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.

QUEEN MARY.

The Third Book.

LONDON,

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

M. DC. LXXV.

ANNALS OF ENGLAND.

BOOK III.

QUEEN MARY.

ANNO DOM. 1553. REG. 1.

WHen the Lady Mary, long since acquainted with [ 1553] Northumberland's secret practices, was also certified of her Brother's decease; not thinking it safe to abide near London, where her Ene∣mies were in their full strength; pretending a fear of the Plague by reason of the suspitious death of one of her Houshold, she suddenly departed from St. Edmundsbury, and came in one day to Framingham Castle in Suffolk, distant from London fourscore miles, and seated near the Sea, from whence if Fortune frowned on her, she might make an easie escape into France. Here she took upon her the Title of Queen, and by Letters to her Friends, and the Nobles, wished their speedy repair unto Her.

In the mean time Northumberland having for two days together consulted with his Friends concerning the managing of this great business, the King's death being not yet published, sent com∣mand to the Lord Mayor of London, to repair forthwith to Green∣wich with six Aldermen, and twelve other Citizens of chiefest account. To them he declares the King's departure, and the seating of Lady Jane in the Throne of Sovereignty, shewing withal the King's Testament under Seal, which did import no less than the setling the Succession on her and that Family:

He causeth them either by terrour or promises to swear Allegiance [ 1553] to Lady Jane, with command, and that under a great penalty, that they should not as yet divulge these secret passages. What a furtherance it might be to his Affairs if he could assure himself of this City, he was too wise to be ignorant of: And as for suppressing the report of the King's death; he thought it might prove a means to facilitate the surprisal of the Lady Mary, as yet probably secure for lack of notice of her Brother's decease. But understanding that she had made an escape into Suffolk, Lady Jane was by almost all the Peers of the Realm pompously con∣ducted to the Tower, and with great Solemnity publickly pro∣claimed Queen. She was of age about sixteen, of feature not admirable but handsom, incredibly learned, very quick-witted, and wise both beyond her Sex and above her Age, wonderfully devoted to purity of Doctrine, and so far from desire of this Advancement, that she began not to act her part of Royalty without Tears, manifesting it to the World, that she was forced by her Parents and Friends ambition to this high but dangerous Ascent. At her going through the City toward the Tower, the Concourse of the People was great, their Acclamations few, as if the strangeness of some new Spectacle had drawn them to∣gether, rather than any intent of Gratulation. Which Queen Maries (for so we must henceforth call her). Friends hitherto distrustful more of Success than the Cause, accepted of as an happy omen, and were encouraged to assist her as occasion should invite them. But the presence of Northumberland a man quick, watchful, and very politick, was yet a remora to their Pro∣ceedings: Him they must send farther off, or be content to sit still.

The same day that Lady Jane entred the Tower Letters sent from Queen Mary are read openly at the Council Table, wherein she commands the Lords to repair to her, as being the next in Succession to the Crown, and that they at last should take ex∣ample from the general Votes of the Kingdom, she being now every where acknowledged the lawful Sovereign. And indeed the Norfolk and Suffolk men were become hers; and the wiser sort did easily discern, that the affections of the People were hers. Where∣fore it was thought at first expedient speedily to levy an Army, and that, while yet the Hearts of the People were free from any Impression, and their Minds yet equally poised in the Ballance of Irresolution, were either way to be swayed: By this course they might be peradventure too strong for the Queen, and preventing her Plea by Arms, force her to plead more necessarily for her Life. And an Army was raised, whereof the Duke of Suffolk was ap∣pointed General.

But the fautors of Maries Cause, whose main Project was to remove that grand obstacle the Duke of Northumberland, slily

insinuating themselves with Lady Jane, perswaded her not to [ 1553] part with her Father, but to dispatch Northumberland for this Employment, the very terrour of whose Name (his late Victory over the Norfolk Rebels being yet fresh in memory) would effect more, than the other could either by Policy or Arms: And indeed to whose trust could a Daughter be better committed than to her Father's? As for the City, the Faith and wonted Wisdom of the Council now with her, would contain it in Obedience, and work it to her best Advantages. She poor Lady swayed with these Reasons, earnestly beseeched Northumberland himself to un∣dergo this Burthen, who at length though unwillingly con∣sented. His chief fear was, lest the advantage of his Absence might encourage opposite Practisers to raise some Tumults: But finding either excuses or absolute denials no way available, he prepares himself for this Expedition, and on the the thirteenth of July sets forth from London, with an Army of six thousand. At his departure it is reported he should say to the Lord Gray of Wilton who then accompanied him, Do you see (my Lord) what a conflux of People here is drawn together to see us march? And yet of all this multitude, you hear not so much as one that wisheth us Success. The Londoners stood very well affected in point of Religion, so did also for the most part the Suffolk and the Norfolk men, and they knew Mary to be absolute for Popery. But the English are in their due respects to their Prince so loyally constant, that no regards, no not pretext of Religion, can alienate their Affections from their lawful Sovereign, whereof the miserable case of Lady Jane will anon give a memorable Example. For although her Faction had laid a strong Foundation, and as may appear by the premisses; had most artificially raised their Superstructure; yet as soon as the true and undoubted Heir did but manifest her Resolution to vindicate her Right, this accurate Pile presently fell, and dis∣solved as it were in the twinkling of an Eye, and that chiefly by their endeavour, of whom for their Religions sake Lady Jane might have presumed her self assured. Neither were the People made any thing the more inclinable by publickly impugning Queen Maries Right in the Pulpit, a course wherein Northum∣berland engaged many a Preacher. Nay, even in the City of London, that learned and godly Prelate Nicholas Ridley upon the deprivation of Boner consecrated Bishop of London (who I wish had not erred in this matter) was scarce heard out with patience. As for Queen Mary, if that Rule of the Civilians be not true, that Matrimony contracted without any conceived Impediment, al∣though it after chance to be dissolved as unlawful, is of such force, that the Children begotten in such Wedlock are to be accounted lawful: Yet why they should seek to exclude the Lady Elizabeth, I cannot but wonder, neither can I think that any probable reason therefore could be yielded by them, who deemed Queen Mary Illegitimate.

To let pass also in the mean time Mary Queen of Scots, to whom [ 1553] without doubt, the Issue of Henry the Eighth being extinct, the Crown properly belonged. Whatsoever the Reasons urged by these Preachers were, they were so far from making any impres∣sion in the minds of the People, that they every where flocked abundantly to Queen Mary: and this not out of a vulgar levity, many of the Nobility and other prime men having followed her Party even from the beginning; such were the Earls of Bath and Sussex, the Heirs of the Lords Wharton and Mordant, Sir William Drury, Sir John Shelton, Sir Henry Bedingfeild, Sir Henry Jerne∣gam, Sulierd, Freston, and others. But above all Sir Edward Ha∣stings Brother to the Earl of Huntingdon was most famous, who having Commission from the Duke of Northumberland to raise four thousand Foot, after he had levied them, revolted to Queen Mary: For which act she afterward created him Baron of Lowbo∣rough, honouring also Sir John Williams with another Barony, as a reward of his faithful Service. And Serjeant Morgan not coming short of these in his devoir, became afterward one of the chief Judges of the Realm.

But an unexpected Accident did most advantage Queen Maries Affairs. Six Ships had Northumberland set forth on that part of the Kingdom, where it is confined with the German Ocean, that he might intercept the Queen, if she sought to make an escape, and to have them ready for all occasions. These Ships were then by Tempest driven in at Yarmouth, when in the Town there was a Press of Souldiers for the Queen. The Mariners and Souldiers induced partly by threats, partly by intreaty, yield the Ships to Sir Henry Jernegam for Queen Maries use, and associate them∣selves with the new raised Companies. This was to her a matter of great consequence, and that such she deemed it, her joy well testified. And now encouraged with these accessions of Men, Ordnance, and Munition, she feared not Northumberland, and resolved not so much her own defence, as the speedy suppression of her Competitrix.

The Lords who had hitherto adhered to Lady Jane were some∣what terrified with this adverse accident. And the Queens Friends living at Court who had reserved themselves for oppor∣tunity, and were as yet concealed, were now so emboldened as to reveal themselves to each other, desiring nothing more than that being set at liberty (for yet the Tower was the Court) they might but gain entrance into the City, that they might more freely discover themselves. But they must either make the way, or be content to pray only for her, whom they could not other∣wise advantage. It happened that Northumberland had written for more Aids. At his setting forth he was, besides his four Sons, accompanied with the Marquis of Northampton, the Earl of Hun∣tingdon, the Lord Gray, and many other persons of note; and had

when he came to Cambridge an Army consisting of eight thou∣sand [ 1553] Foot and two thousand Horse. Removing thence toward St. Edmondsbury, he found that many of his Souldiers had forsaken their Colours, and was wonderfully jealous lest of the remainder many would do the like. Wherefore returning to Cambridge, he plied the Lords of the Council with continual demands of supplies to fill his Companies grown thin by the departure of so many fugitives. The Lords that favoured Maries Cause laying hold on this occasion, obsequiously tendring their Services for the furtherance of the Duke's designs, decree speedy Aids for him; but pretend, that it were dangerous to employ any other in these Levies, than such of whose Loyalty they might rest assured, lest the like Treachery might be committed as had been already by Sir Edward Hastings; and proffer themselves for the execution of this Affair. So by the Duke of Suffolk his permission they all let loose as it were out of Prison, disperse themselves over the City. The chiefest of them that were resolved for the Queen, were the Marquis of Winchester Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Arundell (whom after a years Imprisonment with the Lord Paget, the Duke of Northumberland had lately set at liberty) and Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. By the in∣dustry of these, as many of the Lords of the Council as were within call (excepting the Duke of Suffolk) and as many other of the Nobility as were known to be at least not Enemies to Queen Maries Cause, had a meeting at Baynards-Castle, under pretence of conference with the French Ambassador Lavall, about I know not what important business: But indeed to consult of a mean how to reduce Lady Jane to her first original of a Private fortune. There Henry Earl of Arundell bitterly inveighing against the Duke of Northumberland, after he had ripped up the Acts of former times, and burthened him with all that had been done unjustly, cruelly, or amiss in the Reign of King Edward; he at last comes to that treacherous act of the Disherison of the Children of Henry the Eighth, professing that He wondred how he had so enthralled such Personages (intimating those Nobles present) as to make them Instruments of his Wickedness: For by their consent and suffrages it came to pass, that the Duke of Suffolk's Daughter, the same Northumberland's Daughter-in-Law, did now personate a Queen, the gross and power of Sovereignty remaining indeed with Northum∣berland, that he might freely wreak his Tyranny on their Lives and Fortunes. Religion is indeed the thing pretended: But suppose we have no regard to these Apostolical Rules, Evil must not be done that good may come thereof, and We must obey even evil Princes not for fear, but for conscience sake; yet how doth it appear that Mary intends any alteration in Religion? Certainly having been lately Pe∣titioned unto in this point by the Suffolk men, she gave them (and that was true) a very hopeful answer. And what a mad blindness

it is, for the avoidance of an uncertain Danger, to precipitate our [ 1553] selves into most certain Destruction? I would we had not erred in this kind. But Errours past cannot be recalled, some may peradventure be amended, wherein speedy execution of times happily supplieth former defects. Recollect your selves then, and so make use of your Authority, that Mary the undoubtedly lawful Heir may be publickly Proclaimed. After he had spoken to this purpose, the Earl of Pembroke readily and generously professed that he subscribed to the Earl of Arun∣dell's motion, and grasping his Sword, signified his Resolution to maintain the Right of Mary against all Opposers. The rest take after them, and decree the same. So commanding the repair of the Lord Mayor and the rest of the Aldermen, they in Cheapside proclaim Lady Mary Queen, with addition also of the Title of Supreme Head of the Church. And to add more majesty to their act by some devout Solemnity, they go in Procession to Pauls singing that admirable Hymn of those holy Fathers St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, commonly known by its first words, Te Deum. Then they dispatcht away some Companies to seize on the Tower, and command the Duke of Suffolk to render himself. The Duke as easily dejected at the news, as he had formerly been elevated by vain hope, entring his Daughters Chamber, forbad the far∣ther use of Royal Ceremonies, wishing her to be content with her return to a Private fortune. Whereto she answered with a setled countenance: Sir, I better brook this message, than my forced advancement to Royalty; out of obedience to you and my Mother I have grievously sinned, and offered violence to my self: Now I do willingly, and as obeying the motions of my Soul, relinquish the Crown, and endeavour to salve those faults committed by others, if at least so great an errour may be salved by a willing relinquishment and inge∣nuous acknowledgement. Having spoken thus much, she retired into a withdrawing-room, more troubled at the Danger she had incurred, than the defeasance of so great hopes. The Duke himself presently repaired to the rest of the Council, and subscri∣bed to their Decree. This Proclamation was on the nineteenth of July published, and entertained with such Acclamations, that no part of it could be heard, after the first mention of Queen Maries Name. The Earl of Arundell and the Lord Paget having thus ordered this weighty Affair, accompanied with thirty Horse, rid post that night unto the Queen, to certifie her of the gladsom tidings of her Subjects loyal intentions.

In the mean time the Lords of the Council certifie Northumber∣land of these Passages, commanding him withal to subscribe to the Decree, and dismiss his Army. But he out of the Presage of his own Fortune had before the receipt of their Letters pro∣claimed her Queen at Cambridge, where in a counterfeit joy he threw up his Cap with the sincerer multitude. Then he ca∣shiered the rest of his wavering Companies, and almost all the

Lords, who had hitherto followed him, with a Legal Revolt [ 1553] passing over to the Queen, and making Northumberland the sole author and cause of these disloyal Distractions, were upon their Submission pardoned.

Lady Jane, having as on a Stage for ten days only personated a Queen, was committed to safe custody, and the Ladies who had hitherto attended her, were commanded each to their homes. The Duke of Northumberland was by the Queens command ap∣prehended by the Earl of Arundell, and committed to the Tower. The manner of his taking is reported to have been thus: After so many checks uncertain what course to take, resolved to flie, but not knowing whether, the Pensioners (who with their Captain Sir John Gates had followed him in this Expedition) while he was pulling on his Boots seised on him, saying, that It was fit they should excuse themselves from the imputation of Trea∣son by his testimony. The Duke withstanding them, and the matter being likely to grow to blows, at the very instant came those Letters from the Council, which commanded them all to lay aside their Arms, and peaceably to repair to their homes. These Letters took up the matter, and set the Duke at liberty, which notwithstanding lasted not long. For the next morning, as he was ready to take Horse, the Earl of Arundell intercepted him, and with him apprehended the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Warwick Northumberland's eldest Son, and two others younger Lord Ambrose and Lord Henry Dudley, Sir Andrew Dudley the Duke's Brother, Sir Thomas Palmer, Sir John Gates, his Brother Henry Gates and Doctor Edwin Sands, who on the five and twen∣tieth of July were brought to London, and presently committed to the Tower. The Earl of Huntingdon was, not long after, set at liberty, but his Son was presently. Sir John Gates, whom Northum∣berland accused to have been the contriver of all this mischief, and Sir Thomas Palmer were after Executed. The Earl of Warwick died in Prison. The Lords Ambrose and Henry Dudley were Par∣doned. Henry was afterward slain with a shot at the Siege of St. Quintin; but Ambrose finding Fortune more propitious, out∣lived Mary, and by Queen Elizabeth created Earl of Warwick, long flourished in the happiness of her Favour. Sir Andrew Dudley after his Condemnation was also Pardoned. Doctor Sands being then Vicechancellour of the University of Cambridge had by Nor∣thumberland's command in the Pulpit publickly impugned Queen Maries Cause, and defended that of Lady Jane; but with that Wisdom and Moderation, although upon the short warning of some few hours, that he abundantly satisfied the Duke, and yet did not so deeply incur the displeasure of the adverse part, but that his Friends prevailed with the Queen for his Pardon. So that after a years Imprisonment he was set at liberty, and pre∣sently fled over into Germany: After the death of Queen Mary

returning from his voluntary Exile, he was Consecrated Bishop [ 1553] of Worcester, from which See he was translated to London, and thence again to the Archbishoprick of York: A man for his Learning, Virtue, Wisdom, and Extract very famous, but most especially happy in his Issue, whereof many were admirable for their Endowments both internal and external, and of whom we have in our Age seen three honoured with Knighthood.

On the six and twentieth of July, the Marquis of Northampton (afterward Condemned, and Pardoned) Doctor Ridley Bishop of London, (who two years after was Burned at Oxford) and beside many others, Lord Robert Dudley that great Earl of Leicester under Queen Elizabeth, were brought to the Tower. On the seven and twentieth, the Duke of Suffolk (to whom the Queen with admi∣rable Clemency within four days restored his liberty) Sir John Cheeke King Edward's Schoolmaster, Sir Roger Cholmley Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and Sir Edmond Mountague Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, were committed to the same place, who were all on the third of September set at liberty.

On the thirtieth of July the Lady Elizabeth accompanied by a great train of Nobles, Knights, Gentlemen and Ladies (to the number of five hundred, some say a thousand) set forward from the Strand through London, and so to Wansted, towards the Queen to congratulate her happy Success in vindicating her Right to the Crown. Who on the third of August having dismissed her Army (which had not yet exceeded the number of thirteen thousand) attended by all the Nobility made a triumphant entrance through London to the Tower, where the Duke of Norfolk, Edward Courtney Son to the Marquis of Exceter Beheaded in the year 1538, Gardiner late Bishop of Winchester, and Anne Duchess of Somerset presen∣ted themselves on their Knees, and Gardiner in the name of them all spake a congratulatory Oration, which ended, the Queen courteously raised them, and kissing each of them said, These are all my own Prisoners, and gave order for their present discharge. Edward Courtney she restored to his Father's honours, making him Marquis of Exceter. As for Gardiner, she not only reseated him in the Bishoprick of Winchester, but also on the three and twentieth of August made him Lord Chancellour of England, notwithstand∣ing that he had not only Subscribed to the Divorce from Catharine the Queens Mother, but had Published Books, wherein he had defended King Henry's proceedings.

On the fifth of August, Boner and Tonstall who had been formerly deprived of their Bishopricks, the one of London, the other of Duresm, and shortly after Day of Chichester, and Heath of Worcester were enlarged and restored to their Bishopricks, the present In∣cumbents being without due process of Law ejected.

On the tenth of August, were celebrated the Exequies of King Edward, Day Bishop of Chichester Preaching, executing in English,

and administring the Sacrament according to the manner and [ 1553] form received in the Reign of Edward. For as yet nothing had been determined concerning any change in point of Religion. So that when Bourn a Canon of Pauls (afterward Bishop of Bath and Wells) Preaching at the Cross did inveigh against the Reformation in King Edward's time, and did in upbraiding manner argue the Injustice of those times, which condemned Bonor to perpetual Imprisonment for matter delivered by him in that place that time four year, who was now by a more just Clemency restored to his Liberty and Dignity: The People 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Protestant Religion, could hardly abstain from stoning him, and one of them aiming a Poinyard at him, missed him very narrowly: The affections of the Assembly may by this be conceived, that during the Reign of Queen Mary, the Author of this bold attempt, not∣withstanding the diligence of earnest Inquisitors, could never be discovered. The uproar increasing, and divers pressing toward the Pulpit, Bourn protected by two Protestant Preachers (Brad∣ford and Rogers, who were greatly Reverenced by the People, and afterward Burned for their Religion) was with great difficulty conveyed to the School at Pauls.

And now at length on the eighteenth of August, the Duke of Norfolk sitting as High Steward of England, were the Duke of Northumberland, his Son the Earl of Warwick, and the Marquis of Northampton Arraigned at Westminster: where the Duke of Northumberland pleading, that he had done nothing but by au∣thority of the Council, his Plea being not admitted for suffi∣cient, he was condemned of High Treason. The Sentence being pronounced, he craved the favour of such a Death as was usually executed on Noblemen, and not the other: He beseeched also, that a favourable regard might be had of his Children, in respect of their age: Thirdly, that he might be permitted to confer with some learned Divine for the setling of his Conscience: And lastly, that her Majesty would be pleased to send unto him four of her Council for the discovery of some things, which might concern the Estate. The Marquis of Northampton pleaded to his Indictment, that after the beginning of these Tumults he had forborn the Execution of any Publick Office, and that all that while, inteht to Hunting and other sports, he did not partake in the Conspiracy: But it being manifest, that he was party with the Duke of Northumberland, Sentence passed on him like∣wise. The Earl of Warwick finding that the Judges in so great a Cause admitted not excuse of Age, with great resolution heard his Condemnation pronounced, craving only this favour, that, whereas the Goods of those who were condemned for Treason, are totally Confifcated, yet her Majesty would be pleased, that out of them his Debts might be discharged. After this, they were all again returned to the Tower. The next day Sir Andrew Dadley,

Sir John Gates (who was thought in Northumberland's favour to [ 1553] have projected the Adoption of Lady Jane) Sir Henry Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer were likewise condemned. On the two and twentieth of the same month, the Duke with the rest (having two days before received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper) were conducted to the place of Execution: Where Northumber∣land (saith that excellent Historiographer, thuanas) by the per∣swasion of Nicholas Heath (afterward Bishop of York) making his own Funeral Oration to the People, acknowledged himself guilty, and craving pardon for his unseasonable Ambition, ad∣monished the Assembly, That they should embrace the Religion of their Forefathers rejecting that of later date, which had occasioned all the Miseries of the 'fore-passed thirty years: And for prevention for the future, if they desired to present their Souls unspotted to God, and were truly affected to their Countrey, they should expel those Trumpets of Sedition, the Preachers of the Reformed Religion. As for himself, whatsoever he might pretend, his Conscience was fraught with the Religion of his Fathers, and for testimony hereof he appealed to his great Friend the Bishop of Winchester: but being blinded with Ambition, he had been contented to make wrack of his Conscience by temporizing, for which he professed himself sincerely repentant, and acknowledged the desert of his death. Having spoken thus much, he craved the charitable Devotions of the Assembly, and commending his Soul to God, prepared his Body for the stroke of Ax. This Recan∣tation did variously affect the minds of the multitude, who won∣dred that he should at last Apostatize from that Religion which he had for sixteen years professed, and in favour whereof chiefly, he perswaded King Edward to endeavour the exclusion of his Sisters from their lawful Succession. Some write, that being desirous of life, he did it craftily out of hope of impunity: but that hope being frustrated, to have repented it afterwards. He was su∣spected (neither were the presumptions small) to have administred a Poisonous potion to King Edward: but in his Indictment there was no mention of it, and that the rather, for that the Judges had authority only to inflict Punishment on him for his Conspi∣racy against the Queen. At the same time and place were also Executed Sir John Gates and Sir Thomas Palmer.

Many Bishops also, who were thought to have been too too opinionate in point of Religion, were sent for to London, and there Imprisoned, viz. Hooper of Glocester, Farrar of St. Davies (who were both crowned with Martyrdom) and Coverdale of Exceter, who at the request of Christiern the Third King of Den∣mark was Pardoned. But the Clergy of what rank soever, who would not forsake their Wives, or were invested in Livings, whereof any one had been for defence of Popery deprived, or that would not by Oath promise the defence of the Romish Reli∣gion, were generally forced to relinquish their Benefices.

Peter Martyr was then Professor at Oxford, who presently upon [ 1554] the Death of King Edward, was confined to his House. But after some time his Friends so far prevailed, that he might come to London, where he betook himself to his Patron the Archbishop of Canterbury. But he could not prove a Sanctuary to him. The Archbishop himself began now to totter. The Queen, beside that she was wholly swayed by Gardiner, who extremely hated him, had resolved to wreak her self on him for the Divorce of her Mother.

— Manet alta mente repostum Judicium latum, spretaeque injuria Matris.

It is reported, that King Henry having determined to punish his Daughter the Lady Mary with Imprisonment for her Contumacy, was by the sole intercession of Cranmer diverted from his Reso∣lutions: And when she was by her Brother King Edward to be disinherited, the Archbishop made a long suasory Oration to the contrary; neither could he be induced to subscribe to the Decree, until the Judges of the Realm generally affirming, that it might lawfully be done, the dying King with much importunity pre∣vailed with him. In ingrateful persons the conceit (I will not say the feeling) of one Injury makes deeper impression, than can the remembrance of a thousand real Benefits. It was now bruited, that with his Fortune Cranmer had also changed his Religion, insomuch that to gratifie the Queen, he had promised to Cele∣brate the Exequies of the deceased King after the Romish manner. To clear himself of this imputation, he by writing declares him∣self ready to maintain the Articles of Religion set forth by his means under King Edward his Reign, to be consonant to the Word of God and the Doctrine of the Apostles: in which Resolution he being confirmed by Peter Martyr, required him for his Second in this Religious Duel. But Words are not regarded, where Vio∣lence is intended. His Death was absolutely determined; but how it might be fairly contrived, was not yet resolved. First therefore they deal with him as a Traytor. And having for some while continued prisoner in the Tower, to alienate the minds of the People who held him in high esteem, he is on the thirteenth of November together with the Lords Ambrose and Guilford Dudley, and Lady Jane, condemned for Treason. But the machinators of this mischief against Cranmer were so ashamed of their shadow∣less endeavour, that they themselves became Intercessors for his Pardon, and yet afterwards most irreligiously procured him to be Burned for pretended Heresie. Before he was committed to Custody, his Friends perswaded him, after the example of some other of his religious Brethren, who had long since escaped into Germany, by flight to withdraw himself from assured destruction: To whom he answered; Were I accused of Theft, Parricide, or

some other crime, although I were innocent, I might peradventure be [ 1553] induced to shift for my self: But being questioned for my Allegiance not to men, but to God, the truth of whose holy Word is to be asserted against the errours of Popery; I have at this time, with a constancy befitting a Christian Prelate, resolved rather to leave my life, than the Kingdom. But we will now leave Cranmer in Prison, whose farther Troubles and Martyrdom we will in their due places re∣late. Concerning Peter Martyr, it was long controverted at the Council Table whether, having so much prejudiced the Catho∣lick Religion, it were fit he should be proceeded against as an Heretick. But it was at length determined, that because he came into England upon Publick Assurance, he should have liberty to depart with his Family. So having Letters of Pass signed by the Queen, he was transported with his Friend Bernardine Ochi∣nus, and came to Antwerp, from thence to Colen, at last to Stras∣burg, from whence he first set forth for England.

In the mean time on the first of October, the Queen was with great pomp Crowned at Westminster by Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, and that after the manner of her Ancestors.

On the fifth of the same month a Parliament is called at West∣minster, wherein all the Laws Enacted against the Pope and his adherents by Henry and Edward, were repealed. And in the Con∣vocation-House at the same time was a long and eager Dispu∣tation concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, the Pro∣locutor Dr. Weston with many others maintaining Christ's Corporal real presence in the Sacrament: Among those few who sided with the Truth, were John Ailmer and Richard Cheyney (both by Queen Elizabeth made Bishops, the one of London, the other of Glocester) John Philpot Archdeacon of Winchester, who confirmed this Doctrine with the Testimony of his Blood, James Haddon Dean of Exceter, and Walter Philips Dean of Rochester. At length the Truth was oppressed by Multitude not Reason. Whereupon the Restitution of Romish Rites is again concluded, and on the one and twentieth of December, Mass began to be celebrated throughout England.

The same day also the Marquis of Northampton and Sir Henry Gates not long since Condemned, were set at liberty and Pardoned: And the Lords Ambrose and Guilford Dudley with Lady Jane had their Imprisonment more at large, with hope of Pardon also.

ANNO DOM. 1554. REG. 1, & 2.

THe Queen, who was now Thirty seven years old, and [ 1554] hitherto thought averse from Marriage, either in regard of her own Natural inclination, or conscious to her self of the want of such Beauty as might endear a Husband to her; her Affairs

so requiring, began at length to bethink her of an Husband. She [ 1554] feared, lest the consideration of her Sexes imbecility might bring her into contempt with her People, she being yet scarce setled in her Throne, and the Kingdom still distracted in their Affections to several Competitors. Fame had destined three for her Bed, Philip Infant of Spain the Emperour's Son, Cardinal Pool, and the Marquis of Exceter. The two last were proposed for their Royal Descent, and the opinion of the Love of their Coun∣trey, there being hope, that under them the Freedom, and the Priviledges of the Kingdom might be preserved inviolate. But besides proximity of Blood in each of the three, Cardinal Pool was much affected by the Queen, for his gravity, sanctimony, meekness, and wisdom, Courtney for his flourishing youth, his courteous and pleasant disposition. But he I know not how, was somewhat suspected, not to think sincerely of the late esta∣blished Religion, but to have favoured the Reformed. And the Cardinal being now in his fiftieth and third year, was deemed a little too old to be a Father of Children. But their opinion prevailed, as more necessary, who thought this unsetled King∣dom would require a puissant King, who should be able to curb the factious Subject, and by Sea and Land oppose the French by the accrue of Scotland become too near Neighbours and Enemies to us. Upon these motives the ambitious Lady was easily in∣duced to consent to a match with Philip. For the Treaty whereof the Emperour had about the end of the last year, sent on a grand Embassage Lamoralle Count Egmond, with whom Charles Count Lalaine, and John Montmorency were joyned in Commis∣sion. In January the Ambassadors arrived at London, and in a few days conclude the Marriage, the Conditions whereof were these:

That Matrimony being contracted between Philip and Mary, it should be lawful for Philip to usurp the Titles of all the Kingdoms and Provinces belonging to his Wife, and should be joynt-Governour with her over those Kingdoms, the Priviledges and Customs thereof always preserved inviolate, and the full and free distribution of Bishopricks, Benesices, Favours, Offices always remaining entire to the Queen. That the Queen likewise should be assumed into the society of all the Realms, wherein Philip either then was, or should be afterward in∣vested. That if She survived Philip, sixty thousand Pounds per an∣num, should be assigned for her Joynture, as had been formerly as∣signed to Lady Margaret Sister to Edward the Fourth and Widow to Charles Duke of Burgoigne, whereof forty thousand should be raised out of Spain and Arragon, twenty thousand out of the Netherlands and the Provinces thereto belonging. And to prevent all future Jars and Contentions about the Division of the Inheritance of the Kingdoms and Provinces which either then were or afterward should be belonging to either, it is agreed, That the Issue begotten by this Marriage

should succeed in all the Queens Kingdoms and Dominions, and in all [ 1554] the Principalities of the Netherlands and Burgoigne, whereof the Emperour did stand possessed: That Charles the eldest Son to Philip by a former Marriage should likewise succeed in all the Kingdoms as well of his Father, as of his Grandmother, and his Grandfather the Emperour, both in Italy and Spain, and by reason thereof should stand obliged for the Payment of the 'fore-mentioned forty thousand Pounds. If by this Matrimony no other Issue shall be begotten than Female, the Eldest shall succeed in all the Provinces of the Netherlands, but with this Caution, that by the counsel and consent of her Brother Charles, she shall make choice of an Husband either out of England or the Ne∣therlands; if she marry from elsewhere without his consent, she shall be deprived of her right of Succession, and Charles be invested therein. But to her and her Sisters a convenient Dowry shall be assigned according to the Laws and Customs of the places. If it happen that Charles, or his Successours shall die without Issue; in that case the First-born by this Marriage, although it be a Female, shall succeed in all the King∣doms belonging to both these Princes, as well of the Netherlands, as of Spain, and in all the Principalities of Italy; and shall be bound to preserve inviolate all the Laws, Priviledges, Immunities 'and Customs of each Kingdom. Between the Emperour, Philip, and his Heirs, between the Queen, and her Children and Heirs, and between both their Realms and Dominions, constant Amity, Concord, a perpetual and inviolable League shall be continued. This League, Agreement, and Articles shall be renewed and confirmed at Westminster the two and fortieth year of this Seculum, and four years after on the six∣teenth of January at Utrecht.

As soon as the Decree concerning these Nuptial Compacts was divulged, many out of a restless disposition misliking the present times, but especially traducing the intent of this Accord, as if by it the Spaniard were to become absolute Lord of all, who should have the free managing of all Affairs, and abolishing our ancient Laws and Customs, would impose an intolerable yoak, as on a conquered Nation. This was the general conceit of this Action. But in private, every one according to their divers humours did mutter diversly: Some censuring the Queens actions, others complaining of the change of Religion contrary to her promise made to the Suffolk men: Some lamented the case of Lady Jane, who had been forcibly deposed, and cruelly con∣demned to an ill-deserved Death. Some were swayed by pity, some by the regard of Religion, but most by the fear of a Spanish Servitude: And others were by their own hopes and the desire of change animated to a Rebellion. A Chieftain only was wanting, which defect was quickly supplied by Sir Thomas Wyat a Knight of Kent. Who having communicated the matter with the Duke of Suffolk, Sir Peter Carow of Devonshire, and some others, con∣cluded that it would not be expedient to attempt any thing until

the arrival of Philip, that so they might not seem to have taken [ 1554] Arms to any other end, than to secure their Countrey from the Usurpation of a Forein Prince. So reserving themselves for op∣portunity, they disperse themselves into several places: Wyat into Kent a Countrey adjoyning to London, and disjoyned from Calais by a little fret of Sea; Sir Peter Carow into Devonshire, a part of England in the West opposite to the main of France; and the Duke of Suffolk withdrew himself to his Place in Warwickshire, situated in the very heart of the Realm. In these several places, they secretly furnish themselves with Arms, Money, and all sorts of Munition, and seek to draw others to partake in the Conspiracy. Sir Peter Carow, whether thrust on by his Fate, or thinking delay would prove dangerous, began secretly to levy some Forces in Cornwall, but the matter being sooner detected than was hoped, and he quickly oppressed, he presently took Ship, and fled into France, where he lurked some time, until at length being seem∣ingly reconciled to the King, he was taken at Brussels, and brought Captive into England. By what means he afterward made an escape I know not. But he flourished many years under Queen Elizabeth, and died at Rosse in Leinster a Province of Ireland in the year 1577, as appeareth by his Monument in the Cathedral Church at Exceter erected at the costs of his Nephew Peter, who was Brother to George, whom King James for his many Virtues not long since created a Baron.

With Sir Peter at the same time Sir John Cheeke, who had been King Edward's Tutour, was also taken, who came from Strasburg towards Brussels, and that not without Publick Licence, upon no other business, but to visit (as saith Fox) the Queens Agents there, or rather according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to marry a Wife. Whatsoever were the cause of his Journey, certain it is that he was intercepted, on the way from Antwerp to Erussels unhorsed by some of the Queens Servants, and tied with Cords to a Cart, at last muffled, carried on shipboard, and conveyed to the Tower at London, not knowing all the way for what part of the World he was bound. There, having always in Conscience abhorred the Errours of Popery, he was forced to Abjure his Religion, for which he afterward became so repentant, that out of extremity of Grief he languished, and shortly died. These passages I do the more exactly describe, because there want not some, who relate, that both Sir Peter Carow and Sir John Cheeke for their Religion suffered at a Stake on on the thirteenth of June this present year.

But to return to Wiat; he perceiving that his intents were divulged, and that he had nothing to trust to, no refuge but Valour; incited the People in Kent to a Rebellion, and (as Rebels never want common pretexts to colour their actions) that,

Because the Queen relying too much upon the Advice of bad Counsel∣lors, bad lately done, and did daily endeavour many things prejudicial

to the Estate of the Realm: That therefore to prevent farther incon∣veniences, [ 1554] those Counsellors must be removed, and others substituted, who should so manage the Estate, as should answer the Trust reposed in such men, whose Loyalty should render them more careful of the Publick, than their Private Profit. But above all they must endeavour, that some means must be used to impeach this determined Match, by which he plainly foresaw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 free Realm would be oppressed with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Servitude; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a floud-gate would be opened to let in a perpetual 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Superstition. That the effects of their Arms would prove very profitable to the Queen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose hap∣piness he should ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the general good of the Kingdom.

But howsoever he fed the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with specious words, the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at that time running the same course in Warwick∣shire, it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that their drift was to Depose Mary, and once more to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Captive Jane. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 By the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 twentieth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Fame had 〈◊〉〈◊〉. London with the news of this Kentish Rebellion. For the repression whereof, the Duke of Norfolk was the same day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with some small Forces, consisting for the most part of the Queens Guard, which were a little increased by the accession of five hundred Londoners, who were the next day sent down by Water to Gravesend, where the Duke expected them. With these he resolves to encounter Wiat, whom his madness had not yet car∣ried beyond Rochester, which (notwithstanding its weakness, being no way fortified) he intended to make good against the Duke, and had encamped within the ruines of the Castle.

Rochester is a City seated upon the River Medway, where falling into the Thames it is most violent, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and flowing like a Streight, and is made passable by an arched stone Bridge of ex∣cellent artifice. This Bridge had the Rebels seized, and planted on it some brass double Cannons, that they might debar the Duke (whom they understood by their Scouts to be upon march) of passage. But he nothing daunted with their proceedings sent a He∣rald to proclaim Pardon to such as forsaking Wiat, should return to their Obedience, resolving withal to force the Bridge and gain entrance into the City. The Herald executed his office, but with so submiss a voice, that he was heard by few (for indeed a Pistol held at his Breast so terrified him, that he was content for his own safety to yield to the Rebels so commanding) and was re∣turned with this answer, that they knew not themselves to be so far Delinquent, as that they should need any such Pardon. Only Sir George Harper faining a Revolt, made over toward the Duke of Norfolk, but indeed with intent to perswade Alexander Bret Captain of those five hundred Londoners, to partake in this Action of common Disloyalty. Which he performed so effe∣ctually, that Bret, whose Company made the Vauntguard, before he came so near the Bridge as to give an assault, suddenly

drawing his Sword turned about to his Souldiers, and thus be∣spake [ 1554] them:

Valiant Countrey-men, we now engage our selves in a Cause, which before we farther proceed, would require mature Deliberation. We march, but against whom? Are they not our Friends, our fellow∣natives, with whom we seek to make a deeper mixture of our Bloods? Have they not taken Arms for the preservation of the ancient glory of the English name, and to vindicate our common Liberties against the Insolencies of the cruel Spaniard? You whose degenerate Spirits can brook the indignities of Servitude, continue in God's name with your brave General, who without doubt will deserve the service of such Worthies: As for me (who had rather undergo many the most tortu∣ring Deaths, than betray my liberty to the Spaniard) I here (happy and prosperous may it prove) enrol my self under Wyat's Colours, and am confident that some of you out of Affection to your Countrey will follow my example.

He had scarce spoken thus much, when they all crying out a Wyat, a Wyat, turned the Cannon against their fellows, who followed in the Rere. Which unexpected Revolt so terrified the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundell, and Sir Henry Jernegam Captain of the Guard, who followed the Duke in this Expe∣dition, that they instantly betook themselves to flight. The remainder of that small Army prepared themselves according to the example of their Commanders, when Wyat with some Horse intercepted their flight, and seised on eight Brass Peeces with all the Duke's Munition: Then used he some perswasions to pervert their Loyalty, professing withal, that If any one would be an Instrument of his own Misery by assisting the Queen, he should have free licence to depart, desiring all such, that they would certifie all men, but especially her Majesty, that Wyat calling God and men to witness did protest, that he took not Arms any way to prejudice Her, but to maintain the Liberties of his Countrey inviolate against Forein Machinations. The five hundred Londoners, many of the Guard, and the greatest part of the headless Army forthwith joyn with Wyat, who now upon confidence of his Forces resolves to make speedily for London.

Whiles Wyat thus acts his part in Kent, the Duke of Suffolk, who with his Brothers Lord John and Lord Leonard Gray departed from London on the five and twentieth of January, did every where incite the People to take Arms against the Spaniard. But finding, that this Alarm took not, and knowing he had waded too far to hope for a second Pardon, he determined to endeavour an Escape by flight. But the Earl of Huntingdon sent by the Queen with three hundred Horse to take him, made him alter his reso∣lution. The Duke's Company consisted not of above fifty, with which small number in a Countrey that no way favoured his proceedings, to oppose the Earl were desperate madness, Therefore

distributing his Money amongst them, feigns a flight, adviseth [ 1554] his Brothers and the rest to disperse themselves, and having thus freed himself from the danger of obsequious Eyes, committed himself to the trust of one Underwood, whom he had formerly made his Ranger at Astley. But Benefits oblige not Ignoble minds, which either mercenary or timid, treacherously fail in their reposed Trust. Such did this man prove, who having promised for a while to shelter his Lord, until he should bethink himself of some other expedient course, either out of fear or hope of reward, betrayed him to the Earl of Huntingdon, by whom guarded with three hundred Horse he was brought to London, and on the ele∣venth of February committed to the Tower.

In the mean time the Queen jealous of the Londoners, especially since Bret's Revolt, on the first of February attended by most of the Nobility, came to Guildhall, where the Commons of the City were assembled in their Liveries, to whom she spake after this manner:

Although We doubt not of your Loyalty, and so need not give an account of Our actions; yet having intelligence that many seduced by this Arch-traytor's gay Pretexts, do secretly favour his Designs; We have, to give satisfaction to all, condescended to this days meeting with the Infant of Spain is that forsooth, that must colour all his Vil∣lanies. But his Actions discover his deeper Practices. For having now some∣what increased his members, his madness hath so transported him beyond the distast of Our Match, that he now resolves on the custody of Our Person, and absolute power of removing, retaining, punishing of Our Council whom he list. In this great affair of Our Marriage, We have done nothing but by the advice of Our Peers. We have lived the greatest part of Our age, single. Neither do We now so long for a Husband, but that, if the Estates of Our Realm judge it convenient, We will continue Our Virgin estate. For, that I should seek to endan∣ger England, and to confound all things by an unfortunate Match, the love of Our Native soil, the long knowledge of Our Peaceable disposition, Our endeavours for your Good, will perswade you to the contrary. Persist therefore in your Loyal Resolutions, and assist Us in executing Our due Revenge on these Monsters of men, who conspire to take away the Head which was ordained to guide them, and to suffer with them: Neither are Our demands other than We may in reason expect from you, who so maturely, so unanimously admitted of Our Government, as deeming Us the Undoubted Successour to Our Royal Father and Brother.

Having thus confirmed the minds of the Citizens, she arms five hundred men (the greater part Strangers) to the choisest whereof she commits the defence of London-Bridge, and disposes of the rest throughout the City. Two days after to London comes Wyat with an Army of three (or four) thousand, full of hope, that having present admittance into the City, Success should crown his Actions, and that without either peril or pains. But

things answered not his expectation. For coming to the Bridge, [ 1554] he found it cut down, the Gates shut and made good against him by armed Troops, who disdainfully bid the Traytor avaunt. Nevertheless he continued two days in Southwark, hoping, that time and industry of secret Practisers might work some al∣teration.

But his hopes being here also frustrated, he turns his March for Kingston, there to gain passage over the Thames. But the woodden Bridge there was also broken, and the opposite Bank defended by two hundred men, whom the sight of two Peeces of Ordnance ready to be planted against them so terrified, that they left their station, and gave Wyat liberty to find out means to waft his Army. Having surmounted this difficulty, he once more resolves for that Queen of Cities, and reposing all the suc∣cess of this Adventure in celerity, without suffering his Souldiers to repose themselves, makes with a round march for London, where he hoped to arrive before day, and to surprise the secure Queen. But God is the Protector of Princes, who more especially are his Images and Lieutenants; so that the practices of Rebels and Tray∣tors against their lawful Sovereigns seldom prove successful. Wyat had (not improbably) been Master of his desires, had not God by an unexpected accident retarded him, or rather so blinded him, that by unnecessary delays he overslipped his opportunity. He was now within six miles of London, when the Carriages of one of his Brass Peeces being broken, the Peece became for the present unserviceable, because immovable. In remounting this Peece some hours were lost, notwithstanding their perswasions who advised him not to neglect more real Advantages, as indeed he did: for by this means he came short of the time prefixed by those Citizens who were fautors of his Cause. The consideration whereof made many despair of Success and relinquish him, so that his Army was quickly contracted to a smaller gross. Among the rest Sir George Harper partaker of all Wyat's Stratagems, that he might wipe away the stains of Rebellion and his dissembled Revolt by a loyal Treachery, posted away to the Queen, and revealed the whole series of Wyat's Projects. The Queen amazed at the ap∣prehension of this imminent danger, gives Commission to the Earl of Pembroke for the speedy raising of some Forces, and makes him General of the Field. Wyat hearing that the Earl of Pem∣broke was in Arms, betook himself to a slower march, lest he should be forced against these fresh Souldiers to oppose his pant∣ing weary ones. So by Noon he approached the Suburbs, and planting his Ordnance upon a Hill beyond St. James, left there the greatest part of his small Army to guard them. He himself with five Ensigns made towards Ludgate, and Cutbert Vaughan with two other Ensigns toward Westminster, leaving St. James on the left hand: wherein I believe his chief end was, that by

terrifying that part of the City, and consequently distracting the [ 1554] Queens Forces, Wyat might gain passage with less difficulty. At Charing-Cross Sir John Gage Lord Chamberlain, with part of the Guard and some other Souldiers made head against Wyat. But at length, either the Queen for fear of Vaughan so commanding, or not able to withstand the shock, with more than an orderly march he made toward the Court, and filled it with terrour and amazement. The Earl of Pembroke followed Wyat, still cutting him off behind: by which kind of fight Wyat, not turning head, lost many of his Soldiers. The rest of the Rebels couragiously marching up Fleetstreet, with joyful Acclamations cryed out, Queen Mary, Queen Mary, God save Queen Mary, who hath granted us our Pe∣titions, and Pardon. At length they came to Ludgate, and desired entrance; but by their feigned Acclamations they gained no∣thing but reproachful language. Whereupon they intend to return the same way, but are circumvented by the Earl of Pem∣broke's Horse. Then Clarencieux perswaded him to yield, and not beyond all his former madness, to surcharge himself with the Blood of so many valiant men. Wyat's Souldiers seemed de∣sperately bent to make their way, but his Courage was quailed. So he yielded to Sir Maurice Barkley, who mounting him behind him, carried him presently to the Court. Their Captain taken, the Souldiers make no resistance; some few of them escape by flight, but the greater part fill the Prisons of the City. These were the accidents of the sixth of February.

Having thus supprest the Faction, the punishment of the Conspirators is next in execution. The first that was reflected on (as for whose sake this Rebellion had been set on foot) was Lady Jane; who having been Condemned on the thirteenth of November, had her Execution hitherto deserred, not without hope of Pardon. But to take away all farther cause of Sedition, her Death is now absolutely determined. Whereupon Fecknam Dean of Pauls, afterward Abbot of Westminster, was sent unto her to admonish her to prepare for Death, and withal to perswade her to entertain the Romish Religion. This sad message so little moved her, that She professed her self bound in this to acknowledge God's infinite goodness: As for discussing matters of Controversie in Religion, her time was so short, that she could not dispense with the least loss of it; that little that was allotted her, she knew she might better spend in her Devotions to Heaven. Fecknam conceiving this answer to proceed from a desire of longer date of Life, prevails with the Queen for three days more; and returning to Lady Jane, certifies her what he had done; beseeching her to hearken unto him, and to reform her Opinion in point of Religion. To whom she answered with a smiling countenance; Alas Sir, it was not my desire that her Majesty should be troubled with the report of my words: For think not that I am touched with any desire of prolonging

my days: No, I am so far from it, that ever since your departure [ 1554] Life hath afflicted me with its tediousness; and as for Death, being wholly intent to the attaining of Life Eternal, I utterly despise it, and her Majesties pleasure being such, I willingly undergo it. Fecknam again reiterated his perswasions, that she would embrace the Religion of the Church of Rome: To whom her replies were such, that whosoever shall read the Conference between them, (for it was after published) cannot without amazement wonder, how so tender an age, especially the Sex considered, should be capable of such Constancy, Learning, Wisdom, Wit. Her Hus∣band Lord Guilford being first to suffer, desired leave to see her, converse with her, and take his last farewel: Whereto she would by no means consent, desiring him To omit this foment of Grief, rather than Comfort, in Death; for they should shortly behold each other more really united in a better place and more happy estate. Yet she unappalled saw him conducted to Tower-hill, and with the same setled spirit beheld his headless Trunk when it was returned to be interred in the Chappel of the Tower. The Death of this in∣nocent Lady, it was conceived, would not be without almost a general distaste. But to decline it as much as might be, it was thought good that she should not be publickly Beheaded; where∣fore there was a Scaffold erected within the Tower, whereon about an hour or two after her Husband, on the twelfth of Fe∣bruary she submitted her neck to the Ax. When she was con∣ducted from the place of her imprisonment to the place of her suffering, the Lieutenant of the Tower desired her to vouchsafe him something or other which might serve as a Monument to him, whereby to remember her; whereupon she demanded Writing∣Tables, and therein wrote three short Sentences in Greek, Latin, (in which Languages she was admirably skilled) and English, wherein she signified her Innocence; and although she confessed she had committed an Errour, which deserved Death, yet Igno∣rance might among men without prejudice to the Laws suffi∣ciently excuse it. At last saluting the People as she went, with a countenance setled and void of fear, and commending her self to their Prayers, she came to the place of Execution, leading 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Hand, whom she kindly embraced, saying, God I beseech him abundantly reward you for your Kindness toward me, al∣though I must needs say it was more unwelcome to me, than my instant Death is terrible. Then having to the Assembly in very modest language discoursed of her Action, she said,

I am condemned, not for having aspired to the Crown, but because I refused it not being offered; and shall serve for a memorable Exam∣ple to Posterity, that Innocence excuseth not great Misdeeds, if they any way tend to the destruction of the Weal publick; for he hath abun∣dantly plunged himself in Ill, whosoever even perforce hath become the Instrument of another's Ambition.

Having spoken thus much, and implored God's mercy, by the [ 1554] help of her Gentlewoman she first disrobed her self of her Gown, then her Attire, and vailing her Eyes with her Handkerchief, laid her Head on the Block, and exhorted the lingring Executio∣ner to the performance of his office, which he at length did, his action drawing tears from the Eyes of the Spectators, yea even of those, who from the very beginning were affected to Queen Maries Cause. This was the end of Jane, a Lady renowned for the greatness of her Birth, but far more for her Virtues and ex∣cellency of Wit, who swayed by the Ambition of her Father-in∣Law and imperious Mother, took on her that Fatal Title of a Queen; and being presently hurried from a Kingdom to a Scaf∣fold, suffered for the faults of others, having overcome all the frowns of adverse Fortune by Constancy and Innocence.

Much more just was that Execution which within three days after ensued. Twenty Gibbets as well for terrour of others as for present punishment, being erected in divers parts of the City, on the fourteenth and fifteenth of February fifty of the Kentish Rebels were hanged on them. On the eighteenth of the same month, Alexander Bret who drew those five hundred Londoners into a Revolt from the Duke of Norfolk, was with a multitude of others (whereof many were of the Gentry) sent into Kent, there to undergo exemplary punishment. On the twentieth of February, four hundred of the same Crew with Halters about their Necks, were presented before the Queen, all humble sup∣pliants on their Knees, whom the Queen pardoned, and com∣manded their present liberty.

On the three and twentieth of February, Henry Gray Duke of Suffolk Father to Lady Jane, having been Condemned on the seventeenth of the same month, was publickly Beheaded: A man whose facility to by-practices had occasioned all the Troubles wherewith this Reign had hitherto been distracted; whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ingratitude (the Queen having once Pardoned him beyond ex∣pectation) diverted the current of the Queens clemency toward his Daughter, and brought him to a deserved end.

The next turn was Wyat's, and that on the eleventh of April. Who upon a kind of promise of Pardon, if he would detect the rest of the Conspirators, suborned (as is conceived) by some malevolent persons, among the rest traduced young Courtney, as that having been refused by Queen Mary, he aspired to marry the Lady Elizabeth, to depose the Queen, and so to reign as it were in the right of his Wife. This Accusation had procured their Commitment, the Lady Elizabeth's on the eighteenth of March, Courtney's on the twelfth of February. But Wyat finding himself deluded, and being toucht with the horridness of so treacherous an Accusation, going to the place of his Execution, desired the favour of a few words with the Marquess of Exceter, which

which was granted him. Of the Marquess he on his knees [ 1554] craved pardon for that irreparable Injury which he had done him, not out of Malice, but desire of Life. The Sheriffs of the City, with many others were then present, and after testified the cer∣tainty of this acknowledgement. But the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellour (who out of fear of change of Religion if Queen Mary dying, Elizabeth should come to the Crown, was content to lay hold on any occasion to cut her off) affirmed in the Star-Chamber, and thereto cited the testimony of the Lord Chandois, that Wyat a little before his Death exhorted the Marquess to acknowledge his Crime, and to submit himself to the Queens mercy. But what apparance of truth can there be in this, it being certain, that Wyat having ascended the fatal Scaffold, see∣ing the Instruments of Death before his Eyes, and having com∣posed himself for another World, did with sincere protestations and religious asseverations acquit the Lady Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney from being any the least way conscious to his pra∣ctices?

On the seven and twentieth of April, Lord Thomas Gray was Beheaded for having by perswasions as it were thrust on his irre∣solute Brother the Duke of Suffolk to partake with Wyat in his Seditious attempts.

On the sixteenth of May the Lady Elizabeth was removed from the Tower to Woodstock, and the Marquess of Exceter to Foderingay, the place only being altered, and nothing remitted of the strict∣ness of their Imprisonment.

About the same time that Reverend Cranmer yet Archbishop of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley lately deprived of the Bishoprick of London, and Hugh Latimer who so long ago resigned his Bishoprick of Worcester, were removed from the Tower to Windsor, and thence to Oxford, there solemnly to Dispute with the Divines of both Universities concerning the Eucharist. Their usage was extreme almost beyond belief. Two days only were allotted them for their preparation; and those two days were they in straight cu∣stody in several either Dungeons or places little differing, debar∣red both the conference of any but their Gaoler, and the use of their own Papers and Books. In the Schools the behaviour to∣ward them was as barbarous as their usage had been tyrannical: Shouts and outcries were the chiefest Arguments, many opposing one, without Order, without Manners, without Modesty. On the fourteenth of April from the Prison they were brought to St. Maries, and commanded to Abjure; upon their refusal, a day is prefixed for publick Dispute: Cranmer's day was the sixteenth, Ridley's the seventeenth, Latimer's the eighteenth of April, each in their course to answer all Opponents; which each of them performed, and that so, that notwithstanding they were amazed with rude clamours, and distracted with variety of Opponents,

all urging and craving answer at the same time, although they [ 1554] were scoffed at, reviled, and over-born with multitude, yet did they force their Adversaries to admire them. Cranmer did learnedly, and according to the dignity wherein he so many years flourished, gravely; Ridley acutely and readily; Latimer with a pleasant tartness, and more solidly than could be expected of a man so near the age of fourscore. The Disputation ended, they are again on the twentieth of April brought to St. Maries, and demanded whether they would persist in their Opinions; upon their reply, that they would, they were declared Hereticks, and condemned to the Fire. Their Constancy was the more manifest by their contempt of Death. Latimer was scarce capable of the joy he conceived, that God was pleased he should end his long life (whereto Nature would shortly set a period) with so happy a clause. As for their Martyrdom, it falls in with the next Year, and thither we remit it.

Presently after those forepassed Tumults, the Queen sends forth Summons for a Parliament to begin the second of April. In this Parliament she proposeth two things, her Marriage and Subjection to Rome in matters Ecclesiastical; this last she could not for a while obtain, the other was assented unto upon conditions, That

Philip should not advance any to any publick Office or Dignity in England, but such as were Natives of England, and the Queens Subjects: He should admit of a set number of English in his Houshold, whom he should use respectively, and not suffer them to be injured by Foreiners: He should not transport the Queen out of England but at her intreaty, nor any of the Issue begotten by her, who should have their Education in the Realm, and should not be suffered but upon necessity or some good reasons, to go out of the Realm, nor then neither but with the consent of the English: The Queen deceasing without Children, Philip should not make any claim to the Kingdom, but should leave it freely to him, to whom of right it should belong: He should not change any thing in the Laws either publick or private, the Immunities and Customs of the Realm, but should be bound to confirm and keep them: He should not transport any Jewels, or any part of the Wardrobe, nor alienate any of the Revenues of the Crown: He should preserve our Shipping, Ordnance, and Munition, and keep the Castles, Forts, and Block-houses in good repair, and well manned: Lastly, that this Match should not any way derogate from the League lately concluded between the Queen and the King of France, but that the Peace between the English and the French should remain firm and inviolate: Only it should be lawful for Philip out of other Kingdoms and Dominions be∣longing to his Father the Emperour, to send Aids unto him, either for propelling Injuries, or taking revenge for any already received.

All things being thus transacted, and no further impediment interposing between these Princes; Philip setting sail from the

Groin on the sixteenth of July, with a good Southern gale within [ 1554] three days arrived at Southampton with a Fleet of one hundred and sixty Sail, whereof twenty were English, and other twenty Flemings. Having rested himself there the space of three days attended by a great company of the English and Spanish Nobility, on the four and twentieth of July being a very wet day he came to the Queen at Winchester. The Feast-day of St. James (the Tute∣lary Saint of Spain) was destined for the Nuptials, which were Celebrated at Winchester with great pomp. There Don Juan Fi∣gueroa for the Emperour resigned the Kingdoms of Naples and and Sicily, and conferred all his right thereto on Philip; and the Heralds proclaimed their Titles in Latin, French, and English. About the beginning of August these two Princes came to Basing, and thence to Windsor, where the King was installed Knight of the Garter. On the eleventh of August they came to London, where the Citizens received them with most magnificent So∣lemnity.

On the eleventh of November another Parliament began at Westminster; about the beginning whereof Cardinal Pool (who by King Henry had been proclaimed Enemy to the Estate, was created Cardinal by Paul the Third, had himself been Pope if he had but consented in time, and in the opinion of many was thought a fit Husband for the Queen) arrived in England. Having been put beside the Papacy by others default more than his own, craving leave of the new Pope Julius, he withdrew himself to a Monastery in the Territory of Verona called Maguzano, the Religious whereof were Benedictine Monks, of which Order he himself while he continued at Rome had been Patron. Having decreed there to hide himself and spend the remainder of his days, the fame of King Edward's Death and Queen Maries advance∣ment to the Crown, drew him again out of the Cloister to Rome. He was not ignorant how Mary stood affected to the See of Rome, and therefore hoped (not without good cause) that Julius, who much favoured him, having by his delays attained the Papacy, would send him into his Countrey with the ho∣norable Title and Authority of a Legate. And now he feigned to himself a double hope of a Kingdom, if not Secular, at least Ecclesiastical, by virtue of his authority Legatine and the dignity of Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Mary had her Education for some years under Margaret Countess of Salisbury the Mother of Pool (who was then a Child) and that by Queen Catharine's means, who intended (as it was thought) to marry her Daugh∣ter the Lady Mary to one of the Countesses Sons, thereby to strengthen her Daughters claim to the Crown, if it should hap∣pen that Henry should decease without other lawful Issue, the Countess being Daughter to George Duke of Clarence, who was Brother to Edward the Fourth. The Cardinal, whether for this

or some other reasons, knowing himself to be in dear esteem [ 1554] with the Queen, was confident if not of the Crown by Marriage, yet at least of all advantages of her Favour. Neither was he therein deceived; for Mary having obtained the Crown, earnestly sued unto him to restore himself to his Countrey; and the Pope, not ignorant how much he would advantage the Aposto∣lick See, at the Queens request dispatched him with most ample Authority. But the Emperour having a Project on foot for his Son, was somewhat jealous of the Cardinal; and therefore be∣gan seriously to treat with Cardinal Dandino the Pope's Legate with him, for the conclusion of a Peace between him and the French, that so he might give a stop to Pool, whose coming into England, the Emperour's affairs being not yet setled, might per∣adventure make all fly asunder. Dandino to gratifie Charles, by Franciseo Commendono sends Letters to Pool, advising him not to set forth as yet, forasmuch as this Legacy undertaken without the Emperour's consent, was displeasing; and the English Nation for the most part, especially the Londoners, did so hate the name of the Pope of Rome, that his Legacy would be held in contempt among them: A Legate therefore was not to be employed unto them, until perswasions had brought them to a better temper. Pool having received these Letters in his Cloister, thought it fit∣ting to expect his Holiness pleasure. The Pope not brooking the increase of the Emperour's greatness by the addition of such Estates, and fretting that Dandino had presumed to stay the Car∣dinal, recalled Dandino, and conferred on Pool alone the Legacy both into England for the one affair, and to the Emperour and the French for the Treaty of a Peace. He willingly undertaking it, presently set forward from Trent, certifying the Emperour and the French of his large Commission. The Emperour per∣ceiving that these devices would be no longer availeable, sent Don Juan de Mendoza unto him with Letters, wherein he plainly discovered his fear, that the Cardinal's premature arrival in England might prove an obstacle to his proceedings there, which were great and hopeful: Wherefore it was his desire, that he should either there attend his pleasure, or if he would needs go further he might come to Liege, and there expect the event of his designs. The Cardinal upon receipt of these Letters returns to Dilling, (not far from Trent) certifies his Holiness of the whole carriage of the Business, and sends expostulatory Letters to the Emperour, shewing therein what an indignity it was to Apo∣stolick See, that his Holiness Legat sent upon a Treaty of Peace, and to reduce a Kingdom to the obedience of the Church, should so disgracefully, with contempt to his Holiness, and that by the Emperour's command, be detained in the midst of Germany in the sight of the Enemies of the Church. That great Divine Domingo Soto Ordinary Preacher to the Emperour was then at

Dilling. By him he perswades the Emperour not to hinder this [ 1554] Legation, being it would so much hazard the estate of the Church, but especially of the Kingdom of England. At length with much ado, and that not until the Emperour had intelli∣gence, that the Articles concerning his Son's Marriage were agreed on, he obtained leave to come to Brussels, but on this condition, that he should there reside until the Emperour were assured, that the Marriage between Philip and Mary were So∣lemnized. So to Brussels he came, where having saluted the Emperour, who received him very courteously, and that time might not pass unprofitably, with him he begins to put in exe∣cution one part of his Legation, which was, to draw the Emperor and the King of France to some indifferent terms of Peace. The Emperour professing, that he would not reject Peace upon any reasonable conditions, the Cardinal goes into France, to treat with Henry concerning the same thing: Who made as fair shews as did the Emperour; but their minds exulcerated with inveterate hate, made all his pains fruitless. Henry at his departure em∣bracing him, signified the sorrow he had conceived, that he had not sooner occasion to be acquainted with his worth: For had he truly know him, his endeavours should have been totally for his advancement to the Papacy.

A little after his return to Brussels, came the Lords Paget and Hastings Ambassadors to the Emperour from their Majesties of England, who signified their joint-longing to see the Cardinal, and therefore desired he might be forthwith dismissed, that by virtue of his Authority he might rectifie the Church of England; wonderfully out of tune by reason of the Schism wherewith it had been afflicted. So in September he had leave to go for Eng∣land, but was by contrary winds detained at Calais until Novem∣ber, in which month he at length arrived at Dover. His enter∣tainment was most honourable, the Kings and Nobles alike striving to manifest their joy. And because being in the year 1539 by Parliament declared Enemy to the Estate, and by the same Law condemned to die; the Estates then assembled in Par∣liament repealed that Act, and restored him to his Blood, the Kings themselves coming to the House extraordinarily for the confirmation of the Act before his arrival at London. A little after his coming, both Houses were sent for to the Court, where the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellour having in the presence of the Kings and the assembly spoken something con∣cerning the Cardinal's grateful arrival, the Cardinal himself began a long Oration in English, wherein He acknowledged how much he was bound to the Kings and the Estates of the Realm, by whose favour those Laws for his Exile and Proscription were repealed, and he once more made a Native of the Land: He was bound by the Laws of Gratitude to endeavour the requital of this Benefit, whereto an occasion

happily offered it self: The late Schism had separated them from the [ 1554] Union of the Church, and made them exiles from Heaven; by the Authority conferred on him by the Pope St. Peter's Successor, Christ's Vicar, he would bring them back into the Fold of the Church, the sole means of attaining their celestial Heritage. Wherefore he exhorted them ingenuously to acknowledge the Errours of these later years, and to detect them, with sincere alacrity of mind to accept of, and retain this Benefit, which God by his Vicar's Legate did proffer them. For now nothing else remained, but that he being present with those Keys which should open the Gates of the Church, they should also abrogate those Laws, which lately Enacted to the prejudice of the Church, had rended them from the rest of its Body.

Having spoken a great deal to this purpose, and ransacked Antiquity for examples of our Forefathers devotion to the See of Rome; his grave delivery, excellent language, and methodical contexture of his speech wrought so effectually in the minds of those who were addicted to Popery, that they thought not them∣selves until this day capable of Salvation. But many of the lower House, who deemed it a rare felicity to have shaken off the yoak of Rome, eagerly withstood the readmittance of it. But by the endeavours of the King and Queen all things were at last composed to the Cardinal's liking. The Authority which the Popes heretofore usurped in this Realm is restored, the Title of Supreme Head of the Church is abrogated, and a Petition drawn by the whole Court of Parliament, for the Absolution of the People and Clergy of England from Schism and Heresie is by the Bishop of Winchester presented to the Legate, who (they all kneeling) by the Authority committed unto him absolved them. This being done, they went to the Chappel in Procession singing Te Deum, and the next Sunday the Bishop of Winchester in his Sermon at Pauls Cross made a large relation of what had passed.

These things being thus setled, the Queen intends an honorable Embassy to Rome, whereof she had at her first coming to the Crown made promise. For having resolved to replant the Re∣ligion of Rome, she had privily written to Pool, requiring his advice therein. The Pope was therefore pleased to send into England Giovanni Francisco Commendono his Chamberlain (after∣ward Cardinal) for the more perfect notice of the estate of the Realm. To him the Queen after much private conference did under her Hand promise Obedience to the See of Rome, desiring withal, that the Kingdom might be absolved from the Interdict, for the obtaining whereof she would by a solemn Embassy petition his Holiness as soon as the Estate was setled. So now about the end of this year the Bishop of Ely, Sir Anthony Brown, and Ed∣ward Carne Doctor of Law, are by the Kings sent to proffer their Obedience to the See of Rome. But these costs and pains were

fruitless. For before they came to Rome the Pope was dead. In [ 1554] the mean time the Queen considering all her actions hitherto to have passed with full applause, began to treat with the Nobi∣lity, to condescend, that if not the Royal, at least the Matrimo∣nial Crown of our Queens might be imposed on Philip. But it being a matter without precedent, and that might perchance to an ambitious Prince give some colour for claim to the King∣dom, they proved averse, and she content to surcease.

The next care was of restitution of Church-Lands. But Henry had so divided them, and that among the Nobility, that no∣thing could be done therein. Only it was decreed, that the First-Fruits and Tenths granted to the King by the Clergy Anno 1534, should be remitted; which Decree upon conside∣ration of the Treasuries poverty, and of the many Pensions granted by Henry to the ejected Religious Persons, was quickly revoked.

About the same time an absurd (I might say ridiculous) ac∣cident happened by the Queens own credulity and the flattery of fawning Courtiers. By reason of a Disease, which Physi∣cians term a Mole, her Belly began to swell; and some other reasons giving her cause to conjecture that she was with Child, she not entertaining the advice of any Physicians, but of Mid∣wives and old Women, believing what she desired should be, affirmed that she felt the stirring of the Embryo in her womb. To those that are affected with this malady, that fleshy and inform substance which is termed Mola, doth seem sometimes to move, but that slowly, and with the general motion of the whole Belly. By this and other symptoms Physicians would quickly have dis∣covered her Disease, which unless very maturely prevented, is commonly incurable: So that in process of time her Liver being over-cooled, she fell into a Dropsie, which as Fuchsius and other Physicians write, doth usually happen. But these flattering hopes betrayed her to the laughter of the World, and to her Grave. For on the seven and twentieth of November the Lords of the Council sent some Mandates to the Bishop of London, to disperse certain forms of Prayers, wherein after Thanks given to God for his Mercies to this Kingdom, by giving hopes of an Heir to the Crown, and infusing life into the Embryo, they should pray for the preservation of the Queen and the Infant, and her happy delivery, and cause Te Deum to be sung every where. Then by Parliament many things were Enacted concerning the Education of the Babe; and much clutter was otherwise kept about preparations for the Child's Swadling-clouts, Cradle, and other things requisite at the Delivery; until in June in the en∣suing year it was manifested, that all was little better than a Dream.

This year were many Barons created. On the eleventh of

March, William Howard was created Lord Howard of Effingham, he [ 1554] was Father to Charles Lord Admiral and late Earl of Nottingham; on the fifth of April, John Williams Lord Williams of Tame; on the seventh of April, Edward North Baron of Chartlege; on the eighth of April, John Bruges Lord Chandois; on the fourteenth of May, Gerard Fitz-Gerard (of whom before) Earl of Kildare; and on the second of September, Anthony Brown Viscount Mountague: And in September deceased Thomas Duke of Norfolk.

ANNO DOM. 1555. REG. MARIAE 2 & 3, PHILIPPI 1 & 2.

ON the eighteenth of January the Lord Chancellour coming [ 1555] to the Tower with six other Lords of the Council set many brave Prisoners at liberty, viz. the Archbishop of York, Sir John Rogers, Sir James Croft, Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir George Harper, Sir William Sentlow, Sir Gawin Carew, Sir Andrew Dudley the Duke of Northumber∣land's Brother, William Gibs, Cutbert Vaughan, Harington, Tre∣maine, and others. The Archbishop having married a Wife, was deprived, and Nicholas Heath sometimes Bishop of Worcester, but deprived by King Edward, and (Hooper being ejected and condemned to the Fire) lately restored by Queen Mary, was substituted in his place. Rogers and Croft were afterward Privy Counsellors to Queen Elizabeth, under whom they many years flourished in great Authority. Throckmorton (a subtil man) was thought to have been the plotter of Wyat's Rebellion; his Head was therefore especially aimed at. But being indicted, and ten whole hours spent in sifting him, he by such witty answers voided the accusation of his Adversary, that the Jurors found him Not guilty; for which they were afterward soundly fined.

About the beginning of April, the Marquess of Exceter, and a little after, the Lady Elizabeth were set at liberty. Concerning Lady Elizabeth, it was long consulted what course to take with her, wherein the resolutions of the Papists were bloodily bent to make her away when any colourable occasion should present it self. The Bishop of Winchester upon any speech concerning the punishment of Hereticks, is reported to have said, We strip off the leaves, or lop off the branches; but unless we strike at the Root that hope of Hereticks, (meaning Lady Elizabeth) we do nothing. But after long search into her Actions, no sufficient matter of Accusation being found, although there wanted not those who sought to perswade the Queen, that her liberty would endanger the Queen; yet Philip aspiring to the opinion of Clemency, by his intercession toward the end of April she had her liberty, but so, that she was bound to admit of into her Family Sir Thomas Pope a Privy

Counsellor, Gage, and some others, who should always keep [ 1555] watch over her Actions.

This small sparkle of Clemency was obscured by a greater flame of Cruelty, a multitude of godly men suffering this year for their Conscience only. On the fourth of February, John Rogers the Protomartyr of those times was Burned at London. He was Tin∣dall's Companion, after whose death fearing persecution, he would not return into his Countrey, but went with his Wife to Wirtenberg, where having attained to the German Tongue, he undertook the Cure of a certain Church there, which he faith∣fully discharged, until under King Edward he was recalled from Exile, by Ridley Bishop of London made a Prebend of Pauls, and Lecturer there. Queen Mary having attained the Crown, the Papists endeavoured to affright him, and so to have once more forced him to a voluntary Exile, commanding him not so much as to peep into the streets: and in this manner lived he a year, until at last refusing to flie, he was imprisoned, and condemned to the Fire; which cruel Death (notwithstanding that he was to leave a Wise and ten Children) he did most constantly un∣dergo.

The like end on the ninth of February made John Hooper Bishop first of Glocester, and then of Worcester too, holding both Sees in Commendam, who took much pains about Boner's deprivation, which thing now hastened him to a Stake. For as soon as Queen Mary was enthroned, he was sent for to London, committed to the Tower, and condemned for an Heretick. Henry reigning, he he spent part of his life in Germany, where he took to Wife a Burguignon, and among other devout Learned men, had intimate familiarity with Henry Bullinger, by whom for his Learning, godly and sweet conversation he was held in dear esteem. After his condemnation he was sent to Glocester, there to suffer, where he was thought most to have sinned in sowing seeds of Errour: He himself not a little rejoycing that he should by the testimony of his Blood confirm that Doctrine before their Eyes, into whose Ears he had so often inculcated it.

The same course was taken with Ferrar Bishop of St. Davids, who was brought down from London to his own Diocess, there to be judged by the new Bishop Morgan, by whom he was con∣demned, and Burned at Caermarden the third of March. He was a man rigid and of a rough behaviour, which procured him much trouble under King Edward, and now I believe proved his bane. For having been by the Duke of Somerset advanced to that Dignity, after his death this good and learned man by his sowr behaviour drawing near to arrogance (which with that Nation is a great indignity) raised against himself many accu∣sers, two whereof under Queen Elizabeth became Bishops, who after the death of the Duke of Somerset easily prevailed with the

adverse Faction for his Imprisonment. Being found in Prison [ 1555] when Mary came to the Crown, and brought before the Bishop of Winchester, he might (I believe) by pleasing answers and a little yielding to the season, have honestly escaped their bloody Hands, as did many others, who having not waded too far in Lady Jane's cause, nor otherwise given any grand affront to any of the Popish Prelates, by this means without impediment going into voluntary exile, or being taken, had their liberty easily procured at the intercession of Friends. But Ferrar according to his innate tartness, answering freely (I will not say waiwardly) to his interrogatories, did so enrage the Bishop of Winchester, that I do not much wonder at the hard proceedings against him.

Beside these, Roland Taylor Doctor of Divinity suffered at Hadley the ninth of February, Laurence Sanders an Excellent Preacher, on the eighth at Coventry, John Cardmaker Chancellour of the Church of Wells on the last of May at London, where also on the first of July that godly and learned man John Bradford underwent the tortures of his Martyrdom.

But not to go to a particular enumeration of all that suffered for their Faith, the number of them was almost incredible, the greater part whereof were Executed out of Boner's butchery. But among others we cannot omit those Worthies Ridley and Latimer, who having been condemned the year before, were now on the sixteenth of October conducted to Execution, and at Oxford in the aspect of the Academicks were in the Town-ditch near Baliol Colledge tied to a stake and Burned. Cranmer is re∣ported from the higher part of his Prison to have beheld this doleful spectacle, and with bended Knees and elevated Hands to have prayed for their constancy of Hope and Faith, as also for himself who was shortly he knew to tread their path. But his Execution was for a time deferred by the Bishop of Winchester's means, and that not out of pity, but ambition, and regard of his own profit.

On the four and twentieth of March died Julius the Third, after whose death the Conclave elected Marcello Cervino, a man of excellent learning, wisdom, and sanctity of life, and under whom there was great hope of the Reformation of that Church: Whose that memorable saying was, That he did not see how it was possible for a Pope to be saved; who having sate two and twenty days only, died, and left the Chair to Cardinal Caraffa, of whose contention with Pool we have spoken already, who succeeded him by the name of Paul the Fourth. Gardiner being not igno∣rant of this contention, and the differences between them, deals underhand with this new Pope to honour him with a Cardinal's Hat, and to transfer on him the authority Legatine by Julius con∣ferred on Pool. The Pope in regard of his hatred to Pool, easily condescended thereto, determining also to cite him to Rome, there

to force him to acquit himself of Heresie, and to suffer as did [ 1555] Cardinal Morono Pool's great Friend, whom this Pope detained in Prison as long as himself lived. Hereby Gardiner well hoped to attain to be Archbishop of Canterbury, the Revenues of which Bishoprick Pool received as a Sequestrator, and would no other∣wise as long as Cranmer lived. This was the reason that Cran∣mer's Execution was deferred, to work means that Pool might not be invested in the Archbishoprick, which he himself for the former reasons hoped to attain. But while Gardiner was wholly intent to this project, Death had a project on him, and cut him off by the extremity of a Dropsie, which swelling from his Feet and Legs up to his Belly dispatched him on the twelfth of November, who was with great Solemnity interred in his Cathedral at Winchester.

The Emperour Charles the Fifth having determined to resign the Empire and his Kingdom, on the five and twentieth of Octo∣ber at Brussels, where all the Estates of his Realms were assembled, transferred all his Kingdoms and Dominions on his Son Philip, whom he had formerly made King of Naples and Sicily, and be∣took himself to the rest of a private life.

ANNO DOM. 1556. REG. MARIAE 3 & 4, PHILIPPI 2 & 3.

TO begin the year with its first day, on the first of January, [ 1556] Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York was made Lord Chan∣cellour.

In March, a Comet in the twentieth degree of Libra was seen from the fifth to the seventeenth of the same month.

On the thirteenth of March, a counterfeit Edward, whose true name was William Fetherstone was Executed for a Traytor: He being a Miller's Son, in stature and lineaments of Body not much unlike the deceased King Edward, and his Age also agree∣able, had been the last year publickly whipped through London, for affirming himself to be the King. But not sufficiently terri∣fied by the smart of this punishment, he again betakes him to the same Imposture, privately affirms himself to be King Ed∣ward, and causes Letters to be cast abroad, that King Edward was alive, for which he was at length deservedly Hanged.

And now we are at length come to the narration of the me∣morable Martyrdom of the Archbishop Cranmer. Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester being dead, Cardinal Pool as yet the Pope's Legate, appointed James Brooke Bishop of Glocester for Cranmer's Tryal, forasmuch as they judged it unlawful to punish an Arch∣bishop but by leave from his Holiness. John Story and Thomas Martin,

Doctors of Law Commissioners for the Queen, accompanied [ 1556] the Bishop to Oxford, that the Authority Royal might counte∣nance the Delegates proceeding. In St. Maries Church they had high Seats purposely erected for them, Brooke sitting under the place, where the consecrated Host did usually hang in a Pix, beside him sate Martin and Story, but a little lower, and Cran∣mer habited like a Doctor of Divinity, not like a Bishop, was brought before them. Being told that there were those who represented not only her Majesties person, but also of the most holy Father the Pope, he with due reverence saluted Story and Martin, but would not so much as vouchsafe to cast his Eyes toward Brooke, and that not (as he afterward confessed) out of contempt of the man, whom he formerly loved, but that he might not seem to acknowledge the Pope's Authority, he having by Oath to King Henry obliged himself to the contrary, especially in England, where he could make no pretence of right. Then each of them exhorted him to change his Opinion, and return to the Union of the Church: But he not regarding their admonition, they cite him to appear within fourscore days be∣fore his Holiness, which with her Majesties consent, he promi∣sed he would. But the Pope not expecting his coming, within twenty days after by Letters to the King and Queen commanded him to be Condemned, and committed to the Secular power. After the intercourse of a few days, new Authority is by the Pope granted to Boner Bishop of London, and Thirlby Bishop of Ely for Cranmer's degradation from Orders both Presbyterial and Archiepiscopal, and he then to be delivered over to the secular Magistrate to suffer for Heresie, which was accordingly perfor∣med on the fourteenth of February. Those Saint-like men, Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, as long as they lived did by Letters exhort each other to a generous Constancy for the maintenance of the truth of the Christian Faith. But the other two Champions having made their way to Heaven, and left him alone not plied with such firm Exhortations, out of desire of longer Life his Constancy began at length to be shaken, and that by the subtilty and daily perswasions of a Spanish Frier. So being seduced with hope of pardon, he retracts what-ever he had before written in defence of his Religion, which Retractation was after printed and published. But that little availed him. For whether that Pool would not be longer excluded from the possession of the Arch∣bishoprick, or that (which seems more probable) the Queens inveterate hate and desire of revenge for her Mothers Divorce, which could not be otherwise satiated than with the Blood of this grave man, were the cause: He being now confident of Life is presently rapt to the place of Execution, and there cruelly Burned, where Ridley and Latimer had five months before been crowned with Martyrdom. On the day appointed for his Execution,

a Sermon by the appointment of the Cardinal was Preached by [ 1556] Dr. Cole. Thither was Cranmer brought, and placed conveniently near the Pulpit, where Cole exhorted him to a constancy in that Faith, which he was now content to acknowledge, and that even unto Death, which was now by the appointment of the Magistrate to be inflicted on him this very day. God's wrath for the Death of Fisher and More could not otherwise be appeased but by his Blood. But before his Death, would he by a publick Confession testifie his sincere Conversion to the Union of the Church, he should do an act most acceptable to God and men. If with this unexpected news Cranmer were amazed, I do not at all wonder. But he recollecting himself stood up, and without any sign of fear, made a quick Oration to the Assembly, wherein having premised many things concerning morality and amendment of life, he repeats the principal points of his Doctrine, briefly ex∣plains his Faith, affirmeth, That under the authority Papal the Kingdom of Antichrist was contained and established, and lastly demon∣strates how much he had offended God by the abnegation of the Truth: He professeth therefore, that he had resolved, that his right Hand, wherewith he had so horribly sinned by Subscribing to the Doctrine pro∣posed by the enemies of Truth, should first feel the smart of punish∣ment; when he would have proceeded to speak more, the mul∣titude of Romanists whose expectation he had so finely deluded, with clamours and scoffs interrupted him, and hurried him away presently to the place of Execution. There was then to be seen a sad Spectacle, and such as would, I will not say, have extorted pity from his very Enemies, but have expressed tears from a Flint: The chief Prelate of the Realm lately flourishing by reason of his power and favour of Princes, a man of most holy conversation, for his age, aspect, feature, learning, gravity and rare gifts of mind deservedly most Reverend, clad out of intent to expose him to mockery in an obsolete garment (for so had the Papists purposely arraied him) and bitterly taunted at to be dragged to death, and that death by the horrid tortures of Fire. Being now fastned to the Stake, as soon as ever the flame began, to ascend, lifting up his left Hand to Heaven, he thrust forth his right hand into the flame, and there with admirable constancy continued it until it was consumed, only once drawing it in, and with it stroaking his Beard. At length the raging flame spreading it self, lifting up his Eyes toward Heaven, he cried out, Lord receive my Spirit, and his Body abiding as im∣moveable as the Stake whereto he was fastened, he patiently endu∣red the Fires violence, until he at last expired. His Body being consumed to ashes, his Heart was found entire and untoucht. Had any of the Romanists found the like in any one of their Fa∣ction, it should have been recorded for a Miracle, and that Miracle sufficed to have Sainted him. Give me leave, though

it be contrary to the method of History, to insert a few Verses [ 1556] written by Ralph Skinner concerning this great man's Martyrdom:

Succubuit sanctus Praesul Cranmerus, iniquâ Pontificum rabie, fraude doloque perit. Quòd Verbi invicto dejecer at Ense Papatum, Quòd docuit purâ quaerere mente Deum; Quódque Antichristi subverterat impia regna, Regna piis Anglis heu tolerata diù; Hinc pius & clemens crudeli addicitur igni, Dantur & innocui membra cremenda viri. Huc ubi jam ventum est, Dextram projecit in ignem, Projectamque tenens talia dicta dedit: Primùm peccasti, primùm & sentire dolorem Debes, ah Christo dextra inimica meo. Immotamque tenet dum deflagraverat omnis, In cineres totam dum cecidisse videt. Caetera cùm pereant flammâ (mirabile dictu) Cor manet illaesum post ubi flamma perit. Ecce, invicta fides cor inviotabile servat, Nec mediis flammis corda perire sinit.

Which Verses may be thus rendred in English:

Through Papists rage and fraud good Cranmer dy'd, Because he put their Doctrine to the Sword, The two-edg'd Sword of Scripture, and discri'd Christ's Foe, instructing England with the Word: For this, meek man, he had a Martyr's hire, His Soul was burnt with Zeal, his Corps with Fire.

But when he came unto the stake, he thrust His right Hand in the flames: Thou first (he said) Because thou first did'st sin, here suffer must, Thou first thy Lord and Master hast betrai'd: There held he it; his Eyes did see it fall, Soon afterward he sent those Eyes withal.

But lo, a wonder! Heaven's sacred Oracle Had sure decreed, that so admir'd a creature Should not be put to death sans Miracle: His Body burnt, his Heart in perfect feature Was found unsing'd: See, see, the Faith he cherisht Once in that Heart, preserv'd it still unperisht.

Beside Cranmer, the cruelty of those times did the same year devour many Professors of the same Religion. Of both Sexes no fewer than eighty four were this year martyred by Fire. Neither

did their cruelty exercise it self on the living only: The Bones [ 1556] of Martin Bucer and Paul Phagius long since dead, were digged up, formally accused of Heresie, and no man undertaking their Cause (as who durst?) condemned, and publickly Burned in the Market-place at Cambridge. And Peter Martyr's Wife, who died at Oxford; was disinterred, and with barbarous and inhu∣mane cruelty buried in a Dunghil. To Bucer and Phagius Queen Elizabeth did afterward with great solemnity restore their memory and honour: And as for Peter Martyr's Wife, she caused her Bones to be translated from that unclean place, to be reinterred in the Church, and commixed with the Relicks of Frideswid (by Papists reputed a Saint) that the like occasion of mockage might not again be offered.

On the same day, whereon Cranmer thus ended his life, Car∣dinal Pool was ordered Priest at Greenwich, and the next day, Naboth being dead, took possession of his Vineyard, being con∣secrated Archbishop of Canterbury. Three days after, being the Feast of the Annunciation, accompanied by many Nobles, Pool with great solemnity received the Pall at Bow-Church.

About the same time a notable Conspiracy was detected, some having projected to rob the Exchequer, at that time full of Spanish coin to the value of fifty thousand Pounds. The names of the Conspirators were Udal, Throckmorton, Pecham, Daniel, Stanton, and (besides others that fled for it) White, who disco∣vered his fellows. The rest were all taken and suffered as Traitors. Sir Anthony Kingston as partaker in their intentions was also ap∣prehended, but died before he could reach London.

In July, new Tumults begun to be set on foot in Norfolk were maturely suppressed, Cleber and three Brothers called Lincolne the authors of it suffering for their seditious attempt.

On the one and twentieth of November, John Fecknam Dean of Pauls was installed Abbot at Westminster, which Henry the Eighth had erected to an Archiepiscopal See. There being at that time no Monks in England, fourteen were found who were content with Fecknam to take the Religious habit of Benedictines.

ANNO DOM. 1557. REG. MARIAE 4 & 5, PHILIPPI 3 & 4.

NOw after four or five years we found the effect of our [ 1557] Northern Navigation set on foot by Cabota. About the begin∣ning of this year arrived in England Osep Napea Ambassador from Basiliwitz Emperour of Russia, for the Treaty of a perpetual League between our Kings and his Prince. On the Scottish Coast he had suffered wrack, and beside Merchandize of infinite value, he lost∣those Presents, which were from the Emperour destinated to their

Majesties. But the loss of Richard Chanceller was beyond all these [ 1557] inestimable, who being a most expert Pilot, first discovered the passage into those Northern Regions, and now more solicitous of the Ambassador's safeguard than of his own, this man most worthy of immortal Memory, was swallowed up in the Seas in∣satiate gulf. I think the Entertainment of any Ambassador with us was never more Royal. On the five and twentieth of May, Philip having about seven days before returned out of Flanders, he was admitted into the presence of the Kings, declared the pur∣port of his Embassy, and continued in London, until the third of May; and having then got a convenient season, laden with Gifts he set sail for his Countrey.

On the sixth of March, Charles Lord Stourton for having in his house cruelly murthered one Hargill and his Son, with whom he had long been at variance, was by a wholesom example to poste∣rity Hanged at Sarisbury with four other of his Servants, who were not only conscious, but actors in the cruelty. After he had beaten them down with Clubs, and cut their Throats, he buried their Carcases fifteen foot deep in the ground, hoping by such sure work to stop the voice of Blood crying for revenge; or if peradventure it were discovered, the regard of his zealous per∣sistance in the Religion of Rome would (he hoped) procure the Queens pardon. But Murther is a sin that God hath by many memorable Examples manifested, that it shall not remain unde∣tected: And the Queen although blindly misled in matter of Religion, was so exact a fautrix of Justice, that she was utterly averse from all mention of pardon. So this Nobleman had the punishment due to his offence, only in this preferred before other Murtherers and Parricides, that he was not strangled with an Halter of Hemp, but of Silk.

The seven and twentieth of April, Thomas Stafford landing in the Northern parts of the Realm, having raked together a small company of Exiles and some Foreiners, surprized Scarborough Castle then, as in time of Peace, utterly destitute of provision for resistance: Having thus seized on a place of defence, he makes Proclamation, that Queen Mary having her self no right to the Crown had betraied it to the Spaniard, exhorting the people with him to take Arms for the recovery of their lost Liberty. But by the diligence of Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury then Ambassa∣dor for their Majesties with the French, all his designs were re∣vealed to the Council before his arrival in England. So by the industry of the Earl of Westmerland he was within six days taken, brought to London, and on the eight and twentieth of May Be∣headed, Strechley, Proctor, and Bradford the next day following him, but in a more due punishment (being drawn, hanged and quartered) whom they had followed in their treacherous attempts.

The Emperour Charles having bequeathed the inheritance of

his hate to France with his Crown, Mary could not long distin∣guish [ 1557] her Cause from her Husbands. Wherefore on the seventh of June, the Queen set forth a Proclamation to this effect, that Whereas the King of France had many ways injured her by supporting the Duke of Northumberland and Wyat in their Rebellions against her; and that his Realm had been a receptacle for Dudley and Ashton, who with the privity of his Ambassador had in his house contrived their treacherous designs, and after their escape into France had been relieved by Pensions from the King; as also for having lately aided Stafford with Shipping, Men, Money, and Munition, thereby if it were possible to dispossess her of the Crown: She gave her Subjects to understand, that they should not entertain Traffick with that Nation, whose Prince she accounted her Enemy, and against whom upon farther grievances she determined to denounce War.

Although these things were true, yet had she abstained from denunciation of War, had not the five years Truce between Philip and Henry by the Pope's instigation been lately broken by the French, and so War arising between them, she would not make her self and her Husband two. For the Pope having long since ma∣ligned the Emperour (knowing that he after the resignation of his Estates to his Son Philip had withdrawn himself into Spain) by the Cardinal of Lorain still solicited the French King to arms against the Spaniard, promising to invest him in the Kingdom of Naples. Henry upon these fair hopes undertakes it, and Mary resolves to assist her Husband.

That Mary took arms in the behalf of her Husband, Pope Paul was much displeased. And being he could not be revenged on her (who indeed was the sole cause of our breach with France) he determined to pour out his wrath on Pool, whom he ever hated; but now he thought he had more cause to manifest it, because Pool knowing that this War was set on foot by the Pope, had by Letters and Ambassadors sought to appease him, and that (though with most humble reverence) yet roundly and according to his Conscience. Having abrogated Pool's Legation, he repeals him to Rome, and for supply of his place he creates one Francis Petow (a Franciscan Frier) Cardinal and Legate, and a little after de∣signed him Bishop of Sarisbury. The Queen having intelligence of these proceedings, took especial care, that Pool might have no notice of them, prohibiting not only this new Cardinal to enter the Realm, but all others whom she suspected to bring any Man∣dates to that purpose, and with exact diligence causing his Letters to be intercepted, by her Orators at Rome certified his Holiness what a hazard the Catholick Religion not yet fully established would incur, if he should endeavour the disgrace of so great a man, whose authority had been much availeable for the conver∣sion of the Nation. But while there is this intercourse between the Pope and the Queen concerning this matter, Pool having some

way or other had an inkling of it, abstained from having the [ 1557] silver Cross the Ensign of his Legation born before him, neither would he afterward exercise his authority Legantine, until by the intercession of Ormaneto the Pope's Datary in England, he was restored to his dignity.

By this time the War was very hot on both sides, Philip be∣sieging St. Quintin in Picardie with thirty five thousand Foot, and twelve thousand Horse, which number was after increased by a thousand Horse, four thousand Foot, and two thousand Pioners out of England; under the Command of the Earl of Pembroke. For the managing of this War Philip set sail out of England on the seventh of July. On the tenth of August, the French endeavouring to put Succours into the Town are overthrown. The Spaniard chargeth the Constable Montmorency in his retreat, routs the French, and kills two thousand five hundred: A Victory not so great in the execution, as in the death and captivity of many brave men. The Constable was wounded and taken Prisoner with his Son, as also the Dukes of Montpensier and Longueville, Ludovico Gonzaga Brother to the Duke of Mantua, the Marshal of St. Andrew, the Rhinegrave, Roche-du-Maine, the Count Rochfou∣cault, the Baron of Curton, with many other men of mark. The chief of them that were slain were John of Bourbon Duke of Anguien, the Viscount of Turen, N. Tiorcellin Son to Roche-du-Maine, the Lords of Chandenier, Pontdormy and many others, and in a manner all the Foot-Captains. Philip lost only fifty men.

The eighth day after this Victory an assault is given, and the Town carried by force, wherein were taken the Admiral Coligny with his Brother d'Andelot, (who shortly after made an escape) Jarnac, St. Remy, Humes, and many other persons of quality; the Son of the Lord of Fayette, Salevert, Ogier, Vicques, La Barre, Estang and Gourdes were slain. Of the English in this assault few of note were lost, beside Lord Henry Dudley youngest Son to the Duke of Northumberland, and Sir Edward Windsore, who were the first that advanced Ensign on the Walls.

This year is alike memorable for the extreme dearth and con∣temptible cheapness of Corn. A little before Harvest Wheat was sold at four Marks the Quarter; within the current of a month it fell to the low rate of five Shillings. Wherein I rather ad∣mire the ensuing cheapness than the dearth, having my self in the year 1597 paid double the former dear price.

But that which I shall now relate, I should deem far more me∣morable, had I not in later times my self seen the like. On the night which ensued the seventh day of September, almost two hours after Sun-set, the Moon having risen an hour before, a Rainbow was seen in the West. That I may relate the like accident though of differing time, the like apparition was seen by me on the four and twentieth of November 1604, when (the Sun having two

hours before declined to its lowest) travelling towards Colebrook, [ 1557] the form of a white Cloud shaped into a fragment of a Circle, and just opposite to the Moon then newly risen appeared, which did every way resemble a true Rainbow, but that it was not diversified with colours, and instead of the Sun had the Moon its opposite.

ANNO DOM. 1558. REG. ultimo.

HEnry some way to repair his losses at St. Quintin, resolves an [ 1558] Enterprize upon Calais, which Senarpont Governour of Bou∣toigne perswaded him was not so fortified according to report, but that it might easily be taken. The Marshal Strossy having under the favour of a disguise viewed the place, confirmed Senarpont's assurance of taking it. Philip whether having intelligence of Henry's designs, or else presaging so much, had often admonished the Queen to have an especial regard to that Town, voluntarily offering his assistance for the security of it. But we over-wisely jealous, lest Philip had a practice on it, it lying commodiously for his adjoyning Netherlands, neglected both his advice and proffer. But the reality of his advice was manifested by the event. The Duke of Guise having by the King been declared Lieutenant Ge∣neral in all his Dominions, levying a great Army flies suddenly to the Siege of Calais, before which he sate down on New-years-day, and intrenched at Sandgate. Then dividing his Army into two parts, he at the same time assaults Newnambridge and the Risbank, two Forts wherein the chief strength of that Town consisted, the taking whereof would have cut off all possibility of relieving the besieged either by Land or Sea. The Garrisons of each place terrified with so unexpected a danger, he at his first arrival gaines Newnambridge, and the next day the Risbank. The French then batter the Wall between the Water-gate and the Prison, not so much out of hope to gain entrance that way, as to divert us from guarding that part of the Town, where they really intended to give an Assault. Having for a while battered that part, and we little suspecting an enterprize upon the Castle, they suddenly with fifteen Peeces make a battery upon the Castle, and continue it with such fury, that the thunder of the Cannon was all that day heard at Antwerp, which is distant from thence more than one hundred English miles. Having by that time night drew on made a sufficient breach, and yet in regard of the deep Dikes filled with Water (wherein consisted the main hopes of the Defendants) not able to come to an Assault, the Enemy with great toil and labour by a cut from thence to the Sea draw the Dikes so low, that by that time the Tide was gone out, they march not above Navil-high through the Dikes to the Wall (which we little feared could be done) without resistance: Finding the place void

of Defendants, they easily make themselves masters of the Castle, [ 1558] and had as easily taken the Town, if Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of the Town had not with some few others made head against them, and forced them to retreat to the Castle, in which conflict that valiant Knight was slain. The Lord Wentworth Governour of the Town seeing little hopes of keeping the Town, craved parley, which was granted; and at length yielded the Town upon these Conditions: That the common Souldiers and Inhabitants should depart without transporting or carrying away any thing with them, and that Lord Wentworth with fifty others such as the Duke of Guise-should appoint, should remain Captives to be put to ransom. So was Calais lost, which had continued English above two hundred years: nei∣ther was the Siege long, the Enemy sitting down before it on New-years-day, and having it yielded up on Twelf-day.

Seven days after, the Duke marcheth toward Guisnes, which Town he took without any difficulty, but the Castle, which the Lord Gray commanded, not so easily. But that and Hames Castle were at length taken also and dismantled; so that of all the Kingdom of France, the greatest part whereof was for a long time held by our Kings, and whereof Henry the Sixth had been Crowned King at Paris, Anno 1431, nor in the Duchies of Nor∣mandy and Aquitain, the ancient Inheritance of the Kings of Eng∣land, our Kings possess nothing, but the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey, which have proved Loyal to us ever since the Conquest. While the French proceeded thus in Picardy, the Queen certified thereof with great diligence prepares her Fleet to transport Succours for Calais; but contrary winds kept them back so long, until Calais was irrecoverably lost.

You shall not easily read of any Action, wherein God hath by more manifest signs declared, how displeasing those Wars are to him, which undertaken for Ambition or Profit do dissolve the publick Peace: Philip (to begin with him) against whom Henry and the Pope did most unjustly conspire, enlarged himself with a double Victory, each whereof were great and memorable. The Cardinal Caraffa and the Duke of Paliane, who for their own ends had perswaded the doating Pope to throw the Ball of Discord between these Princes, were after for this very thing Be∣headed by Pius the Fourth, who immediately succeeded Paul. Paul himself in the mean time, the French being overthrown at St. Quin∣tin was exposed to the mercy of the Spaniard, whom he had irritated, the French being forced to withdraw his Army out of Italy. The rash violation of the League by Mary, was pu∣nished with the loss of Calais, and through grief thereof (accord∣ing to common belief) of Life also. What happened to the French, who by the Pope's instigation first brake the five years Truce, we have already declared. And lest it might be con∣ceived, that his losses at and of St. Quintin were repaired by the

taking of Calais, another Overthrow given him within few [ 1558] months after, will take away much from the content of that Victory.

In June the Marshal De Termes (who succeeded Strossy lately slain) Governour of Calais, breaketh into Arthois and Flanders, with an Army consisting of near about eleven thousand men, leaving Graveling and Burburg at his back, attempts Berghes, takes it, sacks it, and so opens a way to Dunkirk, which he also takes and spoils; and the Countrey all about (for they feared not the French there, and the Towns which the Spaniard held throughout that Tract, were ill furnished) lying open to their mercy, they ransack it most miserably, and march as far as Newport.

Philip was affrighted with this Tempest, fearing especially, lest the Duke of Guise then in Arms, should joyn with Termes: But having intelligence that the Duke spent his time about Arlon and Vireton, he resolves to intercept the French in their return. In this Enterprize he employs Count Egmond, (his Lieutenant∣general in the Netherlands) who having speedily out of the neigh∣bour Garrisons of Betune, St. Omer, Aires, Burburg, and others, assembled an Army of fifteen thousand, puts himself between Dunkirk and Calais. Termes had hitherto expected the Duke of Guise, but upon notice that the Countrey was up in Arms, he somewhat too late bethought himself of a retreat. He was now every way enclosed, and passage not to be gained but by dint of Sword. The French therefore valiantly charge their Enemies, and overthrow some Squadrons of Horse; indeed despair anima∣ted them to do wonders, and the Flemings were set on fire by the desire of revenging late Injuries. The Spanish Troops renew the fight, which was with equal order long maintained on both sides: In the heat whereof ten English Men of War fortunately sailing by (for De Termes had for his security betaken him to the shoar, hoping that way with much less hazard to have gained passage) upon discovery of the French Colours, let fly their Ord∣nance furiously among the French, making such a slaughter, that they began to give ground, were at last routed and over∣thrown.

The French in this Battel lost five thousand. Their chief Commanders were almost all taken; the Marshal himself was hurt and taken, with d'Annebalt the Son of Claud the late Admiral, the Earl of Chaune, Senarpont, Villebon Governour of Picardy, Morvilliers, and many others. Two hundred escaped to our Ships, whom they might have drowned, but giving them Quarter, they were brought Captives into England. This Bat∣tel was fought on the thirteenth of July.

The Queen desirous by some action or other to wipe out the stain of the ignominious loss of Calais, about the same time set forth a Fleet of one hundred and forty Sail (whereof thirty were

Flemings) the main of the Expedition being from Brest in Bre∣taigne. [ 1558] But the Lord Clinton Lord High Admiral of England finding no good to be done there, set sail for Conquet, where he landed, took the Town, sacked it and set it on fire, together with the Abbey and the adjacent: Villages, and returned to his Ships. But the Flemings somewhat more greedy after prey, dis∣orderly piercing farther into the Countrey, and regardless of Martial discipline, which commands obedience to their General, being encounted by the Lord of Kersimon, came fewer home by five hundred.

Philip about the same time lodging near Amiens with a great Army, Henry with a far greater attended each motion of his, They encamp at last, Henry on the North of the River Somme, Philip on the South of the River Anthy, so near to one another, that it might be thought impossible for two such spirited Princes commanding so great Armies, to depart without a Battel. But divers considerations had tempered their heat. Philip being the weaker of the two, saw no reason why to engage himself. Henry had an Army which had twice felt the other victorious, and was therefore loath on them to adventure his already shaken estate. Wherefore they so entrenched themselves, and fortified their Camps with Artillery, as if they expected a Siege from each other. Some months thus passed without any other exploits than Inroads and light Skirmishes. At length they mutually entertain a motion of Peace, both of them considering, that their Armies consisting of Strangers, the fruits of the Victory would be to the Aliens only, but the calamity and burthen of the Defeat would light on the shoulders of the Vanquished, or (which comes all to one pass) of the Subjects. These motives drew together for a Treaty on Henry's side, the Constable, the Marshal of St. Andrew, the Cardinal of Lorain, Morvilliers Bishop of Orleans, and Aubespine Secretary of Estate: For Philip, the Duke of Alva, the Prince of Orange, Puyz Gomes de Silva, Granvell Bishop of Arras and others. Much altercation was had about the restoring of Calais, which the French were resolved to hold, and Philip would have no Peace unless it were restored to Mary, whom in point of Honour he could not so forsake. But this difference was ended by the death of Mary, a little before whom on the one and twentieth of September died also the Emperour Charles the Fifth, which occasioned both the change of place and time for another Treaty.

And if the continual connexion of other memorable Affairs had not transported me, I should ere this have mentioned the Marriage celebrated at Paris with great pomp on the eight and twentieth of April, between the Daulphin Francis and Mary Queen of Scots. But the fruits thereof were not lasting: For two years after died Francis (the Crown by the death of his Father Henry

having been first devolved to him) and left his Bed to a more [ 1558] auspicious Husband, Henry the eldest Son to the Earl of Lenox. Of these Parents was born our late Sovereign of ever sacred me∣mory, who was Nephew by his Mother to James the Fifth, by Margaret the eldest Daughter Nephew to that wife King Henry the Seventh, who, the Issue of Henry the Eighth being extinct, as the next undoubted Heir, most happily united the Crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

But now at length to draw nearer home, this Autumn was very full of Diseases, Fevers (especially quartan) reigning ex∣traordinarily in England, whereby many, chiefly aged persons, and among them a great number of the Clergy perished. Of the sole Episcopal rank thirteen died either a little before the Queen, or some few months after her. Among the rest Cardinal Pool scarce survived her a day, who having been for some weeks af∣flicted by this kind of Disease, and brought to extreme weakness of Body, as if he had at the news of the Quens death received his deaths wound, expired at three a Clock the next morning. His Corps inclosed in Lead, was buried in his Cathedral at Canter∣bury, with this brief Elogy on his Tomb, instead of an Epitaph:

Depositum Cardinalis POLI.

He was a man admirably learned, modest, mild, of a most sweet disposition, wise, and of excellent dexterity in the managing of any affairs, so that he had been incomparable, if corrupted with the Religion of the Church of Rome he had not forced his nature to admit of those cruelties exercised upon the Protestants.

The Queen died at St. James on the seventeenth of November, some few hours before day. She was a Lady very godly, merciful, chast, and every way praise-worthy, if you regard not the errours of her Religion. But her Religion being the cause of the effusion of so much innocent Blood, that of the Prophet was necessarily to be fulfilled in her, Blood-thirsty men, &c. shall not finish half their days. For she was cut off in the two and fortieth year of her age, having reigned only five Years, four Months, and eleven Days; whereas her Sister, who succeeded her, most happily in a more mild Government ruled nine times as long, and almost doubled her age. Concerning the cause of Queen Maries Death there are divers conjectures. To relate what I find in approved Authors, it is reported, that in the beginning of her Sickness her friends supposing that she grieved at the absence of her Husband, whom she saw so engaged in Wars abroad, that she could not hope for his speedy return, used consolatory means, and endeavoured to remove from her that fixed sadness where∣with she seemed to be oppressed. But she utterly averse from all comfort, and giving her self over to melancholy, told them,

That she died, but that of the true cause of her Death they were [ 1558] ignorant, which if they were desirous to know, they should after her death dissect her Heart, and there they should find Calais: Intimating thereby, that the loss of Calais had occasioned this fatal grief, which was thought to have been increased by the Death of the Emperour her Father-in-Law. But the truth is, her Liver being over-cooled by a Mole, these things peradventure might hasten her end, which could not otherwise be far from her, and cast her by degrees into that kind of Dropsie, which Physicians term Ascites. This Dropsie being not discovered in time, deceived her Physicians, who believed that she had conceived by King Philip, whereas she alas did breed nothing but her own Death. So mature remedies being not applied, and she not observing a fit Diet, she fell into a Fever, which increasing by little and little, at last ended in her Death. She lieth interred at West∣minster in the midst of that Chappel which is on the North side of her Grandfather Henry the Seventh his Monument, where her Sister Queen Elizabeth was after Buried with her, and over both by the pious Liberality of that most Munificent Prince King James hath since been erected a most stately Monument, well befitting the Majesty of such great Monarchs.

QVEEN ELIZABETH.

ANNO DOM. 1558.

HAving thus briefly run over the Reigns of these three Princes, Queen Elizabeth's times in the next place offer themselves; which deservedly requiring a more accurate Style, I will here set a period to this Work, not so much with intent to pretermit them, as reserving them for a more exact labour. In the mean time, to give some satis∣faction to the Reader, I will make this short Addition.

Some few hours after the decease of Queen Mary, the Estates then assembled in Parliament, on the seventeenth of November declared her Sister the Lady Elizabeth Queen, who was Daughter to Henry the Eighth and Ann Bolen. Having most gloriously reigned forty four years, four months and seven days, she ended her Life and Reign on the four and twentieth of March, Anno 1603,

the Crown being by her death devolved to the renowned King [ 1558] of Scots James the Sixth, to whom it was so far from feeling it a burthen to have succeeded so good a Princess, that never was any Prince received with greater Applause and Gratulation of his People. Many think their condition happy, if they exchange a Caligula for a Claudius, or a Nero for a Vitellius or an Otho. But that any Mortal should please after Elizabeth, may seem a Miracle; and is a great argument both of rare Virtue in the succeeding King, and of a right Judgment in the Subject. For this great Lady was so far beyond Example, that even the best Princes come short of her; and they who most inveigh against that Sex, contend, that Woman is incapable of those Virtues (in her most eminent) Wisdom, Clemency, variety of Languages, and Magnanimity equal to that of Men, to which I add fervent Zeal of Piety and true Religion. But in these things peradventure some one or other may equal her. What I shall beyond all this speak of her (and let me speak it without offence to my most Excellent So∣vereign James, the Pattern of Princes, the Mirrour of our Age, the Delight of Britain) no Age hath hitherto parallel'd, nor (if my Augury fail not) none ever shall: That a Woman (and if that be not enough) a Virgin, destitute of the help of Parents, Brothers, Husband, being surrounded with Enemies, the Pope thundring, the Spaniard threatning, the French scarce dissem∣bling his secret hate, as many of the neighbouring Princes as were devoted to Rome, clashing about her, should contain this Warlike Nation not only in Obedience, but in Peace also, and (beyond all this) Popery being profligated, in the true Divine Worship. Hence it comes to pass, that England (which is among the rest of it self a Miracle) hath not these many years heard the noise of War; and that our Church (which she found much distracted) transcends all others of the Christian World. For you shall at this day scarce find any Church, which either defiled with Popish Superstitions, or despoiled of those Revenues which should maintain Professors of the Truth, hath not laid open a way to all kind of Errours, gross Ignorance in Learning (espe∣cially Divine) and at length to Ethnick Barbarousness. But to what end do I insist on these or the like, they being sufficiently known even to the Barbarians themselves, and Fame having trum∣petted them throughout the World. Which things, when and how they were done, how bountifully she aided and relieved her Al∣lies, how bravely she resisted, brake, vanquished her Enemies, I have a desire in a continued History to declare, and will (God willing) declare, if I can attain to the true intelligence of the passages of those times, have leisure for the compiling it, and that no other more able than my self (which I wish may happen) in the mean time engage themselves therein.

Notes

• Lady Mary flies into Suf∣folk.
• Lady Jane proclaimed Queen.
• Northumber∣land forced to be General.
• L. qui in provinciâ, sect, Divus, ff. de Ris Nupt. L. 4. C. de Incest. Nupt. & Gloss. ibid. C. cum in∣ter. &c. ex te∣nore. Extr. qui fil. sins le∣git.
• Northumber∣land forsaken by his Soul∣diers.
• The Lords re∣solve for Queen Mary,
• And to suppress Lady Jane.
• Northum∣berland pro∣claims Mary Queen at Cambridge.
• Northumber∣land, and some other Lords taken.
• Queen Mary comes to Lon∣don.
• Gardiner made Lord Chancel∣lour.
• Diprived Bishops restored.
• King Ed∣ward's Fune∣ral.
• The Duke of Northumber∣land, the Earl of Warwick, and the Mar∣quis of Nor∣thampton con∣demned.
• The Duke of Northumber∣land Bheaded.
• Bishops impri∣soned.
• Peter Martyr.
• The Archbishop Cranmer, Lady Jane, Lord Guilford and Lord Am∣brose Dudley condemned.
• The Coronation.
• A Disputation in the Convo∣cation-House.
• Popery restored.
• The Queen in∣clines to marry.
• The Articles of the Queens Marriage with Philip of Spain.
• Which, as I conceive, would have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the year 1588.
• Sir Thomas Wyat's Rebel∣lion.
• Sir John Cheeke is ta∣ken, and dieth.
• Bret with five hundred Lon∣doners revolts to Wiat.
• The Duke of Suffolk per∣swades the Peo∣ple to Arms in vain.
• The Queens Oration to the Londoners.
• Wyat is taken.
• The Lady Jane Beheaded.
• The Duke of Suffolk Be∣headed.
• Wyat Execu∣ted,
• And Lord Thomas Gray.
• A Disputation at Oxford.
• Cranmer, Rid∣ley, and Lati∣mer Con∣demned.
• Additions to the former Nuptial Com∣pacts.
• Philip arri∣vith in Eng∣land.
• And is mar∣ried to the Queen.
• Cardinal Pool comes into England.
• Cardinal Pool's Oration to the Parlia∣ment.
• The Realm freed from 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The Queen thought to be with Child.
• Lords created.
• Lady Eliza∣beth and the Marquess of Exceter set at liberty.
• John Rogers Burned,
• and Bishop Hooper,
• Bishop Ferrar,
• many others,
• and Bishop Ridley, and Latimer.
• The death of Pope Julius the Third.
• Paul the Fourth suc∣ceedeth. Gardiner sueth to be Cardinal.
• Gardiner 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Charles the Emperour resigns his Crowns.
• The Archbishop of York Lord Chancellour.
• A Comet.
• A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edward.
• Archbishop Cranmer Burned.
• This year eighty four Burned.
• The exhuma∣tion of Bucer and Phagius.
• Cardinal Pool consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury.
• An Embassage to Muscovia.
• The Lord Stourton hanged.
• Thomas Staf∣ford endea∣vouring an Insurrection, is taken and Beheaded.
• War against France pro∣claimed.
• Pool's autho∣rity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abrogated,
• and restored.
• The French overthrown at St. Quintin.
• St. Quintin taken.
• A nocturual Rainbow.
• Calais be∣sieged by the French.
• Calais yielded.
• The Battel of Graveling.
• The French overthrown.
• Conquet ta∣ken and burned by the English.
• The Daulphin married to the Queen of Scot.
• The death of Cardinal Pool.
• The Queen diesh.