A chronicle of the Kings of England, from the time of the Romans goverment [sic] unto the raigne of our soveraigne lord, King Charles containing all passages of state or church, with all other observations proper for a chronicle / faithfully collected out of authours ancient and moderne, & digested into a new method ; by Sr. R. Baker, Knight.

THE LIFE and RAIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD.

Of his comming to the Crowne, and Acts done in his minority.

EDward of Windsor, eldest sonne of King Edward the second, by Order of Parliament, upon his Fathers Resignation, was pro∣claimed King of England, on the five and twentieth day of Ia∣nuary, in the yeare 1327. and because he had not yet received the Order of knighthood, he was by Henry Earle of Lancaster gi••t solemnly with the Sword; and on the first day of February fol∣lowing, was Crowned at Westminster by Walter Reginolds Arch∣bishop of Canterbury: and thereupon a generall Pardon is Proclaimed, which hath since beene used as a Custome with all the succeeding Kings: that at their first comming to the Crowne, a Generall Pardon is alwayes granted. And because the King was under age, scarce fifteene yeares old (though Froyssard saith he was then Eighteene) there were twelve appointed Governours of him and the kingdome•• namely the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and Yorke, the Bishops of Winchester, Here∣ford, and Worcester; Thomas of Brotherton, Earle Marshall, Edmund Earle of Kent, the Kings Unkles; Iohn Earle Warren, Thomas Lord Wake, Henry Lord Percie, Oli∣ver Lord Ingham, and Iohn Lord Rosse: but though these were appointed and bore the name, yet the Queen and Roger Mortimer tooke all the authority to themselves. The first action that was undertaken, was an expedition against the Scots; for Ro∣bert Bruce, though now old and sickly, and (as was said) Leprous: yet considering the youth of the new King, and the distractions of the kingdome, thought it now a ••it time to doe some good upon England: and entring the English borders with an Army, sent defiance to King Edward: whereupon an Army is raised, and the Hey∣na••lders (whom the Queen had brought over) are joyned with the English; but a variance falling out betweene the two Nations, made the action not successefull. For the Kings Army encountring the Scots at Stanhope Parke in Weridall in the Bi∣shopricke of Durham, though three times as many as the Scots, as being thirty thou∣sand; yet through this variance, but more through treason of some great men, suffered them all to escape their hands, and the Scots returned home in safety, the English with dishonour: and after this, the English seeing the Heynaulders could doe them no good, sent them away to their owne Countrey. In King Edwards second yeare, his marriage with Philippa of Heynault is solemnised, (a dispensation being first gotten, because of their nearenesse in bloud) and a Parliament is holden at

Northampton, where the King made three Earles: Iohn of Eltham his brother, Earle of Cornwall; Roger Mortimer, Earle of March, and Iames Butler of Ireland, Earle of Ormond: and in this Parliament a dishonourable peace is concluded with the Scots, and confirmed by a match betweene David Bruce Prince of Scotland, being but se∣ven yeares old, and Ioane sister to King Edward, not so old; at which time, by the secret working of Queene Isabell, Roger Mortimer and Sir Iames Dowglasse; the King surrenders by his Charter, all his title of Soveraignty to the Kingdome of Scotland, restores divers Deeds and Instruments of their former Homages and Fe∣alties, with the famous Evidence called Ragmans Roll, and many ancient Jewels and Monuments, amongst which was the blacke Crosse of Scotland; and besides, any English man is prohibited to hold lands in Scotland, unlesse he were a dweller there. In consideration whereof King Bruce was to pay thirty thousand Markes, and to renounce his claime to the Counties of Cumberland and Northumberland, and any other place possessed by him in England. This was no good beginning, and yet worse followed after. For another Parliament being holden at Winchester, Edmund Earle of Kent, the Kings Unkle, is there accused, and condemned upon his con∣fession, for intending to restore his brother, the late King Edward; an intention onely without any fact; yet condemned he was, and brought to the Scaffold, but generally, so beloved of the people, that he stood on the Scaffold from one a clocke till five, before any executioner could be found that would doe the of∣fice, till at last a silly wretch of the Marshalsey was gotten to cut off his head. But the Authors of his death escaped not long themselves, for in the third yeare of the Kings Raigne, another Parliament is holden at Nottingham, wherein the Queen hath all her great Joynture taken from her, and is put to her Pension of a thousand pounds a yeare, and her selfe confined to a Castle, where she remained the rest of her dayes, no fewer then thirty yeares, a time long enough to finde that her being the daughter of a King, the sister of a King, the wife of a King, and the mother of a King, were glorious titles, but all not worth the liberty of a meane estate; and as for Mortimer, (lying then in the Castle of Nottingham) and lately created Earle of the Marches of Wales) he was seised on in this manner; the King taking with him William Montacute, Robert Holland, and others, goe secretly one night by Torch∣light, through a privie way under ground, till they came to the Queenes Chamber, where leaving the King without, they entred, and found the Queene with Mortimer, ready to goe to bed: then laying hands on him, they led him forth, after whom the Queene followed, crying, Bel fits, ••el fits, ayes pitie du gentil Mortimer; good son good sonne, take pity upon the gentle Mortimer, suspecting that her sonne had beene amongst them: this course was taken to apprehend him for avoyding of tumult, he having no fewer then ninescore knights and Gentlemen, besides other meaner ser∣vants continually about him. But thus seised on, he is committed presently to the Tower, accused of divers great crimes, whereof these were chiefe; that he had pro∣cured the late Kings death; that he had beene the author of the Scots safe escaping at Stanhope Parke, corrupted with the gift of thirty thousand pounds; that he had procured the late marriage and Peace with Scotland, so dishonourable to the King and kingdome; that he had beene too familiar with the Queene, as by whom she was thought to be with child: of which Articles he is found guilty, and condemned; and thereupon is drawne and hanged on the common Gallowes at the Elmes, now called Tiburne, where his body remained two dayes as an opprobrious spectacle for all beholders.

After these businesses in England, there comes a new businesse upon him from the King in France: for about this time Philippe le Bel, King of France, the Queens brother dying without issue, the right of succession to the Crowne is devolved up∣on the Heire to Charles a former King, wherein are competitours Philip Duke de Valois, and Edward King of England; Edward is the nearer in bloud, bu•• drawes his Pedegree by a Female: Philippe, the further off, but descending by all Males; and because the Law Salique excluding Females, was conceived as well to exclude all descendants by Females, therefore is Philips title preferred before King Edwards,

and Philip is received and crowned King of France: to which preferment of his, Robert d' Arthois a Peere of great power, gave no small furtherance. And now as soone as Philip was Invested in the Crowne, he summons King Edward to come and doe his Homage for the Dutchy of Guyenne, and his other lands in France, held of that Crowne, according to the custome; which though it were some prejudice to King Edwards claime afterward, yet in regard his kingdome of England was scarce well setled, and himselfe but young, he was contented to doe; and thereupon the sixth of Iune, in the yeare 1329. King Edward in a Crimson Velvet gowne imbroi∣dered with Leopards, with his Crowne on his head, his Sword by his side, and golden Spurres on his heeles; presents himselfe in the body of the Cathedrall Church of Amyens before King Philip, sitting in his Chaire of Estate, in a Velve•• Gowne of a Violet colour imbroydered with Flowers de lys of Gold, his Crowne on his head, and his Scepter in his hand, with all his Princes and Peeres about him. The Viscount Melun Chamberlaine of France, first commands King Edward to pu•• off his Crowne, his Sword, and his Spurres, and to kneele downe, which he did, on a Crimson Velvet Cushion before King Philip; and then the Viscount putting both his hands together betweene the hands of the King of France, pronounced the words of the Homage, which were these: You become Liegeman to my Ma∣ster here present, as Duke of Aquitaine and Peere of France, and you promise to beare faith and loyalty unto him; Say yea: and King Edward said yea, and kissed the King of France in the mouth, as Lord of the Fee. The like Homage also he did for the Earldome of Ponthieu. But this act of submission left a rancour in King Edwards heart, which afterwards brake so out, that it had beene good for France 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had never beene exacted.

This done, King Edward returnes home, and there finds a new busines with Scot∣land, upon this occasion. Edward Baylioll, sonne to Iohn Baylioll (sometimes King of Scotland) two and thirty yeares after his fathers deposition, beganne now to shew himselfe, attempting the recovery of that Crowne; and comming out of Fra••ce, where he had all that while remained; and getting aide under-hand in Engla••d, with them he suddenly assailes those who had the government of Scotland, during the Nonage of the young King David, (being at that time with the King of Fra••ce) and in a battell overcame them, with the slaugher of many Noble men, and thou∣sands of the common people; and thereupon was immediatly Crowned King of Scotland at Scone. But notwithstanding this great defeat, King Baylioll was for∣ced to retire him into England to get more aide of King Edward: who now shewes himselfe in the action, joynes with Baylioll against his brother in Law, King David; goes in person with a strong Army to recover Berwicke, which after three moneths siege, being valiantly defended by the Lord Seton, was taken in; and the Army of the Scots which came to the rescue thereof, at Hallidowne-hill, utterly defeated: where were slaine seven Earles, ninety knights and Bannerets, foure hundred Esquires, and about two and thirty thousand common Souldiers, as our Writers report; as theirs, but foureteene thousand: and with this effusion of bloud is Baylioll returned to his miserable kingdome, and to hold good correspondence with the King of England hereafter, doth him Homage for his Realme of Scotland, and the Ilands adjacent. But though he had a kingdome, yet he had not quietnesse, for many of the Scots ai∣ded by the French, made warre upon him divers yeares after; during all which time, King David with his wife remained in France. If any man marvell why King Ed∣ward would aide Bailioll against King David, who had married his sister; he may consider that Alliances, how neare soever, weigh but light in the Scales of State.

About this time the Ile of Man is conquered by William Montacute, Earle of S••lisbury; for which service King Edward gave him the Title of King of Man.

Of his Acts after he came of age.

ANd now Robert of Arthois banished out of France, comes into England, whom King Edward makes Earle of Richmond, and of his Counsell. This Robert per∣swades King Edward to make warre upon France, to which Crowne (he said) he had more right then he that held it; with whose perswasions, King Edward is at last resolved to undertake the enterprise: and to furnish himselfe of Noble Chiefe∣taines, he at one time in a Parliament at Westminster, the eighth yeare of his Raign, creates sixe Earles, Henry of Lancaster he made Earle D••rby, William Montacute he made Earle of Salisbury, Hugh Audeley Earle of Glocester, William Clinton Earle of Huntington, and Robert Clifford or Ufford Earle of Suffolke; also twenty knights, of whom Thomas de la Moore, who writ the life of the Kings Father, was one: withall he enters League of amity with many Princes abroad, with the Dukes and E••rles of Gelders, Iulyers, Cleves, Heynault, and Brabant, and with the Arch-bishop of Co∣len, and Valeran his brother: as on the other side, the King of France got to take his part the Bishop of Liege, Iohn King of Bohemia, Earle of Luxemburg, Henry Count Palatine, Aubert Bishop of Mets, Otho Duke of Austria, Ame Earle of Geneva, with many other Princes and Captaines out of Germany, Spaine, and other Countries. King Edward thus resolved in himselfe, and furnished with friends abroad, goes over into Flanders with his Queene and children, makes his residence at Antwerp, where by perswasion of the Flemings he takes upon him the Stile, Title, and Armes of the King of France; for by this they accounted themselves disobliged of the Bond of twenty hundred thousand crownes, which they had entred into, never to beare Armes against the King of France; and hereupon the League was established be∣tweene them and King Edward. And now King Edward for a beginning to put his claime in execution, sets upon Cambray, and enters France by the way of Verman∣dois and Thierach; on the other side King Philip seiseth on the Dutchy of Guienne, and sends thither the Conte d' Eu, Constable of France, with the Earles of Foix and Ar∣migniack. At last both Armies came so neare together, that a fight was appointed the Friday after; but upon better consideration, the English thought it no discretion to give battell to an Army so much greater then their owne, if they could avoid it; and the French thought it as little discretion for them to hazard the person of their Prince within his owne kingdome; and perhaps were not a little moved with the warning given them by Robert King of Sicilie, a great Astronomer, that he fore-saw by the Starres, some great misfortune to threaten the French, if they should that day fight with the Engli••h, King Edward being present: and thus both Armies having their severall reasons to decline the battell, they parted without doing any thing; onely an accident happened scarce worth remembring, yet must be remembred. A Hare starting out before the head of the French Army, caused a great shout to be made; whereupon, they who saw not the Hare, but onely heard the shout, suppo∣sing it to be the onset to the battell, disposed themselves to fight, and foureteene Gentlemen for encouragements sake, as the custome is, were knighted; called af∣terward in merriment, knights of the Hare.

But now King Edward must a little looke home, and therefore leaving the Queen in Brabant, he passeth himselfe into England about Candlemas, having beene in Bra∣bant about a yeare; and landing at the Tower about midnight, and finding ••t un∣guarded, was so much displeased, that he presently sends for the Major of ••ondon, commanding him to bring before him the Chancellour and Treasurer, with Sir Iohn Saint Paul, Michael Watch, Philp Thorpe, Henry Stratford, Clergy men, (who it seemes were Officers for his Receipts) and Iohn Sconer Justice of the Bench; all which, except the Chancellour, were apprehended and committed to prison; as were afterward in like manner divers Officers of Justice, and Accomptants, upon inquiry made of their unjust proceeding. During the Kings abode in England, William Montacute Earle of Salisbury, and Robert Ufford Earle of Suffolke, le••t in Flanders to oppose the French, having performed divers great e••ploits, were a•• last

in an encounter about Lis••e, so overlaid by multitude, as they were both taken, and sent prisoners to Paris. Besides, about this time two accidents happened that were thought would be great rubs in King Edwards proceeding; one, that his Wives Father, William Earle of Hayn••ult, dying, and leaving his sonne to succeed, this son left his brother King Edward, and fell to take part with the King of France: the other, that the Duke of Normandy, thinking himselfe as strong as ever William Du•••• of Normandy was that conquered England, he saw no reason but he might con∣quer it as well as that William; and thereupon makes preparation by Sea and Land to attempt the enterprise: but these were but vapours that never came to be winds, at least brought no stormes: for Iohn Earle of Haynault had quickly enough of the King of France, and was soone after reconciled to his brother King Edward; and the Duke of Normandy went no further then preparations: for indeed King Edw••••d prosecuted his courses against France with such heate, that all the neighbouring Princes seeing a fire kindled so neare their owne borders, were glad to looke ••o themselves at home. But now to impeach the King of Englands returne into Fra••ce•• King Philip had provided a mighty Navie in the Haven of Sluce, consisting of tw•• hundred saile of Ships (besides many Gallies) and two thousand armed men in th•• Port ready to encounter him upon his landing: whereof King Edward being adve••ti∣sed, prepares the like number of Ships, and sets out to Sea upon Midsommer Eve; is m•• the morrow after with a Navy likewise from the North parts, conducted by Sir ••••∣bert Morley; and encounters his enemy who lay to intercept him with such force and courage, and such advantage of Wind and Sun, that he utterly defeated their whole Navy, took and sunke all their Ships, slew thirty thousand men, and landed with as great glory, as such a victory (the greatest that ever before was gotten by the E••∣glish at Sea) could yeeld, though King Edward himselfe was there wounded with an Arrow in the thigh. Most of the French, rather then to endure the Arrowes of the English, or be taken, desperately leapt into the Sea; whereupon the French Kings Jester, set on to give him notice of this overthrow, (which being so ill newes, no•••• else would willingly impart unto him) said, and oftentimes repeated it in the Kings hearing; Cowardly English men, Dastardly English men, faint-hearted Englis•• men•• the King at length asked him why•• for that (said he) they durst not leap out of their Ships into the Sea, as our brave French men did. By which speech the King apprehend a notion of this overthrow: which the French attribute to Nichol•••• ••••∣chet, one of their chiefe Commanders, who had armed his Ships with men of base condition (content with small pay) and refused Gentlemen and sufficient Souldiers, in regard they required greater wages: And indeed it often happens that the avarice of Commanders is the occasion of great defeats.

By this victory King Edward gained a free entrance into Flanders, and present∣ly went and besieged Tournay with an Army of five and fifty thousand, but was so valiantly encountred by the Duke of Burgundy and the Earle of Armigniack, that they routed his Army, and slew foure thousand upon the place; which so enraged King Edward, that two dayes after he sent a Challenge to King Philip to meete him in •• single combate, or with an hundred against as many, before the wals of Tourn••••. King Philip answers, that his Challenge being made to Philip de Valois, withou•• mention of King, he tooke it not to be to him, who was truly King of France•• but he wished him to remember the Homage he had done him at Amiens, and the wrong he did to the Christian world•• by his troublesome courses to hinder him from his voyage intended to the Holy Land. Besides this answer in writing he sends to him by word of mouth; that by his Challenge he hazarded nothing of his owne, but exposed onely the Dominion of another, which was against all rea∣son: but if he would set his kingdome of England, though much meaner, agai•••••• his of France, he would then accept the Challenge, and meete him in the field 〈◊〉〈◊〉 single combate. But this King Edward would not hearken to for as he was valiant to make the Challenge, so he was circumspect to looke to the conditions. But here upon he continues his siege of T••••rnay; to the reliefe whereof King Philip sends all the forces he could possibly make by himselfe o•• his friends; and after the siege

had continued three moneths, partly by mediation of Robert King of Sicilie, but chiefely by the Lady Iane of Valois, sister to King Philip, and mother of King Ed∣wards wife (who had vowed her selfe a Nunne; but to doe this good office, tra∣velled from one to another) a Truce was concluded for a yeare, and both their Ar∣mies are dissolved.

After this, K. Edward returning into England, was advertised how the Scots after many other places gained, had besieged the Castle of Striveling; for reliefe where∣of, the King makes all the haste he can; and yet before he could come, it was by force of battery, compelled to render it selfe upon conditions. Then King Edward being at Berwicke, passeth to New-Castle upon Tyne, where he staies a moneth waiting for his provision that was to come by Sea; but that being driven into other parts by tempest, he makes a Truce with the Scots for three or foure moneths, and then returnes home. In the time of this Truce; the Scots send to King David, to come and governe the kingdome in his owne person; who thereupon taking his leave of the King of France, with whom he had remained seven yeares, he with his wife Ioane, King Edwards sister, returnes into Scotland; where after he had beene most honourably received by the Prince of Or••nay, and the other Lords and Barons of the Kingdome, as soone as the Truce was ended, with a strong Army enters Nor∣thumberland, passing on to New-Castle upon Tyne, where he plants his Campe. Of this Castle, Iohn Nevile was left governour by King Edward, who sending out certaine companies, tooke the Earle Murray prisoner, and with the slaughter of di∣vers of his men, and rich booties, returned backe to his Castle; which so incen∣sed King David, that he assaulted the Castle as a man enraged, but finding it too strong for his taking, he then passed into the Province of Durham, where he used all kinds of cruelty, first upon the Countrey, and then upon the City, killing men, women and children, Clergy, and others; burning and destroying houses and Churches, and utterly defacing it. From thence he passeth on to the Castle of Sa∣lisbury, which Castle belonged to William Mountacute Earle of Salisbury in right of his wife; but himselfe being then prisoner in France, onely his Countesse, and one William Mountacute a Cousin of his, was in the Castle. This William perceiving the Scottish horse to be so over-charged with pillage, that they were scarce able to goe; issues out of the Castle with forty horse, sets upon them, kils two hundred, and takes sixe score, whom he brings with their rich pillage, into the Castle. King Da∣vid soone after with his whole Army arrived, but hearing of King Edwards com∣ming (who certified of these things, made all the haste he could) he retires him∣selfe from thence; and King Edward finding him gone before he came, yet would needs goe in and visit the Countesse: of whom, as soone as he saw her, he was so enamoured, that he laid more battery to her chastity, then King David had done to her Castle; but finding it inexpugnable, after a day and a night he left it, and fol∣lowed after the Scots, with whom for three dayes together he had many skirmishes, till at last a Truce was concluded for two yeares; and amongst other conditions, William Earle of Salisbury, prisoner with the King of France, was set at liberty in exchange for the Earle Murray, prisoner with the King of England.

About this time another difference fell out betweene the Kings of France and England. Iohn Earle of Montford laid claime to the Dutchy of Britaine, but in the quarrell was taken prisoner by the King of France: his Lady sends to King Edward for succour; which King Edward grants upon condition that a marriage be made betweene his daughter Mary and the Earle of Montfords sonne; which being agreed on, he sends over to her aide, first, Walter de Manny a valiant knight, and afterward Robert d' Arthois: but whilest his Army was preparing, King Edward was informed by Edward Baylioll, the pretended King of Scotland, and Governour of Berwicke, that the Scots had not kept the conditions of the Truce; whereupon King Edward drawes a great Army to Berwicke, with a purpose to doe great matters, but nothing was done, for a new Truce was againe concluded for two yeares. By this time Robert d' Arthois had made ready his Army, and taking with him the Countesse of Montford, the Earles of Pembroke, Salisbury, and Suffolke, and many other Barons;

after great tempests and encounters at Sea lands safely at last neare to Vannes, which was held by the French, and laying ••••ege to the City, with the assistance of Walter de Manny, who came unto him, after many assaults, at last he tooke it, to the great joy of the Countesse of Montford, though she held it not long; for certaine resolute French knights assaulted it soone after, and recovered it from the English. In which action many Lords were slaine or wounded, and particularly Robert de Ar••hois himselfe; who passing over into England, for the better curing of his wounds, soone after died, and was buried in Pauls Church in L••ndon. And now King Edward himselfe with a strong Army passeth over into Britaine, and plants his Campe before the City of Vannes, where was like to have beene a cruell battell; but in the instant, there came from Pope Cl••ment the sixth, two Cardinals, the Bi∣shops of Preneste and Thusculum; who upon certaine conditions concluded a Peace; amongst other conditions, this was one; that the City of Vannes should be delive∣red to ••ing Philip, and thereupon Iohn Earle of Montford should be set at liberty, but yet with this charge, not to goe into Britaine: which promise notwithstanding, he kept not, but went presently and besieged a Tow••e in Britaine, though he were forced to retire, and died shortly after. But the Truce cracked ••hus, as it were, by Montford, was afterward absolutely broken by King Edward though he charged the breach of it upon K. Philip, and King Philip upon him. But howsoever broken it was; and Henry of Lancaster Earle of Derby, with divers other Earles and Barons, is sent into France, who won many Townes in Gascoyne•• and in the Counties of Perigort and Tholo••se, and then went to winter at Burdeaux. And afterward, in May following, pursuing his victories, he wonne many mor•• Townes; and amongst others, the great Towne of Reoll. After this againe, he tooke Montpesat, Maurore, Villefranche, and many other Townes; and at last the great City of Ango••lesme, and then came to winter againe at Burdeaux.

Of his Acts together with the Prince.

KING Philip informed of so many great losses, assembles a mighty Army, no lesse then a hundred thousand men, with which he recovers Miremont, and Villefranche, and then proceeded to besiege Angoulesme, whom the Earle of Derby having not forces sufficient to encounter, King Edward (leaving for Wardens of England in his absence, the Lords Percie and Nevill) goeth himselfe in person with an Army (as Froyssard saith) of fourescore thousand men at Armes, and ten thou∣sand Archers, besides those out of Wales and Ireland; taking with him his sonne, the Prince of Wales, and Duke of Guyenne, being then but of the age of fifteene yeares. It may be thought preposterous in King Edward, to put his sonne to be a Souldier before he was come to be a man; but it seemes he had a longing to try his sonnes valour in the bud, and perhaps was loath to omit any thing that might give any countenance to this battell, in which the two kingdomes were laid as it were at stake; but howsoever, taking him along with him, and almost all the Lords of his kingdome, he takes Shipping, and lands at Normandy, where at the first setting his foote on ground, he tooke such a fall, that the bloud gushed out at his nose; which the Barons tooke for an ill signe, but the King tooke it for a good: saying, it was a signe that the Land desired to have him: and in deede he presently tooke the Townes of Harsteur, Moulbourg, Carenton, and Saint Lo, and afterward the City of Ca••n it selfe; and from thence passed to the County of Eureux, saccaged and pillaged it, as also the City of Gisors, Vernon, Meulan, and Boulebourse to the City of Poyssy. King Philip all this while staied about Paris, as looking for King Edward to give him battell there; and for that purpose had planted his Campe neare to Saint Ger∣mans; but King Edward deceived him: for going from Poyssy, he passed into Picar∣die and Ponthie••, where he tooke and burned many Townes and Castles: and then passed the River of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, though not without danger: for King Philip had sent thi∣ther Gundemar de Fay with a thousand horse, and sixe thousand foote, to stop his pas∣sage: King Edward notwithstanding resolves to passe, or perish, and plungeth fore∣m••••••

into the River; crying out, They who love me, will follow me at which voyce, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man strove who should be foremost, and so the shoare was presently gained by the English. Gun••emar astonished with this bold adventure, astonisheth his peo∣•••••• with his fearfull countenance: so that the English encountring the French all in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, put them to flight. King Philip enraged with this dishonour, resolves to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it; and presently provokes King Edward to a battell. King Edward had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••camped in a Village called Cressy, his Army consisted of thirty thousand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hich he divided into three battalions: the first was led by the young Prince 〈…〉〈…〉, with whom were joyned the Earle of Warwicke, Geoffrey of Harecourt, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Holla••d, Ric••ard Stafford, Iohn Chandoes, Robert Nevile, and many other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Gentlemen, to the number of eight hundred men at Armes, two thou∣〈…〉〈…〉, and a thousand Welsh. In the second were the Earles of Northam∣•••••••• ••nd of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Lords Rosse, Basset, and others, to the number of eight hun∣〈…〉〈…〉 Armes, and twelve hundred Archers. In the third the King was him∣•••••••••• h••ving about him seven hundred men at Armes, and three thousand Archers. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 battels thus ordered, mounted on a white Hobby, he rode from ranke to ranke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••em; encouraging every man that day to have regard to his right and ho∣〈…〉〈…〉 The French Kings Army was farre greater, consisting of above sixty thou∣〈…〉〈…〉 well armed; whereof the chiefe were Charles Duke of Alanson 〈…〉〈…〉 Iohn of Luxembourg King of Bohemia, Charles de Blois the Kings 〈…〉〈…〉 Duke of Lorraine, the Earles of Flanders, Nevers, Sancerre; of Ba∣〈…〉〈…〉 and Gentlemen, about three thousand. The Vauntguard he commits to his ••rother the Count de Alanson, the Reere to the Earle of Savoy, the maine bat∣tell ••e lead•• himselfe; his heate out of confidence of victory was so great, that 〈…〉〈…〉 permitted time for a little counsell what was fit to be done. The old King 〈…〉〈…〉 advised that the Army should take some repast, and that the Infantry c••••••isting of Ge••oueses (which were above fifteene thousand Crossebowes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men•• should make the first Front, and the Cavallery to follow; which was a∣greed on. But the Count of Alanson, contrary to this order, tooke it ill that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were in the first ranke, and in fury caused them to change place; which 〈…〉〈…〉 discontentment, that it irritated them more against the Leader, then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; besides there fell at the instant, such a showre of raine, as dissolved their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and made their Bowes of little use; and at the breaking up of the showre, the 〈…〉〈…〉 full in the face of the French (dazling their sight) and on the backe of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as if all made for them. K. Edward who had gotten to a Windmill, beholding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Sentinell, the countenance of the Enemy, and discovering the disturbance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the change of place; instantly sends to charge that part, without giving 〈…〉〈…〉 to re-accommodate themselves; whereupon the discontented Gen••••ese 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which the Co••nt de Alanson perceiving, he comes on with the horse, and 〈…〉〈…〉 ••age cries out, On, on, Let us make way upon the bellies of these Genoueses, 〈…〉〈…〉 but hinder us: and instantly pricks on with a full careere through the midst 〈…〉〈…〉, followed by the Earles of Lorraine and Savoy, and never staies till he came 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the English battell, where the Prince was; the fight grew hot and doubtfull, 〈…〉〈…〉 as the Commanders about the Prince send to King Edward to come up with his power to aide him. The King askes the messengers whether his son were 〈…〉〈…〉 hurt: who answering, no; but that he was like to be over-laid: Well then (〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he King) returne, and tell them who sent you, that so long as my sonne is a∣〈…〉〈…〉 they send no more to me what ever happen; for I will that the honour of this 〈…〉〈…〉 his. And so being left to try for themselves, they wrought it out with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉•• the rather by reason the French King having his horse slaine under him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 danger to be trodden to death, had he not been recovered by the Lord Beau∣〈…〉〈…〉•• ••••s to the great discouragement of his people, withdrawne out of the field: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no••••ce being once taken by the English, the day was soone after theirs, and 〈…〉〈…〉 victory they ever had yet against the French, and so bloudy, as there is 〈…〉〈…〉 made of any one prisoner taken in the battell, but all ••laine out-right; ••nely ••ome few troopes that held together, saved themselves by retiring to places

neare adjoyning. The French King himselfe with •• small company, got to Bray in the night, and approaching the walls, and the Gu••rd asking him who goes there? he answered, the Fortune of Fr••••c••. By ••i•• voyce ••e was knowne, and thereupon received into the Towne, with the teares and lamenta••ions of his people. The number of the slaine are certified to be thirty thousand: the chiefe whereof, were Charles de Al••ns••n, Iohn Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••alph Earle of Lorraine, L••wis Earle of Fl••••••ers, I••ques Da••lphin de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, So••••e to I••b••rt, (who after gave Daulphin to the Crowne of France) the Earl•••• of S••••c••rre, H••r••court, and many other Earles, Barons, and Gentlemen, to the number of fiftee•••• hundred. This memorable Victory happened upon the S••turday after Bart••••l•••••••• day, in the yeare 1346. The next day, earely in the morning, being Sunday, he s••n•• out 300. Lances, and 2000. Archers•• to discover what was becom•• of t•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who found great Troopes comming from Abbe••••l••, Saint 〈…〉〈…〉, a••d B••••u∣voyes, (ignorant of what had happened 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Arch-Bishop of R••••••, and the Priour of France: whom they likewise defeated, and slew s••ven thou∣sand.

But this was not all th•• Victories that fell to King Edward that yeare, there was another of no lesse importance gotten in Engl••••d, by the Queene and hi•• peopl•• at home against the Scots; who being set on by the French, to divert the wa•••••• there•• entred upon this kingdome wit•• ••hreesco••e thousand men, (as our Writers report) assuring himselfe of successe, in regard (as he supposed)•• the ma••••e stre••gth there∣of was now gone into France; but ••e found it otherwise•• For the Lords of the North, as Gylbert de Umfrevile, the Earl•• of Ang••••••, Henry Perc••, Ralph Nevile, William D••y••co••••t, with the Arch-bishop of Yorke, the Bishop of Dur••am, and o∣thers of the Clergy, gathered so great Forces, and so well ordered them, by the animation of the Queene, (who was there in person) as fighting a great Battaile at Nevils Crosse in the Bishopricke of Durha••, they utterly defea••ed this great Ar∣my, tooke David their King Prisoner, with the Earles of Fif••, Menteth, Murry, Sutherland, the Lord Dowglas, the Arch-bishop of Saint Andrewes, and others; and put to the sword fifteene thousand Sc••ts. This Victory also fell upon a Satur∣day, sixe weekes after that of Cressy. He that tooke King David Prisoner, wa•• one Iohn C••pl••nd, an Esquire of Northumberland, whom King Edward rewarded with five hundred pounds land a yeare, and made him a Banner••t. And as if all concurred to make this yeare Triumphant, the Aides sent to the Countesse of Montford in Britaine, led by Thomas Dagworth a Valiant knight, overthrew and tooke Prisoner, Charles de Blois, Pretender to that Dutchy, and with him Mounsi∣••ur la Vall, the Lords Rochford, Bea••••anoyre, Loi••c••ue; with many other Barons, Knights, and Esquires: Where were slaine the Lord De la Vall, Father to him that was taken, Viscount Rohan, Mounsieur de Chastea•• Bryan, de ••alestroit, de Quin∣tin, de Dyrev••ll, besides many other knights and Esquires, to the number of se∣ven hundred. And now King Edward without medling with the great Cities of Amiens and Abbevile, marcheth on directly, and sits downe before Callice, a Town of more importance for England, and the Gate to all the rest: Wherein Iohn d•• Vienne Marshall of France, and the Lord de Andregh••n, (a great man in his time) commanded.

All that Winter King Edward lay without any molestation by the French King, who was busied at home in his owne State about raising of money; where∣with supplyed at last, he raiseth an Army and approacheth Callice, but findes no way open to come to relieve it. The King of England was both Master of the Ha∣ven, and possest all other wayes that were passable; and the Flemings his friends had besieged Aire; to oppose whom, Iohn Duke of Normandy is sent for out of Guyenne: who departing leaves Henry of Lancaster Earle of Derby, Master of the Field, and ••e having an Army consisting of twelve hundred men at Armes, two thousand Archers, and three thousand other Foot, takes in most of the Townes of Xaintoigne, and Poict••••, and in the end besieged and sacked P••ityer••, and then re∣turnes to B••rdea••x, with more ••illage then his people could well beare: Thus the

〈◊〉〈◊〉 prosper every ••••here, and the French suffer. During this siege of Calli••e, (••n 〈◊〉〈◊〉 some t••in•••• King Edw•••••• first used Gunnes) the Fleming•• send to King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to make a marriage betweene his Daughter Isabell and their Lord the 〈…〉〈…〉; to which the King consented, but the Duke of Br••••••nt gets 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••o make the match for a Daughter of his•• The Flemings presse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord with t••e match of England; but he absolutely refuse••h it, saying•• h•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 never marry a Daughter of him, that had killed his Father, though he would 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••lf•• his kingdome. This answer so incensed the Flemi••gs, that they 〈…〉〈…〉 Lord in Prison, till with long durance he at last consented; and there 〈…〉〈…〉 E••ward and his Queene, with their Daughter Is••••••ll, come over to 〈…〉〈…〉 there the young Earle is aff••an••ed to her; but returning after••••rds 〈…〉〈…〉 as ••e found opportunity, he went to King Philip, and ••eft 〈…〉〈…〉; and marryed afterwards a Daughter of the 〈…〉〈…〉 this whi•••• ••he siege of Callice was continued; and King Philip 〈…〉〈…〉 come to relieve it; sollicits King Edward to appoint some•• place 〈…〉〈…〉 would mee••e him. But King Edward returnes answer, that if he 〈…〉〈…〉 owne way to come thither to him, there he should finde him, but 〈…〉〈…〉 be would not pa•••••• having laine there so long to his great l••••our and 〈…〉〈…〉 b••ing now so neare the point of gaining the place•• Two•• ••a••••••nals 〈…〉〈…〉 the Pope, to mediate a Peace, but could effect nothing, so as the 〈…〉〈…〉 w••s forced to breake up his Army and retire to Paris, leaving C••llice 〈…〉〈…〉 the Besieger: which when the Towne understood, they sent to de∣〈…〉〈…〉 granted, and therein received this finall answer, that ••ixe of the chiefe Burgesses should be sent to the King, bare-headed, bare-footed, in their shirts, 〈…〉〈…〉 their neckes•• the keyes of the Towne and Castle in their hands, 〈…〉〈…〉 th••••••elves to the Kings will; the rest he was content to take to mercy. 〈…〉〈…〉 condition, and much difficulty who should be those sixe: but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up, and out of love to his Country offering himselfe to be one, the sixe 〈…〉〈…〉 made ••p; for now by his example every one strove to be of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who presenting themselves before the King, he commanded them instantly 〈…〉〈…〉 to death. Great supplication was made by his Lords for their lives, but 〈…〉〈…〉 would not be drawne to alter his sentence, till the Queene, great with 〈…〉〈…〉 on her knees, and with teares obtained pardon for them; which done, 〈…〉〈…〉 them to be cloathed, and besides a good repast, gives to every one of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nobles a p••ece. But though the King in this sentence shewed severity, 〈…〉〈…〉 Act before he had shewed mercy; For when Victuals began to faile in 〈…〉〈…〉, and all unusefull persons, as old men, women, and children, were put 〈…〉〈…〉 Gates; he forced them not backe againe as he might have done, there∣•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sooner to consume their store; but suffered them to passe through his Ar••y•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to eate, and two pence a piece to all of them. And thus was that strong 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Callice gotten, the third day of August, in the yeare 1347. after eleven 〈…〉〈…〉 siege, and continued afterward in possession of the English two hundred 〈…〉〈…〉. All the Inhabitants are turned out, but onely one Priest, and two 〈…〉〈…〉 to informe of the Orders of the Towne: and a Colony of English, a∣mo••gst which seven and thirty good Families out of London is sent to inhabit it•• 〈…〉〈…〉 and Queene enter the Towne triumphantly, and make their abode there, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Queene was brought a bed of her Daughter Margaret. The King made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Town Ayme••y of Pavia a Lombard, whom he had brought up from 〈…〉〈…〉, and then with his Queene returnes into England; at which time the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Electours send to signifie•• that they had chosen him King of the Romans, but 〈…〉〈…〉 refuseth to accept it, as being an honour out of his way, and scarce com∣〈…〉〈…〉 his State at home.

••fter this Tr••••••s were made by mediation, from one time to another, for the 〈…〉〈…〉 ••wo yeares, in which time, Geoffrey de Charmy Captaine of Saint Omer, 〈…〉〈…〉 Aymery of P••via, whom King Edward had left Governour of Callice, to 〈…〉〈…〉 for twenty thousand Crownes: which King Edward hearing of, sent to

A••mery, and charged him with this perfidiousnesse; whe••••••pon Ay••••••y comes to the King, and humbly desiring pardon, promiseth to h••ndl•• the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so as shall be ••o the Kings advantage, and thereupon i•• sen•• backe to Callice. The King, the ••ight before the time of agreement•• arrives with three ••und••ed men at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred Archers: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Charmy 〈…〉〈…〉 likewise the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ght from Saint Omers with his Forces, and sent a hundred m••n before with the Crownes to 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the men are let in at a Posterne Gate•• the crownes received, ••nd assured to be all weight: which done, the Gates of the Towne are opened, and out marches the King before day, to encounter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Charmy; who perceiving himselfe betrayed, defended ••imselfe•• the best he could, and put King Edward to a hard bickering, who for that ••e would not b•• 〈…〉〈…〉 person, put hi••self•• and the Prince under the Colours of the Lord 〈…〉〈…〉 bea••en ••••wne on ••is knees by 〈…〉〈…〉 ••hom he fought hand to hand) and ye•• recove••••d, and 〈…〉〈…〉 pri∣soner. Charmy was likewise taken, and all his Fo•••••••• defeated. Ki••g ••dward the night after (which was the first of the New-yeare) feasted with the Prisoners, and gave ••ibo••••••nt in honour of his valou••, 〈…〉〈…〉 Chaplet of Pearle, which himselfe wore on his head, (for a New-yeares gift) forgave him his ransome, and set him at liberty. But the English not long after, in the like practise, had better successe, and got the Castle of Guysnes, (a piece of great importance ne••r•• Callice,) for a summe of money, given to one Beaconr••y a French ••••n. Of which C••s••le, when the French King demanded restitution in regard of the Truc••, King Edwar•• returnes answer, that for things bought and sold betweene their people, there was no ex∣ception, and so held it.

About this time Philip King of France dyed, leaving his Sonne Iohn to succeed him; in the beginning of whose Raigne, Humber•• P••ince of D••••lphin, dying with∣out issue, made him his Heire, and ther••upon Charles King Ioh•••• Sonne, was crea∣ted the first Daulphin of France: from whence it grew to be a Custome, that the King of France his Heire should alwayes be called Daulphin of France. About this time also the Duke of Lancaster was to perfo••me a combat, upon a challenge, with a Prince of B••h••mia, but when they were entred the Lists, and had taken their Oathes, King Iohn interposed, and made them Friends. And now when after ma∣ny meanes of mediation, no Peace could be concluded betweene the two Kings; the Prince of Wales being now growne a man, is appointed by Parliament, to goe into Gascoyne with a thousand men at Armes, two thousand Archers, and a great number of Welshmen; and in Iune following he sets forth with three hundred Saile, attended with the Earles of Warwick••, Suffolke, Salisbury, and Oxford, the Lord Chand••s, the Lord Iames A••deley, Sir ••obert Knolles, Sir Francis Hall, with many others. About Michaelma•• following•• the King himselfe passeth over to Callice, with another Army, taking with him two of his Sonnes, Li••n••ll of Antwerpe, now Earle of Ulster i•• Right of his Wife, and Iohn of Gant, Earle of Richmond. There met him at Callice of mercenaries out of Germany, Flanders and Brabant, a thousand men at Armes, so that his Army consisted of three thousand men at Armes, and two thousand Archers on horse-backe, besides Archers on foot. The City of London sent three hundred men at Armes, and five hundred Archers, all in one li∣very, at their owne charge; but all this great Army effected nothing at that time, by reason the King of France would not be drawne to any Encounter, and had so disfurnished the Country of all provisions, that the King of England was forced to returne. King Edward solicited by the King of Navarre to aide him against the King of France, sends over the Du••e of Lancaster with foure thousand men at Armes, who winnes many Townes•• and the Prince enters G••yenne, passeth o∣ver Langn••d••c to Tholouse, Narbonne, Burges, without any Encounter, sackes, spoyles and destroyes where he goes, and loaden with booties returnes to Burdeaux. The French King thus assaulted on all ••ides, gathers all the power he possibly could, and first makes against his E••emies in N••••••••••dy, recovers many of his lost Townes, and was likely to have there prevaile••, but that he was drawne of force to oppose

〈◊〉〈◊〉 fresh Invader, the Prince of Wales, who was come up into Tourayne, against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he brings his whole Army, consisting of above threescore thousand: where∣•••••••• the Prince, whose Forces were not likely to be able to encounter him (being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for one) was advised to retire againe to Burdeaux. But the French King, to pre∣ve•••• this course, followes; and within two leagues of Poyctiers, hath him at a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 advantage: at which instant, two Cardinals came from the Pope to mediate •• Pe••ce. But the French King supposing he had his enemy now in his mercy, would accept of no other conditions, but that the Prince should deliver him foure Hosta∣ge••, ••nd ••s vanquished, render himselfe and his Army to his discretion. The Prince wa•• content to restore unto him what he had gained upon him, but without pr••ju∣•••••••• of his honour, wherein he said he stood accomptable to his Father, and to his C••u••tr••y. But the French King would abate nothing of his demands, as making hims••lf•• sure of victory; and thereupon was instantly ready to set upon the Princ••: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seeing himselfe reduced to this straight, takes what advantage he could of th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and providently got the benefit of Vines, Shrubs, and Bushes, on that part 〈…〉〈…〉 like to be assailed, to impester and intangle the French horse, which he saw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ome furiously upon him. The successe answered his expectation, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his enemies upon their first assault were so wrapt and encombred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he Vines, that his Archers galled and annoyed them at their pleasure. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fre••••h King, to give the honour of the day to his Cavallery, imployed them onely without his Infantery; so as they being disordered and put to rout, his whol•• Army came utterly to be defeated. In this battell were taken prisoners, King Iohn himselfe, with his yo••ngest sonne Philip, by Dennis de Morbecque a knight of Ar••h••is; Iaques de Bourbon, Conte de Ponthieu; the Arch-bishop of Sens; Iohn de Arth••is; Conte de En; Charles de Arthois; his brother Count de Longueville; Iohn de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Count de Tankarvile; the Counts of Vendosme, Va••demont, Estampes, Salbourg, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and La Roche; also Iohn de Ceintre, accounted (as Froissard saith) the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••night of France, with many other Lords, besides two thousand Knights and Gen••lemen; in so much, as the Conquerours holding it not safe to retaine so many, le•• ••••ny of them goe. The French, who can give best account of their owne losses, ••••por•• there died in the battell, a thousand seven hundred Gentlemen, amongst which were fifty two Bannerets: the most eminent, Peter de Bourbon, the Duke of Ath••••s Constable of France, Iehan de Clermont Marshall; Geoffrey de Charmy, High Chamberlain••; the Bishop of Chalons, the Lords of Landas, of Pons, and of Cham∣••••y. There escaped from this battell, three of the French Kings sons, (for he brought them all thither) Charles Prince Daulphin; Louys after Duke of Anjou; and Iohn Duke of B••••ry•• all great actours in the time following. The special great men of the English i•• th•••• fight, were the Earles of Warwicke, Suffolke, Salisbury, Oxford, Stafford; the Lord•••• Cobham, Spenser, Barkeley, Basset: of Gascoynes, Le Capital de Beuff; the Lords, Pumyer, Chaumont, and others. The Lord Iames Andeley wonne honour both by his valour, and his bounty; for having vowed to be foremost in this fight, he pe••formed his word, and sealed it with many wounds: for which the Prince ha∣ving rewarded him with the gift of five hundred Markes Fee-simple in England, he p••esently gave it to foure of his Esquires; whereupon the Prince demanding whe∣ther he accepted not his gift? he answered, that these men had deserved the same as well ••s himselfe, and had more neede of it; with which reply the Prince was so well pleased, that he gave him five hundred Markes more in the same kinde. A rare example, where desert in the Subject, and reward in the Prince, strive which should be the greater.

And now, though King Iohn had the misfortune to fall into the hands of his enemy, yet he had the happinesse to fall into the hands of a Noble enemy; for Prince Edw. used him with such respect and observance, that he could not find much d••••ference betweene his captivity and liberty. After the battell, which was fought the ••in••••••enth day of September, in the yeare 1357. Prince Edward leads King Iohn and the captive Lords to Burde••ux, where he retaines them till the spring following; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 present newes of his victory to his Father: who thereupon causeth a ge∣nerall

Thanksgiving all England over eight dayes together: and in May following; King Iohn rather comming over with the Prince, then brought over by him, is lodged at the Savo••; a Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster, and the fairest at that time about London. And King Edward, as though he thought it honour enough to have one King his prisoner at once, at the suite of his sister Queene I••ane, he sets her Husband David King of Scots at liberty, after he had beene priso∣ner in England eleven yeares, but not without paying a Ransome, which was a hun-thousand Markes, to be paid in ten yeares.

After this, by mediation of Cardinals sent by the Pope, a Truce for two yeares is concluded betweene the two kingdomes of France and England, and in the time of this Truce, Articles of Peace betweene the two Kings are propounded•• King Edward requires the Dutchies of Norm•••••••• and G••yenn••, the Counties of Poicto••, T••uraine, Mayne, and Anjo•••• with all their ••ppur••e••ances as large as King Richard the first held them, and many other Provinces besides, and to hold them all with∣out Homage or any other service; to which Articles, King Iohn (weary of impri∣sonment) assents and seales, but the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nd Councell of France utterly reject it: whereupon King Edward in great disple••sure resolves to make an end of this worke with the sword, and to take possession of the kingdome of France; and lea∣ving his younger sonne Thomas Gove••••our of his kingdome at home, with a Fleet of ••leven hundred saile, and taking all the great Lords of the Realme with him, he passeth over to Callice, dividing his Army into three battels, whereof one he com∣mits to the Prince of Wales, another to the Duke of Lancaster, and the ••hird he leads himselfe•• and first marching through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where he takes in many Townes, he plants his si••ge afterward before 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but having spent there sixe or seven weekes without effecting any thing, he ••asseth thence, and takes in the Cities of Sens & Nevers; the Dutchy of, B••rgoyne redeemes it self from spoil with paying two hun∣dred thousand Flo••ens of gold: then he marcheth up to ••aris, and plants his Camp within two small Leagues of the Tow••••, where ••e honoured 400. Esquires and Gentlemen with the Order of knighthood: but when Sir Walter de Manny had made a Bravado before the Gates of the City, and the King saw that the Daulphin would by no provocations be drawne out to battell; he raiseth his siege, and re∣turnes into Bri••aine to refresh his Army; from thence he marcheth towards Char••res with a purpose to besiege that City, and though great offers were made him by the French, and Commissioners from the Pope solicited him with all earnestnesse to ac∣cept them, yet neither they, nor the Duke of Lancasters perswasions could prevaile with him, till a terrible ••torme of haile with thunder and lightning fell upon his Army, which so terrified him, being a warning as it were from Heauen, that he pre∣sently vowed to make Peace with the French King upon any reasonable conditions, as shortly after he did at a Treaty of Britigny neare to Chartres, upon these Articles: that the Fiefs of Thouars and Belleville, the Dutchy of Guyenne, comprising Gascoyne, Poictou, San••ogne, Limo••sin, Perigort, Quercie, Rhodes, Angoulesme, and Rochell, toge∣ther with the Counties of Guysnes and Callice, and some other places, with the Ho∣mages of the Lords within those Territories should be to the King of England, who besides was to have three Millions of crownes of gold•• whereof sixe hundred thousand in hand, foure hundred thousand the yea••e following, and the rest in two yeares after: and for this the King of England, and his sonne the Prince of Wales, for them and their successours for ever, should renounce all their right pretended to the C••owne of France; the Dutchy of Normandy, the Countries of Touraine, An∣jou, Mayne, the Homage and Soveraignty of Britaine, and the Earledome of Flan∣ders; and within three weekes King Iohn to be rendred at Callice at the charge of the King of England, except the expenses of his house. For assurance of which ac∣cord, should be given into his hand five and twenty of the greatest Dukes and Lords of France for Hostages. The Scots not to be aided by the French King, nor the Flemmings by the English. This accord and finall Peace signed by both Kings, was ratified by their two eldest sonnes, Edward and Charles, and sworne unto by the Nobility of both kingdomes. The Hostages are delivered to King Edward, who

brought them into England; and thereupon King Iohn is honourably conducted to Callice, after he had remained prisoner in England neare about five yeares: but being come to Callice, he was detained there above three moneths, till the money which he was to pay in hand, could be provided; and for providing the rest he was put to hard shifts; being faine to give the Iewes leave to dwell in France for twenty yeares, paying twelve Florins a man at the entry, and sixe every yeare after. At this time the Prince by dispensation marries the Countesse of Kent, daughter to Edmund, brother to Edward the second, and his Father investing him with the Dutchy of A∣quitaine, he was now Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Cornwall, and Earle of Chester and Kent: and not long after, with the Princesse his wife, he passeth over into France, and keepes his Court at Burdeaux.

This was now the yeare 1362. and the fiftieth yeare of King Edwards age, wherein for a Iubilee, he shewes himselfe extraordinarily gracious to his peopl••, freely pardoning many offences, relesing prisoners, revoking exiles; with many o∣ther expressions of his love and bounty. The yeare following was famous for three Kings comming into England: Iohn King of France, Peter King of Cyprus, and D••vid King of Scots. The King of Cyprus came to solicite King Edward to joyne with other Princes in the Holy Warre, but receives onely royall entertain∣ment and excuses. The King of Scots came for businesse and visitation, but why the King of France came, is not so certaine, whether it were about taking order for his Hostages, or to satisfie King Edward for breach of some Articles, or else for love to the Countesse of Salisbury; or perhaps out of a desire to let England see his Majesty, being at liberty, which had beene darkened before by the cloud of captivity; but whatsoever the cause of his comming was, the cause of his staying (at least, of longer staying then he meant) was a mortall sicknesse, whereof (having lien all the Winter at the Savoy) in March or Aprill following, he died; and his bo∣dy convaied over into France, was buried at Saint Donis with his Ancestours. The Prince of Wales was now growne famous all the Christian world over, and the man to whom all wronged Princes seemed to appeale, and to flie for succour: for which end there came at this time to his Court, Iames King of Majorque, and hap∣pened to come at a time when the Princesse lay in; and thereupon he and Richard King of Navarre were taken to be Godfathers to his sonne Richard. For the like assistance also, there came at the same time to him, Peter King of Castile, driven out of his kingdome by the French, in favour to Peter King of Aragon: and Prince Edward, partly out of charity, to succour a distressed Prince, and partly out of po∣licy, to keepe his Souldiers in exercise; undertakes the enterprise, and was so pros∣perous in it, that with one battell, (having but thirty thousand against a hundred thousand) hee put King Peter in possession of his kingdome, though he was ill rewarded for his labour: for the ungratefull King would not so much as pay his Souldiers. An unfortunate journey for the Prince, for though he came back with victory, yet he brought backe with him such an indisposition of body, that he was never throughly well after: not perhaps by poyson, nor given him by his brother the Duke of Lancaster, though both were suspected; but there were causes of di∣stempering him enough besides, the Countrey, the season, the action it selfe; and it may be more marvelled that his Souldiers came home so well, then that he came so ill; but howsoever, being now returned, there was presently to his indisposition of body, added discontentment of minde: for not having meanes to pay his Souldiers, which forced him to winke at that which he could not chuse but see, and seeing, grieve at, how they preyed upon the Countrey, and thereupon how the Countrey murmured against him: and now to stop this murmuring, his Chancellour, the Bi∣shop of Rhodes, devised a new Imposition, of leavying a Frank for every Chimney, and this to continue for five yeares, to pay the Princes debts: but this Imposition made the murmuring the more; for though some part of his Dominions, as the Poict••••ins, Xaingtonois, and Lymo••sins in a sort consented to it, yet the Count of Ar∣migni••ck, the Count of Comminges, the Viscount of Carmayn, and many others so much distasted it, that they complained thereof to the King of France, as to their

Supreme Lord; who upon examination finding their complaint to be just, he there∣upon, by advise of his Councell, Summons Prince Edward to appeare in person, to answer the complaint: whereunto Prince Edw. made answere, that if he must needs appeare, he would bring threescore thousand men in Armes to appeare with him; and had certainely brought his Army that Summer against Paris, if he had not fal∣len into Symptomes of a Dropsie, which (Walsingham saith) was wrought by En∣chantments. But upon this answer of the Prince, King Charles sends defiance to King Edward; who thereupon prepares Armes both by Sea and Land to oppose him. The French enter upon the Territori••s of the Prince, and defeate divers of his Troopes; in revenge whereof, Iohn Chandos the Princes Lieutenant, assaults Terrieres in the Province of Tholouse, and takes it. The Count of Perigourd a••∣saults Royanville, in Quer••y, and puts all the English to the sword; in revenge where∣of, Iames Audeley Sene••chall of Poicton, assaults the City of Brosse, and takes it. In the meane time Robert Knols, by some called Robin, and by others, Arnould, or Reynold Knoll, had drawne Perducas de Albert to the party of the English; and there∣upon wen•• and encamped before the Fort of Darc••ell in Quercy, which Iohn Chan∣dos understanding, went also and joyned with him in the Siege; but finding they could doe no good there, they removed, and Besieged the City of Damme: and when they could doe no good there neither, they marched forward, tooke the Fort of Froyus, Rochevaudour, and Villefranche; and that done, returned to the Prince at Angoulesme. At the same time, the Earles of Cambridge, and Pembroke, having spent nine weekes at the Siege of Bordeille, at last tooke it; but other Captaines of the English did yet more, for they scaled Belleperche in the Province of Bourbon, where the Mother of the Duke of Bourbon, and of the Queene of France was, and take her prisoner.

About this time, Philippa Queene of England, King Edwards Wife died, and was buried at Westminster; but this hindred not the proceeding of the English in France; the Earle of Pembroke enters Anjou, where he takes many Townes: the Duke of Lancaster doth the like about Callice, and marching forward, plants his Campe before Harfleur, with a purpose to burne the King of France his Navy, but being watched by the Count Saint Poll, was forced to forbeare that designe; and so passing other wayes, and spoyling all the places where he passed, he returned to Callice. Winter now was drawing on, and Iohn Chandos, desiring to recover the Abby of Saint Silvin in Poictou, which not long before had beene betraied to the French; was in the enterprise discovered, and being assaulted by greater forces, was slaine in the place, to the great griefe of the Prince of Wales, and of the English Lords: but dying without issue, his estate, which amounted to foure hundred thousand Franks, came to the Prince. At this time, the Dukes of Anjou and Berry, with two great Armies enter upon the Territories of the Prince of Wales; whereof the Prince advertised, assembles Forces to oppose them: but when the newes was brought him of the taking of Limouges, he was so much troubled at it, by reason of the Bishop of that place was his Gossip, and one in whom he specially had affiance; that he resolved to recover it at any price, and not to spare a man that had any hand in the rendring it up: and thereupon taking it by force, he commanded to sacke and pillage it, and would not be staied by the cries of the people, casting themselves downe at his feete; till passing through the Towne, he perceived three French Cap∣taines, who themselves alone had withstood the assault of his victorious Army, and moved with the consideration of their valour, he then abated his anger; and for their sakes, granted mercy to all the Inhabitants. So much is vertue even in an enemy, respected by generous minds. In the meane time, David King of Scots di∣ed without issue; and Robert Stuart his Nephew succeeded him in the kingdome, and was Crowned at Scone. At this time Robert Knolls with a great Army is sent into France, where making many attempts, with valour enough, but with little successe; he was comming home, though with no gaine, yet with no losse: till Ber∣trand de Gueschlyn assaulting him, slew the most part of his men; and so this great Army on a sudden came to nothing. It seemes Knolls his action was the lesse succes∣fully,

by reason some young Lords that wen•• with him, sco••ning to ••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his command, as being but a new man, and risen fro•• a low estate; were refractory to hi•• directions: And indeed what can a Generall do, if he have not as well reputation of person, as of place?

And now the Prince of Wales, his eldest sonne Edward dying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bu••de••••••, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with his wife, and his other sonne Richard, come over into England, at whi•••• time the vallant knight Walter de M••••ny died at Lond••n, and was buried in the Monastery of the Chartreux which he had builded; leaving one onely daughter; married to Iohn Earle of Pembroke. This Earle of Pembroke was soone after sent Go••ernour into Aquita••ne, but set upon by the way by Spaniards in favour of the Fr••••ch; was by them taken prisoner, and carried with other into Spain•••• who be∣ing chained together, as the manner is; one Evans a Welsh Fugitive•• who gave ••••••selfe out for the right Heire of Wales; cam•• unto him foolishly playing upon him with scornfull language, as though to insult over another mans misery, could s••••le for a co••diall to mitigate his owne. And now upon the taking of this Earle, the Princes Dominions in France are either taken away, or ••all away faster then they ••ere gotten; Gueschly•• enters Poictou, and takes Montm••rillon, Chauvigny, Luss••••, and Mo••t••onti••r: straight after followes the Countrey of Aulnys, of Xaintoigne, and the rest of Poic••ou; then Saint Maxen••, Neele, Auln••y; then Benaon, Marant, Surg••rs, 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and at last they came to Thouars, where the most part of the Lords of Poi∣c••o••, that held with the Prince, were assembled; at which time King Edward with the Pr••••ce, the Duke of Lancaster, and all the great Lords of England, set forward to their succour, but being driven back•• by tempest, never came to give them assi∣stance, so as Thouars yeelded upon composition. Yet did this preparation of the King stand him in nine thousand Markes; that it may be truly said, it cost him more now to lose Townes, then it had cost him before to win them so great oddes there is betweene the Spring and Fall of Fortune. After this, the Duke of Lancaster is sent over with another great Army, who passed up into many parts of the Country, but King Charles resolved to hazard no battell; saying, They were but clouds, and would soone passe away; yet so watched him, that what with light skirmishes, and what with skarcity of victuals, his forces were so diminished, that of thirty thou∣sand which went out of Callice, there scarce retunred six thousand home: which made King Edward say of this King Charles, that he did him more mischiefe sitting still, then his Predecessours had done with all their stirring. And now by this time all Poictou is lost, and all Aquitaine also, but onely Burdeaux and Bayon: when the Arch-bishop of Roan and others, are sent from Pope Gregory the eleventh, to medi∣ate a Peace betweene the two Kings; but each of them standing upon high termes of conditions, nothing could be effected but Truce upon Truce, for two or three yeares together. In which time Edward Prince of Wales died, and with him we may say, the Fortune of England; being a Prince so full of vertues, that he left no place for any vice; and if he had lived in the Heroicke times, might well have beene numb••ed amongst the nine Worthies. His body was buried at Canterbury, where his Monument standeth. King Edward in his seven and fortieth yeare calleth a Parliament at W••stminster, which lasted but eight dayes; and to which were Sum∣moned by Writ, of Clergy men onely foure Bishops, and five Abbots.

Of King Edwards Acts after the death of the Prince.

IN the time of the Princes sicknesse, King Edw••rd cals a Parliament at Westmin∣ster; in which, when demands were made for supply of the King, demands were presently made for redresse of grievances for the subjects. It was required that the Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Latymer then Lord Chamberlaine, Dame Alice Pierce the Kings Concubine, and one Sir Richard Sturry might be removed from Court. And this was so vehemently urged by their Speaker, Sir Peter la Moore, that the King, rather then not to be supplied, gave way unto it; and thereupon all these persons are presently put from Court: but the Prince soone after dying, they

are all recalled to Court againe, and restored to their former places.

About this time ex••mplary justice was done upon Sir Iohn Minsterworth knight, who was drawne, hanged, and quartered at Tiburne, for Treason, by him commit∣ted, in defrauding Souldiers of their wages.

Thi•• was now the f••ftieth yeare of King Edw••••ds Raigne, and he for another Iu∣bilee, gra••••s another generall pardon to his subjects•• onely William Wic••ham Bishop of Winchester is excepted, being lately, by procurement of the Duke of Lancaster, fallen into the Kings displeasure•• and forbidd•••• to come to the Parliament. This Parliament was called the good Parliament•• ••••ough it wrought ill effects; for Sir. Peter de la Mare, at the suite of Alice Pierce, is committed to perpetuall imprison∣ment at Not••ingham, though within two years after, by importunate suite of friends; he regained his liberty. This Alice Pierce presuming upon the Kings favour, grew so insolent, that she entermedled with Courts of Justice, and other Offices, where ••he herselfe would fit, to countenance her Causes. And now the Duke of Lancast•••• is come to have the Regencie, and to manage all the affaires of the kingdome; but King Edward to prevent the mischiefes, when by disordering the succession might grow in the kingdome, providently settled the same in Parliament upon Richard of Burdeaux; ••reating him first Earle of Chester and Cornwall, and then Prince of Wales, and caused all the Lords of the Realme to tal••e an Oath, to accept him for their King, as his lawfull Heire, when himselfe should be dead. In this meane time a Trea∣ty was had about a marriage betweene this Prince Richard, and M••ry a daughter of Charles King of France: and an offer was made to King Edward, to leave him foure∣teene hundred Townes, and three thousand fortresses in Aq••itaine, upon condition he would render Callice and all that he held in Picardy; but before any thing could be concluded, King Edward died.

Of his Taxations.

IN the eighth yeare of his Raigne, in a Parliament holden at London, there was granted him a fifteenth of the Temporalty, a twentieth of the Cities and Boroughs, and a tenth of the Clergy. In his tenth yeare, in a Parliament at North∣ampton, is granted a tenth penny of Cities and Boroughs, a fifteenth of others, and a tenth of the Clergy. Also all such treasure as was committed to Churches through England for the Holy Warre, is taken out for the Kings use, towards his warres with France. The next yeare after, all the goods of three orders of Monks, Lom••ards, Cluniakes, and Cistercians; are likewise seised into the Kings hands: and the like Subsidy as before granted at Nottingham. In his twelfth yeare (and as some write, in absence of the King) in a Parliament at Northampton, is granted by the Laity, one halfe of their Wooll, but of the Clergy the whole. The next yeare after a fifteenth was likewise paid in Wooll by the Commonalty. In his foure∣teenth yeare, in a Parliament at London, is granted him for Custom•• of every sacke of Wooll forty shillings, for every three hundred Wooll Fells forty shil•• for every Last of Leather forty shillings; and of other Merchandises according to the rate: the same to endure from that Easter to the Whitsontide twelve moneth after. Besides, there was granted of Citizens and Burgesses, a ninth part of goods; of forraine Merchants and others, a fifteenth; of Husbandmen, the ninth Sheafe, the ninth Fleece, the ninth Lamb for two years; also another tenth of the Clergy: and for his present supply, he had Loanes of divers persons; and the City of London lent tw••nty thousand Markes. For the grant of which mighty Subsidy, the King (be∣sides his Pardon to divers kinds of offendours) remits all Amerciaments for trans∣gressions in his Forests, Reliefs and Scurage, to the first time of his going into Flan∣ders, besides all aides for the marriage of his sonnes and daughters during his Raigne; pardoning and remitting all ancient debts and ••rr••rages, both of his Fer∣mors and others, till the tenth yeare of his Raigne; and likewise confirmes the great Charter of Magna Chartae: In his eighteenth yeare, in a Parliament at London, a tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a fifteenth by the Laity•• Besides a Com∣mission

is sent into every Shire to inquire of mens abilities, and all of five pounds to tenne of Lay Fee, were appointed to finde an Archer on horsebacke; of twenty five, a Demilaunce; and so ratably above. There had formerly been made a certaine coyne of Gold called the Floren, of base alloy, for the Kings benefit, towards his warres in France, but this was now called in•• and Nobles of finer metall coyned, to the great contentment of the people. In his nine and twentieth yeare, he hath by Parliament granted unto him fifty shillings upon every sack of Wooll, for six years next ensuing; by which Imposition, it was thought, the King might dispend a thous••••d Markes Sterling a day, the vent of Wooll was so great in that time. But that which exceeded all his Taxations, was the Ransome he had in his foure and thirtieth yeare, of the King of France, three millions of crownes of Gold. In his twelveth yeare, he had taken from the Priors Aliens, their houses, lands, and tene∣ments, for the maintenance of his French warres, which he kept twenty yeares in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and then restored them againe. In his six and thirtieth year was greater twen∣ty sixe shillings eight pence, for transportation of every sacke of Wooll for three yeare••. In the five and fortieth yeare of his Raigne, in a Parliament at Westminster, the ••lergy granted him fifty thousand pounds to be paid the same yeare, and the Lai••y as much; which was lev••ed by setting a certaine rate of five pounds fifteene shillings upon every Parish, which were found in the 37•• Shires to be eight thou∣sand and sixe hundred; and so came in the whole to fifty thousand one hundred eighty one pounds and eight pence: but the 181. li. was abated to the Shires of Suf∣folk•• and Devonshire, in regard of their poverty. In his eight and fortieth yeare, in a Parliament, is granted him a tenth of the Clergy, & a fifteenth of the Laity. In his fifti••h year, a Subsidy of a new nature was demanded by the young Prince Richard, whom (being bu•• eleven years of age) the Duke of Lancaster had brought into the Parliament of purpose to make the demand; to have two tenths to be paid in one yeare, or twelve pence in the pound of all Merchandises sold, for one yeare; and one pound of silver for every knights Fee, and of every Fire-house, one penny: but instead of this Subsidy, after much altercation, there was granted another of as new a nature as this; that every person, man and woman, within the kingdome, above the age of foureteene yeares, should pay foure pence, (those who lived of Almes onely excepted) the Clergy to pay twelve pence of every Parson Beneficed, and of all other religious persons foure pence; a mighty aide, and such as was ne∣ver granted to any King of England before.

Of his Lawes and Ordinances.

HE instituted the Order of the Garter, upon what cause is not certaine; the common opinion is, that a Garter of his owne queene, or (as some say) of the Lady Ioane Countesse of Salisbury, slipping off in a Dance, King Edward stooped and tooke it up; whereat some of his Lords that were present, smiling, as at an amorous action; he seriously said, it should not be long ere Soveraigne honour should be done to that Garter; whereupon he afterward added the French Morto, Honi soit qui maly pense; therein checking his Lords sinister suspition. Some con∣jecture that he instituted the Order of the Garter, for that in a battell wherein he was victorious, he had given the word Garter, for the word or signe: and some againe are of opinion, that the institution of this Order is more ancient, and be∣gunne by King Richard the first, but that this King Edward adorned it, and brought it into splendour. The number of the knights of this Order is twenty sixe, where∣of the King himselfe is alwayes one, and president; and their Feast yearely cele∣brated at Windsor on Saint Georges day, the Tutelar Saint of that Order. The lawes of the Order are many, whereof there is a booke of purpose. In the five and thir∣tieth yeare of his Raigne, he was earnestly Petitioned by a Parliament then hol∣en, that the great Charter of Liberties, and the Charter of Forests might be duly observed; and that the great Officers of the kingdome should (as in former times) be elected by Parliament: to which Petition, though the King at first stood stiffe

upon his owne Election and Prerogative; yet at last (in regard to have his present turne served, (as himselfe after confessed) he yeelded, that such Officers should re∣ceive an Oath in Parliament, to doe justice to all men in their Offices: and there∣upon a Statute was made and confirmed with the Kings Seale, both for that and many other Grants of his to his Subjects•• which notwithstanding were for the most part shortly after revoked.

This King also causeth all Pleas, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were before in Fren••h, to be made in English, that the Subject might understand the course of the Law. Also in his time an Act was passed for Purveyours, that nothing should be taken up but for ready money, upon strict punishment. In the next Parli••ment holden the seven and thir∣tieth yeare of his Raigne, certaine S••mp••uary Lawes were ordained, both for ap∣parell and diet; appointing every degree of men, the stuffe and habits they should weare, prohibiting the wea••ing of gold and silver, silkes and rich furres to all, bu•• eminent persons. The lab••••rer and husbandman 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ppointed but one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day•• and what meates he should 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Also in his time, at the instance of the Lo••••oners•• an Act was made that no common Whore should wea••e any Hood, except striped with divers colours; nor Furres, but Garments reversed the wrong side outward. This King also was the first that created Dukes•• of whom Henry of B••llingbr••oke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lancaster, created Duke of Lancaster, in the seven and twentieth yeare of his Raigne•• was the first. But afterward he erected Cornwall also into a Dutchy, and conferred it upon the Prince: after which time, the Kings eldest sonne used alwayes to be Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earle of Chester. This King altered monies, and abated them in weight, & yet made them to passe according to the former value. Before his time, there were no other peeces but Nobles and halfe Nobles, with the small peeces of Silver, called Sterlings; but ••••w Groats of foure pence, and halfe Groats of two pence, equivalent to the Sterling money, are coyned; which in∣haunsed the prises of things, that rise or f••ll, according to the plenty or scarcity of coyne; which made Servants and Labourers to r••ise their wages accordingly. Whereupon a Statute was made in the Parliament now held at Westminster, to re∣duce the same to the former rate. Also an Act was made in this Kings time, that all Weares, Mils, and other stoppages of Rivers, hindering the passage of Boats, Lighters, and other Vessels, should be removed; which though it were most com∣modious to the kingdome, yet it tooke little effect, by reason of bribing and cor∣rupting Lords and great men, who regarded more their owne private, then the publike benefit. In a Parliament holden the tenth yeare of his Raigne, it was en∣acted that no Wooll growing within the Realme should be transported, but that it should be made in Cloath in England. Peter-pence are forbidden by the King, to be paid any more to Rome. The c••stome of washing poore mens feete on Maun∣dy-Thursday, thought to have beene first brought in by this King.

Affaires of the Church in his time.

KING Edward upon some displeasure had imprisoned divers Clergy men; whereupon Iohn Stratford Arch-bishop of Canterbury writes him a Letter, charging him with violation of the Rights of the Church, and with the breach of Magna Charta; and after much good counsell given him, threatens, that if he amend not these disorders, he must and will exercise his Ecclesiasticall authoritie, and proceed to Excommunication of his Officers, though not of himselfe, Queen, or children. The King answers, and sends his Letter to the Bishop of London; charging the Arch-bishop to be the c••••se of all this disturbance, having beene the man that first set him upon the warre with France; assuring him he should want no money, and now had beene the hinderance, that monies given him by Parlia∣ment, were not duly levied: and after many remonstrances to such purpose, con∣cludes, that if he desisted not from his re••••llions obstinacie, he would use his Tem∣porall authority, and prooceed 〈…〉〈…〉 as against a Rebell. But this difference betweene them was not long after, upon the Arch-bishops submission, reconciled.

And indeed the great account which this King made of Clergy men, may appeare by his imploying almost none but Clergy men in all his Offices of account•• Simon ••••••gham Arch-bishop of Canterbury, was Chancellour of England; William Wickam Arch-deacon of Lincolne, keeper of the Privy Seale; David Willer Parson of Somer∣••••••••, Master of the Rolles; ten Beneficed Priests, Civilians, Masters of the Chan∣cery; William Mulse Deane of Saint Martins le Grand, chiefe Chamberlaine of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Receiver and keeper of the Kings Treasure and Jewels•• Will••am A••••••y Arch-deacon of Northampton, Chancellour of the Exchequer•• William Di••ht•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Saint Mar••ins, Clerke of the Privy Seale•• Richard Chesterfield P••eb••nd 〈…〉〈…〉 Stephens•• Treasurer of the Kings house; Henry Snatc•• Parson of 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Kings Wardrobe; Iohn N••w••ham Parson of Fen••y-sta••••on, one of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Exch••quer; Iohn ••ouseby Parson of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Surveyor and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Kings workes; Thomas Brittingham Parson of Asby, Treasurer 〈…〉〈…〉 King, for the parts of Guisnes, and the Marches of Callice, Iohn Troys a Priest, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ireland.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 the seventeenth yeare of his Raigne, in a Parliament holden at West••inster, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is made of the great inconvenience that came by the Popes Collation of Benefices in England, conferring them upon Strangers who understood not the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and therefore not fit to be Pastours over a Flocke they could not feed: and hereupon Sir Iohn Shordich is sent to Pope Clement the sixth, to require him to fo••••eare such Collations, and to signifie his consent therein: but this Message was 〈…〉〈…〉 welcome to the Pope, that the Messenger came backe, unheard, at least un∣answered•• and the King taking his silence for consent•• or perhaps not much ca∣ring whether he consented or no; proceeded to a Prohibition of all such Colla∣tions within his Realme, on paine of Imprisonment, or death, to whomsoever should in time to come, present or admit any such person, who by the Pope were so preferred to the prejudice of the Kings Prerogative. These were disturbances in matter of Discipline; but towards the end of his Raigne, there fell a disturbance in matter of Doctrine, for a certaine Divine, named Iohn Wickliffe, inveighed in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other Acts in the Schooles, against the abuses of Churchmen, Monks, and other religious Orders; and had by his Doctrine wonne many Disciples unto him, (who after were called Lollards) professing poverty, going bare-foot, and poorely clad in Ru••••et; amongst other his Doctrines, he taught that neither King ••••r other secular Lord, could give any thing ••n perpetuity unto Church-men; and th•••• Temporall Lords, if they needed, might lawfully take the Goods of Religious Persons to relieve them in their necessities, by the example of William Rufus, and others. This man, the Duke of Lancaster, and Sir Henry Percy Marshall, much fa∣vour and cherish, extolling him for his learning and integrity of life; which made him so farre to presume, that daily in one Church or other, he published his Opi∣nions; whereupon at length he is cited to answer before the Arch-bishop, the Bishop of London and others in ••auls. At the day appointed, the Duke of Lanca∣ster and the Lord Marshall goe to conduct him; when they were come to our La∣dies Chappell, the Duke and Barons with the Bishops sitting downe, Iohn Wick∣liffe was by the Lord Marshall willed to sit downe, in regard (he said) the man had much to answer, and needed a convenient seat. The Bishop of London told him; It was against all Law and Reason, that he who was there ••ited before his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should sit. Hereupon contumelious words arose betweene the Lord M••••••hall and the Bi••••op; the Duke takes the Marshals part, and sharpely repre∣hended the Bishop; the Bishop returnes the like to the Duke; who in a gre•••• rage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he would pull downe the pride of him, and of all the Bishops of E••gland•• and whispering in his eare, told him he had rather pull him out of the Church by 〈…〉〈…〉 of the head, then to suffer such indignities; which words, the Londo••ers over-hearing, swore with a loud voyce, they would rather lose their lives the•••• suffer ••••eir Bishop to be thus injuriously used. Their fu••y was the more against the Duke, for that the day before in the Parliament (whereof he was President) it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Kings name, that from thenceforth ••h••re should be no more a

Major of London, but a Captaine appointed for the Government of the City, and that the Lord Marshall of England should arrest Offenders within the Liberties, as in other places. The morrow after the Citizens assembling to consult of this businesse, it happened the Lord Fits-water, and Guid•• Bryan, came into the City; which the People seeing, furiously ranne upon them, and were like to beate them downe for comming at that time. The Lord Fits-water protested, he came to no other end, but to offer his service to the City, being by inheritance their Standard bearer, and was to take injuries offered to them, as to himselfe; and therefore willed them to looke to their defence. Whereupon they pres••ntly take Armes, assaile the Marshals Inne, bre••ke open the Ga••es, brought fo••th a Prisoner in his Gives, and set him at liberty, but found 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord 〈…〉〈…〉 with th•• Duke, was that day to dine with one Iohn de 〈◊〉〈◊〉. T••••n this furious multitude ranne to assaile the Sav••y; which a knight of the Duk•••• ••••••ing, ha••tes to the plac•• where his Lord dined, and acquain•••• him with this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the C••••y. The Duke up∣on hearing it, leapes from the Table so hastily, that he hurt bot•• his shinnes on the fowrme; and with Sir Henry ••ercy alone takes boate, and goes to, Kennington neare Lambe••h, where the Princesse with the young Prince lay: to whom he complaines of this Riot, and the violence offered him. In the me••ne time the multitude com∣ming to the Savoy, a Priest inquisitive to know the businesse, was answered, they went to take the Duke, and the Lord Marshall, and compell them to deliver Sir Peter de la Mar••, unjustly kept in Prison. The Priest replyed, th••t Sir Peter was a Traytor to the King, and worthy to be h••nged. At which words they all cryed out, This is Percy, This is the Traytor of England, his speech bewrayes him, though his App••rell be disguised, and presently they r••n upon him, and wounded him to death. The Bishop of London hearing of this outrage, leaves his dinner, hastes to the Sav••y, admonisheth them of the holy time being Lent; assuring them all should be fairely ended for the good of the City with whose perswasions they were some∣what pacified; but yet they tooke the Dukes Armes, and hung ••hem up reversed, in signe of Treason, in all the principall stree••s of the City. Upo•• the Princesses ad∣vice, the chiefe Citizens send to the sick•• King, to excuse this tumult; saying, it was not in their power to suppresse it, the Commonalty being in commotion, upon an information that their Liberties should be taken from them by Parliament. The King told them, it never was in his thought to infringe their liberties, but he rather desired to enlarge them. But this affr••nt of the Citizens would not downe with the Duke, till he had pulled downe som•• of the Principall of them; for he caused the Major and Aldermen to ••e displaced, and other put in their roomes: a revenge he had better beene without, for he never had the love of the City after: and to want their love is a kind of banishment. Wickliffe himselfe, censured by the Bishops to abjure his Opinions, chose rather to leave his Country then his Doctrine, and going over into Bohemia, was there much honoured while he lived, and hath beene more since he dyed; at least, a great part of his Doctrine continues in veneration a∣mongst that people to this day.

Workes of piety done by him, or by others in his time.

HIs workes of Piety were great and many, as the Founding of East Minster, an Abbey (of the Cistea•••• Order) neare the Tower. An Abbey for Nunnes at D••rtford in Kent. The Kings Hall in Cambridge for poore Schollers. An Hospitall for the poore at Callice. He conferred upon the University of Oxford, where he had himselfe beene trained up, under the learned Walter Burley, the chiefe rule of the City, subordinating the Major and Citizens to the Chancellour of the University. He Built Saint Stephens Chappel at Westminster, with the endowment of 300. pound per annum. He augmented the Chappell at Windsore, and made provisions there for Church-men, and foure and twenty poore knights. These were his publicke workes; But besides these, his private Buildings were, the Castle of Windsore, which he re-edified and enlarged, the Castle at Quinborough, Fortifications at

〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other places. His Queen Philippa founded Queens Colledge in Oxford: 〈…〉〈…〉 Countesse of Pembroke, the Colledge called Pembroke Hall in Cambridge. In this Kings t••me Sir Iohn Poultney Major of London, built the Colledge in London cal∣••••d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 L••wrence Poult••••y, and little Alhollo••es, a Parish Church in Thames street, ••••d also the Carmelite Friers Church in C••ventry. Henry Earle of Lancaster and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••ounded the new Hospitall by the Castle of Leycester, wherein a hundred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 impotent people were provided for with all things necessary. William Elsing Merc•••• of London, made a new Hospitall of an old house of Nunnes by Cripple∣g••••••, and placing Chanons Regular there, he became the first Prior thereof. Walter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishop of Exeter, Founded Exeter Colledge, and Hart Hall in Oxford. William B••••eman Bishop of Norwich, builded Trinity Hall in Cambridge. Simon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Founded Canterbury Colledge in Oxford. William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Treasurer of England, Founded the Monastery of Edendon; the religious brethren whereof were called B••nhommes. Sir Walter de Manny, borne in Cambray, purchased a piece of ground called Spittle Croft, containing thir••eene Acres, with∣ou•• the barres of West Smithfield, and caused the same to be enclosed, where he built a Chappell, and after Founded the same to be a house of Charter-house Monkes. Humphrey Bohun Earle of Hereford and Essex, re-edified the Augustine Friers Church in London, and was buried in the Quire there•• In the two and thirtieth yeare of this Kings Raigne, Iohn Stody Major of London, gave unto the Vintners of London all the Quadrant where the Vintners Hall now standeth, with the Te∣nements round abou••, from the lane to this day called Studis lane•• where are Foun∣ded thir••eene houses for thirteene poore people, which are there kept of charity. Also in this Kings time Sir Iohn Cobham Founded the Colledge of Cobham in Kent. I••hn L••vekin foure times Major of London, builded at Kingston upon Thames, where he was borne, a Chappell called Magdalens, to the which he joyned an Hospitall, wherein was a Master, two Priests, and certaine poore men: and for that the Parish Church of Saint Michael by Crooked-lane, where he dwelled, was a very homely thing, and the ground thereabout a filthy plot, by reason of the Burchers in East∣cheape, who made the same their lay-stall; he on the same ground builded the faire new Parish Church of Saint Michael now standing, and was buried there in the middle of the Quire, under a faire Tombe of stone. He also Founded a Colledge to the same Church, neare thereunto adjoyning. Iohn Barnes Major of London, gave a Chest with three locks, and a thousand Markes to be lent to young men, upon sec••rity, so that it passed not one hundred Markes; and for the occupying thereof, if he were learned, to say at his pleasure, De Profundis, for the soule of Iohn Barnes; if he were not learned, to say Pater Noster: but howsoever the mo∣ney is lent, the Chest at this day standeth in the Chamber of London, without mo∣ney or p••••dges. Thomas of Woodstocke, the youngest sonne of King Edward, Foun∣ded a Colledge at Playsi•• in Essex, where in his life he had provid••d a sumptuous Tombe, where he was first laid, but translated afterward to Westminster.

Casualties happening in his time.

IN the the two and twentieth yeare of his Raigne, a contagious Pestilence arose in the East and South parts of the world, and spread it selfe over all Christen∣dome; and comming at last into England, it so wasted the people, that scarce the tenth person of all sorts was left alive. There died in London (some say in N••r∣wich) betweene the first of Ianuary, and the first of Iuly, 57374. persons. In Yar∣mouth, in o••e yeare, 7052. men and women: before which time, the Parsonage there was worth 700. Markes a yeare, and afterwards was ••carce worth forty pounds a yeare. This Plague beganne in London about Alhollan••ide, in the yeare 1348. and continued till the yeare 1357. ••here it was observed, that those who were borne after the beginning of this mortality, had but twenty eight teeth, where before ••hey had two and thirty. In the twelveth yeare of his Raigne, a sudden ••••undation of water, at New-castle upon Tyne, bare downe a pi••ce of the Towne

w••ll, and sixe pearches in length, neare to a place called Walkenew; where a hun∣dred and twenty men and women were drowned. In the five and thi••••ieth yeare of his Raigne, another Pestilence h••pp••ned in England, which was called the se∣cond Pestilence, in which died Henry Duke of La••caster, also Regin••ld Lord C••••ha••••, and Walter Fits-warren, two famous men; and five Bishops, of W••rcester, of Lon∣don, of Ely, of Lincolne, and of Chich••ster. In this Kings time, a Frost lasted from the midst of September, to the moneth of Aprill. In the fourth yeare of his Raigne, a solemne Justing or Turnament was holden at London in Ch••••pside, be••wixt the great Crosse and the great Conduit, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S••per-la•••••• which lasted three dayes; where the Queen Philippa, with many Ladies, fell from a Stage, set up for them to behold the Justing; and though they were not hurt at all, yet the King threa••••ed to p••∣nish the Carpenters for their negligence, till the Que••ne in••••••ated pardon for them upon her knees: as indeed she was alwayes ready to doe all good offices of mercie to all people. In the eleventh yeare of his Raigne was so great plenty, that a quar∣ter of Wheate was sold at London for two shillings, a fat Oxe for a Noble, a fat Sheepe for sixe pence, and sixe Pigeons for a penny, a fa•• Goose for two pence, and a Pigge for a penny, and other things after that rate.

Of his Wife and Children.

HE married Philippa, the daughter of William Earle of Haynault at Yorke; a match made up in haste by Queene Isabell his mother, for her owne ends, although a better could never have beene made upon deliberation for King Edwards ends: for though her Parentage were not great, and her portion less••; yet she made amends for both, in vertue; for never King had a better Wife. By her King Edward had seven sonnes and five daughters: his eldest sonne Edward Prince of Wales, and com∣monly called the Blacke Prince, (but why so called uncertaine for to say, of his dreadfull acts, as Spe••de saith, hath little probability) was borne at Woodstocke, in the third yeare of his Fathers Raigne; he married Ioane, the daughter of Edmund Earle of Kent, brother by the Fathers side to King Edward the second. She had beene twice married before; first to the valiant Earle of Salisbury, from whom she was divorced: next to the Lord Thomas Holland; after whose decease, this Prince passionatly loving her, married her: by her he had issue two sonnes, Edward the eldest, borne at Angoulesme, who died at seven yea••es of age; and Richard borne at Burdeaux, who after his Father, was Prince of Wales, and after his Grandfather King of England. This Prince had also naturall issue, Sir Iohn Sounder, and Ro∣ger Clarendon Knights; the latter being attainted in the Raign•• of King Henry the fourth, is thought to have ••eene Ancestour to the house of Smiths in Essex. He di∣ed at Canterbury, in the sixe and fortieth yeare of his age; and of his Fathe•••• Raigne, the nine and fortieth, and was buried at Christs Church there. His second sonne William was borne at Hatfield, in Hertfordshire, who deceased in his childhood, and was buried at Yorke. His third sonne Lyonell was borne at Antwerpe, in the twelveth yeare of his Fathers Raigne; he married first Elizabeth, the daughter and Heire of William Burgh, Earle of Ulster in Ireland; in who••e Right he was first created Earle of Ulster: and because he had with her the honour of Clare, in the County of To••∣mond; he was in a Parliament, created Duke of Clarence, as it were of the Coun∣trey about the Towne and Honour of Clare; from which Dutchy, the name of Clarentieux (being the title of the King of Armes, for the South parts of England) is derived. This Duke had issue by her one onely daughter, named Philippa after∣ward wife of Edmund Mortimer, Earle of March; mother of Earle Roger, Father of Anne Countesse of Cambridge, the mother of Richard Duke of Yorke, Father of King Edward the fourth. The second marriage of this Duke was at Millaine in Lombardy, with the Lady Vi••lanta, daughter of G••leac•••• the second Duke thereof; but through intemperance he lived not long ••fter. King Edwards fourth sonne na∣med Iohn, was borne at Ga••••t, in the foureteenth yeare of his Fathers Raigne; he had three wives, the first was ••l••nch, daughter and Coheire, and in the end the sole

Heire of Henry Duke of Lancaster, sonne of Edmund, sirnamed Crouch back; by whom he had issue, Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Derby, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly King of England, named Henry the fourth, who first placed the Crowne in the house of Lancaster. By her also Iohn of Gaunt had two daughters, Philip wife of Iohn the first, King of Portugall; and Elizabeth married first to Iohn Hol∣land, Earle of Huntington, and after him, to Sir Iohn Cornwall, Baron of Fanhope. Iohn of Gaunts second wife was Constance, the eldest daughter of Peter King of Ca∣stile and Leon, in whose Right, for the time he intitled himselfe King of both those Realmes: by her he had issue one onely daughter named Katherine, married to Hen∣ry the third, sonne of King Iohn, in possession before, and in her Right after King of both the said Realmes. Iohn of Gaunts third wife was Katherine, the Widow of Sir Hugh Swinford, a knight of Lincolnshire, eldest daughter and Coheire of Payn Roet, a Gascoyne, called G••••en King of Armes for that Countrey; his younger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, our Laureat Poet. By her he had issue born before matrimony, and made legitimate afterward by Parliament, in the twen∣tieth yeare of King Richard the second; Iohn Earle of Somerset, Thomas Duke of Exeter, Henry Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinall, and Ioane (who was first marri∣ed to Robert Ferrers Baron of Wemme, and Ou••sley, in the Counties of Salop and Warwicke) and secondly, to Ralph Nevill, the first Earle of Westmerland. She and all her brethren were sirnamed Beaufort, of a Castle which the Duke had in France, where they were all borne; and in regard thereof, bare the Portcullis of a Castle for the Cognisance of their Family. This Duke in the thirteenth yeare of his Ne∣phew King Richard was created Duke of Aquitaine, but in his sixteenth yeare he was called home, and this title re-called; and the third yeare after, in the sixtieth of his age, he died at Ely house in Holbourne, and lieth honourably Entombed in the Quire of Saint Paul. King Edwards fifth sonne Edmund, sirnamed of Langley, was first in the yeare 1362. created Earle of Cambridge, and afterward in the yeare 1386. made Duke of Yorke; he married Isabell, daughter and Coheire to Peter, King of Castile and Leon: his sonne Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke, tooke to wife Anne Mortimer, Heire of the foresaid Lyonell, elder brother to Edmund of Langley. King Edwards sixth sonne William, sirnamed of Windsor, where he was borne, died young, and is buried at Westminster. King Edwards youngest sonne Thomas, sirnamed of Woodstocke, where he was borne, was first Earle of Buckingham, and after made Duke of Glocester by his Nephew King Richard the second. He was a man of va∣lour and wisdome, but the King surmizing him to be a too severe observer of his doings; consulted with Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolke, how to make him away: whom Mowbray unawares surprising, convaied secretly to Callice, where he was strangled the twentieth yeare of King Richards Raigne. He had issue one sonne, Humphrey Earle of Buckingham, who died at Chester of the Pestilence, in the yeare 1400. and two daughters, Anne married first to Edmund Earle of Stafford, by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham; secondly to William Bourchier Earle of Ewe, by whom she had Henry Earle of Essex, and Ioane married to Gylbert Lord Tal∣bot, and h••d issue by him a daughter, who died young. Of King Edwards daugh∣ters, the eldest named Isabell, was married at Windsor to Ingelram of Guysnes, Lord of Co••cy, Earle of Soysons, and after Arch-duke of Austria; created also by King Edward, Earle of Bedford: by whom she was mother of two daughters; Mary married to Henry Duke of Barre, and Philip married to Robert de Vere Earle of Oxford, Duke of Ireland, and Marquesse of Dublyn. This Robert in the height of his fortunes forsooke his Lady Philip, and married one Lancerona a Joyners da••gh∣ter (as was said) which came with King Richard the seconds wife ou•• of Bohemia; and being for abusing the Kings eare, driven out of the Land by the Lords, he died at London in extreame poverty in the yeare 1392. Isabell his wives mother, was bu∣ried in the Church of Friers Minorites neare Aldgate in London. King Edwards se∣cond daughter Ioane was married by Proxie to Alphonsus, King of Castile and Leon•• but passing into Spaine, died by the way; and King Alphonsus met her, instead of consummating his Espousall, to solemnise her Funerall. His third daughter Blanch

died young. His fourth named Mary, was married to Iohn Montford Duke of Britaine. His youngest named Margaret, borne in Callice, was the first wife of Iohn de Hastings, Earle of Pembroke, but died without issue.

Of his Personage and Conditions.

HE was of stature indifferent tall, of sparkling eyes, of a comely and manly countenance, in his later time something bald; and concerning his conditions, no man was more gentle, where there was submission; where opposition, no man more sterne. He was a Prince no lesse of his passions, then of his people; for he was never so loving, as to be fond; nor ever so angry, as to be inexorable: but this must be understood of the time while he was a man, for in his old age, when he came to be a childe againe, he was Prince of neither. He was no lesse fortunate then valiant; and his fortunatenes was the greater by a kind of Antiperistatis, as comming betweene two unfortunate Princes; Successour to one, and Predecessour to ano∣ther. He was of so warlike a disposition, that his very sports were warlike; for no delights were so frequent with him as Justs and Tournaments. To shew his de∣votion, one example may be sufficient, for when neither Cardinals nor Counsel∣lours could move him to make peace with France, a tempest from Heaven did it; to which may be added, that he never wanne great battell, of which he wanne many, but he presently gave the glory of it to God by publike Thanksgiving. He out-lived the best wife, and the best sonne that ever King had; and to say the truth, he out-lived the best of himselfe, for his later years were not answerable to his former.

Of his Death and Buriall.

KING Edward besides his being old, and worne with the labours of warre, had other causes that hastened his end: his griefe for the losse of so worthy a sonne, dead but tenne moneths before; his griefe for the losse of all benefit of his conquests in France, of all which he had little now left, but onely Callice: and op∣pressed thus in body and minde, he was drawing his last breath, when his Concu∣bine Alice Pierce packing away what she could catch, even to the Rings of his fin∣gers, left him; and by her example, other of his attendants, sea••sing on what they could come by, shift away; and all his Counsellours and others forsooke him, when he most needed them, leaving his Chamber quite empty; which a poore Priest in the house seeing, he approaches to the Kings Bed-side, and finding him yet brea∣thing, cals upon him to remember his Saviour, and to aske mercie for his offences, which none about him before would doe: but now moved by the voyce of this Priest, he shewes all signes of contrition, and at his last breath expresses the name of Jesus. Thus died this victorious King at his Manor at Sheene, (now Richmond) the one and twentieth day of Iune, in the yeare 1377. in the sixty fourth yeare of his age, having Raigned fifty yeares, foure moneths, and odde dayes. His body was conveyed from Sheene by his foure sonnes and other Lords, and solemnly interred within Westminster Church, where he hath his Monument, and whereit is said, the sword he used in battell, is yet to be seene, being eight pound in weight, and seven foote in length.

Of Men of Note in his time.

MArtiall men were never more plentifull then in this Kings Raigne: whet••••r it were that the Starres have an influence to produce such men at one time more then another: or whether it were that Regis ad exempl••••, the Kings example made his subjects like himselfe: or lastly, that his continuall exercise of Armes put them as it were into a mould of fortitude. The first of this kinde, is worthily Edward the Blacke Prince, and so worthily the first, that Longe erit •• primo quisque secundus erit. Next him is Henry Earle of Lancaster, the Princes right hand, in all his great at∣••••••evements:

then William the valiant Earle of Salisbury, then Iohn Eure, Ancestor to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord Eures that now liveth; then follow the Lord Iohn Chandos, Sir Iames Aude∣••••, Sir Walter de Manny, Sir Robert Knolls, then Sir Iohn Hawkewood born in Essex; who ••••ough not much honoured at home, having been a Taylour, yet in forrain parts, and ••••ecially in Italy so famous, that his Statue was erected in publike, for a Monument 〈◊〉〈◊〉 testifie his valour to posterity. And here must not be forgotten, Robert Venile ••night, a Norfolke man; who when the Scots and English were ready to give battell, •• certaine stout Champion of great stature, commonly called Tournboll, comming 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Scots Army, and challenging any English man to meete him in a single combate; this Robert Venile accepteth the challenge, and marching towards the Champion, and meeting by the way a certaine blacke Mastiffe Dogge which wai∣••ed on the Champion, he suddenly with his sword cut him off at the loynes, and afterwards did more to the Champion himselfe, cutting his head from off his shoul∣ders. And as there was this great plenty of Martiall men, so there was no lesse plenty of learned men; Iohn Baconthorpe borne in Norfolke, a Carmelite Frier, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Divinity; Nicholas Trivet born also in Norfolk: a black Frier, who wrote two Histories, and a book of Annals: Richard Stradley, born in the Marches of Wales, a Monk and a Divine, who wrote divers excellent Treatises of the Scriptures: William Herbert a Welshman, and a Frier Minor, who wrote many good Treatises in Divinity: Tho. Walleis a Dominican Frier, and a writer of many excellent books: Iohn Eversden a Monk of Bury in Suffolk, an Historiographer: Walter Burley a Doctor of Divinity, brought up in Martin Colledge in Oxford, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Naturall and Morall Philosophy, which remaine in estimati∣on to this day; and who for the great fame of his learning, had the honour to be one of the Instructours of Edward the blacke Prince: Roger of Chester, a Monke of that City, and an Historiographer: Iohn Burgh a Monke, who wrote a History, and also divers Homilies: Richard Aungervill Bishop of Durham, and Lord Chancel∣lour of England, borne in Suffolke: Walter Heminford, an Historiographer: Richard Chichester a Monke of Westminster, who wrote an excellent Chronicle from the yeare 449. to the yeare 1348. Richard Rolle, alias Hampole, who writ many excellent Treatises in Divinity: Robert Holcot a blacke Frier, borne in Northampton, a lear∣ned Schooleman, and wrote many bookes in Arguments of Divinity: Thomas Brad∣wardin, borne neare Chichester in Sussex, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and who wrote against the Pelagians, and for his depth of learning, had the Title of Doctor Pro∣fundu••: Richard Fits Ralph, Arch-bishop of Armagh in Ireland, a learned writer: William Grysant, named Anglicus, a notable Physitian, whose son came to be Pope, and was called Urbane the fifth: Iohn Killingworth an excellent Philosopher, Astro∣nomer, and Physitian: Ranulph Higden a Monke of Chester, an Historiographer: Bar∣tholomew Glanvile, descended of those Glanviles that were sometimes Earles of Suf∣folke: Simon Islip Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and Founder of Canterbury Colledge in Oxford, who wrote many Treatises: Matthew Westmonasteriensis, who wrote the booke called Flores Historiarum: William Fleete an Hermit, who wrote sundry Trea∣tises, exhorting England to repentance: Henry Knighton, who wrote a History Inti∣tuled De gestis Anglorum: and lastly two other, worthy perhaps to have beene pla∣ced first; Iohn Mandevill the great Travellour, a Doctor of Physicke, and a knight, who died at Liege, in the yeare 1372. and Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, the Homer of our Na∣tion; and who found as sweete a Muse in the Groves of Woodstocke, as the Antients did upon the banks of Helicon.