The present state of England. Part III. and Part IV. containing I. an account of the riches, strength, magnificence, natural production, manufactures of this island, with an exact catalogue of the nobility, and their seats, &c., II. the trade and commerce within it self, and with all countries traded to by the English, as at this day established, and all other matters relating to inland and marine affairs : supplying what is omitted in the two former parts ...

Towns and Places of Eng∣land eminent for some remarkeable Accident, Person, or Transaction.

THE principal Things that render any Town or Place remarkable, are either the Glory and Antiquity of its Original, some notable Revolution of Government, Accidents hapning there, whether prospe∣rous or adverse, Battels fought, or other grand Action perform'd in or near it, and the Birth, Residence or Death of Princes, and other eminent Men.

For most if not all of those Remarks, there are many Towns and Cities of Eng∣land, famous and principally of all, that which is the principal of all our Towns and Cities, London, for the most part the Seat of Kings from its Original; with which as the City Westminster is so united in Place,

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that it seems in a manner one and the same City, so thē mention and discourse of them cannot well be separated. Of the Anti∣quity, Splendor of Government, Flourish∣ing Trade, and Magnificence of Structure, in all which London hath the pre-eminence, not only of all the Places of England, but perhaps of all Europe, several have discours'd at large, besides what we may haply have occasion to touch at elsewhere.

It can't be imagin'd, but that in a City which hath been a flourishing City for so many Ages, many remarkable Accidents must have hapned, and great Actions been perform'd, in the mention whereof how∣ever all possible brevity must be us'd.

King Lud, who reign'd here a little be∣fore Caesar's arrival, if he were not the first Founder, as some think, he was at least not only the Enlarger, but also the Denomina∣tor. For among other things he built the West-Gate, which to this day retains the Name of Ludgate; and what was before of a City, by the Name of Trinobantium, took the Name of Caer-Lud; and the present appellation of London is fancy'd by many to be deriv'd from him, as it were Luds-Town. About the year 285. here Alectus, Lieute∣nant to the Emperor Diocletian, was slain by Asclepiodotus, D. of Cornwal; and together

with him was slain his Companion Gallus, at a Brook, which from him still retains the name of Gall-brook, or Wall brook. Here Sigebert, third King of the East-Angles, who began his Reign in the year of our Lord 596. and Ethelbert King of Kent, who be∣gan his Reign in the year of our Lord 562. built the Cathedral of St. Pauls in the ve∣ry place, as 'tis said, where there had been a Temple of Diana. In the Reign of Ed∣mund, sirnamed Ironside, this City was close∣ly besieg'd by the Danes, but the Siege was soon rais'd by that valiant Prince King Ed∣mund. About the year 1077. the Tower of London was built by K. William the Con∣queror, whose Successour K. William Rufus built new walls about it. Anno 1135. in the Reign of K. Stephen the greatest part of this City was consumed by an accidental Fire. In K. Richard the Seconds time was the great Rencounter with Jack Straw and Wat Tiler in East-Smithfield, where in an overture of treaty Wat Tiler behaving him∣self with extraordinary insolence, was in presence of the King stabb'd by Sir William Wallworth, Lord Mayor of London, with a Dagger, in memory whereof the City of London hath to this day a Dagger for its Coat of Arms. This City hath had the honour to entertain several great Kings,

Princes, and Nobles; but the grandest transaction that London can boast of, was that most stately Cavalcade which his pre∣sent Majesty made through it the 29^th of May An. 1660. when he returned from a long Exile to the Government of these Kingdoms: But the year 1666. was fatal to it by reason of that most dreadful fire that consum'd all before it from Grace-Church Street to the Inner Temple, de∣stroying to the number, as is generally com∣puted, of 13000 dwelling-houses; and this preceded but the year before by the fiercest Pestilence that ever raged within the cog∣nisance of the Weekly Bills. In this City King Stephen kept his Court at Crosby-house in Bishopsgate-street; King Edward the third in Cornhil where now the Pope-head Ta∣vern stands; King Henry the eighth at Black-friers, and sometimes at Bridewell, once a Regal Palace, where also the Em∣perour Charles the fifth was lodg'd when he came over into England. The Palace of St. James's, which is in the Pomaeria of London, and which was first built for a Spittle for Maiden Lepers, hath been the Birth-place of his present Majesty K. Charles the 2^d, his Highness James Duke of York, Henry late Duke of Glocester, the Lady Elizabeth, the Lady Mary late Princess of

Orange, and all the Children of his pre∣sent Highness by his late Dutchess; Edgar Duke of Kendal, James Duke of Cambridg, deceast; the Lady Henrietta and the Lady Lady Katherine deceast; Mary now Princess of Orange, the Lady Anne yet unmarried; as also of two Daughters (both soon ha∣sten'd to a better World) by his present Dutchess. Other persons of eminent note and immortal memory were born at London, viz. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury in the Reign of K. Henry the 2^d, by four of whese Courtiers he was mur∣ther'd in Canterbury Church, Anno 1170. after a long contest with the King; Sir Jeoffry Chaucer the most famous of ancient English Poets, who flourisht in the Reigns of K. Henry the 4^th, Henry the 5^th, and part of K. Henry the 6^th. Edmund Spencer, styl'd also the Prince of English Poets, who flourisht in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; John Leland, Sir Thomas More, Bishop An∣drews. The Tower of London is very emi∣nent for the Confinement, Murther, and Execution of Illustrious persons: to men∣tion all, especially those who have been meerly Prisoners, would be almost endless; but the most memorable Imprisonment was that of two Kings at one time in the Reign of King Edward the third, viz. of David

King of Scots, and of John King of France; the first a Prisoner 11 years, the other four. Here the unfortunate King Henry the sixth, after Edward the fourth had got the Crown from him by Conquest, was basely mur∣ther'd by King Edward's Brother Richard Duke of Glocester, afterward King of Eng∣land. Here George Duke of Clarence, ano∣ther Brother, was by the practice of the said Duke of Glocester, drown'd in a Butt of Malmsey: but the most fatal Tragedy of all was the murther of King Edward the fourth's two Sons, poor harmless children, viz. Edward commonly entitled King Ed∣ward the fifth, and his Brother Richard Duke of York, and all by the order and contrivement of their Dear Uncle of Glo∣cester, who, as most great persons have their peculiar Sports and Recreations, was prin∣cipally taken with that of killing men, e∣specially those of nearest kin; for such he chiefly markt out for death out of meer kindness to himself, that he might the soon∣er obtain the possession of that Crown he had long since aspir'd to: and indeed he got it sooner, and kept it longer: (so easie it is for one witty man to delude a Multi∣tude,) than a curious descanter upon the worlds affairs would have allow'd a person so getting it; however what he got by

the death of others he lost by his own, on∣ly more handsomely, not by treachery, but fairly in the field.

In Christ-church in London three great Queens had their Sepulture, viz. Margaret the Daughter of King Philip of France sir∣named the Hardy, and second Wife of King Edward the second of England. Isabel the Daughter of the French King Philip the Fair, and Wife to King Edward the second of England. Joan the Daughter of the said Edward and Isabel, and married to David King of Scots.

Westminster hath been the most constant residence of the Kings of England since the Conquest, till Whitehall was built by Car∣dinal Wolsey. It will be needless to men∣tion all the Kings that have been crown'd and buried here, in regard since the Con∣quest there are not very many who have not been buried, and fewer that have not been crown'd in Westminster Abby.

At Isleworth, now Thistleworth, a Village pleasantly situate upon the River Thames, Richard King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall, had a stately Palace, which was burnt to the ground in a tumultuous sally that was made upon it by certain Malecon∣tents of the London Mobile.

In Surry are places of as eminent note as in most Counties of England. In the first place Lambeth is chiefly renowned for be∣ing the principal Palace and most usual residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, from the time of Archbishop Baldwin who first founded it, and made it his Seat in the year 596, and from whom it hath con∣tinued so to this day, the most reverend and learned Prelate Dr. Sancroft late Dean of Pauls, being worthily advanc'd to this high Dignity, and having here his present residence. Here Canutus sirnamed the Har∣dy, the third and last of our short-liv'd Dy∣nasty of Danish Kings, ended his days of a surfeit, as most Writers affirm, by eating and drinking over freely at a Wedding Feast.

Croydon is another Seat belonging to the Archbishops of Canterbury; and where the Reverend Dr. Gilbert Sheldon, late Archbi∣shop, lies buried, having a most statety Mo∣nument newly elected to his memory, the Artful Contrivance and skilful Workman∣ship of Mr Jasper Latham, the present City Mason.

At Ockly in this County Ethelwolph Son of Egbert won a great Battel over the Danes.

Oatlands is not more famous for being a Royal Palace, than for the Neighbourhood of Coweystakes where Julius Caesar pass'd the Thames into the Borders of Cassibe∣saunus.

Putney is chiefly considerable in story as being the Birth-place of one of the most advanced Statesmen and Favourites (for he was but the Son of a Black-smith) that our Nation hath produced, viz. Thomas Cromwell, chief Minister of State, for the time, to King Henry the eighth, and by him created Earl of Essex, who nevertheless had the ill fate, falling under his Princes displeasure, to be beheaded on Tower-Hill.

Wimbleton (where the Earl of Bristol hath a pleasant seat) still retains the me∣mory of a notable defeat given by Cheaulin King of the West-Saxons to Ethelred King of Kent with the slaughter of two of his Dukes in the year of our Lord 560.

At Richmond, to which in former ages the Kings and Queens of England retired for pleasure, as of late to Hampton-Court and Windsor, there deceased that victorious Prince King Edward the third, Anne the Daughter of the Emperour Charles the fourth, and Wife of King Richard the se∣cond, Henry of Richmond the seventh of that name King of England, and that learned

and renowned Princess Queen Elizabeth of happy memory.

Kingston upon Thames a very pleasant and much frequented Market Town, was pro∣bably the usual place of Coronation of the Saxon Monarchs; for there was kept the Chair of Instalment: but the Kings most particularly mentioned to have been there crown'd, were King Athelstan, Edwin, and Ethelred.

Guilford a Town otherwise of especial note, is also famous for having been the Royal Seat of the English Saxon Kings.

Merton is doubly upon record, first for the untimely death of Kenulph King of the West-Saxons, who was here slain by Kine∣a••d King Sigeberts Brother; next for the Parliament there held An. 21 of K. Henry the third, which Parliament produc'd an Act, which to this day is called the Statute of Merton.

Okeham hath its chief credit as being the native place of that famous English Philo∣sopher William de Okeham. Likewise

Ripley no less by the birth of that learned Chymist George de Ripley.

In Essex, Colchester, which is the County Town, hath the honourable tradition of having been built by the ancient British

King Coilus; but that which redounds chiefly to its honour, is, that it is said to have brought into the world three persons of immortal memory, viz. Lucius the first not only British, but European King that embrac'd the Christian Faith. Constantine the first Roman Emperour, who openly pro∣professing Christianity, gave countenance and protection to the Christians of all parts, and put an end to those heavy Persecutions which they groaned under so many Ages; and if by his extraordinary bounty and mu∣nificence to the Clergy, he made an inlet to that pride and ambition among them, which hath proved mischievous to Chri∣stendome ever since, it was an errour on the right hand, and however succeeding otherwise, an evidence of his pious gene∣rosity and zeal for Religion and Vertue. Helena the Wife of Constantius, born also in England, and, as it is generally suppos'd, in York, and Mother of the said Constantine: her fame shines bright in History for her piety in general, and particularly for the fame of her being Inventrix Crucis.

The next Town of note in this County is Maldon, a very ancient Town, and the Seat Royal of the Trinobantes, of whom Cunobelinus was King about the time of our

Saviours Nativity; it was taken by the Emperour Claudius, and made a Roman Garison, being call'd by the Romans Cama∣lodunum, rased to the ground by Queen Bunduca or Boadicia, after a mighty defeat given to the Romans in revenge of some high affronts and indignities she received from them, but was afterwards rebuilt, and is of some reputation at this day, though doubtless far short of its pristine splendor.

At Walden, famous for Saffron as is alrea∣dy mentioned, was born Sir Thomas Smith Secretary to Queen Elizabeth.

Kent, as it is a large County, is enobled with very many Towns and places of note; in the first place Canterbury is a City of that eminence, that next to London there is hard∣ly a City in England memorable upon so many accounts: It is said to have been built 900 years before Christ: it is the prin∣cipal of the Archiepiscopal Sees of England; it was given by Ethelbert King of Kent to Austin the Monk and his Companions, upon whose preaching 10000 were baptized in one day. By the said Austin the Cathedral is said to have been founded, in which eight Kings of Kent were interred. Even the misfortunes of this City have been also memorable, for it suffer'd very much se∣veral

times by the fury of the Danes, espe∣cially in the Reign of Ethelred, when 42000 of the Inhabitants were sacrific'd to their fury and revenge; it hath had the honour of the Coronations, Nuptials and Inter∣ments of several great Kings and Princes. Here King John and his Queen Isabel were Crown'd, King Henry the third and King Edward the first Married: Edward the Black Prince, King Henry the fourth and his Q. Joan were Interred: and also with far more cost and magnificence that great Pre∣late, and even to adoration adored Saint Thomas a Becket, of whose rich and stately, Tomb mention hath been elsewhere made.

Rochester said to be built by one Roff Lord thereof, is also a City, and not much inferiour in repute to Canterbury. Several Counties there are which have no City, the Bishops See being but in one of half a dozen Counties, but Kent is the only one County that hath two. This City was al∣so miserably harrass'd by the Danes, and suffer'd very much ruine by two dreadful Fires, viz. in the Reign of King Henry the first and King Henry the second; but being very much restored by the munificence of King Henry the third, it hath continued a flourishing City ever since.

Maidstone, a pleasant and well-seated Town is the more memorable by the great defeat given there to the Earl of Holland, who headed the Kentish-men rising for the King, by Fairfax General of the Parlia∣ment Forces.

Feversham is enobled by the Burial of King Stephen and his Queen Maud.

Dover, besides the renown of its Castle, said to be built by Julius Caesar, and the great honour of the Government thereof, hath given reception and entertainment to many great Kings and Princes.

Queenborough Castle was built by King Edward the third.

Wye, a Sea-port Town, where the learn∣ed and famous J. Kemp Archbishop of Can∣terbury was born.

Horsted is chiefly noted for the Monu∣ment now defaced of Horsa, one of the first Leaders of the invading Saxons, the Brother of Hengift.

The like Monument was made for Cati∣gern, another of the Brothers, at Circotes-house, which is standing to this day.

Black-heath hath been the place of several grand Recounters in the Barons Wars in King Henry the third's time, as also of Wat Tiler in King Richard the second's time, and of Michael Joseph and the Lord d' Au∣henie

in King Henry the seventh's time. But that which gives the greatest glory and re-renown to this place, is the memory of that grand appearance at his Majesties Re∣storation, when all the Gentry and Nobi∣lity of the Nation, and all the Pomp and splendor of the City of London met to re∣ceive his Majesty and his two Brothers, and conduct them through the City to the Roy∣al Palace of Whitehall, and even the armed part of the Nation that but lately had drawn the Sword against him, now met him with the highest acclamations of wel∣come.

In Buckinghamshire, Buckingham the Shire Town was fortified by King Edward sir∣named the Elder, against the fury of the Danes, and still shews the ruins of a strong and stately Castle built upon a hill.

Stony-Stratford was a Station of the Ro∣mans, and by them call'd Lactorodum. Here the said King Edward the Elder▪ gave a stop to the violent incursions of the Danes up∣on those parts; and this is one of those pla∣ces where the first of that name since the Conquest rais'd a stately monumental Cross in memory of Queen Eleanor.

At Chilton in this Shire was born that learned Writer in the Law Sir George Crook.

Amersham, so call'd qu. Agmondsham, is not only eminent by the name of the great Agmond, from whom it takes denomina∣tion, but by the birth of several learned Writers, especially John, sirnamed from the place of his Nativity, Amersham; and John Gregory of the present Age, whose posthume works are worthily reckon'd a∣mong the principal of English Writings.

At Windover was born Roger, thence sir∣named de Windover, Historian to King Henry the third.

At Houton, Roger Goad, a man of good repute for learning.

In Barkshire are several places of note. Reading boasts the Interment of King Henry the first, in a Collegiate Church of an Abby founded by himself, together with his Queen and his Daughter Maud the Em∣press. He also built here a strong Castle which was rased to the ground by King Henry the second. But this Town is yet more remark'd by the birth of William Laud, who of a poor Clothiers Son of Reading, was advanc'd to the highest Ec∣clesiastical Office and Dignity of the Nati∣on, viz. the Archiepiscopal See of Canter∣bury: nor is it to be forgotten how man∣fully this Town was held out in the time

of the late Civil War by Sir Jacob Aston a∣gainst the whole power of the Earl of Es∣sex, General of the Parliaments forces for a whole twelve month's time, but at length it was taken by the said Earl. And from this place, in the Reign of King Henry the second a learned Writer, viz. Hugh of Reading, took both Birth and Sirname.

At Inglefield the Danes received a great defeat from King Ethelwolf.

Wallingford the Gallena of Ptolomy, was an ancient Station of the Romans, and the chief City of the Atrebates. From this place Richard of Wallingford took his birth, and consequently his Sirname.

Abington, besides that it was a place of much action in the time of the Civil Wars in his late Majesties Reign, gave birth to Sir John Mason, Privy Counsellor to King Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, Q. Mary and Qu. Elizabeth; as also to Sir John Smith, Latin Secretary and Master of Re∣quests to King James.

Windsor is renowned as having been built by King Edward the third, and as the place where was first instituted that most illustrous Order of the Knights of the Gar∣ter by that most victorious Prince, and of which the greatest Kings and Princes of Europe have been fellows from the first In∣stitution

to this day; and likewise for the Interment of King Henry the sixth, King Edward the fourth, King Henry the eighth, and King Charles the first, whose Body hath been since remov'd to Westminster, and in∣terr'd in King Henry the seventh's Chappel. Moreover this place gave birth to a person of great fame for his learned Writings, viz. Roger hence sirnamed of Windsor.

Eaton, nearly adjoyning, and almost con∣tiguous to Windsor, is a place, besides the fame of being built by King Henry the sixth, trebly renown'd for learning, first as a Nur∣sery for the bringing up of Youth, being one of the chiefest Free-schools in England; secondly as a place of maintenance and en∣couragement for the studious and well ad∣vanc'd in learning; thirdly as the Birth∣place of several learned men, particularly Samuel Collins, William Oughtred the great Mathematician, and Matthew Stokes.

At Ratcot Bridge Robert Vere Duke of Ireland was put to flight by the Duke of Glocester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick and Derby, with the slaughter of Sir Thomas Molineux Constable of Chester. This Radcot is by some reckon'd in Oxfordshire.

Sunning is sufficiently signal in history as having bin an Episcopal See for the residence of eight Bishops, which See was translated

to Shirbourn, and afterwards to Salisbury, where it still remains.

Wantage is enobled by the Birth of that great mirrour of a Prince, for Virtue, Learn∣ing and Valour, King Alfred sirnamed the Scourge of the Danes.

Waltham in the East of this County was an ancient Station of the Romans; so like∣wise Sinodum in the North.

Newbury a Town of sufficient note in this Shire, is yet more noted by the birth of Thomas Hide a learned Writer; and also by two great Fights fought in the time of the late Civil Wars between the Forces of his late Majesty and the Parliament Army under the Earl of Essex.

Spene and Pesemere, two places of no o∣ther note than by the birth of two eminent Writers, the first of William Twisse, the o∣ther of William Lyford.

In Hantshire, Winchester the ancient Ven∣ta Belgarum of the Romans, is said to have been built by that famous Rudhudibras, great in the Catalogue of the old British Kings. It was the Seat Royal of the West Saxons, and chief Epicopal See, and still remains the Episcopal See of a great part of that which was the West Saxon King∣dom. It was honour'd with the Corona∣tions

of King Egbert and King Alfred, and the Birth of King Henry the third. Here in the Cathedral built by King Kenwolf King of the West Saxons, were interred King Egbert, King Ethelwolf, King Alfred with his Queen Elswith, the first Edmund, King Edred, and King Edwy; Queen Em∣ma and her Husband the Danish King Canu∣tus, as also his Son Hardy-Canutus, and after the Conquest King William Rufus and his Brother Richard. Here King Athelstan kept his Mint. At St. Peters in the Suburbs of this City was born John Russel, created Bi∣shop of Lincoln by King Edward the fourth, and Lord Chancellour of England by King Richard the third. This City also brought forth two persons of illustious memory for learning, viz. Lampridius sirnamed of Win∣chester, a Benedictine Monk, who flourisht An. 980. and Wolstan of Winchester, a Bene∣dictine likewise, & accounted in those times an eminent Poet, who flourisht An. 1000.

Southampton, built out of the ruines of the ancient Clausentium, and after many devastations reedified in King Richard the second's time, is a most pleasant and well fortified Town with a goodly Castle proud∣ly advanced on a Hill. In a Maison dieu or Hospital here lies interr'd the body of Ri∣chard Earl of Cambridge, who was execu∣ted

for Treason in the Reign of King Henry the fifth. In the Parish of St. Michael in Southampton was born Arthur Lake Bishop of Bath and Wells, who died An. 1602. as also Sir Thomas Lake Secretary of State to King James.

At Basingstoke John sirnamed of Basing∣stoke, the first English Author of a Greek Grammar, who died An. 1252. William Paulett, Baron of Basing and Marquess of Winchester, 〈…〉〈…〉 to King Henry the seventh, and Lord Treasurer to King Henry the eighth, Edward the sixth, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, he died An. 1572. and lastly Richard White, who studying at Doway began to grow famous for Learning An. 1611.

At Andover was born Robert Thomson, a man of Military fame, who made an Ex∣pedition to Spain An. 1553.

At Warblington Henry Bishop of Salis∣bury in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth: He died An. 1615.

At Hide, John stil'd the Monk of Hide, an Historian, who flourish'd An. 1284.

Odiam hath its chief repute from the birth of William Lilly, the first Master of Pauls School. He died of the Plague, and was buried in the Porch of St. Pauls Anno 1522.

Ilchester seems by its ruins to have been a very eminent City of the Romans, and the principal of these parts in antient times.

At Wickham in this Shire was born the famous William thence sirnamed of Wickam, Bishop of Winchester, who died An. 5 H. 4.

At Okeley William Warham, Bishop first of London, afterwards Archbishop of Canter∣bury in the Reign of King Henry the 7^th.

In the Isle of Wight, Thomas James the chief, if not only Ornament of that Island, for eminence of Learning.

Other famous men this Shire hath brought forth; Beavise of Southampton, whose acts of Chivalrie had perhaps stood greater in real History, had they not been so much falsified by Romantick stories.

Sir John Wallop, whose valour and con∣duct in Sea-affairs have kept his memory alive.

Richard Rich, Baron of Lees Abby in Essex, and Lord Treasurer of England in the Reign of King Edward the sixth, and Ancestor to the present Earls of Warwick.

And for Learning, R. Sherburn, Bishop first of St. Davids, then of Chichester, under King Henry the seventh.

John White, Bishop first of Lincoln, then of Winchester, and accounted in his time

not the meanest of Poets, who died about 1560.

Thomas Bilson Bishop of Winchester, who died about An. 1618.

Michael Reneger.

William Alton, a Dominican, who flou∣risht An. 1330.

David Whitehead, who died An. 1571.

Nicholas Fuller, who died An. 1626.

Charles Butler, who died An. 1640.

Thomas Sternhold, Groom of the Bed∣chamber, first to King Henry the eighth, then to King Edward the sixth, who owes his fame in Poetry, not so much to the Elegancy of Rhimes, as to the fortune of his having been one of the first Trans∣lators of Davids Psalms into English Metre; which by reason they hapned to be gene∣rally sung in Churches, have been ever since preferred to several better Translati∣ons.

In Bedfordshire, Bedford the County Town hath to its cost been the Scence of much action in the Civil Wars, between King Stephen and the Empress Maud; it suffer'd much havock and devastation, and afterwards fell into the hands of the Ba∣rons in their Wars against King John: And lastly, was ras'd to the ground by King

Henry the third; but being rebuilt again, hath flourished ever since in much tran∣quility and splendour. In a Chappel not far from this Town the Body of the great Mercian King Offa is said to have been in∣terr'd, concerning which there goes a pret∣ty odd story, which it were pity to for∣get, viz. that the Chappel being over∣whelm'd by an Inundation of the River Ouse, upon whose banks it stood, the Lea∣den incloser of King Offa's body hath been often seen of those that declin'd the sight, but never could be seen of those that sought to see it.

Dean in this Shire is eminent for the birth of Francis Dillingham, a person of good note for Learning; as likewise

Laiton Buzzard for the birth of William Sclator.

Sandy was an ancient Roman Station by the name of Selenae; and

Dunstable, another by the name of Magin∣tum; however some vainly have deliver'd that it was built by King Henry the first to repress the insults of a notable sturdy Thief call'd Dun, and thereupon call'd Dunstable. This Town is moreover signal∣liz'd by the learned Author John sirnamed hence of Dunstable.

In Suffolk, Ipsich, qu. Gipswich, from Gipsa, is said to be the Founder thereof, besides its flourishing Estate in shipping-trade, goodly buildings, populacy of inhabitants, (though much harrass't in ancient times by the Danes) is particularly noted for the birth of that great Pageantry of Fortune Cardinal Woolsy, whose father was a Butch∣er of this Town.

St. Edmundbury, a Town which seems to commence its Fame from the barbarous Murther of that Royal S^t Edmund, King of the East-angles by the Danes; For the Ex∣piation whereof Canutus erected here that Stately Monastery which was once ac∣counted the most Rich and Magnificent of Europe. This place is also memorable for a Parliament here held in the Reign of King Henry the sixth.

Exning, the Birth-place of S^t Audri, si∣ster to King Ina.

Renlisham, the place where Redwald the first Christian King of the East-angles kept his Court.

Lidgat, a place chiefly memorable for the Birth of John, thence Sirnamed Lid∣gate, one of the chief of our ancient En∣lish Poets.

In Hertfordshire, S^t Albans rais'd out of the ruins of Old Verulamium an ancient Roman station, is extoll'd not only for the memory of that great British Protomartyr Albanus, and that most stately Monastery erected by the Mercian King Offa, but also for two great battels here fought, the first on the 23^d of May Anno 1455, be∣tween Richard Duke of York and King Henry the 6^th, in which the King was de∣feated with the slaughter of the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, and 5000 common Souldiers: the 2d. on the 17th. of Februa∣ry Anno 1460. where King Henry and his Queen Margaret had the better against the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the Earls of Arundel and Warwick. Nor is it to be omitted, that Sir John Mandevil, famous for his Travels, had here his birth.

Barnet is not more fam'd for its rich Market and the great concourse to its Wells, than for the memory of that grand Victory gain'd by King Edward the fourth on an Easter-day, being the 14th of April, An. 1471. against the Earls of Warwick and Oxford, in which Field the great Earl of Warwick was slain. But had there been no∣thing else to give Fame to this Town, it must have been mentioned for the Birth of

John Barnet, Bishop first of Worcester, then of Bath and Wells, lastly of Ely, and Lord Treasurer of England, in the Reign of King Edward the 3d.

Langly (commonly call'd Kings Langly) is of repute in History, for the Birth of Prince, Edmund thence sirnamed of Langly, fifth Son to King Edward the third, and the first interment of King Richard the second, whose body was afterwards re∣moved to Westminster. Nor much less Ab∣bots Langly (so is another Langly term'd that lyes Easterly) for the birth of Nicholas Break-spear, advanc't to the See of Rome, by the name of Pope Adrian the fourth, a man of true English mettal, and that would not bate an Ace of his Pontifical greatness▪ for he made the Emperour Fre∣derick hold his Stirrup the better to help him into the Saddle.

Oister near S^t Albans is supposed by Cambden to have been the Camp of the Roman Lieutenant Ostorius. Weathamstead qu. Wheathamstead, chiefly noted for the birth of John of Wethamstead, a profound Philosopher.

Other places Hertfordshire noted for famous men.

Ware, for Richard de Ware, Treasurer of England under Edward the first, and Wil∣liam

de Ware who was Scotus his Teacher, and flourisht under King Henry the third.

Baldock, for Ralph Baldock, created Bishop of London by King Edward the first.

Rudburn, for Thomas Rudburn Bishop of S^t Davids, who flourisht An. 1419.

Helmstedbury, for Sir Edward Waterhouse, Chancellour of the Exchequer in Ireland un∣der Queen Elizabeth.

Gatesden, for John de Gatesden, who flou∣risht An. 1420.

Hamstead, for Daniel Dike.

Cottered, for Edward Symonds.

Gorham-berry, for Sir Nicholas Bacon.

Nor may we here omit other eminent men of this Shire, viz.

Sir Henry Cary, a great Souldier in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, by whom he was created Baron of Hunsden, and Lord Chamberlain.

John Boucher, Baron Berners. And of learned men,

Alexander Nequam, who died An. 1227.

Nicholas Gorham, who flourisht An. 1400.

Roger Hutchinson.

Thomas Cartwright, and

Hugh Legat.

In Norfolk, the chief City and Episco∣pal See Norwich, seems to have sprung out of the ancient Venta of the Romans, and is

chiefly Famous for its sufferings, having been sackt and burnt by the Danes in the year 1004. And in the Conquerours time reduc't to utmost exigence for siding with Earl Radulph against the said King William. The Cathedral was Founded by Herbert, who translating the Bishoprick ftom Thet∣ford to Norwich, was the first Bishop of Norwich.

Thetford, the ancient Sitomagus of the Romans, is a place of much remark for an∣tiquity; It was the Royal Seat of the Kings of the East-Angles, and the unfortunate place where King Edmund the Martyr was overthrown by the Danes. The Bishoprick which is now of Norwich was translated from Elmham to Thetford, in the Reign of King William the Conquerour.

Lyn, a Sea Port Town, was made Liber Burgus, and honoured with the gift of a rich Cup by King John, and had their Charter inlarg'd by King Henry the third, for their good Service against the Outlawed Barons, and in King Henry the eighth's time other priviledges were added, and the name changed from Lyn Episcopi to Lyn Regis.

Yarmouth boasts the antiquity of its foundation from the time of the Danes.

Elmham is considerable for having been a Bishops See for several Ages, first divided

with Dunwich in Suffolk, next sole till it was translated to Thetford, thence to Nor∣wich.

In Sussex the City Chichester boasts the Foundation of Cissa, the second King of the South-Saxons, and had the Bishoprick tran∣slated thither in King William the Con∣querours time from Selsey, which till then had been the Episcopal See.

Lewis, a Town little if ought inferiour to Chichester, is sufficiently of name in History, as having been one of the places appointed by King Athelstan, for the Coinage of his Mony, and for the strong Castle built by Earl William de Warren. Here also was a bloody battel fought between King Henry the third and his Barons, in which the King receiv'd a cruel Overthrow.

Pensey, a little Sea Town but great in Story, as the Landing place of King William the Conquerour, when by one Victorious battle he gain'd the Crown of England, with the slaughter of King Harold and his two Brothers, Leofwin and Goroh, and about 67000 men.

Hastings being the Town near which this successful held was fought, hath got∣ten so much the greater name, and the very place of fight retains to this day the name of Battle-field.

Buckstead, a place in some respect of as great note as any hath been nam'd. For here in the thirty fifth year of King Hen∣ry the eight, the first Great Iron Guns that ever were cast in England were cast by Pe∣ter Baude and Ralph Hage.

In Cambridge-Shire the Town of Cam∣bride is of too high a renown for its many Halls and Colledges, the habitations of the Muses, richly indow'd for the advance∣ment and incouragement of Learning, to be here pass't by, and too well taken notice of, and describ'd by others to be longer in∣sisted on.

Eli, the Bishops Seat and denominating City of the Diocess, is said to have been built by one Audry, who was first wife of one Tombret Prince of these parts, and af∣terwards of Egbert King of Northumber∣land, from whom departing, She here betook her self to a devout life, and built a most stately Monastery, of which She her self became the first Abbess.

This place is also recordable for the Birth of several Learned men, viz. Andrew Willet who died An. 1621. Sir Thomas Ridly Dr. of the Laws, who died An. 1629. Richard Parker who died here An. 1624.

Everton in this Shire gave Birth to John Tiptoft, Son of John Lord Tiptoft, Earl of

Worcester, and Lord High Constable of Eng∣land.

Triplow is memorable by the Birth of Elias Rubens a Writer of grand repute, who flourisht An. 1266.

Everden gave both Birth and Sirname to John Eversden another learned Writer.

Of this County were also Matthew Pa∣ris, and Sir John Cheek, Tutor to King Ed∣ward the sixth, and Richard Wethershet, who flourisht in the year 1350.

At Caxton was born William thence Sir∣named Caxton, the first Printer in England.

Wisbich brought forth Richard Hocloet a man eminent for Learning An. 1552.

Linton is only note-worthy for the Birth of Richard Richardson, one of the Transla∣tours of the Bible, who deceas't An. 1621.

Milton, as 'tis generally believ'd, gave birth to Thomas Goad, a Writer of good note.

Mildred brought forth Andrew Mervail Minister of Hull, a Learned Father of a Learned and Witty Son, for so was that An∣drew who died but a few years since; he was a Member in the late long Parliament for the Town of Hull, a man of very acute parts, had he not fail'd in his affection to the Go∣vernment, as several of his Writings testifie.

Of this County were Michael Dalton, a Learned Writer, and also Edward Norgate.

In Huntington-Shire, S^t Neots so call'd from Neotus, a Holy and Learned man, is memorable for the defeat given to the Earl of Holland by the Parliament Forces in the late Civil Wars, An. 1648. as also for be∣ing the Birth-place of two eminent men, viz.

Francis White Bishop of Ely, and Hugh thence Sirnamed of S^t Neots, who deceas't Anno 1340.

Godmanchester, qu. Gormoncester, from Gor∣mon the Dane, is concluded to have been the Old Durisiponte of the Romans, and some think from the nearness of the name, the same with Gunicester, where Macutus had his Bishoprick. At this Godmanchester was born, a man who made too much noise in the world to be forgotten; Stephen Marshal, one of the chief of those Zealous Trumpetters of the late times, who from the Pulpit stirr'd up to War and Bloodshed in the Name of the Lord.

At S^t Ives was born Roger thence Sir∣nam'd of S^t Ives, who flourisht An. 1420.

At Cunnington the Learned Antiquary, Sir Robert Cotton. Moreover from Huntington the Capital place of this Shire sprung two ve∣ry famous men.

Gregory of Huntington, who died An. 1610. and Henry of Huntington, renowned for his History, who flourish't An. 1248.

Other Celebrated men of this Shire were William Whitlesey, Archdeacon of Hunting∣ton, who died An. 1375.

Henry Saltry, who flourisht 1140.

William Ramsey, a famous Poet.

John Young, and John White.

In Wiltshire, Wilton the Denominating and once the Principal Town of the Shire, is so much the more notable a place by how much the more despicable it now appears, as a strange example of the various turns of fortune, and mutations of human affairs, having only the name left of a Market Town, else but a pitiful Village, (consisting of one only Parish Church,) which is said to have been a Town of about seventeen or eighteen Parish Churches, and having no Memorial or Monument of antiquity, which hath been the Theater of so ma∣ny grand Transactions. Here Egbert the Westsaxon and at last Sole Monarch of the English, encountred Bernulf, King of Mercia, and slew him in Battle; but in this very place he afterwards received a terrible over∣throw from the Danes.

At Edindon King Alfred gave the Danes a very notable defeat.

Bradford is memoris'd for a bloody Bat∣tle

fought between two great Competitors in the Saxon Heptarchy.

At Woodensbury An. 590. Cheaulin King of the West-Saxons encountring the Britains who joyn'd with his Nephew Cealrick, was put to flight, and his Son Cuth slain.

Here also Ina the West-Saxon fought with Ceolred the Mercian.

Old Sarum was a place made choice of by the Romans for a strong encamped ha∣bitation, as by the ruins thereof at this day appears. Here the Britains receiv'd a fa∣tal overthrow from Kenrick the Saxon, be∣sides what spoil was afterwards done by Canutus.

Caln is famous for that great Assembly, which put an end to the controversy about the Marriage of Priests, by reason of a disaster which happened by the fall of the Room, to the destruction of several people of all sorts.

Brokenbridge and Cosham, places doubly famous in History. First, as having been ancient Roman Seats, next, as the Courts of some of the Saxon Kings.

Crekelade, memorable for the Fame of an University said to have been anciently here erected, and from hence removed to Oxford.

Malmsbury, qu. Maidulphsbury, from Mai∣dulphus, a person of renown both for Sancti∣ty and Learning, is no less memorable for

the famous Monastery there erected by the said Maidulphus, then for the birth of two great men viz. William, thence sirnamed of Malmesbury, a Celebrated Historian, and Thomas Hobbes of this present Age, and but a few years since deceast, a man of much Earning and more cunning Sophistry, for the maintenance of those principles he maintained thereby.

In Dorsetshire, Dorchester the chief Town, only boasts of some antiquity, as from the Roman name Durnovaria.

Badbury was anciently the Court of the West-Saxon Kings.

At Cern, Austin broke down the Idol of the Saxon God Hell.

Shaftsbury is fam'd for the History of the Prophesying Eagle, most probably a man whose name was Aquila. Here was enterr'd the Body of Edward the Son of Edgar, Murthered by his Mother-in-Law at Corfe Castle.

At Winburn-Minster, built by Cuthburga, Wife in second Marriage to a King of Nor∣thumberland, the Body of King Ethelred was buried.

Shirburn was an Episcopal See for a long time, in the Cathedral whereof were buried the bodies of King Ethelbald and King Ethelbert.

In Somersetshire the principal place is the City of Bath, Brit. Akamancester, Lat. Aquâ solis & Badissa, very famous and much fre∣quented for its hot Bathing-Springs, which our old British Traditions will have to be the invention of Bladud an ancient British King. Bath and Wells joyntly together make one Bishoprick.

Wells is principally esteem'd for its Ca∣thedral, which is said to have been built by Inas King of the West-Saxons.

Pen now a small Village is memoris'd for a great overthrow given to the Britains by Kenwald King of the West-Saxons, and after∣wards to the Danes by K. Edmund Ironside.

Bridgewater is otherwise a Town of very good note, and of memory for a notable de∣feat given here to the Danes by Ealstan Bi∣shop of Shirburn, An. 845.

Glastonbury, Avalonia, is principally re∣nowned for its Monastery, deliver'd to have been founded by Joseph of Arimathea, the first Preacher (as some Writers affirm) of the Gospel in this Island. In the Church-yard of Glastonbury in King Henry the second's Reign, was found a Corps of a large demen∣sion, which by several circumstances was concluded to be the Body of King Arthur.

Cadbury is recordable for the defeat given by King Arthur to the English Saxons.

Banesdown (Mons Badonicus) is a place re∣nown'd for several other of King Arthurs Victories, and where King Alfred over∣threw the Danes, and brought Gorrum to the Sacred Font.

Camalet a steep Hill, was doubtless some Fort or Encampment of the Romans, as ap∣pears by the Coins there found; moreover on the top thereof there remains to this day the Vestigia of some noble Castle, which is said to have been a Palace of King Arthur. This Town some Writers have placed in Cornwal.

Ilchester appears also by the like demon∣stration to have been a station of the Ro∣mans, and is still of that repute, that it is the chief place of Gaol-delivery for the County.

In Oxfordshire, Oxford besides the glory of its famous University, and the Magni∣ficence of its Stately Colledges; Here more frequent Parliaments have been call'd than in any place of England next to West∣minster, and particularly the last Parliament call'd by his present Majesty, and held here in March, 1681. Here Maud the Empress was besieg'd by King Stephen, and with great difficulty made her escape in a disguise by night, and got over the

Thames on the Ice. This place his late Ma∣jesty King Charles the first made his chief Head Quarters, during the greatest part of the Civil War between him and the Par∣liament, till the City was taken by Sir Tho∣mas Fairfax, General of the Rebels Forces. It is moreover famous for being the birth-place of that Martial Prince King Richard the first, sirnamed Ceur de Lyon.

Woodstock, besides that it hath been an∣ciently a stately Palace belonging to the Kings of England, claims a particular place in the book of Fame upon several accounts. In the first place here it was that King Henry the second built a sumptuous Bower for his Paramour Rosamund Clifford, who for her singular beauty and in allusion to her name, was styl'd Rosa Mundi. Next, it was the Birth-place of Edward the Black Prince, lastly, in the Town of Woodstock was brought up and educated that most re∣nowned of English Poets Sir Geoffry Chaucer.

Islip cannot be forgotten so long as the memory of King Edward the Confessour lasts, who was here born.

In Glocestershire the City of Glocester (Gle∣num, Colonia Glenum) eminent for its Cathe∣dral, of which more elsewhere, is also not

obscure in History. Here Earl Robert, Brother to the Empress Maud, was kept prisoner for some time; but much more famous, (if we may not say infamous) was the keeping of this City by the Parliament-Forces un∣der Collonel Massy against his late Majesty King Charles the First, and the great Battle here fought for the raising of the Siege.

It was won from the Britains by Cheu∣lin, King of the West-Saxons, An. 570. Here a Monastery of Nuns was founded by Osric King of Northumberland, of which three Queens of the Mercians were successively Prioresses, viz. Kineburg, Eadburg, and Eve. Here was born Robert called the Monk of Glocester, who flourish'd under Henry the se∣cond, and also Osbernus sirnam'd Claudia∣nus, a Benedictine Monk.

Alny Isle, a place near Glocester, where af∣ter several bloody Battles between King Edmund Ironside and Canutus the Dane, the matter was at last decided between them by single combat, and a division of the King∣dom made.

Cirencester, or Circester, a place of memo∣rable note, as won from the Britains by Cheulin the West-Saxon; this City is doubt∣less Ptolomies Corinium, Antonines Durocor∣novium, & Giraldus his Ʋrbs Passerum, which last denomination it takes from a tradition

of one Gurmund an African Tyrant who set it on fire, by tying to the tails of Sparrows certain combustible matter which he put fire to. It was won from the Britains by Cheulen King of the West-Saxons, next pos∣sess't by the Mercians, lastly by the Danes un∣der Gurmund, An. 879. But that which is to be said greatest of this for it's antiquity and remark is that, that it was anciently one of the principal residencies of the Romans, by whom it had been rais'd to a high pitch of magnificence and grandure.

At Cicester was born Thomas Ruthal, Bi∣shop of Durham.

At Duresby, Edw. Fox Bishop of Hereford.

At Cam near Duresby, Edward Trotman Judge of the Common Law, who was bu∣ried in the Temple Church May the 29^th, An. 1643.

At Todington, Richard Son to Sir William Tracy, who flourish'd under King Henry the second. This Richard wrote a Book entit∣led Preparatio ad Crucem, of much esteem in those times.

At Yate, Thomas Neal Chanter to Bishop Bonner, he was eminent for Learning and flourish'd, An. 1576.

At Westbury, John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester.

At Sudely Castle Ralph Lord Sude∣ly,

Lord Treasurer and Knight of the Gar∣ter under Henry the sixth.

Other Noted men of this Shire were Tideman de Winchcomb, the Kings Physitian, Abbot of Benle, Bishop first of Landaff, af∣terwards of Worcester.

John Chedworth, Bishop of Lincoln.

Anthony Fitz-Herbert, Judge of the Com∣mon Pleas.

Thomas de la More, Knighted by King Ed∣ward the first; he wrote the Character of King Edward the second, a Manuscript now in Oxford Library.

Sir Thomas Overbury, Son to Sir Nicholas.

William Winter, Vice-Admiral of England under Queen Elizabeth.

John Sprint, John Workman, and Richard Capel.

Tewksbury-field gave a very fatal blow to the House of Lancaster, An. 1471. in which Prince Edward was slain, and Queen Mar∣garet taken Prisoner, together with the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Devonshire, and others who were beheaded. Here was born the famous Alan of Tewksbury, who flou∣rish'd under King John.

Hales, a once flourishing Abby, but chiefly to be remembred for the birth of Alexan∣der de Hales, sirnamed Dr. Irrefregabilis, who died An. 1245.

In Worcestershire, Worcester the chief City, is questionless the ancient Branconium of An∣toninus and Ptolomie, though since call'd by the Latins Vigornea, and by the Britains Caer Wrangon; some think it to have been built by the Romans for a bound to the Bri∣tains. The Cathedral of S^t Mary in Worcester, besides the fame of its State and Beauty, is the Repository of the Bodies of King John, and Prince Arthur, Eldest Son to King Henry the seventh. But that which gives greatest re∣nown to this City, is the memory of the happy preservation of his present Majesty, from being taken at the fatal Battle of Worcester, where the great Gallantry and Valour of His Majesty and his Party was utterly overpowr'd by the treble forces of the Usurpers.

At Eversham, An. 1265. King Henry the third gain'd a most triumphant Victory o∣ver his Barons, with the slaughter of Simon Montford and seventeen Lords, and the taking of Humphry Bohun Prisoner.

In Herefordshire the City of Hereford, be∣sides that it is the Principal City, an Epis∣copal See, and noted for its Cathedral, is also memorable for the birth of Adam de Orleton Bishop of Hereford, Roger of Here∣ford a Writer of Astronomy, who flou∣rish'd

under Henry the second, An. 1170.

John Davies of good repute for Poetry. And also Charles Smith Bishop of Glocester, in the reign of King James.

Bradwardin Castle gave both birth and sirname to that Thomas de Bradwardin Arch∣Bishop of Canterbury, who for his deep knowledge in Theologie, and skilful manage∣ment of Disputations, is stiled the profound Doctor.

At Ashperton was born John Grandison, Bishop of Exeter.

Other memorable persons of this Shire were Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, great in deeds of Arms, and a person of great power and favour with his Prince, yet brought to an untimely end.

Richard Hackluit, whose Book of Voya∣ges is of good repute among the studious in Geography and History.

William Lemster, a Franciscan and learn∣ed Doctor.

John Guillam the noted Herald, whose Systeme of Heraldry is accounted the best that hath been written of this Subject.

In Shropshire besides Shrewsbury the County Town, a noted Mart for Cloth and Frizes brought hither from Wales and

sent to London and other parts of England; there are very remarkable ruins of some ancient places which were certainly Towns or Cities of great spendour or resort, as Wrocckester Ʋriconium, the ancient Ʋsoconia, of which Okenyate is a small remainder.

Oswaldstree retains its name from Os∣wald the 11^th King of Northumberland, who was here slain in battel by Penda King of the Mercians.

In Staffordshire the County Town Staf∣ford, anciently Bitheny, from Bertelin a holy man, is said to have been built by King Ed∣ward the Elder, and was made a Corpora∣tion by King John.

Tamworth, was doubtless anciently a place of more spendour and amplitude than at present, for here the Mercian Kings for a long time kept their Court.

Litchfield though not the County Town, is yet the most eminent place of the Coun∣ty, as being a City and Episcopal See joyntly with Coventry, the chief Church and now Cathedral, was built by the Northumbrian King Oswin, upon the Conquest he gain'd over the Pagan Mercians; and here Wulferre and Celred were interr'd; it was for some time an Arch-bishoprick by the means of King Offa, at the request of Bishop Eadulph.

At Bloreheath in this County, a cruel bat∣tel was fought between the two Houses of York and Lancaster, in which there fell on the Duke of York's side Sir Hugh Venables, Sir William Trowthec, Sir Richard Mollineux, and Sir J. Egerton, &c. with 2400, and the two Sons taken prisoners of the Earl of Salisbury, General of the Yorkists.

In Darbyshire besides Derby the County town there are memorable;

Ripton, Ripandunum, where was interr'd Ethelbald, the 9^th King of the Mercians, who was slain at Egiswald by his Subjects, and whence Burthred the last King was ex∣pell'd by the Danes with his Queen Ethel∣with.

At Melburn John D. of Bourbon taken at Agin Court, was kept prisoner.

Little Chester, an ancient Colony of the Romans, as appears by what Coins have been digg'd up thereabout.

In Nottinghamshire, the County Town Not∣tingham, hath not wanted its share in the grand rencounters that have been in this Nation; the Castle hereof was kept by the Danes against the Mercian King Burthred, and also against the English Saxon Monarchs, Elthelred and Alfred.

At Newark in this County, King John who was poyson'd at Swinsted Abby, is said to have drawn his last breath.

At Stoke near Newark, Lambert Symnel's party was utterly defeated, and his uphol∣ders John de la Pool Earl of Lincoln, Thomas Garadine Chancellour of Ireland, Fr. Lord Lovel and others were slain with 4000 of their men, and he himself taken prisoner, June 16^th, An. 1487.

At Mansfield was born the first Earl of Mansfield in Germany, one of the Knights of King Arthurs Round Table.

In Warwickshire, the Town of Warwick is sufficiently fam'd in story over and above what is related of Guy of Warwick and his great adventures, and above all things the antiquity of the foundation is remarka∣ble, if, as the tradition goes, it were built by Gurguntus, 375 years before the Nativity of our Saviour, however the Castle looks great, and savours much of Antiquity.

Coventry being joyntly one Bishoprick with Leichfield, is memorable, besides the beauty of the brave action of Countess Go∣diva (the wife of Leofrick the first Lord thereof) well known in History. One of the Gates of this City is call'd Gofford Gate, which is the more notable by the Shield∣bone

of some very large beast, some say a wild Bore, slain by Guy of Warwick, some say an Elephant, with the snout whereof a pit was turn'd up, which is now Swanes Mear.

At Backlow-hill in this County, Pierce Ga∣vesto•• was taken and beheaded by a party of the Nobles.

At Wolny, An. 1469. King Edward the fourth his Forces were discomfited by his brother George Duke of Clarence, and Ri∣chard Earl of Warwick, and the King him∣self taken prisoner.

In Northamptonshire, the County Town Northampton hath been the Subject of many warlike bronts, An. 1106. it suffered much by the contests of the Conquerours three Sons, Robert, William and Henry, An. 1263. being held by the Barons against King Hen∣ry the third; it was taken by surprize and the Walls thrown down, An. 1459. King Henry the sixth was here taken prisoner by the Earl of Warwick and March, with the slaughter of Humphry Stafford Duke of Buckingham, John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbu∣ry, the Lords Egremont and Beaumont; but the greatest misfortune that e're befel this Town was in this our Age, viz. An. 1675. when by an accidental Fire it was almost all

burnt down to the ground, yet lay it not long buried in ruin, for it was immediately rebuilt and now appears in far greater splen∣dour then ever. Here Earl Rivers, Father to Edward the fourth's Queen taken at Graf∣ton, was beheaded by Robin of Risdal, toge∣ther with his son John.

Higham Ferrers in this County hath been honour'd with the birth of a very great Pre∣late of this Nation, viz. Henry Chichly, Cardi∣nal and Arch-bishop of Canterbury in the Reign of King Henry the sixth. This Chichly was the founder of All-Souls Col∣ledge in Oxford.

Edgecot is signalis'd by a bloody battle fought near it on Danes More, July the 26^th An. 1469. by Robin of Risdal and Sir John Coniers, against William Herbert Earl of Pem∣broke who, together with his Brother Richard, the Lord Rivers, the Queens Bro∣ther and Richard Woodvil, were taken prisoners, carried to Banbury, and beheaded.

At Fotheringhay Castle Mary Queen of Scots was kept a long time prisoner and was at last beheaded.

In Leicestershire, Leicester the County Town is principally famous by the tradition of its having been built by King Leir, great in the Catalogue of ancient British Kings, qu. Leir-cester.

Lutterworth in this County ows its chief credit to the famous John Wickleff, who was Parson of this place in the reign of King Henry the 4th.

Bosworth, a Town of no great note but for the memory of a most signal battle fought near it on Redemore, August 22^d 1485. which put an end to all Controversies between the two houses of York and Lancaster, and in which fell that most Tyrannical of English Kings Richard the third, with four thousand of his men, and some say, though we are not bound to believe it, with the loss but of ten men on the Earl of Richmonds side.

Cleycester of which there are now scarce any ruins remaining, was once a famous City in the West part of this Shire, and by the Romans call'd Bennone.

In Rutlandshire some mention, as close ad∣joyning, though generally affirm'd to be si∣tuate rather in Lincolnshire, the Town of Stamford for the reputation of an ancient University, and said to have been founded by that Ancient British King Bladud, who found out the vertue of the Bath-Waters.

In Lincolnshire, Lincoln the chief Town and only City of this Shire, is not only e∣minent for its antiquity, and for that it was once acounted one of the chiefest and

the best traded Cities of England, and made by King Edward the third, the chief Mart for Lead, Wool, and Leather: But al∣so for a great battle fought by Randolph Earl of Chester, and Robert Earl of Glocester against King Stephen, who was here taken prisoner, as also for the success of King Henry the third, who won it from the Ba∣rons, it is said to have had once fifty Parish Churches.

Wainfleet had been doubtless a place of little note, but for the birth of William Wain∣fleet Bishop of Winchester, who living in the reign of King Henry the sixth, with whom he was great in favour, built here a Free-School, and founded Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

Grimsby likewise though an ancient Mar∣ket Town, hath its chiefest repute from its being the Birth-place of Dr. Whitgift Arch∣bishop of Canterbury in the reign of King James.

Bullingbrook is enobled by the memory of the Birth of King Edward the first, and King Henry the fourth.

Swinesstead Abby, the place where King John received from the hands of Simon a Monk thereof, that baleful potion that gave him his end at Lincoln.

Harstill laments the death of that mir∣••our

of that Conjugal love Queen Eleanor, the wife of King Edward the first.

In the North-Riding of Yorkshire, York the chief of this Shire, and second City of England, was a Colony of the Romans, and a place of great account among them, and ever since to this day a splendid and flourish∣ing City; several Emperours here kept their Court, and particularly Severus had a Pa∣lace here in which he breathed his last. Here also Constantius Chlorus, the Father of Constantine the Great, is said to have depar∣ted this life; nor does the death of these two Emperours more ennoble this Place, than the Birth of the Learned Alcuin, who was Tu∣tour to the Emperour Charles the Great. Some write that it was first made an Episco∣pal See by the Emperour Constantius, but this is more certain, that it was made an Archbishoprick in the year of our Lord 625.

At Leeds in the West-Riding, Oswye King of Northumberland encountred the u∣nited Forces of Ethelbald, Son of Oswald King of Northumberland, Ethelbert King of the East-Angles, and Penda King of the Mercians, to all whom he gave a mighty de∣feat; slew Penda and Ethelbert, and put E∣thelbald to flight.

Selby, a Town of good trade and resort,

but most memorable for the birth of King Henry the first; this is by some accounted in Lincolnshire.

Wakefield is a Town not more considera∣ble for its Cloathing, than for the memo∣ry of a great battle fought between the Houses of York and Lancaster, besides a de∣feat given in the late Civil Wars to the Earl of Newcastles Forces by Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Pomfret Castle was built by Hildebert de Lacy, a Norman.

Hallyfax qu. Holy Hair anciently Horton, the birth-place of Joannes de Sacrobosco.

Rotheram chiefly boasts in the birth of Thomas of Rotheram Archbishop of York.

In the East-Riding Stanford Bridge from the battle, there fought, commonly called Battle-Bridge.

Drifield is remembred by the Tomb of Alfred King of Northumberland here bu∣ried.

Beverly though a Town of flourishing trade, is yet more fame-worthy, as the last retirement and place of decease of the Learned John Archbishop of York in the Reign of Oswick An. 721. who was thence sirnamed John de Beverly.

Newborough Abby gives fame to it self by

giving name to that Old English Historian William of Newborough.

Kingston upon Hull, besides the repute of its Trade and Merchandise, is honour'd with the fame of being built by King Ed∣ward the first, nor are there wanting who will add the reputation of Andrew Mervail a Burgess of this place, of whom else∣where.

Exeter in Devonshire is both of sufficient antiquity, for the Castle call'd Rugemont, was once the Palace of the West-Saxon Kings, and afterwards of the Earls of Corn∣wal, and the Walls and Cathedral were built by King Athelstan; and also memora∣ble for several transactions; here was born that most renowned Latin Poet of England, Josephus, hence sirnamed Iscanus, or Joseph of Exeter.

At Plimouth, that great Honour of Eng∣land for Sea affairs, Sir Francis Drake took Shipping for the Circum-navigation of the World An. 1577.

Teignmouth is noted for the place of the Danes first arrival in England.

Hubbleston, the Burial place of Hubba the Dane.

Crediton the ancient Episcopal See of this County till it was removed to Exeter.

Camelford in Cornwal is guess'd by those pieces of Armour that have been digged up thereabout, to have been the place of Bat∣tel where Mordred was slain, and where King Arthur received his mortal wound.

Tintagel Castle gave birth to this great Miracle of British Valour, King Arthur.

At Castle Denis the Ruins of those Trenches are yet to be seen where the Danes encamped at their first Invasion of this Land.

At Caradoc was born John Trevisa, a learned Writer; who died, Anno 1400.

St. Germains, a place chiefly fame-wor∣thy for having been an ancient Episcopal See.

At Truroe was born John Arundel, a re∣nowned Sea-man in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth.

Bodmin, the next place to which the Bi∣shop's Chair was removed; from whence it was translated by King Edward the Con∣fessor, to Exeter, where it hath remained ever since.

This County hath brought forth several learned men, viz.

Hucarius, sirnamed the Levite; who flou∣rished, Anno 1040.

Simon Thurway; who flourished, Anno 1201.

John, Sir-named of Cornwal; who flou∣rished, Anno 1170.

Michael Blawnpain; who flourished, Anno 1350.

Godfrey, Sir-named of Cornwall.

In NORTHƲMBERLAND, at a place called Otterburn, a great Field was fought between the English and Scots.

Alnwick is of note for the mighty Victo∣ry which the English here gained over the Scots; and for that the Earls of Northum∣berland in ancient times here kept their Court.

Emildon brought forth that great Con∣tradiction of his own name for Niceties of Wit and Subtilties in School-Philosophy. Duns Sir-named Scotus.

In the Western parts of Northumberland are yet to be seen some parts of the Picts Wall.

In WESTMORLAND, The Abal∣laba of Antoninus is thought to have been a place of very great note in the time of the Romans, by the antique Roman Coins that have been there found in digging, and the station of the Aurelian Maures: and it is still so considerable, that the Castle thereof

is the place where the Assizes for the Coun∣ty are kept.

Burgh, or Burgh under Stainmore, is un∣doubtedly the Ruins of an eminent Town, which was called Verterae; and where a Ro∣man Commander, in the declining time of the Empire, is said to have kept his station, with a Band of Directores.

Ambleside (Amboglana) not far from Wi∣nander Meer, is judged the Ruins of some famous City of Roman foundation or im∣provement, both by the paved ways that lead to it, and the Coins of Roman Stamp oft digged up there.

In CƲMBERLAND, Carlisle (Lu∣guvallum, or Leucophibia of Ptolomie) if not illustrious in its Original, for it is delive∣red to have been built by that Leil, who is great in the Catalogue of British Kings; was, at least, a flourishing City under the Romans; and being demolished by the Picts, and utterly ruined by the Danes, was re∣stored by King William Rufus (who also built there a Castle:) and by King Henry the First made a Bishop's See.

The Bishoprick of DƲRHAM gained that Title and Privilege by the great fame and renown of St. Cuthbert; for the inter∣ment

of whom the Cathedral of Durham was first built by Bishop Aldwin; and af∣terwards pulled down, and rebuilt by Bi∣shop Careleph. The Tomb of this adored Saint was visited with great devotion by King Egfred, Alfred, Danish Guthrun, Ed∣ward and Athelstan: This City was by King William the Conqueror raised to a County Palatine.

There is a place called Gallile in the West end of the Church, where is to be seen the Tomb of Venerable Beda.

Binchester (Benovium) by the Coins there digged up, seems to have been a place of great account among the Romans. So like∣wise,

Chester in the Street (Condercum.)

At Nevil's Cross near Durham, the Scots were defeated by Queen Philippa, Wife to King Edward the First, by the Conduct of the Lords Piercy, Moubray and Nevil.

In LANCASHIRE, Lancaster, the County-Town, gives Title of Family from John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, to four Henries, Kings of England, viz. Henry the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh.

Manchester, Mancunium, an ancient Fort and Station of the Romans.

Rible-Chester, from Rhibel, a little Brook near Clithero, a Town of Antiquity and Station of the Romans, as appears by the pieces of Coin and Statues there found. But that which renders it most of memory is, that it hath been reported the richest Town of Christendom.

Near Duglas, a small Brook not far from the Town of Wiggin, King Arthur is said by Ninius to have put the Saxons to flight.

At Billangho, Anno 789. Duke Wade was put to flight by Ardulph King of Northum∣berland.

In CHESHIRE, Chester is famous in many respects; as, for its Minster, for its Entertainment of King Athelstan, who hence settihg forth in a Barge upon the Ri∣ver Dee, was rowed by Kennadie King of the Scots, Malcolm King of Cumberland, Macon King of Man, and several Princes of Wales. By being made so great a Principality by the Investiture of Hugh Lupus, by King William the Conqueror. The Minster of this City was built by Earl Leofric to the Ho∣nour of St. Werburga, repaired by Hugh Earl of Chester. And in this Minster was buried the Body of Henry the Fourth, Em∣peror of Germany.

At Calvely was born Sir Hugh Calvely, a Soldier of great fame in the Reign of King Edward the Third. As likewise was Sir Ro∣bert Knowles of this Shire.

Ecleston gave Birth to Thomas, thence Sir∣named Ecleston.

Bunbury is noted by the birth of Robert Braffy; who died, Anno 1558.

Wrenbury boasts of George Patin, another learned Writer.

Moreover, the World owes to this Shire several other great men; viz. Sir Thomas Aegerton, Lord Keeper, Anno 1596. Sir Humphrey Starky, Sir Henry Bradshaw, Sir Randal Crew, and Sir Humphrey Davenport; all grand Pillars of the Law. Ralph Ratcliff, a person eminent for Learning: and Cap∣tain John Smith, the first setler of the Plan∣tation of New-England in the Reign of King James.

In FLINTSHIRE, The Castle of Flint; which was founded by King Henry the Second, and finished by King Edward the First, gave Reception to King Richard the Second when he came out of Ireland.

In DENBYSHIRE, Denby was walled about, and fortified with a Castle by Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, in the Reign of King Edward the First.

In CAERNARVONSHIRE, Caernarvon is memorable, as having been raised by King E. 1. from the Ruins of that ancient Ci∣ty which is called by Antonine, Segontium and by Ninius, Caer-Custenith; and where, as Matthew Westminster reports, was found the Body of Constantius, the Father of Con∣stantine the Great, Anno 1283.

In MERIONETHSHIRE, the princi∣pal Town Harlech is only worth memory for its stately Castle.

In CARDIGANSHIRE, Cardigan the Shire-Town was walled about, and fortifi∣ed with a Castle by Gilbert de Clare, who was Lord of the whole County by the Gift of King Henry the First.

In BRECKNOCKSHIRE, Hay is re∣membred, by its Ruins, to have been once a place of Account; for it is reported in History to have been ruined and demolish∣ed in the Rebellion of Owen Glendour. It is judged by the Coins there found to have been an ancient Seat of the Romans.

Bealt (Buelth) the Buleum Silurum of Ptolomy is famed as the Seat of Aurelius Am∣brose, who possessed the whole Country,

and after gave it to Pascentius, Son of Vortiger. And likewise for the last Prince of the Britains, who was here by Treachery slain. But Brecknock, being now the fairest Town of the Shire, carries the Name and Primacy.

In CAERMARDENSHIRE, Caermar∣den, the Shire-Town, the Maridunum of Ptolomy and Muridunum of Antonine is not so note-worthy for its large Castle and strong Wall, as for being the Birth-place of that most famous old British (to give him the most favourable Title) Prophet, Merlin.

In GLAMORGANSHIRE, The chief Town, and Episcopal See, Landaff, with its Castle and Cathedral, is not so famous as the Town of Caerdiff; as having been the Seat and Residence of that renowned Fitz-Hammond and his Norman Knights; who, after the Conquest of Rhesus Prince of Wales, kept here his Court in the Reign of William Rufus, and built here a strong Castle, in the Hall whereof are yet to be seen the Ensigns of the said Fitz-Hammond and his Knights. In this Castle hath been for a long time, and is still kept the Audit for the Earl of Pembroke's Estate in Wales.

In MONMOƲTHSHIRE, Monmouth the County-Town is yet far more conside∣rable upon several respects: first, as being delivered by Geraldus to have been the place where great King Arthur kept his Court. Next, as an Academy of Philoso∣phy and Arts; giving Residence to two hundred Scholars, and Birth to Amphiba∣lus, whose Disciple, our great Protomar∣tyr, St. Albanus was, and two other noble persons of our first Martyrs. And likewise as the Birth-place of that noble Prince King Henry the Fifth.

In RADNORSHIRE, Radnor the ancient Magnos of Antonine, and the station of the Pacentian Regiment, and fortified with a Castle is yet inferior in beauty of Buildings to Prestain.

In PEMBROKESHIRE, though Pembroke is the County-Town, yet

St. Davids is the more remarkable, as being an Episcopal See, and once an Arch∣bishoprick, translated from Isca Legionum by that great Archbishop Devi, whom we call St. David.

In MONTGOMERISHIRE, Montgomery is remarkable for its pleasant scituation and strong Castle, and the Title of an Earldom, first given by King James, Anno 1605. to Philip, second Son to Henry Earl of Pem∣broke, and still continuing in his Grand∣child Philip, now Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery.

In the Isle of ANGLESY, Beaumorris is not more noted for being the principal Town, than for the frequent transportati∣on of Passengers hence to Ireland, and the fame of having been built by King Edward the First.