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.

WALES.

THIS PRINCIPALITY hath the Severn Sea on the South, Irish-Ocean on the West and North, England on the East, antiently divided from it by the River Severn, since by a Ditch drawn with much Art and Industry, from the Mouth of Dee to the Mouth of Wie. From East to West, [Wie to Saint Davids] is an hundred, from North to South, [Car•…•…ion to Hollihead] is an hundred and twenty miles.

The Ditch or Trench lately mentioned, is called Clauhd-Offa, because made by King Offa; who cruelly enacted, that what Welch-man soever was found on the East-side of this Ditch should forfeit his Right-hand. A Law long since Cancelled, and for many ages past, the Welch have come peaceably over that Place, and good reason, bringing with them both their Right-hands and Right-hearts; no less Loyally then Va∣liantly to defend England against al•…•… enemies, being themselves under the same Sove∣raign United thereunto.

It consisteth of three parts, the partition being made by •…•…oderick the great, about the year 877. dividing it betwixt his three sons.

1. North-Wales,	Whose Princes chiefly Resided at	1. Aberfrow,
2. Mathravall,
3. Dynefar.
2. Powis,
3. South-Wales.

This division in fine proved the Confusion of Wales, whose Princes were always at War, not onely against the English, their Common Foe, but mutually with themselves to enlarge or defend their Dominions.

Of these three North-wales was the chief, as doth plainly appear, first, because Ro∣derick left it Mervin his Eldest Son. Secondly, because the Princes thereof were by way of Eminency stiled the Princes of Wales, and sometimes Kings of Aberfrow. Thirdly, because as the King of Aberfrow paid to the King of London, yearly Threescore* 1.1 and three pounds by way of Tribute, so the same summe was paid to him by the Princes of Powis and South-wales.

However South-wales was of the three the Larger, Richer, Fruitfuller, therefore cal∣led by the Welsh Deheubarth, that is, The Right-side, because nearer the Sun. But that Country being constantly infested with the Invasions of the English and Flemings, had North-wales preferred before it, as more intire and better secured from such annoy∣ances. Hence it was, that whilst the Welsh-tongue in the South is so much mingled and corrupted, in North-wales it still retaineth the purity thereof.

The Soil.

It is not so Champion and Levell, and by consequence not so fruitfull as England, mostly rising up into Hills and Mountains of a lean and hungry nature, yet so that the ill quality of the ground is recompenced by the good quantity thereof.

A right worshipfull Knight in Wales, who had a fair Estate therein, his rents resulting from much Barren-ground, heard an English Gentleman (perchance out of intended op∣position) to brag, that he had in England, so much ground worth forty shillings an Acre; you (said he) have ten yards of Velvet, and I have te•…•… score of Frize, I will not exchange with you. This is generally true of all Wales, that much ground doth make up the Rent, and yet in proportion they may lose nothing thereby, compared to Estates in other Countries.

However there are in Wales most pleasant Meadows along the sides of Rivers, and

as the sweetest flesh is said to be nearest the bones, so most delicious vallies a•…•…e inter∣posed betwixt these Mountains.

But now how much these very Mountains advantage the Natives thereof, in their Health, Strength, Swiftness, Wit, and other naturall Perfections, Give me leave to stand by silent▪ whilst a great Master of Language and Reason entertaineth the Reader with this most excellent and pertinent discourse,

Carpenters Geography second Book, chap. 15. pag. 258.

This conceit of Mounsieur Bodin, I admit without any great contradiction, were he not over-peremptory in over-much censuring all Mountainous people of Blockishness and Bar∣barisme, against the opinion of Averroes a great Writer; who finding these People nearer Heaven, suspected in them a more Heavenly Nature. Neither want there many reasons drawn from Nature and Experiment to prove Mountainous People more pregnant in Wit, and Gifts of understanding then others inhabiting in low and plain Countries. For however Wit and Valour are many times divided, as we have shewn in the Northern and Southern people, yet were they never so much at variance, but they would sometimes meet. First therefore, what can speak more for the witty temper of the Mountain People, then their clear and subtile Aire, being far more purged and rarified, then that in Lower countries. For holding the Vital spirits to be the chiefest Instruments in the Souls Operation, no man can deny but that they sympathize with the Aire, especially their chiefest foment. Every man may by experience, find his Intellectuall Operations more Vigorous in a Clear day, and on the contrary most Dull and Heavy, when the Aire is any way affected with foggy vapours. What we find in our selves in the same place at divers seasons, may we much more expect of places diversly affected in Constitution. A second reason, for the proof of our assertion, may be drawn from the Thin and spare Diet, in respect of those others. For people living of Plains have commonly all Commodities in such plenty, that they are subject to surfeiting and luxury, the greatest Enemy and Underminer of all Intellectuall Opera∣tions. For a fat Belly commonly begets a gross Head, and a lean Brain: But want and scarcity the Mother of Frugality invites the Mountain-dwellers to a more sparing and whole∣some Diet. Neither grows this conveniency only out of the scarcity of Viands; but also out of the Dyet. Birds, Fowls, Beasts, which are bred upon higher places are esteemed of a more Cleanly and wholsome feeding, then others living in Fens and Foggy Places. And how far the Quality of our Dyet prevails in the Alteration of our Organs and Dispositi∣ons, every Naturalist will easily resolve us. A third reason may be drawn from the cold Aire of these Mountainous Regions, which by an Antiperistasis keeps in and strengthens the Internall heat, the chief instrument in Natural and Vital Operations. For who per∣ceives not his Vital and by consequence his Intellectuall Parts, in cold frosty weather to be more strong, and vigorous, then in hot and soultry seasons, wherein the spirits be d•…•…faced and weakned? This disparity in the same region, at divers times, in regard of the disposition of the Aire, may easily declare the disparity of divers Regions, being in this sort diversly af∣fected. A fourth reason, may be taken from the Custome and Hardness, whereunto such people inure themselves from their infancy; which (as Huartus proves) begets a better tem∣per of the Brain, in regard of the Wit and Understanding; which we happen to find clean otherwise with them, who have accustomed themselves to deliciousness. These reasons per∣haps would seem onely probable, and of no great moment, were they not strengthened with Forraign and Domestick Observations.

Thus much I thought fit to transcribe out of our Author, un paralleld in his kind, confident that our ensuing work will be a Comment on his Text, or rather, will, by the Induction of severall instances, Natives of Wales, be the Proof of the Truth of this his most Judicious assertion.

Naturall Commodities,

Silver.

Tully (a better Orator then Historian, yet better Historian then Metallist, affirm∣eth that Britain affordeth, ne micam auri vel argen•…•…i, not a grain of gold or silver: under∣stand him what in his age was discovered. Otherwise Wales, and especially Cardigan∣shire yields ROYAL MINES, where the silver holds standard, and pays with profit for the separation from Lead, and the refining thereof, as by the ensuing particulars will appear.

• 1. Six Mountains there are in Cardigan shire, (pardon British Reader, if I spell them rather after our English Pronunciation, then the Welch Orthography,) viz. Comsomelock, Tallabant, Gadarren, Bromefloid, Geginnon and Cummer∣rum.
• 2. The Romans first began to mine here, (as appears by their coines found therein,) working in trenches, not above twenty or four and twenty fathom deep, and found plenty of Lead.
• 3. The Danes and Saxons wrought by Sheafts, so they call what is long and nar∣row; whether mounting into the aire, (as Spires of Steeples,) or sinking in∣to the earth, as their Pits here, an hund•…•…ed fathom deep.
• 4 They found great plenty of Lead, but at last deserted their works, either because the vein of metall failed, or they drowned with the irruption of water.
• 5. Customer Smith, about the latter end of the raign of Queen Elizabeth, dis∣covered Silver in Comsomelock, and sent it up to the Tower of London with great expence, to be coined.
• 6. After his death, the design was prosecuted, and more perfected by Sir Hugh Middleton Knight, coining the Silver to his great charge, as his Predecessour, at the Tower.
• 7. After the death of Sir Hugh, Sir Francis Godolphin of Cornwall Knight, and Thomas Bushell Esquire, undertook the work.
• 8. King Charles, for their greater encouragement, and sparing their expence, granted them power of coinage at Aberrusky in that County.
• 9. Thomas Bushell (Sir Francis dying soon after, and Comsom•…•…lock being deser∣ted) adventured on the other five Mountains.
• 10. Not disheartned, that the first year and half afforded no effectuall discove∣ry, at last these Mines yielded one hundred pounds a week, (besides Lead amounting to half as much) coined at Aberrusky aforesaid.
• 11. The pence, groats, shillings, half-crowns, &c. of this Silver, had the Ostrich feathers (the Armes of Wales) for distinction stamped on them.

Then came our Civil Wars, and discomposed all the work, when Mattocks must be turned into Spear•…•…, and Shovells into Shields, or else probably before this time the project had arrived at a greater perfection.

Here by the way, it is richly worth the observing, how the modern manner of Min∣ing exceedeth what was formerly used. For thirty years since they began at the top of a Mountain, digging directly downwards with their Shafts, which was subject to a double mischief, of damps, and drowning. Besides, vast was the expense before they could come to the bowels of the Mountain, wherein the Oar (if any) was most pro∣bably expected.

Since they have gone a more compendious way by Adyts, making their entrance (some five foot and a half high, and perchance as broad,) into the Mountain, at the low∣est levell therereof, so that all the water they meet with, conveyeth it self away as in a channel, by the declivity of the place. And thus they penetrate the most expeditious way athwart the middle thereof, which bringeth them to the speediest discovery of the metal therein.

But the rarest invention is the supplying of the Miners with fresh aire, which is perform∣ed by two mens blowing wind by a pair of bellows on the outside of the Adit, into a pipe of lead, daily lengthened as the Mine is made longer, whereby the Candle in the Mine is daily kept burning, and the Diggers recruted constantly with a sufficiency of breath. This invention was the master-piece of Sir Franci•…•…▪ Bacon, Lord Ver•…•…lam, and not onely so acknowledged by Thomas Bushell his gratefull servant, but also effectually prosecuted by him; a person innated with a publike spirit, if he migh•…•… meet with pro∣portionable encouragement.

And here methinks it were •…•…tting (Pardon, (reader) a short digression) that rewards should be given to such undertakers, who are the discoverers of profitable projects; and not onely to such who exactly hit the mark, but even to those who ingeniously miss it, because their aberrations may be directions to others. And though many tympanies and false conceptions would happen, yet amongst many miscarriages some pregnant▪ wits would happily be delivered of rare inventions▪ especially if the State would be plea∣sed to be their Mid-wife favourably to encourage them.

Lead.

This is found in many places in Wales, but in Carnarvan-shire the best, in many re∣spects. First, because so near the sea, so that they may cast the Oare into the Ship. Metalls elsewhere are digged as out of the Bowells of the Earth, so out of the Bowells of the Land, I mean, so far from any Conveyance by Water, that the expence of the portage swallows much of the profits thereof: which charge is here avoyded. Second∣ly, for the plenty. Lastly, for the purity thereof. Insomuch that there was great pro∣bability for a long time that it would have proved a Mine Royal. Which hope was fru∣strated at last to the great gain of the owners thereof. For a Leaden Mine is a Silver∣mine to such Subjects as possess it, whilst a Silver-mine is but a Leaden one unto them, from whom the property is taken, as then accrewing to the Crown or State, by vertue of its Prerogative.

Goats.

In Latine Capri, à Carpendo, from cropping, (therefore forbidden to be kept in some places, because destructive to young Woods,) are when young, most nimble and frisk∣ing, (whence our English to Caper,) but afterwards put on so great gravity, that an He∣Goat is recounted by wise * 1.2 Agur, amongst the four creatures which are comely in going. Yea, if that ornamentall excrement which groweth beneath the chin, be the standard of wisdome, they carry it from Aristotle himself. They are strong above their pro∣portion, and an He-Goat will beat a Ram of equall bigness. Hence it is that in * 1.3 Daniel, the Persian Monarchy is compared to a Ram, and the Macedonian, which subdued the Persian, resembled to a Goat. They can clamber the highest hills, with∣out help of a ladder, delighting in steep and craggy places, seeming rather to * 1.4 hang then stand, as they are feeding.

Their flesh, disguised with good cookery, may deceive a judicious palate, as it did † 1.5 Isaac's, for venison. Of their skins excellent gloves are made, which may be called our English-Cordovant, soft, supple and stretching, whence the expression of Cheverel∣consciences, which will stretch any way for advantage. Course Coverings are made of their shag, God himself not despising the present of * 1.6 Goats-hair, which made the outward case of the * 1.7 Tabernacle. Their milk is accounted cordiall against consump∣tions; yea, their very stench is used for a perfume in Arabia the Happy, where they might surfeit of the sweetness of spices, if not hereby allayed. In a word, Goats are be•…•… for food, where Sheep cannot be had.

Plenty of these are bred in Wales, especially in Montgomery-shire, which mindeth me of a pleasant passage, during the restraint of the Lady Elizabeth. When she was so strictly watched by Sir Henry Benefield, that none were admitted access unto Her, a Goat was espied by a merry Fellow, (one of the Warders) walking along with her. Whereupon, taking the Goat on his Shoulders, he in all hast hurried him to Sir Henry, I pray Sir (said he) * 1.8 examine this fellow, whom I found walking with her Grace, but what

talk they had I know not, not understanding his Language. He seems to me a stranger, and I believe a Welsh-man by his frieze Coat.

To return to our subject, I am not so knowing in Goats, as either to confirme or con∣fute what Plinie * 1.9 reports, that Adhuc lactantes generant; They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 young ones, whilst they themselves as yet suck their Dams. He addeth, that they are great enemies to the Olive-trees, (which they embarren with licking it) and therefore are never sacrificed to Minerva. Sure I am a true Deity accepted them for his service; as many kids well nigh, as lambs, being offered in the Old Testament.

The Manufactures.

The Brittish generally bearing themselves high on the account of their gentile ex∣traction, have spiri•…•… which can better comport with designes of suddain danger then long difficulty, and are better pleased in the imploying of their valour then their labour. Indeed some souls are over-lovers of liberty, so that they mistake all industry to be degrees of slavery. I doubt not but posterity may see the Welsh Commodities im∣proved by art far more then the present Age doth behold, the English as yet as far ex∣celling the Welsh, as the Dutch exceed the English in Manufactures. But let us instance in such as this Country doth afford,

Frieze.

This is a course kind of Cloath, then which none warmer to be worn in Winter, and the finest sort thereof very fashionable and gentile. Prince Henry had a frieze sute, by which he was known many weeks together, and when a bold Courtier checkt him for appearing so often in one Suit, Would (said he) that the Cloath of my Country (being Prince of Wales) would last always. Indeed it will daily grow more into use, especially since the Gentry of the Land being generally much impoverisht, abate much of their gallantry, and lately resigned rich cloaths to be worn by those (not whose persons may best become them, but) whose purses can best pay for the price thereof.

Cheese.

This is milk by Art so consolidated, that it will keep uncorrupted for some years. It was antiently (and is still) the Staple food for Armies in their marching, witness when David was sent with * 1.10 Ten Cheeses to recruit the provisions of his Brethren, and when * 1.11 Barzillai with Cheeses (amongst other food) victualled the Army of K. David. Such as are made in this Country are very tender and palatable, and once one merrily (with∣out offence I hope) thus derived the Pedigree thereof;

Adams nawn Cusson, was her by her birth, Ap Curds, ap Milk, ap Cow, ap Grasse, ap Earth.

Foxes are said to be the best Tasters of the fineness of Flesh, Flies of the sweetest Grapes, and Mice of the tenderest Cheese, and the last, (when they could Compass 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in that kind) have given their Verdict for the goodness of the Welch. What should be the reason, that so many people should have such an Antipathie▪ against Cheese (more then any one manner of meat) I leave to the skilfull in the Mysteries of Nature to decide.

Metheglen.

Some will have this word of Greek extraction, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, contracted 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But the British will not so let go their none Countriman MATHEW GLIN, but will have it purum potum Cambricum, wholly of Welsh originall: Whencesoever the word is made, the liquor is compounded of water, honey, and other ingredients, being most whole∣some for mans body. Pollio Romulus, who was an hundred years old, being asked of Augustus Cesar, by what means especially he had so long preserved his vigour both of mind and body; made answer, * 1.12 Intus mulso, foris oleo, by taking Metheglen inward, and oyle outward.

It differeth from Mede, ut vinum à † 1.13 lora, as wine from that weak stuffe which is the last

running from the grapes pressed before. It is a most generous liquor, as it is made in this Country, in so much that had * 1.14 Mercator, who so highly praised the Mede of Egra, for the best in the world; I say, had he tasted of this Welch Hydromel, he would have confined his commendation to Germany alone, and allowed ours the precedency. Queen Elizabeth, who by the Tudors was of Welch-descent, much loved this Her native liquor, recruiting an annual stock thereof for Her own use, and here take if you please,

The Receit thereof,

First gather a Bushell of Sweet-briar leaves, and a Bushell of Time, half a Bushell of Rosemary, and a Peck of Bay-leaves. Seeth all these (being well washed) in a Furnace of fair water, let them boil the space of half an Hour, or better, and then pour out all the water and herbs into a Vat, and let it stand till it be but milk-warme, then strain the water from the herbs, and take to every six Gallons of water one Gallon of the finest Honey, and put it into the * 1.15 Boorn, and labour it together half an hour, then let it stand two days, stir∣ring it well twice or thrice each day. Then take the Liquor, and boil it anew, and when it doth seeth, skim it as long as there remaineth any dross. When it is clear, put it into the Vat as before, and there let it be cooled. You must then have in readiness a kind of new Ale or Beer, which, as soon as you have emptied, suddenly whelme it upside down, and set it up again, and presently put in the Metheglen, and let it stand three days a working. And then tun it up in Barrells, tying at every Tap-hole, (by a Pack-thred) a little bag of beaten Cloves and Mace, to the value of an Ounce. It must stand half a year before it be drunk.

The Buildings.

The Holy * 1.16 Spirit complaineth, that great men build Desolate places for themselves; therein taxing their Avarice, Ambition, or both. Avarice, they joyn House to * 1.17 House, [by Match, Purchase, or Oppression,] that they may be alone in the Land, that their Covetous∣ness may have Elbow-room to lye down at full length, and wallow it self round about. These love not, because they need not Neighbours, whose numerous Families can subsist of themselves.

Or else their Ambition is therein reproved, singling out Desolate Places for them∣selves, because scorning to take that Fruitfulness which Nature doth tender, and desire∣ing as it were to be Petty-Creators, enforcing Artificiall Fertility on a place where they found none before.

I* well knew, that wealthy Man, who being a great improves of ground, was wont to say, that he would never come into that place which might not be made better: On the same token, that one tartly returned, that then he would never go to Heaven, for that place was at the best. But the truth is, Fertilizing of barren ground may be termed a Charitable Curiosity, employing many poor people therein.

It is confessed that Wales affordeth plenty of barren places, (yielding the benefit of the best Aire,) but the Italian humor of building hath not affected (not to say infected) the British Nation. I say the Italian-humor, who have a merry Proverb, Let him that would be happy for a Day, go to the Barber; for a Week, marry a Wife; for a Month, buy him a New-horse; for a Year, build him a New-house; for all his Life-time, be an Honest-man. But it seems that the Welsh are not tempted to enjoy such short happiness for a years continuance.

For their Buildings, generally they are like those of the old Britains, neither big nor beautifull, but such as their Ancestors in this Isle formerly lived in, For when Cataracus that valiant British Generall, (who for nine years resisted here the * 1.18 Romans puissance) after his Captivity and Imprisonment, was inlarged, and carried about to see the Magni∣ficence of Rome, * 1.19 Why do you (said he) fo greedily desire our poor Cottages, whereas you have such stately and magnificent Palaces of your own?

The simplicity of their common building for private persons may be conjectured by the Palaces of their Princes. For Hoelldha Prince of Wales, about the year 800. built a house for his own residence of White-hurdells or Watling, therefore called Ty Gwin, that is, the White-house or Whitehall if you please.

However there are brave buildings in Wales, though not Welsh buildings, many stately Castles, which the English erected therein. And though such of them as survive at this day, may now be beheld as Beauties, they were first intended as bridles to their Country. Otherwise their private houses, are very mean indeed. Probably they have read what Master Camden writes, that the building of great houses was the bane of good house-keeping in England, and therefore they are contented with the worse habitations, as loath to lose their beloved hospitality. The rather, because it hath been observed that such Welsh buildings as conforme to the English mode, have their Chimneys though more Convenient, less Charitable, seeing as fewer eyes are offended, fewer bellies are fed, with the smoaking thereof.

But though the Lone-houses in Wales, be worse then those in England; their Market∣towns generally are built better then ours, the Gentry (it seems) having many of their habitations therein.

The Proverbs.

These are twofold. 1. Such as the English pass on the Welsh. 2. Such as the Welsh make on the English. The latter come not under my cognizance, as being in the Bri∣tish Tongue, to me altogether unknown Besides my friend Master James Howel in a Treatise on that Subject, hath so feasted his Reader, that he hath starved such as shall come after him, for want of New Provisions. As for the former sort of Proverbs, we insist on one or two of them.

His Welsh Blood is up.]

A double reason may be rendred, why the Welsh are subject to anger. 1. Moral; Give losers leave to speak, and that passionately too. They have lost their land, and we English∣men have driven their Ancestors out of a fruitfull Country, and pend them up in Barren Mountains. 2. Naturall; Choler having a Predominancy in their Constitution, which soundeth nothing to their disgrace. Impiger * 1.20 Iracundus, is the beginning of the Cha∣racter of Achilles himself. Yea, Valour would want an Edge, if Anger were not a Whet∣stone unto it. And as it is an Increaser of Courage, it is an Attendant •…•…n Wit, Ingeniosi sunt Cholerici. The best is, the anger of the Welsh doth soon arise, and soon abate, as if it were an Embleme of their Country, up & down, chequered with Elevations and Depressions.

As long as a Welsh pedigree.]

Men (who are made Heralds in other Countries) are born Heralds in Wales, so na∣turally are all there inclined to know and keep their descents, which they derive from great antiquity: so, that any Welsh-gentleman (if this be not a Tautology) can presently clime up, by the stairs of his pedigree, into princely extraction. I con∣fess some English-men make a mock of their long pedigree, (whose own perchance are short enough if well examined,) I cannot but commend their care in preserving the memory of their Ancestors, conformable herein to the custome of the Hebrews. The worst I wish their long pedigree, is broad possessions, that so there may be the better symmetry betwixt their extractions and estates.

Give your horse a Welch-bait.]

It seems it is the custome of the Welsh travailers, when they have climed up a hill (whereof plenty in these parts) to rain their horses backward, and stand still a while, taking a prospect (or respect rather) of the Country they have passed. This they call a bait, and (though a Peck of Oates would doe the palfrey more good) such a stop doth (though not feed) refresh. Others call this a Scotish-bait, and I believe the horses of both mountainous Countries, eat the same provender, out of the same manger, on the same occasion.

Proceed we now to our Description, and must make use in the first place of a generall Catalogue, of such who were undoubtedly Welsh yet we cannot with any certainty refer them to their respective Counties, and no wonder,

• 1. Because they carry not in their Sur names any directions to their nativities, as the antient English generally (and especially the Clergy) did, till lately, when conquered by the English, some conformed themselves to the English custome.
• ...

• 2. Because Wales was antiently divided but into three great Provinces North∣wales, Powis, and South-wales, and was not modelled into Shires, according to the modern division, till the raign of K. Henry the eighth.

Of such therefore who succeed herein, though no County of Wales (perchance) can say this man is mine, Wales may avouch all these are ours. Yet I doe not despair, but that in due time this my Common may God willing be inclosed, (and fair Inclosures I assure you is an inriching to a Country,) I mean, that having gained better intelligence from some Welsh Antiquaries (whereof that Principality affordeth many) these per∣sons may be Un-general'd, and impaled in their particular Counties.

Princes.

I confess there were many in this Principality, but I crave leave to be excused from giving a list of their nativities. They are so antient, I know not where to begin, and so many, I know not where to end. Besides, having in the fundamentalls of this Book con∣fined Princes to the children of Soveraigns, it is safest for me, not to sally forth, but to intrench my self within the aforesaid restrictions.

Onely I cannot but insert the following note found in so Authentick an Author, for the rarity thereof in my apprehension, Camdens Remains, pag. 181.

As for the Britains or Welsh, whatsoever Jura Majestatis their Princes had, I cannot understand that they ever had any Coin of their own, for no Learned of that Na∣tion have at any time seen any found in Wales or elsewhere.

Strange that having so much Silver digged out, they should have none Coined in their Country, so that Trading was driven on either by the bartery or change of Wares and Commodities, or else by money Imported out of England and other Countries.

Confessors.

WALTER BRUTE was born in Wales, and if any doubt thereof, let them peruse the ensuing protestation, drawn up with his own hand,

* 1.21 I Walter Brute, Sinner, Layman, Husbandman, and a Christian, (having mine of-spring of the Britains, both by Fathers and Mothers side,) have been accused to the Bishop of Hereford, that I did err in many matters concerning the Catholick Christian faith: by whom I am required, that I should write an answer in Latine to all those matters, whose desire I will satisfie to my power, &c.

Observe herein a double instance of his Humility, that being a Welch-man, (with which Gentleman is reciprocall) and a Scholar* 1.22 graduated in Oxford, contented him∣self with the plain addition of husbandman.

He was often examined by the aforesaid Bishop, by whom he was much molested and imprisoned, the particulars whereof are in Master Fox most largely related. At last he escaped, not creeping out of the window by any cowardly compliance, but go∣ing forth at the door fairly set open for him by Divine Providence. For, he onely made such a generall subscription, which no Christian man need to decline, in form fol∣lowing:

* 1.23 I Walter Brute, submit my self principally to the Evangely of Jesus Christ, and to the determination of holy Kirk, and to the General Councels of Holy Kirk. And to the sentence and determination of the four Doctors of holy writ, that is, Austin, Ambrose, Jerome, and Gregory. And I meekly submit me to your correction, as a Subject ought to his Bishop.

It seems the Popish Prelates were not as yet perfect in their art of persecution, (Brute being one of the first who was vexed for Wickliffisme) so that as yet, they were loose and favourable in their language of Subscription. But soon after they grew so

punctuall in their expressions, and so particular in penning abjurations and recantations; that the persons to whom they were tendered, must either strangle their consciences with acceptance, or lose their lives for refusall thereof.

NICHOLAS HEREFORD. I have presumptions to perswade my self (though pos∣sibly* 1.24 not to prevail with the Reader) to believe him of British extraction. He was bred Doctor of Divinity in Oxford, and a Secular Priest, betwixt whose Profession and Fryery, there was an ancient Antipathy. But our Hereford went higher, to defie most Popish Principles, and maintain

That

• 1. In the Eucharist, after the Consecration of the Elements, Bread and Wine still re∣mained.
• 2. That Bishops and all Clergy-men, ought to be subject to their Respective Princes.
• 3. That Monks and Fryers, ought to maintain themselves by their own la∣bour.
• 4. All ought to regle their lives, not by the Popes Decrees, but Word of God.

From these his four Cardinall Positions, many Hereticall Opinions were by his Ad∣versaries deduced, (or rather detracted,) and no wonder they did Wrack his Words, who did desire to torture his Person.

From Oxford he was brought to London, and there with Philip Repington was made to* 1.25 Recant his Opinions publiquely at Saint Pauls Cross, 1382. See their severall success;

REPINTON like a violent Renegado proved a Persecutor of his Party, for which he was rewarded, first with the Bishoprick of Lincoln, then with a Cardinals Cap.

HEREFORD did too much to displease his Conscience, and yet not enough to please his enemies. For the jealousie of Arch∣bishop Arundel persecuted and continued him always a Prisoner.

The same with the later was the success of John Purvey his partner in opinions, whom T. Walden termeth the Lollards Library. But they lock'd up this Library, that none might have access unto it, keeping him and Hereford in constant durance. I will say nothing in excuse of their Recantation, nor will I revile them for the same: know∣ing there is more requisite to make one valiant under a Temptation, then only to call him coward who is foiled therewith. Yet I must observe, that such as consult Carnall Councills, to avoid afflictions (getting out by the window of their own plotting, not the door of Divine Providence) seldome injoy their own deliverance. In such Cases our Sa∣viours words are always (without the parties Repentance) spiritually and often literally true,* 1.26 He that findeth his life shall lose it. And although we read not that this Here∣ford was put to death, he lost the life of his life, his liberty and lustre, dwindling away in obscurity as to the time and place of his death.

REGINALD PEACOCK was born in Wales,* 1.27 bred in Kings (commonly saith Bale called Orial) Colle•…•…ge in Oxford, where for his learning and eloquence, he proceeded Doctor in Divinity; Bishop first of Saint Asaph, then of Chichester. For twenty years together he favoured •…•…he opinions of Wicliffe, and wrot many books in defence there∣of, untill in a Synod held at Lambeth by T. Bourcher Arch-bishop of Canterbury 1457. he was made to recant at Pauls Cross (his books being burnt before his eyes) confuted with seven solid arguments, thus* 1.28 reckoned up, Authoritate, Vi, Arte, Fraude, Metu, Terrore & Tyrannide.

Charitable men behold this his Recantation as his suffering, and the act of his ene∣mies: some account it rather a slip then a fall, others a fall, whence afterwards he did arise. It seems, his recanting was little satisfactory to his adversaries, being never re∣stored to his Bishoprick, but confin•…•…d to a poor pension in a mean Monastery, where he died obscurely, though others say,* 1.29 he was privily made away in prison. He is omit∣ted by Pitzeus in his Catalogue of Writers, a presumption, that he apprehended him finally dissenting from the Popish perswasion.

Popes.

I find none bred in this Principality, and the wonder is not great; For before the time of Austin the Monk his coming over into England, Wales acknowledged no Pope, but depended meerly on their own Arch-bishop of Carlyon. Yea, afterwards it was some hundreds of years, before they yielded the Pope free and full obedience; besides, the inhabitants of Wales being depressed in their condition, had small accommodations for their travels to Rome, and those at Rome had lesse list to chuse persons of so great di∣stance into the Papasie.

Cardinals.

SERTOR of WALES was so called from his Native Country. By some he is named Fontanerius Valassus, but why, saith Bishop * 1.30 Godwin, Rationem non capio, and I will not hope to understand what he could not. He was bred a Franciscan, and was chosen (very young for that place) their General the nineteenth in succession, Anno Domini 1339. Afterwards he was made Bishop of Massile, then Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, next Patri∣arch of Grado, and by Pope Innocent the sixth, was made Cardinal, Anno Domini 1361. But being extremely aged, he was so unhappy, that before the Cardinals Cap could come to him, he was gone out of this world. Many Books he wrote of his Le∣ctures, Quodlibets, but chiefly, he is eminent for his Comment on Saint Austin, De ci∣vitate Dei. He died at Padua in Italy, and was therein * 1.31 buried in the Church of Saint Anthony.

Prelates.

MARBOD EVANX (I had almost read him Evans a noted name in Wales,) was born in this Country, and bred in the study of all Liberal Sciences. In his time the Danes wofully harassed the Land, which caused him to ship himfelf over into little Bri∣tain in France; the inhabitants whereof may be termed Cosin-Germans to the Welch, as Sons to their younger brethren, much symbolizing with them in manners and language. Here Marbod, though abroad, was at home, (worth is the worlds Countriman) and his deserts preferred him to be Episcopus Redonensis, Bishop of Renes, Praelatus non Ela∣tus, such his humility in his advancement.

We may conclude him a general Scholar by the variety of his works, writing of gems and precious stones, and compounding profit and pleasure together in his book called Carmina Sententiosa, much commended (Italian praise of British Poetry is a black swan) by Lilius * Giraldus an Italian in his lifes of Poets. We will conclude all with the Cha∣racter* 1.32 given unto him by † 1.33 Giraldus Cambrensis, Marbodus bonarum literarum magister eruditus colores rhetoricos, & tam verborum quam sententiarum exornationes versibus egre∣giis declaravit. He flourished 1050.

WALTER de CONSTANTIIS. Who would not conclude him from his Surname born at Constance on the Boden Zee in Switserland? But we have a Constat for his * 1.34 Bri∣tish Nativity. He was preferred first Arch-Deacon of Oxford, then Bishop of Lincoln, then Arch-Bishop of Rohan, by King Richard the first. A man of much merit, besides his fidelity to his Soveraign, whom he attended to Palestine, through many perils by Sea and by Land. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 somuch, that there want not those, who will have him named, De Constantiis, from the Expressive Plural, relating to his Constancy to his Master in all con∣ditions.

No doubt he had waited on him in his return through Austria, and shared with him in the miseries of his Captivity, if not formerly remanded into England, to retrench the Tyranny of William Longcampt Bishop of Ely, which he effectually performed. He had afterwards a double Honour, first to interr King Richard at Font-Everard, then to invest K. John with the Principality of Normandy, as being the Prime Prelate therein. His death may be collected about the year 1206.

CADUCANUS a Welsh-man by birth, was a very skilful Divine, and Bishop of Bangor. Leaving his Bishoprick he became a Cistercian Monk in Monasterio Durensi sive Dorensi, (which for the present I am unwilling to English.) Here I find two learn∣ed

Antiquaries, the one the lender, the other the debtor, (I had almost said the one owner the other stealer,) much divided in their judgements, about this his retrograde motion, from a Bishop to a Monke, the one commending, the other condemning him herein;

J. Leland cited by Bale.	J. * 1.35 Bale.
Rarum hoc equidem exemplum est, ut quis optimas fortunas macra commu∣tet tenuitate. This indeed was a rare example, that one should willingly exchange the best fortunes for a lean meannesse.	Qui Episcopatū appetit (ait Paulus) perfectum opus desiderat. Non sic de monachatu otioso, quum sit plan∣tatio, quam non consolidavit Pater coelestis. Whoso desireth a Bishoprick desireth a good thing, saith * 1.36 St. Paul. It cannot be said so of Monkery, which is a plant, wh•…•…h the Heavenly Father hath not planted.

It is past my power to comprimise a difference betwixt two so great persons in so great a difference, at so great a distance; onely to hold the ballance even betwixt them, give me leave to whisper a word or two,

First for Leland, whereas he calleth the Bishoprick of Bangor, Optimas fortunas, it was never very rich, and at the present very troublesome; (by reason of the Civill Wars) so that Caducanus turning Monk, in most mens apprehension, did but leave what was little for what was less.

As for John Bale, he himself under King Edward the sixth, was Bishop of Ossory in Ireland, and flying thence in the days of Queen Mary, did not return in the raign of Queen Elizabeth to his See, but contented himself rather with a * 1.37 Canons place in the Church of Canterbury; so that by his own practise, a Bishops place may on some considerations be left, and a Private (though not Superstitious) life lawfully embraced.

The best is, even Bale himself doth consess of this Caducanus, that after •…•…e turned Monk, Studiorum ejus interea non elanguit successus, He was no less happy, then indu∣strious in his endeavours, writing a book of Sermons, and another called speculum Christiano•…•…um. He dyed under the raign of King Henry the third, Anno Domini 1225.

Since the Reformation.

HUGH JOHNES born in Wales, was bred Batchelour of the Laws in the University of Oxford, and made Bishop of Landaff (which See it seems for the poorness thereof, lay Bishopless for three years after the death of Bishop Kitchin,) May 5. 1566. Memorable no doubt on other accounts, as well as for this, that though this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be in Wales, he was the * 1.38 first Welch-man, who for the last three hundred years (viz. since John of Mon∣mouth elected 1296.) was the Bishop thereof. He was buried at Matherne, November 15. 1574.

Doctor......... PHILIPS was a native of * 1.39 Wales, had his education in Oxford, and was afterward preferred to be Episcopus Sodorensis, or Bishop of Man. Out of his zeal for propagating the Gospell, he attained the Manks tongue, and usually preached therein.

Know by the way, Reader, that the King of Spain himself (notwithstanding the vastness of his Dominions,) had not in Europe more distinct languages spoken under his command, then had lately the King of great Britain, seven tongues being used in his Territories, viz.

• 1. English, in England.
• 2. French, in Gersey & Guernzey.
• 3. Cornish, in Cornwall.
• 4. Welch, in Wales.
• 5. Scotch, in Scotland.
• 6. Irish, in Ireland.
• 7. Manks, in the Isle of Man.

This Doctor Philips undertook the translating of the Bible into the Manks tongue, taking some of the Islanders to his assistance, and namely Sir Hugh Cavoll, Minister of the Gospell, and lately (if not still) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Kir-Michael. He perfected the same work in the space of * 1.40 twenty nine years, but prevented by his death, it was never put to press. I know not whether the doing hereof soundeth more to the honour of the

dead, or the not Printing thereof since his death, to the shame of the living, seeing surely money might be procured for so general and beneficiall a design. Which makes some the less to pity the great pains of the Ministers of the Isle of Man, who by dou∣ble labour read the Scriptures to the peoplé out of the English in the Manks-tongue. This singularly learned, hospitable, painfull and pious Prelate died Anno Dom. 16...

Physicians.

ROBERT RECORDE was born in this* 1.41 Country, ex Claris Parentibus, bred in Ox∣ford, where he proceeded Doctor of Physick. His soul did not live in the Lane of a single science, but traversed the Latitude of Learning, witness his Works

In

• Arithmetick, not so absolute in all numbers, before his time, but that by him it was set forth more Compleat.
• Astrology, he Practicall part whereof hath so great an influence upon Physick.
• Geometry, whereof the wrot a Book, called the Path of Geometry, and that easier and nearer then any before.
• Physick, of the Judgements of Urines: and though it be commonly said Urina me∣retrix, yet his judicious rules have reduced that Harlot to Honesty, and in a great measure fixed the uncertainty thereof.
• Metals, his Sight may seem to have accompanied the Sun-beams into the Bowells of the Earth, piercing into those Penetralls in his discoveries of, and discourses on Gold and Silver, (wherewith I believe him well stored,) Brass, Tin, Lead, and what not?

What shall I speak of his skill in Anatomy, Cosmography, Mu•…•…ick, whereof he read publique Lectures in Oxford?

As for his Religion (say not this is of no Concernment in a Physician) I conjecture him to be a Protestant. First, because he wrot of Auricular Confession, and de Negotio Eu∣charistiae, each whereof is a Noli me tangere, for a Romish Lay-man to meddle with, accor∣ding to Popish principles. Secondly, because so largely commended by Bale. But I dare conclude nothing herein, having not hitherto seen his Treatises in Divinity. He flourished under K. Edward the sixth about the year, 1550.

THOMAS PHAIER was born in* 1.42 Wales, and bred (I believe) first in Oxford, then in London, a generall Scholar, and well versed in the Common Law, wherein he wrot a book De natura Brevium, of the Nature of Writs. Strange that he would come after Justice Fitz-herbert, who formerly had written on the same Subject. But probably Phaiers Book (having never seen any who have seen it) treateth of Writs in the Court of Marches, (whereto Wales was then subjected, and) where the Legal Proceedings may be somewhat different from ours in England.

But the Study of the Law did not fadge well with him, which caused him to change his Copy, and proceed Doctor in Physick. Now (though he made none) he, out of French did translate many usefull books. 1. Of the Pestilence, and the cure thereof. 2. Of the Grief of children. 3. Of the Nature of Simples. 4. The Regiment of Nuturall Life. He had also his Diversion, some excursion into Poetry, and translated Virgil his Eneads, Magna Gravitate (saith my* 1.43 Author) which our Modern Wits, will render, with great Dulness, and avouch, that he instead of a Latine Virgill, hath presented us with an Eng∣lish Ennius, such the rudeness of his verse. But who knoweth not, that English Poetry is improved fifty in the Hundred, in this last Century of years? He died, and was bu∣ried in London about the year of our Lord 1550.

ALBANE HILL was* 1.44 Britannus by birth. I confess Britannus doth not clearly car∣ry his Nativity for Wales, except it were additioned Cambro-Britannus. But according to our peaceable promise* 1.45 premised, let him pass for this Country-man. The rather, because so many Hills (and Mountains too) therein. He was bred a Doctor of Physick, professing and practising most beyond the Seas, more famous in Forraign Parts, then in his Native Country. I find two eminent Outlandishmen, viz. Josias Simler, an Helvetian of Zurich; and Bassianus Landus, an Italian of Placentia, charactering him to be, Medi∣cus Nobilissimus ac optimus, & in omni disciplinarum genere optime versatus, and that he wrot much upon Galen, and the Anatomicall part of Physick, so that we may say with the* 1.46 Poet,

Ut littus Hilum, Hilum omne sonarct.

The shoar resounded still, Nothing but Hill and Hill.

I find no time affixed wherein he flourished, but according to the received Rule, Nos∣citur è socio, he may from his Contemporaries be collected in full Lustre, Anno 1550. and it is remarkable that Wales had three eminent Physicians Writers all in the same Age.

Writers.

Be it premised, that as I should be loth by my lasiness to conceal, so with all my In∣dustry I conceive it impossible to compleat their Characters. For as the Venetian Cour∣tezan, after she had put off her lofty attire, and high Chippines, almost pares away her self into nothing; such the slender account given us of these Writers, that after some set forms and Commendations of Course common to all Persons, be first defalked, the re∣mainder will be next to nothing. But it is no fault of me the Cistern if I be empty, whilst my fountain is dry, seeing I spill nothing by the Leakage of my Neglect, but faithfully deliver all the intelligence I find, as followeth:

PETROK was a Welch-Irish-Cornish-Man. He had his birth in* 1.47 Wales, but breeding in Ireland, according to the Mode of that Age, wherein all British sailed over into Ire∣land, (as the English in after ages did into France,) there to have their Education in all learned Sciences. Who would have thought to have found Helicon amongst the Bogs, as indeed it was at that Time? Petrok after twenty years reading good Au∣thours there, came over into Cornwall, and fixed himself nigh the Severn Sea, in a small Oratory called Petrok-Stowe, (the station or abiding place of Petrok) now corruptly Pad-Stowe, where many eminent Scholars were brought up under him. He wrot a book of Solitary life, whereto he was much addicted.

I confess Petrok is somewhat degraded, as entred under the Topick of Writers, who is reputed a Saint, and I remember a handsome Church in Exeter dedicated to his Me∣mory, who flourished Anno 560.

GILDAS the FOURTH, for there were three before him, viz. Gildas Albanius, Gildas Surnam'd Sapiens, (of whom* 1.48 before) Gildas Cambrius, and this our Gildas, who laggeth last in the Teame of his Name-sakes. But the second of these is worth all the rest, (were there four hundred of them) whom I behold as a Sun indeed, shining with the Lustre of his own desert, whilst two of the others are but so many Meteors about him, some suspecting them, no realities in Nature, but meerly created by mens sight-decepti∣on, and the reflection of the Memory of the true Gildas.

This our fourth Gildas is made a Welch-Scotch-Irish-Man, Wales sharing in him two parts of three, viz. his Birth and Death, the largest part of his life belonging to Ireland, where he studied. Many the Books imputed to him of the Wonders and first inhabitants of Britain, of King Arthur and his* 1.49 unknown Sepulehre, so that now we can teach Gil∣das what he knew not, namely, that King Arthur was certainly buried at† 1.50 Glassenbury. He wrot also of Percevall and Lancelot, who•…•… I behold as two Knights Combatants, and presume the former most victorious, from the Notation of his Name, Per seva∣lens, prevailing by himself.

Our Author is charged to be full of Fables, which I can easily believe, for in Anci∣ent History if we will have any thing of truth, we must have something of falsehood, and (abating onely Holy-writ) it is as impossible to find Antiquity without Fables, as an old Face without Wrinckles. He flourished Anno Dom. 860.

BLEGABRIDE LANGAURIDE. Philip Comineus observeth, that to have a short Name is a great advantage to a Favorite, because a King may readily remember, and quickly call. him. If so, the writer aforesaid is ill qualified for a Favorite. But let him then pronounce his own Name, for others will not trouble themselves therewith. He attained to be a great Scholar, Doctor of both Laws, and Arch-deacon of the Church of Landaft. He to the honour of his Country, and use of Posterity, translated the laws of Howell the most modest King of Wales, and flourished* 1.51 914.

SALEPHILAX the BARDE. This Mungrell name seemeth to have in it an Eye or

Cast of Greek and Latine, but we are assured of his Welch extraction. In inquiring after his works, my success hath been the same with the painfull Thresher of Mill-dew'd wheat, gaining little more then Straw and Chaffe. All the grain I can get is this,* 1.52 that he set forth a Genealogy of the Britains, and flourished about the year 920.

GWALTERUS CALENIUS (may we not English him Walter of Calen?) was a Cam∣brian by his* 1.53 Nativity, though preferred to be Arch-deacon of Oxford. He is highly prized for his great learning, by Lealand and others. This was he who took the pains to go over into Britain in France, and thence retrived an Ancient Manuscript of the British Princes, from Brutus to Cadwalader. Nor was his labour more in recovering, then his courtesie in communicating this rarity to Jeffrey of Munmouth, to translate the same into Latine. Nor was this Walter himself idle, continuing the same Chronicle for four hundred years together, untill his own time. He flourished Anno Dom. 1120. under King Henry the first.

GUALO BRYTANNUS born in Wales, was from his Infancy a servant to the Muses, and lover of Poetry. That he might injoy himself the better herein, he retired into a private* 1.54 place, from the noise of all people, and became an Anchorite for his Fancy not Devotion, according to the Poet,

Carmina secessum scribentis & otia quaerunt.

Verses justly do request Their writers privacy and rest.

Here his pen fell foul on the Monks, whose covetousness in that age was so great, that of that subject

Difficile est Satyram non scribere.

'Twas hard for any then to write, And not a Satyre to indite.

He wrot also Invectives against their wantonness and impostures, and yet it seems did it with that Cautiousness, that he incurred no danger. Indeed he is commended by John of Sarisbury and others, Quod esset Prudens & Doctus. He flourished Anno Domini 1170. under King Henry the second.

WILLIAM BRETON was born (saith Bale and Pitz. the later alledging one Willot for his Author) in Wales, bred a Franciscan at Grimsby in Lincoln-shire. I will not quar∣rell his Cambrian extraction, but may safely mind the Reader, that there was an ancient family of the Bretons at Ketton in Rutland next Lincoln-shire, where this William had his education.

But, let this Breton be Brito, (believing the allusion in sound not the worst evidence for his Welch originall) sure it is, he was a great Scholar, and deep Divine; the Wri∣ter of many books both in Verse and Prose; and of all, his Master-pi•…•…ce was, an expo∣sition of all the hard words in the Bible, which thus begins,

Difficiles studeo partes, quas* 1.55 Biblia gestat, Pandere; sed nequeo, latebras nisi qui ma •…•…festat Auxiliante Deo, qui c•…•… vult singula praestat, Dante juvamen eo, nihil insuperabile restat, &c.

Hard places which the Bible doth contain, I study to expound; but all in vain, Without Gods help, who darkness doth explain, And with his help nothing doth hard remain, &c.

Such the reputation of his book, that in the controversie betwixt Standish Bishop of Saint A•…•…aph and Erasmus, [unequal contest] the former appeals to* 1.56 Br•…•…tons book, about the interpretation of a place of Scripture. This William died at Grimsby, Anno Domini 1356.

UTRED BOLTON was born saith Lealand, ex Transabrinâ Gente. Now though parts of Salop, Worcester and Gloucester-shire, with all Hereford shire be beyond Severn, yet in such doubtfull Nativities England giveth up the Cast, rather then to make a Con∣test to measure it. Troublesome times made him leave his Country and travail to Dur∣ham, where he became a Benedictine. He had a rare Naturall Happiness, that the Prompt∣ness and Pleasantness of his Parts,* 1.57 commended all things that he did or said. This so far ingratiated him with the Abbot of his Convent, that he obtained leave to go to Ox∣ford, to File his Nature the Brighter by learning.

Hither he came in the heat of the difference, betwixt Wickliffe and his Adversaries.

Bolton sided with both and with neither, consenting in some things with Wickliffe, dissenting in others, as his conscience directed him.

William Jordan, a Dominican (and Northern Man,) was so madded hereat, that he he fell foul on Bolton, both with his Writing and Preaching. Bolton angry hereat, ex∣pressed himself more openly for Wickliffe, especially in that his smart Book, Pro Veris Monachis, for True Monkes, or Monkes Indeed, (parallel with Saint Pauls Widdows indeed,* 1.58 which were to be honoured) showing what Sanctity and Industry was required of them. Hereat the anger of Jordan did Overflow, endeavouring (and almost effecting) to get Bolton excommunicated for an Heretick. This Learned Man flourished under King Ri∣chard the second 1330.

JOHN GWENT was born in* 1.59 Wales, bred a Franciscan in Oxford, till he became Provinciall of his Order throughout all Britain. He wrot a Learned Comment on Lom∣bard his Common Places, and is charactered a Person, qui in Penitiore recognitae Prudentiae Cognitione se vel admirabilem ostenderet. Here endeth Lealand his writing of him, and beginneth Bale his railing on him, pretending himself to the truest Touchstone of Spi∣rits, and trying Men thereby. Yet doth he not charge our Gwent, with any thing peculiar to him alone, but common to the rest of his Order, telling us (what we knew before) that all Mendicants were acted with an ill Genius, being Sophisters. Cavilers, &c. this Bee being no more, guilty then the whole Hive therein. He dyed at Hereford in the Verge of his Native Country 1348.

JOHN EDE was (saith* 1.60 Bale,) genere Wallus, by Extraction a Welch man, immediately adding patria Herefordensis, by his Country a Hereford-shire man. We now for quietness sake, resign him up wholly to the former. Yet was he a Person worth contending for, Lealand saith much in little of him, when praising him to be, Vir illustris Famâ, Eraditione & Religione. He wrot severall Comments on Aristotle, Peter Lumbard, and the Revela∣lion. He was chief of the Franciscans Convent in Hereford, where he was buried in the raign of King Henry the fourth 1406.

DAVID BOYS. Let not Kent pretend unto him, wherein his Surname is so Ancient and Numerous, our Author assuring us of his* 1.61 British Extraction. He studied in Ox∣ford (saith Lealand) no less to his own Honour, then the Profit of others, reaping much benefit by his Books. Having his Breeding at Oxford, he had a Bounty for Cambridge, and compassing the writings of John Barningham his Fellow-Carmelite, he got them fairly transcribed in four Volumes, and bestowed them on the Library in Cambridge, where Bale beheld them in his Time. He was very familiar (understand it in a good way) with Eleanor Cobham Dutchess of Gloucester, whence we collect him at least a Parcell-Wickliffite. Of the many books he wrot, fain would I see that Intituled of Double Immortality, whether intending thereby the Immortality of Soul and Body, or of the Memory here and Soul hereafter. I would likewise satisfie my self in his Book about the madness of the Hagarens, whether the Mahometans be not ment thereby, pretend∣ing themselves descended from Sarah, when indeed they are the Issue of the Bond∣woman. He was Prefect of the Carmelites in Gloucester, where he dyed 1450. Let me adde, that his Surname is Latined Boethius, and so Wales hath her David Boethius, whom in some respects she may Vie with Hector Boethius of Scotland.

Since the Reformation.

Sir JOHN RHESE alias Ap Ryse Knight, was born in Wales, Noble by his Linage, but more by his Learning. He was well vers'd in the British Antiquities, and would not leave a Hoof of his Countries Honour behind, which could be brought up, to go along with him. Now so it was, that Polydore Virgil that Proud Italian, bare a Pique to the British, for their Ancient Independency from the Pope. Besides, he could not so easily compass the Welch Records into his clutches, that so he might send them the same way with many English Manuscripts, which he had burnt to ashes. This made him slight the Credit of Welch Authors, whom o•…•… Sir John was a Zelot to assert, being also a Champion to vindicate the story of King Arthur. Besides, he wrot a Treatise of the Eucharist, and by the good words* 1.62 Bale bestoweth on him, we believe him a Favorour of the Reformation, flourishing under King Edward the sixth 1550.

JOHN GRIFFIN was born in* 1.63 Wales, first bred a Cistercian Friar in Hales-Abbey in

Gloucester-shire. After the dissolution of his Convent he became a Painfull and Profitable Preacher. He suited the Pulpit with Sermons for all seasons, having his Conciones Aestivales & Brumales, which he preached in English, and wrot in Latine; flourishing under King Edward the sixth, Anno Domini 1550.

HUGH BROUGHTON was born in Wales, but very nigh unto Shrop-shire. He used to speak much of his Gentility, and of his Armes, which were the Owles, presaging, as he said his Addiction to the study of Greek, because those were the birds of Miner∣va, and the Embl•…•…me of Athens. I dare not deny his Gentile Extraction, but it was pro∣bable, that his Parents were fallen to great decay, as by the ensuing story will appear.

When Mr. Barnard Gilpin that Apostolike man was going his annual journey to Oxford, from his Living at Houghton in the North, he spied by the way-side a Youth, one while walking, another while running; of whom Mr. Gilpin demanded whence he came, he answered out of * 1.64 Wales, and that he was a going to Oxford with intent to be a Scholar.

Mr. Gilpin perceiving him pregnant in the Latine, and having some smattering in the Greek Tongue, carried him home to Houghton, where being much improved in the Languages, he sent him to Christs-colledge in Cambridge. It was not long before his worth preferred him Fellow of the House.

This was that Broughton so famous for his skill in the Hebew, a great Ornament of▪ that University, and who had been a greater, had the heat of his Brain, and Peremp∣toriness of his Judgement been tempered with more moderation; being ready to quar∣rell with any who did not presently and perfectly imbrace his Opinions. He wrote many books, whereof one called The consent of times, carrieth the generall commendation.

As his Industry was very Commendable, so his Ingratitude must be condemned, if it be true what I read; that when Master Gilpin his Mecaenas (by whose care, and on whose cost he was bred, till he was able to breed himself,) grew old, he procured him to be troubled and * 1.65 molested, by Doctor Barnes Bishop of Durham, in expectation of his Parsonage, as some shrewdly suspect.

At last he was fixed in the City of London, where he taught many Citizens, and their Apprentices the Hebrew Tongue. He was much flocked after for his Preaching, though his Sermons were generally on Subjects, rather for Curiosity then Edification. I conjecture his death to be about the year of our Lord 1600.

HUGH HOLLAND was born in Wales, and bred first a Scholar in We•…•…minster, then Fellow in Trinity-colledge in Cambridge. No bad English, but a most excellent Latine Poet. Indeed, he was addicted to the New-old Religion; New, in comparison of Truth it self; yet Old, because confessed of long continuance. He travailed beyond the Seas, and in Italy (conceiving himself without Ear-reach of the English,) let flie freely against the Credit of Queen Elizabeth. Hence he went to Jerusalem, though there he was not made, or he would not own himself Knight of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. In his return he touched at Constantinople, where Sir Thomas Glover Embassador for King James, called him to an account for his Scandalum Reginae at Rome, and the former over freedome of his tongue, cost him the confinement for a time in Prison. Enlarged at last, returning into Eng∣land, with his good parts bettered by learning, and great learning increased with experi∣ence in travail; he expected presently to be chosen Clerk of the Councell at least, but preferment not answering his expectation, he grumbled out the rest of his life in visi∣ble discontentment. He made verses in description of the chief Cities in Europe, wrot the Chronicle of Queen Elizabeths raign, (believe him older and wiser, not railing as formerly,) and a book of the life of Master Camden, all lying hid in private hands, none publikely Printed. This I observe, the rather, to prevent Plagearies, that others may not impe their credit with stollen feathers, and wrongfully with ease pretend to his painfull endeavours. He had a competent estate in good Candle-rents in London, and died about 'the beginning of the raign of King Charles.

The Farewell.

To take my Vale of the Worthies of Wales General, I refer the Reader for the rest to a Catalogue of their names, set forth at the end of the Welch Dictionary: Which Catalogue, I was once resolved to Print as an Appendix to this Work; till disswaded on this Consideration: It being Printed in Welch, in the re-printing whereof, our Best English Correctors would be but bad Welch Corrupters, and make a Mungrel Language, more than departed from Babel, or e∣ver since was any where used. And now we proceed to the Particular Shires of Wales▪

ANGLESEY.

ANGLESEY. Let us in the first place congratulate the Restitution of this Island to its ancient Latine Appellation, •…•…eeing it was in a fair way to forget its own Name of MONA, which some filched from this, and fixed on the Isle of Man, pretending,

• 1. The allusion in sound, betwixt Man and Mona.* 1.66
• 2. The description thereof in Cesar, placing it in the middle be∣twixt Ireland and Britain, which position better agreeth to Man than Anglesey.
• 3. The Authorities of many [later] Historians, amongst whom Polydor Virgil, and Hector Booetius.

But Dr. Humphrey Lluyd, in his learned Letter to Ortelius, most clearly demonstra∣teth this to be the true Mona; and the Reason of Reasons doth evince the truth there∣of taken from Tacitus, reporting the Roman foot (under Paulinus) to have swum over from the continent of Britain, to the Isle of Mona. Now such swimming over (with the Oars only of Arms and Legs) (ten Leagues at least) to Man is utterly impossible, which from Britain to Anglesey (being hardly an Italian mile) may, (though with much difficulty and danger) half be performed.

ANGLESEY, that is, the English Island (so called, since conquered by our Countrymen) is surrounded on all sides with the Irish Sea save on the South; where a small Fret (known by the peculiar name of Menai) sundreth it from the Welsh Conti∣nent, having twenty miles in the length, and seventeen in the breadth thereof. May the Inhabitants be like the land they live in; which appears worse than it is, seemingly bar∣ren and really * 1.67 fruitful, affording plenty of good Wheat, and to grind it,

Mill-stones.

These in the Greek * 1.68 Gospel are termed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Asses Mill-stones; either because Asses (as Saint Hillary will have it) used to draw them about (before men taught the wind and water to do that work for them) or because the lower Mill-stone was cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an * 1.69 Asse, from the sluggishnesse thereof as always lying still. Observe an op∣position betwixt Artificial and Natural Mills, I mean our mouths: In the former the lower Mill-stone lieth always immoveable, whilst in our mouths the upper Jaw alwayes standeth still, and the n•…•…ther applyeth it self in constant motion thereunto. Excellent Mill-stones are made in this Island. When in motion, in default of Grist to grinde, they will fire one another; so necessary is forraign imployment for active spirits, to divert them from home-bred combustions.

The Wonders.

Before we begin on this plentiful Topick, be it premised, that I conceive the Au∣thor of that Dystick was too strait laced in his belief, thus expressing himself,

Mira canā, non̄ visa mihi sed cognita multis, Sed nisi visa mihi non habitura fidem.

Wonders here by me are told, To many men well known; But till my eyes shall them behold Their truth I▪le never own.

For mine own part I conceive, he that will not believe is unworthy to be believed, and that it is an injury to deny credit to credible persons, attesting as followeth.

There are divers Trees * dayly digged out of moist and marish places which are* 1.70 firm and fir for Timber. They are as black within as Ebony, and are used by the Car∣vers of that Country to Inlay Cupboards and other wooden utensils. These Trees are branched into a double difficulty; first, how they came hither; secondly, how preserved here so long from putrefaction.

Some make the Pedegree of these Trees very ancient, fetching them from Noahs flood▪ then overturned with the force thereof. Others conceive them out down by the Ro∣mans when conquering this Island, and shaving away their woods, the Covert of Re∣bellion.

Others apprehend them felled (or rather falling) of themselves, their weight meet∣ing with the waterish and failing foundation; and it is more easie for one to confute the conjecture of others, than to substitute a more rational in the room thereof.

But grant this first Knot in these Trees smoothed, how they came hither: a worse Knob remains to be plained; how they are preserved sound so many Ages, seeing moisture is the mother of corruption, and such the ground wherein they are found: Except any will say, there is clammy bituminous substance about them (like those in* 1.71 Lancashire) which fenceth them from being corrupted. I could adde to the wonder; how Haste nuts are found under ground with sound kernels in them; save it is fitter, that the former diffi∣culties be first conjured down, before any new ones be raised up.

Proverbs.

* 1.72 Mon Mam Cymbry.]

That is, Anglesey is the Mother of Wales.

Not because bigger than Wales (as Mothers alwayes are, whilest their Children are infants) being scarce one twentieth part thereof: nor because (as Parents alwayes) an∣cienter than Wales, which being an Island may be presumed junior to the Continent, as probably made by the interruption of the Sea; but because when other Counties faile, she plentifully feedeth them with provision, and is said to afford Corn enough to sustain all Wales. Nor is she lesse happy in Cattel than Corn, so that this Mother of Wales is in some sort a Nurse to England. I have seen yearly great droves of fair Beasts, brought thence and sold in Essex it self; so that he who considers how much meat Anglesey spends, will wonder that it spares any; how much it spares that it spends any.

Crogging, Crogging.]

This Historical By-word (for Proverb properly it is none) we will consider; First, in the Original: Secondly, in the Use: Thirdly, in the Abuse thereof. Originall. In the reign of King Henry the second, in his many expeditions against Wales, one proved ve∣ry unsuccessful, wherein divers of his Camp were sent to essay a Passage over Offas ditch at Croggen-Castle. These being prevented by the British, were most of them slain, and their graves hard by are to be discovered at this day.

Use. The English afterwards when having the Welsh at advantage, used to say to them, Crogging, Crogging, as a Provokative to revenge, and disswasive to give them quarter: As if the Romans on the like occasion should cry to the Carthaginians, Cannae, Cannae.

Abuse. Continuance of time, which assumeth to it self a liberty to pervert words from their primitive sense, in ignorant mouths hath made it a disgraceful Attribute, when the English are pleased to revile the Welsh; though to speak plainly, I conceive not how that word can import a foul disgracing of them, first occasioned by their vali∣ant defeating of us. This By-word (though Croggen-Castle is in Denbigh-shire) being generally used all over Wales, is therefore placed in this, because the first County thereof.

Prelates.

GUIDO de MONA, was so sir-named from his Birth-place in Anglesey. Some suspect that Filius insulae may be as bad as Filius populi, no place being particularized for his birth: whiles others conceive this sounding to his greater dignity, to be denomi∣nated from a whole Island; the Village of his nativity being probably obscure, long and hard to be pronounced. He was afterwards Bishop of Saint Davids, and Lord Treasurer of England under King Henry the fourth, who highly hono•…•…ed him; for when the Parliament moved that no Welsh-man should be a State Officer in England, the King excepted the Bishops, as confident of their faithful service. Indeed T. Wal∣lingham makes this Gui the Author of much trouble, but is the lesse to be believed therein, because of the known Antipathy betwixt Fryers and Secular 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the former being as faulty in their lafie speculation, as the other often offending in the pra∣ctical over-activity. This Bishop died •…•…nno 1407.

ARTHUR BULKLEY, Bishop of Bangor, was born either in Cheshire, or more pro∣bably

in this County: But it matters not much had he never been born, who being bred Doctor of the Laws, had either never read, or wholly forgotten, or wilfully would not remember the Chapter, De sacrilegio; for he spoyled the Bishoprick, and sold the five Bells: being so over-officious, that he would go down to the Sea to see them shipped, which, in my mind, amounted to a second selling of them.

We have an English Proverb of him who maketh a detrimental bargain to himself, That he may put all the gains gotten thereby into his eye, and see nothing the worse. But Bi∣shop Bulkley saw much more the worse by what he had gotten, being himself* 1.73 suddenly deprived of his sight; who had deprived the Tower of Bangor of the tongue thereof. Thus having ended his credit before his days, and his days before his life, and having sate in that See fourteen years, he died 1555.

WILLIAM GLYN▪ D. D. Was bo•…•…n at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. in this County, bred in Queens Colledge in Cambridge whereof he was Master, until in the second of Queen Mary he was preferred Bishop of Bangor. An excellent Scholar, and I have been assured by judicious Persons, who have seriously perused the solemn Disputations (printed in Master Fox) betwixt the Papists and Protestants; that of the former none pressed his Arguments with more strength and lesse passion than Doctor Glyn: though const•…•…t to his own, he was not cruel to opposite judgements, as appeareth by the appearing of no persecution in his Diocesse, and his mild Nature must be allowed at least Causa socia, or the fellow-cause thereof. He died in the first of Queen Elizabeth, and I have been informed that Jeoffry Glyn his Brother, Doctor of Laws, built and endowed a Free-Schoole at Bangor.

Since the Reformation.

ROULAND MERRICK, Doctor of Laws, was born at Boding án in this County, bred in Oxford, where he became Principal of New Inne-Hall, and afterwards a Dignitary in the Church of Saint Davids. Here he with others in the reign of King Edward the sixth, violently prosecuted Robert Farrar his Diocesan, with intention (as they made their boast)* 1.74 to pull him from his Bishoprick, and bring him into a premunire, and pre∣vailed so far, that he was impris•…•…ned.

This Bishop Farrar was afterwards martyred in the raign of Queen Mary. I find not the least appearance, that his former adversaries violented any thing against him under that Queen. But it is suspicious that advantage against him (I say not with their will) was grafted on the stock of his former accusation. However it is my judgement that they ought to have been, & I can be so charitable to believe that Dr. Merrick was peni∣tent for his causelesse vexing so good a* 1.75 person. Otherwise many more besides my self will proclaim him unworthy to be (who had been a Persecutor of) a Bishop. He was consecrated Bishop of Bangor December 21. in the second of Q•…•…een Elizabeth, 1559. and sate six years in his See. I have nothing to adde, save that he was Father to Sir Gilly Merrick, Knight, who lost his life for engaging with the Earl of Essex, 1600.

LANCELOT BULKLEY was born in this* 1.76 County, of a then right Worshipful (since Honourable) Family, who have a fair habitation (besides others) near Beumaris. He was bred in Brasen nose Colledg in Oxford, and afterwards became, first Arch-Deacon, then Archbishop in Dublin. He was consecrated the third of October, 1619. by Christo∣pher Archbishop of Armagh. Soon after he was made by King James one of his Privy Councel in Ireland, where he lived in good reputation, till the day of his death, which happened some ten years since.

Seamen.

MADOC, Son to Owen Gwineth ap Gruffyth ap Conan, and brother to David ap Owen Gwineth, Prince of North Wales, was born probably at Aberfraw in this County (now a mean Town) then the principal* 1.77 Palace of their royal Residence. He made a Sea∣voyage westward, and by all probability, those names of Cape de Breton in Noruinberg, & Pengwin in part of the northern America, for a white Rock and a white headed bird, accor∣ding to the British, were reliques of this discovery. If so; then let the Genoveses and Spaniards demean themselves as younger Brethren, and get their Portions in Pensions in

those parts paid as well as they may, owning us Britons▪ (so may the Welsh and English as an united Nation style themselves) for the Heirs, to whom the solid inheritance of America doth belong, for the first discovery thereof. The truth is, a good Navy with a strong Land-Army therein, will make these probabilities of Madoc, evident Demon∣strations, and without these, in cases of this kind, the strongest Arguments are of no va∣lidity. This Sea voyage was undertaken by Madoc, about the year 1170.

The Sheriffs.

Expect not my description should conform this Principality to England, in present∣ing the respective Sheriffs with their Arms. For as to Heraldry, I confesse my self Lus∣cum in Anglia, Caecum in Walliâ. Besides, I question, whether out Rules in Blazonry, calculated for the East, will serve on the West of Severne? and suspect that my venial mistakes may meet with mortal anger.

I am also sensible of the prodigious Antiquity of Welsh Pedegrees, so that what Zalma∣na said of the Israelites slain by him at Tabor, Each of them resembleth the children of a * 1.78 King; all the Gentry here derive themselves from a Prince at least. I quit therefore the Catalogue os Sheriffs to abler Pens, and proceed to.

The Farewell.

I understand there is in this Island a kind of Allumenous Earth, out of which some (fifty years since) began to make Allum and Copperess, until they (to use my * 1.79 Authors phrase) like unflesht Souldiers gave over their enterprise, without further hope, because at first they saw it not answer their over-hasty expectations. If this Project was sirst founded on rational probability (which I have cause to believe) I desire the seasonable resumption thereof, by Undertakers of as able Brains and Purses, but more patience than the for∣mer, as a hopeful fore-runner of better successe.

BRECKNOCK-SHIRE.

BRECKNOCK-SHIRE hath Radnor shire on the North, Cardigan and Carmarthen-shires on the West, 〈◊〉〈◊〉-shire on the South, He∣reford and Monmouth-shires on the East the length thereof being ad∣judged twenty eight, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof twenty miles.

My * 1.80 Author saith that this County is not greatly to be praised, or disliked of, with which his Character, the Natives thereof have no cause to be well pleased, or much offended. The plain truth is, the fruitfulnesse of the Vallies therein maketh plentiful amends for the barrennesse of the Mountains, and it is high time to give a check to the vulgar errour, which falsely repor∣teth this County the worst in Wiles; let it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for me to say, this is not it, and which is it, let others determine.

Nor doth it sound a little to the credit of this County, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the chiefe Town thereof, doth at this present afford the title of an Eartl to James Duke of Or∣mond, the first that ever received that Digniry. Above four hundred years since, a Daughter of Gilbert and Maud Becket, (and Sister to Tho. Becket) was by King Henry the second, bestowed in marriage on one Butler an English Gentleman. Him King Henry sent over into Ireland, and (endeavouring to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blood) rewarded him w•…•…th large lands, so that his posterity were created Earls of Ormond. Now therefore we have cause to congratulate the return of this noble Family i•…•…to their Native Country of England, and wish unto them the encrease of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therein.

Natural Commoditi•…•…s

Otters.

Plenty of these (Lutrae in Latine) in Brecknock-meer. A Creature that can dig and dive, resident in the two clements of Earth and Water. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where hee bites, maketh his Teeth to m•…•…et, and the Otter leaves little distance betwixt them▪ He is as destructive to Fish, as the VVoolf to Sheep. See we here, more is requi∣red to make fine Flesh than to have fine Feeding, the Flesh of the Otter (from his innate rankness) being nought, though his Diet be dainty. I have seen a reclai∣med Otter, who in a quarter of an houre would present his Master with a brace of Carps.

Otter-VVooll is much used in the making of Beavers. As Physicians have their Succedanea, or Seconds, which well supply the place of such Simples, which the Pa∣tient cannot procure, so the Otter is often in stead of the Bever, since the Beaver∣Trade is much wasted in the West Indies, their remnant retiring high into the Coun∣try, and being harder to be taken. Yea Otter-wooll is likely dayly to grow dearer, if Prime Persons of the weaker Sex (which is probable) resume the wearing of Hais.

Brecknock-shire equalling her Neighbours in all General Commodities, exceedeth them in

Wonders,

In the Air. He that relateth Wonders walketh on the edge of an house, if he be not careful of his footing, down falls his credite: this shall make me exact in using my Au∣thors* 1.81 words, informed by credible persons who had experimented it; That their Cloaks, Hats, and Staves cast down from the top of an Hill (called Mounch-denny, or Ca∣dier Arthur) and the North-East Rock thereof, would never fall, but were with the air and wind still returned back, and blown up again; nor would any thing descend save a stone, or some metalline substance.

No wonder that these should descend, because (besides the magnetical quality of the Earth) their forcing of their way down is to be imputed to their united and intended gravity. Now though a large cloak is much heavier than a little stone; yet the weight thereof is diffused in several parts, and fluttering above, all of them are suppor∣ted by the Clouds, which are seen to rack much lower than the top of the Hill. But now, if in the like trial, the like repercussion be not found from the toppes

of other Mountains in Wales of equal or greater height, we confesse our selves at an absolute losse, and leave it to others to beat about to find a satisfactory answer.

Let me adde that waters in Scripture are divided into waters above, and waters under* 1.82 the Firmament: by the former, men generally understand (since the interpretation thereof relating to Coelum Aqueum, is exploded by the judicious) the water ingendred in the Clouds. If so, time was, when the waters beneath were higher than the waters a∣bove; namely, in Noahs flood, when the waters prevailed fifteen Cubits above the tops of* 1.83 the Mountains.

In the Water.

When the Meer Llynsavathan (lying within two miles of Brecknock) hath her frozen Ice first broken, it maketh a monstrous noise, to the Astonishment of the hearers, not unlike to Thunder. But till we can give a good cause of the old Thunder, [and * 1.84 the power of his Thunder who can understand?] we will not adventure on the disquisition of this new one.

In the Earth.

Reader, pardon me a word of Earthquakes in general. Seneca beholds them most terrible, because most * 1.85 unavoidable of all earthly dangers. In other frights [Tem∣pest, Lightning, Thunder, &c.] we shelter our selves in the bowels of the Earth, which here from our safest refuge, become our greatest danger. I have learned from an able * Pen, that the frequency and fearfulnesse of Earthquakes, gave the first occasion to* 1.86 that passage in the Letany, From sudden death good Lord deliver us.

Now to VVales. The Inhabitants of this County have a constant Tradition, that where now the Meer Llynsavathan spreadeth its waters, stood a fair City, till swallowed up by an Earthquake, which is not improbable. First, because all the High-ways of this County do lead thither; and it is not likely that the Loadstone of a bare Lake should attract so much Confluence. Secondly, Ptolomy placeth in this Tract the City Loventrium, which all the care of Master * 1.87 Cambden could not recover by any ruines or report thereof, and therefore likely to be drowned in this Poole. The rather because Levenny is the name of the River r•…•…nning through it.

Saints.

Saint

• KEYNE.
• CANOCH.
• CADOCK.

The first of these was a Woman (here put highest by the cur∣tesie of England;) the two later, Men, all three Saints, and children to Braghan, King, builder and namer of Brecknock. This King had four and twenty Daughters, a jolly number; and all of them * 1.88 Saints: a greater happinesse, though of them all, the name onely of * 1.89 Saint Keyne surviveth to posterity. Whether the said King was so fruitful in Sons, and they as happy in Saintship, I do not know, onely meeting with these two, Saint Canoch and Saint Cadock, (whereof the later is reported a Martyr) all flourishing about the year of our Lord 492. and had in high veneration amongst the people of South-VVales.

I know not whether it be worth the reporting, that there is in Cornwall, near the Parish of St. Neots, a Well arched over with the robes of four kinds of Trees, VVithy, Oak, Elm, and Ash, dedicated to Saint Keyne aforesaid. The reported vertue of the Water is this, That whether * 1.90 Husband or VVife come first to drink thereof, they get the mastery thereby.

St. CLINTANKE was King of Brecknock, a small Kingdom for an obscure King, though eminent with some for his Sanctity. Now it happened, that a noble Virgin gave it out, that she would never * 1.91 marry any man except the said King, who was so zealous a Christian. Such as commend her good choice, dislike her publick profession thereof, which with more Maiden-like modesty, might have been concealed. But, see the sad successe thereof. A Pagan Souldier purposely to defeat her desire, kild this King as he was one day a hunting; who, though he lost his life, got the reputation of a * 1.92 Saint,

and so we leave him. The rather, because we find no date fixed unto him; so that the Reader may believe him to have lived, even when he thinks best himself.

Prelates.

GILES de BRUSE, born at Brecknock, was Son to William de Bruse Baron of Breck∣nock, and a prime Peer in his Generation. This Giles became afterwards Bishop of He∣reford, and in the Civil Wars sided with the Nobility against King John; on which ac∣count he was banished, but at length returned, and recovered the Kings favour. His Paternal Inheritance (by death it seems of his elder Brother) * 1.93 was devolved unto him (being together Bishop and Baron by descent) and from him after his death, transmit∣ted to his Brother Reginald, who married the Daughter of Leoline Prince of Wales. If all this will not recover this Prelate, into our Catalogue of Worthies, then know, that his Effigies on his Tomb in Hereford Church, holdeth a Steeple in his hand, whence it is concluded, that he built the Belfree of that Cathedral, as well he might, having so vast an estate. His death happened Anno 1215.

Since the Reformation.

THOMAS HOWEL was born at * 1.94 Nangamarch in this County, within few miles of Brecknock, bred Fellow of Jesus Colledge in Oxford, and became afterwards a meek man, and most excellent Preacher. His Sermons, like the waters of Siloah, did run softly, gliding on with a smooth stream: So that his matter by a lawful and laudable felony, did st•…•…al secretly into the hearts of his hearers. King Charls made him the last Bishop of Bristol, being consecrated at Oxford. He died Anno Dom. 1646. leaving many Or∣phan children behind him.

I have been told, that the honourable City of Bristol hath taken care for their com∣fortable education, and am loath to pry too much into the truth thereof, lest so good a report should be confuted.

States-Men.

HENRY STAFFORD, Duke of Buckingham. Though Humphrey his Father had a fair Castle at, and large lands about Stafford (whereof he was Earl) yet his Nativity is most probably placed in this County, where he had Brecknock-Castle, and a Princi∣pality about it. This was he, who with both his hands set up Richard the third on the Throne, endeavouring afterwards with his hands and teeth too, to take him down, but in vain.

He was an excellent Spoaks-man, though I cannot believe that his long Oration (to perswade the Londoners to side with the Usurper) was ever uttered by him in terminis, as it lieth in Sir Thomas Mores History. Thus the Roman Generals provided themselves of Valour, and Livy (as he represented them) stocked them with Eloquence. Yet we may be well assured that this our Duke either did or would have said the same, and he is the Orator who effects that he aimeth at; this Duke being unhappily happy therein.

Soon after not remorse for what he had done, but revenge for what King Richard would not do (denying his desire) put him on the project of unravelling what he had woven be∣fore. But his fingers were entangled in the threads of his former Web; the King com∣passing him into his clutches, betrayed by Humphrey Banister his Servant. The Sheriff seised this Duke in Shropshire, where he was digging a * 1.95 ditch in a Disguise; How well he managed the Mattock and Spade, I know not, this I know, that in a higher sense, He had made a * 1.96 Pit, [to disinherit his Soveraign] and digged it, and is fallen into the Ditch which he had made, being beheaded at Sarisbury without any legal Tryal, Anno 1484.

Memorable Persons.

NESTA. Hunger maketh men eat what otherwise they would let alone, not to say, cast away: The cause I confesse (wanting matter to furnish out our Description) inviting me to meddle with this Memorable (not Commendable) Person.

• ...

• 1. She was Daughter to Gr•…•…ffin Prince of Wales.
• 2. VVife to Bernard de Neumarch, a Noble Norman, and Lord by Conquest of this County.
• 3. Mother to Mahel, an hopeful Gentleman, and Sibyl his Sister.
• 4. Harlot to a young man, whose name I neither do, nor desire to know.

It happened, Mahel having got this Stallion into his power, used him very hardly, yet not worse than he deserved. Nesta madded hereat, came in open Court, and on her Oath, before King Henry the second, publickly protested, (no Manna like revenge to malicious minds, not caring to wound their Foes, though through themselves) that Mahel was •…•…e of Neumarch his Son, but begotten on her in Adultery.

This, if true, spake her dishonesty; if false, her perjury; true or false, her peerless im∣pudency. Hereby she disinherited her Son, and setled a vast Territory on Sibyl her sole Daughter, married afterwards to Milo Earl of Hereford.

The Farewell.

When Mr. Speed in pursuance of his Description of England, passed this County, no fewer than Eight, who had been Bayliffs of Brecknock, gave him courteous enter∣tainment. This doth confirm the Character I have so often heard of the Welsh Hospitality. Thus giving them their due praise on just occasion, I hope, that the British Reader will the better digest it, if he find some passages altogether as true as this, though nothing so pleasing to Him, in our following Farewells.

CARDIGAN-SHIRE.

CARDIGAN-SHIRE is washed on the West with the Irish Sea, and parted from the neighbouring Shires by Rivers, and the Reader will be careful that the similitude of their sounds betray him not to a mistake herein.

• 1. Dovi severing it on the North from Merioneth-shire.
• 2. Tovy on the East from Brecknock-shire.
• 3. Tyvy on the South from Carmarthen and Pembroke-shlre.

My* 1.97 Author saith the form thereof is Horn-like (wider towards the North) and I may say it hath a Corn•…•…-Copia therein of all things for mans sustenance, especially if in∣dustry be used.

This County, though remotest from England, was soonest reduced to the English Dominion, whilest the Countries interposed maintained their liberty. The reason whereof was this; The English being far more potent in shipping than the Welsh, found it more facile to saile over the Mountains of Water (so the Surges of the Sea are termed by the* 1.98 Poet) than march over the Mountains of Earth; and by their Fleet invaded and conquered this County in the reign of Rufus; and Henry the first bestowed the same entirely upon Gilbert de Clare.

Natural Commodities.

Bevers.

Plenty of these formerly did breed in the River Tyvy, which (saith Giraldus Cam∣brensis) was the only place afforded them in all Britain. A cunning Creature, yet re∣ported by some men more crafty than he is; who relate, that, being hunted, and in danger to be taken, he biteth off his Stones, as useful in Physick (for which only his life was then sought) and so escapeth. Hence some will have him called Castro, à Ca∣strando seipsum: And others adde, that having formerly bitten off his Stones, he stand∣eth upright, and sheweth the Hunters that he hath none, that so they may surcease their pursuit of an unprofitable Qu•…•…re.

Hence it was, that amongst the Egyptians, the Bever passeth for an Hierogly∣phick of him who hurteth himself, though by Alciate the great Emblematist, he is turned to another purpose, to teach men rather to part with their purses, than their lives, and by their wealth to redeem themselves out of danger.

The plain truth is, all those reports of •…•…he Bever, are no better than vulgar errours, and are disproved both by sense and experience; For his Stones are so placed in his body, as those of the Boar, that it is impossible for himself with his teeth to touch them. And some maintain they cleave so fast to his back, they cannot be taken away without loss of his life.

However, grant the story true, the gelding of himself would not serve his turn, or excuse the Bever from Hunters now adays, except he could also flea off his skin, the wooll whereof is so commonly used for the making of Hats. All that I will add, is this, that what plenty soever there was of Bevers in this County, in the days of Giral∣dus, the breed of them now is quite destroyed, and neither fore-foot of a Bever (which is like a Dogs) nor hind-foot (which is like a Goose) to be seen therein.

Proverbs.

Being well at leisure in this little County, we will observe (what indeed is generall to all Wales) something Proverbial, and conducing to our necessary information.

Talaeth, Talaeth.]

In effect the same in English with Fin•…•…, Fine; when Mothers and Nurses are disposed to please their little Ones in dressing them: take the original thereof: When Rode∣rick the Great divided Wales betwixt his three Sons, into three Dominions; [North Wales, South VVales, and Powis.] He ordered, that each of them should wear upon his

Bonnet or Helmet a Coronet of Gold, being a broad lace or head-band indented upwards, set and wrought with precious stones called in the British Talaeth, and they from thence* 1.99 Ytri twysoc Talaethioc, that is, the three crowned Princes. But now either the number of Princes is well multiplied in Wales, or, which is truer, the Honour of Ta∣laeth is much diminished; that being so called, wherewith a Childs head is bound uppermost upon some other linnen cloaths. Thus the English have that, which they call the Crown of a Cap.

Bu Arthur ond tra fu.]

That is, Arthur was not, but whilest he was. It is sad to say, Nos fuimus Trojes, the greatest eminency when not extant is extinct. The Fryer never loved what was good.

Ne thorres Arthur Nawdd gwraig.]

That is, King Arthur did never violate the refuge of a Woman. Arthur is notoriously known for the mirrour of manhood. By the Womans Refuge, many understand her Tongue, and no valiant man will revenge her words with his blows. Nullum memorabile Nomen,—F•…•…minii in Paena.

Caleny Sais wrah Gymro.]

That is, the heart of a Englishman (whom they call Saxons) towards a Welsh-man. It is either applied to such who are possessed with prejudice, or only carry an outward compliance without cordial affection. We must remember this Proverb was origined, whilest England and wales were at deadly Feude, there being better love betwixt them since the union of the Nations.

Ni Ch•…•…itw Cymbro oni Gollo.]

That is, the welshman keeps nothing until he hath lost it. The historical truth thereof is plain in the British Chronicles, that when the British recovered the lost Castles from the English, they doubled their diligence and valour, keeping them more tenaciously than before,

A fo Pen, bid Bont.]

That is, he that will be a Head, let him be a Bridge. It is founded on a Fictitious tra∣dition thus commonly told. Benigridran a Britain is said to have carried an Army over into Ireland; his men came to a River over which neither was Bridg nor Ferrey, hereupon he was fain to carry all his men over the River on his own back. To lesson men not to affect the empty title of a General, except they can supply their Souldiers with all ne∣cessaries, be their wardrobe in want of Cloaths, Kitching in want of Meat, &c. Thus Ho∣nour hath ever a great burden attending it.

We will conclude these General Proverbs of wales with a Custom which was ancient in this Nation, they had a kind of Play* 1.100 wherein the stronger who prevailed, put the the weaker into a Sack; and hence we have borrowed our English By-word to express such betwixt whom there is apparent odds of strength, he is able to put him up in a bagge.

The Farewell.

It is observable what a credible* 1.101 Author reporteth, that there was in this County a City (once an Episcopal See) called Llan-Badern-Vaure, that is, Llan-Baderne the great. Which City is now dwindled to nothing.

Reader, by the way, I observe that Cities surnamed the Great, come to Little at last, as if God were offended with so ambitious an Epithete; Sidon the* 1.102 Great, Ninive the† 1.103 Great, Babylon the* 1.104 Great, it is fallen, &c. But the cause of the ruine of this City was for their cruel killing of their Bishop, which provoked Divine Justice against them.

I hope the welsh warned herewith, will for the future demean themselves with due respect to such persons, and am confirmed in my confidence from their commendable Proverb, Na difanco y Beriglawr, vilifie not thy Parish-Priest, and then much more ought the Bishop to be respected.

CARMARTHEN-SHIRE.

CARMARTHEN-SHIRE hath Pembroke shire on the W•…•…st, the Severn-Sea on the South, Cardigan-shire on the North, Brecknock and Glamorgan-shires on the East. The mountains therein are nei∣ther so many nor high as in the neighbouring Counties, affording plenty of Grass, Grain, Wood, Fish, and what not? Besides, nature here giveth the Inhabitants both meat and stomach; the sharpness of the air breeding an appetite in them.

There is a place in this County called Golden-grove, which I confess is no Ophir or Land of Havilah, yielding Gold in specie, but plentifully affording those rich Com∣modities, which quickly may be converted thereunto; and the pleasure is no less than the profit thereof. It is the Possession of the right Honourable Richard Vaughan Baron of Emelor in England, and Earl of Carbery in Ireland. He well deserveth to be owner of Golden-grove, who so often hath used a Golden hand, in plentiful relieving many emi∣nent D•…•…vines during the late Sequestration. This county affording no peculiar Com∣modities, let us proceed to

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis reporteth a Fountain to be in this County (let he himself find it out and justifie it) which conformable to the Sea, ebbe•…•…h and floweth twice in four and twenty hours. But seeing this is a maritime Shire, possibly there may be a more then ordinary communication betwixt it and the Ocean, and then the wonder is not so great.

More credibly it is related, that there are in this Shire, strange subterranean Vaults, conceived the Castles of routed people in the Civil Wars. And no wonder, seeing Da∣vid first set up in a defensive posture for himself in the Cave of Adullam, so that ha∣ving no place where he could safely set the sole of his foot above ground, all his present help was under the Earth, and future hope was above the heavens.

Martyrs.

ROBERT FARRAR an English man by bi•…•…th, but where born unknown, was a prime Martyr of this County. A man not unlearned, but somewhat indiscreet, or ra∣ther uncomplying, which procured him much trouble: so that he may be said with Saint Laurence to be broyled on both sides, being persecuted both by Protestants and Papists.

He was preferred to be Bishop of Saint Davids, by the Duke of Sommerset, then Lord Protector, who was put to death not long after. Some conceive, that the Pa∣trons fall was the Chaplains greatest guilt, and encouraged his enemies against him. Of these, two were afterwards Bishops in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, viz. Thomas Young Arch. Bishop of York, and Rowland Merrick Bishop of Bangor.

Souldiers.

Sir RICE ap THOMAS was never more than a Knight, yet little less than a Prince in this his Native County. If the Author of Praelia Anglornm may not be believed,

—Ricius Thomas flos Cambro-Britannum.

King Henry the seventh will himself witness his worth. To him lately landed at Mil∣ford Haven with contemptible forces; this Sir Rice repaired with a considerable acces∣sion of choice Souldiers, marching with them to Bosworth field, where he right vali∣antly behaved himself. That thrifty King according to his cheap course of remunera∣tion (rewarding Gown-men in Orders (by him most employed) with Church Livings, and Sword-men with Honour) afterwards made Sir Rice Knight of the Order, and well might he give him a Garter, by whose effectual help he had recovered a Crown.

Elmelin in this County was one of his principal seats, whose name and •…•…ture he al∣tered, building and calling it* 1.105 New-Castle, and I believe it one of the latest Castles in

Wales, seeing since that time it hath been fashionable to demolish, not to erect fortified Houses.

As he appeared early, so he continued long in military action, for I find him in the fourth year of King Henry the eighth, conductor of five hundred light horse, at the pompous and expensive fiege of Therouene, where I meet his last mention in our En∣glish Chronicles.

WALTER de DEVEREUX son of—Devere•…•…x and Cicely his Wife (sole sister to Thomas Bourchier last Earl of Ess•…•…x) was born in the town of* 1.106 Carmarthen, and by Queen Elizabeth in his Maternall Right created Earl of Essex. One Martially minded, and naturally hating Idlenesse, the Rust of the Soul.

Though time hath silenced the factions, and only sounded the Facts of Queen Eliza∣beths Court, no place had more heart-burnings therein, and it was a great part of Gods goodness and her prudence that no more hurt was done thereby. Many malig∣ned our Earl—Tantae ne Animis Aularibus Irae? desirous to thrust him on dange∣rous designs. Nor need we consult the Oracle of Apollo to discover his chief Adver∣sary, being he was a prime Favourite, who loved the Earls nearest relation better than he loved the Earl himself, whom he put on the project of Ireland.

Yet was not our Walter surprised into that service, seeing Injuria non fit volenti, and being sensible that his roome was more welcome to some than his company at Court, he willingly embraced the employment. Articles (the first and last I believe in that kind) are drawn up betwixt the Queen and him, who was to maintain such a* 1.107 proportion of Souldiers on his own Cost, and to have part of the fair Territory of—Clande∣Boy in Ulster for the conquering thereof. So much for the Bears skin, now all the craft will be to catch, kill, and fley the Bear himself.

Well, to maintain an Army (though a very little one) is a Soveraigns and no Subjects work, too heavy for the support of any private mans estate, which cost this Earl first the Mortgaging, then the selling out-right his fair Inheritance in Essex. Over he goeth into Ireland with a noble company of Kindred and Friends, supernumerary volunteers above the proportion of Souldiers agreed upon.

Sir William Fitz-VVilliams Lord Deputy of Ireland hearing of his coming, and su∣specting (Court jealousie riseth very early, or goeth not to bed at all) to be ecclipsed by this great Earl, sollicits the Queen to maintain him in the full power of his place, without any diminution; alledging this, much to conduce to the Honour of her Majesty whom he represented. Hereupon it was Ordered, that the Earl should take his Commission from this Lord Deputy, which with much importunity and long attendance, he hardly obtained, and that with no higher Title than Governour of Ulster.

After many impressions (not over successfully) made in Ulster, he was by the De∣puty* 1.108 remanded into the South of Ireland, where he spent much time (take much in little in my Authors words as to his general performance) Nullius bono sed magno suo damno. His Friends in the English Court grow few and cold, his Foes many and active; affronts were plentifully powred upon him, on purpose either to drown him in grief, or burn him in his own anger. From Munster he was sent back into Ulster, where he was forbidden to follow his blow, and use a Victory he had gotten: Yea, on a sud∣den* 1.109 stript out of his Commission, and reduced to be a Governour of three hundred men: yet his stout Stomach (as true tempered Steele) bowed without breaking, in all these afflictions embracing all changes with the same tenour of const•…•…cy. P•…•…y days in Ireland came very thick, moneys out of England very slow; his noble Asso∣ciates began to withdraw, common men to mutiny, so that the Earl himself was at the last recalled home.

Not long after he was sent over the second time into Ireland with a loftier Title, (the length of the Feather makes not the Head the higher) of Earl Marshall of Ireland, where he fell into a strange looseness (not without suspicion of Poyson) and he died, Anno 1576. His Soul he piously resigned to God, his Lands (much impaired) descen∣ded to his Son Robert, but ten years of age. His Body was brought over and buried in Carmarthen the place of his Nativity, and his Widow Lady (to say no more) was soon

re-married to Robert Earl of Leicester. Let me adde, that he died in the* 1.110 36▪ year of his age, fatal to his Family, his Father and grand-Father dying in the same, which year Robert Earl of Essex his Son never attained to, and whether it had not been as honou∣rable for his Grand-Child Robert Earl of Essex to have died in the same year of his age, or to have lived longer, let others decide.

Writers.

AMBROSE MERLIN was born at Carmarthen, a City so denominated from his Nativity therein. This I write in conformity to common Tradition (and he who will not errare cum vulgo, must pugnare cum vulgo) my own judgement remonstrating against the same, finding the City called Mariadunum in Ptolomy, before Merlins Cra∣dle was ever made, if Merlins Cradle was ever made.

His extraction is very incredible, reported to have an Incubus to his Father, preten∣ding to a Pedigree older than Adam, even from the Serpent himself. But a* 1.111 Learned Pen demonstrateth the impossibility of such Conjunctions. And let us not load Satan with groundless sins, whom I believe the* 1.112 Father of lyes, but [in a litteral sense] no Father of Bastards.

Many are the pretended Prophesies of Merlin, whereof the British have a very high esteem, and I dare say nothing against them; only I humbly tender to this Nations consideration a modest Proverb of their own Country, Namyn Dduw nid oes Dewin; that besides God there is no Diviner. Yet I deny not but the Devil can give a shrewd conjecture; but often the deceiver is deceived. Sure I am Merlins Prophesies have done much mischief, seeing such who pretended skill therein, that they could unfold his meaning (though for my part I believe they must have the Devils key who open the Devils lock) put* 1.113 Owen Glendower on his Rebellion against King Henry the fourth, perswading him the time was come wherein he should recover the Welsh Principality, which caused the making of those cruel Laws, with Draco's, written in blood against the Welsh, which no tender Englishman can read without regret.

There want not those who maintain Merlin to be a great Chymist, and those we know have a Language peculiar to themselves, so that his seeming Prophesies are not to be expounded historically but naturally, disguising the mysteries of that faculty from vulgar intelligence.

The best Prophesie I meet with in Merlin which hit the mark indeed, is what I find cited out of him by* 1.114 Giraldus Cambrensis.

Sextus maenia Hiberniae subvertent, & Regiones in Regnum redigentur.

The Sixth shall overturn the walls of Ireland, and reduce their Countries into a Kingdom.

This was accomplished under King James the sixth, when their Fastnesses (Irish Walls) were dismantled, and Courts of Civil Justice set up in all the Land. But enough of Merlin, who is reported to have died Anno—

The Farewell.

How this County (with the rest of Wales) hath preserved its woods in our unhappy Civil Wars is to me unknown; yet if they have been much wasted (which I suspect) I wish that the Pit-Coal, which in some measure it affordeth, may daily be increased for the supply of their fewell.

CARNARVON. This County hath the Irish Sea on the West, Angle∣sea (divided by Menaifre•…•…) on the North, Denby shire on the East, and Merionith shire on the South. This I have observed peculiar to this County, that all the Market are Sea Towns (being five in number, as noted in the Maps) which no other County in England or Wales doth afford.

The Natives hereof count it no small credit unto them, that they made the longest resistance against, and last submitted unto the English: And indeed for natural strength, it exceedeth any part of this Principality; so that the English were never more distres∣sed, than in the Invasion thereof.

I am much affected with the ingenuity of an English Nobleman, who following the Camp of King Henry the third, in these parts, wrote home to his friends about the end of September 1245. The naked truth indeed as followeth; * 1.115 We lie in our Tents watching, fasting, praying, and freezing: we watch for fear of the Welsh-men, who are wont to in∣vade us in the night; we Fast for want of meat, for the half peny loaf is worth five pence; we Pray to God to send us home again speedily; we Freeze for want of winter garments, ha∣ving nothing but thin linnen betwixt us and the wind.

Yet is this County in it self sufficiently plentiful (though the Welsh had the wit to keep •…•…ood from the English) and Snow-don-Hills therein are commended by my * Au∣thor for fertility of wood, cattel, fish, and fowl.

Smile not Reader, to hear of Fish in so high Mountains which have plenty of Pools interposed.

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis telleth us how there is a Lake in Snowden Hills in this County, which hath a floating Island therein. But it seemeth that it either always swimmeth a∣way from such who endeavour to discover it, or else that this vagrant wearied with long wandring hath at last fixed it self to the Continent. He telleth us also of Monocu∣lous Fishes, though not fully acquainting us how their one eye is disposed. Whe∣ther Polyphemus-like in the midst of their head, or only on one side. The truth is, these One-eyed Fishes, are too nimble for any men with two eyes to behold them.

Proverbs.

Craig Eriry or Snow don will yield * 1.116 sufficient Pasture for all the Cattell of VVales put together.]

Some will say this cannot be literally true, except the Cattel of VVales be few, be∣neath, and Snow-don-hills fruitful above all belief. The best is, the time is not expressed how long these hills will suffice for their pasture. But let us not be so morose, but to understand the meaning of this expression, importing by help of an Hyperbole, the ex∣traordinary fruitfulness of this place.

Diange ar Gluyd, a boddi ar Gonway.]

That is, to scape Clude and be drown'd in Conway: parallel to the Latine, Incidit in Scyllam qui vult vitare Charibdin.

However, that Pilot is to be pitied, who to shun Scylla doth run on Charibdis, because those rocks were neer and a narrow passage betwixt them; whereas the two Rivers of Clude and Conway are twenty miles a sunder, affording men scope enough to escape them; but little or much in such cases are the same with indiscreet persons.

Princes.

EDWARD the Fourth (but first surviving) son of King Edward the First and Queen Eleanor, was born at Carnarvon in this County, April 25. 1284. No Prince ever as∣cended the English Throne with greater, or used it with less advantage to himself.

First, though his Father had in a manner surprised the W•…•…lsh to accept him for their Prince, (pleading his royal extraction, birth in VVales, in ability to speak a word of English, and innocence that none could tax him with actual sin.) Yet I find them not for his Fathers fallacy to think the worse of his Son, sic juvat esse deceptos, and general∣ly they accepted him, as preferring that a Prince should be put with wit, rather than with violence upon them.

In England he succeeded to a wise and victorious Father who happily had hit the ex∣pedient to be both beloved and feared by his Subjects, leaving the land in so good a posture for government, that touch the wheele and it would turn in the right tract of its self. But this Edward first estranged himself from his Subjects, and [in effect] subjected himself to a stranger Pierse Gaveston his French Minion, and after his execution to the two Spencers, who though Native English-men, were equally odious to the English for their insolence.

Hence it was that he first lost the love of his Subjects, then of his Queen (the va∣cuity of whose bed was quickly filled up) then his Crown, then his Life. Never any English Kings case was so pitiful, and his person less pitied, all counting it good rea∣son that he should give entertainment to that woe, which his wilfulness had invited home to himself. His violent death happened at Berkley Castle, Septemb. 22. 1327.

Saints.

There is an Island called Berdsey justly reduceable to this County (lying within a mile of the South-West Promontory thereof) wherein the Corps of no fewer than * 1.117 twenty thousand Saints are said to be interred.

Estote vos omnes Sancti; Proud * 1.118 Benhadad boasted that the dust of Samaria did not suffice for handfuls for all the people that followed him. But where would so many thou∣sand Bodies find Graves in so petty an Islet? But I retrench my self, confessing it more facile to find Graves in Berdsey for so many Saints, than Saints for so many Graves.

States=Men.

JOHN WILLIAMS was born at Aber-Conwy in this County, bred Fellow of Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge, Proctor of the University, Dean of Westminster, Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and lastly Arch-Bishop of York. In my Church History I have offended his Friends, because I wrote so little in his praise, and distasted his Foes because I said so much in his defence. But I had rather to live un∣der the indignation of others, for relating what may offend, than die under the accusation of my own conscience, for reporting what is untrue. He died on the 25. day of March, 1649.

Prelates since the Reformation.

RICHARD VAUGHAN, born at Nuffrin (or else at Etern) in this County, was bred Fellow in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge, and was afterwards successively Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and lastly of London; a very corpulent man, but spiritually minded; an excellent Preacher, and pious Liver, on whom I * 1.119 find this Epigram, which I will en∣deavour to English.

Praesul es (ô Britonum decus immortale tuorum) Tu Londinensi primus in Urbe Brito. Hi mihi Doctores semper placuere, docenda Qui faciunt, plus quam qui faciendae docent. Pastor es Anglorum doctissimus, optimus ergo, Nam facienda doces ipse, docenda facis.

Prelate of London (O immortal grace Of thine own Britons) first who had that place. He's good, who what men ought to do, doth teach He's better, who doth do, wh•…•…t men shold preach. You best of all, preaching what men should do, And what men ought to preach that doing too.

Here to justifie the observation, Praesul must be taken for a plain Bishop, and primus ac∣counted but from the conversions of the Saxons to Christianity. For, orherwise we find no fewer than * 1.120 sixteen Arch Bishops of London, before that time, and all of the Bri∣tish Nation. He was a most pleasant man in discourse, especially at his Table, main∣taining

that Truth, At meals be glad, for sin be sad, as indeed he was a mortified man. Let me add, nothing could tempt him to betray the Rights of the Church to sacrilegi∣ous Hands, not sparing sharply to reprove some of his own Order on that account. He died March 30. 1607. being very much lamented.

HENRY ROULANDS born in this County, bred in the University of Ox∣ford, was consecrated Bishop of Bangor, Novemb. 12. 1598. We have formerly told how Bishop Bulkley plundered the Tower of Saint Asaph of five fair Bells; now the bounty of this Bishop bought four new ones for the same (the second Edition in Cases of this kind is seldom as large as the first) whereof the biggest cost an * 1.121 hundred pounds. He also gave to Jesus Colledge in Oxford, means for the maintenance of two Fellows. He died Anno Dom. 1615.

The Farewell.

The Map of this County (as also of Denby and Flint-shire) in Mr. Speed is not divi∣ded (as other Shires in England and Wales) with Pricks into their several Hundreds, which would have much conduced to the compleating thereof, whereof he rendreth this reason, That he could not procure the same (though promised him) out of the Sheriffs Books; fearing lest the riches of their Shire should be further sought into by revealing such particulars. He addeth moreover, This I have observed in all my Survey, that where least is to be had the greatest fears are possessed. I would advise these Counties hereafter to deny no small Civility to a painful Author, holding a Pen in his hand, for fear a drop of his Ink fall upon them; for though juyce of Lemmon will fetch such spots out of Linnen, when once printed in a Book they are not so easily got out, but remain to posterity.

DENBIGH-SHIRE.

DENBIGH-SHIRE hath Flint-shire, Cheshire, and Shrop-shire on the East, Montgomery and Merionith-shires on the South, Carnarvon∣shire (divided by the River Conwey on the West) being from East to West thirty one, from North to South twenty miles.

The East part of this County (towards the River Dee) is fruit∣ful, but in the West the industrious Husbandman may be said to fetch his bread out of the fire, paring off their upper Turfs with a Spade, piling them up in heaps, burning them to Ashes, and then throwing them on their barren ground, which is much fertilized thereby.

Natural Commodities.

Amelcorne.

This English Word (which I find in the English * 1.122 Cambden) is Welsh to me. Let us therefore repair to his Latine Original, where he informeth us, that this County pro∣duceth plenty of Arinca. Here the difficulty is a little changed, not wholly cleared. In our Dictionaries Arinca is Englished

• 1. Rice; but this (though a frequent name of many in this Country) is a grain too choice to grow in Wales, or any part of England.
• 2. Amelcorn; and now having run round, we have not stirred a step, as to more information of what we desired a kind of.

At last with long beating about, we find it to be RYE, in Latine more generally called Serale. * 1.123 Plinles Pen casts three dashes on this Grain, being (it seems) no friend to it, or it to him.

• 1. Est tantum ad arcendam famem utile, Good only to drive away famin, as not pleasant at all.
• 2. Est, (licet farre mixtum) ventri ingratissimum, as griping the Guts.
• 3. •…•…ascitur quocunqne solo, any base ground being good enough to bear it.

However, (whatever his forraign Rye was) that which groweth incredibly plenti∣ful in this County; is very wholsome, and generally in England, Rye maketh moistest bread in the dryest Summer, for which cause some prefer it before Wheat it self.

Buildings.

The Church of Wrexham is commended for a fair and spacious building, and it is questionable, whether it claimeth more praise for the artificial Tower thereof, or for the

Organs.

These were formerly most * 1.124 famous (the more because placed in a Parochial, no Cathedral Church) for beauty, bigness and tunableness: though far short of those in worth which Michael Emperor of Constantinople caused to be made of pure * 1.125 Gold, and beneath those in bigness which George the Salamitan Abbot, made to be set up in the Church of his Convent, whose biggest Pipe was * 1.126 eight and twenty foot long, and four spans in compass.

The first Organ which was ever seen in the West of Europe, was, what was * 1.127 sent Anno 757. from Constantine the Grecian Emperor, to Pipin King of France. And their general use in Churches began about the year 828. I read that the form of this instru∣ment was much improved by one Bernard a Venetian (who was absolutely the best * 1.128 Musician in the World) with addition of many Pipes thereunto.

What is become of Wrexham-Organs, I know not, and could heartily wish, they had been removed into some Gentlemans house, seeing such as accuse them for su∣perstitious in Churches must allow them lawful in private places. Otherwise such Mo∣roso's deserve not to be owners of an articulate voice sounding thorough the Organ of a Throat.

But, to return to the buildings in this County, Holt Castle must not be forgotten; How well •…•…t is now faced and repaired without, I know not; I know when it was better lined within, than any Subjects Castle (I believe) in Europe at that time, viz. when in the possession of William Lord Stanley. When the ready mony and plate therein (besides Jewels and rich Houshold-stuff) amounted unto* 1.129 forty thousand Marks, got by the plunder of Bosworth field. But as the River Dee, running by this Castle, is soon after swallowed up in the Irish Ocean; so it was not long before this vast treasure, upon the Owners attainder, was confiscated into the Coffers of King Henry the seventh.

Prelates.

LEOLINE being born in the Marches, he had a double name, to notifie him to po∣sterity. One, after the Welsh-mode à Patre,* 1.130 Leoline ap Llewelin ap Yuyr, the other ac∣cording to the custom of the English Clergy, à Patria, Leoline de Bromfield, a most* 1.131 fruit∣ful tract of ground in this County. Under King Edward the first, Anno 1293. he was consecrated Bishop of Saint Asaph, and deserved right well of that See, by his mani∣fold Benefactions, appropriating some Churches to his Chapter.

As for a portion of Tithes in the Parish of Corwen, appropriated to the Fabrick of the Church,* 1.132 he reduced it to its former estate. The first and last instance (for Prece∣dent I dare not call it) which I have met with, of a Church legally appropriated, which reverted to its presentative propriety. Had King Henry the eighth, at the dissolution of Abbies, followed this example, the Church had been richer by many pounds; the Exchequer not poorer by a penny. I find also, that he asked* 1.133 leave of King Edward the first to make a Will, which may seem very strange, whether it was a Court-comple∣ment, or ex gratia cautela, or because Welsh Bishops in that age might not Testamentize without Royal assent. By his Will he bequeathed much of Plate, rich Vests and Books to the Canons of that Church and his Chaplains, dying Anno Dom. 1313.

Since the Reformation.

GODFREY GOODMAN was born of wealthy Parentage in this County, bred un∣der his* 1.134 Uncle (of whom hereafter) in Westminster School, then in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, where he commenced Doctor of Divinity, successively preferred P•…•…eben∣dary of Windsor, Dean of Rochester, and Bishop or 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 joyned to the Prelates before (though he lived long 〈◊〉〈◊〉) the Reforma•…•…on, because he agreed with them in Judgement, dying a professed Romanist, as appeareth by his Will Yet the Adversaries of our Hierarchy have no cause to triumph thereat, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 charge Popish compliance on all his Order, being able to produce of two hundred Bi∣shops since Queen Elizabeth but this only instance, and him a person of no great emi∣nency; not only disavowed by his fellow Prelates, but imprisoned in the late Convo∣cation for his erronious Opinions.

Indeed in this Discourse he would be constantly complaining of our first Reformers; and I heard him once say in some passion, That Bishop Ridley was a very Odde man; to whom one presently returned, he was an Odde man indeed my Lord, for all the Po∣pish party in England could not match him with his equal in Learning and Religion. To give Goodman his due, he was a harmless man, hurtfull to none but himsel•…•…, pitiful to the poor, hospitable to his neighbours, against the ruining of any of an opposite judge∣ment, and gave the most he left to pious uses. He was no contemptible Historian, but I confesse an under-match to Doctor Hackwell. But I remember the Ring bequea∣thed to me in his Will with the Posie thereof, Requiem Defunctis; and therefore I will no longer be troublesome to his Memory, who was made Bishop 1624. and some seven years since deceased in Westminster almost 80. years of age.

Writers since the Reformation.

VVILLIAM SALESBURY was born in this County, where his family flourisheth at

this day. This Gentleman out of a love to his Native language, Amor patriae ratione valentior omni, composed a short English and Welsh, Dictionary, first privately present∣ed to, and approved by King Henry the eighth, (being a Tuthar, by his Fathers side of Welsh extraction) and then publickly printed, Anno Dom. 1547.

Some captious spirits will quarrel the usefulness thereof, seeing the Welsh did not want, and the English did not wish a Book of that natnre. But, let them know that it is useful for both Nations; to the English for attaining, to the VVelsh for retaining that Language.

Attaining. For being an original Tongue, an Antiquary is lame without it, (which I find by my own defect) to understand the (few of many) remaining Monuments of that Nation.

Retaining. That Tongue as well as others by disuse being subject not only to Cor∣rup•…•…ion, but Oblivion, by the confession of the Natives of that Countrey. Indeed all Dictionaries of Languages are very useful, VVords bringing Matter to the Tongue, and as* 1.135 Plato well observed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. A Name or Word is an instrument of Instruction, and ushere•…•…h Knowledge into our Understanding.

However, seeing nothing can be begun and finisht at once, Salesbury his Book, (as the first in this kind) did rather essay, than effect the work, and since hath been com∣pleted by others. He died about the year, 1560.

Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation.

Sir THOMAS Son of RICHARD EXMEW, was born at Rythin in this County. Be∣ing bred in London a Goldsmith, he thrived therein so well, that Anno 1517. he was Lord Mayor thereof, besides other Benefactions in his own Country: and to Saint Ma∣ry Magdalen in Milk-street, London, (where he lies buried.) He made the* 1.136 Water Con∣duit by London-wall at More-gate. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (so Pindar begins his Poems) Water is a Creature of absolute and common Concernment, without which we should be burnt with the thirst, and buried with the filth of our own bodies.

GABRIEL GOODMAN, Son of Edward Goodman, Esq was born at Rythin in th•…•…s County, afterwards Doctor of Divinity in Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge, and Dean of VVestminster, where he was fixed for full forty years; though by his own parts and his friends power, he might have been what he would have been in the Church of England. Abigail said of her Husband, Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But it may be said of this worthy Dean, Goodman was his name, and goodness was in his nature, as by the ensuing Testimonies will appear.

• 1. The Bible was translated into VVelsh on his cost, as by a note in the Preface thereof doth appear.
• 2. He founded a Schoole-house, with a competent salary in the Town of his Nati∣vity; as also, erected and endowed an Almes-House therein for twelve poore people.
• 3. He repaired the House for the Minister (there called the Warden) of Rythin, fur∣nishing it with Plate and other Utensils, which were to descend to his Suc∣cessors.
• 4. He purchased a fair House with Land thereunto at Chiswick in Middlesex, where with his own hands he set a fair Row of Elmes, now grown up to great beauty and height, for a retiring place for the Masters and Scholars at Westminster in the heat of Summer, or any time of Infection. If these Lands at this Day be not so profitably employed, as they were by the Donor piously intended, it is safer to bemoan the sad effect, than accuse the causers thereof.

There needs no other Testimony of his Honesty and Ability, than that our English Nestor, the Lord Treasurer Cecil, made him one of the Executors of his Will, to di∣spose of great sums to charitable uses; which Trust he most faithfully discharged. He died in the year 1601. and is buried in the Collegiate Church of Westminster, whereof he so well deserved, as of all England, Mr. Cambden performing his Perambulation about it on his expences.

Sir HUGH MIDDLETON, Son of Richard Middleton was born at Denbigh in this County, and bred in London. This is that worthy Knight, who hath deserved well of London, and in it of all England. If those be recounted amongst Davids worthies, who breaking through the Army of the* 1.137 Philistines, fetcht water from the Well of Bethle∣hem, to satisfie the longing of David (founded more on fancy than necessity,) how meri∣torious a work did this worthy man perform, who to quench the thirst of thousands in the populous City of London, fetcht water on his own cost, more than 24. miles, en∣countering all the way with an Army of oppositions, grapling with Hills, strugling with Rocks, fighting with Forrests, till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his project to perfection? But, Oh wha•…•… an injury was it unto him, that a potent Person, and idle Spectator should strike in; (Reader I could heartily wish, it were a falsho•…•…d what I re∣port) and by his greatness possess a moity of the profit, which the unwearied endea∣vours of the foresaid Knight had purchased to himself!

The Farewell.

I heartily wish this County may find many like Robert Eari of Leicester (by his boun∣ty much advancing the building of a new Church in Denbigh) who may willingly contri∣bute their Charity for the repairing of all decayed Churches therein. Yea, may it be happy in faithful and able Ministers, that by their pains they may be built up in the Faith of the Lord.

FLINT-SHIRE.

FLINT-SHIRE. It taketh the name from Flint, formerly an emi∣nent place therein. But why Flint was so named will deservedly bear an enquiry, the rather because I am informed there is scarce a Flint stone to be found in the whole shire.

An eminent* 1.138 Antiquary well known in these parts (Reader I must carry my Author at my back, when I write that which otherwise will not be believed) hath informed me, it was first called Flit-Town, because the people Flitted or removed their habitations from a smal Village hard by, to and under a Castle built there by King Edward the first. Afterwards it was called Flint Town, or Flint to make it more sollid in the prononciation. Now although sometimes Liquids are melted out of a word to supple it to turn the better on the tongues end; It will hardly be presidented that ever the sturdy Letter N. was on that or any account interjected into the middle of an original word. But it is infidelity not to believe what is thus tradi∣tioned unto us.

It hath the Sea on the North, Shropshire on the South, Cheshire on the East, and Den∣bigh-shire on the west thereof, the smallest County in Wales, whereof the Natives render this reason, That it was not handsomly in the power of King Edward the first (who made it a Shire) to enlarge the Limits thereof; For the English Shires, Shrop∣shire and Cheshire he would not discompose, and on the Welsh side he could not well ex∣tend it without prejudice to the Lord Marchers, who had Potestatem vitae & necis in the adjacent Territories, the King being unwilling to resume, and they more unwilling to resign, their respective Territories.

If any ask why so small a parcel of ground was made a Shire, let them know that every foot therein in Content was ten in Concernment, because it was the passage into North Wales. Indeed it may seem strange that Flint, the Shire Town, is no Market Town, no nor Saint Asaph (a City, qua sedes Episcopi) till made so very late. But this is the reason, partly the vicinity of Chester, the Market genera•…•… of these parts; partly that every village hath a Market in it self, as affording all necessary Commodities.

Nor must we forget that this County was parcel of the Pallatinate of Chester, paying two thousand Marks (called a Mize) at the change of every Earl of Chester, until the year of our Lord, 1568. For then upon the occasion of one Thomas Radford commit∣ted to prison by the Chamberlain of Chester, Flint-shire (saith my* 1.139 Author, revolted, I dare say) disjoyned it self from that County Pallatine, and united it self to the Prin∣cipalities of Wales, as conceiving the same the more advantagious.

Proverbs.

Mwy nag •…•…n bwa yro Ynghaer.]

That is, more then one Yugh-Bow in Chester. Modern use applieth this Proverb to such, who seize on other folks goods (not with intent to steal but) mistaken with the simi∣litude thereof to their own goods. But give me leave to conjecture the original here∣of, seeing Cheshire-men have been so famous for Archery.

Princes.

ELIZABETH the seventh Daughter of King Edward the first, and Queen Elenor, was born at Ruthland Castle in this County; a place which some unwarily confound with Rythin Town in Denbigh shire. This Castle was anciently of such receipt, that the King and his Court were lodged therein; yea, a Parliament, or something equivalent, was kept here, or hereabouts; seeing we have the Statutes of Ruthland (on the same token the year erroneously printed in the Statutes of Ruthland) made in the—year of King Edward the first. This Lady Elizabeth at fourteen years of age was married to John, the first of that name, Earl of Holland, Zealand, &c. And after his death, re∣married to Humfre•…•… Bohune Earle of Hereford and Essex, High Constable of England, by whom he had a numerous issue. She died Anno Dom.* 1.140 1316. and was buried in the Abby-Church of Saffron Walden in Essex.

Saints.

CONGELLUS or COMGALLUS. I perceive a storm a coming, and must provide a shelter against it. The omitting this Writer will make Wales angry, and the inserting him will make Ireland offended with me, whom a * 1.141 good Antiquary makes the first Abb•…•…t of Banchor in this County, and a * 1.142 better (though living later) first Abbot of Ban∣gor nigh Nockfergus in Ireland. What is to be done herein? When the Controversie was started, whether the Isle of Man belonged to England or Ireland, it was adjudged to the later, because no venomous Creature will live therein. But this controverted na∣tivity is not capable of that discrimination. Indeed if the difference was betwixt Wales and England my Native Country, concerning Congellus, we would (according to our premised principles) freely resign him, not daring to be so bold with an outlandish In∣terest: let him stand here so long till better evidence be brought to remove him. For if those be beheld as the worst of Felons, who steal stragling Children in London streets from their Parents, and spirit them over unto forraign Plantations; high also is their robbery, who deprive Countries of their true Natives (as to their Memories after their deaths) and dispose them elsewhere at their pleasures. As for Congellus, it is agreed on all hands, that he was one of a pious life, who wrote learned Epistles, and being aged eighty five years, died Anno Dom. 600.

St. BENO was instructer to Saint Wenefride, committed by her Father to his care∣ful Education; now it happened when the head of the said Wenefride was cut off by Cradocus Son to Alane King of North Wales (for not yielding to his unlawful lust) This Beno miraculously set it on * 1.143 again, she living fifteen years after. But if the tip of his tongue who first told, and the top of his fingers who first wrote this damnable lye, had been cut off, and had they both been sent to attend their cure at the Shrine of Saint Beno, certainly they would have been more wary afterwards, how they reported or recorded such improbable untruths.

ASAPH was born in these parts, of right honourable parentage, and bred at Llan∣Elvy in this County, under Kentigernus (or Mongo) the Scotch Bishop in that place. Here the said Kentiger•…•…us had a Convent consisting of 663. Monks, whereof * 1.144 300. being unlearned (in the nature of Lay-Brethren) were employed abroad in Husban∣dry, as many busied about work at home, the rest attended Divine service in the Con∣vent, so divided, that some were always officiating therein. Amongst these Asaph was eminently conspicuous, for piety and learning, in so much, that Kentigernus (being cal∣led into his own Country) resigned both his Convent and Cathedral unto him. Here this Bishop demeaned himself with such Sanctity, that Llan-Elvy lost its name, and after his death was called from him, St. Asaph. He was an assiduous Preacher, having this Speech in his mouth, Such who are against the preaching of Gods Word, envy mans salvation. Bishop Godwin confesseth himself ignorant of the certain time of his death, though * 1.145 another (not more knowing, but more confident) assigneth the first of May (but with this abatement) about 569. I say not out possibly, a randome date may hap to hit the mark.

Here I would be thankful to them, who should expound unto me, that passage in J. Bale, concluding the life of this Saint, with these words,

* 1.146 Primus hic erat, qui d Romano Pontifice Unctionem accepit.

He was the first, who received Unction from the Pope of Rome.

This neither Pits owneth (ready enough to steal out of Bale, especially to improve what might sound to Papal advantage) nor any other Romanist writing his Life, whom I have seen, so that it seems to me a Note 〈◊〉〈◊〉 scattered. After the death of Saint Asaph, his See stood void above 500. years, until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein.

Prelates since the Reformation.

RICHARD PARRY D. D. was born at Ruthin in this County; bred in Christ Church in Oxford▪ whence he was preferred Dean of Bangor, and at last Bishop of Saint Asaph, consecrated Decemb. 30. 1604. Bishop Godwin passeth on him this Comple∣ment (take it in the best derivation of the word from Completio mentis) that he desireth being so near unto him in time and his Studies, to be his equal in other Episcopal Qualities. I crave the Readers leave to forbear any further Character of him. Pictures present buildings, presumed at great distance, very small, whilest such things which are▪ sup∣posed near the eye, are made in a greater proportion. Clean contrary I may sasely write largely on mens lives at far distance, whilest (as I may say) I must make Landskips of those near hand, and touch little on them, who lived in later times. Bishop Parry died Anno Dom. 16. . . .

Souldiers.

OWEN GLENDOWER-WYE was born in his ancient Patrimony of Glendower-Wye in this County, then bred in London a Student in the Common Law, till he became a Courtier, and servant to King Richard the second. After whose death, this Owen being then on the wrong side of preferment, retired to this his Native County, where there arose a difference betwixt him and his neighbour the Lord Gre of Ruthen about a piece of Common, which Owen by force recovered, and killed the Lord Gre.

There wanted not many to spur his posting Ambition, by telling him, that he was the true Heir to all North Wales, and now or never the time to regain it. That the in∣juries he had already offered the English were above pardon, and no way left to secure himself, but by committing greater. There needeth no Torch to light Tinder, where a Spark will do the deed, and hereupon Owen brake out into open rebellion.

The worst was, being angry with the King, his revenge fell upon God, burning down the fair Cathedrals of Bangor and Saint Asaph. His destructive nature delighted in do∣ing mischief to others, though no good to himself. King Henry the fourth found it more facile by far, to depose King Richard, than subdue this Owen, who had taken Ro∣ger Mortimer Earl of March (and next Heir to the Crown) prisoner.

Writers.

ELVODUGUS, surnamed Probus (and no doubt it was true of him, what was said of Probus the Emperor, he was Vir sui nominis) was a Cambrian by birth, and this Country∣man by habitation; for he lived most of his days at Bangor * 1.147 Monachorum, in that age the Cambridge and Oxford of all Britain. He wrote many Books (and particularly a Chronicle of his Nation) which the envy of time hath denied to posterity. He had many eminent men for his Scholars, amongst whom was learned Nenniu•…•…, common∣ly called Nennius Elvodugi, assuming his Masters name for his surname, on which ac∣count some mistake him for his Father. This Elvoduge flourished Anno 590.

Since the Reformation.

MERIDITH HANMER, D. D. was born in this County, where a respective Fa∣mily of his name and alliance flourish at Han-meer at this day; was Treasurer of Tri∣nity Church in Dublin. He translated the Ecclesiasticall Histories of Eusebius, Socrates Euagrius, &c. into English, wrote an Ephemeris of the Irish Saints, and a Chronicle of that Country. He died at * 1.148 Dublin of the Plague, Anno 1604.

Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation.

RICHARD CLOUGH was born at Denbigh in this County, whence he went to be a Chorister in the City of Chester. Some were so affected with his singing therein, that

they were loath he should lose himself in empty air (Church-Musick beginning then to be discountenanced) and perswaded, yea, procured his removal to London, where he be∣came an Apprentice to, and afterwards Partner with Sir Thomas Gresham. He lived some years at Antwerp, and afterwards travelled as far as Jerusalem, where he was made a Knight of the Sepulchre, though not owning it after his return under Queen Elizabeth (who disdained her Subjects should accept of such foraign Honour) he af∣terwards by Gods blessing grew very rich; and there want not those, who will avouch that some thousands of pounds were disbursed by him for the building of the Burse or Royal Exchange. Such maintain that it was agreed betwixt him and Sir Thomas Gresham, that the survivor should be chief Heir to both; on which account they say that the Knight carried away the main of the Estate. How much the new Church in Denbigh was beholding to his bounty, I am not as yet certainly in•…•…ormed. This is true, that he gave the Impropriation of Killken in Flint-shire, worth an hundred pounds per annum to the Free Schoole in Denbigh; and if the same at this day be aliened, I question whether Repentance without Restitution will secure such who are the Causers thereof. He di∣ed Anno Dom, 15—

Memorable Persons.

THOMAS ap William, ap Thomas, ap Richard, ap Howel, ap Evan Va•…•…ghan, &c. Esquire, was born of ancient and worshipful Parentage at Moston in this County. This Gentleman being called at the Pannel of a Jury by the aforesaid names, and many more, was advised by the * 1.149 Judge in the reign of King Henry the eight, for brevity sake to contract his name, who thereupon denominated himself Moston, from the place of his Nativity and ancient Inheritance. This leading Case was precedential to the practice of other Gentry in Wales, who (leaving their Pedigrees at home) carry one sirname only abroad with them, whereby much time (especially in Winter when the days are short) is gained for other employment.

The Farewell.

I understand that superstitious pilgrimages do still continue of fond people in this County to the Well of St. Winifred, and will only presume to mind them of a savoury Proverb of their own Nation, Goreu Pererindod Cyrchu offeren Sull, that is, It is the best Pilgrimage to frequent the Divine Duties of the Sabboth. A Pilgrimage it may well be called in Wales, where some Parishes are so large, people go ten miles to Church, and whose pains are employed more acceptable to God, than in longer peregrinations to less porpose.

GLAMORGAN-SHIRE.

GLAMORGAN-SHIRE hath the Severn Sea on t•…•…e South, Carmarthen on the West, Brecknock on the North, Monmouth-shire (severed by the River Remney falling from the Mountains, which in the Brit•…•…sh Tongue signifieth, to drive) on the East thereof. The North of this County is so full of Mountains, that almost nothing is to be had, the South is so fruitful a Valley, nothing at all is wanting therein. Indeed it is the Garden of Wales, and I am informed, that at Saint Donats in this Shire (an an∣cient house of the right Worshipful Family of the Stradlings) groweth as good fruit, and as soon ripe as in any part of England.

Mr. Cambden will have it so called (though others affirm one Morgan a Prince thereof gave his name thereunto) from Mor the British word for the Sea, as agreeing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 its sci∣tuation.

Wonders.

Giraldus Cambrensis reports that in the Island Barrey (termed so from Baruch an Ho∣ly man that was there buried) three miles from the mouth of Taff, there appeareth a chink in a Rock or Cliff, to which if you lay your ear, you may easily discover a noise, not altogether unlike to Smiths at work, one while blowing of the Bellows, another while striking of the Hammer, the grinding of Iron Tools, the hissing of Steel Gads, yea the puffing noise of Fire in a Furnace. I must confess my self at a loss for the reason thereof; for it cannot proceed from the close stealing in of the Sea water (as some have supposed) seeing the same noise continueth even at a low Ebb, when the Sea is de∣parted.

There is also at Newton on the bank of Ogmore west-ward, a Well, the water where∣of is so low at the flowing of the Sea in Summer, you can scarce get up a dish full of the same; whereas at the ebb thereof you may easily recover a pail or bucket full. * 1.150 Mr. Cambden doubting of the truth, made his own eyes Witnesses herein, finding it true according to the common relation, adding withall that it is the same (thoughnot so discernable by reason of the accession of much rain water) in Winter.

Civilians.

Sir EDWARD CARNE is here placed with confidence, because assured to be a * 1.151 Welsh-man, and I find his Family flourishing at † 1.152 Wenny in this County. He was bred (I believe in Oxford) Doctor of the Civil Law, and was * 1.153 Knighted by Charles the fifth, Emperor.

The first publick service he eminently appeared in was, when King Henry the eight having intelligence of the Popes intention, shortly to cite him to appear at Rome, either in Person or Proxie, d•…•…spatched him thither for his * 1.154 Excusator, to remonstrate that his Grace was not bound by Law so to appear.

This he effectually performed, pleading, that the Emperor was so powerful at Rome, that he could not expect Justice; declaring, that unless they desisted, he must appeal thence to the able men in some indifferent Universities; and if this were refused, he protested a nullity in all that they did. A behaviour which spake him of no less Va∣lour than Ability.

Queen Mary highly prized him, and no whit the less, for his cordial appearing for King Henry in the matter of her Mothers Divorce, imputing it to the discharge of his C•…•…edit and Calling, in him who otherwise was a thorow paced Romanist, and whom she employed her Embassador to the Pope.

After her death he still resided at Rome, and by command from Queen Elizabeth, re∣paired to Pope Paul the fourth, to give him an account, that his Mistress was called to the Crown of England. To whom the * 1.155 Pope returned, That England was a Fee of the Church of Rome, and that she could not succeed as Illegitimate. A str•…•…nge reply •…•…o a civil Message, and fitting his mouth with whom it was a usual saying, * 1.156 That he would have no Prince in his Compagnion, but all Subject under his Foot.

Besides, he commanded Sir Edward Carne, to lay down the Office of an Embassador, and under the pain of the greater * 1.157 Excommunication, and confiscation of all his goods, not to go out of the City, but to take on him the Regiment of the English Hospital therein. So that I see not how Queen Elizabeth can be taxed by the Papists for a Schismatick, and wilful breach from the Church of Rome, being thrust away thence by the Pope himself, so barbarously treating her Embassador (whilest as yet she had made no alteration in Religion) against the Law of Nations; though I confess, some conceive, that the crafty old Knight was (such his addiction to Popery) well conten∣ted with his restraint, wherein he died, 1561.

The Farewell.

I heartily congratulate the return of the Name (and with it of the See) to Landaff in this County. Sure I am, our Civil Wars had deprived it of the better moity of its appellation Land, leaving bare aff, thereunto. I am not Ignorant that Landaff, in Bri∣tish, is the Church by Taff, though that Church I fear will not stand long that hath lost its ground. Happy therefore is it, that now Landaff may be truly termed Landaff, having through Gods goodness, (and long may it possess them) regained its ancient Lands and Revenues.

MERIONITH-SHIRE.

MERIONITH-SHIRE, (in Latine Mervinia) hath the Sea on the West side, on the South (for certain miles together) Cardigan∣shire, severed by the River Dony, and on the North bounded upon Carnarvon and Denbigh-shire.

It is extream mountainous, yea (if true what Giraldus Cambren∣sis reporteth thereof) so high the Hills therein, that men may dis∣course one with the other on the tops thereof, and yet hardly meet (beneath in the Valley) in a days time. Yet are not the Mountains altogether use∣less, feeding great numbers of Sheep thereon. Mr. Cambden takes especial notice of the beauty and comliness of the Inhabitants of this Shire.

Nor must it be forgot that there is a place at this day called Le Herbert upon this account;

When the unhappy difference raged betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster, David ap Jenkin ap Enion, a stout and resolute Gentleman (who took part with the House of Lancaster) valiantly defended the Castle Arleck against King Edward the fourth, until Sir William Herbert (afterwards Earl of Pembroke) with great difficulty made his passage unto it, and so furiously stormed it, that immediately it was sur∣rendred.

Wonders.

There is a Lake in this County called in British Lhin-tegid, in English Pimble-mear, which may be termed our Leman Lake, having the same work of wonder therein, though set forth by nature in a less Letter. For as Rhodanus running through that French Lake, preserveth his stream by it self (discernable by the discolouration thereof) with the Fishes peculiar thereunto. The same is here * 1.158 observed betwixt the River Dee, and the water of the Lake; so that here is (what some cavil at in the Grammar) a Conjunction disjunctive. Let Philosophers dispute, what invisible partition incloseth the one severally from the other. I have heard some, by way of similitude, apply it to such, who being casually cast into bad company, lie at such a cautious posture of de∣fence, that they keep their own innocency entire, not maculated with the mixture of their bad manners, as rather being in, than of, their Society.

We must not forget another strange quality of Pimble-mear, viz. It swelleth not with all the Waters, and those very many, which fall therein by the bordering Moun∣tains, whereas * 1.159 a blast of wind will quickly make it mount above the bounds and banks thereof. Like some strange dispositions, not so much incensed with blows, as provoked by words (accounted but wind) into passion.

I know not whether it be worth the relating, what is known for a truth of a Market Town called Dogelthy in this Shire, that

1. The Walls there of are 3. miles high.	1. The Mountains which surround it.
2. Men come into it over the water, but	2. On a fair bridge.
3. Go out of it under the water.	3. Falling from a Rock, and conveyed in a wooden Trough (under which Tra∣vellers must make shift to pass) to drive an Over-shot Mill.
4. The Steeple thereof doth grow therein	4. The Bells (if plural) hang in an Yeugh tree.
5. There are more Ale-houses than houses.	5. Tenements are divided into two or more Tipling-houses, and Chimnyless Barns used to that purpose.

This last I had [mediately] from the mouth of a Judge in his Charge condemning the same.

Saints.

Saint THELIAN was of British extraction, and placed here until with certainty he* 1.160

c•…•…n be removed to another County. He was bred under Dubritius Bishop of Landaff, by whose Holy care he attained to a competent Learning, and exemplary Sanctity. Great his acquaintance and intimacy with Saint David Bishop of Menevia.

In his days the Picts harrassed his Country, he was much envied for his Holiness, by one of their chief Commanders, * 1.161 who sent two lewd Strumpets, supposing by their tempting tricks to entrap this holy man. These women counterfeiting madness (where∣by they might assume the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse) returned di∣stracted * 1.162 indeed, not having understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfor∣tune, which wrought so much upon the first design of their practises, that he received the Faith and was baptized, and ever after had a great veneration and esteem for this our Saint.

He accompanied Saint David to Jerusalem, and returning into his own Country, by his fervent Prayers freed the same from the Plague, wherewith it was then much infe∣sted. His death happened February the ninth, about the year of our Lord, 563.

The Farewell.

This County (the inhabitants whereof generally betake themselves to the feeding of Sheep) was much beholding to Ludwall their Prince, who (King Edgar imposing on him as a yearly Tribute, the presenting him with three hundred Wolves) did in a man∣ner free it from Wolves. It is my desire, that seeing that ill natured Creature is at this day totally removed out of it, that the people wholly lay aside all strife and ani∣mosities, and give no longer occasion to the Proverb, Homo Homini Lupus.

MONTGOMERY-SHIRE

MONTGOMERY-SHIRE is bounded on the South side with Cardigan and Radnor-shire, on the East with Shrop-shire, on the North with Denbigh∣shire, and on the West thereof with Merionith-shire. Nature cannot be accused for being a Step-Mother unto this County; For although she hath mounted many an high Hill (which may probably be presumed not over fruitful) yet hath she also sunck many a delightful Valley therein, (Humility is the common attendant of Greatness, accompanied with true worth) which plentifully yield all necessaries for mans comfortable subsistance. The Chief Town therein stands, and bestoweth its. Name upon the whole County. It never dignified any with the Title of Earl thereof, until the raign of King James, who crea∣ted Philip Herbert, second Son to Henry Earl of Pembroke, Baron Herbert of Shurland, and Earl of Montgomery.

Natural Commodities.

Horses.

How good and swift are bred in this County, I may well spare my Commendation, and remit the Reader to the Character I find given of them in a good * 1.163 Author;

—From the Gomerian fields, Then which in all our Wales there is no Country yields An excellenter Horse, so full of Natural fire, As one of Phoebus Steeds had been that Stallions Sire Which first their race begun, or of th' Asturian kind, Which some have held to be begotten by the wind.

Now after proportionable abatement for his Poetical Hyperbole, the remainder is enough to inform us of the good Strain this Shire doth afford.

Proverbs.

Y Tair Chiwiorydd.]

In English the Three Sisters, being a common By-word to express the three Rivers of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Severn, Rhiddiall, arising all three in this County, out of the South-west side of Plynnillimmon Hill, within few paces one of another, but falling into the Sea more miles asunder; Severn into the Severn Sea, Wye into the Severn, Rhiddiall in∣to the Irish Sea.

The Tradition is, that these three sisters were to run a race, which should be first mar∣ried to the Ocean, Severn and Wye having a great journey to go, chose their way through soft Medows, and kept on a Travellers pace; whilest Rhiddiall (presuming on her short Journey) staid before she went out, and then to recover her lost time, runs furiously in a distracted manner, with her mad stream, over all opposition.

The Proverb is applyable to Children of the same Parents, issuing out of the same Womb, but of different dispositions, and embracing several courses of lives in this World, so that their Cradles were not so near, but their Coffins are as farre asunder.

Pywys Paradwys Cymry.]

That is, Powis is the Paradise of Wales. This Proverb referreth to Teliessen the Author thereof, at what time Powis had far larger bounds than at this day, as containing all the land inter-jacent betwixt Wye and Severn; of the pleasantness whereof we have spo∣ken * 1.164 before.

Gwan dy Bawlyn Hafren, Hafren fyàd hifcl cynt.]

That is, Fixt thy Pale [with intent to sence out his water] in Severn, Severn will be as before. Appliable to such who undertake projects above their power to perform, or grapple in vain against Nature, which soon returns to its former condition.

Writers.

GEORGE HERBERT was born at Montgomery-Castle, younger Brother to Edward Lord Herbert (of whom immediately) bred Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, and Orator of the university, where he made a speech no less learned than the occasion was welcome, of the return of Prince Charles out of Spain.

He was none of the Nobles of T•…•…koa, who at the building of Jerusalem* 1.165 put not their necks to the work of the Lord; but waving worldly preferment, chose serving at Gods Altar before State-employment. So pious his life, that as he was a copy of pri∣mitive, he might be a pattern of Sanctity to posterity, to testifie his independency on all others, he never mentioned the name of Jesus Christ, but with this addition, My Master. Next God the Word, he loved the Word of God, being heard often to pro∣test, That he would not part with one leaf thereof for the whole world.

Remarkable his conformity to Church-Discipline, whereby he drew the greater part of his Parishioners to accompany him daily in the publick celebration of Divine Service. Yet had he (because not desiring) no higher preferment than the Benefice of Bemmerton nigh Salisbury (where he built a fair house for his Successor) and the Pre∣bend of Leighton (founded in the Cathedral of Lincoln) where he built a fair Church, with the assistance of some few Friends free Offerings. When a Friend on his death bed went about to comfort him with the remembrance thereof, as an especial good work, he returned, It is a good work if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ. But his Church (that unimitable piece of Poetry) may out-last this in structure. His death hapned Anno Dom. 163—

EDWARD HERBERT, Son of Richard Herbert, Esquire, and Susan Newport his Wife, was born at Montgomery * Castle in this County, Knighted by King James,* 1.166 who sent him over Embassador into France. Afrerwards King Charls the first created him Baron of Castle Island in Ireland, and some years after Baron of Cheirbury in this Coun•…•…y; he was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist, studied both in Books and Men, and himself the Author of two Works most remarkable, viz. A Treatise of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, written in French, so highly prized beyond the Seas, that (as I am told) it is extant at this day with great Honour in the Popes Vatican.

He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir VVilliam Herbert of Saint Julians in Monmouth-shire, with whom he had a large Inheritance both in England and Ireland. He died in August, Anno Domini 1648. and was buried in Saint Giles in the fields, London, having designed a fair Monument of his own Invention to be set up for him in the Church of Montgomery, according to the* 1.167 Model following;

upon the ground a Hath pace of fourteen foot square, on the midst of which is placed a Dorrick Columne, with its rights of Pedestal Basis, and Capital fifteen foot in height; on the Capital of the Columne is mounted an urn with an Heart Flamboul sup∣ported by two Angels. The foot of this Columne is attended with four Angels placed on Pedestals at each corner of the said Hath pace, two having Torches reverst, extin∣guishing the Motto of Mortality; the other two holding up Palmes, the Emblems of Victory.

This Monument hath not hitherto, (by what obstruction I list not to enquire) and I fear will not be finished, which hath invited me the rather to this Description, that it might be erected in Paper when it was intended in Marble.

Memorable Persons.

HAWIS GADARN. She was a Lady of remark, sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Graffyth, Prince of that part of Powis called Powis Wenwinwin, which taketh up this whole County. She was justly (as will appear) surnamed Gadarn, that is, the Hardy. I confess Hardy sounds better when applyed to men (as Philip the Hardy, a Prince in France) meek and mild, being a more proper Epethite for a woman. Yet some compe∣tent hardiness (to comport with troubles) mis-becometh not the weaker Sex; and in∣deed if she had not been Hawis the Hardy, she had been Hawis the Beggerly. She had four Uncles, her Fathers Brethren, Lhewelyn, Iohn, Griffith Vachan, and David, which uncles became her Cosens, detaining all her inheritance from her. Give (said they) a Girle a little Gold and marry her, God and nature made Land for men to manage.

Hereupon Hawis comes to Court, complains to King Edward the second. The mention of her minds me of the Daughter of Zelophehad, who pleaded so pathe∣tically for her patrimony before Moses and Joshua. The King commiserating her case, consigned his Servant John Charleton (born at Apple in Shropshire) a vigorous Knight to marry her, creating him in her right B•…•…ron of Powis.

Thus was he possessed of his Lady, but get her Land as he can, it was bootless to implead her uncles in a Civil Court, Action was the only Action he could have against them, and he so bestirred himself with the assistance of the Kings Forces, that in short time he possessed himself of three of her uncles prisoners, and forced the fourth to a composition. Yea, he not only recovered every foot of his Wives Land, but also got all the L•…•…nds of her uncles, in default of their issue male to be settled upon her. I wish that all Ladies injured by their potent Relations, may have such Husbands to marry them, and match their adversaries. These things hapned about the yeare of our Lord, 1320.

Know Reader, there were four John Charletons successively Lords of Powis, which I observe rather, because their Homonymy may not occasion confusion.

JULINES HERRING was born at Flambere-Mayre in this County 1582. His Fa∣ther returned hence to Coventry, to which he was highly related. Coventry, whose Ancestors (for the space of almost two hundred years) had been in their course chiefe Officers of that City. Perceiving a pregnancy in their Son, his parents bred him in Sidney Colledge in Cambridge, he becamê afterwards a profitable and painful Preacher at Calk in Derby-shire, in the Town of Shrewsbury▪ and at Rendbury in Cheshire, being one of a pious life, but in his judgement disaffected to the English Church-Discipline.

I could do no less than place him amongst the memorable Persons, otherwise coming under no Topick of mine (as writing no Books to my knowledge) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hi•…•… Life writ∣ten at large by Mr. Samuel Clark.

I say Mr. Clark whose Books of our modern Divines I have perused, as Travellers by the Levitical Law were permitted to pass thorow other mens Vinyards. For they must eat their fill on conditions they put no Grapes up in their* 1.168 Vessels. I have been satisfied with reading his works, and informed my self in Places and Dates of some mens births and deaths. But never did nor will (whatever hath been said of me, or done by others) incorporate any considerable quantity of his Works in my own, de∣testing such Felony, God having given me (be it spoken with thanks to him, and hu∣mility to man) plenty of my own, without being plagiary to any Author what∣soever.

To return to Julines Herring, whose Christian name is very usual in the Country amongst people of quality, in memory of Julius Palmer (in the Marian Days martyred, and) a Native of that City; he being prohibited his preaching here, for his non-Confor∣mity, was called over to Amsterdam, where he continued Preacher to the English Con∣gregation, some years well respected in his place, and died in the year of our Lord, 1644.

The Farewell.

And now being to take our leave of this County, the worst I wish the Inhabi∣•…•…ants thereof, is, that their Horses (excellent in their kind, whereof before) may (to use •…•…he Coun•…•…-mans expression) Stand well, being secured from all Infectious and pe∣•…•…lential Dise•…•…ses. •…•…he rather because when God is pleased to strike this Creature (not unfitly termed mans wings, whereby he so swi•…•…tly flyeth from one place to an∣other, for dispatch of his occasions) it is a sad presage, that he is angry with the Ri∣ders, and will (without their seasonable Repentance) punish their sins with some ex∣emplary judgment.

MONMOUTH-SHIRE.

MONMOUTH-SHIRE. I may fi•…•…ly call this an English-Welsh County, for though it lie West of Severn, yea of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it self; and though the Welsh be the common Language thereof, yet it doth wear a double badge of English relation. First, whereas formerly all Welsh Counties sent but one Knight to the Parliament, this had the priviledge of two, Conformable to the Shires of England. Secondly, it is not subject to the VVelsh Jurisdiction, but such Itinerant Judges as go Oxford Circuit have this Coun∣ty within the compass of their Commission.

Manufactures.

Caps.

These were the most ancient, general, warm, and profitable coverings of mens heads in this Island. It is worth our pains to observe the tenderness of our Kings to preserve the trade of Cap-making, and what long and strong strugling our State had to keep up the using thereof, so many* 1.169 thousands of people being maintained thereby in the land, especially before the invention of Fulling-Mills, all Caps before that time being wrought, beaten, and thickned by the hands and feet of men, till those Mills as they eased many of their labour, outed more of their livelihood. Thus ingenious inventi∣ons conducing to the compendious making of Commodities, though profitable to pri∣vate persons, may not always be gainful to the publick, to which what employes most, is most advantageous, as Capping anciently set fi•…•…teen distinct Callings on work, as they are reckoned up in the* 1.170 Statute,

• 1. Carders.
• 2. Spinners.
• 3. Knitters.
• 4. Parters of Wooll.
• 5. Forsers.
• 6. Thickers.
• 7. Dressers.
• 8. Walkers.
• 9. Dy•…•…rs.
• 10. Battellers.
• 11. Shearers.
• 12. Pr•…•…ers.
• 13. Edgers.
• 14. Liners.
• 15. Band-makers. And other Exercises.

No wonder then if so many Statutes were enacted in Parliaments, to encourage this Handicraft, as by the ensuing Catàlogue will appear.

• 1. Anno 22. of Edward the fourth Cap. 5. That none thicken any Cap or Bonnet in any Fulling-Mill, upon pain to forfeit forty shillings.
• 2. Anno 3. of Henry the eighth, Cap. 15. That no Caps or Hats ready wrought should be brought from beyond the Seas, upon the forfeiture of fourty shillings. Yet because notwithstanding this Statute, some still presumed to import forraign Wares, it was enacted,
• 3. Anno 21. of Henry the eighth, Cap. 9. That such outlandish Hats should be sold at such low prices as are specified in the Statute, meerly to deter the Merchant from importing them, because such their cheapness that they would turn to no accompt.
• 4. Anno 7. of Edward the sixth, Cap. 8. Fulling-Mills beginning now to take footing in England, the Statute made the 22 of Edward the fourth was revi∣ved, to stand and remain in full force, strength and effect.
• 5. Anno 8. of Queen Elizabeth, Cap. 11. Fulling-Mills still finding many to fa∣vour them, the pains and profit of Cap-making was equally divided betwixt the Mills and the Cap-makers, it being enacted, That no Cap should be thicked or fulled in any Mill, untill the same had first been well scoured and closed upon the Bank, and half footed at least upon the foot-stock.
• 6. Lastly, to keep up the usage of Caps, it was enacted the 13. of Queen Eliz.

• ... Cap. 19. That they should be worn by all persons (some of worship and quality excepted) on Sabboth and Holy-days, on the pain of forfeiting ten groats for omission thereof.

But it seems nothing but Hats would fit the Heads (or humors rather) of the En∣glish, as fancied by them fitter to fence their fair faces, from the injury of wind and weather, so that the 39 of Queen Elizabeth this Statute was repealed. Yea, the Cap accounted by the Romans an emblem of liberty, is esteemed by the English (except Faulconers and Hunters) a badge of servitude, though very useful in themselves, and the Ensign of constancy, because not discomposed, but retaining their fashion, in what form soever they be crouded.

The best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth, where the Cappers Chappel doth still remain, being better carved and gilded than any other part of the Church. But on the occasion of a great plague hapning in this Town, the trade was some years since removed hence to Beaudly in Worcester-shire, yet so that they are called Monmouth Caps unto this day. Thus this Town retains, though not the profit, the credit of Cap∣ping, and seeing the Child still keeps the Mothers name, there is some hope in due time she may return unto her.

All I will adde is this, if at this day the phrase of wearing a Monmouth Cap be taken in a bad acception, I hope the inhabitants of that Town will endeavour to disprove the occasion thereof.

Saints.

Saint AMPHIBALUS a Citizen of Carlion. See the Saints in Hereford shire.

Saint AARON was a wealthy Citizen of Carlion in this County, who for the te∣stimony of the Christian Faith, was martyred under the Tyrant Emperor Dioclesian. By the way we may observe the names of the three first British Martyrs as to their Language.

1. Alban	Of	Latine	Originall.
2. Amphibalus		Greek
3. Aaron.		Hebrew

It seems that the Christian Britons at the Font quitted their Native names as bar∣barous, and imposed on their Children those of the learned Languages. This Aaron was martyred, Anno Dom. 303.

Saint JULIUS. It is pity to part so fast friends, both being Citizens of Carlion. Yea, they were lovely in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided, both suffering mar∣tyrdom together, and therefore like Philip and Jacob one day is assigned to their Me∣mories in the Kalendar.

Nor must I forget how Carlion the place of their aboad, though now a small Town, was once a great City stretching so far o•…•… both sides of the River, that * 1.171 Saint Julians (a house of late of Sir William Herberts) was sometimes within the City, though now about a mile South-West thereof, being a Church dedicated anciently to the Memo∣ry of this Saint Julius.

Cardinals.

GEFFERY of Monmouth is by * 1.172 some very firmly avouched to have been created a Cardinal, but by what Pope, and with what Title uncertain; but my worthy * 1.173 Au∣thor justly suspecteth the truth hereof; alledging that Popes in that age advanced few Forraigners at so great a distance to that Title, except their merits to the See of Rome (which appears not to this Jeffery) were very great. Let me adde, that it is impro∣bable so much honour should be done unto him whilest living, who was so solemnly disgraced after his death; whose Books (extant in his life) were afterwards by the Court of Rome publickly prohibited. See him therefore in this Shire under the Title of Writers.

JOHN of Monmouth, so called from the place of his Nativity, D. D. and Canon

of Lincoln, was chosen Anno 1296. Bishop of Landaff. The manner whereof was re∣markable, for when Robert Kilwarby complained to Pope Celestine, how that Cathedral had been for seven years without a Bishop; (caused either by the troublesomness of those Times, or the exility of revenue thereof) his Holiness remitted his Election wholly to the discretion of this Arch-Bishop, to conferre that vacant See on whomsoever he pleased. The Arch-Bishop knowing all eyes intent on his Integrity herein, resolved on a Welsh-man by his birth (as most proper for, and acceptable in the place) and on one of merit for the Function.

Both Qualifications met in this John of Monmouth, as British by his birth and alli∣ance, and Charactered to be Doctus & Pius Theologus. One of his * 1.174 Successors in that Bishoprick acknowledgeth that he was Multimodis sedi suae Benefactor, and more parti∣cularly, that he procured the Rectory of Newland in the Forrest of Dean to be appro∣priated thereunto. But one Bishop [Anthony Kitchin by name] more unlanded Lan∣daff* 1.175 in one, than all his Predecessors endowed it in four hundred years. This John dying April 8. 1323. was buried in Saint Maries Chappel, whose Epitaph in French is hardly legible at this day on his Marble Monument.

WALTER CANTILUPE was Son to William [the elder] Lord Cantilupe, whose prime residence was at Abergavennie in this County. One of high birth, higher pre∣ferment (made by King Henry the third, Bishop of Worcester) and highest spirit. In his time the Popes Legate came into England, and complained of m•…•…ny Clergy-men, keeping their livings against the Canons, intending either to force such irregular In∣cumbents into avoydance, (so to make room for the Popes Favourites) or else to com∣pound for their continuance at his arbitrary price. But our Walter would not yield to such extortion. Indeed he was one of a keene nature, and his two-edged spirit did cut on both sides, against

The Pope.	The King.
Telling Rusland his Legate, coming hither 1255. that he would preferre to be hang'd on the * 1.176 Gallows, rather than ever consent to such expilation of the Church.	Siding with the Barons, he encouraged them in their Civil Warres, promising Heaven for their reward, though this do∣ctrine cost him an excommunication from the Pope.

Lying on his death-bed he was touched with true * 1.177 remorse for his disloyalty, and upon his desire obtained absolution. He died February the fifth, 1267. whom I behold as Uncle unto Thomas Cantilupe the Sainted Bishop of Hereford.

Souldiers.

RICHARD de CLARE was born (as from all concentred probabilities may be con∣jectured) at Strigule-Castle in this County, and had the Title of Earl of Strigule and Pembroke. He was otherwise surnamed Strongbow, from drawing so strong a Bow, and had Brachia projectissima, saith my * 1.178 Author; though I can hardly believe that Reacher, which another writeth of him, that† 1.179 with the palms of his hands he could touch his knees, though he stood up right. More appliable to him is the expression of * 1.180 Tully, Nihil egit levi brachio, being a person of effectual performance.

It hapned that Mac Murugh Lord of Leinster, in the year of our Lord 1167. being expelled his Territory for several Tyrannies, by the Lords of Meth and Conaght, re∣paired to our King Henry the second, and invited him to invade Ireland. But that po∣litick King, fearing, if failing in success, to forfeit the reputation of his discretion, would not engage in the design, but permitted such Subjects of his, who had a mind Militare propriis stipendiis, to adventure themselves therein.

Amongst these Richard Strongbow was the principal, going over into Ireland with twelve hundred men, too great for an Earls Train, yet too little for a Generals Army, to make a National Invasion; yet so great his success, that in a short time he prossessed

himself of the Ports of Leinster and Mounster, with large lands belonging thereunto; insomuch that King Henry grew jealous of his greatness, remanded him home, and commanded him to surrender his acquests into his hands, which done, he received them again by re-grant from the King, save that Henry reserved the City of Dublin for himself.

This Strongbow is he who is commonly called Domitor Hiberniae, The Tamer of Ire∣land; though the Natives thereof then, and many hundred years after, paid rather •…•…erbal submission, than real obedience to our English Kings. Yea, some of their great Lords had both the power and Title of Kings in their respective Territories, wit∣ness the Preface in the Commission, whereby King Henry the second made William Fitz. Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland; Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Regibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, & omnibus fidelibus suis in Hibernia, Salutem. Where Kings are postposed to Bishops, which speaketh them Royolets by their own ambition, and by no solemn inauguration. This Earl Richard died at Dublin 1177. and lieth buried in Trinity Church therein.

Sir ROGER WILLIAMS born of an ancient Family at Penrosse in this County, was first a Souldier of Fortune under Duke D'Alva, and afterwards successfully ser∣ved Queen Elizabeth, having no fault, save somewhat over-free and forward to fight.

When a Spanish Captain challenged Sir John Norris to fight a single Combat (which was beneath him to accept, because a General) This Roger undertook the Don. And after they had fought some time (both * 1.181 Armies beholding them) with∣out any hurt, they pledged each other a deep •…•…raught of Wine, and so friendly de∣parted.

Another time at midnight he assaulted the Camp of the Prince of Parma, nigh Venloe, slew some of the enemies, and * 1.182 pierced to the Tent of the General, as high∣ly blamed by some for rashness, as commended by others for his valour. He bravely defended Slufe, whilest any hope of help.

WILLIAM HERBERT, Earl of Pembroke, with Sir Richard Herbert his Brother, were both undoubtedly born in this County; but whether or no at Ragland Castle, is uncertain. Both valiant men, and as fast Friends to King Edward the fourth, as pro∣fessed Foes to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick. They gave the last and clearest evidence hereof in the Battel of Banbury, where we find it reported, that these two leading the Army of the Welsh, with their Poll-Axes, twice made way through the Battel o•…•… the Northern men (which sided with King Henry the sixth) without any mortal wound.

There passeth a tradition in the Noble Family of the Herberts of Chierbury, that this Sir Richard their Ancestor slew that day one hundred and forty men with his own hands, which if done in charging, some censure as an act of impossibility; if after a rout in an execution, as a deed of cruelty. But others defend both truth and courage therein, as done in passing and repassing through the Army. Indeed Guns were and were not in fashion in that age, used sometimes in sieges, but never in field service; and next the Gun, the Poll-Ax was the mortal Weapon, especially in such a Dead han•…•… as this Knight had, with which Quot icti, tot occisi. He is reported also to be of a Giants stature, the Peg being extant in Mountgomery Castle, whereon he used to hang his Hat at dinner, which no man of an ordinary height can reach with his hand at this day.

However both these brave brethren, circumvented with the subtilty of their Foes (Odds at any time may be bet on the side of treachery against valour) were brought to Banbury, beheaded and buried, the Earl at Tinterne and Sir Richard at Abergaveny in this County.

Writers.

JEFFREY of Monmouth was born in, and named from, Monmouth. He was also cal∣led ap Arthur, from his Father, (as I suppose) though others * 1.183 say, because he wrote so much of King Arthur; but by the same propor•…•…ion Homer may be termed Achillides, and Virgil the Son of Aeneas. Yea, this Jeffrey, by an ancienter title might be sirna∣med

ap Bruit, whose story he asserteth. He translated and compiled the various Bri∣tish Authors into one Volume.

I am not so much moved at William Newbourough, calling this his book Ridicula sig∣menta, as that Giraldus Cambrensis his Countryman, and (as I may say) Con-sub-tempo∣rary, should term it Fabulosam historiam. Indeed he hath many things from the British. Bards, which though improbable, are not ipso facto untrue. We know Herodotus, nick∣named by some Pater Fabularum, is by others acknowledged to be Pater Histo∣riarum.

The truth is, that both Novelants and Antiquaries must be content with many fals∣hoods, the one taking Reports at the first rebound, before come to; the other raking them out of the dust, when past their perfection.

Others object, that he is too hyperbolical in praising his own Countrey: A catch∣ing disease, seeing Livy mounts Italy to the skyes, and all other Authors respectively; and why should that be mortal in our Monmouth, what is but venial in others? And if he be guilty in Mis-timing of actions, he is not the onely Historian without company in that particular.

However on the occasion of the premisses, his book is prohibited by his Holiness, whilst the lying Legend is permitted to be read without controul: Thus Rome loves questuosa, non inutilia figmenta, Falshoods whereby she may gain. Some conceive it to be his greatest fault, that he so praiseth the ancient Church in Britain, making it Inde∣pendent from the See of Rome, before Austin the Monk came hither. One maketh him a Cardinal, which is improbable, whilest it is more certain that he was Bishop of St. Asaph, and flourished Anno 1152.

THOMAS of * 1.184 Monmouth was probably born, certainly bred and brought up in the chief Town of this County. Nor doth it move me to the contrary, because Pits calls him an Englishman, Monmouth in that Age being a Frontier Garrison, peopled with English Inhabitants.

It happened at this time many Jews lived in Norwich, where their habitation was called * 1.185 Abrahams Hall, though therein not practising the piety of that worthy Patri∣arch. He, out of conformity to Gods command, sacrificed his one and onely son; they, contrary to his will in his Word; crucified the child of another, William by name. His Sepulchre was afterwards famed for many miracles, whereof this Thomas wrote an History, and dedicated it to William de Turbes, Bishop of Norwich, though he lived a∣bove six score miles from the place of those strange performances: But probably the farther the better, Major è longinquo reverencia, and miracles are safest reported, and soonest believed at some competent distance. He flourished Anno 1160. under King Henry the Second.

Benefactors to the Publick.

HENRY PLANTAGENET, first Duke of Lancaster, was born in Monmouth castle,* 1.186 the chief seat of his Barony. He is commonly sirnamed * 1.187 de torto collo, or the wry∣neck, and by others the * 1.188 good Duke of Lancaster, by which name we entitle him, it being fitter to call men from what was to be praised, than what to be p•…•…tied in them; not from their natural defects, but moral perfections. His bounty commends him to our mention in this place, being head of the Guild of Corpus-Christi in Cambridge, and the first Founder of a College so called in that Universi•…•…y. Indeed the Land was but little he conferred thereon, but great the countenance of so eminent a person in procuring and setling their Mortmaine. He dyed in the year of our Lord, 1361. and was buried in the Collegiate Church at Leicester, which he founded. Blanch his onely daughter which had issue, was married to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster.

Since the Reformation.

WILLIAM JOHNES was a Native of the Town of Monmouth, a person whose Estate was very considerable in several respects, viz. in

• ...

• 1. His Emptiness, being forced out of Monmouth, for not being able to pay ten Groats: as the late * 1.189 Recorder of that Corporation hath informed me. How had he been undone, if he had not been undone?
• 2. His Filling, flying to London, he became first a Porter, and then (his Brains be∣ing better than his Back) a Factour, and going over to Hamborough, by his in∣dustry and ingenuity made such a vent for Welsh Cottons, that what he found Drugs at home, he left Dainties beyond Sea.
• 3. His Refunding, founding a fair School-house in the place of his Nativity, al∣lowing fifty pounds yearly for the Master, thirty for the Usher, with one hun∣dred Marks salary to a Lecturer. Besides, a stately Almes-house for twenty poor folk, each of them having two Rooms and a Garden, with half a Crown a week, besides other conveniences.

All which his * 1.190 Benefactions, and many more, he by Will submitted to the over-sight of the honourable Company of Haberdashers in London, who at this day right worthily discharge their trust herein. He dyed Anno Dom. 16—.

Memorable Persons.

WILLIAM EVANS was born in this County, and may justly be accounted the Giant of our Age for his stature, being full two yards and an half in height: He was Porter to King Charles the First, succeeding Walter Persons in his place, and exceeding him two Inches in height, but far beneath him in an equal proportion of body; for he was not onely what the Latines call Compernis, knocking his Knees together, and going out squalling with his feet, but also haulted a little; yet made he a shift to dance in an Antimask at Court, where he drew little Jeffrey the Dwarf out of his pocket, first to the wonder, then to the laughter, of the beholders. He dyed Anno Dom. 163..

Sheriffs.

This was made a Shire by Act of Parliament in the 27. year of King Henry the Eight, but it seems not solemnly setled till five years after.

Name.	Place.	Armes.
HEN. VIII.
Anno.
32 Car. Herbert, ar.		Per pale, Azure and Gules, 3 Lions rampant. Arg.
33 Walt. Herbert ar.	ut prius
34 Walt. ap Robert, ar
35 Hen. Lewis, ar.
36 Re. ap Howel, ar.		Gules, a Lion rampant gar∣dant, Arg.
37 Io. Hen. Lewis, ar.
38 Anth. Welsh, ar.		Azure, six Mullets, 3, 2, 1. Or.
EDW. VI.
Anno
1 Tho. ap Morgan, ar	Lanterrā	Or, a Griffin segreant, Sab.
2 Car. Herbert, mil.	ut prius
3 Will. Morgan, mil.	ut prius
4 Will. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
5 Walt. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
6 Will. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
MAR. REG.
Anno
1 Anth. Welsh, ar.	ut prius
2 Walt. ap Robert
3 Will. Joh. Thomas
4 Roul. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
5 Hen. Lewis, ar.
6 Tho. Morgan, mil.	ut prius
ELIZ. REG.
Anno
1 Tho. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
2 Geo. Ia•…•…es, ar.
3 Rog. Williams
4 Will. Herbert.	Colebrok
5 Will. Herbert	St. Julian
6 Will. Morgan, ar.	Tredeger	ut prius.
7 Ioh. Henry Kemis		Vert, on a Cheveron, Or, 3 Pheons, Sable.
8 Wil. Ioh. ap Roger.	ut prius
9 Will. Morgan, ar.
10 Christ. Welsh, ar.	ut prius
11 Row. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
12 Will. Herbert	ut prius
13 Tho. Herbert	ut prius
14 Will. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
15 Milo Morgan	ut prius
16 Row. Kemis, ar.	ut prius
17 Christ. Welsh, ar.	ut prius
18 Rich. Morgan	ut prius
19 Wil. Ioh. ap Roger		Per pale, Azure and Gules 3. Lions rampant, Arg.
20 Will. Lewes, ar.
21 Will. Herbert, mil.	utprius
22 Tho. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
23 Edw. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
24 Edw. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
25 Mat. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
26 Will. Lewes, ar.	ut prius
27 Rich. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
28 Io. Iones, ar.		Sab. a Stag standing at Gaze, Arg. Attired and unguled, Or.
29 Hen. Morgan	ut prius
30 Hen. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
31 Nich. Herbert, ar.	ut prius

32 Edw. Lewis, ar,	ut prius
33 Wal•…•…. Vaughan, ar
34 Row. Morgan, •…•…r.	ut prius
35 VValt. Iones, ar.	ut prius
36 Math. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
37 Mat. Prichard, ar.		Sable, a Lyon rampant, Arg.
38 Andr. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
39 Hen. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
39 VVill. Morgan, ar	ut prius
40 Hen. Billing 〈◊〉〈◊〉
41 Rich. Kemis, ar.	ut prius
42 Edw. Kemis, ar.	ut prius
43 Edw. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
44 Hen. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
45 Ioh. Gainsford, ar.
JACOB.
Anno
1 Ioh. Gainsford, ar.
2 Row. VVilliams, ar
3 Valen. Prichard, ar	ut prius
4 VVill. Price, ar.
5 VValt. Mountague		Argent, three Fusils in fess, Gules, a border, Sable.
6 Car. Iones, ar.	ut prius
7 Hen. Lewis, ar.
8 VVill. Ramlyns, ar
9 VVil. Morgan. mil.	ut prius
10 Rog. Batherne, ar.
11 Egid. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
12 VVill. Iones, ar.	ut prius
13 Tho. Vanne. ar.
14 Tho. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
15 Geo. Milbouru, ar.		Gules, a Cheveron betwixt three escalops, Arg.
16 VVill. Hughes, ar.
17 Tho. •…•…ocks, ar.
18 VValt. Aldey, ar.
19 Rob. Iones, ar.	ut prius
20 VVill. VValter, ar.
21 David Lewis, ar.
22 Ed. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
CARO. I.
Anno
1 Car. Somerset, ar.
2 Car. VVilliams, m.
3 VVill. Keymis, ar.	ut prius
4 VVill. Thomas, ar.
5 Ioh. VValter, ar.
6 VVill. Baker, ar.
7 Nich. Keymeis, ar.	ut prius
8 Nich. Arnold, ar.
9 Lodo. Vanne, ar.
10 Geo. Milborne, ar.	ut prius
11 Hen. Probert, ar.
12 Tho. Morgan, ar.	ut prius
13 VVill. Herbert, ar.	ut prius
14 Nich. Moor, ar.

The Farewell.

I understand that in * 1.191 January 1607. part of this County which they call the Moore, sustained a great loss by the breaking in of the Severn sea, caused by a violent South-west wind, continuing for three dayes together: I heartily desire the Inhabitants thereof may for the future be secured from all such dangerous inundations▪ (water being a good servant but bad master) by his Providence, who bindeth the sea in a girdle of sands, and saith to the waves thereof, Thus far shall ye go and no further.

PEMBROKE-SHIRE is surrounded on all sides with the Sea, save on the North-East, where it boundeth on Cardigan, and East where it butteth on Carmarthen-shire. A County abounding with all things necessary for mans livelihood; and the East part thereof is the pleasantest place in all VVales, which I durst not have said for fear of offence, had not * 1.192 Giral∣dus their own Country-man affirmed it.

Nor is it less happy in Sea than in Land, affording plenty of Fish, especially about Tenby, therefore commonly called Tenby-y-Piscoid; which I rather observe for the vi∣cinity of the British piscoid, with the Latine piscosus, for fishfull, though never any pretended an affinity between the two Languages.

A part of this Country is peopled by Flemmings, placed there by King Henry the first, who was no less politick than charitable therein. For, such Flemmings being dri∣ven out of their own Country, by an irruption of the Ocean, were fixed here to defend the land given them against the Welsh, and their Country is called little England be∣yond Wales. This mindeth me of a passage betwixt a Welsh and English man, the for∣mer boasting Wales in all respects beyond England; to whom the other returned, he had heard of an England beyond Wales, but never of a Wales beyond England.

Natural Commodities.

Faulcons.

Very good are bred in this County of that kind, they call Peregrines, which very name speaks them to be no Indeginae, but Forraigners, at first lighting here by some casualty: King Henry the second passing hence into Ireland, cast off a Norway Gos∣hawk at one of these: but the Gos-hawk taken at the source by the Faulcon, soon fell down at the Kings foot; which performance in this ramage, * 1.193 made him yearly af∣terward, send hither for Eyesses. These Hawkes Aeries (not so called from building in the Air, but from the French word Aire an Egge) are many in the Rocks in this Shire.

Buildings.

For a sacred structure, the Cathedral of Saint David is most eminent, began by Bishop Peter in the raign of King John, and finished by his Successors; though, having never seen it, I can say little thereof. But in one respect, the roof thereof is higher than any in England, and as high as any in Europe, if the ancient absolute & independent jurisdiction thereof be considered, thus stated by an Authentick * 1.194 Author, Episcopi Walliae à Menevensi Antistite sunt consecrati, & ipse similiter ab aliis tanquam suffraganeis est consecratus, nulla penitus alii Ecclesiae facta professione vel subjectione. The generality of which words must be construed to have reference, as well to Rome as to Canterbury; Saint Davids acknowledging subjection to neither, till the reign of King Henry the first.

Princes.

HENRY TUTHAR, Son to Edmund Earl of Richmond, and Margaret his Lady, was born at * 1.195 Pembroke in this County, Anno Dom.—In the reign of King Henry the sixth, he was bred a Child at Court, when a young man, he lived an Exile in France, where he so learned to live of a little, that he contracted a habit of frugality, which he did not depose till the day of his death. Having vanquished King Richard the third, in the battel of Bosorsth, and married Elizabeth eldest Daughter to King Edward the fourth, he reigned King of England by the name of Henry the seventh.

He is generally esteemed the wisest of our English Kings, and yet many conceive, that the Lord Bacon writing his life, made him much wiser than he was, picking more prudence out of his actions, than the King himself was privy to therein, and not con∣tent to allow him politick, endeavoured to make him policy it self.

Yet many thi•…•…k h•…•…s judgemen•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, when refusing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Colum∣bus, for the discovery of America, who might therein have made a secret adven•…•…e, without any prejudice to the r•…•…putation of his wisdom. But such his wa•…•…ss, he would not tamper with costly Cont•…•…s, though never •…•…o probable to be gainful; nor would he hazard a hook of Silver to catch a fish of Gold. He was the first King, who se∣cretly sought to aba•…•…e the formidable greatness (the Parent of many former Rebelli∣ons) in the English •…•…earage, lessening their Dependencies, countena•…•…cing the Commons, and encouraging the Yeomandry, with provisions against Depopulations. However •…•…ere∣by he did not free his Successors from fear, but only exchanged their care, making the Commons (who because more numerous, less manageble) more absolute and able in time to con•…•…est with Soveraignty.

He survived his Queen, by whom he had the true Title to the Crown, about five years. Some will say, that all that time he was King only by the Courtesie of England, which I am sure he was loth to acknowledge. Others say he held the Crown by Con∣quest, which his Subjects were as unwilling to confess. But let none dispute how h•…•… h•…•…ld, seeing he held it, having Pope, Parliament, Power, Purse, Success, and some shadow of Succession on his side.

His greatest fault was, grinding his Subjects with grievous exactions, he was most magnificent in those Structures he hath left to posterity. Amongst w•…•…ich, his •…•…evo∣tion to God is most seen in two Chappels, the one at Cambridge, the other at West∣minster; his charity to the poor in the Hospital of the Savoy; his Magnificence to himself in his own Monument of guilded Copper; and his vanity to the World in buil∣ding a Ship called the Great Harry, of equal cost, saith some, with his Chappel, which asterwards * 1.196 sunk into the Sea, and vanished away in a moment.

He much imployed Bishops in his service, finding them honest and able. And here I request the judicious and learned Reader to help me at a dead li•…•…, being posed with this passage written in his life, by the Lord Verulam.

He did use to raise Bishops by steps, that he might not lose the profits of the First fruits, which by that course of gradation was multiplied.

Now, I humbly conceive, that the First fruits (in the common acception of the word) were in that age paid to the Pope, and would fain be informed, what By-First∣Fruits these were, the emolument whereof accrued to the Crown. This politick King at his Palace of Richmond, April 22. 1509. ended his life, and was buried in the Mag∣nificent Chappel aforesaid. On the same token that he ordered by his last * 1.197 Will and Testament, that none save such of the Blood Royal (who should descend from his Loyns) should be buried in that place, straitly forbidding any other of what Degree or Qua∣lity soever, to be interred therein. But only the Will of the King of Heaven doth stand inviolable, whilest those of the most Potent earthly Princes are subject to be infringed.

Saints.

JUSTINIAN was a Noble Briton by birth, who with his own inheritance built a Mo∣nastery in the Island of Ramsey in this County, where many Monks lived happily un∣der his discipline, until three of them, by the Devils instigation, * 1.198 slew this Justinian, in ha•…•…red of his sanctity, about the year of Christ, 486. His body was brought with great veneration to Menevia, and there interred by Saint David himself, and since much famed with [supposed] Miracles.

Writers.

GIRALDUS CAMBRENSIS, whose Sir-name, say some, was * 1.199 Fitz-Girald, say others was † 1.200 Barry, and I believe the latter, because he saith so himself in his Book, * 1.201 De vita sua, and was born at Tenby in this County.

His Father.	His Mother.
William de Barry an Englishman.	Anga•…•…eth, the daughter of Nesta, daugh∣ter of Rhese Prince of South-Wales.

He was Nephew to David the second Bishop of St. Davids, by whom he was made Arch-Deacon of Brecknock. He was wont to complain, that the English did not love him because his Mother was a Welsh-woman; and the Welsh did hate him because his Father was an English-man; though by his excellent writings he deserved of England well, of Wales better, and of Ireland best of all; making a Topographical description of all three: But acting in the last as a Secretary under King * 1.202 John, with great industry and expence. Yea, he was a great Traveller, as far as Jerusalem it self, and wrote De mirabilibus terrae Sanctae, so that he might be styled Geraldus Anglicus, Hibernicus, Hie∣rosolymitanus, though it was his mind and modesty only to be Cambrensis.

One may justly wonder that having all Dimensions requisite to preferment, his birth, broad acquaintance, deep learning, long life, (living above seventy years) he never at∣tained to any considerable Dignity. Hear how betwixt grief and anger he expresseth him self concerning his ill success at Court;

Irreparabili damno duo ferè lustra consumens, nihil ab illis * 1.203 preter inanes vexationes & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 veris promissa suscepi.

Indeed for a long timè no Preferment was proffered him, above a beggerly Bishoprick in Ireland, and at last the See of S. Davids was the highest place he attained. Whilest some impute this to

His

• Planet: the malignant influence whereof hath blasted men of the most merit.
• Pride: some men counting it their due for preferment to court them; and that it is enough for them to recive, too much to reach after it.
• Profitableness to be employed in meaner places. Some having gotten an use∣ful Servant, love to wear him out in working, and (as Gardiners keep their hedges close cut, that they may spread the broader) maintain them mean, that they may be the more industrious.

Giraldus himself tells us the true reason that he was ever beheld oculo novercali, be∣cause being a Welsh-man by the surer side, and then such the Antipathy of the English, they thought no good could come out of Wales. Sad, that so worthy a man should poenas dare Patriae & Matris suae.

Being at last (as we have said) made Bishop of Saint Davids, he went to Rome, and there stickled for an exemption of that his See from * 1.204 Canterbury, whereby he highly offended Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury. But Giraldus after long debates, being ra∣ther over-born with Bribes, than over-come in Cause, returned re infecta, died and was buried in his own Cathedral, about the year 1215.

The Farewell.

I know not what better to wish this County, than that the Marle (a great fertilizer of barren ground) which it affordeth, be daily encreased, (especially since Corn is in all probability likely to grow scarcer and scarcer;) that their land through Gods bles∣sing being put in heart therewith, may plentifully answer the desires of the Husband∣man, and hereafter repair the Penury of this, with the Abundance for many succeeding years.

RADNOR-SHIRE.

RADNOR-SHIRE, (in British Sire Maiseveth) in form three square, is bounded on the North-West with Hereford-shire, and on the South side (separated by the River Wye) with Breckneck-shire, and on the North part thereof with Montgomery-shire. Nature may seem to have chequered this County, the East and South parts being fruitful, whilest the North and West thereof (lying rough and uneven with Mountains) can hardly be bettered by the greatest pains and industry of the Husband man. Yet is it indifferently well stored with woods, and conveniently watered with running Rivers, and in some places with standing Meers.

* 1.205 Mr. Cambden telleth us, that there is a place therein termed Melienith, (from the Mountains thereof being of a Yellowish colour) which stretcheth from Offa Dike unto the River Wye, which cutteth overthwart the West corner of this Shire, where mee∣ting with some stones which impede its motion on a sudden, for want of ground to glide on, hath a violent downfall, which place is termed Raihader Gowy, that is, the Fall or Flood-gates of Wye. * 1.206 Hereupon he supposeth it not improbable, that the En∣glish men forged that word for the name of this Shire, terming it Radnor-shire.

Princes.

HENRY of MONMOUTH, (so called from that well known Town wherein he was born) hath his Character fixed here, because formerly passed over in its proper place, through the posting speed of the Press. He was Son to King Henry the fourth, (by Mary one of the Daughters and Heirs of Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Herefo•…•…d, and) whom he succeeded on the Throne (being the fifth of that name) and began his raign March 20. Anno 1413.

He cannot be excused from extravagancies in his Youth, seeing the King his Father expelled him his Council, (substituting his younger Brother the Duke of Clarence President in his steed) for the same. Yet as those bodies prove most healthful, which break out in their youth, so was his soul the sounder for venting it self in its younger days: For, no sooner was his Father dead, but he reclaimed himself, and became a glory to his Country, and a constant terror to his Enemies. Yea, he banished all his idle Companions from Court, allowing them a competency for their subsi∣stence.

When the Lord Chiefe Justice (who had secured him when Prince, for striking him for the commitment of some of his lewd Companions) begg'd his Pardon for the same, he not only forgave him, but rewarded his Justice, for distributing it without fear or partiality.

In his raign a Supplication was preferred, that the Temporal Lands given to pious uses, but abusively spent, might have been seized to the King. This was wisely awar∣ded by Chichley Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, by putting the King on the design of re∣covering France. Yea, this King by his valour reduced Charles the sixth King of France, to such a condition, that he in a manner resigned his Kingdom into his hand.

And here the French men found him as good (or rather worse) as his promise, which he made to the Dolphin (who sent him a Barrel of Paris Tennis-Balls) sending such En∣glish Balls, that they proved to their great loss.

He died at Boys S. Vincent in France, the last day of August, Anno 1422. and was brought over with great solemnity, and interred in Westminster Abby.

Prelates.

• ELIAS de RADNOR.
• GUILIELMUS de RADNOR.

Ijoyn them together for three Reasons; First, because Natives of the same Town, understand it Old Radnor, the new town of that name being built probably since their

decease. Secondly, because Bishops of the same See, Landaff. Thirdly, because emi∣nent, being eminent for Nothing, the names and dates of their deaths (the one May 6. 1240. the other June the 30. 1256.) being all that learned Antiquary and their Suc∣cessour,* 1.207 Bishop Godwin, could recover of their memories, which dishear•…•…eth me from •…•…arther enquiry after them. For, let them never look for a crop, who sow that ground, which so skilful an husband-man thought fit to lie fallow.

The Farewell.

It much affected me (and I believe all others whose hearts are of flesh and blood) what I read in an* 1.208 Author concerning the rigorous laws imposed on the observation of the Welsh. For when Owen Glyndower-dwy (inveigled by some well-skilled in Merlins Prophesies, that the time was come, wherein the Britains through his assistance should recover their ancient freedom and liberty) raised a Rebellion, making war up∣on the Earl of March (the Heir apparent both to the Crown of England and Principa∣lity of Wales) King Henry the fourth (inraged at his proceedings) enacted these ensuing Laws.

First, That no Welshman should purchase Lands, or be chosen Citizen or Burgess of any City, Borough, or Market Town, nor be received into any Office of Mayor, Bayliff, Chamberlaine, &c. or to be of the Councel of any Town, or to bear Armour within any City. Besides that, if any Welsh-man should impeach, or sue an English∣man, It was ordained, he should not be convicted, unless by the judgment of English Justices, verdict of English Burgesses, or by the Inquest of the English Boroughs where the suits lay: Yea, that all English Burgesses who married Welsh Women should be disfranchised of their Liberties. No congregation or Council was permitted to the Welsh-men, but by licence of the chief Officers of the same Seig•…•…ory, and in the* 1.209 presence of the same Officers. That no Victuals should be brought into Walls, unless by the especial licence of the King and his Council. That no Welshmen shou•…•…d have any Castle, Fortress, or House of Defence of his own, or any other m•…•…ns to keep. That no Welsh-man should be made Justice, Chamberla•…•…, Chancellor &c. of a Ca∣stle, Receivor, Eschetor, &c. nor other Officer or Keeper o•…•…W Records, & •…•… nor of the Council of any English Lord. That no English man that in time to come should marry a Welsh-woman be put in any Office in Wales, or in the Marches o•…•… the same.

Now as I am heartily sorry that ever the Welsh were bound to the observance of so rigorous Laws, so am I truly glad, that at this day they are (to the happiness both of England and Wales) freed from the same: Yea, I shall constantly pray, that God would be pleased to grant us of the Loins of our Soveraign, one who may be born Prince of the one, and (after the [though late] decease of his Majesty) King of the other.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  T. Mills in his Catal. of Hon. pag. 292.
• * 1.2

  Prov. 30. 31.
• * 1.3

  Dan. 8. 4, 7.
• * 1.4

  Dum•…•…sa pen∣dere procul de rupe capellae. Egl. 1.
• † 1.5

  Gen. 27. 25.
• * 1.6

  Exod. 25. 4.
• * 1.7

  Exod. 26. 7.
• * 1.8

  Fox Acts and Mon. pa. 2095.
• * 1.9

  Nat. Hist. lib. 8. cap. 50.
• * 1.10

  1 Sam. 17. 18.
• * 1.11

  2 S•…•…. 17. 29.
• * 1.12

  Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. cap. 24.
• † 1.13

  Va•…•…ro de lin∣gua Lat.
• * 1.14

  Atlas 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bo∣hemia.
• * 1.15

  That is the Wort or boiled liquor.
• * 1.16

  Job 3. 4.
• * 1.17

  Esai. 5. 8.
• * 1.18

  Tacitus
• * 1.19

  Zonaras and out of h•…•…m Camden in his Remains pag. 245.
• * 1.20

  Horace de Arte Poetica.
• * 1.21

  Fox Acts and Mon. pag. 477.
• * 1.22

  Idem p. 475.
• * 1.23

  Idem p. 50•…•….
• * 1.24

  A M P.
• * 1.25

  See the story at large in Mr. Foxes Acts and Mon.
• * 1.26

  Mar▪ 16. 25.
• * 1.27

  Relicta Cam∣bria sold natali. Bale Cent. 8. Num. 19.
• * 1.28

  B•…•…le ut prius.
• * 1.29

  Fox Acts & Mon. pag. 710.
• * 1.30

  In Cat. Card. pag. 171.
• * 1.31

  Pitz. de Ang. script. p. 497.
• * 1.32

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 2. Num. 50.
• † 1.33

  Speculum Sal. lib. 4. cap. 16.
• * 1.34

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 3. Num. 41.
• * 1.35

  De script. Brit. Cent. 3. Num. 85.
• * 1.36

  1 Tim. 3. 1.
• * 1.37

  See his life in Suffolk.
• * 1.38

  Bishop God∣win in his Car. of B•…•…shops of L•…•…ndaffe.
• * 1.39

  Mr. James Chaloner in his Descr. of the Is•…•… of Man pag. 7.
• * 1.40

  Idem pag. •…•….
• * 1.41

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 8. Num. 3.
• * 1.42

  Pitz. Aetat. decima sexta anno 1550.
• * 1.43

  Idem ibidem.
• * 1.44

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 9. Num. 38.
• * 1.45

  In our Pre∣face to the Reader.
• * 1.46

  Virgil Ecloga sixta.
• * 1.47

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent 1. Num. 60.
• * 1.48

  In the Wri∣ters of Somer∣set-shire.
• * 1.49

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 2. Num 21.
• † 1.50

  Camdens B•…•…it. in Somerset∣sh•…•…e.
• * 1.51

  Bale de script. B•…•…it. Cen•…•…. •…•…. Num. 23.
• * 1.52

  Bale de script. Brit Cent. 2. Num. 29.
• * 1.53

  Bale de script. B•…•…it. Cent. 2. Num. 65.
• * 1.54

  Bale de script. B•…•…t. Cent. 3. Num. 5.
• * 1.55

  A Nominative case singular, according to the barbarisme of that age.
• * 1.56

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 5. Nam. 89.
• * 1.57

  Bale de script. B•…•…it. Cent. 5. Num. 53.
• * 1.58

  1 Timo. 5. 3.
• * 1.59

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 5. Num. 81.
• * 1.60

  C•…•…nt. 7. Num. 28.
• * 1.61

  Bale de script. Brit. Cent. 8: Num. 12.
• * 1.62

  Script. Brit. Cent. 9. Num. 57.
• * 1.63

  Pitz. de Ang∣script. ae•…•…at. 16. an. 1550.
• * 1.64

  Bishop Carle∣ton in the life of Mr. Gilpin.
• * 1.65

  Idem ibidem.
• * 1.66

  In hoc medio cursu [inter Iberniam & Bri∣tanniam] est Insula quae appellatur Mona. Caesar de bello Galli∣co. lib. 5.
• * 1.67

  See Speed his Description thereof.
• * 1.68

  Mat. 18. 6. Luk. 17. 2.
• * 1.69

  See Erasmus in his Chil. in Prov. Anti∣onius Asinus.
• * 1.70

  Humphrey Llyid in his learned Letters to Or∣telius.
• * 1.71

  Camb. Brit. in that Coun∣ty.
• * 1.72

  Camb. Brit. in Anglesey.
• * 1.73

  Godwin in the Bishops of Bangor.
• * 1.74

  Fox his Act•…•… and Mon. A•…•…. 1555. pag. 1•…•…44.
• * 1.75

  See more in the Martyrs of Carmarthen∣shire.
• * 1.76

  Sir James Ware de Praesu∣libus 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.77

  Camb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. in Angle•…•…y.
• * 1.78

  Judg. 8. 18.
• * 1.79

  Speed in the Decription of Anglesey.
• * 1.80

  Speed in his Description of this Coun∣ty.
• * 1.81

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ut prius.
• * 1.82

  Gen. 1. 7.
• * 1.83

  Gen. 7. 20.
• * 1.84

  Job 2•…•…: 14.
• * 1.85

  Natural quest. cap. 1.
• * 1.86

  Dr. Hackwill in his Apolo∣gy, lib. 2. sect. 4.
• * 1.87

  As he con∣fesseth in the Description of this shire.
• * 1.88

  See Camb∣dens Brit. in B•…•…nock∣shire.
• * 1.89

  Rob. Buckley M. S. in vilis SS. mulierum Angliae in vita Sanctae Keyn•…•…. fol. 90.
• * 1.90

  Carew his Survey of Cornwal. pag. 130.
• * 1.91

  Jo. Capgrave in Cabal. S. S. Brit.
• * 1.92

  Engl. Martyr. on the 19. August.
• * 1.93

  Godwin in the Bishops of Hereford. pag. 536.
• * 1.94

  So was I told by his Brother Mr. James Howel.
• * 1.95

  Speeds Chro∣nicle in the raign of King Rich. the third
• * 1.96

  Psal. 7. 1•…•….
• * 1.97

  Speed in the description of this Coun•…•…y.
• * 1.98

  Qu•…•…ti •…•…m∣tes volv•…•… Aquarum. O∣vidius.
• * 1.99

  Dr P•…•…well in his Histo•…•…y of Wales pag. 36.
• * 1.100

  Dr. Davis in his Proverbs litera Ch.
• * 1.101

  Roger Houe∣den, and out of him Mr. Cam•…•…d, in this County.
• * 1.102

  Josh. 11. 8.
• † 1.103

  Jonah 3. 2.
• * 1.104

  Revel. 18. 2.
• * 1.105

  Camb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this Coun∣ty.
• * 1.106

  Mills in his Catalogue of Honour in the Earls of Es∣sex.
• * 1.107

  200. horse and 400. foot.
• * 1.108

  * Camb. Eliz. Anno 1573.
• * 1.109

  Camb. Eliz. Anno 1575.
• * 1.110

  Camb. Eliz. Anno 1576.
• * 1.111

  Dr. Brown in his vulgar Errors, Book 7. Ch. 16.
• * 1.112

  Ioh. 8. 44.
• * 1.113

  Dr. Powell in his History of Wales, pag. 386.
• * 1.114

  In his Histo∣ry of Ireland.
• * 1.115

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paris Anno notato, pag. 924.
• * 1.116

  Camb. Brit. in •…•…∣shire.
• * 1.117

  Cambd Brit. in Insulis Brita∣•…•….
• * 1.118

  1 Kin. 20. 10.
• * 1.119

  Cited in H. Holl•…•…nd, but made (as I have been told) by J. Owex.
• * 1.120

  Reckoned up by Bishop Go•…•…dwin in his Catalog•…•…e.
• * 1.121

  Godwin in the Bishops of Bangor.
• * 1.122

  In his Brit. in the descri∣ption of this County.
• * 1.123

  Nat. Hist. lib. 28. cap. 16.
• * 1.124

  Comb. B•…•…it. in D•…•…nbigshire
• * 1.125

  Zonaras Tom. 3.
• * 1.126

  B•…•…schius de Monast. Germ. fol. 107.
• * 1.127

  Marian. Scot. in Chron. sub An. 757.
• * 1.128

  Sab•…•…llicus Enne. 10. lib. 8.
• * 1.129

  Lo•…•…d B•…•…coas Henry 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣venth, pag. 133.
• * 1.130

  B•…•…shop Good∣•…•… in the Bi∣shops of Saint Asaph.
• * 1.131

  Camb. Brit. in De•…•…b. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.132

  Bis•…•…op God∣win ut prius.
• * 1.133

  Idem. Ibid.
• * 1.134

  G•…•…briel 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.135

  In Cratylo.
• * 1.136

  Stows Sur∣vey of London. pag. 578.
• * 1.137

  2 Sam. 23. 16
• * 1.138

  Mr. John Jones.
• * 1.139

  W. Smith in his Vale Royal of Englant, pag. 15.
• * 1.140

  Speeds Chron. pag. 564.
• * 1.141

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 de scrip. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Cent. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 5•…•….
• * 1.142

  Arch-•…•…shop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Primor.
• * 1.143

  Acta S. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 apud Sur. Tom. 6. 3. No∣vemb. & Bre∣viar. sec. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sarum in l•…•…ct. S. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. & R.B. in her Manuscript life in the En∣glish Colledg in St. Omers.
• * 1.144

  Camb. Brit. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flint-shire.
• * 1.145

  Hierom. Por∣ter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 san∣ctorum, May 1.
• * 1.146

  Bale de scrip. Brit. Cent. 1. Num. 68.
• * 1.147

  Bale & Pits de scrip. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.148

  J. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de scrip. Hib. pag. 137.
• * 1.149

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. R•…•…m. pag 145.
• * 1.150

  In 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this Coun∣ty.
• * 1.151

  Camb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Anno 1559.
• † 1.152

  Gwillims 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.153

  Camb. Eliz. Anno 1561.
• * 1.154

  Lord Herbert in the life of K. Hen. 8.
• * 1.155

  Hist. Council of Trent. lib. 5. 1558.
• * 1.156

  Ibid. Paulo ante eod.
• * 1.157

  C•…•…mb. E•…•…iz. A•…•…no 1559.
• * 1.158

  Camb. B•…•…it. in Merionith∣shire.
• * 1.159

  Idem. Ibidem.
• * 1.160

  A M P.
• * 1.161

  In the •…•…∣ers of English Saint•…•…, pag. 150.
• * 1.162

  Idem Ibidem.
• * 1.163

  Draiton in I•…•…'s Poly•…•…bion, pag. 95.
• * 1.164

  In the Pro∣verbs in Here∣ford-shiré.
• * 1.165

  Nehem. 3. 5.
• * 1.166

  So was I in∣formed b•…•… Si•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Herbert his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, late M•…•…ster of the Revels.
• * 1.167

  Courteously c•…•…mmunicated unto me by Mr. Stone the Stone-〈◊〉〈◊〉 at his House in Long Acre.
• * 1.168

  Deut. 23. 24.
• * 1.169

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. in Londo•…•…, Stat. 13. of Q. Eliz. cap. 19. and probably twice as many in the land be∣side.
• * 1.170

  13. of Q. Eliz. cap. 19.
• * 1.171

  Camb. Brit. in Monmouth∣shire.
• * 1.172

  Cicaonius
• * 1.173

  Bishop God∣win in the Catalogue o•…•… the Bishops of S. Asaph.
• * 1.174

  Harpf. Hist. Eccl. Ang. pag. 490.
• * 1.175

  * Godw. in his Catalogue of Bishops in Landaff.
• * 1.176

  Antiq. Brit. Anno praedicto.
• * 1.177

  Godwin in the Bishops of Worcester.
• * 1.178

  Camb. Brit. in this Coun∣ty.
• † 1.179

  Mills in his Catalogue of Hon. pag. 1082
• * 1.180

  Epist. ad A•…•…∣ticum, lib. 4.
• * 1.181

  Camb. E•…•…z. in Anno 1581.
• * 1.182

  Idem. 1586.
• * 1.183

  •…•…ale de scrip. B•…•…t. C•…•…nt. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 86.
• * 1.184

  Bale de script. Brit. cent. 2. num. 94.
• * 1.185

  Id. Ibid.
• * 1.186

  AMP.
• * 1.187

  Speeds Chro. in the foun∣dation of Ben∣net College.
• * 1.188

  Mills Catal. of Honour in the Dukes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.189

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Esq.
• * 1.190

  Reckoned up in Stow his Survey of London, pag. 103.
• * 1.191

  Ca•…•…b. Brit. in this Coun∣ty.
• * 1.192

  I•…•… agro •…•…otius VValiiae amoe∣•…•…ssimo, Giral. Cambren.
• * 1.193

  Giral. Cambr.
• * 1.194

  Giral. Itin. Cambr. lib. 2. cap. 1.
• * 1.195

  Sir Francis Baco •…•… in the conclusion of his Character in his life.
• * 1.196

  In the be∣ginning of the Raign of Queen Mary, S•…•…ow. pag. 16.
• * 1.197

  VVevers Fun. Mon. pag. 20.
• * 1.198

  J. Capgrave in Catal. S. S. B•…•…it.
• * 1.199

  Godwin in the Bishops of St. Davids.
• † 1.200

  J. VVareus de scrip. Hib. pag. 112.
• * 1.201

  Lib. •…•…. cap. 2. extant in Sir R. Cottons Li∣brary.
• * 1.202

  In the life time of King He•…•…. his Fa∣ther.
• * 1.203

  K. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. and his Sons.
• * 1.204

  And to make it an absolute Metropolitan.
• * 1.205

  In his B•…•…it. in this Shire.
• * 1.206

  Ibid Ibidem.
• * 1.207

  In his Ca∣•…•… of the Bish•…•…ps of L•…•…ndaff.
• * 1.208

  D•…•…. Powel in his▪ History of VV•…•…les. pag. 387.
• * 1.209

  * Ibid. Ibidem.