The history of the Church of Peterburgh wherein the most remarkable things concerning that place, from the first foundation thereof, with other passages of history not unworthy publick view, are represented / by Symon Gunton ... ; illustrated with sculptures ; and set forth by Symon Patrick ...

THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF PETERBURGH.

WHEN this Realm of England was divided into an Heptarchy, the Mercian Kingdom being one, and the greatest of them all, had the County of Northampton within its Dominion: the Ea∣stern part of which County being Moorish and Fenny, was anciently inhabited by a People called the Gyrvii, of the old Word Gyr, which signified a Fen; and for the conveni∣ency, and fertility of this place, for its nearness both to the high and upland Countrey, and the Fens, it was thought meet for ha∣bitation.

The Village was at the first called by the name of Medeshamsted, from a deep Pit or Gulf, in the River of Nen called Medeswell; which ancient Writers of the place affirm to have been of wonderful depth, and so cold in the heat of Summer, that no Swimmer was able to abide the cold thereof; and yet in the Winter it was never known to be frozen: Which Properties are now lost with the Well it self; on∣ly Tradition hath preserved a dark memory thereof, adventuring to say, It is a little beneath the Bridge that is now standing. But if this Well be lost, there is another sunk with it into the Pit of Oblivion, namely S. Laurence-Well, of great fame in ancient days, * 1.1 whither disposed people, according to the Devotion of those times, resorted (haply for cure of Diseases): which kind of Devotion was restrained by Oliver Sutton Bishop of Lincoln. In what part * 1.2 of the Monastery this Well was, I find not; it is probable it was near the Chappel of S. Laurence, which was at the East end of the Infirmary, now demolished, only the Chancel of that

Chappel is yet remaining, and made the Hall of a dwelling House, belonging to one of the Prebendaries.

But to return to our Story, Penda King of the Mercians at that time reigned, who had five Children, Peada, Wulfere, and Ethelred, being his Sons, Kyneburga, and Kyneswitha, his Daugh∣ters. Penda being dead, Peada his eldest Son succeeded, who in the year 656, or as some say 655, founded the Monastery of Medeshamsted, in the Foundation whereof he laid such Stones as that eight Yoke of Oxen could scarce draw one of them. But King Peada lived not to finish his Work, for his Wife Alfleda (forgetting the glorious Memory of her Ancestors, Oswald the martyred King of Northumberland, her Grandfather, King Oswine her Father, and King Alfred her Brother) betrayed him to Death at the Paschal Feast, when he had reigned four Years: Then did his Crown and Kingdom descend upon Wolfere his next Brother.

This Wolfere was made a Christian by Finanus a Bishop, who came out of Scotland, (for that Kingdom had Bishops then, and long before) and being baptized by Finanus, Wolfere vowed to purge his Kingdom from Idolatry, to demolish all idolatrous pla∣ces, and to the utmost of his power to promote Christian Re∣ligion; which Vow he likewise made the second time, when he was married to S. Ermenilda, daughter of Egbert King of Kent: * 1.3 but within a while, giving too much ear to Werbode his Stew∣ard, he neglected his Vow, taking no care of Christian Re∣ligion; * 1.4 nor of erecting Temples, but committed many Impi∣eties, so that the Chaos of Heathenism began to overspread all again. He had by his Wife S. Ermenilda two Sons, the elder Wulfade, the other Rufine; Wulfade was much addicted to Hunting, and one day pursuing a goodly Hart, which being hot∣ly pursued, took Soil in a Fountain near unto the Cell of S. Chad, who espying the Hart weary, and almost spent, was so com∣passionate towards him, that he covered him with Boughs and Leaves, conjecturing, as if Heaven had some design in the ac∣cess, and deportment of that Beast. Presently comes Prince Wulfade, and enquired of S. Chad concerning the Hart, who answered, That he was not a Keeper of Beasts, but of the Souls of Men, and that Wulfade was then, as an Hart to the Wa∣ter Brooks, sent by God to the Fountain of Living Water; which Wulfade hearing with astonishment, entred into further conference with S. Chad in his Cell, and was by him baptized; And returning with joy to his Father's Court, he secretly told his Brother Rufine of all that had passed, perswading him to be baptized also; to which Rufine consenting, Wulfade brought him to S. Chad, who likewise baptized this other Brother.

This Christian pair of Brothers did often resort to a private O∣ratory, where they performed their Devotions; but at length being discovered to their Father by the Steward Werbode, who instigated, and inflamed the fire of paternal fury against the Sons, King Wolfere the Father, watching the time when his Sons were gone to pray, followed them, and entering the Oratory, slew both his Sons with his own hand; and he, and Werbode demo∣lishing the place, left the bodies of his Sons buried in the rubbish. Shortly after this unnatural and bloudy act, Werbode the Steward was strangled by the Devil before the Kings house, and King Wol∣fere being deeply wounded in conscience, (the distraction where∣of deprived him of all rest and quietness, what through the worm tormenting him within, and S. Ermenild his Wife without counselling him thereto) repaired to S. Chad, to whom he confes∣sed his great offence, and professed an hearty contrition for the same, which he was resolved to expiate with what ever Pen∣nance S. Chad should impose upon him, which was no more, but to restore the Christian Religion, and the ruinated Temples thereof, and likewise to found new ones.

Walter of Wittlesey an ancient Monk of Peterburgh writing this Story, relates what I will not press upon the Readers faith, That S. Chad, having prayed with King Wolfere in his Oratory, pray∣ers being ended, S. Chad put off his Vestment, and hanged it upon a Sun-beam, which supported it, that it fell not to the ground; which King Wolfere seeing, put off his Gloves, and Belt, and assayed to hang them there also, but they presently fell to the ground, whereat King Wolfere was the more confirmed in the Christian Faith.

In the Western Cloyster of the Church of Peterburgh (as shall hereafter be more largely related) was the story of this King Wol∣fere curiously painted in the Windows, and in the midst of the quadrangle of the whole Cloyster, commonly called The Laurel Yard, was there a Well, which common Tradition would have to be that wherein S. Chad concealed Prince Wulfades heart: And if it shall be considered, that King Wolfere the Father did some∣time * 1.5 keep his Court at Wedon in the Street, in the Western parts of this County of Northampton, it may make way for a proba∣ble conjecture, that these things hapned at Peterburgh: But the scene must not be laid in a wrong place, for S. Chad had his Cell in the County of Stafford, was the first Bishop of Litchfield, where * 1.6 he founded the Cathedral Church, and there lieth buried: And Queen Ermenild, having searched for the bodies of her Sons, found them out, and giving them burial, built in the same place where they were slain, a Church of Stone, and called the place Stanes or Stones, which is known by this name in Stafford-shire unto this day. There also King Wolfere founded a Colledge of Regular Canons.

And now the building of the Monastery of Medeshamsted be∣gun by King Peada, went on a-main through the zealous endea∣vours of King Wolfere; his Brother Etheldred, and his Sisters Kyneburga, and Kyneswitha assisting him therein, until the same was perfected, which he dedicated to the memory of the Apostle S. Peter, bestowed many large priviledges and immunities upon it, gave many fair possessions, and established the bounds of its ju∣risdiction * 1.7 from Croyland on the East, to Walmisford Bridge on the West, and so Northward to Eston and Stamford, and all along by the River of Wiland to Croyland again, as is more at large set down in his Charter which he Sealed and Confirmed in the presence of Kings, Nobles, and Bishops, in the Year of our Lord 664. and the seventh of his Reign.

The Quarry from whence King Wolfere fetched Stone for this Royal Structure, was undoubtedly that of Bernack near unto Stamford, where the Pitts from their hollow vacuities speak Anti∣quity, and contribution to some such great design; and I find in the Charter of K. Edward the Confessor, Anno——which he grant∣ed to the Abby of Ramsey, that the Abbot of Ramsey should give to the Abbot and Covent of Peterburgh 4000 Eeles in the time of Lent, and in consideration thereof, the Abbot of Peterburgh should give to the Abbot of Ramsey as much Free-stone from his Pitts in Bernack, and as much Rag-stone from his Pitts in Peterburgh as he should need. Nor did the Abbot of Peterburgh from these Pitts furnish only that, but other Abbies also, as that of S. Ed∣munds-Bury: In memory whereof, there are two long stones yet standing upon a balk in Castor-field near unto Gunwade-Ferry; which erroneous tradition hath given out to be two draughts of Arrows from Alwalton Church-yard thither; the one of Robin Hood, and the other of Little John; but the truth is, they were set up for witnesses, that the carriages of Stone from Bernack to Gunwade-Ferry, to be conveyed to S. Edmunds-Bury, might pass that way without paying Toll: And in some old Terrars they are called S. Edmunds Stones. These Stones are nicked in their tops after the manner of Arrows, probably enough in memory of S. Edmund who was shot to death with arrows by the Danes.

King Wolfere dying without issue, his Brother Etheldred succee∣ded him, and continued his good affection to the Monastery of * 1.8 Medeshamsted; the Royal Founder whereof built also an house for the Abbot, which upon the dissolution by Henry the Eighth, be∣came the Bishops-Palace: A building very large and stately, as this present age can testifie; all the rooms of common habitation being built above stairs, and underneath were very fair Vaults and goodly Cellars for several uses. The great Hall, a magnificent room, had, at the upper end, in the Wall, very high above the ground, three stately Thrones, wherein were placed sitting, the three Royal Founders carved curiously of Wood, painted and gilt,

which in the Year 1644. were pulled down, and broken to pieces. Under them were written in ancient Characters, lately renewed, these three Verses.

Per Peadam primo domus haec fundatur ab imo. Post per Wolferum stabat possessio rerum. Favit Ethelredus fraternum ponere foedus.

To which there was added a fourth when the three old ones were renewed.

Praebeat exemplum, rara est concordia fratrum.

* 1.9King Ethelred having reigned thirty years, laid down his Crown and Scepter; and shaving himself became first a Monk, and af∣terwards Abbot of Bardney, as Malmsbury writeth, Anno 704. And Konredus succeeded him, as in the Chronological Table an∣nexed to Ingulphus.

The nest being thus fitted and prepared, care was taken to furnish it with birds: And first with an Abbot, who should procreate, and nourish a brood of religious underling Monks; and the first of all that was made Abbot was

1. SAXƲLFƲS,

A pious and prudent man. He being an Earl, thought it no shame to assume a Religious presidency in this place; and arri∣ving at a great height of fame, and reputation by his piety, and holy life, he quickly gathered a Covent of Monks, who flocked to him from several places; so that in a short time this nest pro∣duced many birds by whom other Monasteries were also founded, and replenished, especially that of Thorney was founded by this Abbot Saxulf, which place was so called from the woody, or thornie nature thereof (whence others of like nature so called al∣so, as that of Westminster) though it was otherwise known, and recorded in ancient Writings by the name of Ancarig. There did Saxulf build a place for Anchorites, and having been Abbot of Medeshamsted the space of thirteen years, he was translated to the Bishoprick of Durham, or, as some say, to the Archbisho∣prick of the Midland English, or Mercians (Bishop Godwin recko∣neth him amongst the Bishops of Coventry and Litchfield) whom there succeeded in the Monastery of Medeshamsted

2. CƲTHBALDƲS.

He being a Monk of this place, was, by reason of his holy and devout life, thought the fittest to succeed Saxulf: So observant he

was in the practice of devotion, and withall, so prudent in Eccle∣siastical affairs, that many other places were desirous of him for their Governour, which, because they could not obtain, they desired some of his appointing, whence Thorney, Bricclesworth, Bredune, Wermondsey, Repingas, Wochingas, and many other places were fur∣nished with Abbots of his commending. It was in the time of this Cuthbaldus that King Wolfere died, and his Brother Ethelred succeeded, who also was very liberal to this Monastery, confirm∣ing to it what his Brethren had granted, and likewise added more donations, and priviledges of his own gift. Amongst the rest, that the Abbot of Medeshamsted should be chiefest of all the Ab∣bots on that side of the River Thames, and should have the first place in all Conventions, and Ecclesiastical Assemblies. And ac∣cording to the present reputation of the Church, and City of Rome, (for Rome it self had but lately, some 73 years before this, at the request of Pope Boniface the fourth, to the Emperor Pho∣cas, * 1.10 obtained the Primacy over all the Churches of the world, which from the beginning was not so) if at any time the people of whole Britain, or any of the neighbouring Nations, should have a desire to visit the City of Rome, and either by the length of the journey, or by any other impediment should be hindered from such a purpose, it should then suffice, if they visited S. Peter in this Monastery. Here they might pay their vows, be absolved from their sins, and receive the Apostolical blessing; which, with other priviledges, was confirmed by Pope Agatho in a publick * 1.11 Council of an hundred and twenty five Bishops then assembled at Rome, in the Year 680. I find not how long this Cuthbaldus continued in this place, but there succeeded

3. EGBALDƲS,

Whose life and actions are wholly buried in oblivion, that I have nothing to say of him, what he was, how, or how long he governed this Monastery: onely that he was Abbot when Ethelbaldus, the then King of Mercia, granted his Charter for the founding of the Monastery of Croyland, making Kenulphus a Monk of Evesham the first Abbot thereof, which Charter was signed Anno 716. And this Abbot Egbaldus was one of the witnesses to it, as Ingul∣phus writes.

4. PƲSA.

5. BENNA, or BEONNA.

He was a witness to the Charter of King Offa, granted to the Monastery of Croyland, Anno 793. Ingulphus.

6. SELREDƲS, or CELREDƲS.

He was a witness to the Charter which Kenulphus King of Mer∣cia granted to Croyland, Anno 806. Ingulphus.

7. HEDDA.

He was a witness to the Charter of Witlafius King of Mercia, granted to Siwardus Abbot of Croyland, for that the said Siwardus concealed King Witlafius in a time of danger, in his Monastery. The Charter beareth date, Anno 833. As also to another Charter granted by King Bertulphus, Anno 851. To another of King Beorredus, Anno 860. as Ingulphus telleth us. He was also pre∣sent at a general Council holden at London, Anno 833. At ano∣ther Council at Kingsbury, Anno 851. as S. H. Spelman writeth.

The Writers of this Monastery of Peterburgh, are silent con∣cerning * 1.12 the times, lives, and actions of these Abbots; their Records having been either none, or perished; therefore we shall be be∣holding to Ingulphus the Abbot of Croyland for a memorable Hi∣story concerning this Abbot Hedda.

In his time, the glory of the Monastery of Medeshamsted suffe∣red a great Eclipse, through the invasion of the Danes, destroying all before them with fire, and sword. In which bloudy tempest, the Monastery of Croyland was first overwhelmed, the Danes kil∣ling there all the Monks they met with, and Osketulus, the barba∣rous King, slaying the Abbot Theodorus upon the Altar, with his own hand, and having plundered the Monastery, they set it on fire. * 1.13

On the fourth day after, the Danes departed with a great boo∣ty of goods and cattel towards Medeshamsted, where they found many of the Country people retired within the Monastery, who with the Monks stood upon their guard: The Danes making seve∣ral assaults, Tulba brother of Earl Hulba, was by the defendants, mortally bruised on the head, with a stone cast from that Tower which he assaulted; whereat Hulba was so enraged, that having entred the Monastery, he slew all the Monks with his own hand, * 1.14 the rest of the people were slaughtered by the Soldiers. The aged Abbot Hedda escaped not the hands of Hulba, but was slain with his Monks. Then were the Altars broken down, Monuments demolished, a goodly Library set on fire, Charters, Evidences, and Writings (to a great number) all torne in pieces: The Church it self, with all the appendent buildings, was set on fire, which con∣tinued for fifteen days together. The Danes (as I find in a Con∣tinuator of Ingulphus) with the riches of the Monastery, and the cattle of the Country, departing on the fourth day, there were two Earls among them, both called by one name Sidroc, the one

the elder, the other the younger, who marched in the reer of this devouring multitude, to guard them in their passage over streams and rivers; And when the multitude had passed over the River Nen, these two Sidrocs being to pass over with their booty, two Waines, laden with their choicest riches, were overthrown, and together with their horses sunk into a deep pit, a little beneath the Bridge (which haply was the Medeswell before mentioned.) Now to Ingulphus again who proceeds in his own story, That cer∣tain Monks of Croyland, who had secured themselves by flight into the Fens, the Danes being gone, they returned to their Mo∣nastery, cleansed it from ashes, and other pollutions as they could, and consulted to chuse another Abbot, which they did; Godricus a reverend and religious man being he upon whom the election passed; to whom there came Toretus Prior of Ancarig, with his sub-prior Tisa, desiring Godricus that he would take some bre∣thren with him, and go over to Medeshamsted, to give Christi∣an burial to the bodies of those Monks which were there exposed to beasts, and birds: Godricus embracing the motion, took some of his Monks with him, amongst the rest, one Turgarus of twelve years of age, who being by the younger Sidroc saved, was by him taken to Medeshamsted, and seeing the Danes busie in getting their carriages out of the River Nen, he stole away from them, and returned to his Monastery of Croyland. Abbot Godricus coming to Medeshamsted, with much toil and pains, gathered together the bodies of the slaughtered Monks, to the number of 84. and laid them all in one large grave, in the middle of the Church∣yard by the East front of the Monastery, upon the Feast of S. Ce∣cilia, (November 22.) setting up over the body of the Abbot re∣sting in the midst of his sons, a pyramidal stone, three foot in heighth, three in length, and one in thickness, engraven with the * 1.15 pictures of the Abbot, and his Monks about him; which stone, in memory of the destroyed Monastery, he named Medeshamsted; and every year after so long as he lived, he visited that place, pitching his Tent over the said stone, saying Mass two several days, for the souls of Abbot Hedda, and his Monks. The high way then into Holland, was through the same Church-yard, ha∣ving that monumental stone on the right hand, and a cross of stone over against it, erected also by Abbot Godricus, on the left, that passers by, in memory of the ruined Monastery, might re∣member to pray for the souls of those there buried; and abstain from sacrilegious rapines, and demolitions of that place, for his sake who was crucified. Thus far Ingulphus.

The Cross is long since demolished, and the place where it stood, not known, but the stone is still remaining, agreeable to Ingulphus his description; which, as it was at first, called by the name of the place, Medeshamsted; so it is now amongst some, known by the name of Peterburgh: and there being certain little

holes in the sides of the stone, it was lately a merry custom for strangers, to put their fingers into one of those holes, that they might say, they had been at Peterburgh.

There was within these few years a door in the Church having the Picture of Abbot Hedda, and the King or Captain of the Danes, as it were expostulating the business, and underneath were these four Verses written in ancient Saxon Letters, as if they had been spoken by the Abbot:

Fers mala, pejora timeas, cedasque rigori, Nec teneare mora, ne teneare mori. Hoc ne dabo domitus quod Barbarus advena quaerit? Da, necer immeritus, mors mihi munus erit.

The Monastery of Medeshamsted thus destroyed by the Danes, * 1.16 lay buried in its own ruines the space of ninety and six years, no Abbot, Monk, Government, or Religion there professed in all that time, that is to be found in story; only King Beorredus seized the Lands of the Monastery, giving them to his Souldiers, until Adel∣woldus, or Athelwoldus Bishop of Winchester (a man very zealous in the building and restoring of Churches) laid his hand to the restauration of it; for as Writers say, he was warned of God in the night, that he should go to the midland English, and repair the Monastery of S. Peter; so that taking his journey into these parts, he came to Oundle, supposing that to be the place, but being warn∣ed the second time that he should follow the course of the River; he came at length to Medeshamsted, which he found desolate and forsaken, but presently with such help as he could get, he fell to cleansing of it. But seeing what a great business this restauration was like to prove, he returned to Winchester to make preparation for so great a design. And first he made his address to God by fer∣vent prayers, to encline the hearts of King Edgar, and his Queen and Nobles, that he might have them so propitious, as to con∣tribute their assistances to this work. And being one time at his prayers, the Queen had secretly gotten behind the door, to listen what it was that Athelwold prayed, and suddenly she came forth upon him, telling him, that God and her self had heard his prayers, and from thenceforth she began to solicite the King for the repa∣ration of this Monastery, to which the King assenting, applied himself thereunto, until he had finished the same; which was in the year 970.

The Monastery thus re-edified, King Edgar desirous to see it, went thither, with Dunstane then Archbishop of Canterbury, and Oswald Archbishop of York, attended also with most of the Nobili∣ty and Clergy of England, who all approved, and applauded both the place, and work. But when King Edgar heard that some Charters, and Writings, which some Monks had secured from the

fury of the Danes were found; he desired to see them, and ha∣ving read the priviledges of this place, that he had a second Rome within his own Kingdom, he wept for joy: And in the presence of that Assembly, he confirmed their former priviledges and possessi∣ons; the King, Nobles, and Clergy, offering large oblations, some of lands, some of gold, and silver. At this glorious assembly the name of the place was changed from Medeshamsted to Burgh, and by reason of the fair building, pleasant situation, large priviledges, rich pos∣sessions, plenty of gold, and silver, which this Monastery was endowed withal, there was an addition to the name, as to be cal∣led Gildenburgh, though in reference to the dedication, it hath ever since been known by the name of Peterburgh. Malmsbury would have the nomination of the place Burgh to be from Abbot * 1.17 Kenulphus, his enclosing the Monastery with a Wall, as shall be noted hereafter; but our Peterburgh Writers are not of his mind, but place it here. Writers say that in those days this Monastery was of so high account, that what person soever came thither to pray, whether King, Lord, Bishop, or Abbot, he put off his shoes at the gate of the Monastery, and entred barefoot: And the Covent there was very much had in esteem, that if any of them travelled into any of the neighbouring parts they were received with the greatest respect, and reverence that could be.

The Monastery thus restored, King Edgar was mindful of the government also, by Abbots, as it had anciently been, and there was appointed

8. ADƲLPHƲS.

He being Chancellor to King Edgar, changed his Court life for a Monastical in this place; the reason of which change, was this: He had one only Son, whom he and his Wife dearly loved, and they used to have him lie in bed betwixt them, but the Pa∣rents having over night drunk more wine than was convenient, their Son betwixt them was smothered to death. Adulphus the father being sadly affected with this horrid mischance, was resol∣ved to visit S. Peter at Rome, after the manner of a penitentiary for absolution, imparting his intent to Bishop Athelwoldus, who disswaded him from it, telling him it would be better if he would labour in the restauration of S. Peters Church in this place, and here visit him: Adulphus approving this advice, came with King Edgar to Burgh, where in the presence of the King, and the rest of that Convention, he offered all his wealth, put off his Courtly Robes, and put on the habit of a Monk, and ascended to the degree of Abbot in the year 972.

In those days the whole Nasee, or Country adjoyning, and which is now known by the name of Burgh-soke, was all a woody and solitary place, until this Abbot Adulphus cut down woods,

built Mannors, and Granges, and let the Lands to farm for cer∣tain Rents; so that the people increasing, and as yet no Churches built amongst them, they came to Peterburgh to receive the Sa∣craments, and to pay their Church-duties, which continued for many years after. And although in the days of Turoldus Abbot, Churches and Chappels began to be built, (the said Turoldus di∣stributing the Lands of the Monastery to those Knights who de∣sired to serve God at home) yet still the Church of Peterburgh re∣ceived the whole revenue until the time of Abbot Ernulfus, An∣no 1112. when there were assigned to the respective Ministers of Churches and Chappels, certain revenues for their maintenance, as due to their service; saving to the Church of Burgh two parts of the predial Tythes of those Knights, and saving the burial of * 1.18 the said Knights, their wives and children in the Church of Burgh, and also a certain portion of the Knights estates, for the mainte∣nance of their wives and children: Saving also to the Church of Burgh from the Churches so built, certain pensions, which being imposed upon them in their first endowments, or collations by this Church, many of them have continued unto, and been paid in these our days to the Bishop, or Dean, and Chapter, as they were assigned by King Henry the Eighth, as shall be declared hereafter. Adulphus was present at the dedication of the Church of Ramsey, in the year 974.

After that this Abbot Adulphus had happily governed this Mo∣nastery about the space of twenty years (Henry of Pightly saith * 1.19 thirty one) he was translated to the Archbishoprick of York, there to succeed Oswaldus then deceased: Some say he was translated to the Bishop of Worcester. And in the place of Adulphus there came

9. KENƲLPHƲS,

Who was made Abbot in the year of our Lord, 992. and was highly honoured far and near for his wisdom and piety, many coming to him from several parts, Bishops, Abbots, Priests, and Monks, as to another Solomon to hear his wisdom. And by reason of his great fame for his learning, he is supposed to have been a Writer; and is therefore by Pitseus inserted into his Cata∣logue of English Writers, though what he wrote is not extant, or evident by his, or any other testimony that I have met with. This Abbot Kenulphus enclosed the Monastery of Burgh with a Wall, a great part whereof is yet standing. Having continued * 1.20 Abbot here about thirteen years, he was translated to the Bisho∣prick of Winchester, Anno 1006. for the procurement whereof he is charged with Simony. His successor in this Monastery was

10. ELSINƲS,

Or Elsius: Of whom I find no glorious Character recorded by Writers, save this (if it may be so accounted) that he was very inquisitive after Reliques, with which he was very industrious to inrich his Monastery. And because Swapham and Wittlesey, (the compleatest Historians of this place) have punctually set down a bedrole of his Reliques, the Reader I hope will not take it ill, if I give a relation of them. Amongst the Reliques of this place, that which was most famous, and bare the bell away from all the rest, was S. Oswalds arm, which continued uncorrupted for many years, and that in the time of Abbot Martin, it was shown to A∣lexander Bishop of Lincoln, 487 years after its cutting off. And of it some of the Monks in those times wrote these Verses.

Cum digitis dextram, cute, sanguine carneque tectam Oswaldi Regis Burgensis continet aedis. Ʋngues sunt tales fuerant vivo sibi quales Intus in hac dextra paret cernentibus extra Nervus, & hinc vena dextra junctura serena In cubiti veluti nova paret fossa veruti Quo fuit appensum pretiosum martyris armum.

The story of this arm I suppose to be taken out of Beda his Hi∣story of England, lib. 3. cap. 6. who relates that this Oswald King of Northumberland was very free and liberal in giving of alms to the poor; and one day whilst he sate at meat, one of his servants told him of a great number of poor people come to his gate for relief; whereupon King Oswald sent them meat from his own ta∣ble, and there not being enough to serve them all, he caused one of his silver dishes to be cut in pieces, and to be distributed a∣mongst the rest; which Aydanus a Bishop, (who came out of Scot∣land to convert, and instruct those Northern parts of England) beholding, took the King by the right hand, saying, nunquam inveterascat haec manus, let this hand never wax old, or be cor∣rupted: which came to pass. This arm was first deposited at Bam∣burgh, a religious place in Yorkshire. Walter of Wettlesey writing the story thereof, tells that it was brought to the Monastary of Burgh by Winegotus of Bebeberch, but saith not when, therefore I cannot conjecture better than that it was by the procurement of this Abbot Elsinus. It is said that this arm wrought many cures upon several diseased folk; and that it was of such fame in the days of King Stephen, as that he himself came to Peterburgh pur∣posely to see it; and offered his Ring to S. Oswald, and also re∣mitted * 1.21 to the Monastery the summ of forty marks wherein it was indebted unto him.

But that the Reader may know more fully the story of S. Os∣wald and his arm, it is to be remembred, that Penda King of the * 1.22 Mercians being of a fierce nature, and withal ambitious, made war upon his neighbour Kings, and particularly upon Oswald King of Northumberland, who was a Christian, him Penda encoun∣tred at Oswaldstreet, now Oswestre in Shropshire (though Wit∣tlesey saith, this battle was fought at a place called Burne) and there overthrew him, and caused him to be torn in pieces; whom some in remembrance of Bishop Aydan's blessing might preserve his arm, which at length was here at Peterburgh treasured up. If the Reader be still at a stand when he shall read in Authors that King Oswald was buried at several places, I cannot help him.

And now that we are upon this subject of Reliques, we may (I hope without offence to the Reader) extend the Legend to the full. Besides S. Oswalds arm, there were some of his ribs, and some of the earth where he was slain. There were two pieces of our Saviours swadling cloaths. Of the Manger wherein he was laid, in two places. Two pieces of the Cross which would not be burnt. More of the Cross in four places. Of the Sepulchre of our Lord, in four places. Of the five loaves with which he fed the five thousand men. Of the garment of S. Mary, in two places. Of her vail, in two places. Of Aarons rod. Reliques of S. John the Baptist. Of old Symeon. Of the Sepulchre of Lazarus, in two places. Of the stone-patin of S. John the Evangelist. Reliques of S. Peter the Apostle. Of S. Paul. Of S. Andrew. Of S. Bartholomew. Of S. Philip and Jacob. A shoulder blade of one of the Innocents, whom Herod slew. Reliques of S. Stephen. S. Dionysius, Rusticus and Elutherius. Of the sackcloath, and shirt of S. Wenceslaus. Of the hand of S. Magnus, Martyr. Of S. Laurence. The jaw, and tooth, and arm of S. George, Martyr. Reliques of S. Hippolytus, and of S. Gervase. The jaw, and tooth of S. Christopher. Reliques of S. Cyriacus, of S. Potitus, of S. Quirinus. Two teeth of S. Edward, King, and Martyr. Reliques of S. Trudon, of S. Maxi∣mus, of S. Salinus, of S. Theodorus, of S. Innocentius, of S. Mau∣ritius, of S. Apollinaris, of S. Gorgon, of S. S. Cosmus, and Da∣mianus, of S. S. Sergius, and Bachius. The finger of S. Leofri∣dus Abbot. Reliques of S. Hugo, S. Wulgarus, S. Adelwold, S. Cuthbald, S. Vindemianus, S. Lotharius. Three sinews of the hand of S. Athelard Abbot of Corbey. Reliques of S. Acca Bishop: of S. Machutus, of S. Egwinus Abbot; of S. Kenulphus. The arm of S. Swithune, Bishop. A relique of S. Medard. The shoulder∣blade of S. Ambrose. The tooth of S. Aydanus, of S. Grimbaldus, of S. Adelmus. Two pieces of S. Cecilia, of S. Lucia, of S. Chri∣stina. Of the bones, and bloud, and garment of S. Eutopia. Of S. Mary the Egyptian. Of S. Mary Magdalen. Of the head, and arms of S. Rogelida. Of * 1.23 S. Anstroberta. Of S. Edbur∣ga. Of S. Emerentiana. Of S. Juliana Virgin. Of the hairs

of S. Athelwold Bishop. The tooth of S. Sexburga Virgin.

Reliques deposited under the great Altar. Of the wood, and Sepulchre of our Lord. Of the head of S. George. Of the arm of S. Sebastian. Of S. Pancratius. Of S. Procopius. S. Wilfridus. S. Botwinus. S. Albertus. S. Suffredus. S. Tadbertus. S. Wildegelus, Abbots.

* 1.24Reliques in the silver Tower. Of the Sepulchre of our Lord. Of the garment, and Sepulchre of S. Mary. Of S. Andrew, and S. Philip, and S. James. Of S. Dionysius, S. Rusticus, and Eleu∣therius: Of S. Oswaldus, S. Laurentius, S. Vincentius, S. Potitus, S. S. Cosmus, and Damianus, S. Adelwoldus, S. Adelinus, S. Ceci∣lia, S. Edburga. What became of these, or some of these reliques in after times, some small mention will be made hereafter: but whether any of them were extant in the Monastery at the dissolu∣tion by King Henry the Eighth, I find nothing amongst Writers, no not of great S. Oswalds arm, though Nicolas Harpsfield a late Historical Romanist would make us believe, that the prayer of Ay∣danus was still in force, as if that arm was somewhere extant.

But to return to Abbot Elsinus. He was three years in Norman∣dy with Queen Emma, where he also collected many other reliques, and like a laborious Bee, stored his Abbey with them: It hapned at that time, that there was a great dearth in that Country of Normandy, insomuch, that many of the inhabitants forsook the Country and planted themselves in other places. The Abbey of S. Florentinus having spent their treasures in buying of food, and nothing left them but the shrine of their Saint, and Patrone; at length they sold him also, all but his head, which they still reser∣ved to themselves: Elsinus having bought the body, sent it to Peterburgh, whither the Monks of that Abbey in Normandy did often repair, to do their devotions to their Saint.

But whilst Elsinus was careful abroad for profitable reliques, his Abbey at home sustained loss in more real endowments, for Hoveden in Yorkshire, with many other lands were wrested from the Monastery of Peterburgh. Yet Elsinus added something of his own, purchasing a fourth part of Wittleseymere, and giving it to his Monastery, which had a part thereof before purchased by Adelwoldus Bishop of Winchester in the time of King Edgar.

* 1.25In those days was the Monastery of Ramsey accused to the King, who threatned the dissolution thereof, but by the media∣tion of this Elsinus, it was reprieved, upon condition that Elsinus should undertake the charge of it, which Elsinus afterwards, re∣mitted to the Ramisians. About this time Leofricus, who was Se∣cretary of Burgh, translated the bodies of S. Kyneburga, and Ky∣neswitha from their Church of Castre, and the body of S. Tibba from Rihale, to Peterburgh. Others place this translation in the * 1.26 time of King Henry the first, and that they had a yearly memo∣rial celebrated here. In the time of this Abbot Elsinus, Anno

1051. Elfricus Archbishop of York died at Southwell, and was bu∣ried at Peterburgh, where he had been a Monk: of whom more hereafter.

Elsinus having been Abbot here the space of fifty years, died Anno 1055. and there succeeded.

11. ARWINƲS, or ERNWINƲS.

* 1.27He was made Abbot by Election which deservedly passed upon him, being a man of great holiness, and simplicity; but he li∣king better a private, and solitary life, freely surrendred his go∣vernment, after eight years continuance therein. In his time, Anno 1059. or as some say 1060. died Kinsius Archbishop of York, who formerly had been Chaplain to King Edward the Confessor, and was buried in the Church of Peterburgh, where he had been a Monk. Radulphus de Diceto calls him Kinsigius, and commends him highly for his austere way of living, his humility, and other vertues. Of whom again hereafter. About this time, S. Wulstan, formerly Monk of Peterburgh, was made Bishop of Worcester, * 1.28 Anno 1062.

12. LEOFRICƲS, or LEƲRICƲS

* 1.29Having by his birth relation to the Royal bloud, was first made a Monk of Burgh, and afterwards Abbot, upon the retirement of Arwinus. He being dear to King Edward, and Edgith his wife, held by extraordinary benevolence, five Abbeys in his hand at once, viz. Burton, Coventry, Croyland, Thorney, and Peterburgh. He redeemed of King Edward certain lands belonging to his Mo∣nastery, as Fiskerton for twenty marks, Fleton for eight marks; and Burleigh for eight marks; which being demised by lease to Elfgarus the Queens Chaplain for the term of his life; he being dead, the Queen would have taken it from the Church of Peter∣burgh, had it not been for Abbot Leofricus.

In the third year of this Abbot, Anno 1066. William Duke of Normandy entred England with an army, and subdued it to his Norman power. Of which I find these old Monkish Verses in some of our Writers.

Anno Milleno, Sexageno quoque seno, Agenito verbo, Duce jam regnante superbo, Anglorum metae crinem sensêre cometae Belli transacti sunt hic anni numerati Quod fuit hic factum, quod & est nunc usque vocatum Dilecti Christi fuerant tunc festa Calixti.

Abbot Leofricus was then in the English army, where sickning, he returned to his Monastery of Peterburgh, and died the night after All-Saints day.

* 1.30In the time of this Abbot Leofricus, one Egelricus a Monk of Burgh was made Archbishop of York, but the Canons there, en∣vying that a Monk should be set over them (though but lately it had been so) refused to receive him, wherefore he was made Bishop of Durham, where he was received with general approbation. Whilst he was Bishop there he gathered great store of wealth, yet not to himself, but that he might be rich in good works, amongst which, there is one that continues his memory to this very day, the bank from Deeping to Spalding; for in those days the passage being very difficult by reason of Woods, and deep Marishes, he raised that Causey for the benefit of Travellers, which for many years after was called by his name Egelric Rode, though now it be known only by the name of Deeping Bank.

But some affirm that Egelricus found his wealth, for intend∣ing to build a Church at Coneester (now Chester upon the street) in laying the foundation thereof he chanced to light upon a great mass of treasure, wherewith he finished that work and many others. Such a new found treasure might be an additional to what he had before, which surely was not small, else he would scarce have undertaken to build Churches. When Egelricus had held his Bishoprick of Durham long enough to weary himself with publick employments, he returned to his Monastery of Pe∣terburgh, having resigned his Bishoprick to his brother Egelwinus. But it hapned that these two brethren were accused to King William the Conqueror, who laid up Egelricus in Chains at West∣minster during his life, and when he was near his end, he refused to have his Fetters taken off, and desired that he might be buri∣ed with them, and so was he buried in S. Nicolas Porch in Westminster: the other Brother Egelwinus was deposed from his Bi∣shoprick by King William, and sent to Abendone, where he died.

The Writers of Peterburgh, Swapham, and Wittlesey say, That in the time of Abbot Leofricus his sickness, this Egelricus being at his accustomed Evening devotions, the Devil appeared to him, in the shape of a boy of terrible countenance, and told him, that ere long he should triumph over the chiefest of them (which perhaps was in the death of Leofricus Abbot) and that three several times he would revenge himself upon the Monks, and Monastery, tel∣ling him also the manner. First, that he would cause all the Monks to be expelled, and the goods of the Monastery to be ta∣ken away. Secondly, he would cause the Monastery to be set on fire. Thirdly, he would set the Monks so at strife, that they should cut one anothers throats. But Egelricus replying, The Lord rebuke thee, Satan; the Devil vanished, and left a horrible stink behind him.

13. BRANDO

Having been Coadjutor to Leofricus, was thought the fittest to succeed him; and being elected, he made his address to Edgar Atheling for his confirmation, supposing him to be lawful heir to the Crown of England, notwithstanding the late Conquest by K. William: but William hearing thereof, was much incensed against Abbot Brando, that he was forced to give him forty marks for his favour to confirm him in his Monastery, and the Lands to his Church. Whilst he was a Monk, he gave to the Mona∣stery many Lands, as in Muscham, Schotter, Scalthorp, Yolthorp, Messingham, Malmeton, Cletham, Hibaldstow, Rachevildthorp, Holme, Riseby, Walcot, Normanby, Alethorp, there joyning with him, Askylus, Syricus, and Sivortus, who procured from King Edward a confirmation of these Lands to the Church.

Brando when he was Abbot, created his Nephew Herewardus le Wake Lord of Brunne, (now Bourn) Knight, which Herewar∣dus was a valiant man, and stoutly opposed the Normans in those parts.

Brando enjoyed not long his Government, but in November, Anno 1069. which was the third of King William, he died.

14. TƲROLDƲS, or THOROLDƲS

A Norman, was placed by King William in the vacant Abby of Peterburgh: He being a stranger, neither loved his Monastery, nor his Convent him; He began to make a strange dispersion of the Lands belonging to his Church, conferring sixty and two Hides of Land upon certain stipendiary Knights, that they might defend him against Herewardus le Wake: This Herewardus was son of Leofricus Lord of Brunne, and having had a Military edu∣cation beyond Seas, repaired home to employ his valour in defence of his native Country, against the Normans. It hapned at that time, that the Danes under Sweyn their King, son of Canutus, in∣vaded this Land, amongst whom, Osbernus an Earl, and Bishop, entred into the Isle of Ely, with whom Herewardus joyned, and incited him to set upon the Monastery of Peterburgh, for that the King had given it to a Norman. Herewardus, and the Danes com∣ing hither, the Monks and others with them defended themselves for a time, with much valour, in a hot dispute at Bolehith-gate, now commonly called Bulldyke-gate, being on the South of the Monastery, and yet standing: where, when Herewardus, and the Danes perceived their entrance doubtful, and that they could not cut their way with their Swords, and Weapons, they assayed to do it by fire upon the adjoyning buildings, and so entred through flame and smoke. Being entred, they seized upon all the good

things they found, carrying them away to Ely, leaving much of the buildings (the Monastery only excepted) destroyed by fire, and taking Adelwoldus the Prior, with many of the more ancient Monks thither also. But Adelwoldus watching for an opportunity to get away, and return home, the Danes being jovial, and merry at a triumphal feast for this their booty, Adelwoldus got privately to himself some gold and silver with some Reliques, amongst which was S. Oswald's arm which he hid in his bedstraw, till he could make his escape. But an agreement being made between King William and Sweyn the Danish King, that the Danes should depart with all their spoil, most of the good things of this Monastery were carried away towards Denmark, and a great part of them lost in the Sea by tempest: those which arrived there were afterwards recovered by Iwarus the Secretary of the Monastery, who took a journey thither, for that purpose. And now had Adelwoldus the Prior, with the other Monks, a time of returning without stealth to his Monastery of Peterburgh, and taking the Abby of Ramsey in their way; the Ramisians entertained them kindly for awhile, but at their departure, they detained their Reliques, which afterwards upon the threats of Abbot Thorold, they yielded up; yet did not the Monks enjoy their newly recovered Treasures long, for they being careless and drunken, and their Abbot absent, a fire seized upon the Church, and other remaining buildings, from which they rescued some few Reliques, but little of other things. All this while Turoldus Abbot absented himself from his Monastery, and made his abode at Stamford, but Herewardus being withdrawn he returned to his Monastery, where he found all things in a desolate condition. He brought along with him 140 Normans well armed to secure him against Herewardus, and also built a Fort or Castle within his Monastery, which for many years retained the name of Mount Thorold: so that now the Monastery of Peter∣burgh seemed rather a warlike than religious place. Yet for all that Turoldus could do for his own security, he was at length ta∣ken by Herewardus, and constrained to ransome himself with the payment of thirty marks in silver. So profuse was this Turoldus of the goods of his Monastery, that at his entrance an estimate of the goods thereof amounting to fifteen hundred pounds, ere Tu∣roldus had done, there remained scarce five hundred.

But his disposing of the Lands (as hath been said) to certain Knights, for their service in these Military times, was remarka∣ble, and valid in after ages; where I could give a large declara∣tion of the persons thus invested with the Church-Lands, and what Lands those were, but it shall suffice to say, that there were in all forty one men of note, who received those Lands from Turoldus to hold upon that condition: but they did not all receive in equal proportion, but some more, and some less; some to find and afford the service of six Knights, some of four, some of one,

and some less, as their portions of Land were; yet in all, the number of Knights for which they were to be answerable, amoun∣ted to sixty eight, and from whence there began a new addition to be annexed unto the name of the place, as to be called, The Honour of Peterburgh. But there happened another Act of Turoldus, which raised his discontents higher in himself, and brought him lower in the good affection of his Convent, for he received into his Monastery two Monks from beyond Sea, who secretly stole away, and carried many of the Church Goods with them. At length Turoldus, weary of his Government here, procured for himself the Bishoprick of Beavois in France, whither he transported many of the goods of the Monastery: but he was not so welcome to his new Bishoprick as to make any long continuance there, for on the fourth day he was expelled thence, and returning again into England, he gave the King a great summ of Money that he might be seated again in his Monastery of Peterburgh, whither he returned, and in all, con∣tinued his Government there the space of 28 years, and died Anno 1100, or as some say 1098. being the 10, or 11 year of William the Second.

15. GODRIC ƲS.

The Monks now began to be provident for themselves; for con∣sidering the inconveniences they suffered by Turoldus being impo∣sed upon them, they gave the King three hundred Marks in Silver that they might have the power of Electing their own Abbot; which having procured from the King, they chose Godricus, who was Brother to Abbot Brando. Whether or no Godricus might incurr the guilt of Simony by what the Church had done, * 1.31 I will not determine, yet was he, with Richard Abbot of Ely, and Adelwinus Abbot of Ramsey, deposed from their Govern∣ments by a Councel held under Anselmus then Archbishop of Canterbury, for that (as Peterburgh Writers say) they had entred by Simony. Yet Matth. Paris renders another reason, that it * 1.32 was, because they had received investiture into their Abbeys, from the King, and not from Anselme. So Godricus held his Abbey of Peterburgh but one year, which was an unhappy year too; for in that year, Foreign Thieves from Almain, France and Flanders broke in through a window into the Church, and stole away a Cross of beaten Gold, with many Jewels, two Chalices and Patins, two golden Candlesticks, which Elfricus Archbishop of York had given to this Church. Although the Thieves were pursued and taken, yet the goods were not recovered, but came into the Kings hand, who held them so fast that the Abbey could not retrieve them.

Godricus being deposed, the Abbey was destitute of an Abbot about the space of four years, all which time it continued in the Kings hand, at length King Henry 1. in the year 1103. and the 3 or 4. of his Reign, sent an Abbot unto them. Until these days of King Henry all the Charters, and Grants of former Kings, and other Benefactors to the Church, were without Seals, and signed only with their Names, and Figures of a Cross, but now they began to affix Seals to their Deeds.

16. MATTHIAS

Was the man whom King Henry sent to the Abbey of Burgh, after that Godricus was deposed. One may almost smell the wind that blew Matthias hither; for he was Brother to Galfri∣dus Ridel the Kings Chief Justice, to whom Matthias gave the Mannor of Pightesly, belonging then to his Church; What conveyance Abbot Matthias made to his brother Galfridus, I can∣not determine, but Galfridus resolved to hold the Mannor of Pightesly, as his own, and not of the Monastery of Peterburgh, which caused a long suit betwixt them, until at length an agree-ment was made betwixt the Abbot (not this Matthias, but one of his Successors) and Galfridus, that he should hold the said Mannor for his life, paying to the Abbot the yearly rent of four Marks, and that after his decease, the Mannor should re∣turn again to the Church of Peterburgh, which it did, not long after: for Galfridus was drowned at Sea, with William Son of King Henry. Not long after, Abbot John de Sais gave the King 60 Marks in Silver, to confirm again the Mannor of Pightesly to his Monastery. Matthias held his Monastery of Peterburgh but one year, for on the same day he entred thereon, on the same day twelve month he died at Gloucester about the year 1105. and the King again kept the Monastery in his hand three years, till the coming of

17. ERNƲLFƲS:

He was Prior of Canterbury, and there being then a Council holden at London wherein many were promoted to Ecclesiastical Dignities, Ernulfus was offered to the Monks of Peterburgh for their Abbot, and they willingly accepted of him, knowing him to be both a pious, and prudent man. Whilst he was Prior of Canterbury, the business concerning the marriage of Priests was hastily agitated, and Anselme the then Archbishop was strongly for the negative, writing Letters to this Ernulfus, which are to be seen in Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments. Whilst Ernul∣fus was Abbot here, all things went happily with the Monastery, Ernulfus promoting the good thereof by the Kings favour,

which he had in a plentiful measure. He built the new Dormi∣tory, the Necessary, and finished the Chapter-house which was began before he made an agreement betwixt his Convent, and those Knights who held Lands of his Abby, that every Knight * 1.33 should pay yearly to the Sacristary two parts of his Tythes, and at his death, the third part of his whole Estate, for his burial in the Church, all his Knightly endowments, as well Horses, as Armes, being to be brought with his body, and offer'd up to S. Peter: the Convent were to receive the Corps with procession, and to perform the office for the dead. In the time of this Ernul∣fus Anno 1112. was the Church of Thirlby, near Bourn in Lin∣colnshire, dedicated by Robert Bloet then Bishop of Lincoln; * 1.34 which Church, with the Mannor belonged then to this Monaste∣ry of Peterburgh. Abbot Ernulfus was translated from this his government in his seventh year Anno 1114. For King Henry be∣ing to pass over the Sea, and waiting for a wind at Bourn, he sent to Peterburgh for Ernulfus to come unto him to consult about weighty Affairs, he being the Kings Confessor; but being come, the King with Raulfus (so our Peterburgh writers call him, but Bishop God∣win Rodolphus) the Archbishop of Canterbury importuned him to take upon him the Bishoprick of Rochester, which Ernulfus did, though much against his will, the Monks also taking it very heavily, wept for the loss of their Abbot. Ernulfus being Bishop of Rochester wrote a Book in answer to certain questions pro∣pounded * 1.35 by Lambertus Abbot of S. Bertine, as also another book of incestuous Marriages, although Pitseus makes no mention of him. Ernulfus being thus removed, the King gave his Monastery to Johannes de Sais, or

18. JOHN of Salisbury.

He being appointed Abbot, was honourably received of the Monks. He took a journey to Rome (but I find not to what end) and returned the year following. In his time the Mona∣stery was burnt again, only the Chapter-house, Dormitory, Necessary, and the new Refectory escaped the flames, which took hold of the Village, and wholly consumed it. Wittlesey writes, that one in the Bakehouse being to kindle a fire, with much pains could not make it burn, which, John the Abbot, be∣ing present, seeing, in a cholerick mood, cried, The Devil kin∣dle it, and presently the fire flamed to the top of the house, ran through all the Abbots Offices, and thence to the Town: The life burning in one of the Towers for nine days together, a violent wind drove the Coals upon the Abbots house, and fired that also. Afterwards Abbot John began to build the Church anew Anno 1118. which he industriously prosecuted, but lived not to finish it, for he held his Abby but eleven years, and died of a Dropsie

Anno 1125. being the 25, or 26 of King Henry I. A year be∣fore this, was the Church of Castri dedicated, as may be seen by an Inscription yet continuing over the Chancel door,

XV KL MAII DEDICATIO HU∣JUS ECCLESIAE MCXXIIII.

Abbot John being dead, the King again kept the Monastery in his hand two years. And although (as hath been said) this John gave the King 60 Marks for the confirmation of the Man∣nor of Pightesly, yet upon the death of John the Abbot of Pe∣terburgh, the King, having all at his disposing, for 60 Marks more, sold Pightesly to Richard Basset, and for Abbot of this Monastery appointed

19. HENRICƲS de Angeli

Or Henry of Anjou, who was made Abbot Anno 1128. He being ambitious, sought after many preferments, but held them not long; for besides, he was unstable, and voluntarily deserted his present Governments, or else found opposition in new ones, that he was compelled to withdraw. Having an Abbey beyond Sea, he got a Commission to come over into England to gather up Peter pence, which gave him opportunity to espy out some preferment or other here: therefore coming to the King, and much complaining of the troubles in his own Countrey, whose Wars, by reason of his age, he could not endure, he besought the King to conferr upon him the Abby of Peterburgh, which was then vacant, which he (being allyed to the King) obtained, notwithstanding that both Archbishops and Bishops opposed it, telling the King it was not lawful for him to hold two Abbeys. But the King afterwards perceiving his fraud, and covetousness, commanded him to depart the Realm, when he had held the Abbey of Peterburgh 5 years, and so Anno 1133. he returned to his Abbey De Angeli. In the first year that this John came to be Abbot here (as Wittlesey writes) there were heard and seen in the night time throughout Lent, in the Woods betwixt Stam∣ford and Peterburgh, Hunters, with their Horns, and Dogs, all of them of black, and ugly complexion, some riding upon black Horses, and some upon Goats, they had great staring eyes, and were seen sometimes twenty, and sometimes thirty in a com∣pany.

20. MARTINƲS de Vecti,

So called of the Isle of Wight from whence he came: some call

him Martin Cook. He was first Prior of S. Neots, and the King gave him the Monastery of Peterburgh, into which he was ho∣nourably received by the Monks upon S. Peters day, Anno 1133. being the 33 of King Henry 1. He was very industrious in re∣pairing, and perfecting the buildings of the Monastery, and espe∣cially the Church, to the dedication whereof anew, there came thither Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, the Abbots of Thorney, Croyland, Ramsey, and others to whom Abbot Martin shewed the Holy Reliques, and S. Oswalds arm, Anno 1123. 23 years after its burning. The tokens of which conflagration are yet to be seen (or of some other) in the inside of the West Porch above. This Martin built a Gate of the Monastery, but which I cannot say. He likewise changed the situation of the Village to the Western side of the Monastery, for before, it was on the East; he ap∣pointed the market place as now it is, and built many houses about it. He changed also the place of Wharfage for Boats coming to the Town, to that place which is now commonly used. He re∣moved the Church of S. John Baptist, (which before stood in a Close still known by the name of S. John's Close) to the place where now the said Church standeth. And as he was a great builder, so was he also in some sort a demolisher, for he pulled down a Castle standing near the Church, which perhaps was Mount Thorold formerly mentioned. He planted the Vineyard, and ad∣ded many buildings to his own dwellings. He entertained King Stephen who came hither, to see the Arm of S. Oswald, to whom he offered his Ring, and forgave the Church 40 Marks which it ought him, and confirmed many other Priviledges. Abbot Martin, in the time of his Government, took a journey to Rome, and along with him the Charter of King Ethelred, that the then Pope Eugenius the Third might grant his Confirmation: But in * 1.36 the Consistory there arose a debate about the form of the Char∣ter, which hitherto had gone currant for the space of almost 500 years: for one of the Cardinals present besought the Pope, that he would not give the honour of his name to another; whereupon a new Charter was granted to Abbot Martin in the name of Eugenius, and the name of King Ethelred, Founder, and Benefactor, was put out. Martin, having sitten in his Ab∣battical * 1.37 Chair here about the term of 22 years, died Anno 1155. which was the second year of King Henry 2. And there succeed∣ed

21. WILLIHELMƲS de Watervile,

* 1.38Who being Elected Abbot by the Monks, the Election easily obtained the Kings ratification, in regard this William was one of his Clerks, or Chaplains. The King also confirmed unto him and his Abbey the eight Hundreds of that part of the

County, which had formerly been granted by the Kings Pre∣decessors. This Abbot erected a Priory in Stamford, and the Church of S. Michael there. He setled a yearly maintenance upon the Church of S. John Baptist in Peterburgh, enacting that the Chaplain should yearly upon Michaelmas day bring his Church-Key to the Sacrist of the Monastery, as an acknow∣ledgment of his dependance upon it. He was very industrious in perfecting the buildings of his Monastery, and adding new ones. He built the Cloister, and covered it with Lead. He or∣dered, * 1.39 and disposed the Quire of the Church, in that manner as it lately stood, and in some sort continues still. He founded * 1.40 the Chappel of Thomas Becket, which was finished by his Suc∣cessor, and is now standing in the middle of the Arch of the Church-Porch, as you enter into the Church. He built a Chap∣pel also in his own House, and other necessary Offices. At length he was accused by his Monks to the Archbishop, so that he was deposed without conviction, or his own confession (as our Wri∣ters say) of any crime deserving that censure, when he had held his Abby twenty years, Anno 1175. being the 21 or 22 year of King Henry the Second. And although our Peter∣burgh Writers are silent in the cause of his deposition, yet others have taken notice of it. Johannes Brompton Jornallensis relates it thus, that Richard Archbishop of Canterbury came to the Abby * 1.41 of Peterburgh, and deposed William of Watervile the Abbot there; for that he against the will of the Monks, entred with a band of armed men into the Church, and took from thence some Reliques, and the arm of S. Oswald, pro denariis ad Judaeos inva∣dendos: the Monks standing in defence of their Reliques, many of them were grievously wounded. Roger Hoveden relates ano∣ther reason as the most principal, which he addeth to that of Jor∣nallensis, * 1.42 that this Abbot William was fallen into the Kings dis∣favour for his brothers sake, one Walter of Watervile (in the Parish of Achrich in the County of Northampton; where anci∣ently was his Castle) whom Abbot William received with others of that party being then in Arms against the King, which shewed that Abbot William was not so Loyal to his Master the King as he should have been, but abetting with his brother, it might cause his own deposition.

22. BENEDICTƲS.

William being deposed, the King held the Abby in his hand two years, and then Benedict Prior of Canterbury was thought the fittest for it, and made Abbot Anno 1177. in the Twenty fourth of King Henry the Second. He was a very Learned man, and, as Pitseus (who gives him very high commendations) doth certifie, wrote two Books: Vitam S. Thomae Cantuariensis. De

ejusdem post mortem miraculis, and certain others, saith he: yet because I find these Books mentioned in the Catalogue of this Ab∣bots Library, it may be doubted whether he wrote them himself more than he did the rest. I shall therefore set down his Books, as also some of the succeeding Abbots, that the Reader may con∣jecture what Scholars those Abbots might be, and see what Books were most in request amongst them. Abbot Benedicts Library was furnished with these Books. Quinque libri Moysis glossati in uno Volumine. Sexdecim Prophetae glossati in uno Volumine. Duo∣decim Minores glossati in uno Volumine. Liber Regum glossatus. Pa∣ralipomenon glossatus. Job, Parabolae Salomonis, & Ecclesiastes, Can∣tica Canticorum, glossati, in uno Volumine. Liber Ecclesiasticus, & Li∣ber Sapientiae glossati in uno Volumine. Tobias, Judith, Esther, & Esdras glossati, in uno Volumine. Liber Judicumglossatus. Scho∣lastica Historia. Psalterium glossatum. Item non glossatum. Item Psalterium. Quatuor Evangelia glossata in uno Volumine. Item Matthaeus, & Marcus in uno Volumine. Johannes & Lucas in uno Vo∣lumine. Epistolae Pauli glossatae. Apocalypsis, & Epistolae Canonicae glossatae in uno Volumine. Sententiae Petri Lombardi, Item Sententiae ejusdem. Sermones Bernardi Abbatis Clarevallensis. Decreta Gratiani. Item Decreta Gratiani. Summa Ruffini de Decretis. Summa Johan∣nis Faguntini de Decretis. Decretales Epistolae. Item Decretales Epi∣stolae. Item Decretales Epistolae cum Summa sic incipiente, Olim. Institu∣tiones Justiniani cum Autenticis, & Infortiato. Digestum vetus. Tres partes cum Digesto novo. Summa Placentorum. Totum corpus juris in duobus Voluminibus. Arisimetica. Epistolae Senecae cum aliis Sene∣cis in uno Volumine. Martialis, & Terentius in uno Volumine. Mo∣rale dogma Philosophorum. Gesta Alexandri, & Liber Claudii, & Claudiani. Summae Petri Helyae de Grammatica cum multis aliis rebus in uno Volumine. Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi, & genealogia ejus, Interpretationes Hebraicorum nominum. Libellus de Incarnatione Verbi. Liber Bernardi Abbatis ad Eugenium Papam. Missale, Vita Sancti Thomae Martyris. Miracula ejusdem in quinque Voluminibus. Liber R. Plutonis qui dicitur Ʋnde malum. Meditationes Anselmi. Practica Bartholomaei cum pluribus aliis rebus in uno Volumine: Ars Physicae. Pantegm. & practica ipsius in uno Volumine. Almasor, & Dioscorides de virtutibus herbarum. Liber dinamidiorum & aliorum multorum in uno Volumine. Libellus de compoto. This was the stock of his Literature, as Wittlesey hath set it down, though ano∣ther ancient Copy in some few things differeth from it.

There is some clashing betwixt Vossius and Possevine about the time of this Benedict, but it is not worth the trouble of reciting. It seems Benedict was a man of good note, that his preferment to this Abby should sound in foreign parts, Sigebertus Gemblacensis making mention thereof, Benedictus Prior Cantuariensis factus est * 1.43 Abbas de Burc. The Abby was at his entrance, 1500 marks deep in debt, from which Benedict freed it. He laboured much in reco∣vering

of his Abby Lands, some by suits in Law, and some by force; for, as if he were Tam Marti quam Mercurio, as well for the Sword, as the Book; he went sometimes in person armed upon such adventures. His actions at home towards his Mona∣stery, were great, and many: It seems the Nave, or body of the Church did not please him, therefore he built it after a better man∣ner from the Lantern to the Porch as now it is, so that the painted Ceiling at the top, which is still remaining, was probably of his doing. He set up also the Pulpit in the body of the Church, which was but lately taken away. He finished the Chappel of Thomas Becket, which his Predecessor had begun. He built a large and goodly House of stone for several Offices which was standing in our age. He built the great gate leading to the Monastery, and over it the Chappel of S. Nicolas, both which are yet stand∣ing. He was much in the Kings favour, that the King, King Richard, for his piety, gravity and wisdom, was wont to call him Father: And when King Richard, in his return from the Holy Land, was taken prisoner by Arch-Duke Leopold, who detained him, this Abbot Benedict (being, in the Kings absence, made Co∣adjutor, and Councellor with William Bishop of Ely Chancellor of the Realm) Councelled that the Chalices of the Church should be sold to pay the Kings ransome, which was done, and the King returned home. Then did King Richard confirm to Abbot Be∣nedict, and his Monastery the Marsh of Pekirk, now commonly called North-Fenne, about which there fell out some difference be∣twixt Radulphus le Wake, and the Monastery; for Radulphus be∣ing Lord of Deeping, claimed Common in the Marsh, as being but on the other side of the River, but Abbot Benedict impounded his Cattel, alledging that the Marsh belonged only to his Tenants of Pekirk, Glinton, Makeshye, and Northburgh, and desired Radul∣phus to enquire into the truth thereof: So Radulphus came to Pe∣terburgh with some others, where being fully informed of the Ab∣bots right, he forbare to trespass any more; Benedict also reco∣vered the Marsh of Eye, and the Hermitage of Singlesholt. King Richard also granted unto Benedict his confirmation of the eight Hundreds, as his predecessors had done: And withal his Charter for the holding of a Fair in Peterburgh, upon the Feast of S. Peter, * 1.44 to continue for 8 days; although now it be contracted into one. He also granted a weekly Market every Thursday, and a Fair for three days at the Feast of S. Peter, to be holden at the Mannor of Scotter in Lincolnshire, then belonging to this Monastery. * 1.45

* 1.46John the Kings brother, who was Earl of Moriton, and after∣wards King of England, was also kind to Abbot Benedict and his Monastery, giving them by his Charter yearly, three Staggs, and six Bucks, out of his Forest of Sheerwood, without contradicti∣on. In his time there flourished one William of Peterburgh a Monk of Ramsey, a very Learned man, upon whom Pitseus be∣stows

a large Character, whither the Reader, that would see his works, may resort. Benedict having been Abbot the space of seventeen years, died Anno 1194. being the sixth Year of King Richard the first, and had for his Successor

23. ANDREAS.

He was first a Monk here, then Prior, and afterwards for his many vertues was chosen Abbot. The Villages of Alwalton, and Fletton, which then belonged to him, he gave to the Monks Kit∣chin for the augmentation of their Commons. Having been Ab∣bot about five years, he died the same year with King Richard, which was Anno 1199. He was buried in the South Isle of the Church at the back of the Quire, in the same Grave where two of his Predecessors had been buried before, as the Epitaph on the Wall over his Monument will testifie▪ which was lately in anci∣ent Saxon Letters, but now in the ordinary, renewed.

Hos tres Abbates quibus est Prior Abba Johannes, Alter Martinus, Andreas ultimus, unus Hic claudit tumulus, Pro clausis ergo rogemus.

24 ACHARIƲS,

* 1.47Whom Hoveden calls Zacharias, was Prior of S. Albanes, and elected thence to be Abbot here, Anno 1200. He by his care and providence much enriched his Church, and built many buildings in several Mannors belonging to it. He maintained suit with the Abbot of Croyland for the Marsh of Singlesholt, and recovered it, letting it again to the Abbot of Croyland for a yearly acknow∣ledgement of four stone (Petras) of Wax. He added to the number of Monks that then were, two and twenty more. And when he had happily governed this Abby the space of ten years, he died Anno 1210. being the 11 year of King John. And there succeeded

25. ROBERTƲS de Lindesey,

* 1.48Who was Monk, and Sacristary of Burgh, and now Abbot, unto which he paved the way by his good deeds towards the Church: for whereas the windows were before only stuffed with straw to keep out the weather, he beautified above thirty of them with glasses; and his example brought the rest, by degrees, to the like perfection. He built also the Chancel at Oxney; being chosen Abbot, he was presented to the King at Winchester, and had his election confirmed: And at Northampton he received E∣piscopal benediction from Hugo the second, then Bishop of Lincoln,

in the year 1214. for after the death of Acharius, the King held the Abbey in his own hand three years. He settled the Hundred of Nassaburgh in peace, and quietness: for in those days the Fo∣resters with their Cattel over-ran all, so that the inhabitants of the Towns therein were much endammaged by them, and their domineering in these parts by vertue of Forest Lands; therefore Abbot Robert made a composition with the King, giving him * 1.49 1320 Marks for the dis-foresting that part of the Country. He covered the Abbots Hall with Lead. He made in the South Cloister a Lavatory of Marble for the Monks to wash their hands in when they went to Meals, their Hall being near, on the other * 1.50 side of the wall, the door leading into it being yet standing, though the Hall be long since demolished, only some small re∣mains on the wall side, are yet to be seen; but the Lavatory con∣tinued entire until the year 1651. and then, with the whole Cloister, it was also pulled down. Abbot Robert at his entrance into his place found but seventy two Monks, to which num∣ber he added eight more, assigning the Mannor of Bellasise for their maintenance, having built a fair Mannor-house there, which * 1.51 partly is now standing. He built also the Hall at his Mannor of Collingham.

In the time of this Robert, the fourth Laterane Council was held under Innocent the fourth, Pope of that name, Anno 1215. Abbot Robert was cited, and went thither, and received injuncti∣ons for his Convent concerning several times of fasting, and other duties, which at his coming home, he put into execution.

* 1.52In his time there arose great discords betwixt the Civil, and Ecclesiastical States, that the Land stood interdicted by the space of six years. Then followed bitter Wars betwixt King John, and his Barons, wherein, how the Monastery of Peterburgh beha∣ved themselves, I find but little in any of our Writers: Only by what Matthew Paris relates, it may be conjectured they were none of the Kings friends, though their Patron. Ludovicus (saith he) besieging the Castle of Dover a long time in vain, at length the King passed over into Suffolk, and Norfolk, and miserably wasted those Countries: And coming to Peterburgh, and Croyland, he plundered the Churches there, his Officer Savaricus de Mallo Leone with his accomplices committing many outrages in the Country thereabout. At Croyland he fired all their stacks which the in∣habitants had newly gathered in, and so returned to the Town of Lynn with great spoils: But afterwards the King taking his journey from Lynn Northward, all his Carriages, and Treasures were cast away, and perished, as he passed the River Wellestre. Yet afterwards the Abbot of Peterburgh was summoned to assist King Henry the third, in the siege of Rokingham Castle (which was then the Abbots) and the Abbot himself went in person in that expedition, till at length that Castle was reduced to the

Kings obedience: but whether it was this Abbot Robert, or some * 1.53 of his Successors, mine Author tells me not.

* 1.54In the time of this Abbot Robert about the year 1217 according to Pitseus there was one Hugo Candidus, or Hugh White, a Monk of this Monastery, of whom the said Author in his Book De Scriptoribus, makes mention, who wrote the whole History of his Monastery, whose works were extant in later times, for John Leland, who lived in the days of King Henry 8, collected many things out of him, but whether, or where the said Author be now extant, I know not. Pitseus tells us also of another Hugh * 1.55 a Monk of this Church, whom he calls an English Historian, but professeth his ignorance of what he wrote, or when he lived: Perhaps, both might be but one, and the same Hugh. But, per∣haps, Wittlesey an antient Writer of this Church may make it clearer, by telling us that there was one Hugo Albus (so called from his white complexion, as being subject to bleed) a Monk here, who was famous in the time of Abbot Ernulfus and of John, Henry, Martin and William his Successors, who wrote the History of this Monastery, and so was before Pitseus his account.

Robert having been Abbot here the space of seven years, died October 25. 1222. being the seventh year of King Henry 3. He was not very rich in Books, his Library consisting only of these few. Numerale Magistri W. de Montibus cum aliis rebus. Tropi Magistri Petri cum diversis summis. Sententiae Petri Pretanensis. Psalteri∣um Glossatum. Aurora. Psalterium non glossatum. Historiale.

26. ALEXANDER de Holdernesse

Who was first a Monk, then Prior, and lastly Abbot of this place after the death of Robert. A great builder he was, and built the Hall at his Mannor of Oundle, that also at Castre Eyebury and other places. Having been Abbot here only four years, he died on the day of his entrance, November 20. 1226. and of King Henry 3. the Eleventh. These were his Books. Psalterium. Concordantiae utrius{que} Test. Claustrum animae. Opus al∣terum quod perfecit Rogerus de Helpston. Aurora. Poenitentiale. Tria Breviaria. Concilium Lateranense cum aliis rebus. Corroga∣tiones Promethei. Missale. The first day of May before the death of this Alexander, there died at Peterburgh Richardus de Mansco, * 1.56 Bishop of Durham, and Chancellor of England.

27. MARTINƲS de Ramsey

Being a Monk of Peterburgh, was elected Abbot after the death of Alexander: And on S. Andrew's Eve the King ratified his Election, which was also confirmed by Hugo then Bishop of Lincoln in the Chappel of S. Katharine at Westminster. On the

Feast of S. John the Evangelist following he received the said Bishops blessing at Tinghurst, and on the Eve of Epiphany follow∣ing he was received at Peterburgh. In his first year he paid to the Kings Exchequer 5 Marks for the disforesting of Nassa∣burgh, and 28 more to the Chancellor. In that year died one Brianus de la Marc the Kings Forester in the Marsh of Kesteven, and Holland, and the King passing by that way towards York, seized upon all the goods of the said Brian: But Abbot Mar∣tin procured the Kings Writ to Hugo de Nevile then Justice of the Forest, to enquire, if the said Brian was not enfeoffed in certain Lands belonging to the Monastery of Peterburgh, which being examined at a Commission holden at Bernat, and found to be so, the Heir of the said Brian was awarded (as Ward) to the Abbot of Peterburgh: But Abbot Martin gave the said ward to Radulfus de Nevile, then Bishop of Chichester, and the Kings Chancellor. This Abbot Martin in the year 1228. re∣ceived a grand priviledge from Gregory the Ninth, Pope of that name, wherein this particular, that, whensoever there should be a general interdiction of the Land, the Monks of Peterburgh, when they said their Service, might shut the Church doors, ring no bell, nor say their Service aloud but with a low voice to themselves, that the people might not participate thereof. But I have not found that ever this was put in practice. In the year 1231, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln visited this Monastery, and gave Articles to be observed, both by the Abbot, as also by the Con∣vent.

Martin having been Abbot the space of six years, died; His Library was but thin. Missale. Item Missale ad Altare S. Katha∣rinae. Capitula collecta Evangelica in 2 Voluminibus ad magnum Al∣tare.

28. WALTERƲS de S. Edmundo.

Who was first Monk, then Sacristary, and at length, Abbot of this Church, being void by the death of Martin, Anno 1233. the 17 of King Henry 3. Here Robert Swapham ends his story of the succession of Abbots, whom hitherto we have been much guided by: but now we must follow Wittlesey, and a few other Records, which (like Absirtus his limbs being scattered about in the late dispersion) have come to our hands.

This Abbot Walter was a man generally good, pious, honest, Loyal, free, and liberal in the dispensation of the demesnes be∣longing to his Church. In those days King Henry was straitly put to it for maintenance, and was constrained to live upon Ec∣clesiastical benevolence, going from one Monastery to another to be entertained: And he found Abbot Walter very free to∣wards * 1.57 him, who at two several times gave him the best enter∣tainment

his Monastery could afford: At one of which times, the Queen, and Prince Edward, came with the King. This Abbot gave the King, the summ of 60 Marks towards the mar∣riage of Margaret his Daughter with Alexander 3. King of Scot∣land: He added 30 more Monks to the number, erected many buildings to those which were before. Having been Abbot the space of 13 years, he died Anno 1245, being the 30 of King Henry 3. What that dedication of this Church was which Matth. Paris mentions Anno 1238. I could never yet fully understand. * 1.58 But we must not leave Abbot Walter thus, for the time of his Government is remarkable. Three times (saith Wittlesey) with great costs, and charges, he journeyed to Rome. The first was, to have redress concerning the Church of Castre against R. de Somercot, who was a Cardinal: this journey he took when he was but Sacristary. The second journey was being Ab∣bot, not to, but towards Rome, when he was summoned to be at a Council there with the rest of the English Clergy (which Council was held there Anno 1234. under Pope Gregory 9. saith Franciscus Longus, though Gabriel Pratiolus will have Innocent 4. to be then Pope, and Gregory 9. to be some time af∣ter) But Walter being on the way thither as far as Burgundy, and hearing that the Emperour Frederick had imprisoned Otto, the English Legate, with many others, he durst not proceed on his journey, but staid in the City of Anvers 6 months, and then re∣turned home to the Monastery of Peterburgh. But his retreat was so ill taken, that presently the Pope sends a Mandate to him for the finding of five men, with Horses and Arms, which at length he took off at the charge of 174 Marks, by the dispensation of Martin the Popes Nuntio. The third journey to Rome was after the Council of Lions, for thither also was he summoned, and appeared there, but rather as an offender, than an Assessor; for he was called to answer his contempt, in giving the Church of Castre according to the Kings order, and against the Popes, yet did he regain the Popes favour by obliging himself to give to a Nephew of the Popes ten pounds a year. Our Writers of Peterburgh say no more, but Matthew Paris is more copious in * 1.59 the story, or another like it. In the year (saith he) 1241. Pope Gregory desirous to promote some of his Favourites, sends his Letters into England to cast the burthen of that care upon some Churches. There was then sent to the Abbot, and Convent of Burgh, an Apostolick Mandate, fraught with intreaties, and threatnings, that they would conferr the Rent of any Church under their patronage, which should yearly be worth one hun∣dred Marks, and if it were double the value, it would please him the more: and the Pope would again demise unto the Church the same Living for the yearly rent of one hundred Marks, and the surplusage should redound to the proper use of the Church.

And that the Abbot and Convent might consent to this pro∣vision (or rather pernicious compact, Simony and secret Fraud) demanded by the Pope, the Pope wrote Letters to certain Foreign Monks then well Beneficed in England, that they should ef∣fectually admonish the Abbot and Convent therein, and to com∣pel them, if need were. These Monks coming to Peterburgh, called the Monks together, and bespake them after this manner, Behold, Friends and Brethren, a great Pontifical kindness is offered to your hand, for the Pope requires that of you, which, with bended knees, and joyned hands, ye ought to request of him: And when they had explained the business, they pro∣mised to accomplish the business on the Popes part, so that the business might be secretly carried without scandal. But the Monks of Peterburgh answered, that they could do nothing without the Kings permission, who was their Patron, and Found∣er. The Popes Messengers insisted, that the business might be done privately, hoping also that other Churches would follow their example, and do the like. The Monks of Peterburgh would not be circumvented by their Speeches, but desired respite of the business until their Abbot came home (being then absent) that they might have his assent: In the mean time they sent to their Abbot, acquainting him with the whole business: The Abbot sends a messenger to the King, intima∣ting the danger of such a donation. The King resenting the business, and how it would redound to the damage of that and other Churches whereof he was Patron, and Defender, and de∣testing the secret snares, and covetousness of the Roman Court, strictly forbade such an horrid donation. Thus far Matthew Paris.

* 1.60How this refusal of the Popes demand by the Abbot of Peter∣burgh was resented at Rome, may appear by the same Author in another place, where he writes thus. But the Abbot of Peter∣burgh, a man without exception, who had more especially re∣sisted the Pope's Mandate, being arrived at the Roman Court, was accused by Martin the Popes Agent then resident in England, for that he would not conferr a Church upon a man fitting for the place, to the use of the Popes kinsman: So that the Abbot appearing in the Popes Court, the Pope rebuked him in very op∣probrious terms, and commanded that he should be expelled the Court, which was done so shamefully, and irreverently, that the poor Abbot taking it to heart, fell into an incurable dis∣ease, and the same year died, to the great detriment of his Church, which he had prudently governed. And in another place the same Author recites it again, telling us the name of the Abbot. The same year on the eleventh of the Calends of * 1.61 January, after many vexations, and tribulations, which he suf∣fered by the Court of Rome, and an infirmity which himself had contracted, to the great loss of his Church, died Walter Ab∣bot of Burgh.

This story makes good the Etymology that some of the Romanists themselves give of Rome; Roma, quasi Rodens Manus. * 1.62

Roma manus rodit, quos rodere non valet, odit,

Rome gnaweth hands, as dainty Cates, And whom it cannot gnaw, it hates.

This by the way. Walters Library was copious in comparison of his Predecessors, consisting of these Books. Decretale. Auro∣ra. Claustrum animae. Biblia. Hexaëmeron S. Cantuariae versificé. Rabanas de naturis rerum, & interpretationes Hebraicorum nomi∣num in uno volumine. Versus M. W. de Montibus. Psalterium gloss. Summa Magistri J. de Cantia de poenitentia. Templum Do∣mini cum arte confessionum. Regula S. Benedicti. Psalterium cum hympnario. Item duo Psalteria. Duo Missalia. Duo Gradualia. Liber Evangeliorum. Liber orationum ad magnum altare.

29. WILLIELMƲS de Hotot.

William of Hotot, or Hotoft (why so called I know not, for Wittlesey saith he was born at Carlton, near Cottingham in the County of Northampton) being a Monk of this place was chosen Abbot, the sixth of February, Anno 1246. the 31. of King Henry * 1.63 3. He procured from the King a Charter for a Fair to be kept at Oxeney to begin on the Eve of the Nativity of Mary, and to continue for the space of eight days. He made many orders in favour of his Monks, as that he would not let any of his Ab∣by Lands, or do any thing of himself as Abbot, without their con∣sent. When he had held his Abby about the space of three years, he voluntarily gave it up, on S. Nicolas day, Anno 1249. And there was assigned unto him the Mannor of Collingham, where he abode for a time, until he was called thence by John his Suc∣cessor, who appointed him his abode at Oxeney, allowing him the portion of four Monks: Then William died, and was brought to the Church of Peterburgh, and buried before the Altar of S. Benedict. Thus writes Wittlesey, not naming the occasion of his reoess, which Matthew Paris supplies. In the year (saith he) 1249. there arose great dissension betwixt William Abbot of * 1.64 Peterburgh and his Convent concerning dilapidations, for that the Abbot had enriched his Kindred (whereof he had great multitudes swarming about him) to the great detriment of his Church; but William being reproved, would not reform this errour: whereupon the Monks appealed to the Bishop of Lincoln, and complained of the Abbots extravagancies, who being convicted thereof, and foresee∣ing the danger of his being deposed, of his own accord resigned his place into the Bishops hand, and there was assigned unto

him a Mannor for his livelyhood. So that having been Abbot only three years, he surceased. Perhaps he had not time enough to gather more Books than these into his Library. Antis∣siodorensis abbreviatus. Tractatus super Canonem Missae. Templum Domini cum aliis rebus. Libellus de diversis rebus. Missale ad altare Michaelis. As to the first book he wrote certain Collations, which is in the Catalogue at the End, T. XI. but I find no mention of him any where else, as a Writer. * 1.65

30. JOHANNES de Caleto,

* 1.66So called from the place of his birth in Normandy. He was of noble extraction, and being made a Monk at the age of sevenyears, was brought into England, and placed in the Church of S. Swithune in Winchester for his education, where growing in piety and wisdom as he did in years, he was made Prior of Winchester, and, upon the recess of Abbot Will. elected Abbot of Peterburgh, Anno 1249. which was the 33 of K. Henry 3. He was allied to Q. Elianor wife of K. Henry, and such a ray of favour shined upon him through that relation, that he was made one of the Kings Chief Justices, and rode in the Circuit to execute Justice in the Kingdom. At which, though Matthew Paris seems to be much aggrieved, as that which was not allowed by the rule of S. Benedict (the first mention that I find of this Order in this Monastery, whereof more hereafter in Richard Ashton) and besides was prejudicial to his Church by reason of his absence: yet Wittlesey saith, that the Church suffered no damage thereby, for he no ways neglected that, but appointed Robert Sutton his Deputy, by whom all things were as well managed as if Abbot John had himself been present: And moreover Abbot John did often visit the Church himself to see how things were ordered, how the Lands and Rents were bestowed, how the Monks were governed, and how the poor were relieved, to whom he gave Alms with his own hand, as oft as he came thither. He was careful in adding to the buildings of the Monastery, and built that goodly building called the Infir∣mary (commonly the Farmary) lately pulled down, and at the * 1.67 West end of the Chappel of S. Laurence: This he appointed for sick and impotent Folk, providing for them out of the Church demesns. He was also liberal to his Convent, giving for every day to the Monk that should sit President in the Refectory, a gallon of Wine, and half a gallon to the rest of the Society, and to the Monk that celebrated high Mass a gallon of Wine: for which he assigned ten pounds yearly to be paid from his own Cham∣ber out of the Lands of his Mannor of Polebrook. He gave also a great Bell to the Church, whereon was written,

Jon de Caux Abbas Oswaldo consecrat hoc vas.

In his time, Anno 1250. the Pope, then Innocent the fourth, * 1.68 granted leave to the Monks, that, in consideration of the coldness of Winter in these parts, the Monks should perform their service in the Church, with their Hoods on their heads.

Abbot John having held the government of this Church the space of thirteen years, died at London, Anno 1262. the 46 of King Henry the third, and was brought to his Church at Peter∣burgh, and buried in the Isle on the South side of the Quire. The King after his death challenged his Palfrey, and his Cup, but upon what grounds I know not, unless it was because John had been his Officer: the Cup he had, after some urgent demands, but the Palfrey he had not.

Some write that this Abbot John was also made Lord Treasu∣rer * 1.69 by the Barons in the 44. year of King Henry the third, and according to this account he held that Office to his death, which was two years after. His Secular employments might take off his mind from Books, and plead for the poorness of his Library. Flores Evangeliorum. Tractatus de Theologia. Concilium Latera∣nense. Templum Domini. Testamentum 12 Patriarcharum: This was his stock of Books as I find in an ancient Manuscript.

31. ROBERTƲS de Sutton,

So called from the place of his birth, being a little Village in the Parish of Castre. He was a Monk of Peterburgh, Deputy to his Predecessor, and upon his death, chosen Abbot, in April 1262. He received benediction from Richard Bishop of Lincoln, and gave him his Cope, which some demanded as a fee: the Arch∣deacon of Northampton demanding also his Palfrey, as his vale, Abbot Robert made him go without it. The Earl Marshal recei∣ved five Marks for his Palfrey, when he took the Oath of Alle∣giance to the King. But it was not long ere Abbot Robert falsified his Oath, for in the Wars of those times the Town of Northampton being fortified against the King, Robert Ab∣bot of Peterburgh took part with them in defence of that Town. The King coming thither to assault the Town, espied amongst his enemies Ensigns on the wall, the Ensign of the Abby of Peterburgh, whereat he was so angry that he vowed to destroy the nest of such ill birds. But the Town of Northampton being re∣duced, Abbot Robert by mediation of friends to the King, saved both himself and Church, but was forced to pay for his delinquen∣cy, To the King 300 Marks, to the Queen 20 pounds, to Prince Edward 60 pounds, to the Lord Souch 6l. 13s. 4d. After this hap∣ned the Battel of Lewes, wherein King Henry, with Prince Ed∣ward, was taken Prisoner; then did the other side fleece the Abbot of Peterburgh for his contribution to the King; the General, and several Barons, and Commanders forcing the Abbot to compo∣sition,

by several sums of mony. Afterwards at the Battle of Eve∣sham, Prince Edward overthrew the Earl of Leicester with his whole Army, and the King having recovered himself, called a Parlia∣ment at Winchester, wherein he required large benevolence from the Church: Particularly, the Abbot of Peterburgh, because he had held with the Barons, was again constrained to purchase his peace at these rates: The King had of him, 333l. 6s. 8d. The Queen 33l. 6s. 8d. The Prince, Prince Edward 200l. He paid also to the Earl of Gloucester 133l. 6s. 8d. Earl Warren had of Ab∣bot Robert for his Mannors of Castre, Tinwell, and Thirlby 100l. Warin Lord of Bassingburn 42l. The Commander of Fotheringay Castle 100l. 6s. 8d. Lord Thomas Typtot for the Mannors of Fis∣kerton and Scotter 65l. 13s. 4d. The Lord of Fanecourt for the Mannor of Collingham 12l. Lord Robert Picot for several Man∣nors 14l. 6s. 8d. Thomas of Bulton 6l. 13s. 4d. All which summs of mony he carried to Winchester and there paid them. These, and other payments which he made at other times, exhausted from him, amounted to the summ of 4323l. 18s. 5d. Having paid thus dear for his disloyalty, he became more obedient to his right Master, and when King Henry sent to him for aid against the Castle of Kenilworth, Abbot Robert did what the King requi∣red for that siege.

* 1.70In these times Prince Edward having occasion for mony, he bor∣rowed a great summ of certain Merchants; for which the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Convent became Sureties: And the Prince granted unto them his Mannor of Graham, until he should repay that mony unto them. Edward was no sooner King, but in the first year of his Reign, he came to Peterburgh, where he was en∣tertained by this Abbot Robert. And from hence he dated a Charter which he granted to the Church of Ely, as the close * 1.71 thereof testifieth, Teste meipso apud Burgum Sancti Petri 13 die A∣prilis, Anno regni nostri primo. This was in the year of our Lord 1273.

And perhaps this is that entertainment which Wittlesey makes mention of, the Queen being then with the King, and Abbot Ro∣bert expended in the entertainment, the summ of six hundred pounds.

In the 11 Year of his Government he was called to the Council of Lions, Gregory 10 being then Pope, which Council being en∣ded, in his return homewards, he sickned, and died, and was buri∣ed in a Monastery near Bononia, the Abbot of Croyland celebra∣ting his Funeral rites. His heart was brought in a Cup to his Mo∣nastery of Peterburgh, and there buried before the Altar of S. Os∣wald Anno 1274. being the second year of King Edward the first.

In his Library were these Books, Psalterium glossatum. Summa Raimundi cum apparatu. Summa fratris R. de Fissacre super Senten∣tias in 4 voluminibus. Summa Qui bene praesunt, Templum domini

cum tractatu de professione in 1 volumine. Summa M. J. de Cantia cum aliis rebus. Secunda pars Hugucionis super Decreta. Summa Gaufridi. Liber naturalium Aristot. Raimundus abbreviatus cum me∣ditationibus Bernardi. Manuale. Liber de miseria humanae conditionis. Psalterium B. Virginis. Vita S. Thomae, & S. Oswaldi versific^s. Psal∣terium parvum. In his time Anno 1270. lived Elias Trickingham a Monk of Peterburgh, who wrote certain Annals from the year of our Lord 626 to 1270. Pitseus.

32. RICHARDƲS de London,

* 1.72Born there in the Parish of S. Pancratius; He, having run through many Offices in this Monastery, at length arrived at the Abbot's, when he was aged sixty years: And so being of much experience he governed his Monastery carefully, and hap∣pily. He contended in Law with Gilbert Earl of Clare for the Mannor of Biggins near Oundle, wherein he had good success through the wisdom and diligence of William Woodford one of his Monks, who being a man of great judgment, and good elo∣cution, when he came to plead at Northampton before the Judge of Assize, when his time was to speak, he craved his Abbots bles∣sing, and spake so to the purpose, that the Earl went, as Wittle∣seys phrase is, Sine die, without the day: and although the Earl brought the business to the Kings hearing, yet there William Woodford worsted him also. When this Richard was Sacrist he erected the great Steeple wherein the Bells hang, (but which I cannot say, there being two such Steeples) and gave two Bells which were called Les Londres.

* 1.73In the time of Abbot Richard there was one William Parys Pri∣or, who built that goodly Chappel commonly called the Ladies Chappel, which in the late times of violence was levelled with the ground. William Parys himself laid the first stone, and under it, many sentences of Scripture written, but whether in Brass or Lead, Wittlesey tells not. And he not only laid the foundation, but perfected the whole work, and adorned it with windows, and paintings on the walls, and settled five pound per annum up∣on it, for service therein: Afterwards dying, he was buried in the North part of the Church, near unto the said Chappel, and the Inscription upon his Grave-stone is yet to be seen. Hic jacet Wil∣lielmus Parys quondam Prior Burgi, cujus animae misereatur Deus, Amen. Pater noster. Ave Maria.

The Books in Abbot Richards Library I find thus recorded. Quatuor Evangelia Glos. Psalterium. Regula Sancti Augustini cum speculo caritatis edita à Beato Bernardo. Nova Logica in 2. Vol. Priscianus de constructione cum aliis rebus. Boëtius de Consolatione, & libellus diversarum rerum in uno Vol. Parabola Salomonis, & Ec∣clesiastes. Processionarium cum hympnario. Psalterium cum Gradale in choro.

Richard having been Abbot here the space of twenty two years and an half, died Anno 1295. being the twenty third of King Edward the first, and was buried in the South side of the Church near the Quire, the Abbot of Croyland performing the Funeral service; which being ended, the company consisting of many Nobles and Abbots, went to the Abbots house where they dined: And dinner being ended, there came one in the Kings name, and seized on the whole Abby, taking homage of the Te∣nants, as had formerly been accustomed. Afterwards two of the Monks went to the King to procure Licence for the election of an Abbot, and the person elected was

33. WILLIHELMƲS de Woodford,

Who for two years before had been Coadjutor with Abbot Ri∣chard in the time of his infirmity. Writers commend him for a man of excellent parts, and diligence in his government. Being but Sacristary he purchased the Mannor of Southorp which, when * 1.74 he came to be Abbot, he assigned to the Monks: He settled a dai∣ly proportion of bread upon some inferiour Officers; added much to the buildings of his Monastery, and was careful that dependant Eleemosynaries might receive their dues: particularly he inquired into the Hospital of S. Leonard, now commonly called by the name of The Spittle, the original of which I must let alone till I can be informed, and content my self with the allowance which * 1.75 it received from the Abbot, viz. Per annum quadraginta ulnas panni de panno Eleemosynae sicut Prebendarii: Item ad festum Sancti Martini 1 petram uncti, & 1 petram sepi: Item 3. bacon. viz. 1 ad festum Natalis Domini, & 1 ad capiend. quadrag. & 1 ad pasch. de carnibus supersanatis. Item totum ex .... porcorum fr. sanatorum. Item 4 tuniatas servis, viz. 1 tuniatam ad natal. Domini; & aliam ad capiend. quadrag. & tertiam ad pasch. & quartam ad festum A∣postolorum Petri & Pauli de Celario Abbatis. Item quolibet mense 1 esk. sol. cujus summa per annum est, 1 quar. 5 esk. Item servens dictorum infirmorum comedit cum familia Abbatis quater per annum, viz. ad natal. Domini & ad Pasch. & ad festum S. Petri, & ad fe∣stum omnium Sanctorum. The Monks having the Mannors of Alwalton and Fletton assigned them (as hath been said) they cu∣stomarily paid out of them unto the Abbot 16s. 6d. yearly, which Abbot William remitted unto them. He died in the fourth year of his government, and lieth buried in the South Isle of the Church near the Quire.

In his Library were these Books. Instituta apparitata. Decreta apparitata. Apparatus Decret alium cum casibus. Summa de vitiis. Sum∣ma de virtutibus. Summa Reynfridi. Psalterium cum exequiis majo∣rum. Statuta Westmonasterii. Statuta Capituli General. Constitutiones extravagantes. Regula Sanctor. Basil. & Bened. Cartae Regum cum

libertatibus. Liber de arte praedicandi. Processionarium. Missale in duobus Voluminibus. Duo Gradalia. Breviarium.

34. GODEFRIDƲS de Croyland

Was a Monk, and the Celerarius of this Monastery, and upon the death of William elected Abbot, Anno 1299. which was the 27 of K. Edw. 1. It seems this Godfrey was much in King Ed∣wards favour, for at his entrance into his Abbatical government, the King sent him a fair silver Cup, gilt: And when the Treasurer Walter de Langton demanded of Godfrey a thousand Marks for his Confirmation, the King remitted it, and would not suffer any more than his Exchequer fees to be taken. In the first year it hapned that certain persons were fled for sanctuary into the Chap∣pel of Thomas Becket, whither they were pursued, and, against the priviledge of the place, haled out from thence, and some bloud was shed, so that the Chappel for some time stood suspended, and no service therein to be performed: The Bishop of Lincoln passing that censure upon it, until the persons so taken away should again be restored to the liberty of the place. At length the Bishop sends his absolution, appointing that the Abbot, and some others with him should with the sprinkling of holy water, and singing of the Penitential Psalms purge the said Chappel, and so it should return to its former use.

The same year being 1300. A marriage being intended betwixt the heirs of Ʋfford, and Southorp, King Edward supposing him∣self to be concerned therein, appointed Inquisition to be made; whether the disposal of that marriage belonged to him or the Ab∣bot of Peterburgh, his Letters bearing date February 23. and the twenty ninth of his Reign: And it being upon the Inquisition certified, that those heirs, and their progenitors held their Lands of the Abby of Peterburgh, the right of disposal of those heirs did therefore belong to the Abbot, which the King understanding, desisted.

I find this Abbot Godfrey famous for worthy actions, that there was scarce his like, either before him, or after. In his third year, saith Wittlesey (who recounts the actions of every year, but I shall name only the principal) he entertained King Edward with his Queen, and their several retinues. Not long af∣ter came Prince Edward with his favourite Peter Gaveston to Pe∣terburgh, where Abbot Godfrey entertained them very nobly: the Abbot presented the Prince with a rich Robe, and the Prince asked the Messenger if the Abbot had sent one to his friend Peter; the Messenger answering, No, the Prince then would not accept his: the Messenger returning to the Abbot, certified him of the Princes refusal, and the reason: whereupon another rich Robe was sent to Peter, whose mediation the Messenger solicited for the

Prince's acceptance of his Robe also: whereupon Peter sends to the Prince and bids the Messenger say, Volo, I will that thou re∣ceive the Abbots gift; which was done accordingly, and the Ab∣bot had thanks returned to him.

In his fourth year, the 32 of King Edward, Galfridus de la * 1.76 Mare then Lord of Northburgh, had procured from King Edward a Charter to hold a Market and Fair at Northburgh, but Abbot Godfrey considering how prejudicial the same would be to his Town of Peterburgh, compounded with Galfridus, who quitted his Charter to the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Successors for ever.

In his fifth year the Church of Wermington was made an Ap∣propriation. * 1.77

* 1.78Godfrey was also a great builder, adding much to his Monaste∣ry, but we cannot say which, for they are long since demolished, only the great Gate-house over which was the Chamber called The Knights Chamber, is yet standing, the Chamber only being late∣ly translated into another fashion; about it were the Pictures of Knights upon the walls who held Lands of the Abby, and the very Rafters were adorned with Coats of Arms. Godfrey also pur∣chased the Mannor of Lullington, or Luddington for 113l. 6s. 8d. of * 1.79 Gregory then Lord thereof, allowing him, above this summ, a Cor∣rody in his Monastery, that is, maintenance during his life, for himself, two servants, and their horses. He setled a yearly sti∣pend of five pound upon the Chaplain of Northolme: And upon a certain number of Monks then residing at Oxney, he setled a weekly portion of Victuals, thirteen stone of Cheefe, which they were to receive out of the Mannor of Eye, and every week from May 3. to September 13. three pounds and an half of Butter. He procured a Fair to be held at Northolme yearly on S. Matthews day, and a Weekly Market every Thursday. He built the dwel∣ling * 1.80 House at Burghberry, and made the Dam commonly called Mill-Dam with a Water-Mill at the end thereof, which hath been in use in our memory. He built also, of his own free will, the Bridge now standing over the River, and leading into the City, of * 1.81 which more in the next.

King Edward preparing for War with Scotland, sent to Abbot Godfrey for contribution towards it, and the Abbot sent him an hundred Marks. The King sent the second time to the Abbot for his Knights service in horse and arms, and the Abbot sent the King sixty Marks more. The King sent the third time, and the Abbot sent him 220l. The King sent the fourth time for a supply of Carriages, and the Abbot satisfied that with 30l. The King sent the fifth time to borrow four hundred Marks, which the Abbot al∣so satisfied with the free gift of an hundred pounds.

About that time the King seized upon all the Lands of Walter de Langton his Treasurer, and amongst the rest upon Thorp Wa∣tervile belonging to the Abbey of Peterburgh, which, by advice,

and assistance of John of Milton the Abbots Seneschal or Steward, was recovered by the Abbots paying to the Kings Exchequer for the same 50l. But John of Milton having taken the said Mannor of the Abbot, and shortly after dying, the King gave that Mannor to Earl Warren, so that the Abbot was brought to a new composi∣tion of 120 Marks.

The King at that time imposed 40s. upon every Knights-fee throughout the Realm, towards the marriage of Elianor his eldest daughter, and then Abbot Godfrey sent the King 127l. Howbeit * 1.82 I find in another Register, that the King sent his Breves to the Sheriffs of Northampton, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, War∣wick, Huntingdon, and Bedford, that they should not levy any such moneys upon the Lands of the Abbot of Peterburgh: where∣by it may seem that this 127l. was rather the Abbots free gift, than a tribute of duty; the Abbot standing upon his exemption from such demands, by the Charters of the Kings predecessors from the first foundation of his Abby.

Abbot Godfrey entertained the King the second time, when, for duties to the King, and free gifts to his followers, the Abbot expen∣ded the summ of 1543l. 13s. 4d. He entertained also two Cardinals which were travelling towards Scotland to mediate for a peace betwixt King Edward and the Scots: And the Abbot presented one of them called Gaucelmus with a Psalter curiously written with golden Letters: And those Cardinals in their return coming hi∣ther again, the Abbot presented Gaucelmus with an embroidered Cope, of the value of 100 Marks: And the other Cardinal Lu∣cius de Aysk, with a silver Cup gilt, and fifty Ells of Scarlet. So that the moneys expended by Abbot Godfrey, for Vestments, and ornaments of the Church, for Lands purchased to his Abby, and for gifts to several persons, amounted to the summ of 3646l. 4s. 3d.

Abbot Godfrey made him a Pastoral Staff of Silver, gilt over, and in the head of it was the image of the Trinity; which is the first and last staff that I find amongst any of the Abbots. When he had governed his Abby the space of twenty two years, he died, and lieth buried at the upper end of the Quire betwixt William Genge, and John Deping: The Brass of his Monument was di∣vorced from his Marble, in the year 1643. being his pourtraicture, and a small inscription in the Verge.

Whilst he lived his Library consisted of these Books, Duae Bib∣liae, una Gallice scripta. Avicenna. Instituta apparitata. Sextus liber Decretalium cum apparatu. Legenda Sanctorum. Summum bonum. Regula Sanctorum Benedicti & Basilii, cum aliis rebus. Processiona∣rium. Breviarum in duobus voluminibus. Manuale cum exequiis mor∣tuorum.

Godfrey being dead, there came an extent from the King against the Lands of the Abby, and Barony of the Abbot, when a Jury

upon Oath returned them at this rate. The Abbot of Peterburgh received for Rent yearly at

	l.	s.	d.
Castor	18	10	6
Thorpe	15	1	6	ob.
Burghberry	64	9	4
Glinton	23	6	1
Witherington	20	9	4
Walton	12	16	11
Eyebury	24	5	0
Oundle	43	11	0
Aston	15	16	11
Wermington	52	13	4	ob.
Kettering	57	3	6
Cottingham	19	4	11
Stanwigg	16	7	10	ob.	q.
Irtlingburgh	18	12	0
Polebroke	14	6	8
Okeslow
Navesford
Tinwell	16	6	9
Eston	35	10	1	ob.	q.
Collingham	34	4	5	ob.
Fiskerton	69	1	2
Scotter	37	6	0
Walcot	9	19	2
Thurlby	7	1	8
Stanford	2	0	0
In all	621l.	16s.	3d.	ob.

Yet was not this the whole Demesnes of the Abbot in those times, for there were many other Mannors, and many Rents, and Lands, in, and about Peterburgh, and in several Counties, but these are all which Wittlesey hath recorded, and I have no leisure to examine why there were no more returned. Godfrey being dead, Anno 1321. 12. Cal. September being the 15 year of King Edw. 2. the person thought fittest to succeed him, was

35. ADAM de Boothbie

Born there and was made a Monk in Peterburgh, where he al∣so had the Office of Subcelerarius: Being chosen Abbot he re∣paired to the King then in the Isle of Tanet, for his confirmation, which he obtained: And having also Episcopal confirmation, he repaired the second time, to the King for his Temporalities, which were likewise confirmed unto him, paying the Fees, and other de∣mands at that time due.

His acts in the several years of his government are more pun∣ctually related by Wittlesey, than I intend to transcribe. In his first year, Thomas Earl of Lancaster making War against the King, to wit King Edw. 2. Adam aided the King with the summ of 133l. 6s. 8d. and towards the Kings expedition into Scotland with 200l. more. In his fourth year the Mannor of Torpel, and Ʋpton came to the possession of Edmund surnamed Woodstock, half bro∣ther to King Edward the second now reigning, and there arising great troubles betwixt the Earls Officers, and the Abbots Tenants, all was quieted by the Abbots becoming a Tenant to those Lands, paying the yearly rent of 106l. 13s. 4d. In his seventh year which was the first of King Edward the third, there arose a great contention betwixt him and John Bohun Earl of Hereford and Es∣sex, about the Son of Galfridus de la Marc, which Galfridus Lord of Northburgh died Anno 1327. holding three Knights-fees of the Abby of Peterburgh; and was buried at Peterburgh in S. Maries Chappel amongst his Predecessors. And the said Galfridus held also of the said Earl of Essex Lands in the County of Essex by Knights-service. He had three Wives, and his last Wife, by name Margaret, he put away, when she was great with Child, at Peter∣burgh, where the Child being born, and baptized, was called by the name of his Father, Galfridus: this young Galfridus had two Sisters by his Fathers side, who charged him with being illegiti∣mate, saying that Margaret his Mother was not their Fathers Wife, but his Concubine, so that he had no hereditary right to his Fa∣thers Lands. Abbot Adam as guardian to the Child defended the Cause three years in the Consistory at Lincoln; and in the Ar∣ches, constraining the Sisters to desist. But afterwards, Queen Philipp (Wife to King Edward the third, Daughter of William Earl of Henault, whom Roger of Northburgh Bishop of Chester; (so called by Wittlesey, though I cannot find any such man elsewhere) the Kings Proxie, had, beyond Sea, espoused for the King) com∣ing to Peterburgh on New-years-day, and the said Earl of Essex at∣tending on her towards York (where King Edward then was, ex∣pecting her coming for the solemnization of Marriage, which was performed the 24 day of the said Month of January 1327) the said Earl demanded young Galfridus of the Abbot, and by threat∣nings, and violence gat possession of him: Whereupon the Ab∣bot pursued the Earl at the Law, the Earl on the other side ac∣cused the Abbot and his Covent of certain outrages upon his Mannor of Plaisic in Essex; but this matter was composed by the Abbots giving the Earl 100l. and yet the Earl was still possessed of Galfridus; keeping him at Kimbauton in the County of Hunting∣don: * 1.83 The King sent his Breve to the Sheriff to seize upon him, and to bring him to York, there to appear before the Judge, and to be awarded to his right Guardian. But at length the Earl * 1.84 without more ado (being conscious of his ill act) freely restored

the Child to the Abbot, and moreover languishing upon his Bed of sickness, and drawing towards his end, he commanded his Executors to restore the 100l. to the Monastery of Peterburgh: And the Abbot married young Galfridus to the Daughter of Gal∣fridus Scroope, then one of the Kings Chief Justices.

* 1.85About this time the Sheriff of Northampton required assi∣stance and contribution from the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Tenants towards the Wall of Northampton Park, which was quieted by the Kings writing to the Sheriff from York, his Letters bearing date February 12. the second of his Reign: wherein he certified the Sheriff, that by ancient Charters of Kings his Pre∣decessors, the Abbot, and Convent of Peterburgh with all their Lands and Dominions should be free from all works of Castles, Parks, Bridges, and Inclosures.

* 1.86The same day there was Inquisition made concerning the Bridge leading into Peterburgh, which being gone to decay, the question was, Who should repair it? for this there was a Jury em∣pannelled, six of Northampton-shire, and six of Huntingdon-shire, who upon examination returned an Ignoramus after this manner: that there was none of right bound to repair, or sustain the Bridge, seeing none had done it in former time: for there was no Bridge there until Godfrey Abbot of Burgh, of his own good will, in the fourth year of King Edward Father to King Edward that now is, erected the said Bridge, and himself kept it in repair so long as he lived: But the King and Queen coming to Peterburgh, the pre∣sent Abbot Adam repaired the said Bridge for their passage, al∣though he was not bound thereunto: to this the Jurors set their several Seals. At this entertainment of the King, Queen, and John of Eltham the Kings Brother, besides diet of meat and drink, the * 1.87 Abbot in gifts, Jewels (Jocalibus) and presents, expended in rea∣dy mony the summ of 487l. 6s. 5d. And for his Confirmation, 50l. 13s. 4d. more. At other times also Abbot Adam was very free of his Purse, giving the King towards an expendition into Scotland 100l. and to the Queen 20l. Attending upon the King at Oundle, and Stanford he expended 34l. 7s. 4d. with many other summs when the King or Queen came near his Monastery to Wal∣misford, Bourn, or Croyland: And the second time giving enter∣tainment * 1.88 to the King and Queen at his Monastery of Peterburgh, besides other things, he expended 327l. 15s. And after this, Prince Edward, the Kings eldest Son, with his two Sisters, and their Ser∣vants came and staied at Peterburgh eight weeks, which cost not the Abbot nothing.

* 1.89In the time of this Abbot there was an Indictment at Northam∣pton against a stoppage of the Water at Ʋpwell, so that the River of Nen could not have its course towards Lynn, whereby the Coun∣ties of Northampton, Lincoln, Bedford, Huntingdon, and Cam∣bridge, were much endamaged: The Abbot of Peterburgh labou∣red

hard to get the drain scowred, and at length procured a De∣cree from Galfridus Scroop the Kings Chief Justice for clearing the passage, the Abbots of Ramsey, Thorney, and Croyland joyn∣ing with him, this cost the Abbot of Peterburgh 63l. 11s. 1d.

In Abbot Adams time there happened a fray in the Chappel at * 1.90 Oxney, and blood being shed therein, the Chappel was polluted, and stood suspended from its priviledge of Divine Service: The Bishop of Lincoln being then otherwise employed, could not attend to reconcile it, but gave his consent that any other Bishop might: whereupon Abbot Adam wrote to the Bishop of Carlile, intreating him, that, as he returned from the Parliament towards his Mannor of Horncastle, he would come, and reconcile the said Chappel. And as Abbot Adam had been free towards the King, so was the King to him, confirming his Possessions, and Priviledges, particularly by Charter, the tenth of his huntings * 1.91 throughout Northamptonshire, that whosoever hunted any game throughout this County, for the Kings use, or by his authority, was responsible to the Abbot of Peterburgh for the tenth thereof, which were granted, and confirmed long before by his Predeces∣sors, King Richard 1. and W. Rufus. And King Henry 3. and King Edward 1. did both of them command by their express Warrant to the Forester that the Abbot of Peterburgh should have five Bucks in acknowledgment thereof.

What this Abbot was for Learning, and Ability in his Function, let the Reader conjecture by his Library, which Wittlesey sets down. Decretales. Sermones Johannis de Abbevile. Mediapars Missal. Breviarium. Manuale. Liber Chartarum. Actus Apostolorum & Epi∣stolae Canonicae & Apocalypsis. Gerardus super Psalterium. Summa summarum. Diurnale. Dicta Senecae cum 36 tractatibus content is in eodem volumine. These were his Books, set down by Wittlesey, which agrees with another ancient Catalogue that I have by me.

Adam in the beginning of his eighteenth year, died, being the year of our Lord, 1338. and the 12 of King Edward 3. On the fourth day of December following he was honourably interred, the Abbot of Ramsey performing his funeral service, and making a Sermon. He was buried betwixt the Quire, and the great Altar, a fair Marble Stone being laid over him, with some Brass upon it, which was taken away in the late demolition of Monu∣ments. The Epitaph written about it was this:

Claustri praelatus hujus cubat hic vocitatus Adam qui natus erat a Boothby nece stratus Vir castus, justus, omni virtute robustus.

M semel, x trina, ter, & sex, i quo{que} bina. Pars donetur ei celestis nunc requiei.

Presently after his death was the Seal of the Monastery bro∣ken, and care was taken for the Kings consent to a new election: But before we name the Successor, we shall present the Reader with a bill of Adams funeral expences, which I shall give in La∣tine, as I find it in Wittlesey, If the Reader be but a good Deip∣nosophist he may construe the meaning of some words better than I can.

In cera	250li
De frumento pro distributionibus pauperum	45 quarters.
De allecibus pro eisdem	1000. culibet 6.
In pane pro die sepulturae, frumenti	20 quarters
Brasii pro cervisia	40 quarters
In vino	1 dolium, 1 pipam
In allecibus pro die sepulturae	8500
De Lupis aquaticis grossis	100
De Cod-lingis	12 Sem.
De Haddok	1 Sem.
De Spar-lingis	1 Sem.
De Salmon.	24
De Milvellis	120
De Dogdrout	100
De Plais	10 Sem.
De Congris	1
De Wilkis	5 Sek.
De grossis anguillis	5 estik.
De minutis anguillis	70 estik.
De Sturgeon	1 Barrel.
De Lintea tela pro nappis mensarum, & pro naperouns	200 Ʋlnae.
De Platellis, & diversis garnitis	1400
De Trowes	12
Bollis	4
De ciphis de ligno pro vino & cervisia
In ollis luteis pro vino, & cervisia	300
De Corbellis.	5

Abbot Adam being interred, and the turmoil of his funeral past, the thoughts of the Monks returned to continue the succession in

36. HENRICƲS de Morcot,

A wise, and discreet man: Being elected Abbot, he was ac∣cording to the custome (though this be the first mention that I find thereof) carried on shoulders with a Te Deum, to the great Altar, and from thence to the Pulpit, where the Prior published his Election. Then Henry took his journey towards London, but the King being then at Antwerp, Henry's Election was confirmed by

those whom he left in Authority, with whom Abbot Henry compounded for his Mannors, and Lands, for the summ of 200l. the Queens mony excepted, and the reservation to the King of the Knights-fees, and the advowsons of the livings of the Monastery, during the vacany. And so Henry returned to∣wards Peterburgh: and although he might have returned to some of his own Mannors, yet with the Abbot of Thorneys leave, he stayed at Stanground the space of three weeks. In the mean time Simon of Islepe Vicar general to the Bishop of Lincoln (the Bishop being then out of the Kingdom) published in the Church of Peterburgh, that, if any persons could object any thing against Henry, or the form of his Election, they should appear such a day in the Church of S. James in Thrapstone, and signify the same, where, because none appeared, the said Simon ratified the Election, and granted his Letter to any Bishop to confer his benediction upon this new Elect, at any place within, or without the Diocess of Lincoln, which was performed by the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Chancellor, in his Chappel, at his house in Holbourn. Then did the Chancellor direct his Letters to the Convent, and Tenants of the Church of Peterburgh for their obe∣dience to this their Abbot, and also to William Trussell the Kings Eschaetor beyond Trent, not to meddle with any Lands belonging to the Church of Peterburgh. Abbot Henry being returned, staid a while at his Mannor of Eye, and shortly after came to Peterburgh, and was installed, the seventh of the Ides of Feb. Anno 1338. which was the twelfth year of K. Edward 3.

Here Walter of Wittlesey leaves me, who hitherto hath been a good guide to our story, wherein further our progress must be as∣sisted by such other Records, and Rolls, as we light of. When Abbot Henry had governed this Church about 15. years, he died, Anno 1353, which was the 27 of King Edward 3. His Library con∣sisted of these Books, viz. Parva Biblia. Decreta. Decretale. Apparatus sexti Libri Decretalium. Liber qui vocatur Innocentius. Hostiensis in summa. Breviarium. Antiphonarium cum Psalterio. Pro∣cessionarium. Item Decretale. Catholicon.

He had a sharp, and long contest with Sir Nicolas de Ry, and the Abbot of Swinestead, for Lands recovered from the Sea to his Mannor of Gosberchirch in Linconshire, the story whereof Mr. Dugdale hath set down at large, from a Peterburgh Manuscript, Hist. of Imb. and Draining, page 235.

Henry being dead, was buried betwixt the Quire, and the great Altar, near unto his Predecessor Adam. His grave being in the year 1648. Jan. 11. opened to receive the body of John Towers late Lord Bishop of this place, there was found a Seal of Lead (the instrument wholly consumed) having on the one side these Letters thus inscribed SPA SPE over their several Effigies, on the reverse Clemens P P vi. 'Tis probable that the instrument was

some indulgence gotten at the Jubilee, which was but three years before.

I must not here pass by a mistake of Pitseus, who, in his book of English Writers, pag. 448. makes mention of one Johannes Petroburgensis, who, as he saith, was first a Monk, and after∣wards Abbot of Peterburgh, and lived about the year 1340. that he was a very learned man, and wrote Annales Anglorum, which he might do; But for his being Abbot here at this time, sure I am, there was none such. And Possevine in his Apparatus making mention of one Johannes Burgensis, who wrote such a Book, saith, that he lived Anno 1200. but is not able to distinguish be∣twixt this and an other John mentioned in the life of Henry of O∣verton, although Pitseus makes them two distinct Johns. Vossius contradicts Possevine concerning the time of this supposed John, but neither doth he agree with our account. Henry being dead there succeeded

37. ROBERTƲS Ramsey.

And all that we can say of him is, that he succeeded Henry, and was Abbot here the space of 8 years: and that these books were the materials of his study. Prima pars, & 2 Hostiensis in Decre∣ta in 2. Vol. Hostiensis in Summa. Speculum judiciale. Decretale. De∣rivationes Hugutionis. Prima pars & 2 Hostiensis in Decreta. His next Successor was

38. HENRICƲS de Overton

* 1.92Who was made Abbot Anno 1361. or as some say a year after, being the 36 of King Edward 3. No memorable act of his is ex∣tant upon any Record that I have seen; Only that he instituted a yearly solemnity for the Soul of William Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury, of Mary Courtney his Mother, and of Hugh Courtney her Husband Earl of Devon, and for the Souls of the Brethren, and Sisters of the said Archbishop: And likewise for the Souls of the Abbots of Peterburgh his Predecessors, and Suc∣cessors. For which annual solemnity, he appointed, by his Charter, bearing date 1390 the summ of 15l. out of the Mannor of Thulby, and some other Lands. But why Abbot Henry should have the house of Courtney in so high esteem, I find not.

In his time great Commotions were raised against the Church in several places, which as Richardus Knighton, Canon of Lei∣cester, relates, in the year 1381. reached to the Church of Pe∣terburgh, where the Countreymen, and Tenants arose against the Abby, with intention to have destroyed it; but by the hand of God, they were prevented. What the cause of these commotions was, or the manner of their pacification, as yet I do not find.

About this time flourished a very learned man, one Johannes de Burgo, who wrote certain Books, Of the Sacraments, and a Book known to this day by the name of Pupilla oculi. He was Pastor of the Church of Collingham in the County of Nottingham, then belonging to the Monastey of Peterburgh: Afterwards he was chosen Chancellor of the University of Cambridg, which at length he relinquished, and returned to Collingham where he died Anno 1386. as Pitseus, and others write. * 1.93

Henry was Abbot here 29 years compleat, and died in his thir∣tieth year Anno 1391. which might be the 14, or 15 of King Richard 2.

His Library was but small, only these Books. Decretale. Jo∣hannes de Deo. Breviarium novum. Catholicon. Breviarum in two Vol. Innocentius. Liber de vita, & moribus Tartarorum.

Henry being dead there succeeded

39. NICOLAƲS,

Whom H. of Pightesly sirnames Elmstow. Being made Ab∣bot 1391. he continued so the space of five years. I have lit∣tle to say of him, only I find in the accompt of his Celerarius for his second year of his being Abbot, wherein the daily expences of his Table are recorded, that his provision for that year, (all enter∣tainments of strangers being also considered) amounted to no more then 79l. 0s. 11d.

His Library had in it these Books. Digestum vetus. Digestum novum. Codex Justiniani. Liber azonis. Raymundus. Liber Poenitenti∣ale. Parvum volumen. Digestum infortiatum. Instituta. Quaterna de lege. Ʋnus lib. de fisica. Alius Liber de lege. Psalterium pulchrum. Psalterium Latine & Gallice scriptum. Now although the pri∣vate Libraries of these Abbots were thus small, yet was there a publick Library for the whole Monastery stored with above 1700 Books, or Tractates, as by an antient Matriculary of that Library may appear in an Appendix to this our story.

Nicolas dying in his 5. year 1396. the 19. or 20. of 2 King Rich. 2. there came in his place

40. WILLIHELMƲS GENGE,

Who was the first mitred Abbot of Peterburgh, and continu∣ed in his Government here the space of 12 years, both which, his Epitath will demonstrate. He was buried betwixt the Quire, and high Altar: the brass of his Monument participa∣ting of the same fate with the rest in the late devasting, or devesting of Monuments Anno 1643. His Epitaph must now live in paper, and it was this.

Prudens praelatus Wilihelmus Genge vocitatus, Primus mitratus Abbas, jacet hic tumulatus. Summe vivebat, claustrum summe{que} regebat, Mundum spernebat, quae fecerat, illa docebat. Vixer at ornatus virtutibus, immaculatus, Tunsus, quadratus, tentatus, & igne probatus. Annis bissenis Burgum rexit bene plenis. Ʋt careat poenis precibus potiamur amoenis.

41. JOHANNES DEEPING

Was made Abbot in the year 1408. being the 10 of King Henry 4. When he had been Abbot the space of 30 years, he resigned his place, accepting of a Corrodie for his life, which was but one year more. He lieth buried at the upper end of the Quire at the left hand of his predecessors Godfrey of Croyland, and Wil∣liam Genge. The brass of his Monument fared as other Monu∣ments did in the year 1643. the Inscription was this. Orate pro anima Johannis Deeping quondam Abbatis hujus Monasterii, qui obiit 5 die Decembris 1439.

42. RICHARDƲS ASHTON

Was, upon the resignation of John, made Abbot 1438. the 17 year of King Henry 6. and continued therein about 33 years. Throughout the whole succession of the former Abbots, I find but small, or no discovery what order the Monks of Peterburgh were of, or under what rule they lived (saving the forementio∣ned in Johannes de Caleto) but in the time of this Richard enough is delivered by Roger Bird his Register, telling us that they were Benedictine Monks or Monks of the black Order, and lived under that rule: but when this rule was first received here, I cannot posi∣tively say, though probably it was from the beginning. In the time of this Richard strict inquisition began to be made into Discipline, how the Monks of this Order observed the rules of their Founder, for which purpose, the Bishop of Lincoln sometimes visited the Abby of Peterburgh, and sometimes the Abbots of this Order visited one anothers Monasteries according to articles agreed upon in their General Chapter, which was commonly held at Nor∣thampton. As the Abbot of Eyneshame in Oxfordshire sent his summons to the Abbot of Peterburgh, Johannes permissione divi∣na Abbas Mon. de Eyneshame, Ordinis Sancti Benedicti Lincoln. Dioc. ad visitanda omnia, & singula Monasteria nigrorum monachorum dicti Lincoln. Dioces. In Capitulo generali ejusdem Ordinis apud Northampton, &c. And so the Abbots of Peterburgh, Bardney,

Thorney, Ramsey, Trinity Monastery in Norwich, the Priory of S. Ethelreda in Ely, did mutually visit each other, as occasion served.

Many Corrodies were granted by this Abbot Richard, but the Abby for diet got their Lands, or other Benevolences: Two were remarkable: the first of John Delaber Bishop of S. Davids, * 1.94 who was much affected towards this Monastery, and for bestow∣ing upon them his Mitre, Cross, Dalmaticks, Sandals, Sabba∣tines, Gloves, and Mass Book, he received a Corrody, which he might take at his own choice, either at Peterburgh, or at the Abbots Mannor of Eyebury, with a yearly pension of 32l. to be received during his life out of the Abbots Mannor of Kettering, in consideration of a great summ of Money which the Abby had borrowed of him, and he forgave it.

The other Corrody was to Alice Garton, Widow, which I thought fit to mention, in regard the pavement of the Church * 1.95 doth still retain the memory of her, and her family, which lieth buried in the Body of the Church, over against the Cloi∣ster door.

On the first stone are engraven these verses.

Hic duo sunt nati Thomae Garton tumulati, Thomas quinquennis fuit, Agnes feretriennis.

On the second, these.

* 1.96Corpus sub Lapide Thomae Garton jacet arte, Conjugis Aliciae{que} suae dextra sibi parte: Quorum nunc animae coelesti luce requiescant.

On the third, these.

Conjugis Aliciae Thomae Garton miserere, O pater egregie, quiat tecum residere: Mantello teste viduali vixit honeste.

* 1.97In the 2 year of this Abbot Richard 1439. King Henry 6 by his Charter bearing date July 14 and the 17 of his Reign, granted to the Abbot, and Convent of Peterburgh the keeping of a Fair for three days, viz. on S. Matthew's day, the day before, and the day after, and that they should hold the said Fair as well in Hun∣tingdonshire, as Northamptonshire: which Fair is now commonly known by the name of Brigge Fair. And in regard that a Fair was formerly granted to be kept the same day at Northolm in the time of Abbot Godfrey, as hath been said, 'tis probable that the Fair

there, either by reason of discontinuance, or some other inconve∣nience, was setled here at Peterburgh.

* 1.98This Abbot Richard was summoned to sit in Parliament at Westminster, and being unable to undertake such a journey, he de∣legated William Tresham, and John Kirkby Clerk of the Parlia∣ment, to sit in his place, and to act for him, and in his name, as if himself were present, as appeareth by his Letter to the King, dated Febr. 12. 1444.

He was summoned again to a Parliament at Coventry, where he took the Oath of Allegiance to King Henry in manner and form as followeth.

* 2.1I Richard Ashton Th'abbot of Peterburgh knowledge you most high, and mighty and most Crysten Prince King Henry the Sixth, to be my most redoubted Severayn Lord, and rightwessly by succession born to Reign upon me, and all your lege People. Where∣upon y voluntarily without cohertion promitte, and oblish me by the Faith, and Trouth that y owe unto God, and by the Faith, and Trouth, and ligeance that y owe unto you my most redoubted Soveraign Lord, that I shall be without eny variance, True, Faithful, humble, and obeysaunt Subjet, and Liegeman unto you my most redoubted Soveraign Lord, And that y shall be unto my lifes end, at all times, and places, redy, and attending in my most harty wise, and maner, as eny Liegeman oweth to be unto his Soveraign Lord, putting me in my true, undelayed Devoir to do all that that may be unto the wele, and suerty of your most Royal Person, of your most noble Estate. And the way conser∣vation and continuance of your most high Autority, preheminence, and Prerogatyf, to the wele, suerte, and preserving of the Person, of the most high, and benigne Pryncesse Margaret the Queen my Soveraign Lady, and of her most noble Estate, she being your wife, And also to the wele, suerte, and honour of the Person of the right high and mighty Prince Edward my right redoubted Lord, the Prince your first begotten Sonn, And of the right high, and noble Estate of the same, And faithfully, truly, and obeysantly in my most humble wise, and Maner, Honour, serve, obey, and bear mind Allegeance unto my most redoubted Soveraign Lord during your lyfe wich God Fadir of mercy, for my most sin∣gular recomfort, preserve, long in prosperity to endure: And if God of his infinite power take you from this transitory life, me bering lif here in this World, that than y shall accept my said redoubt∣ed Lord the Prince Edward your said first begotten Sonn for my Soveraign Lord, and bere my trouth, Feith, and Legiaunce unto him, as my natural born Soveraign Lord. And aftre him unto his Succession of his Body lawfully begotten, And in defaute of his Succession, wiche God deffend, unto eny other succession of your Body lawfully commyng, And that y shall never at eny time, for

eny manner, occasyon, colour, affinite, or cause, consent, gyf aide, assi∣stance, or favour, or agree to eny thing, that y may understond, or know, by eny meane that may be prejudicial, or contrary to the premis∣ses, or eny of theym, but that y shall as soon as y may so have know∣lege, put me in my dewe undelayed devoir in my most hearty, and effe∣ctuous wyse and manner, without colour, or fayntise, with my body, goods, myght, pouer, counsell, and advertisement to resist, withstond, and subdue all theym that would in eny wyse presume to do contrary to the premisses, or eny of them. So God me help, and those holy Evan∣gelists. In witness whereof y set to these presents my Seal, and my Sign Manuel.

After that Richard had been Abbot here about thirty three years, he surrendred his Government into the hands of the Bishop of Lincoln, June 27. 1471. which being certified to the King then Edward 4. and in the 11 year of his Reign, upon the Convents Petition for a new Election, the person thought fittest to suc∣ceed was

43. WILLIHELMƲS RAMSEY,

Being a Monk of this Monastery, out of that good repute which the whole Convent had of him, was chosen to succeed Ri∣chard Ashton. He contributed with John Maldon towards the bra∣zen Standard, with a displayed Eagle on the top, which is still ex∣tant in this Church, and serveth for the Bible to lie upon for the Reading of the Lessons. On one of the knops is this Distich.

John Maldon Prior, & Willelmus de Ramiseya Haec tibi lectrina dant Petre metallica bina.

* 2.2The Election of this William is so punctually set down by Ro∣ger Bird (who calleth himself the Abbots Chaplain) that because it will make for the understanding of the Officers of the Mo∣nastery in those times, I shall give it in the Authors own words. In quo quidem termino videlicet xxvii die Julii supra scripta hora Capitulari, celebrata primitus, & solempniter prout decuit ad magnum altare in Ecclesia Conventuali Monasterii nostri antedicti Missa de Sancto Spiritu, pulsataque campana more solito & consueto convene∣runt & de facto capitulariter pariter & communiter ob hoc & ad hoc congregati fuerunt in dicta domo nostra capitulari omnes qui voluerunt potuerunt & debuerunt hujusmodi electioni futuri Abbatis nostri com∣mode interesse videlicet: Ego dompnus Johannes Maldon Prior & praesidens praedictus, Johannes York magnus Senn. in firmaria, Williel∣mus Walmesford Senn. in firmaria, Willielmus Burgh, Robertus Ly∣dington, Robertus Notyngham Sub-Prior, Johannes Pycheley gardi∣anus de Oxney, Richardus Oxford Subeleemosinarius, Johannes Burgh Praecentor, Willielmus Spalding Infirmarius, Henricus Lynne suffici∣enter

licentiatus ad peregrinandum comperuit per Willielmum Burgh confratrem suum nomine procuratoris, qui quidem Willielmus Burgh onus procuratorii hujusmodi in se ad omnem juris effe∣ctum acceptavit & admisit, cujus tenor inferius describitur, Johan∣nes Nall Celerarius, Johannes Hill tertius Prior claustralis, Johannes Baston Camerarius, Nicolaus Overton Magister operis & Pitenciarius Johannes Glynton Sacrista, Willielmus Bury quartus Prior claustralis, Willielmus Ramsey Receptor & Senescallus, Robert Burghscolaris, Johannes Croyland senior Refectarius, Johannes Rypon magnus E∣leemosinarius, Thomas Burgh hostilarius, Johannes Morys, Johannes Gent scolaris, Edmundus Lynne, Georgius Burgh Subsacrista, Johan∣nes Tylly, Thomas London custos crucis, Gilbertus Holbech, Johannes Lincoln, Thomas Pynchebek, Willielmus Newark, Johannes Croyland scolaris Richardus Multon Capellanus Prioris Willielmus Holbech Gal∣fridus Lynne & Willielmus Shelford Monachi dicti Monasterii ordi∣nem & regulam sancti Benedicti in eodem expresse professi & in sa∣cris ordinibus constituti conventum dicti Monasterii sic facientes ac jus & voces in hujusmodi electione solum habentes prout in & de facto tunc convenimus & capitulariter tunc congregati fuimus cum non essent aliqui absentes neque fuit esset neque sit plures monachi ne∣que fratres aut alii vel alius jus aut vocem in hujusmodi electione ha∣bentes vel habens propositoque verbo Dei per confratrem nostrum Wil∣lielmum Burgh sequentem hoc thema, Ʋnde quaeram consolatorem tibi Et deinde invocata statim spiritus sancti gratia per solempnem de∣cantationem ympni. Veni Creator spritus cum versiculo Emitte spi∣ritum tuum & oratione Deus qui corda, &c. Factis etiam vice nomi∣ne & mandato nostris per Willielm. Rest. Mandatarium nostrum suffici∣enter in ea parte constitutum publicis Proclamationibus in valvis & hostio domus capitularis nostri quod omnes praetendentes, &c.

By this Chapter, and after this manner was William Ramsey chosen to succeed Richard Ashton, and was installed Abbot Au∣gust 1. 1471. being the eleventh year of K. Edw. the fourth. And although the precedent vacancy was but short, yet the Treasurer of the Exchequer demanded 40l. for composition for his Tempo∣ralties, but the Kings Letter to the Treasurer took off that demand: And the Archdeacon claiming his Palfrey for his Installation Fee, the Popes Letter took off that also.

Abbot William in his ninth year, Anno 1480. having committed an oversight in releasing a Felon, who having stollen a piece of * 2.3 Cloth at Ketering, and some other things, was for that Felony committed to the Goal at Peterburgh, where the Felon secretly bribed Abbot William with forty shillings, and he quietly dismis∣sed him: for which dismission Abbot William himself was indi∣cted at the Sessions before John Catesby, and Guido Walston, Justi∣ces of the Peace, and being found guilty, was forced to put in se∣curity of six sufficient men, for his good Behaviour.

In his tenth year 1481. The Church of Oundle was made an * 2.4 Appropriation. And Anno 1486. The Church of Bringhurst in the County of Leicester.

This William found opposition from some of his Tenants, they * 2.5 of the Mannor of Bellasise making insurrection, to the number of one hundred, from thence and the adjacent parts, throwing in Hedges, and Ditches, returning with Bagpipe, and great jollity for what they had done. The Abbot complained hereof, but what was the issue, the Informer tells not.

William having been Abbot here about twenty five years, died, and lieth interred at the upper end of the body of the Church, un∣der a fair Marble, which of late was plentifully adorned with Brass, but disrobed thereof with the rest. About the Stone went a verge of Brass, containing this Epitaph.

Abbas Burgensis Will'elmus ut hic tumulatus, Ramisey natus, praelatus jam nece stratus. En qui protrusis rodendus vermibus instat Vir prudens, justus, pius, omnibus & honorandus, Castus, benignus, omni virtute decorus, Corde suo statuit nunquam offendere Christum, Castigans rigidos, tractans pietate modestos, Debita persolvi, & diruta multa novari. Praestet plena suis stipendia jam cenobitis, Et propter missas celebrandas cotidianas Ipse Monasterio semper servabat honorem. Pax donetur ei ....................

44. ROBERTƲS KIRTON,

Formerly a Monk of this Monastery, had his Commendatory Letters from William Ramsey to Thomas Bishop of Lincoln, to be * 2.6 made Priest, those Letters bearing date March 3. 1473. This Robert succeeded William Ramsey, and was made Abbot An∣no 1496.

In his fourth year, viz. 1499. the Church of North-Collingham * 2.7 was made an Appropriation. In his nineteenth year, which was Anno 1515. on July 8. William then Bishop of Lincoln, Visited this Monastery, In which Visitation many things out of order were complained of and rectified; amongst which, these are the most remarkable. That one John Walpool a Monk, was Sediti∣ous amongst his Brethren: that he had stollen out of S. Oswalds shrine certain Jewels, and what he could elsewhere lay his hands on, and given them to Women in the Town. That one Reginald Bray (what he was I know not, but he is called Dominus) should have a due proportion of Diet, for number of Dishes. That the Monks haunted a Tavern near the Monastery, and gave them∣selves

to singing and dancing in the Dormitory till 10 or 11 a Clock at Night to the trouble of the rest. That at the Celebration of the Funeral of the late William Abbot of the Monastery, there was withholden from every Priest 6s. 8d. and from every Monk 3s. 4d. which was used to be given at such times. This Robert Kirton had great contention with his Tenants in Peter∣burgh about Pasturage, in the Fenn called Burgh, a little Fenn ad∣joyning to the Monastery; which, as the Inhabitants alledged, the Abbot had overcharged with 1500 Sheep in two flocks: com∣plaining also to the King, then Hen. 8. that he had suffered thirty Tenements in the street called Boongate-street to fall to utter de∣cay, and then emparked the same ground, and made it a place * 2.8 for his own Deer. But notwithstanding these contests, Abbot Ro∣bert forgat not to enlarge, and beautifie the buildings of his Mo∣nastery; for he built that goodly building at the East end of the Church, now commonly known by the name of The New Building * 2.9 wherein he placed three Altars, opposite to three pair of Stairs descending from the back of the great Altar: The places of those Altars are yet discernable, though their use be not known. He built a Chamber in his dwelling House, calling it Heaven-gate-Chamber, which is extant, and retaineth its name to this day. * 2.10 He made in his great Hall that goodly Bow window overlooking the Cloyster, the memory whereof is fresh to this present age. He set up in the Church the Crucifixerium or Rood-loft, now standing at the entrance into the Quire, though placed some∣thing lower than it was at its first erection. He set up the Gate leading to the Deanry which is yet standing, and retaineth the memory of the Builder, in his Hieroglyphick of a Crosier, with the letter R, and a Church or Kirk placed upon a Tun; which must be construed with the allusion thus, Abbot Robert Kirk-Tun, and so Kirton. He beautified the Chappel of S. Mary, or The Ladies Chappel with pictures, and gilded work, much of which was lately extant. He maintained a long suit in Law a∣gainst Margaret Countess of Richmond and Darby, about Knights-service for Lands in Torpell, Thorpe, Watervile, and Achirch, wherein at last he prevailed. I know not whether I have done well or ill, in declaring the acts of this Robert; but this must be according to the capacity of the Reader, for I find Abbot Robert thus pleading for himself. Legitur in historia scholastica, quod An∣tipater Idumaeus M. Herodis pater in quodam praelio in servitio Im∣peratoris multis vulneribus confossus est, qui tandem accusatus, & re∣jectis vestibus, dixit. Ego nolo me, Domine Imperator, excusare apud te, sed ista vulnera quae suscepi pro te, loquantur pro me, si ego diligo te: Sic ista parva praedicta loquantur pro me, si aliqua feci dig∣na Deo laude. Si interrogaretur, utrum haec manifestari, vel celari debent, nec carnalibus, & incredulis sunt revelanda, nec devotis, pru∣dentibus, & vere fidelibus sunt abscondenda.

And when he had been Abbot about thirty two years, he was buried in the said Chappel. His Monument was in the year 1651. levelled with the ground, above which it was erected some four foot, and placed upon an hollow Arch where his body lay, and at the head thereof was a fair Stone lying even with the pavement, which covered a pair of stairs going down into the Sepulchre. There let him rest (if I may say he rested) till we pass to his Suc∣cessor the last of all the Abbots.

45. JOHN CHAMBERS

Was born in Peterburgh, but what he was, or upon what score made Abbot, Records are wanting to inform us: His advance∣ment to the Abbatical Chair was Anno 1528. which might be the 19 or 20. of King Henry 8. In his first year, Cardinal Wolsey came to Peterburgh, where he kept his Easter, upon Palm-Sunday he carried his Palm, going with the Monks in procession, and the Thursday following he kept his Maundy, washing, and kissing the feet of fifty nine poor people, and having dried them, he gave to every one of them 12d. and three Ells of Canvass for a shirt, he gave also to each of them a pair of shoes, and a portion of red herrings. On Easter-day he went in procession in his Cardinals Vestments, and sang the High-Mass himself after a solemn man∣ner, which he concluded with his benediction and remission, upon all the hearers.

In the seventh year of this John, Katherine the first wife of King Hen. 8. and Mother of Queen Mary, died at Kimbolton Ca∣stle in the County of Huntingdon, Jan. 8. 1535. and was buried in this Church, betwixt two pillars on the Northside of the Quire, near to the great Altar, her Hearse being covered with a black Velvet Pall, crossed with white Cloth of silver, which how it came to degenerate into one of meaner value is unknown to us, yet this changeling was also taken away Anno 1643. with her Spanish Scutcheons affixed thereunto.

Some write, that for her sake the Church of Peterburgh fared * 2.11 the better at the dissolution of Abbys, and was turned into a Cathedral, as if King Hen. (like King Josiah, who favoured the grave of the Prophet) should favour his Wifes grave in this place. Be it so, or no, the goodly structure of the place, convenient si∣tuation for a new erection, with accommodations thereunto, might make a fair plea for a reprieve from the stroke of that Ax which cut others down.

I have not as yet seen any Record showing how John Chambers demeaned himself towards King Henry, or complied with him in that great dissolution of Abbys, that the King should continue him in his place, and not put him to death, as he did some, or depose him, as he did others: But probable it is, that Abbot John lo∣ved

to sleep in a whole skin, and desired to die in his nest where∣in he had lived so long, and perhaps might use such means, as might preserve (if not his means to his Church, yet) his Church to posterity.

And now, that we are come to those times, wherein that great alteration in the Church, and alienation of her Revenues, hap∣ned; for our more orderly proceeding in the declaration thereof, we shall first present the Reader with an Inventory of the Church-Utensils, and of the Abbots domestick goods, and then take him abroad to view the Mannors, and Lands, that he may understand what was taken from, and what continued to, the Church of Pe∣terburgh.

On the 30 of November 1539. being the 31 of King Henry 8. an Inventory was taken as followeth.

• Imprimis, One Cross set with Crystal, silver, and gilt.
• Item One Cross of silver, gilt, with a staff of silver.
• Item One Cross of Byrral, with a staff of silver.
• Item One old Cross plated upon wood.
• Item Five staves of the Rectores Chori, with heads of silver.
• Item Two Candlesticks, gilt.
• Item Two Candlesticks parcel gilt.
• Item Two Censors gilt, parcel of them.
• Item One Censor gilt.
• Item One Ship gilt, with a foot.
• Item One little Bason and Ewre gilt.
• Item Ten Chalices gilt, with the Patens.
• Item One little Chalice parcel gilt.
• Item One broken Crewet gilt.
• Item One holy water-stock parcel gilt.
• Item A Ghospeller, and a Superaltare garnished with silver, and gilt.
• Item Two Verge rods of silver.

ALTAR-Cloths.

• Item One Altar-Cloth of two Kings, and Bishops.
• Item Two Altar-Cloths of Purple Velvet, embroidered with Eagles, and Flower de Luces.
• Item Two Altar-Cloths of Bawdkyn.
• Item Two Altar-Cloths of Cloth of silver.
• Item Two Altar-Cloths of Bawdkyn with Leopards, and Stars.
• Item Two Altar-Cloths of white Bawdkyn.
• Item One Altar-Cloth of white Diaper, with a border em∣broidered with Bucks.

ALBES.

• Red Albes for Passion-week 27.
• Item Eight Albes with Crowns and Moons.
• Item Fourteen red Albes.
• Item Forty blue Albes of divers sorts.
• Item Seven and twenty other Albes to be worn on single Feasts.
• Item Six Albes with Peter-Keys.
• Item Six Albes called The Kydds.
• Item Seven Albes called Meltons.
• Item Six Albes called Doggs.
• Item One old Albe richly embroidered.
• Item Eight Albes with Apples of Cloth of gold.
• Item Eight Albes with Apples of blue Tissew.
• Item Five old Albes with red Tissew.
• Item Eight Albes embroidered with Vines.
• Item Five old Albes embroidered.
• Item Fourteen Albes embroidered with divers sorts.
• Item Thirty Albes of old Cloth of Bawdkyn.
• Item Nine Albes embroidered with green.
• Item Thirteen Albes of divers sorts.
• Item Fourteen green Albes with counterfeit Cloth of gold.
• Item Four Albes called Ferial White.
• Item Seven Albes called Ferial Black.

VESTMENTS.

• Item One suit of Crimson Velvet upon Velvet with a Cope, and Albe suitable to the same.
• Item One Chesible with an Albe called The Burgon.
• Item One suit of blue Damask with a Cope, and thirteen Albes to the same.
• Item One suit of Purple Velvet embroidered with Flowers and Angels, with a Cope and five Albes.
• Item One suit of black Velvet with a Cope, and four Albes with Flowers.
• Item One suit of rich white Cloth of Bawdkyn with seven Albes.
• Item One suit of blue Velvet with five Albes.
• Item One suit of red Velvet with ragged staves, with three Albes of green Bawdkyn.
• Item One suit of Crimson Velvet with Flowers and one Cope, and three Albes.
• Item One suit of red Satin with three Albes.
• Item One suit of red Tissew with three Tunicles.
• ...

• ... Item One suit of blue Tissew with two Tunicles.
• Item One suit of Cloth of gold with orphers of Tissew.
• Item One suit called The Crowns with two Copes.
• Item One suit called The Londus with four Copes.
• Item One suit of Peter Keys with two Copes.
• Item One suit of the Doggs with two Copes.
• Item One suit of the Meltons so called with eight Copes.
• Item One suit called Overtons with three Copes.
• Item One white suit called Godfreys without a Cope.
• Item One suit of white silk called The Georges with eight Copes.
• Item One suit called the Kydds with four Copes.
• Item One suit called Red Needle-work with two Copes.
• Item One suit of green silk called Martyrs with four Copes.
• Item One suit called The Squirrels with two Copes.
• Item One suit of green silk called The Cocks with one Cope.
• Item One suit of green Velvet with one Cope.
• Item One suit of yellow silk with two Copes.
• Item One suit of changeable silk with one Cope.
• Item One suit called The Daysies with one Cope.
• Item One suit called The Popinjays without a Cope.
• Item One suit of Purple Velvet without a Cope.
• Item One Vestment of black Velvet with one Albe.
• Item Three Tunicles of black Woorsted.
• Item One suit of course red without a Cope.
• Item Three Tunicles with Peter Keys.
• Item One Vestment called The Vines.

COPES.

• Imprimis, Eighteen of red Tissew.
• Item Two Copes called The Burgons.
• Item Three Copes called The Golds.
• Item Six Copes of red Velvet.
• Item Three Copes of red Bawdkin.
• Item One Cope of red Damask.
• Item Six Copes of blue Tissue.
• Item Two Copes of dun Tissue.
• Item Nine blue Copes called The Roots.
• Item Five Copes of blue Velvet.
• Item Thirteen Copes of blue silk called The Georges.
• Item Seven Copes of blue Bawdkin called The Hindes.
• Item Four Copes of old black Bawdkin.
• Item Seven Copes of Sattin of Cyprus.
• Item Three Copes of red silk.
• Item Three Copes of green silk.
• Item Four Copes of red Needlework.
• ...

• ... Item Four Copes of green Velvet.
• Item Thirteen Copes of white Silk.
• Item Two other Copes.

In the QUIRE.

• Imprimis The high Altar plated with Silver, well gilt, with one image of Christs passion, and a little shrine of Copper, enameled, for the Sacrament.
• Item two pair of Organs, and two desks of Latten, seven Basins hanging, with four Candlesticks, and Banners of Silk above the Quire, joyning to the Tomb where Q. Ka∣tharine lieth buried.
• Item in the inclosed place where the Lady Katharine lieth buried one Altar Cloth, of black Cloth, one Pall of black Velvet, with white cloth of Silver Crossed, and one white Altar Cloth.
• Item belonging to the same remaining in the Sacristy, two Candlesticks of Silver parcel Gilt, one Chalice, and two Crewets gilt.
• Item One pair of Vestments of black Velvet, with an Albe to the same.
• Item Ten Cloaths called Pedecloaths to lye before the high Altar.
• Item Sixteen Cloaths to hang in the Quire.
• Item At the upper end of the Church, three Altars, and upon every Altar a Table of the Passion of Christ, Gilt, with three stained Fronts.

In the Ladies CHAPPEL.

• Imprimis An Image of our Lady with reddis Rissey, set in a Tabernacle well gilt, upon Wood, with twelve great Images, and four and thirty small Images of the same work, about the Chappel.
• Item a pair of Organs, one Desk, and four Seats, one Tabernacle of the Trinity, and one other of our Lady, one Desk, and one old Candlestick of Latten, four Pede∣coaths called Tapets.
• Item Two Vestments of white Damask with Flowers, one red vestment of Satten with Flowers, and also Albes for the same.
• Item One suit of Crimson Velvet with Orphers of Ima∣gery of Gold, and one Cope, and four Albes.
• Item Three white Altar Cloaths, one of them Diaper, with three old painted Fronts, two Orfers, eight Surplisses.

In S. Johns CHAPPEL.

• Item A Table of Alabaster, one front of painted Cloaths, with two Images of Alabaster.

In S. James CHAPPEL.

• Item One Table of Alabaster, two Images of the same, and one Front of painted Cloaths.

In the Rood LOFT.

• Item One Table upon the Altar, eighteen Images well gilt, one Desk of Wood, two Orfers, one Front of painted Cloth.

In the Body of the CHURCH.

• Item One Altar with Images, Gilt, one Front of green Silk, with Ostrich Feathers, one Coffer, the Altar of our Ladies Lamentation, Gilt, one Front of painted Cloaths, four Lamps in divers parts of the Church.

In the South ILE.

• Item In S. Oswalds Chappel, one Altar with a Front of pain∣ted Cloth, one Table, Gilt, of S. Oswald.
• Item In S. Bennets Chappel, one Altar with a Front of painted Cloth, one Table, Gilt, with the story of S. Ben∣net.
• Item in S. Kyneburghs Chappel, one Altar with a Front of painted cloth, with one Table, well Gilt.

The Trinity CHAPPEL.

• Item The Altar with a Front of old Silk, one white Altar cloth of Diaper, two Candlesticks of Latten, one Table of Alabaster, one Coffer, and Seats of Wood, one Lamp.
• Item In S. Sprites Chappel, a Table of Alabaster, one Front of painted Cloth.

In the CLOYSTER.

• Item One Conduit, or Lavatory of Tynne, with divers Cof∣fers, and Seats there.

In the Ostrie CHAPPEL.

• Item One Altar Cloth, two Fronts of painted Cloaths, two Latten Candlesticks, one Coffer, one Super-altar of Mar∣ble, one Vestment of Green Silk, one Vestment of dove∣coloured Silk, two Albes.

In the Chappel of LOW.

• Item one Altar, two Fronts of old painted Cloaths, two white Altar Cloaths, two Vestments of Silk, one Red, the other Green, and one Albe of Needlework.
• Item One Chalice, Gilt, one Corporas, one pair of Candle∣sticks of Latten, three Bells to ring in the Chappel.

In the Infirmary CHAPPEL.

• Item One Table of Alabaster, one Front of Silk, two Can∣dlesticks of Latten, three Coffers, four Seats, one Vest∣ment, one Albe of white Silk, with Orfers of red.
• Item One Vestment of white Bustian for Lent, with an Albe, three Corporasses, with cases, two Altar Cloths, one old Vestment, one old Albe.
• Item One Vestment of blue Chamlet, with Moons, and Harts, with one Albe to the same.
• Item One Vestment of red course Satten of Cyprus, with Harts, and Knots.
• Item One little Bell, one Lamp hanging, one broken Silver Crown.
• Item Old Cloaths to cover Saints in Lent.

In the Abbots Gallerie CHAPPEL.

• Item One Table of Alabaster.

In the other CHAPPEL.

• Item One Table of Alabaster, three old Chests, an old Almery.

In the Abbots HALL.

• * 3.1Item four fixed Tables, four Forms, one Table with two Tresles, at the high Bench, the hangings old Tapestry, one Cupboard, one Chair, one Chaffer.

In the Abbots KITCHIN.

• Item three great boyling Pots, seven small Pots, four Panns, two Kettles, one great brass Pan, with two Handles, a Ladle, a Scummer, five Spits, one stone Mortar, one Bran∣diron with four Barrs, two Racks of Iron, one Gridiron with four Barrs, two Racks of Iron, one Gridiron, one flesh Hook, two frying Panns, one Porrenger, one fire Fork.

In the Abbots Fish-HOUSE.

• Item Old drie Ling of the last year 24 warp.
• Item Great Ling of this year 100 warp.
• Item In middle and small Ling 100, and a half warp.
• Item In drie Haberdine 203 Fishes.
• Item Stockfish 208 Fishes.
• Item Salmon half a Barrel.

In Eyebury FARME.

• Item In Sheep 29 score, and ten sheep.
• Item Oxen 19
• Item Bulls, and Bulchins 5
• Item Kine 18
• Item Heifers two years and upwards 13
• Item Steeres 8
• Item Yeerling Calves 12
• Item Gueldings for the Saddle 4

In the Abbots BREWHOUSE.

• Item Four Furnaces great and small, two of Copper, and two of Lead, two great Mashing Fats, an ark for ground Malt, three Fatts, five yieling Fatts, six and thirty Keel∣ers, two cleansing Sives, four Couls, and a graining Tub.

In the GARNET.

• Item Six quarters of Malt, ten quarters of Wheat, two quar∣ters of Oats, two quarters of Barley, six bushels of Pease.

In the BARNES.

• Item Fifty loads of Hay by estimation.

The Abbots PLATE.

• Imprimis A Basin, and Ewer of Silver, one Silver Pot of a

• quart, two standing pieces, covered, all Gilt, two flat Bowles of Silver, two Salts with one cover Gilt, one Nut without a cover, two ale Pots with two covers, four Masers great and small, one dozen of silver Spoons, two and twenty Masers great and small, with bands of Silver, and Gilt, two pieces of Silver, and ten Spoons of Silver, a Horn with two feet of Silver, and Tipped, a Nut Tip∣ped with Silver, and Gilt.

The length, and breadth of the Church and other parts thereof.

• Imprimis, The Church containing in length 8 score yards, in breadth 34 yards.
• Item, The Ladies Chappel containing in length 46 yards, in breadth 14 yards.
• Item, The Cross Isle on the North side in length 18 yards, and in breadth 12 yards.
• Item, Three Chappels with the entry into the Ladies Chappel in length 14 yards, in breadth 7 yards.
• Item, The Isle on the South side with the Chappels in length 21 yards, in breadth 20 yards.
• Item, The Cloyster about four square, in length 168 yards, in breadth 6 yards.
• Item, The Chapter House in length 28 yards, in breadth 11 yards.
• Item, The great Dormitory in length 64 yards, in breadth 13 yards.
• Item, The little Dorter in length 33 yards, in breadth 12 yards.
• Item, The Fratry in length 54 yards, in breadth 14 yards.
• Item, The Infirmary in length 65 yards, in breadth 10 yards.
• Item, The Chappel at the gate of the Monastery 14 yards in length, in breadth 8 yards.
• Item, The Vestry containing in length 18 yards, in breadth 6 yards.
• Item, The Abbots Hall, in length 32 yards, in breadth 12 yards.
• Item, The Abbots great Chamber in length 33 yards, in breadth 10 yards.
• Item, In the two Steeples of the Monastery at the Front, Bells 10, and in other several places of the houses, Bells 4.
• Item, The Convents Kitchin in length 25 yards.
• Item, The Lavers in the Cloyster weighing 100 lib.

All which goods were assigned to the said Abbot being Guardi∣an for the same time, by the Commissioners

Philipp Pryce, John Tregonnel, and others.

Two years after this Inventory, viz. 1541. and of King Hen∣ry 33. the King changed the person from an Abbot to a Bishop, the Church from a Monastery to a Cathedral, and the Town of Peterburgh from a Village to a City.

Here I must acknowledge my self at a stand, as not able to give a perfect account of all Mannors, Lands, and Tenements belong∣ing to the Monastery of Peterburgh at the time of the dissolu∣tion; for it had Lands, or Tenements in Catworth, Thorp Wa∣tervile, Achirch, Tichmersh, Winwick, Hemington, Kynethorp, Armiston, Grendone, Thurning, Pappelee, Beningfield, Addington, Slipton, Twywell, Woodford, Churchfield, Stoke, Pilketon, Crane∣ford, Burlee, Thornhaw, Sibberton, Walmisford, Etton, Lol∣hame, Southorp, Walcot, Ʋfford, Helpiston, Woodcroft, Ʋpton, Cathwait, Torpel, Baddington, Aston, Nunton, Deeping, Ber∣nack, Marham, Hargrave, Allington, Glapthorne, Cotterstock, Angotby, Osgotby, Swinstead, Witham, Careby, Gretton, Thrap∣ston, Denford, Ringsstead, many Lands in Holland, &c. Which, how, or when they were alienated from this Monastery, whe∣ther by the King, or by the Monastery it self before, I cannot say; But of such Lands as the Abby was at this time in full tenure and possession of, King Henry made a tripartite kind of division, assuming a third to himself, confirming another third up∣on the Bishop, and the rest upon the Dean, and Chapter. Those which King Henry took to himself, being surrendred unto him, were then let out unto Tenants at a yearly rate, these, and thus.

Com. North.
* 3.2Eyebury, then in the hands of Sir John Russel.	13l.	6s.	8d.
Oxeney, then in the hands of Roger Horton Gent.	1l.	10s.	0d.
Dosthorp, called Gillims, & le Lane-land then in the hands of John Stoddard.	2l.	0s.	0d.
Pillisgate, in the hands of David Vincent.	19l.	0s.	0d.
Kettering cum Pightesly with the Advowsons of the Rectories there, in the Queens hand	111l.	3s.	4d.	ob. q. dimid.
* 3.3 Stanwigge, then in the Queens hand.	27l.	16s.	0d.	ob.
Cottingham cum Desborough with the Advowsons of the Rectories, in the Queens hand.	67l.	2s.	1d.
Oundle with the Advowson of the Vicaridge in the hand of the Lord Russel.	172l.	0s.	3d.	ob.
Ashton, in the Queens hand.	29l.	3s.	8d.
Wermington cum Egilthorp, with the Advowson of the Vicaridge, in the Queens hand.	97l.	4s.	10d.	ob. q.
Polebroke, with the Advowson of the Rectory, then in the hands of Sir Edward Montague.	12l.	14s.	0d.	ob. q.
Clopton with the Advowson of the Rectory, in the hands of William Dudley Esq	3l.	17s.	4d.
Lullington with the Advowson of the Rectory in the hands of Sir Edward Mountague	8l.	15s.	7d.	ob.

Hundreds of Polebrook and Navesford in the Q. hands.	19l.	9s.	3d.	q.
Hundred of Howkeslow in the Queens hand.	16l.	13s.	4d.	q.
* 3.4Tinwel with the Advowson of the Rectory, in the hands of Sir William Cecil.	33l.	13s.	4d.
* 3.5Gosberkirk in the Queens hand.	74l.	9s.	2d.	ob. q. 3 ob.
* 3.6Fletton in the hand of Roger Forest.	27l.	0s.	6d.
Sum. total.	733l.	9s.	9d.	0. 3pt. q. & dimid.

King Henry having taken these Lands from the Church of Pe∣terburgh, made provision for the Bishoprick, to which he subject∣ed the Counties of Northampton and Rutland for his Diocess, and appointed the Abbots dwelling for the Bishops Palace, and for his maintenance confirmed these Lands, viz. Burghbury, Eye, Single∣sholt, Northam, Witherington, Walton, Paston, Gunthorp, Southorp, Thirlby, The Hundred of Nassaburgh. A Pasture in Park-lane of 8 Acres. 40 Acres. Sheepcotes, S. Johns Yard, The Vineyard, and Toothill, Snorshills, Edgerly 50 Acres. In Padholm 18 Acres, Eastwood 180 Acres, Westwood Burghbury 246 Acres, The Spittle. More at Eye and the Tything Barn there, Pensions from Helpiston, Et∣ton, Wittering; Houses and Shops in the Parish of S. Gregory, London, and in the Parish of S. Bridget. The Advowsons of Ca∣stre, Bernack, Paston, Polebrook, Scotter, South Collingham, The Vicaridge of S. John Baptist in Peterburgh, The Deanery of the Colledge at Irtlingburgh, and the Chantry there, The Chappel of S. John, upon or adjoyning to the Bridge in Stamford. For all which the Bishop was to make to the King Annual acknowledge∣ment by the payment of 33l. 10s. 8d.

In this Dotation of the Bishoprick, bearing date September 4. and of King Henry 33. which was of our Lord 1541. John Chambers * 3.7 the present Abbot was nominated for the Bishop (whom some will have to be Doctor of Physick, and Dean of S. Stephen's in Westminster) and continued in his new transformed go∣vernment about the space of 15 years to the year 1556. the 4, or 5. of Queen Mary: Although an Inscription in Brass about the Verge of his Marble Monument beareth date otherwise, for it was thus, Credo quod redemptor meus vivit, & in novissimo die de terra surre∣cturus sum, & in carne mea videbo Deum, salvatorem meum: repo∣sita est haec spes mea in sinu meo. Moritur die ........... Anno Do∣mini Millesimo, Quingentesimo, Tricesimo. Which could not be, for then he must die about his second year of government, long be∣fore the dissolution of his Abby, when he was nominated Bishop, for Goodwin saith, he was consecrated Bishop October 23. 1541. But it is probable that there was a mistake, which if it hapned in his time, a wonder he did not reform it; the Monument indeed might be extant in his time, for he might be careful in providing the house of his mortality before he came to inhabite therein. At

the foot of his figure upon the same Stone was laid a plate of Brass, wherein these Verses were engraven.

En pius, en validus pastor jacet hic Johannes Burgh, Burgo natus, ac domus hujus apex. Cui caro, mundus, opes cesserunt, idgenus omne Praelia divinus carnea vincit amor. Ordinis infestos redigens sub vindice mores, Dum comes ipse fuit, norma, locique decor. Pauperimos ditans, lapsis peccata remittens, Mitibus ipse pius, asperimus rigidis. Sta, lege, funde preces, Deus est cui singula cedunt, Dic, velit ipse dare celica regna sibi.

He had also another more stately Monument at the head of this, made of white Chalk-stone, with his Statue exquisitely carved, lying on the top (perhaps being Abbot, and Bishop he might have a Monument for each) but these Monuments (habent sua fa∣ta sepulchra) were demolished Anno 1643.

There were lately some doors in the Church curiously carved with the device of this John, thus, An Eagle, a Crosier and Mitre, a Bur-dock with Burs thereon, and a Ro-buck, with the Letters R. O. on his side, the summ whereof was John, Abbot or Bishop of Bur-row.

At the same time that King Henry thus established the Bishop and his Revenues, he established also the Dean, and Chapiter with theirs, of which hereafter: Return we now to our Series of Succession.

John Chambers being dead, the Succession continued in

46 DAVID POOL,

Who was first Fellow of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford, after∣wards Dean of the Arches and Chancellour of the Diocess of Lich∣field, and made Bishop of Peterburgh 1556. But I find not his nomination thereunto by Queen Mary, only the Pope's in the do∣nation and confirmation of him in this Bishoprick. For it is suf∣ciently known, that this Church and Kingdom of England began again to submit to the Roman yoke, from which they had been delivered in the time of King Edward 6. under which relapse I find the Popes power in reference to the Church of Peterburgh to have been more practised than ever it was before; for, throughout the whole Series of Abbots formerly recited, I find not any Papal election, ratification, confirmation, or any other writing, where∣by the Pope contributed any thing to the establishment of any Abbot, either to the Convent or any other persons; but all was from the King alone, who either himself nominated the person, or accep∣ted

of such a one as the Monks elected, whom he ratified and con∣firmed in the Abbey. But now (and I suppose through the succum∣bency of Q. Mary and K. Philip to the Roman Chair) this David was presented unto, and confirmed in this Bishoprick by Paul the fourth Pope of that name; whose Letters in the behalf of Bi∣shop David were as followeth. First for his nomination or presen∣tation.

Paulus Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, Dilecto filio Davidi Pool Petriburgen. salutem, & Apostolicam benedictionem. Apostolatus officium nobis meritis licet imparibus ex alto commissum, quo Ecclesia∣rum omnium divina dispositione praesidemus, utiliter exequi coadjuvan∣te Domino cupientes solliciti corde reddimur, & solertes ut cum de Ecclesiarum ipsarum regiminibus agitur committendis, tales eis in pa∣stores praeficere studeamus qui populum suae curae creditum sciant non so∣lum doctrina verbi, sed & exemplo boni operis informare, commissas∣que sibi Ecclesias velint, & valeant auctore Domino salubriter re∣gere, & foeliciter gubernare; dudum siquidem provisiones Ecclesiarum omnium tunc vacantium, & in antea vacaturarum ordinationi, & dispositioni nostrae reservavimus, decernentes extunc irritum, & inane, si secus super hiis per quoscunque quavis auctoritate scienter, vel ignoranter contingeret attemptari. Postmodum vero Ecclesia Pe∣triburgensis cui bonae memoriae Johannes Episcopus Petriburgensis dum viveret, praesidebat, per obitum ejusdem Johannis Episcopi, qui extra Romanam curiam debitum naturae persolvit, pastoris solatio de∣stituta, nos vacatione hujusmodi fide dignis relationibus intellecta, ad provisionem ejusdem Ecclesiae, celerem, & foelicem, de qua nullus prae∣ter nos hac vice se intromittere potuit, sive potest, reservatis & de∣creto obsistentibus supradictis, ne Ecclesia ipsa longae vacationis expo∣natur incommodis, paternis & sollicitis studiis intendentes, post de∣liberationem quam de praesiciendo eidem Ecclesiae personam utilem & fructuosam cum fratribus nostris habuimus diligentem——Petri∣burgensem, seu alterius civitatis, vel dioeceseos, legum Doctorem de legitimo matrimonio procreatum, & in aetate legitima constitutum, quem charissima in Christo filia nostra Maria Angliae, Franciae Regina illustris nobis per suas literas commendavit, & cui apud nos de mundi∣tia, honestate morum, spiritualium providentia, & temporalium cir∣cumspectione, aliisque multiplicum virtutum donis fide digna testimo∣nia perhibentur, direximus oculos nostrae mentis: Quibus omnibus de∣bita meditatione pensatis, de persona tua, nobis, & eisdem fratribus, ob tuorum exigentiam meritorum accepta, eidem Ecclesiae de ipsorum fratrum consilio, auctoritate Apostolica providemus, teque illum E∣piscopum praeficimus, & pastorem, curam & administrationem ipsius Ecclesiae tibi in spiritualibus & temporalibus plenè committendo, in illo qui dat gratias, & largitur praemia, confidens quod dirigente Do∣mino actus tuos praefata Ecclesia per tuae diligentiae laudabile studium, regetur utiliter, & prospere dirigetur, ac grata in eisdem spirituali∣bus & temporalibus suscipiet incrementa. Jugum igitur Domini tuis impositum humeris prompta devotione suscipe, curam, & admini∣strationem

praedictas sic exercere studeas, sollicitè, fideliter, & prudenter, quòd Ecclesia ipsa gubernatori provido & fructuoso administratorigau∣deat se commissam, tu{que} praeter aeternum retributionis praemium, nostram, & Apostolicae benedictionem, & gratiam exinde uberius consequi mere∣aris. Dat. Romae apud Sanctum Petrum Anno Incarnationis Dominicae Millesimo Quingentesimo Quinquagesimo sexto, nono Kal. Aprilis, Pon∣tificatus nostri Anno secundo. The other Letters were to the Church of Peterburgh for the reception of David for their Bishop, and were as followeth. Paulus Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, dilectis filiis Ʋ∣niversis Cathedralis Ecclesiae Petriburgens. salutem, & Apostolicam ben. Hodie Ecclesiae Petriburgen. tunc per obitum bonae memoriae Jo∣hannis olim Episcopi Petriburgen. extra Roman. curiam defuncti pa∣storis solatio destitut. de persona dilecti filii electi Petriburgen. nobis, & fratribus nostris obsuorum exigentia meritorum accepta, de fratrum eorundem consilio Apostolica autoritate providimus, ipsumque illi in E∣piscopum praefecimus, & pastorem, curam, & administrationem ipsius Ecclesiae, sibi in spiritualibus, & temporalibus plenarie committendo, prout in nostris inde confectis literis plenius continetur. Quocirca uni∣versitati vestrae per Apostolica scripta mandamus, quatenus eundem Da∣videm electum devote suscipientes, & debita honorificentia prosequentes, ei fidelitatem debitam nec non consueta servitia & jura sibi à vobis debita exhibere integre studeatis, alioquin sententiam sive poenam quam idem David electus rite tulerit, in rebelles ratam habebimus, & faciemus, au∣ctore Domino, usque ad satisfactionem condignam inviolabiliter obser∣vari. Dat. Romae apud Sanctum Petrum Anno Incarnationis Dominicae Millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo sexto, nono Kal. Aprilis, Pon∣tificatus nostri Anno secundo.

• Jo. Mathe
• B. Jens.
• Jo. Csyrinus p. m.
• Jo. Gunnos.
• Larengus.
• Jo. Bapt. Capata
• Ant. Gibert.

* 4.1To these Letters was affixed the Common Seal of Lead. But as peremptory as they were, they could not secure David in his Bi∣shoprick from the just Authority of the Q. Eliz. who, in the second year of her Reign, ejected him, and placed another in his room. What became of him after his ejectment, let the late Learned and Reverend Bishop Andrews be the Informer: for the Author of a Romish Pamphlet, I mean Bellarmine, having charged those times with cruelty, that such Bishops as were deposed by Queen Elizabeth, were yet more hardly used, and died in misery: The Bishop gives us account of them, and particularly of this our Da∣vid, in these words. Polus Petriburgensis summa comitate habitus, liber semper, Principis beneficio, & in agro suo matura aetate decessit. His Successor in the Bishoprick was

47. EDMƲND SCAMBLER,

Whom some will have to have been first a Secular Priest, which we will not stand upon. He was when he was nominated to this Bishoprick, but Batchelor in Divinity, as appeareth by the Queens Letter to the Church for his Election, bearing date November 11. and second of her Reign, 1560. He was Authorized to hold in Commendam with his Bishoprick of Peterburgh a Prebendary in York, and another in Westminster, for the space of three years by Commission from the Queen, bearing date May 13. Anno Eliz. 3. And from Matthew Archbishop of Canterbury, bearing the same date. But he was made Bishop something before February (some say January) 16. being the year of our Lord 1560.

What he was for Learning, and integrity of Religion in the now reformed Church of England wherein he was a Bishop, may appear by these Doctrinal Articles, which in his first Episcopal Visitation he prescribed to the Dean and Prebendaries of his Church, requiring their subscription thereunto. For as yet the general Articles of the Church of England were not formed, until about two years after, Jan. 29. 1562. B. Scamblers Articles were these,

• 1 Sacra Scriptura in se continet omnem doctrinam pietatis, ex qua sufficienter & error convinci possit, & veritas stabiliri.
• 2 Symbolum Nicaenum, Athanasii, & quod communiter Apostolo∣rum dicitur, continent brevissime articulos fidei nostrae sparsim in Scripturis ostensos: qui istis non crediderint, inter veros Ca∣tholicos non sunt recipiendi.
• 3 Ecclesia Christi est in qua purum Dei verbum praedicatur, & sacramenta juxta Christi ordinationem administrantur, & in qua clavium autoritas retinetur.
• 4 Quaevis Ecclesia particularis autoritatem habet instituendi, mu∣tandi, & abrogandi caeremonias, & ritus Ecclesiasticos, modo ad decorem, ordinem, & aedificationem fiat.
• 5 Christus tantum duo sacramenta expresse nobis commendat, Bap∣tisma & Eucharistiam, quae conferunt gratiam rite sumentibus, etiamsi malus sit Minister, & non prosunt indigne sumentibus, quamvis bonus sit Minister.
• 6 Laudandus est Ecclesiae mos baptizandi parvulos, & retinendus.
• 7 Coena Dominica non est tantum Symbolum benevolentiae Christia∣norum interse, sed magis Symbolum est nostrae redemptionis per Christi mortem, & nostrae conjunctionis cum Christo, ubi fide∣libus vere datur, & exhibetur Communio corporis, & sanguinis Domini.
• 8 Sacramentum Eucharistiae ex usu Primitivae Ecclesiae, neque ser∣vabatur vel elevabatur, vel adorabatur.
• ...

• 9 Missa, quae consuevit a sacerdotibus dici, non erat a Christo con∣stituta, sed a multis Romanis Pontificibus confirmata; nec est Eucharistia ex se sacrificium propitiatorium, sed recordatio sa∣crificii semel peracti.
• 10 Scholastica transubstantiatio panis & vini in corpus & sangui∣nem Christi, probari non potest ex sacris literis.
• 11 Non omne peccatum mortale, seu voluntariò perpetratum post baptismum, est irremissibile, & peccatum in Spiritum Sanctum.
• 12 Post acceptum Spiritum potest homo peccare, ac denuo resipiscere; neque sine peccato vivit, quamvis regeneratio, in Christo im∣putetur.
• 13 Justificatio ex sola fide est certissima doctrina Christianorum.
• 14 Elizabetha Regina Angliae est unicus, & supremus gubernator hujus regni, & omnium dominiorum, & regionum suarum qua∣rumcunque, in rebus & causis Ecclesiasticis, quam tempo∣ralibus.
• 15 Verbum Dei non prohibet foeminarum regimen, cui obediendum est juxta ordinationem Dei.
• 16 Romanus Pontifex nullam habet jurisdictionem in hoc regno An∣gliae, nec alia quaecunque potestas extranea.
• 17 Leges civiles possunt Christianos, propter flagitia, morte punire.
• 18 Christianis licet ex jussu Principis bella gerere, & ex justa causa & propria possidere.
• 19 Doctrina scholasticorum de Purgatorio, & invocatione Divino∣rum, nullum habet fundamentum ex verbo Dei.
• 20 Praeceptum Dei est, ut quae leguntur in Ecclesia, illa lingua pro∣ferantur, quae ab Ecclesia intelligatur.
• 21 Absque externa, & legitima vocatione non licet cuiquam sese ingerere in aliquod ministerium Ecclesiasticum, vel seculare.
• 22 Matrimonium inter Christianos legitime juxta verbum Dei ini∣tum & contractum, est indissolubile, nec per traditiones hominum unquam vellendum.
• 23 Coelibatus nulli hominum statui praecipitur, neque injungitur mi∣nistris Ecclesiae ex verbo Dei.

Haec omnia vera esse, & publice docenda profiteor, eaque juxta datam mihi facultatem, & eruditionem tuebor, & docebo: Hancque meam confessionem ma∣nus meae subscriptione testificor, contrariamque do∣ctrinam abolendam esse judico, & detestor.

By these Articles it may appear, that Bishop Scambler was no friend to the Church of Rome, nor they to him; and whether it was for these Articles or some other Book which he published, I find him recorded in the Roman Index of Books prohibited, and branded with the Title of Pseudoëpiscopus: But his name and memory are the more honourable by that name of Infamy which

the Papists might cast upon the Worthies of our English Church. Scambler having been Bishop here the space of twenty three years, was translated to Norwich, whither, he that would know the re∣sidue of his life, end, burial, or Epitaph, must follow him, it be∣ing without the Climate of our story. But whilst he was at Pe∣terburgh, he empaired the honour, priviledges and revenues of his Bishoprick, passing quite away the Hundred of Nassaburgh, with the whole Liberties thereof, The Goal, The Mannor of Thirlby, The Mannor of Southorpe, &c. to the Queen, from whom the Earls of Exeter enjoy them to this day: As if King Henry had not taken away enough, the Bishop himself would pass away more. Scambler being translated to Norwich, there succeeded

48 RICHARD HOWLAND,

Who was Master of S. John's Colledge in Cambridge, and made Bishop here March 16. 1584. being the 27 year of Queen Elizabeth. We have not much to say of him, his parts, or acti∣ons, but shall enlarge this Paragraph of his being Bishop here, with the story of Mary Queen of Scotts her death at Fotheringhay Castle, and burial in the Cathedral Church of Peterburgh. The whole progress of her life and actions, from her first arrival in England, May 16. 1568. to her coming to Fotheringhay, with her several places of removal, and several keepers, is so largely re∣lated by Mr. Ʋdal, Mr. Saunderson and others who have wrote her story, that I shall remit the Reader to them, and content my self with her death and burial.

Upon the seventh day of February, 1586. (eighteen years from her first arrival) The Commissioners for her execution came to Fotheringhay, the Earls of Shrewsbury, Kent, &c. and Thomas * 5.1 Andrews of——Sheriff of Northamptonshire for that year. By these the Queen of Scotts understanding that the Lease of her life was not long to last, only one day longer, she seemed not dis∣mayed with the Message, but told the Commissioners, she did not think that Queen Elizabeth would have consented to her death; but since it was so, she would most gladly embrace it, and in order thereunto, desired of the Commissioners the benefit of her Clergy, that her Confessor might come to her, which the Com∣missioners denying, propounded the Bishop, or Dean of Peter∣burgh, which the Queen of Scotts refused. The Commissioners being departed, she gave order for her Supper, at the time where∣of she drank to her servants, and comforted them, because she saw them much troubled for her. After Supper she perused her Will, and Inventory: At her usual hour she went to Bed, slept some part of the night, and spent the rest in Prayer. Her fatal day being come, she arose to prepare her self for her last lying down, when calling her servants together, she read over her Will

to them, letting them know what Legacies she had bequeathed. Then did she apparel her self after this manner, In borrowed hair, a Bourn, having on her head a dressing of Lawn edged with bone∣lace, and above that, a vail of the same, bowed out with wire, and her Cuffs suitable: about her neck a Pomander chain, and an Ag∣nus Dei hanging at a black Ribband, a Crucifix in her hand, a pair of Beads at her girdle with a golden Cross at the end. Her uppermost gown was of black Satin, printed, training upon the ground, with long hanging sleeves, trimmed with Akorn buttons of Jet, and Pearl, the sleeves over her arms being cut, to give sight to a pair of purple Velvet underneath; her Kirtle, as her Gown, was of black printed Satin: her Boddies of Crimson Satin un∣laced in the back, the skirt being of Crimson Velvet: her Stoc∣kins of Worsted, watchet, clocked and edged at the top with sil∣ver, and under them a pair of white: Her Shoes of Spanish Lea∣ther with the rough side outward.

Thus attired she came forth of her Chamber to the Commissi∣oners, who were ready in the passage to receive her, and to ac∣company her to the Stage whereon she was to act the last scene of her life, making as yet no show of sadness, until Melvin her ser∣vant presenting himself on his knees, bewailing not only hers, but also his own misfortune, that he was to be a sad reporter to Scotland of her death: then with some flux of tears she comforted him, that he should shortly see the troubles of Mary Stuart have an end; sending by him her commands to her Son, and bidding him tell him, that she had done nothing prejudicial to his King∣dom of Scotland. Then addressing her self to the Commissioners, she told them that she had certain requests to make to them, viz. that a certain summ of money might be paid to one Curle her servant, which Sir Amyas Pawlet had knowledge of. That her servants might enjoy such Legacies, as, by her Will she had bequea∣thed unto them. That they might be fairly used, and safely sent into their own Country: To the first Sir Aymas Pawlet gave his testimony, and promise: The rest were also promised and per∣formed. Yet said the Queen of Scots, I have one request more to make, that you would suffer my servants to be about me at my death, to which the Commissioners returned a refusal, the Earl of Kent saying, that their presence would be a disturbance to her, and besides he feared there would be some superstition practised in pressing to dip their handkerchiefs in her bloud. My Lord, said the Queen, I will pass my word they shall do no such things, Alas poor souls, it will do them good to bid their Mistress farwell: Your Mistriss (meaning Queen Elizabeth) being a Maiden Queen, for womanhoods sake would not deny me this courtesie, and I know she hath not so straitned your Commission, but that you might grant me more than this, if I were of a far meaner condi∣tion Whereupon the Commissioners consulted, and granted her

the nomination of six persons to be with her: so she nominated four men, Melvin, her Apothecary, her Chirurgeon, and another old man: And two women which used to lie in her Chamber. After this she proceeded towards the great Hall in the Castle, Mel∣vin bearing up her train, two Gentlemen of Sir Amyas Pawlets, on each hand one, and Mr. Andrews the Sheriff going before. The Scaffold at the upper end of the Hall was two foot high and twelve foot broad, hanged with black, and she seemed to monnt it with as much willingness, as ease, and took her seat, the Earls of Shrews∣bury and Kent standing on her right hand, Mr. Andrews the She∣riff on her left, and the two Executioners opposite before her. Then was the Commission read by Beal Clerk of the Council, which she seemed as little to regard, as if it had not concerned her at all: After the reading of the Commission Doctor Fletcher Dean of Peterburgh addressed an Exhortation to the Queen of Scots, that she would consider her present condition, and withal, the vanity of her Religion, which he besought her to renounce, but she refused, professing her readiness to die therein. The Lords desiring her to joyn with them in prayers, she also refused, alledg∣ing the difference in their Religions, and saying she would pray by her self: But the Dean was by the Commissioners desired to pray, which he did in these words.

* 5.2O Most gracious God, and merciful Father, who according to the multitude of thy mercies dost so put away the sins of them that truly repent, that thou remembrest them no more; Open, we beseech thee, thine eyes of mercy, and behold this Person appointed unto death, whose eyes of understanding, and spiritual light, albeit thou hast hi∣therto shut up, that the glorious beams of thy favour in Jesus Christ do not shine unto her, but is possessed with blindness and ignorance of heavenly things (a certain token of thy heavy displeasure, if thy un∣speakable mercy do not triumph against thy judgment) yet O Lord our God, impute not, we beseech thee, unto her those her offences, which separate her from thy mercy, and, if it may stand with thine everlasting purpose, and good pleasure, O Lord, grant unto us, we be∣seech thee, this mercy, which is about thy throne, that the eyes of her heart may be enlightned, that she may understand, and be converted unto thee, and grant her also, if it be thy blessed will, the heavenly comfort of thy Holy Spirit, that she may taste, and see, how gracious the Lord is: Thou hast no pleasure, good Lord, in the death of a sin∣ner, and no man shall praise thy Name in the pit; renew in her, O Lord, we most humbly beseech thy Majesty, whatsoever is corrupt in her, either by her own frailty, or by the malice of the ghostly enemy: visit her, O Lord, if it be thy good pleasure, with thy saving health, as thou didst the offender at the side of thy Cross, with this consolation, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise: say unto her soul, as thou didst unto thy servant David, I am thy salvation, so shall thy mercy,

being more mighty, be more magnified. Grant these mercies, O Lord, to us thy servants, to the increase of thy Kingdom, and glory at this time. And further, O most merciful Father, preserve we most hum∣bly beseech thy Majesty, in long and honourable peace and safety, Eli∣zabeth thy servant, our most natural Soveraign Lady and Queen; let them be ashamed and confounded, O Lord, that seek after her soul; let them be turned backward, and put to confusion that wish her evil: And strengthen still, Lord, we pray thee, the hand and balance of ju∣stice amongst us, by her gracious government: So shall we, both now, and ever, rest under thy faithfulness and truth, as under our shield and buckler, and bless thy Name and magnifie thy mercy, which livest, and reignest one Most Gracious God, for ever and ever, Amen.

The Queens assent and attention to this prayer were withdrawn to her own private Devotions, which she performed after the cu∣stom of her Religion out of her own Portuary, with her Beads, and Crucifix, sometimes in the Latin, and sometimes in the En∣glish tongue; which being ended, the two Executioners with her women, began to disrobe her, whereat she said with a smiling countenance, that she was never served by such grooms before, nor was she wont to put off her cloathes before such a company. Her women with a Corpus Christi cloth wrapped up three corner∣wise, covered her head and face; which done, they departed, and the Queen was left alone to close up the Tragedy of her life by her own self, which she did with her wonted courage, and devo∣tion, kneeling down upon the Cushion, and saying in Latin, In te, Domine, speravi, ne confundar in aeternum. Then she groaped for the block, whereon she laid down her head, crying out, In manus tuas, Domine, &c. and then the Executioner at two stroaks se∣parated her head from her body, saving a sinew, which a third stroke parted also: the Executioner took up the head, and shew∣ed it to the assembly, and Dean Fletcher cried, So perish all the Queens enemies, which was seconded by the Earl of Kent. Her head coming clear out of her dressing, appeared very gray, as if she had been much elder than she was, it was polled very short, which made her (as hath been said) to wear borrowed hair. The Executioner that went about to pluck off her Stockins, found her little Dog crept under her Coat, which being put from thence, went, and laid himself down betwixt her head and body, and being besmeared with her bloud, was caused to be washed, as were other things whereon any bloud was. The Executioners were dismissed with Fees, not having any thing that was hers. Her body with the head, was conveyed into the great Chamber by the Sheriff, where it was by Chirurgeons Embalmed until its In∣terment.

The Castle of Fotheringhay was at that time by Lease from Queen Elizabeth in the hands of Sir William Fitz-Williams of Mil∣ton

in the same County who was one of the Queens Pensioners, who by reason of his relation to the place, was sent to by the Com∣missioners that he should come and guard them in his Castle, this was required of him the first time that the Commissioners came, in October before, for the Queens Examination, and Trial: but Sir William Fitz-Williams refusing, because he was not summoned by order from the Queen; the Commissioners procured such order, and by vertue thereof summoned him again, which he obeyed: This gave him opportunities of visiting sometimes the Queen of Scots, and conversing with her, wherein he deported himself with such respective civility and courtesie, that the Queen a little be∣fore her death, gave him many thanks, and told him she had no∣thing to requite his kind usage withal, but if he pleased to ac∣cept of her Sons picture hanging at her Beds-head, he should take it, which he did, and his Successors do still enjoy it.

Thus died Mary the unfortunate Queen of Scots (a woman for her parts, fit to be a Queen) in the six and fortieth year of her age, and the eighteenth of her continuance in England, in a fair possibility of spinning the thread of her life to a greater length, had fate been as propitious to her as nature.

We shall follow the remainder of this great Personage, her body, to the Earth, and so leave her.

The Manner of the Solemnity of the Scotish Queens Funeral, being the first of August, 1587. when she was buried in the Cathedral Church of Peterburgh. (Book Mary queen of Scots)

Upon Tuesday being the first of August were the Funerals ap∣pointed to be celebrated for the Scotish Queen in the Cathedral Church of Peterburgh, and accordingly there were sent thither from the Court, the Queens houshold Officers, to make preparation for the Diet, Mr. Dorrel and Mr. Cox, for the Funeral Offices Mr. Fortescue Master of the great Wardrobe: The Heralds came down three or four days before, and appointed (together with the Bishop and the Dean) the place for the body to be Interred, which was devised over against the lying of Queen Katherine, near to the Tomb of John last Abbot, and first Bishop of that Church. There was a rich Hearse erected above the first step of the Quire, near to the place of the burial, and the whole Quire and Church were hanged with black. Upon Sunday at night the thirtieth of July, the body was brought by Torch-light from the Castle of Fotheringhay (where it had lain since the time of Exe∣cution, being the eighth of February before) by Garter King at Arms, and other Heralds, with some number of Horse, in a Cha∣riot made of purpose, covered with black Velvet, and adorned with her Ensigns accordingly, between one and two of the Clock in the night: where attended for it before the Church, the Bi∣shop

of Peterburgh, and the Dean of the Cathredral Church, the Master of the Ward-robe, Clarentius King at Arms, and divers, as well of her Majesties Servants, as other persons; There came with the body, six of the Scotish Train, as Mel∣vin, the Master of her Houshold, and Physician, and others: the body with the closures weighed nine hundred weight, which being carried, and attended orderly by the said persons, was committed to the ground in the Vault appointed, and imme∣diately the Vault was covered, saving a small h••••e left open for the Staves to be broken into. There was at that time 〈…〉〈…〉 Offices of the Church-service done, the Bishop 〈…〉〈…〉 have executed therein, but it was by all that were 〈…〉〈…〉 Scotish as others, thought good, and agreed, 〈…〉〈…〉 be done, at the day, and time of solemnity. Upon 〈…〉〈…〉 in the afternoon, came to Peterburgh, all the Lords, and Lad••••••, and other Assistants appointed, and at the Bishops Palace was pre∣pared a great Supper for them, where all at one Table supped in the great Chamber being hanged with Black, where was a State set on the right side thereof of purple Velvet. Upon Tuesday morning, the chief Mourners, Lords, and Ladies, and other Assistants being ready, about ten of the clock they marched from the Hall of the Bishops Palace, as followeth.

The Countess of Bedford Chief Mourner.

• The Earl of Rutland.
• The Earl of Lincoln.
• The Countess of Rutland.
• The Countess of Lincoln.
• The Bishop of Peterburgh.
• The Bishop of Lincoln.
• L. Dudley L. Chamberlain.
• L. S. John of Basing L. Stew.
• L. Willoughby of Parham.
• L. Compton.
• L. Mordaunt.
• The Dean of Peterburgh.
• Lady Mordaunt.
• Lady Talbot.
• Lady Dudley.
• Lady S. John of Basing.
• Lady S. John of Bletshoe.
• Lady Mary Savel.
• Lady Cecil.
• Lady Mountague.
• Lady Nowel.
• Lady Mannors.
• Mrs. Allington as a Lady.
• 8. Scotish Gentlewomen.
• Sr. Tho Cecil.
• Sr. Tho. Mannors.
• Sr. Edw. Mountague.
• Sr. George Hastings.
• Sr. Richard Knightly.
• Sr. Andrew Nowell.
• Sr. George Savel.
• Sr. James Harrington.
• Mr. John Mannors as a Knight.
• 18. Scotish Gentlemen.
• Divers Esquires with Gent.
• ...

  2 Kings at Arms	Garter.
  Clarentius.

• 5. Heralds at Arms.
• An hundred poor women.

The solemnity being setled, the Prebends, and the Quire, which received them at the Church door, sung an Antheme, the Scotish, all, saving Mr. Melvin, departed, and would not tarry at Sermon, or Ceremonies. The Bishop of Lincoln preached, * 6.1 out of that 39. Psalm 5, 6, 7 ver. Lord let me know mine end, &c. Who shall gather them, &c. In the Prayer, when he gave thanks for such as were translated out of this vale of misery, he used these words: Let us give thanks for the happy dissolution of the High and Mighty Princess Mary late Queen of Scotland, and Dowager of France, of whose life and death, at this time, I have not much to say, because I was not acquainted with the one, nei∣ther was I present at the other: I will not enter into judgment further, but because it hath been signified unto me that she trust∣ed to be saved by the bloud of Christ, we must hope well of her Salvation: For, as Father Luther was wont to say, many one that liveth a Papist, dieth a Protestant. In the discourse of his Text, he only dealt with general doctrine of the vanity of all flesh. The Sermon ended, the offering of the Chief Mourner and hatchments were received by the Bishop of Peterburgh, and the offerings of the rest, by the Dean, which ended, the mourners de∣parted; The Ceremony of burial was done by the Dean, the Offi∣cers breaking their Staves, and casting them into the vault upon the Coffin: And so they departed to the Bishops house, where was a great Feast appointed accordingly: The concourse of people was of many thousands, and after dinner the Nobles departed away every one towards his own home. The Master of the Wardrobe paid to the Church for the breaking of the ground in the Quire and making the grave 10l. And for the blacks of the Quire and Church 20l.

When Cardinal Barbarini, afterwards Pope Ʋrban 8. wrote his Poem upon this Queens death, wherein he hath this,

Regali{que} tuum funus honore caret, &c.

either he was ignorant of this her manner of interment, or else he undervalued it, as not suitable to her quality.

This relation was attested in a Church Register by Dean Fletcher himself, subscribing his name thereunto: to which (especially that of the Sermon) we may give more credit than to Martin Mar-Prelate, who, to slander the Bishops of England with Popery in a railing Pamphlet which he entituled an Epistle, charged the Bishop of Lincoln with praying at this solemnity, That his Soul, and the Souls of all the rest there present might be with the Soul of that unrepentant Papist departed. Though the Bishop, as became a charitable Christian, might hope well of her Salvation, yet who but Martin again would accuse him of being so credulous, as to bind up his own Salvation in so confi∣dent an assurance of hers?

Shortly after this interment, there was a table hanged up against the wall, which contained this Inscription.

Maria Scotorum Regina, Regis filia, Regis Gallorum. Vidua, Reginae Angliae Agnata, & Haeres proxima: Virtutibus Regiis, & animo Regio ornata, jure Regio Frustra saepius implorato, barbara, & tyrannica Crudelitate ornamentum nostri seculi, & lumen Vere Regium extinguitur: Eodem nefario judicio Et Maria Scotorum Regina morte naturali, & omnes Superstites Reges, plebeii facti, morte civili mulctantur. Novum, & inauditum tumuli genus, in quo, cum vivis Mortui includuntur, hic extat: Cum sacris enim Divae Mariae cineribus, omnium Regum, at{que} Principum vio▪ latam, at{que} prostratam Majestatem hic jacere scito: Et quia tacitum Regale satis super{que} Reges sui Officii monet, plura non addo, Viator.

Which in English may be rendred thus. Mary Queen of Scots, daughter of a King, Widow of the King of France, Cousin, and next heir to the Queen of England, adorned with Royal ver∣tues, and a Royal mind (the right of Princes being oftentimes in vain implored) by barbarous, and Tyrannical cruelty, the or∣nament of our age and truly Royal light, is extinguished. By the same unrighteous judgment, both Mary Queen of Scots, with natural death, and all surviving Kings (now made common persons) are punished with civil death. A strange and unusual kind of monument this is, wherein the living are included with the dead: For, with the sacred ashes of this blessed Mary, know, that the Majesty of all Kings, and Princes, lieth here violated, and prostrate. And because Regal secrecy doth enough and more ad∣monish Kings of their duty, Traveller, I say no more.

This Table continued not long, but was taken away, and cast aside, by whose hand, or order I know not, yet the Royal En∣signs of an Helmet, Sword, and Scutcheon remained to the year 1643. hanging high over the place of her burial, yet did not their height secure them from the storms, which then fell upon this Church, and Monuments.

After that the body of this Queen had rested in this place the space of 25 years, her Son King James being minded to remove it to Westminster, wrote to the Church of Peterburgh, as followeth.

JAMES R.

* 7.1TRusty, and well-beloved, we greet you well: for that we think it appertains to the duty we owe to our dearest Mother, that like honour should be done to her Body, and like Monument be ex∣tant of Her, as to others, Hers, and our Progenitors have been used to be done, and our selves have already performed to our dear Sister the late Queen Elizabeth, we have commanded a memorial of her to be made in our Church of Westminster, the place where the Kings and Queens of this Realm are usually interred: And for that we think it inconvenient, that the Monument, and Her body should be in several places, we have ordered that her said Body remaining now interred in that our Cathedral Church of Peter∣burgh shall be removed to Westminster to her said monument: And have committed the care, and charge of the said translation of her bo∣dy from Peterburgh to Westminster to the Reverend Father in God, our right trusty, and well-beloved servant the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield bearer hereof, to whom, we require you (or to such as he shall assign) to deliver the Corps of our said dearest Mother, the same being taken up in as decent, and respectful manner as is fitting. And for that there is a Pall now upon the Hearse over Her Grave, which will be requisite to be used to cover Her said Body in the removing thereof, which may perhaps be deemed as a Fee that should belong to the Church, we have appointed the said Reverend Fa∣ther to pay you a reasonable redemption for the same; which being done by him, we require you that he may have the Pall to be used for the purpose aforesaid.

Given under our Signet at our Honour of Hampton Court, the eight and twentieth day of Septemb. in the tenth year of our Reign of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the six and fortieth.

In obedience to this Letter the Body of the Queen of Scots was taken up the eleventh of October following, in the year of our Lord, 1612. and translated to Westminster, where we shall leave Her, and return to our succession of the Bishops of Peterburgh.

Howland having been Bishop here the space of 15 years, died at Castor, and was buried in his own Cathedral at the upper end of the Quire. And there succeeded

49. THOMAS DOVE

Who was Dean of Norwich, and Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth, who had so good esteem of him for his excellency in preach∣ing, reverend aspect and deportment, that she was wont to call him The Dove with silver wings. He entred upon his Bishoprick

in the year 1600. and continued therein the space of 30 years. During which time, he was, like S. Paul's Bishop, a lover of Hospitality, keeping a very free house, and having always a numerous Family, yet was he so careful of posterity, that he left a fair estate to his Heirs. He died upon the 30 of Au∣gust 1630. in the 75 year of his age, and lieth buried in the North cross Isle of the Church. Over his body was erected a very comely Monument of a long quadrangular form, having four corner pilasters supporting a fair Table of black Marble, and, within, the pourtraiture of the Bishop lying in his Epis∣copal habit. At the feet on the outside were these Inscriptions.

Si quaeras, viator, quo hospite glorietur elegans haec mortis domus, ipsa prose loquetur, ipsa pro illo, quae ideo loqui didicit, ut sciant illi qui eò ingrati∣tudinis inhumaniter obriguerunt, ut in manes, in urnas saevire studeant, non defuturam saxis linguam quae doceat de mortuis bene loqui. Vindex hoc, & pium marmor sacros cineres tegit, & sanctiorem memoriam protegit (Charissimum utrum{que} pignus redituri Domini.) Reverendissimi in Christo Patris Thomae Dove, quem novit Waldenum Ecclesiasten doctissimum, Nordovicum Decanum vigilantissimum, haec ipsa Ecclesia Episcopum piissimum, cui, postquam trigint a annis magno cum honore praefuisset, ad magnum illum animarum Episcopum transmigravit: Bonus pastor translatus ab ovibus in terris ad Agnum in coelis, quocum regnabit in secula. Hoc me loqui voluit Gulielmus Dove, Equ. Aur. Optimi hujus patris filius natu-maximus, honoris, & pietatis

ergo.

Carmine non pous est, sat sat praestabit abunde, Si sat flere potest officiosus amor. Vixt Epitaphium sibi: Te sprevisse (Poeta) Quam facile poterit, qui bene vixit? Abi. At{que} abeo: durum est numeris aptare dolorem At{que} aequo lachrymas currere posse pede. Me muto, tibi non poterunt monumenta deesse, Vivum quem soboles tam numerosa refert. Hoc addam: Hic illa est senio argentata Columba Davidis, coelos hinc petit ille suos. Dixi: Musa loquax tanto non apta dolori Si non flere satis nostra, silere potest.

But this Monument was in the year 1643. levelled with the ground, so that Bishop Dove's Epitaph, in stead of Marble, must now live in paper.

50. WILLIAM PEIRSE

Being Canon of Christs Church in Oxford, and Dean of Pe∣terburgh, was made Bishop after the death of Dove, and installed Nov. 14. A man of excellent parts, both in Divinity, and know∣ledge of the Laws: very vigilant and active he was, for the good both of the Ecclesiastical, and Civil State; and had he continued longer in this See, he would have rectified many things then amiss: But he was translated to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells after two years presidency at Peterburgh.

51. AƲGƲSTINE LINDSELL

Was Dean of Lichfield, and upon the translation of Peirse, made Bishop of this Diocess, being elected December 22. 1632. and in∣stalled by Proxy, Febr. 25. following. He was a man of very great learning, and gave sufficient evidence thereof to the Church by set∣ting forth that excellent edition of Theophylact upon. S. Paul's Epi∣stles, which work will make his name & worth live, & be honoured among all learned Divines, Foreign and Domestick. In his time the Parsonage of Castor was annexed to the Bishoprick to be held in Commendam, which was effected by W. Laud Archbishop of Can∣terbury, as he left recorded in his Diary. When he had been Bishop here the space of two years, he was translated to Hereford, and shortly after ended his life to the greatloss of the Church of England.

52. FRANCIS DEE

Was taken from his Deanry of Chichester, and made Bishop here, being elected April 9. 1634. and in May 28. following in∣stalled by Proxy. He was a man of very pious life, and affable behaviour. After he had with much diligence and honesty, meekness and hospitality gloriously shined in his Ecclesiastical Orb here the space of four years and six months, he died, much lamented, October 8. 1638. bequeathing by his will towards the reparation of his Cathedral Church the summ of an hundred pounds, and lieth buried in the upper part of the Quire near to his Episcopal Seat.

53. JOHN TOWERS

Being Dean of this Church, ascended the other step, and was made Bishop after the death of Dee, being installed March. 8. 1638.

He enjoyed his Bishoprick in peace a very little while, for pre∣sently great dissensions arose betwixt the two Kingdoms of En∣gland and Scotland, which occasioned the Bishops attendance upon the King, both in the North at York, and at London in time of Parliaments, that which was convened, April 13. 1640. and dissolved May 5. following (the Convocation sitting by the Kings express Commission until May 29, wherein the new Canons were made) and that also which began the same year, November 3. and was of a far longer continuance: On August 5. this year the great Commission for draining the Fenns began to be holden at Peterburgh, the Commissioners sitting in the Bishops great Hall until the 11. of the same month, the determinations therein being since known by the name of Peterburgh Law. On the third of November following a new Parliament began to sit, Bishop Towers, according to his place, giving attendance there; In the year following arose great opposition against Bishops, as to their Office, and power in having Votes in Parliament, inso∣much that many of them apprehending their insecurity in attend∣ing upon the House (much opposition meeting them in the way) some of them, to the number of twelve, drew up a Protestation against all such Laws, Orders, Votes, Resolutions, and deter∣minations, as in themselves, null, and of none effect, which in their absence from December 27. 1641. had passed, or should afterwards pass, during the time of their forced absence from the House of Lords: which Protestation so heightned the displea∣sure against them, that those twelve Bishops were charged with High-Treason, and committed to the Tower. Only Bishop Morton, and B. Hall to the Black Rod. Of those twelve Bishops, * 7.2 John Towers Bishop of Peterburgh was one, continuing under re∣straint some 4 or 5 months, and being enlarged, returned to his bare Palace of Peterburgh, where (although his revenues were taken away yet) he enjoyed but little quiet, or security, being continually alarm'd by threatnings and molestations which caused him to flie to Oxford, then the Kings Garrison, under which shelter he continued until it was surrendred to Sir Thomas Fair∣fax, and then, (on June 29. 1646.) Bishop Towers came again to his own dwelling at Peterburgh. But then did other troubles draw nearer to him, sicknesses and diseases, which prevailed upon him until they had brought him to his dissolution, which happened January 10. 1648. twenty dayes before his great Master King Charles, and he was buried the day following in the Grave of Abbot Henricus de Morcot, as hath been said before.

His eminency in his Bishoprick was more illustrious by his be∣ing passive than active in the dispensation of his Office, the times not digesting such zeal in the way of conformity to the Church of England, as he was endowed withal: yet did he Preach as oft as

occasion required, wherein he was so excellently qualified, as that he had but few equals, and fewer superiours in his time.

He was earnest in his zeal to the house of God, a testimony whereof he gave long before he had relation to the Church of Pe∣terburgh, which I have heard from his own mouth, and it was this: King James using to visit Castle-Ashby, the Seat and Mansi∣on of the Earls of Northampton, where Dr. Towers was Parson, It was the custom of those houshold Officers which belonged to the Wardrobe, to use the Chancel of the Parish-Church for a Ward∣robe, King James not knowing any thing thereof: Dr. Towers be∣ing to Preach before the King, in his Sermon spake something in signification thereof, which King James apprehending, and lay∣ing up, he questioned Dr. Towers presently after Sermon about it. D. Towers acquainting him with the abuse, and that he thought himself bound in conscience to say what he had said: The King was so far from being displeased, that he thanked him for his honest boldness, and gave order for the remedying of that abuse. Pre∣sently after the death of Bishop Towers, the purchasers of his Epis∣copal Palace began to demolish it, and the first place they laid their hands on, was the Chappel, Jan. 29.

John Towers being dead, the Church of Peterburgh continued under an Inter-Episcopate for the space of a dozen years (although the Bishop was made but a Cypher some years before) until it pleased the Sun of Divine mercy to dispel that black cloud which had so long Eclipsed the glory both of Church and State, by the happy, (and never to be forgotten) restauration of His Sacred Ma∣jesty King Charles the Second, to his just Rights, who out of His pious care for this Church, appointed

54 BENJAMIN LANY

Dr. in Divinity, Dean of Rochester, and Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge, whose election was November 20. 1660. and Installation Decemb. 21. His Presidency here was not long, nor his Hand short in expressing its benevolence towards the repairing of the Cathedral Church. His removal was to the Bishoprick of Lincoln, 1662. And his Successor

55. JOSEPH HENSHAW

Dr. in Divinity, and Dean. of Chichester was elected April 15. 1663. and Installed May 28. being Ascension day.

Thus having set down the Succession of the Abbots, and Bi∣shops of this Cathedral Church, we shall now apply our selves to the other Ecclesiastick Government, viz. The Dean and Chapter, which K. Henry founded at the dissolution of Abbyes.

This he constituted of a Dean, and six Prebendaries, to be ex∣empt

from the Bishop of Lincoln, and his Jurisdiction, and also distinct from the Bishop of Peterburgh, and to be an entire Ec∣clesiastical Corporation of themselves. Their temporal jurisdicti∣on in such Mannors, Lands and Rents as were assigned to them, was like that of the Abbots formerly, as their Successors therein. To the Dean and Prebends, all other Officers and Members were subordinate, and this was the Original Constitution and foundati∣on of the whole.

The Dean	l.	s.	d.
Six Prebendaries Priests	l.	s.	d.
Eight Petty Canons	l.	s.	d.
* 7.3Four Students in Divinity	l.	s.	d.
Eight Clerks, or singing-men,	l.	s.	d.
An Epistoler	l.	s.	d.
A Ghospeller	l.	s.	d.
Two Sextons	l.	s.	d.
Eight Choristers	l.	s.	d.
A Master of Choristers	l.	s.	d.
Twenty Scholars at the Grammar School	l.	s.	d.
Six Alms-men or Beads-men	l.	s.	d.
The Head-Master of the Grammar-School	l.	s.	d.
The Usher	l.	s.	d.
A Yearly distribution in Almes.	l.	s.	d.
For the Yearly reparation of the Cathedral	l.	s.	d.
* 7.4For making and mending of High-ways.	l.	s.	d.
A Steward of the Lands	l.	s.	d.
Auditor of the Accompts	l.	s.	d.
Two Porters,	l.	s.	d.
Principal Cook	l.	s.	d.
Under-Cook	l.	s.	d.
Butler	l.	s.	d.
Purveyor	l.	s.	d.
Receiver of the Rents	l.	s.	d.
For extraordinary expences Yearly	l.	s.	d.
Organist	l.	s.	d.
Sub-Dean	l.	s.	d.
Sub-Treasurer	l.	s.	d.
Chantor	l.	s.	d.
Two Councellors in Law	l.	s.	d.
Solicitor	l.	s.	d.
Register	l.	s.	d.
Principal Steward	l.	s.	d.
Keeper of the Cloak.	l.	s.	d.

These were the Officers and dependents of this Church, a∣mongst which the Revenues were to be distributed. But I have

not yet met with any Authentick Copy for all these, save only the Dean and six Prebendaries. The rest I find in several Tran∣scripts, which varie one from another, that whether they were all fixed by authority, or some left to the discretion of the Governors of the Church, to be changed as occasion served, I cannot justly say.

The Lands and Rents assigned to this foundation were, first, the whole site or bounds of the Monastery (excepting such as were allotted to the Bishop) wherein were many dwelling houses assigned to several places, as to the Dean, Prebendaries, and Church∣men such as performed daily service in the Church, which were set forth by the Kings Commission bearing date, July 20. 1541. The Revenues for the Dean and Chapter, with such offices and places as were subordinate were these.

In Northampton-shire.

	l.	s.	d.
Mannor of Peterburgh rated Yearly at	127	07	00	ob.
Mannor of Longthorp	41	16	11	q.
Mannor of Castre	51	10	07	q.
Mannor of Sutton	17	00	4
Mannor of Glinton and Peikirk	63	15	00
Mannor of Maxey	19	04	00
Mannor of Northburgh	07	08	01
Mannor of Stamford S. Martins	18	11	03	ob.
Mannor of Irtlingburgh	33	05	11	ob.
Mannor of Stanwigge	25	08	00	ob.
Mannor of Polebrook	40	08	01	ob. q.

Leicestershire.

	l.	s.	d.
Mannor of Eston and Bringhurst	92	06	01	q.

Lincolnshire.

	l.	s.	d.
Mannor of Fiskerton	68	15	03	ob.
Mannor of Repham, Scothern, Sudbrook	40	09	10
Mannor of Scotter	49	04	06
Mannor of Walcot	06	18	01
Mannor of Grantham	00	12	08
Stamford beyond the Bridge	00	07	00
Boston	00	10	00
Mannor of Careby	00	07	00
Liberty or Hundred of Scotter	03	08	04

Nottingham-shire.

	l.	s.	d.
Mannor of North-Collingham and South-Coll.	85	19	5

Huntingtonshire.

		l.	s.	d.
Mannor of Botolphbridge, and Overton	07	12	00
Mannor of Alwalton		39	10	05
	Sum. total.	811	16	01	q.

Out-Rents in other places not comprehended in the former values.

Fishing in Wittlesmere	03	13	04
Fishing in Woland	01	13	04
Fishing in the Water of Ʋpwell Com. Norf.	00	02	04
Fishing in the River Nene	07	00	00

Advowsons and Presentations of Churches belonging to the Dean, and Chapter.

Peikirk, Northburgh, Stanwigge, Alwalton, Fiskerton, Irtlingburgh, All-Saints, Vicaridges of Maxey, North-Collingham, Bringhurst.* 7.5

Portions or Pensions from several Churches.

Castre	05	00	00
Peikirk	01	18	00
Northburgh	00	10	00
Bernack	05	10	00
Irtlingburgh	01	13	04
Stanwigge	01	16	08
South-Collingham	01	00	00
Polebrook	01	00	00
Fiskerton	00	15	00
Scotter	02	00	00
Careby	00	07	00
Thornhaw	00	03	00
Ʋfford	00	16	08
Woodford, and Stoke Doile	02	08	08

Churches Appropriate.

Maxey, Eston, North-Collingham.

In these Lands the Dean and Chapter of Peterburgh injoyed such priviledges as commonly Lords of Mannors used to do. Yet was there one special priviledge which the Abbots from ancient times injoyed, and executed, and by the Grant of King Henry,

and also by Queen Elizabeth, January 29. and third of her Reign, confirmed unto the Dean and Chapter a Priviledge known of late days by the name of Non molestandum, that is, a freedom from pay∣ment of Tolls and Customes in all Fairs, Markets, passages of Bridges, Ways, Ports, in and without the Realm of England. This the Dean and Chapter of Peterburgh had power to grant to their Tenants, and there are some living, who reap benefit by this Non molestandum; at this very day; this priviledge having been granted unto them, when the Dean and Chapter were in power so to do: And whosoever should act contrary to this Priviledge, was to incur the penalty of ten pounds. And by her general In∣speximus bearing date July 9. in the ninth year of her Reign Anno 1567. she confirmed all the Lands and Priviledges of this Church.

What Religious care the late King Charles had for the augmen∣tation of the Dean and Prebendaries, with other Stipendiaries be∣longing to this Church, shall be seen in the close of our Ap∣pendix.

The Succession of this Ecclesiastical body from the first Consti∣tution thereof by King Henry, was thus, the first in each being particularly nominated in King Henry's Charter.

DEANS.

• 1 Francis Abree, Prior of Northampton, Bachelor in Divinity, was made Dean 1541.
• 2 Gerard Carlton, Bachelor in Divinity, 1543.
• 3 James Curtop, Master of Arts.
• 4 John Boxhall, Doctor of Law.
• 5 William Latimer, Doctor in Divinity 1560. In his time the Cathedral was by a great Peer begged of Queen Elizabeth to build him an House, upon Information to the Queen that it was ruinous, and no Prayers said therein: but Dean Latimer recovered it by the Queens favour, upon better Information.
• 6 Richard Fletcher, Doctor in Divinity 1585. translated hence to the Bishoprick of Bristol, thence to Worcester, thence to London.
• 7 Thomas Nevil, Doctor in Divinity 1590. first Master of Magdalen-Colledge, and after of Trinity-Colledge in Cam∣bridge, where he built that stately back Court commonly known by his Name.
• 8 John Palmer, Doctor in Divinity 1598. was Master of Mag∣dalen-Colledge in Cambridge.
• 9 Richard Cleyton Doctor in Divinity 1608. first Master of Magdalen-Colledge in Cambridge, then of S. Johns.
• 10 George Meriton, Doctor in Divinity 1612.
• ...

• 11 Henry Beamount, Doctor in Divinity 1616.
• 12 Guil. Pierse, Dr. in Divinity, Canon of Christ-Church in Oxford, made Dean 1622. translated to the Bishoprick of Peterburgh, afterwards to Bath and Wells.
• 13 John Towers, Doctor in Divinity 1630. translated to the Bi∣shoprick of this Church.
• 14 Thomas Jackson, Doctor in Divinity 1638. President of Corpus-Christi Colledge in Oxford. He liveth, and will live in his learned Works to the Worlds end.
• 15 John Cozin, Doctor in Divinity 1640. Master of S. Peters Colledge in Cambridge, preferred to the Bishoprick of Dur∣ham.
• 16 Edward Rainbow, Doctor in Divinity, and Master of Mag∣dalen-Colledge in Cambridge, installed Dean of this Church, Jan. 5. 1660. Advanced to the Bishoprick of Carlile, to which he was consecrated July 10. 1664.
• 17 James Duport, Doctor in Divinity, of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge, Installed July 27. following.

The Succession of the Prebendaries was as followeth.

In the first PREBEND.

• Matthew Whittall, D. D. A secular Priest.
• ...Howeton.
• ...Peter.
• Anthony Burton, M. A.
• Robert Rodes, B. D.
• William Bayly, B. D.
• William Smith, B. D.
• Tobias Bland, B. D. Sub-Almoner to Q. Eliz. and Par∣son of Abbot Rippon, Com. Hunt.
• John Bridgeman, D. D. removed to the Bishoprick of Chester.
• John Williams, D. D. removed to the Bishoprick of Lincoln. * 7.6
• Thomas Swift, B. D. Parson of Waddington, Com. Lincoln.
• Simon Gunton, M. A. Cambr.

In the second PREBEND.

• William Judd, B. D. A Monk of the place.
• Edwin Sands, D. D.
• William Binsley, L. D.
• Edwin Sands, restored, being ejected by Q. Mary, or withdrawing himself, as others did in her days.
• ...

• ... Nicolas Shepheard, D. D.
• William Hill, M. A.
• ...Edward Lively.
• Robert Williamson, D. D. Parson of Tichmarsh Com. Northampton.
• Robert Williamson, D. D. Fellow of Magd. Coll. Oxon.
• John Howorth, B. D. President of Magd. Coll. Cantabr. afterwards D. D. and Mr. of the same Colledge.
• William Henchman, M. A. Parson of Barton Com. Northampton. Cambr.

In the third PREBEND.

• Robert Pierson, T. B. A Monk of the place.
• Christopher Hodgson, B. A.
• ...Edward Baker, Cler.
• James Howland, M. A.
• William Bayly, B. D.
• Edward Marshal, T. B. Parson of Wimple Com. Cantab.
• Warner Marshall, M. A. Parson of Castor.
• Sebastian Smith, M. A. Oxon.
• Abraham Jackson, M. A.
• William Louch, M. A. Oxon.

In the fourth PREBEND.

• John Barlow, M. A.
• Nicolas Murrey, L. B.
• ...Miles Johnson,
• James Ellis, L. D.
• Richard Cleyton, D. D.
• Richard Cleyburne, D. D.
• John Pocklyngton, D. D.
• William Towers, B. D. Oxon.
• Thomas Greaves, D. D.

In the fifth PREBEND.

• John Cheyney Prior,
• Pollard, B. D.
• Richard Kay. B. D.
• ...Thurstane Murry.
• Nicolas Brown, B. D.
• Henry Williamson, B. D.
• Thomas Dove, M. A. Archdeacon of Northampton.
• Henry Smith, D. D. Mr. of Magd. Coll. Cambr.
• William Halls, M. A.

In the sixth PREBEND.

• Richard White, A Monk of the place.
• Isham, M. A.
• ...William Binsley.
• Robert Johnson, B. D.
• Richard Smith, B. D.
• John Aungier, L. D.
• Robert Summer, M. A. now Parson of Northburgh.
• John Wyldbore, M. A. Parson of Wittering.
• Thomas Lany, B. D.
• ...John Whitehall.

I have now no more to do to the body of our story but to present the Reader with a relation of some few Monuments with their Inscriptions, not yet mentioned, and then the story of this Church will arrive at its period.

But before I give the relation of the Monuments of this Church, I shall let the Reader know when, and by whom they were de∣stroyed. In the year 1643. the Town of Croyland was, by the inhabitants thereof, made a Garrison for the King, which they had great reason to do, not only to shew themselves good Sub∣jects, but good Tenants, they holding their Lands of him. In the month of April, on the 18 day, came the Parliament-Forces to Peterburgh in order to the besieging of Croyland, and here having settled themselves in their Quarters, they fell to execute their fu∣ry upon the Cathedral, destroying all things as the malicious Eye of each Sectarian Varlet prompted him to do mischief, beating down the Windows, defacing the Monuments, tearing the Brass from Grave-stones, plundering of Vestments, Records, and what∣soever else came to hand, which nothing could resist: Their Com∣manders, of whom Cromwel was one, if not acting, yet not restrain∣ing the Souldiers in this heat of their fury.

But some two or three days after, a finger of divine vengeance touched Cromwel, (although his rabble and he would not see it). For, being at that time quartered in the house of Mr. Cervington, commonly called the Vineyard, at the East end of the Cathedral, out of the Court of which dwelling, there was a passage into the Churchyard (which since is mured up) ascending by 3 or 4 Stone∣steps, Cromwel, (as others did) riding up those steps, his Horse fell under him, and rising suddenly under the lintels of the door, dash∣ed his head against the lintels, so that he fell to the ground as dead, was so carried into the house, and it was about a fortnight ere he could be recovered: those who were eye-witnesses affirmed that the blow raised splinters in his Scalp near a fingers length. But yet the siege of Croyland went on, and on the 28 of April the

Town was taken, on the 5 of May. Cromwel with his Forces marched to Stamford, and other places, leaving the abomination of desolation in this Church behind them. And now I shall give an accompt of such Monuments as were in the Church before their coming, and have been added since.

I shall begin at the Nave, or body of the Church, where I shall omit such as are broken, and worn out, as not to be compleat∣ly rendered: Many also as bear only names, and dates of burial, which will give but little content to any that should read them.

As you enter into the Church, high above, on the left hand, stands the figure of R. Scarlet once a Sexton of this Church, one that was famous in his generation, as may be collected by what is under written.

You see old Scarlet's picture stand on high, But at your feet there doth his body lye. His gravestone doth his age, and death time show, His Office by these tokens you may know. Second to none for strength, and sturdie Limme, A scare-babe mighty voice, with visage grimm: He had interr'd two Queens within this place; And this towns Housholders in his live space, Twice over: But at length his own turn came, What he for others did, for him the same Was done: No doubt his Soul doth live for ay In Heaven, though here his body clad in clay.

Joyning to a Pillar on the Northside stood a comely Font, the water whereof, though it purged many, yet it could not purge this Vessel, in the opinion of those that brake it down, 1643.

Against the Cloister door are some antient Inscriptions, only this perfect, besides that of Garton formerly mentioned in Abbot Richard Ashton.

Aswalton natus jacet hic Henricus humatus. Presbiter ornatus, cui solvas Christe reatus.

Something beyond towards the upper end, lieth a fair marble of late adorned with the figure of the deceased, in Brass, and on a * 7.7 Plate round about, Hic jacet tumulatus Robertus de Thorp Miles, * 7.8 quondam Cancellarius Domini Regis Angliae, qui obiit vicesimo nono die Junii, Anno Domini Millesimo, trecentesimo, septuagesimo secundo, Cujus animae propitietur Deus, Amen.

By his side is another fair Marble which carried this Inscription, Hic jacet tumulatus——miles, filius Domini Willielmi de Thorpe, qui moriebatur apud Tou'ton Wat'vyle die Jovis, x^o. die Augusti, Anno Domini Millesimo, trecentesimo LXXV. Cujus animae propitie∣tur Deus.

On the left hand is a Marble bearing the figure of a cross legg'd Knight, after the manner of the Templers with a dog at his feet; lately the Brass was divorced from the Marble; and Senour Gascelin de Marham stripped of his Monumental bravery.

A little above, Here lieth the Body of William Leafield some∣times * 7.9 Inhabitant of this City who departed this life, January 22. Anno Domini 1625.

Near unto, lieth one that was taken away in his budding, his name and quality may be seen in the Inscription.

• Robertus Carrier
• Subter, & Supra.

Anno	Dom. 1651.
Aetat. 19.
Grad. Bacc. 1.
Novemb. 24.

Not far from this is one later, who may be mentioned as ano∣ther Siphrah both in function and piety. Here lieth the Body of Jane Parker, the wife of Valentine Parker, She departed this life, Sept. 19. day, 1653.

Here lieth a Midwife brought to bed, Deliveresse delivered; Her body being churched heere, Her Soul thanks gives in yonder Spheer.

A little higher, lieth a fair Marble which acts the second part of Niobe, weeping for many figures of Brass which it hath lately forgone, if the Inscription may be thought worth the weep∣ing for.

Siste gradum, mortale meum speculare Sepulchrum, Hic ego qui jaceo sum genus ecce tuum. Frater Willimi Ramsey venerabilis olim Istius Abbatis hic in honore loci. Petriburgh Bayly Killire vocor ipse Johannes, Mecum sponsa jacet ecce Johanna mea. Tot mihi sunt nati, mihi sunt natae{que} puellae Willimus, Thomas, Willimus, & ipse Johannes, Walt'rus, Richardus, Thomas, Agnes mihi Marga, Grata fit proles ac Katherina mihi. Orate, precor, nos omnes ut Deus ipse Salvet ab inferno: Pactus fuit en lapis iste

1489. April. 19.

The Epitaph of W. Ramsey Abbot near adjoyning, hath been related already, only be it added, that his Rebus on a plate of Brass was a Ram carrying a W. and sey written over, which was William Ramsey.

At the upper end of the South Isle, was an effigies of Brass fastned to a Marble with an Inscription thus, Hic jacet Johannes de Harwedon quondam Senescallus Burgi, Cujus animae propitietur Deus, Amen.

On either side, betwixt the two formost Pillars, were two Chappels, but oblivion hath sequestred them from our account. Proceed we now to the Quire, but by the way a small Inscription stays our foot, in the passage. Hic jacet Jornandes de Tringham Prior hujus loci: Cujus animae propitietur Deus. Amen.

The Quire presents nothing legible in the pavement, more than what hath been already mentioned: only the wooden sides did very lately retain some memorial of their antient ornaments, both paintings and writings, though their defects be now supplyed with the gilded ceiling of the Ladies Chappel. It was (as hath been said) in the time of Abbot W. of Watervile near five hun∣dred years since, ordered as we have lately known it, and the fashion of both Pictures and Letters, might plead such antiquity. For the Paintings, they were not to be commended, neither here, nor in other places of the Church, for it hath long since been found * 7.10 fault with, that in Peterburgh-Minster, you may see Saint Peter painted, his head very near, or altogether as big as his middle. Their Subject was Scripture stories, and underneath Latin Di∣stichs, some whereof (though somewhat different) were written in the windows of the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, as the * 7.11 Surveyor thereof hath left Recorded. Many of these Verses are perished with age, these were lately legible.

Under the Picture of the Prophet Isaias,

En pariet, & concipiet, sic fert Isayas, Virgo Deum, semper inviolata manens.

Under Moses's Bush.

Non ardens ardere rubus: non tacta videtur Virginitas tangi, dum parit absque pari.

Under Gedeon's fleece.

Virginitas vellus, Verbum ros, arida tellus Est caro virginea: Conca quid? Ecclesia.

Under the Pictures of Mary and Elizabeth.

Plaude puerperio, virgo vetulae, quia vero Obviat hic pietas, veteri dat lex nova metas.

Another by it.

Oscula justitiae dat pax cognata Mariae, Applaudet Regi praecursor, gratia legi.

Under Araon's rod budding.

Ʋt contra morem dat amygdalus arida florem, Sic Virgo puerum verso parit ordine rerum.

Under Nebuchadnezzar dreaming.

Ʋt Regi visus lapis est de monte recisus, Sic gravis absque viro Virgo parit ordine miro.

These on the Southside: On the Northside were these to be read.

Under Boaz.

Tingere consuluit buccellam Booz in aceto Ruth: Thomas Christi palpat & ipse latus.

Under the Prophet Habakkuk.

Abaccuc Solem cernit sublime levatum, Coelos ascendit Christus, eosque regit.

Under the fire descending upon the Sacrifice.

Ignis de coelo descendens, en holocausta Devorat: & sacris Spiritus ecce venit.

Under the Picture of David.

Iste propheta David Dominum reverenter adorat, Ʋt confirmentur optima dona Dei.

Both these sides of the Quire were adorned after an old decent manner, with hangings of Tapestry formerly mentioned in the Inventory, but in the year 1643. they were taken away, and di∣spersed.

Towards the upper end of the Quire, on the South side, a little above the Monument of Abbot John, there is a comely structure of white Chalk-stone, being alike on both sides, but it is not known what it was raised for, unless conjecture may pass it for a Monu∣ment of one Reginald Lolworth who lieth buried by it, in the South Isle, on whose stone this Verse is legible,

Hic jacet egregius Lolworth Reginaldus humatus.

The rest is worn out. But who this Reginald was I know no more than the stone, whereon the word Egregius is much abated by oblivion of the Person.

But the greatest ornament of the Quire (and indeed of the whole Church) was the High Altar, a structure of stone most exquisitely carved, and beautified with gilding and painting; it was ascended unto by about a dozen steps, and from its basis reared after the manner of a comely wall some six foot high, upon which were several curious Pilasters supporting a fair arched Roof whereon were three goodly Spires reaching almost to the top of the Church, the whole frame dilating it self to each side, all gil∣ded and painted, saving some void plain places, which were an∣ciently filled up with Plates of silver, as hath been mentioned in the Inventory. I wish I could present the Reader with the Ef∣figies of it, as Mr. Somner hath done that in the Cathedral of Canterbury.

But were it never so glorious and beautiful to the eye, for that it had been built and used in times of Popery, and superstition, it was adjudged criminous enough so as to deserve demolition.

The Altar or Table it self was a goodly free-stone, which was long since removed, and laid in the pavement adjoyning, and a Table of wood set in its place, notwithstanding which change, the Abbots Chair of stone adjoyning to the South end, suffered no alteration, but continued to our times. It was, as tradition hath derived it to us, the representative of S. Peters Chair, where the Abbot himself sate at appointed times.

But must an honest Convert be hanged because he was once a Thief? must a regenerate person be damned because he was once carnal? might no reformation, purgation, or alienation of this Altar to a more honest, and better use (as Altars in the Primitive times of Christianity were) reprieve it from the violent hands of an enraged multitude? yet it would not: for in the year 1643 it was beaten down to the lowest base of plain work, and so stood as a deformed spectacle some eight years, and then 1651. a private person disliking it because there was not a through reformation, it was ordered that the remainder, with the whole mound whereon it was erected, should be levelled with the pavement of the Quire.

* 7.12Now, as was said of Phaëtons overthrowing the Chariot of the Sun, Aliquis malo fuit usus in illo, There was some good from that evil, for the world had the more light: So the removal of this Altar brought something to light which had long been concealed: viz. a certain Iron like the Beam of a Balance passing through that part of the Altar to the Abbots Chair, which for what use it ser∣ved, I cannot say. On the right hand, that is, on the South side, appeared these two Verses written on the Wall in ancient Saxon Letters, now to be seen.

Partus, & integritas, discordes tempore longo Virginis in gremio foedera pacis habent.

On the other side also in two hollow places of the Wall were found two Chests of about three foot long a piece, in each of which were the bones of a Man, and of whom appeared by a Plate of Lead in each Chest, whereon the name of the person was engra∣ven; in the one was Elfricus, on the other Kynsius, both which had been Arch-Bishops of York, and being dead, their bodies were interred in the Monastery of Peterburgh, where formerly they had been Monks.

In those time, Epitaphs, and Inscriptions on the outside of Mo∣numents, were, either not yet, or, not commonly used, but a plate of Lead was put into the Coffin having the name of the deceased party, and so it was done to Dunstane Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, as Matthew Paris witnesseth. * 7.13

But Elfricus, and Kynsius could not have their repositories so short, from the beginning, but it is probable they had a removal, from under ground to lie above ground, in this Wall so near the Al∣tar; their first places of Sepulture being not thought fit to contain them any longer. The place of Elfricus burial I cannot tell, but for Kynsius, I have heard my Father who was well read in the Antiquities of this Church, say, that the Marble Monument now lying on the Northside of the Quire, was his. It bears the Por∣traicture of a shaven Monk lying on the top.

Beyond the Quire, the most Eastern part of the Church, is the New Building erected by Abbot Robert Kirton, as hath been said. The windows therein are fair, and lately beautified with painted glass, which contained no great matter worthy of recital, save only the pictures of Saints, largely expressed.

In the South end of this building lie many of the family of Ormes interred, Sir Humfrey Orme, Frances his Lady with their Children. In the Wall adjoyning was placed a fair and comely Monument, with their Statues: which Monument was first ere∣cted upon the burial of a vertuous Gentlewoman of the same name, born in Sommerset-shire, whom Humfrey, the eldest Son of Sir Humfrey, had taken to Wife, who, though by her Marriage she

changed not her name, yet she did her Countrey, and here died. Under her Figure was written this Epitaph.

Mistake not, Reader, I thee crave, This is an Altar, not a Grave, Where Fire rak't up in Ashes lies, And Harts are made the sacrifice Till time and truth, her worth, and fame, Revive her embers to a flame.

I cannot tell, whether this Monument fared the worse for the Statues, or the word Altar in the Epitaph, but it was defaced, And Sir Humfrey Orme, his Lady, and eldest Son, lived to see the death of what was erected to continue their memories after death.

Near towards the midst of this building, lieth interred the bo∣dy of Frances, Wife to Dr. John Cosin Dean of this Church, who died (not long after her Child-birth) March 25. 1642. A Gen∣tlewoman well deserving a Monument to perpetuate her name, and memory, for which purpose her honoured Husband made some progress in one upon the pavement with black and white Marble chequered, but before it could be compleated on the Wall, by a Statue or Inscription, it was blasted by an Eastern wind. The day of her burial was remarkable in this, that, whilst the Child (a Daughter Christned Anne) was at the Font to be Baptized, the Mother lay by upon the Bier to be carried presently to her Grave. A pretty accident (if we may call it an accident) fell out the day before. It being the Eve of the Annunciation, (and none making the least question but that this Gentlewoman was in a fair way of recovery after her delivery, and all things prepared for the Chri∣stening of the Child) the Chanter, whose Office it was to ap∣point the Anthems, appointed to be sung that part of the Burial-Service Composed by Mr. Wilkinson, I am the Resurrection, &c. Dean Cosin, being then at Church, and having the Anthem brought him, asked the Chanter, why he appointed this Anthem? The Chanter replied, It is a good Anthem and you have not yet heard it. The next morning this Gentlewoman died, and that day the same Anthem was sung again at her Burial. Dean Cosin afterwards observed the Omen.

As you pass out of this building on the Northside of the Church there was lately a passage into the now demolished Ladies Chappel, in which passage was a little Chappel on the right hand, Archt over with Stone, having a fair East-window, and on the Northside lit∣tle windows looking into the Ladies Chappel: Over head, were two Chambers, which common tradition hath told, to have been the habitation of a devout Lady, called Agnes, or Dame Agnes, out of whose Lodging-Chamber there was a hole made a-skew in

the window walled up, having its prospect just upon the Altar in the Ladies Chappel, and no more. It seems she was devout in her generation, that she chose this place for her retirement, and was desirous that her eyes, as well as ears, might wait upon her publick Devotions. I could never yet see any Record to inform me who this Dame Agnes was: And surely, this Church owes the world a better account of her than I can give, in regard she was a great Benefactoress to it, giving that, which at this day is com∣monly known by the Name of Dame Agnes Wood, not far from Peterburgh. Over against this, on the left hand, was a little Chap∣pel, but what, or whose, we cannot say.

In the Ladies Chappel were many fair Gravestones, but few Inscriptions, only these. Hic jacet Helena nomine English quondam uxor, Willielmi Gunton, quae obiit 9 Octobris 1613.

Near unto this was buried Simon English, who was of great esteem in his generation, for a School-Master, under whom the late famous, and learned Antiquary Sir Robert Cotton and many others of his time, and quality, received education. The In∣scription in Brass upon his Monument, was this. Simoni English Archididascalo Petriburgi celeberrimo Epiphaniae die, Anno Domini 1592. mortuo, Discipulus Thomas Green Hieronymi filius, Grati∣tudinis ergo, posuit.

The Eastern window of this Ladies Chappel was the fairest, and goodliest in all the Church, scarce a fairer in any other Ca∣thedral. It was adorned with painted glass, containing many stories, amongst the rest, of Julian the Apostate, and these two Verses.

Cuspide Mercurii Julianus Apostata caesus Vincis, ait, vincis, heu, Nazarene potens.

At the West end of this Chappel were two small Chappels of wooden inclosure, in one of which (the Northern anciently the Chappel of S. John the Baptist) are interred the bodies of Chri∣stopher Swinscoe Gent. and Alice his Wife, their Monument of Marble is still extant, but the Inscription lost.

This Alice was a good Benefactoress to the poor of the Town. In this Chappel I have often seen a Stone in the pavement, hol∣lowed like a shallow Platter, which tradition hath said to have been so worn by the frequent kneeling of a devout person there∣on, which might be, it being at that end which was next to the Ladies Chappel. But now that stone is gone.

In a Pillar near, was a pretty small Monument of John Aungi∣er Dr. of Law and Prebendary of this Church, but this Pillar could not support the Monument longer then 1643. Near ad∣joyning to this Pillar, was the Chappel of S. James.

Now we are in the North Cross Isle, where W. Parys, who (as hath been said) built the Ladies Chappel, and Bishop Dove, are interred. At the North end of this Isle was a Monument of wood affixed to the Wall, letting survivers know that it was in remembrance of Richard Worm, whose quality and condition may appear by the copious Inscriptions thereon.

Richardus Worme Armiger, natus in hac urbe Petriburgensi, pri∣mo bonis literis, & artibus liberalioribus instructus, In Accademia Cantabrigiensi Magister Artium evasit, legibus deinde, & civilibus, & municipalibus dans operam, earum professione, patriam, amicos, seip∣sum & juvit, & ornavit plurimum: Qui post decursum 59 annorum, Domino animam tradidit 13. Maii, 1589.

Quod cernis parvo tumulo consurgere saxum Hospes nunc Wormi contegit ossa mei. Jure fuit, studiisque valens, subsellia legum Saepe patrociniis personuere suis. Sed non immunem fati fecêre Camaenae; Quique aliis cavit, non cavet ipse sibi: Et didicit binas qui leges calluit ante Tertia jam fati jura subire sui. Quod potuit fecit vivus, promptusque petenti, Quae potuit patriae commoda ferre, tulit. Et miseris mitis succurrit, donec egenis Qui dare consueverat, vermibus esca fuit. Et vermes pascit meritò, qui vermis & ipse Natura factus, nomine dictus erat. Interea vivit, superas subvectus ad auras, Et fruitur Christo spiritus ipse suo. Sic, & mortuus hic, & vivus pendet ab illo Pendens qui pro illo de cruce membr a dedit.

Allusio ad nomen Worme.

Vermis edat vermem? Credas: cum vermibus ecce est Vermis: sic Vermis vermibus esca manet. Vermis edat Vermem? haud credas, non vermibus ipse est Vermis, nec Vermis vermibus esca manet. Sic est, sic non est, verum est hunc esse beatum Vermibus absque suis, vermibus absque suis.

Allusio ad dictionem suam, Veritati adhaereto.

Worm quasi verum, sicque sonat, sic nomen, & omen. Worm verum verè dictio vera dedit. Dictio non dispar, vix est ubi littera dispar Worme bene sic verum, qui posuit, posuit. Haesit Worm vero (parilis conjunctio veri est) Worm haesit verum, dictio parque pari est.

Fuit Worm.

Qui fuit, est, erit ut fuerat, Divina voluntas Cum voluit fieri, sic voluit fieri.

In the same Isle upon the Pavement are these two Memorials writ∣ten upon their Grave-stones.

Christus Rogeri Clyff dignetur misereri In Burgo natique Prioris, & hic tumulati.

The other,

Hic William natus Pightesle quiescit humatus Facta prioratus claustro rexit monachatus Sit prece salvatus Petri, coeloque locatus.

At the South end of this North Isle, near the Quire, is a Vault descending into the ground by stairs of Stone, and at the bottom a low arched passage going under the Church, wherein any might go some five or six yards, and there find the way stopped with the fall of the Earth over head, but how far further this Vault went, or to what end it was first made, I could never learn. Haply it might lead to some penitential Purgatorian place; or like Morti∣mors hole at Nottingham, be a subterraneous passage to some other buildings which are now perished.

Step we now over the Quire to the South cross Isle, and there we shall see on the North end of it next the Quire, the Chap∣pel of the Trinity, and three little Chappels on the East side, the first of S. Oswald where the Heart of Abbot Robert Sutton was buried, the second of S. Benedict, the other of S. Kyneburga, who probably was here buried upon her removal from her Church of Castor.

The pavement presents but one Monumental Stone of William Exton Prior, the Plate of Brass accompained his fellows in the Mo∣numental year of this Churches Monuments. The Inscription was this,

Hic Wilihelmus erat Prior Exton, philosophator Nobilis ex genere, generis quoque nobilitator

Ingulphus makes mention of Radinus the great Earl of Hereford, who married Godda sister to King Edward, that he was buried at Burgh, but in what place of the Church, is not known.

On the West side of this Isle stands the Chapter house, where the Church Records were kept, and slept securely until 1643. when they were roughly awakned, or rather cast into a deeper sleep of oblivion, most of them being torn, and the rest dispersed, to the great prejudice of the knowledge of this Churches ancient affairs, and particularly of this our Story. Anciently this place was the Chappel of the Ostrie: As for the old Chapter-house that was in the Eastern Cloister, a goodly building, founded by King Pea∣da, but now demolished: In it were buried three of the Abbots, but no Inscriptions to inform us which they were; their Marble stones with their Pourtraitures or Statues exquisitely carved on them are now to be seen removed into the South Isle, not far off in this Isle is to be read towards the Cloyster door, Hic jacet Georgi∣us Fraunceys Monachus & natus in Burgo Sancti Petri, quondam Sub∣prior hujus Monasterii, cujus animae propitietur Deus. Amen.

If the Reader be not weary with the recital of these trifling antiquities, let him but go along with me into the Cloyster, and there we will part. The dimensions of this Cloyster hath been re∣membred in the Inventory. The Windows were all compleat and fair, adorned with glass of excellent painting: In the South Cloyster was the History of the Old Testament: In the East Cloy∣ster of the New: In the North Cloister the Figures of the successive Kings from King Peada: In the West Cloyster was the History from the first foundation of the Monastery of King Peada, to the restoring of it by King Edgar. Every window had at the bot∣tom the explanation of the History thus in Verse.

THE FIRST WINDOW.

Col. 1.

King Penda a Paynim as Writing seyth Gate yese five Children of Christen feyth.

Col. 2.

The noble King Peada by Gods grace Was the first founder of this place.

Col. 3.

By Queen Ermenyld had King Wulfere These twey sons that ye see here.

Col. 4.

Wulfade rideth as he was wont Into the Forest the Hart to hunt.

THE SECOND WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Fro all his men Wulfade is gone And suyth himself the Hart alone.

Col. 2.

The Hart brought Wulfade to a Well That was beside Seynt Chaddys Cell.

Col. 3.

Wulfade askyd of Seynt Chad Where is the Hart that me hath lad.

Col. 4.

The Hart that hither thee hath brought Is sent by Christ that thee hath bought.

THE THIRD WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Wulfade prayd Chad that ghostly Leech The Faith of Christ him for to teach.

Col. 2.

Seynt Chad teacheth Wulfade the feyth And words of Baptism over him he seyth.

Col. 3.

Seynt Chad devoutly to Mass him dight And hoseled Wulfade Christy's knight.

Col. 4.

Wulfade wished Seynt Chad that day For his brother Rufine to pray.

THE FOURTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Wulfade told his Brother Rufine That he was Christned by Chaddys doctrine.

Col. 2.

Rufine to Wulfade said again Christned also would I be fain.

Col. 3.

Wulfade Rufine to Seynt Chad leedeth And Chad with love of Faith him feedeth.

Col. 4.

Rufine is Christned of Seynt Chaddys And Wulfade his Brother his Godfather is.

THE FIFTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Werbode Steward to King Wulfere Told that his Sons Christned were.

Col. 2.

Toward the Chappel Wulfere gan goe By guiding of Werbode Christys foe.

Col. 3.

Into the Chappel entred the King And found his Sons worshipping.

Col. 4.

Wulfere in woodness his Sword out drew And both his Sons anon he slew.

THE SIXTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

King Wulfere with Werbode yoo Burying gave his Sons two.

Col. 2.

Werbode for vengeaunce his own flesh tare The Devil him strangled and to hell bare.

Col. 3.

Wulfere for sorrow anon was sick In Bed he lay a dead man like.

Col. 4.

Seynt Ermenyld that blessed Queen Counselled Wulfere to shrive him cleen.

THE SEVENTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Wulfere contrite hyed him to Chad As Ermenyld him counselled had.

Col. 2.

Chad bade Wulfere for his sin Abbeys to build his Realm within.

Col. 3.

Wulfere in hast performed than Brough that Peada his brother began.

Col. 4.

Wulfere endued with high devotion The Abbey of Brough with great possession.

THE EIGHTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

The third Brother King Etheldred Confirmed both his Brethrens deed.

Col. 2.

Saxulf that here first Abbot was For Ankerys at Thorney made a place.

Col. 3.

After came Danes and Brough brent And slew the Monkys as they went.

Col. 4.

Fourscore years, and sixteen Stood Brough destroyed by Danes teen.

THE NINTH WINDOW.

Col. 1.

Seynt Athelwold was bidden by Gods lore The Abbey of Brough again to restore.

Col. 2.

Seynt Athelwold to King Edgar went And prayed him to help him in his intent.

Col. 3.

Edgar babe Athelwold the work begin And him to help he would not lyn.

Col. 4.

Thus Edgar and Athelwold restored this place, God save it, and keep it for his grace.

Here I have a fair invitation to conclude with my heartiest prayers that this Church may stand, and be employed to Gods glory, and his peoples good. To which, how far the usurped authority of the late times was propitious, I leave to the world to judge by the ensuing Act, Passed 19 August 1651.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dr. Hamm. Annot. in fol. 695.
• * 1.2

  Oliver Sutton was B. of Lin∣coln 1280.
• * 1.3

  Malmsbury cal∣leth him Er∣conbert.
• * 1.4

  The life of Er∣menild is rela∣ted in an anci∣ent M S. of Ely now in the hand of Geo. Glapthorn, Esq p.
• * 1.5

  Speed in his description of Northampton∣shire.
• * 1.6

  Beda Hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 3.
• * 1.7

  Vid. Char. in App.
• * 1.8

  Speed speaks as if K. Wolfere was buried at Peterburgh.
• * 1.9

  Johannes Brampton. pag. 773.
• * 1.10

  Sigebert Gembl. ad an. 607. Lanquet. Platina saith Boniface 3.
• * 1.11

  See the Ap∣pendix.
• * 1.12

  There was, saith Vossius, one Elias Tri∣kingham a Monk of this Church who wrote Annals from An. 626. to 770. where∣in he lived, but what mention he makes of his own Mo∣nastery, non conslat. See in Robert Sutton.
• * 1.13

  Britanuus a Monk of this Abby, having escaped the slaughter, wrote lamen∣tations upon the destructi∣on of his Mo∣nastery in Verse, An. 807. Pitfeus.
• * 1.14

  Our Peterburgh writers call them Hubba and Lubba.
• * 1.15

  So Ingulphus calls it.
• * 1.16

  Ingulphus fol. 494.
• * 1.17

  De gestis Pont. lib. 4.
• * 1.18

  See in Ernul∣phus.
• * 1.19

  Codex Ramis. in manu H. Cromwell Armig. fol. 58.
• * 1.20

  B. Godwyn.
• * 1.21

  King Stephen at Peterburgh.
• * 1.22

  Camden.
• * 1.23

  See the Ma∣triculatory at the end. O.
• * 1.24

  Pag. 91.
• * 1.25

  Wittlesey.
• * 1.26

  Harpsfield from Capgra. pag. 85.
• * 1.27

  Ingulphus.
• * 1.28

  Bishop Godwyn.
• * 1.29

  Vid. appendi∣am Chartarum.
• * 1.30

  Deeping Bank.
• * 1.31

  Bishop God∣win calleth him Geffrey. page 34.
• * 1.32

  In vita W. Rufi.
• * 1.33

  See in Adul∣phus.
• * 1.34

  Thirlby Church dedicated. Swapham fol. 115. pag. 1.
• * 1.35

  See the Cata∣logue at the end. O. and B.
• * 1.36

  Wittlesey.
• * 1.37

  See the Ap∣pendix.
• * 1.38

  Vid. Chartam in App.
• * 1.39

  Cloister.
• * 1.40

  Quire.
• * 1.41

  Pag. 1107, 1108.
• * 1.42

  Pag. 313.
• * 1.43

  Ad an. 1177.
• * 1.44

  S. Peters Fair.
• * 1.45

  Vid. Chartam in App.
• * 1.46

  Pag. 252.
• * 1.47

  Fol. 456.
• * 1.48

  Glass-win∣dows.
• * 1.49

  Vid. Chartam in App.
• * 1.50

  The Lavatory.
• * 1.51

  Bellasise builded.
• * 1.52

  Fol. 287.
• * 1.53

  Hon. de Pightesly.
• * 1.54

  Pag. 288.
• * 1.55

  In Appendice Pag. 865.
• * 1.56

  Mr. Philipot Catal. Canc. Angl. pag. 10.
• * 1.57

  K. Henry at Peterburgh.
• * 1.58

  Page 481.
• * 1.59

  Page 554.
• * 1.60

  Page 657.
• * 1.61

  Page 690.
• * 1.62

  Johan. Bono∣niensis in De∣cretab. Bonif. 8. Fol. 32. Col. 4. One like it is given by another,

  Radix Omnium Malorum Avaritia.

  Waldens. cit. per Alexandrum Theologum in Destr. vit. part. 6. cap. 33.
• * 1.63

  Fair at Oxeney.
• * 1.64

  Page 769.
• * 1.65

  See the Cata∣logue T. XI.
• * 1.66

  Page 895.
• * 1.67

  The Farmary.
• * 1.68

  Vid. Privileg. in App.
• * 1.69

  Mr. Filpot.
• * 1.70

  Vid. Chartam in App.
• * 1.71

  Ms. Eliens. in manu Geo. Gla∣pthorn Armig. pag. 135.
• * 1.72

  Steeple.
• * 1.73

  Ladies Chappel.
• * 1.74

  Southorp Man∣nor.
• * 1.75

  The Spittle.
• * 1.76

  A Market and Fair at North∣burgh.
• * 1.77

  Wermington Church.
• * 1.78

  Gate-house.
• * 1.79

  Luddington Mannor.
• * 1.80

  A Fair and Market at Northolme. Vid. Chart. in App. Mill-dam.
• * 1.81

  The Bridge.
• * 1.82

  Wittlesey. Registrum Adae fol. 76.
• * 1.83

  Registrum Adae in manu D. H.
• * 1.84

  Wittlesey.
• * 1.85

  Regist. Adae.
• * 1.86

  Regist. Adae.
• * 1.87

  King and Q. at Peterburgh.
• * 1.88

  King and Q. at Peterburgh.
• * 1.89

  Wittlesey.
• * 1.90

  Registr. Adae, fol. 41.
• * 1.91

  Tenth of huntings.
• * 1.92

  Heu. de Pightesly.
• * 1.93

  Page 542.
• * 1.94

  Bird Fol. 45.
• * 1.95

  Bird Fol. 63.
• * 1.96

  This Tho. Gar∣ton beautified some of the Windows in the Western Cloister with painted glass.
• * 1.97

  Brigge Fair. Vid. Chartam in App.
• * 1.98

  Bird Fol. 14.
• * 2.1

  Bird Fol. 49.
• * 2.2

  Fol. 70.
• * 2.3

  Bird fol. 117. & Rotulo pri∣vato.
• * 2.4

  Oundle Church appropriated.
• * 2.5

  Bringhurst ap∣propriated.
• * 2.6

  Bird fol. 78.
• * 2.7

  North-Collin∣gham appro∣priated. Registrum Lincoln.
• * 2.8

  The Park.
• * 2.9

  New build∣ings.
• * 2.10

  Heaven-gate Chamber.
• * 2.11

  Lord Herbert in King Hen. 2 Kings 23. 18.
• * 3.1

  These Tables were taken a∣way 1644. to be used at the Siege of Croy∣land, and never returned.
• * 3.2

  Or L. Russel afterwards E. of Bedford.
• * 3.3

  Given first to the Dean and Chapt. but ta∣ken away again with Polebrook also.
• * 3.4

  Com. Rutland.
• * 3.5

  Com. Lincoln.
• * 3.6

  Com. Hunt.
• * 3.7

  Hen. Isaacson in his Chronolo∣gy. pag. 375. B. Goodwin in J. Chambers.
• * 4.1

  Tortura Torti pag. 146.
• * 5.1

  The Earl of Shrewsbury was George Talbot, and E. Marshal of England. The Earl of Kent was Henry Grey.
• * 5.2

  Dr. Fletcher's Prayer.
• * 6.1

  Wickham.
• * 7.1

  Rich. Neile.
• * 7.2

  The other 11 were Williams Archbishop of York. Morton B. of Duresme-Wright B. of Coventry and Lichfield. Owen B. of Asaph. Peirse B. of Bath and Wells. Cooke B. of Hereford. Skinner B. of Oxf. Wren. B. of Ely. Owen B. of Landaffe. Goodman B. of Glocester. Hall B. of Norwich.
• * 7.3

  These were af∣terwards ta∣ken away, the King releasing them for Stan∣wigge and Polebrook.
• * 7.4

  This was ta∣ken off in time of K Edw. 6.
• * 7.5

  Stanwigge Parsonage was afterwards ta∣ken away with the Mannor.
• * 7.6

  October. 11. 1621. He wrote himself John Lincoln elect C. Sigil∣li, whilst he was Preben∣dary here.
• * 7.7

  Edward 3. Anno 46.
• * 7.8

  There was one Sir W. Thorpe, L. Chief Ju∣stice of the Kings Bench, who for Bri∣bery was con∣demned to be hanged. Anno Edw. 3. 24. 22. y. before this Robert.
• * 7.9

  Edwardi 3. Anno 49.
• * 7.10

  Peatham in his Compleat Gent. Treat. of drawing, and limning, Cap. 17.
• * 7.11

  W. Somner in his Survey of Canterb. p. 385.
• * 7.12

  Ovid. Met. 2.
• * 7.13

  Ad ann. 1527.