The history of the reigns of Henry the Seventh, Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary the first written by the Right Honourable Francis Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban ; the other three by the Right Honourable and Right Reverend Father in God, Francis Godwyn, Lord Bishop of Hereford.

ANNALS OF ENGLAND.

EDVVARD THE SIXTH.

The Second Book.

LONDON,

Printed for Thomas Basset, John Wright, and Richard Chiswel.

M. DC. LXXV.

ANNALS OF ENGLAND.

BOOK II.

EDWARD the Sixth.

ANNO DOM. 1547. REG. 1.

ROyalty like a Pythagorean Soul transmigrates. [ 1547] Although Henry were dead, the King was still alive, and survived in the person of young Edward, who began his Reign the eight and twentieth of January, then in the tenth year of his age; and having been on the last of the same Month proclaimed King, came the same day from Enfield (where the Court had then been) to the Tower, there according to the an∣cient custom of our Kings to abide until his Inauguration at Westminster. The next day the Council assembled for the ma∣naging of the Estate, conferred on the King's Uncle, Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford the honour and power of Protector of the King's Person and Kingdom. Who to season his new Dig∣nity with some memorable act, on the sixth of February, dubbed the King Knight, the King presently imparting the same Honour to Richard Hoblethorn Lord Mayor of London.

On the fifteenth of February King Henry his Funerals were so∣lemnized, and his Body Royally interred in the middle of the Quire in the Church at Windsor.

Two days after were some of the Nobility dignified with greater Honours, some new created. The Lord Protector Earl of Hertford, was made Duke of Somerset; William Parr Earl

of Essex, Marquis of Northampton; John Dudley Viscount Lisle, [ 1547] Earl of Warwick; and the Lord Chancellour Wriothsley, Earl of Southampton. Sir Thomas Seymour Brother to the Protector and Lord Admiral, Sir Thomas Rich, Sir William Willoughby, and Sir Edmond Sheffeild were inrolled among the Barons. Other two days being fled after their predecessors, the King passed trium∣phantly from the Tower through London to Westminster, where he was solemnly crowned, anointed, and inaugurated by Cranmcr Archbishop of Canterbury. At what time also with incredible indulgence pardon of all crimes whatsoever was publickly pro∣claimed and granted to all persons throughout the Realm, six only being exempted from the benefit thereof, namely, the Duke of Norfolk, Cardinal Pool, the lately beheaded Marquis of Exceter his eldest Son, one Throcmorton, Fortescue, and Richard Pate late Bishop of Worcester, who lest he should be constrained to acknow∣ledge the King Head of the Church, had some years passed fled to Rome.

On the nineteenth of June in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in London were celebrated the Exequies of Francis King of France. He deceased the two and twentieth of the precedent March, having been after the death of our Henry much disposed to melan∣choly, whether for that he failed in the hope of strengthening their late contracted amity with some stricter tie; or that being some few years the younger, he was by his death admonished of the like approaching fate. They were also of so conspiring a similitude of disposition and nature, that you shall hardly find the like between any two Princes of whatever different times. This bred a mutual affection in them, and as it were forcibly nourished the secret fire thereof between them, unless peradven∣ture when emulation or the respect of publick utility swayed them the contrary way, so that the death of the one could not but much grieve the surviver. He therefore in the Cathedral at Paris celebrated the Funerals of Henry, though Excommuni∣cated by the Pope. He also left one only Son named Henry in∣heritor of his Crown, whose Reign lasted but to the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.

And now the affairs of Scotland, which have without doubt been great and memorable, crave a part in our History. We have before made mention of our League with Scotland, wherein it was determined concerning the Marriage between the now King Edward and the Queen of Scots. The times since then were full of continual 〈◊〉〈◊〉. We at length resolved not to dally with them, but to undertake the War with forces agreeable to the cause. The Duke of Somerset by consent of the Privy Coun∣cil is sent into Scotland with ten thousand Foot and six thousand Horse (besides Pioners and Artificers thirteen hundred) and and fifteen pieces of Brass Ordnance. To the Lord Clinton is

assigned a Navy consisting of four and twenty men of War, one [ 1547] Galley, and thirty Ships of burthen, wherewith he was to scour the Seas, and infest the maritim parts of Scotland. On the third of September the Duke of Somerset made an hostile entrance upon the Enemies Countrey, and forthwith dispatched Letters to the Earl of Arren, Regent of Scotland, much to this effect: That he wished the Scots would consider, that this War was waged among Christians, and that our ends were no other than a just Peace, whereto the endeavours of all good men should tend. An occasion not only of a League, but of a perpetual Peace was now happily offered, if they would suffer the two differing and emulous Nations by uniting the Heads to grow together. This as it had been formerly sought by us, so had it been generally assented to by the Estates of Scotland. Therefore he could not but wonder why they should rather treacherously recurr to Arms (the events of War being usually even to the Victor sufficiently unfortunate) than maintain inviolate their troth plighted to the good of both Nations. They could not in reason expect that their Queen should perpetually live a Virgin-life. And if she married, where could she bestow her self bettter, than on a puissant Monarch inhabiting the same Island, and parlying the same language? They saw what incon∣veniencies were the consequents of forein Matches, whereof they should rather make tryal by the examples of others, than at their own peril. He demanded nothing but equity; yet he so much abhorred the effusion of Christian blood, that if he found the Scots not utterly averse from an accord, he would endeavour that some of the Conventions should be remitted: He would also permit that the Queen should abide and be brought up among them until her age made her marriageable, at what time she should by consent of the Estates her self make choice of a Hus∣band. In the mean time there should be a Cessation of Arms, neither should the Queen be transported out of her Realm, nor entertain treatise of Marriage with the French or any other foreiner. This if they would faithfully promise, he would forthwith peaceably depart out of Scotland; and whatsoever damages the Countrey had suffered by this invasion, he would according to the esteem of indifferent Arbitrators make ample satisfaction. The Scottish Army consisted of thirty thousand Foot, some speak a greater number. The chief Com∣manders whereof puffed up with confidence of their strength (although they had lately lost eight hundred in a tumultuary skir∣mish) and misconceiving our offers to proceed out of fear, reject all Conditions of Accord: And lest upon knowledge of the equity of our demands, the Council should incline to resolutions of Peace, they conceal our Letters. And not only so, but upon assurance of Victory spread a rumour, that nothing would con∣tent the insolent English, but the delivery of the Queen, which if they could not otherwise, they would by force obtain, and proceed to the absolute conquest of the Kingdom. This report enraged the Souldiers, whom no motives could disswade from

present engaging themselves in Battel. The wiser sort were not [ 1547] ignorant of the necessities that long since began to press us, who were brought to that pass, that by reason of the difficulties of passages we could not make a safe retreat, nor force the Enemy to fight in regard of the strength of the place where he was en∣camped. But the vain hope of Victory had possessed the minds of the greater part, and excluded reason. Necessity forced us to a resolution brave and expedient, which was, to seek the Enemy in his lodging, and endeavour to draw him to combat. But the hot-spur Scots issuing from out their fastnesses, seemed willing to prevent us. So both Armies entertain a mutual reso∣lution. A little before the joyning of the Armies an accident happened, which did not a little make way to our Victory. The Enemy marching along near the Sea-shoar, a piece of Ordnance discharged from our Galley took away five and twenty of their men, whereof the eldest Son of the Lord Grimes was one. Four thousand Archers terrified with so unexpected a slaughter made a stand, and could never after be brought on. The two Armies approaching each other, the Duke of Somerset commanded the Lord Gray with the Cavallery to charge the Scots, and find them employment until the Infantry had seized on an adjoyning Hill, and if he could without much hazard, to disorder the Enemy. But they were gallantly received by a strong Squadron of Pikes, whereon some of the formost having too far engaged themselves were cast away, the rest retreated affirming, that it was as easie to force a Wall, as through the Scottish Ranks. The Duke makes a second trial by the light Horse, seconding them with the Or∣dnance and the Archers. The Enemy either not able to stand so violent a charge, or (as some relate) to draw us from the favour of our Cannon, begins to give ground, which we perceiving give a shout, crying out withal, They fly, they fly; which so amazed them, that some began to fly indeed, and at length the whole Army was routed. The Scots complain, that we tyran∣nized over the Captives, especially the Priests and Friers (whereof many served in this Field) because by their instigation chiefly our Conditions were so arrogantly rejected. Of the Enemies were flain thirteen thousand, and among them (beside the Earl of Lohemor and the Lord Fleming) the chief of the Scottish Gentry, with their Tenants, who thought it a disgrace to survive their Lords. In the chase were taken fifteen hundred, among whom were the Earl Huntley Chancellour of Scotland, the Lords Hefter, Hobbey, and Hamilton, beside many other persons of Quality. This lamentable overthrow was given the tenth of September.

The English become Victors beyond their expectation, ransacked the Countrey five miles about, fortified in the Forth the forsaken Islands Keth and Haymon, took Brocth Castle, by their terrour

forced the Garrisons of Humes and Fastcastle to yield, and having [ 1547] built a Fort at Lauder, and repaired the ruines of Roxburgh, by their departure recreated the dejected minds of the distressed Scots.

Our affairs thus succeeding abroad, the Church at home had her changes. Many of the Council, but especially the Protector, much endeavoured Reformation in point of Religion. The rest, who were addicted to the Doctrine of Rome, could for private respects temporize, fearing indeed restitution of Church goods (wherein each of them shared) unless an irreconcilable breach were made with that See. So that whiles some eagerly oppose Popery, and others coldly defend it, not only what had been enacted by Henry the Eighth concerning the abrogation of the Pope's authority is confirmed, but many other things are added, whereby our Church was so purged from the dregs of Super∣stition, that for Purity of Doctrine, and Institution of select Ecclesiastical Rites, it excelled the most Reformed Churches of Germany. All Images are pulled down, Priests are permitted to marry, the Liturgie set forth in the English tongue, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 administred under both kinds, Auricular Confession forbidden, no man prohibited the reading of the Scriptures, no Masses to be said for the Souls of the departed, and many other things or∣dained, so far differing from the Institution of our Forefathers, that it administred matter to the common people (who are wont to judge not according to Reason, but Custom) of breaking out into Rebellion. And it is somewhat remarkable, that the same day wherein the Images, whereof the Churches were dispossessed, were publickly burned at London, we obtained that memorable Victory over the Scots at Musselburgh.

This year at Archbishop Cranmer his invitation came into England Peter Martyr a Florentine, Martin Buter of Selestadt, and Paulus Phagius born in the Palatinate: Who being very courteously received by the King and Nobles, having reposed themselves some while at Canterbury, were sent, Martyr to Oxford, Bucer and Phagius to Cambridge, there publickly to Read Divinity; but Phagius having scarce saluted the University, deceased of a Quar∣tan Ague the twelfth of November, in the five and fortieth year of his age. Neither did Bucer long survive him, who died at Cambridge the last of February 1551, being then threescore years old. Martyr shortly after his coming to Oxford, maintained publickly in the Schools, and that with solid Arguments, against Tresham and Chedsey Opponents, that the Popish Transubstantiation was but a meer fiction; which Disputation he after published and enlarged.

ANNO DOM: 1548. REG. 2.

THe English having this year fortified and put a strong Gar∣rison [ 1548] into Hadinton a Town seated in the most fertil soil of all Scotland, did from thence and Lauder make often inroads upon the bordering Countrey, burning and spoiling whatsoever might be useful to the Enemy, from whom they expected a Siege. In the mean time had the French sent six thousand (ten thousand say we) men into Scotland, whereof three thousand were Lans∣quenets led by the Rhinegrave. The Lord of Essé a man of tried valour, famous in the Siege of Landrecy and other Expeditions was chief of the Army. These adventures landing at Dunbar, march speedily for Hadinton, and joyning with the Scottish Forces consisting of eight thousand men straightly besiege it. At the Abbey near the Town they call a Council, treat of transporting the Queen into France, and marrying her to the Daulphin. They whom the respect of private ends had not corrupted and with∣drawn from the care of the publick weal, objected, That they should so draw on them a perpetual War from England, and betray themselves to the slavery of the French: That the Propositions made by the English were reasonable, who offered a ten years Truce, and sought not to entrap the Scot in any bands or prejudicial compacts, their demands being no other than this, That if within the ten years either the King of England, or the Queen of Scots should decease, all things should on each side remain entire and in their former estate: Delay had often in the like cases proved advantageous, whereas speedy repentance commonly followeth precipitated hast. The Popish Faction (especially the Clergy, to whom the amity of England was little pleasing, in regard of the differences in Religion) and some others obliged to the French either in respect of received benefits or future profit, with might and main interposed to the contrary, and chiefly the Regent, bought with a Pension of four thousand Crowns, and the Command of one hundred Lances. The French Faction prevailed for her transportation. The Fleet from Leith, where it harboured, setting sail as if for France, fetching a com∣pass round about Scotland, put in at Dunbritton, where they em∣barqued the six-year-old Queen, attended by James her base Bro∣ther, John Areskin, and William Leviston, who being put back by contrary winds, and much distressed by tempest, arrived at length in Little Bretaigne, and from thence set forward to the Court of France, so escaping our Fleet which hovered about Calais to inter∣cept them, if (as we were perswaded they needs must) they crossed those neighbouring Straights. Hadinton in the mean time being straightly beleaguered, Sir Robert Bowes and Sir Thomas Pal∣mer are with seven hundred Lances and six hundred light Horse sent to relieve it. Buchanan saith there were but three hundred

Horse, the rest Foot. Of what sort soever they were, it is [ 1548] certain that before they could reach Hadington, they were circum∣vented and slain almost to a man. Yet did not the besieged let fall their courages, but bravely defended themselves, until Francis Earl of Shrewsbury with an Army of twelve thousand English and four thousand Lansquenets disassieged them, and forced the French to retreat. The Earl having supplied the Town with necessaries, and reinforced the Garrison, returned to Berwick. What they could not by force, the Enemy hopes more easily to effect by a surprisal. To this end D'Essé with some select Bands arrives at Hadinton about the break of day, where having killed the Cen∣tinels and taken an Half-moon before the Port, some seek to force the Gates, some invade our adjoyning Granaries. The noise and shouts of the assailants gives an alarm to the Garrison, who give fire to a Cannon planted before the Port, the Bullet whereof pe∣netrating the Gate, makes way through the close ranks of the Enemies, and so affrights them, that they seek to save themselves by flight.

Fortune was not so favourable to the Garrisons of Humes and Fastcastle, where by the negligence of the Centinels, the designs of the Enemy were crowned with success. At Humes, being conducted by some that knew all the secret passages, they climb up a steep Rock, enter, massacre the secure Garrison, and enjoy the place. At Fastcastle the Governour had commanded the neighbouring Husbandmen at a prefixed day to bring in their contribution of Corn and other necessary provision. The Enemy makes use of this opportunity. Souldiers habited like Pesants at the day come fraught with their burthens, whereof easing their Horses, they carry them on their shoulders over the Bridge, which joyned two Rocks together, and so gain entrance: The watch-word being given, they cast down their burthens, kill the Centinels, open the Gates to their fellows, and become ma∣sters of the place. Neither were our Naval enterprises fortunate, being at St. Minian and Merne repelled with loss.

In Autumn the Earl of Rutland with three thousand Lansque∣nets and some Bands drawn out of the frontier Garrisons arrives at Hadington: Who duly considering that this Town could not be kept any longer without the excessive charges of a just Army, forasmuch as the Countrey about being miserably forraged, it could not be victualled without great difficulty and danger; rased the Walls, fired the Houses, brought away the Artillery, and finding no resistance, returned in safety to Berwick. Buchanan refers it to the ensuing year, but I follow the record of our own Historians.

And having thus far spent the year abroad, I at length return home, where I find Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester in the Tower. He was a man very learned, and no less subtil, adhering

to the Popish Faction, yet so, as that he would be content to [ 1548] accommodate himself to the current of the times. King Henry had employed him in many Embassages, and that with ample authority, under whom he durst not oppose the proceedings con∣firmed by enacted Laws. And under Edward he repressed him∣self for a time, seemingly consenting to the commenced Refor∣mation. But his dissimulation was at length manifestly disco∣vered to the Privy Council, who had commanded him in a Ser∣mon at Pauls Cross to signifie his approbation of the present estate of the Church; which he accordingly did on the nine and twentieth of June, but so ambiguously and obscurely, that he satisfied them not. And being expresly forbidden to speak any thing concerning the Eucharist, he knowing that by the Laws no∣thing was definitively determined in that point, did so eargerly assert that Papistical (I will not say Capernaitical) Corporal and Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament, that he wonder∣fully offended the minds of many, but especially of the Lords of the Council. Wherefore he was on the thirtieth of June com∣mitted, and obstinately refusing to acknowledge his errour, was two years after deprived of his Bishoprick, and (as he was of a turbulent spirit) lest he should practise any thing against the Estate, detained nevertheless in prison until the death of Edward. In the mean time Archbishop Cranmer by writing oppugned that gross and carnal assertion of the Church of Rome concerning Christ's Presence in the Sacrament; whom Gardiner secretly an∣swered under the fictitious name of M. Constantius.

Neither did that Blood-sucker Boner Bishop of London (who in Queen Maries Reign so heated the Kingdom with the Funeral Piles of so many Saints) speed any better than Winchester. For being likewise enjoyned to Preach at the Cross, he did it so coldly, omitting many of those points whereof he was commanded to speak, that he was likewise committed, deprived of his Bi∣shoprick, and so lived until Queen Mary set them both at liberty. What the Objections were against Cutbert Tonstall Bishop of Du∣resm, and George Day Bishop of Chichester, I do not find, but that they ran the same fortune is manifest. They were both very Learned Prelates, but especially Tonstall, a mild man, and of most sweet conditions, in regard whereof I do not a little won∣der that he was so hardly dealt with. But the drift of the pu∣nishments of such men, who in Henry's time were accounted the chief Lights of our Church, I conceive to have been, that the rest of that Order might by their example be admonished, with∣out dissimulation either to resign their Bishopricks to others that were thought more worthy, or be induced to conform themselves to the present Reformation of the Church, according to the pre∣script of the Laws in that behalf lately Enacted. And yet I would there were not sufficient cause to suspect, that this was

but a made opportunity, the removal of these obstacles making [ 1548] way for the Invasion of these widow Seas. For as soon as Tonstall was exautorated, that rich Bishoprick of Duresm by Act of Par∣liament was wrecked, the chief revenues and customs of it being incorporated to the Crown, and the rest in despight of the Te∣nants so gelded, that at this day it scarce possesseth the third part of its antient Revenues. Yet did Queen Mary seriously endeavour the restitution of those religious portions: Queen Elizabeth would hardly consent that it should lose any of its plumes, (yet some it did) and King James hath lately enacted against the Alienation of Church-lands, yea even to the Crown, otherwise than upon reservation of a reasonable Rent, and the return of them to the Church after the expiration of three lives or one and twenty years. The hungry Courtier finding how good a thing the Church was, had now for some years become acquainted with it out of a zealous intent to Prey: Neither could the horridness of her sacred Skeleton as yet so work on him, as to divert his resolutions, and compassionately to leave the Church to her reli∣gious poverty. Beside, the infancy of the King in this incertain ebb and flow of Religion, made her opportune to all kind of Sa∣criledge. So that we are deservedly to thank the Almighty Guar∣dian of the Church, that these Locusts have not quite devoured the Maintenance of the Labourers in this English Vineyard. For we yet retain that antient form of government in the Primitive Church by Bishops, who have for the most part wherewith to support their honourable Function, as likewise have other those subordinate Prelates, Deans, Archdeacons, and Canons of Ca∣thedral Churches: And as for our Preachers of the more polite and learned sort, we think him little befriended by Fortune, who long liveth in expectation of a competent preferment. I would the residue of the Reformed Churches of Christendom had not been pared so near the quick by precise hands, that but some few of them might in this kind be paralleled with ours.

And now behold two Brothers acting their several Tragedies. Jealousie, Envy, and Ambition infernal Furies, had armed them against each other, and the Pride of the Feminine Sex prepared them for the Lists. A lamentable exigent, wherein the loss of his Adversary must be the destruction of each, wherein the King∣dom must groan at the loss of one, both being in the Estate in∣compatible; wherein the King himself must (as most suspect he did) suffer, that he might not suffer. Thomas Seymour Lord Admiral had married Catharine Parr the Widow of the deceased King. What correspondence there might be between Her (who had been the Wife of the late Sovereign) and the Duchess of Somerset, whose Husband being Protector of the Realm, in point of command little differed from a Sovereign, and had over his Brother the Admiral the Advantages of Age, Dignity, and

general Esteem, if any man cannot without difficulty conjecture, [ 1548] I refer him to the first Book of Herodian, where let him observe the contentions arising between Crispina the Wife of Commodus, and Lucilla, who had been formerly married to L. Verus the Empe∣rour. But in this the divers dispositions of the Brothers set on edge on the emulous humours of their Wives. The Duke was mild, affable, free, open, and no way malicious; the Admiral was naturally turbulent, fierce, ambitious, and conceived him∣self to be of the two the fitter for Publick Government. Pre∣sently after the death of Henry, the Admiral thrust on by the flat∣tery of his overweening conceits, resolved to add a lustre to his good parts, by marrying the Lady Elizabeth, as yet indeed scarce marriageable. But the Protector wisely considering how rash and perilous this project was, frustrated that design. By his after marriage with Catharine a most beautiful and noble Lady, and abounding with wealth befitting her dignity, moft men were confident, that the gulf of his vast desires would have been satis∣fied; but the Law whereby he was condemned (though perad∣venture Enacted by strength of Faction) will manifest the con∣trary. What notice I have received, and what the publick Re∣cords testifie concerning this, being perswaded, that they swerve not much from the truth, I think I may without blame relate. The Admiral having now fortified himself with money and friends, and deeming his Brother's Lenity, Sluggishness; began to behold him with the eye of contempt, and to cast about how to dispossess him of the saddle, and (being of like degree of con∣sanguinity to the King) to enjoy the seat himself. To the fur∣therance of this project it would be conducible, secretly to vilisie and traduce the Protector's actions, to corrupt the King's Ser∣vants, especially if in any degree of favour, by fair words and large promises by degrees to assure himself of the Nobility, to secure his Castle of Holt with a Magazin of warlike provision but above all to take care for money the nerves of War and assu∣rance of Peace. These things having been ordered with exact diligence, and for supply of coin the Exchequer mightily pilled, he unmasks himself to some of the Nobility, signifying his intent of setling himself at the Stern, by forcibly seising on the King's person. Nay his madness so far transported him, that to one of them, conditionally that his assistance were not wanting to the advance∣ment of his designs, he promised that the King should marry his Daughter. In the mean time the Queen his Wife being in Septem∣ber delivered of a Daughter, died in child-bed, and that not with∣out suspition of Poison. For after her death he more importu∣nately sought the Lady Elizabeth than ever, eagerly endeavouring to procure her consent to a clandestine Marriage (as was that with the deceased Queen) and not until after the Nuptials, to crave the assent of the King or the Lords of the Council.

ANNO DOM. 1549. REG. 3.

But the Admiral's projects being opportunely discovered, and [ 1549] a Parliament lately assembled, he is by the authority thereof committed to the Tower, and without tryal condemned. The Parliament being on the fourteenth of March dissolved, he is on the sixth day after publickly beheaded, having first vehemently protested, that he never willingly did either actually endeavour, or seriously intend any thing against the Person of the King, or the Estate. Concerning his death the opinions of men were di∣vers, their censures divers. Among some the Protector heard ill, for suffering his Brother to be executed without ordinary course of trial: As for for these faults proceeding from the vio∣lence of youthful heat, they might better have been pardoned, than the King be left destitute of an uncle's help, or himself of a Brother's. Nay (they say) there wanted not those that before this severe course taken with the Admiral, admonished the Pro∣tector to have a heedy regard to this action: Some peradventure might be content to let a Brother shed tears; to shed his blood; when they might prevent it, scarce any: it was much to be feared lest his Brother's death would be his ruine, and the loss of such Friends, a hazard to the King. Others highly extolled his impartial proceeding, whom fraternal affection could not divert from righting his Countrey: For if Consanguinity or Alliance to the King should be a sufficient cause to exempt them from punishment, who should plot and contrive the change of govern∣ment in the Estate; upon what ticklish terms should we all stand, whiles nothing could be certain and sure in the publick govern∣ment? Others maintained the necessity of cutting off the Ad∣miral, and that it stood the Protector upon so to do, if he either regarded his own or the King's safeguard. For at what other mark did the Admiral aim, but that having seised on the King's Person, removed his Brother from the Protectorship, and mar∣ried the Lady Elizabeth, he might by Poison or some other means make away the young King already deprived of his Friends, and as in the right of his Wife invest himself in the Regal Throne, whereto the Lady Mary (although the elder Sister) as ince∣stuously begotten, could make no claim? And thus much was in a Sermon delivered before the King by Hugh Latimer, who having ten years since resigned his Bishoprick, had also hitherto abstained from Preaching, until after the death of King Henry this Light was again restored, that by his rays he might illustrate God's Church. But how true his conjectures were concerning the Lord Seymour, I will not undertake to determine. Whether faulty in his ambition, or over-born by his envious adversaries, thus ended the Admiral his life, who was indeed a valiant

Commander, and not unfit for a Consultation, in whose ruine [ 1549] the Protector was likewise involved.

Not long after this great man's fall, the People throughout almost the whole Realm brake out into a Rebellion, whereto the frequent usurpations and avarice of the Gentry, who in many places enclosed the common and waste grounds for their own pleasure and private profit, had incited them. The Lords of the Council upon notice of the Peoples discontents, and the proba∣bility of an Insurrection unless speedy course were taken to ap∣pease them, dispatched some into Kent (the Fountain of this ge∣neral Uproar) who should upon due examination of the causes of the Peoples grievances, admonish those that were in that kind faulty, by throwing open the Inclosures to restore to the People what had been unjustly taken from them; otherwise they should by Authority Royal be forced thereunto, and by their punish∣ments serve to deter others from the like insolencies and oppres∣sions. The most part obey, and (a most grateful spectacle to the People) cause their new made Inclosures to be again laid open. Wherewith Report acquainting the neighbouring Shires, the unruly multitude enraged, that like restitution had not as yet been made to them, not expecting the necessary direction of the Magistrate, but as if each one were authorized in his own cause, both to judge of and revenge received injuries, taking Arms level the Dikes, assert the inclosed the Lands, and give hope that there their fury would be at a stand. But as the Sea having once transgressed the just limits of its shoar, by little and little eats its way to an Inundation, and is not but with excessive toil to be forced within its usual bounds: So these having once transcended the prescripts of the Laws, let themselves loose to all kind of licentiousness, over-run and spoil the Countrey, murther those that favour not their proceedings, and at length by the conflux of the baser sort and malecontents so increase their numbers, that it was not to make head against them with small Forces. And although this plague reigned more in Norforlkshire than any where else, yet had it so spred its contagion over the most part of the Kingdom, that it was scarce any where sincere and free from in∣fection. For the Counties of Kent, Oxford, Surrey, Buckingham, Essex, Cambridge, York, Lincoln, but especially Devon and Somerset were imbroiled in these tumults. In Norfolk only had twenty thousand assembled, who now confident of their strength; did no more talk of Inclosures, but stretched their complaints to a higher strain; as that, The free-born Commonalty was oppressed by a small number of Gentry, who glut themselves with pleasure, whiles the poor Commons wasted with daily labour do like pack-horses live in extreme slavery. But howsoewer the calamities incident to this present life may with a constant patience be endured, the Saul is to be redeemed even with a thousand deaths. Holy Rites established by antiquity, are

abolished, new ones are authorized, and a new form of Religion obtru∣ded. [ 1549] To other evils death gives an end; but if they suffer their Souls to be contaminated and polluted by this kind of impiety, what thing is there that can equal them in miseries, to whom the end of these present ones is but the beginning of some more horrid, namely of the pains infer∣nal, which no death can ever terminate. Why then should they not go to the Court, and appoint the King yet in his minority new Counsellors, removing those who now ruling as they list, confound things sacred and prophane, regarding nothing else but the enriching of themselves with the publick Treasure, that they may riot it amid the publick calamities?

This was the common complaint and resolution, especially of the Devonshire Rebels, who having among them made choice of their Chieftains, did endeavour to unite themselves with the rest of their fellow Rebels. But to keep them from joyning, Forces are dispatched, some into Norfolk, some into Devonshire. For Norfolk are designed only fifteen hundred under the conduct of the Marquis of Northampton, who for a time bravely defended that spacious but weak City Norwich against the insolent Clowns. But his small Troops being much diminished by the loss of the Lord Sheffeild and some others, he was at last fain to quit the City to the Enemy, who after spoil barbarously set it on fire, and con∣sumed a great part of the edifices. This ill success drave the Lords of the Council to a more serious apprehension of the danger, who thereupon sent the Earl of Warwick with more competent Forces, who (as he was an excellent Commander) not only forced the Rebels to relinquish the City, but also pressed them so hard in their retreat, that he compelled them to fight. They seeing a necessity of battel imposed, placed all their Captives (for the most part Gentlemen) manacled and chained together, in front, that they alone might bear the fury of the onset, and dull both the swords and courages of the Royalists. But their loyalty was not so ill recompenced, as to suffer for it, scarce any of them falling by the sword. The Rebels were nevertheless over∣thrown, and all either taken or slain except a very few, who rallying themselves, seemed desperately resolved to renew the fight. But the proposal of a Pardon made them cast away their Arms, and peaceably to depart. The number of the chief authors of this Commotion, who were hanged, was great. But Robert Ket a Tanner, who in those times, and by that trade had gathered a fortune of a brace of thousands, was above all as in Fault, so in Execution remarkable. He had been the Chiestain in this Rebellion, and was not in reason to be obscured among the com∣mon sort: Wherefore it being thought fit that he should surmount them in the glory of a more notorious punishment, he was fairly hanged in Chains on the very top of Norwich Castle.

While the Eastern parts of the Kingdom were thus possessed, the Western parts were not less tormented with the same Furies.

Devonshire and Cornwall with some additions out of Somersetshire, [ 1549] had on the same pretences armed fifteen thousand men, who after they had licentiously ransacked the Countrey, at length sate down before the famous City of Exceter. Forty days they besieged it, and were repulsed by the Inhabitants, though utterly destitute of warlike provision. On the sixth of August, John Lord Russel (after Earl of Bedford) entring the City with forces and munition, disassieged it, pursued the Rebels, slew some, took others, to the number of four thousand, whereof many were after executed; but especially Humfrey Arundell Captain of St. Michael's-Mount in Cornwall, a man of antient descent and sufficiently ample revenues: so that I cannot sufficiently wonder, what madness drave him to associate himself with this desperate and unruly rabble. With him were hanged Robert Bochin, Jo. Tomson, Roger Barret, Jo. Ul∣cocke, Will. Asa, James Norton, Jo. Baron, and Richard Benet Priests, and besides them, John and James Rosogan, Jo. Payne, Tho. Under∣hill, and Jo. Solman, all prime incendiaries and chief authors of this tumult. The City of Exceter in memory of this their deli∣very hath ever since with an anniversary solemnity kept the sixth of August holy. As for the other Counties infested with the re∣liques of this Rebellion, the evil being tempestively supprest be∣fore it spred it self, and the ringleaders punished, they were quickly reduced to their former temper.

Neither were our affairs more peaceable abroad than at home. For Henry King of France taking advantage of our domestick se∣dition, not regarding the League concluded between us and his Father, invaded Boloignois, where his success was such, that he was animated to greater attempts. He sets forth a Fleet for the taking in of the Isles of Jersey and Guarnsey the sole portions re∣maining to the English of the Duchy of Normandy. At these Isles the French are with great loss driven aboard their Ships. At the landing they lost a thousand men, and we very few. About Bouloigne, Mont-Lambert, Sellaque, and Ambleteul were lost. Sellaque was defended by two Ensigns: But having been battered by the Enemy, while we unwarily parley with Montmorency, was on the five and twentieth of August forced by them. At Ambleteul were six Ensigns of Foot, who for some days made good the place: But finding themselves unable long to hold out against so great forces, upon no other terms than grant of lives, yielded the Fort to the French. The loss of these places so daunted the Garrison at Blanconet, that having been scarce saluted by the Enemies Cannon, upon condition of life and goods they quitted the place. Neither was this the last important effect of our conceived ter∣rour; for the English at Mont-Lambert not so much as attending the coming of the Enemy, fired their lodgings, made their pro∣vision unuseful, and retreated to Guisnes. The Fort at the Tower of Ordre fortified both by nature and art, gave a period to this

years success; standing resolutely upon defence until the extremity [ 1549] of Winter forced the French to raise their siege.

The loss of these small pieces set the Protector in the wane of the vulgar opinion, and afforded sufficient matter for Envy to work on. Among the Lords of the Privy Council the most emi∣nent was the Earl of Warwick, a man of a vast spirit, which was the more enlarged by the contemplation of his great Acts performed both abroad and at home. He had long looked a squint upon Somerset's greatness, whom in a favourable esteem of himself he deemed far beneath him; and was withal perswaded, that could he but remove the Duke, due regards would cast the Protectorship on him. The consideration also of the Duke's nakedness (disarmed of that metalsom piece the Admiral)

— (En quo discordia Fratres Perduxit miseros) —

made his hopes present themselves in the more lively shapes. He seeks about for sufficient matter wherewith to charge the Duke, who could not be long ignorant of these practices against him. The Duke finding himself aimed at, but not well discerning whether the Earl intended a legal or military process against him, on the sixth of October, from Hampton-Court where the King then resided, sent Letters to the City of London, requiring from thence an aid of a thousand men, who should guard the King and him from the treacherous attempts of some ill affected Subjects. And in the mean time presseth in the adjacent Countrey; where having raised a reasonable company, he the same night carried away the King, attended by some of the Nobility and some of the Council, from thence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Windsor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place, because fortified, more safe, and convenient for resistance. But the Earl had made a greater part of the Council, who accompanied him at London. To them he makes a formal complaint against the Protector, beseeching them, by their assistance to secure him from the Protector's malice, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him for his life. These Lords send a contre Letter to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, demanding aids of them for the delivery of the King our of the hands of his Enemy (for so they were pleased to term the Duke.) Then they send abroad Pro∣clamations, wherein they insert the chief heads of their accu∣sation; as that By sowing seeds of discord, the Duke had troubled that setled and peaceable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wherein King Henry had left this Kingdom;) and had been the chief cause that it had lately 〈◊〉〈◊〉 engaged in Civil Wars to the loss of many thousand lives: That many Forts conquered by Henry with hazard of his Person, were by the Duke's either cowardise or treachery regained by the Enemy: That he regarded not the advice of the rest of the Lords of the Council, and had plainly neglected King Henry's Instructions concerning the Government of

the Kingdoms of England and Ireland: That his chief studies, and [ 1549] wherein he was most seen, were to rake up Wealth, to maintain a Faction among the Nobility, and yet comply with both parties for his own advantages, to build stately Palaces far exceeding the proportion of a Subject, and that even in the very instant that the Estate did shrink under the burthen both of intestine and forein Wars.

The Duke certified of their proceedings, and seeing himself forsaken (for the Londoners being prepossessed, were so far from supplying him, that they at the same time afforded his Adversary five hundred, and the greatest part of the Nobility had by joyning with the Earl made their cause one) at last forsook himself also; and craving of the adverse party, that they would abstain from violence toward him, and proceed only according to the usual courses of Legal tryal; delivered the King to their tuition, and remitted himself to their disposal; by whom on the fourteenth of October he was committed to the Tower, together with Sir Michael Stanhop, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir John Thin, and some others.

On the tenth of November died Paul the Third, having sate Pope near about fifteen years. The Conclave of Cardinals con∣sulting about the election of a new Pope, began to have regard of Cardinal Pool, in whom the greatness of his Extract, his Vir∣tuous Life, Gravity, and admirable Learning, were very consi∣derable motives. The Conclave was at that time divided, some were Imperialists; some French, and a third Part (whereof the Cardinal Farnese was principal) stood Neuter. These later at length joyning with the Imperialists, cast their unanimous Votes upon Pool: Who upon notice of his Election, blamed them for their rashness, ad∣vising them again and again, that they should not in their Con∣sultations be misled by perturbation of mind, or do any thing for friendship or favour, but totally to direct their cogitations to the honour of God and the profit of his Church.

Pool himself having thus put off the matter, the French Car∣dinals began to alledge, That in regard of the difficulties of ways and distance of places, many of the Colledge were yet absent, and that there was no reason why they should with such precipitation proceed to a partial Election before the Conclave were full. The Cardinal Caraffa (who some years after was Pope, by the name of Paul the Fourth) a wayward old man, whose cold spirits were set on fire by Envy and Ambition, sought to make use of Pool's Modesty to his own advantage, hoping himself as eminent and in as fair a way as any of the Colledge (Pool excepted) might be advanced to the Chair, and to lessen the favour of the Conclave towards Pool, he betook himself to calumnies, accusing Pool of suspition of Heresie and Incontinency, that In Germany and his Legacy at Trent, he had too much favoured the Lutherans, had often entertained Immanuel Tremellius, had enrolled Antonio Flaminio suspected of Lutheranism, in his Family, and promoted him to many

Ecclesiastical Dignities; and in his Legacy at Viterbo used not that [ 1549] severity against that sort of men, that was requisite. Neither could that composed gravity so free him from the taint of looseness, but that many were of opinion he had cloistered a Virgin of his own begetting: That he wondred what the Conclave meant, with so impetuous a cur∣rent to proceed to the Election of this one man, and he a Foreiner: As if Italy it self were so barren of deserving men, that we must be fain to send for this man out of Britain, almost the farthest part of the known World, to invest him in the Papacy; whereof what would be the effect, but that the Emperour, at whose devotion this man wholly was, might once again make himself Master of Rome, now by indul∣gence, as before by force.

To these allegations Pool's reply was such, that he not only cleared himself, but also quickned the almost extinguished de∣sires of the Conclave to elect him. The major part whereof assembling at his Chamber by night, wished Ludovico Priulo the Cardinal's bosom-friend (between whom the correspondence of of their dispositions had bred a mutual affection) to awake him, for that having Elected him, they were purposely come (an ac∣customed ceremony) to Adore him, and dissolve the Conclave. Priulo having signified to him with testimonies of excessive joy, the intent of these Cardinals, was gently blamed by him, and they dismissed with this answer, That a matter of so great conse∣quence (carrying with it so great a burthen, that it would deterr an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man from the acceptation of it) was not to be tumultuously, but upon mature deliberation orderly to be transacted: as for the season, it was utterly unfit, for asmuch as God was the God of Light, and not of Darkness: they should therefore do well to deferr it until the next day, and if then their resolutions proved the same, he would sub∣mit himself to their pleasures. The Italian Cardinals conceiving these delays to proceed out of stupidity, began to contemn him; and changing their determinations, a little after pitched upon Cardinal Montanus, whom they created Pope, by the name of Julius the Third.

ANNO DOM. 1550. REG. 4.

THe Duke of Somerset having now for three months conti∣nued [ 1550] a prisoner, and not convicted of any crime which might touch his life; it being not thought fitting that so great a man, lately Protector of the King's Person and Realm, should for a small offence be condemned to perpetual imprisonment; is under-hand dealt with to submit himself, with acknowledgement that he had deserved this or whatsoever greater punishment the King should be pleased to inflict on him, and withal to implore the favour of his Majesty's Royal Clemency. To this he easily

condescended, and was on the sixth of February set a liberty, [ 1550] but not restored to the dignity of Protector, only contenting himself with the rank of a Privy Counsellor. But it being con∣ceived, that revenge might draw the Duke to new practices, by mediation of Friends he is reconciled to the Earl of Warwick, and that this atonement might be the more firm and sincere, the Duke's Daughter is on the third of June married to the Viscount Lisle the Earl of Warwick's Son, the King gracing the Nuptials with his presence. Thuanus (I know not upon what grounds) writeth, That the Earl by a kind of counterfeit shew that he was desirous of the restitution of the Romish Religion, had setled himself in the good opinion of the vulgar, who had not yet learned to renew themselves by casting off the old skin, but reverenced Superstition for its reputed Antiquity: and that his dissimulation being discovered, fearing lest he should be forsaken of them whom he had with false hopes deluded, the conside∣ration thereof, and of the Duke's mild and free disposition, would endear his Adversary to them: to prevent this dan∣ger he contrived this alliance with the Duke, and procured his liberty.

In the mean of these passages, on the nineteenth of January the Lord Russel Lord Privy Seal, was created Earl of Bedford, William Lord Saint-John Earl of Wiltshire, and Sir William Paget Lord Paget.

The Earl of Bedford and the Lord Paget were within three days after with Sir William Peters and Sir John Mason dispatched into France for the Treaty of a Peace with the Deputies appointed by the French, who were Montmorency Governour of Picardy, Gasper Coligny Lord of Chastillon afterward Admiral of France, Andrew Gillar Mortair and William Boucherelle. The Lord Paget not long before had been sent to the Emperour to signifie how we were distressed on the one side by the Scots, and on the other by the French, and miserably rent at home by intestine dissentions, that our necessities required speedy succours, or would force us to con∣descend to an inconvenient Peace with France. But perceiving nothing was to be obtained of him, we strook hands with the French upon these conditions.

That Boloigne and all the Forts in Boloignois should be surren∣dred to the French, together with the Artillery and other military provision:

That in lieu thereof the King of France should pay unto Edward four hundred thousand Crowns by equal portions, at two payments:

That the English should restore to the Scots, Lauder and Douglas; and (if the Queen of Scots should desire it) should rase their Fortifi∣cations in Haymon and at Roxburgh.

The Emperour was on both sides comprehended in the League, and the Queen of Scots by the French. The two Kings presented

each other with their Military Orders; and (as one writeth) it [ 1550] was on both parts agreed on, that Edward should marry one of the Daughters of France. For the ratification of the Articles, on the eighth of April Hostages were given:

By Us,

• The Duke of Suffolk,
• The Earl of Hertford Son to the Duke of Somerset,
• The Earl of Arundel,
• The Earl of Derby,
• The Earl of Bath.

By the French,

• John of Bourbon Duke of Anguien,
• Glaud of Lorain Marquis of Mayenne,
• Francis Son to the Constable Montmorency,
• Lewis of Tremoville,
• Francis of Vendosme Vidame of Chartres,
• ...Claud d'Annebalt.

This Peace between us and France was on the third of March solemnly Proclaimed in London, and on the five and twentieth of April, Bouloigne being accordingly furrendred to the French, our Hostages were returned.

On the thirtieth of July died the Lord Wriothsley Knight of the Garter, late Lord Chancellour of England and Earl of Southampton. He had about the beginning of this King's Reign delivered up the Seal, the Custody whereof was committed to the Lord Rich. But having been about half a year past removed (as was also the Earl of Arundel, but for what cause is uncertain) from the Council Table, he at length (whether out of Grief or some other cause) fell sick and died. He was Father to Henry the second Earl, and Grandfather to Henry the third Earl of Southampton not long since deceased, who having tasted of both fortunes, did heretofore as generously behave himself in adversity, as he did since moderately in prosperity, whereto by the Clemency of our late Sovereign he was restored.

ANNO DOM. 1551. REG. 5.

MEntion hath formerly been made concerning the Sweating [ 1551] Sickness, a disease to which England hath given a name, as well in regard of its original, as of the known disposition of our Bodies to admit of this virulent contagion. England had been formerly afflicted with it, but never so mortally as this present

year. Shrewsbury was now the first place acquainted with this [ 1551] Pestilence, there it began in April, and thence diffusing it self over the most part of the Kingdom, at length it vanished away in the North about the beginning of October. The fury of it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such, as if it would never end but by its proper cruelty, when it should not have left subjects whereon to feed. The dead whom it swept away were numberless. In London only eight hundred was scarce a seven-nights stint. It made its first entry into this Island in the Reign of Henry the Seventh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1486, and from hence it took its progress into other Nations. The Infected flowed away, and within the space of twenty four hours when this malignant disease was most merciful in its execution, peradventure within twelve, did sweat out their Souls. Women, children, and old men it for the most part over-passed, and wreaked it self on the robustious youth and well compact middle age, who, if in the beginning of their sickness did but slumber, perished in∣stantly. If it seised on any that were full gorged, the recovery was in a manner desperate. Nay and of others whatsoever they were, scarce one of a hundred escaped, until time had found out a remedy; the manner whereof was thus: If any be taken in the day time, he must without shifting of his apparel betake himself to bed: If by night and in bed, let him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thence, until twenty four hours be run. In the mean let the cover∣ture be such, that it provoke not sweat, but that it may gently distil of it self: if it be possible for him so long to forbear, let him not eat nor drink more than may moderately serve to extin∣guish thirst: But above all, let him so patiently endure hear, that he uncover not any part of his body, no not so much as a hand or a foot. The strangeness of this disease I do not so much admire; for that Pliny in his twenty sixth Book the first Chapter witnesseth, and daily experience teacheth us, that every Age produceth new and Epidemical diseases. But that which sur∣passeth the search of humane reason is this, that this Pestilence afflicted the English in what part of the World soever, without touching the Natives, but in England alone. This dire conta∣gion promiscuously impoverisht the Land of people of all sorts: among those of especial note were Henry Duke of Suffolk, and his Brother, who were the Sons of Charles Brandon, the King's Cou∣sins germane, young Gentlemen of great and lively hopes: by the death of Henry, the Duchy was for some few hours devolved to the younger Brother, who had the unhappy honour but to be seised of the Title and die. The Lord Gray Marquis of Dorset having married Frances the eldest Daughter of Charles Brandon, in the right of his Wife made claim to the Duchy, and was on the eleventh of October invested in it. At what time also John Dudley Earl of Warwick was created Duke of Northumberland; William Fowlet Earl of Wiltshire, Marquis of Winchester; and Sir William

Herbert Lord Cardif Master of the Horse, Earl of Pembroke. The [ 1551] masculine Line of Dudley and Gray hath been long since extinct: Of the Family of the Powlets we have spoken already. The Lord Herbert Brother-in-Law to Queen Catharine Parr, derived himself from William Herbert in the time of Edward the Fourth Earl of Pembroke, and was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Earldom by his Son Henry Father to william the modern Earl (whose mature wisdom and gravity even in his greener years, long since ranked him in the sage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Privy Council to two successive Kings) and to Philip by King James created Earl of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Then also were knighted Sir John 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King's Schoolmaster, Sir Henry Dudley, Sir Henry Novill, and (whom I cannot mention but with due honour) Sir William Cecill. Cecill I say, who then Secretary of Estate, was afterward by all Europe held in admiration for his wisdom; whom Queen Elizabeth made Lord Treasurer of England and Baron of Burleigh, and was whilest he lived a second prop of this Estate; who on the fourth of August 1598 piously ended his long, but for the publick weals sake ever restless life, leaving two Sons, Thomas by King James created Earl of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Robert out of the same Fountain of Royal Goodness 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Lord Treasurer of England.

And now the ill cemented affections of the Dukes of Somerset and Northumberland dissolved into open enmity. In the prose∣cution whereof, Somerset, otherwise of a most mild disposition (but Patience abused oft runneth into the extreme of Fury) provoked by continual injuries, resolved (as some write) to murther Nor∣thumberland. To this end, but under colour of a visit, privily armed, and well attended by Seconds who awaited him in an outer Chamber, he comes to his Adversary at that time by reason of some indisposition of Body keeping his Chamber, hath access unto him naked as he was in his Bed, but is so courteously entertained, and with such smooth language, that the Duke of Somerset good man repenting himself of his Bloody Resolutions, would not Execute what he purposely came for. At his depar∣ture one of his Conspirators is reported to have asked him, Whe∣ther he had done the Feat? and upon his denial to have added, Then you are undone. This his intent being by his own Party bewrayed, a second Accusation is engrossed against him. The matter is reforred to the Council Table, and he on the sixteenth of October again committed to the Tower together with the Duchess his Wife, the Lord Gray of wilton, Sir Ralph Vane, Sir Thomas Falmer, Sir William Partridge, Sir Michael Stanhop, Sir Thomas Arundelt, and many other of his Friends.

On the first of December the Marquis of Winchester being sot that day High Steward, he is Arraigned for Treason against the Estate, which he had not only ill but treacherously managed; and for Conspiracy against the Duke of Northumberland. Of

Treason he cleared himself, and his Peers acquitted him. For [ 1551] the Conspiracy he was by his own Confession condemned, and that by virtue of a Law Enacted 3 Hen. 7. which made the very Intent, nay Imagination of Killing a Privy Counsellour punishable by Death. But howsoever the Law (Enacted as some conceive upon somewhat differing intents and meaning) were extended to the highest of its rigour, yet can I not but wonder, how a man so great in the regards of his Reigning Nephew, of his Honours, of the Popular Favour, should be so destitute of Learned Advice, as not to exempt himself from a Felonious Death by his Clergy. But such were the Times, such his Misfortunes in the minority of his Prince; from whose revengeful Hand how could the adverse Faction presume themselves secure in the future? Neither could they choose but be somewhat terrified with that Ecchoing Testimony of the Peoples Joy, who seeing that fatal Virge the Ax (usually marshalling Traytors to the Bar) laid aside upon his freedom from the guilt of Treason; from Westmin∣ster Hall certified that part of the City by their loud festival Acclamations, of the gladsom tidings of their Favourite's con∣ceived Absolution. And these peradventure might be causes that his Execution was deferred.

Hitherto had the Estate patiently endured the obstinate Oppo∣sition of some Bishops in point of Reformation, who for their Non-conformity are at length deprived, and others substituted in their Bishopricks. Of some of them we have occasionally already spoken, whose Censures notwithstanding fall in with this Year. Gardiner Bishop of Winchester was deprived the fourteenth of Fe∣bruary; Day of Chichester, and Heath of Worcester on the tenth of October; Tonstall of Duresm on the twentieth of December commit∣ted to the Tower; and Boner of London on the first of October 1549 had been already exautorated. All of them for fear of practising against the Estate were deteined in Prison.

And on the last of October Francis Inglefield, Walgrave, and Re∣chester Servants to the Lady Mary, as also Francis Mallet Doctor of Divinity her Chaplain, were committed. I cannot speak any thing certain of the causes of any of their Imprisonments, excepting Doctor Mallet's only. At the Emperour's request he was permitted to celebrate Mass, but with this limitation, In the presence of the Lady Mary, not otherwise: for adventuring to Celebrate in her absence, it was thought fit he should be punished for his presumptuous Transgression. With the Lady her self all means had been used to conform her to the Times: the King him∣self had taken much pains with her by often suasory Letters, the Council had done the like, and personally to satisfie her with Reason, divers Learned men had been employed. But their la∣bours were vain; for hatred to our Religion for her Mothers, for her own sake, and some politick respects (for by the Decrees

of our Religion she was made Illegitimate, and consequently cut [ 1551] off from the Succession to the Crown, if he Brother should die Issueless) confirmed her in that Superstition which she had sucked from her Mother.

On the fourteenth of April one George Paris a German was at London burned for Arrianism.

On the five and twentieth of May, Croydon and seven or eight other Villages in Surrey were terribly shaken with an Earth∣quake.

Toward the beginning of November, Mary Dowager of Scot∣land arriving at Portsmouth, sent to the King and craved leave to pass through England into Scotland. Which being granted, and she invited to London, entred the City on the second of November, where her Entertainment was general and Royal. On the sixth of November she departed for Scotland, and had the Charges of her whole Retinue born until she arrived there in safety.

About the same time also the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Paget were (but for what causes is uncertain) committed to the Tower. In the ensuing April the Garter was taken from the Lord Paget, and conferred on the Earl of Warwick the Duke of Northumberland's eldest Son. As for the Earl of Arundel he was on the third of December in the next year set at liberty.

On the one and twentieth of December was the Lord Rich re∣moved from the Chancellorship, and Thomas Goodrich Bishop of Ely made Lord Chancellor.

ANNO DOM. 1552. REG. 6.

THe Duke of Somerset had now continued two Months in [ 1552] Prison since his Condemnation. At length the violence of his Enemies (notwithstanding the King's desire to save his Uncle, under whose Tuition he had passed his Childhood) drew him to the Scaffold. Being on the twenty fourth of January brought to the place of Execution, he in this manner bespake the As∣sembly:

Being by the Law condemned, I here willingly submit my self, by exemplary punishment to satisfie its Rigour. That God hath been pleased to grant me so long a Preparative to my End, I humbly thank his Eternal Goodness: But in that he hath been farther pleased to in∣spire me with the Knowledge of his Truth, and to make me an Instru∣ment for the propagation of the same, I can never sufficiently magnifie his Mercies. In this do I rejoice, in this only do I triumph: be∣seeching him, that his Church in this Realm being now reformed according to the Institution of the antient Primitive, the Members thereof may conform their lives to the purity of its received Doctrine.

More he would have said, but a strange tumult and sudden [ 1552] consternation of the Assembly mterrupted him. The People pos∣sessed with a Panick terror, as it were with an unanimous consent cryed out, Fly quickly, fly: insomuch that of that infinite multi∣tude which the expectation of the Duke's death had drawn toge∣ther, as many as well could seeking to shift for themselves, many are troden to death, and others in the throng as unfortunately 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the rest amazedly expect their own destruction, when their own fears were the greatest danger. The cause of their fears no man could certainly speak: one said he heard a terrible crack of Thunder; another the noise of a Troop of Horse: and some over credulous, according to the sway of their Affections; joy∣fully affirmed that Messengers were come with a Pardon for the Duke. But certain Halberdiers appointed to guard the Duke to the Scaffold; but coming tardy, and crying to their Fellows Away, away, were more probably the occasion of this Tumult. The true meaning of this amphibological word, which com∣mandeth haste to and from, being mistaken, and withall a com∣pany of Armed men bending themselves (as was supposed) against the multitude, filled all with terrour and confusion. The af∣frighted People being at length with much ado pacified; the Duke intreating them for a while to contain themselves, that he might with a more setled mind depart out of this World; by Prayer commended his Soul to God, and then suffered with admi∣rable constancy, neither by voice, gesture, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shew∣ing himself any way dejected or moved at the apprehension of Death; unless peradventure you might take this for a token of fear, that when he covered his Eyes with his Handkerchief, his Cheeks had a little more tincture of red than usual.

That his Death was generally lamented is manifest. Many there were who kept Handkerchiefs dipped in his Blood, as so many sacred Relicks. Among the rest a spriteful Dame two years after, when the Duke of Northumberland was led Captive through the City for his opposition against Queen Mary, ran to him in the streets, and shaking out her bloody Handkerchief before him, Behold (said she) the Blood of that worthy man, that good Uncle of that excellent King, which shed by thy treacherous machination, now at this instant begins to revenge it self upon thee. And Sir Ralph Vane, who on the twenty sixth of February was with Sir Miles Partridge hanged at the same place where the Duke had suffered, at what time also Sir Michael Stanhop and Sir Thomas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were there beheaded; going to his Execution said, that His Blood would make Northumberland's Pillow uneasie to him, These four Knights being to be Executed, did each of them take God to witness, that they never practised any thing against the King nor any of his Council.

To return to the Duke, such was his End. As for his Life, he was a pious just man, very zealous in point of Reformation,

very solicitous of the King's safety, every way good, and careful [ 1552] of the Weal publick, only a little tainted with the Epidemick of those times, who thought it Religion to reform the Church, as well in its exuberancy of Means, as of superstitious Ceremonies, whereof not a few of our Cathedrals to this day complain.

Many Prodigies ensued his death, whereby many did presage the Calamities of succeeding times. In August six Dolphins (a Fish seldom seen in our Seas) were taken in the Thames, three near Quinborough, and three a little above Greenwich, where the Water is scarce tainted with the Seas brackishness. On the seventh day of October were three Whales cast up at Gravesend. And on the third of August at Middleton in Oxfordshire was born a Monster, such, as few either Naturalists or Historians write of the like. It had two Heads and two Bodies as far as the Navil distinct, where they were so conjoined that they both had but one way of egestion, and their Heads looking always contrary ways. The Legs and Thighs of the one did always ly at the trunk of the other. This (Female) Monster lived eighteen days, and might have longer peradventure, if it had not been so often opened to satisfie curiosity, that it took cold and died.

This year the Monastery of the Franciscan Friers in London was converted into a brave Hospital, wherein four hundred poor Boys are maintained, and have education befitting free-born men. It is at this day called Christ-Church.

In Southwark also was another like place provided for the relief of Poor sick persons, and is dedicated to the memory of St. Thomas.

ANNO DOM. 1553. REG. 7.

THis year sets a period to young Edward's Reign, who by the [ 1553] defluxion of a sharp Rheum upon the Lungs shortly after be∣came hectical, and died of a Consumption. Some attribute the cause of his sickness to Grief for the death of his Uncles; some to Poison, and that by a Nosegay of sweet Flowers presented him as a great dainty on New-years-day. But what hopeful Prince was there ever (almost) immaturely taken away, but Poison or some other treachery was imputed? Our deluded hopes being converted into grief, out of passion we bely Fate. Had there been the least suspition of any such inhumane practice, Queen Mary would never have suffered it to have passed as an act of indifferency without an in∣quest. It was doubtless a posthumous rumour purposely raised to make the Great ones of that Reign distastful to the succeeding times. Howsoever it were, the Nobility understanding by the Physicians, that the King's estate was desperate, began every one to project his own ends. The Duke of Northumberland as he was more potent than rest, so did his ambition fly higher. It was somewhat

strange, that being not any way able to pretend but a shadow of [ 1553] Right to the Crown, he should dream of confirming the Succes∣sion of it in his Family. But he shall soar so high, that he shall singe his Wings, and fall no less dangerously than he whom the Poets feign to have aspired to a like unlawful Government. As for the Ladies Mary and Elizabeth, two obstacles to be removed, he doubted not by reasons drawn from their questionable Births to exclude them. The next regard must be of the Daughters of Henry the Seventh. But of the Queen of Scots (who was Niece to Margaret the eldest Daughter of Henry the Seventh) he was little solicitous: For by reason of our continual Enmity with the Scots, and thence inveterate Hatred, he imagined that any shew of Reason would put her by, especially she being contracted to the French, whose insolent Government he was confident the English would never brook. In the next place consideration is to be had of Lady Frances Daughter to Charles Brandon Duke of Suf∣folk by Mary Dowager of France the second Daughter of Henry the Seventh, who, her two Brothers then alive, had been mar∣ried to Henry Gray Marquis of Dorset. The two Brothers (as before) dying of the late mortality, the Marquis is in the right of his Wife created Duke of Suffolk; and this was another stop to his Ambition. For the removal whereof he intends this course: He imparts his designs to the Duke of Suffolk, and desires that a Match may be concluded between the Lord Guilford Dudley his fourth Son, and Lady Jane Grey the Duke of Suffolk's eldest Daughter. And because, if only right of Inheritance should be pretended, the Duchess of Suffolk were in reason to be preferred before her Daughter; he undertakes to perswade the King not only to disinherit his Sisters by Will and Testament, but also by the same to declare the Lady Jane his next and immediate Suc∣cessour. Suffolk biting at this bait, they complot by drawing the chiefest of the Nobility, to contract Affinity either with the one or the other to procure the general assent of them all. So on the same day that Lady Jane under an unhappy Planet was married to Lord Guilford, the Duke of Suffolk's two youngest Daughters are married, Catharine to Lord Henry eldest Son to the Earl of Pembroke, and crouch-backed Mary to Martin Keyes Groom Porter. Northumberland's eldest Daughter also named Catharine was married to the Lord Hastings eldest Son to the Earl of Hun∣tington. These Marriages were in June Solemnized at London, the King at that time extremely languishing.

Having thus brought these things to a desired pass, nothing now remained but to act his part with the weak King. To Him he inculcates, In what danger the estate of the Church would be, if He dying, provision were not first made of a pious Successour, and such a one as should maintain the now established Religion. How the Lady Mary stood affected was well known. Of the Lady Elizabeth

there might be peradventure better hopes. But their causes were so [ 1553] strongly connexed, that either both must be excluded, or the Lady Mary be admitted. That is was the part of a Religious and Good Prince to set apart all respects of Blood, where God's Glory and the Subject's weal might be endangered. They that should do otherwise, were after this Life (which is short) to expect Revenge at God's dreadful Tribunal, where they are to undergo the tryal either of eter∣nal Life or eternal Death. That the Duke of Suffolk, had three Daughters nearest to him in degrees of Blood; they were such as their Virtues and Birth did commend, and from whom the violation of Reli∣gion, or the danger of a Forein yoak by any Match was not to be feared, for asmuch as their Education had been Religious, they had as it were with their Milk suckt in the Spiritual food of true Christian Doctrine, and were also matched to Husbands as zealous of the Truth as them∣selves; He could wish and would advise, that these might be succes∣sively called to the Crown, but with this caution, That they should maintain the now established Religion. And although Lady Jane the eldest of the three were married to his Son; he would be content that they should be bound by Oath to perform whatsoever his Majesty should decree: For he had not so much regard to his own as the general good.

These Reasons so prevailed with the young King, that he made his Will, and therein as much as in him lay, excluded both his Sisters from the Succession to the Crown, and all thers whatsoever, beside the Duke of Suffolk's Daughters. This Will was read in presence of the Council and chief Judges of the Realm, and by each of them confirmed, with a strict com∣mand that no man should publish the contents of it, lest it might prove an occasion of Sedition and Civil Tumults. The Arch∣bishop Cranmer did for a while refuse to subscribe to it, not deeming it any way agreeable to equity, that the right of lawful Succession should upon any pretences be violated: But the King urging him, and making Religion a motive, which was other∣wise likely to suffer, after a long disceptation he was at length drawn to assent. But these delays of his were so little regarded by Queen Mary, that under her scarce any man was sooner marked out for destruction. Some few days after these passages, on the sixth of July in the sixteenth year of his age King Edward at Greenwich surrendred his Soul to God, having under his Tutors reigned six years, five months, and nineteen days, and even in that tender age given great proof of his Virtue; a Prince of great Devotion, Constancy of Mind, Love of the Truth, and incredibly Studious; Virtues which with Royal Greatness seldom concur. Some three hours before his Death, not thinking any one had been present to over-hear him, he thus commended himself to God:

O Lord God, free me I beseech thee out of this miserable and [ 1553] calamitous life, and receive me among the number of thine Elect, if so be it be thy pleasure: although not mine but thy Will be done. To thee O Lord do I commend my Spirit. Thou knowest O Lord how happy I shall be, may I live with thee in Heaven: yet would I might live and be well for thine Elects sake, that I might faithfully serve thee. O Lord God, bless thy People, and save thine Inheritance. O Lord God, save thy People of England, defend this Kingdom from Popery, and preserve thy true Religion in it, that I and my People may bless thy most Holy Name for thy Son Jesus Christ.

Then opening his Eyes, which he had hitherto closed, and see∣ing Doctor Owen the Physician (from whose report we have this Prayer) sitting by, Are you there? (quoth he) I had not thought you had been so near: who answered, I heard you speak, but could not collect your words: Indeed (replied the King) I was making my Prayer to God. A little after, he suddenly cryed out, I faint, Lord have mercy upon me, and receive my Soul: which words he had scarce spoken ere he departed. Much might be spoken in praise of this Prince, but regardful of my intended brevity, I will only give you a tast of him out of Cardan, who about a year before travel∣ling through England toward Scotland, was admitted to his pre∣sence. The conference between them he thus describeth. Ad∣erant illi (speaking of the King) Gratiae; Linguas enim multas callebat Puer, &c. He was stored with Graces; for being yet a Child he spake many Languages, his native English, Latin, French, and as I hear, was also skilled in the Greek, Italian, Spanish, and peradventure some others. He wanted neither the rudiments of Logick, the prin∣ciples of Philosophy, nor Musick: He was full of Humanity the relish of Morality, of Gravity befitting Royalty, of hopes great as himself: A Child of so great Wit and such Expectation could not be born, without a kind of Miracle in Nature. I write not this Rhetorically with the excess of an Hyperbole; for to speak all the truth were to speak far more. Being yet but in his fifteenth year, he spake Latin as readily and politely as I could. What (faith he) is the subject of your Books De Rerum Varietate? (I had dedicated them to his Majesty) Card. In the first Chapter I shew the long hidden and vainly sought after causes of Comets. King. And what is the cause? Card. The concourse and meeting of the lights of the erratick Stars. King. But being the Planets are moved with several motions, how comes it to pass, that the Comet doth not either presently dissolve and scatter, or move with their motion? Card. It moves indeed, but with a far swifter motion than the Planets, by reason of the diversity of the aspect, as we see in Crystal and the Sun when a Rainbow rebound upon a Wall, for a little change makes a great difference of the place. King. But how can that be done without a subject? for the Wall is the subject to the Rainbow. Card. As in the Galaxia or Milky-way, and in the refle∣ction of lights when many Candles lighted are set near one another, they

do produce a certain lucid and bright mean. You may know the Lion [ 1553] by his paw, as they say. For his ingenuous nature and sweet conditions he was great in the expectation of all either good or learned men. He began to favour Learning before he could know it, and knew it before he knew what use to make of it. O how true is that saying,

Immodicis brevis est aetas, & rara senectus:

Immoderate growths short liv'd are, aged seld.

He could give you only a tast of his Virtue, not an example. When occasion required a Majestick gravity, you should see him act an old man; in his affability and mildness he shewed his age. He plaid on the Lute, accustomed himself to publick affairs, was liberally disposed, &c. So much Cardan. His Corps was on the ninth of August with no very great pomp interred at Westminster near to his Grandfather Henry the Seventh.

And here had I with this King's death concluded this Second Part, had not the consideration of a memorable Enterprize of this King's occurred. To Sebastian Cabota a Portugueze, for his admi∣rable skill in Cosmography and the Art of Navigation, he allowed an Annuity of an hundred sixty six Pounds. Edward by this Ca∣bota's perswasion on the twelfth of May set forth three Ships under Sir Hugh Willoughby for the discovery of unknown Regions in the North parts of the World. The main hope of this Voyage was, that way to open a shorter passage to those vast Countries of the East, Cathay and China. Near upon the Coast of Norway these Ships were so severed by Tempest, that they never met again. One of these great Ships terrified with the greatness of irresistable dangers, quickly returned home. Sir Hugh Willoughby arrived at last at a Countrey under the Latitude of seventy four degrees, not inhabited, hitherto to us unknown, and was forced to winter there, where he and all his Company were frozen to death. The Ship was afterward found by some the like English Adventurers, and in his Desk a writing relating the Adventures of each day, his Will also, by which it appeared that he lived until January. Richard Chanceller with the third Ship making a more prosperous Voyage, after many dangers and incertainties arrived at last among the Russes and Muscovites. To these parts some few years after he made a second Voyage; but in his return suffered wreck on the Scottish Coast, where seeking to save the Muscovite Am∣bassador, he himself was drowned. Howsoever he were unfor∣tunate, he opened a rich Vein of Traffick to succeeding times, whereby we have an exact discovery of that Countrey, and of the Manners of those Heathen Christians.

FINIS.

Notes

• The Earl of Hertford Pro∣tector.
• Hing Henry's Funerals.
• The Coronation.
• The death of Francis King of France.
• Musselburgh∣Field.
• Reformation in the Church.
• The Scots and French besiege Hadinton.
• The Queen of Scots trans∣ported into France.
• Humes Castle and Fastcastle gained by the Enemy.
• Gardiner Bi∣shop of Win∣chester com∣mitted to the Tower.
• Gardiner de∣prived of his Bishoprick.
• Boner Bishop of London committed also.
• Discord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Duke of So∣merset and his Brother the Lord Admiral.
• The Lord Ad∣miral be∣headed.
• An Insurre∣ction
• in Norfolk,
• and in Devon∣shire.
• Some Forts lost in Boloignois.
• Corruptly Bonlamberg.
• Enmity be∣tween the Pro∣tector and the Earl of War∣wick.
• The Protector committed.
• The death of Paul the Third, Pope.
• Cordinal Pool elected Pope.
• The Duke of Somerset set at liberty.
• Peace with the Scots and French.
• The Sweating Sickness.
• The death of the Duke of Suffolk.
• A creation of Dukes and Earls.
• The descent of the Earls of Pembroke.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣tween the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dukes of So∣merset and Northumber∣land revived.
• Certain Bishops deprived.
• Some of the Servants of the Lady Mary committed.
• An Arrian burned.
• An Earth∣quake.
• The Queen of Scots in Eng∣land.
• The Earl of Arundel and the Lord Paget committed.
• The Bishop of Ely Lord Chan∣cellor.
• The Duke of Somerset be∣headed.
• A Monster.
• The King Sicknoth.
• His Will, wherein he disinheriteth his Sisters.
• He dieth.
• His Prayer.
• Cardanus Lib. de Geni∣turis.
• Sir Hugh Wil∣loughby fro∣zen 10 death.
• Commerce with the Mus∣covite.