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.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS LEAVER was born in this * 1.1 County, where his Family and Name still remains, at two Villages, called Leaver at this day. He was bred Fellow and Batchelour of Divinity o•…•… St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, whereof he was chosen Master, 1552. He was also preferred Master of Sherburn-House, or Hospital in the Bishoprick, a Place it seems of good profit and credit, as founded by Hugh Pudsey, Bishop of Durham, and Earle of Northumberland.

In the beginning of Queen Mary he was forced to fly beyond the Seas, and became the principal Pastour (for they had three other) of the English Exiles at Arrow in Switzerland, which Congregation I behold, as the least, so the freest from Factions of any in that age of our Nation. He was, saith my * 1.2 Author, Virtutum in omni mansuetudine seminator, and besides some Sermons, and a Comment on the Lords Prayer, he wrote a Book intituled, The Right Path way to Christ.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth coming over into England, he took a Journey to Durham, to visite his old Hospital of Sherburne, and falling sick by the way, dyed * 1.3 at Ware, anno 1558. in that very juncture of time, when what Church-Preferment he pleased courted his Acceptance thereof. I finde two more of his Name, Ralph Leaver, and John Leaver (probably his Kinsmen) Exiles for their Conscience in Germany, in the Reign of Queen Mary.

WILLIAM WHITACRE was borne at Holme in this County, whose Life hath been formerly twice * 1.4 written by me. He dyed anno 1596.

ALEXANDER NOWELL was born 1510. of a Knightly Family at Read * 1.5 in this County, and at * 1.6 thirteen Years of age being admitted into Brasen-nose Colledge in Oxford, studied thirteen Years therein. Then he became School-Master of Westminster.

It happened in the first of Queen Mary he was fishing upon the Thames, an Exercise wherein he so much delighted, insomuch that his Picture kept in Brazen-nose Colledg, is drawn with his lines, hooks, and other •…•…ackling, lying in a round on one hand, and his Angles of several sorts, on the other. But whilest Nowel was catching of Fishes, Bonner was catching of Nowel, and understanding who he was, designed him to the Shambles, whither he had certainly been sent, had not Mr. Francis Bowyer then Merchant, afterwards Sheriffe of London, safely conveyed him beyond the Seas.

Without offence it may be remembred, that leaving a Bottle of Ale (when fishing) in the Grasse; he found it some dayes after, no Bottle, but a Gun, such the sound at the opening thereof: And this is believed (Casualty is Mother of more Inventions than Industry) the Original of bottled-Ale in England.

Returning the first of Queen Elizabeth he was made Dean of St. Pauls, and for his meek Spirit, deep Learning, Prudence, and Piety, the then Parliament and Convocation both, chose, injoyned and trusted him to be the man to make a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for publick use, such a one as should stand as a Rule, for Faith and Manners to their Posterity.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 (by the way) is an ancient Church▪ Ordinance, as appears by * 1.7 Theophilus and * 1.8 Apollos, both exercised 〈◊〉〈◊〉. It remained in state during th•…•… •…•…rimitive Church, and did not decline till Popery began to encrease▪ For, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Catechising continued, it had made the Laity more wise in Religion, than would well have stood with the interest of the Church of Rome. It was therefore outed by School-Divinity, and then a fruitfull Olive was cut down, to have a b•…•…amble set in the room thereof. In the first Reformation Protestants revived this Ordinance, and by the use thereof Religion •…•…ot the speed, and great ground of Superstition; till the Jesuits sensible thereof have since outshot us in our own bow, most carefull to catechise their Novices, whilest English Protestants (for I will not condemn Foreig•…•… Churches) grew negligent therein. What is the Reason that so much •…•…loth so soon changeth colour▪ even because it was never well 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and why do men so often change their Opinions? even because they were never well catechised.

He was Confessour to Queen Elizabeth, constantly preaching the First and Last Lent-Sermons before Her. He gave two Hundred Pounds per annum to maintain thirteen Schollars in brasen. Nose Colledge. He died being Ninety Years of age, not decayed in sight, Febru. 13. 1601.

JOHN DEE, where born I cannot recover, was a man of much motion, and is* 1.9 mentioned in this place, where he had his (though last) best fixation. He was bred (as I believe) in Oxford, and there Doctorated, but in what faculty I cannot determine.

He was a most excellent Mathematiti an and Astrologer, well skilled in Magick, as the Antients did, the Lord * 1.10 Bacon doth, and all may accept the sence thereof, viz. in the lawfull knowledg of Naturall Philosophie.

This exposed him, anno 1583. amongst his Ignorant Neighbours, where he then lived, at Mortclack in Surrey, to the suspicion of a Conjurer: the cause I conceive, that his Library was then seized on, wherein were * 1.11 four thousand Books, and seven hundred of them Manuscripts. This Indignity joyned with the former Scandal, moved him to leave the Land, and go over with Sr. Edward Kelly, into Bohemia, as hereafter shall be more * 1.12 fully related.

Returning to Mortclack, 1592. the same Scandal of being a Conjurer, haunted him again: Two Years after Viz. 1594. he was under a kinde of Restraint, which caused him to write to the Lady Scydemore, to move Queen Elizabeth, either, that he might declare his case to the Counsel, or have liberty under the broad Seal to depart the Land. Next year he wrote an apologetical Letter to Arch-bishop Whitgift, which it seems found good reception: yea, at last he gave such satisfaction of the lawfulness and usefulness of his Studies▪ that the Queen (besides many considerable New-Years Gifts sent unto him) presented him Warden of Manchester in this Countie, 1596. where he had many contests and suits with the Fellows of that Colledge.

The last mention I find of him, is in Mr. Camden, to whom he presented an ancient Roman Inscription, found about Manchester, and Mr. * 1.13 Camden in his requital, presen∣ted him with this Commendation.

Hanc mihi descripsit, qui vidit, Cl. Mathematicus, J. Dee, collegij Manchestrensis custos.

And indeed all the books he hath left behind him, speak him a learned, as those, de Usu Globi Terrestris. De Nubium, Solis, Lunae, ac Planetarum distantiis, &c. an aged man, being dedicated to King Edward the Sixth, and he dying about the begin∣ning of King James.

ROGER FENTON, D. D. Fellow of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, was born in this County, as appeareth by his Epitaph, in St. Stephens Wallbrook, London, being the painfull, pious, learned and beloved Minister thereof. Little is left of him in print, save a sollid Treatise against Usury. Great was his intimacy with Dr. Nicholas 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being Contemporaries, Collegiates, and City-Ministers together, with some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their Sirnames, but more sympathy in their Natures.

Once my own Father gave Dr. Fenton a visite, who excused himself from entertain∣ing him any longer; Mr▪ Fuller (said he) hear how the passing-bell towls 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this very Instant, for my Dear Friend, Dr. Felton, now a dying; I must to my Study, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mutually agreed upon betwixt us in our healths, that the Surviver of us should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the others Funerall-Sermon. But see a strange change, God, to whom belongs the * 1.14 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from death, was pleased (with the Patriarch * 1.15 Jacob blessing his 〈◊〉〈◊〉) wittingly to guide his hands 〈◊〉〈◊〉, reaching out death to the living, and life to the dying, So that Dr. Felton recovered, and not only performed that last office to his Friend Dr. Fenton, but also survived him more than ten years, and dyed Bishop of 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Roger Fenton dyed in the fiftieth Year of his age, anno Dom. 1615. buryed in his own Church, under a Monument made at the expence of the Parish.

ROBERT BOITON was born at Blackborne in this County, on Whit sunday 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Year, as infamous for the Massacre of many Protestants in France, so for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of some eminent in England. His Parents having a narrow Estate, struggled with their necessities, to give him liberal Education; and he was bred first in 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ then in Brazen-nose Colledge in Oxford. He had Isocrates his six Marks, or Properties of a good Scholar,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, * 1.16 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

His want of means, proved an advancement unto him: For, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 having whence to buy Books, he borrowed the best Authours of his Tutor, read over, abridged into Note-books, and returned them. He was as able to express himself, in Latine, or Greek,

as English; and that Stylo Imperatorio. He was chosen one of the Disputants before King James, at his first coming to the University, and performed it with great applause.

Thus far I have followed my Authour mentioned in the Margine, but now must depart from him a little in one particular. Though Mr. Boltons parents were not overflowing with wealth, they had a competent Estate (as I am informed by credible intelligence) wherin their Family had comfortably continued long time in good repute.

Sr. Angustine Nicholls presented him to the Rectory of Broughton in Northampton∣shire, sending him his Presentation unexspectedly, from his Chamber in Sergeants •…•…nn, where D. King Bishop of London, being accidentally present, thanked the Judge for his good choice, but told him withall, that he had deprived the University of a singular Ornament. Besides his constant Preaching he hath left behinde him many usefull Books, the Witnesses of his Piety and Learning, and dyed in the 59th Year of his age, December 17. 1631.

JOHN WEEVER was born at ▪ in this County, bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge, under Dr. John Person his worthy Tutor. He was very industrious in the Studie of Antiquity, and composed a usefull Book of Funeral Monuments, in the Diocesse of Canterbury, Rochester, London, and Norwich: He dyed in London in the fifty sixth Year of his age, and was Buried in St. James Clerken-well, where he appointed this Epitaph for himself,

Lancashire gave me Breath, And Cambridge Education.

Middlesex gave we Death, And this Church my Humation.

And Christ to me hath given A place with him in Heaven.

The certain date of his Death I cannot attain, but by Proportion I collect it to be about the Year of our Lord, 1634.

RALPH CUDVVORTH, D. D. the second Son of Ralph Cudworth, of Wernith-hall near Manchester Esquire; Chief Lord of Ouldham, was bred Fellow of Emanuel-colledge in Cambridge. A most excellent preacher, who continued and finished some imper∣fect works of Mr. Perkins, and after his Decease supplyed his place in St. Andrews in Cambridge. He was at last presented by the Colledge to the parish of Auler in Somersetshire, Anno 163..

LAWRENCE CHADERTON was born at Chaderton in this County, of ancient, and wealthy Parentage, but much nuzled up in Popish Superstition. He was intended for a Lawyer, and in order thereunto, brought up some time in the Inns of Court, till he changed his profession, and admitted himself in Christs Col∣ledge in Cambridge. His Father hearing that he had altered his place, studies, and Religion, sent him a Poke with a groat therein, for him to go a begging therewith, disinheriting him of •…•…hat fair estate, which otherwise had descended upon him. But God who taketh men up when their Fathers and Mothers forsake them, provided him a comfortable subsistance, when chosen Fellow of the Colledge. He was for many years Lecturer at St. Clements in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with great profit to his Auditors, after∣wards made by the Founder first Master of Emanuel. He was chosen by the Non-Conformists to be one of their four Representatives in Hampton-court conference, and was afterwards employed one of the Translators of the Bible. He had a plain but effectual way of Preaching. It happened that he visiting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 friends, preached in this his Native Countrey, where the Word of God (as in the dayes of Samuell) was very pretious. And concluded his Sermon which was of two hours continuance at least, with words to this effect. That he would no longer trespasse upon their Patience. Whereupon all the Auditory cryed out, (wonder not if hungry people craved more meat) for God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sir Go on go on. Herea•…•… Mr. Chaderton was surprised into a longer Dis∣course, beyond his expectation, in Satisfaction of their importunity, and (though on a sudden) performed it to their contentment and his commendation. Thus, constant Preachers, like good house keepers, can never be taken so unprovided, but that, (though they make not a plentiful Feast) they can give wholsome food at a short war∣ning.

He commenced Dr. in Divinity, when Frederick Prince Palatine (who married the Lady Elizabeth) came to Cambridge. What is said of Mount Caucasus, that it was never seen without Snowe on the Top, was true of this Reverend Father, whom none of our Fathers generation knew in the Universitie, before he was gray headed, yet he never used Spectacles till the day of his death, being Ninety four years of age.

He was not disheartned with that common saying, he that resigneth his place before his death, buryeth himself alive, but put off his Clothes long before he went to bed, divested himself of the Master-ship of Emanuel Colledge, that so he might see a worthy successor in his life time. The blessing which befell * 1.17 Job, was in some sort appliable unto him, he saw his Successors to the fourth generation. I mean Doctor Presson, and after his Death Doctor Sancroft, and after his death Doctor Holesworth, who preached his Funeral Sermon Anno 1640. about the Ninety fourth year of his age.

GEORGE WALKER was born at Hauxhead in Fournifells, of Religious Parents. Being visited when a child, with the Small-poxe, and the standers by ex∣pecting his dissolution, he started up out of a Trance, with this ejaculation, Lord take me not away till I have shewed forth thy praises, which made his Parents devote him to the Ministery after his recovery.

He was bred B. D. in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, where he attained to be well skilled in the Oriental Tongues, an excellent Logician and Divine, Mr. Foster (formerly his Tutor) resigned unto him his living of St. John the Evangelist, London, wherein Mr. Walker continued the painful Preacher well nigh fourty years, refusing higher preferment often profered him. Dr. Felton (the same morning he was elected Bishop of Ely) made him his Chaplain, and Dr. Featly chose him his second in one of his Disputations against Father Fisher, yea Mr. Walker alone had many encounters with the subtillest of the Jesuitical party.

He was a man of an holy life, humble heart, and bountiful hand, who deserved well of Sion Colledge Library, and by his example and perswasion, advanced about a thou∣sand pounds towards the maintenance of preaching-Ministers in this his Native Coun∣ty. He ever wrote all his Sermons, though making no other use of his Notes in the Pulpit, than keeping them in his pocket, being wont to say, that he thought he should be out if he had them not about him. His Sermons since printed, against the pro∣phanation of the Sabboth, and other practises and opinions, procured him much trouble, and two years Imprisonment, till he was released by the Parliament. He dyed in the seventy year of his Age, Anno Dom. 1651.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Bale. de scri. Brit. Cent. 9. num. 86.
• * 1.2

  Idem, ut prius.
• * 1.3

  Parker, in his Skellet. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. M.S. in the Masters of S•…•…. John.
• * 1.4

  In my Holy-State, and Church History
• * 1.5

  See the Latine Life of his Nephew Dr. Whitaker, near the beginning.
• * 1.6

  In his Epitaph, on his Mon. in Pauls.
• * 1.7

  Luke 1. 4•…•…▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.8

  Acts 18. 25•…•…▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.9

  S. N.
• * 1.10

  In his Ad∣vancement of Learning.
• * 1.11

  Theatrum Chemicum pag. 480.
• * 1.12

  See Sir Edw. Kellys life in Worcester-shire.
• * 1.13

  In his Brit. in Lancashire,
• * 1.14

  Psal. 68. 20.
• * 1.15

  Gen. 48. 14.
• * 1.16

  See the Particulars justified in his life at large, written by my worthy Friend Edw. Bagshaw. Esq.
• * 1.17

  Job. 42. 15.