Britain, or A chorographicall description of the most flourishing kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the ilands adjoyning, out of the depth of antiquitie beautified vvith mappes of the severall shires of England: vvritten first in Latine by William Camden Clarenceux K. of A. Translated newly into English by Philémon Holland Doctour in Physick: finally, revised, amended, and enlarged with sundry additions by the said author.

[ A]

CHES-SHIRE.

THE fifth and last of those Countries, which in old time the CORNAVII held, is the County of CHESTER; in the Saxons Tongue 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, commonly CHES-SHIRE, and The County Palatine of Chester, (for that the Earles thereof had Royalties and princely Priviledges be∣longing to them; and all the Inhabitants owed Allegeance and fealty to them, as they did to the King.) As for this [ B] tearme Palatine,* 1.1 that I may rehearse againe, that which I have said before of this name, was in times past common to all those, who bare a∣ny Office in the Kings Court or Palace: and in that age Comes Palatinus, was a Title of Dignity conferred upon him who before was Palatinus,* 1.2 with authority to heare and determine Causes in his owne Territory; and as well his Nobles, whom they called Barons, as his Vassals were bound to repaire to the Palace of the said Count, both to give him advise and also to give their attendance, and furnish his Court with their presence.

This Country (as William of Malmesbury saith) Is scarce of Corne,* 1.3 but especially of [ C] Wheat, yet plentifull in Cattaile and fish. Howbeit Ranulph the Monke of Chester, affir∣meth the contrary: Whatsoever Malmesbury dreamd (saith hee) upon the relation of o∣thers, it aboundeth with all kinde of victuals, plenteous in Corne, flesh, fish, and salmons espe∣cially, of the very best: it maintaineth trade with many commodities, and maketh good re∣turne. For why, in the Confines thereof it hath salt pits, mines, and metals. And this more∣over will I adde: the grasse and fodder there, is of that goodnesse and vertue, that cheeses bee made heere in great number of a most pleasing and delicate taste,* 1.4 such as all England againe affordeth not the like; no, though the best dayriwomen other∣wise and skilfullest in cheese making be had from hence. And whiles I am writing this, I cannot chuse but mervaile by the way at that which Strabo writeth, That in [ D] his time some Britans could not skill of making Cheese: and that Plinie afterwards wonde∣red: That barbarous Nations, who lived of milke, either knew not or despised, for so many ages, the commodity of Cheese, who otherwise had the feat of crudding it to a pleasant tart∣nesse, and to fat bu••yr. Whereby it may be gathered, that the devise of making Cheese came into Britaine from the Romans. But howsoever this Region in fertility of soile commeth behinde many Countries in England, yet hath it alwaies bred and reared more Gentry than the rest: For, you have not in all England againe any one Pro∣vince beside, that in old time either brought more valorous Gentlemen into the field, or had more Families in it of Knights degree. On the Southside it is hemmed in with Shropp shire, on the Eastside with Stafford-shire and Darby-shire, on the North [ E] with Lancashire, and on the West, with Denbigh and Flint-shires. Toward the North-West it runneth farre into the sea with a long cantle * 1.5 or Promontory, which being enclosed within two Creekes receiveth the Ocean on both sides entring into the land: into which two Creekes also all the Rivers of this Shire doe discharge themselves. Into that Creeke which is more Westerne passeth the River Dee that di∣videth the country from Denbigh-shire: into that on the Eastside, both Wever, which runneth through the mids of the Shire, and Mersey also, that parteth it from Lanca∣shire, issue themselves. Neither see I any better way of describing this County, than if I follow the very tracts of these Rivers. For, all the places of greatest note, are situate by the sides of them. But before I enter into any particular description, I will first [ F] propose out of Lucian the Monke, thus much in commendation of Ches-shire: for he is a rare Author and lived a little after the Conquest. If any man be desirous (saith hee) either fully,* 1.6 or as neere as may bee, to treat of the Inhabitants, according to the disposition of their manners, in respect of others that live in sundry places of the Realme. They are found to bee partly different from the rest of English, partly better, and partly equall unto them.

But they seeme especially (the best point to bee considered in generall triall of manners) in [ A] feasting freindly, at meat cheerefull, in giving entertaiment liberall, soone angry, but not much, and as soone pacified, lavish in words, impatient of servitude, mercifull to the affli∣cted, compassionate toward the poore, kinde to their kinred, spary of their labour, void of dis∣simulation and doublenesse of heart, nothing greedy in eating, farre from dangerous pra∣ctises, yet by a certaine licentious liberty, bold in borowing many times other mens goods. They abound in Woods and pastures, they are rich in flesh and Cattaile, confining on the one side upon the Welsh Britans, and by a long entercourse and transfusion of their manners, for the most part like unto them. This also is to be considered, in what sort the Country of Che∣ster enclosed upon one side with the limite of the Wood Lime, by a certaine distinct privi∣ledge from all other Englishmen is free, and by the Indulgences of Kings and Excellencies [ B] of Earles hath beene wont in Assemblies of the people to attend upon the Earles sword rather than the Kings Crowne: and within their precinct to heare, and determine the greatest mat∣ters with more liberty. Chester it selfe is a place of receit for the Irish, a neighbour to the Welsh, and plentifully served with Corne by the English: Finely seated, with Gates anciently built, approoved in hard and dangerous difficulties. In regard of the River and prospect of the eye together, worthy according to the name to be called a City: garded with watch of holy and religious men, and, through the mercy of our Saviour, alwaies fensed and fortified with the mercifull assistance of the Almightie.

* 1.7The River * 1.8 Dee, called in Latin Deva, in British Dyffyr-dwy, that is, the water of Dwy, breeding very great plenty of Salmons, ariseth out of two fountaines in Wales; [ C] and thereof men thinke it tooke the name: for Dwy in their tongue signifieth Two. Yet others, observing also the signification of the word, interpret it Black-water, o∣thers againe, Gods water, or Divine water. But although Ausonius noteth that a Spring hallowed to the Gods was named Diuvona in the ancient Gaules tongue (which was all one with the British) and in old time all Rivers were reputed,* 1.9 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Descen∣ding from Heaven, yea and our Britans yeelded divine honour unto Rivers, as Gildas writeth, yet I see not why they should attribute Divinity to this River Dwy above all others. The Thessalians, as we reade, gave to the River Paeneus divine honour, for the pleasantnesse thereof; the Scythians to Danubius for the largenesse; the Germans to Rhene because it was counted a judge in the question of true and undefiled wedlocke: [ D] But wherefore they should impose a divine name upon this River I see no reason, as I said before, unlesse peradventure, because now and then it changed the Chanell, and thereby foreshewed a sure token of Victory to the Inhabitants upon it, when they were in hostility one with another, according as it inclined more to this side or to that, after it had left the Chanell: for, thus hath Giraldus Cambrensis recorded, who in some sort beleeved it: Or else, because they observed that contrary to the wonted manner of other Rivers, upon the fall of much raine it arose but little, and so often as the South winde beateth long upon it, it swelleth and extraordinarily overfloweth the grounds adjoyning. Peradventure also the Christian Britans thought the water of this River to be holy: For, it is written, that when they stood ready to joyne battaile [ E] with the English Saxons and had kissed the earth, they dranke also very devoutly of this River, in memoriall of Christs most sacred and pretious bloud. But, Dee which seemeth to rush rather than to run out of Wales, no sooner is entred into Cheshire but he passeth more mildely with a slower streame by BONIUM,* 1.10 in some written co∣pies of Antonine, BOVIUM, a City that had been of great name in that age, and af∣terward a famous Monastery. Of the Chore or quire whereof, it was called by the Britans Bon-chor and Banchor,* 1.11 of the ancient English 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Banchor, and among many good and godly men, it fostered and brought up (as some write) that most wicked Arch-heretick Pelagius, who injuriously derogating from the grace of God, troubled a long time the West Church with his pestiferous Doctrine. Pro∣sper [ F] Aquitanus in this Verse of his, termeth him the British Adder, or Land-snake.

Pestifero vomuit coluber sermone Britannus. A British Snake, with venemous tongue, Hath vomited his poison strong.

[ A] Neither have I made mention of him for any other reason, but because it is be∣hoveable to each one to know vices and venims. In this Monastery, as saith Bede, There was such a number of Monkes that being divided into seven portions, which had eve∣ry of them a severall head and Ruler over them, yet every one of these had no fewer than three hundred men who were wont to live all of their handy labour, Of whom Edilfred King of the Nordan-humbers slew 12. hundred, because they had implored in their prayers Christs assistance for the Christian Britans against the English-Saxons,* 1.12 then infidels. The profession of this Monasticall life (that I may digresse a little) began, when Pagan Tyrans enraged against Christians pursued them with bloudy persecu∣tions. For then good devout men, that they might serve God in more safety and se∣curity, [ B] withdrew themselves into the vast Wildernesses of Aegypt,* 1.13 and not (as the Painims are wont with open mouth to give it out) for to enwrap themselves wil∣lingly in more miseries because they would not be in misery.

Where they scattered themselves among Mountaines and Deserts, living in caves and little cells heere and there in holy meditations. At first solitary and a∣lone, whereupon in Greeke they were called Monachi, that is, Monkes: but after they thought it better (as the sociable nature of mankinde required) to meete together at certaine times to serve God, and at length they beganne to cohabite and live toge∣ther for mutuall comfort, rather than like wilde beasts to walke up and downe in the Deserts. Their profession was to pray, and by the labour of their owne hands, to get [ C] living for themselves, and maintenance for the poore, and withall they vowed pover∣ty, obedience and chastity. Athanasius first brought this kinde of Monkes consisting of Laymen into the West Church. Whereunto after that Saint Austen in Africke, Saint Martin in France, and Congell in Britaine and Ireland had adjoyned the function of Regular Clergy: It is incredible, how farre and wide they spred, how many and how great Coenobies were built for them, so called of their communion of life; as also Mo∣nasteries, for that they kept still a certaine shew of solitary living: and in those daies none were more sacred and holy than they, and accordingly they were reputed; considering how by their praiers to God, by their example, Doctrine, labour, and in∣dustry, they did exceeding much good not onely to themselves, but also to all man∣kinde. [ D] But as the world grew worse and worse, so those their holy manners, as one said, rebus cessere secundis, that is, Gave backward in time of prosperity. Now let mee re∣turne unto my matter, craving your pardon for this short digression.

After these dayes, this Monastery fell utterly to ruine;* 1.14 for, in the time of William of Malmesbury who lived presently after the Normans comming in, There remained heere, as hee saith, so many tokens of Antiquity, so many walles of Churches halfe downe, so many windings and turnings of Gates, such heapes of rubbish and rammell, as hardly a man should have found elsewhere. But now is left to bee seene scarcely the face and out∣ward shew of a dead City or Monastery, and the names only remaine of two Gates Port Hoghan and Port Cleis, which stand a mile asunder, betweene which are found [ E] very oft peeces of the Romans money.* 1.15 But, that I may tell you of one thing, this Bo∣NIUM or Banchor is not reckoned within this County but in Flintshire; a peece where∣of severed (as it were) from the rest lyeth heere betweene Cheshire and Shropp-shire.

Dee, where he entreth first into this shire seeth above him not farre from his banke, Malpas, upon an high hill: which had in it a Castle; and for the bad, narrow, and combrous way was termed in Latin Mala platea, that is, Ilstreet, and thence also tooke this later name Mal-pas from the Normans,* 1.16 whereas in times past the Englishmen, almost in the very same sense, called it Depenbach. The Barony hereof Hugh Earle of Chester gave to Robert Fitz-Hugh: In the Raigne of Henry the Second, William Patricke the sonne of William Patricke held the same: of whose line Robert Patricke [ F] standing outlawed, lost it. After some few yeeres David of Mal-pas by * 1.17 a Writ of Recognisance, gat the one halfe of that Towne which was Gilbert Clerkes: But a great part of this Barony went afterwards hereditarily to those Suttons that are Barons of Dudley: and a part also thereof came to Urian Sampier. And from Philip a youn∣ger sonne of David of Mal-pas, is descended that worshipfull family of the Egertons,

who tooke this name from the place of their habitation: like as from other places, [ A] diverse Gentlemen of this Race received their sirnames Cotgrave, Overton, Codington, and Golborn. As touching the name of this place, give mee leave before I depart hence, in this serious worke, to insert a prety jest out of Giraldus Cambrensis. It hap∣ned, saith hee, in our dates, that a certain Jew travailing towards Shrewsbury, with the Archdeacon of this place,* 1.18 whose sirname was Peche, that is, Sinne, and a Deane named Devill; when he heard by chance the Archdeacon telling, That his Archdeaconry beganne at a place called Il-street, and reached as farre as to Mal-pas toward Chester: Hee conside∣ring and understanding withall as well the Archdeacons sirname as the Deanes, came out with this pleasant and merry conceit, Would it not bee a wonder (quoth hee) and my fortune very good, if ever I get safe againe out of this country, where Sinne is the Archdeacon, and [ B] the Devill the Deane; where the entry into the Archdeaconry is Il-street, and the going forth of it, Mal-pas.

* 1.19From hence Dee runneth downe amaine by Shoclach, where sometime was a Castle, by Aldford, belonging in times past to the Arderns; by Poulefourd, where in the Reigne of Henry the Third, Sir Raulph of Ormesby had his Castle, and by Ea∣ton the seat of the famous Family of Gros-venour,* 1.20 that is, The great Hunter, whose posterity now corruptly goe under the name of Gravenor.

Somewhat higher, upon the same River neere unto Dee-mouth, which Ptolomee calleth SETEIA for Deia, standeth the noble City which the said Ptolomee na∣med DEUNANA,* 1.21 Antonine the Emperour DEVA, of the River, the Britans [ C] Caer-Legion, Caer-Leon Vaur, Caer-Leon ar Dufyr Dwy, and by way of excellency Caer, like as our Ancestours, the English Saxons 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the Legions Campe, and wee more short,* 1.22 West-Chester, of the West situation, and simply Chester, accor∣ding to the Verse.

Cestria de castris nomen quasi Castria sumpsit. Chester of Castria tooke the name, As if that Castria were the same.

For these British names, without all doubt were derived from the Twentieth Le∣gion [ D] named Victrix: This Legion in the yeere that Galba the Emperour was the se∣cond time Consull, together with Titus Vinius, was transported over into Britaine which being out of awe and therefore dreaded of the Lieutenants, as well those which had beene Consuls as Pretours, had Julius Agricola appointed Lieutenant o∣ver it by Vespasian the Emperour; was at length placed and seated in this City which I suppose was not built many yeeres before, and set as one would say at the backe of the ORDOVICES, to restraine them: although there are some, who avouch it to be of greater antiquity, as they say than the Moone: as founded forsooth by Leon-Vaur the Giant, I know not how many hundred yeeres before. But the very name it selfe might give the checke unto these triviall Antiquaries, and withhold them from [ E] so grosse an errour. For, they cannot deny, but that Leon-Vaur in British signifieth A great Legion. Now, whether it stands more with reason and equity, that a City should take name of a Great Legion, than of Leon a Giant, let the learned judge; see∣ing, that in the part of Spaine called Tarraconensis, there is a Realme now called Leon of the seventh Legion Germanica; considering also, that the twentieth Legion, which they tearmed Britannica, Valens Victrix, and some falsely Valeria Victrix, abode in this City, as Ptolomee, Antonine, and the ancient Coine of Septimius Geta doe prove: by which, it appeareth for certaine, that this City also was a Colony: For, in the re∣verse or back-side thereof standeth this Inscription COL. DIUANA LEG. XX. VICTRIX.* 1.23 But to testifie the Romanes magnificence, there are remaining indeed [ F] at this day very few tokens, beside pavements of foure square checker worke: how∣beit in the former ages it presented many: which, Ranulph a Monke of this City shall tell you out of his Polychronicon in these his owne words. There be waies heere un∣der the ground vaulted marveilously with stone worke, chambers having arched roofes over

[ A] head, huge stones engraven with the names of ancient men: heere also are sometimes digged up peeces of money coined by Julius Caesar and other famous persons, and stumped with their in∣scriptions. Likewise Roger of Chester in his Policraticon, When I behold (saith he) the ground worke of buildings in the streetes laid with monstrous big stones, it seemeth that it hath beene founded by the painfull labour of Romans or Giants, rather than by the sweat of Britans. This City built in forme of a quadrant, foure square, is enclosed with a wall that taketh up more than two miles in compasse,* 1.24 and hath eleven parishes. But that of S. Johns with∣out the Northgate was the fairest, being a stately and solemne building, as appeareth by the remaines, wherein were anciently Prebendaries, and, as some write, the Bishops See. Neere unto the River standeth the Castle upon a rocky hill, built by the Earles: [ B] where the Courts Palatine, and the Assises, as they call them, are kept twice a yeere.

The houses are very faire built and along the chiefe streets are galleries or walking places,* 1.25 they call them Rowes having shops on both sides, through which a man may walke dry from one end unto the other. But it hath not continued evermore in one tenor of prosperity. First it was rased by Egfrid King of Northumberland, then by the Danes, yet reedified againe by Aedelfled Lady of the Mercians: and soone after it saw King Eadgar in magnificent maner triumphing over the British Princes. For,* 1.26 sit∣ting himselfe in a Barge at the fore-decke, Kennadie King of the Scots, Malcoline King of Cumberland,* 1.27 Macon King of Mann and of the Islands, with all the Princes of Wales brought to doe homage,* 1.28 and like watermen working at the Ore, rowed him a∣long [ C] the River Dee, in a triumphant shew, to his great glory and joy of the beholders.

Certaine yeeres after, and namely about the yeere of our Redemption 1094. when as in a devour and religious emulation, as one saith, Princes strove avie, That Cathedrall Churches and Minsters should bee erected in a more decent and seemely forme,* 1.29 and when as Christendome rouzed as it were her selfe, and casting away her old habiliments, did put on every where the bright and white robe of Churches; Hugh the first of the Norman bloud, that was Earle of Chester, repaired the Church which Earle Loefrick had for∣merly founded in honour of the Virgin Saint Werburga, and by the advise of Anselm, whom he had procured to come out of Normandy granted the same unto Monkes. And now, it is notorious for the Tombe of Henry the Fourth, Emperour of Al∣maine, [ D] who as they say gave over his Empire and lived heere an Eremits life; and for the Bishops See, therein established. Which See immediately after the Nor∣mans Conquest, Peter Bishop of Lichfield, translated from Lichfield hither: but when it was brought to Coventry, and from thence into the ancient seat againe, West-Chester lay a long time berest of this Episcopall Dignity, untill in our fathers dayes King Henry the Eighth, having thrust out the Monkes, ordeined Prebendaries, and resto∣red a Bishopagaine, under whom for his Dioecesse he appointed this County, Lanca∣shire, Richmond, &c. and appointed the same to be within the Province of the Arch∣bishop of Yorke. But returne wee now to matters of greater antiquity. When as now the said Cathedrall Church was built, the Earles that were of the Normans [ E] line, fortified the City both with Walles and Castle. For as the Bishop held of the King that which belongeth to his Bishopricke (these are the words of Domesday booke made by King William the Conquerour) so the Earles with their men held of the King wholly, all the rest, of the City. It paid Geld or Tribute for fifty hides: and foure hundred and thirty and one houses were thus Geldable: and seven Mint-masters. When the King himselfe in person came thither every Carrucata yeelded unto him two hundred Hestas, and one turn full of Ale, and one Rusca of butyr. And in the same place, for the reedification of the City wall and the bridge, the Provost gave warning by an edict, that out of every hide in the Coun∣ty one man should come: and looke whose man came not, his Lord or Master was sined in for∣ty shillings to the King and the Earle. If I should particulate the scufflings and skirmi∣shes [ F] heere about betweene the Welsh and the English in the beginning of the Nor∣mans time, their inrodes and outrodes, the often scarfires of the Suburbs of Hanbrid beyond the Bridge, whereupon the Welshmen call it Treboeth, that is, The burnt towne, as also the Wall made there of Welshmens skuls that went a great length, I should seeme to forget my selfe and thrust my sicle into the Historians Harvest.

But ever since the said time, hath Chester notably flourished, and King Henry the [ A] Seventh made it a County by it selfe incorporate. Neither wanteth any thing there that may be required in a most flourishing City, but that the Ocean being of∣fended and angry (as it were) at certaine Mills in the very chanell of the River Dee, hath by little withdrawne himselfe back, and affoordeth not unto the City the com∣modity of an Haven, as heretofore. The Longitude of this place is twenty Degrees and three and twenty Scruples: the Latitude three and fifty Degrees and eleven Scruples. If you desire to know more touching this City, have here these reports out of Lucian that Monke abovesaid, who lived almost five hundred yeeres agoe. First, it is to bee considered, that Chester is built as a City, the site whereof inviteth and allureth the eye, which being situate in the West parts of Britaine, was in time past a place [ B] of receipt to the Legions comming a farre off to repose themselves, and served sufficiently to keepe the Keies, as I may say, of Ireland, for the Romanes, to preserve the limite of their Empire. For, being opposite to the North-East part of Ireland, it openeth way for passage of ships and Mariners with spread saile passing not often but continually to and fro, as also for the commodities of sundry sorts of Merchandise. And whiles it casteth an eye forward into the East; it looketh toward not onely the See of Rome and the Emperor thereof, but the whole world also: so that it standeth forth as a kenning place to the view of eyes: that there may bee knowne valiant exploites, and the long traine and consequents of things; as also whatsoever throughout the world hath beene done by all persons, in all places, and at all times: and what ever hath beene all done may also bee avoided and taken heed of. [ C] Which City having foure Gates from the foure cardinall Windes on the East side, hath a prospect toward India, on the West toward Ireland, North-Eastward the greater Norway, and Southward that streight and narrow Angle, which divine severity, by reason of ci∣vill and home-discords, hath left unto the Britans. Which long since by their bitter vari∣ance have caused the name of Britaine to bee changed into the name of England. Over and beside, Chester hath by Gods gift a River to enrich and adorne it, the same faire and fishfull, hard by the City Walles: and on the South side a rode and harbour for shippes comming from Gascoine, Spaine, and Germany, which with the helpe and direction of Christ, by the labour and wisedome of Merchants, repaire and refresh the heart of the City with many good things: that wee being comforted every way by our Gods Grace, may also drinke [ D] Wine often, more frankely and plenteously: because those Countries enjoy the fruite of the Vineyards aboundantlie; Moreover the open Sea ceaseth not to visite it every day with a Tide, which according as the broad shelves and barres of sands are opened or hid∣den by Tides and Ebbes incessantly, is wont more or lesse, either to send or exchange one thing or other, and by his reciprocall Flow and returnes, either to bring in or to carry out somewhat.

From the City, North-Westward, there shooteth out a languet of land, or Pro∣montory of the maine land into the Sea, enclosed on the one side with Dee mouth, on the other side with the River Mersey:* 1.30 wee call it Wirall: the Welsh Britans, for that it is an Angle, tearme it Kill-gury. In old time it was all forest and not in∣habited, [ E] as the Dwellers report, but King Edward the Third disforested it: Yet now, beset it is with Townes on every side: howbeit more beholding to the Sea than to the Soile: for, the land beareth small plenty on Corne, the water yeeldeth great store of fish. At the entry into it on the South side standeth Shotwich a Ca∣stle of the Kings, upon the salt water: Upon the North standeth Hooten, a Man∣nour, which in King Richard the Second his time, came to the Stanleies, who fetch their Pedegree from Alane Silvestre upon whom Ranulph the first of that name, Earle of Chester, conferred the Bailly-wick of the Forest of Wirall, by delivering unto him an horne. Close unto this is Poole, from whence the Lords of the place that have a long time flourished, tooke their name: and hard by it Stanlaw, as the Monkes [ F] of that place interprete it,* 1.31 A Stony hill: where John Lacy Connestable of Chester foun∣ded a little Monastery, which afterward by reason of inundations was translated to Whaley in Lancashire.* 1.32

In the utmost brinke of this Promontory, lieth a small, hungry, barren, and sandy

[ A] Isle,* 1.33 called Il-bre, which had sometime a little Cell of Monkes in it. More within the Country and Eastward from Wirall, you meet with a famous Forest, named the Forest of Delamere, the Foresters whereof by hereditary succ••ssion, are the Dawns of Vtkimon, descended of a worshipfull stocke, from Ranulph de Kingleigh, unto whom Ranulph the first, Earle of Chester gave that Forestership, to bee held by right of in∣heritance. In this Forest Aedelfled, the famous Mercian Lady, built a little City called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, by interpretation, Happy Towne, which now having quite lost it selfe hath likewise lost that name, and is but an heape of rubbish and rammell, which they call, The Chamber in the Forest. And about a mile or two from hence, are to bee seene the ruines of Finborrow,* 1.34 another Towne built by the same Lady [ B] Aedelfled.

Through the upper part of this Forest the River Wever runneth, which ariseth out of a Poole in the South side of the Shire at Ridly,* 1.35 the dwelling house of the wor∣ship••ull Family of the Egertons: who flowered out of the Barons of Melpas, as I have said. Neere hereunto is Bunbury contractly so called for Boniface Bury, for Saint Boniface was the Patron Saint there, where the Egertous built a College for Priests. Over against which is Beeston which gave sirname to an ancient family, and where up∣on a steepe rising hill,* 1.36 Beeston Castle towereth aloft with a turretted wall of a great cir∣cuit. This Castle the last Ranulph Earle of Chester built: whereof Leland our Countri∣man being rapt both with a Poeticall and Propheticall fury, writeth thus.

[ C]

Assyrio rediens victor Ranulphus ab orbe, Hoc posuit Castrum terrorem gentibus olim Vic••uis, patriaeque suae memorabile vallum. Nunc licet indignas patiatur fracta ruinas, Tempus erit quando rursus caput exeret altum, Vatibus antiquis si fas mihi credere vati.

When Ranulph from Assyria return'd with victory; As well the neighbour Nations to curbe and terrifie, [ D] As for to sense his owne Country, this famous Fort he rais'd, Whilom a stately things, but now the pride thereof is raz'd. And yet though at this present time, it be in meane estate With crackes and breaches much defac'd, and fouly ruinate; The day will come when it againe the head aloft shall heave, If ancient Prophets I my selfe a Prophet, may beleeve.

But to returne to the River, Wever first holdeth his course Southward, not farre from Woodhay,* 1.37 where dwelt a long time that family of the Wilburhams knights in great reputation;* 1.38 also by Bulkeley and Cholmondley which imparted their names to wor∣shipfull [ E] houses of knights degree; not farre off on the one hand from Baddeley the ha∣bitation in times past of the ancient Family de Praerijs: of the other, from Cumber∣mer, in which William Malbedeng founded a little religious house.* 1.39 Where this River commeth to the South limit of this Shire, it passeth through low places; wherein, as also els••where,* 1.40 the people finde oftentimes and get out of the ground, trees that have lien buried, as it is thought, there, ever since Noahs floud. But afterwards, wa∣tering fruitfull fields, he taketh to him out of the East a riveret by which standeth Wib∣benbury, so called of Wibba, King of the Mercians. Hard to it lie, Hatherton, the seat in old time of the Orbetes, then of the Corbetts, but now of the Smithes; Dodinton, the possession of the Delvesies; Batherton, of the Griphins; Shavinton of the Wodenoths [ F] (who by that name may seeme to have descended from the English Saxons) beside the places of other famous Families wherewith this County every where aboun∣deth. From thence runneth Wever downe by Nant-wich,* 1.41 not farre from Middle∣wich, and so to Northwich. These are very famous Salt-wiches, five or sixe miles distant asunder, where brine or salt water is drawne out of Pittes, which they

powre not upon wood while it burneth; as the ancient Gaules and Germans were [ A] wont to doe, but boyle over the Fire, to make Salt thereof. Neither doubt I, that these were knowne unto the Romanes and that form hence was usually paied the Custome for salt called Salarium. For, there went a notable high way from Middlewich to Northwich, raised with gravell to such an height, that a man may easily acknowledge that it was a worke of the Romanes, seeing that all this Coun∣try over, gravell is so scarce: and from thence at this day it is carryed to private mens uses.

Matthew Paris writeth, that King Henry the Third stopped up these Salt-pits, when in hostile manner he wasted this Shire: because the Welshmen, so tumultu∣ous in those dayes, should not have any victuals or provision from thence. But [ B] when the faire beames of peace beganne once to shine out, they were opened a∣gaine. Nantwich,* 1.42 which the River Wever first visiteth, is reputed the greatest and fairest built Towne of all this Shire after Chester, the Britans call it Hellath wen, that is, The white Wich, or Salt pitte, because the whitest salt is there boiled: and such as writ in Latine named it Vicus Malbanus, haply of one William named Malbe∣deng and Malbanc, unto whom, at the Normans Conquest of England, it was allot∣ted. It hath one onely Salt pitte, they call it the Brine pitte, about some foure∣teene foote from the River, out of which they convey salt water by troughes of wood into houses adjoyning, wherein there stand little barrels pitched fast in the ground, which they fill with that water, and at the ringing of a bell, they beginne [ C] to make fire under the leades; whereof they have sixe in every house, and there∣in seeth the said water: then certaine women, they call them Wallers, with little wooden rakes fetch up the salt from the bothom, and put it in baskets, they call them Salt barowes, out of which the liquor runneth, and the pure salt remaineth. The Church (and but one they have) is passing faire, and belonged, as I have heard, unto to Abbay of Cumbermer: from hence, Wever holding on his course crooked enough, is augmented with a brooke comming out of the East, which runneth downe from Crew, a place inhabited in old time by a notable family of that name. And far∣ther yet from the West side of the River,* 1.43 Calveley sheweth it selfe, which gave both habitation and name to the worthy Family of the Calveleys, out of which in [ D] the Raigne of Richard the Second, Sir Hugh Calveley Knight, was for his Chivalry in France so renowned, that there occurred no hardy exploit but his prowesse would goe through it. From thence Wever hieth apace by Minshall, the house of the Minshuls,* 1.44 and by Vale Royall, an Abbay founded by King Edward the First in a most pleasant valley, where now dwelleth the ancient Familie of the Holcrofts, unto Northwich,* 1.45 in British called Hellath Du, that is, The blacke salt pitte: where also very neere the brinke of the river Dan, there is a most plentifull and deepe Brine-pit, with staires made about it, by which they that draw water out of it in lether buckets, a∣scend halfe naked into the troughes, and powre it thereinto, by which it is carried in∣to the which houses, about which there stand on every side many stakes and piles of [ E] wood. Heere Wever receiveth into his Chanell the River Dan, whose tract and streame I will now follow.

This Dan or more truly Daven, flowing out of those hilles which on the East side sever Staffordshire from Ches-shire, runneth along to CONDATE a towne mentioned by Antonine the Emperour, now called corruptly Congleton, the middle whereof the little brooke Howty, on the East side Daning-schow, and Northward Dan it selfe, water∣eth. And albeit this Towne for the greatnesse and frequency thereof, hath deserved to have a Major and six Aldermen, yet hath it but a Chappell and no more: and the same made of timber, unlesse it bee the quire and a little Towre-steeple, which ac∣knowledgeth Astbury about two miles off, her mother-Church: which verily is a ve∣ry [ F] faire Church, the West Porch whereof is equall in height to the very Church as high as it is, and hath a spire steeple adjoyning thereto. In the Church-yard lie two portraictures of Knights upon Sepulchres, in whose Shields are two barres. But for that they be without their colours, hardly can any man say, whether of the Breretons,

[ A] Manwarings or Venables, which are the most noble Families in those parts, and in∣deed such Barres doe they beare in their Coates of Armes, but in divers colours.

Then commeth Daven to Davenport, commonly Damport, which hath adopted into her owne name a notable family: and Holmeschappell, a Towne well knowne to wai∣faring men: where within the remembrance of our Grandfathers, I. Needham built a Bridge: Neere unto which, at Rudheath there was sometimes a place of refuge and Sanctuary as well for the Inhabitants of this Shire as strangers, who had trespassed against the lawes; that there they might abide in security for a yeere and a day. Then runneth it under Kinderton the old seat of the ancient race of the Venables; who ever since the first comming in of the Normans have been of name and reputation here, [ B] and commonly are called Barons of Kinderton. Beneath this, Southward, the little ri∣ver Croco runneth also into Dan, which flowing out of the Poole called Bagmere passeth by Brereton: which, as it hath given name to the worshipful, ancient and numerous family of the Breretons knights; so Sir William Brereton knight, hath of late added very much credit and honour to the place, by a magnificent and sumptuous house that hee hath there built. A wonder it is that I shall tell you, and yet no other than I have heard verified upon the credit of many credible persons, and commonly be∣leeved: That before any heire of this house of the Breretons dyeth, there bee seene in a Poole adjoyning, bodies of trees swimming for certaine daies together. Like unto that which Leonardus Vairus reporteth from the testimony of Cardinall Gran∣vell, [ C] namely,* 1.46 that neere unto the Abbay of Saint Maurice in Burgundy, there is a fish∣pond, in which are fishes put according to the number of the Monkes of that place: And if any one of them happen to bee sicke, there is a fish seene also to floate, and swimme above the water halfe dead: and if the Monke shall dye, the said fish a few daies before dieth.

As touching these matters, if they bee true, I wrote not what to say: for, I am no Wisard to interpret such strange wonders; But these and such like things are done either by the holy trutelar Angels of men,* 1.47 or else by the devils who by Gods permissi∣on mightily shew their power in this inferiour world. For, both the sorts of them being intelligent natures, upon a deliberate purpose and to some certaine end, and [ D] not for nought, worke strange things. The Angels seeke after and aime at the safe∣ty and health of man-kinde: the devils contrariwise plot to mischieve, vexe, or else to delude them. But all this may seeme impertinent to our purpose.

Croke the Riveret aforesaid, being past Brereton, within a while after visiteth Middlewich,* 1.48 neere unto his confluence with Dan, where there bee two Welles of sale water parted one from the other by a small Brooke; Sheatbes they call them: the one stands not open, but at certaine set times, because folke willingly steale the Water thereof, as beeing of greater vertue and efficacy. From hence run∣neth Dan to Bostoke,* 1.49 in times past Botestoc, the ancient seat of the Family of the Bostokes Knights, which by the marriage with A••ne onely Daughter of Raulph, [ E] sonne of heire to Sir Adam Bostokes knight, passed together with a very great live∣lode unto Sir John Savage. Out of this ancient house of the Bostokes, as out of a stocke, sprung a goodly number of the same name, in Ches-shire, Shropp-shire, Bark∣shire and elsewhere.

When as Dan now, beneath Northwich that I spake of, hath united his steame with Wever,* 1.50 then Wever runneth forthright, and taketh in from the East, Pever, that floweth hard by Pever and giveth it the name: where, that ancient notable Family of Meinilwarin, commonly Manewaring is seated; out of which Raulph married the daughter of Hugh Kevelioc Earle of Chester, as appeareth by an old Charter in the custody of Ranulph the heire now of the samehouse.

[ F] From thence speedeth Wever by Winington which gave both habitation and name to the renowned family of the Winingtons; and not farre from Merbury, which being so called of a Mere under it, conferred likewise the name upon that respective ancient Family of the Merburies. Hence the River holdeth on his course neere un∣to Dutton,* 1.51 the Inheritance of that great and worthy Family of Duttons, who

derive their descent from one Hudard, allied to the Earles of Chester: and who by an old order and custome have great authority over all the pipers, fidlers, and minstrels [ A] of this Province, ever since that one of the Duttons a young Gentleman full of spirit and active withall, having hastily gathered a tumultuary power of those kinde of people,* 1.52 valiantly delivered Ranulph the last Earle of Chester from danger, when hee was beset with Welsh enemies. Neither must I passe over in silence Nether Whit∣ley in this tract,* 1.53 out of which came the Tuschetts or Towchetts, who are now Barons Audley. By this time Wever aforesaid flowing betweene Prodesham a Castle of ancient note and Clifton,* 1.54 now Rock-Savage, an house of the Savages new built, who here by marriage attained to rich and faire revenewes; entreth at length into Mersey mouth. And this is so called of the River Mersey, which running as a bounder be∣tweene [ B] Ches-shire and Lancashire, is there at length discharged into the Sea, after it hath among other small townes of meaner note watered Stockport, which had some∣time a Baron, of the Earles of Chester, and Warburgton so named of S. Werburgh, the habitation of a family thereof sirnamed, but branched from the Duttons: Hereby it entertaineth the River Bollin out of that spacious Forest of Maclesfield. Upon this Bollin standeth Maclesfield one of the fairest Townes of this Country,* 1.55 which gave name unto that Forest: where T. Savage, first Bishop of London, and afterwards Arch∣bishop of Yorke, built a College, wherein some of that Race of the Savages lye en∣tombed: also Dunham, which from Sir Hamon of Masey, by the Fittones and Venables descended hereditarily unto the Family of Booth. From thence Mersey commeth [ C] to Thelwall before it bee farre past Knotsford, that is, Canutus his Foord; which is di∣vided into the upper and the nether: also to Lee; from whence there is a Family bearing the same sirname, that is not onely of gentle bloud and of especiall note, but also farre and fairely propagated into a number of branches.* 1.56 As for Thelwall, now it is an obscure Village, but in times past a large Towne, built by King Edward the elder, and so called, as Florilegus witnesseth, of bodies of trees the boughes be∣ing cut off, firmely fastened in the ground wherewith hee walled it round. For the Saxons in their tongue called the Trunkes and bodies of Trees, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and a Wall, as wee doe now.

* 1.57At the very mouth of the River standeth Runkborne, founded in the same age by [ D] Lady Edelflede commonly called E••fled, and brought now by the mutability of time to a few cotages. This lady Edelfleda (to tell you at once, of whom I have oft made mention) sister to K. Edward the elder, and wife to Ethelred a pe••y King of the Mer∣cians, after her husbands death, governed the Mercians in most dangerous and trou∣blesome times, for eight yeeres, with high commendation: touching whom these laudatory Verses in praise of her, wee reade in the History of Henry of Huntingdon.

O Elfleda potens, ô terror virgo virorum, Victrix naturae, nomine digna viri. Te, quo splendidior fieres, natura puellam, [ E] Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri. Te mutare decet, sed solam, nomina sexus, Tu regina potens, Rexque trophaea parans, Jam nec Caesarci tantum meruere triumphi, Caesare splendidior virgo virago, vale.

O mighty Elfled, vigin pure, that men do'st terrifie, And nature passe, right worthy thou, in name, man to be. To grace thee more, dame Nature once thee shap'd a maiden brave, But vertue thee hath caused now the name of man to have. [ F] It thee becomes, but thee alone, the name of Sex to change: Of great Queenes and triumphant Kings thou standest in the range. From Caesars triumphes for desert thou bear'st away the bell, No Caesar ever was thy match: Thus, Manly-maide, fare well.

[ A] Beneath Runckhorne, somewhat within the Country, Haulton, the Towne and Ca∣stle both shew themselves, which Hugh Lupus Earle of Chester gave unto Niel a Norman, to be by tenure and service Constable of Chester: by whose posterity, through the variable change of times, it is come unto the House of Lancaster. Neither would this be overpassed in silence, that William the said Nieles sonne, founded the Abbay adjoyning, at Norton, which now appertaineth to the Broks of ancient descent. Whe∣ther I should place in this Shire, or elsewhere the CANGI, an ancient Nation of Britans, that have beene so much and so long sought for, I have as long and as much doubted: For continuance of time hath now so obscured them, that hitherto by no footings they could be traced and found out. And albeit Justus Lipsius that Flower [ B] of exquisite learning taketh mee for a Judge heerein, I frankly confesse, I know not what judgement to give, and rather would I commend this office of judging to any other man, than assume it to my selfe. Yet neverthelesse, if CEANGI and CAN∣GI were the same, as why not? it may bee probable enough, that they were seated in this tract. For, whiles I perused these my labours, I understood by some of good credit, that there were heere upon the very shore gotten out of the ground twenty sowes of lead long in forme, but foure square: On the upper part whereof in an hollow surface is to be read this inscription.

[ C]

IMP. DOMIT. AUG. GER. DE CEANG.

But on the other.

[ D] IMP. VESP. VII. T. IMP. V. COSS.* 1.58

Which Monument seemeth to have beene erected for a Victory over the Cangi. Heereto maketh also the very site upon the Irish sea:* 1.59 For, thus writeth Tacitus in the 12. booke of his Annales. Whiles Nero was Emperour; There was an Army led by Osto∣rius against the Cangi: the fields were wasted, booties raised every where, for that the enemies durst not come into the field: but if they attempted closely and by stealth to cut off the Army as it marched, they paid for their deceitfull cunning. Now were they no sooner come neere [ E] unto the Sea-Coast toward Ireland, but certaine tumults and insurrections among the Bri∣gantes, brought the Generall backe. But by the inscription abovesaid, it should seeme that they were not subdued before Domitians time: and then by computation of the times; when as that most warlicke Julius Agricola was Propretour in Britaine. Ptolo∣mee likewise placed the Promontory KARRAN••N, that is, of the Cangi on this shore. Neither dare I seeke elsewhere than in this tract that Station CONGANII, where, in the declining estate of the Roman Empire, a Company or Band called Vigiles, that is, Watchmen, with their Captaine under the Dux Britanniae, kept watch and ward. Notwithstanding I leave to every man for mee his owne judgement heerein, as in all things else of this nature.

[ F] Touching the Earles, that I may passe over the English Saxons, Earles only by office and not by inheritance:* 1.60 king William the first created Hugh sirnamed Lupus, son to the Vicount of Auranches in Normandy the first hereditary Earle of Chester and Count Palatine, and gave unto him and his heires all this County to be holden as freely by his sword, as the King himselfe held England by his Crowne (For these are the words of the Do∣nation:)

who forthwith appointed under him these Barons, viz. Niele Baron of Haul∣ton, whose posterity afterwards tooke the name of Lacies, for that the Lacies inheri∣tance [ A] had fallen unto them,* 1.61 and were Earles of Lincolne: Robert Baron of Mont-hault, Seneschall of the County of Chester, the last of whose line, having no issue, ordained by his last Will Isabel Queene of England, and John of Eltham Earle of Cornwall, his heires: William Malbedeng Baron of Malbanc, whose nephewes daughters, by marriage brought the inheritance to the Vernons and Bassets: Richard Vernon Baron of Ship∣broke, whose inheritance for default of heires males in the end came by the sisters un∣to the Wilburbams, Staffords, and Littleburies: Robert Fitz-Hugh Baron of Malpas, who, as it seemeth, dyed, as I said before, without issue: Hamon de Masey, whose pos∣sessions descended to the Fittons of Bollin: Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton, whose [ B] posterity in the right line have continued and flourished unto these our dayes: N. Ba∣ron of Stockeport; to whom at length the Warrens of Pointon, budded out of the hono∣rable family of the Earles of Warren and Surry, in right of marriage succeeded. And these were all the Barons of the Earles of Chester that ever I could hitherto finde: Who, as it is written in an old Booke, Had their free Courts of all Plees and Suits or Complaints, except those Plees which belong unto the Earles sword. And their Office was, To assist the Earle in Councell, to yeeld him dutifull attendance, and oftentimes to repaire unto his Court for to doe him honor, and, as we finde in old parchment Re∣cords, Bound they were in time of warre in Wales, to finde for every Knights fee, one horse with caparison and furniture, or else two without, within the Divisions of Ches-shire: Also, [ C] that their Knights and Freeholders should have Corslets and * 1.62 Haubergeons, and defend their * 1.63 Foces by their owne bodies.

After Hugh the first Earle beforesaid, succeeded Richard his sonne, who is his ten∣der yeeres perished by shipwracke, together with William the onely sonne of King Henry the First, and other Noblemen betweene Normandy and England in the yeere 1120. After Richard, succeeded Ranulph de Meschines, the third Earle, sonne to the sister of Earle Hugh: and left behinde him his sonne Ranulph, named de Gerno∣nijs, the fourth Earle of Chester, a Warlike man, and who at the Siege of Lincolne tooke King Stephen Prisoner. Hugh sirnamed Keveltoc, his sonne was the Fifth Earle; who died in the yeere 1181. and left his sonne Ranulph named de Blundevill the sixth [ D] Earle, who after he had built the Castles of Chartley and Beeston, and the Abbay also De la Cresse, died without children, and left foure sisters to be his heires, Maude the wife of David Earle of Huntingdon, Mabile espoused to William D' Albeney Earle of Arundell, Agnes married to William Ferrars Earle of Darby, and Avis wedded to Robert de Quin∣cy. After Ranulph the sixth Earle, there succeeded in the Earledome John sirnamed the Scot, the sonne of Earle David by the said Maude the eldest daughter. Who being de∣ceased likewise without any issue, King Henry the Third casting his eye upon so faire and large an inheritance, laid it unto the Domaine of the Crowne, and assigned other revenewes elsewhere to the heires: not willing, as the King himselfe was wont to say, that so great an estate should be divided among distaves. And the Kings them∣selves, [ E] in person, after that this Earledome came unto their hands, for to maintaine the honor of the Palatineship, continued here the ancient rights and Palatine priviled∣ges, and Courts, like as the Kings of France did in the County of Champan. After∣ward, this honour of Chester was deferred upon the Kings eldest sonnes, and first un∣to to Edward, King Henry the Third his sonne, who being taken prisoner by the Barons and kept in ward delivered it up for his ransome unto Simon Montford Earle of Leice∣ster: But when Simon was soone after slaine, it returned quickly againe unto the bloud Royall, and King Edward the Second summoned his eldest sonne, being but a childe, unto the Parliament by the Titles of Earles of Chester and Flint. Afterwards, King Ri∣chard the Secondary by authority of the Parliament, made it of an Earldome a Princi∣pality, [ F] and to the same Principality annexed the Castle of Leon with the territories of Bromfield and Yale, Chircke Castle with Chircke land, Oswalds-street Castle, the whole hundred and eleven townes belonging to that Castle, with the Castles of Isabell and Delaley, and other goodly lands, which, by reason that Richard Earle of Arundell stood

[ A] then proscript and outlawed, had beene confiscate to the Kings Exchequer: and King Richard himselfe was stiled Prince of Chester: but within few yeeres after, that Title vanished away, after that King Henry, the Fourth had once repealed the Lawes of the said Parliament, and it became againe a County or Earledome Palatine: and at this day retaineth the jurisdiction Palatine: and for the administration thereof, it hath a Chamberlaine who hath all jurisdiction of a Chancellour within the said County Palatine, a Justice for matters in Common Plees, and Plees of the Crowne, to bee heard and determined in the said Country, two Barons of the Exchequer, Sergeants at Law, a Sheriffe, and Attourney, an Eschetour, &c. And the In∣habitants of the said County for the enjoying of their liberties were [ B] to pay at the change of every Owner of the said Earledome a summe of money (about 3000. markes) by the name of a Mize, as the County of Flint being a parcell thereof about 2000. markes, if I have not bin mis-informed.

This County containeth about 68. Parishes.

[ A]

* 1.64NOw have I superficially surveyed the Regions of the COR∣NAVII, which together with the CORITANI, DOBUNI, and CATVELLANI, made that Kingdome in the Saxons Heptarchie, which they called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Latine Writers Mercia of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an old English word, that signified a Limite; for, all the other Kingdomes bordered and confined upon it. This was the largest Kingdome by farre of all the rest, begunne by Crida the Saxon, about the yeere of our Lord 586. augmented by Penda, [ B] who extended the Marches there of every way, and within a while after instructed in Christian Religion. But having come to the full period, within the revolution of 250. yeeres, fell at last, into the Dominion of the West-Saxons, after that the Danes had spoiled, weakned, and wasted it many yeeres in all manner of barbarous hostility.

Notes

• * 1.1

  County Pala∣tine.
• * 1.2

  Petr. Pitbaus in the description of Campaine.
• * 1.3

  Joh. Tilius.
• * 1.4

  The most com∣mendable Cheeses.
• * 1.5

  Wirrall.
• * 1.6

  Lucian the Monke, of the praise of Chester.
• * 1.7

  Deva.
• * 1.8

  The River Dee.
• * 1.9

  Divona.
• * 1.10

  Bonium.
• * 1.11

  Banchor.
• * 1.12

  Monkery.
• * 1.13

  Rutilius Claudius.
• * 1.14

  That Banchor of which Saint Bernard spea∣keth in the life of Malachie was in Ireland
• * 1.15

  Bonium or Ban¦chor is of Flint¦shire.
• * 1.16

  Out of the Rol of Domesday of Chel-shire, Barons of Mal-pas.
• * 1.17

  Per breve re∣cognitionis.
• * 1.18

  Itinerar. lib. 2. cap. 13.
• * 1.19

  Shoclach.
• * 1.20

  Gros-venour.
• * 1.21

  Deunana. Deva.
• * 1.22

  Chester.
• * 1.23

  Chester, a Colony of the Romans.
• * 1.24

  *
• * 1.25

  The Rowes.
• * 1.26

  Marianus Scotus.
• * 1.27

  About the yeere.
• * 1.28

  960.
• * 1.29

  Churches re∣paired. Rodulphus Glaber.
• * 1.30

  Wirall.
• * 1.31

  Law, what it is.
• * 1.32

  1173.
• * 1.33

  Il-bre.
• * 1.34

  Finborrow.
• * 1.35

  Ridly.
• * 1.36

  Beeston.
• * 1.37

  Woodhay.
• * 1.38

  Bulkley.
• * 1.39

  1134.
• * 1.40

  Trees under g••ound.
• * 1.41

  Saltpits.
• * 1.42

  Nantwich.
• * 1.43

  Calveley.
• * 1.44

  Vale Royall.
• * 1.45

  Northwich.
• * 1.46

  Lib. 2. de Fasci∣no.
• * 1.47

  Angels, Devils.
• * 1.48

  Middlewich.
• * 1.49

  Bostock.
• * 1.50

  Pever.
• * 1.51

  Dutton.
• * 1.52

  Chronicle of Walles.
• * 1.53

  Towchet.
• * 1.54

  Rock-Savage.
• * 1.55

  Maclesfield.
• * 1.56

  Thelwall.
• * 1.57

  Runkhorne. Elfled or Ethel∣fled
• * 1.58

  In the yeere of Christ 78.
• * 1.59

  Anno. 51.
• * 1.60

  Earles of Chester.
• * 1.61

  Barons to the Earles of Chester.
• * 1.62

  Haubergella.
• * 1.63

  Lands and possessions.
• * 1.64

  The King∣dome of the Mercians.