Richard Nevill Earl of War∣wick, eldest Son to Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury.

THis Richard, having taken to WifeaAnne the Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, Cousinb and Heir to Anne, sole Daughter and Heir to Henry Duke of Uarwick; obtained by reason there∣of, as also in Respect of his special services about the Kings person, and in the Warrs of Scotland, as the Patentc (bearing date 23 Iulii next after the death of the same Lady Ann•, which hapnedd 3 Ian Ann 1449 27. H. 6.) doth import, a confirmation and declaration to himself and•his said Wife, and to her Heirs, of the dignity and title of Earl of Warwick, with all preheminencies, that any of their an∣cestors, before the Creation of Henry Duke of Warwick, used. Shortly after which by Fine e leavied Quind. Trinit. 28 Hen. 6. they entailed the Castle of Warwick, with divers Lordships in that, and sixteen other Counties, upon the issue of their two bodies lawfully begotten; and in default thereof, upon the issue of her the said Anne, with remainder to Margaret eldest Daugh∣ter to the same Richard Beauchamp late Earl of Warwick, and her Heirs.

This is that Richard Nevill who was com∣monly called the stout Earl of Warwick: and well he might be so termed, in regard he bore such a great sway, towards the latter end of King Henry the sixth, and part of King Edward the fourths Reign; having been an eminent actor in those tragick broiles, betwixt the Houses of Lancaster and York, as our Historians do fully manifest: for about the 30 of Hen. 6 he sidedf with Richard Duke of York, who did at that time first put himself in Armes, under pretence of reforming what was amiss in the Government. The true cause of this* taking his part, being a variance betwixt himself, and the Duke of Somerset, which happened in the Court of King Henry the sixth, and that the Queen adhered to the Duke of Somerset there∣in. But the Duke of York being not then powerful enough, to go through with his designe, submitted himself; makingg Oath thenceforth to become a true and faithful Subject. Howbeit, the next year after, having a stronger foundation for his enterprise; chiefly through the interest he had in this potent Earl, and the Earl of Salisbury his Father; he brokeh out again; and in 33 Hen. 6. at S. Albans assailed the Kings Forces (where this Earl entringi through a Garden, gave the first onset) and slew many; seized upon the King himself, caused a Parlia∣ment to be summonedk, made himself Protector of the King, and this our Earl of Warwick Captain of ^l Calais. But by the power of some others, who saw what was aimed at, he was at that time hindred in his speed. Whereupon, the King comingm to Coventrie, in 35 of his Reign, hoped there to have reconciled all; and to that end sent for the Duke by Letters, as also for this Earl and his Father, who came accordingly. Nevertheless, being there, and pretending some ill intentions towards them, they gotn away; York to Wigmore in the Marches of Wales; Salisbury to his Castle at Middleham in the North; and this Earl of Warwick to Calais. Howbeit after some fair overtures, they were content to come to London, so as they might have store of fol∣lowers. Whereupon this Earl broughto with him six hundred men in Red-Coats, embroidered with white Ragged-Staves, before and behind.

This was in 36 Hen. 6. where, and at which time all things were peaceably accordedp in shew: but there happening not long after, an affrayq (scil. in 37 Hen. 6.) betwixt a Servant to the King, and one of Warwick's followers; it gave colour of report, that there was a designe to kill the Earl; which occasioned him to take his Barge, and hastr to Calais. Thither there∣fore the young Duke of Somerset was sent, s as Captain; but this Earl would nott resigne; maintaining himself there, with the great Booty he had got at Sea, as Admiral (no less worth then ten thousand pounds) for he had after two dayes fight, taken three Carricks of Genoa, and two of Spain, laden with Merchandize; with the lossu of about an hundred men of his own, and a thousand of theirs.

After which (scil. in 38 Hen. 6.) he brought x over a Band of stout Soldiers from Calais; and with them a valiant Commander called Andrew Trollop, to a general Rendezvous, which the Yorkists had, atyLudeford in Hereford∣shire, on the Vigil of the Translation of S. Ed∣ward the King; where he producedz certain persons before the people to swear that the King was deceased; causinga Mass to be said, and Offerings made, that they might the less dread to take the Field. But Trollop, who had served formerly against the French, and done notably; finding that this Earl and the rest, had foul in∣tentions (whereas his preservation and honor was the only thing pretended) got away privately with a choice sort of men, and cameb in to the King: which did so much daunt the Yorkists, that they forthwith shifted for themselves; this our Earl, with his Father passing with difficulty c to Calais.

Whereupon the King, calling a Parliamentd at Coventrie, attaintede him and the rest of high Treason,

From Calais therefore they sailedf speedily into Ireland, to the Duke of York; but find∣ing themselves not able to carry on their work in England, by strength, began to make spe∣cious pretencesg of all fidelity to K. Henry. Which feigned shew, did not only deceiveh the ordi∣nary sort of men; but even the Archbishop of Canterbury himself, and divers other persons of quality; so that they were permitted to land in Kent.i Where the better to delude the peo∣ple, this Earl openly at the Cross in Canter∣bury, sworek that they had ever born true Faith and Allegiance to King Henry: and there∣upon got many to joyn with them; giving out that they only desired admission to the King, for Page  305 speech with him. Nevertheless when they came l to Northampton, where his Army was, they put themselves in order to fight, the Vant-guard being ledm by this Earl of Warwick; in so much as a Bloody Battle ensued, upon the nineth of Iuly,* wherein the King himself was taken, n and many a gallant man slain.

Howbeit, after this, the Queen raisedo more power in Yorkshire,p whereof the Duke of York having intelligence, soon hasted thither; and meeting with the Royalists at Wakefield, (Ann. 39 H. 6.) there felt the reward of his per∣fidiousness, being fatally slain in that Battle.

Hereupon she advancedq towards London, where this Earl and his party thenr in Armes, on the behalf of Edward Earl of March, Son and Heir to the slain Duke of York, then were; (having the King along with them) who en∣deavoring to stop her passage at St. Alvans, were there routed; at which time the person of the King was recovered.

But it was not long after ere the Earles of March, and this our Earl of Warwick, ha∣ving by flight escaped, made ups towards London, with a mighty power. Which so affrighted the Queen, notwithstanding her late success at St. Albans, that she again retired with the King and Prince towards the North. Which gave such encouragement to the Yorkists that London received them without opposition; so that the Earl of March, from this time forwards, taking upon him the title, was pro∣claimed t King; by the name of Edward the Fourth; and therupon hasted Northwards, against those Forces, which King Henry had raised there: But at Ferribrigg receiving some loss, whereat divers were staggered, this Earl to en∣courage others, slewu his own Horse in King Edward's presence; sayingx, Let him flee that flee will, I will tarry with him that will tarry with me; and so kissed the Cross of his Sword to confirm that resolution; this being the day preceding that great Battle at Touton, where King Edward obtained a mighty Victory, by the slaughter of many thousands of the adverse party.

After which there was nothing of Honor, Authority, and benefit, that he (who had been so signally instrumental for King Edward) did desire but he had it: for soon after this, he was made Captainy of Calais, and the Tower of Risebank, as also Lieutenantz of the Marches there; and Governora of the Castle of Guynes, which Castle he was obliged by Indentureb, to keep from the fourth of March, 1 Edw. 4. so long as he should live, with forty eight men at Armes on Foot; himself and his Lieutenant on Horseback; and fifty Archers on Foot; in con∣sideration whereof himself and his Lieutenant on were to have two shillings per diem, his men at Armes eight pence, and his Archers six pence.

He was likewise the same year constituted c General Warden of the East-Marches towards Scotland; as alsod Lord great Chamberlain of England for life, and Constablee of Do∣ver Castle: and besides all this Lord high Stew∣ard f of England.

Moreover in recompenceg of his many and great services, he obtained a granth in Fee of the Mannor of More end in Northampton∣shire, as also of the Mannors of Athirston, and Fulbroke, in Com. Warw.

In 2 Edw. 4. he was made Constablei of the Castle of Hampnes in the Marches of Picar∣dy, to holdk by himself or his Deputy, for terme of life; and to have there one Archer on Horse∣back, and seventeen men at Armes on Foot; as also seventeen Archers: taking for himself or his Deputy twelve pence by the day, for his Archer on Horseback and every man at Armes on Foot eight pence, and for every Archer on Foot six pence.

Certain it is, that this great Earl, was* the chiefest man in England, for supporting the House of York, as the Duke of Somerset, was for that of Lancaster. So that Comines† saith, that he might justly be called King Edwards Father; as well for that he trained him up, as for the great services he did him: for the which that King so highly rewarded him: For, besides his own Inheritance (which was great) he had divers goodly Lordships of his gift; aswell Crown Lands, as Lands forfeited by attainder; as also divers great Offices: so that, I have heard, saith he, that his Revenues were valued at fourscore thousand Crowns per annum, besides his own Inheritance. But to pro∣ceed, shortly after this, being sentl into France, and employedm to treat there on the be∣half of King Edward touching a Marriage be∣twixt him and the Lady Bona, Daughter to Lewes Duke of Savoy (Sister to the French Queen) and therein sped so well, as that it was resolvedn the Earl of Dampmartin should speedily come over into England to confirm the match; so it happenedo, that King Edward, hunting in Wychwood Forest, chanced to fix his eyes upon Elizabeth the Widow of Sir Iohn Grey; and was so captivated with her Beauty, that he would notp hearken to what this Earl had done for him in France.

It is said by someq, that after King Edward had obtained the Crown through the power of this Earl; suspecting danger by his greatness, he endeavored to diminish him all he could; which being discernedr, he sought all occasions to work the Kings ruine. The vulgars opinion of this breach betwixt them, was; that, having used many arguments to diswade the King from mar∣rying of Margaret his Sister, to Charles the Son of Philip Duke of Burgundy (whom he mortally hated) he could not prevail. But this was merely a shadow; otherst believed, that he grew thus incensed, by reason he saw that the King had sleighted his Negotiations in France, touching that match with the Daughter of the Duke of Savoy; therefore what was the true cause is not easy to affirm: howbeit, that he didu cor∣dially maligne him, and dissemblex the same, till he saw a fit opportunity to shew it, is cer∣tain enough.

Nevertheless, after this grudge thus harbored, he was senty Ambassador in 4 Edw. 4. (with the Lord Wenlok) to treat with the Agents of the King of France, concerning a Peace be∣twixt both Realms. And in 5 Edw. 4 joyned z in Commission with the same Lord Wenlok, and others, to treat with Philip Duke of Bur∣gundy, concerning a mutual trade, betwixt the English Merchants and those of that Duke: as also at the same time impowereda to treat with the Duke of Britanny, upon a League of Peace and Amity. And likewise joyned Commissio∣nerb with the Lord Hastings (then Lord Cham∣berlain Page  306 of the Kings Houshold) to treat and con∣clude with Iames Luxenburgh, Lord of Rich∣bourgh (the Kings Uncle,) touching a League of Amity, betwixt Charles of Burgundy, Earl of Charlois, and King Edward. In this fifth year of Edward the Fourth, he was like∣wise constitutedc one of the Commissioners to treat with those from the King of Scotland, upon several grievances from the Subjects of that Realm, contrary to the Truce made betwixt both Kings. And in 6 Edw. 4. imployedd (to∣gether with the Lord Hastings) to confer with Charles, Earl of Charlois, or his Agents, touching a marriage betwixt that Earl, and Mar∣garet the Kings Sister; as alsoe to treat of Peace with the French Kings Ambassadors.

But the first effects of his discontent were not publickly seen till 7 Edw. 4. that, beingf in Warwickshire, he sentg for his two Brothers, viz. George Nevill, Archbishop of York, and Iohn, Marquess Mountague; at which time, he communicatedh his mind to them, with divers Reasons for the Restoration of King Henry; and soon woni them to his bent.

And having so done, he next alluredk to him, George, Duke of Clarence, (the Kings Bro∣ther) taking advantagel of some discontents he had harbored; and to fix him the firmer to his side, gavem him Isabel his eldest Daughter in marriage (in 8 Edw. 4.) in our Lady Church at Calais, withn half the Lands of her Mothers Inheritance.

Hereupon he causedo his two Brothers (viz. the Archbishop of York, and Marquess Moun∣tague) to raise a commotion in Yorkshire; and having under colour thereof, gotp into Arms, the first skirmish they had, wasq at Edgecote in Oxfordshire, where the Royalists were beaten; but the King himself being yet North∣wards, in the head of a good Army, and resol∣ving to find out his Enemies, marchedr towards Warwick; whereof this Earl being advertised, he imployeds several persons to treat with him for Peace: Unto which overture, the King too credulously hearkning, rested, as he thought t secure, in his Camp at Wolvey. Which ad∣vantage being discerned by this Earl, he there surprisedu him in the night, and taking him from his Bed, carried him prisonerx to his Castle at Warwick, and afterwards to Middleham Castle in Yorkshire; where he left him in the custodyy of his Brother the Archbishop. How∣beit, not long after, by the opportunityz of Hunting in the Park (which the Archbishop per∣mitted him to do) he made his escapea, and raised such a power in a short space; that, having van∣quished b Sir Robert Wells with his Forces in Lin∣colnshire, this Earl, and the D. of Clarence, thought it safest to packc away; and would have got to Calais (of which Town he was Cap∣tain) but that the Lord Vauclere (a Gascoigne) whom he had constituted his Lieutenant there, opposedd his entrance. Whereupon he landed e in Normandy; and receiving much counte∣nance from the French King, appliedf himself to Queen Margaret (wife of King Henry the Sixth) then fled into those parts for safety; and for the firmer twisting his and the Lancasterian interest together, matchedt his other Daughter Anne, to Edward Prince of Wales, taking a solemn Oathu to restore King Henry; by means whereof he obtained no small assistance from the Queens Friends.

And in pursuit thereof, landingx shortly after in the West of England, proclaimedy King Henry. Whereupon his power so increased, that King Edward was forced to flee the Land: So that then, having no rub in his way, he entred zLondon in October, delivereda King Henry out of the Tower, and setb him again on his Throne: Whereupon he was madec Lord High Admiral of England.

But before the revolution of one year, King Edward landedd here again, and increasing in strength very much, so dauntede the Duke of Clarence, that he madef his peace with him; and offeredg to do the like for this Earl (his Fa∣ther-in-Law) had not his stomach been too high; so that then, there being no way but by the Sword to determine the business, it came to be decidedh, on Easter day, at Barnet-Field; in which Battle, this stout Earl losti his life, with many persons of note, and others to a great number. After which, his Corps being carried k to London, with that of the Marquess Moun∣tague (his Brother) and there exposedl to publick view in Pauls; was thence conv•yed to Bisham in Com. Berks. and interredm in that Monastery, with his Ancestors the Montacutes, by whom it had been Foundedn.

Comines being sent to Calais, to the Duke of Burgundy, to treat with Vauclere (the De∣puty-Governor there to this great Man) reportso, That he was so popular, that every one wore his Badge; no man esteeming himself gallant, whose Head was not adorned with his Ragged-Staff; nor no door frequented that had not his White-Cross painted thereon; in so much, as Vauclere himself wore a Jewel in his Hat, wherein was a Black Ragged-Staff, embroidered with Gold.

Moreover, he saithp, That this Earl never used to fight on foot; but his manner was, when he had led his Men to the Charge, then to take Horse: And if the victory fell on his side, to fight among his Soldiers; otherwise to depart in time. But, at this Battle, that he was constrained by his Brother, the Marquess Montacute (a valiant Knight) to alight on foot, and send away his Horse.

Of his extraordinary Hospitality I also find this observedq, That at his House in London, six Oxen were usually eaten at a Breakfast, and every Tavern full of his Meat: For who that had any acquaintance in his Family, should have as much sodden and roast, as he might carry upon a long Dagger.

Nay it appearsr, That, being Admiral to King Henry the Sixth, he was stiled Great Captain of the Sea; having, for his support in that place, not on∣ly all the Tonnage and Poundage belonging to the King in any wise; but a thousand pounds per annum, out of the Revenues of the Dutchy of Lancaster; as also, that, by the same Kings favor he had a Grants of preheminence above all the Earls of England; and moreover, to add to his greatness, a peculiar Officert at Arms, for his service, in martial imployments, called Warwick Herauld.

But after his death, his Countess underwent no little distress, being constrained to take San∣ctuary u in the Abby of Beaulieu (in Hant∣shire) where she continued, for a long time, in a very mean condition; and thence privately Page  307 gotx into the North; where also she abode in great streights; all her vast Inheritance, being by authorityy of Parliament taken from her, and setled upon Isabel and Anne, her two Daughters and Heirs (the first of them Wife to George, Duke of Clarence, and the other to Richard, Duke of Glocester) as if she her self had been naturally dead; which was withheld from her till 3 Hen. 7. that the King (having himself a mind thereto, her Daughters being then both dead) by a newz Act of Parliament, annulled the former, As against all Reason, Conscience, and course of Nature; and contrary to the Laws of God and Man (as the words thereof import.) And, ina consideration of the true, and faithful ser∣vice, and alleagiance by her born to King Henry the Sixth, as alsob, that she never gave cause to such disherison; restoredc unto her the Pos∣session of the premises, with the power to alien the same, or any part thereof: But not with pur∣pose that she should enjoy it, as it seems; for it appears, that the same year, by a special Feoff∣ment d, bearing date 13 Dec. and a Finee there∣upon, she conveyed it wholly to the King, En∣tailing it upon the Issue-male of his Body, with Remainder to her self and her heirs: The names of the particular Lordships, contained in that Grant, being as followeth. viz. the Mannors of War∣wick, Tonewor•h, Lighthorne, Morton, Berkswell, Brayles, Claverdon, Suttun, Winterton, Buddroke, Haseley, Sniter∣field, and Pipe-Hall, in Com. Warr. Albot∣ley, Shraveley, Elmley-Lovet, Sal∣warpe, Hall-place, Wich, Elmley Castle, Chadssey, Hervington, Sheriffs-Lench, Yerdley, Crombe-Simonds, Warpdel, Hanley, Bushley, Ridmerley, Upton super Sabrinam, with the City of Worcester, in Worcestershire: Tewksbury, Stoke-Archer, Whitington, Fairford, Sobbury, Tredington, Panington, Fidington, Northey, Muth, Berton Regis juxta Bri∣stol; Barton-Hundred, Kenmerton, Ched∣worth, and Lidney in Glocestershire; Burford, Shipton, Spelsbury, Chad∣lington-Hundred, and Langley in Ox∣fo•dshire; •aversham and Stanford in Berkshire; Chiriel, Sherston, and Brodton in Wilthshire; Dertford, Wil∣lington and Hendon in Kent; Waltham∣stow and Franceys in Essex; Flampstead in Hertfordshire; Potters-Piry, Ash∣rugge-Hundred, Querendon, Alisbury, Buckland, Agmondsham, Slingsbury, Hansiape, Olney, and Merlaw, in Com. Bucks. Multon, Conesgrave, and Yelver∣toft, in Com. Northampt. Walshal, Piry, Bar, Patingham, and Shenston, in Com. Staff. Barnard Castle in the Bishoprick of Dur∣ham; Kibworth in Com. Leic. Kimworth, Bautrey and Hotham in Com. Ebor. Essing∣don, Shellingthorp, G•eetham, Barow∣den, Preston, and Uppingham, in Com. Rutl. Stillingthorp in Com. Linc. Kirtling in Com. Cantabr. Snodel and Faunhope in Com. Heref. Saham-Toney, Out Sokin, Neckton, Panworthal, and Gressingham-Parva, in Com. Norf. Carnaunton, Hoston-Toney, Bli•ton▪ and Lantran in Cornwal; Glamorgan, Burgavenny, Elvell, Snode∣hill, Llangtrey, Llangew, and Wale-Bikeneour in Wales, and the Marches thereof; South Tanton and Seal, with the Hundred of South Tanton in Com. Devon. The Isles of Iersey, Gernsey, Serk, and Aureney, with the Castles therein; and certain Houses in Southwark.

Which Countess was living in 5 Hen. 7. as ap∣pears e by an Assignation from the King of the Mannor of Sutton in Com. War. at that time, for her maintenance; but how long after, I know not; for of her death, there is no mention in Record that I can find.

By this great Earl her Husband, she left left issue two Daughters, (as before is observed) viz. Isabel and Anne. Which Isabel was bornf in Warwick Castle, 5 Sept. An. 1451. (30 Hen. 6.) And on Tuesdayg, 11 Iulii, An. 1469. (9 Ed. 4.) married h at Calais, (by the Archbishop of York) to George, Duke of Clarence, Brother to King Edward the Fourth, by vertue of a Dispensation i from Pope Paul the Third, in regard that they stood allied in the second and third, and third and fourth degrees of Consanguinity: As also in respect, that the Mother of the Duke was God∣mother to this Isabel. Which Dispensation bears date at Rome. Prid. Id. Martii, An. 1468. (7 Edw. 4.)

The other Daughter Anne, was firstk married to Edward, Prince of Wales, (Son of King Henry the Sixth, stabbed at the Battle of Tewksbury, in cool blood, by Richard, Duke of Glocester, as our Historians affirm) and afterwards to Richard, Duke of Glocester; who, by reason thereof, possest himself of all Warwicks Lands, imprisoningl her Mother as long as she lived; and poysoningm her, as it was thought, to make way for his marriage with his Brothers (scil. King Edward the Fourth) eldest Daughter.