The collection of the historie of England. By S.D.

The Life, and Raigne of Henry the third.

THE death of King Iohn, though it much altered, yet it ended not the miserable businesses of the Kingdome: for Louys, notwithstanding held his hopes, and his party though much shaken by the sodaine Corona∣tion of Henry, eldest sonne to King Iohn, solemnized in a great Assem∣blie of State at Glocester the 28 of October, and committed to the tute∣lage of the great Marshall, William Earle of Pembrooke; the maine Pillar of the father, and now the preseruer of the Crowne to his sonne, a man eminent both in courage and Councell, who with Guallo the Popes Legat, the Bishops of Winchester, Bathe, and Worcester worke all meanes to draw the Barons, and as many of powre as they could to their new and naturall King from this excommunicate stranger, and his adherents. And bred great fluctuation in the mindes of most of them doubtfull what to resolue vpon, in regard of the tender youth of Henry, and their Oath made to Louys.

But such was the insolence of the French, making spoyle and prey of whatsoeuer they could fasten on (and now inuested by Louys, contrarie to his Oath, in all those places of importance they had recouered) as made many of the English to relinquish their sworne fidelitie, and forsake his part. Which more of them would haue done, but for the shame of inconstancie, and the daunger of their pledges, remayning in France, which were great tyes vpon them. Besides, the popular bruit generally divulg∣ed concerning the confession of the Viscont Melun a Frenchman, who, lying at the point of death, toucht with compunction, is said to reueale the intention, & vow of Lo∣uys (which was vtterly to extinguish the English nation, whom he held vile, & neuer to be trusted, hauing forsaken their own Soueraign Lord) wrought a great auersion in the hearts of the English, which whither it were indeed vttered, or giuen out of purpose, it was so to be expected, according to the precedents of all in-brought farreiners vpon the deuisions of a distracted people.

And first William Earle of Salisbury, mooued in bloud to succour his Nephew, tooke away a maine peece from the side of Louys, and with him the Earles of Arundle, Warren; William, sonne and heire to the great Marshall, returne to the fidelity of Henry, after 6 months they had reuolted to the seruice of Louys, which now may be thought was don but to temporise, and try the hazard of a doubtfull game, otherwise a brother would not haue forsaken a brother, nor so Noble a father, and sonne haue deuided their starres.

Notwithstanding Louys found hands enow to hold London, withall the Countries about it a whole yeare after, so that the young King was constrained to remaine about Glocester, Worcester, and Bristow, where his wakefull Ministers faile not to imploy all means to gather vpon whatsoeuer aduantages could be espied, & at length so wrought as they draw the enemy from the head of the kingdome downe into the body, first into Leceister-shire to releeue the Castle of Montsorell, a peece apertayning to Saer de Quincy Earle of Winchester, a great partisan of Louys, and after by degrees, to Lincoln, where, a Noble Lady, called Phillippa (but of what famely, time hath iniuriously bereft vs the knowledge) had, more then with feminine courage defended the Castle, the space of a whole yere, against Gilbert de Gant, & the French forces which were possest of the town.

The Earle Marshall Protector of the King and kingdom, with his sonne William: the Bishops of Winchester, Salisbury and Chester, the Earles of Salisbury, Ferrers, and Al∣bemarle. William de Albinet, Iohn Marshall, William de Cantelupe. Falcasius, Tho∣mas Basset, Robert Veypont, Brent de Lisle, Geffrey Lucy, Philip de Albinet, and many other Barons, and marshall men, being with all the powre of the young king (whose forces as he marched, grew dayly greater) come to a place called Stow within 8 miles of Lincoln, the Legat Guallo (to adde courage & resolution to the army) caused vpon confession of their sinnes, the Eucharist to be ministred and giues them a plenary absolution, solemnly accursing Louys with all his adherents, as seperated from the vnity of the Church, which done, they set forth, and with such violence assaile the City on all sides, as the defen∣dants (after the Earle of Perch, valiantly fighting was slaine) were soone defeited, and all the principall men taken prisoners, whereof these are nominated: Saer Earle of Winchester, Henry de Bohun, Earle of Hereford, Gilbert de Gant, lately made Earle of Lincoln by Louys. Robert Fitz Walter, Richard Monfichet, William Moubray, William Beauchamp, william Maudit, Oliuer Harcort, Roger de Cressy, William de Coleuile, William de Ros, Robert de Ropsley, Ralph Chandnit Barons, besides foure hundred Knights or men at Armes, with their seruants, horse and foot. The number, and quality of the persons taken, shew the importance of the place, and the greatnesse of the victorie, which gaue Louys his maine blow, and was the last of his battailes in England.

The spoyles were very great being of a City, at that time rich in Marchandize, whereupon the winners (in derision) tearmed it Louys his Faire. Many of those who escaped, and fled from this ouerthrow; were slaine by the Country people in their disor∣derly passing towards London, vnto Louys, who vpon notice of this great defeat, sends presently ouer for succours into France, and drawes all the powre he had in England, to the Citie of London; whether the Earle Marshall with the young King bend their course, with purpose either to assaile Louys vpon this fresh dismay of his losse, and the distraction of his partakers, or induce him by agreement to relinquish the Kingdome. The first being found difficult, the last is propounded, whereunto Louys would not be brought to yeeld, vntill hearing how his succors comming out of France, were by Phillip de Albenie, and Hubert de Burgh with the forces of the Cinke-ports all van∣quished at sea; he then hoplesse of any longer subsisting with safty, condiscendes to an accord: takes fifteene thousand markes for his voyage: abiures his claime to the Kingdome: promises by Oath to worke his father, as farre as in him lay, for the resti∣tution of such Prouinces in France, as appertayned to this Crowne; and that when himselfe should be King, to resigne them in peaceable manner.

On the other part King Henry takes his Oath, and for him, the Legat, and the Pro∣tector, to restore vnto the Barons of this Realme, and other his Subiects, all their rights and heritages, with those liberties for which the discorde beganne betweene the late King, and his people. Generall pardon is granted, and all prisoners freed on both fides: Louys is honorably attended to Douer, and departs out of England about Michelmas: aboue two yeares after his first atiuall, hauing beene here, in the greatest part, a recei∣ued King, and was more likely to haue established himselfe, and made a Conquest of this Kingdome (being thus pulled in by others armes) then the Norman that made way with his owne, had not the All-disposer otherwise diuerted it.

Such effects wrought the violence of an vnruly King, and the desperation of an op∣pressed people, which now notwithstanding the fathers iniquitie, most willingly im∣brace the sonne, as naturally inclyned to loue, and obey their Princes.

And in this recouery, the industrie of Guallo the Legate wrought much, though what he did therein was for his owne ends, & the pretended interest of the Pope, whose ambi∣tion had beene first an especiall cause of this great combustion in the Kingdom, but as they who worke the greatest mischiefes, are oftentimes the men that can best repaire them, so was it in this, and therefore the lesse worthy of thankes. The Legat was well payed for his paynes, and, notwithstanding the great distresse of the Kingdome carries away twelue thousand Markes with him to Rome.

But thus the long afflicted state began to haue some peace, and yet with many

distemp ratures at the first, ere those virulent humors which the warre had bred were otherwise diuerted. For many of the Nobles who had taken part with the King, ei∣ther vnsatisfied in their expectations, or knowing not how to maintaine themselues and theirs, but by rapine; fall to mutinie, surprizing of Castles, and making spoyles in the Country, as the Earle of Albemarle, Robert de Veypont, Foulke de Brent, Brian de Liste, Hugh de Bailioll with many other, but at length, they are likewise appeased. And see∣ing the warre must nurse whom it had bred, an Action is vndertaken for the Holy Land, whither Ralph Earle of Chester, Saer de Quincy Earle of Winchester, William de Albeny Earle of Arundle, Robert Fitz Walter, William de Harcort with many other, are sent with great forces: Besides to vnburthen the Kingdome, all strangers, vnlesse such as came with Merchandize, are commanded to auoyde the Land, and all meanes vsed for the regayning the ability it had lost.

And no sooner had this prouident Protector the Earle of Pembrooke setled the Kings affaires, but he dies, to the great regrate of the Kingdome; leauing behinde him a most Noble memorie of his actiue worth, and is to bee numbred amongst the exam∣ples of the best of men, to shew how much the Wisdome, and Valour of a potent Sub∣iect may steed a distracted State in times of danger.

The Bishop of Winchester (imparting the charge with many other great Councel∣lors) is made Protector of the young King, who in An. Reg. 4. is againe Crowned, and the next yeare after hath by Parliament graunted for Elcuage two Markes of Siluer of euery Knights fee, for the affaires of the Kingdome, and recouery of his transmarine Dominions, which now is designed, and Malleon de Sauerie the Poictouine with William Long sword Earle of Salsburie sent ouer into Guien to try the affections of that people, whom they finde, for the most part inclinable to the obedience of this Crowne. The King of France is required to make restitution of what hee had vsurped, but returnes answere; that what hee had gotten both by forfeiture, and Law of Armes hee would holde.

To retayne amitie with Scotland, and peace at home, Ioan, the Kings Sister is gi∣uen in marriage to Alexander King of Scots, and Margueret, sister to the same King, to Hubert de Burgh, now made Iusticiar of England, and the especiall man who guided the greatest affaires of the Kingdome. Wales, reuolting vnder their Prince Lewelin, gaue occasion of great charge and trouble to this State in the beginning of this Kings raigne and long after, till it was wholy subdued. And a commotion in Ireland, made by Hugh Lacy, is appeased by William Earle of Pembrooke sonne to the late great Mar∣shall, and some few yeares after hath the Kingdome a kinde of quietnesse, sauing that Falcasius (or Foulke de Brent) with certaine Chatelaynes (the dregs of war) fortifying the Castle of Belford with some other peeces of strength, and committing many outrages, gaue occasion of businesse till they were gotten by hard assault.

But now, the King being come to some yeares of vnderstanding, was, in a Parlia∣ment holden at London, put in minde by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in behalfe of the State, of his Oath made, and taken by others for him, vpon the peace with Louys for confirmation of the liberties of the Kingdome, for which the warre began with his fa∣ther, and being the mainebase wheron his owne good, and that of his people must sub∣sist, without which the whole State would againe fall a sunder; they would haue him to know it betime, to auoyde those miserable inconueniences which the disvnion of Rule and Obedience might bring vpon them all, which though it were impiously there oppugned (as Princes shall euer finde mouthes to expresse their pleasures in what course soeuer they take) by some ministers of his (amongst whom one William Brewer a Councellor is named) who vrged it to haue beene an act of constraint, and therefore not to be performed; was, notwithstanding promised at that time by the King to bee ratifyed, and twelue knights, or other Legall men of euery shire, by writs charged to examen what were the Lawes and Liberties which the Kingdome enioyed vnder his Grand∣father, and returne the same by a certaine day, and so by that vsuall shift of Prolongation the businesse was put off for that time, to the greater vexation of that following. For during all his raigne of sixe and fifty yeares (the Longest of any King of England) this

put him to the greatest imbroylement, made him ill beloued of his paople (euer crost in his intendements) and farre a lesse King, onely by striuing to be more then he was: the iust reward of violations. And euen this first pause, vpon the lawfull requisition thereof, turnd the bloud, & shew'd how sensible the state was, in the least stoppage of that ten∣der vaine: For, presently the Earles of Chester, & Albimarle with many other great men assemble at Lecester with intent to remoue from the K. Hugh de Burgh chiefe Iusticiar, and other officers supposed to hinder this motion. But the Archbishop of Canterbury by his spirituall power, and the rest of the nobility, more carefull to preserue the peace of the Kingdome, stood to the King, and would not suffer any proceeding in this kind, so as the Lords effected nothing at that time, but were constrained to come in, and submit themselues. And here the king by parliament resumes such alienations as had bin made by his Ancesters, of what had apertayned to the Crowne, whereby he might haue the more meanes of his owne without pressing his subiect; but this serued not his turne.

The next yeare after another Parliament is held at Westminster, wherein is required the fiftieth part of all moueables both of the Clergy and Layetie, for the recouery of those parts in France withheld from this crowne by Louys now King, contrary to his oath and promise made here in England at his departure. Which motion, though it con∣cerned the honour and dignity of this Kingdome, (being the inheritance of the King, and the Estates of most of the Nobility, and other the subiects, who had lands and pos∣sessions in those parts, which no doubt, they desired to recouer with their vtmost means; yet would they not yeeld to the graunt of this subsidy but vpon confirmation of their liberties; which in the end they obtayned, in the same words and forme as King Iohn had graunted them in the two Charters before.

And twelue Knights or Legall men are chosen in euery shire, vpon their Oath, to disparte the old forests from the new: and all such as were found to haue beene inforested since the first coronation of Henry the second to be disafforested, and disposed at their pleasure, who were to posses them. wherevpon they were layd open, plowed, and improued to the exceeding comfort, and benefit of the subiect, whereby men, in steed of wild beasts, were sustayned and more roome made for them to vse their industry.

Two yeares with great quietnesse, and generall content (the blessing of a state) these liberties were inioyed, when the King at a Parliament at Oxford, declaring him∣selfe to be oflawfull age, and free from custody, to dispose of the affayres of the King∣dome; cancells, and anulles the Charter of Forests, as graunted in his Nonage, hauing no power of himselfe, or of his Seale, and therefore of no validitie: and causes Procla∣mation to be made, that both the Clergy, and all others, if they would inioy those li∣berties, should renew their Charters, and haue them confirmed vnder his new Seale: for which, they were constrayned to pay, not according to their ability, but the will of the chiefe Iusticiar, Hugh de Burgh, to whome is layd the blame of this mischiefe, which procured him the generall hatred of the Kingdome; and bread a new insurrection of the nobility, who, taking aduantage vpon a breach lately falen our, betweene the king and his brother Richard Earle of Cornwell (about the Castle of Barkhamsted apper∣tayning to that Earledome, which the king had committed to the keeping of on Walle∣ran a Dutchman) ioyne with the Earle, and put themselues in armes. For the king mayntayning the cause of Walleran commands his brother to render the Castle which he had taken from him; or else to depart the kingdome.

The Earle answeres that he would neither doe the one or the other: without the iudg∣ment of his Peeres; and so departes to his lodging, leauing the king much displeased with this answere. The chiefe Iusticiar fearing the disturbance of the peace, aduises the king sodainly to apprehend the Earle, and commit him to close custodie, but the Earle either through notice, or doubt therof, flies presently to Marleborough, where he findes William Earle Mareshall, his friend, and consedrate by Oath, with whom hee hastes to Stamford, and there meets with the Earles of Chester, Gloster, Waren, Hereford, Ferrers, Warwicke, with diuers Barons, and men at armes: from whence they send to the King aduising him to right the iniurie done to his brother. The cause whereof, they impute

to Hugh de Burgh, and not to himself, besides they require restitution to be made with∣out delay, of the liberties of the Forrests lately cancelled at Oxford, otherwise they would compell him therevnto by the sword.

The King, to anoyd this daunger, appoints them & day to come to an assembly at Northampton, where a concord is concluded: and to satisfie his brother, (besides the rendring vnto him his Castle) he grauntes him all that his mother had in dowre, and whatsoeuer lands the Earle of Brittaine held in England, with those of the Earle of Bologn lately deceased, and so the Parliament brake vp. After this the generall motion for the holy warres intertaines some time. Which so strongly wrought in that credelous world as sixty thousand sufficient men, are reported to haue vndertaken that voyage: of whom Peter Bishop of Winchester, and William Bishop of Excester are the leaders.

The King is sollicited by Hugh le Brun Earle of March, who had marryed his Mo∣ther, and by other great men of Normandy, to come ouer into France to recouer his right, vpon the great alterations happening in those parts by this occassion.

Louys the eight (who succeeded Phillip the second,) being lately dead after his great siege of Auignon, and his warres made against the Heretickes Albegeois in Prouince, leaues the Kingdome to his Sonne Louys of the age of twelue yeares, in whose minority his Mother Blanch, taking vpon her the regency, so discontented the Princes of the bloud, as they oppose themselues against her, holding it both dishonorable and daun∣gerous, that a woman and a stranger by the Councell of Spaniards (whom she aduan∣ced aboue the Naturalls of the Kingdome) should gouerne all according to her plea∣sure, and therefore enter league against her. The chiefe of whom were Phillip Earle of Bologne, vncle, by the Father, to the King: Robert Earle of Champaigne, Peter de Dreux Duke of Britagne, and Robert Earle of Dreux his brother, and with these Hugh the Earle of March takes part, in regard the Queen Regent had erected the Country of Poi∣ctou to a Conty, and made Earle there of Alphonso her Sonne, brother to the young king, whereby finding himselfe inclosed within that County, he refuses to acknowledge Al∣phonso for Lord: instigated therevnto by his wife, a Queene Dowager of England, who could not comport a superior so neere her doore, in so much as they likewise draw in the Earle of Lusignan, brother to the Earle of March, who also, presuming vpon the greatnesse of his house discended of kings, was apt to take their part; and these with the Earle of Britagne call in the King of England. Who after he hed exacted great sums of the Clergy, of the Citie of London for redemption of their liberties, and taken the third part of al the goods of the Iewes, passes ouer with an Army, lands at Saint Mallos, is met by many Nobles of Poictou, who with the Earle of Britagne doe homage vnto him, and great preparations are made to recouer such peeces as had beene obtayned by the late King of France.

The Queene Regent sets out a powerfull army to stop the proceeding of the King of England, and much mischiefe is wrought on both sides in Pocitou, Xaintonges, Angou∣mois, where their friends and enemies suffer all a like. At length, seeing no great good to arise by their trauaile, both weary of the busines, either a peace, or truce is concluded.

The King of England besides an infinite expence of treasure hauing lost diuers of his Nobles and other valiant men in the iourny, without any glory returnes home, bringging with him the Earle of Britagne and many Poictouins to receiue their promised rewards, which, notwithstanding all the former expence must be wrung out of the sub∣stance of the poore subiect of England.

Vpon his returne hee intertaines a purpose of Marriage with a sister of the King of Scots, against which, the Earles, and Barons of England generally oppose; alledg∣ing it to be vnfit that he should haue the younger Sister, when Hubert his chiefe Iusti∣ciar, had maryed the eldest: and the Earle of Britagne, by whose Councell he was now much directed, disswades him likewise from it. To this Earle (after supplies obtained to∣wards his expences, and debts in France) he giues fiue thousand markes, as if remay∣ning of the summe hee had promised. And for the rest of the Poictouins, their prefer∣ments and rewards were to be had by the displacing and spoyles of his Officers, Receiuors, and others whom now hee calles to accoumpt, and castes for defrauding him

in their offices, of whom Ralph Breton treasorer of his Chamber is first, who was commit∣ted to prison and grieuoulsy fined: then Hubert de Burgh his chiese lusticiar, (a man who had long ruled all vnder him in a place euer obnoxious to detraction and enuy) is cal∣led to accoumpt for such treasure as passed his office (which was then for all reliefes, and subsidies whatsoeuer raysed on the subiect) and, notwithstanding he had the kings Charter for it during life, yet is he thrust out of his office, and besides accused of hay∣nous crymes of treason.

No sooner was this great officer, and inward councellor falne into the Kings dis∣pleasure, but presently a whole volly of accusations (which feare in time of fauour held in) were discharged vpon him, and euery act of his examined, and vrged according to the passion of the complainers. The city of London laies to his charge the execution of their citizen Constantine (in the time of a ryot committed betweene their people and those of Westminster at a wrastling in Saint lames feilds, Anno. Reg. 4.) as done with∣out warrant and law, and craue Iustice for his bloud. Hubert, to auoyd this sodaine storme comming vpon him, fled to the Church of Merton for Santuary, whence, by ar∣med men sent to pursue him, he is drawne out by force, and committed to prison. Of which violence done contrary to the priuiledge of that sacred place, the Bishop of Lon∣don, in whose dioses it was, complaines, and so wrought that he is brought back againe to the same chappell. But yet all that could not shelter him from the Kings wrath, who giues strict commandement to the Shriefes of Hartford and Sussex to set a guard about the place, that no sustenance be brought him. Hunger inforces him to commit himselfe to the Kings mercy, and away is he sent prisoner to the Vize, his money, left in the cu∣stody of the templars, is brought forth, and seazed into the Kings hands; clayming that, and much more as stolne out of his exchequer. Stephen de Segraue is put into his office, a worse minister for the common-wealth (which seldome gaynes by such shif∣tings) and who must shortly runne the same fortune. Walter Bishop of Carliel is like∣wise thrust out of his office of Treasorer, and William Rodon Knight, of his place of Marshall of the kings house, and all the chiefe Councellors, Bishops, Earles and Ba∣rons of the Kingdome, are remoued, as distrusted, and onely strangers preferred to their roomes. Peter Bishop of Winchester, lately returned from the holy warres to be the author of most vnholy discord at home, is charged to be the cause hereof, and with him, one Peter de Riuallis, now the sepeciall minion about the King.

These straines of so strange and insufferably violences so exasperate the Nobility, as many (whereof Richard, now Earle Marshall vpon the death of his brother William was chiefe) do combine themselues for defence of the publique, and boldly do shew the King his error, and ill aduised course, in preferring strangers about him, to the disgrace and oppre∣ssion of his naturall liege people, contrary to their lawes and liberties, and that vnlesse he would re∣forme this excesse, whereby his crowne and Kingdome was in eminent daunger, he and the rest of the nobility would withdraw themselues from his councell, whervnto the Bishop of Winche∣ster replies: that it was lawfull for the King to callwhat strangers he listed about him for defence of his crowne and Kingdome, thereby to compell his proud, and rebellious subiects to their due obedience. With which answere the Earle, and the rest, depart with more indigna∣tion: vowing that in this cause, which concerned them ail, they would spend their liues.

Herevpon the King sodenly sends ouer for whole legions of Poictouins, and withall sommons a Parliament at Oxford whether the Lords refused to come, both in regard they found themselues dispised, and holding it not safe by reason of those multitudes of strangers. Then was it decreed by the Kings Councell that they should be the se∣cond and third time sommoned, to try whether they would come or not. And here, from the Pulpit, whence the voyce of GOD and the people is vttered, the King is bold∣ly shewed the way to redresse this mischiefe of the Kingdome, by one Robert Bacon a Fryer Predicant: but more comically by Roger Bacon, (in pleasant discourse) asking the king: my Lord, what is most nocent to Sea-men, and what feared they most, the King replies: Seamen know that best themselues; then, my Lord I will tell you: Petrae et Rupes, alledging to Petrus de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester.

After this, the Lords were summoned to a Parliament at Westminster: whether likewise they refused to come, vnles the King would remoue the Bishop of Winchester, and the Poictouines from the court: otherwise, by the Common-councell of the Kingdome they send him expresse word, they would expell him, and his euill councellors out of the land and deale for the creation of a new King.

Vpon this threatning, pledges are required of the nobility to be deliuered by a cer∣teine day for security of their alleagiance. But no act passed in this Parliament though though diuers Lords came thither, as the Earle of Cornewall, Chester, Lincoln, Ferrers, and others, in regard the Earle Marshall, the Lord Gilbert Basset, and other Nobles were not pre∣sent, Then are Writs sent out to all who held by knights seruice to repaire to the King at Glocester by a certaine day: which the Earles Mareschall and his associates refusing, the King without the iudgement of his court, and their Peeres, cause to be proclaimed outlawes, seizes vpon all their lands, which he giues to his Poictouines, and directs out Writs to attach their bodies wheresoeuer in the kingdome.

The Bishop of Winchester to weaken the party of the Mareschall, wonne the Eatles of Chester and Lincoln with a thousand markes, and the King had so pleased his brother the Earle of Cornewall, as hee likewise left them. Wherevpon they withdraw them into Wales, and confederat with Lewelin and other great men in that country, (whither also came Hubert de Burgh escaping out of the Vize Castle, and ioynes with them) ta∣king their oath intermutually, that no one without other should make their accord.

The King goes himselfe in person with an Army, against these revolted Lords, into Wales, Where he had the worst of the busines, and much dishonour, returnes to Glo∣cester, imployes new forces of strangers, but all without successe. Wherevpon a Fryer of the Order of Minors is imployed to confer with the Earle Mareschall, and to per∣swade him to come in, and submit himselfe to the kings mercy, whom he had heard to say, that notwithstanding his great offences, he would pardon, and restore to his estate vpon submission; and besides giues him so much of Herefordshire, as should conueni∣ently mayntaine him. Besides the Fryer told him what he heard of other Councellors about the King, concerning the wishing of his submission, and in what forme they de∣sired it should be imparted in priuat. And then, as of himselfe, he vses all inducements. possible to draw him therevnto, shewing how it was his duty, his profit, and safty so to doe. Wherewithall the Earle nothing moued, told the Fryer what iniuries hee had receiued, and that hee could not trust the King so long as hee had such Councellors about him: who onely sought the distruction of him, and his associats, who euer had beene his loyall subiects. And after many obiections made by the Fryer with vrging the Kings power, his owne weaknes, and the danger hee was in: the Earle concludes that he feared no danger: that he would neuer yeeld to the Kings Will, that was gui∣ded by no reason: that he should giue an ill Example to relinquish the iustice of his cause to obay that Will which wrought all iniustice, whereby it might appeare, they loued wordly possessions more then right and honor, &c.

So nothing was done, the war continues with much effusion of bloud, all the bor∣ders of Wales vnto Shrowesbury, are miserable wasted, and made desolate. At length meanes is vsed to draw the Earle Mareschall ouer into Ireland to defend his estate there, which was likewise seized vpon, by authority giuen vnder the Kings hand and Seale, and all those great possessions discended vnto him from his Ancestor the Earle Strong∣bow (the first conquerors of that country) spoyled, and taken from him. And here, seeking to recouer his liuelihood hee lost his life circumuented by treachery: his death gaue occasion of griefe both to his friends and enemies. The king disauowes the send∣ing of this commission into Ireland protesting hee neuer knew thereof, and discharges himselfe vpon his councellor. A poore shift of weake Princes.

After two yeares his affliction, a Parliament is assembled at Westminster, wherein the Bishops grauely admonish the King (by his Fathers example, and his owne experiene, of the mischiefe of dissention betweene him, and his Kingdome, occasioned through the ill councell of his ministers) to be at vnion with his people, to remoue from him strangers, and others, by whose instigation, for their owne ends, these disturbances are

fostered, and his naturall Subiects estranged from him, to the great alienation of their affections, which was of dangerous consequence. Wherefore (after recitall of the Greeuances of the State, and the abuses of his Ministers, which were such as all corrupted times produce) they humbly besought him to gouerne his, according to the example of other Kingdomes, by the natiues of the same, and their Lawes: other∣wise they would proceed by Ecclesiasticall censure, both against his Councellors, and himselfe.

The King seeing no way to subsist, and get to his ends but by temporizing, con∣sents to call home these Lords out of Wales, restores them to their places and posses∣sions, amoues those strangers from about him, and calls his new Officers to accompt. The Bishop of Winchesler. Peter de Riuallis and Stephan Segraue thereupon take Sanctu∣arie, but afterward, vpon mediation they obtayned, with great fines, their Liberty, dearely paying for their two yeares eminency and grace.

Things thus appeased the King giues his sister Isabel in marriage to the Emperour Frederic the second (successor to Otho, and grand-child to Frederic Barbarossa) the Archbishop of Cologne and the Duke of Louaine were sent for her. Shee is conducted by the King her brother to Sandwich with three thousand horse. The marriage is so∣lemnised at Wormes. She was the third wife of this Emperour, an alliance that yeelded neither strength or benefit (though that were both their ends) to either Prince. The continuall broyle which this Emperour held with all the Popes of his time, Innocent the third, Honorius, Innocent the fourth Gregorie the ninth) was such and so great as all hee could doe, was not enough for himselfe. For not to let goe that hold of the Em∣pire he had in Italie, with his hereditarie Kingdomes of Naples and Sicil which the Popes wrought to draw to the Church, he was put to be perpetually in conflict, ne∣uer free from vexations, thrust from his owne courses, enioyned to vndertake the Holy warres, to waste him abroade, weakened at home by excommunications, and fines for absolutions, for which, at one time hee payde eleuen thousand markes of Gold. And in the end the Popes so preuayled that in the Graue of this Frederic was buried the Imperiall Authority in Italy, after hee had thus raigned foure and thirty yeares, leauing his sonne Conrad successour rather of his miseries then his inheri∣tance. Hee had a sonne by Isabel named Henrie, to whom hee bequeathed the Kingdome of Sicile, and a hundred thousand ounces of Gold, but hee liued not to en∣ioy it.

To the marriage of this Sister, the King qiues thirty thousand markes, besides an Imperiall Crowne and other ornaments of great value: towards which, is raysed two Markes vpon euery Hide Land. And the next yeare after, himselfe marries Elianor daughter to Raymond Earle of Prouince, a match in regard of the distance of the place, with the meanes and degree of Estate, little aduantagious either to him, or his King∣dom, but the circumstance of alliance drew it on, with some other promises which were not obserued. So, that hee is neither greater, nor richer by these alliances but ra∣ther lessened in his meanes, hauing no dowre with his wife, full of poore kindred, that must draw meanes from this Kingdome.

After the solemnization of this marriage (which was extraordinarily sumptuous) a Parliament is assembled at London, which the King would haue held in the Towre, whither the Lords refusing to come, another place, of more freedome, is appoynted: where, after many things propounded for the good of the Kingdome order is taken that all Shriefes are remooued from their Offices vpon complaint of corruption; and others of more integritie, and abler meanes (to auoyde briberie) put in their roomes, taking their Oathes to receiue no guifts, but in victualls, and those without excesse.

Here the King displaces his Steward, and some other Councellors, and offers to take from the Bishop of Chichester, then Chancellor, the great Seale, but the Bishop refuses to deliuer it, alledging, how hee had it by the common Councell of the king∣dome, and without assent of the same, would not resigne it, and hauing carried him∣selfe irreprehensible in his Office, is much fauoured by the people. Peter de Riuallis, and Stephan Segraus, are againe receiued into grace: an argument of the kings leuitie,

and irresolution, moued, it seemes, with any Engine to doe and vndoe, and all out of time and order, wherein he euer looses ground.

And now faine would he haue reuoked, by the Popes Authority, some grants of his made heretofore, as being don beyond his powre, & without the cōsent of the Church, which harsh intention addes more to the already conceiued displeasure of the people.

Anno Reg. 21. another Parliament, or the same adiourned is held at London, where, in regard of the great expence for his Sisters marriage, and his owne, hee requires the thirtith part of all moueables, as well of the Clergie as Layetie. Whereunto great opposition is made, and recitall of the many Leuies had beene exacted of the King∣dome, now of the twentith, now of the thirtith, and fortith parts: and that it was a thing vnworthy and iniurious, to permit a King, who was so lightly seduceble, and ne∣uer did good to the Kingdome, either in expelling, or repressing enemy, or amplyfing the bounds thereof, but rather lessening and subiugating the same to Strangers, that he should extort by so many pretences, so great summes from his naturall people (as from slaues of the basest condition) to their detriment, and benefit of Aliens. Which when the King heard, desirous to stop this generall murmur, promised by Oath that he would neuer more iniurie the Nobles of the Kingdome, so that they would benignly releeue him at that present, with this supply: in regard he had exhausted his treasure, in the ma∣riage of his Sister, and his owne: whereunto they plainely answere, that the same was done without their Councell, neither ought they to be partakers of the punishment, who were free from the fault. After 4 daies consultation, the King promising to vse only the Councell of his naturall Subiects, disauowing and protesting against the reuocation lately propoun∣ded, and freely granting the inuiolable obseruation of the Liberties, vnder paine of ex∣communication, hath yeelded vnto him the thirtith part of all moueables (reseruing yet to euery man his ready coyne, horse, and armour to be imployed for the Common∣wealth. For the collection of this subsidy, it was ordayned that 4 Knights of euery Shire, and one Clerke of the Kings should vpon their Oath receiue and deliuer the same, either vnto some Abbay or Castle, to be reserued there, that if the King fayle in performance of his Grants, it might be restored to the Country whence it was collect∣ed: with this condition often annexed, that the King should leaue the Councell of Ali∣ens, and onely vse that of his naturall Subiects. Wherein to make shew of his part, he so∣dainly causes the Earles Warren and Ferrers, with Iohn Fitz Geffrey to be sworne his Councellors. And so the Parliament ended, but not the businesse for which it was cal∣led, the King not giuing that satisfaction to his subiects as he had promised concerning Strangers, and besides, that order concluded in Parliament was not obserued in the leauying and disposing of the susidie, but stricter courses taken in the valewing of mens Estates then was held conuenient. Moreouer William Valentine Vncle to the young Queene, is growne the onely inward man with the King, and possesses him so, as no∣thing is done without his Councell: the Earle of Prouince, the father; a poore Prince, is inuited to come ouer to participat of this Treasure, which seemes was disposed be∣fore it came in. Simon de Monford a French man borne (banished out of France by Queene Blanch) is intertayned in England, and preferred secretly in marriage to Elianor the Kings Sister (widow of William Earle of Pembroke Great Mareschall) and made Earle of Leicester by right of his mother Amice daughter to Blanchman Earle of Lei∣cester. Which courses (with other) so incense the Nobility, and generally all the Sub∣iects, as put them out into a new commotion. and Richard the Kings brother (whose youth and ambition apt to be wrought vpon, is made the head thereof; who being as yet Heire apparant of the Kingdome (the Queen being yong and child-lesse) the preser∣uation of the good thereof, is argued to concerne him, and hee is the man imployed to the King to impart the publike greeuances, and to reprehend, first the profusion of his Treasure (gotten by exaction from the subiect.) and cast away vpon Stran∣gers who onely guide him, then the infinite summes hee had raised in his time: How there was no Archbishopricke or Bishopricke, except Yorke, Lincolne & Bathe, but he had made benefit by their Vacancies: besides what fell by Abbayes, Earl∣domes, Baronies, Wardships and other Escheates, and yet his treasure, which should

be the strength of the State, was nothing increased. Moreouer how hee as if both dis∣pising his, and the Councell of his naturall Subiects, was so obsequious to the will of the Romans, and especially of the Legat whom he had inconsiderately called in, as hee seemed to adore his footsteps, and would doe nothing either in publique or priuate, but by his consent, so that he seemed absolutely the Popes Feudarie, which wounded the hearts of his people. The King vpon this harsh remonstrance of his brother, and the feare of a present commotion, after he had sounded the affections of the Londoners, whom he found resolued to take part against him, hee againe (by the aduice of the Le∣gat, who had earnestly delt with the Earle of Cornwall to reconcile himselfe to his bro∣ther, but without effect) calls a Parliament at London. Whither the Lords came ar∣med both for their owne saftie, and to constraine the King (if he refused to the obser∣uation of the premices, and reformation of his courses.

Here, after many debatements the King (taking his Oath) to referre the businesse to the order of certaine graue men of the Kingdome, Articles are drawne, sealed, and pub∣likely set vp to the view of all, with the seales of the Legat, and diuers great men. But before it came to effect, Simon Monford working his peace with the Earle of Cornwall, and the Earle of Lincolne likewise (with whom he and the State were displeased) the Earle growes cold in the businesse. The Lords perceiuing the staffe of their strength to faile them, failed themselues, so that nothing is effected, and the miseries of the King∣dome continue as they did.

Shortly after, the King takes displeasure against Gilbert Earle of Pembrooke (the third sonne of William the great Mareschall) and caused his gates to bee shut against him at Winchester, whereupon the Earle retyres into the North. And to shew how inconstant this King was in his fauours, Simon Norman (intituled Maister of the Kings Seale, and not onely so, but said to be Maister of the Kingdome; yea of the King, the Rector, and Disposer of Court) is throwne out with disgrace, the Seale taken from him, and giuen to the Abbot of Euesham. In like sort, his brother Geffrey a Knight Templar is put out of the Councell, both of them much maligned by the No∣bilitie; who had often before laboured their amouement, as held to be corrupt Councellors, and wrongers of the State, and now are they falne off themselues. But the cause of this their deiection may shew, that oftentimes Officers vnder weake Princes are not so much faulty, as the World holds them to be: for not yeeld∣ing to passe a Grant from the King made vnto Thomas Earle of Flaunders (the Queenes Vncle) of 4 pence vpon euery sacke of Wooll (an enormious act then accompted) they both lost their places, though not their reputations in this; their fall discouering what the Enuie that attended their fortune, hindred men to see. To this Earle of Flanders the next yeare after the King grants (notwithstanding) 300 Markes (to bee payd out of his Eschequer annually, for his homage.

Now, besides the great exactions of the King, and his wastes. The Sea of Rome extorts huge summes, as if one Gulph sufficed not to swallow vp the substance of the Kingdome, which opened the mouthes of our Clergie so wide; as they let out many exclamations against the auarice of the Popes of that time: and the Roman Factors, who by permission of the King, or by his negligence, presumed so farre vpon the easi-yeeldingnesse of the State, as they wrung out what they listed. In so much, as besides the fleece, they would now haue the bodies of their possessions. And the Pope sends his Mandat to haue three hundred Romans preferred to the bene∣fices which should bee first vacant in England, which so amazed the Clergie, and espe∣cially Edmond Archbishop of Canterburie, as hee; seeing no end of these concussions of the State, and Liberties of the Church: and himselfe (on whom the Scandall of all must light, vnable by reason of the Kings remissnesse to withstand it, tyred with the va∣nity of worldly actions) giues ouer all; and betakes himselfe to a voluntarie exile in the Abbay of Pontiniac in France; and there applies him to the contemplation of a better life. But before his departure, he yeelds, as a ransom for his Church, 800 Markes to the Pope.

The Clergie, although thus left by their head, generally oppose what they could,

against the Popes rapine, who to get money for his wars with the Emperor vsed dayly new and insolent pressures vpon them, in so much as they repaire to the King, declare how preiudiciall, and detogatory it was to his royaltie, and the liberty of the Kingdom to suffer this proceeding, which none of his Predecessors heretofore euct did: and of how dangerous consequence it was to his successors. The King, either not apprehen∣siue of the mischiefe, or content to ioyne with the Pope to punish and awe the King∣dome, not onely refers them to the Legat, but offers to deliuer the chiefe opposers vp vnto him. Whereupon they seeing themselues forsaken, and no powre to succor them but their owne, did what they could to withstand the Legats proceeding, who now by the Kings animation presumes more peremptorily to vrge them to supply the Popes present occasion, and holds a Conuocation at London for effecting the same. Wherein the Clergie declare how this contribution now required by the Pope for the destructi∣on of the Emperor, and effusion of Christian bloud was vnlawfull, hee being not an Heretike, nor condemned by the iudgement of the Church although excommunicated: That it was against the Liberties of the Church of England, being required vnder paine of Ecclesiasticall censure, as a thing of seruitude and compulsion: That they had heretofore giuen a Tenth to the Pope, on condition, that neuer any such exaction should againe be made, least it might be drawne to a Custome, for as much as binus actus inducat consuetudinem: That for their businesse in the Court of Rome, they were to passe through the Emperours Countries, and the daunger they might haue there∣by: That it was not safe for the Kingdome to impouerish the King, who had many enemies, against whom hee must haue to sustaine warre: And besides how for the furnishing of diuers Noble men, vndertaking of late the businesse of the Crosse, great contributions had beene made: That the Church of England was poore, and hard∣ly able to sustaine it selfe. That a generall contribution was to bee made by a generall Councell, &c.

Notwithstanding these reasons, though at first they staggered the Legat, yet such course was taken by winning some of them, vpon hope of preferment, as the rest could not without the note of contumacie but yeeld perforce, so, by this treason of deuision, the body of the Councell is entred into, and the Pope preuailes in this businesse.

The King hath now a sonne lately borne, and Richard his brother Earle of Cornwall hauing likewise issue (by permission of the State which, heretofore hee could not ob∣taine) vndertakes the Crosse, and with him his Vncle William Longsword Earle of Salibu∣ry, and many other Noblemen. These departing out of England, Peter of Sauoy, another Vncle to the Queene, comes in, and hath the Earledom of Richmond bestowed on him, with many other gifts, he is knighted and feasted suptuously, for which the poore Iewes by way of redemption, pay 20 thousand Markes at two tearmes of that yeare. Boniface, the sonne of Peter of Sauoy, Nephew to the Queen is preferred to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury. After this the King makes an expedition into Wales, which had often put him to great charge and trouble, hauing beene very vnfortunate, in his many attempts against Lewellin, intituled Prince, or King of North-Wales; who being lately dead, had left his two sonnes Dauid, and Griffin by deuision of State to bee at discord betweene themselues, whereby hee came to make an easier end of that businesse, and now onely but with the shew of his powre, got that, which, heretofore hee could not with much bloud; hath submission, and fealty rendred vnto him by Dauid, withall his charges for that iourney, but now this ended, another attempt of greater expence, but lesse be∣nefit is in hand.

The Earle of March with his wife, the Queene Mother, and many other Great Lords of Poictou, so worke by their earnest solieitation, with assurance of suc∣cesse, as the King is induced to vndertake another expedition into France. The matter is mooued in Parliament, generall opposition made against it, the great expence, and the ill it last brought to the Kingdome, vehemently vrged, How it was vnlawfull to breake the truce made with the King of France, who was now too strong for them to doe any good, &c.

Notwithstanding many of the greatest Peeres drawne by faire promises, and their

owne hopes for recouerie of their Estates so preuaile as the action is resolued on, and an Ayde demaunded for the same. The very motion for money was so distaste∣full, as presently all the Kings supplies made from the beginning of his raigne, are par∣ticulerly againe, & opprobriously rehersed, as the 13. 15. 16 and 40 part of all mens mo∣ueables, besides Carucage, Hydage, Escuage, Escheates, Amercements, and such like, which could not but fill his Coffers. Then the Popes continuall exactions, with the infinite charge for those who vndertooke the Holy warre, are likewise repeated. Besides they declare, how the 30 leuied about foure yeares past (in regard it was to bee layde vp in certaine Castles and not to bee issued but by the allowance of foure of the Peeres) was, as they held it yet vnspent: the King, to their knowledge, ha∣uing had no necessarie occasion to imploy the same for the vse of the Common∣wealth, for which it was graunted, and therefore resolutely they denyed to yeeld him any more. Whereupon the King comes himselfe to the Parliament and, in most submissiue manner craues their ayde at this time, vrging the Popes letter, which hee had procured to sollicite and perswade them thereunto. But all preuailed not, their vow made to each other not to disseuer their voyces, or to be drawne to a dis∣vnion held them fast together. In so much as the King is driuen to get what hee could of particular men, either by guift or loane, and vses such meanes, as notwith∣standing, he carries ouer with him thirty Barrells of sterling coyne, and taking with him his Queene, leaues the gouernment of the Kingdome to the Archbishop of Yorke, hauing first, for his better quiet at home, contracted a match betweene his daughter Margueret (yet an infant) and Alexander eldest sonne to Alexander 3 King of Scots to whom he commits the gouernment of the Marches.

This second expedition into France, had no better successe then the first. For there∣in he likewise consumed his treasure vpon strangers, discontented the English No∣bility, was deceiued in his trust by the Poictouines, who failed him with his money, and after more then a whole yeares stay (the Lords of England leauing him) was driuen to make a dishonorable truce with the King of France. And after hauing beene releeued with much prouision out of England, and another imposition of Escuage, hee returnes, puts the Iewes to another redemption; exacts of the Londoners; is visited by his wiues mother, the Countesse of Prouince, who, bringing with her Zanchia her daugh∣ter, is (to adde to his other expencesses) sumptuously feasted, & a marriage solemnized betweene the young Lady and Richard Earle of Cornewall, whose wife was late dead, and he returned from the Holy warres.

The olde Countesse at her returne is presented with many rich guifts, hauing be∣sides, receiued an annuall pension of 4000 Markes out of England for fiue yeares pas∣sed, in consideration of a pact made, that King Henry should, after her discease haue the Earledome of Prouince. But shortly after her returne home, she disappoints him of that hope; and bestowes the same with her youngest daughter Beautrix, on Charles the French Kings brother, who was after King of Naples, and Sicile. So that she liued to see all her foure daughters Queenes; Richard Earle of Cornwall comming af∣terward to be elected King of the Romans.

Meanes now, vpon these profusions, to haue fresh supplie of Treasure, was onely by way of Parliament which is againe in Anno Reg. 28. assembled at Westmin∣ster, and therein the Kings wants, and the present occasions vrged for the necessarie de∣fence of the Kingdome, hauing now to doe with Wales and Scotland, whose Princes lately reuolting, ioyne together to annoy the same; but nothing could bee effected without the assurance of reformation, and the due execution of the Lawes, not∣withstanding the King comes againe himselfe in person, as before, and pleades his owne necessities. Here they desire to haue ordayned that foure of the most graue and discreet Peeres should be chosen as Conseruators of the Kingdome, and sworne of the Kings Councell, both to see Iustice obserued, and the Treasure issued, and these should euer attend about the King or at least 3, or 2 of them. Besides that the Lord Chiefe Iusticiar, and the Lord Chancellor should bee chosen by the gene∣rall voyces of the States assembled, or else bee one of the number of those foure.

Besides they propound that there might bee two Iustices of the Benches, two Barons of the Eschequer: and one Iustice for the Iewes, and those likewise to bee chosen by Parliament. That as their function was publike, so should also be their Election.

But whilst these things were in debating, the enemy of mankind and disturber of Peace, the Deuill, saith Mat. Paris, hindred the proceeding, by the comming of Martin a new Legat sent from the Pope with a larger powre then euer any be∣fore, to exact vpon the State; which hee supposed now to haue beene so wrought, and ready, as the Kings turne being seru'd, his likewise should bee presently sup∣plied. But making too much haste before the first had passage, hee frustrates his owne desire, and receiues a most peremptory repulse of the whole Kingdome, in so much as his Agent was disgracefully returned home with this displeasing message. That the Kingdome was poore: had great warres, the Church in debt, not able to yeeld any more. Besides this course was of daungerous consequence to this State, which alone seemed exposed to the Popes will, and therefore seeing a generall Councell was shortly to bee held at Ly∣ons, if the Church would bee relieued, it were fit the same should bee done by a generall consent in that Councell.

Besides, at this time the Emperour Frederic, by his Letters which were openly read in this Assembly, first intreates, as before he had oftentimes done, that the Pope might haue no supplies out of England, which (he sayd) were only required to ruine him, whom contrarie to all Pietie and Iustice hee had oppressed, by seizing vpon his Cities, and Castles appertayning to the Empire. And for many yeares (notwithstanding his often submission and desire of Peace) pro∣ceeded in all foule and Hostile manner against him, both by the sword, and vniust excommu∣nications. And seeing hee could obtaine no due hearing, hee had referred his cause to bee ar∣bitrated by the Kings of France, and England, and the Baronage of both Kingdomes. And therefore desires, hee might not receiue detriment, whence hee expected fauour, as a brother and friend. Adding in the end, that if the King would be aduised by him hee would by powre free this Kingdome from that vniust tribute which Innocentius the 3, and other Popes had layde vpon it. These letters pleased the Assembly and animated them the ra∣ther to deny the Popes Mandate.

The interposition of this businesse tooke vp so much time, as nothing else was done in this Parliament, onely they granted an Ayde to the King, for the marriage of his daughter, twenty shillings of euery Knights fee, and that with much adoe and repeti∣tion of all former Aydes.

After this, vpon a light occasion, the King vndertakes an expedition of great charge against Alexander King of Scots, for which euery Baron which held in Capite, Spiri∣tuall and Lay, were commanded to bee ready withall Military prouision due for that seruice. Whereunto, likewise repaires Thomas Earle of Flaunders with three score Knights and a hundred other seruants (thirsting for the Kings money) whose vnne∣cessarie comming was ill taken by the Barons of Eng. as if the strength of the King∣dome without him, were not sufficient for that Action, which was as sodainely ended as vndertaken, by a faire conclusion of Peace with King Alexander; a Prince highly commended for his vertues, by the Writers of that time.

Vpon his returne, againe that Winter he assembles another Parliament, wherein hee moues for an Ayde, vpon a designe he had for Wales, and to supply his wants, and pay his debts, which were vrged to be so great, as he could not appeare out of his chamber for the infinite clamor of such to whom he owed for his Wine, Wax, and other neces∣saries of House. But they all to his face, with one voyce, refused to grant him any thing. Wherevpon other violent courses are taken. An ancient quarrell is found out against the city of London for which they are commanded to pay fifteene thousand Markes. And Passeleise the Kings Clerke is imployed with others in a most peremptory com∣mission, to inquire of all such lands, as had beene inforrested, and either to fine the oc∣cupiers thereof, at their pleasure, or take it from them and sell the same to others. Wherein such rigor was vsed, as multitudes of people were vndone. So vnsafe are pri∣uate mens estates, where Princes fall into so great wants. Passeleue for his good seruice in this businesse should haue beene prefeired to the Bishopricke of Chichester, but the Bi∣shop

withstood the king therein.

Now, in regard to shew the King the Estate of his kingdome, and the oppression of Popes; Inquiry was made of the reuenues which the Romans and Italians had in Eng∣land, which was found to be annually, sixty thousand Markes, being more then the yearely reuenues of the Crowne of England: which so moued the King, as hee caused the same to be notified, withall other exactions, by his procurators to the general coun∣cell now assembled at Lyons; Which (with the ill vsage of Martin) so vexed the Pope, as he is said to haue vttered these words: It is fit that wee make an end with the Emperor that we may crush these Petty Kings, for the Dragon once appeased or distroyed, these lesser snakes wilbe soone troden downe. Which impious speech proceeding from such a mouth, whence the Oracles of peace, and charity ought to be vttered, was as ill taken, bred great scan∣dall, and gaue warning to Princes of preuention; who, though they maligned the cor∣ruptions of the Court of Rome, they were yet euer at one with the Church.

And the Clergy of England were most forward to vindicate the State from that miserable oppression which of late by degrees they were drawne vnto, through the humility of their zeale: For, such is the nature of Domination, wheresoeuer it sits, that finding an yeeldingnes to indure, it neuer thinkes it hath power sufficient, vnles it hath more then enough: for, if the Popes (the professed souraignes of piety) vpon the ad∣uantage of mens zeale, and beliefe, grew to make their will, and their power equall (so that to question their sanctions was taught to be sinne against the Holy Ghost) no meruaile if secular Princes, whose consciences are vntyed, striue to breake out into the wildnesse of their wills from those bounds wherein by the law of the state they are placed.

But vpon the Popes reiecting the consideration of these greeuances of England (which were particularly deliuered in this councell at Lyons) and dispising the Kings message (who, he said began to Frederize) it was absolutly here ordayned, vnder great penalty, that no contribution of money should be giuen to the Pope by any subiect of England: and the King, for a time, bustles against these forraine exactions, in such sort as it gaue some hope of redresse. But being of an irresolute, and wauering nature, and a feard of threats, soone womanlike giues ouer what hee manfully vndertooke: so that the Pope continues his former rapine, though hauing by the continuall exclamations of the Clergy, bene brought to promise neuer to send any more Legats into England, yet imployes he other ministers, vnder the the title of Clarkes, who had the same power, as had his former Agents, and effected vnderhand his desires.

Now the other part of the state haue new occasions of complaynt offered. Peter of Sauoy Earle of Richmond brings ouer certaine maydes to be married to young noble men of England the Kings Wards, of which Edmond Earle of Lincoln hath one, and Richard de Burgh another. And the same yeare, 3. of the Kings brothers by the mo∣ther Guy de Lusignan, William de Valence, and Athelmar Clarke are sent for ouer to be prouided of Estates in England. Thomas of Sauoy (sometimes Earle of Flanders by right of his wife) comes with his sister Beatrix Countes of Prouince the Queenes Mother: and they are againe feasted, and guifted: for which the King is taxed in the next Par∣liament conuoked at London in Candlemas Tearme: and besides sharply reprehended for his breach of promise (vpon his requiring of another ayde) hauing vowed and declared (vpon his last supply) by his Charter, neuer more to iniury the state in that kinde. Besides they blame him for his violent taking vp of prouisions for dyet, Wax, Silkes, robes, &c. and es∣pecially for wine, contrary to the will of the sellers, whereby Merchants both of this, and other Kingdomes withdraw their commo••ities, in so much as all traffique and commerce vtterly cease, to the detriment and infamy of the Kingdome. That his Iudges were sent in circuit vn∣der pretext of Iustice to fleece the people. That Robert de Passeleue had wrung from the borderers of Forests, for incroachments or assarts, great summes of money, and therefore they wonder hee should now demaund reliefe from the impouerished commons: and aduised (him since his needlesse expences (posquam Regni caepit esse dilapidator) amounted to bee aboue 800 thousand pounds) that he should pull from his fauourites inriched with this treasure of the King∣dome, and reuoke the old Lands of the Crowne.

Then they reproue him for keeping vacant in his hands Bishoprickes, and Abbayes, con∣trarie to the liberties of the Church, and his Oath made at his Coronation. Lastly they all ge∣nerally complaine for that the Chiefe Iusticiar, Chancellor, and Treasorer, were not made by the Common Councell of the Kingdome, according as they were in the time of his Magnificent Pre∣decessors, and as it was fit and expedient; but such aduanced, as followed his will, in what∣soeuer tended to his gaine, and sought not promotion for the good of the Kingdome but their owne.

The King patiently indures this reprehension, in hope to obtaine his desire and giues them promises of redresse, but nothing is effected; after many meetings and much debate the Parliament is proroged till Midsommet following, during which time, they would with Patience expect how the King would beare himselfe towards them; that accordingly they might obay, and satisfie his desire.

But this delay wrought no good, the King through ill Councell growes more ob∣durate, and harsh to his people, in so much as at the next Session he makes this speech: Would you curbe the King your Lord, at your vnciuile pleasure, and impose a seruile condition vpon him? will you deny vnto him what euery one of you, as you list, may doe? It is lawfull for euery one of you to vse what counsell hee will, and euery maister of a famely to preferre to any office in his house whom he pleases, and displace againe when he list, and will you rashly deny your Lord, and King to doe the like? Whereas seruants ought not to iudge their Maister, nor Sub∣iects their Prince, or hold them to their conditions. For the seruant is not aboue his Lord, nor the Disciple aboue his Maister. Neither should hee bee your King, but as your seruant who should so incline to your pleasures: wherefore hee will neither remooue his Chiefe Iusti∣ciar, Chancellor, nor Treasorer, according to their motion. In like manner findes hee answeres to the rest of their Articles, and for the ayde he required, it concern'd (hee said) their Right as well as his. And so the Parliament brake vp in discontent.

The King is aduised to furnish his wants with the sale of his Plate, and Iewells of the Crowne, being told that as all riuers haue reflux to the sea, so all these things though sold, and disperced would reuert againe vnto him, and therfore it should not moue him, and hauing with great losse receiued money for this ware, hee inquires who had bought it, answere was made, the Citie of London, that City, said he, is an vnexhaustible Gulph. if Octauius treasure were to be sold they would surely buy it, and therewithall inueighes against the City which had so oftne serued his turne, and deuises all meanes to vexe the same, causing shortly after a new faire to be kept at Westminister, forbidding vnder great penaltie all exercise of Merchandize within London for 15 dayes, and all other Faires in England, and namely that of Ely. This noueltie came to nothing, the inconue∣nience of the place, as it was then, and the foulenesse of the weather brought more af∣fliction then benefit to the Traders.

That Christmas also (without respect of Royall Magnificence) hee requires new yeares guifts of the Londoners, and shortly after writes vnto them his letters imperi∣ously deprecatorie, to ayde him with money, which, with much grudging they doe, to the summe of 20000 pounds, for which, the next yeare after he craues pardon of the City, sending for them to Westminster Hall. And not with standing his continuall ta∣king vp of all prouisions for his house, he so much lessens his hospitallity (introducing, say they, the Roman Custome of diet) as was held very dishonourable, and vnvsuall to the English Magnificence of Court.

Then, whereas he could obtaine nothing of the States together, he calls vnto him, or writes to euery Noble man a part, declaring his pouertie and how hee was bound by Charter in a debt of 30 thousand pounds to those of Burdeaux, and the Gascogines (who otherwise would not suffer him to depart home) at his last being in France. notwithstanding he required nothing but of fauour, which where he found, hee would returne with the like. And fayling likewise herein, hee addresses his letters to the Prelates, where he findes as little reliefe. By much importunitie, and his owne presence he got of the Abbot of Ramsey 100 pounds: but the Abbot of Borough had a face to refuse him the like sum. Though the King, told him it was more almes to giue vnto him, then to a beggar that went from doore to doore: the Abbot of Saint Albones

yet was more kinde, and gaue him 60 Markes. To this lownesse, did the necessity of this indigent King (through his profusion) decline him. The Iewes euer exposed to his will, feele the weight of these his wants, and their Estates are continually ransackt. One Abraham, found a delinquent, redeemes himselfe for 700 Markes. Aron another Iew, protests, the King had since his last being in France, taken from him by times, 30 thousand Markes of Siluar, besides hee had giuen 200 Markes in Gold to the Queene.

The Lords assemble againe at London, and presse him with his promise made vnto them, that the Chiefe Iusticiar, Chancellor, and Treasorer might bee constituted by the generall Councell of the Kingdome; but by reason of the absence of Richard Earle of Cornewall, which was thought to bee of purpose, they returne frustrate of their desire. So that discontentment still gos on, and neither side get any thing but by hard wrestings, which became them both ill, and shew vs the miseries of a disioynted time.

The King labors the Couent of Duresme to prefer his brother Athelmar to the Bi∣shoprick the Couent refuses him, in regard of his youth and insufficiency: the King an∣sweres, that then he would keepe the Bishopricke 8. or 9. yeares more in his hand, till his bro∣ther were of more maturity. Shortly after the Bishopricke of Winchester falles voyd; and thither hee sends presently his solicitors to prepare the Monkes of the Cathedrall Church, to elect his brother, and for that he would not haue also their repulse; he so∣dainly goes thither himselfe in Person, enters the Chapter house as a Bishop or Prior, gets vp into the Presidents Chayre, begins a Sermon, and takes this text: Iustice and Peace haue kissed each other, and therevpon vses these words: To mee, and other Kings, and to our Princes and Iusticiars, who are to gouerne the people, belong the rigor of Iudgement, and Iustice: to you, who are men of quiet, and religion; peace and tranquillity: and this day I heare, you haue (for your owne good) beene fauorable to my request. Iustice and Peace haue kissed each other. Once I was offended with you for withstanding me in the election of William Rale your late Bishop, a man I liked not, but now I am friends with you for this, and will both remem∣ber and reward your kindnesse, As by a woman came distruction to the world, so by a woman came the remedy. I to satisfie my wife, desirous to prefer her vnkle William Valentine, disqui∣eted, and damnified you, so now, willing to aduance my brother, by the Mother will reconcile my selfe vnto you, &c. And you are to consider how in this citty I was borne, and in this Church Baptised. Wherefore you are bound vnto me in a straighter bond of affection, &c. Then com∣mends he the high birth and good parts of his Brother, and what honor and benefit they should haue by electing him, but concludes with some threatning. So that the Monkes, seeing him thus to require the Bishopricke, held it in vaine to deny him: and Athelmar is elected though with this reseruation; if the Pope allowed thereof. Shortly after followes the memorable cause of Sir Henry de Bath a Iusticiar of the Kingdome, and an especiall Councellor to the King, who by corruption had attayned to a mighty Estate, and is said in one circuit to haue gotten 200. pound land per annum. he is accused by Sir Phillip Darcy of falsehood in the Kings Court, and the King so incenced against him, as in the Parliament about this time holden in London Proclamation is made that whosoeuer had any action or complaint against Henry de Bath, should come and be heard: one of his fellow Iustici∣ciats accused him of acquitting a malefactor for a bribe. The King seeing the friends of the accused strong, breakes out into rage protesting that whosoeuer would kill Hugh de Bath should be acquitted for the deed: but afterward he comes pacified by the Earle of Cormwale, and the Bishop of London, who vrged the daunger of the time, the dis∣contentment of the Kingdome; aud how the proceeding in such a manner with one of his coun∣cell, whom hee had vsed in so great businesse, would discourage others to serue such a maister, who vpon malicious accusations should so for sake them, whose places were euer exposed to enuy and detraction. And thereupon Sir Henry is released paying, 2000 Markes and after restored to his former place and fauour.

The King keeping his Christmas at Yorke, the marriage is solemnised betweene Alexander King of Scots and Margaret his Daughter, the ryot of which feast with the vaine expences of apparell (the note of a diseased time) is discribed by our author, who amongst other things, reports how the Archbishop gaue 60. fat Oxen which were spent

at one meale; besides that feast cost him 4000. Markes, which shewes, the pouerty of the Church, was not so great as it was pretended to be, seeing when they would shew their glory, they could finde what they denyed at other times.

The Pope Sollicites the King to vndertake the Crosse, and so doth Alphonsus King of Castile; Offering to accompany him in Person to reskue the King of France. Who hauing euen emptied his country both of Treasure and nobility, was now taken pri∣soner by the Soldan, and held in miserable captiuity. A ransome collected for him in France, with great vexation, is by tempest cast away on the Sea, other meanes are made for treasure, which could not easely be had: the captiue king offers to restore Norman∣dy to the King of England so he would come to his rescue. Which, the nobility of France takes ill and disdaine the weakenesse of their King: vpon the Popes sollicitation & the grant of a Tenth of the Clergy and Laytie for 3. yeares to come, the king of Eng∣land vndertakes the Grosse, rather, it seemes to get the money then with any purpose to persorme the iourny. Which, had it beene collected, would, saith Paris, haue amoun∣ted to 600. thousand pound, to the vtter impourishing of the Kingdome, which was that, they both sought, but by seuerall waies, for many now began to discouer, that the Pope, by this imbarking the Princes of Christendome in this remote, and consu∣ming warre, to wast them, their nobility and Kingdome, was onely but to extend his owne power, and domination.

The king by Proclamation calls the Londoners to Westminster, and there causes the Bishops of Worcester, and Chichester, to declare his intention; and exhort the people to vndertake the crosse and attend him: but few are moued by their perswation, onely 3. knights (and they of no great note) are nominated: whom the king presently, in open view, imbraces, kisses, and calls bretheren, checking the Londoners, as ignoble mercenaries for that few of them were forward in this action, notwithstanding hee there takes his Oath for performing of the same and to set forth presently vpon Mid∣sommer day next. In taking this oath, hee layes his right hand on his brest (accor∣ding to the manner of a Priest) and after on the booke, and kist it, as a lay man.

A parliament about this tenth (graunted by the Pope but not the people) is called at London, the Bishops are first delt withall (as being a worke of piety) to induce the rest, they absolutely refuse the same, then the Lords are set vpon, they answere: what the Bishops (who were first to giue their voyce consented vnto) they would allow the same. this shufling put the King into so great rage as hee draue out all that were in his cham∣ber, as he had beene mad. Then falls he to his former course, to preswade them a parte, sends first for the Bishop of Ely, deales with him in all milde and kind manner, recoun∣ting the many fauours he had receiued at his hands: how forward hee had found him heretofore to supply his occasions: and intreats him now to giue good example to others, &c. The Bishop replies: he was glad, at any time to haue done him acceptable seruice, but in this, for himselfe, to goe from that forme, the vniuersality of the state had determined, he held it a dishonest act; and therefore be sought his highnesse he would not vrge him therevnto, disswading him from that iourny by the example of the King of France, on whom, he might see the punishment of God to be falen, for his rapine made on his peoples substance, wrerewith hee had now inriched his enemies, who were growne fat with the infinite treasure of the Christians transported into those parts.

The King, seeing the resolution of this graue Bishop, in great passion commanded his seruants to thrust him out of doore, perceiuing by this what was to be expected of the rest; and so falls to his former violent courses. During this Parliament (an ill time for sutors) Isabel Countesse of Arundel (widdow) comes vnto him a bout a Ward de∣tayned from her, in regard of a smale parcell of land held in Capite (which drew away all the rest) the King giuing her a harsh answere and turning away she said vnto him. My Lord, why turne you away your face from Iustice, that we can obtaine no right in your Court you are constituted in the middest betwixt God and vs: but neither gourne your selfe nor vs discrectely as you ought, you shamefuliy vex both the Church, and Nobles of the Kingdome by all meanes you may. To which speech the King disdainefully replies: Lady Countesse hath the Lords made you a Charter and sent you (for that you are an Eloquent speaker) to be their aduocate and prolocutrix? No Sir, saith she, they haue not made any Charter to mee. But

the Charter which your father and you made, and sworne so often to obserue, and so often ex∣torted from your subiects their money for the same, you vaworthily transgresse, as a manifest breaker of your faith. Where are the Liberties of England, so often written, so often graun∣ted, so often bought? I (though a woman) and with mee, all your naturall, and faithfull people, appeale against you to the tribunall of that High Iudge aboue, and Heauen, and Earth shalbe our witnesse, that you haue most vniustly delt with vs, and the Lord God of reuenge, auenge vs. Here with the King disturbed, asked her if shee expected no grace from him being his kinswoman: How shall I hope for grace, said the, when you deny mee right? and I appeale be∣fore the face of Christ against those Councellors of yours, who, onely greedy of their owne gaine, haue bewitched, and infatuated you.

As boldly, though in fewer words, is he reproued by the Maister of the Hospitall of Ierusalem in Clerken-well, who comming to complaine of an iniurie committed a∣gainst their Charter, the King told him; The Prelats, and especially the Templars and Hos∣pitalars, had so many liberties and Charters that their riches made them proud, and their pride mad, and that those things which were vnaduisedly granted, were with discreation to be reuoked; and alledges how the Pope had often recalled his owne grants, with the clause non ob∣stante, and why should not he cassat those Charters inconsiderately granted by him, and his Pre∣decessors. What say you Sir, (Said the Prior, God forbid so ill a word should proceed out of your mouth. So long as you obserue Iustice you may bee a King, and as soone as you violate the same you shall leaue to be a King.

The Fryers Minors, to whom he had sent a load of Frees to cloath them, returned the same with this message: That hee ought not to giue Almes of what hee had rent from the poore, neither would they accept of that abhominable guift. With these and many such like bold incounters (ill becomming the obedience of Subiects) is this King af∣fronted: to shew vs the ill complexion of the time, and how miserable a thing it is for a Prince to loose his reputation, and the loue of his people, whereby they both haue their vexations.

And dayly more and more hardned hee is against the English: whereby Strangers are made so insolent, as they commit many ryots and oppressions in the Kingdome. William de Valence (whose youth and presumption went which way his will led him) goes from his Castle of Hartford to a Parke of the Bishop of Ely, lying neere his man∣ner of Hatfield, where after hauing spoyled much game hee enters into the Bishops house and finding no drinke but Ale, causes the Cellar doore being strongly barred, to be broken open by his people, who after they had drunke their fill, let out the rest on the floore. But a greater violence then this was offred to an Officiall of the Arch∣bisnop of Canterbury by the commandement of the Elect of Winchester (the one bro∣ther to the Queene, the other to the King) which troubled them both, and gaue them much to doe before it was appeased. Guy de Lusignan, the other brother of the King comming as a guest to the Abbot of Saint Albones violates the Rights of Hospitality, and many other iniuties, are reported by our Authour to haue beene committed by strangers, and much complaint is made of that time, wherein, this was sayed to bee the vsuall exclamation. Our inheritance is giuen to Aliens, and our houses to Strangers, which notwithstanding the King seekes still to preferre.

A daughter of Guy de Lusignan Earle of Angolesme is married to Richard (or Gilbere de Clare Earle of Glocester a man eminent, and deerely loued of the Nobility: Learned in the Lawes of the Land; and held a great Patriot: which manacle of alliance lockt not yet his hands from defending the liberties of his Country, the King promises her a dower of fiue thousand Markes, which hee sought to borow of diuers, but could not.

The City of London is againe compelled to the contribution of 1000 Markes: and the Gascoyns being vpon revolt (vnlesse speedy remedy were taken) generall musters are made, and commandement giuen that whosoeuer could dispend 13 pound per an∣num, should furnish out a horse-man. This with the extreame wants of the King occasions another Parliament, wherein the State began, it seemes wisely to consider that all their opposition did no good, the Kings turne must bee serued one way or

other, some must pay for it; and where it lighted on particulars it was far more heauy, then it could be in generall: and therefore they agreed to relieue him rather by the v∣suall way, then force him to those extrauagant courses which he tooke. But so, as the reformation of the gouernment and ratification of their lawes might be once againe so∣lemly confirmed.

And after fifteene daies consultation to satisfie the Kings desire, for his holy expe∣dition (a Tenth is granted by the Clergy) which yet by view of the Lords should, vpon his setting forth, be destributed for 3. yeares; and Scntage, (3. Markes of euery knights Fee) by the Laytie for that yeare. And now againe those often confirmed Charters are ratified, and that in the most solemne and ceremonicall manner, as Religion and State, could euer deuise to doe.

The King with all the great Nobility of England, all the Bishops and chiefe Prelates in their reuerent Ornaments, with burning candles in their hands assemble to heare the terrible sentence of Excommunications against the infringers of the same. And, at the lighting of those Candles, the King hauing receiued one in his hand, giues it to a Prelate that stood by, saying, it becomes not me being no Priest to hold this candle, my heart shalbe a greater testimony. and withall, layd his hand spread on his brest the whole time the sentence was read, which was thus pronounced: Autoritate dei omnipotratis, &c. which done he caused the Charter of K. Iohn his Father granted by his free consent to be likewise openly red. In the end, hauing throwne away their candles (which lay smoa∣king on the ground) they cryed out: So let them who incurre this Sentence be extinct, and stincke in hell. And the King with a loud voyce said: As God me helpe, I will, as I am a Man, a Christian, a Knight, a King crowned, and anoynted, inuiolably obserue all these things. And therewithall the Bells rung out, and all the people shouted with ioy.

Neuer were lawes amongst men (except those holy commandements from the mount) established with more maiesty of Ceremony to make them reuerend, and res∣pected then were these: they wanted but thunder and lightning from heauen (which if prayers could haue procured, they would likewise haue had) to make the sentence gastly, and hydeous to the infringers thereof. The greatest security that could begiuen was an oath (the onely chaine on earth, besides loue, to tye the conscience of man, and humaine society together) which, should it not hold vs, all the frame of gouernment and order must needs fall quite a sunder.

Now the busines of Gascoigne (that required present care) is in hand, which the better to know, we must returne to the head whence it sprung. 27. yeares past, the King, by the councell of his Lords, freely granted to his brother Richard all that Prouince, who is there receiued as their Lord with their oathes of Fealty made vnto him; and so continues, vntill the King (hauing issue of his owne, by motion of the Queene) reuokes his guift, & confers it vpon his eldest sonne Edward. Richard, though he were depriued of the possession would not yeeld to forgoe his right, and at the Kings last being in Gascoigny, many of them stand doubtfull whom to attend; the King in great displea∣sure commanded his brother to resigne his Charter, and renounce his right; which, hee refusing to doe, the King commands those of Burdeax to take, and imprison him: but they (in regard of his high bloud, the homage they had made him, and the kings mutabi∣lity, who might resent his owne commandement) would not aduenture there on. Then he assayles them with mony which effected more then his commandement: the Earle is indaunger to be surprised, escapes out of Bnrdeaux, and comes ouer into England.

The King assembles the nobility of Gasconie at Burdeaux; invaighs against his brother: a man, hee saide was couetous, and a great oppressor, a large promiser, but a spare payer; and that hee would prouide them of a better gouernour: with all, promises them thirty thousand Markes (as a price of their obedience) and so nullifies the Charter of his former donation, with their homage, and takes their oath of Fealty to himselfe. Which yet they would not make vnto him, till hee had inwrapt himselfe both by his Charter and Oath for this promised summe: wherevnto they so held him, as thereby, afterward they lost his loue. And to be reuenged on them, he sends Simon Monford Earle of Leceister, a rough and Martiall man to Maister their pride: makes him

a Charter for 6. yeares to come, and furnishes him with 10000. markes the better to effect his command. Monfort by his sterne gouernment so discontents the Gascoins, as after three yeares suffring, they send the Archbishop of Burdeaux with other great men, to complaine of his hard dealing, and accuse him of haynous crimes: their gree∣uences are heard before the King and his councell. Monfort is sent for ouer, to an∣swere for himselfe, the Earle of Cornwall for his receiued wrong in those parts, and, the Lords of England for their loue to him, take Monforts part; and that so egarly, as the King comes about to fauour and countenance the Gascons against Monfort; not for his loue to them, but to awe, and abate the other. Wherevpon Montfort enters into vndutifull contestation with the King, vpraydes him with his expencefull seruice: wherein, he saies, he had vtterly consumed his Estate: and how the King had broken his word with him: and requires him either to make it good, according to his Charter, or render him his expences. The King in great rage told him, no promise was to be obserued with an vnworthy traytor: Wherewith Monfort ryses vp protesting that he lyed in that word, and were he not protected by his royall dignity, hee would make him repent it. The King commands his seruants to lay hold on him, which the Lords would not permit. Monfort therevpon, grew more audacious saying, who will beleiue you are a Christian? were you euer confessed? if you were, it was without repentance, and satissaction. The King told him he neuer repented him of any thing so much, as to haue permitted him to enter into this Kingdome, and to haue honored, and it stated him, as he had done.

The Gascoignes, after this, are priuatly sent for by the king, who giues them all comfort, and incourages them against Monfort, whom yet he would againe send ouer to his charge, but with clipt winges, whereby both himselfe and they might the better be re∣uenged on him, and withall confirmes the state of Gascoigne to his sonne Edward whom he promised them shortly to send ouer, wherwith they are much pleased, and after they had done their homage to the Prince, depart. The effect of this confused, and ill-packt businesse was such, as all indirect courses produce. Monfort returnes in flames to plague the Gascoignes, and they in like manner him, but he by his great alliance in France drawes together such a power, as beyond expectation, hee ouer matches the Gascoigne whose Estates he exposes to spoyle, and therewithall intertaines his great collected army. They againe send ouer their complaints, and vnlesse they were speedely relieued, they of force must put their country into some other hand that would protect them.

And in this state stood Gascoigne now at the time of this last Parliament, whither the King, vpon this late supply granted (omitting his Easterne enterprise) goes with 300. Sayle of great ships and lands at Burdeux in August, Anno Reg. 38. hauing first de∣posed Simon M. from the gouernment there, and makes voyde his Charter by Procla∣mation. Monfort retyres from thence, and is offred intertaynment by the French, but refuses it. Before Winter the King had in some fort appeased the Gascoignes, and taken in such Castles, as had long held out against him, and the late gouernour. For they hauing put themselues vnder the protection of the King of Spaine; who being so neere a neighbour, and the discontents and factions of the country strong, caused the King of England with more hast, and care to looke to his worke, and the rather for that the King of Spaine pretended title to Aquitaine; of whom, that King Henry might be the more secure, he sends to treate with him of a mariage betwixt Prince Edward, and his Sister Elionor, wherevnto the King of Spaine willingly consents.

The King of England keeps his Christmas at Burdeux. The Queene sends him a New∣yeares guift of 500. Markes, and the next Sommer, with the Prince, goes ouer vnto him. The marriage is solemnised at Burgos, where the king of Spain knights the Prince, and by his Charter quits his claime to Aquitaine, for him, and his successors for euer. The king of England inuestes the Prince, and his Wife therein, and besides giues vnto him Ireland, Wales, Bristow, Stanford, and Grantham. This businesse dispatched, the king prepares to returne, hauing consumed all whatsoeuer hee could get in this iourny, which, with the other two hee had before made, was reckned to haue cost him 27.

hundred thousand pounds, and was said to be more then all the Lands he had there (should they be sold) were worth, which, when he was told, he willed it might not be reuealed in publike to his disgrace.

Now in regard of danger by sea hee obtaines leaue of the King of France (lately re∣turned from Captiuity) to passe through his Country, and comes to Paris with a 1000 horse, besides Sumpters, and Carts, where he stayes 8 daies, is sumptuously feasted, and with as great magnificence feasts the King of France. This meeting, in regard of the two Queens, Sisters, and their other two Sisters the Countesse of Cornwall, and Prouince (who were likewise afterward, Queenes) was made the more triumphant, and splendi∣dous. The King about Christmas ariues in England, and the first that payde for his comming home, were the Londoners, and the Iewes. The Londoners presenting him with 100 pounds were returned without thanks: then being perswaded that plate would be better welcome, they bestow 200 pounds in a faire vessell: that had some thankes, but yet serued not the turne. An offence is found, about the escaping of a prisoner for which they pay 3000 Marks. Now complaines hee of his debts, which hee saies to bee 300 thousand Marks, and how his owne meanes was deminished by the preferment of the Prince, who carried away 15 thousand Marks per annum, and mony must be had how∣soeuer. First he begins to serue his present turne with loanes, and borowes great sums of the Earle of Cornwall, vpon pawne, & after the King had wrung what he could from the Iewes, he lets them out to farme to this rich Earle to make the best of them.

Then a Parliament is called in Easter Terme, which yeelds nothing but returnes of greeuances, and complaints of breach of Charter, with requiting their former preten∣ded rights in electing the Iusticiar, Chancellor and Treasurer. After much debate to no purpose, the Parliament is prorogued til Michelmas after, whē likewise the Kings moti∣on for money is disappointed, by reason of the absence of many Peeres being not, as was alledged, sommoned according to the Tenor of Magna Charta. New occasions of charge, and dislike arise. Thomas Earle of Sauoy, the Queenes brother, hath warres with the City of Thuren, and must be supplied by the King, and Queene, and his brother Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury. The elect Bishop of Toledo brother to the King of Spaine with other great men, come ouer, lie at the Kings charge, and are presented with great gifts. Shortly after, Elionor the Princes wife ariues with a multitude of Spaniards, and she must be met, and receiued by the Londoners in sumptuous manner; and her people after many feastings returned home with presents. The Pope sends the Bi∣shop of Bononia with a Ring of inuestiture, to Edmond the Kings second sonne for the Kingdome of Sicile (with the hope of which Kingdome his Predicessor Innocent the 4 had before deluded the King himselfe) and hee is returned with a great reward. Then comes Rustandus with powre to collect the Tenth of England, Scotland and Ireland, to the vse of the Pope and the King, and also to absolue him from his Oath for the Holy Warre: so that hee would come to distroy Manfred sonne to the Emperot Frederick, now in possession of the Kingdome of Sicile and Apulia. And this man likewise hath great guifts bestowed on him, besides a rich prebend in Yorke: but yet hee obtained not, what he came for, of the Clergie, who protested rather to loose their liues and li∣uings, then to yeeld either to the will of the Pope or the King, who they said, were as the Shepheard, and the Wolfe combined to macerat the flocke.

The Pope sent likewise to borow of the Earle of Cornwall 500 Marks, in regard of his Nephewes preferment to the Kingdom of Sicile, but the Earle refused it, saying, he would not lend his mony to one on whom hee could not distraine. So this proiect came to nothing, though all meanes were vsed to draw it on. Newes was spred that Manfreds forces were vrterly defeated, and himselfe either slaine or taken prisoner: wherewith the King is so much ioyed as he presently vowes with all speed to make an expedition thi∣ther, and giues his sonne Edmond no other title but King of Sicile. This vaine hope had already, by the cunning of the Popes inwrapt him in obligations, of a hundred and fifty thousand Markes. But shortly after this newes prooues false, and the con∣trarie is notified. Manfred is victorious, and the Popes powre defeated by those of Apulia, who tooke such indignation that the Pope should giue awaie their Country

(without their consent) to an vnknowne Stranger, as with all their maine powre they ioyne to establish Manfred, who is now found to bee the legitimate sonne of Frederick, and confirmed in his right, which a strong sword will make howsoeuer.

The King keepes his Christmas at Winchester, where the Merchants of Gascoigne hauing their wines taken from them, by the Kings Officers, without due satisfaction, complaine to the Prince, being now their Lord, and shew him, How they were better to trade with Sarazins and Infidels then thus to be vsed here, as they were. The Prince ad∣dresses him to his father, and craues redresse herein. but the Officers hauing beene with the K. before to preuent the clamors of the Gascoignes, and telling him, how they falsely exclayme, relying wholly vpon the Princes fauor, who tooke vpon him their vniust cause (and that there ought to be but one in England, to whom the ordring of Iustice appertayned) put him into so great a rage with the Prince, as he breakes out into these words. See now my bloud, and mine owne bowells impugne mee, behold my sonne, as my brother hath done, is bent to afflict mee, the times of my grandfather Henry the second are againe renued, what will become of vs? but this passion being allayed by Councell, he dissembles the matter, and giues order that these iniuries should bee redressed. But yet the Prince for more caution, amplyfing his trayne rode with 200 horse. So easily are iealosies, by euill Mi∣nisters infused into Kings, who are of themselues too apprehensiue in that kinde, being a thing that soone turnes the bloud.

And now to adde to the misery of these times, there are new mischiefes commit∣ted by the insolence of the Seruants of the Prince, who being himselfe young, was attended by many youthfull and violent spirits, many strangers, and men without meanes, who, wheresoeuer he went, made spoyle, and tooke for their owne, what∣soeuer they could fasten on, to the extreame vexation of the subiect. And they re∣port how this Prince meeting a young man trauayling on the way caused one of his eares to bee cut off, and one of his eyes put out: which foule act, made many to suspect his disposition, and what hee would proue here after. And indeed, had hee not beene indued with an innated Noblenesse of Nature (which, with his long expe∣rience in trauaile and great actions ouercame the Vices, the loosenesse of the time, and his owne breeding contracted) hee might haue prooued as bad, as any other. For vnlesse Princes of themselues, by instinction from aboue bee not indued with a na∣turall goodnesse, they shall gaine little by their education, wherein they are rather shewed what they are, then what they should be: and are apter to learne to know their greatnesse, then themselues: being euer soothed in all whatsoeuer they doe.

These youthfull actions of this Prince, with his ryotous trayne (which are said to be more rauenous, then those which Louys brought out of France with him) put out the Welsh (of whom he had now the gouernment) into open act of rebellion, and to make spoyle of the English, as his did ofthem: whereupon he craues meanes of his father, the Queene, and his Vncle Richard to suppresse them. But all was vented already, the Kings treasure was gone ouer the Alpes, Earle Richard had lent more then hee could get in, and the Earle of Sauoy in his warres had spent that of the Queenes.

The King is still at his shifts to supply his euerlasting necessities. Now he comes himselfe into his Exschequer, and, with his owne voyce pronounced That euery Shriefe, which appeared not yearely in the Octaues of Saint Michel, with his money, as well of his Farmes as amercements and other dues: for the first day should be amerced fiue Markes for the second, ten, for the third fifteene, for the fourth, to bee redeemed at the Kings pleasure. In like sort, that all Cities and Freedoms which answere by their Bayliffes, vpon the same default should bee amerced, and the fourth day to loose their freedomes. Besides euery Shriefe, through out England is amerced in fiue Markes for that they did not distraine within their Counties vpon whomso∣euer held 10 pound land per annum, and came not to be made knight, or freed by the King. Then falls he to the examination of measures for Wine and Ale, for Bushels and Weights, which likewise brought in some small thing, and euery yeare commonly hath one quar∣rell or other to the Londoners, and gets some thing of them.

But now there fell out 2 businesse that intertayned some time, and gaue occasion to amuze the world with conceipts of some great aduantage and honor to the Kingd. by

the Election of Richard Earle of Cornewall to bee King of Romans, which was (as our Writers say) by the generall consent of all the Electors, and by them is he sent for to re∣ceiue that Crowne: the matter is here debated in Councell. Some, who thought his pre∣sence, necessary to sway businesses in the Kingdome, were vnwilling, and diswade him by example of the miserable distruction of two lately elected to that dignity, Henry the Lantgraue of Turing, and William Earle of Holland: but others, and especially the King (who was willing to be rid of him, as one he had often found too great for a subiect: and being a King abroad hee might make vse of him) perswades him to take it vpon him, which he is easily (though seeming otherwise) induced to doe.

But the Germaine Writers (who are best witnesses of their owne affaires) declare how after the murther of the Earle of Holland, the Electors were deuided about the choyce of a successor. Some stiffe to vphold their auncient Custome in Electing one of their owne Country, which was more naturall. Others, of a stranger, who might better support their declyning State; which was more politike. Long were the conflicts of their Councells: hereupon in the end, their voyces who stood for strangers were most, but they likewise disagreed among themselues, some would haue Richard, brother to the King of England, others Alphonsus King of Spain, both of them not only contending who should haue it, but who should giue most to buy it: in the end Richard being nerest at hand, & his mony the redier, is preferred by the Bishop of Metz, the Bishop of Cologne, and the Palsgraue, whose voyces he is said to haue bought, and afterward is crowned at Aquisgrane. Now to confirme himselfe, say they, in his State, he proceeds in all violent, and hostile manner (according as he was set on) against those who opposed his Electi∣on, and hauing consumed himselfe both by his excessiue guifts, in purchasing the suf∣frages he had, and by this prosecution, he came to bee dispossessed, forsaken, and for∣ced to returne into England to his brother Henry, then in warre with his Nobles. Thus they deliuer it.

But before the Earle departed out of England, the Earle of Glocester, and Sir Iohn Mansel, were sent into Germany to sound their affections, and how they stood dispo∣sed towards him. They returne well perswaded of the businesse, and shortly after the Archbishop of Cologne comes to conduct him ouer, on whom, the Earle bestowes 500 Markes towards his charges, and a rich Miter set with precious stones. This Prince the Earle of Cornwall is reported able to dispend 100 Markes a day for tenne yeares, besides his reuenues in England.

The French, and especially the King of Spaine are much displeased with this aduancement, complayning to the Pope and the King of England of the supplanta∣tion of the Earle of Cornewal. Spaine pretending to haue beene first elected, but being, it seemes a Philosopher, and studious in the Mathematikes (which he first reuiude in Europe) he was drawing Lines, when he should haue drawne out his purse, and so came preuented of his hopes.

About the time of the departure of Earle Richard (in the iollity of the Kingdome vpon this new promotion, & to set forward another) the King calls a Parliament, wher∣in (bringing forth his sonne Edmond, clad in an Apulian habit) he vses these words: Be∣hold my good Subiects, here my sonne Edmond whom God of his grace hath called to the digni∣tie of regall excellencie, how fitting and worthy is he the fauour of you all, and how inhumane, and tyranous were he who (in so important a necessity) would deny him Councell, and ayde? And then shewes them, how by the aduice and benignity of the Pope, & the Church of England, he had for attayning the Kingdom of Sicile bound himselfe, vnder Couenant of loosing his Kingdom of England, in the sum of 140 thousand Markes. Moreouer, how he had obtayned the Tenth of the Clergy, for 3 yeares to come, of all their benefices to be esti∣mated according to the new rate, without deduction of expences vnlesse very necessa∣rie: besides their first fruits likewise for 3 yeares. Which declaration, how pleasing it was to the Clergie, may be iudged by their former grudgings. Notwithstanding, after they had made their pittifull excuses, in regard of their pouerty, they promised vpon the vsuall condition of Magna Charta &c. so often sworne, bought and redeemed, to giue him 52 thousand Markes, but this satisfied him not.

The next yeare after is another Parliament at London wherin, vpon the Kings pres∣sing them again, for means to pay his debts to the Pope, the Lords tell him plainly: they will not yeeld to pay him any thing. And if vnaduisedly he without their consents, and councell bought the Kingdome of Sicile, and had been deceiued, he should impute it to his owne imbecillity, & been instructed by the example of his prouidēt brother, who, when the same Kingdom was offred vnto him by Albert the Popes Agent, absolutely refused it in regard it lay so farre off; So ma∣ny Nations betweene: the cauills of the Popes: the infidelitie of the people: and the powre of the pretender &c. Then repeate they their owne greeuances, the breach of his promises contemning both the keyes of the Church, and the Charter he had solemnly sworne to obserue: the insolence of his brethren, and other Strangers, against whom, by his order, no Writ was to passe out of the Chancerie, for any cause what soeuer: How their pride was intolle∣able especially that of William de Valence, who, most reproachfully had giuen the lie to the Earle of Leicester, for which he could not be righted vpon his complaint: How they abounded all in riches, and himselfe was so poore, as hee could not represse the small forces of the Welsh that wasted his Country, but going the last yeare against them, and effecting nothing, returned with dishonour. The King hearing this (as he was apt vpon rebukes soundly vrged to be sen∣sible, and his owne necessities constrayning him thereunto) humbles himselfe, and tells them: how he had often by ill councell beene seduced, and promises by his oath, which he takes on the tombe of Saint Edward, to reforme all these errors. But the Lords not knowing how to hold their euer-changing Proteus (saith Paris) in regard the businesse was difficult, get the Parliament to be adiourned till Saint Barnabas day, and then to assemble at Ox∣ford. In the meane time the Earles Glocester, Leicester, Hereford, the Earle Mareschall Bigod, Spencer and other great men confederate, and prouide by strength to effect their desires. Whilst the King put to his shifts to obtaine money, gets the Abbot of West∣minster, vpon promise of high preferment to put his Seale and that of his Couent to a deed obligatorie, as a surety sor three hundred Markes, that by his example hee might draw on others to doe the like. Sending his trustie Counsaylors, and Clerke Simon Passeleue abroade with his Letters, and this Deede vnto other Monasteries. But Passeleue, notwithstanding all the dilligence and skill hee could vse, by threates or otherwise: telling them, how all they had came from the benignitie of Kings, and how their Soueraigne was Lord of all they had, they flatly refuse to yeelde to any such Deede. Saying, they acknowledged the King to bee Lord of all they had, but so, as to defend, not to distroy the same. And thus he comes likewise disappoynted in this proiect.

The Prince, who likewise must participate in the wants of his father, was dri∣uien to morgage the Towne of Stamford, Braham and many other things, to Willi∣am de Valence, who out of his store, supplied him with money, which after turned to the good of neither, for it layde a recentement on the necessity of the one, which made him breake through his bands, and Enuie on the other whose superfluitie made him odious.

But now comes assembled the Parliament at Oxford, and in a hot season (the worst time for consultation) and here burst out that great impostume of discontent so long in gathering. The trayne which the Lords brought with them, was pretended to bee for some exploit against the Welsh, vpon the end of the Parliament: and their securing the ports, to preuent forrainers, but the taking order for keeping of the Gates of Lon∣don, and their Oathes and Hands giuen to each other, shewed that they were prepared to make the day theirs. Here they beginne with the expostulation of the former Liberties, and require the obseruation thereof according vnto the Oathes, and Orders formerly made. The Chiefe Iusticiar, Chancellor, and Treasorer to be ordayned by publike choice: The 24 Conseruators, of the Kingdome to bee confir∣med, 12 by the Election of the Lords, and 12 by the King, with whatsoeuer else made for their owne imagined security. The King seeing their strength, and in what man∣ner they required these things, sweares againe solemnly to the confirmation of them, and causes the Prince to take the same Oath.

But the Lords left not here, the Kings brethren, the Poictouines and other Strangers

must be presently removed, and the Kingdome cleered of them, and this they would haue all the Peeres of the Land sworne to see done. Heere they found some oppo∣sition in the Prince, the Earle Warrein and Henry eldest sonne to Richard now King of Romanes, the last refusing to take his Oath without leaue of his father; they plainely told him that if his father would not consent with the Baronage in this case, hee should not bold a Furrow of Land in England. In the end, the Kings brethren and their followers are dispoyled of all their fortunes, and exiled by proscription vnder the Kings owne hand directed to the Earles of Hereford, and Surrey, with charge not to passe either their Money, Armes, or Ornaments but in such sort as the Lords appointed: and after their departure, hee enioyneth the Citie of Bristow, and other ports not to permit any strangers or kinsmen of his to ariue, vnlesse they did so behaue themselues, as both hee and the Lords should like.

The Poictouines retyring to Bolongne in France, send to King Louys to craue safe pas∣sage through his Countrie into Poictou, which (in regard the Queene of France had been informed how they had defamed her Sister of England) was, by her meanes de∣nyed at that time, and Henry sonne to the Earle of Leicester (whose estimation was great in France) followes them with all eagernesse thither, to incense the French a∣gainst them. And as they whom Enuie tumbles downe from high places, shall be sure euer to haue all the thrusts possible to set them headlong into disgrace with the world, so now the death and sicknesse of diuerse great men and others, happening in England soone after this fatall Parlement, is imputed to poysons supposed to haue been prepa∣red by those Gentlemen. The Earle of Glocester in a sicknesse sodainely lost his haire, his teeth, his nailes: And his brother hardly escaped death, which made many to sus∣pect their nearest seruants and their Cookes. Walter Scotny the Earles Steward being one, is strictly examined, committed to prison, and after without confession executed (vpon presumptions) at Winchester. Elias a conuerted Iew, is said to haue confessed, that in his house the poyson was confected, but it was when he was a Diuell, not a Christi∣an. Any thing in the prosecution of malice serues the turne. Euery man that had recei∣ued any wrong by those great men, now put vp their complaints, and are heard to the agrauation of their insolence and iniustice. Guido de Rochfort a Poictouin; to whom the King had giuen the Castle of Rochester, is banished, and all his goods confiscat. Willi∣am Bussey Steward to William de Valence is committed to the Towre of London, & most reprochfully vsed, as an especiall minister of his Maisters insolencies. Richard Gray whom the Lords had made Captain of the Castle of Douer, is set to intercept whatsoe∣uer the Poictouines conuayed that way out of England, and much treasure of theirs, and the elect of Winchester is by him there taken: besides great sums committed to the new Temple are found out, and seised into the kings hands. And as vsually in such heates much wrong is committed in these prosecutions of wrongs. But now (as an amuza∣tory to make the ill gouerned people thinke they are not forgotten) the new chiefe Iusticiar Hugh Bigod brother to the Earle Mareschall (chosen this last Parlement by publique voyce) procures that foure Knights in euery shire should enquire of the op∣pressions of the poore done by great men, & vnder their hands, and seales certifie the same, by a certaine day to the Baronage, that redresse might be made. Moreouer, or∣der was taken that from thence forth, no man should giue any thing (besides prouisions) for iustice, or to hinder the same, and both the corrupter and corrupted to bee grieuously punished. Notwithstanding this pretended care of the publike it is noted by the writers and re∣cords of that time, how the Lords inforced the seruices of the Kings tenants which dwelt neare them, and were totidem tyranni: how they furnished the especiall fortresses of the kingdom with Guardians of their owne, sworne to the Common state, and tooke the like assurance of all Shirifs, Baylifes, Coroners, & other publike ministers, searching the behauiour of many by strict commis∣sion vpon oath. And to make their cause the more popular, it was rumored that the Kings necessitie must be repayred out of the Estates of his people, and how he must not want whilst they had it, whereupon the King sends forth proclamation: How certain malicious persons had falsly and seditionsly reported, that he ment vnlawfully to charge his Subiects, and subuert the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdom, and by these subtile suggestions altogether false, auerted

the hearts of his people from him; and therefore desires them not to giue credit to such pertur∣bers, for that hee was ready to defend all Rights an Customes due vnto them, and that they might rest of this secured, he caused of his freewill his letters to be made Patents.

But now Monfort, Glocester and Spencer, who had by the late institution of the 24 Conservators, drawne the intire managing of the Kingdome into their hands, inforce the King to call the Parliament at London, where the Authority of the 24 is delivered vnto themselues, and order taken that three at the least, should attend in the Court, to dispose of the custodie of Castles, and other businesses of the Kingdome, of the Chancellor, Chiefe Iusticiar, and Treasorer, and of all Officers great and small. And heere they binde the King to loose to them their Legall obedience whensoever he in∣fringed his Charter.

In this State stood the Kingdome, when intelligence was given to the Lords that Richard King of Romans had a purpose to come ouer into England, which made them greatly to suspect (being ignorant of the occasion) least he were sent for by the King to come with power to subvert them, by the example of King Iohn. Whereupon they send to know the cause of his comming, and to require of him an Oath before hee should land, not to preiudice the now established orders of the Kingdome: which he sternely refuses to do, saying: Hee had no Peere in England, being the sonne and brother of a King, and was aboue their power: and if they would haue reformed the Kingdom, they ought first to haue sent for him, and not so presumptuously attempted a businesse of so high a Nature. The Lords vpon returne of this answere sends presently to guard the Ports, and come strongly to the Coast, prepared to incounter him if occasion were offered. But finding his traine small, accompanyed onely with his Queene, two German Earles, and eight Knights, they vpon his promise to take their propounded oath receiue him to land: but would neither permit the King (who came thither likewise to meete him) nor himselfe to enter into Dover Castle. At Canterbury they bring him into the Chapter house, where the Earle of Glocester standing forth in the middest, calls out the Earle, not by the name of King, but Richard Earle of Cornewall, who in reverent manner comming forth, takes his Oath ministred in this manner.

Heare all men, that I Kichard Earle of Cornewall do heere sweare vpon the Holy Evan∣gelists that I shall bee faithfull, and dilligent to reforme with you the Kingdome of England, hitherto by the Councell of wicked persons overmuch disorded, bee an ef∣fectuall coadiutor to expell the rebels and disturbers of the same, and this Oath will inviolably obserue vnder paine of loosing all the Land I haue in England: so helpe mee God.

In this manner deale the Lords to binde this great Earle vnto them, supposing his power to haue beene more then it was, which at length they found to be nothing but an Ayrie Title: for having consumed all that mighty substance abroad, in two yeares (which with great frugality, had beene many in gathering) he returnes in this manner home, poore and forsaken by the Germans, without any other meanes to trust vnto, but onely what he had in England.

Notwithstanding vpon his returne the King takes heart, and seekes all meanes to vindicate his power, dispatching first messengers secretly to Rome, to be absolued from his inforced Oath, then sends into Scotland to the King, and the Queene his daughter for aydes to be ready vpon his occasions. And to haue the more assurance of the King of France, and be freed from forraine businesse, he makes an absolute resignation of whatsoever right he had to the Duchy of Normandie, and the Earledomes of Aniou, Poictou, Tourene, and Maine, in regard whereof the King of France giues him three hundred thousand pounds (some say crownes) of Aniouine money, and grants him to enioy all Guien beyond the river Garoune, all the Country of Xantonge to the river of Charentè, the Countries of Limosin, and Quercy for him and his successors, doing their Homage, and Fealty to the Crowne of France, as a Duke of Aquitayne, and a Peere of that kingdome,

The Lords likewise on the other side seeke to strengthen their association, and hold in each other to their Oathes, and observation of their orders, which was hard to do:

for consisting of manifold dispositions there was daily wauering, sometimes Pikes a∣mong themselues, in so much as the Earle of Leicester (the chiefe man that kept the fire of that saction in) told the Earle of Glocester finding him staggering, that hee cared not to liue with such men, whom he found so mutable and vncertaine, for said he, my Lord of Glo∣cester, as you are more eminent, so are you more bound to what you haue vndertaken for the good of the kingdome. And as he incensed others, so had he those that animated him, as Wal∣ter Bishop of Worcester, and Kobert, Bishop of Lincolne who inioyned him vpon remis∣sion of his sinnes to prosecute the cause vnto death, affirming how the peace of the Church of England could neuer be established but by the materiall, sword.

But now many being the temptations, many are drawne away from their side, es∣pecially after the sentence giuen against them by the King of France (made Arbitor of the quarrell) who yet though hee condemned the prouisions of Oxford, allowed the confirmatiō of King Iohns Charter, by which distinction he left the matter as he found it, for those prouisions (as the Lords pretended) were grounded vpon that Charter. Howsoeuer, his sentence much aduantaged the King of England, & made many to dis∣pence with their Oath, and leaue their party. Amongst whom was Henry Sonne to the Earle of Cornewall (on whom the Prince had bestowed the Honour of Tyckhill) who comming to the Earle of Leicester told him, hee would not be against his Father, the King, nor his allyes: but said he, my Lord, I will neuer beare Armes against you, and therefore I craue leaue to depart. The Earle cheerfully replies: my Lord Henry, I am not sorry for your departure, but for your inconstancie, go, returne with your armes, I feare them not at all. About the same time Roger de Clifford, Roger de Leiborn, Hamo I Strange, and many other (wonne with gifts) depart from the Barons.

Shortly after Roger de Mortimer of the Kings part breakes into open act of hostility, makes spoyle of the lands of the Earle of Leicester, who had now combined himselfe with Llewellin Prince of Wales, and had sent forces to inuade the lands of Mortimer in those parts. And here the sword is first drawne in this quarrell, about three yeares after the Parlement at Oxford. The Prince takes part with Mortimer, surprises the Castle of Brecknock with other places of strength which hee deliuers to his custodie. The Earle of Leicester, recouers the towne and Castle of Glocester, constraines the Citizens to pay a thousand pounds for their redemption, goes with an Army to Worcester possesses him of the Castle, thence to Shrewsbury and so comes about to the Isle of Ely, subdues the same, and growes very powerfull.

The King, doubting his approch to London (being not yet ready for him) workes so as a mediation of peace is made and agreed vpon these conditions. That all the Castles of the King should be deliuered the keeping of the Barons, the Prouisions of Oxford should bee inuiolably obserued. All strangers by a certaine time should auoide the Kingdome, except such as by a generall consent should be held faithfull, and profitable for the same. Here was a little pause, which seemes was but a breathing for a greater rage. The Prince had fortified Windsor Castle, victualled, and therein placed strangers to defend it, and himselfe marches to the towne of Bristow, where, in a contention between the Cittizens, and his people being put to the worse, hee seends for the Bishop of Worcester (an especiall partaker of the Barons) to protect, & conduct him back. When he comes neare Wind∣sor, he gets into the Castle which the Earle of Leicester was going to besiege, & being a∣bout Kingston, the Prince meets him to treat of peace, which the Earle refuses and laies siege to the Castle which was rendred vnto him, the strangers turned out & sent home into France,

The King to get time conuokes another Parlement at London, wherein hee wonne many Lords to take his part, & with them (the Prince, Richard Earle of Cornwall, Henry his sonne, William Valence with the rest of his brethren lately returned) hee marches to Oxford whither diuerse Lords of Scotland repaire to him: as Iohn Comin, Iohn Baliol, Lord of Galloway, Robert Bruce, and others, with many Barons of the North, Clifford, Per∣cy, Basset, &c. From Oxford withall his forces he marches to Northampton, where he took prisoners, Simon Monfort the younger, with 14. other principall men, thence to Not∣tingham making spoyle of such possessions, as appertained to the Barons in those parts.

The Earle of Leicester in the meane time, drawes towards London to recouer and make good that part, as of chiefest importance, and seekes to secure Kent with the Ports. Which hastes the King to stop his proceeding, & succour the Castle of Rochester besieged.

Successe, and authority now growes strong on this side, in so much as the Earles of Leicester, and Glocester in behalfe of themselues, and their party write to the King, hum∣bly protesting their loyalty, and how they opposed onely against such as were enemies to him and the Kingdome, and had belyed them. The King returnes answere, how themselues were the perturbers of him and his siate: enemies to his person, and sought his and the Kingdomes destruction, and therefore defies them. The Prince, and the Earle of Cornewall send like wise their letters of defiance vnto them. The Barons notwithstanding doubtfull of their strength, or vnwilling to put it to the hazard of a Battaile, mediate a peace, & send the Bishops of London, and Worcester with an offer of 30 thousand Markes to the King, for damages done in these warres, So that the statutes of Oxford might bee obserued: which yeeldingnes, the other side supposing to argue their debility, made them the more neglectiue, and securer of their power, which commonly brings the weaker side (more watchfull of aduantages) to haue the better.

The Earle, seeing no other meanes but to put it to a day (being a man skilfull in his worke) takes his time to be earlier ready then was expected, and supplies his want of hands with his wit, placing on the side of a hill nere Lewys, where this battaile was fought, certaine ensignes without men in such sort, as they might seeme a farre of to be squadrons of succors, to second those he brought to the incounter, whom he caused all to weare white-crosses, both for their owne notice, and the signification of his cause, which he would haue to be for Iustice. Here the fortune of the day was his, the King, the Prince, the Earle of Cornewall and his sonne Henry, the Earles of Arundell, Hereford, and all the Scottish Lords are his prisoners. The Earle Warrein, William de Valence, Guy de Lusignian the Kings brethren, with Hugh Bigod Earle Mareschall saue themselues by flight. Fiue thousand are slaine in this defeit, which yet was not all the blood, and de∣struction this businesse cost.

All this yeare, and halfe of the other, is Simon Monfort in possession of his prisoners: the King he carries about with him to countenance his actions, till he had gotten in all the strongest Castles of the Kingdome. And now (as it vsually falls out in considera∣tions where all must be pleased or else the knot will dissolue) debate arises betweene the Earles of Leicester, & Glocester about their diuidend, according to their agreement. Leicester (as fortune makes men to forget themselues) is taxed to doe more for his owne particular, then the common good: to take to himselfe the benifit and disposition of the Kings Castles: to vsurpe the redemption of prisoners at his pleasure: to prolong the businesse, and not to vse the meanes of a parlement to end it. His Sonnes also presuming vpon his greatnesse grow insolent, which made Glocester to forsake that side, & betake him to the Prince, who lately escaping out of the Castle of Hereford, had gotten, a power about him of such as attended the opportunity of a turning fortune, and to reuenge the dishonour of one Battaile by another.

The reuolt of this Earle brought many hands to the Prince, whereby many peeces of strength are regained both in England and Wales, The Earle of Leicester to stop the proceeding of this mighty growing Prince (being now with his Army about Worcester) imbattailes in a plaine neere Euesham to encounter him: and noting the manner of the approch of his Army, said to those about him: these men come brauely on, they learnt it not of themselues, but of me. And seeing himselfe likely to be beset, and ouer-laid with numbers, aduised his friends Hugh Spencer, Ralph Basser, and others to shift for themselues, which when he saw they refused to doe: then said he, let vs commit our soules to God, for our bo∣dies are theirs, and so vndertaking the mayne waight of the Battaile, perished vnder it. And with him are slaine his Sonne Henry, eleuen other Barons with many thousands of common souldiers. At the instant of his death, there hapned so terrible a thunder, lightning, and darknesse, as it gaue them as much horror as their hideous work.

And so ends Monfort this great Earle of Leicester, too great for a subiect, which had

hee not beene, he might haue beene numbred amongst the worthiest of his time. How∣soeuer, the people which honored, and followed him in his life, would (vpon the fame of his miracles) haue worshipped him for a Saint after his death, but it would not be per∣mitted by Kings.

And here this Battaile deliuers the Captiue King, (but yet with the losse of some of his owne as well as his subiects bloud, by a wound casually receiued therein) and rid him of his Iaylor Monfort, whom he hated & had long feared more then any man liuing, as himselfe confessed vpon this accident: passing one day (shortly after the Parliament at Oxford) vpon Thames, there hapned a sodaine clap of thunder, wherewith the King was much affrighted and willed presently to be set on shore at the next landing, which was at Duresme house, where Monfort then lay, who seeing the King ariuing hastes downe to meete him, and perceiuing him to be troubled at the storme, said, that hee needed not now to feare, the daunger was past. No, Monfort, said the King, I feare thee, more then I doe all the Thunder and tempest of the World. And now the King with the vi∣ctorious Prince, the redeemer of him, and the Kingdome, repaires to Winchester, where a Parliament is conuoked, and all who adhered to Simon Monfort, are disinheri∣ted, and their estates conferred on others, at the Kings pleasure. The Londoners haue their liberties taken from them, Simon and Guy de Monfort, Sonnes of the Earle of Leicester, with the disinherited Barons and others who escaped the Battaile of Euesham take, and defend the Isle of Ely. The Castle of Killing worth defended by the seruants of the late Earle, although it were in the heart of the Kingdome, endured the Seige of halfe a yeare against the King and his Army: in the end their victualls fayling they yeeld vpon condition to depart, their liues, members, and goods saued. And it is worthy the note that we find no exccution of bloud, except in open Battaile, in all these combustions, or any noble man to dye on a Skaffold, either in this Kings raigne, or any other since William the first, which is now almost 300 yeares. Onely in Anno 26. of this King, William Marisc, the Sonne of Geffrey Marsc a Nobleman of Ireland, being condcmned of Piracie, and treason was hanged, beheaded, and quartered: and is the first example of that kind of punishment we finde in our Histories.

After the Parliament at Winchester the King goes with an army against the disin∣herited Barons, and their partakers, which were many resolute, and desperate persons strongly fastned together. And being at Northampton, Simon and Guy de Monfort, by mediation of friends, and promises of fauor came in and submitted themselues to the King, who, at the earnest suite of the Earle of Cornwall their Vnkle and the Lord Phillip Basset, had restored them to their Estates, but for Glocester, and others who (doubting their spirits) wrought to hold them downe where their fortune had layd them. In so much as they were faine in the end to flye the Kingdome, and worke their fortunes other where, which they did, the younger in Italy, the Elder in France: where they were propagators of two great Famelies. Their mother was banished shortly after the battaile of Euesham. A Lady of eminent note, the daughter and sister to a King, nocent onely by her fortune, who from the Coronet of miserable glory, betooke her to the vaile of quiet piety, and dyed a Nun at Montarges in France.

Three yeares after this, the disinherited Barons held out in those fastnesses of the Kingdom where they could best defend themselues, made many excursions, and spoyles to the great charge and vexation of the King, at length motions, and conditions of render are proposed, wherein the Councell are deuided. Mortimer now an eminent man in grace, with others stated in the possessions of the disinhereted, are auers to any restoration, alledging it a great act of iniustice, for them to be forced to forgoe what the King had for their paines, and fidelity bestowed on them, and the others iustly forfeited, and therefore would hold what they had. Glocester with the 12. ordayned to deale for the peace of the state, and other his friends whch were many, stand mainely for restoration. This cau∣sed new pikes of displeasure, in so much as Glocester, who, conceiuing his turning, not so to serue his turne, as he expected, taking his time, againe changed foote: retires from the Court, refuses to come to the Kings Fcast on Saint Edwards day: sends messengers to warne the King, to remoue strangers from his Councell, and obserue the prouisions of Oxford,

according to his last promise made at Euesham; otherwise that he should not meruaile, if him∣selfe did what he thought fit. Thus had victory no peace, the distemprature of the time was such, as no sword could cure it: recourse is had to Parliament (the best way if any would serue, for remedy) and at Bury is the state conuoked, where likewise all who held by Kinghts seruice are sommoned to assemble, with sufficient horse and armor for the vanquishing of those disherited persons, which, contrary to the peace of the King∣dome held the Isle of Ely.

Iohn de Warreine Earle of Surrey, and William de Valentia, are sent to perswade the Earle of Glocester (who had now leuied an army vpon the borders of Wales) to come, in faire manner to this Parliament, which he refuses to do, but yet thus much the Earles had of him vnder his hand, and seale: neuer to beare armes against the King, or his Sonne Edward, but to defend himselfe, and pursue Roger Mortimer, and other his enemies, for which he pretended to haue taken armes. The first demand in the Parliament was made by the King and the Legat; for a graunt of a Tenth of the Clergie for three yeares to come, and for the yeare past, so much as they gaue to the Barons for defending the Coasts against the lan∣ding of strangers. Whereto they answere, that the warre was begun by vniust desires, which yet continues, and necessary it were to let passe so euill demands, and to treat of the peace of the Kingdome; to conuert the Parliament to the benefit thereof, and not to extort mony, conside∣ring the land had beene so much distroyed by this warre, as it could hardly be euer recouered. 2. Then was it required, that the Clergie might be taxed by lay men, according to the iust valew of what appertayned vnto them. They answere: it was no reason, but against all Iu∣stice, that Lay men should inter meddle in collecting Tenths, which they would neuer consent vnto, but would haue the ancient taxation to stand. 3. Then was it required, they should giue the Tenth of their Baronies and Lay Fee, according to the vtmost valew. They answere: themselues were impourished by attending the King in his expeditions, and their lands lay vntilld by reason of the warres.

4. Then it was required, that the Clergie should in lieu of a Tenth, giue amongst them 30. thousand Markes to discharge the Kings debts contracted for Sicilia, Calabria, and Apulia, They answere; they would giue nothing in regard all those taxations, and extorsions formerly made by the King were neuer conuerted to his owne, or the benefit of the Kingdome. 5. All this being denied, demand is made, that all Clergie men that held Baronies, or other Lay Fee should personally serue in the Kings warres. They answere, they were not to fight with the materiall, but the spirituall sword, &c. that their Baronies were giuen of meere almes, &c. 6. Then was it re∣quired, the whole Clergie should discharge the 9000. pounds, which the Bishops of Rochester, Bath, and the Abbot of westminster stood bound to the Popes Merchants for the Kings seruice at their being at the Court of Rome. They answere: they neuer consented to any such lone, and therefore were not bound to discharge it. 7. Then the Legat, from the part of the Pope re∣quired, that without delay predication should be made throughout the kingdome to incite men to take the Crosse for the Holy warre, wherevnto answere was made, that the grea∣test part of the people of the Land were already consumed, by the sword, and that if they should vndertake this action, few or none would be leaft to defend the Kingdome, and that the Legat hereby shewed a desire to extirpat the natiues thereof and introduce strangers. 8. Lastly it was vrged, that the Prelates were bound to yeeld to all the Kings demands by their oath at Coven∣trie; where they swore to ayd him by all meanes possible they could. They answere, that when they tooke that oath, they vnderstood no other ayd, then spirituall, and holesome councell, So nothing was obtained but denyalls in this Parliament.

The Legat, likewise imploies sollicitors to perswade the disherited LL. which held the Isle of Ely, to returne to the faith, and vnity of the Church, the peace of the King, according to the forme prouided at Couentry, for redeeming their inheritances from such as held them by guift from the King for 7. yeares profits, and to leaue of their robberies. The disherited returne answer to the Legat. First, that they held the faith, they receiued from their Catholicke Fathers, and their obedience to the Roman Church, as the head of all Christianity; but not to the auarice and willfull exaction of those who ought to gouerne the same. And how (their Predicessors whose heyres they were, hauing conquered this land by the sword) they held themselues vniustly dishe∣rited. that it was against the Popes Mandat, they should be so delt withall.

That they had formerly taken their Oath to defend the Kingdome and Holy Church, all the Prelats thundring the sentence of excommunication against such as withstood the same and ac∣cording to that Oath they were prepared to spend their liues. And seeing they warred for the benefit of the Kingdome, and Holy Church, they were to sustaine their liues by the goods of their Enemies, who detained their Lands, which the Legat ought to cause to bee restored vnto them, that they might not be driuen to make depradation in that manner, which yet was not so great as was reported: for that many of the Kings and Princes followers made rodes, and committed great robberies which, to make them odious, were imputed, and giuen out to bee done by them, wherefore they wish the Legat to giue no credit to such reports: for if they should finde any such amongst them, they would themselues doe Iustice vpon them without delay.

Besides they declare to the Legat, that hee had irreuerently eiected out of the Kingdome the Bishops, of Winchester, London and Chichester, men circumspect and of deepe iudgement, whereby the Councell of the Kingdom was in great part weakned to the daunger therof, and there∣fore willed him to looke to the reformation of the same: and that they might bee restored to their Lands without redemption. That the proutsions of Oxford might bee obserued. That they might haue Ostages deliuered them into the Island to hold the same peaceably for fiue yeares to come, untill they might perceiue how the King would performe his promises.

Thus they treat, not like men whom their fortunes had layde on the ground, but as they had beene still standing: so much wrought either the opinion of their cause, or the hope of their party. But this stubbornesse so exasperates the King as the next yeare following, hee prepares a mighty Army, besets the Isle so that he shuts them vp, and Prince Edward, with bridges made on Boates enters the same in diuers places, and con∣straines them to yeeld. In the meane time the Earle of Glocester, with his army col∣lected on the borders of Wales to ayde them, marched to London where, by the Citi∣zens he was receiued: but the Legat who kept his residence in the Towre so preuay∣led with him, as he againe renders himselfe to the King to whom hee was afterward reconciled, by the mediation of the King of Romans, and the Lord Philip Basset vpon forfeiture of twelue thousand Markes, if euer after he should raise any commotion.

This effected, the King goes with an Army into Wales, against Lewellin, for ayding Simon Monfort and the Earle of Glocester, in their late attempts against him, but his wrath being by the guift of 32 thousand pounds sterling, appeased, peace is con∣cluded betwixt them, and foure Cantreds, which had by right of war, been taken from him, restored.

And here was an end of the first Barons Warres of England, wherein wee see what effects it wrought, how no side got but misery and vexation, whilst the one struggled to doe more then it should, and the other to doe lesse then it ought, they both had the worst, according to the usuall euents of such imbroylements.

The next yeare after this appeasement, the Legat Ottobon signes with the Croissado both the Kings sonnes Edward, and Edmond, the Earle of Glocester, and di∣uers Noblemen induced to vndertake the Holy Warre by the sollicitation of him: and the King of France, who notwithstanding his former calamities indured in that action, would againe aduenture therein. So much either the desire of reuenge, with the recouery of his fame and honour, or the hope of enioying another World prouoked him to forgo this, and haste to his finall distruction. And for that Prince Edward wan∣ted meanes for his present furnishment, this King of France lent him 30 thousand Markes, for which hee morgaged vnto him Gascoigny. An act, which subtler times would interpret to be rather of Policie then Piety, in this King to ingage in such man∣ner, and vpon so especiall a caution, a young stirring Prince, likely in his absence to im∣broyle his Estate at home, and to draw him along in the same aduenture with him∣selfe, without any desire otherwise, either of his company or ayde; considering the inconueniences that stung these seuerall Nations heretofore by their incompetabi∣lity, in the same action: but here it were sinne to thinke they disguised their ends, or had other couerings for their designes then those through which they were seene; their spirits seeme to haue beene warmed with a Nobler flame.

And now whilst this preparation is in hand, King Henry labours to establish the

Peace of the Kingdome, and reforme those excesses the warre had bred, causing by proclamation stealth of Cattle to bee made a cryme Capitall, and the first that suffred for the same was one of Dunstable who had stolne twelue Oxen from the inhabitants of Colne, and being persued to Redburne was by the Bayliffe of Saint Albones (ac∣cording to the Kings Proclamation condemned and beheaded. And the same yeare the King assembles his last Parliament at Marleborugh where the Statutes of that Title were inacted.

Nere two yeares it seemes to haue beene after the vndertaking the Crosse before Prince Edward set forth, a time long ynough (if those resolutions would haue beene shaken) to haue bred an alteration of desire, but so strong was the current of this humour as no worldly respects could giue any the least stoppage thereunto. Otherwise a Prince so well acquainted with action, so well vnderstanding the world, so forward in yeares (being then 32) so neere the possession of a Kingdome, would not haue leaft it, and an aged father broken with daies and trauaile to haue be∣taken himselfe (with his deare and tender consort Elionor and as it seemes then young with childe) to a voyage that could promise nothing but daunger, toyle, miserie, and affliction. So powrefull are the operations of the minde, as they make men neglect the ease of their bodies, especially in times not dissolued with those soft∣nings of Luxurie and Idlenesse which vnmannes them. And we cannot but admire the vndauntable constancie of this Prince, whom all the sad examples of others calamities (crossing euen the beginning of this action) could not deterre from proceeding therein. For, first the King of France who with two of his sonnes, the King of Nauarre and a mighty Army, being set out before, and by the way besieging the Citie of Tunis in Affrica (possest then by the Sarazines that infested Christendome) perished mise∣rably by the Pestilence that raged in his Army, and with him one of his sonnes and many of his Nobles, whereby all their enterprise was dasht and vtterly ouerthrowne. Besides, Charles King of Sicile, brother to this King of France, who likewise came to ayde him, returning home, lost the greatest part of his Nauie by tempest. More∣ouer many of this Princes owne people were desirous to leaue him and returne home. Whereupon he is sayde to haue stricken his brest, and sworne: that if all his followers forsooke him, he would yet enter Tolemais or Acon, though but onely with his Horse-keeper Fowin. By which speech they were againe incenced to proceed: but yet his Cozin Henry sonne to the King of Romans, obtaines leaue of him to depart, and was set on shore in Italie: where, notwithstanding hee found what hee sought to auoyde, Death; and was slaine in the Church at Viterbo (being at deuine seruice) by his owne Cozin German Guy de Monfort (sonne to Simon late Earle of Leicester) in re∣uenge of his fathers death. The newes of which vnnatural murther seemes to hasten the end of Richard King of Romans, who died shortly after, and the next yeare following, finished likewise Henry the 3 of England his act, in the 65 of his age hauing reigned 56 years, and 20 daies. A time that hath held vs long, & taken vp more then a tenth part from the Norman Inuasion to this present: and yeelded notes of great varietie with many examples of a crasie, and diseased State, bred both by the inequality, of this Princes manners, and the impa∣tience of a stubborne Nobility.

He had by his wife Elionor sixe sonnes, wherof only two suruiued him, Edward and Ed∣mond: and two daughters, which liued to be married, Margueret the eldest to Alex∣ander King of Scots. Beatrice the other to Iohn the first intituled Duke of Brittaine.

Heere endeth the Life, and Raigne of Henry the third.

Notes

• 1216. Anno. Reg. 1.
• Henry the 3 Crowned at Glocester.
• The confessi∣on of the Vis∣cont Melun at his death.
• Diuers Lords reuolt from Louys.
• The forces of Louys ouer∣throwne.
• The spoyle of Lincolne.
• The Peace was concluded the 11 of Sep.
• 1218. Anno. Reg. 3.
• 1219. Anno. Reg. 4.
• The death of the Protector Earle Mar∣shall.
• The King a∣gaine crowned 1. Parliament.
• 1220. Anno. Reg. 5.
• 1221. Anno. Reg. 6.
• 1222. Anno. Reg. 7.
• 2. Parliament.
• Resumptions.
• 1223. Anno. Reg. 8.
• 3 Parliament.
• Disforresta∣tions.
• 1225. Anno. Reg. 10.
• 4. Parliament.
• The reuoking the Charters of Forrests which bred a new insurre∣ction.
• 1226. Anno. Reg. 11.
• s. Parliament.
• 1227. Anno. Reg. 12.
• French Hist.
• The King calls his officers to accoumpt.
• 1228. Anno. Reg. 13.
• The King re∣moues his offi∣cers.
• The Lords combine for the publike defence a∣gainst the K.
• The Lords re∣fuse to come to Parliament vpon summons
• 1232. Anno. Reg. 17.
• 6. Parliament.
• The K. with an army against the Lords.
• Vide Appond.
• 1234. Anno. Reg. 19.
• 7 Parliament.
• Isabel the Kings Sister married to the Emperor.
• 1236. Anno. Reg. 20.
• Shriefes re∣moued for corruption.
• 9 Parliament
• 1237. Anno. Reg. 21.
• Foure knights of euery shire ordained to take charge of the subsidy.
• The comming of Simon Monford into into England.
• The Gree∣uances of the Kingdome.
• 1238. Anno. Reg. 22.
• 10 Parliament
• 1239. Anno. Reg. 23.
• Thomas of Sa∣uoy marrieth the inheretrix of the Earle∣dome of Flan∣ders, which he held but du∣ring her life.
• Edmond Arch∣bishop of Can∣terbury giues ouer his Sea.
• Pope Gregory the 9.
• Cod. de Episco∣pal. L. Nemo.
• Edward eldest sonne to King Hen.
• Richard Earle of Cornwall vndertakes the Crosse.
• 1241. Anno. Reg. 25.
• 11 Parliament
• A repetitiō of the Kings sup∣plies formerly made.
• The King car∣ries ouer 30 Barrells of siluer into France.
• The Kings se∣cond expedi∣tion into France.
• An imposition of Escuage with another redemption of the Iewes.
• The Coun∣tesse of Pro∣uince mother to the Queen comes ouer into England to the great charge of the Kingdome.
• 1244. Anno. Reg. 28.
• 12 Parliament
• Vide Append. The Empetor Fredericks let∣ters to the King.
• Another Greeuanees of the Ba∣rons.
• 13 Parliament
• An inquirie a∣bout Lands inforested which bred great gree∣uances.
• An inquiry of the Popes re∣uenues in Eng
• 1245. Anno. Reg. 29.
• Vide Append.
• 1246. Anno. Reg. 30.
• 1247. Anno. Reg. 31.
• 1248. Anno. Reg. 32.
• 14 Parliament
• That he tooke from his sub∣iects, quicquid habuerlint in es∣culentis, & po∣culentis. Rusti∣corum enim E∣quos, Bigas, Vi∣na Victualia ad libitum capit. Rishanger.
• The Kings speech in Par∣liament.
• Calus, An. 48. & 49. Hen. 3. Beginneth first with sale of Land, then of Iewels, pawneth Gas∣coyne, and af∣ter his crowne when hauing neither credit nor pawnes of his owne, he layeth the or∣naments and lewels of Saint Edwards Shrine, giues ouer house∣keeping.
• 1249 Anno. Reg. 33.
• The King re∣quires New∣yeares guifts.
• 1250. Anno. Reg. 34.
• The Kings speach to the Chapter at Winchester.
• The cause of Sir H. Bath.
• 1251. Anno. Reg. 35.
• 15 Parliament
• The mariage of Margueret with Alexander K. of Scots so∣lemnizedat at Yorke.
• The King of France priso∣ner with the Soldian.
• The King of England vn∣der takes the Crosse.
• 1252. Anno. Reg. 36.
• The Bishops and Lords de∣ny the K. the Tenth gran∣ted by the Pope.
• The speech of Isabel Coun∣tes of Arundel to the king.
• The King re∣proued by the Maister of the Hospitall of Ierusalem.
• Strangers cō∣mit ryots.
• A Tenth, and Scutage gran∣ted by Parl.
• 1253. Anno. Reg. 37.
• Vide Append.
• The K. resumes Gasoigny from his brother Richard, giues it to his sonne Prince Edward
• Simon Monford Earle of Lei∣cester sent in∣to Gascony.
• Monforts con∣testation with the K.
• Monfort re∣turned to his charge.
• The K. goes o∣uer into Gasc. with 300. great ships.
• Alliance with the King of Spaine.
• 1254. Anno. Reg. 38.
• Prince Ed. marries Elio∣nor sister to the King of Spaine.
• King Henry comes to Pa∣ris with 1000 horse, is teast∣ed by the K. of France.
• He returnes into England fines the Lon∣doners.
• 1257. Anno. Reg. 41.
• 16. Parliament adiourned.
• Pope Alexan∣der 4.
• Edmond the Kings second sonne is pro∣mised the Kingdome of Sicile.
• The com∣plaint of the Merchants of Gascoigne.
• An ill Office of Officers.
• Insolencies committed by the Princes seruants.
• The Earle of Cornwall Elected King of the Ro∣mans.
• Richard Crow∣ned at Aquis∣graue.
• 1257. Anno. Reg. 41.
• 15. Parliament
• 52 thousand Markes, vpon conditions promised by the Clergie.
• 1258. Anno. Reg. 42.
• Prince Ed∣ward mor∣gages Stam∣ford, and other townes to William de Va∣lence.
• The Barons expostulate for their for∣mer Liberties.
• Cron. Lichfield, Henry eldest sonne to the King of Romans refuseth to take his Oath.
• Claus 49.
• Hen. 3.
• Mat. Par.
• Regist. in Scace. William Rish∣angar.
• 1258. Anno. Reg. 42.
• 18. Parlement at London. Ordinat. inter Record. Civil. Lond.
• Liceat omnibus de Regno nostro contra nos in∣surgere, & ad gravamen no∣strum open & operam dare, ac si nobis in nullo tenerentur Chart. Orig. sub Sigillo.
• The Lords re∣quire an oath of him.
• The Oath of the King of Romanes.
• 1259. Anno. Reg. 44.
• King Henry re∣signes his right to Normandy, &c.
• 1261. An. Reg. 45.
• The Lords combine a∣gainst the K.
• W. Rishenger.
• 1262. An. Reg. 46.
• 1263. Anno. Reg. 47.
• The begin∣ning of the warres.
• 1264. Anno. Reg. 48.
• 19 Parlement held at Lon∣don.
• Scottish Lords come to aide the King of England.
• The Barons mediate a peace.
• The battaile of Lewys.
• The K. Prince and others ta∣ken prisoners.
• 1265. An. Reg. 46.
• Monsort taxed of wrong.
• The Earle of Glocester leaues him.
• The Earle Monsort slaine.
• 1266. Anno. Reg. 50.
• 18 Parliament held at Win∣chester.
• All who tooke part with Monfort disin∣herited.
• Motions of peace made to the disinheri∣ted Lords.
• 1267. Anno. Reg. 51.
• The Earle of Glocest. revolt••
• 19 Parliament
• The Earle of Glocester re∣conciled.
• 1269. Anno. Reg. 53.
• Prince Edw. his brother and others vndertake the Holy Warre.
• 21 Parliament at Marlebo∣rough.
• 1271. Anno. Reg. 55.
• The resoluti∣on of Prince Edmond.
• 1274. Anno. Reg. 57.
• His issue.