The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

Benefactors to the Publick.

Besides Bishop Wickham (of whom before) who alone may pass for Ten, I meet with none of grand remark before the Reformation; since it, besides many of meaner note, I find Two of signal Charity.

Sir WILLIAM DODDINGTON Knight, High Sheriffe of this County in the Third of King James, kept a bountiful House at Bremer therein. Succeeding to an unexpected Estate, he had the words of David frequent in his mouth; What am I? or what is my Fathers House? that thou hast brought me hitherto. Having a godly jealousie, that some former Dysasters in his Family had been caused by Gods displeasure on his Ancestors for holding so many Impropriations, he freely and fully restored them to the Church, setling them as firmly as Law could devise to a greater yearly value, than many will believe, or any imitate. Yet was he a man of Mourning, or son of Affliction all the dayes of his life. No sooner had he seen Herbert his eldest son, a most hopeful Gentleman, married to a considerable Co-heir in Somer set-shire, but he beheld him snatcht away by an untimely death. What Tragedies have since happened in his house∣hold, is generally known. All these he bare with Saint-like Patience, * 1.1 hearing the Rod, (that is, understanding and obeying it) and him who appointed it. In a word, God the skilful Lapidary polished him with sharp Instruments, that he then did glister as a Pearle here, who now shineth as a Starre in Heaven. He died about the year of our Lord, 1638.

JOSEPH DIGGONS Esquire, was of Dutch extraction (whose Father was a* 1.2 Sea-man of Trinity-House) but had his longest Habitation in this County in a house of his own building at Whetham in the Parish of Lisse. He was bred a Fellow-Commoner

of Clare-hall in Cambridge, and afterwards became a Barrester in the Temple. By his Will he gave to Clare hall (where none knew his Face, nor remembred his Name, save the Worthy Master Dr. Pask) all his Estate in Land, of very improveable Rents, to the Value of One Hundred and Thirty Pounds per annum; for the founding of Fellowships and Scholarships, at the discretion of the Master and Fellows. He made Mr. Pickering an Attourney of Clements-Inn (living at Oldham in this County) an Overseer of his Will, who faithfully gave the Colledge notice thereof, and was very usefull and assistant to them in the settling of the Lands aforesaid. Mr. Diggons died, anno 1658.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Micah. 6. 9.
• * 1.2

  S. N.