His first Acts after he came to the Crowne.
He beganne his Raigne as Solomon would have begunne it, if he had beene in his place: for, first he made choyce of wise and discreet men to be his Consel∣lours: then he banished out of the Realme all strangers, and especially Flemmings, with whom the Kingdome swarmed; as of whom King Stephen had made use in his warres, amongst whom was William of Ypres, lately before made Earle of Kent. Castles which by King Stephens allowance had beene built, he caused to be demolished, (of which there were said to be eleven hundred and fifteene) as being rather Nurseries of rebellion to the subject, then of any safety to the Prince. He appointed the most able men of that profession, to reforme abuses of the Lawes, which disorder of the wars had brought in: He banished many Lords, who a∣gainst their Oath had assisted King Stephen against him; as thinking that men onc•• perjured, would never be faithfull: and to the end he might be the lesse pressing up∣on the people with Taxations, he resumed all such Lands belonging to the Crown, which had any way beene aliened or usurped; as thinking it better to displease a few then many: and many other things he did, which in a disjoynted State were no lesse profitable and expedient, then requisite and necessary.