The church-history of Britain from the birth of Jesus Christ until the year M.DC.XLVIII endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

SECTION V.

To the Right Honourable, The Lady ELIZABETH POWLET of St. George-Hinton.

MADAM,

THere be three degrees of gratitude according to mens severall abilities: The first is to requite, the second to deserve, the third to confesse a benefit received. He is a happy man, that can doe the first, no honest man that would not doe the second, a dis∣honest man who doth not the third.

I must be content (in reference to your favours on me) to sit down in the last Form of thankfulnesse, it being better to be a Lagge, in that School, than a Trewant, not at all appearing therein. Yea, according to our Saviours counsell and comfort, the lowest place is no hindrance to a higher, when the Master of the houshold shall be pleased to call him up. When this is done, and God shall ever enable me with more might, my gratitude shall wait on your Lady-ship in a greater proportion.

Mean time, this Present (having otherwise little of worth) may plead somthing of propernesse therein, seeing Somerset-shire is the chief sub∣ject of this Section, the same County, which receiveth honour from You by Your Birth, and returneth it to You by Your Baronry therein. God blesse You in all Your relations, and make Your afflictions, which are briers and thistles in themselves, become sweet-brier, and holy-thistle by sanctify∣ing them unto You.

Of Miracles in generall, to which Monasteries did much pretend.

RIGHT is the Rule of what is So, and what is other¦wise. We will therefore premise the description of a true Miracle. A Miracle is a work of God passing the power of nature done for the confirma∣tion of Faith on the Mission generally of a new Mi∣nistry.

1. Worke of God]a who onely doth wondrous things. For though He sometimes useth men as Morall instruments whereby, yet never as Na∣turall causes to effect Miracles.

2. Passing the power of Nature.] Hence it is, that it is not done by leisure, but presently; not by degrees, but perfectly. God's Cures are never subject to Relapse, once healed and ever healed, except the party run on the score of a new guilt, Thou artb made whole, sinne no more, left a worse thing befall thee.

3. Done for the confirmation of faith.] God will not make his works cheap by prostituting them meerly for the satisfaction of mans curiosity.

4. On the Mission generally of a new Ministery.] For, although some sprinkling of Miracles on other occasions; yet their main body was done by Moses, a new Law-giver to the Jewes; by Elias, and Elisha, two grand Restorers (adequate almost to a Giver) of the Law, in a generall-visible defection to Idolatry, by Christ and his Apostles, as the first Preachers of the Gospel.

In this our description, no mention of the rarity of Miracles, because the same resul∣teth from the premises, frequencie abating from the due wonder thereof.

2. Now that such Miracles long since are ceased, appears by the confession of antient Fathers, and most ingenious Romanists: S. Chrysost: 23 Hom: on S. John, thus expresseth himselfe, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For even now there be Seekers and Sayers, wherefore also now are not Miracle done? for if thou beest a Believer, as thou oughtest to be, and dost love Christ as thou oughtest to love him, thou hast no need of Miracles. For Mi∣racles are given to unbelievers.

3. S. Augustine passing his Censure on the Miracles of his Age, had so low an opinion of their truth, that he ranked them under twoc heads:

• 1. Figmenta mendacium hominum, Forgeries of lying men.
• 2. Portenta fallacium spirituum, Prodigies of deceitfull Devils.

4. Bishop Fisher himself writing againstd Luther, and occasionally treating of the power of Miracles, Cujus effectum nune nullum cernimus, of which (saith he) we now see no effect; which addeth to the wonder, that so wise a man should en∣gage in the foolish wonder of the holy Maid of Kent.

5. The true cause of the ceasing of Miracles is not any want of Divine power to effect them, as if that infinitenesse could ever, like Naomi, be superannuated and effoete to have no more true wonders in the womb thereof, but because Miracles are the swadling cloathes of infant-Churches. And when Doctrines are once esta∣blished and received in a Church, Miracles are impertinent: yea, it is no better than a tempting of God, after such assurance given long since to the Truth, still to expect a miraculous confirmation thereof.

6. Wherefore when the importunity of Papists presseth us to produce Miracles to atrest our Religion, we return unto them, That ours is an old Faith founded long since on the Scriptures, and we may justly lay claim to all the Miracles in the New Testament to be ours, because done in demonstration of that Doctrine, which we at this day doe defend, and are the Seals of that Instrument, the wri∣ting wherein we desire and endeavour to maintain and practice.

7. Such forgery must needs be an high and heinous offence. If the counterfeit∣ing of the Mark, Tokens, and Letters of others, so as to gain any money into their hands thereby, be punishable by Pillory,e Imprisonment, or any other corporall penalty under death, at the discretion of the Judge; yea, if it be Treason for any to forge the King's Signe Manual, Privy Signet,f or Privy Seale, How great a guilt doe they contract, who falsifie the Signature of the high God of Heaven? Miracles being of that nature, whereby he immediately impresseth his own Power and Presence on that, which is so supernaturally brought to passe.

8. I know what such Forgers plead for themselves, viz: That they have a good intent therein to beget, continue, or increase a reverence to Religion, and veneration to the Saints and Servants of God, so to raise up vulgar fancies to the highest pitch of piety. Wherefore, as Lycurgus made a Law, not that Theft should be death, but death to be caught in their Thieving; so these conclude, counterfeiting Mi∣racles no fault, but when done so bunglingly, that it is detected, conceiving other∣wise the glory accreweth to God by their hypocrisie.

9. But, what saith the Holy Spirit? Will you speak wickedly For God, and

talk deceitfully For Him? will you accept his Person, will you yet contend for God? Doe you so mock him, shall not his Excellency make you affraid? Yea, so farre is such fraud from adding repute to Religion, that being found out, it disposeth men to Atheisme, and to a suspition of the truth, even of the reall Miracles in Scri∣pture.

10. The pretended causes of which Miracles are generally reduceable to these two heads:

• 1. Saints Relicts.
• 2. Saints Images.

How much forgery there is in the first of these is generally known; So many pieces being pretended of Christ's Crosse as would load a great Ship, but amongst all of them, commend me to the Crosse at the Priory of Benedictines at Brome∣holme in Northfolke, the Legend whereof deserveth to be inserted: Queen Hellen, they say, finding the CROSSE of Christ at Jerusalem, divided it into nine parts, according to the nine Orders of Angels, of one of these (most besprinkled with Christ's blood she made a little Crosse, and putting it into a box, adorned with pre∣tious stones, bestowed it on Constantine her Son. This Relict was kept by his Successours until Baldwin Emperour of Greece, (fortunate so long as he carried it about him, but) slain in fight when forgetting the same; after whose death, Hugh his Chaplain, (born in Northfolke, and who constantly said Prayers before the Crosse)g stole it away, Box and all, brought it into England and bestowed it on Brome-holme in Northfolke. It seems there is no felony in such wares, but catch who catch may; yea, such sacriledge is supererogation. By this Crosse thirty nine dead men are said to be raised to life, and nineteen blinde men restored to their sight. It seems such Merchants trade much in odde numbers which best fast∣neth the fancies of folk, whilst the smoothnesse of even numbers makes them slip the sooner out of mens memories.

11. Chemnisiush affirmeth from the mouth of a grave Author, That the teeth of Saint Apollonia being conceived effectuall to cure the Tooth-ach, in the Reign of King Edward the sixt, (when many ignorant people in England relied on that receit to carry one of her teeth about them) the King gave command in extirpa∣tion of superstition, That all her teeth should be brought in to a publick Officer deputed for that purpose, and they filled a Tun therewith. Were her stomack proportionable to her teeth, a County would scarce afford her a meals meat.

12. The English Nunsi at Lisbon doe pretend, That they have both the Arms of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury; and yet Pope Paul the third in a publick Bull, set down by Sanders,k doth pitifully complain of the cruelty of King Henry the eighth, for causing the bones of Becket to be burnt, and the ashes scattered in the winde: the solemnity whereof is recorded in our Chronicles, and how his Armes should escape that Bonfire is to me incredible.

13. The late mentioning of Apollonia curing the Tooth-ach, mindeth me of the Popish designing of Saints, some to be Physicians of diseases, and others Patrons of occupations.

• S. Sebastian, cureth the Plague.
• S. Petronel, the Fever.
• S. Macurine, the Frensie.
• S. Maine, the Scab.
• S. Genow, the Gout.
• S. Clare, the Sore-eyes.
• S. Crepin, protects Shoomakers
• S. Roch, the Coblers.
• S. Wendelin, the Shepherds.
• S. Pelaud, protects Neatherds.
• S. Anthony, the Swineherds.
• S. Gertrude, the Rat-catchers.
• S. Honor, the Bakers.
• S. Eloy, the Smiths.
• S. Luke, the Painters.
• S. Nicholas, the Marriners.
• S. Hubert, the Hunters.
• S. Lue, the Lawyers.

Not to speak of S. Anne, proper to help people to lost goods: S. Leonard said to open the doors of Goales, and make Prisoners fetters fall off; and pity it is, that

he should shew a cast of his office to any save to honest Persons in durance. Expect not from me a reason why such Saints are Patrons to such Professions, supersti∣tious fancy being all the Authour thereof. Otherwise were Judgment consulted with, Luke should be Tutelar to Physicians as his proper calling, though perchance he entertained Painting also as a quality for delight and accomplishment.

14. Now most Miracles may be called Conventual, Monks being more dexte∣rous thereat than Secular Priests, because their Covents afforded greatest con∣veniency of contrivance, with more heads and hands to plot and practice there∣in. And this may be conceived one main cause, which justly incensed Divine jea∣lousie against them, and in due time advanced the destruction of Monasteries, because fathering the issue of earth or Hell to be the off-spring of Heaven, intitu∣ling their monstrous delusions to be miraculous operations.

Of false Miracles, many broods whereof were hatched in Monasteries.

SUch false Miracles are reducible to two Ranks:

• 1. Reported, but never done.
• 2. Done, but not true Miracles, as either the Product of Nature, Art, or Sa∣tanicall Machination.

2. Of the former, whose being is onely in report, were many thousands, whose Scene, for the better countenancing thereof, is commonly laid at distance both of Time and Place. These, like the stuffe called Stand-farre-off, must not have the beholder too near, lest the coursnesse thereof doth appeare. Thus any redish liquor (especially if neer the eyes of the Image of a Saint) is reported blood, any whitish moisture, (especially if near the breast of the Image of a she-Saint) is re∣lated to be milk. Though both of them neither more nor lesse true, than what Williama of Nuborough writes of the place neer Battail-Abbey in Sussex, where the fight was fought between the Normans and English, that on every showre fresh blood springeth out of the earth, as crying to God for vengeance; being nothing else than a naturall tincture of the earth, which doth dye the rain red, as in Rut∣land, and in other places.

3. Of pretended Miracles which are really done, let precedency be allowed to those which proceed from Naturall causes, and here we will instance in one out of many thousands. St. Nuns Pool in Cornwell, was formerly famous for curing Mad folk, and this the manner thereof:

4. The Water running from St. Nuns Well,b fell into a square and close wal∣led Plot, which might be filled to what depth they listed. Upon the Wall was the Frantick person set, his back being towards the Pool, and from thence with a suddain blow on the breast tumbled head-long into the Pond: where a strong fellow (provided for the nonce) took him and tossed him up and down along and athwart the water, untill the Patient forgoing his strength had somewhat forgot his fury. Then was he conveyed to the Church, and certain Masses said over him, and St. Nun had the thanks of his recovery. Amidst all this Water there was not one drop of Miracle, but meer naturall causes artificially managed, and that not curing the frensie, but abating the Fit for the present.

5. But other seeming Miracles, done by Nature and the concurrence of Art, were spun with a finer thread, especially when they made advantage of occult qualities, the certain reason whereof no Philosopher can render. Such casualties happen in some times and places, which properly are not Miracles, though they puzell all men to assign the cause whereby they are effected. One of which kinde I here transmit to posterity, invested with all the circumstances thereof, which I have carefully (not to say curiously) inquired into.

6. In the year of our lord 1646, on the 16 of February, this hapned in the Parish Church S. Leonard's Eastcheap, whilst Mr. Henry Roughborough was Mi∣nister, and Mr. John Taylor upper Church Warden thereof. Thomas Hill the Sexton of that Parish, making a Grave in the Night-time for George Streaton in the South-side in the passage into the Chancell, and under the first Stone opened a Grave wherein he found two Skulls, and (as he conceived) the proportion∣able Bones of Bodies belonging unto them; under all these, he light on a Corps, whose Coffin above was consumed, but the Body, which he brought out of the Grave, compleat and intire, save that the Nose thereof flatted with his Spade, as the Sexton believed: The Flesh thereof, both for Colour and Hardnesse like Scalded Bacon dried: His Hair and Nails compleat with his Eyes, (but sunk in∣to his Head) and all his Enerails entire (for a young Chirurgeon did open him) save that shrunk very much within his Body.

7. Some said it was the Corps of Mr. Pountney in Soper-lane, a Merchant, bu∣ried Thirty four years before; others, of one Paul, a wealthy Butcher in East cheap, (which was averred both by his principal Apprentice, as also by William Haile the old surviving Sexton) interred Four and twenty years agoe. I read a Memoriall hereof entred in their Parish Register, and thousands of people are a∣live to attest the truth thereof. Had this hapned in the time of Popery, what a Stock had here been to graft a Miracle on, the branches of the fame whereof would have spread all over Christendome.

8. Such false Miracles succeed which are effected by Art alone, whereof several kindes, first such as are done by confederacy, wherein if but five complete together, they may easily deceive five thousand. Thus the holy Maid of Kent was admired for telling mens secret sins, by keeping correspondency with the Friers that for∣merly had heard their confessions: others, done by Leger-de-maine. Thus there was a Rode at Boxly in Kent made with devices to move the eyes and lips, (but not to see and speak) which in the year 1538,c was publickly shewed at S. Paul's by the Preacher (then Bishop of Rochester) and there broken in pieces, the people laughing at that which they adored but an hour before. Such imposture was also used at Hailes-Abbey in Glocester shire, where the blood of a Duck (for such at ap∣peared at the dissolving of the House) was so cunningly conveyed, that it strange∣ly spirted or sprang up, to the great amazement of common people, accounting it the blood of our Saviour.

9. Thirdly, strange things are done by Ventriloqui, which is a mysterious manner of uttering words, not out of the porch of the mouth & entry of the throat (the common places of speech) but out of the inward-room or rather arched-cel∣lar of the belly, yet so that the hollowness thereof seemingly sixeth the sound at a distance, which (no doubt) hath been mistook for the voice of Images.

10. Lastly, such as are done by the power of Satan, who hath a high Title and large Territory, as termed Prince ofd the power of the aire. Now the aire being Satan's shop, he hath therein many tools to work with, and much matter to work on. It is the Magazine of Meteors, Lightning, Thunder, Snow, Hail, Winde, Rain, Comets, &c. wherewith many wonders may be atchieved, and it is obser∣vable that Aire is required to those two Senses sight and hearing which usher in most outward objects into the soul. False lights are of great advantage to such as vent bad wares: Satan's power must needs be great in presenting shewes and sounds, who can order the aire, and make it dark or light, or thick or thin, at pleasure.

11. We will conclude with one particular kinde of Miracles, wherein Monks by the Devil's help did drive a great trade: namely, Predictions, or pretended Prophecies. Of these some were Post-nate cunningly made after the thing came to passe, and that made the Invention of Prometheus, which was the act of Epeme∣theus. Others were languaged in such doubtfull Expressions, that they bare a double sense, and commonly came to passe contrary to the ordinary acceptance of them. However, hereby Satan saved his credit (who loves to tell lies, but loaths

to be taken in them) and we will onely instance in two or three, which we may write and hear with the more patience, because the last in this kinde, which at the dissolution of Abbeys, brought up the rest of Monasticall Prophecies.

12. There was in Wales a great and Loobily Image, called DARVELL GA∣THERNE, of which an old Prophecie went, That it should burn a Forrest, and on that account was beheld by the Ignorant with much Veneration. Now at the dissolution of Abbeys it was brought up to London, and burnt at the Gallows in Smithfield, with Fryer Forrest, executed for a Traytor.

13. A Prophecie was current in the Abbey of Glassenborough, That a Whiting should swim on the top of the Torr thereof, (which is a steep hill hard by, and the credulous Countrey▪ people understood it of an eruption of the Sea, which they suspected accordingly. It happened that Abbot Whiting (the last of Glassenbury) was hanged thereon for his Recusancy to Surrender the Abbey, and denying the King's Supremacy, so swimming in aire and not water, and waved with the winde in the place.

14. We will close all with the Propheticall Mottoes (at leastwise as men since have expounded them) of the three last successive Abbots of Glocester, because much of modesty, and something of piety contained therein.

• 1. Abbot Boulers, Memento, memento, that is, (as some will have it) Remember, remember this Abbey must be dissolved.
• 2. Abbot Sebruck, Fiat voluntas Domini, that is, if it must be dissolved, the will of the Lord be done.
• 3. Abbot Mauborn, Mersos reat•• suscita, Raise up those which are drowned in guiltiness.

Which some say was accomplished, when this Abbey found that favour from King Henry the eighth, to be raised into a Bishoprick. But, I like the Text better than the Coment, and there is more humility in their Mottoes, than solidity in the Interpretations.

That many precious Books were embezeled at the dissolution of Abbeys, to the irreparable losse of learning.

THe English Monks were bookish of themselves, and much inclined to hoord up monuments of learning. Britain, (we know) is styled Another world, and in this contradistinction (though incomparably lesse in quan∣tity) acquits it self well in proportion of famous Writers, producing almost as many Classical School-men for her Natives, as all Europe besides. Other ex∣cellent Books of forraign Authors were brought hither, purchased at dear rates; if we consider that the Presse (which now runs so incredibly fast) was in that Age in her infancie, newly able to goe alone, there being then few Printed Books, in comparison of the many Manuscripts. These, if carefully collected and metho∣dically compiled, would have amounted to a Librarie, exceeding that of Ptolo∣mie's, for plenty; or many Vaticans, for choicenesse, and rarity. Yea, had they been transported beyond the seas, sent over, and sold entire to such who knew their value, and would preserve them, England's losse had been Europe's gain, and the detriment the lesse to Learning in generall. Yea, many years after the English might have repurchased for pounds, what their Grand-fathers sold for fewer pence into forraign parts.

2. But alas! those Abbeys were now sold to such Chap-men, in whom it was questionable, whether their ignorance, or avarice were greater, and they made havock, and destruction of all. As Broakers in Long-lane, when they buy an old suit, buy the lineings together with the out-side: so it was conceived meet, that such as purchased the buildings of Monasteries, should in the same grant

have the Libraries (the stuffing thereof) conveyed unto them. And now these ignorant owners, so long as they might keep a Lieger-book, or Terrier, by directi∣on thereof to finde such stragling acres as belonged unto them, they cared not to preserve any other Monuments. The covers of books, with curious brasse bosses, and claspes, intended to protect, proved to betray them, being the baits of cove∣tousness. And so, many excellent Authors, stripp'd out of their cases, were left naked, to be burnt, or thrown away. Thus Esop's cock, casually lighting on a pearl, preferr'd a grain before it; yet he left it as he found it; and, as he reaped no profit by the pearl, it received no damage by him. Whereas these cruell Cormorants, with their barbarous beaks, and greedy claws, rent, tore, and tat∣ter'd these inestimable pieces of Antiquity. Who would think, that the Fathers should be condemn'd to such servile employment, as to be Scavengers, to make clean the foulest sink in mens bodies? Yea, which is worse, many an antient ma∣nuscript Bible cut in pieces, to cover filthy Pamphlets: so that a case of Dia∣mond hath been made to keep dirt within it; yea, the Wisemen of Gotham, bound up in the Wisdome of Solomon.

3. But hear how John Bale, a man sufficiently averse from the least shadow of Popery, hating all Monkery with a perfect hatred, complained hereof to King Edward the sixt.a Covetousnesse was at that time so busie about private commodity, that publick Wealth in that most necessary, and of respect, was not any where regarded. A number of them, which purchased those superstitious mansions, reserved of those Library-books, some to serve their jakes, some to scour their candlesticks, and some to rub their boots; some they sold to the Grocers, and Sope sellers, and some they sent over sea to the Book binders, not in small number, but at times whole ships full. Yea, the Universities of this Realme are not all clear in this detestable fact. But cursed is that belly, which seeketh to be fed with so ungodly gains, and so deeply shameth his na∣turall Countrey. I know a Merchant-man (which shall at this time be namelesse) that bought the contents of two noble Libraries for fourty shillings price, a shame it is to be spoken. This stuffe hath he occupied instead af gray paper, by the space of more than these ten years, and yet he hath store enough for as many years to come. A prodigious example is this, and to be abhorred of all men, which love their Nations, as they should doe. Yea, what may bring our Realm to more shame, and rebuke, than to have it noised abroad, that we are despisers of learning? I judge this to be true, and utter it with heavinesse, that neither the Britains, under the Romans, and Saxons; nor yet the English people under the Danes, and Normans, had ever such damage of their learned monuments, as we have seen in our time. Our posterity may well curse this wicked fact of our Age, this unreasonable spoil of Englands most noble anti∣quities.

4. What soul can be so frozen, as not to melt into anger hereat? What heart, having the least spark of ingenuiry, is not hot at this indignity offered to litera∣ture? I deny not, but that in this heap of Books there was much rubbish. Legi∣ons of lying Legends, good for nothing but fewell, whose keeping would have caused the losse of much pretious time, in reading them. I confesse also, there were many volumes full fraught with superstition, which notwithstanding might be usefull to learned men; except any will deny Apothecaries the priviledge of keeping poison in their shops, when they can make antidotes of them. But be sides these, what beautifull Bibles? rare Fathers? subtile School-men? usefull Historians, antient, middle, modern? what painfull Comments were here a∣mongst them? what monuments of Mathematicks? all massacred together; seeing every book with a crosse was condemned for Popish; with circles, for con∣juring. Yea, I may say, that then holy Divinity was prophaned; Physick it self, hurt; and a trespasse, yea, a riot committed on the Law it self. And, more par∣ticularly, the History of former times, then, and there received a dangerous wound, whereof it halts at this day; and without hope of a perfect cure, must go a cripple to the grave.

5. Some would perswade us, that in all this there was a smack, or tast of Ana∣baptistical fury, which about this time began in Germany, where they destroyed the stately Libraries of Munster, and Osnabrude. Indeed, as the wicked tenants in the Gospel, thought themselves not safe in▪ and sure of the vineyard, till they had killed the heire, that so the inheritance might be their own; so the Ana∣baptists conceived themselves not in quiet possession of their Anarchie, and suf∣ficiently established therein, whilst any learning did survive (which in processe of time might recover its right against them) and therefore they bent their brains to the final extirpation thereof. But I am more charitably inclined to conceive, that simple ignorance, not fretted & embossed with malice, or affected hatred to learn∣ing, caused that desolation of Libraries in England: though perchance some there were, who conceived these books, as thec garment spotted with sin, had contracted such a guilt, being so long in the possession of superstitious-owners, that they de∣served as an anathema, to be consigned to a perpetual destruction.

6. Some will say, that herein I discover an hankering after the onions, and flesh-pots of Egypt, and that the bemoaning the losse of these monuments, is no better than Lot's wives looking back, with a farewell-glance to the filthy City of Sodome. To such, I protest my self not to have the least inclination to the favour of Monkery. But enough. For, I know, some back-friends of learning there be, that take it ill, that we have jogg'd them in this discourse, and therefore we will let them alone to be setled quietly on the lees of their own ignorance, praying to God, that never good Librarie may lie at the mercy of their disposal; lest ha∣ving the same advantage, they play the like prank, to the prejudice of Learning and Religion.

Many good bargains, or rather, cheap penny-worths, bought of Abbey-lands.

IF ever the Poets fiction of a golden shoure rained into Danae her lap, found a morall or reall performance, it was now, at the diffipation of Abbey-lands. And, though we will not give hearing, or belief in full latitude of his slande∣rous pen, that reports, how King Henry (when antient and diseased, cholerick and curious in trifles) was wont to rewards such asd ordered His skrine, or chaire, in a convenient distance from the fire, so as to please Him, with the Church of some Abbey, or lead of some Church. Yet it is certain, that in this Age, small merits of Courtiers met with a prodigious recompense for their service. Not onely all the cooks, but the meanest turn-broach in the King's kitchin, did lick his fingers. Yea, the King's servants, to the third and fourth degree, tasted of His liberality, it being but proportionable, that where the Master got the Manour in fee, his man under him should obtain some long Lease of a Farme of considerable value.

2. Indeed K. Henry (besides His own disposition to munificence) was doubly concerned to be bountifull herein. First, in honour; for, seeing the Parliament with one breath had blown so much profit unto Him, and had with their suffrage conferr'd the harvest of Abbey-lands on the Crown; it was fitting that some (espe∣cially the principal Advancers of the business) should, withe Ruth, glean amongst the sheaves. Secondly, in policie; to make many, and great men, effectually sen∣sible of the profit of this dissolution, and so ingaged to defend it. Wherefore, as He took the greater flowers to garnish His own Crown: so He bestowed the lesse buds to beautifie His Noble-mens Coronets. But, besides these, He passed Abbey lands in a fourfold nature to persons of meaner quality.

3. First, by free Gift. Herein take one story of many. Master John Champernoun, Sonne and Heire apparent of Sir Philip Champernoun, of Mod∣bery in Devon, followed the Court, and by his pleasant conceits wan good grace with the King. It hapned, two or three Gentlemen, the King's servants,

and Mr. Champernoun's acquaintance, waited at a door where the King was to passe forth, with purpose to beg of His Highnesse a large parcell of Abbey-lands, specified in their Petition. Champernoun was very inquisitive to know their suit, but they would not impart the nature thereof. This while our comes the King; they kneel down, so doth Mr. Champernoun (being assured by an implicit faith, that Courtiers would beg nothing hurtfull to themselves) they preferre their Petiti∣on; the King grants it; they render Him humble thanks, and so doth Mr. Cham∣pernoun. Afterwards he requires his share, they deny it; he appeals to the King, the King avows His equall meaning in the Largesse. Whereupon, his companions were fain to allot this Gentleman the Priorie of S. German in Cornwall (valued at g two hundred fourty three pound and eight shillings of yearly rent; since, by him, or his heirs, sold to Mr. Eliot) for his partage. Here a dumb beggar met with a blinde giver, the one as little knowing what he asked, as the other what He granted. Thus King Henry made cursorie Charters, and in transitu transacted Abbey-lands. I could adde, how He gave a Religious house of some value, to Mistresse for presenting Him with a dish of Puddings, which pleased His palate.

4. Secondly, by Play. Whereat He lost many a thousand pound per annum. Once being at dice, He played with Sir Miles Patridge, (staking an hundred pounds against them) forh Jesus Bells, hanging in a Steeple not farre from S. Paul's in London, and as great, and tuneable as any in the City, and lost them at a cast. I will not (with some) heighten the guilt of this act, equal to that which cast lots on Christ's garments; but sure it is no sin to say that such things deserv'd more serious and deliberate disposall.

5. Thirdly, by Exchange. To make these chops, none were frighted with the Kings power, but flattered into them, by the apprehension of their own profit. For, many lands of subjects, either naturally bald, or newly shaven of their woods, were commu••ed for Granges of Abbeys, which like Satyres, or Salvages, were all over grown with trees and timber: besides other disadvantages, both for quantity and quality of ground, as enhaunced for old rent. Oh! here was the Royall Ex∣change.

6. Lastly, by sale at under-rates. Indeed, it is beneath a Prince (enough to break His state, to stoop to each Virgate and rod of ground) Pedlar-like to higgle for a toy by retail, and all Tenants, and Chapmen, which contract with Kings, expect good bargains; yet Officers entrusted to manage the revenue of the Crown, ought not to behold it abused out of all distance, in such under-valuati∣ons. Except any will say, He is not deceived who would be deceived, and King Henry (for the reason aforesaid) connived at such bargains; wherein rich Meadow was sold for barren Heath, great Oaks for Fewell, and Farms for reve∣nue passed for Cottages in reputation. But for farther instruction, we remit the Reader to that informationi presented to Queen Elizabeth by a man in authority (though namelesse) of the severall frauds and deceipts offered the Crown in this kinde. But the motion rather drew odium on the Authour, than brought advan∣tage to the Crown: partly, because of the number, and quality of persons con∣cerned therein; and partly, because (after thirty years) the owners of Abbeys were often altered. And, though the chamber be the same, yet if the guests be a new company, it is hard for the host from them to recover his old arrearages. Yea, by this time (when the foresaid information was given in) the present pos∣sessors of much Abbey-land were as little allied to those, to whom King Henry granted them, as they, to whom the King first passed them, were of kin to the first Founders of those Monasteries.

Of the actions of policie, pietie, charitie, and justice, done by King Henry the eighth, out of the revenues of dissolved Abbeys.

WE would not willingly be accounted like those called the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 amongst the Jewes, whose office it was, onely to take notice of the blots or blemishes, the defects and deformities in sacrifices. We would not weed King Henry's actions in His dissolving of Abbeys, so as onely to mark the miscarriages, and misdemeanous therein. Come we to consider, what commendable deeds this King did raise on the ruines of Monasteries.

2. First, He politickly increased the revenues of the Crown, and Dutchie of Lancaster (on which He bestowed the rich Abbey of Fourness in that County) with annexing much land thereto, and erecting the Court of Augmentations (whereof largely hereafter) for the more methodicall managing thereof; though (alas!) what the Crown possessed of Abbey-land, was nothing to what He passed away. Surely, had the revenues of Monasteries been entirely kept, and paid into the Exchequer, there to make an Aerarium sacrum, or Publick treasurie, it is que∣stionable, whether the same had been more for the ease of the Subject, or use and honour of the Soveraigne.

3. Secondly, He piously founded five Bishopricks de novo (besides one at West-minster which continued not) where none had been before. For, though antient∣ly there had been a Bishops Seat at Chester for a short time, yet it was then no better than the Summer-house of the Bishop of Lichfield (onely during the life of one Peter living there) which now was solemnly made a Bishoprick for succes∣sion, and four others, namely,

Bishops See.	Diocesse assigned it.	Taken from the Bishoprick of
1. Oxford. 2. Bristoll. 3. Peterborough. 4. Gloucester. 5. Chester.	1. Oxford shire. 2. Dorset, and some part of Gloucester shire. 3. Northampton shire, and Rutland. 4. Gloucester-shire, the rest. 5. Chester, Lancaster, and Richmond shire.	1. Lincolne. 2. Sarisbury. 3. Lincolne. 4. Worcester. 5. Lichfield, and York.

Such who are Prelatically perswaded, must acknowledge these new foundations of the King's, for a worthy work. Those also of contrary judgment, will thus farre forth approve His act, because had He otherwise expended these Abbey-lands, and not continued them to our times in these new Bishopricks, they had not been in being, by their late sale, to supply the Common-wealth.

4. Thirdly, where He found a Prior and Monks belonging to any antient Ca∣thedral-Church, there He converted the same into a Dean and Prebendaries; as in

• 1. Canterbury.
• 2. Winchester.
• 3. Elie.
• 4. Norwich.
• 5. Worcester.
• 6. Rochester.
• 7. Duresme.
• 8. Carlile.

I dare not say, that He entirely assigned (though a gooda Authour affirmeth it) all, or the most part of those Priorie-lands, to these His new foundations. How∣ever the expression of a lateb Bishop of Norwich, is complained of, as uncivil, and untrue, that King Henry took away the sheep from that Cathedral, and did not restore so much as the trotters unto it.

5. Fourthly, He charitably founded many Grammar-schools (great need whereof in that Age in this Land) as in Canterbury, Coventry, Worcester, &c. al∣lowing

liberall salaries to the Masters and Ushers therein, had they been carefully preserved. But sometimes the gifts of a bountifull Master shrink in the passage thorough the hands of a covetous Steward.

6. Fiftly, He charitably bestowed Gray Friers (now commonly called Christ-Church) and the Hospital of S. Bartholomew in London, on that City, for the relief of the poor thereof. For the death of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolke, His beloved Brother-in-Law, happ'ning the July before, so impressed King Hen∣ry with a serious apprehension of His own mortality (such the sympathy of tem∣pers, intimacie of converse, and no great disparity of age betwixt them) that He thought it high time to bethink Himself of His end, and to doe some good work in order thereunto. Hereupon on the 13 of January following, Annoc 1546. He bestowed the said Hospitals on the City; a gift afterwards confirmed, and enlarged by King Edward the sixt.

7. Sixtly, He built and endowed the magnificent Colledge of Trinity, finish∣ed Kings-Colledge Chappell-in Cambridge, and founded Professours places for Languages, Physick, Law, and Divinity, in both Universities; as in the proper place thereof shall hereafter largely appear.

8. Seventhly, He employed John Leland, a most learned Antiquary, to per∣ambulate, and visit the ruines of all Abbeys, and record the Memorables therein. It seems, though the buildings were destroyed, King Henry would have the buil∣ders preserved, and their memories transmitted to posterity. This task Leland performed with great pains, to his great praise, on the King's purse, who exhibi∣ted most bountifully unto him, as himself confesseth in these his Latine verses:

Antè suos Phoebus radios ostendere mundo Desinet, & claras Cynthia pulchra faces: Ante fluet rapidum tacitis sine piscibus aequor, Spinifer & nullam sentis habebit avem: Antè sacrae quercus cessabunt spargere ramos, Florá{que} sollicitâ pingere prata manu: Quàm, Rex dive, tuum labatur pectore nostro Nomen, quod studiis, portus, & aura, meis.

The Sun shall sooner cease his shine to show, And Moon deny her lamp to men below; The rapid seas shall sooner fishless slide, And bushes quite forget their birds to hide; Great okes shall sooner cease to spread their bowers, And Flora for to paint the meads with flowers, Than Thou, Great King, shalt slip out of my breast, My studies gentle gale, and quiet rest.

Pity is is, that Leland's worthy Collections were never made publick in print; and some, justly to be praised for care in preserving, may as justly be taxed for envy in ingrossing such monuments of Antiquity. But let us a little trace Le∣land's Itineraries, after he in writing had finished the same. First, his Collections came into the hand of Sir John Cheek, School-master, then Secretary to King Edward the sixt, leaving the same to Henry Cheek, his eldest son, Secretary to the

Counsell in the North. Here our great Antiquary, who afterwards described Britain, got a sight, and made a good use thereof, it being most true, Si Lelan∣dus non laborâsset, Camdenus non triumphâsset. From Mr. Cheek (by what trans∣actions I know not) four of Leland's Works came into the possession of William Burton, as he confesseth in his Description ofd Leicester-shire, and by him were bestowed on the Publick Library at Oxford, where the Original ••emaineth, and scarce so many Copies of them as properly may be called some, are at this day in private mens possessions.

9. This Leland, after the death of King Henry the eighth, his bountifull Pa∣tron, fell distracted, and so died; uncertain, whether his braines were broken with weight of worke, or want of wages, the latter more likely; because after the death of King Henry, his endevours met not with proportionable encourage∣ment. By the way, we may sadly observe, that two of the best Scholars in this King's Reign (loved, and preferred by Him) died both mad, and bereft of their wits; Richard Pacie, Dean of S. Paul's, and this Leland. Which I mark not our of ill will to the dead, to lessen their memory amongst men; but of good will to the living, to greaten their gratitude to God. Especially to Scholars, that God may preserve them in a sounde minde, both in the Apostles high sense, and in the common acception thereof. The rather, because the finer the string, the sooner, if overstrained, is it broken.

10. He maintained many learned youths on great cost and charges, in all for∣raigne Courts, and Countreys. For, this was the fashion in His Reign, to select yearly one, or moe, of the most promising pregnancies our of both Universities, and to breed them beyond the seas on the King's exhibitions unto them. Sir Tho∣mas f Smith, bred in Queens-Colledge in Cambridge, and afterward principal Secre∣tary to Queen Elizabeth, was one of the last, educated in this manner. These young men proved afterwards the pick-locks of the Cabinet-Counsels of for∣raigne Princes, no King having better intelligence, than King Henry, from be∣yond the seas.

11. Lastly, He justly paid a great yearly summe of money to many Monks, and Nuns, during their lives: the manner and condition of which Pensions we will now at large relate.

Of the many and large Pensions constantly paid by King Henry, to Monks and Nuns, during their lives.

1. IT was in those daies conceived highly injurious, to thrust Monks and Nuns out of house and home, without assigning them any allowance for their sub∣sistence. Alas! many of them dig they could not, and, to beg they were ashamed. Their fingers were, either too stiffe (by reason of their old age) to begin now to bow to a manual trade; or hands too soft (because of their tender breeding) to take pain in a laborious vocation. And, although there wanted not some to perswade the King, to out them without any maintenance (it being but just they should practice reall, who had professed seeming poverty) yet the King, better natur'd herein than some Courtiers, allowed, and duly paid, to some large, to most competent, to all certain annuities.

2. Indeed, there cannot be an higher piece of unjustice, than for a King, or State, publickly to promise pensions to necessitous persons, and never perform the same; so that poor people shall have some hundreds in common report, and not one peny in reall and effectuall payment. For, first, the grant raiseth and erecteth the spirits of such Pensioners for the present, which soon after (tyranny so to torture them) sink, and settle down on the non-performance thereof. Se∣condly, such expectations often make people proportion their present expences,

according to those their hopes, to their great damage and detriment, yea, some∣times to their utter undoing. Thirdly, such noise of pensions granted, takes off from them the charity of their kinred and friends, as needlesse to persons presu∣med able to subsist of themselves. Not to speak, how much it lessens the reputa∣tion of a State, rendring them justly censurable, either of indiscretion in granting pensions where not deserved, or injustice in not paying them when granted.

3. Yet all persons were not promiscuously capable of the King's pensions, but onely those who were qualified accordingly. Namely, first, such as at the dis∣solution of their Abbeys, were not preferred to any other dignity, or Benefice. By the way, this was a temptation to the King, and Chancellor, oft-times to pre∣ferre mean men (which formerly had been Monks, and Friers) to no mean Li∣vings, because (beside the generall want of able Ministers) such Incumbents being so provided for, their pensions ceased, and the Exchequer was disburdened from future paving them any exhibition.

4. These pensions of the King were confirmed to the Monks and Nuns by his Letters Patents under the Broad Seal, and Registred in the Court of Augmenta∣tions: One Copie whereof we here insert, having seen some hundreds of them, all the same in essentialls, not conceiving it impertinent to translate the same, de∣siring the Lawyers not to laugh at us if we misse the Legall terms, whilst we hit the true meaning thereof:

HENRICUS Octavus, Dei gratia Angliae et Fran∣ciae Rex fidei defensor Dominus Hiberniae & in terra supremum caput Anglicanae Ecclesiae. Om∣nibus ad quos praesentes litterae pervenerint Salutem. Cum nu∣per Monasterium de Carthus de Hinton in Com nostro Somer. jam dissolvatur, unde quidam Ed∣mundus Horde tempore dissolu∣tionis illi{us} et diu antea Prior inde fuit; Nos volentes rationabilem annualem pensionem sive promo∣tionem condignam eidem Ed∣mundo ad victum exhibitionem & sustentationem suam melius sustinendum provideri. Sciatis igitur quod nos in consideratione praemissorū de gratia nostra spe∣ciali ac ex certa scientia & meros motu nostris per advisamentum & consensum Cancellarit & con∣silii Curiae Augmentationum re∣ventionum Coronae nostrae, dedi∣mus & concessimus, ac per prae∣sentes damus & concedimus ei∣dem Edmundo quandam annui∣tatem sive annualem pensionem quadragint' quatuor librar' ster∣lingorum, babend, gaudendum & annuatim percipiendum eas∣dem quadraginta quatuor libras praefato Edmundo & assignatis suis à festo Annuntiationis beatae

Mariae virginis ultimo praeterito ad terminum & pro termino vitae ipsius Edmundi vel quos{que} idem Edmun∣dus ad unum vel plura Beneficia Ec∣clesiastica, sive aliam promotionem condignam clari annui valoris qua∣dragint' quatuor librarum aut ultra per nos promotus fuerit, tam per ma∣nus Thesaurarii reventionum aug∣mentationum Coronae nostrae pro tem∣pore existentis de Thesauro nostro in manibus suis de reventionibus prae∣dictis remanere contingen' quam per manus receptor. exituum & reven∣tionum dicti nuper Monasterii pro tempore existen' de eisdem exitibus & reventionbus ad festum Sancti Michaëlis Archangeli, & Anun∣tiationis beatae Mariae virginis, per aequales portiones. Et ulterius de uberiori gratia nostra, Dedimus & pro consideratione praedicta per prae∣sentes concedimus praefato Edmundo Horde undecim libras sterlingorum habend, eidem Edmundo ex dono nostro per manus Thesaurarii prae∣dicti de Thesauro praedicto vel per manus dicti Receptoris de exitibus & reventionibus maneriorum terra∣rum & tenementorum dicti nuper Monasterii solvend'. Eo quod ex∣pressa mentio de vero valore an∣nuo, Aut de certitudine praemisso∣rum, sive eorum alicujus aut de aliis donis sive concessionibus per nos prae∣fato Edmundo ante haec tempora fact' in praesentibus minime fact' existit, aut aliquo statuto actu ordina∣tione provisione, sive restrictione in contrarium inde habit', fact', ordi∣nat' seu provis', aut aliqua alia re causa, vel materia quacunque in ali∣quo non obstante. In cujus rei testimo∣nium has Literas nostras fieri feci∣mus patentes. Tesse Ricardo Riche Milite apud Westmonasterium vi∣cesimo septimo die Aprilis, anno Re∣gni nostri tricesimo primo.

Duke Per Cancellarium & concilium Curiae Augmentationum Re∣ventionum Coronae Regiae virtute warranti Regii.

HENRY the Eighth, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, Defender of the Faith, Lord of Ireland, and supreme Head of the English Church on earth. To all to whom Our present Letters shall come Greeting. Whereas the Monastery of the Carthusions of Hinton in Our Coun∣ty of Somerset is now lately dissol∣ved, whereof Edmond Horde was Pri∣or at the time of the dissolution there∣of, and long before; We are willing that a reasonable Pension annuall, or sutable promotion should be provided for the said Edmond, the better to maintain and sustaine him in diet and maintenance. Know therefore, that Wee, in consideration of the premi∣ses, out of Our speciall Grace and fa∣vour, certaine knowledge, and Our meere motion, by the advice and con∣sent of the Chancellour, and Coun∣sell of the Court of Augmentations of the Revenues of Our Crown, Have given and granted, and by these pre∣sents doe give and grant to the same Edmond an annuity or yearly Pensi∣on on of forty four pounds sterling: that the said forty foure pounds may bee had, enjoyed, or yearly received by the aforesaid Edmond, and his As∣signes, from the Feast of the Annun∣tiation of the blessed Virgin Mary last past to the term and for the term of the life of the said Edmond, or un∣till

the said Edmond shall be pre∣ferred by Us to one or more Eccle∣stasticall Benefices or other sutable Promotion of the cleer yearly va∣lue of forty foure pounds or up∣wards, as well by the hands of the Treasurer of the Augmentations of the Revenues of Our Crown for the time being, out of Our trea∣sure, which shall chance to remain in his hands, of the Revenues afore∣said; as from the Receiver of the profits and revenues of the said late Monastery for the time being, out of the said profits and Reve∣nues at the feast of Saint Michael the Arch-angel, and the Anuntia∣tion of the blessed Virgin Mary, by equall portions. And further∣more of Our more plentiful Grace, We have given, and for the consi∣deration aforesaid by these presents doe grant to the aforesaid Edmond Horde eleven pounds sterling, that the said Edmond may have it from Our gift by the hands of Our foresaid Treasurer of Our foresaid Treasure, or by the hands of Our foresaid Receiver to be paid out of the profits and Revenues of the Manours, Lands, and Tenements of the said late Monastery.

any Statute, Act, Ordi∣nance, promission, or restriction to the contrary, had, made, ordained, or provided, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever in any wise notwithstanding. In testimo∣ny whereof We have made these Our Letters Patents, witnesse Ri∣chard Rich Knight, at Westminster, the twenty seventh day of April, in the one and thirtieth of Our Reign.

Duke By the Chancellor and Coun∣cell of the Court of Aug∣mentations of the Revenues of the Crown by virtue of the King's Warrant.

See we here the payment to this Prior consisted of two Summes of several na∣tures or conditions: Namely,

• 1. The forty four pounds being properly the Pension paid yearly unto him.
• 2. The additionall eleven pounds, granted with an ulterius, paid but once as advance-money, to fit him with necessaries at his departure out of the Covent.

This is observable in all the Patents I have seen, That constantly the King's gratuity for their vale (some small fractions excepted) bears the proportion of a fourth part of their yearly Pension.

5. Suppose then this our Prior preferred to a Church Dignity, or Living, a∣mounting very neer, but not to the full value of forty four pounds yearly, this did not avoid his Pension; but that he might hold it and his Living together. Wherefore, as it was the desire and endevour of every Monk so advanced, to beat down the value of his Church-Living as low as might be (thereby to render him∣self capable of it and his Pension) so was it the proper work of the King's Officers in the Augmentation Court truly to state the valuation of the Livings of such Pensioners, that the Crown might not be defrauded. Where, by the way, I con∣ceive Livings were estimated not according to the favourable rates in the King's Book (where few of forty four pounds per annum) but according to the ordinary value as they were worth to be let and set in that Age.

6. Here faine would I be satisfied from some Learned in the Lawes, That whereas provision is made in this Patent for the Prior to enjoy his Pension untill per nos by the King's self, or His under-Officers, he was preferred to promotion of equall value, whether or no this Pension determined, if not the King, but some inferior Patron provided such preferment for him. Seeing in a generall sense all may be said, presented by the King, as Patron Paramount of the Church of England, who by virtue of His Law have institution and induction into any Ec∣clesiasticall promotion.

7. That effectuall passage is inserted in all Patents of Abbots, Priors, and Monks, that they were in the Covent Diu antea, Long before the Dissolution thereof. Otherwise many young folk who lately came in, even barely went out, without any Pensions. Such Novices and Probationers, whose Coules came but yesterday out of the Drapers shop, having youth and strength to provide for themselves, were left to the choice of their own calling, without any other an∣nuity allowed them.

8. Their Pensions, though seeming but small, being many in number, made a deep hole in the King's revenue, insomuch that He received from some Houses but small profits de claro until the said Pensions were extinguished: As will ap∣pear (guesse Hercules from his Foot) by comparing the Profits arising from, with the Pensions allotted to the Monks in the aforesaid Priory of Hinton in Somerset∣shire.

Edmond Hord Prior, his Pension 44 li. his Gratuity 11 li.

Monks.	Pensions.	Gratuitie.	Monks.	Pensions.	Pensions.	Grat.
	li.	s.	d.	li.	s.	d.		li.	s.	d.	li.	s.	d.
Thomas Fletcher	6	13	4	1	13	4	William Reynold	6	13	8	1	13	4
William Burford	6	13	4	1	13	3	Robert Savage	6	13	4	1	13	4
Hugh Layco••ke	8	00	0	2	00	0	Will: Robinson	2	00	0	0	10	0
Robert Frye	6	13	4	1	13	4	Jo: Chamberlaine	6	13	4	1	13	4
Jo: Bachcroft	8	00	0	2	00	0	William Coke	6	13	4	1	13	4
Robert Russell	2	00	0	0	10	0	James Marble	6	13	4	1	13	4
Robert Lightfoot	2	00	0	0	10	0	Roger Legge	2	00	0	0	10	0
Robert Nolinge	6	13	4	1	13	4	Hen: Bourman	6	13	4	1	13	4
Henry Gurney	6	13	4	1	13	4	John Calert	2	00	0	0	10	0
Thomas Hellyer	6	13	4	1	13	4	Robert Stamerdon	6	13	4	1	13	4
Nicholas Baland	6	13	4	1	13	4
	li.	s.	d.		li.	s.	d.
The total sum of yearly Pensions	163	6	8	The total sum of Grat.	40	16	9

Now whereas the Priory of Hinton, at the dissolution thereof, was valued at no more than two hundred sixty two pounds twelve shillings; if the aforesaid summe of yearly Pensions be thence deducted, the clear remainder to the King was but ninety nine pounds five shillings four pence. But the Crown had a double advan∣tage: One, that Priory-Lands were lasting, whilst Pensions expired with Monks lives: and the other, that the pensions were but bare Penny-Rent, whilst Abbey∣Lands were lowly rated farre beneath their true valuation.

9. Now because our hand is in, and I for the present can make use of an Au∣thentick Manuscript (once Henry Baron Hunsdon's Lord Chamberlain) Kindly communicated to me by a worthy friend of all the Pensions in Somerset-shire, it will not be amisse to exemplifie such as were allotted to the severall Abbots and Priors therein.

Place.	Abbot.	Pension.	Gratuity.
		li.	s.	d.	li.	s.	d.
Athelnye.	R. Hamlyn	50	00	00	the Prebend of Sutton.
Briston.	Jo: Ely	80	00	00	20	00	00
Keynsham.	Jo. Stoneston	60	00	00	00	00	00

Place.	Prior.	Pension.	Gratuity.
		li.	s.	d.	li.	s.	d.
Bath.	William Gibby	08	00	00	an House in Bath.
Montacute.	R. Whitlocke	80	00	00	20	00	00
Taunton.	W. Williams	60	00	00	30	00	00
Witham	Jo. Michell	33	06	08	08	06	08

Place.	Master.	Pension.	Gratuity.
		li.	s.	d.	li.	s.	d.
Bridgwater.	Ro. Walshe	33	06	08	16	13	04
Wells.	Ric. Clarkeson	12	00	00	00	00	00

These two last were Hospitalls.

The aforesaid Book reacheth not Bristoll, because not properly in Somerset-shire, but a County Incorporate by it self. As for Whiting, late Abbot of Glassenbury, he was executed for a Traytour, and so his Pensions paid. No mention therein of the Prior of Mucchelnye, whose place may be presumed void by his death, or he otherwise preferred.

10. We may observe great inequality in these Pensions, not measured as the Jewes Manna by one and the same Homer, but increased or diminished: 1. Ac∣cording to the wealth of the house dissolved. For where more profit accrued to the King by the suppressions, their larger Pensions were allowed to the Prior or Monk thereof. 2. According to the merits of the man. 3. According to his age and impotency needing relief. Lastly, and chiefly according as the Parties were befriended by the King's Officers in the Augmentation-Court; wherein as in all other Courts, favour ever was, is, and will be in fashion.

11. But of all Pensions, the largest in proportion, and strongest in conveyance (as passed not as the rest by Letters Patents, but by Act of Parliament) were those assigned to the late Lord Prior, and those of the Order of the Knights Ho∣spitalars. These being men of high birth and honourable breeding; The King no lesse politickly than civilly thought fit to enlarge their allowance (a main motive which made them so quietly to surrender their strong and rich Hospitals) as in the printed Statute doth appear.

	li.	s.	d.
To Sir William Weston Lord Prior	1000	00	00
To Sir Jo: Rawson	666	13	04

Confreres.	Pensions.
	li.	s.	s.
Clement West	200	00	00
Jo: Sutton	200	00	00
Richard Poole	133	06	08
Jo: Rawson	133	06	08
Gyles Russell	100	00	00
Geo: Aylmer	100	00	00
Edw: Belnigham	100	00	00
Thomas Pemberton	080	00	00
Edmund Huse	066	13	04
Ambrose Cave.	066	13	04
Rich: Brooke	066	13	04
Cuthbert Leighton	060	00	00
Thomas Copledike	050	00	00
Edw: Brown	050	00	00
William Tirell	0••0	00	00

To Anthony Rogers, Oswald Massingberd, &c. ten pounds a piece yearly to be paid, as all the former Pensions, during their naturall lives. In the same Statute it is provided, that John Maplesden, Clerk, Sub-Prior of the said Hospital; Wil∣liam Ermsteed, Clerk, Master of the Temple in London; Walter Limsey, and John Winter, Chaplains there, should every one of them have, receive, and enjoy, (the said Master and two Chaplains of the Temple doing their duties and services there during their lives) all such Mansion-houses, stipends, wages, with all o∣ther profits of money in as large and ample manner as they were accustomed to doe.

12. No mention (as in other Patents) of any Gratuities in ready moneys given unto them, which probably cast into their Pensions, made them mount so high. As for the thousand pounds yearly allowed Sir Will: Weston, not one peny there∣of was paid, he dying the next day (the House of his Hospitall and of his Earthly Tabernacle being dissolved both together) Soul-smitten with Sorrow, Gold, though a great Cordial, being not able to cure a Broken heart.

13. We will here present a Female-Patent of the Pension allowed to the Abbesse of Buckland, though in all essentials very like unto the Former.

HENRICUS Octavus, Dei gratia, &c. Cum nuper Mona∣sterium de Buckland in Com' nostro Som' jam dissolvatur, unde quaedam Katherina Bowser tempore dissoluti∣onis illius & dicti antea Priorina inde fuit. Nos volentes rationabilem annualem Pensionem sive promotion∣nem condignam eidem Katherinae ad victum exhibitionem & sustentatio∣nem suam melius sustinendum pro∣vider••. Sciatis igitur quod nos in consideratione praemissorum de Gra∣tia nostra speciali ac ex-certa scien∣tia & mero motu nostris per advisa∣mentum & concensum Can••ellari•• & Concilii Curiae Augment' reven∣tionum Coronae nostrae Dedimus & concessimus at per praesentes damus & concedimus eidem Katherinae quandom anno itatem sive annualem Pensionem quinquaginta librarum sterlingorum, iabendum g••••den∣dum & annuatim percipiendum eas∣dem

quinquaginta libr' praefat' Ka∣therinae & assignatis suis a festo Annuntiationis beata Mariae virgi∣nis ultimo praterito, ad terminum vitae ipsus Katherinae tam per ma∣nus Thesaurarii nostri Reventionum augmentationum Corona nostra pra∣dict pro tempore existen' de The∣sauro nostro in manibus suis de re∣ventionibus praedict' remanere con∣tingen' quam per manus Receptor' Exituum & reventionum dict' nu∣per Maner' pro tempore existen' de eisdem exit' & reventionibus ad fe∣stum Sancti Michaëlis Archangeli & Annuntiationis beatae Mariae vir∣ginis per aequales portiones solven∣dum. Et ulterius de uberiori Gratia nostra, Damus & pro consideratione praedicta per praesentes concedimus prafatae Katherinae viginti quinque libr' sterlingor' Habend' eldem Ka∣therinae ex dono nostro per manus dict' Thesauraii de Thesaure prae∣dicto, vel per manus dict' Receptoris de exitibus & reventionibus Mane∣riorum terrarum & tenementorum dicti nuper Monasterii solvend'. Eo quod expressa mentio, &c. In cujus Rei testimonium, &c.

Teste Richardo Riche Milite apud Westmonasterium deci∣mo die Maii, Anno Regni nostri tricesimo primo.

HENRY the Eighth, by the Grace of God, &c. whereas the late Monastery of Buckland, in Our County of Somerset, is now lately dissolved; whereas one Ka∣therine Bowser was Prioresse at the time of the dissolution thereof, and long before. We are willing that a reasonable Pension annual, or sutable promotion should be provided for the said Katherine, the better to sustein her in diet and maintenance: Know therefore, that We in conside∣ration of the premises of Our speciall Grace and certain Knowledge, and Our own meer motion by the ad∣vice and consent of the Chancellor and Counsell of the Court of Aug∣mentations of the Revenues of Our Crown, Have given and granted, and by these presents doe give and grant unto the said Katherine a cer∣tain annuity or annuall Pension of fifty pounds sterling, That the said

Katherine or her assigns, may have, enjoy, or yearly receive the said fifty pounds from the Feast of the An∣nuntiation of the blessed Virgin Ma∣ry last past for the term of the life of the said Katherine, as well by the hands of Our Treasurer of the Aug∣mentation of the Revenue of Our Crown for the time being out of Our Treasure which shall happen to remain in his hands out of the Reve∣nues aforesaid, as by the hands of the Receiver of the profits and revenues of the said late Monastery for the time being out of the said profits and revenues at the feast of S. Michael the Archangel, and the Annuntiation of the blessed Virgin Mary, to be paid by equal portions. And furthermore of Our more plentiful Grace, and for the considerations aforesaid, We give, and by these presents doe grant to the aforesaid Katherine twenty five pounds sterling for the said Ka∣therine to have of Our proper gift by the hands of Our foresaid Trea∣surer out of Our treasury aforesaid, or by Our said Receiver to be paid out of the profits & revenues of the Manours, Lands, and Tenements of the said late Monastery, because that expresse mention, &c. In witnesse whereof, &c.

Witnesse Rich: Rich Knight••, at Westminster, the tenth of May, in the thirty first year of Our Reign.

There are but two considerable differences betwixt this and the former Pa∣tent: 1. Whereas Pensions allotted to Priors and Monks were conditionall, as determinable upon their preferment to Ecclesiasticall promotion of equall va∣lue; this to the Prioresse (as to all Nuns) was absolute for term of life, Women being not capable of any Church-advancement. Secondly, whereas the Gra∣tuity allotted to Monks generally, amounted to a fourth part of their Pension; this to the Prioresse was double as much as a just moyety thereof. Whether this proceeded from the King's courtesie to the weaker Sex, or because Mundus Muliebris, there was such a world of Tackling required to Rigge and Lanch them forth to shift for themselves in a Secular life.

14. But as for ordinary Nuns, we finde that four pounds Pension, and forty shillings Gratuity, was generally their provision, and that onely for those qua∣lified with a Diu antea, that they had been in the Covent a long time before the dissolution thereof, otherwise I meet with no Portions to those that lately were entred into the Houses, being outed, and left at large, to practice the Apostles precept, I will that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, &c.

15. The vivacity of some of these Pensioners is little leste than a Miracle, they survived so long. For though none will say, they lived out of despite to anger the King to pay their Pensions, surely none so highly affected Him as to die in duty to exonerate His Exchequer of their Annuity. Isabell Sackvile, Lady Pri∣oresse of Clarkenwell, is an eminent instance of longevity in this kinde. For,

• 1. In the one and twentieth of King Henry the seventh, she was a Nun in Clarkenwell-Priory, when a Legacy was bequeathed her as Niece by Wil∣liam Sackvile Esquire, and must be then conceived fifteen years of age.
• 2. She was the last Prioresse of Clarkenwell, at the dissolution thereof.
• 3. She died in the twelfth of Queen Elizabeth, (as appears by her Epitaph in Clarkenwell-Church) and by Computation must be allowed Eighty years of age.

But farre older was that Monk or Nun (I am assured of the Story, not the Sex) to whom Living in or neer Hampshire, Mr. John Pymme, then an Officer in the Exchequer, paid the last payment of his Pension about the fift year of King James.

Notes

• Luke 14. 10.
• A true Miracle described.
• a

  Psalm 72. 18.
• b

  John 5. 14.
• Miracles long since are ceased.
• By Saint Angu∣stine's confes∣sion.
• c

  De Unitate Ec∣clesiae, cap. 16.
• d

  De Captivitate Babylonica, cap. 11.
• Why Miracles ceased.
• The Magazine of Protestant Miracles.
• Counterfeiting Miracles, a hei∣nous offence.
• e

  Statute 33 of Henry. 8
• f

  Statute •• Ma∣ry.
• The forgers Plea.
• Consuted.
• Job 13. 7.
• The forgery in Relicts, and the Cross especi∣ally.
• g

  Joh. Capgrave in the Life of K. Edmond.
• h

  In his Exam. Con. trid. cap. de imag. pag. 1.
• False teeth of Apollonia.
• i

  Anatomie of the Nuns of Lisbon.
• False Arms of Tho. Becket.
• k

  De schis. Angl. lib. 1. pag. 171.
• Saints, their se∣verall imploy∣ments.
• Miracles why most in Co∣vents.
• A Dichotomy of Miracles.
• Reported not done.
• a

  Camb••. Brit. in Sussex.
• Done by Na∣ture.
• b

  Garew in his Survey of Corn∣wall, p. 123.
• S. Nuns cure of mad men.
• Occult quali∣ties no mira∣cles.
• A wonder a∣••in to a mi∣racle in Lon∣don.
• A Corps un∣consumed.
• Seeming mi∣racles done by Art.
• c

  Stowes Chron. in that year.
• Mysterious Ventriloqui.
• d

  Ephes. 2. 2.
• Plenty of false prophecies.
• A Forrest-bur∣ning Image.
• Haret Delphi∣nus in ulmo.
• Propheticall Mottoes inscri∣bed in Glocester Church.
• English Libra∣ries excellently furnished.
• The miserable martyrdome of innocent Books.
• John Bale la∣mentably be∣moaneth th••••∣massacre.
• a

  In his Decla∣ration upon Le∣land's Journall, Anno 1549.
• Learning recel∣veth an incura∣ble wound by the losse of books.
• N▪ Anabapti∣sticall humour but down-right igno••anc•• the cause thereof.
• c

  Jude v. 23.
• ••ullen disposi∣tions c••uslesly agrieved.
• The profuse gifts & grants of K. Henry.
• d

  Sanders de Scbis. Angl.
• King Henry his engagement to liberality.
• e

  Ruth 2. 16.
• How Mr. Cham∣pernoun got the Priorie of Sai•• Germanes.
• Cary's Survey of Cornwall, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 10••.
• g

  Speed. But quaere, whether he had all the land, or onely the site of the Priory.
• How Sir Miles Patridge got Jesus bells.
• h

  Stows Survey of London in Farington▪ ward within 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Glau••us, and Diomodes his exchange.
• Unconscion∣able under-sale of Abbey-lands.
• i

  Weaver's fu∣nerall Mon. pag. 125.
• Good, as well as bad, must be observed in mixt actions.
• K. Henry aug∣mented the Crown-revenues.
• Founded five new Bishop∣ricks.
• Monks places turned into Prebends.
• a

  Godwin in Henry the 8. Anno 1539. Nothing was taken away.
• b

  Dr. Montague.
• Grammar-schools foun∣ded by Him.
• Hospitalls by Him conferr'd on London.
• c

  Stows Survey of London. pag. 417.
• Trinity College in Cambridge, and Professors places by Him endowed.
• Leland employ∣ed by Him to survey, collect, and preserve Antiquities.
• d

  Pag. 39, & 40.
• Read, and be thankfull. Godwin in Henry the 8. Anno 1525.
• e

  2 Tim. 1. 7.
• Intelligencers bred by Him beyond the seas.
• f

  Cambd. Eliz. in An. 1577.
• The good na∣ture of K. Henry herein.
• High injustice to detain pro∣mised pensions.
• The first qua∣lification of His Pensio∣ners.
• A Copie of the Kings Letters Patents for Pensions.
• What Church Livings were inconsistent with Pensions.
• A Quaere pro∣pounded.
• Seniority in Covents an advantage.
• Many Pensions mount to much money.
• Speed in his Catalogue of religious Hou∣ses, pag. 707.
• The Pensions of the Abbots in Somerset.
• Mr. Edward Pepis of the Temple.
• Besides the Capitol Mes∣suage in East Ghynock.
• Pensions go by favour.
• Largest Pensi∣ons allotted the Hospitallers.
• An. 32 Hen. 8. cap. 24.
• He was Prior of Kilman in Ireland.
• Stout hearts can bear the lesse grief.
• Weaver, Fun. Mon. p. 460.
• The Patent for a Pension to the Prioresse of Buckland.
• Youth and strength ac∣compted a pension to it self.
• 1 Tim. 5. 14.
• M••thusalah. Pensioners.
• To be seen in the pedegree of the Barl of Dorset, Weaver fun, Mon. pag. 429.
• Attested by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pymme's Kinsman to Godfrey Bp. of Gloucester. See his printed Paper.