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

SECTION VI.

DOMINO THOMAE TREVOR Juniori, Equiti Aurato.

MVlti sunt praeproperi Haeredes, qui nimiâ parentum vivacitate cruciantur. Hi languidâ expectatione macrescunt, postquam Rura Paterna spe vanâ devoraverant.

At Tu è contra, Venerandi Patris tui Canitiem (si fieri posset) immortalem reddere conaris, cum eam perpetuo Obsequio, humilime colas, quo, efficacius Kardiacum, ad Se∣nectutem ejus elongandam nequit confici.

Non in Patris, sed ••undi senescentis Annos inquiris, cum Historiâ plurimum delecteris, cujus ope, si Praeterita cum Praesentibus conferantur, conjectura de Futuris statui potest, quo nomine, hoc opus nostrum tibi non ingratum fore confido.

Deus ••e, Lectissimâm{que} Conjugem beat prole patri∣zante, non tam privato commodo, quàm Bono Publico, ne Respulica tantarum virtutum Haeredi destituatur.

Of the Erection, Officers, Vse, Continuance, and Abolishing of the Court of Augmentation.

DUring the scuffling for Abbey-land, in the 27 year of King Henry the eighth, the Court of Augmen∣tation was set up by Act of Parliament to be a Court of Record, and to have an authentick Great Seal besides a Privie Seal, and several Of∣ficers appointed for management thereof, with large fees allowed unto them. I finde the same exemplified in a fair Vellum Manuscript, which lately was Archbishop Parkers; since the Lord Cokes, whence I transcribed as followeth.

Sir Rich: Sackvile, Chancellor, three hundred pounds yearly Fee, forty pounds Diet, and six shillings eight pence for every Seale.

Sir Jo: Williams, Treasurer, three hundred and twenty pounds Fee.

Sir Will: Cavendish, Treasurer, of the King's Chamber, one hundred pounds Fee, one hundred pound Dyet, and ten pounds Boat-hire.

Sir Thomas Moyle

Sir Walter Mildmay

Generall Receivers, to each two hundred pounds Fee, and twenty pounds Diet.

Rich: Goodrich Attorney, one hundred pounds Fee, and twenty marks Diet.

Jo: Gosnall Solicitor, eighty pound Fee, Diet twenty marks.

Besides Masters, and Surveyors of the woods, Clerks, Keepers of Records, Ushers, Messengers, Assistants, Carpenter and Mason to the Court, Auditors, Re∣ceivers, Surveyors, Woodwards for every County, the totall summe of their Fees yearly amounting unto Seven thousand two hundred forty nine pounds ten shillings and three pence. This Catalogue by the persons mentioned therein, seems taken towards the end of Edward the sixt, when the Court began to de∣cline.

2. It belonged unto this Court to order, survey, and govern, sell, let, set all Manours, lands, tenements, rents, services, tythes, pensions, portions, advow∣sons, patronages, and all hereditaments formerly belonging to Priories, and since their dissolution to the Crown, as in the printed Statute more largely doth appear. All persons holding any Leases, Pensions, Corodies, &c. by former grants from the Covents came into the Court, produced their Deeds, and upon examination of the validity, thereof had the same allowed unto them. And al∣though providence for themselves, and affection to their kindred, prompted ma∣ny Fryers and Covents foreseeing their rottering condition to antedate Leases to their friends just at the dissolution, yet were they so frighted with fear of dis∣covery, that very few frauds in that kinde were committed. The Court was very tender in continuing any Leases upon that least legall consideration.

3. But after some continuance of this Court, the King's urgent occasions could not stay for the slow coming in of money from the yearly Revenues of Abbey∣land, insomuch that He was necessitated to sell out-right a great part of those Lands for the present advance of Treasure, and thereby quickly was the Court of Augmentation diminished. The King therefore took into consideration to dissolve it as superfluous, wherein the Officers were many, their Pensions great, Crown profits thereby small, and Causes therein depending few, so that it was not worth the while to keep up a Mill to grinde that grist, where the Toll would not quit cost. It was therefore resolved to stop up this by stream, that all causes therein should run in the antient channell of the former Courts of Westminster.

4. Indeed in the 7 of King Edw. 6. a doubt did arise amongst the Learned in the Laws, whether the Court of Augmentation, the Commencement whereof was first had by authority of Parliament, would legally be dissolved, extinguished, and repealed by the King's Letters Patents? And the Officers thereof (wonder not if they stickled for their own concernments) did zealously engage on the Ne∣gative. Wherefore it was enacted by Parliament, That the King, during His na∣turall life, had present power by His Letters Patents to alter, unite, annex, reduce, or dissolve any of those new erected Courts by His own Letters Patents: And the same Act was confirmed in the first year of Queen Mary, when the short-lived Court of Augmentation was dissolved, as which, from the birth thereof 1535, to the extinguishing 1553, survived but eighteen years.

The Lands of Chanteries, free Chappels, and Colledges dissolved.

KIng Henry the eighth his expences like sandy ground, suddenly suckt up the large shower of Abbey lands, and little signe or shew was seen thereof: yea, such the parching thirst of his pressing occasions, that still they called aloud for more moysture, for whose satisfaction the Parliament in the 38 year of His Reign put the Lands of all Colledges, Chanteries, and free Chappels in His Majesties full disposition.

2. This King made three meals, or (if you will) one meal of three courses on Abbey-lands, besides what Cardinal Wolsey (the King's Taster herein) had eat before-hand, when assuming smaller Houses to endow his two Colledges.

1. When Religious Houses under two hundred pounds a yeare ••	Anno 1535	were granted to Him by the Parliament.
2. When all greater Monasteries ••	1538
3. When Colledges, Chanteries, and Free Chappels—	1545

The first of these were most in Number; the second, richest in Revenue; the third, in this respect better than both the former, because they being spent and consumed, these alone were left to supply His occasions.

3. The Universities were more scared than hurt at the news of all Colledges put into the King's disposall. They knew that Barbarisme it self had mischievous na∣turall Logick to make those Generall words reach farre, especially if covetousnesse of some Officers might be permitted to stretch them: whereupon, they made their humble and seasonable addresses to the King for His favour.

4. None ever robbed the Muses who were well acquainted with them. King Henry had too much Scholarship to wrong Scholars. Either University was so farre from being impaired that both were improved by His bounty with Pensions for the places of their Publick Professors; yea, the fairest Colledge in either U∣niversity in effect acknowledges Him for its Founder.

5. Such Colledges as were Hives of Drones (not of Bees, industriously advan∣cing Learning and Religion) were now intended to be suppressed with free Chap∣pels and Chanteries.

• 1. Chanteries consisted of Salaries allowed to one or more Priests to say daily Masse for the Soules of their deceased Founders and their Friends. These were Adjectives, not able to stand of themselves, and therefore united (for their better support) to some Parochial, Colle∣giate, or Cathedrall Church.
• 2. Free Chappells, though for the same use and service, were of a more substantiall and firm constitution, as independent of themselves.
• 3. Colledges were of the same nature with the former, but more consider∣able in bignesse, building, number of Priests and endowments.

But the ensuing death of King Henry the eighth, for a time, preserved the life of these Houses, which were totally demolished by Act of Parliament in the first year of King Edward the sixt.

6. One may observe, that the two Statutes made for the dissolving of these Houses, were bestowed on different considerations.

Statute 37 Hen. 8. cap. 4.

Statute 1 Edwardi 6. cap. 14.

Chargeth Misdemeanors on the Priests and Governours of the aforesaid Chante∣ries, that of their own Authority without the assent of their Patrons, Donours, or Founders, they had let Leases for Lives, or term of years of their said Lands, and some had suffered Recoveries, levied Fines, and made Feoffments and other Conveyances: Contrary to the will and purposes of their Founders, to the great contempt of Authority Royall. Wherefore in consideration of His Ma∣jesties great costs and charges in His pre∣sent Warres with France and Scotland, the Parliament put Him and His Succes∣sors for ever, in the reall and actuall pos∣sesion of such Chanteries, &c.

Mentioneth the Superstitious uses of these Houses, considering that a great part of Errors of Christian Religion hath been brought into the mindes and estima∣tion of men by reason of the Ignorance of their very true and perfect Salvation through the death of Christ, and by de∣vising and fancying vaine opinions of Purgatory and Masses satisfactory for the dead. Wherefore, that the said Lands might be altered for better uses, viz: Erecting Grammar-Schools, augmentation of the Universities, and provision for the Poor: the Parliament bestowed them on the King, by His Councell, to dispose of the same accordingly.

7. To begin with Chanteries, their exact number in all England is unknown But, if Hercules may, by a Mathematician, be measured from his foot, a probable conjecture may be made of them, from those which we finde founded in the Ca∣thedral Church of S. Paul's in London. For, on the nineteenth of April, in the second year of King Edward the sixt, a Certificate was returned by the Dean and Chapter of Paul's to His Highnesse Commissioners appointed for that purpose, affirming, That they had forty seven Chanteries within their Church. We will onely instance in the odde seven, enough to acquaint us with the nature of all the rest.

Chaunte∣rie of	Founded by	For	To pray for	In S. Pauls Church,	Present In∣cumbents.	Revenue.
1. John Beauchamp Knight.	Himself in his life-time.	One Chaplain.	The said Sir Io. and the souls of the Progenitors of the Earle of Warwick.	Next to the Founders Tomb.	Sir Richard Strange.		lib.	s.	d
Sum. tot.	12	08	08
Deduct.	09	06	08
Remain.	02	18	08
2. Sir John Poultney, Knight, Citizen of London.	His own last Will and Te∣stament, in 23 of Edward the third.	Three Priests.	His own, and all Christian souls	In a Chap∣pell by him built on the North side of the Church.	1. Sir Fulk Witney. 2. Sir Iohn Richardson. 3. Sir Iohn Blosse	Sum. tot.	47	09	04
Deduct:	39	17	08
Remain.	07	12	06
3. John Duke of Lan••aster.	Ralph Nevil, E. of Westmerland; Tho. E. of Wor∣cester, Executors to the Duke, li∣censed by King Hen. 4. In the 13 of His Reign.	Two Chaplains	King Henry the fourth then li∣ving, and the soule of the a∣foresaid Duke of Lancaster.	In a Chap∣pel by them built on the North of the Church	1. Sir Rich. Smith. 2. Sir Roger Charlson.	Sum. tot.	20	00	00
Deduct.	16	06	08
Remain.	03	13	04
4. Walter Sherington.	The Executors of his Testamēt licensed by Ki. Henry the sixt, in the 24 of his Reign.	Two Chaplains English∣men, and Graduates.	The good estate of King Henry the sixt, the soul of Walter She∣rington.	In a Chap∣pel built for him at the North door of the Church.	Mr. Thomas Bateman∣sonne. Mr. Iohn Wylmy.	Sum. tot.	20	00	00
Deduct.	16	00	00
Remain.	02	00	00
5. Thomas More, som∣time Dean of the Church.	His Executors.	Three Priests.	The soul of the said More, and others.	In the Chappel of S. Anne.	Sir Richard Gates. Sir Robert Garret. Sir Morrice Griffith.	Sum. tot.	67	00	06
Deduct.	55	00	11 3/4
Remain.	12	05	00 1/4
6. Walter Thorpe.	His Executors.	One Chaplain.	The soul of the said Thorpe.	At S John's Altar.	Sir Richard Nelson.	Sum. tot.	11	16	00
Deduct.	05	04	08 1/1
Remain.	06	11	03 1/2
7. Richard Fitz Jams Bishop of London.	Henry Hill, Ci∣tizen and Ha∣berdasher in the 13 of Henry 8.	One Chaplain.	Richard Fitz Iames, Bishop of London.	At S. Pauls Altar.	Sir Iohn Hill.	Sum. tot.	14	06	08
Deduct.	14	06	08
Remain.	00	00	00

Know Reader, I am beholding for my exact intelligence herein, to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hanson, who not onely lent much light to my lamp, out of choice Records (some in his possession, moe in his custody) but also hath given much oyle thereunto, in his bountifull encouraging of my endevours. It seems the Chapter would not goe to the cost of true Arithmetick, some of the summes being not rightly deducted; whose mistakes I chose rather to follow, than to vary any whit from the Originall.

8. Observe in these Chanteries, some were not, some were licensed by the King. For, before the Statute of Mortmain, made by King Edward the third, to be able and willing was all the licence, requisite in any to found a Chantery. Since which time a Charter must be obtained from the King, to passe lands of such nature

and value, to Persons so qualified. Observe, (call it the religious complement, or mannerly devotion of those daies) that the Chantery-Priests (whosoever their Foun∣ders were) prayed first for the good estate of that King living, and His soul after death, who first granted leave and license for that foundation.

9. See how the Church of Saint Paul was be-Altared in that Age, wherein we finde no fewer than fourteen, with their several dedications, viz.

The Altar of

• 1. The Trinitie.
• 2. The Virgin Marie.
• 3. Michael the Arch-angel.
• 4. The Apostles.
• 5. S. Andrew.
• 6. S. John.
• 7. S. Paul.
• 8. S. Thomas.
• 9. Mary Magdalene.
• 10. Martha, and Mary Magdalene.
• 11. S. Erkenwald.
• 12. S. Chad.
• 13. S. Radigund.
• 14. S. Silvester.

And it is observable, that almost every one of these forty and seven Chanteries, founded in S. Paul's Church, had their Priest officiating either in severall Chap∣pels, or at severall Altars, probably not to distrub each other in their private celebrations. But finde not any Chantery-Priests assigned to doe service at the high Altar indeed; either, because that place was reserved as proper to the Digni∣taries of the Cathedral, or because the solemnity and merit thereof was equally extensive to all souls in generall, unfit to be confined to any particular parties deceased, how great soever.

10. Such Priests as have the addition of Sir before their Christian-name, were men not graduated in the University, being in Orders, but not in Degrees; whilst others entituled Masters, had commenced in the Arts. Note, that generally, Founders of Chanteries preferred Priests not beneficed to those places, as best at leisure constantly to attend the same. Nor did their dead Founders so ingroffe the devotion of those Priests, but that by general and special Obits for other men, Procession-pence, and other perquisites, they much bettered their maintenance. Single Priests commonly had the greatest Salaries (more in proportion than when others were joyned with them in the same Society) because tied to daily duty, having none by turns to relieve them, and the greater worke deserved the greater wages.

11. Many Deductions and Resolutions were made by the Dean and Chapter, out of the lands wherewith every Chantery was endowed, besides the Salarie paid to the Chaplains, as for quit-rents, and tenths to the King, pensions to Chori∣sters, &c. But one generall expence was for an Anniversary Potation (seldome exceeding ten shillings) founded, as it seems, on Job's words, Job 4. as Bellar∣mine citeth the Chapter without Verse, Panem tuum, & vinum tuum super se∣pulturam justi constitue: Put thy bread, and thy wine upon the sepulture of the just man: But no such words appear in the place alledged, though some such like are found in the fourth of Tobit: Where, notwithstanding, no mention of wine, which the Jesuite adds of his own, that it might not be a drie (as some since have added wax, that it might not be a dark) feast. Bread, wine, and wax, being the essentialls of every Potation. The charges of an Anniversary Obit was also deducted, whereof forty shillings the market-price; though some were so free they gave more, and some so favoured, they had them for lesse.

12. Some Deductions were made by the will of the Founders, to uses meerly charitable, and no whit superstitious, out of the surplusage of the Chantery-lands (the Priest, or Priests therein first paid) as to the necessary relief of many

poor people, and breeding of Scholars in the Universities. But, as the Stork in the fable, found amongst the Cranes in destroying the corn of the husband-man, in vain pleaded his own piety to his parents, being kill'd for company-sake with those birds amongst whom he was caught: so it is more than suspitious, that these pious uses were utterly extinguished at the suppression of Abbeys; to teach mens charities hereafter, (if it be not a lesson now too late to be learn'd) to be∣ware of too familiar converse with superstition. Nor doe I speak at guesse herein, but from the complaints of credible and unpartiall Authors, of which this one I will insert.

13. There was a Maid born in Cornwall, called Tomasin Bonaventure, and well did she brook the same, which from a keeper of sheep, came at last to be the Wife of Sir John Percivall Lord Major of London. In her widowhood, she laid out her estate, which was very great, in charitable Uses, and amongst the rest founded a Chantery, and a Free school, at S. Mary Weike in Cornwall (the place of her na∣tivity) with fair Lodgings for the School-Masters, Schollars, and Officers, and twenty pound a year (beside their Salaries) to support incident charges. And here the best Gentlemen's Sons in Devon and Cornwall were virtuously trained up, un∣der one Cholwell, a religious Teacher, untill the said School was supprest, in the Reign of King Edward the sixt, onely for a smack of Popery, the Chantery being annexed thereunto. And I suspect the like happened in other places; But to re∣turn to S. Paul's, all deductions discharged, the cleer remainder belonged to the Dean and Chapter of S. Paul's.

14. Note, that the Dean and Chapter aforesaid, assumed this power to them∣selves, That in case (to use their own terms) the exility of the Lands or Rents, be∣stowed on any Chantery, were insufficient to maintain so many Chaplains, as were appointed in the foundation, then they would reduce them to a smaller num∣ber. For instance: The Executors of Adam Burie, sometimes Major of London, founded a Chantery wherein seven Priests should pray continually. This I may call a Colledge-Chantery (equalling Katherine-Hall in Cambridge for the number therein) but the means not holding out in full proportion, these seven were shrunk to four, at the time of their suppression.

15. Another help the Dean and Chapter had. When the maintenance of any Chantery fell short, by uniting two, or more mean Chanteries together. Thus Margaret Bigod gave a Marish, called Richernesse in Essex, with a stock of eleven∣score sheep thereon, to found a Chanterie with two Chaplains; which, not suffici∣ent for the same, was annexed to a small Chantery of Richard Greene's, and one Priest (Sir Christopher Bricket by name) effectually (no doubt) discharged both.

16. And yet, notwithstanding all these shifts, the Dean and Chapter of Paul's in giving up their accounts to the King's Commissioners, pretended themselves yearly losers by some of these Chanteries. For, generally they were founded on candle-rents (houses are London's land) which were subject to casualtie, repara∣tions, and vacations. In such intervalls, though the house (wherewith the Chan∣terie was endowed) wanted a Tenant, yet the Chanterie must not want a Chaplain to officiate for the dead. Yea, so charitable was the Dean and Chapter in such cases, as sometimes to allow lands in augmentation of maintenance, and assigne houses of their own, for the habitation of such Chaplains as wanted a mansion. The King therefore may be said in some sort, to have done a courtesie to the Chapter of Paul's when suppressing such poor Chanteries, formerly not benefi∣cial, but burdensome unto them.

17. By other Chanteries they were only savers, no gainers, having only their labour for their pain, in seeing things performed according to the Will of the Testatour (as in Bishop Fitz. James, and many others•• so that, the Priest paid, and other allowances deducted, remanets nil, as they brought in the reckoning of their receipts and disbursments. However, we may take notice, that herein the Dean and Chapter of Paul's, were both their own Accomptants and Auditors, and none

could disprove their reckonings therein. But grant, that among forty seven Chan∣teries, two or three of them were unprofitable servants, returning no emolument unto them: yea, suppose as many prodigall children, wasting the stock of their Parent (understand the Church wherein they were founded) yet, from the col∣lective body of them altogether, she gained a grand revenue. And it is consider∣able, that in this their Audit, they onely brought in their bare annual rent of hou∣ses, their fines not being charged on their accompt, but swallowed in silence, to the great commodity of the Chapter.

18. Vast was the wealth accrewing to the Crown by the dissolution of Chante∣ries. Many a little (saith the Proverb) make a mickle. These foundations, though small in revenue, yet being many in number, mounted up a great bank. There was not a Cathedral, or Collegiate-Church in England, but some Chanteries were founded therein, as in many Parochial-Churches. Thus at Oldwincle in North hampton shire (the Village of my nativity) a Chantery in the Parish∣Church of All-Saints, was endowed with house and lands for a Priest, at the cost of Sir John Oldwincle Knight, about the Reign of King Henry the sixt. Yea, let the model of Countrey-Churches be well observed, wherein such excursions of building as present themselves beyond the old fabrick (from which oft-times they differ as neater, and newer) were since erected, and added, as intended, and used for Chanteries.

19. Free-Chappels succeed, not so called from the freenesse, and bounty of their Founders, but because subsisting of themselves, as children of full age, whose pa∣rents are still alive. For, though Chappell speaks a relation to a Mother-Church, yet free avoweth them sui juris, especially so farre forth that right of burialls be∣longed unto them. These were greater than Chanteries, having more room for Priests, and moe Priests for that room, to pray for the souls of their Founders, Colledges come the last (as the heaviest, and best lad••n with land) into conside∣ration. These, though fewest in number, were richer than both the former: in∣somuch that the Colledge of Fothering hay in North-hampton-shire, was yearly valued at Four hundred nineteen pounds eleven shillings ten pence hafpeny. And no wonder, since this Colledge had the rare happinesse to be endowed by the Kings both of Yorke, and Lancaster, at deadly mutuall enmity, yet joyntly agree∣ing in their bounty to this place.

20. How much the yearly revenue of all these Chanteries, Free-Chappels, and Colledges, amounted to, God knows, for the King knew as little as some in our Age. Indeed, some of His Officers did, but would not know, as wilfully concealing their knowledge herein. Yea, some of these Chanteries may be said in a double sense to be supprest, as not onely put down, but also concealed, never coming into the Exchequer, being silently pocketed up by private (but potent) persons. True it is, the Courtiers were more rapacious to catch, and voracious to swallow these Chanteries, than Abbey-lands. For, at the first many were scrupulous in minde, or modest in manners, doubting the acceptance of Abbey-land, though offered unto them, till profit and custome (two very able Confessours) had, by degrees, satisfied their consciences, and absolved them from any fault therein. Now, all scruples removed, Chantery-land went down without any regreet. Yea, such who mannerly expected till the King carved for them out of Abbey lands, scram∣bled for them selves out of Chantery-revenues, as knowing this was the last dish of the last course, and after Chanteries, as after cheese, nothing to be expected. As for those, who fairly purchased them of the King, they had such good bargains therein, that thereby all enriched, and some ennobled both themselves, and po∣sterity. But, for satisfaction herein, I referre the Reader to his pen, who never spared any that came under it, and seldome such as came neer it; who speaks more bitternesse, than falshood, in this particular.

21. The Chanterie-Priests, by this suppression outed at once of all their lively∣hood, were not left to the wide world to shift for themselves, but had durante vita, pensions setled on them by King Edward His Letters Patents. I have seen in

the Auditor's Office for the North-part of the Dutchie of Lancaster; the Ac∣count of William Mallet Esq. particular Receiver of the rents, Colledges, Chan∣teries, &c. in the Countie of Yorke, viz: of so many of them as were in that Shire annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster, which parcell alone amounted yearly to Seven hundred ninety six pounds four shillings two pence halfpeny: Out of which summe was deducted, One hundred twenty six pounds two shillings four pence, for annuall pensions to Chantery Priests, and others (five pounds apiece the generall proportion) assigned them for term of life, by King Edward the sixt.

22. The Parliament at the same time put Hospitalls also into the King's posses∣sion. Yet surely more tendernesse was used to Hospitalls, and I finde very few of them finally suppressed. Indeed, that of the Savoy at this time was much abu∣sed with Loyterers, Vagabonds, and Strumpets, which lay all day in the fields, and at night were harboured there. In which consideration King Edward dissolved the Hospitall, but gave the land thereof (worth six hundred pound per annum) to the City of London, to endow Bridewell therewith. Thus, He did not extinguish charity, but onely regulate, and remove it from the Strand to Fleet street: or ra∣ther, took away with one hand what was abused, and restored it with the other, to such as would better employ the same.

Queen Mary on her own cost restoreth some Convents.

Queen Mary, a Princesse more Zealous (according to her devotion) than po∣litick, resolved by way of Essay and Triall, to restore certain dissolved Convents, and endow them with competent maintenance: in order here∣unto, She called four of Her principall Counsellours most interested in money∣matters, viz: William Marquesse of Winchester, Lord Treasurer; Sir Robert Ro∣chester, Controller of Her House; Sir William Peter, Secretary; and Sir Francis Inglefield, Master of the Wards: and by a long Speech acquainted them with Her intentions therein. Now though the Lord Pawlet as Treasurer (much being the want of money of this present) might dislike the motion, yet as Courtier he complied with the Queens desires, the rather, because it was in vain to withstand them, so really strong were Her resolutions: but it is worth our attention to hear Her Oration.

YOVa are here of Our Councell, and We have wil∣led you to be called to Vs, to the intent ye might hear of Me my Conscience, and the resolution of My minde, concerning the Lands and Possessions, as well of Monasteries, as other Churches whatsoever, being now presently in My possession: First, I doe consider, that the said Lands were taken away from the Churches a∣foresaid, in time of Schisme; and that by unlawfull means, such as are contrary both to the law of God, and of the Church. For the which cause My Conscience doth not suffer Me to detain them; and therefore I here expresly refuse either to claim, or to retain the said

Lands for Mine; but with all My heart freely and willingly without all paction or condition, here and be∣fore God, I doe surrender and relinquish the said Lands and Possessions, or Inheritances whatsoever, and doe renounce the same with this minde and purpose, that order and disposition thereof may be taken as shall seem best liking to our most holy Lord the Pope, or else his Legate the Lord Cardinall, to the honour of God, and wealth of this Our Realm.

And albeit you may object to Me again, that consi∣dering the state of My Kingdome, the Dignity there∣of, and My Crown Imperiall cannot be Honourably maintained and furnished without the Possessions a∣foresaid; yet notwithstanding, I set more by the salva∣tion of My soul than by ten Kingdomes, and therefore the said Possessions I utterly refuse here to hold after that sort and title, and give most hearty thanks to Al∣mighty God, which hath given Me an Husband like∣wise minded, with no lesse good affection in this behalf than I am my self. Wherefore I charge and command that My Chancellour, (with whom I have conferred My minde in this matter before) and you four, to mor∣row, doe resort together to the most reverend Lord Le∣gate, and doe signifie to him the premises in My name, and give your attendance upon him for the more full declaration of the state of My Kingdome, and of the aforesaid Possessions accordingly, as you your selves doe understand the matter, and can inform him in the same.

2. In this matter the words ofb Sanders ought to be observed, presuming him best knowing in these Acts of restitution then performed by Her Majesty, and that he would lose nothing for the measuring, which might tend to the Queens credit.

Collegia nova amplissimâ dote fundantur. Coenobia Benedictino∣rum, Carthusianorum, Brigiten∣sium, Dominicanorum, Obser∣vantium, ac aliorum Ordinum à devotis personis re-adificantur. Catholicis Regibus in hoc genere pietatis subditis omnibus pralu∣centibus.

New Colledges are founded with a most ample endowment. Convents of Benedictines, Carthusians, Brigitteans, Dominicans, Observants, and other Or∣ders are re-edified by devout persons. The Catholick Princes out-shining all their Subjects in this kinde of piety.

Now seeing this passage is the best torch we meet with to direct us in this dark subject, we will severally weigh his words, and impartially comment upon them.

• 1. Benedictines:] When Westminster Church was turned into an Ab∣bey, and John Feckenham made Abbot thereof (installed therein on the 21 November, 1557.) But this was done without any cost to the Crown, onely by altering the property of the place, from a late made Cathedrall, to an Abbey, and turning the Prebendaries into sixteen black Monks, which were all at the present could be found having that Order, and willing to wear that Habit upon them.
• 2. Carthusians:] These were fixed at Shene nigh Richmond in Surrey, over against Sion.
• 3. Brigitteans:] At Sion in Middlesex. This indeed with the former, cut two good collaps out of the Crown land, though farre short this second endowment, of what formerly they possessed. It was some difficulty to stock it with such who had been veyled before, (it being now thirty years since their dissolution) in which time most of the elder Nuns were in their graves, and the younger in the arms of their husbands, as afterwards im∣bracing a married life. However with much adoe (joyning some new ones with the old) they made up a competent number.
• 4. Dominicans:] These were seated in Smith field in London. The best was, they being Mendicants (little stock would serve to set up Beg∣gars) their restoring could not be very expensive to the Queen, be∣sides the site of an house for their dwelling, and some other necessary ac∣commodations.
• 5. Observants:] These were Fryers like the former, being Franciscans reformed, and therefore not over-costly their restitution. Their house was at Greenwich, (founded by King Henry the seventh) plucked down by King Henry the eighth (as largely before) one of the first of all other Con∣vents; because the Fryers therein were so obstinate against the King, and such sticklers for the legality of Queen Katherine's marriage. In gra∣titude whereunto, and honour of Her own extraction, Queen Mary re-seated them in their habitations.
• 6. And other Orders:] Sanders (for the more credit of the matter) po∣litickly winds up all these indefinite words, though in the remaining Orders were not so many as to make up a number: Of which the most eminent were the Hospitallers of St. John's of Jerusalem in Clerkenwell, a place in a pitifull plight when now they were first restored; for the Bell-Tower of the Church was undermined and blowne up with Gun-powder, that the stones thereof might build Somerset-house in the Strand. Now where the Steeple was shattered, the Church must needs be shaken; as here the body andc side-Iles thereof were by that fatall blow finally confounded; onely part of the Quire remaining (with some side Chappels) which Cardinall Poole caused to be closed up on the West-end, and repaired. And this served the Hospitallers for their devotions the short time they continued therein. The Queen made Sir Tho: Tresham Lord Prior of this Order (who the thirtieth of November, 1557, received the Order of the Crosse at West∣minster) and was solemnly inducted into his place. He was of an antient family, and large estate, and had done the Queen Knights service, pro∣claiming Her in the highest contest with Queen Jane. If the dimension of his Body may be guessed by his finger, and his finger by his Ring (which have seen in the possession of his Kinsman William Tresham Esq. of Newton in Northampton-shire) he was a little Gyant, and farre greater than his pour∣traicture on his Monument, almost demolisht in Rushton-Church, in the same County. But Alexander's souldiers were not in proportion so big as their shields left in India; and possible that Ring of State (serving for a

• ... Seale) was rather borne about him, than worn on his finger.
• 7. Re-edified by devout persons:] It is out of doubt that Papists con∣tributed many pretious Utensils unto these Orders, as also that they were bountifull in repairing their decayed Houses to fit them for their habita∣tion; but by Sanders his leave. No visible refunding of land doth appear. Which if he had known of, no doubt he would have told posterity, as tending (according to his principles) so much to the credit of those per∣sons. I say again (though Queens Examples carry a kinde of Mandamus in them) yet herein Her best Subjects and Servants were so unmannerly as to suffer Her Grace to go alone by Her self in this Act without any at∣tendants, as to the restitution of any entire Religious house to its former Order. No not Anthony Browne Viscount Montacute (though formerly solemnly employed in an Ambassy to the Pope to reconcile the Church of England to Rome) would part with his rich Abbey of Battaile in Sussex, or poor Priory of Barnewell, nigh Cambridge, &c. but kept all his pluralities in that nature, though otherwise we believe him most bountifull to those of his own Religion.
• 8. The Catholick Princes:] Meaning Philip and Mary, and surely though we cannot insist on the particulars, that Kings inclinations are suf∣ficiently known: zealous for the promoting of His own Religion.

However, it is almost incredible what a qualme on this occasion came over the hearts of the stoutest Abbey-land Mongers in England, fearing in processe of time a reverting of them to their former use; the rather because Cardinall Poole in that Act in this Queens Reign to secure Abbey-lands to their Owners (without the passing whereof to pacifie so many persons concerned, Papistry could not have been restored in that Parliament) did not, as some think, absolve their consciences from restitution, But onely made a palliate cure, the Church but suspending that power, which in due time she might put in execution.

3. This made many suspect that such edifices of Abbeys, which still were extant, entire, looked lovingly on their antient Owners in hope to be restord unto them. In prevention whereof such as possest them for the present, plucked out their eyes, by levelling them to the ground, and shaving from them (as much as they could) all Abbey-Characters, disguising them (as much as might be) in a Lay-habit, matching and mingling them with lands in another Tenure, because on this very motion Abbey lands sunk two years purchase in the common valuation.

4. Nor must I forget one passage in Derby-shire, (a certain information where∣of I have received from that skilful Antiquary and my respected Kinsman Samuel Roper of Lincolnes-Inne, how one Thacker being possessed of Repingdon▪ Abbey in Derby-shire, alarumed with this news that Q. Mary had set up these Abbeys again (and fearing how large a reach such a precedent might have) upon a Sun∣day (belike, the better day, the better deed) called together the Carpenters and Ma∣sons of that County, and plucked down in one day (Church-work is a cripple in going up, but rides post in coming down) a most beautifull Church belonging thereunto, adding, He would destroy the Nest, for fear the Birds should build therein again.

5. And now when a Papist have done commending Q. Mary, a Protestant may begin, I say, Her setting up the Hospitall of the Savoy was a better work than any instanced in by Sanders for the relief of poor people: First, because poor, qua poor may be said to be Jure Divino: The rich and poor meet together, and the Lord maketh them both. Not onely as Creatour of their persons, but Assigner of their conditions. Besides, the Poor is a continuall Order in the Church by the words of our Saviour, The poor ye have alwaies with you: but more properly hereof in the Reign of Queen Mary.

Queen Elizabeth demolisheth the new-erected Convents.

Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown, was not over-busie at the first, but for some moneths permitted all things to remain in statu quo priùs. In∣somuch, that in the first Parliament of Her summoning, She sent Her Writs to the aforesaid Lord Prior Tresbam, and Abbot Feckenham to make their appearance with the rest of Her Barons in Her Great Councell. Whither they re∣paired, and wherein they took their places accordingly.

2. Sir Thomas (as Lord Prior) above, but the Abbot beneath all thea Temporal Lords, being the lag of the House, and placed under Oliver Lord S. John of Blet netsho, lately made the second Baron of Queen Eliz: Her creation. But they had hardly set down on their seats, before they were raised up, and dissolved, with all the rest of the late-restored Orders.

3. I have not met (to my best remembrance) with any Statute, enacted in the Reign of Queen Mary, whereby She was legally empowred for the re-erection of these Convents, done it seems by Her Prerogative, by connivance, not concur∣rence of the Parliament. Nor can I finde, in the first year of Queen Elizabeth, any particular Statute wherein (as in the Regin of King Henry the eighth) these Orders are nominatim suppressed, this probably being supposed needlesse, as I conceive, (with submission to the Learned in that Profession) their Houses having no Legal settlement: Or else, when the general Statutes against Superstition, were layed like the Ax to the root of the Tree, these Orders are under-branches, fell of themselves by virtue of the Queens Commission for the same.

4. I intended by way of a farewell-Corollary to present the Reader with a List of the Lord Priors of S. Iohn's, from Iordanus Briset, their first Founder. But their Records being all burnt in that fire, which was kindled by Straw in his commotion, it is impossible to compleat the Catalogue. At and since which difaster, such as we can recover, are not contiguous in times, and distanced with many years betwixt them, though perhaps not unusefull to be inserted.

• 1. Sir Robert Hales, Lord Treasurer of England, slain in the tumult of Tyler, Anno 1380, in the fourth of K. Richard the second. At which time,
• 2. Next him, Sir John Long-strother, I say next, proximus at longo qui proximus intervallo, siding with the House of Lancaster; he was taken prisoner in Teuxbury Battail, Anno 1471, and by King Edward the fourth put to death in cold blood, contrary to the promise of a Prince, who had assured his life unto him.
• 3. Sir Thomas Dockwray, is the next (not of all) but in our discovery. A person of much desert, expending himself wholly for the credit and profit of his Priory, as who re-edified the Church out of its ruine, finishing it Anno 1504, as appeareth by the Inscription over the Gate-house yet re∣maining.
• 4. Sir William Weston succeeds (of whom before) dissolved this List on the very day of the dissolution of this Priory.
• 5. Sir Thomas Tresham, was the first and last of Q. Mary's re-erection. There goeth a tradition, that Q. Elizabeth in consideration of his good service done to Her self in Her Sister Q. Mary, whom he proclaimed, and Their Titles being shut out of doors together, both were let in again at once, though to take place successively, allowed him to be called Lord Prior during his life, which was not long, and the matter not much, deriving no power or profit unto him.

Here I purposely omit Sir Richard Shelley, (which family I finde of remark for worship and antiquity at Michel-Grove in Sussex.) He bare a great enmity to

Q. Elizabeth, especially after She had flatly denied Philip King of Spain, whither Shelley was fled) to consent to his abiding there, and to his quier receiving his rents out of England. However, the Spanish King imployed him in an Honorable Am∣bassy unto Maximilian Kingb of the Romans, weating the high title of Prior of the Order of St.c John's in England. A Prior without a Posterior having none un∣under him to obey his power, nor after him to succeed in his place. We behold him only as the wry-stroak given in by us out of courtesie, when the game was up before.

5. The Site of the Priory of S. Iohn's was lately the possession of William Earl of Exeter, whose Countess Eliz: Druery was very forward to repair the ruin'd Quire thereof. Doct. Ios: Hall preached at the solemn Reconciling thereof, on S. Stephen's day 1623, taking for his Text, Hag. 2. 9. The glory of the latter house, shall be greater than of the former saith the Lord of Hosts. At this day, though coarctated, having the side-Iles excluded, (yet so that their upper part is admitted, affording conve∣niencies for attention) it is one of the best private Chappels in England, discreetly embracing the mean of decency betwixt the extreams of slovenly profaneness and gaudy superstition, and belongeth at this present to the truly noble Thomas as Earle of Elgin.

Notes

• Augmentation Court when erected.
• The imploy∣ment of the Offi••e••s in this Court.
• An. 17 Hē 8. cap. 27.
• Motives for the dissolution of this Court.
• Finally, dissol∣ved in the first year of Queen Mary.
• Prodigality al∣waies wanteth.
• King Henry's three meals on Abbey-lands.
• The Univer∣sities fears.
• Lord Herbert in H. 8 p. 537.
• Happily turned into joy and thankfulnesse.
• What Chanters &c. were.
• Two Statutes on different considerations.
• Forty seven Chanteries in Saint Paul's Church, Lon∣don.
• Chanteries when they be∣gan by Royall license.
• The Altar in S. Paul's scarce to be seen for Altars.
• Moe Sirs, than Knights.
• Deductions out of Chan∣tery revenues.
• De Purgator••. lib. 1. cap. 3. pag 1375. edit. Lugduai. An. 1587.
• Ver. 17.
• Charitable swailowed with super∣stitious uses.
• The righteous destroyed with the wicked.
• Carew his Survey of Cornwell, fol. 119.
• Gainfull con∣tracting the number of the Priests.
• Gainfull an∣nexing of Chanteries.
• There is a ge∣neration rich, and maketh themselves poor.
• Nothing [pre∣tended] gotten.
• The great, though uncer∣tain number of Chanteries.
• Free Chappels and Colledges.
• See Speeds Catalogue in Nor••hampton∣shire.
• A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 scit of wealth accru∣ing to the Crown.
• Sir Iohn Hay∣ward in Edw. 6. pag. 155.
• Pensions as∣signed to Chantery-Priests.
• Made in the 3 & 4 of Phil. and Mary.
• Some tender∣nesse to Hospi∣talls.
• Stows Survey of London, pag. 344.
• Stow ut prius, p. 491.
• Qu. Mary im∣parts Her in∣tents to four Counsellors.
• a

  Hollinshed in Q Mary, Anno Dom. 1555. pag. 1127.
• b

  Des••his. Ang. lib. 2 pag. 309.
• Several Orders re. erected by Her.
• c

  Stowes Surv. of London, pag. 483.
• A generall jea∣lousie of Ab∣bey-holders.
• Nimianon cau∣tela Non nocet.
• The best work of Q. Mary.
• Prov. 22. 2.
• John 12. 8.
• Violent altera∣tions danger∣ous.
• a

  See a List of them sitting in Sir Tho Cottons Library.
• A Quaere to the learned in Law.
• An imperfect List better than none.
• b

  Cambd. Eliz. Anno 1563.
• c

  Idem in Anno 1560. p. 46.
• Cecil the present owner of this Priory.