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]

A PRAEFACE TO THE ANNALES OF IRELAND.

THus far forward was the Printers presse a going when the Honourable Lord William Howard [ B] of Naworth, for the love that he beareth unto the studies of Antiquity, willingly imparted unto me the Manuscript Annales of Ireland, from the yeere of our Salvation MCLII. unto the yeere MCCCLXX. Which I thought good to publish; considering that after Giral∣dus Cambrensis, there is nothing, to my knowledge, extant better in this kind; and because so noble and worthy a person, [ C] whose they were by right in private before, permitted so much. Unto whom, the very same thankes in manner are duly to bee yeelded for bringing them to light, that were to be given unto the authour himselfe, who first recorded them in writing. And albeit they are penned in a stile somewhat rude and barrain (as those times required) yet much matter is therein contained, that [ D] may illustrate the Irish Historie, and would have given good light unto mee, if they had not come to my hands so late. Take them here therefore truly and faithfully exemplified, even as I found them, with all their imperfections and faults; and if you have any better, impart them with semblable courtesie unto us; if not, make use of these with us, untill some one come forth and shew himselfe, that will helpe us to a fuller Chronicle, and [ E] happilie continue the same in length even unto our daies with more elegancie of phrase, which verily would be no painfull work to be performed.

[ F]

[ A]

THE ANNALES OF IRELAND.

ANno Domini MCLXII. Gregorie the first Archbishop of Dub∣lin, a man praise worthy every way, slept in the Lord: after whom succeeded holy Laurence O-Thothil, who was Abbat of St. Kemnus de Glindelagh. Thomas is made Archbishop of [ B] Canterburie.

MCLXVI. Rothericke O-Conghir, Prince of Connaght was made King and Monarch of Ireland.

MCLXVII. Died Maud the Empresse. The same yeere Almaricke King of Jeru∣salem tooke Babylon. And in the same yeere Dermoc Mac-Murrogh Prince of Leinster, whiles O-Rorke King of Meth was in a certaine expedition, carried away his wife, who was willing enough to be ravished. For her selfe made meanes to be taken as a prey, as we find in Cambrensis.

MCLXVIII. Donate King of Uriel, founder of Mellifont Monasterie, departed in Christ. In the same yeere Robert Fitz-Stephen, neither unmindfull of his promise, [ C] nor a breaker of his faith, came into Ireland with thirtie Knights.

MCLXIX. Earle Richard of Stroghul sent before him into Ireland a certaine young Gentleman of his owne family, named Remund, with ten Knights about the Ca∣lends of May. The same yeere the said Earle Richard, accompanied with two hun∣dred Knights or thereabout, and others to the number as one would say of a thou∣sand, arrived on the even of S. Bartholmew the Apostle. Which Richard verily, was the sonne of Gilbert Earle of Stroghul, that is, Chippestow, sometime Strogull. This Richard also was the sonne of Isabell, Aunt by the mothers side of K. Malcome, and William King of Scotland, and of David the Earle, a Gentleman of good hope: and the morrow after the same Apostles day they tooke the said Citie; and there [ D] Eva, Dermots daughter, was lawfully joined in marriage unto Earle Richard, and her father gave her.

MCLXXI. S. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterburie was slaine. In the same yeere the Citie of Dublin was by the Earle and his companie taken. And the same yeere was founded the Abbey de Castro Dei, that is, of Gods Castle.

MCLXXI. Dermot Mac-Morrogh full of dayes was taken out of this world at Fernys, about the Calends of May.

MCLXXII. The courageous King Henrie with 500. Knights arrived at Waterford, and among other things gave Meth unto Sir Hugh Lacie. The same yeere was foun∣ded the Abbey de Fonte vivo. [ E]

MCLXXIV. Gelasius Archbishop of Armagh, the first Primate of Ireland, an holy man, aged and full of daies, rested in Christ. This Gelasius is said to bee the first Archbishop that wore the first pale; but others before him were in name onely cal∣led Archbishops and Primates, for the reverend regard and honour of St. Patricke, as being the Apostle of that nation: whose See was from the beginning had of all men in so great reverence, that not onely Bishops and Priests and those of the Clear∣gie, but Kings and Princes universally were subject to the Bishop thereof in all obe∣dience. After whom succeeded in the Archbishopricke Gilbert a Prelate of good memorie.

MCLXXV. William King of Scotland was taken prisoner at Alnewicke. [ F]

MCLXXVI. Bertram Verdon founded the Abbey of Crokisdenne.

MCLXXVII. Earle Richard about the Calends of May died at Dublin, and was bu∣ried in the Church of the holy Trinitie at Dublin. The same yeere Vivian a Priest, Cardinall entituled of S. Stephan in Mount Caelius, came as Legat of the Apostolicall See into Ireland, sent from Pope Alexander.

[ A] MCLXXVIII. The ninth day before the Calends of December, the Abbey de Sa∣maria was founded. The same yeere was founded Rose Vale, that is, Rosseglasse.

MCLXXIX. Miles Cogan, and Ralph the sonne of Fitz-Stephen, his daughters husband, were slaine betweene Waterford and Lismore, &c. as we read in Cambren∣sis. The same yeere Hervie Mont-Marish entred the Monasterie of Saint Trinitie in Canterburie, who founded the Monasterie of Saint Marie de Portu, that is, Of Donbroth.

MCLXXX. The Abbey of the Quire of Benet was founded. The same yeere was founded the Abbey of Geripount. The same yeere Laurence Archbishop of Dub∣lin, [ B] upon the 18. day before the Calends of December happily slept in the Lord within the Church of Saint Marie of Aux. After whom succeeded John Cumin, an Englishman borne in England at Evesham, chosen with good agreement and accord by the Cleargie of Dublin (the King by his industry procuring the same) and confir∣med by the Pope: which John afterwards founded the Church of Saint Patricke in Dublin.

MCLXXXIII. The order of the Templars and Hospitallers is confirmed. The same yeere is founded the Abbey de Lege Dei, that is, Gods Law.

MCLXXXV. John the Kings sonne, Lord of Ireland by his fathers gift, came into Ireland in the 12. yeere of his age, in the thirteenth yeere after his fathers comming, [ C] after the comming of Fitz-Stephen the fifteenth, in the 14. yeere from the comming of Earle Richard, and in the same fifteenth yeere returned.

MCLXXXVI. The order of the Cartusians and of the Grandians is confirmed. In the same yeere Hugh Lacie was killed at Dervath treacherously by an Irishman; be∣cause the foresaid Hugh would build a castle there: and as he was teaching of an I∣rishman how to labour with an iron toole, to wit, a Pykax; when Hugh bowed him∣selfe forward, he stroke him to the ground with both hands, and as he held down his head, the said Irishman with an axe chopt off Hugh Lacie his head, and there was an end of the conquest. In the same yeere Christian Bishop of Lismore, sometime Le∣gate of Ireland, an earnest follower of the vertues which he had seen and heard of his [ D] devout father Saint Bernard, and Pope Eugenius, a venerable man, with whom hee was in the Probatorie at Clarevall, who also ordained him to be the Legate in Ire∣land, after his obedience performed, within the monasterie of Kyrieleyson, happily de∣parted to Christ. Jerusalem was taken with the Lords Crosse, by the Soldan and the Saracens, after many Christians slaine.

MCLXXXVII. Upon the Calends, or first day of July, was the Abbey of Ynes in Ulster founded.

MCLXXXIX. Henry Fitz-Empresse departed this life, after whom succeeded his sonne Richard, and is buried in Font-Ebrard. In the same yeere was founded the Ab∣bey de Colle victoriae, that is, of Cnokmoy.

[ E] MCXC. King Richard and King Philip make a voiage into the holy land.

MCXCI. In the Monasterie of Clarevall, the translation of Malachie Bishop of Armagh was honourably celebrated.

MCXCII. The Citie of Dublin was burnt.

MCXCIII. Richard King of England in his return from the holy land, was taken pri∣soner by the Duke of Austrich, and he made an end by composition with the Empe∣rour, to pay for his ransome one hundred thousand markes, and with the Empresse, to pay thirtie thousand: also with the foresaid Duke 20. thousand markes, in regard of an obligation which he had made unto them for Henrie Duke of Saxonie. Now hee remained in the Emperours prison a yeere, sixe moneths, and three daies: For [ F] whose ransome all the Chalices in manner throughout England were sold. In the same yeere was founded the Abbey de Iugo Dei, that is, of Gods yoke.

MCXCIIII. The reliques of S. Malachie Bishop of Clareval, were brought into Ire∣land, and with all honour that might be, received in the Monasterie of Mellifont, and the rest of the Monasteries of the Cistertian order.

MCXCV. Matthew Archbishop of Cassile Legate of Ireland, & John Archbishop of

Dublin carried away the corps of Hugh Lacie, the conquerour of Meth, from the I∣rish, [ A] and solemnely enterred it in the Monasterie of Blessednesse, that is, Becty. But the head of the said Hugh was bestowed in the Monastery of Saint Thomas in Dub∣lin.

MCXCVIII. The order of Friers Preachers began in the parts about Tolouse, by Dominicke the second.

MCXCIX. Richard King of England died: after whom succeeded John his brother, who was Lord of Ireland and Earle of Mortaigne: which John slew Arthur the law∣full heire, sonne of Geffrey his whole brother.

And in this manner died Richard. When K. Kichard besieged the Castle of Cha∣luz [ B] in little Britaine, wounded he was to death with an arrow by one of those in the said Castle, named Bertram Gurdon. And when he dispaired of his life, hee demi∣sed the Kingdome of England, and all his other lands unto his brother to keep. All his Jewels, and one fourth part of his Treasure he gave unto his Nephew Otho, and another fourth part of his Treasure he gave, and commanded to be dealt among his servants and the poore. Now when the said Bertram was apprehended and brought before the King, the K. demanded of him in these termes: what harme have I done thee that thou hast slaine me? Unto whom without any manner of feare he answe∣red thus. Thou killedst my father, and two of my brethren with thine owne hand, and me also thou wouldest now have killed: Take therefore what revenge so ever [ C] thou wilt of me, for I passe not, so thou maist be slaine, that hast wrought so many mischiefes to the world. Then the King forgave him his death, and commanded that hee should be let goe at libertie, and to give him besides one hundred shillings sterling. But after the King was dead, some of the Kings ministers slayed the said Be••••••am, and hung him up. And this King yeelded up his vitall breath the eighth day before the Ides of April, which fell out to be the fourth day of the weeke before Palme-Sunday, and the eleventh day after he was wounded: and buried hee was at Fo•••• E••••ard, at the feet of his father. Touching whose death a certaine versifier saith thus.

[ D]

Isti•• in morte perimit formica leonem, Proh dolor! in tanto funere mundus obit. In this mans death, as is well seene, the Ant a Lion slaies, And in so great a death (alas) the world doth end her daies.

The Corps of which King Richard is divided into three parts. Whence was this verse made.

Viscera Carceolum, Corpus Fons servat Ebrardi, Et Cor Rhothomagum magne Richarde tuum. Thy bowels onely Carceol keeps, thy Corps Font-Everard, [ E] And Roan hath keeping of thy heart O puissant Richard.

When King Richard was departed this life, his brother John was girt with the sword of the Duchy of Normandie by the Archbishop of Rhoan, the seventh day before the Calends of May next ensuing after the death of the aforesaid King: which Archbishop did set upon the head of the said Duke a Circle flower with golden ro∣ses in the top round about. Also upon the sixth day before the Calends of June hee was anointed and crowned King of England, all the Lords and Nobles of England being present, within the Church of Saint Peter in Westminster upon the day of the Lords Ascension: and afterwards was John King of England called to a Parliament [ F] in France by the King of France, to answer as touching the death of his Nephew Arthur, and because he came not, he deprived him of Normandy. The same yeere was the Abbey of Commerer founded.

MCC. Cathol Cronerg King of Conaght founder of the Monastery de Colle Victoriae, that is, of the Hill of Victorie, is expelled out of Conaght. The same yeere

[ A] was founded, the Monasterie de Voto, that is, Tynterne, by William Marshall, Earle Marshall and of Pembroch, who was Lord of Leinster, to wit, of Weisford, Ossory, Caterlagh, and Kildare, in regard and right of his wife: who espoused the daughter of Richard Earle of Stroghul, and of Eve the daughter of Dermot-Mac-Murogh. But because the foresaid William Earle Marshall was in exceeding great jeopardie both day and night in the sea, he vowed a vow unto our Lord Jesus Christ, that if he might be delivered from the tempest, and come to land, hee would make a Monasterie unto Christ and Marie his mother: and so it came to passe when hee was come safe to Weisford, he made I say the Monasterie of Tyntern, according to his vow, and called [ B] it the Monasterie De voto, that is, Of the vow. In the same yeere was founded the Monasterie de Flumine Dei, that is, Of Gods river.

MCCII. Gathol Cronerg or Crorobdyr, King of Conaght, was set againe in his kingdome. The same yeere is founded the house of Canons or Regular Priests of St. Marie, by Sir Meiler Fitz-Henrie.

MCCIII. The Abbey of S. Saviour, that is, Dowi••ky, being founded, was in this yeere and the next following built.

MCCIV. There was a field fought betweene John Curcie Earle of Ulster, and Hugh Lacie at Doune: in which battell many on both sides lost their lives. But John Curcie had the upper hand in fight. Afterwards, upon the sixth day of the weeke, [ C] being Good-friday, when the foresaid John was unarmed, and went by way of pil∣grimage bare foot and in his linnen vesture a visiting the Churches, as the manner is, treacherously he was taken prisoner by his owne people for a piece of money given in hand, and for a greater reward to be given afterward for a recompence; and so was delivered unto Hugh Lacie. But hee bringeth him unto the King of England, who gave unto Hugh Lacie the Earldom of Ulster, and the Seigniorie of Conaught, which belonged unto John Curcie. Then Hugh Lacie being Earle, rewarded all the foresaid Traitours that had betraied John Curcie, and gave unto them gold and silver, more or lesse: but straightwayes hung up all the Traitours aforesaid, and tooke away all their goods: and so Hugh Lacie ruleth over all Ulster, and John Curcie is condem∣ned [ D] to perpetuall prison, because he had before time beene a Rebell to John King of England, and would not doe him homage, and besides, blamed him about the death of Arthur the rightfull heire unto the Crowne. But whiles hee was in prison and in extreme povertie, having but little allowance, and the same course and simple, for to eat and drinke, he said, O God, wherefore dealest thou thus by me, who have built and re-edified so many Monasteries for thee and thy Saints? Now when he had ma∣ny times wailed and made loud moane in this wise, and therewith fell asleep, the ho∣ly Trinitie appeared unto him, saying: Why hast thou cast me out of mine owne seat, and out of the Church of Doun, and placed there my S. Patrick the Patron of Ireland? (Because indeed John Curcie had expelled the Secular Canons or Priests out of the [ E] Cathedrall Church of Doune, and brought the blacke Monks of Chester, and placed them in the said Church: And the holy Trinitie stood there in a stately shrine or seat, and John himselfe tooke it downe out of the Church, and ordained a Chappell for that Image, and in the great Church set up the image of S. Patrick, which displea∣sed the most High God:) therefore thus said God, Know thou well that thou shalt never enter into thy Seigniorie in Ireland.

Howbeit, in regard of other good deeds that thou hast done, thou shalt with ho∣nour be delivered forth of prison: which also came to passe. And now by this time there arose a contention betweene John King of England, and the King of France, about a Seigniory and certain Castles: and this suit or controversie still depending, [ F] the King of France offered unto him a Giant or Champion to fight for his right. Then the King of England called to remembrance his most valiant Knight John Curcie, whom upon the information of others he had before cast into prison. The King therefore sent for John Curcie, and asked him if he were able to help and stand him in stead in a combat: then John answered and said, I will not fight for thee, but for the right of the Kingdome: for which afterward hee undertooke to doe his en∣deavour

in single fight: and so refreshed himselfe with meat, drink, and bathing, and [ A] tooke the vertue of his owne fortitude and strength: and a day was appointed be∣tweene these Giants or Champions, namely, betweene John Curcie and the other. But when the Champion of France heard of his exceeding great feeding, and of his strength, hee refused the combat, and then was the said Seigniorie given unto the King of England. Then the King of France requested to see a stroake given by the hand of John Curcie: and he set a strong and doughtie good morion full of maile up∣on a great blocke or log of wood: and the foresaid John taking his skeine or sword, and looking back round about him with a stern and grim countenance, smote the mo∣••ion through, from the very crest downeward into the blocke, and the sword stucke [ B] in the wood so fast, that no other man but himselfe was able to plucke out the sword: then John at the request of the Kings easily pluckt it forth. And the Kings de∣manded of the foresaid John, wherefore he looked behind him with so grim a coun∣tenance before he gave the stroke; who answered, that if he had failed in giving that stroke, he would have slaine them all, as well Kings as others. And the Kings gave unto him great gifts, yea and the King of England rendred unto him also his Seignio∣rie of Ulster. But John Curcie attempted 15. times to saile over sea into Ireland, but was alwaies in danger, and the wind evermore against him: wherefore hee waited a while among the Monkes of Chester. At length he returned into France, and there rested in the Lord.

[ C]

MCCV. The Abbey of Wetheney in the countie of Lymericke was founded by Theobald the sonne of Walter Butler, Lord of Karryke.

MCCVI. The order of Friers Minors was begun neere the citie Assisa, by Saint Francis.

MCCVIII. William Breos is expelled out of England, and commeth into Ireland. England is interdicted for the tyrannie of King John of England. Likewise a great overthrow and slaughter hapned at Thurles in Mounster, committed upon the Lord Justice of Irelands men, by Sir Geffery Mareys.

MCCX. John King of England came into Ireland, with a great fleet and a puissant armie: and for that the sons of Hugh Lacie, to wit, the Lord Walter Lord of Meth, [ D] and Hugh his brother, exercised tyrannie upon the Commons, and especially because they slew Sir John Curson, Lord of Rathenny and Kilbarrocke (for they heard that the foresaid John accused them unto the King) therefore I say the King drave the foresaid sonnes of Hugh Lacie out of the land: and they fled into France, and served in the Monasterie of Saint Taurin as unknowne, working about clay and bricke, and sometime in gardens as Gardiners: but at length they were knowne by the Abbat of the said Monasterie: and the said Abbat entreated the King for them, because he had baptized his sonnes, and was Godsib unto him as a Godfather many times: and Walter Lacie paid two thousand and five hundred markes: and Hugh Lacie payed a great summe of money unto the King for his ransome; and at the re∣quest [ E] of the said Abbat restored they were againe unto their former degree and Seigniorie. And Walter Lacie brought with him John the sonne of Alured, that is, Fitz-Acory, sonne to the foresaid Abbats whole brother, and he made him Knight, and gave unto him the Seigniorie of Dengle, and many other Lordships. Item, hee brought Monkes with him out of the same Monasterie, and gave unto them many fermes, and the Cell called Fourie, in regard of charitie, thankfulnesse, and counsell: and Hugh Lacie Earle of Ulster made a Cell for Monkes, and endowed them in Ul∣ster in a place called ..... But John King of England having taken many pledges and hostages as well of English as of Irish, and hanged a number of malefactours upon Jebbits, and setled the State of the land, returned into England the same yeere that he [ F] came thither.

MCCXI. Sir Richard Tuit by the fall of a towre at Alone was crushed and whindred to death. This Richard was founder of the Monasterie de Grenard.

MCCXII. The Abbey of Grenard was founded. In the same yeere died John Co∣myn Archbishop of Dublin, and was buried within the quire of the Church of the

[ A] Holy Trinitie, who was founder of Saint Patricks Church of Dublin: after whom succeeded Henrie Londres, who is called Scorch Villeyn, by occasion of a certaine act of his: for that one day he called his tenants before him, to answer by what te••nure they held of him. And those tenants shewed their deeds and charters: but he commanded the charters or deeds of these husbandmen his tenants to be burned: and then the Freeholders evermore called him Henrie Scorch-Villein: which Henrie Archbishop of Dublin was Justice of Ireland, and built Dublin castle.

MCCXIII. William Petit and Petre Messet departed this life. This Petre Messet was Baron of Luyn hard by Trym; but because he died without heire male, the in∣heritance [ B] passed unto three daughters: the eldest of whom the Lord Vernail marri∣ed, the second Talbot wedded, and the other Lounders espoused, and so they parted the inheritance betweene themselves.

MCCXIX. The Citie of Damieta, in the Nones of September was about the still time of midnight miraculously wonne, so that in the forcing and taking thereof there was not one Christian lost his life. In the same yeere died William Mareshal the el∣der, Earle Mareshall and of Pembroch, who begat on the daughter of Richard Strongbow Earle of Stroghul five sonnes; the name of the first sonne was William, the named of the second Walter, the name of the third Gilbert, the name of the fourth Anselme, the name of the fifth Richard, who was slaine in the warre of [ C] Kildare: and everie one of these five sonnes was Earle after their father by succession in their fathers inheritance, and none of these had issue: wherefore the inheritance went away unto the sisters, namely, the daughters of their father: the first was na∣med Maud Mareschal, the second Isabel Clare, the third Eva Breos, the fourth Johan Mount Chensey, the fifth Sibill Countesse Ferrers. Hugh Bigod Earle of Norfolk espoused Maud Mareschal, & he in the right of his wife was Earle Mareschal of Eng∣land: which Hugh begat Raufe Bigod,* 1.1 father of John Bigod, who was the sonne of the Ladie Bertha Furnival: also Isabell Lacie, wife to Lord John Fitz-Gefferey: and when Hugh Bigod Earle of Norfolke was dead, she bare John de G••aren Earle of Surrey, and his sister Isabell Albeney Countesse of Arundell. Gilbert Clare Earle [ D] of Glocester espoused Isabel the second sister, who between them had issue Richard de Clare Earle of Glocester; and she was mother to the Ladie Anise Countesse of Denshire, who was mother to Isabel wife of the Lord Robert Brus Earle of Car∣ricke in Scotland, and was afterwards King of the same Scotland. Of Eva Brus the third sister was begotten Maud, who was the mother of the Lord Edmund Morti∣mer, and mother to the Ladie Eve Cauntelow, mother of the Ladie Milsond Mohun, who was mother of Dame Eleanor, mother to the Earle of Hereford.

The Lord Guarin Mont Chensey espoused Johan Mareschall the fourth sister, of whom came Johan Valens. Sibyll the Countesse of Ferrers, to wit the fourth, had is∣sue five daughters: the first Agnes Vescie, mother to the Lord John, and the Lord [ E] William Vescie: the second Isabel Basset: the third Joan Mohun, wife to the Lord John Mohun, son of the Lord Reginald: the fourth Sibyll Mohun, wife to Lord Francis Bohun Lord of Midhurst: the fifth Eleanor Vaus, who was wife unto the Earle of Winchester: the sixth Agatha Mortimer, wife to the Lord Hugh Mortimer: the seventh Maud Kyme Lady of Carbry. All these abovesaid, as well males as fe∣males, are of the genealogie of the said William Earle Mareschal.

MCCXX. The translation of St. Thomas of Canterburie. In the same yeere died the Lord Meiler Fitz Henrie, founder of the house of Connall, who is buried in the Chapter house of the same house.

MCCXXIV. The Castle of Bedford was besieged, and the Castle of Trim in [ F] Ireland.

MCCXXV. Roger Pippard died. And Anno MCCXXVIII. died William Pippard sometime Lord of the Salmons-leap. There departed likewise Henrie Londres, alias Scorch villeyn Archbishop of Dublin, and is interred in the Church of the Holy Trinitie at Dublin.

MCCXXX. Henrie King of England gave unto Hubert Burk the Justiceship of Ire∣land,

and a third pennie of rent, and made him Earle of Kent. And afterward the same [ A] Hubert was imprisoned; and great trouble arose between the King and his subjects, because he adhered to strangers more than to his owne naturall people.

MCCXXXI. William Mareschall the younger, Earle Mareshall and of Pem∣broke died, who is buried within the Quire of the Friers Preachers in Kilkenny.

MCCXXXIV. Richard Earle Mareshall and of Pembroke or Stroghull, on the first day before the Ides of April was wounded in battell, upon the plaine of Kildare; and some few dayes after died in Kilkenny, and there, hard by his naturall whole brother, to wit, William, lieth buried within the Quire of Friers Preachers, of whom it is thus written: [ B]

Cujus sub fossa Kilkenia continet ossa. Whose bones bestow'd in grave so deep, Kilkenny towne doth safely keepe.

MCCXI. Walter Lacie Lord of Meth departed this life in England, leaving be∣hind him two daughters his heires: whereof Sir Theobald Verdon married the first, and Geffery Genevile espoused the second.

* 1.2MCCXLII. The Castle of Slegah was built by Morice Fitz-Gerald Justice of Ireland. King Edward the first marched into Wales with a great army, and sent to the said Justice that he would come to him with some forces out of Ireland, who ac∣cordingly [ C] came with the flower of the English in Ireland, and Phelin O-Conor, who was then King of Conacht in his company, and shortly returned with victorie & ho∣nour. Afterward the said Justice preied the countrey Tirconnell, and gave a moitie thereof to Cormac Mac-Dermot Mac-Rory, and carried with him pledges for the other moitie, and left them in the castle of Sleagh. Another expedition was made by the said Justice and the English; first he came to Sleigagh, thence to Hohossero∣vie Mac Morin the Tuesday after the feast of Peter and Paul, and Cormac-Mac-Dermot Mac-Rorie accompanied them. At that time O Donnel assembled all Ki∣neoill Conail against them at the ford of Ath-Shany, so that hee permitted neither English nor Irish to passe over the ford: whereupon the English resolved to send [ D] Cormac Mac-Rory O-Conor with a company of horse into the champion West∣ward, and they returned by an higher plaine over the moores Eastward to the ford of Quilvain upon the water Earne, so that O-Donnel knew nothing of those compa∣nies of horse, untill he saw them on that side of the river that he himselfe encamped: and when he saw the English at his backe, hee encountred them; but his army was put to rout, & Moyls Haghlin O-Donnel, commonly called King of Kineoil Conail, was slain, with Gylly Cavinelagh Obugill, and Mac-Derley King of Oresgael, with the principall men of Kineoil Conail. And many of the army of the said Justice were drowned as they passed over the water of Fin Northward, and among them in the rescuing of a prey there were slaine Atarmanudaboge, Sir W. Brit Sherif of Conacth [ E] and the young knight his brother. And afterward the said army spoiled the coun∣try, and left the Seigniorie of Kineoil Conail to Rory O-Coner for that time.

There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tirconnell, and great spoiles made, and O-Canamayu was expelled out of Kenoilgain, & he left the territo∣ry of Kenail Conail with Gorry Mac-Donald O-Donnel.

There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tireogaine against O-Neale, but he gave pledges for the preservation of his countrey.

There was another expedition by the said Justice in Leinster against the Irishry, whom he pitifully outraged, and spoiled their land.

In another expedition also the said Justice destroied Kenoilgain, and all Ulster in de∣spite [ F] of O-Neale, tarrying three nights at Tullaghoge.

MCCXLIII. Hugh Lacy Earle of Ulster died, and is buried at Crag-fergous in the covent of the Friers Minours, leaving a daughter his heire, whom Walter Burk, who was Earle of Ulster, espoused. In the same yeere died Lord Girald Fitz-Moris, and Richard Burk.

[ A] MCCXLVI. An earthquake over all the West about 9. of the clocke.

MCCXLVIII. Sir John Fitz-Gefferey knight came Lord Justice into Ireland.

MCCL. Lewis King of France and William Long Espee, with many other, are taken prisoners by the Saracens. In Ireland Maccanewey, a sonne of Beliol, was slaine in Leys, as he well deserved.

MCCLI. The Lord Henry Lacie was borne. Likewise upon Christmas day, Alex∣ander King of Scotland, a childe eleven yeeres old, espoused at Yorke Margaret the King of Englands daughter.

MCCLV. Alan de la Zouch is made Lord Justice, and commeth into Ireland.

[ B] MCCLVII. The Lord Moris, or Maurice Fitz-Gerald deceaseth.

MCCLIX. Stephen Long Espee commeth Lord Justice of Ireland. The Greene castle in Ulster is throwne downe. Likewise William Dene is made Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCLXI. The Lord John Fitz-Thomas, and the Lord Maurice his son are slaine in Desmund by Mac-Karthy: likewise William Dene Lord Justice of Ireland dejected, after whom succeeded in the same yeere Sir Richard Capell.

MCCLXII. Richard Clare Earle of Glocester died: Item, Martin Maundevile left this life the morrow after Saint Bennets day.

MCCLXIV. Maurice Fitz Gerald, and Maurice Fitz Maurice took prisoners Rich. [ C] Capell, the Lord Theobald Botiller, and the Lord John Cogan at Tristel-Dermot.

MCCLXVII. David Barrie is made Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCLXVIII. Comin Maurice Fitz Maurice is drowned. Item, Lord Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCLXIX. The castle of Roscomon is founded. Richard of Excester is made Lord Justice.

MCCLXX. The Lord James Audeley came Lord Justice into Ireland.

MCCLXXI. Henry the Kings sonne of Almain is slaine in the Court of Rome. The same yeere reigned the plague, famine, and the sword, and most in Meth. Item, Nicholas de Verdon and his brother John are slain. Walter Burk or de Burgo Earle [ D] of Ulster died.

MCCLXXII. The Lord James Audeley Justice of Ireland was killed with a fall from his horse in Twomond: after whom succeeded Lord Maurice Fitz-Maurice in the office of chiefe Justice.

MCCLXXIII. The Lord Geffrey Genevile returned out of the holy land, and is made Justice of Ireland.

MCCLXXIV. Edward the sonne of King Henrie, by the hands of Robert Kelwarby a Frier of the order of Preaching Friers, and Archbishop of Canterburie, upon S. Mag∣nus the Martyrs day, in the Church of Westminster was anointed K. of England, and crowned in the presence of the Lords and Nobles of all England; whose protestation [ E] and oath was in this forme: I Edward son and heire to King Henrie, professe, protest, and promise before God and his Angels, from this time forward to keep without re∣spect the law, justice, and peace unto the holy Church of God, and the people subject unto me, so far forth as we can devise, by the counsell of our liege and loiall ministers: also to exhibite condigne and canonicall honour unto the Bishops of Gods Church, to preserve inviolably whatsoever hath bin bestowed by Emperors and Kings upon the Church committed unto them, and to yeeld due honour unto Abbats & the Lords vessels, according to the advise of our lieges, &c. So help me God, and the holy Gos∣pels of the Lord. In the same yeer died the Lord Iohn Verdon; likewise the Lord Tho∣mas Clare came into Ireland. Item, William Fitz-Roger, Prior of the Hospitalers, with [ F] many others, are taken prisoners at Glyndelory: and more there slaine.

MCCLXXV. The castle of Roscoman is erected againe. In the same yeere Moydagh was taken prisoner at Norragh by Sir Walter Faunte.

MCCLXXVI. Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland the second time: Gef∣frey Genevile gave place, and departed.

MCCLXXVII. O-Brene is slaine.

MCCLXXVIII. The Lord David Barry died. Likewise the Lord John Cogan. [ A]

MCCLXXIX. The Lord Robert Ufford entred into England, and appointed in his roome Frier Robert Fulborne Bishop of Waterford, in whose time the money was changed, likewise the Round table was holden at Kenilworth by the Lord Roger Mortimer.

MCCLXXX. Robert Ufford returned out of England, Lord Justice as before. Also the wife of Robert Ufford deceased.

MCCLXXXI. Adam Cusack the younger slew William Barret, and many others in Connaght. Item, Frier Stephen Fulborne is made Justice of Ireland. Item, the Lord Robert Ufford returned into England. [ B]

MCCLXXXII. Moritagh and Arte Mac-Murgh his brother are slaine at Arclowe, on the Even of Saint Marie Maudlen. Likewise the Lord Roger Mortimer died.

MCCLXXXIII. The citie of Dublin was in part burnt, and the Belfray of Saint Tri∣nitie Church in Dublin, the third day before the Nones of Januarie.

MCCLXXXIIII. The castle of Ley was taken and burnt by the Potentates or Lords of Offaly, the morrow after Saint Barnabe the Apostle his day. Alphonsus the Kings sonne twelve yeeres old, changed his life.

MCCLXXXV. The Lord Theobald Botiller died the sixth day before the Kalends of October in the castle of Arclowe, and was buried there in the covent of the Friers preachers. Item, Girald Fitz-Maurice was taken prisoner by his own Irish in Offalie, [ C] and Richard Petit and Saint-Doget, with many other: and a great overthrow was gi∣ven at Rathode with much slaughter.

MCCLXXXVI. Norragh and Arstoll, with other townes, were one after another con∣tinually burnt by Philip Stanton, the 16. day before the Calends of December. In these daies Alianor Queen of England, mother of King Edward, tooke the mantle and the ring at Ambresburie, upon the day of Saint Thomas his translation, having her dower in the kingdome of England confirmed by the Pope to be possessed for ever. Likewise Calwagh is taken prisoner at Kildare. The Lord Thomas Clare departed this life.

MCCLXXXVII. Stephen Fulborn, Archbishop of Tuam died: after whom there suc∣ceeded [ D] in the office of Lord chiefe Justice for a time, John Sampford archbishop of Dublin. In the same yeer the King of Hungary forsaking the Christian faith, became an Apostata: and when hee had called fraudulently, as it were to a Parliament, the mightier potentates of his land, Miramomelius a puissant Saracene came upon them with 20000. souldiers, carrying away with him the King, with all the Christians there assembled on the even of Saint John Baptists day: as the Christians therefore jour∣nied, the weather that was cleere and faire turned to be cloudie, and suddenly a tem∣pest of haile killed many thousands of the Infidels together: The Christians retur∣ned to their owne homes, and the Apostata King alone went with the Saracenes. The Hungarians therefore crowning his sonne King, continued in the Catholike [ E] faith.

MCCLXXXIX. Tripolis a famous citie was laied even with the ground, not without much effusion of Christian blood, and that by the Soldan of Babylon: who comman∣ded the images of the Saints to bee drawne and dragged at horses tailes, in contempt of the name of Christ, through the citie newly destroyed.

MCCXC.

Inclyta Stirps Regis Sponsis datur ordine legis. In lawfull guise (by hand and ring) Espoused is the Kings off-spring.

The Lord Gilbert Clare tooke to wife the Ladie Joan, a daughter of the Lord King Edward, in the Abbey or Covent Church of Westminster; and the marriage was [ F] solemnely celebrated in the Moneth of May: and John, the Duke of Brabant his sonne, married Margaret the said Kings daughter also in the Church aforesaid, in the moneth of July. The same yeere the Lord William Vescie was made Justice of Ire∣land, entring upon the office on Saint Martins day. Item, O Molaghelin King of Meth is slaine.

[ A] MCCXCI. Gilbert Clare, the sonne of Gilbert and of the Ladie Joan of Acres, was borne the 11. day of May, in the morning betimes. Item, there was an armie led into Ulster, against O-Hanlon and other Princes hindering the peace, by Richard Earle of Ulster, and William Vescie Justice of Ireland. Item, the Ladie Eleanor, sometime Queene of England and mother of King Edward, died in the feast of St. Iohn Baptist, who, in the religious habite which she desired, led a laudable life for the space of foure yeeres, eleven moneths, and sixe dayes, within the Abbey of Ambresby, where she was a professed Nun. Item, there resounded certaine rumours in the eares of the Lord Pope Martin, on the even of St. Mary Maudlen, as touching the Citie Acon [ B] in the holy land, which was the only refuge of the Christians; namely, that it was be∣sieged by Milkador the Soldan of Babylon, & an infinite number of his souldiers; and that it had been most fiercely assaulted about fortie daies, to wit, from the eighth day before the Ides of April unto the fifteene Calends of July. At length the wall was plucked down by the Saracens that assaulted it, and an infinite number of them entred the Citie, many Christians being slaine, and some for feare drowned in the sea. The Patriarch also with his traine perished in the sea. The King of Cypres and Otes Gran∣dison, with their companies, pitifully escaped by a ship. Item, granted there was unto the Lord Edward King of England by the Lord Pope Martin, the tenth part of all the profits of Ecclesiasticall benefices for seven yeeres in Ireland, toward the reliefe [ C] of the holy land. Item, the eldest sonne of the Earle of Clare was borne.

MCCXCII. Edward King of England eftsoones entred Scotland, and was elected King of Scotland. Lord John Balliol of Galwey obtained the whole kingdome of Scotland in right of inheritance, and did homage unto the Lord Edward King of Eng∣land at New-castle upon Tine on S. Stephens day. Florentius Earle of Holland, Ro∣bert Brus Earle of Carrick, John Hastings, John Comyn, Patrick Dunbar, John Ves∣cie, Nicolas Soules, and William Roos, who all of them in that kingdome submitted themselves to the judgement of the Lord King Edward.

Item, a fifteene of all secular mens goods in Ireland was granted unto the soveraign Lord King of England, the same to be collected at the feast of S. Michael. Item, Sir [ D] Peter Genevile Knight died. Item, Rice ap Meredyke was brought to York, and there at horses tailes drawne, &c.

MCCXCIII. A generall and open war there was at sea against the Normans. Item, no small number of the Normans by fight at sea was slain by the Barons of the Ports of England, and other their co-adjutors, between Easter and Whitsuntide. For which cause there arose war between England and France: whereupon Philip King of France directed his letters of credence unto the King of England, that he should make perso∣nall appearance at his Parliament, to answer unto Questions which the same King would propose unto him: whose mandate in this behalf being not fulfilled, straight∣waies the King of France declaring by the counsell of the French the King of Eng∣land [ E] to be outlawed, condemned him. Item, Gilbert Clare Earle of Glocester entred with his wife into Ireland about the feast of S. Luke.

MCCXCIV. William Montefort in the Kings counsell holden at Westminster before the King, died sodainly: which William was the Dean of S. Pauls in London, in whose mouth the Prelates, Bishops, and Cleargy putting their words which he was to utter, and doubting how much the King affected and desired to have of every one of them, and willing by him to be certified, in whom also the King reposed most trust, being returned to the King, and making hast before the King to deliver expresly a speech that he had conceived, became speechlesse on a sodain, and fell downe to the ground, and was carried forth by the Kings servants in their armes in piteous manner. In re∣gard [ F] of which sight that thus happened, men strucken with feare gave out these speeches: Surely this man hath beene the Agent and Procurator, that the Tenths of Ecclesiasticall benefices should bee paied to the King, and another author and procurer of a scrutinie made into the fold and flocke of Christ, as also of a contribu∣tion granted afterward to the King crying against William. Item, the Citie of Burde∣aux with the land of Gascoigne adjoining, was occupied or held by the ministers of

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the King of France conditionally: but unjustly and perfidiously detained by the King [ A] of France: for which cause John Archbishop of Dublin and certaine other Lords of the Nobilitie were sent into Almaine to the King thereof: and after they had their dispatch and answer in Tordran, the Lord Archbishop being returned into England, ended his life upon S. Leodegaries day. The bones of which John Sampford were enterred in the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin, the tenth day before the Calends of March.

The same yeere there arose debate betweene Lord William Vescy, Lord Justice of Ireland for the time being, and the Lord John Fitz-Thomas: and the said Lord Willi∣liam Vescy crossed the seas into England, & left Sir William Hay in his stead Justice [ B] of Ireland: but when both of them were come before the King to fight a combat, under an Appeal for treason, the foresaid William Vescy fled into France, and would not fight. Then the King of England gave all the Seigniories and Lordships which were the Lord William Vescies unto Sir John Fitz-Thomas, to wit, Kildare, Rathem∣gan, and many others.

The same yeere Gilbert Clare Earle of Glocester returned out of Ireland into England: likewise Richard Earle of Ulster soon after the feast of S. Nicholas was ta∣••en prisoner by Sir John Fitz-Thomas, and kept in ward within the Castle of Ley, un∣to the feast of Saint Gregorie the Pope: whose enlargement was then made by the counsell of the Lord the King in a Parliament at Kilkenny: for the taking of whom, [ C] the foresaid Sir Iohn Fitz-Thomas gave all his lands, to wit, Slygah with the perte∣nances, which he had in Connaght.

Item, the Castle of Kildare was won. Kildare and the country round about it is spoi∣led by the English and Irish. Caluagh burnt all the Rolls and Tallies of the said Earle. Great dearth and pestilence there was throughout Ireland this yeere, and the two next ensuing. Item, Lord William Odyngzele is made Justice of Ireland.

MCCXCV. Edward King of England built the Castle de Bello-Marisco, that is, Beaumaris in Venedocia, which is called mother of Cambria, and of the common sort Anglesey: entring unto the said Anglesey straight after Easter, and subduing the Ve∣nodotes, that is, the able men of Anglesey under his dominion: and soone after this [ D] time, namely, after the feast of St. Margaret, Madock at that time the elect Prince of Wales, submitting himselfe to the Kings grace and favour, was brought by Iohn Haverings to London, and there shut up prisoner in the towre, expecting the Kings grace and benevolence. This yeere died Lord William Odingzele Justice of Ireland, the morrow after S. Mary of Aegypt: whom succeeded Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice in the Justiceship.

Item, about the same time the Irish of Leinster wasted Leinster, burning New-castle with other townes. Item, Thomas Torbevile a traitor of the King and the realm be∣ing convicted, was drawne through the middest of London lying along prostrate, guarded with foure tormentors disguised under vizzards, taunting and reviling him, [ E] and thus in the end was hanged upon a jibbet in chaines, so as his carcase might not be committed to sepulture, but kites, carrion crowes and ravens celebrated his fu∣nerals. This Thomas was one of them which at the siege of the Castle of Rions were taken prisoners and brought to Paris. Who spake unto the Peeres of France, and said, that he would betray the King of England into their hands: and leaving there his two sonnes for hostages, returned from the parts beyond-sea, joining himself un∣to the King of England and his counsell, relating unto them all how craftily he esca∣ped out of prison: and when hee had gotten intelligence of the Kings designement, and the ordering of the kingdome, hee put all in writing, and directed the same unto the Provost of Paris. For which being in the end convicted, he received the sentence [ F] of judgement aforesaid.

Item, about the same time the Scots having broken the bond of peace, which they had covenanted with the Lord Edward King of England, made a new league with the King of France: and conspiring together, rose up in armes against their owne soveraigne Lord and King Iohn Balliol, and enclosed him within the

[ A] inland parts of Scotland, in a castle environed and fensed round about with mountaines. They elected unto themselves, after the manner of France, twelve Peeres, to wit, foure Bishops, foure Earles, and foure Lords of the Nobilitie, by whose will and direction all the affaires of the kingdome should be managed. And this was done in despite, and to disgrace the King of England, for that against the will and consent of the Scots, the said John was by the King of England set over them to be their Soveraigne. Item, the King of England brought an armie againe toward Scotland in Lent following, to represse the rash arrogancie and presumption of the Scots against their owne father and King. Item, Sir Iohn Wogan was made Justice of [ B] Ireland, and the Lord Thomas Fitz-Maurice gave place unto him. Item, the said John Wogan Justice of Ireland made peace and truce to last for two yeeres betweene the Earle of Ulster, and Iohn Fitz-Thomas, and the Geraldines. Item, in these dayes about the feast of Christ his Nativitie, Gilbert Clare Earle of Glocester finished this life. I∣tem, the King of England sendeth his brother Edmund with an armie into Gas∣coigne.

MCCXCVI. The Lord Edward King of England the third day before the Ca∣lends of Aprill, to wit, upon Friday, that fell out then to be in Easter weeke, wonne Berwicke, wherein were slaine about 7000. Scots, and of the English one onely Knight, to wit, Sir Richard Cornwall, with seven footmen and no more. Item, [ C] shortly after, namely, upon the fourth of May, he entred the Castle of Dunbar, and tooke prisoners of the enemies about fortie men alive, who all submitted themselves to the Kings grace and mercie, having before defeated the whole armie of the Scots, that is to say, slaine seven hundred men of armes: neither were there slaine of the English men in that service, as well of horsemen as of footmen, but ... footmen onely.

Item, upon the day of Saint John before Port-Latin, no small number of Welsh∣men, even about fifteene thousand, by commandement of the King went into Scot∣land to invade and conquer it. And the same time the great Lords of Ireland, to wit, Iohn Wogan Justice of Ireland, Richard Bourk Earle of Ulster, Theobald Butler, [ D] and Iohn Fitz-Thomas, with others, came to aide, and sailed over sea into Scotland. The King of England also entertaining them upon the third day before the Ides of May, to wit, on Whitsunday, made a great and solemne feast in the Castle of Rokes∣burgh to them and other Knights of England. Item, upon the next Wednesday before the feast of Saint Barnabe the Apostle hee entred the towne of Ede••burgh, and wonne the Castle before the feast of Saint John Baptist: and shortly after, even in the same summer, were all the Castles within the compasse of Scotland rendred up into his hands. Item, the same Lord John Balliol King of Scotland came, though unwilling, upon the Sunday next after the feast of the translation of Saint Thomas the Archbishop, to the King of England, with Earles, Bishops, and a great number [ E] of Knights beside, and submitted themselves unto the Kings grace and will, saving life and limbe: and the Lord John Balliol resigned up all his right of Scotland into the King of England his hand, whom the Lord the King sent toward the parts about London under safe conduct.

Item, Edmund the King of Englands brother died in Gascoigne.

MCCXCVII. Lord Edward King of England sailed over into Flanders with a power of armed men, against the King of France for the warre that was raised be∣tweene them: where after great expences and much altercation, a certaine forme of peace was concluded betweene them, with this condition, that they should submit themselves unto the ordinance of the Lord the Pope.

[ F] From the one side and the other were sent certaine messengers to the Court of Rome, but whiles King Edward abode in Flanders, William Walleis by the com∣mon counsell of the Scots came with a great armie to the bridge of Strivelin, and gave battle unto John Earle Warren: in which battell on both sides many were slaine, and many drowned. But the Englishmen were discomfited and defeated. Upon which exploit all the Scots at once arose and made an insurrection, as well Earls

as Barons against the King of England. And there fell discord betweene the King of [ A] England, and Roger Bigod Earle Mareschall; but soone after they were agreed. And Saint Lewis a Frier minor sonne of the King of Sicily, and Archbishop of Co∣lein died. Also the sonne and heire of the King de Maliagro, that is, of the Majoricke Ilands, instituted the order of the Friers minors, at the information of Saint Lewis, who said, Goe and doe so. Item, in Ireland, Leghlin, with other townes, was burnt by the Irish of Slemergi.

Item, Calwagh O-Hanlan, and Yneg Mac-Mahon are slaine in Urgale.

MCCXCVIII. Pope Boniface the fourth, the morrow after the Feast of the Apo∣stles Peter and Paul, after all tumults were appeased, ordained and confirmed a [ B] peace betweene the King of England and the King of France, with certaine condi∣tions that after followed. Item, Edward King of England set forth with an armie againe into Scotland, for to subdue the Scots under his dominion. Item, there were slaine in the same expedition, about the feast of Saint Marie Maudlen, many thou∣sands of the Scots at Fawkirk. The sunne the same day appeared as red as bloud over all Ireland, so long as the battell continued at Fawkirke aforesaid. Item, about the same time the Lord King of England feoffed his Knights in the Earldomes and Baro∣nies of the Scots that were slaine. More, in Ireland peace and concord was concluded between the Earle of Ulster, and Lord John Fitz-Thomas, about the feast of the A∣postles Simon and Iude. Also on the morrow after the feast of the 7. Saints sleepers, [ C] the sun-beames were changed almost into the colour of bloud even from the mor∣ning, so that all men that saw it wondred thereat. Moreover, there died Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice Knight, and Sir Robert Bigod, sometime Lord chiefe Justice of the Bench. Item, in the Citie Artha, as also in Reathe in the parts of Italie, whiles Pope Boniface abode there at the same time there happened so great an Earthquake, that towres and palaces fell downe to the ground. The Pope also with his Cardinals fled from the Citie much affrighted.

Item, upon the feast of the Epiphany, that is, Twelfe day, there was an earthquake, though not so violent, in England from Canterburie as farre as to Hampton.

MCCXCIX. Lord Theobald Botiller the younger departed this life in the Manour de [ D] Turby the second day before the Ides of May: whose corps was conveied toward Weydeney, that is, Weney in the countie of Limeric the sixth day before the Calends of June.

Item, Edward King of England tooke to wife the Ladie Margaret, sister to the noble King of France, in the Church of the holy Trinitie in Canterburie, about the feast of the holy Trinitie. Item, the Soldan of Babylon was defeated with a great ar∣mie of Saracens, by Cassian King of the Tartars.

MCCXCIX. The day after the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, there was an infinite number of the Saracens horsemen slaine, besides the footmen, who were likewise innumerable. Item, in the same yeere there was a battell or fight [ E] of dogges, in Burgundie at Genelon castle: and the number of the dogges was 3000. and everie one killed another, so that no dogge escaped alive but one alone. Item, the same yeere many Irishmen came to trouble and molest the Lord Theobald Ver∣don, to the Castle of Roch, before the feast of the Annuntiation.

MCCC. The Pollard money is forbidden in England and Ireland. Also in the Au∣tumne Edward King of England entred Scotland with a power of armed men: but at the commandement of Pope Boniface hee was stayed, and he sent solemne messen∣gers unto the Court (of Rome) excusing himself of doing any injurie. Item, Thomas the Kings sonne of England was the last day of May born at Brotherton, of Margaret sister to the King of France. Item, Edward Earle of Cornwall died without leaving [ F] behind an heire of his owne bodie, and was enterred in the Abbey of Hales.

MCCCI. Edward King of England entred into Scotland with an armie: unto whom failed over sea Sir John Wogan Justice of Ireland, and Sir John Fitz-Tho∣mas, Peter Bermingham, and many others, to aide the King of England. Also a great part of the Citie Dublin was burnt, together with the Church of Saint Warburga, on

[ A] S. Columbs day at night. More, Sir Geffrey Genevil espoused the daughter of Sir John Montefort: and Sir John Mortimer espoused the daughter and heire of Sir Peter Ge∣nevil. And the Lord Theobald Verdon espoused the daughter of the Lord Roger Mortimer. At the same time the men of Leinster made warre in winter, burning the towne of Wykynlo and Rathdon, with others: but they escaped not unpunished: because the more part of their sustenance was burnt up, and their cattell lost by de∣predation: and the same Irish had beene utterly almost consumed, but that the sedi∣tious dissention of certaine Englishmen was an hinderance thereto. Item, a defea∣ture and slaughter was made by the Toolans, upon a small companie assembled of the [ B] Brenies, in which were slaine almost three hundred robbers. Item, Walter Power wasted a great part of Mounster, burning many ferme houses.

MCCCII. There died the ladie Margaret, wife to Sir John Wogan Justice of Ireland, the third day before the Ides of April: and in the week following Maud Lacy, wife to Sir Geffery Genevil died: also Edward Botiller recovered the manour de* 1.3 S. Bosco, with the pertenances, from Sir Richard Ferenges Archbishop of Dublin, by a concord made between them in the Kings bench, after the feast of S. Hilarie.

Item, the Flemings gave an overthrow at Courteray in Flanders unto the army of the French, the Wednesday after the feast of the Translation of S. Thomas, wherein were slaine the Earle of Arthois, the Earle of Aumarle, the Earle of Hue, Ralph [ C] Neel Constable of France, Guy Nevil Mareschal of France, the sonne of the Earle of Hennaund, Godfrey Brabant with his sonne, William Fenys and his son, Iames S. Paul lost his hand, and fortie Baronets lost their lives that day, with Knights, Esquires, and others sans number.

Item, the tenths of all Ecclesiasticall benefices in England and Ireland were exacted by Boniface the Pope for 3. yeeres, as a Subsidie to the Church of Rome against the King of Aragon. Also upon the day of the Circumcision Sir Hugh Lacie raised boo∣ties from Hugh Vernail. In the same yeere Robert Brus, then Earle of Carrick, espou∣sed the daughter of Sir Richard Bourk Earle of Ulster. Item, Edward Botiller espoused the daughter of Sir Iohn Fitz-Thomas: also the Citie of Burdeaux, with other Ci∣ties [ D] lying round about it, which by the sedition of the Frenchmen had been at any time alienated from Edward King of England, were restored unto him againe upon St. Andrewes even, by the industrie of the L. Hastings.

MCCCIII. The Earle of Ulster, to wit, Richard Bourk, and Sir Eustace Pover, entred Scotland with a puissant armie: but after that the Earle himselfe had first made thir∣tie three Knights in the Castle of Dublin, hee passed over into Scotland to aide the King of England.

Item, Gerald the sonne and heire of Sir Iohn Fitz-Thomas departed out of this world. In the same yeere Pope Boniface excommunicated the King and Queene of France and their children. Hee renewed also all the priviledges granted at any time [ E] unto the Universitie of Paris: and straight after the Pope was taken prisoner, and kept (as it were) in prison three whole daies. And soone after the Pope died: likewise the Countesse of Ulster deceased. Also Wulfrane Wellesly and Sir Robert Percivell were slaine the 11. day before the Calends of November.

MCCCIIII. A great part of Dublin was burnt, to wit, the Bridge street, with a good part of the Key, and the Church of the Friers Preachers, and the Church of the Monks, with no small part of the Monasterie, about the Ides of June, to wit, on the Feast day of S. Medard. Also the first stone of the Friers Preachers Quire in Dub∣lin was laid by Eustace Lord Pover on the Feast of S. Agatha Virgin.

Likewise after the Feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, the King [ F] of France invaded Flanders againe in proper person, with a puissant armie. Then bare he himselfe bravely in the war, and fought manfully so long, untill two or three horses of service were slaine under him: but at last he lost his cap that under his hel∣met was put upon his head; which the Flemings taking up carried by way of scorn∣full derision upon a lance as a banner, and in all the famous Faires of Flanders, put it

out at the high window of some place or stately house, like the signe of an Inne or [ A] Taverne, and shewed it in token of victorie.

MCCCV. Jordan Comyn with his complices slew Moritagh O-Conghir King of Offalie, and Calwagh his whole brother, and certain others in the Court of Sir Piers Brymgeham at Carrick in Carbrey: likewise Sir Gilbert Sutton Seneschal of Weisford was slaine by the Irish neere unto a village (or House) of Haymund Grace, which Haymund verily in the said skirmish manfully carried himselfe, but stoutly escaped.

Item, in Scotland the Lord Robert Brus Earle of Carricke, forgetting his oath made to the King of England, slew Sir John Rede Comyn within the cloisture of the Friers Minors of Dunfrese, and soone after caused himselfe to be crowned King of [ B] Scotland by the hands of two Bishops, to wit, of S. Andrewes and of Glasco, in the towne of Scone, to the confusion of himselfe and of many others.

MCCCVI. A great discomfiture was made in Offaly, neere unto the Castle of Ges∣bill, on the Ides of Aprill, upon O-Conghor by O-Dympcies, in which was slaine O-Dympcey Leader of the Regans, with a great traine accompanying him. Also O-Brene King of Towmond died. Item, Donald Oge Mac Carthy slew Donald Ruff, that is, the Red King of Desmund. Item, a lamentable defeature fell upon the part of Piers Bry∣megham the fourth day before the Calends of May, in the Marches of Meth. Item, Balymore in Leinster was burnt by the Irish, where at the same time Henry Calfe was slaine: and there arose war betweene the English and the Irish in Leinster: for [ C] which cause there was assembled a great armie from divers parts of Ireland to bridle the malice of the Irish in Leinster: in which expedition Sir Tho. Mandevil Knight, and a brave warriour, had a great conflict with the Irish, neere to Clenfell; in which conflict he behaved himselfe valiantly, untill his horse of service was slaine, and won much praise and honour by saving many a man, and himselfe also. Item, M. Thomas Cantock Chancellour of Ireland was consecrated Bishop of Ymelasen, in the Church of the holy Trinitie at Dublin with great honour: at whose consecration were pre∣sent the Elders of all Ireland, where there was so sumptuous and so great a feast made, first unto the rich, and afterwards to the poore, as the like had never been heard of before in Ireland. Item, Richard Feringes Archbishop of Dublindied in the Vigile [ D] of Saint Luke, after whom succeeded Master Richard Haverings, who occupied the Archbishoprick almost five yeeres by Apostolicall dispensation. Who also resigned up his Archbishoprick: after whom succeeded John Leth.

The occasion and cause of his giving over (as the Arch-deacon of Dublin of good memorie, his Nephew hath reported) was this, for that one night hee dreamed, that a certaine Monster heavier than the whole world stood eminently aloft upon his brest: from the weight whereof he chose rather to be delivered, than alone to have all the goods of the world: but when he wakened hee thought with himselfe, this was nothing else but the Church of Dublin, the fruits where∣of hee received, and tooke no paines for the same. As soone as hee could there∣fore [ E] he came unto the Lord the Pope, of whom hee was much beloved, and there renounced and gave over the Archbishopricke. For hee had, as the same Arch∣deacon avouched, fatter benefices and livings than the Archbishopricke came unto.

Item, Edward King of England in the feast of Pentecost, that is, Whitsontide, made Edward his son Knight in London; at which feast were dubbed about 400. Knights, and the said Edward of Caernarvan newly knighted, made threescore Knights of those abovesaid, and kept his feast in London at the New Temple, and his father gave unto him the Dutchy of Aquitaine.

Item, the same yeere in the feast of Saint Potentiana, the Bishop of Winchester, [ F] and the Bishop of Worcester, by commandement from the Lord the Pope, excom∣municated Robert Brus the pretended King of Scotland, and his confederates, for the death of Iohn Rede Comyn. In the same yeere, upon S. Boniface his day, Aumarde Valence Earle of Pembroch, and Lord Guy Earle............ slew many Scots, and the

[ A] Lord Robert Brus was defeated without the town of S. Iohns. And the same yeere a∣bout the feast of the Nativitie of St. Iohn Baptist, King Edward went toward Scot∣land by water from Newarke to Lincolne.

Item, the same yeere the Earle of Asceles, and the Lord Simon Freysell, and the Countesse of Carricke, the pretended Queene of Scotland, daughter of the Earle of Ulster, were taken prisoners. The Earle of Asceles and the Lord Simon Freysell were first torne and mangled. As for the Countesse, she remained with the King in great honour, but the rest died miserably in Scotland.

Item, about the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, two brethren [ B] of Robert Brus professing pyracie, went out of their gallies a land to prey, and were taken with sixteen Scots besides: and those two themselves were torne and tormen∣ted at Carlele, the rest hanged upon jebbits.

Item, upon St. Patricks day there was taken prisoner in Ireland Mac-Nochi with his two sonnes, neere unto New castle, by Thomas Sueterby: and there Lorran O∣boni a most strong thiefe was beheaded.

MCCCVII. The third day preceding the Calends of Aprill, was Marcord Ballagh beheaded neere unto Marton by Sir David Caunton a doughtie Knight: and soon af∣ter was Adam Dan slaine.

Also a defeature and bloodie slaughter fell upon the English in Connaght by Os∣cheles, [ C] on Philip and Iacob the Apostles day.

Item, the preading Brigants of Offaly pulled down the Castle of Cashill, and upon the Vigill of the translation of Saint Thomas they burnt the towne of Ly, and besie∣ged the Castle: but soone after they were removed by Iohn Fitz-Thomas, and Ed∣ward Botiller.

Item, Edward King of England departed this life: after whom succeeded in the kingdome his sonne Edward, who most solemnly buried his father at Westminster, with great reverence and honour.

Item, the Lord Edward the younger took to wife the Ladie Isabel, daughter of the French King, in St. Maries Church at Bologne: and shortly after they were both [ D] crowned in the Church of Westminster.

Item, the Templars in the parts beyond sea, being condemned (as it was said) of a certaine heresie, were apprehended and imprisoned by the Popes Mandat. In Eng∣land likewise they were all taken the morrow after the feast of the Epiphany. Also in Ireland they were arrested the morrow after the feast of the Purification and laid up in prison.

MCCCVIII. The second day before the Ides of April died Sir Peter or Piers Ber∣mingham, a noble vanquisher of the Irish.

Item, on the fourth day before the Ides of May was burnt the Castle of Kenir, and certaine warders in it slaine, by William Mac-Balthor, and Cnygnismi Othothiles, [ E] and his abetters.

More, on the sixt day preceding the Ides of June, Lord Iohn Wogan Justice of Ire∣land was defeated with his armie neere Glyndelory; where were slaine Iohn called Hogelyn, Iohn Northon, Iohn Breton, with many other. Also, the sixteenth day going before the Calends of July, were burnt Dolovan, Tobyr, and other townes and villa∣ges bordering upon them, by the foresaid malefactors.

Item, in England shortly after was holden a great Parliament at London; where∣in arose a dissension, and in manner a mortall conflict betweene the King and the Ba∣rons, occasioned by Piers Gaveston, who was banished out of the kingdome of Eng∣land the morrow after the feast of Saint John Baptist his Nativitie: and he passed o∣ver [ F] sea into Ireland about the feast of the Saints Quirita and Julita, together with his wife and sister, the Countesse of Glocester, and came to Dublin with great pomp, and there made his abode.

Moreover, William Mac-Baltor, a strong thiefe and an Incendiarie, was condem∣ned, and had judgement in the Court of the Lord the King in Dublin before the chiefe Justice Lord John Wogan, upon the twelfth day preceding the Calends of

September: and was drawne at horses tailes unto the gallowes, and there hanged ac∣cording [ A] to his deserts.

Item, in the same yeere there was erected a certaine cisterne of marble, to receive water from the conduict head, in the Citie of Dublin, such an one as never was there before, by the dispose and providence of Master John Decer then Maior of the Ci∣tie of Dublin, who of his owne money defraied the charges for the building there∣of: and the same John a little before the time caused a certaine bridge to be made be∣yond the river Aven-Liffy, neere unto the Priorie of St. Wolstan: also the Chappell of Saint Ma••ie to the Friers Minours, and there lieth he buried: the Chappell like∣wise of Saint Marie, to the Hospitall of Saint Johns in Dublin, &c. [ B]

Item, the same John Decer was very beneficiall to the Covent of the Friers Preachers in Dublin: to wit, in making one Columne of stone in the Church, and gi∣ving one great broad altar-stone, with the ornaments thereto belonging.

More, upon the sixth day of the weeke hee entertained the Friers, and tabled them at his owne charges (thus say Elders to the younger) in regard of charitie.

More, in the Autumne, Lord Iohn Wogan sailed over the sea unto the Parliament of England: in whose place the Lord William Burke was made Custos of Ireland.

Item, the same yeere, in the Vigill of Simon and Jude the Apostles day, the Lord Roger Mortimer arrived in Ireland with his wedded wife, the right heire of Meth, the daughter of the Lord Peter, sonne of Sir Gefferie Genevil: they entred I say into Ire∣land, [ C] and took seisin of Meth, Sir Gefferie Genevil yeelding unto them, and entring into the order of the Friers Preachers at Trym, the morrow after the day of St. Ed∣ward the Archbishop.

Also, Dermot Odympoy was slaine at Tully by the servants of Sir Peter or Piers Gaveston.

More, Richard Burgo or Burk Earle of Ulster kept a great feast at Whitsontide in Trym, and dubbed Walter Lacie and Hugh Lacie Knights. And on the even of the Assumption, the Earle of Ulster came against Piers Gaveston Earle of Cornwall, at Tradag. And at the same time he went backe againe, and tooke his passage into Scot∣land. [ D]

Item, in the same yeere Maud the Earle of Ulsters daughter sailed over into Eng∣land, to contract marriage with the Earle of Glocester: and soone after within one moneth the Earle and she espoused one the other.

Also, Maurice Caunton slew Richard Talon: and the Roches killed the foresaid Maurice.

Item, Sir David Caunton is hanged at Dublin.

Item, Odo the sonne of Catholl O-Conghir slew Odo O-Conghir King of Con∣naght.

Item, Athi is burnt by the Irish.

MCCCIX. Piers Gaveston subdued the O-Brynnes, Irishmen, and re-edified the [ E] new Castle of Mackingham, and the Castle of Kemny: he cut downe and cleansed the Pas betweene Kemny Castle and Glyndelaugh, mawgre the Irish, and so depar∣ted and offered in the Church of Saint Kimny.

The same yeere Lord Piers Gaveston passed the seas over into England on the Vi∣gil of S. John Baptists Nativitie.

Item, the wife of the Earle of Ulsters sonne, daughter unto the Earle of Glocester, upon the 15. day of October arrived in Ireland.

Also on Christmas even the Earle of Ulster returned out of England, and landed at the Port of Tradagh.

More, on the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary, Sir John Bone∣vile [ F] neere unto the towne of Arstoll was slain by Sir Arnold Pover and his complices, and buried at Athy in the Church of the Friers Preachers.

Item, a Parliament was held at Kilkenny, in the Outas of the purification of the bles∣sed Virgin Mary, by the Earle of Ulster, and John Wogan Lord Justice of Ireland, and other Lords: wherein was appeased great discord risen betweene certaine Lords of

[ A] Ireland: and many Provisoes in maner of Statutes were ordained, commodious and profitable to the land of Ireland if they had been observed.

Item, shortly after that time returned Sir Edmund Botiller out of England, who there at London was before Knighted.

Item, there crossed the seas into England out of Ireland, the Earle of Ulster, Roger Mortimer, and Sir Iohn Fitz-Thomas.

Item, Sir Theohald Verdon died."

MCCCX. King Edward and Sir Piers Gaveston tooke their journey toward Scot∣land, to fight against Robert Bru••.

[ B] Item, in the said yeere great dearth there was of corn in Ireland: an eranc of wheat was sold for 20. shillings and above.

Also the Bakers of Dublin for their false waight of bread, suffered a new kinde of torment, which was never seen there before: for that on S. Sampson the Bishops day they were drawne upon hurdles through the streets of the Citie at horse-tailes.

More, in the Abbey of S. Thomas Martyr at Dublin died Sir Neile Bruin Knight, Escheator to the Lord the King in Ireland: whose bodie was committed to the earth at the Friers minors, with so great a pompe of tapers and waxe lights, as the like was never seene before in Ireland.

The same yeere a Parliament was holden at Kildare, where Sir Arnold Pover was [ C] acquit for the death of the Lord Bonevile, because he had done this deed in his owne defence.

Likewise, on S. Patricks day, by assent of the Chapter, M. Alexander Bickenore was elected Archbishop of Dublin.

Item, the Lord Roger Mortimer returned into Ireland within the Octaves of the Nativitie of the blessed Virgin Marie.

Also the same yeere the Lord Henrie Lacie Earle of Lincolne died."

MCCCXI. In Thomond at Bonnorathie there was a wonderfull and miraculous discomfiture given by the Lord Richard Clare unto the side of the Earle of Ulster: Which Lord Richard aforesaid tooke prisoner in the field the Lord William Burke, [ D] and John the sonne of the Lord Walter Lacie, and many others. In which battaile verily there were slaine a great number as well of the English as the Irish, the 13. day before the Galends of June.

Item, Taslagard and Rathcante were invaded by the robbers, to wit, the O-Brines and O-Tothiles the morrow after the Nativitie of S. John Baptist. Whereupon soon after in Autumne, there was a great armie assembled in Leinster, to make head and fight against the said robbers, lurking in Glindelory and in other places full of woods.

Also, a Parliament was holden at London in August, betweene the King and the Barons, to treat about the State of the kingdome, and of the Kings houshold, accor∣ding [ E] to the ordinance of sixe Bishops, sixe Earles, and sixe Barons, as they might best provide for the good of the Realme.

Item, on the second day before the Ides of November, the Lord Richard Clare slew sixe hundred of Galegalaghes.

More, on All-Saints day next going before, Piers Gaveston was banished the Realme of England by the Earles and Barons: and many good Statutes necessarie for the commonwealth were by the same Lords made. Which Piers abjured the Realme of England about the Feast of All-Saints; and entred into Flanders: foure moneths after the said Piers returned presently upon the Epiphanie, and by stealth entred into England, keeping close unto the Kings side, so that the Barons could not [ F] easily come neere unto him. And hee went with the King to Yorke, making his a∣bode there in the Lent: whereupon the Bishops, Earles, and Barons of England came to London for to treat about the State of the kingdome: for feare lest by oc∣casion of Piers his returne, the Common wealth should bee troubled with com∣motions.

Item, Sir John Cogan, Sir Walter Faunt, and Sir John Fitz-Rerie Knights died, [ A] and were buried in the Church of the Friers Preachers at Dublin.

Item, John Mac-Goghedan is slaine by O-molmoy.

Item, William Roch died at Dublin with the shot of an arrow by an Irish moun∣tainer.

"Item, Sir Eustace Power Knight died.

Item, in the Vigill of Saint Peters Chaire began a riot in Urgaly by Robert Ver∣don.

"Item, Donat O-Brene is traiterously slaine by his owne men in Tothomon.

MCCCXII. Sir Peter or Piers Gaveston entred the castle of Scardeburgh, re∣sisting [ B] the Barons. But soone after the Calends of June hee yeelded himselfe unto Sir Aumare Valence, who had besieged him, yet upon certaine conditions named before hand: who brought him toward London. But by the way he was taken priso∣ner at Dedington by the Earle of Warwicke, and brought to Warwicke: whereup∣on, after counsell taken by the Earles and Barons, he lost his head the thirteenth day before the Calends of July: whose bodie lieth buried in the coventuall Church of the Friers Preachers at Langley.

Item, John Wogan Lord Justice of Ireland led forth an armie, to bridle the ma∣lice of Robert Verdon and his abettors: which was miserably defeated the sixth day before the Ides of July: in which fight were slain Nicolas Avenel, Patrick Roch, and [ C] many others. For this fact the said Robert Verdon, and many of his complices yeel∣ded themselves unto the Kings prison at Dublin, in expectance of favour and par∣don.

Also, on Thursday, the morrow after Saint Lucie Virgin, in the sixth yeere of King Edward, the Moone was wonderfully seene of divers colours: on which day determined it was, that the order of Templars should be abolished for ever.

More, in Ireland Lord Edmund Botiller was made the Lievtenant of Lord John Wogan Justice of Ireland: which Edmund in the Lent following besieged the O-Brynnes in Glindelorie, and compelled them to yeeld, yea and brought them almost to confusion, unlesse they had returned the sooner unto the peace of the Lord the [ D] King.

Item, the same yeere, on the morrow after Saint Dominickes day, Lord Maurice Fitz-Thomas espoused Katherin daughter of the Earle of Ulster, at Green-castle. And Thomas Fitz-Iohn espoused another daughter of the same Earle, the morrow after the Assumption, in the same place.

Also, the Sunday after the feast of the exaltation of the holy Crosse, the daughter of the Earle of Glocester, wife to the Lord Iohn Burke, was delivered of a sonne.

MCCCXIII. Frier Roland Joce Primate of Ardmach arrived at the Iland of Houth the morrow after the annuntiation of the blessed Virgin Marie: and rising in the night by stealth, tooke up his Crosier, and advanced it as farre as to the Priorie of [ E] Grace Dieu: whom there encountred certaine of the Archbishop of Dublins ser∣vants, debasing and putting downe that Crosier, and the Primate himselfe of Ard∣magh they chaced with disgrace and confusion out of Leinster.

Item, a Parliament was holden at London, wherein little or nothing was done as touching Peace: from which Parliament the King departed, and tooke his journey into France, at the mandate of the King of France: and the King of England with many of his Nobles tooke the badge of the Crosse.

Also the Lord John Fitz-Thomas knighted Nicolas Fitz-Maurice, and Robert Clonhull at Adare in Mounster.

More, on the last day of May Robert Brus sent certaine Gallies to the parts of Ul∣ster [ F] with his rovers to make spoile: whom the men of Ulster resisted and manfully chased away. It is said that the same Robert arrived with the licence of the Earle to take truce.

Item, in the same summer Master John Decer, a Citizen of Dublin, caused a neces∣sarie bridge to bee made from without the towne of Batiboght, unto the Causey

[ A] of the Mil-poole of Clontarf, whereas before time the passengers that way were much endangered. But after he had defraied great charges thereabout, by reason of a mightie inundation and floud the bridge with the arches fell downe.

Also, Master John Leeks Achbishop of Dublin in the feast of St. Laurence end∣ed this mortall life. Then in a schisme and division of sides were elected for to bee Archbishop of Dublin, Master Walter Thornbury the Kings Chancellor in Ireland, and Master Alexander Bicknore Treasurer of Ireland: but Walter Thornbury was drowned, and many others, to wit, about one hundred fiftie and sixe took the sea, and the night following were all drowned. At the time of the foresaid Walters death, [ B] Alexander Bicknore expected at home the Popes favour. The same Alexander was made Archbishop of Dublin. Item, the Lord Miles Verdon espoused the daughter of the Lord Richard Excester. Item, the same yeere the Lord Robert Brus overthrew the Castle of Man, and vanquished the Lord Donegan, O-Dowill on S. Barnabes day. And the Lord John Burck, heire unto Richard Earle of Ulster, died at Galwey on the feast of St. Marcellus and Marcellianus.

Also, the Lord Edmund Botiller dubbed thirtie Knights in Dublin Castle on Sun∣day and St. Michaels day.

MCCCXIV. The Knights Hospitallers had the lands given unto them of the Tem∣plars in Ireland.

[ C] Item, Sir John Parice is slaine at Pount. Also, Lord Theobald Verdon came Lord Justice of Ireland on Saint Sylvesters day.

Item, Sir Gefferey Genevile a Frier died the twelfth day before the Calends of November, and was buried in his owne order of the Friers Preachers of Trym: who was Lord also of the libertie of Meth.

More, in the same yeere, and upon S. Matthew the Apostles day, Loghseudy was burnt: and on the friday following the Lord Edmund Botiller received his Com∣mission to be Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCCXV. On St. John Baptists day the Earle of Glocester had his deaths wound given him, and died, when many others, as it were, without number, were slaine in [ D] Scotland, and more taken prisoners by the Scots. For which cause the Scots became bold, and carried their heads aloft, and gat good land and tributes out of Northum∣berland.

Item, shortly after this came the Scots and besieged the towne of Carlile, where James Douglas was squized to death by misfortune of a certaine wall falling upon him.

The same yeere the Scots not contented with their owne land, arrived in the North part of Ireland at Clondonne, with sixe thousand fighting men and expert warriours: to wit, Edward Brus whole brother to Robert King of Scots, and with him the Earl of Morreff, John Meneteth, John Steward, the Lord John Cambel, Tho∣mas [ E] Randolfe, Fergus Andressan, John Bosco, and John Bisset, who seized Ulster into their hands, and drave the Lord Thomas Mandevile and other liege men out of their owne possessions.

The Scots entred Ireland first on St. Augustines day, that was the Englishmens Apostle, in the moneth of May, neere unto Crag-fergus in Ulster: betweene whom and the English the first conflict was neere unto Banne, in which the Earle of Ul∣ster was put to flight: there were taken prisoners William Burk, John Stanton, and many others, and the Scots having slaine a number of the English, prevailed and had the day.

The second conflict was at Kintys in Meth, wherein Roger Mortimer with his fol∣lowers [ F] was put to flight.

The third conflict was at Sketheris hard by Arstoll, the morrow after the con∣version of S. Paul, wherein the Englishmen were chaced, and the Scots had the bet∣ter hand. And the foresaid Edward Brus soone after the feast of Philip and Jacob caused himselfe to be crowned King of Ireland: and they tooke Greene Castle, and left their men there, whom the Dublinians quickly after expelled, and recovered the

said Castle to the Kings behoof, and finding Sir Robert Coulragh the Keeper of the [ A] Castle there, brought him with them to Dublin: who being imprisoned and put to short diet, ended his dayes.

Item, upon Peter and Paul the Apostles day came the Scots before Dundalk, and won the towne, spoiled and burnt it, killing as many as made resistance: and a great part of Urgale was burnt by the Scots. The Church of the blessed Virgin Mary in Atterith, being full of men, women, and little children, was burnt by the Scots and Irish.

In the same yeere the Lord Edmund Botiller, Justice of Ireland, about the feast of S. Mary Maudlen, assembled together a mightie power out of Mounster, Leinster, and [ B] other parts: and the Earle of Ulster on the contrarie side, as it were, comming from the parts of Connaght with an infinite army, met all together about Dundalk, and con∣sulted among themselves to kill the Scots; but how it is not knowne: the Scots fled, otherwise, as hope was, they had been taken prisoners.

Which done, the Earle of Ulster, with the foresaid Justice and other great Lords, tooke in hand, after they had slaine the Scots, to bring the Lord Edward le Brus quicke or dead to Dublin: which Earle followed them in chase as far as to the wa∣ter of Branne, and afterwards the said Earle retired backe toward Coyners: which the said Brus perceiving, warily passed over the said water, and followed him: whom with some other of the Earles side hee put to flight, having wounded George Roch, [ C] and slaine others, namely, Sir John Stanton, and Roger de sancto Bosco, that is, Ho∣ly-wood: likewise on the part of Brus many were slaine, and the Lord Wiliam Burk was taken prisoner the tenth day of the moneth of September: and the Earle was defeated neere unto Coyners: and then the Irish of Connaght and Meth, rose up in armes against the King, and against the Earle of Ulster, and burnt the Castle of Atho∣lon and of Raudon, and many other Castles in the said war of Coyners. The Baron of Donell bare himselfe there right valiantly: but he lost much goods there, and the said Scots manfully chased them as far as to Cragfergus: and there on the Earls side they fled, and some entred the Castle and valiantly kept it: and afterwards came ma∣riners from the havens and Port townes of England, and on a night surprised the [ D] Scots, and slew fortie of them, and had away their tents, and many things else. And the morrow after the exaltation of the holy Crosse, the Earle of Morreff passed the seas into Scotland, and took the Lord William Brus with him, seeking for more war∣like and armed men, with foure Pirats ships full of the goods of Ireland: whereof one was sunke; all which time the said Brus laid siege to the Castle of Cragfergus. At the same time, Cathill Roge razed three Castles of the Earles of Ulster in Connaught, and many townes in the same Connaught he burnt and sacked. And at the same time the said mariners went to the said Castle, and the Lords there skirmished, and in the meane time slew many Scots; at which time Richard Lan de O-ferivill was by a cer∣taine Irishman slaine. [ E]

Item, afterwards upon St. Nicolas day the said Brus departed out of Cragfergus, unto whom the Earle of Moreff presented himselfe with 500. men unto the parts a∣bout Dundalk they came together: and to them many fled, and some gave unto them their right hands: and from thence they passe on to Nobee, where they left many of their men about the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle: and Brus himselfe burnt Kenlys, in Meth, and Grenard Abbey: and the said Monastery he rifled and spoiled of all the goods in it: Also Finnagh and New-castle he burnt, and all that countrey: and they kept their Christmas at Loghfudy, and then burnt it. And after this they marched forward by Totmoy unto Rathymegan and Kildare, and the parts about Tristeldermot, and Athy and Reban, not without losse of their men. And then came Brus to Skethy, [ F] neere Arscoll in Leinster: where there encountred him in fight the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ireland, and Sir John Fitz-Thomas, and Thomas Arnald Power, and other Noble-men of Leinster and of Mounster: insomuch as one of those Lords, with his army, was sufficient to vanquish the said Edw. and his forces. But there arose a dis∣cord among them, and so being disordered and in confusion, they leave the field unto

[ A] the said Edward, according to that which is written, Every kingdome divided in it selfe shalbe made desolate. There also was slaine a noble esquire, and faithfull to the King and the Realme, Haymund Grace, and with him Sir William Prendregest, Knight. On the Scots part were slaine Sir Fergus Andressan, Sir Walter Morrey, and many others, whose bodies were buried at Athy, in the Covent of the Friers Preachers.

Afterwards, the said Brus in his returne toward Meth burnt the castle de Loy: and then the said Scots depart away from Kenlis in Meth, against whom the Lord Roger Mortimer came with a great armie, well neere 15000. but, as it is thought, not true [ B] and faithfull among themselves, but now confederate with the Lord Roger, who a∣bout three of the clock began to flie, and turned their backs: and principally the La∣cies, leaving the Lord Roger alone with a few: whom it behoved then to flie toward Dublin, and to Sir Walter Cusake at the Castle of Trim, leaving with the Scots that countrey, and the towne of Kenlis.

Also, at the same time the Irish of the South, to wit, the O-Tothiles and the O-brynnes, burnt all the South-country, namely, Arclo, Newcastle, Bree, and all the vil∣lages adjoining. And the O-Morghes fired and wasted part of the Leys in Leinster, whom for the most part the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ireland slew, whose heads to the number of fourescore were brought to the castle of Dublin.

[ C] Item, in the same yeere about the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, certain Lords of Ireland, and the Lord Fitz-Thomas, the Lord Richard Clare, Lord John Pover, and the Lord Arnald Pover, for to establish peace & greater secu∣ritie with the King of England, came to Sir John Hothom, assigned there by the said King of England, which said Lords and Nobles sware to hold with the King of Eng∣land come life come death, and to their power to quiet the countrey and make peace, and to kill the Scots. For the performance whereof by the leave and helpe of God, they gave hostages and so returned: which forme if other Nobles of the land of Ireland would not keepe, they were generally held for the Kings ene∣mies.

[ D] Item, there died Sir John Bisset. And the Church of the new towne of Leys with the steeple and belfray was by the Scots burnt. The Scots won the Castle of North∣burgh in Ulster.

Also Fidelmic O-Conghir King of Connaght slew Rorke the sonne of Cathol O-Conghir.

More, Sir William Maundevile died: and the Bishop of Conere fled to the Castle of Crag-fergus, and his Bishoprick was liable to an interdiction: and Sir Hugh Antonie is killed in Connaght.

Item, in the same yeere, on Saint Valentines day, the Scots abode neere Geshil and Offaly: and the armie of the English about the parts of Kildare: and the Scots en∣dured [ E] so great famine, that many of them were starved to death: and for the same cause they tooke their way closely toward Fowier in Meth. The Sunday following so feeble they were, what with hunger, and what with travaile, that most of them died.

And afterwards the Nobles came unto the Parliament, and did nothing there; but as they returned, spoiled all the countrey: and the Lord Walter Lacie came to Dublin, for to cleere himselfe of an imputation (touching his credit) laied upon him, and to tender hostages unto the Lord the King, as other Nobles had done: and the same time Edward Brus peaceably abode in Ulster.

Item, the O-Tothiles and O-Brynnes, the Archibaulds and Harolds conspired and [ F] banded together: the towne of Wicklo, and the whole countrey they laied wast.

And in the first weeke of Lent the Earle of Moreff sailed over into Scotland, and Brus held plees in Ulster, and caused many to be hanged.

Also in the midst of Lent Brus held Plees, and slew the Logans, and took Sir Alan Fitz-Warin, and carried him into Scotland.

Also in the same yeere Fennyngher O-Conghir slew Cale-Rothe, and with him of [ A] Galloglaghes and others about three hundred. The same yeere in Mid-Lent wheat was sold for 18. shillings, and at Easter following for 11. shillings.

MCCCXVI. Lord Thomas Mandevile, with many others, came from Tredagh to Crag-fergus upon Maunday Thursday, and joyned battaile with the Scots, put them to flight, and slew thirtie of the Scots: and afterward on Easter even the said Lord Thomas with his men charged upon the Scots, and slew many of them about the Calends: and there was slain the said Lord Thomas Maundevile in his own country, in defence of his right.

Item, in the parts of Connaght many Irish were slaine by Lord Richard Clare, and [ B] Lord Richard Bermingham.

Item, on Saturday after the Lords Ascension, Donnyger O-Brynne a strong thiefe, with twelve of his confederates, was slain by Sir William Comyn and his followers, keepers of the peace, whose heads were carried to Dublin.

Item, the Dundalkers made a rode against O-Hanlan, and slew of the Irish about two hundred: and Robert Verdon a warlike esquire there lost his life.

Item, at Whitsontide the same yeere Richard Bermingham slew of the Irish in Mounster about three hundred or more: and afterwards at the feast of the Nativitie of S. John Baptist came Brus to the Castle of Crag-fergus, and commanded the kee∣pers to render up the Castle unto him, according to the covenant between them made, [ C] as he said: who answered, that they ought indeed so to doe, and willed him to send thirtie of his men about him, and required that he would grant them within life and limbe; who did so: but after they had received thirtie Scots into the Castle, they shut them up and kept them in prison.

At the same time the Irish of O-mayl went toward the parts of Tullogh, & fought a battell: whereupon of the Irish were slaine about foure hundred, whose heads were sent to Dublin: and wonders were afterwards seene there. The dead, as it were, arose and fought one with another, and cried out Fennokabo, which was their signal. And afterward, about the feast of the translation of S. Thomas, there were rigged and made ready eight ships, and set out from Tredagh to Crag-fergus with victuals. Which [ D] were by the Earle of Ulster much troubled for the delivery of William Burk, who had been taken with the Scots: and the Saturday following there were made friends and united at Dublin the Earle of Ulster and the Lord John Fitz-Thomas, and many of the Nobles sworne and confederate to live and die for the maintenance of the peace of Ireland.

The same yeere newes came out of Connaght, that O-Conghir slew many of the English, to wit, Lord Stephen of Excester, Miles Cogan, and many of the Barries and of the Lawlies, about fourescore.

Item, the weeke after Saint Laurence feast, there arose in Connaght foure Irish Prin∣ces to make warre against the English: against whom came the Lord William Burk, [ E] the Lord Richard Bermingham, the Lord of Anry with his retinue of the country, and of the same Irish about eleven thousand fell upon the edge of the sword neere unto Anry; which town was walled afterwards with the mony raised of armor and spoile gotten from the Irish: because every one of the English that had double armours of the Irish, gave the one halfe deale toward the walls of the towne Anry. Slaine were there Fidelmic O-Conghir, a petty King or Prince of Connaght, & O-Kelley, and ma∣ny other Princes or Potentates. John Husee a butcher of Anry fought there, who the same night at the request of his Lord of Anry stood among the dead to seek out and discover O-Kelley: which O-Kelley with his Costrell or esquire rose out of their lur∣king holes, and cried unto the foresaid man, to wit Husee, come with mee and I will [ F] make thee a great Lord in my countrey. And Husee answered, I will not goe with thee, but thou shalt goe to my Lord Richard Bermingham. Then said O-Kelley, Thou hast but one servant with thee, and I have a doughtie esquire, therefore come with mee that thou maist bee safe: unto whom his owne man also said, Agree and goe away with O-Kelley, that wee may be saved and inriched, because

[ A] they are stronger than we. But the said John Husee first killed his owne servant, and O-Kelley and his Esquire: and cut off all their three heads, and carried them to his Lord Richard Bermingham: and that Bermingham gave unto the said John Hussee faire lands, and dubbed him Knight, as he well deserved.

The same yeere about the feast of S. Laurence came O-Hanlan to Dundalk, for to destreine, and the Dundalkers with their men killed a number.

Item, on Monday next before the feast of the nativitie of Saint Mary, came David O-Tothill with foure more, and hid himselfe secretly all night long in Coleyn wood: which the Dublinians and Sir William Comyn perceiving, went forth and manfully [ B] pursued them for sixe leagues, and slew of them about seventeen, and wounded many to death.

Also, there ran rumors to Dublin that the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland en∣tred Ireland to aid Edward Brus his brother, and the Castle of Crag-fergus in Ulster was besieged by the foresaid Scots. The Monasteries of St. Patrick of Dune, and of Seball, and many other houses as well of Monkes as of regular preaching Friers and Minors, were spoiled in Ulster by the Scots.

Item, the Lord William Burk, leaving his son for an hostage in Scotland, is set free. The Church of Brught in Ulster being in manner full of folke of both sexes, is burnt by the Scots and Irish of Ulster.

[ C] At the same time newes came from Crag-fergus, that those which kept the Castle, for default of victuals, did eat hides and leather, yea and eight Scots who before were taken prisoners: great pity and griefe that no man relieved such.

And the Friday following newes were brought that Thomas the sonne of the Earle of Ulster was dead.

Also the Sunday following the feast of the nativitie of the blessed Virgin, died Lord Iohn Fitz-Thomas at Laraghbrine neere unto Mayneth, and he was buried at Kildare among the Friers Minors. Of which Lord John Fitz-Thomas, it is said, that a little before his death he was created Earle of Kildare: after whom succeeded his sonne and heire the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn, a prudent and wise personage.

[ D] And afterwards newes came that the Castle of Crag-fergus was rendred to the Scots, and granted there was to the keepers of it life and limbe.

Also upon the day of the exaltation of the holy Crosse, Conghar and Mac-keley were slaine, with five hundred of the Irish, by the Lord William Burke and Richard Bermingham in Connaght.

Item, on Munday before Holloughmas happened a great slaughter of the Scots in Ulster, by John Loggan, and Hugh Bisset; to wit, one hundred with double armour, and two hundred with single armour.

The number of those men of armes that were slaine in all, was three hundred be∣side footmen.

[ E] And afterward, in the Vigill of Saint Edmund King there fell a great tempest of winde and raine, which overthrew many houses, and the Steeple of Saint Trinitie Church in Dublin, and did much harme on land and sea. Also in the Vigill of S. Ni∣cholas, Sir Alan Stewart, taken prisoner in Ulster by John Loggan and Sir John San∣dale, was brought unto the Castle of Dublin.

In the same yeere newes arrived out of England, that the Lord King of England and the Earle of Lancaster were at variance, and that they were desirous one to sur∣prize the other: for which cause the whole land was in great trouble.

Item, in the same yeere, about the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, sent there were to the Court of Rome the Lord Hugh Despencer, & the Lord Bartholmew Baldesmere, [ F] the Bishop of Worcester, and the Bishop of Ely about important affaires of the Lord King of England, for Scotland: who returned into England about the feast of the pu∣rification of the blessed Virgin Mary.

Also, after the said feast the Lacies came to Dublin, and procured an inquisi∣tion to prove that the Scots by their meanes came not into Ireland: which inqui∣sition acquitted them. Whereupon they had a charter of the Lord the King, of peace

and upon the Sacrament given unto them, they tooke an oath to keepe the peace of [ A] the Lord King of England, and to their power to destroy the Scots.

And afterwards, even in the same yeere after the feast of Shrovetide, the Scots came secretly as farre as to Slane, with twenty thousand armed men; and the armie of Ulster joyned with them, who spoiled the whole countrey before them.

And after this, on munday next before the feast of S. Matthias the Apostle, the Earle of Ulster was taken in the Abbey of St. Mary, by the Maior of the Citie of Dublin, to wit, Robert Notingham, and brought to the castle of Dublin, where he was kept in hold a long time, and the chamber wherein hee lay was burned, and seven of the said Earles men were there killed. [ B]

In the same weeke, and upon the Vigill of St. Matthias, came Brus with his armie toward Dublin: and because he had quickly intelligence of the said Earles apprehen∣sion, he tooke his journey toward the castle of Knocke, and entred the said castle, and tooke the Lord Baron of the same, namely, the Lord Hugh Tirell and his wife, who for a peece of money were delivered.

And the same night, by common consent, the men of Dublin for feare of the Scots burnt St. Thomas street; and with the said fire the Church of St. Iohn, with the chap∣pell of S. Marie Maudlen was by casualtie burnt: yea and all the suburbs of Dublin were set on fire, together with the Monasterie of S. Mary, and the Church of St. Pa∣tricke in Dublin was by the said villaines spoiled. [ C]

Item, the said Maior with the Communaltie destroied the Church of St. Saviour, which is the place of the Friers Preachers: and carried away the stones of the same place toward the building of the Citie wall, which hee then enlarged on the North side above the Key: because the wall at first went along by the Church of St. Owen, where a tower is to be seene beyond the gate; and in the Vintners street appeareth another gate. But afterwards the King of England commanded the Maior and Com∣munalty to make a covent Church of Friers as before. And after the feast of Saint Matthias, Brus understanding that the Citie was strongly walled and fortified, took his journey toward the Salmon leape, and there they pitched their tents, namely, Robert Brus King of the Scots, Edward Brus, the Earle of Morrey, Iohn de Men∣teth, [ D] the Lord Iohn Steward, the Lord Philip Mountbray, and abode there foure daies, and burnt part of the towne, brake downe the Church and spoiled it, and after∣wards marched on toward the Naas, and the Lacies against their oath conducted them and gave them counsell: and Sir Hugh Canon appointed Wadin White his wives brother to be their guide through the countrey, and they came to the Naas, and sacked the towne, brake into the Churches, opened the tombes in the Church∣yard to seeke for treasure, and did much mischiefe while they remained there for two daies together. And afterwards they went on toward Tristeldermot, in the second week of Lent, and destroied the Friers minors, the books, vestiments, and other or∣naments they had away, and then departed from thence to Baligaveran: and from [ E] Baligaveran leaving the towne of Kilkenny, they came as far as to Kallan, about the feast of St. Gregorie the Pope.

At the same time there came letters from the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ire∣land, the Lord Thomas Fitz-John then Earle of Kildare, the Lord Richard Clare, the Lord Arnald Pover, and the Lord Maurice Fitz-Thomas, for the delivery of the Earle of Ulster by mainprise, and by a writ of the Kings: about which nothing was then done.

And afterward the Ulster men came with an armie, about two thousand, and craved the Kings aide for to destroy the Scots, as they said: for which cause the Kings stan∣dard was delivered unto them: and when they had it, they did more harme than the [ F] Scots, and fell to eating of flesh all Lent long, and wasted in manner the whole coun∣trey, whereby they purchased the curse of God and man.

Item, a great overthrow was given unto the Irish, neere unto the desert of Dermot, that is, Trostil-Dermot, by Edmund Botiller.

Also the same Edmund Botiller Lord Justice of Ireland for the time being, gave a

[ A] great overthrow to O-Morgh at Balilethan. Then Brus with the Scots marched for∣ward as fa••••e as Limericke. But after that the bravest forces of the English in Ireland were assembled together at Ledyn, they retired privily by night from the castle of Conniger.

And about Palme-sunday there came newes to Dublin, that the Scots were at Ke••••ys in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Nobles of Ireland at Kilkenny, and there levied a power to set forward against Brus: and the munday following the King gave commandement to the men of Ulster to speed them against the Scots, whose leader and head the Earle of Kildare, to wit Thomas Fitz-John was appointed to bee: and so they put [ B] themselves on their journey: and then was Brus at Cashill, and hee marched from thence to Nanath, and there abode, and all the lands of the Lord Butler hee burnt and destroied quite.

MCCCXVII. Upon Mandie thursday the Lord Edm. Botiller the Lord Justice of Ire∣land, and Sir Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earle of Kyldare, because the King gave unto them the jurisdiction and liberty of the countie of Kildare, also Richard Clare with the ar∣my of Ulster, Sir Arnold Po••••r Baron of Donnoyll, Maurice Roch-fort, Thomas Fitz-Moris, and the Ca••ntons with their retime assembled themselves together about the Scots: and for one whole weeke abode about them, and did nothing: whose forces were reckoned to be about 30000. strong. And afterwards upon thursday in Easter [ C] weeke, arrived Roger Mortimer at Yoghall with the Kings power, because hee was Lord Justice, and the munday following speedily took his journy toward the army, and sent his letters unto Edmund Botiller late (as it hath beene said) Justice, that hee should attempt nothing against the Scots before his comming. But before that Mor∣timer came, Brus was forewarned by some to depart from thence: who the night following tooke his journey toward Kildare, and afterwards in the weeke following every one of the English returned hence into their countrey: and the army of Ulster came to the Naas.

And at the same time two messengers were dispatched from the city of Dublin, who passed the seas toward the King of England to aske advice, and to advertise as [ D] touching the State of Ireland, and about the deliverance of the Earle of Ulster.

Also at the same time the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland, and the Nobles of Ireland were at Kilkenny to dispose of Brus, but nothing effected they there at that time.

And about a moneth after Easter Brus advanced with his army about 4. leagues neere unto Trim in a certain wood, and there staied a weeke and more to refresh his men, who with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and travaile were almost perished, and for that many of them died there.

And afterwards on Philip and Jacob the Apostles day the said Brus entred on his journy toward Ulster: and after the said feast came the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice [ E] of Ireland to Dublin, accompanied with the Lord John Wogan, and Sir Fulk Warin, with thirtie Knights and their traines: and they held a Parliament with all the Lords and Potentates of the land at Kylmainan; but did nothing there save onely treat a∣bout the deliverance of the Earle of Ulster.

And on the sunday before the feast of our Lords ascension, there repaired again unto the Parliament at Dublin the said Nobles of the land, and there they delivered the Earle of Ulster by mainpri••e and hostages, and upon an oath. And the said Earle ha∣ving an oath tendered unto him, swore upon the Sacrament that hee would never worke or procure by himselfe or by any of his friends and followers, harme or grie∣vance upon the occasion of his apprehension unto the Citizens of Dublin, but that [ F] which himselfe might by order of law obtaine or get against the offenders or trans∣gressours in that behalfe, and thereupon hee had time and day untill the feast of the Nativitie of S. John Baptist: at which day he came not.

Also in the same yeere Corne and other victuals were exceeding deere. A Cra∣nok of wheat was sold for three and twenty shillings, and wine for eight denires: and the whole land in maner was wasted by the Scots and Ulster-men: yea many house-holders,

and such as had sustained and relieved a number of folk were driven to begge: [ A] and a number were famished. So great also was the death and dearth together, that the poore were pined with famine, and many died.

At the same time came messengers to Dublin out of England, with grants of par∣don which they had at their will and pleasure: but before their comming, the foresaid Earle was delivered. And at the feast of Pentecost, Mortimer the Lord chiefe Justice took his journy towards Tredagh, and from thence to Trim, and sent his letters for the Lacies to repaire unto him, who contemptuously refused to come.

And afterwards Sir Hugh Crofts Knight was sent unto the Lacies to treat about a peace, who by them was slain, the more the pity. And after that Mortimer L. Justice [ B] assembled his army against the Lacies, who seized upon their goods, cattell, and trea∣sure, and brought them to finall destruction, slew many of their men, and chased them into the parts of Connaght.

And it was said, that Sir Walter Lacie went forth as farre as to Ulster to seeke Brus.

Item, in the towne of St. Cinere in Flanders, about the feast of Pentecost, the Lord Aumar Valence and his sonne were taken prisoners, and conveied into Almaini And the same yeere, on Munday after the feast of the nativitie of S. John Baptist, the Potentates of Ireland assembled themselves to the Parliament at Dublin: and there was the Earle of Ulster enlarged, who tooke his oath, and found mainprisers or [ C] sureties to answer the writs of law, and to pursue the Kings enemies, both Irish and Scots.

Item, upon the day of the Saints Pnocesse and Martinian, Sir Iohn Atly encountred at sea Thomas Dover a right strong thiefe, and took him, and about forty of his men well armed he slew, and his head he brought with him to Dublin.

Also upon the day of the translation of S. Thomas, Sir Nicholas Bolscot came out of England with newes, that two Cardinals were come from the Court of Rome into England, to treat concerning a peace, and they brought a Bull to excommunicate all the troublers of the peace of the Lord the King of England.

Likewise, the Thursday next before the feast of St. Margaret, Hugh and Walter [ D] Lacie were proclaimed seducers and felons to the King, because they had advanced their banner against the peace of the Lord King of England.

More, on the sunday following, the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland, took his journey to Tredagh with all his souldiers.

At the same time the Ulster-men raised a bootie neere unto Tredagh: and the men of Tredagh went out and fetched the bootie backe againe: where was slaine Miles Cogan with his brother, and sixe other great Lords of Ulster were taken prisoners, and brought to the castle of Dublin.

And afterwards Mortimer the Lord Justice assembled his army against O-Fervill, and commanded the Mal-passe to be cut downe, and destroied all his houses: and af∣terwards [ E] the said O-Fervil rendred himselfe to the peace, and put in hostages.

Also the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice tooke his journey toward Clony, and made an inquisition or inquest, as touching Sir Iohn Blound (to wit, White) of Rathregan: which inquest accused the said Iohn; whereupon he was of necessity to fine for two hundred marks: and afterward on sunday after the feast of the nativity of blessed Ma∣rie, the said Mortimer with a great power marched against the Irish of O-Mayl, and came to Glinsely, where many were slaine both of Irish and English, but the Irish went away with the worst: and soone after came O-brynn, and rendred him∣selfe to the peace of the King. And Roger Mortimer with his company came to the castle of Dublin. [ F]

And upon the day of Simon and Jude the Apostles▪ the Archbales had peace by mainprise of the Earle of Kildare.

And at the feast of Saint Hilary following there was a Parliament holden at Lin∣colne, about a treaty of peace betweene the Lord King of England, and the Earle of Lancaster, and between the Scots: and the Scots continued in peace, and by reason

[ A] of that Parliament, the Archbishop of Dublin, and the Earle of Ulster staied in Eng∣land by the Kings commandement. And about the feast of the Epiphany there came newes to Dublin, that Sir Hugh Canon the Kings Justice in his bench, was slaine by Andrew Bermingham, between Naas and Castle-Martin.

Item, at the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary, there came the Popes Buls, so that Alexander de Bicknor was confirmed and consecrated Archbishop of Dublin: and those Buls were read and published in the Church of the holy Trini∣ty. And at the same time was read another Bull, that the Lord Pope ordained peace between the Lord King of England, and the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland for [ B] two yeeres: to which time the said Brus refused to condescend and agree. These things passed about the feast of St. Valentine.

Item, the sunday following came the Lord Roger Mortimer to Dublin, and dubbed Iohn Mortimer Knight, with foure of his fellowes: and the same day Mortimer kept a great feast in the castle of Dublin.

Item, at the same time a great slaughter was made of Irishmen in Conaght, through a quarrell betweene two Lords of Princes there: and slaine there were of both sides about foure thousand men: and afterwards there was taken great revenge upon the men of Ulster, who in the time that the Scots spoiled and preaded in Ireland, had done much harme, and eate flesh in Lent not of necessity: therefore much tribulation [ C] came upon them, insomuch that they did eat one another; so that often thousand there remained about 300. and no more, who escaped in maner all for to be punished. And here appeared the vengeance of God.

Item, it was reported of a truth, that some of the foresaid evill doers were so hun∣ger-starved, that in Church-yards they tooke the bodies out of their graves, and in their skuls boiled the flesh and fed thereupon, yea and women did eat their owne children for starke hunger.

MCCCXVIII. In the Quindene of Easter newes out of England arrived in Ireland, that the towne of Berwicke was betraied and taken by the Scots: and afterwards in the same yeere Master Walter Islep, the Kings Treasurer in Ireland, landed, and [ D] brought letters to the Lord Roger Mortimer, that he should addresse himselfe to re∣paire unto the King; who did so, and substituted the Lord William Archbishop of Cashil Custos of Ireland, who at one and the same time was Lord Justice of Ireland, Lord Chancellour, and Archbishop.

And afterward, at the three weekes end after Easter, there came newes to Dublin that the Lord Richard Clare was slaine, and with him foure Knights, namely, Sir Henry Capell, Sir Thomas Naas, Sir James Cannon, and Sir John Caunton: also A∣dam Apilgard, with 80. other men, by O-Brene and Mac-Carthy, on the feast of Saint Gordian and Epimachus. And it was reported that the said Lord Richard his body was in despightfull malice cut into small pieces; but his reliques were enterred in [ E] Limerick among the Friers Minors.

Item, on sunday in Mense Paschae, that is, a moneth after Easter, Iohn Lacy was led forth of the castle of Dublin, and brought to Trim, for to be arraigned and to heare and receive his judgment there: who was adjudged to be strait dieted, and so he died in prison.

Item, the sunday before the Lords Ascension, Lord Roger Mortimer sailed over into England: but paied nothing for his victuals that he had taken up in Dublin and elsewhere, which amounted to the value of one thousand pounds.

Also, the same yeere about the feast of S. Iohn Baptist the great grace and mercy of God was shewed, in that wheat which before was sold for 15. shillings, was now not [ F] worth above seven shillings, and oates were bought for five shillings: great plentie there was of wine, salt, and fish: and that in such sort, that about St. Iames day there was new bread to be had of new corne, a thing that never or seldome had been seen a∣fore in Ireland: and this was a signe of Gods tender mercy, and all through the prai∣er of the poore, and other faithfull folke.

Item, the Sunday after the feast of Saint Michael, newes came to Dublin, that

Lord Alexander Bykenore then the Kings Justice in Ireland and Archbishop of Dub∣lin [ A] was arrived at Yoghall. On S. Denis day he came to Dublin, and with great pro∣cession and honourable pompe of the religious persons and of others, as well of the Clergy as the Laity, he was received.

Item, on Saturday falling out to be the feast of Pope Calixtus, a field was fought betweene the Scots and English of Ireland, two leagues from the towne of Dun∣dalk: to which battell came of the Scots part, the Lord Edward Brus (who named himselfe King of Ireland) the Lord Philip Mowbray, the Lord Walter Soules, the Lord Alan Stewart, with his three brethren: also Sir Walter Lacy, Sir Robert and Sir Aumar Lacy, John Kermerdyne, and Walter White, and about 3000. others. A∣gainst [ B] whom came into the field of the English side, the Lord John Bermingham, Sir Richard Tuit, Sir Miles Verdon, Sir Hugh Tripton, Sir Herbert Sutton, Sir Iohn Cu∣sack, Sir Edward and Sir William Bermingham, and the Primate of Armagh, who as∣soiled them all: Sir Walter Larpulk: and certain came from Tredagh, to the number of twenty, well appointed and choice souldiers, whom John Maupas accompanied: and so they joined the said battell. The English were the first that entred with great vigour upon the front and vaward, where the said John Maupas manfully and with much honour in this conflict slew the Lord Edward Brus: which John also was found slaine upon the body of the said Edward: and all the Scots in manner were killed up, even to the number of two thousand or thereabout: whereby few of the Scots esca∣ped, [ C] beside the Lord Philip Mowbray, who also was wounded to death: and Sir Hugh Lacy, Sir Walter Lacy, with some few others that were with them, made shift hardly to save themselves. This fortuned between Dundalk and Faghird. Now the head of the foresaid Edward, the said Lord John Bermingham brought unto the said Lord King of England: upon whom the King bestowed at the same time, the Earle∣dome of Louth to him and to his heires males, and the Barony of Aterith. And one quarter, with the hands and heart of the foresaid Edward, were carried to Dublin, and the other quarters divided and sent to other places.

MCCCXIX. The Lord Roger Mortimer returned out of England, and is eftsoones made Lord Justice of Ireland. The same yeere at the feast of All-Saints came a Bull [ D] from the Pope to excommunicate Robert Brus King of Scotland at every Masse. Al∣so the towne of Athisell, and a great part of the country, was burnt by the Lord John Fitz-Thomas, whole brother of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas. In this yeere the fore∣said Iohn Bermingham was created Earle of Louth. Also the Stone bridge of Kil-Coleyn was built by Master Moris Iacke, Canon of the Cathedrall Church of Kil∣dare.

MCCCXX. In the time of Pope John the 22. and of the Lord Edward sonne to King Edward, which Edward after the comming of Saint Austin into England was the 25. King; also under Alexander Bicknore then Archbishop of Dublin beganne the Universitie of the said Citie of Dublin. The first that proceeded Master in the same [ E] Universitie, was Frier William Hardite, of the order of preaching Friers: which William under the said Archbishop solemnly commenced Doctor in Divinity. The second Master that proceeded in the same faculty, was Frier Henry Cogry, of the or∣der of the Friers Minors: the third Master that went forth was William Rodyard Dean of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Patricke in Dublin, who solemnly com∣menced Doctor in the Canon law. And this William was made the first Chancel∣lour of the said University. The fourth Master in sacred Theologie or Divinity, that went out, was Frier Edmund Kermerdin. Item, Roger Mortimer Lord Justice of Ire∣land returned into England, leaving in his place the Lord Thomas Fitz-John then Earle of Kildare. [ F]

Item, the Lord Edmund Botiller entred into England, and so came to Saint James.

Also the bridge of the towne of Leghelyn was built by Master Moris Iack Canon of the Cathedrall Church of Kildare.

MCCCXXI. A very great overthrow, with much slaughter of the O-Conghors, was

[ A] given at Balibogan the ninth day of May, by the men of Leinster and of Meth.

Item, the Lord Edmund Botiller died in London, and lieth buried at Balygaveran in Ireland. Also Iohn Bermingham Earle of Louth, is made Lord Justice in Ireland. Likewise Iohn Wogan departed this life.

MCCCXXII. Andrew Bermingham, and Nicolas de La-Lond Knight, and many o∣thers are slaine by O-Nalan on St. Michaels day.

MCCCXXIII. A truce is taken betweene the King of England, and Robert Brus King of Scotland for 14. yeeres. Also Iohn Darcie came chiefe Justice of Ireland. Item, John the first begotten sonne of the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earle of Kildare, [ B] in the ninth yeere of his age ended this life.

MCCCXXIV. Nicolas Genevile, sonne and heire to the Lord Simon Genevile, depar∣ted out of this world, and was buried in the Church of the Friers Preachers of Trym. Item, there hapned a great wind on twelfe day at night.

Item, a generall murrain there was of oxen and kine in Ireland.

MCCCXXV. Richard Lederede Bishop of Ossorie cited Dame Alice Ketyll upon her perverse hereticall opinion, and caused her to make personall appearance before him: and being examined as touching sorceries, he found by an enquest that she had practi∣sed sorceries: among which this was one foule fact of hers, that a certaine spirit na∣med Robyn Artysson lay with her: and that she offered unto him nine red cockes at a [ C] stone bridge, in a certaine foure crosse high way.

Item, that she swept the streets of Kilkenny with beesomes, between Complin and Courefew, and in sweeping the filth toward the house of William Utlaw her sonne, by way of conjuring mumbled these words:

Unto the house of William my sonne, Hie all the wealth of Kilkenny towne.

Now the complices of the said Alice, and those that agreed unto this divelish and wretched practise of hers, were one Pernill of Meth; and Basilia the daughter of the same Pernil. When the above named Alice was by inquisition attainted of these fore∣said imputations, the Bishop punished her by the purse, and caused her utterly to ab∣jure [ D] all sorcerie and witch-craft. But when afterwards shee stood convict eftsoones of the same crime, herselfe with the foresaid Basilia fled, but was never after found. As for the said Pernill, she was burnt at Kilkenny: but at the houre of death shee a∣vouched that the foresaid William deserved death as well as her selfe, affirming that he for a yeere and a day wore the divels girdle upon his bare bodie. Whereupon the Bishop caused the said William to bee apprehended and laid in prison for eight or nine weekes within the Castle of Kilkenny: and by the Bishops decree and appoint∣ment hee had two men to give attendance and to minister unto him, with expresse commandement, not to speake unto him but once a day, nor to eat or drinke with him. At length the said William, by the helpe of the Lord Arnald Poer Seneschall [ E] of the Countie of Kilkenny, was delivered forth of prison: and the foresaid William gave a great summe of money unto the abovenamed Arnold, to imprison the Bishop aforesaid. The Lord Arnold before named caused the Bishop aforesaid to lye in pri∣son about three moneths.

Now among the goods and implements of the said Alice, there was a certaine holy Wafer-cake found, having the name of the Divell imprinted upon it: there was found also a boxe, and within it an ointment, wherewith she used to besmear or grease a certaine piece of wood called a Coultree: which being thus annointed, the said Alice with her complices could ride and gallop upon the said Coultree whethersoe∣ver they would, all the world over through thick & thin, without either hurt or hin∣drance. [ F] And because the foresaid things were so notorious, Alice was cited againe to appeare at Dublin, before M. Deane of the Church of St. Patricke, there to finde greater favour. Who there made her appearance, and craved a day of answer, under a sufficient mainprise and suretiship, as it was thought. But shee was no more to be seene: for by the counsell of her sonne, and others that were not knowne, was she kept hidden in a farme house or village, untill the winde served for England, and so she

passed over: and never was it knowne whither she went. Now because it was found [ A] by the inquisition and recognizance of the said Parnell condemned to be burnt, that William Utlaw was consenting to his mother in her sorcerie and with-craft: the Bi∣shop caused him to be arrested and taken by the Kings writ, and to be kept in prison: who in the end through the supplication of great Lords was set free: yet with this condition, that he should cause the Church of S. Maries in Kilkenny to be covered all over with lead, and to doe other almes-deeds by a certaine time; which almes-deeds if he performed not within the said terme, then he should be in the same state where∣in he stood when he was taken by vertue of the Kings Processe.

MCCCXXVI. A Parliament was holden at Whitsontide in Kilkenny: unto which [ B] Parliament came the Lord Richard Burk the Earle of Ulster, although he was some∣what weake and crazie: thither repaired also all the Lords and Potentates of Ireland: and there the said Earle made a great and noble feast unto the Lords and the people. Afterwards the Lord Earle taking his leave of those Nobles and Lords, went to A∣thisell, where he ended his life. And a little before the feast of S. John Baptist he was there enterred. The Lord William Burk became his heire.

MCCCXXVII. There arose a quarrell and a fray betweene the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas and the Lord Arnald Pover: and the Lord Moris had in his traine and com∣pany, the Lord Botiller, and the Lord William Bermingham: and the Lord Arnald had in his retinew the Bourkeins: of whom the said Lord Morrice Fitz-Thomas slew [ C] many, and some he chased into Connaght.

In the same yeere after Michaelmas the Lord Arnald came to aide the Bourkeins: and by occasion of certaine rude and uncivill tearmes which the Lord Arnald had given out, in calling him Rymour, the said Morice raised an armie againe, and to∣gether with Botiller and the said William Bermingham with a puissant hoast burnt the lands and possessions of the said Lord Arn••ld in Ofath. Also the said William Bermingham fired the lands and man our houses of the Lord Arnald Pover in Moun∣ster; and Kenlys in Osserie he burnt: so that the Lord Arnald was forced to fly with the Baron of Donnyl to Waterford, and there they remained a moneth, untill that the Earle of Kildare, then Lord Justice of Ireland, and others of the Kings Counsel took [ D] a day betweene them: which day the Lord Arnald kept not, but came to Dublin, and passed the seas into England about the feast of the Purification: and after that Arnald had sailed over, the said Moris Botiller and the Lord William Bermingham with a great armie came, spoiled, harried, and burnt the lands of the said Arnald: and by reason of those puissant forces that they had led, and the many mischiefes which they had done, the Kings ministers of his Counsell feared lest he would besiege Ci∣ties: and therefore the Cities made provision with more warding and watching the while betweene. And when the said Lord Moris Botiler, and William heard that the Cities made such provision and preparation before hand, they gave intelligence un∣to the Kings Counsell that they would come to Kilkenny, and there cleere himselves, [ E] that they never thought to doe any noisance to the lands of their soveraigne Lord the King, but onely to be revenged of their enemies. Unto which Parliament came the Earle of Kildare then Justice of Ireland, the Prior of Kilmaynon, to wit, Roger Outlaw Chancellour of Ireland, Nicholas Fastoll Justice in the Bench, and others of the Kings Counsell: and the foresaid (Moris and William) demanded the Kings Char∣ter of peace, but they of the Kings Counsell warily making answer, tooke day unto the moneth after Easter, that they might with their fellowes of the Counsell, treat upon this point.

In the same yeere before Lent the Irish of Leinster gathered themselves together, and set up a certain King, namely Donald the sonne of Arte Mac-Murgh. Who be∣ing [ F] made King, determined to set up his banner two miles from Dublin: and after∣wards to passe through all the lands of Ireland. Whose pride and malice God seeing, suffered him to fall into the hands of the Lord Henry Traharn; who brought him to the Salmons leaps, & had of him 200. pound for his lives ransome, & then led him to Dublin, to wait there untill the Kings Counsell could provide and take order what

[ A] to doe with him: and after his taking many infortunities lighted upon the Irish of Leinster, to wit, the Lord John Wellesley took David O-Thothiel prisoner, and ma∣ny of the Irish were slaine.

The same yeere Adam Duff the sonne of Walter Duff of Leinster, and of the kinred of the O-Tothiles, was convicted; for that against the Catholike faith, hee denied the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and held that there could not bee three persons and one God: and hee affirmed that the most blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord, was an harlot: hee denied also the resurrection of the dead, and avouched that the sa∣cred Scriptures were fables, and nothing else: and he imputed falsitie upon the sacred [ B] Apostolicall See. For which and for every of these articles the same Adam Duff was pronounced an hereticke and blasphemer: whereupon the same Adam by a decree of the Church was on the Munday after the Outas of Easter the yeere 1328. burnt at Hoggis (Greene) by Dublin.

MCCCXXVIII. On Tuesday in Easter week Thomas Fitz-John Earle of Kildare and Justice of Ireland died: after whom succeeded in the office of Justice, Frier Roger Outlaw Prior of Kilmaynok. The same yeere David O-Tothil, a strong thiefe and enemy to the King, a burner of Churches and destroier of people, was brought forth of the Castle of Dublin to the Tolstale of the Citie, before Nicolas Fastoll and Elias Ashbourne Justices in the (Kings) bench: which Justices gave him his judgement, [ C] that he should first be drawne at horses tailes through the midst of the Citie unto the gallowes, and afterward be hanged upon a jebbit, which was done accordingly. Item, in the same yeere the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas raised a great army to destroy the Bourkeins and the Poers. The same yeere also the Lord William Bourk was knigh∣ted at London on Whitsunday, and the King gave unto him his Seignory. Also in the same yeere Iames Botiller in England espoused the daughter of the Earle of Hereford, and was created Earle of Ormund, who before was called Earle of Tiperary.

The same yeere a Parliament was holden at Northampton, where many of the Lords and Nobles of England assembled: and a peace was renewed betweene Scot∣land, England and Ireland by marriages between them: and it was ordained that the [ D] Earle of Ulster, with many Nobles of England, should goe to Barwick upon Tweed, to the espousals and assurance making.

The same yeere after the said espousals and contract made at Barwicke, the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland, and the Lord William Burk Earle of Ulster, the Earle of Meneteth, and many of the Scottish nobility arrived at Cragfergus peaceably, and sent unto the Justices of Ireland and to the Counsell, that they would come to Green Castle, to treat about a peace of Scotland and Ireland. Now because the said Justi∣ces of Counsell failed to come as the said King desired, he took his leave of the Earle of Ulster, and returned into his owne country after the feast of the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary. And the Earle of Ulster came to Dublin unto the Parliament, [ E] and there stayed sixe dayes, and made a great feast, and after this went into Con∣naght.

The same yeere, about the feast of Saint Katherin Virgin, the Bishop of Osserie certified the Kings Counsell there, that Sir Arnald Pover was convicted before him upon divers articles of perverse heresie. Whereupon, at the suit of the said Bishop, the said Sir Arnald by vertue of the Kings writ was arrested and layed up in the Ca∣stle of Dublin: and a day was given unto the Bishop for to come unto Dublin, to fol∣low the foresaid suit and action against the foresaid Lord Arnald: who made his ex∣cuse, that hee could not then come, because his enemies lay in wait for his life in the way: whereupon the Kings Counsell knew not how to make an end of this businesse; [ F] and so the Lord Arnald was kept in duresse within the Castle of Dublin untill the Parliament following, which was in Mid-lent, where all the Nobles of Ireland were present.

In the same yeere Frier Roger Utlaw, Prior of the Hospitall of St. John of Jerusa∣lem in Ireland, Lord Justice and Chancellour of Ireland, was disfamed by the said Bi∣shop, and slandered to bee a favourer of heresie, a Counsellour also and a better of

the said Lord Arnold in his hereticall naughtinesse. And because his person was thus [ A] villanously delamed, the said Prior went to the Counsell of the King, and put up a petition that hee might purge himselfe. Whereupon they of the Kings Counsell tooke advice, and upon consultation had, granted unto him that he might make his purgation: And they caused it to be proclaimed for three dayes, That if there were any person, who would follow suit and give information against the said Frier Roger, he might come in and put in his pursuit: But no man was found to follow the mat∣ter. Whereupon at the procurement of Sir Roger the Frier, there went out the Kings writ to summon the Elders of Ireland, to wit, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and foure Maiors of foure Cities, namely, Dublin, Corke, Limerick and Waterford, and [ B] of Tredagh: also the Sheriffes and Seneschals, yea and the Knights of the shire, with the Free-holders of the countie that were of the better sort, for to repaire unto Dub∣lin. And there were chosen sixe examiners in the said cause, to wit, M. William Rod∣yard, Deane of the Cathedrall Church of St. Patrick in Dublin, the Abbat of Saint Thomas, the Abbat of St. Maries, the Prior of holy Trinitie Church in Dublin, M. Elias Lawles, and M. Peter Willebey: These Inquisitours convented those that were cited, and they examined every one severally by himselfe: which examinats all up∣on their oathes deposed, that he was honest and faithfull, a zealous embracer of the faith, and readie to die for the faith: and in regard of this great solemnity of his pur∣gation, the said Frier Roger made a royall feast to all that would come. [ C]

Also the same yeere in Lent died the said L. Arnald Pover in the Castle of Dublin, and lay a long time unburied in the house of the preaching Friers.

MCCCXXIX. After the feast of the Annuntiation of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Nobles of Ireland came unto the Parliament at Dublin, to wit, the Earle of Ulster, the Lord Thomas Fitz-Moris, the Earle of Louth, William Bermingham, and the rest of the Lords: and a peace was renewed there betweene the Earle of Ulster, and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas: & the said Lords with the Kings Counsel ordained there that the Kings peace should be fully kept: so that every Nobleman and Chieftaine should keep in his owne sept, retinew, and servants, and the said Earle of Ulster made a great feast in the Castle of Dublin: and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas the morrow [ D] after kept a great feast within the Church of St. Patrick in Dublin: and Frier Roger Outlaw Justice of Ireland feasted likewise upon the third day at Kylmaynon, and so they departed.

The same yeere on the Virgill of St. Barnabee the Apostle, Sir John Bermingham Earle of Louth was slaine at Balybragan in Urgal, by those of Urgal: and with him Peter Bermingham the said Earles legitimate and whole brother, also Robert Ber∣mingham the same Earles putative brother, Sir John Bermingham the son of his bro∣ther Richard Lord of Anry, William Finne Bermingham, the Unkles sonne by the mothers side of the foresaid Lord of Anry, Simon Bermingham the same Williams sonne, Thomas Bermingham the son of Robert of Conaght, Peter Bermingham the [ E] sonne of Iames of Conaght, Henry Bermingham of Conaght, and Richard Talbot of Malaghide a valiant man at armes, and two hundred with them whose names are not knowne.

Item, after the foresaid slaughter the Lord Simon Genevile his men invaded the country of Carbry, for to spoile and harry them, in regard of their robberies and man∣slaughters committed many times in Meth: but before the said invasion, they of Car∣bry arose, and slew of the said Simons men threescore and sixteen.

Also the same yeere on the morrow after holy Trinitie Sunday there came to Dub∣lin, John Gernon and Roger Gernon his brother in the behalfe of those of Urgal, and made humble request, that they might stand to be tried at the Common Law. And [ F] on Tuesday, which was the morrow after the feast of St. John Baptist, John and Ro∣ger hearing that the Lord William Bermingham was comming, departed out of Dub∣lin. The same yeere on the Vigill of St. Laurence, the Lord Thomas Botiller went with a great power into the parts of Ardnorwith, and there encountred the said Lord Thomas Williams Mac-Goghgan with his forces: and there was the said L. Thomas

[ A] to the great losse of the land of Ireland, & with him were killed the Lord John Lede∣wich, Roger Ledewich, Thomas Ledewich, John Nangle, Meiler Petit, Simon Petit, David Nangle, Sir John Waringer, James Terel, Nicholas White, William Freines, Peter Kent, John White, and together with them one hundred and forty men whose names are unknowne. And on the tuesday next before the feast of St. Bartholomew, the body of the said Lord Thomas Botiller was conveied to Dublin, and bestowed in the house of the preaching Friers, but as yet not buried: and the sunday next ensu∣ing the feast of the beheading of St. Iohn Baptist, the said Lord Thomas his corps was very honourably carried through the city, and enterred in the Church of the [ B] preaching Friers, and the wife of the said Lord John that day made a feast.

In the same yeere John Lord Dracy came Justice of Ireland the second time: and the said Lord John espoused the Lady Joan de Burk Countesse of Kildare, the third day of July, at Maynoth.

Item, Philip Stanton is slaine. Also Henry Lord Traham is treacherously taken in his owne house at Kilbego by Richard the sonne of Philip Onolan.

More, the Lord Iames Botiller Earle of Ormond burnt Foghird against Onolan, for the foresaid Henries sake brother of Botiller.

The same yeere, on wednesday next after the feast of the Ascension of the blessed Virgin Mary, John Lord Darcy Justice of Ireland went toward the parts of New∣castle, [ C] of Mac-Kingham and Wikelow, against the O-Brynns: and the monday follow∣ing certain of Lawles were slaine, and many wounded, and namely, Robert Locam was hurt, and of the Irish the better sort were slaine, many likewise wounded, and the rest fled. But Murkad O-Brynne yeelded himselfe an hostage together with his son, un∣kle, and unkles sonne, and they were brought to the castle of Dublin. But afterwards delivered for other hostages the better sort of their sept and kin.

The same yeere the Lord Justice, namely, the Lord John Darcy and those of the Kings Counsell in Ireland, about the feast of the Circumcision of our Lord, charged the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas of Desmund, that himselfe should come into the field with his forces for to vanquish the Kings enemies: giving him to understand, that [ D] their soveraigne Lord the King would provide for to defray the charges of him and of his army: and the said Moris came with his power, and Briene O-Brene was in his company: and their army consisted of ten thousand men: and the said Lord Moris advanced with his army first against the O-Nolanes, vanquished them, gat a great bootie, and wasted their lands with fire: and the O-Nolanes fled, and afterwards de∣livered hostages, who were sent unto the castle of Dublin. And afterwards the said Lord Moris made a journy against the O-Morches, who did put in their hostages for to keepe the Kings peace. The same time the castle of Ley which O-dympcy had won and kept, was rendred up to the said Moris. The same yeere after the Epiphany of our Lord, Donald Arts Mac-Murgh made an escape out of the castle of Dublin by [ E] a cord, which one Adam Nangle had bought for him: which Adam afterwards was drawne and hanged.

MCCCXXX. Mighty winds were up in divers places, about the feast daies of St. Ka∣therine, S. Nicolas, and of the Nativitie of our Lord: by which wind part of the wall of a certain house fell downe, and killed the wife of Sir Miles Verdon with his daugh∣ter, on S. Nicolas even, such winds as the like were never seene in Ireland.

Item, there was such an inundation of the water of Boyn, as never had been known before: by which flood all the bridges, as well of stone as of timber, standing over the said water, were utterly cast downe, unlesse it were Babe bridge. The water also carried away divers mills, and did much hurt to the Friers Minors of Trym, and Tre∣dagh, [ F] in breaking down their houses. The same yeere, about the feast of S. John Bap∣tist, there began a great dearth of corne in Ireland, and continued untill Michaelmas. Item, a cranoc of wheat was sold for 20. shillings: also a cranoc of oats for eight shil∣lings, and one cranoc of peason, beanes, and of barly for 8. shillings. And this dearth hapned by occasion of abundance of raine, so that much of the standing corne could not be reaped before the feast of St. Michael.

The same yeere, the English of Meth made a slaughter of the Irish (to wit, of Mac-Goghigans [ A] people) about Lent, neere unto Loghynerthy, whereupon the said Mac-Goghigan in anger burnt in those parts 25. small villages, and sacked them: which the English seeing, gathered themselves together against him, and of his men slew one hundred, and among whom were slaine three Lords sons of the Irish.

Item, the Lord William Burgh Earle of Ulster led forth an army out of Ulster into Mounster against Briene O-Brene.

Also the Lady Joan Countesse of Kildare, was at Maynoth delivered of William her first sonne, that the Lord John Darcy had by her, whiles the Lord John abode in England. [ B]

"Item, Reymund Lawles is slaine treacherously at Wickelow.

More, a Parliament was holden at Kilkenny, by Frier Roger Utlaw the Prior of Kylmainon, then Lievtenant under the Lord Justice, at which were present Alexan∣der Archbishop of Dublin, the Lord William Earle of Ulster, the Lord James Earle of Ormond, the Lord William Bermingham, and Walter Burk of Conaght: and every of them with a great power set forward to expell Brien O-Brene out of Urkiff neere Cashill.

Also, Walter Burk, with his army of Connaght, harried the lands of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas, bringing back with him the booty to Urkiff.

Item, the Lord Earle of Ulster, and the Earle of Desmund, namely, the Lord Moris [ C] Fitz-Thomas (for this is the first time that I call him Earle) are appointed to the safe keeping of the Marshall at Lymeric, by Frier Roger Utlaw Justice of Ireland. But the Earle of Desmond by a wile escaped out of the custody of the said Marshall, and went his way.

MCCCXXXI. The Lord Hugh Lacy with the Kings pardon and peace entred Ire∣land. Also the Earle of Ulster entred England.

Also there was given an overthrow to the Irish in Okenseley by the English the one and twenty day of April.

Item, the same day on the Vigill of Saint Marke the Evangelist, the O-Tothely came to Tanelagh, and robbed Alexander Archbishop of Dublin, tooke away three [ D] hundred sheepe, and slew Richard White and other honest men of his company. Then ran rumours to Dublin of that depredation and slaughter: and Sir Philip Bryt knight, and Frier Moris Fitz-Gerald Knight of the order of Knights Hospitalers, Hamnud Archdekyn, Iohn Chamberlane, Robert Tyrell, and the two sons of Reginald Bernewall, and many others, but especially of the retinew of the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, were by a traine or ambush slaine by David O-Tothill in Culiagh.

Also the Lord William Bermingham led forth a great army against the foresaid I∣rish, and did much harme unto them, but more would have done, had he not beene empeached by the false promises of the Irish.

Item, those of the English pale at Thurles gave a great overthrow unto Briene O-Brene, [ E] and slew many of the Irish in the moneth of May.

Item, at Finnagh in Meth the English of the said pale defeated the Irish upon the e∣leventh day of June.

Also, when famine encreased much in Ireland, the mercy of God so disposed, that upon the seven and twenty day of June there came to land a mighty multitude of great sea fishes, to wit, Thurlhedis, such as in many ages past had never beene seene, which by the estimation of many men amounted to the number of five hundred: and this hapned neere unto Connyng, and the water called Dodyz in the haven of Dublin, about evening: and Anthony Lord Lucy then Justice of Ireland, with his owne people and certain citizens of Dublin, amongst whom was Philip Cradock, killed of the fore∣said [ F] fishes above 200. and no man was forbidden to carry away, the same Justice gi∣ving order therefore.

Item, Antony Lord Lucy Justice of Ireland ordained a common Parliament at Dublin, in the Utas of Saint Iohn Baptist: unto which certaine of the Ancients of the land came not. Then the said Justice removed to Kilkenny, proroging the

[ A] said Parliament, from the foresaid Octaves unto the feast of Saint Peter ad Vincula. Unto which place there repaired the Lord Thomas Fitz-Thomas, and many other Nobles of the land, who came not in before, submitting themselves to the Kings grace and mercy. And the King for his part as much as concerned himselfe under a cer∣taine forme of pardon gratiously forgave all the mischiefes committed by the fore∣said persons in the land.

Also the castle of Fernis is taken by the Irish perfidiously, and burned in the month of August.

Item, the said Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas of Desmund is taken by order from the [ B] counsell at Lymerick by the said Lord Justice, the morrow after the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, and with the Justice brought to the castle of Dublin, the se∣venth day of October.

Item, Henry Mandevile is apprehended in the month of September, and led to the castle of Dublin, by vertue of a warrant from Simon Fitz-Richard Justice in the Kings Bench.

Item, Walter Burck, who with his two brethren of whole blood are taken in Con∣naght, by the Earle of Ulster in November, and conveied by the same Earle unto the castle of North-burg, in the month of Februarie.

Also, the Lord William Bermingham, with his son Walter Bermingham, are atta∣ched [ C] at Clomell, by the said Justice in the moneth of February, notwithstanding the Kings charter or pardon given unto them before by the Justice above named, and are brought unto the Castle of Dublin the nineteenth day of Aprill.

Item, the Irish of Leinster made spoile of the English, and burnt Churches: and in the Church of Freineston they burnt about fourescore men and women, and a cer∣tain Chaplain of the said Church, arraied in his sacred vestiments and with the body of our Lord, they repelled backe with their javelins when he would have gone forth, and burnt him with the rest in the Church. These newes came unto the eares of the Lord Pope, who sent his Bull or briefe unto the Archbishop of Dublin, commanding him to excommunicate the said Irish, and all their adherents, together with their reti∣nue [ D] and followers, and to interdict their lands. Now the Archbishop fulfilled the commandement of the Lord Pope: but the said Irish, contemning the said Bull, ex∣communication, interdiction, and chastisement of the Church, and continuing still in their wickednesse, drew themselves againe together, and invaded all the county of Weis ford, as farre as to Carcarne, and spoiled the whole country. Whom the English made head against, to wit, Richard White and Richard Fitz Henry, with the Burgesses of Weisford and other English, slew of the Irish about 400. and many others of them as they fled were drowned in the river which is called Slane.

MCCCXXXII. William Bermingham is put to death and hanged at Dublin by the said Lord Justice, the eleventh day of July, and Walter his sonne is set free. The fore∣said [ E] Sir William was a noble Knight, and among many thousand knights most renow∣ned and excellent for feats of armes: Alas the day! great pity it was of him; for who relating his death can forbeare teares? But at length enterred hee was in Dublin a∣mong the preaching Friers. Also the castle of Bonraty was forced and rased to the very ground by the Irish of Totomon in July. Also the castle of Arclo by the said Ju∣stice, with the citizens of Dublin and the help of the English within the pale, was won from the Irish, and in the Kings hand, on the eighth day of August, & in part is newly erected. Also the Lord Antony Lucy Justice of Ireland is put out of his office, and re∣turneth into England with his wife and children in the month of November. In whose place also is set Iohn Lord Darcy Justice of Ireland: and he entred Ireland the [ F] thirteenth day of February. Item, the English of the pale gave a great overthrow to Briene O-Brene and Mac-Karthy, and slew many Irish in the parts of Munster. Item, there deceased John Decer a citizen of Dublin, and lieth buried in the Church of the Friers Minors: a man that did many good deeds. Also, a certain maladie named Mauses reigned all over Ireland, as well in old men and women, as in young and lit∣tle ones.

Item, the hostages abiding in the castle of Lymericke slew the Constable of the [ A] same castle, and seized the castle into their owne hands: but after that the castle was recovered by the citizens, the same hostages were put to the sword and killed. Like∣wise the hostages tooke the castle of Nenagh, and when part of it was burnt, recove∣red it was againe, and the hostages were reserved.

Also one P...of wheat about Christmas was commonly sold for 22. shillings: and straight after Easter, and so forward, for twelve pence.

"Item, the towne of New-castle of Lions was burnt and sacked by the O-Tothiles.

MCCCXXXIII. The L. John Darcy arrived Lord Justice of Ireland at Dublin. Item, O▪ Conghirs lost a great bootie, two thousand cowes and above, by the Berminghams [ B] of Carbery.

Item, the Lord John Darcy Justice of Ireland caused the Pas at Ethergovil in Offaly to be cut downe, against O-Conghir.

Item, the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond is taken forth of the prison of Dublin, after he had beene imprisoned one yeere and a halfe, having gotten many mainprisers first, even the greatest and noblest personages of the land to be bound for him, in the forfeiture of life, losse of all their goods, if then the said Lord Moris attemp∣ted ought against the King, and if those Nobles abovesaid presented not his person unto the King for his demerits.

Also William Burk Earle of Ulster, betweene the New-towne and Cragfergus in [ C] Ulster, was traiterously (the more pitty) slaine by his owne company, in the twentieth yeere of his age, and the sixth day of the month Iune: Robert the sonne of Mauriton Maundevil was hee that gave him his first wound. Upon the hearing of which ru∣mours, the Earles wife being then in the parts of Ulster with her daughter and heire, presently embarked and went over into England. After whose murdering, John L. Darcy Lord chiefe Justice of Ireland, to revenge the Earles death, by advice of all the States of the land assembled in the said Parliament, forthwith with his army took his journy, and by ship arrived at Cragfergus upon the first day of July. Now the people of the country rejoicing at the Lord Justice his comming, and thereby taking heart unto them against the murderers of the said Earle of Ulster, with one assent rose up to [ D] revenge the killing of him, and in a pitched field obtained victory: some they tooke prisoners, others they put to the sword. The things thus dispatched, the said Justice with his said army went into Scotland, leaving in his place M. Thomas Burgh Trea∣surer at that time of Ireland.

Item, many Nobles of the land and the Earle of Ormond with their retinue and followers assembled together at the house of the Carmelite Friers in Dublin, the 11. day of June: and during this said Parliament, whereas they were going out of the Court yard of the said Friers, sodainly within the presse of the people Murchard or Moris the sonne of Nicolas O-Tothil was there murdered. At whose sodaine killing all the Elders of the land fearing and supposing there was some treason, were strucken [ E] with an extraordinary and strange affright, and much troubled. And he that killed the same Murchard stoutly escaped all their hands: but neither the party himselfe nor his name they ever knew.

"Also John Lord Darcy returned Justice of Ireland.

Item, Sir Walter Bermingham, sonne to the Lord William Bermingham is delive∣red out of the castle of Dublin, in the month of February.

More, the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond by a fall off his Palfrey brake his legge.

Item, it fell out to be a faire and dry summer, in so much as at the feast of St. Peter advincula bread made of new wheat was eaten, and a peck of wheat was sold for six∣pence [ F] in Dublin.

Also Sir Reimund Archdekon Knight, and many others of the same kinred, were slaine in Leinster.

MCCCXXXVII. In the Vigill of S. Kalixt Pope, seven partridges (and unknown it is what spirit moved them) leaving the plaine field, made way directly unto the City

[ A] of Dublin, and flying most swiftly over the mercate places, setled on the top of the Brew-house, belonging to the Canons of holy Trinity in Dublin. To which sight some Citizens came running, and wondered much at so strange a prodigie. But the boyes of the city caught two of them alive, a third they killed: and the rest scared therewith mounting up higher took their swift flight and escaped into the fields over against them. Now what this accident (not heard of in the ages before) did portend, I leave to the judgement of those that are cunning and skilfull.

Also Sir John Charleton Knight and a Baron, with his wife, sonnes, and daughters, and his whole family, came at the feast of S. Calixtus Pope, as chiefe Justice of Ire∣land: [ B] and of his sonnes and houshold some died.

Also Lord Thomas Charleton, Bishop of Hereford, & brother in the whole blood unto the said Justice, came the same day with his brother as Chancellour of Ireland, together with Master John Rees Treasurer of Ireland, and Doctor in the Decretals, bringing with them many Welshmen, to the number of two hundred, and arrived in the haven of Dublin.

Also whiles John Charleton was Lord Justice and held a Parliament at Dublin, Doctor David O-Hirraghey Archbishop of Ardmagh being called to the Parliament made his provision for housekeeping in the Monastery of S. Mary neere unto Dublin: but because hee would have had his Crosier before him, hee was impeached by the [ C] Archbishop and his Clerkes, and permit him they would not.

Item, the same yeere died the same David Archbishop of Ardmagh: after whom succeeded Doctor Richard Fitz-Ralfe Deane of Lichfield, a notable Clerke, who was borne in the towne of Dundalke.

Item, James Botiller the first Earle of Ormond departed this life the sixth day of January, and lieth buried at Balygaveran.

MCCCXXXVIII. Lord Iohn Charleton at the instigation of his whole brother, to wit, Thomas Bishop of Hereford, is by the King discharged of his office, and returneth with his whole houshold into England, and Thomas Bishop of Hereford is by the King ordained Custos and Justice of Ireland.

[ D] Item, Sir Eustace Pover, and Sir John Pover his Unkle, are by the said Justice brought out of Mounster to Dublin, and committed to prison in the castle the third day of February.

Also, in the parts of Ireland the frost was so vehement, that Aven-Liffie, the river of Dublin, was so frozen that very many danced and leaped upon the Ice of the said river, they played at foot-ball, and ran courses there: yea and they made fires of wood and of turfe upon the same Ice, and broyled herrings thereupon. This Ice lasted very many dayes. And as for the snow also in the parts of Ireland that accom∣panied the same frost, a man need not speake any more, seeing it was knowne to lye on such a wonderfull depth. This hard time of weather continued from the second [ E] day of December unto the tenth day of February: the like season was never heard of before, especially in Ireland.

MCCCXXXIX. All Ireland was generally up in armes. Item, an exceeding great slaughter there was of the Irish, and a number of them drowned, even 1200. at the least, by the meanes of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond, and the rest of the Geraldines in the parts of Kernige.

Item, the Lord Moris Fitz-Nicolas, Lord of Kernige, was apprehended and impri∣soned by the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond, and died in prison, being put to strait diet, for that he openly went out and rebelled with the said Irish against the Lord King of England, and against the Lord Earle.

[ F] Item, a number of the O. Dymcies and other Irish were killed and drowned in the water of Barrow by the English, and the hot pursuit of the Earle of Kildare.

Also a great booty of cattell of sundry sorts, and such a booty as had not been seen in the parts of Leinster, by the said Lord Thomas Bishop of Hereford and Justice of Ireland, and with the helpe of the English of that country, was taken from the Irish in the parts of Odrone in the end of February.

MCCCXL. The said Bishop of Hereford and Justice of Ireland, being sent for by [ A] the King, returned into England the tenth day of Aprill, leaving in his place Frier Roger Outlaw Priour of Kylmaynon. Also this Sir Roger Lord Priour of Kylmainon, Justice and Chancellour of the said land, died the thirteenth day of Fe∣bruary.

Item, the King of England granted by his letters patents unto Iohn Darcy the office of Lord Justice of Ireland for terme of life.

MCCCXLI. Sir John Moris Knight came Lord Justice of Ireland in the moneth of May, as Lievtenant unto Iohn Darcy in the foresaid land.

Item, this wondrous prodigie following, and such as in our age had not been heard [ B] of before, hapned in the county of Leinster: where a certain waifaring man as he tra∣velled in the Kings high way, found a paire of gloves, fit, as he thought, for his owne turne: which as he drew upon his hands, forthwith instead of a mans voice and speech, he kept a strange and marvellous barking like unto a dogge: and from that present, the elder folke and full growne, yea and women too throughout the same county, barked like bigge dogges; but the children and little ones waughed as small whelpes. This plague continued with some 18. daies, with others a whole moneth, and with some for two yeeres. Yea this foresaid contagious malady entred also into the neigh∣bour shires, and forced the people in like manner to barke.

Also, the King of England revoked all those gifts and grants that by him or his fa∣ther [ C] had bin conferred by any meanes upon any persons whatsoever in Ireland, were they liberties, lands, or other goods: for which revocation great displeasure and dis∣content arose in the land: and so the land of Ireland was at the point to have beene lost for ever out of the King of Englands hand.

Item, by the Kings Councell there was ordained a generall Parliament of Ireland in the moneth of October. To the same Parliament Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond came not. Before which time there was never knowne so notable and manifest a division in Ireland, between those that were English by birth, and English in blood. The Maiors besides of the Kings cities in the same land, together with all the better sort of the Nobility and Gentry of the said land, with one consent upon [ D] mature deliberation and counsell had, among other their conclusions, decreed and ap∣pointed a common Parliament at Kilkenny in November, to the utility and profit both of the King and the land before named: without asking any counsell at all of the Lord Justice and the Kings officers aforesaid in this behalfe.

Now the Lord Justice, and the rest of the Kings Ministers, in no wise presumed to come unto the same Parliament at Kilkenny. The Elders therefore of the land a∣foresaid, together with the Ancients and Maiors of the cities, agreed and ordained as touching solemne Embassadours to be sent with all speed unto the King of England, about relieving the State of the land, and to complaine of his Ministers in Ireland, as touching their unequall and unjust regiment of the same, and that from thenceforth [ E] they neither could nor would endure the realme of Ireland to be ruled by his Mini∣sters, as it had wont to be. And particularly they make complaint of the foresaid Mi∣nisters, by way of these Questions.

Imprimis, How a land full of warres could be governed by him that was unskilfull in warre?

Secondly, how a Minister or Officer of the Kings should in a short time grow to so great wealth?

"Thirdly, how it came to passe that the King was never the richer for Ireland?

MCCCXLII. The eleventh day of October, when the moone was eleven dayes old, there were seen by many men at Dublin 2. moones in the firmament well and early [ F] before day. The one was according to the course of nature in the West, and appea∣red bright: the other to the quantity of a round loafe appeared in the East, casting but a meane and slender light.

MCCCXLIII. St. Thomas street in Dublin was casually burnt with fire upon the feast of S. Valentine Martyr.

[ A] Item, the 13. day of July, the Lord Ralph Ufford, with his wife the Countesse of Ulster, came Lord chiefe Justice of Ireland: Upon whose entring, the faire weather changed sodainly into a distemperature of the aire, and from that time there ensued great store of raine, with such abundance of tempestuous stormes, untill his dying day. None of his predecessours in the times past, was (with griefe be it spoken) com∣parable unto him. For this Justicer bearing the office of Justice-ship, became an op∣pressor of the people of Ireland, a robber of the goods both of Clergy and Laity, of rich and poore alike: a defrauder of many under the colour of doing good: not ob∣serving the rights of the Church, nor keeping the lawes of the kingdome, offering [ B] wrongs to the naturall inhabitants, ministring justice to few or none, and altogether distrusting (some few onely excepted) the inborne dwellers in the land. These things did hee still, and attempted the like, misled by the counsell and perswasion of his wife.

Item, the said Justice entring into Ulster in the moneth of March through a Pas, called Emerdullan, was fiercely set upon by Mac-Carton, the which Mac-Carton veri∣ly having encountred with the said Justice, spoiled him of his clothes, mony, utensils, silver, plate, and horses, yea and slew some of his men. But in the end, the foresaid Justice with the helpe of the men of Ergale got the victory, and entred into the parts of Ulster.

[ C] MCCCXLV. The seventh of Iune a common Parliament was holden at Dublin, un∣to which the Lord Moris Fitz Thomas came not.

Item, the Lord Ralph Ufford Justice of Ireland, after the feast of S. John Baptist, with the Kings standard raised (yet without the assent of the Elders of the land) a∣gainst the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond, marcheth forthwith into Mounster, and there seized into the Kings hands the Earles lands: and these lands so seized letteth out to farme unto others for a certain yeerly rent, to be carried unto the King.

Item, the said Justice being in the parts of Mounster, delivered unto Sir William Burton Knight, two writs: the one whereof the said William should deliver unto the [ D] Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Kildare: the contents of which was this; That upon paine of forfeiting all his lands, he should with all speed repaire unto him, to aid the King and him with a strong power. Now in the other writ contained it was, that the said Sir William should apprehend the said Earle of Kildare, and so apprehended commit him to prison. But Sir William seeing that this could not possibly be brought about and effected accordingly by himselfe, with colourable words framed for the nonce, perswaded the said Earle, whiles he was preparing himselfe with his army, and levying a power unto the foresaid Justice, that before his departure out of the countrey, hee should repaire unto the Kings Counsell at Dublin, and that by the una∣nimity and joint counsell of the same so deale, as to provide for the safe keeping of [ E] his owne lands in his absence: and if after that any hurt should befall unto his lands whiles he was absent, it should be imputed unto the Kings counsell, and not to him. The Earle therefore giving credit unto the Knights words, and thinking of no trea∣cherous practice in this behalfe, disposed and addressed himself to come unto Dublin. When he was come, altogether ignorant of any treachery toward, whiles himselfe sat in consultation with others of the King Councell in the Exchequer-court, sodainly he was by the said Sir William betraied, attached or arrested and apprehended, and brought to the castle of the said city, and there clapt up in prison.

Item, the said Justice entred with his army the parts of O. Comill in Mounster, and by a treacherous device taketh two castles of the Earle of Desmonds, to wit, the ca∣stle [ F] of Yniskisty, and the castle of the Iland: in which castle of the Iland thus taken, the Knights being within the said castle, namely, Sir Eustacele B••re, Sir William Graunt, and Sir Iohn Cotterell, were first drawne, and afterward in October openly hanged untill they were dead.

Also the said Earle of Desmond, with some other of his Knights, were by the said Justice banished. The foresaid Justice having attchieved these exploits in Mounster,

returned in the moneth of November with his company unto his wife then great [ A] with child, remaining at Kilmaynon, which is neere to Dublin: over and beside those things which had beene done against the Laity, by inditing and emprisoning some of them, and turning them out of their goods, he also caused the Ecclesiasticall persons, as well Priests as Clerkes, to be endited; and standing endited, attached and impriso∣ned them, and fetched no small summes of money out of their purses.

Item, as touching the grants and demises of their lands, to wit, whom before hee had deprived of their lands, he bestowed the same upon divers tenants (as hath beene said) as also the very writings concerning those grants, so sealed as they were by him and with the Kings seale, he revoked, tooke the same from them, cancelled, defaced, [ B] and wholly annulled them.

Item, all the mainpernours of the said Earle of Desmond, in number twenty sixe, as well Earles as Barons, Knights and others of the countrey, whose names be these, to wit, Lord William Burke Earle of Ulster, Lord Iames Botiller Earle of Ormond, Sir Richard Tuit Knight, Sir Eustace Le Poer Knight, Sir Gerald De Rochfort Knight, Sir Iohn Fitz-Robert Poer Knight, Sir Robert Barry Knight, Sir Moris Fitz-Gerald Knight, Sir Iohn Wellesley Knight, Sir Walter Lenfaunt Knight, Sir Roger de la Rokell Knight, Sir Henry Traharn Knight, Sir Roger Pover Knight, Sir Iohn Lenfaunt Knight, Sir Roger Pover Knight, Sir Matthew Fitz-Henry Knight, Sir Richard Wallis Knight, Sir Edward Burk Knight, the sonne of the Earle of Ulster, David Barry, William Fitz-Gerald, [ C] Fulke Ash, Robert Fitz-Moris, Henry Barkley, Iohn Fitz-George Roch, and Thomas de Lees de Burgh, their own travels and proper expences, which some of them with the said Justice in his warre had beene at, and in pursuing the said Earle of Des∣mond notwithstanding, he by definitive sentence deprived of their lands, and dis-inhe∣rited, and awarded their bodies to the Kings pleasure, excepting foure persons only of all the foresaid sureties, whose names be these, William Burk Earle of Ulster, Iames Botiller Earle of Ormond, &c.

MCCCXLVI. Upon Palme-Sunday, which fell out to be the ninth day of Aprill, the above named Lord Ralph Ufford Justice of Ireland went the way of all flesh: for whose death his owne dependants, together with his wife, sorrowed not a little: for [ D] whose death also the loiall subjects of Ireland rejoice no lesse. The Clergy and peo∣ple both of the land, for joy of his departure out of this life, with merry hearts doe leap, and celebrate a solemn feast of Easter. At whose death the floods ceased, and the distemperature of the aire had an end, and in one word, the common sort truely and heartily praise the onely Son of God. Well, when this Justice now dead was once fast folded within a sheet and a coffin of lead, the foresaid Countesse (with his trea∣sure not worthy to be bestowed among such holy reliques) in horrible griefe of heart conveied his bowels over into England, there to be enterred.

And againe, in the month of May, and on the second day of the same month, behold a prodigious wonder, sent, no doubt, miraculously from God above. For lo, she that [ E] before at her comming entred the city of Dublin so gloriously, with the Kings armes and ensignes, attended upon with a number of souldiers in her guard and traine along the streets of the said city, and so from that time forward (a small while though it were) living royally with her friends about her, like a Queen in the Iland of Ireland, now at her going forth of the same city privily by a posternegate of the castle, to a∣void the clamour of the common people calling upon her for debts, in her retire homeward to her owne countrey departed in disgrace, sad and mournfull with the dolefull badges of death, sorrow and heavinesse.

Item, after the death of the said Justice of Ireland, the Lord Roger Darcy, with the assent of the Kings Ministers and others of the same land, is placed in the office of Ju∣stice [ F] for the time.

Also the castles of Ley and Kylmehede are taken by the Irish and burnt, in the mo∣neth of April.

Item, Lord Iohn Moris commeth chiefe Justice of Ireland the fifteenth day of May.

[ A] Also the Irish of Ulster gave a great overthrow unto the English of Urgale, wher∣in were slaine three hundred at the least, in the moneth of June. Also, the said Lord Iohn Moris, Justice of Ireland, is discharged by the King of England from that office of Justiceship, and the Lord Walter Bermingham set in the same office by the fore∣said King: and a little after the foresaid slaughter committed, entreth with Commis∣sion into Ireland in the month of June.

Item, unto the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmond the maintenance of peace for a certain time is granted by the King of England. Which being granted upon the Vigill of the exaltation of the holy Crosse, hee together with his wife and [ B] two sonnes take sea at the haven of Yoghal, and crosseth over into England; where he followeth the law hard, and requireth instantly to have justice for the wrongs done unto him by Raulph Ufford, late Lord Justice of Ireland above named.

Item, unto the said Earle, by commandement and order from the Lord King of England, there are granted from his entrance into England twenty shillings a day, and so day by day still is allowed for his expences.

Also, the Lord Walter Bermingham Justice of Ireland, and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas, Earle of Kildare, rose up in armes against O-Merda and his complices, who burnt the Castle of Ley and Kilmehed: and they with their forces valiantly set upon and invade him and his complices, spoiling, killing and burning, in so much as the said [ C] O-Morda and his complices (although at the first they had manfully and resolutely made resistance there with many thousands of the Irish) after many wounds and a great slaughter committed, were constrained in the end to yeeld; and so they sub∣mitted to the Kings grace and mercy, and betake themselves full and whole unto the said Earles devotion.

MCCCXLVII. The Earle of Kildare with his Barons and Knights goeth unto the King of England in the moneth of May, to aide him lying then at the siege of Ca∣leys.

Also the towne of Caleys was by the inhabitants upon the fourth day of June ren∣dred up into the King of Englands hands.

[ D] Item, Walter Bonevile, William Calfe, William Welesley, and many other noble Gentlemen and valiant Knights as well of England as of Ireland, died of the sicknesse in Caleys.

Also, Mac-Murgh, to wit, Donald Mac-Murgh the sonne of Donald Art Mac-Murgh King of Leinster, upon the fifth day of June is treacherously slain by his own people.

More, Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Kildare is by the King of England made Knight.

Also the towne called Monaghan, with all the territorie adjoining, is by the Irish burnt on the feast day of S. Stephen Martyr.

[ E] Item, Dame Joane Fitz-Leoues, sometime wife to the Lord Simon Genevile de∣parted this life, and is buried in the Covent Church of the Friers Preachers of Trim, the second day of Aprill.

MCCCXLVIII. And in the 22. yeere of King Edward the third, reigned the first pestilence, and most of all in Ireland, which had begunne afore in other Coun∣tries.

Item, in this yeere Walter Lord Bermingham, Lord Justice of Ireland came into England, and left Iohn Archer Prior of Kylmainon his Lievtenant in his roome. And he returneth againe in the same yeere Justice as before: and the King conferred upon the same Walter, the Barony of Kenlys which is in Osserie, because he led a great ar∣my [ F] against the Earle of Desmond, with Raulfe Ufford, as before is said: which Baro∣ny belonged in times past unto the Lord Eustace Pover, who was attainted and hang∣ed at the castle of the Isle.

MCCCXLIX. Lord Walter Bermingham, the best Justice of Ireland that ever was, gave up his office of Justiceship; after whom succeeded the Lord Carew Knight and Baron both.

MCCCL. And in the 25. yeere of the foresaid King Edward, Sir Thomas Rokesby [ A] Knight was made Lord Justice of Ireland.

Item, Sir Walter Bermingham Knight Lord Bermingham, that right good Justice sometime of Ireland, died in the Even of S. Margaret Virgin in England.

MCCCLI. Kenwrick Sherman sometime Maior of the Citie of Dublin died, and was buried under the Belfray of the preaching Friers of the same City: which Belfray and Steeple himselfe erected, and glazed a window at the head of the Quire, and cau∣sed the roofe of the Church to be made, with many more good deeds. In the same Covent he departed I say the sixth day of March: and at his end he made his Will or Testament, amounting to the value of three thousand Marks: and bequeathed many [ B] good Legacies unto the Priests of the Church, both religious and secular, that were within twenty miles about the City.

MCCCLII. Sir Robert Savage Knight began in Ulster to build new castles in divers places, and upon his owne Manours: who while he was a building said unto his sonne and heire Sir Henry Savage, let us make strong walls about us, lest happily the Irish come and take away our place, destroy our kinred and people, and so we shall be re∣proached of all Nations. Then answered his sonne, where ever there shall be valiant men, there is a Castle and Fortresse too, according to that saying, The sonnes encam∣ped, that is to say, valiant men are ordained for warre, and therefore will I be among such hardy men, and so shall I be in a castle: and therewith said in his vulgar speech, [ C] A castle of Bones is better than a castle of Stones. Then his father in a fume and chafe gave over his worke, and swore an oath that he would never build with stone and morter; but keepe a good house, and a very great family and retinew of servants a∣bout him: but he prophesied withall, that hereafter his sonnes and posterity should grieve and waile for it: which indeed came to passe; for the Irish destroyed all that country for default of castles.

MCCCLV. And in the thirty yeere of the same King, Sir Thomas Rokesby Knight went out of his office of Justice the sixe and twenty day of July: after whom succee∣ded Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Desmund, and continued in the office untill his death. [ D]

Item, on the day of Saint Pauls conversion, the same Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas died Justice of Ireland in the castle of Dublin, not without great sorrow of his friends and kinsfolke, and no lesse feare and trembling of all other Irish that loved peace. First, he was buried in the quire of the preaching Friers of Dublin: and at last enter∣red in the Covent Church of the Friers Preachers of Traly. This man was a righte∣ous Justicer, in that hee stucke not to hang up those of his owne blood for theft and rapine, and misdemeanours, even as soone as strangers: and chastised the Irish very well.

MCCCLVI. And in the one and thirty yeere of the foresaid King, Sir Thomas Rokesby was made the second time Justice of Ireland, who tamed the Irish very well, [ E] and paied as well for the victuals he tooke, saying, I will eat and drinke out of Treen vessels, and yet pay both gold and silver for my food and apparel, yea and for my pen∣sioners about me.

The same yeere died that Sir Thomas Justice of Ireland, within the Castle of Kilka.

MCCCLVII. Also in the two and thirty yeere of the same Kings raigne, Sir Alma∣rick de Saint Aimund was made chiefe Justice of Ireland, and entred into it.

At this very time began a great controversie between Master Richard Fitz-Ralfe Archbishop of Armagh, and the foure Orders of the begging Friers: but in the end the Friers got the mastery, and by the Popes meanes caused the Archbishop of Ar∣magh [ F] to hold his peace.

MCCCLVIII. In the 33. yeere of the same King Sir Almarick Sir Amund chiefe Justice of Ireland passed over into England.

MCCCLIX. In the 34. yeere of the same King, Iames Botiller Earle of Ormond was made chiefe Justice of Ireland.

[ A] Item, the Lady Ioan Burke Countesse of Kildare departed this life on St. Georges day: and was buried in the Church of the Friers Minors of Kildare, neere unto her husband the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earle of Kildare.

MCCCLX. And in the 35. of the foresaid King, died Master Richard Fitz-Ralfe Archbishop of Armagh in Hanault, the sixteenth day of December: whose bones were conveied into Ireland by the reverend father Stephen Bishop of Meth, to be be∣stowed in S. Nicolas Church at Dundalk, where he was born: But doubted it is whe∣ther they were his bones or some other mans.

Item, Sir Robert Savage, a doughty knight dwelling in Ulster, departed this life: [ B] who with a few Englishmen slew of the Irish three thousand neere unto Antrim: but before that he went forth to that battell, he tooke order that there should be given unto every Englishman one good draught or pot of wine or ale, whereof hee had a number of hogsheads and barrels full: and the rest he saved against the comming of his friends: he caused also to be killed sheepe, oxen, tame foule crammed fat, wilde foule, and for venison red Deere: that they might bee dressed and made ready for such as returned winners out of the field, whosoever they were. And he was wont to say, a shame it were if guests should come and not finde what to eate and drinke. But when it pleased God to give the English victorie, he invited them all to supper, and they rejoiced with thanksgiving: and himselfe said, I give God thanks: For better it [ C] is thus to keep it, than to let it run forth upon the ground, as some gave me counsell. Buried he was in the covent Church of the preaching Friers of Coulrath, neere to the river of Banne.

Also, the Earle of Ormond, Lord Justice of Ireland entred England: in whose place Moris Fitz-Thomas Earle of Kildare was made Lord Justice of Ireland, by this Charter and Commission as appeareth: Omnibus ad quos, &c. that is, To all whom these letters shall come unto Greeting: Know ye that we have committed to our sweet and faithfull subject, Moris Earle of Kildare, the office of our L. Justice of our land of Ireland: and our land of Ireland, with the Castle and all pertenances thereto, to keep and governe so long as it shall please us: and to receive at our Exchequer in Dublin [ D] yeerely, so long as hee shall remaine in that office, five hundred pounds: for which he shall keep that office and land, and he shall be himselfe one of the twenty men in armes (whom he shall finde) with as many horses armed continually, during our fore∣said commission. In witnesse whereof, &c. Given by the hands of our beloved in Christ Frier Thomas Burgey, Prior of the Hospitall of S. John of Ierusalem in Ire∣land, our Chancellour of Ireland, at Dublin the thirtieth day of March, and of our reigne the thirty five yeere. Also Iames Botiller Earle of Ormond came again out of England Lord Justice of Ireland, as before, unto whom the Earle of Kildare resigned up the office of Justiceship.

MCCCLXI. Leonell Earle of Ulster in right of his wives inheritance, and being the [ E] Kings sonne of England, came into Ireland as the Kings Lievtenant, and arrived at Dublin the eighth day of September being the feast of the blessed Virgins nativi∣tie, bringing his second wife Elizabeth, daughter and heire of the Lord William Burke Earle of Ulster.

In the same yeere was the second pestilence. There died in England Henry Duke of Lancaster, the Earle of March, the Earle of Northampton.

Also on the sixth day of January, Mons Doncref a Citizen of Dublin was buried in the Churchyard of the Friers Preachers of the same City: unto which covent or brotherhood he gave forty pounds, toward the glazing of their Church.

Item, there departed out of this life the Lady Ioan Fleming, wife to the Lord Gef∣fery [ F] Trevers, and the Lady Margaret Bermingham, wife to the Lord Robert Preston, on the Vigill of St. Margaret, and were buried in the Covent Church of the prea∣ching Friers of Tredagh.

Also, the Lord Walter Bermingham the younger, died on S. Laurence day, who divided his inheritance between his sisters, the one part thereof the foresaid Preston had for his share.

Item, the foresaid Lord Leonell, after hee was entred into Ireland and had rested [ A] some few daies, made warre upon O-Brynne, and proclaimed throughout his army, that no man borne in Ireland should come neere unto his campe: and an hundred of his owne Pensioners were slaine. Leonell seeing this, forthwith reduced the whole people as well of England as of Ireland into one, and so hee prospered, and strucke many battailes round about in all places with the Irish, by the helpe of God, and the people of Ireland. Hee made also many Knights of English and Irish: and among them Robert Preston, Robert Holiwood, Thomas Talbot, Walter Cusacke, Iames de La Hide, Iohn Ash, or de Fraxius, Patricke and Robert Ash, or de Fraxius, and many besides. [ B]

Also, he removed the Exchequer from Dublin to Carlagh, and gave five hundred pounds to the walling of that towne.

Item, on the feast of Saint Maur Abbat, there rose a mighty wind, that shooke and overthrew pinnacles, battlements, chimneys, and other things higher than the rest, trees without number, divers Steeples, and namely, the Steeple of the Preaching Friers.

MCCCLXII. Also in the 36. yeere of the same King, the Church of St. Patricke in Dublin through negligence was set on fire and burnt, the eighth of Aprill.

MCCCLXIV. And in the 38. yeere of the foresaid King, the Lord Leonel Earle of Ulster entred England the 22. of Aprill, and left his Deputy-Justice of Ireland, the [ C] Earle of Ormond: and the same Leonell Duke of Clarence returned the eighth of December.

MCCCLXV. Also in the 39. yeere of the said King, the same Leonell Duke of Cla∣rence passed over into England, leaving behind him Sir Thomas Dale Knight his De∣puty-Custos, and Justice of Ireland.

MCCCLXVII. Great warre began between the Berminghams of Carbry and the men of Meth, because many robberies by the foresaid were committed in Meth. Then Sir Robert Preston Knight, and Lord chiefe Baron of the Exchequer, set a strong guard in the castle of Carbry, and laid forth a great deale of money against the Kings enemies, to defend his owne right, in regard of his wife. [ D]

Item, Gerald Fitz-Moris Earle of Desmond was made Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCCLXVIII. And in the 42. yeere of the same King, in Carbry, after a certaine Parliament ended betweene the Irish and English, there were taken prisoners Frier Thomas Burley Prior of Kylmaynon, the Kings Chancellour in Ireland, Iohn Fitz-Reicher Sheriffe of Meth, Sir Robert Tirell Baron of Castle-knoke, with many besides, by the Berminghams and others of Carbry. Then James Bermingham, who had been kept in the castle of Trim in yron manacles and fetters as a traytour, was delivered out of prison, in exchange for the foresaid Chancellour, the other were put to their ransomes.

Item, the Church of Saint Maries in Trim was burnt with the fire of the same Mo∣nastery. [ E]

Also in the Vigill of St. Luke the Evangelist, the Lord Leonell Duke of Clarence died at Albe in Pyemont. First he was buried in the City of Papie, hard by St. Au∣gustin the Doctor; and afterward enterred at Clare in the covent Church of Austin Friers in England.

MCCCLXIX. And in the 43. yeere of the foresaid King, Sir William Windesore Knight, a doughty man in armes and courageous, came as the Kings Lievtenant into Ireland the twelfth day of July: unto whom gave place in the office of Justice-ship Gerald Fitz-Moris Earle of Desmond.

MCCCLXX. And in the 44. yeere of the same King, began the third pestilence, and [ F] the greatest in Ireland, in which died many Noblemen and Gentlemen, Citizens also and children innumerable.

The same yeere Gerald Fitz-Moris Earle of Desmond, the Lord Iohn Nicolas and the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn and many other noble persons were taken prisoners up∣on on the sixth of July, neere unto the Monastery of Maio, in the county of Limerick by

[ A] O-Breen and Mac-Comar of Thomond; and many were slaine: in regard of which occurrent, the said Lievtenant went over to Limericke to the defence of Mounster, leaving the warres against the O-Tothiles, and the rest in Leinster.

In this yeere died Lord Robert Terel Baron of castle Knock, the Lady Scolastica his wife, and their sonne and heire: by reason whereof Joan Terel and Maud Terel, sisters of the said Robert, parted the inheritance between themselves.

Item, there departed this life Lord Simon Fleming Baron of Slane, Lord John Cu∣sake Baron of Colmolyn; and Iohn Tailour somtime Maior of Dublin, a rich and migh∣ty monied man.

[ B]

That which followeth was copied out of the Manuscript Chronicles of Henry Marleburgh.

MCCCLXXII. Sir Robert Asheton came Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCCLXXIII. Great warring there was between the English of Meth, and O-Fer∣dle, in which warre many of both sides were slaine.

Item, in May Lord John Husse Baron of Galtrim, John Fitz Richard Sheriffe of Meth, and William Dalton, in Kynaleagh were killed by the Irish.

MCCCLXXV. Thomas Archbishop of Dublin died: and in the same yeere was Ro∣bert [ C] of Wickford consecrated Archbishop of Dublin.

MCCCLXXXI. There departed this life Edmund Mortimer the Kings Lievtenant in Ireland, Earle of March and Ulster, at Cork.

MCCCLXXXIII. There was a great pestilence in Ireland.

MCCCLXXXV. The bridge of the city of Dublin fell downe.

MCCCXC. Robert Wickford Archbishop of Dublin died.

The same yeere Robert Waldebey Archbishop of Dublin, of the order of Austen Friers, was translated.

MCCCXCVII. There hapned the translation and death of Frier Richard Northalis Archbishop of Dublin, one of the Carmelites order.

[ D] Also in the same yeere Thomas Crauley was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin.

The same yeere the Lord Thomas Burgh, and the Lord Walter Bermingham slew sixe hundred of the Irish, and their captain Mac-Con.

Item, Roger Earle of March, Lievtenant of Ireland wasted the country of O-Bryn, with the help of the Earle of Ormund, and dubbed there seven Knights, to wit, Chri∣stopher Preson, John Bedeleu, Edmund Loundris, John Loundris, William Nugent, Walter de la Hyde, and Robert Cadell, at the forcing and winning of a most strong Manor house of the said O-Bryn.

MCCCXCVIII. Upon the Ascension day of our Lord, the Tothils slew forty English, among whom John Fitz-William, Thomas Talbot, and Thomas Comyn were kil∣led, [ E] which was a pitifull mishap.

In the same yeere on St. Margarets day, Roger Earle of March the Kings Lievte∣nant was with many others slaine at Kenlys in Leinster, O Bryn and other Irish of Leinster, in whose place and office Roger Grey is chosen Justice.

In the same yeere upon the feast of S. Marke Pope and Confessor, came to Dublin the noble Duke of Sutherey, as the Kings Lievtenant in Ireland: with whom at the same time arrived Master Thomas Crauley, Archbishop of Dublin.

MCCCXCIX. And in the 23. yeere of King Richard, upon Sunday which fell out to be the morrow after S. Fetronill or Pernill the Virgins day, the same glorious King Richard arrived at Waterford with two hundred saile.

[ F] Item, the sixth day of the same weeke, at Ford in Kenlys within the country of Kil∣••are, were slaine of the Irish 200. by Ie••icho and other English: and the morrow af∣ter the Dublinians made a rode in the country of O-Bryn, and slew of the Irish 33. and fourescore men and women with their little children they took prisoners.

The same yeere, the said King came to Dublin the fourth day before the Calends of July: where hee heard rumours of Henrie the Duke of Lancaster

his comming into England, whereupon himself passed over with speed into England. [ A]

MCCCC. In the first yeere of King Henry the fourth, at Whitsontide the Constable of Dublin castle and many others encountred the Scots at sea before Stranford in Ulster: whereupon fell out a lamentable accident, for that many of the English were slaine and drowned there.

MCCCCI. In the second yeere of King Henry the fourth, Sir John Stanley the K. Lievtenant passed over into England in the month of May, leaving in his roome Sir William Stanley.

In the same yeere, upon the Vigill of Saint Bartholomew, there entred into Ireland Stephen Scroop, as deputy to the Lord Thomas of Lancaster, the Kings Lievtenant [ B] in Ireland.

The same yeere, on the day of S. Brice Bishop and Confessor, the Lord Thomas of Lancaster the Kings sonne, arrived at Dublin, Lievtenant of Ireland.

MCCCCII. On the fifth of July was the Church of the Friers Preachers at Dublin dedicated by the Archbishop of Dublin: and the same day John Drake the Maior of Dublin, with the citizens and men of the countrey, slew in battell of the Irish neere unto Bree 493. and were victorious over the Irish.

The same yeere in the moneth of September, a Parliament was holden at Dublin: at which time in Uriel Sir Bartholomew Verdon, James White, Stephen Gernon, and their complices, slew John Dowdal Sheriffe of Louth.

MCCCCIII. In the fourth yeere of King Henry the fourth, and in the moneth of [ C] May, was killed Sir Walter Beterley a valiant Knight then Sheriffe there, and with him thirty men.

In the same yeere about the feast of S. Martin, there passed over into England Tho∣mas the Kings sonne, leaving Stephen Scroop his Deputy, who also himself upon the first day of Lent returned into England: and then the Lords of the land chose the Earle of Ormond Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCCCIV. In the fifth yeere of King Henry died Iohn Cowlton Archbishop of Armagh the fifth of May, whom Nicholas Fleming succeeded. The same yeere on S. Vitalis day began a Parliament at Dublin, before the Earle of Ormond then Lord [ D] Justice of Ireland: wherein where confirmed the Statutes of Kilkenny and of Dub∣lin: also the charter of Ireland.

In the same yeere Patrick Savage in Ulster was treacherously slaine by Mac-Kil∣mori; and Richard his brother given for an hostage, who likewise was murdred in pri∣son, after he had payed two hundred Marks.

MCCCCV. In the sixth yeere of King Henry, and in the month of May, were taken three Scottish Galions or Barkes, two at Green-castle, and one at Dalkey, with the captaine Thomas Mac-Golagh.

The same yeere the merchants of Tredaght entred Scotland, tooke pledges and preies. [ E]

The same yeere Stephen Scroope crossed the seas into England, leaving the Earle of Ormond Lord Justice of Ireland.

And the same yeere, in the month of June the Dublinians entred Scotland at Saint Ninians, and there behaved themselves manfully: then landed they in Wales, and did much hurt to the Welshmen there; yea and carried away the Shrine of S. Cubie unto the Church of the holy Trinitie in Dublin.

Also, the same yeere on the Vigill of the blessed Virgin, died James Botiller Earle of Ormond, whiles he was Lord Justice (to the griefe of many) at Baligauran; unto whom there succeeded in the office of Lord Justice, Gerald Earle of Kildare.

MCCCCVI. And in the seventh yeere of King Henry, on Corpus Christi day the Dub∣linians [ F] with the people of the Countrey about them, manfully overcame the Irish, and killed some of them: they tooke three ensignes, and carried away divers of their heads to Dublin.

The same yeere, the Prior of Conall fought valiantly in the plaine of Kildare, and vanquished two hundred Irish well armed, killing some, and putting others

[ A] to flight: there were in the Priors company not above twenty English: and thus God regardeth those that repose trust in him.

In the same yeere, after the feast of S. Michael, Sir Stephen Scroop Deputy Justice under the Lord Thomas the Kings sonne Lievtenant of Ireland, entred into Ireland.

The same yeere died Pope Innocentius the seventh, after whom succeeded Pope Gregory.

The same yeere beganne a Parliament at Dublin on Saint Hilaries day, which ended at Trym in Lent: and Meiler Bermingham slew Cathol O-Conghir in the end of February, and Sir Gefferey Vaulx a noble Knight in the countie of Carlagh [ B] died.

MCCCCVII. A certaine Irishman, a most false villaine, named Mac-Adam Mac-Gilmori (who caused fortie Churches to be destroied) one that was never christened, and therefore termed Corbi, tooke Patricke Savage prisoner, and received of him for his ransome two thousand Marks, and yet killed him afterwards with his brother Ri∣chard.

The same yeere, in the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Crosse, Stephen Scroop, Deputy under Thomas the Kings sonne Lievtenant of Ireland, accompanied with the Earles of Ormond and Desmond, and the Prior of Kylmaynon, with many out of Meth, set forth from Dublin: and in hostile manner invaded the land of Mac-Murgh: [ C] where the Irish had the better of the field in the forepart of the day; but af∣terwards they were manfully by the said Captaines repulsed: where O-Nolam with his sonne and others were taken prisoners. But hearing then and there, that the Burkeins and O-Keroll in the countie of Kilkenny had for two daies together done much mischiefe, sodainly the said Captaines rode in all haste with bridle on horse necke unto the towne of Callan, and there meeting with the said enemies, manfully put them to flight. O-Keroll, and to the number of eight hundred they killed in the place.

The same yeere Stephen Scroop sailed over into England, and Iames Butler Earle of Ormond was by the country chosen Lord Justice of Ireland.

[ D] MCCCCVIII. The said L. Justice held a Parliament at Dublin, in which Parliament were confirmed the Statutes of Kilkenny and of Dublin: and a Charter granted un∣der the great seale of England against Purveyouris.

The same yeere, the morrow after S. Peters day ad Vincula, the Lord Thomas of Lancaster the Kings sonne arrived as Lievtenant of Ireland at Cartingford, and in the weeke following came to Dublin: and arrested the Earle of Kildare as he came unto him, with three of his house: and all his goods he lost by the servants of the said Liev∣tenant: and in the castle of Dublin he imprisoned him, untill he made paiment of 300. Marks for a fine.

The same yeere on Saint Marcellus day died the Lord Stephen Scroop at Tristel-Dermot [ E] ."

The same yeere the said Thomas of Lancaster was wounded at Kylmainon, and hardly escaped death: and afterwards caused Proclamation to be made, that whoso∣ever by his tenures owed service to the King should appeare at Rosse. And after Saint Hilaries feast he held a Parliament at Kilkenny, for to have a tallage granted. And af∣terwards upon the third day before the Ides of March, he passed over into England, leaving the Prior of Kylmainon his Deputy in Ireland.

In this yeere Hugh Mac-Gilmory was slaine at Cragfergus, within the Oratory or Church of the Friers Minors: which Church he before had destroyed, and broken the glasse windowes thereof, for to have the iron barres therein: at which his ene∣mies, [ F] to wit, the Savages, entred.

MCCCCIX. In the tenth yeere of King Henry, and in the month of June, Ianico of Artoys with the English slew fourescore of the Irish in Ulster.

MCCCCX. On the thirteenth day of June began a Parliament at Dublin, and conti∣nued three weeks, the Prior of Kylmainon sitting as Lord Justice.

The same yeere, on the tenth day of July, the same Justice beganne the castle of

Mibracly in O-Feroll, and built De la Mare: and a great dearth there was of corne. [ A]

In the same yeere the Justice entred the land of O-brin with a thousand and five hundred kernes, of whom eight hundred departed unto the Irish: and had not the Dublinians beene there, there would have beene wailing and many a woe; and yet Iohn Derpatrick lost his life there.

MCCCCXII. About the feast of Tiburce and Valerian, O-Conghir did much harm to the Irish in Meth, and tooke prisoner 160. men.

The same yeere O-Doles a knight, and Thomas Fitz-Moris Sheriffe of Limerik, killed one another.

In the same yeere, the ninth of June, died Robert Monteyn Bishop of Meth, after [ B] whom succeeded Edward Dandisey sometime Archdeacon of Cornwall.

MCCCCXIII. The seventh of October there landed in Ireland at Cloncarfe, Iohn Stanley the Kings Lievtenant in Ireland, who died the sixth of January in Atterith.

The same yeere, after the death of Iohn Stanley Lord Lievtenant, Thomas Crauley Archbishop of Dublin was chosen on the eleventh day of February Lord Justice of Ireland. A Parliament eftsoons began at Dublin the morrow after Saint Matthias the Apostles day, and lasted fifteene daies: during which time the Irish fell to burning in divers places, as they had done often in Parliament times; wherefore a tallage was demanded, but not granted.

MCCCCXIIII. The English slew of the Irish the O-Mordries and O-Dempsies [ C] neer to Kilka, even whiles the Justice of Ireland Thomas Crauley Archbishop of Dub∣lin went in Procession at Tristeldermot, praying with his Clerks: and his servants with their countrimen overthrew of the Irish an hundred.

Upon the feast day of Saint Gordian and Saint Epimachus a foile or discomfiture was given to the English of Meth, and there was slaine Thomas Maurevord Baron of Scrin: and taken prisoners there were Christopher Fleming, Iohn Dardis, and many o∣thers slaine by O-Conghir and the Irish.

In the vigill of Saint Martin arrived the Lord Iohn Talbot Lord Furnivall, as Lievtenant of Ireland, at Dalkay.

MCCCCXV. In the moneth of November died Robert Talbot a Nobleman, who [ D] walled the Suburbs of Kilkenny.

Item, after the feast of All-Saints died Frier Patricke Baret Bishop of Ferne, and a Canon of Kenlis, where he was buried.

MCCCCXVI. On the feast day of Gervasse and Prothasius the Lord Furnivall had a sonne borne at Finglas. About this time the reverend Lord Stephen Fleming Archbishop of Armagh departed this life: unto whom succeeded Iohn Suanig. And at the same time the Lord Bishop of Ardachard, Frier Adam Lyns of the order of preaching Friers.

Item, on Saint Laurence day died Thomas Talbot Lord of Furnivall, lately borne at Finglas, & is interred in the quire of the preaching Friers Church of Dublin, with∣in [ E] the Covent of the said Preachers. A Parliament was holden at Dublin, in the time whereof the Irish fell upon the English and slew many of them, among whom Tho∣mas Balimore of Baliquelan was slaine.

This Parliament lasted in that place sixe weekes, and then was removed to Trym the eleventh day of May, and there it continued eleven daies: and granted there was unto the Lievtenant a subsidy of foure hundred Markes.

MCCCCXVII. On the Eve of Philip and Iacob Apostles, Thomas Crauley Arch∣bishop of Dublin passed over into England, and died at Farindon: he was buried in the New Colledge at Oxford: a liberall man he had beene, and an almes-giver, a great Clerke, a Doctor in Divinity, and excellent Preacher, a builder of the places [ F] wherein he dwelt, beautifull, sumptuous, of sanguine complexion, and tall of stature: so that in his time it might well be said unto him, Faire art thou, and of a goodly pre∣sence above the sons of men, grace is seated all over thy lips for the eloquence of thy tongue. Fourescore yeeres old he was, and for the space almost of twenty yeeres he governed the Church of Dublin peaceably.

[ A] MCCCCXVIII. The feast of the Annuntiation of our Lady fell out to be on good Friday, and straight after Easter the Lord Deputy spoiled the tenants of Henry Crus and Henry Bethat.

Item, at Slane on the day of S. John and S. Paul, were arrested the Earle of Kildare, Sir Christopher Preston, and Sir John Bedleu, and committed to ward within the ca∣stle of Trym, because they were desirous to common with the Prior of Kylmainon. The fourth of August died Sir Matthew Husee Baron of Galtrim, who lieth buried at the Preaching Friers in Trim.

MCCCCXIX. The eleventh of May, Edmund Brel sometime Maior of Dublin de∣parted [ B] this life, and was buried at the Friers preachers of the same Citie. A Counsell royall was holden at Naas: and there a subsidie of 300. Markes was granted to the Lord Lievtenant.

At the same time died Sir Iohn Loundres. On the fifth day of the week, falling out to be Maunday Thursday, O-Thoill tooke 400. kine that belonged to Balimore, so breaking the peace against his oath.

The fourth of May Mac-Morghe chiefe Captaine of his owne Sept, and of all the Irish in Leinster, was taken prisoner. And the same day Hugh Cokesey was made knight.

The last day of May, the Lievtenant, the Archbishop of Dublin, and the Maior to∣gether [ C] rased the castle of Kenini.

The morrow after the feast of Processus and Martinian, the Lord William Burgh, and other of the English slew 500. of the Irish, and tooke O-Kelly priso∣ner.

On the feast of Mary Magdalen, the Lievtenant John Talbot passed over into England, leaving for his Deputy the Archbishop of Dublin: carrying with him the curses of divers, for that he paid a little or nothing for his victuals, and was indebted unto many.

About the feast of Saint Laurence, divers there were that died in Normandy, and by name, Frier Thomas Botiller Prior of Kilmainon, with many others.

[ D] After whom succeeded in the Priory Frier John Fitz-Henry. The Archbishop being Deputy fell upon the Scohies, and slew of the Irish thirty neere unto Rodi∣ston.

Item, upon the Ides of February died Frier John Fitz-Henry Prior of Kylmainon: whom succeeded Frier William Fitz-Thomas, elected and confirmed the morrow af∣ter S. Valentines day.

Also the morrow after the feast of Saint Peter in Cathedra, the Lord Iohn Talbot Lord of Furnivall yeelded the place into the hands of the Lord Richard Talbot Arch∣bishop of Dublin, who afterward was chosen Lord Justice of Ireland.

MCCCCXX. Upon the fourth day of Aprill, the Lord Iames Butler Earle of Ormond [ E] arrived at Waterford, Lievtenant of Ireland, and quickely caused a combat to bee fought between two of his cousins: of whom the one died in the field, and the other was carried forth of the place sore hurt and lamed unto Kilkenny. On St. Georges feast day, the same Lievtenant held a Counsell at Dublin, and summoned a Parliament there. And in the meane while he raised great booties from O-Raly, Mac-Mahon, and Mac-Guyr: And the eighth day of June began a Parliament at Dublin, and there were granted unto the Lievtenant 700. Markes: and that Parliament continued for 16. dayes: and the same was prorogued unto the munday after St. Andrewes day: also in the foresaid Parliament were cast up the debts of the Lord Iohn Talbot late Lievtenant, which arose to a great summe.

[ F] Also the morrow after St. Michaels day died Michaell Bodley."

On the Vigill of Saint Francis, there departed this life Frier Nicholas Talbot, Ab∣bot of St. Thomas the Martyr in Dublin. After whom succeeded Frier John Whi∣ting.

The morrow after the Apostles Simon and Iudes day, was the castle of Colnolin ta∣ken by Thomas Fitz-Geffery.

Also in the Vigill of S. Katherine Virgin, Botiller the sonne and heire of the Earle [ A] of Ormund was borne.

Item, on munday after the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle, the said Parliament began at Dublin, and continued 13. daies: and granted there was to the Lievtenant there 300. markes: and the Parliament was adjourned eftsoones unto the munday after St. Ambrose day.

Then rumours resounded, that the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earle of Desmund died at Paris on St. Laurence feast day, and was buried there at the Friers Preachers co∣vent, the King of England being present at his funerals. After whom succeeded in that Seigniorie James Fitz-Gerald his Unkle by the fathers side, who had three [ B] times thrust him out of his patrimonie: and laid an imputation upon him that he was a prodigall spend-thrift, and had wasted his patrimony both in Ireland and England, and that he gave or would give lands to the Abbey of St. Iames at Kernisham. 1421. The Parliament began upon prorogation the third time at Dublin the munday after the feast of S. Ambrose: and there certain persons were ordained to be sent in message to the King, as touching the redresse of the land, namely, the Archbishop of Armagh, and Sir Christopher Preston Knight.

At the same time Richard O-Hedian Bishop of Cassell was accused by John Gese Bishop of Lismore and Waterford, upon thirtie Articles laid to his charge. After all that, hee charged him that hee made very much of the Irish, and loved none of the [ C] English: that hee bestowed no benefice upon any Englishman, and gave order like∣wise unto other Bishops, that they should not conferre the least living that was upon them.

Item, that hee counterfeited the King of Englands seale, and the Kings letters pa∣tents, that he went about to make himselfe King of Mounster: also that he tooke a ring away from the image of S. Patrick, which the Earle of Desmund had offered, and bestowed it upon an harlot of his: beside many other enormities, which he exhibi∣ted in writing. And the Lords and Commons were much troubled betweene these twaine.

Now in the same Parliament, there was debate between Adam Pay Bishop of Clon [ D] and another Prelate: for that the said Adam went about to unite the others Church unto his, but the other would not: and so they were sent and referred unto the Court of Rome, and this Parliament lasted 18. daies.

In the Nones of May there was a slaughter committed by O-Mordris upon the fa∣mily or retinue of the Earle of Ormund, Lievtenant, neere unto the Monastery of Leys, where were slaine of the English 27. The principall parties were Purcell and Grant. Then Gentlemen of good birth were taken prisoners, and 200. fled unto the foresaid Monastery, and so were saved.

In the Ides of May died Sir Iohn Bodley Knight, and Geffery Galon sometime Maior of Dublin, and was buried in the house of the preaching Friers of the same [ E] City.

About this time Mac-Mahon an Irishman played the divell in Urgal, wasting and burning where ever he went.

The seventh of Iune the Lievtenant entred into the country, to wit, of Leys against O-Mordis, and led thither a most puissant army, having the killing of his enemies for foure daies together, and untill the Irish promised all peace and quietnesse.

Upon the feast of Michael the Archangel, Thomas Stanley, accompanied with all the Knights and Squires of Meth and Iriel, took Moyle O-Downyll prisoner, and slew others, in the 14. yeere of King Henry the sixth his reigne.

[ F]

Thus far forth were continued the Annales of Ireland which came to my hands, and upon which I have bestowed these few

[ A] pages, to gratifie them that may delight therein. As for the nice and dainty readers, who would have all writings tried to the touch of Augustus his dayes, I know they can yeeld no pleasing rellish to them, in regard of the harsh words, and the saplesse dry stile, familiar unto that age wherein they were penned. Never∣thelesse, I would have those to remember, That HISTORIE [ B] both beareth, brooketh, and requireth the Authors of all ages: Also, That they are to look as well for reall and sub∣stantiall knowledge from some, as for the verball and lite∣rall learning from others.

[ C]

THE SMALLER ILANDS IN THE BRITISH OCEAN.

NOw will I at length waigh anchor and set saile out of Ireland, and lanching forth take survey of the Ilands scattered here and there along the coasts of Britaine. If I durst repose any trust in [ D] my selfe, or if I were of any sufficiencie, I would shape my course to every one. But sith it is my purpose to discover and in∣lighten Antiquity, such as are obscure and of lesse account I will lightly coast by: and those that carry any ancient name and reckoning above the rest, I will enter and visite, yea and make some short stay in them, that now at last in a good and happy houre they may recover their ancienty againe.

And that in this voiage I may at first set out orderly, and take a straight and direct course, I will, to begin, saile out of Ireland into the Severn sea, and by the Irish sea (after I have doubled the utmost point of Scotland) follow my course down into the [ E] Germai•• Ocean, and so from thence through the British sea (which extendeth as far as to Spaine) hold on my race as prosperously as I can. But I am afraid lest this my ship of Antiquity, steared by me so unskilfull a Pilot, either run and be split upon the rockes of errours, or else be overwhelmed with the waves of ignorance, yet venter I must. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Antiphilus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Adventure is a good sea Captain: and he that saileth the same voiage a second time, may haply speed much better, and finish his desired course.

First and formost, because it seemeth not impertinent to my matter, I will set down what Plutarch, out of a fabulous narration of Demetrius (who seemeth to have lived in Hadrians time) reporteth generally as touching the Ilands lying neer to Britain. De∣metrius [ F] made report, that most of those Ilands which coast upon Britain, lie desert, deso∣late and scattering here and there; whereof somewere dedicated to the Daemones, and Heroes: also that himself by commission from the Emperour, sailed toward one that was neerest of those desert Iles, for to know and discover somewhat: the which he found to have in a few inhabitants, and those he understood were reputed by the Britans sacred and in∣violable. Within a while after he was landed there, the aire and weather (as he said) be∣came

foully troubled, many portenteous signes were given by terrible tempests, with extra-ordinary [ A] stormes, flashing and violent lightnings and fiery impressions: which after they were appeased, the Ilanders certified him that some one of great eminency was dead. And a little after: Now he said moreover, that there was a certain Iland there, wherein Saturn was by Briareus closed up and kept in prison sound asleep (for sleep was the means to hold him captive) about whose person there were many Daemones at his feet, that stood atten∣ding as servitours. Thus they took pleasure in old time, as now also at this day, bold∣ly to devise strange wonders and tales of places far remote, in a certain secure veine of lying, as it were by authoritie.

In the narrow sea of Severn there peep up first of all two small Ilands, whereof the [ B] one, because it lieth flat and with an even ground, is by us called Flatholme, in the same sense that Planarie is named Italy: the other Step-holme, because it riseth steep, in the British tongue Reoric: both of them, when the Britans bare rule, were tear∣med Echni, like as in our age Holmes, for so the Anglo-Saxons called greene plaines enclosed within water: neither were they in ancient times famous for any thing else, but for that the Danes lay there at road: and for the tomb of one Gualchus, a Britan of singular devoutnesse, whose Disciple Barruch left his name to the Iland Barry in Wales (as an ancient monument of the Church of Landaff witnesseth) which Iland in like manner hath given name to a noble house of the Barraies in Ireland.

This hath lying hard to it the little Iland Silly, upon the coast of the ancient Silu∣res, [ C] of whose name it seemeth to retaine still more than a shadow, like as a small town over against it in Glancorgan-shire: yet dare I not avouch it to be Silura, or Insula Silurum, the Iland that Solinus mentioneth, seeing there be other Ilands bearing the same name; yet, farre distant from the Silures.

From thence we come to Caldey, in the British Imis-Pix, lying neer unto the shore; and to Londey farther within the sea, over against Caldey, & belonging unto Devon∣shire; from the promontory or cape whereof, named Hert-nesse, it lieth 14. miles. Lar∣ger this is counted of the twaine, howbeit reported to bee not much more than two miles long, and one mile broad, so encircled with rockes and cliffes round about, that there is no avenue unto it but in one or two places. A fort or sconce it had: the ruines [ D] whereof, like as of S. Helens Chappell, are yet to be seene. That it had beene in time past eared with the plough, the ridges and furrowes in it doe evidently shew: now all the commodity and profit that it yeeldeth doth arise from sea-fowle, whereof it hath great store. Trees it hath none but stinking Elders, which the Stares haunt in such multitudes, that uneth for their dung there is any comming unto them. But what meane I to stand hereupon? considering that Sir Thomas Delamere Knight (in re∣porting how that silly king Edward the second, when his froward and unreasonable wife, together with the unruly Barons thundred out threats, and denounced terrible menaces, was minded to withdraw himselfe hither, as to a place of refuge) hath in old time described it in this wise. Londay (saith he) is an Iland lying in the mouth of Severn [ E] two miles long over way, full of pleasant pastures: it affoordeth Connies in great store: doves and stares (which Alexander Necham tearmeth Ganimedes birds) it hath conti∣nually from time to time ready to lay: it serveth the inhabitants besides, with fresh water, walming abundantly out of springs, though it selfe be on all sides compassed with the sea. One way of entrance it hath into it, wherein two men can hardly goe afront together on foot; on every part besides the dreadfull rockes bearing out a mighty heighth, hinder all ingresse. But scarcely doe our Historians make any mention of it, save only how William de Marisco, a most leud and mischievous rover in the reign of king Henry the third, from hence sore infested these coasts in times past: and that in King Edward the third his daies it was part of the Lutterels inheritance. [ F]

From thence in the very bent and turning of Pembroch-shire, we meet with Gre∣sholme, Stockholme,* 1.4 and Scalmey, in which is plentie of grasse, and wild thyme grow∣eth very fresh and pleasant. The day was when I thought Scalmey to have been that SILIMNUS, which Plinie in old time wrote of: but the truth hath now made me change my opinion. For that SILIMNUS of Pliny (as the affinity of the word

[ A] implieth, seemes to be Ptolomee his LIMNI. That this here is the Britans Lymen, the word it selfe (if I should say nothing) sheweth evidently, which the Englishmen by a new name have now a daies termed Ramsey. This lieth full against the Epis∣copall Sea of Saint Davids, whereunto it belongeth, and was in the foregoing ages very famous for the death of one Iustinian a most holy man; who after he had with∣drawne himselfe hither out of little Britaine in France, in that age that brought forth so many Saints, and led a long time an Eremits life, wholly devoted to the ser∣vice of God, being in the end slaine by a page, was registred in the roll of Martyrs. In whose life we finde it oftentimes written, Lemen••ia Insula. Which denomination [ B] verily, together with the British name Limen, by which name it is knowne unto the Britains themselves, checketh and taxeth his drowsinesse who maketh this Iland ly∣ing next above it to be Ptolomees Limnon: which the Britains now name Enhly, and English Berdsey, as one would say the Isle of Birds. But that this should be it that Ptolomee calleth EDRI, and Plinie ANDROS or ADROS (as it is in some place read) I durst more boldly ghesse by the signification of the word: for Ader in the British tongue signifieth a Bird, and in the very same sense the Englishmen afterward called it Berdsey. As for Enhly, it is a name of a later stampe, and came by occasion of a cer∣taine holy and devout man, who here lived as an Eremite.

For this Iland, which toward the East mounteth aloft with an high promontory, [ C] but Westward lieth plaine, and is of a fertile mould, harboured in old time so many holy men, that beside Dubrith and Merlin the Caledonian, ancient histories record there were twenty thousand Saints buried here. Next unto this lieth MONA, that is, Anglesey, which the Britans also name Mon, Tir-Mon, and Ynis Dowyll, that is, A darke or shady Iland, the Saxons 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, whereof I have treated already in the page 671.

To Mone or Anglesey there adjoine three smaller Ilands, Moyl-Rhoniad, that is, The Isle of Seales, upon the North-west; which after it had beene with-held by cer∣taine that unjustly seized upon it, from the Bishops of Bangor, unto whom it belon∣ged, Henry Deney Bishop of Bangor (as we reade in the history of Canterbury) with a [ D] fleet manned with souldiers in King Henry the seventh his time, recovered. Eastward lieth Ynis Ligod, that is, The Isle of mice: and more beneath, Prest-home, that is, The Isle of Priests: and nothing saw we in it but the tower steeple of Saint Cyriacs chap∣pell, which sheweth it selfe to the beholders afarre off. Incredible it is what the neighbours report of the infinite multitude of sea fowle that here doe breed: as also what they tell of a causey or banke which went from hence through the sea to the foot of that huge mountaine Pen-Maen-Maur, for their use who of devotion went on pilgrimage to visit this place, held in times past so holy and religious. I passe over Lambey a little Iland opposite unto this toward the coast of Ireland, although our Metall-men have to their great charges sought there of late for Alum.

[ E] More Northward lieth that Mona whereof Caesar maketh mention, in the mids of the cur, as he saith, betweene Britaine and Ireland.

Ptolomee termeth it MONOEDA, as one would say Mon-eitha, that is, if I may be allowed to conjecture, The more remote Mona, to put a difference betweene it and the other Mona, that is, Anglesey: Plinie MONABIA, Orosius MENAVIA, and Bede Menavia secunda, that is, the second Menavia, where he termeth Mona or Angle∣sey, Menavia prior, that is, the former Menavia, and calleth them both, Ilands of the Britans: in which writers notwithstanding it is read amisse Mevania: Ninius who also goeth abroad under the name of Gildas, nameth it Eubonia and Manaw, the Britans Menow, the inhabitants Maning, and we Englishmen, The Yle of Man: stret∣ched [ F] out just in the mid levell (as saith Girald Cambrensis) betweene the Northren coasts of Ireland and Britaine; about which Isle, and namely to whether of the two countries it ought of right to appertaine, there arose no small doubt among those in ancient times. At length the controversie was taken up in this manner. For as much as this land fostered venemous wormes brought over hither for triall, adjudged it

was by a common censure and doome to lye unto Britain. Howbeit the inhabitants [ A] both in language and manners come nighest unto the Irish, yet so as they therewith savour somewhat of the qualities of the Norvegians.

It lieth out in length from North to South much about thirty Italian miles: but reacheth in bredth where it is widest, scarce above fifteene miles, and where it is nar∣rowest eight. In Bedes dayes it contained in it three hundred families, like as Angle∣sey 96. but now it numbreth seventeene Parish Churches. Flaxe and hempe it bea∣reth abundantly: it hath fresh pastures, and fields by good manuring plenteous of Barley, and Wheat, but of Oates especially: whence it is that the people there eate most of all Oaten bread. Store of cattell every where, and mighty flockes of [ B] sheepe: but both their sheepe and other cattell also bee smaller of body there, like as in Ireland neighbouring upon it, than in England, and nothing so faire headed. And considering it hath few or no woods at all, they use for fewell a kind of clammy turfe, which as they are digging out of the earth, they light many times upon trees buried under the ground.

In the middest it riseth up with hils standing thick, the highest whereof is Sceafull, from whence a man may see on a cleere and faire day, Scotland, England and Ireland. Their chiefe towne they count Russin, situate on the South-side, which of a castle wherein lieth a Garison, is commonly called Castle-Towne: where, within a little Iland Pope Gregory the fourteenth instituted an Episcopall See: the Bishop where∣of [ C] named Sodorensis (of this very Iland as it is thought) had jurisdiction in times past over all the Ilands, West Irish Iles or Hebrides, but exerciseth it now onely upon that Iland, and is himselfe under the Archbishop of Yorke. Howbeit, he hath no place nor voice in the assembly of the States of England in Court of Parliament. Duglasse is the best peopled towne, and of greatest resort; because the haven is commodious, and hath a most easie entrance: unto which the Frenchmen and other forrainers use to repaire with their bay-salt, having trafficke with the Ilanders, and buying of them againe, leather, course wooll, and poudred beefe.

But on the South side of the Ile stand Bala-Curi (where the Bishop for the most part is resiant) and the Pyle, a Block-house standing in a little Iland; where also there [ D] are souldiers in garison. Also before the very South point there lyeth a prety Iland, called the Calfe of Man, wherein are exceeding great store of sea-foule called Puffins, and of those duckes and drakes which (breeding of rotten-wood, as they say) the Eng∣lishmen call Bernacles,* 1.5 the Scots Clakes and Soland geese.

That which here followeth I will set downe out of a letter, which that learned and reverend father in God John Meryk Bishop of this Ile wrote unto me. This Iland, for cattell, for fish, yea and for corne, rather through mens industry than by any goodnesse of the ground, hath not only sufficient for it selfe, but also good store to send into other coun∣tries. Yet happier it was for the government thereof, as being defended from neighbour enemies by souldiers prest and ready, at the expences of the Earle of Darby, upon which [ E] he employed the greatest part of his yeerely revenue in this Isle. All controversies are de∣cided without writings or any charges, by certaine Iudges, whom they chuse from among themselves, and call Deemsters. For the Magistrate taketh up a stone, and when he hath given it his mark, delivereth it unto the plaintiffe, who by vertue thereof citeth his adver∣sary and witnesses. If there fall out any doubtfull case & of greater importance, it is refer∣red to twelve men, whom they terme, The Keyes of the Iland. It hath certain Coroners, and those they call Annos, who stand in stead of Sheriffes, and execute their office. The Ecclesiasticall Judge doth cite persons and determine causes, within eight dayes they stand to his award, or they are clapt up in prison.

They had, as I have heard say, as a peculiar language of their own, so also their peculi∣ar [ F] lawes, which are signes of a peculiar seigniory. Their Ecclesiasticall lawes, next after this Canon Law, come neerest unto the Civill. Upon any Iudge or Clerks of the Court for making of Processe or drawing Instruments, the people never bestow so much as one penny. As for that which English Writers report of mischiefes done by witchcraft and sorcery, it is meere false. They that are of the wealthier sort and hold faire possessions, and for their

[ A] good houskeeping, and honest cariage, are conformable to imitate the people of Lancaster. The women whither soever they go out of their doores, gird themselves about (as mindfull of their mortality) with the winding sheet that they purpose to be buried in. Such of them as are by law condemned to die, are sewed within a sack, & flung from a rock into the sea. They are all of them in this Isle as far from the customary practice of theeving or begging from doore to doore, as may be: wonderfull religious, and most ready every one to entertain the forme of the English Church. The disorders, as well Civill as Ecclesiasticall, of their neighbour nations they detest: and whereas the whole Isle is divided into two parts, South and North; this in common speech resembleth the Scottish, the other the Irish.

[ B] Haply it were worth my labour, if I should here insert a little History of this Iland, which truth of due demandeth at my hands, that so I may keepe alive and in remem∣brance still, the Acts heretofore atchieved: which if they bee not buried, yet are waxen old, and have as it were one foot in the grave of oblivion. That the Britans held this Iland, as they did all Britaine, it is confessed by all. But when the Nations from the North, like violent tempests, overflowed these South parts, it became sub∣ject to the Scots. For under the Emperours Honorius and Arcadius (as wee read in Orosius) it was inhabited as well as Ireland by the Scottish Nations: and Ninnius hath written that one Biule a Scot was Lord of it. But (as the same writer recordeth) the Scots were driven out of all the British countries and Ilands by Cuneda, Grandfa∣ther [ C] of Maglocunus, whom Gildas (for the foule work that he made in these Ilands) tearmed the Dragon of the Iles. After this, Edwin King of Northumberland brought this Iland, like as the foresaid Anglesey, under the subjection of the English, if we un∣derstand them both by the name of Menaviae, as writers perswade us: at which time it was reckoned an Iland of the Britans. But when the North had sent abroad his brood the second time, I meane the Normans, Danes, and Norwegians: these Nor∣wegians, who with their manifold robberies and roveries did most hurt from the Northren sea, tooke up their haunt into this Iland and the Hebrides, and therein ere∣cted Lords and Petty Kings, whose briefe history I will here put downe word for word out of an old Manuscript, lest it should be utterly lost, which is intituled, The [ D] Chronicle of Man, seeming to have been written by the Monks of the Abbey of Rus∣sin, which was the principall place of religion in this Isle.

A CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF MAN.

[ E]

ANno Domini MLXV. Edward of blessed memory King of England departed this life: after whom succeeded in the kingdome Harald the son of Godwin; against whom Harald Harfager King of Nor∣way came into the field, and fought a battell at Stainford-bridge; and the English obtaining the victory, put them all to flight: out of which chace Godred surnamed Crovan, the son of Harald the black of Iseland, came unto Godred the sonne of Syrric, who then reigned in Man, and by him was honourably received.

The same yeere, William the BASTARD conquered England and Godred the [ F] sonne of Syrric died, after whom succeeded his sonne Fingal.

MLXVI. Godred Crovan assembled a great fleet and came to Man, fought with the people of the land, but was overcome and put to rout. A second time hee rallied his forces and his fleet, sailed into Man, joined battell with the Manksmen, was van∣quished and driven out of the field. A third time he gathered a great multitude to∣gether, and by night arrived in the haven called Ramsa, and hid three hundred men

within a wood, which stood upon the hanging hollow brow of an hill called Scacafel. [ A] Now when the sunne was risen, the Manksmen put their people in order of battell, and with a violent charge encountred with Godred. And when the fight was hot, those three hundred men starting out of the ambush behind their backes, began to foile the Manksmen and put them to the worst, yea and forced them to flye. Now when they saw themselves discomfited, and no place for them of refuge to escape, (for the sea water comming in with the tide had filled the channell of Ramsa river, and the enemies on the other side followed the chace hard) they that then remained alive tooke up a pitifull cry, and besought Godred to save their lives. And he moved with compassion, pittying their wofull calamity (as who for a certain time had beene [ B] nursed and brought up among them) sounded the retrait, and forbad his hoast to pursue them any longer.

Goared the morrow after proposed this choice unto his owne army, whether they would rather divide Man among themselves, and therein dwell, or only take the sub∣stance and pillage of the countrey, and so returne unto their owne homes? But they chose rather to wast and spoile the whole Iland, and with the goods thereof to enrich themselves, and so returne home. But Godred himselfe, with those few Ilanders that remained with him, inhabited the South part of the Iland, and granted to the re∣maines of the Manksmen the North part, with this covenant and condition, That none of them should at any time venture and presume to challenge any part of the [ C] land by right of inheritance. Whereby it came to passe that even unto this day the whole Isle is the Kings domain alone, and all the revenues thereof belonging unto the crown. Godred then reduced Dublin, and a great part of Leymistir under his subjection. As for the Western Scottish, he so over-awed them, as that no man who built ship or cog-boat durst drive into it above three nailes. Now he reigned 16. yeeres, and died in the Iland that is called Yle. He left behind him verily three sons, Lagman, Harald, and Olave.

Lagman the eldest taking upon him the kingdome, reigned seven yeeres. And Ha∣rald his brother a great while rebelled against him; but at length being taken priso∣ner by Lagman, he had his members of generation cut off, and his eyes plucked out [ D] of his head. After this Lagman repenting himselfe that he had pulled out his brothers eyes, gave over the kingdome of his owne accord, and wearing the badge of the Lords Crosse, took a journey to Jerusalem, in which he died.

MLXXV. All the Nobles and Lords of the Islands, hearing of the death of Lagman, dispatched their Embassadors to Murecard O-Brien King of Ireland, requesting that hee would send some industrious and worthy man of the blood royall to be their King, untill Olave, Godreds sonne, came to full age. The King very willingly yeelded to their requests, and sent unto them one Dopnald the sonne of Tade, warning and charging him to govern the kingdome (which by right belonged unto another) with all gentlenesse and modesty. But he after he was come to the Crowne, not weighing [ E] of the charge that his Lord and M. gave him, abused his place, and lorded with great tyranny, and so committing many outrages and villanies, reigned cruelly three yeers. Then all the Princes of the Ilands agreed together in one conspiracy, rose up against him, and expelled him out of their coasts. Who fled into Ireland, and never looked them in the face after.

MLXXVII. One Ingemund was sent from the King of Norway, to take upon him the dominion of the Ilands: and when he was come to the Isle Leodus, he sent messengers to all the Nobles of the Ilands, with a commandement that they should meet toge∣ther and ordain him their King: Mean while, himselfe with his companions did no∣thing else but rob, spoile, make good cheere and banquet, dishonour and abuse marri∣ed [ F] wives, defloure young maidens, yea and give himselfe over to filthy pleasures and fleshly lusts. But when tidings hereof came to the Nobles of the Ilands, now assem∣bled to make him King, they were set on fire with furious wrath, and sped themselves in all hast toward him: and surprising him in the night, burnt the house wherein hee was, and with fire and sword made a quick dispatch of him and his company.

[ A] MXCVIII. The Abbey of S. Mary at Cistertium or Cisteaux was founded. Anti∣och was won by the Christians: and a Comet or blazing star appeared. The same yeere there was a field fought between those of the Isle of Man, at S••antwas: and the Northren men got the victorie. In which battell were slaine Earle Oiher and Mac-Moras, Generals of both the sides. In the same yeere Magnus King of Norway, the son of Olave, son of Harald Harfager, desirous to try whether the corps of S. Olave King and Martyr remained uncorrupt, commanded that his tombe should be ope∣ned and notwithstanding the Bishop and Clergy withstood it, the King himselfe came boldly thither, and by force that he brought with him caused the coffin to be [ B] opened. Now when he had both seene and handled the body uncorrupt and nothing perished, sodainly there was a great feare fell upon him, and in all haste he departed thence. The next night following Olave King and Martyr appeared unto him in a dreame, saying thus: Chuse thou one of these two things, either to lose thy life and kingdome both within thirty daies, or to depart from Norway and never see it againe. When the King awakened, he called unto him his Princes and Elders, and declared unto them his dreame and vision: and they being sore affraid gave him this counsell, to depart with all speed out of Norway. He without delay caused a fleet to be rigged and put in readinesse, of an hundred and threescore saile, and cutteth over to the Isles of Orkney, which he forthwith subdued; & making way by dint of sword thorowout [ C] all the Iles, and bringing them to his subjection, went forward still as far as to Man, and when he was arrived and landed he came unto St. Patrickes Isle, to see the place wherein the field had beene fought a little before betweene the Manksmen, because as yet many of their bodies that were slaine lay there unburied. Now when he saw this most goodly and beautifull Iland, it pleased his eye, and he chose it to seat him∣selfe therein, built fortresses in it, which unto this day carry his name. And those of Galway he held in so great awe, that he compelled them to cut downe wood for tim∣ber, and to bring it unto the shore, that therewith he might build his Forts and Bul∣warkes. To Anglesey, then called Mona (an Iland in Wales) hee sailed, and found in it two Earles by the name of Hughes: the one he slew, the other he put to flight, [ D] and subdued the Iland. But the Welshmen presented him with many gifts, and so he bad them farwell, and returned unto Man. Unto Murcard King of Ireland he sent his shooes, and commanded him to carry them on his shoulders through the middest of his house on Christmas day, that he might thereby understand he was subject unto King Magnus. Which the Irishmen as soone as they heard of it took grievously, and disdained exceeding much. But the King following a wiser course, I had rather, saith he, not onely carry his shooes, but also eat them, than King Magnus should destroy one Province in Ireland. Hee fulfilled therefore his commandement, and honoura∣bly entreated his messengers. Many presents also hee sent over by them unto King Magnus, and entred into league with him. These messengers being returned unto [ E] their Lord, related unto him many things touching the situation of Ireland, the plea∣santnesse thereof, the abundance of corne and wholsomnesse of aire. When Mag∣nus heard this, straightwaies he thought of nothing else but to conquer Ireland, and bring it wholly under his dominion. He commanded therefore his men to prepare a navie; and himselfe in person setting forward with sixteene ships, desirous to take a view of the countrey, as he unwarily departed aside from his shipping, was suddenly compassed about by the Irish, and so lost his life, together with all those in manner that were with him. And he was buried hard by S. Patricks Church in Doun. Hee reigned sixe yeeres: after whose death the Princes of the Ilands sent for Olave the son of Godred surnamed Crovan, who lived in the Court of Henry King of England, son [ F] of King William.

MCII. Olave, the sonne of Godred Crovan aforesaid, beganne his reigne and reigned forty yeeres: a peaceable Prince, having all the Kings of Ireland and Scotland to be his confederates. Hee tooke to wife Affrica the daughter of Ferguse of Gall∣way: of whom he begat Gadred. By his concubines he had Regnald, Lagman and Harald, beside many daughters, whereof one was wedded to Summerled Prince

of Herergaidel, who was the cause of the ruine of the whole Kings of the Ilands. On [ A] her he begat foure sonnes, Dulgall, Raignald, Engus, and Olave.

MCXXXIII. There hapned so great an Eclipse of the Sun, upon the fourth Nones of August, that the day was turned into night.

MCXXXIV. Olave gave unto Yuo Abbat of Furnes a plot of his land in Man, to build an Abbay, in a place called Russin: and both enriched with revenues, and endowed with priviledges the estate of the Church in the Ilands.

MCXLII. Godred, Olaves son, saileth over sea to the King of Norway, whose name was Hinge, and did his homage unto him, and staied there being honourably enter∣tained of him. The same yeere three sonnes of Harald, Olaves brother (who had been [ B] brought up in Dublin) raising a great number of men together, and all those who were fled from the King, came to Man, demanding of the same King to have the one moity of the whole kingdome of the Ilands to bee given unto them. But the King, when he had heard their demand, being willing to pacifie them, answered, That hee would take counsell of the matter. Now when they had appointed the time and place where the counsell should bee held, in the meane while those most leud and wicked villaines complotted among themselves the Kings death. At the day appoin∣ted both parts met at the haven which is called Ramsa, and sat in order by rowes, the King with his counsell on the one side, and they together with their company on the other, and Reginald (who was to dispatch him) was in the midst between, and stood [ C] talking apart with one of the Peeres of the land. But when the King had called him and he was come unto him, he turned toward the King as though hee would salute him, and therewith lifting up a glittering axe a great height, at one blow cut off the Kings head. And forthwith as soone as they had committed such a bloody murder, they divided the land among themselves: and after some few daies, having gathe∣red a navie together, failed over to Galway, desirous to bring it also under their sub∣jection: But those of Galway sticking close and round together, gave a faire onset, and joined battell with them. They by and by turning their backes fled in great dis∣order to Man: And as for all the Galwaymen that dwelt therein, some of them they slew, others they expelled. [ D]

MCXLIII. Godred, Olaves son, returning out of Norway was created King of Man, and to avenge his fathers death, he caused two of Haralds sons to have their eies pul∣led out, and slew the third.

MCXLIV. Godred begun his reigne, and reigned thirty yeeres. In the third yeere of his reigne, the people of Dublin sent for him and created him King of Dublin, a∣gainst whom Mure-card King of Ireland raised war, and encamping himselfe before the Citie which is called Coridelis, sent his halfe brother (by the mothers side) Osibe∣ley, with three thousand men of armes to Dublin, who was by Godred and the Dublini∣ans slaine, and all the rest put to flight. These exploits atchieved, Godred returned to Man, began to use tyranny, and turned Noblemen out of their inheritances, whereof [ E] one called Thorsin, Oters Son, mightier than the rest, came to Sumerled and made Dubgall, Sumerleds son, King of the Ilands, subduing unto him many Ilands. When Godred had intelligence of these things by one Paul, he prepared a navie, and setteth forward to meet with Sumerled, who was comming with a fleet of 80. saile. And in the yeere 1156. there was a battell fought at sea on Twelfe day at night, and after many a man slaine on both sides, the next day after they grew to a pacification, and divided among themselves the kingdome of the Ilands: and so it became two seve∣rall kingdomes from that very day unto this present time. And this was the cause of the overthrow of the kingdome of the Isles, since time that Sumerleds son seized upon it. [ F]

MCLVIII. Sumerled came to Man with a fleet of 53. saile, put Godred to flight, & wa∣sted the Iland. Godred then crossed over to Norway, to seek for aid against Sumerled.

MCLXIV. Sumerled gathered together a fleet of 1060. ships, and arrived at Rhinfrin, coveting to subdue all Scotland. But by the just judgement of God hee was vanqui∣shed by a few, together with his sonne and an infinite number of people there slain.

[ A] The same yeere there was a field fought at Ramsae betweene Reginald brother of Godred, and them of Man: and by the deceitfull practice of a certaine Earle, those of Man were put to flight.

Then Reginald began to reigne, and on the fourth day after came Godred upon him out of Norway with a great multitude of armed men, and tooke his brother Re∣ginald, whom he bereft both of his eyes, and of his genitall members. The same yeere died Malcolm King of Scotland, and his brother William succeeded him in the king∣dome.

MCLXVI. Two Comets or blazing stars appeared before Sun-rising in the Mo∣neth [ B] of August, the one in the South, the other in the North.

MCLXXI. Richard Earle of Penbrock sailed over into Ireland, and subdued Develin with a great part of Ireland.

MCLXXVI. John Curey conquered Ulster, and Vivian Legate of the Apostolicke Sea came into Man, and caused King Godred to bee lawfully espoused unto his wife Phingola, daughter of Mac-Lotlen, son to Murkartac King of Ireland, to wit, the mo∣ther of Olave then three yeers old. Sylvan the Abbat married them: unto whom the very same day Godred gave a piece of land at Miriscoge, where he built a Monastery: but at length the ground was together with the Monkes granted to the Abbey of Russin.

[ C] Reginald sonne to Eac-Marcat, one of the royall blood, comming into Man with a great band of men in the Kings absence, at the first conflict put to flight certain war∣ders that kept the shore, and killed about 30. men. Afterwards the Manksmen gathe∣ring their forces together, the same day slew him and almost all his company.

MCLXXXIII. O-Fogolt was Sheriffe of Man.

MCLXXXV. There fell out to be an Eclipse of the Sun on Saint Philip and Jacobs day.

MCLXXXVII. On the fourth Ides of November died Godred King of the Ilands: and the next Summer was his body translated to the Isle of Hy. He left behind him three sonnes, Reginald, Olave, and Tvar. In his life he ordained his sonne Olave to be [ D] his heire, because hee onely was borne in lawfull wedlock. But the people of Man, seeing that Olave was now scarce ten yeeres old, sent for Reginald out of the Iles, and set him up for their King.

MCLXXXVIII. Reginald Godreds son began to raigne over the Ilands: and Mur∣chard, a man of great power throughout all the kingdome of the Iles, was slaine.

MCXCII. A battell was fought betweene Reginald and Engus the sonnes of Su∣merled, but Engus won the victory. The same yeere was the Abbey of Russin tran∣slated to Dufglas: but after foure yeeres the Monks returned to Russin.

MCCIII. Michael Bishop of the Isles died at Fontans, after whom succeeded Ni∣colas.

[ E] MCCIV. Hugh Lacy came with an army into Ulster, and gave John Curcy battell, tooke him prisoner, and conquered Ulster. Afterward hee set John at liberty, who came to King Reginald: and he honourably entertained him, because he was his bro∣ther in law: for John Curcy had taken to wife Affrica Godreds daughter, who foun∣ded the Abbey of S. Mary de Iugo Domini, and was there buried.

MCCV. John Curcy and Reginald King of the Iles having entred into Ulster with one hundred ships, in the haven which is called Stranford, slackly besieged the fortresse of Rath: but Walter Lacy comming upon them with an army, put them to flight: af∣ter this Curcy never recovered his land.

MCCX. Engus, Sumerleds son, was with three of his sonnes slaine.

[ F] John King of England at the same time brought a navie of 500. saile to Ireland, & subdued it: who sending a certaine Earle named Fulk unto Man, in one fortnight and a day wholly in a manner wasted it: and taking hostages, returned thence into their country. King Reginald and his Nobles were not in Man.

MCCXVII. Nicolas Bishop of the Ilands departed this life and was buried in Ulster within the house of Benchor, after whom succeeded Reginald.

[ A]

Here I thinke good to write somewhat againe of Olave and Reginald, Brethren.

REginald gave unto his brother Olave the Ile called Lodhus, which is said to be lar∣ger than the rest of the Ilands, but slenderly inhabited, because it stands much upon mountaines, is stony besides, and almost all unfit for tillage. The inhabitants thereof live for the most part by hunting and fishing. Olave therfore went to possesse himselfe of this Iland, and dwelt in it, leading a poore life. And when he saw it would [ B] not suffice to maintaine himselfe and his army, he came boldly unto his brother Re∣ginald, who then made his abode in the Ilands, and spake unto him in this maner. Bro∣ther, saith hee, my Soveraigne Lord the King, thou knowest that the kingdome of the Ilands belonged unto me by inheritance; but since the Lord hath elected thee to sway the Scepter thereof, I envie thee not, nor take it grievously that thou art exalted to that royall dignity. Now thus much I heartily beseech thee, that thou wouldest provide me some portion of land in the Iles, wherein I may live honestly according to mine estate: for the Iland Lodhus which thou gavest unto me is not sufficient to sustaine me. Reginald his brother after he had given him the hearing, said he would take counsell upon the point: and the morrow after, when Olave was sent for, and came in place to parley of the matter, Reginald commandeth that hee should be ap∣prehended [ C] and brought unto William King of Scotland, that with him he might be kept in prison. And Olave lay prisoner in irons and chaines almost seven yeeres. In the seventh yeere died William King of Scotland, after whom succeeded his sonne Alexander. Now before his death he gave commandement that all prisoners should be set free. Olave therefore being enlarged and at liberty came to Man: and soone after, accompanied with no small traine of Noblemen, he went to S. James: and after he was thus returned Reginald his brother caused him to marry a Noble mans daugh∣ter of Kentyre, even his owne wives whole sister, named Lavon, and gave him Lod∣hus in possession to enjoy. Some few daies after Reginald Bishop of the Ilands having [ D] called a Synod, canonically divorced Olave the sonne of Godred, and Lavon his wife, as being the cousin german of his former wife. After this Olave wedded Scristine daughter of Ferkar Earle of Rosse.

For this cause Reginalds wife Queene of the Ilands was wroth, and directed her letters in the name of Reginald the King, into the Ile Sky, unto Godred her sonne that he should kill Olave. As Godred was devising meanes to worke this feat, and now en∣tring into Lodhus, Olave fled in a little cog-boat unto his father in law, the Earle of Rosse aforesaid. Then Godred wasteth and spoileth Lodhus. At the same time Pol the son of Boke Sheriffe of Sky, a man of great authority in all the Ilands, because he would not give his consent unto Godred, fled, and together with Olave lived in the [ E] Earle of Rosses house: and entring into a league with Olave they came both in one ship to Sky. At length having sent forth their spies and discoverers, they learned that Godred lay in a certain Iland called St. Columbs Ile, having very few men with him, misdoubting nothing. Gathering therefore about them all their friends and acquain∣tance, with such voluntaries as were ready to joine with them, at midnight with five shippes which they drew from the next sea-shore, distant from the Island aforesaid some two furlongs, they beset the Isle round about. Godred then, and they that were with him, rising by the dawning of the day, and seeing themselves environed on every side with enemies, were astonied: but putting themselves in warlike armes, as∣saied right manfully to make resistance, but all in vaine. For about nine a clocke of [ F] the day Olave and Pol the foresaid Sheriffe set foot in the Iland, with their whole ar∣my, & having slain all those whom they found without the enclosure of the Church, they tooke Godred, put out his eyes, and gelded him. Howbeit to this deed Olave did not yeeld his consent, neither could he withstand it, for Bokes sonne, the Sheriffe aforesaid. For this was done in the yeere 1223.

[ A] The Summer next following Olave, after he had taken hostages of all the Lords and potentates of the Isles, came with a fleet of 32. saile toward Man, and arrived at Rognolfwaht. At this very time Reginald and Olave divided the kingdome of the I∣lands between themselves, and Man was given to Reginald over and beside his owne portion, together with the title of King.

Olave the second time, having furnished himselfe with victuals from the people of Man, returned with his company to his portion of the Iland. The yeere following, Reginald taking with him Alane Lord of Galway, went with his souldiers of Man to the Iland parts, that hee might disseize his brother Olave of that portion of land [ B] which hee had given unto him, and bring it under his owne dominion. But because the Manksmen were not willing to fight against Olave and the Ilanders, for the love they had to them, Reginald and Alan Lord of Galway returned home without at∣chieving their purpose. After a little while, Reginald under pretence of going to the Court of his Soveraigne the Lord King of England, tooke up of the people of Man an hundred Markes, but went in very deed to the Court of Alan Lord of Galway. At the same time he affianced his daughter unto the son of Alan in marriage. Which the Manksmen hearing, tooke such snuffe and indignation thereat, that they sent for Olave, and made him their King.

MCCXXVI. Olave recovered his inheritance, to wit, the kingdome of Man and of [ C] the Ilands, which his brother Reginald had governed 38. yeeres, and reigned quietly two yeeres.

MCCXXVIII. Olave accompanied with all the Nobles of Man, and a band of the strongest men of the country, sailed over into the Ilands. A little after Alan Lord of Galway, and Thomas Earle of Athol, and King Reginald, came unto Man with a pu∣issant army: all the South part of Man they wasted, spoiled the Churches, and slew all the men they could lay hold of, so that the South part of Man was laid in manner all desolate. After this returned Alan with his army into his owne country, and left his bailiffes in Man, to gather up for him the tributes of the country. But King Olave came upon them at unwares, put them to flight and recovered his owne kingdome. [ D] Then the people of Man, which before time had been dispersed every way, began to gather themselves together, and to dwell with confidence and security.

In the same yeere came King Reginald out of Galway unlooked for, at the dead time of night in winter, with five ships, and burnt all the shipping of his brother O∣lave, and of the Lords of Man at Saint Patrickes Iland: and suing to his brother for peace, stayed forty daies at the haven of Ragnoll-wath. Meane while he won and drew unto him all the Ilanders in the South part of Man, who sware they would venture their lives in his quarrell, untill hee were invested in the one halfe of the kingdome. On the contrarie part, Olave had the Northren men of the Isle to side with him: and upon the 14. day of February, at a place called Tingualla, there was a battell strucke [ E] betweene the two brethren, wherein Olave had the victorie: and King Reginald was by some killed there without his brothers knowledge. And certaine rovers comming to the South part of Man wasted and harried it. The Monks of Russin tran∣slated the body of King Reginald unto the Abbey of S. Mary de Fournes, and there enterred it was in a place which himselfe had chosen for that purpose. After this went Olave to the King of Norway; but before that hee was come thither, Haco King of Norway ordained a certaine Noble man named Hu••bac, the sonne of Ow∣mund for to bee King of the Sodorian Ilands, and called his name Haco. Now the same Haco, together with Olave, and Godred Don Reginalds son, and many Norwe∣gians came unto the Ilands: and at the winning of a fort in the Iland Both, Haco chan∣ced [ F] to be smit with a stone, whereof he died, and lieth buried in Iona.

MCCXXX. Olave came with Godred Don and the Norwegians to Man: and they divided the kingdome among themselves: Olave held Man, and Godred being gone unto the Ilands, was slaine in the Isle Lodhus. So obtained Olave the kindgome of the Isles.

MCCXXXVII. On the twelfth Calends of June died Olave the sonne of Godred

King of Man, in S. Patricks Iland, and was buried in the Abbey of Russin. He reigned [ A] eleven yeeres, two by his brothers life, and nine after his death.

Harold his sonne succeeded him being 14. yeeres of age, and reigned 12. yeeres. In the first yeere of his reigne he made a journey to the Ilands, and appointed Loglen his cousin, Custos of Man. In the Autumne following Harald sent three sonnes of Nell, namely, Dufgald, Thorquill Mormore, and his friend Ioseph to Man, for to con∣sult about affaires. On the 25. day therefore they meet at Tingull: and by occasion of a certaine envious quarrell that arose between the sonnes of Nell and Loglen, there was a sore fight on both sides, wherein were slaine Dufgald, Mormore, and the fore∣said Joseph. In the spring ensuing King Harald came to the Isle of Man, and Loglen, [ B] as he fled toward Wales, perished by Shipwracke, with Godred Olaves sonne his fo∣ster child and pupill, with 40. others.

MCCXXXVIII. Gospatricke and Gillescrist the sonne of Mac-Kerthac came from the King of Norway into Man, who by force kept Harald out of Man, and tooke tri∣butes to the Kings behoofe of Norway, because he refused to come unto the King of Norwaies Court.

MCCXL. Gospatric died, and is buried in the Abbey of Russin.

MCCXXXIX. Harald went unto the King of Norway, who after two yeeres confir∣med unto him, his heires and successours under his seale, all the Ilands which his pre∣decessours had possessed. [ C]

MCCXLII. Harald returned out of Norway to Man, and being by the inhabitants honourably received, had peace with the Kings of England and of Scotland. Harald, like as his father before him, was by the King of England dubbed Knight, and after he had been rewarded with many gifts returned home. The same yeere he was sent for by the King of Norway, and married his daughter.

And in the yeere 1249. as he returned homeward with his wife, and Laurence King elect of Man, and many other Nobles and Gentlemen, he was drowned in a tempest neere unto the coasts of Radland.

MCCXLIX. Reginald the sonne of Olave and brother to Harald, began his reigne the day before the Nones of May, and on the thirtieth day thereof was slaine by one [ D] Yvar a Knight and his company, in a medow neere unto the Holy Trinity Church, on the South side, and lieth buried in the Church of Saint Mary of Russin.

At that time Alexander King of Scots rigged and brought together many ships, meaning to subdue the Iland: and in the Ile Kerwaray he died of an ague.

Harald the sonne of Godred Don usurped the name of King in the Ilands: all the Nobles of Harald King Olaves sonne hee banished, and placed in their stead all the Princes and Peeres that were fled from the said Harald.

MCCL. Harald the sonne of Godred Don, being by missives sent for, went unto the King of Norway, who kept him in prison, because he had unjustly intruded him∣selfe into the kingdome. [ E]

The same yeere there arrived at Roghalwaght Magnus the son of Olave, and John the sonne of Dugald, who named himselfe King: but the people of Man taking it to the heart that Magnus was not nominated, would not suffer them to land there: many of them therefore were cast away and perished by shipwracke.

MCCLII. Magnus the sonne of Olave came to Man, and was made King: The next yeere he went to the King of Norway, and stayed there a yeere.

MCCLIV. Haco King of Norway ordained Magnus, Olaves sonne, King of the Isles, and confirmed the same unto him and his heires, and by name unto his brother Harald.

MCCLVI. Magnus King of Man went into England, and was knighted by the King [ F] of England.

"MCCLVII. The church of S. Maries of Russin was dedicated by Richard of Sodore.

MCCLX. Haco King of Norway came unto the parts of Scotland, and without any exploit done turned to the Orkneys: where at Kirwas he ended his daies, and ly∣eth enterred at Bergh.

[ A] MCCLXV. Magnus, Olaves sonne King of Man and of the Ilands, departed this life at the Castle of Russin, and was buried in the Church of S. Mary de Russin.

MCCLXVI. The kingdome of the Ilands was translated, by reason of Alexander King of Scots.

That which followeth was written in another hand,

and of a later character.

MCCLXX. The seventh day of October, a navy set out by Alexander King of Scots, ar∣rived [ B] at Roghalwath: and the next morrow before sun rising a battaile was fought be∣tween the people of Man and the Scots, in which were slain of the Manksmen 537. where∣upon a certaine versifier played thus upon the number.

L. decies, X. ter, & penta duo cecidere, Mannica gens de te, damna futura cave. L. Ten times told, X. thrice, with five beside and twaine, Ware future harmes, I reed, of thy folke Man were slaine.

MCCCXIII. Robert King of Scots besieged the Castle of Russin, which Dingawy [ C] Dowyll held against him: but in the end the King won the castle:

MCCCXVI. On the Ascension day, Richard le Mandevile and his brethren with other Potentates of Ireland, arrived at Ramaldwath, requesting to be furnished with victuals and silver, for that they had been robbed by the enemies warring upon them continually. Now when the commonality of the country had made answer, that they would not give them any: they advanced forward against those of Man with two troops or squadrons, untill they were come as far as to the side of Warthfell hill, in a field wherein John Mandevile remained, and there in a fought battell the Irish vanquished the Manksmen, spoiled the Iland, and rifled the Abbey of Russin: and after they had continued in the Iland one whole moneth, they returned home with their ships fraught with pillage.

[ D]

Thus endeth the Chronicle of the K.K. of Man.

The Processe or course of the Historie following, I will now continue summarily out of other Writers.

[ E] WHen Alexander the third King of Scots had gotten into his hands the We∣sterne Ilands, partly by way of conquest, and in part for ready money paid un∣to the King of Norway, hee attempted the Ile of Man also, as one of that number, and through the valiant prowesse of Alexander Stewart brought it under his domini∣on: yea and placed there a petty King or Prince, with this condition, that hee should be ready alwaies at his command, to serve with ten ships in his warres at sea. How∣beit Mary, the daughter of Reginald King of Man (who was become the Liege-man of John King of England) entred her suit for the Iland before the King of England: but answer was made unto her, that shee should demand it of the King of Scots, for that he then held it in possession. And yet her grand-child John Waldebeof (for the [ F] said Mary married into the house of Waldebeofe) sued for his ancient right in Par∣liament, holden in the 33. yeere of King Edward the first, before the K. of England, as the superiour Lord of the kingdome of Scotland. But none other answer could he have than this (if I may speake the words out of the very authenticall Records) Se∣quatur coram Iustitiariis de Banco Regis, &c. that is, Let him sue before the Iustices of the K. Bench, let him be heard, and let justice be done. But that which he could not ob∣taine

by right, Sir William Montacute, his kinsman (for come he was of the race of [ A] the Kings of Man) wonne by his sword. For with a band of English mustered up in hast, he drave all the Scots out of the Iland. But being by this warre plunged deeply in debt, and not having wherewith to make some paiment thereof, he mortgaged it for seven yeeres to Antonie Bec Bishop of Durham, and Patriarch of Jerusalem, and made over the profits and revenues thereof unto him: yea and soone after the King granted it unto the said Antonie for tearme of life. Afterwards, King Edward the se∣cond passed a grant thereof unto his minion Piers Gaveston, what time as he created him Earle of Cornwall: and when the said Piers was rid out of the way, hee gave it unto Henry Beaumont, with all the domaine and regall jurisdiction thereto belon∣ging. [ B] But shortly after the Scots under Robert Brus recovered it; and Robert Randulph that right warlike Scot, like as a long time after Alexander Duke of Albany, used to stile themselves Lords of Man, and bare the same coat of Armes, as did the later Kings of Man; namely, three armed legges of a man linked together, and bending in the hammes: such for all the world as the Isle Sicilia gave, the three legges naked, in like forme in her coines of money in old time, to signifie three Promontories. Notwith∣standing, before time the Kings of Man used for their armes, as we have seene in their Seales, a ship with the saile hoised up, with this title in the circumference, Rex Man∣niae & insularum, that is, King of Man and of the Islands. Afterward, about the yeere 1340. William Montacute the younger, Earle of Salisbury wrested it by strong hand [ C] and force of armes from the Scottish: who in the yeere of our Lord 1393. as Thomas Walsingham saith, sold for a great summe of money, Man, with the crowne thereof, un∣to William Scrope. Who being for high treason beheaded, and his goods confiscate, it came unto the hands of Henry the fourth King of England: who granted this Iland unto Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland (as a conqueror triumphing over William Scrope, whom he as yet a private person had intercepted and beheaded, when he as∣pired to the crowne) with this condition: that himselfe and his heires should when the Kings of England were enstalled and crowned, carry before them that sword, which the said Henry wore by his side, what time he came backe againe out of exile into England, commonly called Lancaster sword. But I think it good to set this down [ D] out of the Record, in the very words of the K. himself. De nostra gratia speciali dedi∣mus, that is: Of our speciall grace we have given and granted unto Henry Earle of Nor∣thumberland, the Isle, Castle, Pile, and Seigniory of Man, and all the Ilands and Lord∣ships to the said Isle belonging, which were Sir William le Scropes, Knight, now deceased, (whom in his life time we conquered, and have decreed him so to be conquered) and which by reason of our conquest of him we tooke into our hand as conquered: which conquest ve∣rily and decree in our present Parliament, with the assent of the Lords Temporall in the same Parliament being, as touching the person of the foresaid William, and all the lands, tenements, goods, and chattels of his, as well within our kingdome as without, at the pe∣tition of the Communalty of our kingdome, stand confirmed, &c. To have and to hold unto [ E] the said Earle, and his heires, &c. by service of carrying at the daies of our coronation, and of our heires, at the left shoulder, and the left shoulder of our heires, either by himself or a sufficient and honourable Deputy of his, that sword naked which we ware, and were girt with, when we arrived in the parts of Holdernesse, called Lancaster sword, &c.

But in the fifth yeere following the said Henry Percie entred into open rebellion, and the King sent Sir Iohn Stanley and William Stanley to seize the Isle and castle of Man, the inheritance whereof he granted afterward to Sir Iohn Stanley and his heires by letters Patents, with the patronage of the Bishopricke, &c. And so his heires and successours, who were honoured with the title of Earles of Derby, were commonly called Kings of Man. [ F]

* 1.6From Man, untill we come to the Mull of Gallaway, we meet with none but very small Ilands. But after we be once past it, in the salt water of GLOTTA, or Dunbrit∣ton Frith appeareth the Iland GLOTTA, whereof Antoninus maketh mention, which the Scots now call Arran, whereof the Earles of Arran in Scotland were stiled: and neighbouring unto it is that which was in times past named Rothesia, now Buthe

[ A] of a sacred Cell which Brendan erected (for so they terme a little Cell in Scottish) thence come we to Hellan, in times past called Hellan Leneaw, that is, as Iohn Fordon interpreteth it, The Isle of Saints, and to Hellan Tinoc, that is, The Isle of Swine: and these Ilands are seen in the same Frith or Forth. But of these I have spoken before.

Without this Bay or Frith lye a number of Ilands very thicke together, which the Scots themselves that inhabite them call Inch-Gall, that is haply, The Isles of the Gallicians: the English and the rest of the Scots, The Western Isles: the writers of the former age HEBRIDES; but the ancient Ethnickes Bettoricae, and Giraldus o∣ther where Inchades and Leucades: Pliny, Solinus, and Ptolomee name them EBUDAS, [ B] HEBUDAS, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which names have some consonant affinity with Epidium the promontory of Britain opposite unto them, and an Isle among these so named. The reason of the name I cannot picke out, unlesse I should thinke they were so called, be∣cause there groweth here no corne or graine.

For Solinus writeth,* 1.7 that the inhabitants of these Ilands are not acquainted with corne, and live onely upon fish and milke: and Eb eid in British soundeth as much as without corne. The inhabitants, as saith the same Solinus, have no skill or knowledge of corne, they live of fish and milke onely. They all have but one King: For how many soever they be, they are severed one from another by a narrow enterflow of the Sea betweene.

[ C] The King hath nothing that hee may say is his owne, all things are common to them all: and held hee is to equity by certaine lawes: and lest hee should for cove∣tousnesse swarve aside from the truth, by his poore estate he learneth justice, as who hath no house, furniture, and provision of his owne, but all his maintenance is from the common coffer.

No woman is he allowed to have in propriety, but by turnes hee taketh for to use whomsoever hee fancieth, whereby hee neither can have his wish, nor hope of chil∣dren.

Of these Islands, the common people affirmeth there bee 44. whereas in truth there are many more. Pliny wrote that there were 30. of them. But Ptolomee [ D] reckoneth up but five. The first is RICINA, Pliny calleth it RICNEA, Antoninus RI∣DUNA, now termed Racline: and I think it should be read in Antonine Riclina: for (cl) easily maketh a (d) by joining a (c) at the backe unto it. A small Iland this is, butting full upon Ireland, knowne unto the ancient writers, for that it lieth in the very nar∣row sea betweene Ireland and Scotland: famous at this day for no cause else, but for the overthrow and slaughter of the Scottish Irish, who otherwhiles possessed them∣selves of it, and were thrust out by the English, under the conduct of Sir William Norris in the yeere 1575. The next is EPIDIUM, which by the name I would ghesse, with that excellent Geographer Gerard Mercator, lay neere unto the pro∣montorie of the Epidii, and to the shore. And seeing there standeth apparently in [ E] the same situation an Iland called Ila, of good largenesse, and of a fruitfull, plaine, and champion soile, I dare avouch that this was Epidium, or the Isle of the Epidii; for in some places it is read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This carrieth in length 24. miles, and is 16. miles broad, so plentifull of cattell, wheat, and heards of red deere, that it was the second seat next unto Man, for the King of the Ilands, as it is at this day of the Mac-Connels, who herein have their Castle at Dunyweg. Betwixt Ila and Scotland lieth Iona, which Bede tearmeth Hy and Hu, given by the Picts unto the Scottish Monkes, for propagating and preaching of the Gospell among them: where stood a Monasterie, famous by reason of the Scottish Kings tombes and the frequent conversing of holy men therein: among whom Columba, the Apostle of the Picts, was the principall: of [ F] whose Cell the Iland also is called Columb-Kill, like as the man also himselfe, by a compound name was termed Columbkill, as Bede witnesseth. And here at length, as some will have it, a Bishops seat was ordained in Sodore, a little towne, whence all the Iles were also called Sodorensis, for that it is reckoned to be in his Diocesse. Then have you MALEOS, that Ptolomee writeth of, now called Mula, whereof Plinie seemeth to make mention, when hee saith, Mella is reported to bee 25. miles larger

than the rest. For so we read in the most ancient edition of Plinie, printed at Venice, [ A] whereas in the Vulgar copies, in steed of Reliquarum Mella, is read Reliquarum nul∣la, that is, None of the rest, &c. The Eastern HEBUDA, now called Skie, from hence lieth out in a great length over against the shore or coast of Scotland: the Westerne HEBUDA bending more Westward, is now called Lewis (the Lord whereof is Mac-Cloyd) and in the ancient history of Man is named Lodhus, full of steep and craggie lit∣tle hills, stony and very slenderly inhabited: howbeit the largest of them all; from which Eust is dis-joined with a very narrow wash. All the rest, save onely Hyrtha, are of small account, being either very stony, or else inaccessible by reason of craggy cliffes, & scarce clad with any green-sord. Yet the Scots purchased all these with their [ B] ready mony of the Norwegians (as I have said before) as if they had beene the very buttresses or pillars of the kingdome, although they reape very small commodity thereby: considering that the inhabitants, the ancient true Scots or Irish, being men of stout stomackes and desperate boldnesse, will by no meanes be subject to the severity of lawes, or awed by justice. As touching their manners, apparell, and lan∣guage they differ nothing at all from the wild Irishry, of whom we have spoken be∣fore: so that wee may easily know thereby that they be one and the selfe same nati∣on originally. They that beare the sway and doe rule in these Ilands are the fami∣lies of Mac-Conel, Mac-Alen, whom others terme Mac-len, Mac-Cloyd of Lewis, and Mac-Cloyd of Harich. But the mightiest house of them all is that of the Mac-Conels, [ C] who glory in their pedegree, as derived from Donald, who in the reigne of Iames the third stiled himselfe King of the Ilands, and with all kinde of cruelty in most savage and barbarous manner plagued Scotland: which notwithstanding, his sonne being outlawed paied deerely, as forced to submit his whole estate absolutely unto the Kings will and pleasure, and had of his gift some possessions assigned to him in Can∣tire. In the foregoing age, of this stocke there flourished Donel Gormy, Mac-Conell, that is, The blew, haply so surnamed of his apparell. He had issue two sonnes, Agnus Mac-Conell, and Alexander, he who leaving this barren and hungry Cantir, invaded the Glinnes in Ireland. Agnus Mac-Conell aforesaid, was father of Iames Mac-Conell slaine by Shan O-Neale, and of Surley Boy, upon whom Queene Elizabeth of her [ D] bounty bestowed lands in Rout within Ireland. Iames Mac-Conell had issue Agnus Mac-Conell, of whom I have spoken before, between whom and Mac-Clen there was such a deepe and inveterate hatred, that the force of consanguinity was never able to quench the feud, but that they polluted themselves most wickedly with one ano∣thers bloud. From the Haebudes, if you hold sailes along by the shore toward the North-east, you may at length discover the ORCADES, now called ORKNEY, being thirty Ilands or thereabout, sundred by the Ocean which hath his walke and current betweene them. A certain ancient fragment so calleth them, as one would say, Argat, that is, as the same interpreteth it, Above the Getes: but I would rather expound it, Above Cath: for it lyeth over against Cath, a countrey of Scotland, which of the [ E] Promontory they use to call Cathnesse: the inhabitants whereof seeme to be named amisse by Ptolomee, CARINI for CATINI. In Solinus his time no man dwelled in them, but overgrowne they were Vinceis, or Iunceis herbis, that is, With binding or rushy weeds: but now inhabited indeed they are, yet destitute of woods, bearing barley good store, and altogether without wheat. Among these Pomonia, famous for an Episcopall See, is the principall, called by Solinus POMONA Diutina, for the length of the daies there: now the inhabitants tearme it Mainland, as if it were the continent or maine, adorned with the Bishops seat in Kirkwale a little towne, and with two castles: it yeeldeth plenty of tinne and of lead. OCETIS also is reckoned by Pto∣lomee in number of these, which now we ghesse to be named Hethy. [ F]

But whether Hey, which is counted one of these, be Plinies DUMNA or no, I could never yet resolve. Surely if it be not, I would thinke that Faire Isle, the onely towne whereof (for it hath but one) they call Dumo, is that Dumna rather than with Becanus judge Wardhuys in Lapland to be it. Iulius Agricola, who first of all sailed round a∣bout Britaine with his fleet, discovered out of these Isles of Orkney, which till that

[ A] time were unknowne and subdued them, if we may beleeve Tacitus: but question∣lesse they were knowne in the time of Claudius the Emperour; for Pomponius Mela who then lived mentioneth them. Yet doubtlesse Orosius is untrue, in that he writeth that Claudius conquered them: and so farre is it off that Claudius should conquer them (which is avouched in S. Hieroms Chronicles) that Iuvenal in Hadrians time, not long after Agricola, wrote thus of them.

—Arma quid ultra Littora Iuvernae promovimus, & modò captas [ B] Orcades, & minima contentos nocte Britannos?

Why warred we past Irish coasts, and Orkneys lately won, Beyond the Britans, where there is least night and longest Sun?

Afterward when the Romans Empire in Britaine was utterly decaied, now the Saxons, as it seemeth, were seated in them: for Claudian the Poet plaied upon them in these termes.

—Maduerunt Saxone fuso [ C] Orcades.—

With Saxons blood that there were slaine The Orkneys was imbrued againe.

Ninnius also writeth, that Octha and Ehissus Saxons, who served for pay under the Britans, sailed round about the Picts with 40. Ciules, that is, Flyboats or Roving Pinnaces, and wasted the Iles of Orkney. After this, they came into the hands of the Norwegians (whence it is that the inhabitants speake the Gothes language) by the grant of Donald Ban, who after the death of his brother Malcom Can-Mor, King of [ D] Scots, by excluding his nephewes, had usurped the kingdome, that by their helpe he might be assisted in that intended ambition: and the Norwegians held the posses∣sion of them unto the yeere of salvation 1266. For then Magnus, the fourth of that name, King of Norway, being by the Scots that warred upon him brought to distresse, surrendred them up againe unto Alexander, the third King of the Scots, by covenant and composition, which Haquin King of the Norwegians confirmed unto King Ro∣bert Brus, in the yeere 1312. And at length in the yeere 1498. Christian the first, King of Norway and of Denmark, renounced all his right for himselfe and his succes∣sours, when he affianced his daughter unto James, the third King of Scots, and made over all his interest to his said sonne in law and his successours: and for the stronger [ E] assurance thereof, the Popes confirmation was procured to ratifie the same.

To say nothing of the Earles of Orkney that were of more ancient times,* 1.8 who also in right of inheritance obtained the Earldomes of Cathnesse and of Strathern, at the last the title of Orkney came by an heire female unto Sir William Sent-cler: and William the fourth of this line, called The Prodigall Earl for wasting his patrimony, was the last Earle of this race. Howbeit, his posterity enjoyed the honour to be Ba∣ron Sent-cler, unto these daies. And the title of Cathnes remaineth still in the posteri∣ty of his brother. But within our remembrance this honourable title of the Earle of Orkney and Lord of Shetland was conferred upon Robert, a base sonne of King James the fifth; and Patrick Steward his sonne enjoyeth the same at this present.

[ F] Beyond the Iles of Orkney, and above Britaine, the author of that ancient Com∣mentary upon Horace, placeth the Fortunate Ilands, wherein, as they write, none dwell but devout and just men; and the Grecians in their verses celebrate the pleasant∣nesse and fertility of the place, calling them the Elysian fields. But as touching these Fortunate Isles, take with you, if you please, another relation of that old fabulous Gre∣cian, Isacius Tzetzes out of his notes upon Lycophron: In the Ocean (saith he) there is a

British Iland, between West Britain and Thule that looke toward the East. Thither men [ A] say the soules of the dead are translated over: for on the shore of that sea wherein the I∣land of Britaine lieth, there dwelt fisher-men, subject unto the French, but paying them no tribute, because (as they say) they ferry over the soules and folk departed. When these fisher∣men returne home in the evening, within a while after they heare some knocking at the door, and heare a voice calling them unto their work. Then rise they, and to the shore they goe, not knowing what causeth them for to goe; where they see boats prepared, but none of their owne, and no men in them: which when they be entred into, they fall to their oares, and feele the weight of the said boats as if they were laden with men, but see no body. Af∣ter that, with one push they come to a British Iland in a trice, whereas otherwise in ships of [ B] their own they could hardly get thither with a day and nights sailing. Now when they are come to the Iland, then again they see no creature, but heare a voice of those that receive them that are a shipboard, and count them by the kinred of father and mother, yea and call them one by one according to their dignity, art, and name. But they, after that the ship is discharged of her load, return home againe with one yerke of their oares. Hence it is that many men thinke these be the Ilands of blessed ghosts.

Of the same stampe also may that Poeticall Geographer seeme to be, of whom Muretus maketh mention in his variety of readings: who hath written that C. Iulius Caesar went thither once in a great galley, with an hundred men aboard: and when he was willing to have seated himselfe there (as being wondrously delighted with [ C] the incredible pleasantnesse of the place) he was full against his will, and struggling what he could to the contrary, throwne out by those invisible inhabitants.

* 1.9Five daies and nights sailing from the Isles of Orkney, Solinus placeth THULE: An Iland, if any other, often celebrated by the Poets, whensoever they would signi∣fie any thing very remote and farre off, as if it were the furthest part of the whole world. Hereupon saith Virgil, Tibi serviat ultima Thule, that is, Let Thule most re∣mote thee serve: Seneca, Terrarum ultima Thule, that is, Thule the farthest land that is: Juvenal, De conducendo loquitur jam Rhetore Thule, that is, Now Thule speakes, how Oratours to hire: Claudian, Thulen procul axe remotam, that is, Thule far remote un∣der the Pole, and in another place, Ratibus{que} impervia Thule, And Thule where no ships [ D] can passe: Statius, Ignotam vincere Thulen, that is, To conquer Thule all unknowne: And Ammianus Marcellinus, by way of an Adage or Proverbiall speech, useth it in these words, Etiamsi apud Thulen moraretur, that is, Although he made his abode even in Thule. To passe over other testimonies, give me leave yet to note thus much more∣over, that the said Statius used Thule for Britaine,* 1.10 in these his verses.

Caerulus haud alitèr cùm dimicat incola Thules, Agmina falcifero circumvenit acta covino. Even so the blew inhabitants of Thule when they fight, Environ battels, marching on with sithed chariots might. [ E]

As also in this place of his Poem entituled Sylvae, as it seemeth:

—restuo circumsona gurgite Thule. Thule that doth resound amaine, With sea that ebbes and flowes againe.

Suidas writeth, that it tooke the name of Thules a King of Aegypt: Isidore, of the Sunne: Reynerus Reneccius, of the Saxon word Tell, that is, A limit, as if it were the bound of the North and West. [ F]

But yet for all this, Synesius doubteth whether there were any Thule or no; and our Giraldus Cambrensis writeth, that it is no where extant to be seene: and the bet∣ter sort of learned men are of sundry judgements concerning it. Most of them have affirmed Island,* 1.11 that is subject to extreme sharpe cold and continuall winter, to have beene called in times past Thule.

[ A] But Saxo Grammaticus, Crantzius, Milius, Iovius, and Peucerus are of a contrary opi∣nion. Neither am I ignorant, that the vast and huge country of Scandia is described by Procopius under the name of Thule.* 1.12 But if that be true which the most learned Peu∣cer hath recorded in his book entituled De dimensione terrae, that is, Of the measuring of the earth, that sailers call Shetland Thilensel (neither dare I empeach his credit) then surely wee have found Thule, and the matter is now at an end and questionlesse. For this Shetland is an Isle under the Scottish dominion,* 1.13 environed with other Islets, and the same is nipped with frost and chilly cold, lying open on every side unto bit∣ter storms; the inhabitants whereof, like as those of Island, use in steed of bread-corne [ B] dried fish, and the same braied and beaten, which we call stock-fish. And although it have not the North pole so elevated, that there is continuall day sixe moneths to∣gether, as Pithaeas of Marsils hath fained of Thule (for which hee is justly taxed by Strabo:) and this hapneth not to Island it selfe, where there is in manner a continuall Winter, and an intolerable settled cold. Yet that a man should thinke this Shetland to have been Thule, first the situation thereof in Ptolomee may induce him, being set 63. degrees from the Aequinoctiall, as Thule is in Ptolomee: again, for that it lieth be∣tween Norway and Scotland, where Saxo Grammaticus placeth Thule: then, because it is two daies sailing distant from the point of Caledonia or Cathnes, according to which distance Solinus placeth Thule: also, Tacitus saith that the Romans kenned [ C] Thule afar off, as they sailed round about Britain by the Orcades: lastly, because it fa∣ceth the shore of Bergae in Norway, against which place Thule lieth according to Pom∣ponius Mela: in which Author the reading is corruptly, Belgarum littori in stead of Bergarum. For Bergae a citie in Norway lieth over against Shetland: and Pliny nameth in this tract BERGOS,* 1.14 which I doubt not but it is that little country wherein BERGAE flourisheth,* 1.15 like as no man will deny that Norway is NERIGON specified by Pliny. But enough of this Thule, which snow and winter weather, as one saith, hath hidden from the ancient writers, and from us too I assure you: neither is any of them able to say, which of the Northren Ilands they meant, when they spake so much of Thule. As touching the length of daies in that unknowne Iland, Festus Avienus, when hee [ D] treated of Britaine, translated out of Dionysius these verses.

Long a dehinc celeri si quis rate marmora currat, Inveniet vasto surgentem gurgite Thulen; Hic cùm plaustra Poli tangit Phaebeius ignis, Nocte sub inlustri rota solis fomite flagrat Continuo, clarumque diem nox aemula ducit.

From hence if one with pinnace swift along the sea doth saile, [ E] Thule above the Ocean vast to finde he shall not faile: Here when about the Northren pole the Suns fire doth sejourne, The night is lightsome, and his wheeles continually doe burne, The night, I say, resembling day faire light makes soone returne.

Which Pomponius Mela likewise hath noted in these words. Opposite unto the coast of Bergae lieth Thule, an Iland much renowned both in Greek Poems, and in ours also. In it, for that the Sun riseth and is to set farre off, the nights verily are short; but in win∣ter time, as elsewhere, darke; in summer light: because all that time hee mounteth very [ F] high, although his body be not seen, yet with his neere brightnesse he doth lighten the parts next unto him. But about the solstice there be no nights at all, by reason that hee being then more apparent, not onely casteth bright beames from him, but sheweth also the grea∣test part of himselfe.

Above these Ilands the sea is tearmed,* 1.16 The slow, frozen, and Icie sea; for that it is so rough by occasion of heaps of Ice, and scarce navigable.

It is also named of ancient writers CRONIUM, or Cronian sea, of Saturne; because [ A] here in a British Iland, as Plutarch recordeth, there goeth a tale, how Saturne is kept sleeping in a deepe cave, or bottome of a golden pumish stone: that he is by Jupiter cast into a most deepe and dead sleepe, which serveth in stead of bonds: that birds bring him Ambrosia the divine meat, with the odoriferous smell wherof all the place is perfumed. Also that he hath many spirits or daemones attending upon him as servi∣tours, who reverence him, serve him, and attend upon him. By which pretty fable, (unlesse I be deceived) is covertly couched by a Mythiology, that there lye hidden in these Ilands, veines or mines of Metals, over which Saturne is president: which not∣withstanding are forlet and out of request, for want of wood to maintaine the for∣naces. [ B]

Now beneath Thule Southward, the German sea spreadeth it selfe wide, wherein, as Pliny affirmeth, there lye dispersed the seven ACMODAE, Mela tearmeth them HAEMODES: But seeing it is knowne for certaine, that these be Ilands belonging to Denmarke in the Codan Gulfe, namely, Zeland, Fuynen, Lagland, Muen, Falstor, Lay∣land, and Femerem, there is no cause wherefore I should say any more; neither of the Isle GLESSARIA or ELECTRIDA, so called of Amber cast up there out of the Sea: which Sotacus supposed to drop forth of trees in Britain. But seeing that the an∣cient Germans called Amber Glesse, willing enough I am to thinke with that most learned man, Erasmus Michael Laetus, that the Iland Lesse, hard by Scagen, or Pro∣montory [ C] of Denmark, was in times past called GLESSARIA. Now within the Ger∣man sea on that side where it beateth upon Britaine, appeare very few Ilands, un∣lesse they be those that lye in Edenburrough Frith, namely, May, Basse, Keth, and Inche Colme, that is, Columbs Isle. On the coast of Northumberland, over against the river Lied,* 1.17 one sheweth it selfe, namely Lindis-farn: the Britans call it Inis Medicante, which, that I may use Bedes words, as the sea ebbeth and floweth at his tides, is twice a day inundated and compassed about with water in maner of an Iland, and twice likewise made continent to the land, as the shore is laid bare again: whereupon he aptly termed it a Demy Iland. The West part of it being the narrower, and left unto conies, joineth to the East side by a very small spange of land: and this part which bendeth toward [ D] the South is much broader, having a pretty towne in it, with a Church and a castle: where sometimes had beene that Episcopall See, which Aidan the Scot (called thi∣ther to preach the Christian faith unto the people of Northumberland) instituted, as being much delighted with the solitary situation, as a most fit place of retire. In this small Iland there sat eleven Bishops. But afterwards when the Danes rifled and rob∣bed all the Sea-coasts, the Episcopall See was translated to Durham. Under the towne there is a good commodious haven, defended with a Block-house situate upon an hill toward the South-East.

* 1.18This, for the habitation therein of holy Monkes, is called in English Holy Iland. Concerning which Alcuin, in an Epistle unto Egelred King of Northumberland, wri∣teth [ E] thus. A place more venerable than all the places in Britaine, is left to the spoile of Pagans and Miscreants: and where after the departure of S. Paulinus from York, Chri∣stian religion in our nation first began, there it hath felt the first beginning of misery and calamity.

* 1.19Seven miles from hence South-Eastward, Farn Isle sheweth it selfe, distant al∣most two miles from Banborrow castle, enclosed within the most deep Ocean, and en∣circled about with craggy cliffs, and this hath also in the middle well neere, a Fort be∣longing unto it; even in that place, as the report goeth, where Cuthbert Bishop of Lin∣disfarn, that tutelar St. and Patron of the Northren Englishmen, to the end he might wholly give himselfe to the service of God,* 1.20 built, as Bede saith in his life, a city fitting [ F] his government, and erected houses in this city, sorting well therto. For the whole building stood almost round in compasse, reaching from wall to wall the space of foure or five per∣ches. The wall it selfe on the coast side was more than a mans height: for on the inside with hewing downe into a mighty rocke he had made it far higher, sufficient to with-hold and keep in the wanton lasciviousnesse either of eyes or thoughts, and to elevate the whole

[ A] intention of the mind up to heavenly desires, in such sort as that the devout inhabitants thereof could out of his mansion place behold nothing but the heaven. Which wall verily he made not of cut squared stone, or of bricke; nor laid the same with strong morter, but rai∣sed altogether of coble and unpolished rough stones, and turfe betweene, which with dig∣ging he had taken out of the midst of the place. Of which stones verily some were of that huge bignesse, as foure men were uneth able to lift one of them. Within this mansion hee had two houses, a Chappell, and a dwelling roome for common uses. The walls whereof he brought up of very naturall earth, by digging much of it within and without round about, or else by paring it up. And roofes over them of timber without all forme, and straw there∣upon. Moreover, at the haven of this Iland there stood a greater house, wherein the bre∣thren [ B] that came to visit him might be entertained and lodged, and not far from it a foun∣tain meet for their uses. Upon this there adjoine other smaller Ilands toward the North, as Widopens, Staple Iland, which lieth two miles off, Bronsman, and two lesser than these, which they call the Wambes.

After these the Iland commonly called Coquet lieth right before the mouth of the river Coquet, wherein is a plentifull veine of Sea-coale. Neither are there any more Ilands to be seen in this coast: but over against it be the Saxonum Insulae, that is, The Saxons Ilands, now called Heilich lant, that is, The Holy-Ilands,* 1.21 and they lie, as it were, in a continued range along East and West Frislands: Among which that was best knowne unto the Roman Captaines which Strabo called BIRCHANIS,* 1.22 [ C] Pliny BIRCHANA, and the Romans FABARIA, of the resemblance of a certain Graine or Pulse comming up there of the owne accord: which that I may restore it againe to the due place (although it bee nothing pertinent to my purpose) the very name it selfe witnesseth to bee that Borkun which lieth over against the mouth of Ems.* 1.23 Somewhat lower upon the shore of Holland,* 1.24 where in ancient time was the mouth of Rhene, the foundations of a most ancient Store-house, Magazin or Armo∣ry, are covered over with the waves, which being very seldome discovered and laide bare at a low ebbe of the Ocean, sheweth both an admirable spectacle of reverend an∣tiquitie, and also a most noble modell and forme of building; which, Abraham Orte∣lius, [ D] the repairer of ancient Geography, and my entire and inward friend, hath preser∣ved out of the maine Ocean by his exact description thereof.* 1.25 I have mentioned this the more willingly, because the Hollanders call it in their language Huis te Britten, that is, the British house, so that it belongeth at least wise in name to Britain, and ther∣fore not impertinent to my purpose. For as it is evident and confessed of all, that the Emperour C. Caligula, when he entended the conquest of Britaine, in that ridiculous voiage of his, built it for a watch-tower: so an ancient Inscription there digged up doth testifie, that the Emperor Septimius Severus, after it was fallen to decay rebuilt it. But whence it was named Britten, let him tell that best can ghesse. Probable it is that it tooke this name from the Britans: for that Bretta the natall place of Philip Melanchthon tooke name of the Britans, he himselfe was fully perswaded: and that [ E] Mounts in Heinault were of the Britans termed Breten, we have read elsewhere. But yet (that I may speake as Plinie doth) seeing he marvelleth why the Herbe that is pe∣culiar unto Holland, as growing no where else, is called Britannica, unlesse perhaps those that bordered upon the Ocean dedicated it unto Britain so neere unto it: so for my part I wonder as much, why this tower should be termed Britannica, or Breten, un∣lesse the Hollanders consecrated it to our Britaine, lying opposite unto it. Pliny cal∣leth a place in Picardy,* 1.26 Portum Morinorum Britannicum, that is, The British haven or port of the Morines, either for that they took ship there to passe over into Britain, or because it kenned Britaine over against it on the other side of the sea. Why then should not this tower by the same reason be called Britannica or Breten? for that the [ F] Britans often arrived here, and that from hence out of Germany there was a com∣mon passage into Britain, it is most certain; considering that Zosimus hath given the just measure of the sea betwixt Britaine and this mouth of Rheine,* 1.27 to be 900. Stadia over, as though it had beene an usuall passage: and written beside, that corne was wont to be brought by ships out of Britaine to this place, and from thence with bar∣ges and boats haled up the Rhene against the streame to serve the Roman garrisons:

seeing that Iulian the Emperour built garrisons, as Marcellinus saith, wherein might be [ A] inned and kept the corne that the Britans usually transported thither.

At which time this said Armory may seeme to have beene converted into a Garner or Store-house for corne, and of the said British corne tearmed Britanni∣cum: and so much the rather, because in the old Records of Holland, wee finde it written Brittanburg: for that age termed castles standing commodiously, and such as were stored with plenty of corne,* 1.28 Burghs, as we read in the history of the Burgun∣dians. Moreover, what if the Britans (that in this doubtfull matter I may run out of one conjecture to another) sometimes held it in their owne hands, and so adopted it into their owne name? considering they invested Magnus Maximus, whom some [ B] name Clemens Maximus, in the purple robe, and proclaimed him Emperour against Gratian. For he arrived at this mouth of Rhene. If againe, it had not as yet taken this name Britannicum, what if the Saxons tearmed it Huis te Britten, for that they tooke ship from hence into Britain, when they annoied our shores with their Cyules? for so they tearmed their pinnaces or Brigantines.* 1.29 Verily Zosimus sheweth that the Sax∣ons, after they had driven out the Frankers called Salii, planted themselves in Bata∣via, that is, Holland: and that from thence they put over by multitudes into Britain, it is most cleere and evident. Which also as I said before, Ianus Douza, a noble Gen∣tleman indeed, and passing well learned, in his Ode of Leyden seemeth to imply: yet here againe, lest I might seeme too forward and lavish in setting forth the glory of [ C] Britaine; considering that the right learned Hadrian Iunius, borne and bred in Hol∣land, hath fetched the originall of the herbe Britannica from Britten a word of his owne country,* 1.30 because it groweth plentifully upon those turfes which they call Brit∣ten, and whereof they raise great bankes and dikes against the violence of the encro∣ching Ocean; it will be no absurdity if one should reduce this Huis te Britten, unto the same originall: and suppose it to have been so called, because it was fensed with banks of turfe, or of Britten, set opposite against the forcible surges of the waves; which when the surges of the sea had once pierced and overthrowne, it may seeme to have borne downe this house also. But let them see to these matters who have a deeper in∣sight into the nature of the word, and the situation of the place, and pardon me with∣all, [ D] if here I have thrust my sickle into anothers harvest.

* 1.31In that coast there be also Isles of Zeland compassed about with the rivers Scaldt, Maese, and the Ocean: Touching which I will onely adde thus much, that the name of Valachria (for of these this is the chiefe) as Lemnius Levinus conjectureth, came from our Welshmen. Over against Zeland, Tamis the goodliest and noblest river of Britain dischargeth himself into the sea: in which place Ptolomee setteth TOLIAPIS and CAUNA, or CONVENNON. Of Toliapis, which I suppose to be Shepey, see in Kent. Of Convennos I have spoken in Essex in the page 441.

More Eastward without Tamis mouth, there lieth along before the Iland Tenet, a place full of shelves and sands, and very dangerous for saylers, which they call Good∣wins [ E] sands,* 1.32 where our Annales doe record that in the yeere 1097. an Iland which was the patrimony of Goodwin Earle of Kent, was quite swallowed up and sunk in the sea: concerning which John Twin writeth thus. This land was very fruitfull, and full of plenteous pastures, lying somewhat lower and more flat than Tenet; out of which there was a passage by boat or barge three or foure miles long.* 1.33 This Iland in an unusuall tempest of windes, and boisterous fury of stormy raines, and uncooth rage of the sea, was drowned, and lieth overwhelmed with sand cast up after an incredible manner, and with∣out all recovery is turned into a middle or doubtfull nature of land and sea. For I wot wel what I say, because one while it wholly floateth, and another while at a low water after an ebbe, it beareth walkers upon it. Haply this is Toliapis, unlesse you had rather read [ F] Thanatos, for Toliapis, and in some copies we read it Toliatis, of which we have trea∣ted in Kent. See the 345. page.

In this very place, the huge vastnesse of the sea gathereth into such a straight, that the gullet of the Ocean betweene the firme land of France and Britaine, is not above thirty miles over,* 1.34 which Streights some call the Narrow sea of Britaine, others of France (and the bound it is of the British sea) which by little and little removeth the

[ A] shores farther asunder, that were in manner meeting together, and by the driving backe of the lands on both sides equally, floweth between Britaine and France from East to West. At this beginneth the British sea: wherein first you meet with the I∣land, or byland rather, Selsy; in the English Saxon tongue, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, according to Bede, The Iland of Sea-calves, which in our tongue we call otherwise Seales. But hereof I have spoken already in the page 308.

Somewhat higher lieth the Isle Vecta, in the British tongue Guith, in the Saxon, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the Saxons tearmed an Iland 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, wee The Isle of Wight, and Whight. Whereof also I have written before in the 273. page.

[ B] Of Portland likewise, which now is no Iland, but annexed to the continent, I have treated heretofore in Dorsetshire in the page 210.

Hence will I cut over to the shore of France just against it; where from Beer-fleet in Normandy unto the midst of the Channell, the sea, by the Mariners saying, is pa∣ved, as it were, and overspred with rocks and cragges: among which, William sonne to King Henry the first, and heire both of England and of Normandy, whiles he cros∣sed the seas out of Normandy into England, in the yeere of salvation 1120. was by woefull shipwracke, together with his sister, his base brother, and others of the floure of the nobility, drowned. Whereupon a Poet of that age thus versified.

[ C] Abstulit hunc terrae matri maris unda noverca, Proh dolor! occubuit Sol Anglicus, Anglia plora: Quae{que} priùs fueras gemino radiata nitore, Extincto nato vivas contenta parente. Him, from the land his mother kind, the Sea a stepdame caught; Now Englands Sunne, alas, is set: weepe England, weep for thought: And thou that didst enjoy the beames of twofold light before, Since Sonne is gone, content thy selfe with father and no more.

Funus plangendum, privat lapis aequoris unus, [ D] Et ratis una suo principe regnaduo. O dolefull day, one rocke in Ocean maine, One barke of Prince bereaveth kingdomes twaine.

And another Poet at the same time hammered out these verses touching that ship∣wracke.

Dum Normannigenae Gallis claris superatis, Anglica regna petunt, obstitit ipse Deus: Aspera nam fragili dum sulcant aequora cymba, Intulit excito nubila densa mari. [ E] Dumque vagi caeco rapiuntur tramite nautae, Ruperunt imas abdita saxa rates. Sic mare dum superans tabulata per ultima serpit, Mersit rege satos, occidit orbis honos. Whiles Normans after victories of Noble Frenchmen won, Make saile for England, God himselfe withstood them all anon. For as the rough and surging waves they cut with brittle barke, He brought upon the troubled sea thicke fogges and weather darke▪ Whiles sailers then in coasts unknowne were driven and hal'd astray, Upon blind rockes their ships were split and quickly cast away. [ F] Thus when salt water entred in, and upmost hatches caught, Drown'd was that royall progeny, worlds honour came to naught.

More Westward, certaine Ilands affront France, yet under the Crowne of Eng∣land: and first of all upon the coast of Normandy, or the Lexobii (whom our Britans or Welshmen tearme Lettaw, as one would say Littorales, that is, Coast-men) lieth

Alderney,* 1.35 which in the Records is named Aurney, Aureney, and Aurigney: so that it [ A] may seeme to be that ARICA, which in Antonine, according to the King of Spaines copie, is reckoned among the Isles of the British sea. Others hold it to be that EBO∣DIA, or EVODIA, whereof Paulus Diaconus only hath made mention, who had small skill of this coast; which he placeth thirty miles from the shore of Seine, and telleth of a rumbling & roaring noise of waters, falling into a gulfe or Charybdis, that is heard a far off. This Alderney lieth in the chiefe trade of all shipping passing from the Ea∣sterne parts to the West: three leagues distant from the coast of Normandy, thirty from the nearest part of England, extended from South East to the North West, and containeth about eight miles in circuit, the South shore consisting of high cliffes. The [ B] aire is healthfull, the soile sufficiently rich, full of fresh pastures and corn-fields: yet the inhabitants poore, through a custome of parting their lands into small parcells by Gavelkind. The towne is situate well neere in the midst of the Isle, having a parish Church, and about 80. families, with an harbour called Crabbic some mile off. On the East side there is an ancient fort, and a dwelling house built at the charge of the Chamberlans: for the fee farme of the Isle was granted by Queene Elizabeth to G. Chamberlane, son to Sir Leonard Chamberlane of Shirburne in Oxfordshire, when he recovered it from the French. And under this fort, the sand with violent drifts from the Northwest overlaied the land, so that now it serveth thereabout most for conies.

I know not whether I were best to relate of a Giants tooth, one of the grinders, [ C] which was found in this Iland, of that bigge size that it equalled a mans fist; seeing Saint Augustine writeth of one that himselfe saw, so bigge, that if it were cut in small peeces to the proportion of our teeth, it seemed it might have made an hundred of them.

Hence Westward there runneth out a craggy ridge of rockes, which have their severall eddies,* 1.36 and therefore feared of the Mariners, who tearme them Cas∣quettes. Out of one of the which properly named Casquet, there gusheth a most sweet spring of fresh water, to the great comfort of the Iland-fishermen beating up and downe hereabout. At these, to remember incidently (that the memorie of a well-deserving Patriot may not perish) the fleet which Iohn Philipot [ D] Citizen of London set forth and manned at his owne private charges, had a glori∣ous victorie over a rabble of Pirates, who impeached all trafficke, taking their Cap∣taine, and fifteene Spanish ships that consorted with them. Which worthy man also maintained 1000. souldiers at his owne pay for defence of the Realme against the French, who sore infested the Southern coast in the beginning of the reigne of King Richard the second, to omit his great loanes to the King, and other good and laudable offices to his country. Under these lieth Southward CAESAREA, whereof Antonine hath written, scarce twelve miles distant from Alderney, which name the French∣men now have clipped so short, as the Spaniards have CAESAR AUGUSTA in Spaine:* 1.37 for they call it Gearzey, like as Cherburgh for Caesarisburgus, and Saragose for [ E] Caesar augusta. Gregorius Turonensis calleth it, the Iland of the sea that lieth to the City Constantia, where hee reporteth how Pratextatus Bishop of Roan was confined hi∣ther: like as Papirius Massonius tearmeth it, the Isle of the coast of Constantia, because it butteth just upon the ancient city Constantia, which may seeme in Ammianus to be named CASTRA CONSTANTIA,* 1.38 and in the foregoing ages Moritonium. For Robert Montensis writeth thus: Comes Moritonii, id est, Constantiarum, if that be not a glosse of the transcriber. For Moritonium, which now is Mortaigne, is farther di∣stant from the sea.

This Isle is thirty miles or thereabout in compasse, fenced with rockes and shelves, which are shallow places, dangerous for such as saile that way. The ground is fertile [ F] enough; bearing plenty of sundry sorts of corne, and breeding cattaile of divers kindes, but sheepe especially, and most of them with faire heads, carrying foure hornes a peece. The aire is very wholsome and healthy, not subject to any other dis∣eases but agues in September, which thereupon they tearme Settembers, so that there is no being for Physicians here. And for that it is scarce of fuell, in steed of

[ A] fire wood they use a kind of Sea weed which they call Uraic,* 1.39 deemed to be that Fu∣cus marinus, which Plinie mentioneth, and groweth every where about in craggy I∣lands, and on rockes most plenteously. This being dried at the fire, serveth for to burne; with the ashes whereof (as it were with Marle and the fat of the earth) they dung commonly their fields and fallows, and thereby make them very battle & fruit∣full. Neither are they permitted to gather it but in the spring and summer season; and then upon certaine daies appointed by the Magistrate. At which time, with a certaine festivall mirth, they repaire in numbers from all parts to the shore with their carres, as also to the rockes neere unto them they speed themselves a vie with their [ B] fisher-boats. But whatsoever of this kind the sea casteth up, the poore may gather for their owne use. The inward parts of the Isle gently rise and swell up with pretty hills: under which lye pleasant vallies watered with riverets, and planted with fruit∣full trees, but apple trees especially, of which they make a kind of drinke. Well stored it is with farme places and villages, having within it twelve Parishes, and furnished on every side with creekes and commodious rodes: among which the safest is that in the South part of the Isle, betweene the two little townes, Saint Hilaries and Saint Albans: which harbour hath also a little Iland belonging to it, fortified with a gari∣son, having no way of accesse unto it: wherein, by report, Saint Hilarie Bishop of Poictiers, after he had beene banished hither, was enterred. For the towne dedica∣ted [ C] to his name just over against this Iland is accounted the principall towne, both in regard of the mercate and trafficke there, as also of the Court of Justice which is there established. On the East-side, where it faceth the citie Constantia, there is sea∣ted upon a steep rocke a most strong castle, with an haughty name called Mont Or∣gueil, which is much beholden unto King Henry the fifth, who repaired it. The Go∣vernour of the Isle is Captain thereof, who in times past was called the Custos of the Isle, and in Henry the third his reigne had a yeerely pension of 200. pound. On the South side, but with longer distance betweene, Saint Malo is to be seene, having ta∣ken that new name of Maclou a very devout man, where before time it was called the city Diablintum, and in the ancient Notice, ALETUM: for in a Manuscript of Isi∣dor [ D] Mercator, we read thus in expresse termes, Civitas Diablintum &c. that is, the city Diablintum, which by another name is called Aletum. As for the inhabitants, they fresh∣ly practice the feat of fishing, but give their minds especially to husbandry: and the women make a very gainfull trade by knitting of hose, which they call Iarsey Stockes or Stockings.

As touching the politicke state thereof, a Governour sent from the King of Eng∣land is the chiefe Magistrate: hee appointeth a Bailiffe, who together with twelve Jurats or sworne Assistants, and those chosen out of the twelve severall parishes, by the voices of the Parishioners, sitteth to minister justice in Civill causes: in criminall matters he sitteth but with seven of the said sworne assistants, and in causes of consci∣ence [ E] to be decided by equity and reason with three.

Twenty miles hence North-west, lieth another Iland, which Antonine the Empe∣rour in ancient time named SARNIA, we at this day Garnsey,* 1.40 lying out East and West in fashion of an harpe, neither in greatnesse nor in fruitfulnesse comparable to Iersey; for it hath in it only ten parishes, yet is this to be preferred before it, because it fostereth no venemous thing therin, like as the other doth. It is also better fortified by naturall fenses, as being enclosed round with a set of steepe rockes, among which is found that most hard and sharpe stone Smyris (which we terme Emerill) wherewith Goldsmiths and Lapidaries clense, burnish, and cut their precious stones, and glaziers also divide and cleave their glasse. Likewise it is of greater name for the commodious∣nesse [ F] of the haven, and the concourse of merchants resorting thither. For in the far∣thest part well neere Eastward, but on the South side, it admitteth an haven within an hollow Bay bending inward like an halfe Moone, able to receive tall ships; upon which standeth Saint Peters, a little towne built with a long and narrow street, well stored with warlike munition, and ever as any warre is toward mightily repleni∣shed with Merchants. For by an ancient priviledge of the Kings of England, here

is alwaies a continuall truce, as it were: and lawfull it is for Frenchmen and others, [ A] how hot soever the warre is, to have repaire hither too and fro without danger, and to maintain entercourse of trafficke in security. The entry of the haven, which is rockie, is fortified on both sides with castles. On the left hand there is an ancient bulwarke or block-house, and on the right hand over against it standeth another (called Cornet) upon an high rocke, and the same at every high water compassed about with the sea. Which in Queene Maries daies, Sir Leonard Chamberlane Governour of the Iland, as also under Queene Elizabeth, Sir Thomas Leighton his successour, caused to bee fortified with new workes. For here lieth for the most part the Governour of the Iland, and the Garrison souldiers: who will in no hand suffer Frenchmen and [ B] women to enter in. On the North side there is La-vall, a biland adjoining unto it, which had belonging thereto a covent of religious persons, or a Priory. On the West part neere unto the sea, there is a lake, that taketh up a mile and halfe in com∣passe, replenished with fish, but Carpes especially, which for bignesse and pleasant taste are right commendable. The inhabitants are nothing so industrious in tilling of the ground as those of Iarsey, but in navigation and trafficke of merchandise, for a more uncertaine gaine they be very painfull. Every man by himselfe loveth to hus∣band his owne land, so that the whole Iland lieth in severall, and is divided by enclo∣sures into sundry parcels: which they find not onely profitable to themselves, but al∣so a matter of strength against the enemie. Both Ilands smile right pleasantly upon [ C] you, with much variety of greene gardens and orchards: by meanes whereof, they use for the most part a kinde of wine made of apples, which some call Sisera, and we Sydre. The inhabitants in both places are by their first originall either Normans or Britans, and speake French: yet disdaine they to be either reputed or named French, and can very well be content to be called English. In both Ilands likewise they burne Uraic for their fuell, or else sea-coals brought out of England: and in both places they have wonderfull store of fish, and the same manner of civill government.

These Ilands, with others lying about them, belonged in old time to the Dukedom of Normandy,* 1.41 but when as Henry the first King of England had vanquished his brother Robert, in the yeere of our Lord 1108. he annexed that Dukedom, and these [ D] Ilands unto the kingdome of England. Since which time they have continued firme in loialtie unto England, even when John King of England being endited for mur∣dering Arthur his Nephew, was by a definitive sentence or arrest of confiscation, de∣prived of his right in Normandy, which he held in chiefe of the French King: yea moreover when the French had seized upon these Isles, hee through the faithfull affection of the people twice recovered them. Neither revolted they when Henry the third King of England had, for a summe of money, surrendred his whole interest and right in Normandy. And ever since they have, with great commendation of their constancy, persisted faithfull unto the Crowne of England, and are the onely remaines that the Kings of England have of the ancient inheritance of William [ E] the Conquerour, and of the Dutchy of Normandy: although the French other∣whiles have set upon them, who from the neighbour coast of France have hardly this long time endured to see them appertaine not to France but to England. And verily Evan, a Welsh Gentleman, descended from the Princes of Wales, and serving the French King,* 1.42 surprized Garnesey in the time of King Edward the third: but soone lost it. And also in the reigne of King Edward the fourth, as appeareth by the records of the Realme, they seized upon the same: but through the valour of Richard Harleston, valect of the Crowne (for so they termed him in those daies) they were shortly disseized; and the King, in recompence of his valorous service, gave unto him the Captainship both of the Iland and of the castle. And in the yeere 1549. when [ F] England, under King Edward the sixth a child, was distressed with domesticall trou∣bles, Leo Strozzi Captaine of the French Gallies gave the attempt to invade it, but with the losse of many of his men had the foile, and desisted from his enterprise.

As touching the Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, they were under the Bishop of Con∣stance in Normandy, untill that hee in our remembrance refused to abjure the Popes

[ A] authority in England (as our Bishops doe). Since which time they were by Queene Elizabeth severed from the Diocesse of Constance, and united for ever to the Dio∣cesse of Winchester, so as the Bishop of Winchester and his successours execute e∣very thing appertaining to the Episcopall jurisdiction: yet their Ecclesiasticall disci∣pline is conformable to the Church of Geneva, which the French Ministers have brought in. As for the civill customes of these Ilands, I could now note some of them out of the Kings records: namely, How King Iohn instituted twelve Coroners sworn to keepe the pleas and rights belonging to the Crowne, and granted for the security of the I∣landers, that the Bailiffe henceforth by advice of the Coroners, might plead without writ [ B] of a new disseisin made within the yeere, of the death of any ancestours and predecessours within a yeere, of dowry likewise within a yeere, &c. Moreover, that the said Iuries may not delay their judgements beyond the tearme of one yeere: likewise that in Customes and other things they should be dealt withall, as naturall inborn inhabitants, and not as stran∣gers or forrainers. But these points I think good to leave unto others, who may search more curiously into particulars. Generally, the customes of Normandy take place here in most cases.

Touching Serke,* 1.43 a little Iland that lieth betweene these above named, walled a∣bout, as it were, with mighty steepe rockes, in which I. de S. Owen of Iarsey (whose antiquity of descent some avouch (I know not upon what credit and authority) from [ C] before Saint Owens time) by commission from Queene Elizabeth, and for his owne commodity, as the report goeth, made a plantation, whereas before time it lay de∣solate. As touching Iethow, which for the use of the Governour of Garnsey serveth in steed of a parke, to feed cattell, to keepe Deere, conies, and phesants: as also tou∣ching Arme, which being larger than the other, was first a solitary place for Regular Chanons, and after for the Franciscan Friers; seeing they are not mentioned by the old writers, I have no reason to speake much of them.

After these, upon the same coast, LIGA, whereof Antonine maketh mention, shooteth up his head, which retaineth the name still, and is now called Ligon. Then lye there spread and scattered seven Ilands, termed by Antonine SIADAE, of the num∣ber: [ D] for Saith in the British tongue betokeneth seven; which the Frenchmen at this day terme Le set Isles.* 1.44 And I suppose these Siades to be corruptly called Hiadatae by Strabo: for from these, as hee saith, it is not a daies sailing into the Iland of Britaine. From these SIADAE to BARSA,* 1.45 whereof Antonine also hath made mention, there is the distance of seven furlongs. The Frenchmen call it the Isle de Bas, and the English Basepole:* 1.46 For the Britans tearme that Bas which is shallow, and the Mari∣ners by sounding finde the sea in this place to bee more ebbe and shallow: as which lieth not above seven or eight fathomes deepe: whereas along all the shore beside, the sea carrieth 12.18. and twenty fathoms of water, as we may see in their Hydro∣graphicall cards.* 1.47 Howbeit betweene these Ilands and Foy in Cornwall this our [ E] British sea, as Mariners have observed, is of a mighty depth, which they measure to be in the channell fifty eight fathoms deepe, or thereabout. From hence I will now cut over to the coasts of our owne Britaine, and keeping along the shore, as I passe by Ideston, Moushole, and Longships (which be rather infamous and dangerous rocks than Ilands) at the very utmost point of Cornwall, lieth Antonines LISIA, now called of them that dwell thereby Lethowsow, but of others The Gulfe, seene onely at a low water when the tide is returned.* 1.48 I take this to be that Lisia which ancient writers doe mention; because Lis (as I have heard among our Britans in Wales) signifieth the same. For Lis•• soundeth as much as to make a noise with a great rumbling or roa∣ring, such as commonly we heare in Whirlepits: and in that place the current or tide [ F] of the Ocean striveth amaine with a mighty noise both Northward and Eastward to get out, as being restrained and pent in, betweene Cornwall and the Ilands which Antonine calleth SIGDELES, Sulpitius Severus SILLINAE, Solinus SILURES, English∣men Silly, the low country Sea-men Sorlings, and the ancient Greeke writers tearme HESPERIDES and CASSITERIDES. For Dionisius Alexandrinu•• named them He∣sperides of their Westerne situation, in these verses.

—〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [ A] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Which Priscian translated thus:

Sed * 1.49 summam contra Sacram cognomine dicunt, Quam caput Europae, sunt stanni pondere plenae Hesperides, populus tenuit quas fortis Iberi.

Which may be englished thus.

Now just beneath that Isle which Sacred, High, And head of Europe men are wont to call, [ B] The Ilands nam'd Hesperides do lie, And those well stor'd with Tin, a rich metall. But would ye know the people? then note well, The glorious wealthy Spaniards therein dwell.

These also Festus Avienus, in his poeme entituled Orae Maritimae, that is, The sea coasts, called Ostrymnides: touching which he inserted these verses, as they are found in the Paris edition, and the notes upon the same.

In quo insulae sese exerunt Oestrymnides * 1.50Laxe jacentes, & metallo divites Stanni at que plumbi: multa vis his gentis est, [ C] Superbus animus, efficax solertia, Negotiandi cura jugis omnibus Nolusque cumbis turbidum late fretum Et belluosi gurgitem Oceani secant; Non hi carinas quippe pinu texere Facere morem non abiete, ut usus est, Curvant phasello: sed rei ad miraculum Navigia junctis semper aptant pellibus, Corioque vastum saepe per currunt salum. [ D] Wherein the Isles Oestrymnides doe spread, And shew themselves broad lying all about, In metals rich as well of tin as lead: The people strong, their stomacks high and stout, Active and quicke, fresh merchants all throughout: No troublous waves in Frith or Ocean maine, Of monsters full, with ships cut they in twaine. For why? no skill at all have they to frame, Of Pine tree keels for barke or gallion: Nor know they how to make oares to the same, Of fyrre or maple wood, where sailes are none, [ F] As others use: But which is wonder one, Of stitched hides they all their vessels make, And oft through sea in leather, voiage take.

Like vessels unto which were used in this our sea, in the yeere of salvation 914. For we read of certaine devout men, that in a Carab (or carogh) made of two tanned hides onely and an halfe, sailed out of Ireland into Cornwall. Afterwards also of the said Ilands the same Avienus wrote thus:

Tartesiisque in terminos Oestrymnidum Negotiandi mos erat, Carthagini•• [ F] Etiam colonis. Those of Tartessus eke, as well As they in Carthage towne that dwell, Were wont to trade for merchandise, To skirts of Isles Oestrymnides.

[ A] Other Greeke writers tearmed these Cassiterides, of Tinne: like as Strabo nameth a certaine place among the Drangi in Asia, CASSITERON, of Tinn: and Stephanus in his booke of Cities, reporteth out of Dionysius, that a certaine Iland in the Indian sea was called CASSITERIA, of Tinne. As for that MICTIS, which Pliny citeth out of Timaeus, to bee sixe dayes sailing inward from Britaine, and to yeeld Mines of white lead; that it should be one of these, I dare scarcely affirme. Yet am I not ig∣rant, that the most learned Hermolaus Barbarus read it in manuscript books, Mitteris for Mictis, and doth read for Mitteris, Cartiteris. But that I should avouch these to be those CASSITERIDES so often sought for, the authority of the ancient writers, their [ B] site, and the mines of Tinne, are motives to perswade me. Full opposite unto the Ar∣tabri, saith Strabo (over against which the West parts of Britain doe lye) appeare those Ilands Northward which they call Cassiterides, placed after a sort in the same clime with Britaine. And in another place: The sea between Spaine and the Cassiterides is broader than that which lieth between the Cassiterides and Britain. The Cassiterides look toward the coast of Celtiberia, saith Solinus: And Diodorus Siculus, in the Ilands next unto the Spanish sea, which of Tinne are called Cassiterides. Also Eustathius, There be ten Islands called Cassiterides lying close together Northward. Now, seeing these Isles of Silly are opposite unto the Artabri, that is, Gallitia in Spaine, seeing they bend direct∣ly North from them, seeing they are placed in the same clime with Britaine, seeing [ C] they looke toward the coast of Celtiberia, seeing they are dis-joined by a farre broa∣der sea from Spaine than from Britaine, seeing they are next unto the Spanish sea, seeing they lye hard one by another toward the North, and ten onely of them bee of any good account, namely, Saint Maries, Annoth, Agnes, Sampson, Silly, Brefer, Rusco or Trescaw, Saint Helens, Saint Martins, and Arthur, and that which is most materiall, seeing they have veines of Tinne, as no other Iland hath beside them in this tract, and considering that two of the lesse sort, to wit, Minan Witham, and Minuisi∣sand, may seeme to have taken their names of Mines, I would rather think these to be CASSITERIDES, than either the Azores, which beare too far West, or Cisarga with Olivarius, that lieth in maner close unto Spaine, or even Britain it selfe with Ortelius; [ D] considering there were many Cassiterides; and Dionysius Alexandrinus after he had treated of the Cassiterides, writeth of Britaine apart by it selfe.

If any man by reason of the number deny these to be CASSITERIDES, for that they be more than ten, let him also number the Haebudes and the Orcades, and if after the account taken, he finde neither more nor fewer with Ptolomee than five Haebudes, and 30. Orcades, let him search in any other place but where they are now extant, and with all his searching by reckoning of the numbers, I know for certaine he shall not easily finde them. But the ancient writers had no certaine knowledge of these most remote parts and Ilands of the earth in that age, no more than wee in these daies of the Isles in the Streights of Magellane, and the whole tract of New Guiney.

[ E] And that Herodotus had no knowledge of these, it is no marvell: for himselfe con∣fesseth that hee knew nothing for certaine, to make report of the farthest parts of Europe. But lead was brought first from hence into Greece. Lead, saith Plinie, in his eight Booke, and in the Chapter of the first Inventours of things, Midacritus first brought out of the Island Cassitiris. But as touching these Islands, listen what Stra∣bo saith in his third Booke of Geography, toward the end. The Ilands Cassiterides be in number ten, neere one unto another, situate in the deepe sea, Northward from the haven of the Artabri. One of them is desert, the rest are inhabited by men wearing blacke garments, clad in side-coats reaching downe to their ankles, girt about the breast, and going with staves, like unto the Furies in Tragedies. They live of their cattell, [ F] straggling and wandring after a sort, as having no certaine abiding place. Metall mines they have of tinne and of lead, in lieu whereof and of skins and furres they receive by exchange from the Merchants, earthen vessels, salt, and brasen workes. At the be∣ginning the Phoenicians only traded thither from Gades, and concealed from others this their navigation.

But when the Romanes followed a certaine Master of a shippe (that they themselves

might learne this trafficke of merchandise) he, upon a spitefull envie, ran his ship for the [ A] nonce upon the sands; and after hee had brought them that followed after into the same danger of destruction, himselfe escaped the shipwracke, and out of the common Treasury received the worth of the commodities and wares that he lost. Howbeit the Romans, after they had tryed many times, learned at length the voiage hither. Afterwards Publius Crassus when hee had sailed thither, and seene how they digged not very deepe in these Mines, and that the people were lovers of peace and lived quietly, desirous also to saile up∣on the sea, he shewed the feat thereof to as many as were willing to learne: although they were to saile a greater sea than that which reacheth from thence to Britain.

But to discourse no farther whether these were the ancient Cassiterides or no, and [ B] to returne to Silly. There bee about an hundred forty and five Ilands carrying this name, all clad with grasse, or covered with a greenish mosse, besides many hideous rockes, and great craggy stones raising head above water, situate as it were in a cir∣cle round, eight leagues from the lands end, or utmost point of Cornewall West-South-West. Some of them yeeld sufficient store of corne, but all of them have a∣bundance of conies, cranes, swannes, herons, and other sea-foule. The greatest of them all is that which tooke the name of Saint Marie, having a towne so named, and is about eight miles in compasse, offereth a good harbour to Saylers in a sandie Bay, wherein they may anchor at sixe, seven, and eight fathom; but in the entry lye some rockes on either side. It hath had anciently a castle, which hath yeelded to [ C] the force of time. But for the same Queene Elizabeth in the yeere 1593. when the Spaniards, called in by the Leaguers of France, began to nestle in little Britain, built a new castle with faire and strong ravelines,* 1.51 and named the same Stella Maria, in re∣spect both of the ravelines, which resemble the raies of a starre, and the name of the Isle; for defence whereof shee there placed a garrison under the command of Sir Francis Godolphin.

Doubtlesse these are those Ilands, which (as Solinus writeth) a troublous and rough narrow sea separateth by the space of two or three houres sailing from the coast of the Dan∣mony, and the inhabitants whereof observe the custome of ancient times. They have no faires nor mercates, and refuse mony; they give and take one thing for another, they pro∣vide [ D] themselves of necessaries by way of exchange, rather than by prising and giving of money, they serve the gods devoutly: both men and women will be counted wizzards, and skilfull in foretelling things to come.

Eustathius out of Strabo termeth the inhabitants Melanchlanos, because they were clad in blacke garments reaching downe to the ankles: and as Sardus was perswaded, they depart out of this world for the most part so long livers, that they desire to live no longer. For from the top of a rocke (as he saith) they throw themselves into the sea, in hope of a more happy life: which doubtlesse was the perswasion of the Britain Druides.

Hither also the Roman Emperours were wont to send persons condemned to work [ E] in the Mines. For Maximus the Emperour, when he had condemned Priscillanus to death for heresie, commanded his sectaries and disciples, Iustantius a Bishop of Spain, and Tiberianus, after their goods were confiscate, to be carried away into the Ilands of Sylly: and Marcus the Emperour banished him, that in the commotion of Cassius had prophesied and uttered many things, as it were by a divine instinct of the gods, into this Iland, as some are verily perswaded, who willingly for Syria Insula read Sy∣lia Insula, that is, The Isle of Silly, considering the Geographers as yet know no such Iland as Syria.* 1.52 This confining or packing away of offendors into Ilands, was in those daies a kind of exile; and the Governours of Provinces might in that manner banish, if they had any Ilands under them: if not, they wrote unto the Emperour, that him∣selfe [ F] would assigne some Iland for the party condemned: neither was it lawfull with∣out the privity of the Prince to translate else whither, or to bury the body of him that was thus banished into an Iland.

In the Writers of the middle time wee finde not so much as the name of

[ A] these Ilands of Sylly, but onely that King Athelstane subdued them, and after his re∣turne built a Church in honour of S. Beriana or Buriena, in the utmost promontory Westward of Britaine, where he landed.

Full against these on the French coast,* 1.53 lyeth Plinies AXANTOS, an Isle right be∣fore the Osissimi, or Britaine Armorie, which keeping still the name whole, is called Ushant:* 1.54 Antonine tearmeth it UXANTISSENA, in which one word two Ilands grew together, to wit, UXANTIS and SENA. For this Iland lieth somewhat lower, now called Sayn,* 1.55 which butting full upon Brest, is named in some copies SIAMBIS, and of Pliny corruptly Sounos: about which from East to West, for seven miles to∣gether [ B] or thereabout, there shoot forth a number of rockes rather than Ilands, stand∣ing very thick together.* 1.56 Touching this Sain, take with you that which Pomponius Me∣la reporteth. SENA, saith he, lying in the British sea opposite unto the shores of the Osissi∣mi, is famous by reason of the Oracle of a French God, whose shee-Priests vowing perpe∣tuall virginity, are said to be nine in number: the Frenchmen call them Zenas or Lenas, (for so read I with Turnebus, rather than Gallitenas) and men are of opinion, that they be∣ing endued with especiall endowments of nature, are able by enchantments to trouble the sea, and raise up windes▪ to turne themselves into what living creatures they list, to heale all those maladies, which with others are incurable, for to know also and to foretell things to come, &c.

[ C] Beneath these there lie other Ilands in length, namely, Isles aux Motions, neere un∣to Pen-Mac, that is, the horsehead: Gleran over against old Blavic (which at this day is Blavet) Grois and Bellisle, all which Pliny calleth VENETICAE. For they lye oppo∣site unto the Veneti in little Britaine,* 1.57 who I wot not whether they were so named, as one would say, Fishermen: for Venna in the ancient language of the Galls seemeth to signifie so much. These Strabo supposeth to have been the founders and stockfathers of the Venetians in Italy: who writeth also, that they intended to have given Caesar battell at sea, when he minded the conquest of Britaine. These Ilands VENETICAE, some out of Dionysius Afer terme NESIDES, whereas in the Greek book we read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, the Tract of the Islands. Of which, Priscian out of him writeth [ D] thus;

Nec spatio distant Nessidum littora longè, In quibus uxores * 1.58 Amnitum Bacchica sacra Concelebrant hederae foliis, tectaeque corymbis. Non sic Bistonides Absynthi ad flumina Thraces, Exertis celebrant clamoribus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Nor distant farre from hence the shores doe lye Of Ilands, which Nessides many call, Wherein the wives of Amnites solemnly Concelebrate their high feasts Bacchanall [ E] With Ivie leaves and berries covered all. The Thracian dames make not so loud a cry, At Bacchus feast, the river Absynts by.

Which Festus Avienus also hath expressed in these verses:

Hinc spumosus item ponti liquor explicat aestum, Et brevis è pelago vortex subit: hic chorus ingens Poeminei coetus pulchri colit Orgia Bacchi, Producit noctem ludus sacer: aera pulsant Vocibus & crebris laiè sola calcibus urgent. Non sic Absynthi propè flumina Thraces, & almae [ F] Bistonides, non quà celeri ruit agmina Ganges, Indorum populi stata curant festa Lyaeo. From hence likewise the foaming sea displaies his swelling tide, And from the deep short whirle puffs rise. Here by the water side, A mighty sort of women meet, the feast of Bacchus faire To celebrate: their sacred sports last all night long. The aire

Rings over head with voices shrill: and under foot, the ground [ A] With many a friske and stampe of theirs in dancing doth resound. Like noises make not Thracian Dames, the Biston wives, I say, Along Absynthus river, while they use to sport and play: Nor Indians neere swift Ganges streame farre in such frantick wise. * 1.59What time to God Liaeus they their set feasts solemnize.

Now that Bellisle is one of these foresaid Nessidae, the authority of Strabo, from the faithfull report of other, doth prove sufficiently. For it lieth before the mouth of the river Loire: and Ptolomee placed the SAMNITAE in a coast of France opposite unto it. For thus writeth Strabo. Moreover (they say) there is a little Iland in the Oce∣an, [ B] lying not far into the deep sea, full against the mouth of Ligeris: that in it inhabite the wives of the Samnitae, which are inspired with the instinct or divine power of Bacchus, and by ceremonies and sacrifices procure the favour of Bacchus: that no man commeth thither, but themselves taking their barkes saile away and company with their owne hus∣bands, and so returne againe into the Island. Also that a custome it is among them, to take away the roofe of their temple yeerly, and to cover it again the very same day before the sunne setteth; every one of the women bringing their burden: and look which of them letteth her burden fall, she is by the others torne in pieces: and that they gathering toge∣ther the pieces as they goe unto the temple, make not an end before they be out of this furi∣ous fit: and that it alwaies usually happeneth, that one of them by falling downe of her burthen is thus torne peecemeale. [ C]

Thus old Authors, writing of the utmost parts of the world, took pleasure to insert pretty lyes and frivolous fables. But what things are reported of Ceres and Proserpine, they carry with them, saith he, more probability. For the report goeth of an Iland neere unto Britaine, where they sacrifice to these Goddesses after the same manner that they doe in Samothrace.

Then follow the Isles aux Mottouns, Gleran, Grois, Belle-isle, upon the coast of little Britaine, Niermoustier, and L'isle de Dieu upon the coast of Poictou, and Lisle de Re, Islands full well knowne, and much frequented for the plenty that they yeeld of bay salt: but for as much as they are not once mentioned by the ancient Geographers, it [ D] may be sufficient for me that I have named them. Onely the next Island, at this day knowne by the name of Oleron,* 1.60 was knowne to Pliny by the name of ULIARUS, which lieth, as he saith, in the Bay of Aquitaine, at the mouth of the river Charonton, now Charent, and had many immunities granted from the Kings of England, then Dukes of Aquitain. At which time it so flourished for marine discipline and glory, that these seas were governed by the lawes enacted in this Iland in the yeere 1266. no lesse than in old time the Mediterranean sea by the lawes of Rhodes.* 1.61

Hitherto have I extended the British sea, both upon the credit of Pomponius Mela, who stretcheth it to the coast of Spaine; and upon the authority of the Lord Great Admirall of England,* 1.62 which extendeth so far. For the Kings of England were, and are rightfull Lords of all the North and West sea-coasts of France (to say nothing of the whole kingdome and crowne of France) as who, to follow the tract of the sea-coast, wan the county of Guines,* 1.63 Merk, and Oye by the sword, were true heires to the county of Porithieu and Monstrevil by Eleanor the wife of King Edward the first, the onely heire thereof. In like maner most certain heires to the Dutchy of Normandy by King William the Conquerour, and thereby superiour Lords of Little Britaine dependant thereof; undoubted heires of the countries of Anjou, Tourain, and Maine, from King Henry the second, whose patrimony they were: likewise of the county of Poictou, and Dutchy of Aquitaine or Guyenne, by Eleanor the true heire of them, wife to the [ F] said Henry the second; to omit the counties of Tholouse, March, the homage of A∣vergne, &c. Of all which the French by their arrests of pretended forfaitures and con∣fiscations have disseized the crowne of England, and annexed them to the Crowne of France; taking advantage of our most unhappy civill dissentions: whereas in former ages the French Kings were so fore-closed by these territories, as they had no accesse at all to the Ocean.

[ A] Nothing remaineth now, seeing my pen hath with much labour struggled and sai∣led at length out of so many blind shelves and shallowes of the Ocean, and craggy rocks of antiquity, save onely this, that as sea-men were wont in old time, to present Neptune with their torn sails, or some saved planks, according to their vow: so I also should consecrate some monument unto the ALMIGHTY and MOST GRACIOUS GOD, and to VENERABLE ANTIQUITY: which now right willingly and of duty I vow, and God willing in covenient time I will performe and make good my vow. Meane while I would have the Reader to remember, that I have in this worke wrastled with that envious and ravenous enemy TIME, of which the Greeke Poet [ B] sung very aptly in this note.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Hore-headed TIME full slowly creeps, but as he slye doth walke, The voices he as slyely steales of people as they talke: [ C] Unseene himselfe, those that be seene he hides farre out of sight, And such againe as are not seene he bringeth forth to light.

But I for my part am wont ever and anon to comfort my selfe with this Distichon of Mimnermus, which I know to be most true.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

[ D] Heart take thine ease, Men hard to please Thou haply maist offend: Though one speake ill Of thee, some will Say better, there an end.

SOLI DEO GLORIA.

[ E] [ F]

Notes

• * 1.1

  This place is corrupted in the copie.
• * 1.2

  The whole yeere out of an old frag∣ment.
• * 1.3

  Haply Holl••¦wood.
• * 1.4

  Gresholme. Stockholme, and Scalmey. Silimnus.
• * 1.5

  Bernacles.
• * 1.6

  Annales of Th. Otterborn. Anno 7. H. 4.
• * 1.7

  Scottish or we∣sterne Iles.
• * 1.8

  Earles of Ork∣ney.
• * 1.9

  Thule.
• * 1.10

  Thule for Bri∣taine.
• * 1.11

  Island.
• * 1.12

  Lib. 2. belli Go∣thici.
• * 1.13

  Shetland, which some call Hethland.
• * 1.14

  Bergos.
• * 1.15

  Nerigon.
• * 1.16

  The frozen sea, or Cronium
• * 1.17

  Lindis-farne.
• * 1.18

  Holy Iland.
• * 1.19

  Farn Isle.
• * 1.20

  Bede in the life of Cuthbert.
• * 1.21

  Saxon Ilands.
• * 1.22

  Lib. 7. Birchanis.
• * 1.23

  Borkun.
• * 1.24

  The British Armory or Store-house.
• * 1.25

  Holland coast Britten huis.
• * 1.26

  Portus Mori∣norum Britan¦nicus.
• * 1.27

  The Chamavi dwelt thereby, as appeareth out of the Em∣bassages of Eunapius.
• * 1.28

  Burgus what it is.
• * 1.29

  Zosimus l. 4. Saxons in Hol∣land. Janus Douza in his Nomen∣clator.
• * 1.30

  Britten an herb.
• * 1.31

  Zeland. See pag. 333. & 441. Toliapis. Caunus. Canvey. See in Essex, Shepey.
• * 1.32

  Goodwin Sands.
• * 1.33

  Some call it Lomea.
• * 1.34

  The British narrow sea.
• * 1.35

  Alderney.
• * 1.36

  Casquettes.
• * 1.37

  Gerzey.
• * 1.38

  Castra Con∣stantia. Moritavum.
• * 1.39

  Uraic. Fucus marinus.
• * 1.40

  Sarnia.

  Garnsey.

  Haply Granon•• by, a transposi∣tion of letters which the N••••titia placeth i•• the Tract of Armorica. Smyris.
• * 1.41

  Normandy lost.
• * 1.42

  Tillet.
• * 1.43

  Serke.
• * 1.44

  Set-Iles.
• * 1.45

  Barsa.
• * 1.46

  Basepole.
• * 1.47

  Where the British sea is deepest.
• * 1.48

  Lisia by trans∣position of le¦ters Silia.
• * 1.49

  Sacrum Pro∣montorium.
• * 1.50

  Non usque na∣vibus, we read in the notes of Paris.
• * 1.51

  Stella Maria.
• * 1.52

  Ulpian lib. 7. de Mathematicis.
• * 1.53

  Axantos.
• * 1.54

  Ushant.
• * 1.55

  Siambis.
• * 1.56

  Mariners cal it the Seame.
• * 1.57

  Veneti. Insulae Vene cae. Vannes. Venna Caro i. Charles Fi••shing, as He••gardus saith. Nesidae.
• * 1.58

  Samnitum
• * 1.59

  Bacchus.
• * 1.60

  Oleron. Uliarus.
• * 1.61

  Lex Rhodia.
• * 1.62

  Admirall of England.
• * 1.63

  Hereditary territories in France belon∣ging to the Crowne of England.