The Buildings.
KIMBOLTON Castle, This being part of the jointure of Queen Katharine Dow∣ager, was chosen by her to retire thereunto as neither too neer to London to see what she would not, nor so far off but that she might hear what she desired. Here she wept out the Remnant of her widdowhood (while her husband was yet alive) in her devoti∣ons. This Castle came afterwards by gift to the Wingfields, from them by sale to the Montagues; Henry late Earle of Manchester sparing no cost which might add to the beauty thereof.
HINCHING-BROOKE, once a Nunnery and which I am confident will ever be a Religious house whilst it relateth to the truly Noble Edward Montague (Earl of Sand∣wich) the owner thereof. It sheweth one of the Magnificent roomes which is to be be∣held in our Nation.
VVe must not forget the House and Chappel in litle Godding (the inheritance of Master Ferrer) which lately made a great Noise * 1.1 all over England. Here three Numerous female families (all from one Grand-Mother) lived together in a strict discipline of devotion. They rise at midnight to Prayers, and other people most com∣plained thereof, whose heads I dare say never ak't for want of sleep. Sure I am, strang∣ers by them were entertained, poore people were relieved, their Children instructed to read, whilest their own Needles were emploied in learned and pious work to binde Bibles: Whereof one most exactly done was presented to King Charles. But their soci∣ety was beheld by some as an Embrio Nunnery •…•…uspecting that there was a Pope Ioane therein, which causeless Cavill afterwards confuted it selfe, when all the younger of those Virgins, practised the Precept of St. Paul, to marry, bear Children, and guide their* 1.2 houses.