopton his sonne lie buried vnder the same Tombe,* 1.322 and Margery his wife, the daughter and heire of Elias Francis Esquire, in the same Isle, whose Epitaph is there found on her Graue-stone, as followeth.

Hic iacet Margeria Clopton,* 1.323 nuper vxor Willielmi Clopton Armig. filia▪ et heres Elie Francis Armigeri que obijt.......Iunij Anno Dom. M. cccciiii. euius anime propitietur Deus.

And on this grauestone is there an Escutcheon of Clopton, with an Er∣mine on the bend, empaled with the Armes of Francis, being gules, a Sal∣teire betweene foure crosses formie Patees, Or, from which said William and Margerie, haue the three seuerall Families of Cloptons of Kentwell, Caste∣lins and Liston descended, and the first beene much enobled by the mar∣riage of the daughter and heire of Roydon, descended likewise from the se∣uerall heires or coheires of Knyuet, Belhous, Fitz-warren, Basset of Welle∣don, and diuers other ancient families, as was that familie of Lyston, by the marriage of the daughter and heire of Say, whose ancestors had beene long owners of that mannor,* 1.324 and held it in Capite, as Clopton now doth, by the seruice of making Wafers at the Kings Coronation.

And because these foresaid three Families of Clopton, did descend, as I haue alreadie noted, and were at once branched forth from Sir William Clopton of Lutons in the Countie of Suffolke Knight: it shall not be imper∣tinent to set downe his Epitaph, as it is now to bee seene on his grauestone

in the North Isle of the said Chappell of Melford Church, amongst diuers others of his Ancestors, being as followeth.

* 1.325Orate pro animabus Willielmi Clopton militis et Iohanne Consortis sue, Qui quidem Willielmus, obijt vicesimo die Febrarij Anno Dom. millesimo quingentesimo tricesimo quorum animabus propitietur Deus. Amen.

And on the grauestone aboue this Epitaph, is the Cloptons coate before mentioned, empaled with Marrow, which is Azure a fesse nebulee, inter three Maydens heads coupes, by the Shoulders Ar, the periwiggs, Or.

Thus much of the Cloptons I had from that studious learned gentleman Sir Simond D'Ewes Knight, of which much more when I come to Melford and Tallo-wratting Church in Suffolke.

Here lyth Nicholas Inglefield Esquyr, sometime Controler of the hous to King Rychard the second, who dyed the first of April in the yere of Grase, M.cccc.xv. whos soul Iesu perdon, Amen, Amen, Amen.

Here end the Monuments in the Countie of Essex.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Foundation of the Abbey of West Ham. Cart. Antiq. Litera ••.
• * 1.2

  In bib. Co••t.
• * 1.3

  ••amd in Essex.
• * 1.4

  Io Hamerton Edub his wife, and Rich. his brother.
• * 1.5

  H••n. Ketleby.
• * 1.6

  Marg. Ketleby.
• * 1.7

  Io. Eglesfeeld & Edith•• his wife.
• * 1.8

  Walter Frost, & Anne his wife.
• * 1.9

  Val. Clark and Elis. his wife.
• * 1.10

  Sir George Monox Lord Ma••or.
• * 1.11

  Tho. Heron.
• * 1.12

  Camd. in Nor∣thumb.
• * 1.13

  Rich. Pasmer.
• * 1.14

  Rich▪ Cheney & Ioane his wife.
• * 1.15

  Io. Scot and Ioane his wife.
• * 1.16

  Sub pictura Na∣••is in portu na∣vigan••••s.
• * 1.17

  Io. Ca••graue in vit. Erken.
• * 1.18

  S. Ethelburgh.
• * 1.19

  s. Hildetha.
• * 1.20

  Lib. 4 ca•• cum su•••••• pun••i••us.
• * 1.21

  The charter of Erkenwild to the Nunnes of Ba••king. Ex lib. Abb▪ de ••arking in bib. Co••s.
• * 1.22

  Richard Tres∣wel.
• * 1.23

  Anne Lady Barentine.
• * 1.24

  Sir Tho. Vrs∣wick Knight.
• * 1.25

  Stow. Annal.
• * 1.26

  Elis. Lady Fitz-Lewis.
• * 1.27

  Camd. in Essex.
• * 1.28

  Gilders••urgh.
• * 1.29

  Raph Kn••uinton.
• * 1.30

  〈…〉〈…〉 Knight.
• * 1.31

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ssex.
• * 1.32

  In bib. Co••.
• * 1.33

  The worthy 〈…〉〈…〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.34

  S••ru••y in Fa∣r••••g ward 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.35

  A Bucks head borne before the Procession at Pauls.
• * 1.36

  In our name•• of contempt.
• * 1.37

  The forme of an old deed of Gift.
• * 1.38

  Camd. in Essex out of the Treasurie of the Exchequer
• * 1.39

  Hollins. in the History of Scotland, pag. 248.
• * 1.40

  Will. Ta••burgh.
• * 1.41

  Rich. Lincoln••.
• * 1.42

  Will. Sutton & Ioane his wife.
• * 1.43

  Titles of Ho∣nour. ••. p. ••••. ca. 9.
• * 1.44

  Camden in Yorkeshire.
• * 1.45

  Ioh. and Tho. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.46

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court.
• * 1.47

  Anne Snokeshall
• * 1.48

  Rose Crymvill.
• * 1.49

  Camden.
• * 1.50

  Hospitall at Rochford.
• * 1.51

  Camd. in Essex.
• * 1.52

  Foundation of the Priory.
• * 1.53

  Lib. Mon. de Lewes.
• * 1.54

  Io.Lucas.
• * 1.55

  Io. Cocke and Margaret his wife.
• * 1.56

  Rich. Bowrd.
• * 1.57

  Foundation of the Priory of Stansgate.
• * 1.58

  Foundation of Saint o••••••bes.
• * 1.59

  Io. Cap••raue.
• * 1.60

  Cart. Antiq, lit.
• * 1.61

  Godwin. de Prefisl. Angl.
• * 1.62

  Rich. Beauueis Bishop of Lon¦don. Mss. in bib. Cott.
• * 1.63

  Camd in Essex
• * 1.64

  I••••n Cokar and C••••istian his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.65

  Kimbaline, King of Britaine.
• * 1.66

  Camd. in Essex.
• * 1.67

  Speed Hist.
• * 1.68

  Fl••••es Histor.
• * 1.69

  Stow Annal
• * 1.70

  Kimb. the son of T••••oman••ius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Britaine.
• * 1.71

  Richard Cogge∣shal••.
• * 1.72

  Tho. Darcy and Margaret his wife.
• * 1.73

  Ro Darcy and Elizabeth his wife.
• * 1.74

  In bib. Cot.
• * 1.75

  Sir Robert Dar∣cies Wil•• Ex Regist Epis∣copi Lon••••. Tho. Kem••.
• * 1.76

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 King a Butcher.
• * 1.77

  Rich. Wood and Ioane his wife.
• * 1.78

  Tho. ••rakes and ••lis. his wife.
• * 1.79

  Ri••. Lion and Katherine his wife.
• * 1.80

  Foundation of the white ••••iers.
• * 1.81

  Th•• Maldon.
• * 1.82

  Bale de Carme mel••t•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.83

  Robert Colche∣ster.
• * 1.84

  Wiliam Hor∣kesley.
• * 1.85

  Richard Acton
• * 1.86

  Tho. Hatfield.
• * 1.87

  Hen. Bedford and Alice his wife.
• * 1.88

  Geo. Willoughby and Anastacia his wife
• * 1.89

  Rob. Rockwood.
• * 1.90

  Speed in Essex.
• * 1.91

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Annal.
• * 1.92

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.93

  Rob. Glocest.
• * 1.94

  The foundati∣on of S. Iohns.
• * 1.95

  In Lib. Colt. Iordan and Ro¦bert Sackvile.
• * 1.96

  Foundation of the Hospitall for Lep••••s.
• * 1.97

  Foundation of the Friery of the holy Crosse
• * 1.98

  Foundation of the Minories.
• * 1.99

  In bib. Cott.
• * 1.100

  Mss. in bib. Cot••.
• * 1.101

  Camd. in Ox∣ford.
• * 1.102

  The founda∣tion of Colne Prio••ie.
• * 1.103

  In Rib. Cott.
• * 1.104

  Aubrey de Vere and William his sonne.
• * 1.105

  M••••. in bib. Co••▪
• * 1.106

  Aubrey de Vere the first Earle of Oxford, surnamed the grimme.
• * 1.107

  Lib. Alb. de Colne.
• * 1.108

  Aubrey de Vere the second Earle of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.109

  Hugh de Vere Earle of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.110

  Robert de Vere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.111

  Robert de Vere the sonne of Robert Earle of Oxford.
• * 1.112

  Robert de Vere Earle of Oxford, and Duke of Ireland
• * 1.113

  Speed in vita R. 2.
• * 1.114

  Aubrey de Vere Earle of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.115

  Iohn de Vere Earle of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.116

  Io de Vere E. of Oxford.
• * 1.117

  Maud, Coun∣tesse of Oxford
• * 1.118

  Tho. Paycock Butcher, and Christian his wife.
• * 1.119

  Robert Paycock, Elis and Ioan his wiues.
• * 1.120

  Tho. Paycock, Marg and Anne his wiues.
• * 1.121

  Iohn Paycock and Ioan his wife.
• * 1.122

  Io. Kebull, Isabel and Ioan his wiues
• * 1.123

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Goldwyre, Isabel and Christian his wife.
• * 1.124

  Foundation of Coggeshall Abbey. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in bib. Cott
• * 1.125

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.126

  Io. Doreward and Isab. his wife.
• * 1.127

  Bartholomew Lord Bourchier, Marg. and Ido∣nea his wiues. Rob. Bourchier Lo Chancelor Camd. in Essex
• * 1.128

  Agnes Lady Gate.
• * 1.129

  Peter Wood.
• * 1.130

  Io. Vere Earle of Oxford.
• * 1.131

  In the Cata∣logue of ho∣nour.

  Brooke.
• * 1.132

  Dorothie Scroope.
• * 1.133

  The founda∣tion of a Prio¦rie in Heue∣ningham.
• * 1.134

  Lucie Lady Prioresse of Heningham.
• * 1.135

  Vpon the Crucifi••e.
• * 1.136

  Vpon the ver∣gine Mary.
• * 1.137

  Vpon the image of Lucie.
• * 1.138

  Sir Io. Hawke∣wood knight.
• * 1.139

  Stow Annal.
• * 1.140

  In bib Cot & in Arch Tu•••• Lon••. 1 Pars 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Ann. 8. H. 4. m. ••0.
• * 1.141

  Paul. Io••••us in E••g.
• * 1.142

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.143

  Stow Annal.
• * 1.144

  William Holden and Agnes his wife.
• * 1.145

  Tho. Lord Audley.
• * 1.146

  Tho. Holden.
• * 1.147

  Mathew West. Priest Rector
• * 1.148

  Io. Nichols and his foure wiues
• * 1.149

  Lechec.
• * 1.150

  The like before in Feuersham.
• * 1.151

  Hugh Price Abbot.
• * 1.152

  Io. Chynt Priest Rector.
• * 1.153

  Robert Wyld Priest, Rector.
• * 1.154

  The foundati∣on of Walden Abbey.
• * 1.155

  In Arch. Tu••r. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.156

  Camd. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.157

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.158

  The Duke of Glocester, be∣cause the Swan was his cognisance.
• * 1.159

  Abstract 〈…〉〈…〉 An 41. Ed. 3.
• * 1.160

  An •• Rich. 2.
• * 1.161

  Leez Abbey.
• * 1.162

  Humfrey Waiden
• * 1.163

  Hen Langley and Mar. his wife.
• * 1.164

  Tho. Langley.
• * 1.165

  Hen Langley and Lady Ka∣therine his wife.
• * 1.166

  Ric. Dammary and Alice his wife.
• * 1.167

  Sir Walter Clarke Priest.
• * 1.168

  Rich. Large and Alice his wife.
• * 1.169

  Will. Bourchier 〈…〉〈…〉, Earle of Ewe.
• * 1.170

  Hen. Bourchier E. of Essex.
• * 1.171

  Hen. Bourchier E. of Essex.
• * 1.172

  Stow Annal.
• * 1.173

  Out of certaine ancient colle∣ctions in Essex.
• * 1.174

  Sir Tho. Lo∣vaine knight.
• * 1.175

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.176

  Robert North∣burnt.
• * 1.177

  In the window
• * 1.178

  The foundati∣on of Tiltey Abbey.
• * 1.179

  Des. Leicest. lit. B.
• * 1.180

  Gerard Dannet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mary his wife:
• * 1.181

  Tho de Thakley Abbot.
• * 1.182

  Will. Moigne. Ann 2••. Ed. 1.
• * 1.183

  The foundati∣on of the Pri∣orie.
• * 1.184

  Ex Mss. in bib. Colt.
• * 1.185

  Robert de Vere Earle of Ox∣ford.
• * 1.186

  Tho. Barington and Anne has wife.
• * 1.187

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.188

  Miiles Catal.
• * 1.189

  Walter Bigod
• * 1.190

  Simon Regham
• * 1.191

  Io. Ienone and Alice his wife.
• * 1.192

  The founda∣tion of the Pri¦ory of Dun∣mow.
• * 1.193

  Out of an ab∣stract of the Chronicle of Dunmow, in b••b. Cott.
• * 1.194

  Matilda surna¦med the faire.
• * 1.195

  Ex predict. lib Dunmow.

  Stow Annal.
• * 1.196

  Stow. Annal.
• * 1.197

  Sir Rob. Fitz-water knight.
• * 1.198

  Extract. lib. Dunmow. in saepe dict. bib. Cott.
• * 1.199

  Walter of Clare or Walter Fitz-Robert.
• * 1.200

  Extract lib. de D•••• perd••ct.
• * 1.201

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dun∣mowe now cast and chri∣sten••d
• * 1.202

  Io Blakemore Prior.
• * 1.203

  Radcliffe Patron of the Priory of little Dunmow.
• * 1.204

  Newton Hall
• * 1.205

  Ro. Radcliffe Earle of Sussex
• * 1.206

  Shee tooke the title of Supre∣macy vpon her in the begin∣ning of her raigne, which she relinquish∣ed before her death.
• * 1.207

  Tho. Coggeshall and Ioane his wife.
• * 1.208

  Tho. Browne.
• * 1.209

  The Hospitall in Newport.
• * 1.210

  The Foundati∣on of the Col∣ledge at 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.211

  Io. Holland Earle of Exce∣ter.
• * 1.212

  Camd. in Essex.
• * 1.213

  Sir Ed. Holland Earle of Mor∣taigne and his wife.
• * 1.214

  Io. Scot the first Master of this Colledge:
• * 1.215

  Robert Freuyt.
• * 1.216

  Tho. Plantagines Duke of Glo∣cester.
• * 1.217

  Hollins. p. 489.
• * 1.218

  Catal. of Hon. Brooke.
• * 1.219

  Elianor Duch∣esse of Glouce∣ster.
• * 1.220

  Cronie. tripart. in bib. Cot. The Swanne the Duke of Gloc. cogni∣sance.
• * 1.221

  Histor Ang. l. 20.
• * 1.222

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.223

  The foundati∣on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hatfield Colledge.
• * 1.224

  ••ob. Symond.
• * 1.225

  ••era•••• Bray∣broke and his wife.
• * 1.226

  Darcies.
• * 1.227

  Hollins. 〈…〉〈…〉 Annal The Deuill of Danbury.
• * 1.228

  Ro. Tendering.
• * 1.229

  Tho. ••ille and Marg••ry his wife.
• * 1.230

  Abstract ••e••. in Scaccar.
• * 1.231

  Iohn Biglon Butcher, and Florance his wife.
• * 1.232

  Io. Rochford.
• * 1.233

  Gertrude Lady Petre.
• * 1.234

  The foundati∣on of Wal∣tham Abbey.
• * 1.235

  Waltham Crosse.
• * 1.236

  Cart. Ant. Litur. R.R.
• * 1.237

  Stow Annal. speed.
• * 1.238

  The death of king Harold.
• * 1.239

  The buriall of King Harold.
• * 1.240

  Girth and Leo••∣win King Ha∣rolds brethren.
• * 1.241

  Camd Re∣maines.
• * 1.242

  Sir Io. Hayward in vita Will. 1.
• * 1.243

  The Charter of K. Harold.
• * 1.244

  Rob. Glocest.
• * 1.245

  Hugh Nevill cheefe For∣rester of Eng∣land. Mat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ad an 12••0.
• * 1.246

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 eodem an. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.247

  Paris ad an. 1145.
• * 1.248

  Iohn Nevill.
• * 1.249

  In bib Col.
• * 1.250

  Robert Passelew
• * 1.251

  Dannil. in vil. Hen 3.
• * 1.252

  Paris.
• * 1.253

  Paris eod an.
• * 1.254

  Remaines pa. 16.
• * 1.255

  Iohn and Ioan Cressy.
• * 1.256

  Sir Edward Denny knight and Ioan his wife.
• * 1.257

  Cart. Antiq. li••. M.
• * 1.258

  A little Co∣uent of Friers subiect to the Chanons and their Rules.
• * 1.259

  Priorie de cor∣nuto. Stow Suruay.
• * 1.260

  Hore-Church.
• * 1.261

  Hen. Arundell
• * 1.262

  Will. Ailiffe.
• * 1.263

  Iulian Lady Roche.
• * 1.264

  Suruay.
• * 1.265

  Katherine Fer∣mor.
• * 1.266

  Tho. Seargill & Elis. his wife
• * 1.267

  Rob. Glocest.
• * 1.268

  poore.
• * 1.269

  readie for God.
• * 1.270

  Auery Corn∣burgh, Beatrice his wife, and Doctor Crow∣land.
• * 1.271

  Elis. Hannys.
• * 1.272

  Taleworth.
• * 1.273

  Ab. Rel. in Scac.
• * 1.274

  Rich. Ballard and Margerie his wife.
• * 1.275

  〈…〉〈…〉. his wife.
• * 1.276

  〈…〉〈…〉 wife.
• * 1.277

  〈…〉〈…〉-Hall
• * 1.278

  Ex Autographo eiusdem carie dat an. 2 E•• 1. penes Radul∣phum Lathum A••m••g domi∣num Mancrie eiusdem.
• * 1.279

  Escaetr. de. a. 41. E. 3.
• * 1.280

  Ex Autogra∣pho eiusdem cartae dat. 10. Iulij, a. 15. E. 1. penes R. L. prae∣dictum.
• * 1.281

  Rot Pat. de a. 3. R. 2. parte 3.
• * 1.282

  Penes Rad. Lath, praedict.
• * 1.283

  In this place tis probable the words to be supplied are Pro animabus filiorum suorum et.
• * 1.284

  She was the daughter of Sir Wi••liam Roche Knight.
• * 1.285

  William Cook & Elis. his wife.
• * 1.286

  Tho. Alderton and Alice his wife.
• * 1.287

  Camd. in Essex
• * 1.288

  Rog. Lancaster. In his Crono. descrip. of Es∣sex, a Mss.
• * 1.289

  Iordan le Brune.
• * 1.290

  Rich. Chirche
• * 1.291

  Butler
• * 1.292

  Staple
• * 1.293

  Sir Giles Chan∣ceux
• * 1.294

  Scot
• * 1.295

  Sir Io. Greyton
• * 1.296

  Lamberne
• * 1.297

  Sir Lucas T••anye.
• * 1.298

  S••ow. ••alsing.
• * 1.299

  History of Wales.
• * 1.300

  Thomasia, Tho. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 He∣••••ngham.
• * 1.301

  Tho. Fige.
• * 1.302

  Ioan Wyborne.
• * 1.303

  Iohn Pinchon and Ioan his wife.
• * 1.304

  Margaret Bar∣ners.
• * 1.305

  Iohn Barners
• * 1.306

  Constance Bar∣ners.
• * 1.307

  Io. Barners and Elis. his wife.
• * 1.308

  Nic. Barners & Marg his wife.
• * 1.309

  Catal. of Ho∣nour, title Essex.
• * 1.310

  Isabell Tyrell.
• * 1.311

  Elis. Tyrell.
• * 1.312

  Sir Io T••rell. and Alice his wife.
• * 1.313

  Their chil∣dren.
• * 1.314

  Tho. Tirell.
• * 1.315

  Catherine Tirrell
• * 1.316

  Edward Mack∣williams, his sonne Henry and Anne his wife.
• * 1.317

  Sir Wil. Clopton.
• * 1.318

  Sir Tho. Clopton
• * 1.319

  Ed. Clopton.
• * 1.320

  Penes Simonds D••Ewes Equit. aurat.
• * 1.321

  Autographum vidi, penes S. D'Ewes Eq. aurat.
• * 1.322

  William Clopton.
• * 1.323

  Margery Clop∣ton.
• * 1.324

  Abstract. Rele∣uior. de Scaccar. Regis termino. Hill a. 37. Ed. 3.
• * 1.325

  Sir Will. Clopton Knight, and Ioane his wife.