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.

YORK is an Antient City built on both sides of the River Ouse, con∣joyned with a Bridge, wherein there is one Arch, the highest and largest in England. Here the Roman Emperors had their residence, (Severus and Valerius Constantius their death) preferring this place before Lon∣don, as more approaching the Center of this Island: and he who will hold the Ox-hide from rising up on either side, must fix his Foot in the middle thereof.

What it lacketh of London in Bigness and Beauty of Buildings, it hath in Cheapness and Plenty of Provisions. The Ordinary in York will make a Feast in London, and such Persons who in their Eating consult both their Purse and Palate, would chuse this City as the Staple place of good chear.

Manufactures.

It challengeth none peculiar to it self, and the Forraign Trade is like their River, (compared with the Thames) low and little. Yet send they course Cloth to Ha•…•…orough, and have Iron, Flax and other Dutch Commodities in return.

But the Trade which indeed is but driven on at York, runneth of it self at Hull, which of a Fishers Town, is become a Cities fellow, within three hundred years, being the Key of the North. I presume this Key (though not new made) is well mended, and the Wards of the Lock much altered, since it shut out our Soveraign from entering therein.

The Buildings.

The Cathedrall in this City answereth the Character which a forraign* 1.1 Author giveth it, Templum opere & magnitudine toto orbe memorandum, the work of John Romaine, Willam Melton, and John Thoresbury. Successive Arch-bishops thereof. The Family of the Percyes contributing Timber, of the Valvasors, Stone thereunto.

Appending to this Cathedrall is the Chapter-house, such a Master piece of Art that this Golden verse (understand it written in Golden Letters) is ingraved therein.

Ut Rosa Flos Florum sic est Domus ista Domorū.

Of Flowers that grow the Flower's the Rose, All Houses so this House out-goes.

Now as it follows not that the Usurping Tulip is better then the Rose, because prefer∣red by some Forraign Fancies before it; so is it as inconsequent that Mod•…•…h Italian Churches are better then this Reverent Magnificent Structure, because some humorous Travailors are so pleased to esteem them.

One may justly wonder, how this Church, whose Edifice Woods (designed by the Devotion of former ages, for the repair thereof) were lately sold, should consist in so good a condition. But as we read,* 1.2 that, God made all those to pity his Children, who carried them captive; so I am informed, that some who had this Cath•…•…drall in their command, favourably reflected hereon, and not onely permitted but procured the re∣pair thereof; and no doubt he doth sleep the more comfortably, and will die the more quietly for the same.

Proverbs.

Lincoln was, London is, and York shall be,]

Though this be rather a Prophesie then a Proverb, yet because something Proverbiall therein, it must not be omitted. It might as well be placed in Lincoln shire, or Middle∣sex, yet (if there be any truth therein) because Men generally worship the Rising Sun, blame me not if here I onely take notice thereof,

That Lincoln* 1.3 was, namely a far Fairer, Greater, Richer City, then now it is, doth plainly appear by the ruins thereof, being without controversie the greatest City in the Kingdome of Mercia.

That London is, we know; that York shall be, God knows. If no more be meant, but that York hereafter shall be in a better condition then now it is, some may believe, and

m•…•…re doe d•…•…sire it. Indeed this Place was in a Fair way of Preferment, (because of the convenient Scituation thereof,) when England and Scotland were first United into Great∣B•…•…itain▪ But as for those who hope it shall be the English Metropolis, they must wait untill the River of Thames run under the great Arch of Ouse-bridge. However York shall be, that is, shall be York still, as it was before.

Saints.

FLACCUS ALBINUS more commonly called Alcuinus, was born, say some, nigh London; say others, in York,* 1.4 the later being more Probable, because befriended with his Northern Education, under Venerable Bede, and his advancement in York. Here he so pl•…•…d the well furnished Library therein, (much* 1.5 praised by him) that he distilled it into himself, so great and generall his knowledge. Bale ranketh him the third English∣man for Learning, placing Bede and Adelme before him; and our Alcuinus his Humi∣lt•…•…y is contented with the place, though he be called up higher by the judgements of others.

Hence he travailed beyond the Seas, and what Aristotle was to Alexander, he was to Charles the first Emperour. Yea, Charles owed unto him the best part of his Title The Great, being made Great, in Arts and Learning by his Instructions.

This Alcuinus was the Founder of the University in Paris, so that whatsoever the French brag to the contrary, and slight our Nation, their Learning was Lumen de Lu∣mine nostro, and a Tapor lighted at our Torch. When I seriously peruse the Orthography of his Name, I call to mind an Anagram which the Papists made of Reverend Calvin, bragging like boys for finding of a Bees, when it proves but a Hornets Nest; I mean Tri∣umphing in the sweetness of their conceit, though there be nothing but a malitious sting therein.

• ...CALVINUS
• ...LUCIANUS

And now they think they have Nicked the Good man to Purpose, because, Lucianus w•…•…s notoriously known for an Atheist, and Grand Scoffer at the Christian Religion. A silly and spirefull Fancy, seeing there were many Lucians worthy Persons in the Primitive •…•…imes, amongst whom the chief, one Presbyter of Antioch and* 1.6 Martyr under Dio•…•…∣sian, so Famous to Posterity for his Translation of the Bible. Besides the same literall allusion is found in the name of

• ...ALCUINUS
• ...LUCIANUS

Thus these Nominall Curiosities, whether they hit or miss the Mark, equally import no∣thing to Judicious Beholders.

He was made first Abbot of Saint Augustines in Canterbury, and afterward of Saint Martins in the City of Towers in France, and dying Anno 780, he was buried in a small Convent appendant to his Monastery.

He is here entred under the Topick of Saints, because though never solemnly cano∣nized, he well deserved the Honor: His Subjects said to David, Thou art worth ten Thou∣sand of us; and though I will not▪ ascend to so high a Proportion, many of the Modern* 1.7 Saints in the Church of Rome must modestly confess, that on a Due and True estimate our Alcuinus was worth many Scores of them at least; so great his Learning and holy his Conversation.

SEWALL had his Nativity probably in these Parts. But he was bred in Oxford, and* 1.8 was a Scholar to St. Edmund, who was wont to say to him, Sewald, Sewald, thou wilt have many Afflictions, and dye a Martyr. Nor did he miss much of his mark therein, though he met with Peace and Plenty at first, when Arch-bishop of York. The oc∣casion of his Trouble was, when the Pope plenitudine potestatis, intruded one Jordan an Italian to be Dean of York, whose* 1.9 Surprised Installing Sewald stoutly opposed. Yea at this time there were in England, no fewer then three Hundred Benefices possessed by Italians, where the People might say to them, as the Eunuch to Philip, How can we

understand without an •…•…nterpreter? Yea which was far worse, they did not onely not teach in the Church, but mis-teach by their lascivious and debauched behaviour. Asfor our Sewald Mathew Paris saith plainly, that he would not bow his Knee to Baal, so that for this his contempt, he was excommunicated and cursed by Bell, Book, and Candle, though it was not the Bell of Aarons Garment, nor Book of Scripture, nor the Candle of an Unpartiall Judgement. This brak his heart, and his Memory lyeth in an Intricate po∣sture, (peculiar almost to himself) betwixt Martyr and no Martyr, a Saint and no Saint. Sure it is, •…•…ewall though dying excommunicated in the Romish, is reputed Saint in Vul∣gar estimation, and some will maintain that the Popes solemn Canonization is no more re∣quisite to the making of a Saint, then the Opening of a Man•…•… Windows is necessary to the lustre of the Sun. Sewald died Anno Dom. 1258.

* 1.10 Bale, who assumeth liberty to himself to surname Old-writers at his pleasure, is pleased to Addition this worthy man, Sewaldus Magnanimus.

Martyrs.

VALENTINE FREESE and his Wife were both of them born in this City, and both gave their lives therein at one* 1.11 Stake, for the testimony of Jesus Christ, Anno Domini 1531. Probably by order from Edward Lee the cruell Arch-bishop. I cannot readily call to mind a man and his wife thus Marryed together in Martyrdome: And begin to grow confident that this Couple was the first and la•…•… in this kind.

Confessors.

EDWARD FREESE brother to the aforesaid Valentine, was born in* 1.12 York, and there a Prentice to a Painter. He was afterwards a Novice-Monke, and leaving his Convent, came to Colchester in Essex. Here his hereticall Inclination (as then accounted) disco∣vered it self in some sentences of Scripture, which he Painted in the Borders of Cloths, for which, he was brought before John Stoaksley Bishop of London, from whom he found such cruell usage as is above belief. Master* 1.13 Fox saith, that he was fed with Manchet made of Saw-dust, or at the least a great part thereof, and kept so long in Pri∣son, Manicled by the wrests, till the Flesh had overgrown his Irons; and he not able to kembe his own head became so distracted, that being brought before the Bishop, he could say nothing, but my Lord is a good man. A sad sight to his Friends, and a sinfull one to his Foes, who first made him mad, and then made mirth at his madness.

I confess distraction is not mentioned in that list of losses, reckoned up by our* 1.14 Sa∣viour, He that left his House, or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands, for my sake, &c. But seeing his wits is nearer and dearer to any man then his wealth, and seeing what is so lost may be said to be left; no doubt this poor mans distraction was by God gratiously accepted, on his enemies severely punished, and to him mercifully rewarded. We must not forget how the wife of this Edward Freese, being big with child, and pressing in to see her husband, the Porter at Fulham gave her such a kick on the belly, that the child was destroyed with that stroke immediately, and she died afterwards of the same.

Prelates.

JOHN ROMAN so called because his* 1.15 Father was born in Rome, though living a long time in this City, being Treasurer of the Cathedrall therein, and I conjecture this John his Son born in York, because so Indulgent thereunto. For generally Pure Pute Italians preferred in England, transmitted the gain they got by Bills of Exchange or otherwise into their own Country, and those outlandis•…•… Mules though lying down in English Pasture, left no Hairs behind them: Whereas this Roman had such Affection for York, that being advanced Arch-bishop, he began to build the Body of the Church, and finished the North Part of the Cross-Isle therein. Polydore Virgil praised him, (no wonder that an Italia•…•… commended a Roman) for a Man of great Learning and Sincerity.

He fell into the disfavour of King Edward the first, for Excommunicating An∣thony Beck Bishop of Durham, and it cost him four thousand marks to regain his Princes Good Will. He died Anno Domini 1295. And let none grudge his Buria•…•…

in the best Place of the Church, who was so Bountifull a Builder thereof.

ROBERT WALBEY born in this City,* 1.16 was therein bred an Aug•…•…stinian Friar, he afterwards went over into France, where he so applied his studies, that at last he was chosen Divinity Professor in the City of Tholouse: he was Chaplain to the black Prince, & after his death to his Father K. Edward the third. Now as his Mr. injoyed three Crowns, so under him in his three Kingdoms this his Chaplain did partake successively of three Mi∣ters, being first a Bishop in Gascoine, then Arch-bishop of Dublin in Ireland, & afterwards Bishop of Chichester in England, not grudging to be degraded in Dignity, to be pre∣ferred in profit. At last he was consecrated Arch-bishop of York, and was the first and last Native which that City saw the least of Infants, and (in his Time) when Man, the greatest therein. Yet he enjoyed his place but a short time, dying May 29. Anno Domi∣ni, 1397.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS MORTON was born Anno 1564. in the City of York, whose father Ri∣chard Morton, (allyed to Cardinall Morton Arch▪ bishop of Canterbury,) was a Mercer (I have been informed the first of that calling in that City sure,) of such repute, that no Mercers for many years by past, were of any Eminency, but either immediately or mediately were Apprentices unto him. He was bred in York school, where he was School∣fellow with Guy Faux, which I note, partly, to shew that Loyalty and Treason, may be educated under the same Roof, partly, to give a check to the received opinion, that Faux was a Fleming, no Native English-man.

He was bred in Saint Johns-colledge in Cambridge, and chosen Fellow thereof to a Fellowship to which he had no more Propriety, then his own Merit, before Eight Comp•…•…∣titors for the place, equally capable with himself, and better befriended.

Commencing Doctor in Divinity, he made his Position, (which though unusuall was Arbitrary and in his own power,) on his second Question, which much defeated the ex∣pectatio•…•… of Doctor Playfere, replying upon him with some passion, Commos•…•…i mihi stomachum. To whom Morton return'd, Gratulor tibi Reverende professor de bono tuo stomacho caenabis apud me hac nocte.

He was successively preferr'd Dean of Gloucester, Winchester, Bishop of Chester, Co∣ventry and Lichfield and Durham. The Foundation which he laid of Forraign corre spondency with eminent persons of different perswasions, when he attended as Chap∣lain to the Lord Evers, (sent by King James Embassadour to the King of Denmark and many Princes of Germany,) he built upon unto the Day of his Death.

In the late Long Parliament, the displeasure of the House of Commons fell heavy upon him, partly, for subscribing the Bishops Protestation for their Votes in Parlia∣ment; partly, for refusing to resign the seal of his Bishoprick, and baptizing a Daugh∣ter of John Earl of Rutland with the sign of the Cross; two faults, which compounded together in the judgement of honest and wise-men amounted to a High Innocence.

Yet the Parliament allowed him eight hundred pounds a year (a proportion above any of his Brethren) for his maintenance. But alass the Trumpet of their Charity gave an uncertain sound, not assigning by whom or whence this summe should be paid. In∣deed the severe Votes of the Parliament ever took full effect, according to his observa∣tion, who did Anagram it

• ...VOTED
• ...OUTED

But their mercifull Votes found not so free performance. However this good Bi∣shop got a thousand pounds out of Goldsmiths-hall, which afforded him his support in his old Age.

The Neb of his Pen was unpartially divided into two equall Moyeties, the one writ∣ing against Faction, in defence of three Innocent Ceremonies; the other against Supersti∣tion, witness the Grand Impostor, and other worthy works.

He solemnly proffered unto me (pardon me Reader, if I desire politiquely to twist my own with his Memory; that they may both survive together,) in these sad times to

maintain me to live with him; which Courteous Offer as I could not conveniently ac∣cept, I did thankfully 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Many of the Nobility deservedly honoured him, though none more then John Earl of Rutland, to whose Kinsman Roger Earl of Rutland he formerly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been Chaplain. But let not two worthy Baronets be forgotten, Sir George Savill, who so civilly paid him his purchased Annuity of two hundred pounds, withall Proffered advantages; and Sir Henry Yelve•…•…ton, at whose house he dyed, aged 95. at Easton-Manduit in Northampton shire, 1659. For the rest the Reader is remitted to his life, written largely and learnedly, by Doctor John Barwick Dean of Durham.

States-men.

Sir ROBERT CAR was born in this City on this occasion, Thomas Car his father Laird of Furnihurst, a man of great lands and power in the South of Scotland, was very active for Mary Queen of Scots; and on that accompt forced to fly his land, came to York. Now although he had been a great inroder of England, yet for some secret reason of State, here he was permitted safe shelter, du•…•…ing which time Robert his son was born; this was the reason why the said Robert refused to be Naturalized by Act of our Parlia∣ment, as needless for him born in the English Dominions.

I have read how his first making at Court was by breaking of his leg at a Tilting in London whereby he came first to the Cognizance of King James; Thus a fair start∣ing with advantage in the notice of a Prince, is more then half the way in the race to his favour: King James reflected on him whose Father was a kind of Conf•…•…ssor for the cause of the Queen his Mother; besides the Young Gentleman had a handsome per∣son and a conveniency of desert; Honors were crowded upon him, made Baron, Viscount, Earl of Sommerset, Knight of the Garter, Warden of the Cinque∣Ports, &c.

He was a well natured man, not mischievous with his might, doing himself more hurt then any man else. For abate one foul fact with the appendance and consequences thereof notoriously known, and he will appear deserving no foul Character to posteri∣ty; but for the same he was banished the Court, lived and dyed very privately, about the year of our Lord, 1638.

Writers.

JOHN WALBYE was born in this City, of honest Parentage. He was bred an Augustinian (Provinciall of his Order,) and Doctor of Divinity in Oxford. A Placen∣tious Person, gaining the good-will of all, with whom he conversed, being also Inge∣nious, Industrious, Learned, Eloquent, Pious, and Prudent.* 1.17 Pitz writeth, that (after Alexander Nevell) he was Chosen but never Confirmed, Arch bishop of York, (an Honour reserved for Robert his Younger Brother, of whom† 1.18 before.) But Bishop Godwin maketh no mention hereof, which rendreth it suspicious. The said Pitz maketh him actuall Arch-bishop of Dublin, whilst Bale (who being an Irish Bishop, had the advantage of exacter Intelligence,) hath no such thing, whence we may con∣clude it a Mistake. The rather because this John is allowed by all to have died in this place of his Nativity, 1393. Also I will adde this, that though sharp at first against the Wickliffites, he soon abated his own Edge; and though present at a Council kept at Stanford, by the King against them, was not well pleased with all things transacted therein.

JOHN ERGHOM was born in this* 1.19 City, an Augustinian by his profession. Lea∣ving York he went to Oxford, where passing thorough the Arts, he fixed at last in Divi∣nity, proving an admirable Preacher. My* 1.20 Author tells me, that sometimes he would utter nova & inaudita, whereat one may well wonder, seeing Solomon hath said, There is no n•…•…w thing under the Sun. The truth is, he renewed the custome of expound∣ing Scripture in a typicall way, which crouded his Church with Auditors, seeing such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 preaching break's no bones, much pleased their fancy, and little cross'd or curb'd their corruptions. Indeed some (but not all) Scripture is capable of such comments, and because metalls are found in Mountains, it is madness to Mine for them in every

rich Meadow. But in expounding of Scripture, when mens inventions out-run the Spirits intentions, their swiftness is not to be praised, but sawcyness to be punished. This Erghom wrote many books, and dedicated them to the Earl of Hereford, (the* 1.21 same with Edward Duke of Buckingham,) and flourished under K. Henry the seventh, Anno 1490.

Since the Reformation.

RICHARD STOCK was born in this City, bred Scholar of the house in Saint Johns∣Colledge in Cambridge, and designed Fellow of sidney, though not accepting thereof. He was afterwards Minister of All hallows Bredstreet in London, by the space of thirty two years, till the day of his death.

Where (if in health) he omitted not to Preach twice every Lords day, with the approbation of all that were Judicious and Religious. No Minister in England had his Pulpit supplyed by fewer Strangers. Doctor Davenant afterwards Bishop of Sarum, (whose father was his parishioner) was his constant Auditor, while lying in London. His Preaching was most profitable, Converting many, and Confirm∣ing more in Religion, so that appearing with Comfort at the Day of Judgement, he might say, behold I and the Children that God hath given me. He was zealous in his life, a great Reformer of prophanations on the Sabbath, prevailing with some com∣panies to put off their wonted Festivalls from Mundays to Tuesdays, that the Lords∣day might not be abused by the preparation for such entertainments. Though he preached oft in neighbouring Churches, he never neglected his own, being wont to protest, That it was more Comfortable to him to win one of his own Parish then twenty others.

Preaching at Saint Pauls Cross when young, it was ill taken at his mouth, that he reproved the inequality of Rates in the City, (burdening the Poor to ease the Rich,) and he was called a Green head for his pains. But being put up in his latter days to preach on the Lord Mayors Election, and falling on the same subject, He told them, That a Gray head spake now what a Green-head had said before. He dyed Aprill 20. Anno Domini 1626. with a great lamentation of all, but especially of his Parishio∣ners.

Memorable Persons.

JOHN LEPTON of York Esquire, servant to King James, undertook for a wager to ride six days together betwixt York and London, being sevenscore and ten miles, stylo vetere, as I may say, and performed it accordingly, to the greater praise of his strength in acting, then his discretion in undertaking it. He first set forth from Al∣dersgate May 20. being Munday, Anno Domini 1606.* 1.22 and accomplished his journey every day before it was dark. A thing rather memorable then commendable, many maintaining, that able and active bodies, are not to vent themselves in such vain (though gainfull) ostentation; and that it is no better then tempting Divine Provi∣dence, to lavish their strength, and venture their lives, except solemnly summoned thereunto by just necessity.

Lord Mayors.

Expect not Reader, that under this Title I should present thee with a list of the Lord Mayors of this City born therein. Onely to make this part conformable to the rest of my book, know, that I find one Native of this City Lord Mayor of London, viz.

Name	Father	Place	Company	Time
1 Martin Bowes	Thomas Bowes	York	Goldsmith	1545

The Farewell.

To take our leaveof this Loyall City: I desire that some Lucrative Trade may be set up therein, to repair her former losses with advantage. Mean time I rejoyce, that the Archiepiscopat See is restored thereunto, not despairing, but that in due time, (if the Su∣pream Authority adjudge it fit) the Court of the Presidency of the North, may be re-erected therein, presuming the Country will be Eased, and City Inriched thereby, as the Load∣stone which will atract much Company, and by consequence Commodity thereunto.

Let me adde, I am informed, that Sir Thomas Widdrington, a person accomplished in all Arts, (as well as in his own Profession of the Laws,) hath made great Progress in his Exact Description of this City. Nor doe I more congratulate the happiness of York coming under so Able a Pen, then Condole my own Infelicity, whose unsuccessfull atten∣dance hitherto could not compass speech with this worthy Knight. Sure I am when this his work is set forth, then indeed YORK SHALL BE, what? a City most compleatly Illustrated in all the Antiquities and Remarkables thereof.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Writer of the life of Aeneas Syl•…•…ius or Pope Pius secundus.
• * 1.2

  Psal. 106. 46.
• * 1.3

  See the life of Arch-bishop Mountain in the B•…•…efa∣ctors of this County.
• * 1.4

  B. de scrip•…•…. Brit. Num. 17. Cent. 2.
• * 1.5

  In 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suâ ad Carolum Mag•…•…um.
• * 1.6

  Eusebius. lib. 8 cap. 13.
• * 1.7

  * a Sam. 18. •…•….
• * 1.8

  S. N.
• * 1.9

  Godwin in the Arch bi∣shops o•…•… York.
• * 1.10

  Script. Brit. Cen•…•…. 4. Num. 23.
• * 1.11

  Fox Acts and Mon. p. 10•…•…7.
• * 1.12

  Idem ibidem pag. 1026.
• * 1.13

  Idem ibidem.
• * 1.14

  Mark. 10. 29.
• * 1.15

  Godwin in the Catalogue of the Arch∣bishops of York.
• * 1.16

  Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops.
• * 1.17

  〈1 line〉〈1 line〉.
• † 1.18

  In the Pre∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 City.
• * 1.19

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Script. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Num. 50. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.20

  Idem. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.21

  See Camdens Brit. in Here∣ford-shire.
• * 1.22

  Mr. Sander∣son his History of King James hoc anno.