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.

States-men.

Sir CHRISTOPHER HATTON was born (I collect at Holdenby) in this County, of a family rather ancient then wealthy, yet of no mean estate. He rather took a bate, then made a meal at the Inns of Court, whilst he studied the Laws therein. He came afterwards to the Court in a mask, where the Queen first took notice of him, loving him well for his handsome dancing, better for his proper person, and best of all for his great abilities. His parts were far above his learning, which mutually so assist∣ed each other, that no manifest want did appear, and the Queen at last preferred him Lord Chancellour of England.

The Gown-men grudging hereat, conceived his advancement their injury, that one not thoroughly bred in the Laws, should be preferred to the place; How could he cure diseases unacquainted with their causes, who might easily mistake the Justice of the Common-law for Rigour, not knowing the true reason thereof. Hereupon it was, that some sullen Serjeants at the first refused to plead before him, until, partly by his power, but more by his prudence, he had convinced them of their errors, and his abi∣lities. Indeed he had one Sir Richard Swale Doctor of the Civil-laws (and that Law some say is very sufficient to dictate equity) his servant-friend, whose advice he fol∣lowed in all matters of moment.

A scandal is raised, that he was popishly affected, and I cannot blame the Romanists, if desirous to countenan•…•…e their cause with so considerable a person. Yet most •…•…ue it is that his zeal for the discipline of the Church of England gave the first being and life to this report.

* 1.1 One saith, that he was a meer Vegetable of the Court that sprung up at night, and sunk again at his noon, though indeed he was of longer continuance. Yet it brake his heart, that the Queen (which seldome gave boons, and never forgave due debts,) ri∣gorously demanded the present payment of some arrears, which Sir Christopher did not hope to have remitted, but did onely desire to be forborn; failing herein in his expecta∣tion, it went to his heart, and cast him into a mortal disease. The Queen afterwards did endeavour what she could to recover him, bringing as some say cordial broaths unto him with her own hands, but all would not do. Thus no Pullies can draw up a heart once cast down, though a Queen her self should set her hand thereunto. He dyed Anno Domini 1591. and is buried under a stately monument in the Q•…•…ire of Saint Pauls.

Sir WILLIAM FITZ-WILLIAMS born at Milton in this County, mar∣ried the sister of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland. Yea, he himself was * 1.2 five times Lord Deputy of that Kingdome, a sufficient evidence of his honesty and ability, seeing Queen Elizabeth never trusted twice, where she was once deceiv'd in a Minister of State. She so preserved him in the power of his place, that sending over Walter Earl of Essex (a person higher in honour) to be Governour of Ulster, it was ordered, that the Earl should take his Commission from the Lord † 1.3 Deputy.

An intelligent * 1.4 pen alloweth him serviceable, towards the reduction of that King∣dome,

in two eminent particulars. First, in raising a composition in Mounster, then in setling the possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan, one of the last acts of State (tending to the reformation of the civil government) perform'd in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. His vigilancy was most conspicuous in the Eighty-eight, when the routed Armado in its return, did look, dared not to land in Ireland, except against their wills driven by tempest, when they found the shore worse then the sea unto them. I confess, some * 1.5 impute the Irish Rebellion, which afterwards brake out to this Deputies severity, in imprisoning suspected persons for concealing Spanish goods, though this onely gave the Irish a mantle for their intended wickedness. He died Anno Domini 15...

Sir ISAAC WAKE was born in this County, whose father Arthur Wake * 1.6 Clerk was Parson of Billing, Master of the Hospital of Saint Johns in Northampton, and Canon of Christs-church, and son to John VVake of Sancy-forrest Esquire, of a most ancient and honorable family. He was bred Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford, Proctour and Oratour of that University, he was afterwards Secretary to Sir Dudley Carleton Secretary of State, and from his, was advanced into the Kings Service, and imployed Embassadour to Venice, where he neglected his own commodity, to attend his Majesties imployment, the reason that he died rich onely to his own Conscience. Coming from Venice he was appointed Leiger for France, and designed Secretary of State, had not death prevented him at Paris. He was accomplished with all qualifica∣tions requisite for publique Employment, Learning, Languages, Experience, Abilities; and what not?

King Charles hearing of his death, commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England, allowing the expences for his Funeral, and enjoyning his neerest relations to attend the performance thereof. These accordingly met his bo∣dy at Bulloin in France, and saw it solemnly conveyed into England, where it was inter∣red in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover, Anno Dom. 16...

Notes

• * 1.1

  Fragmenta Regalia in his Character.
• * 1.2

  Guil. Fitz∣Williams jam quintùm Hi∣berni•…•… Prorex. Camd. Eliz. An. 1587.
• † 1.3

  Idem Anno 1573.
• * 1.4

  Sir Joh•…•… Da∣vis in his dis∣cove•…•…es of Ireland, pag. 257.
• * 1.5

  Camden Anno 1588.
• * 1.6

  So am I in∣formed from Mr. George Wake late Fel∣low of Magda∣len-colledge in Oxford, and his near kinsman.