Analogia honorum, or, A treatise of honour and nobility, according to the laws and customes of England collected out of the most authentick authors, both ancient and modern : in two parts : the first containing honour military, and relateth to war, the second, honour civil, and relateth

CHAP. II. Treats of the Cities of England, with the Shire or chief Town Corporate in each County; and first with Berk∣shire. (Book 2)

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READING, the chief Town in Berk∣shire, pleasantly seated near the Thames, and on the Kennet, which with other Rivers that fall into the Thames, doth sufficiently water it. The Town is large, having three Churches for Divine worship; its Houses are well built, and was once beautified with a fair and rich Monastery, and a strong Castle. It is a place well inhabited, and enjoyeth a good Trade, especially for its Cloth and Mault. The Town is incorpo••ated, and governed by a Mayor and twelve Aldermen, and as many Burgesses or Assistant••; and hath a Steward and other Sub-Officers; sends its Representatives to Parlia∣ment: And the Arms is Azure, a King's-head proper betwixt an R and an E in Fess, Or, and four other heads in Saltire, proper.

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BEDFORD, the chief Shire-town, well seated on the Banks of the River Owse, which severeth into two parts, but joyned by a fair Stone-bridge which hath at each end a Gate-house to obstruct the passage if need requires. It is a large Town, numbring five Parish Churches; is well inhabited. It is a Town Corporate, which electeth Burgesses for Parliament; and is governed by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, two Chamberlains, a Recorder, Town-Clerks, with other Sub-Officers. The Arms or Armorial Ensigns of Honour belonging to this Town is, a demy Eagle with the wings displayed over a Castle upon a Hill, all proper.

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BVCKINGHAM, the County-Town, well seated on the Banks of the Owse, which almost encloseth it, and having for conveniency of pa••∣sage three Stone-bridg∣es. It is a fair, well-frequented and inhabi∣ted Town. The Town is governed by a Bailiff, twelve principal Bur∣gesses, a Steward, &c. and as a Town Corpo∣rate sendeth its representatives to Parliament. The Arms appropriate to this Town is, party per Pale, Gules and Sable, over all a Swan, Argent, crowned and chained, Or.

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CAMBRIDGE the chief Shire-Town, although the City of E∣ly is therein seated. It is a place of great anti∣quity, and of no less fame and resort for its University, which is it chiefest Ornament, be∣ing adorned with six∣teen Colledges and Halls. Its Houses are well built, is a place of good extent, numbering fourteen Parish Chur∣ches. The chief Magistrates are a Mayor and Aldermen, with Sub-officers; and as a Borough-Town, sendeth its Representatives to Parlia∣ment. viz. two for the University, and two for the Town. The Arms appropriate to this Town is, Gules, a Bridge with three Wall-Towers thereon, proper, in Chief a Flower de Lis, Or, between two Roses, Argent, and in Base three Vessels in the water, all proper.

ELY, a City of more antiquity than beau∣ty, being but meanly built, nor well inhabited or frequented, and would be farr less, were it not the See of a Bishop. It is a place that en∣joyeth ample Immunities; for in the Isle of Ely the Bishop hath all the Rights of a Coun∣ty Palatine, and beareth chief sway therein, and appointeth his Bailiff and other Offi∣cers.

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CHESTER, or WEST-CHESTER, a City of great antiqui∣ty, and pleasant situati∣on on the Banks of the Dee, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge. It is of about two miles in circuit within its Wall, on which are seven Watch-towers, and gives entrance by four Gates and three Posterns; and of these, the Eastern-Gate is said to be one of the stateliest in Eng∣land. Here is a large Castle strongly seated on a rocky Hill, wherein is the Shire-hall for the deciding all matters concerning the County Palatine. This City is beautified with fair Buildings, hath ten Parish Churches besides its Minster or Cathedral, is well inhabited and frequented by Gentry and Tradesmen. The Government is committed to a Mayor, two Sheriffs, four and twenty Aldermen, a Record∣er, and other Sub-Officers; it enjoyeth ample Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms appropriate to this City is, in Pale dexter, Gules, three demy Lions guardant, Or; and in the sinister, Azure, two Garbs, Or.

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LAVNSTON, the chief Town in Cornwall, seated on a branch of the Tamer, a large Town Corporate, go∣verned by a Mayor and his Brethren; and a∣mongst its Immunities electeth Parliament men, It is a place well inhabi∣ted, enjoyeth a good Trade, and the more as being the place where the Assizes are held. The Arms born by this Town is, Gules, a Castle with a Watch-tower on the top, Or, within a Bordure, Azure, charged with an Orle of eight Tents, Ar∣gent.

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CARLISLE, the chief place in Cum∣berland, a City of great antiquity, and well situated for the conve∣niency of water. It is defended by a strong Castle and Cittadel, and fenced about with a strong Wall; is graced with fair and well built houses, & beautified with a Cathedral Church of curious workmanship; it enjoys several Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor, twelve Aldermen, and other Sub-Officers. And the Coat-Armour belonging to this City is, Argent, a Castle between two Roses, Or, on a Chief, Gules, a Lion passant guardant of the second, the Base wavy, Argent and Sable.

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DERBY, the chief Town in the County so called, a very large, po∣pulous, well frequented and inhabited Borough-Town, which electeth Parliament men; is go∣verned by a Mayor, 9 Aldermen, 14 Brethren, 14 Common-Councel, a Recorder, Town-Clerk with other Sub-Officers. The Arms belonging to this Town is a Hart cumbant upon a Hill in a Park paled, all proper.

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EXETER, the chief City in Devon∣shire, commondiously seated on the River Ex, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge. It is a sweet and well com∣pacted City, but of that largeness, that within its Walls and Suburbs, which are large, are numbred fifteen Parish-Churches, besides its Cathedral or Minster, a fine Structure. It is a place well inhabited and frequented, enjoyeth several Immunities, send∣eth Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor, four and twenty Aldermen, a Record∣er, with Sub-Officers. The Arms belonging to this City are, Party per pale, Gules and Sable, a Castle triple-towred, Or.

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BARNSTABLE, a Maritine Town in the North part of Devon∣shire, situated in a most pleasant Plain, upon the Banks of the Taw, over which it hath a long and stately Stone-bridge sustained by sixteen Ar∣ches, built by one Stam∣ford a Citizen of Lon∣don, having been incor∣porated before the Conquest, at which time it was encircled with Walls and Gates, and had forty Burgesses within the Walls, and nine without; to which was added a Castle built by Iudhaell of Tottenes, who received many Revenues in the said County from William the First, by Clientuary right, which was since the Seat of the Tracies, who were Lords of the said Castle; which Town, by many Grants and Charters, which they had from Henry the First

and divers succeeding Kings, is indowed with many fair Priviledges, and by King Iohn was invested with the Priviledges of the City of London. It is governed by a Mayor, two Al∣dermen, a Recorder, Deputy-Recorder, all Justices of the Peace; it hath a Lord High-Steward, which Office was last born by his Grace George late Duke of Albemarle. Be∣sides the Mayor, it hath a Councel consisting of four and twenty Burgesses, out of whom the Mayor is yearly chosen: It hath Coroners and all other Officers within the said Town; it hath a Court of Record every Munday fortnight, wherein all Actions real, personal, and mixt, may be tried without limitation; it sends two Burgesses to Parliament; it hath in it a great clothing Trade for the making of that sort of Drapery, so well known by the name of Barn∣stable-Bayes. It is blessed with a sweet and wholsome Air; hath fair and well built Build∣ings altogether of s••one and brick; it hath an eminent Free-school, which hath sent forth ma∣ny worthy men into the Church and Kingdom. It hath a Market on Fridays, which is very con∣siderable for Corn, Cattel, Sheep, Wool, Yarn, and all Provisions. The Government for this present year 1676. is committed to the care of Mr. Richard Hooper Mayor, Mr. Christopher Hunt, and Mr. Iohn Palmer Aldermen, Mr. Tho∣mas Mathews, Mr. Richard Medford, Mr. Roger Ieffrey, Mr. William Westcomb, Mr. Arthur Ackland, Mr. Thomas Cox, Mr. Richard Har∣ris, Mr. Ieffery Webber, Mr. Thomas Cole, Mr. Lewes Rosier, Mr. Ioseph Fraine, Mr. Thomas Harris, Mr. Iohn Fairechild, Mr. Henry Drake. Mr. Rawleigh Clapham, Mr. Richard Ealis∣bury, Mr. Hugh Marshall, Mr. Edward Stan∣ley, Mr. Thomas Lugg, Mr. Iohn Stevens, Mr. Thomas Webber, and Mr. Henry Fraine Bur∣gesses. The Coat of Arms belonging to the Corporation is, Gules, a Castle, Argent.

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DORCHESTER, the chief Shire-Town, pleasantly seated on the Frome, and on the Ro∣man Causie, called the Foss-way; a neat com∣pacted Town, graced with well built Houses; hath three fair Streets, and as many Parish Churches. Its a Town Corporate, governed by two Bailiffs, eight Aldermen a Recorder, &c. and hath the election of Parliament men. The Arms born by this Town is, Gules, a Castle, Argen••t in its front the Arms of England and France quartered.

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DVRHAM, the chief place in the Bi∣shoprick, being a City of good antiquity, and no less pleasantly than commondiously seated on the River Weare, over which it hath two large and spacious Stone-Bridges. It is a fair, neat, and well compa∣cted City, beautified with fair buildings, which are well inhabited; and for Divine worship hath six Parish Churches besides its Cathedral, a large structure. It is dignified with the See of a Bishop, and sendeth Burgesses to Parlia∣ment. The Coat-Armour belonging to this City is, Azure, a Cross flory, Or, between four Lions rampant, Argent.

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COLCHESTER, the principal Town in Essex, a place of great antiqui∣ty, and in former times of no less fame than largeness, numbring fif∣teen Pa••ish Churches, many of which are now reduced to ruins, with abundance of its Houses. It is commodiously seat∣ed on the Colne not far from the Sea, which doth occasion it to be a place of a good Trade, and to be well inhabited by Tradesmen and those that have relation to Sea affairs. It is a Town Corporate, which sendeth its Represen∣tatives to Parliament; is governed by two Bai∣liffs, twelve Aldermen, a Recorder, with Sub-Officers. The Arms appropriate to this Town is, Azure, a Cross trunked, Argent, between three Coronets, Or.

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BRISTOL, a City which next to London claims the priority of all others in the Kingdom; it is a County incorpo∣rate within it self; is governed by a Mayor, Court of Aldermen, Sheriffs, and other Sub-Officers, and enjoyeth all Immunities and Pri∣viledges in as ample a manner as the City of London, being much one and the same. It is a City of a sweet and delightful situation, is adorned with many fair and well built Edifices, and its Streets are so neatly ordered with Common-shores under ground, that no filth is to be seen to annoy the Inhabitants. It is a City of a large extent, numbring eighteen Parish Churches besides its Cathedral. Its Port is good and commodious

for shipping, which doth occasion a very great trade, and to be well inhabited and frequented by Tradesmen and Merchants. The Arms be∣longing to this City is, Gules, a Castle upon a Hill by the Sea side, and a Helm of a Ship un∣der sail passing by, all proper.

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There are belonging to this City several in∣corporated Companies, but that of most note and repute is the wor∣thy and honourable So∣ciety of Merchant Ad∣venturers, who drive a considerable trade to most parts of the traded World, being governed by a Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants, having their Hall for their publick place of meeting for the keeping of Courts for the negotiation of their Affairs, having ample Immunities granted unto them. And do bear for their Coat-Armour, Barry un∣de of eight pieces, Argent and Azure, on a Bend, Or, a Dragon volant, Vert, on a Chief, Gules, a Lion passant guardant, Or, between two Besants.

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GLOCESTER, a City of good antiquity, pleasantly seated on the Severne, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge. It is also a County with∣in its self, enjoyeth large Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament, and is governed by a Mayor, two Sheriffs, twelve Aldermen and Recorder, with Sub-Officers. The City is not large, yet hath twelve Parish Churches besides its Cathedral, a fair structure, and is beautified with a hand∣some Colledge and many neat Buildings. The Arms belonging to this City is, Or, three Che∣verons, Gules.

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WINCHESTER, the chief and principal place in Hantshire, being a City of great antiqui∣ty, and famous in the times of the Romans, Saxons, and Normans; the situation is no less pleasant than commo∣dious; is about a mile and a half in circuit within its Walls, besides its Suburbs; and hath five Parish Churches be∣sides its Cathedral; it enjoyeth several Immu∣nities, and sendeth Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms belonging to this City is, Sable, three Lilies proper.

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SOVTHAMPON, a place of good account in Hantshire, commodi∣ously seated on an Arm of the Sea, which makes it to be a place of some trade. The Town is large, garnished with well built Houses; for Divine worship hath five Parish Churches; and is fenced about with a double Ditch and Walls. It is a Borough Town, enjoyeth ample Immu∣nities, sendeth its Representatives to Parlia∣ment, and is governed by a Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses. Beareth per Fess, Argent and Gules, three Roses counterchanged.

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HERTFORD, the chief Town in the County so called, it is seated on the Lea, once a place of a larger ex∣tent, and of more beau∣ty than at present. It is a Borough Town, elect∣eth Parliament men, and is governed by a Mayor, nine Burgesses, sixteen Assistants, a High Stew∣ard, who is always a Noble man, a Steward of the Court of Records, and other Sub-Offi∣cers. The Arms belonging to the Town is, a Hart in a field, proper.

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HEREFORD, the chief place in Hereford∣shire, being a City of great Antiquity, and of a pleasant situation. It is a l••rge place, num∣bring six Parish Chur∣ches, and beautified with well built Houses. It enjoyeth large Im∣munities, sendeth Bur∣gesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor, six Aldermen, a Common-Councel, Recorder, &c. The Arms belonging to this City is, Gules, three Lions passant guardant, Or.

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HVNTINGTON, well seated on the banks of the Owse, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge. It is a very large and ancient Bo∣rough-Town, of good antiquity, and of a great∣er extent than now it is, having formerly fifteen Parish Churches, which time hath reduced to four. It is governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses; hath the election of Parliament men; and beareth for their Arms or Seal a Huntsman with his Dogg, Staff, &c.

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CANTERBVRY, the chief City in Kent, a place of great anti∣quity, being said to be built nine hundred years before the birth of Christ. It is graced with divers good build∣ings; hath for Divine worship fourteen Parish Churches besides its Ca∣thedral, a spacious build∣ing. It is governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and other Sub-Officers; enjoyeth large Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Par∣liament, and is well Inhabited and traded un∣to. The Arms of this City is, Gules, three Martlets, Or, on a Chief, Argent, a Lion pas∣sant guardant of the second.

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ROCHESTER, also seated in Kent, an an∣cient City, no less plea∣santly than commodi∣ously seated on the banks of the Medway, over which it hath a stately Stone-bridge, susteined by divers Ar∣ches. The City is not large, having but one principal Street, which is well inhabited by Tradesmen. It is govern∣ed by a Mayor, Court of Aldermen, Record∣er, with other Sub-Officers, and hath the ele∣ction of Parliament men. The Arms belong∣ing to them is, Argent, a Cross, Gules, with an R in the Center, Or, in Chief, a Lion of England.

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LANCASTER, plea∣santly•• seated on the banks of the Lune, o∣ver which it hath a fair Stone-bridge; a Town of good antiquity, and at present indifferent large, containing seve∣ral well ordered streets; its Houses are well built, but of no great trade, nor over-well inhabited. It is a Town Corporate, governed by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, twelve Brethren, four and twenty Burgesses, two Chamberlains, a Recorder, &c. and amongst its Immunities, sends Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms of this Town, Party per Fess, Vert and Gules, in Chief, a Quadrangle of Castles walled, Ar∣gent, and in a Base Lion of England.

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LEICESTER, the chief Shire Town, plea∣santly seated on the banks of the Stour; a Town more famous for its antiquity than beau∣ty, being said to be built by King Lear 844. years before the birth of Christ. It is a Borough-Town, send∣ing its Representatives to Parliament, and is governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, and Sub-Officers. The Arms that this Town beareth is, Gules, a Cinquefoil pier∣ced, Ermyn.

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LINCOLN, pleasant∣ly seated on the banks of the Witham, where it divideth it self into se∣veral streams, and is pas∣sed over by divers Brid∣ges. It is a City of great antiquity, and hath been far more spacious and magnificent than now it is; for (according to William of Malmsbury) it was one of the best peopled Cities in the Island, and contained fifty Parish Churches, which now are reduced to fif∣teen. It is at present a large, well inhabited and frequented City, enjoyeth a good trade, is dignified with a See of the Bishop, enjoyeth se∣veral Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parlia∣ment, is governed by a Mayor, two Sheriffs, twelve Aldermen, a Recorder, and other Sub∣Officers; and is a County of it self, whose li∣berties extend twenty miles in compass, and is called The County of the City of Lincoln. The Coat-Armour belonging to this City is, Argent, on a Cross, Gules, a Flower de Lis, Or.

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STAMFORD, seat∣ed on the edge of the County adjoyning to Rutlandshire and Nor∣thamptonshire, from which it is parted by the River Weland. It is a fair, large, and well built Town Corporate, containing several streets, is beautified with well built Houses; for Divine worship hath six Parish Churches, is begirt with a Wall, is well inhabited and frequented, and enjoyeth a good trade, especially for Mault here made in great abundance. The Town is go∣verned by a Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and Sub-Officers, enjoyeth several immunities, and sends Burgesses to Parliament. The Coat of Arms belonging to this Town is, per Pale, Gules, three Lions passant guardant, Or, and Checky, Or and Azure.

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MONMOVTH, the chief Town in the Coun∣ty so called, a place no less pleasantly than commodiously seated on the Rivers Wye and Mu∣now; a fair, large, well built, inhabited and fre∣quented Town, enjoy∣ing large Immu••ities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor, two Bai∣liffs, fifteen Common-Councellors, and other Sub-Officers. The Armorial Ensign of Honour belonging to this Town is, three Che∣verons, surmounted by a Fess,

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NORWICH, the chief place in the County of Norfolk, a City of great splendor and antiquity, which hath sufficiently with∣stood the shocks of ill Fortune; notwithstand∣ing it is at present a fair, large, well built, popu∣lous and well frequent∣ed City, numbring thir∣ty Parish Churches be••ides Chappels; enjoying a great trade, especially for its Stuffs, Stock∣ings, and other Manufactures here made. It is a City which enjoyeth large Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor and other Officers, and is dignified with an Episcopal See. The Coat-Armour be∣longing to this City is, Gules, a Castle triple∣towred, Argent, in Base, a Lion of England.

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NORTHAMPTON, the chief Shire-Town pleasantly seated on the River Nyne, over which it hath two Bridges: A large Town numbring 4 Parish Churches, and is now (since the late fire which almost con¦sumed it to ashes) reple∣nished with well built Houses, being in great likelihood to be more splendid than formerly. The Inhabitants en∣joy a very considerable trade for an inland Town, especially for Leather and Shoes. The Town is governed by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, twelve Magistrates, a Recorder, with Sub-Officers, enjoyeth ample Immunities, and sendeth Burgesses to Parliament. The Coat-Armour beloning to the Corporation is, Gules, a Watch-tower on a Hill, proper, supported by two Lions rampant, Or.

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PETERBOROW, a City in Northampton∣shire, well seated on the River Aufona or Nen, over which it hath a Bridge which leadeth into Huntingtonshire. It is a City of great anti∣quity, but suffered much by the destructive hand of the merciless Danes. It is a place of no great extent, having but one Parish Church besides its Cathedral, but is re∣plenished with well built Houses. Amongst its Immunities, it sends Burgesses to Parlia∣ment, is the See of a Bishop, and beareth for its Coat-Armour, 〈…〉〈…〉 two Keys in Saltire, between four cross Croslets fitchee,

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NEWCASTLE, commodiously seated on the banks of the Tyne, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge, su∣stained by twelve Ar∣ches. It is a large Town, being about two miles in circuit, being envi∣roned with a strong thick Stone-wall, which hath seven Gates for en∣trance, with many round Towers and square Turrets; its Houses are well built, and its Streets fair and well ordered; for Divine wor∣ship hath four Churches; is a place very well inhabited by Merchants and Tradesmen, and enjoyeth a considerable Trade both by Sea and Land, having several Vessels belonging to the Town; but is of chief note for its Coal-trade,

for which it is famous. It is a Town well ser∣ved with Provisions, having two Markets weekly besides its Shambles. Here is an emi∣nent Grammar School for the education of Youth. It is a Town and County of it self, be∣ing incorporate and governed by a Mayor, Re∣corder, ten Aldermen and a Sheriff, with seve∣ral Officers attending the Mayor, as a Sword-bearer with a Cap of Maintenance, the Water-Bailiff with the great Mace, and seven Serjeants at the Mace; also the Town-Clerk, and Clerk of the Chamber, two Coroners, and eight Cham∣berlains. The present Mayor and Aldermen for the Year 1676. is, Tho. Ienison Esq Mayor, Sir William Blacket Baronet, Alderman, Sir Robert Shaftoe Kt. Recorder, Serjeant at Law, Sir Francis Anderson Kt. Mark Milbank Esq Henry M••ddison Esq Henry Brabbant Esq Ralph Ienison Esq Thomas Davison Esq William Carr Esq Ralph Grey Esq and Ti∣mothy Davison Esq Aldermen, Henry Ienison Esq Sheriff. The Mayor hath his Common-Councel consisting of six and thirty. Amongst the Immunities that this Town enjoyeth, it sends Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms be∣longing to the Town is, Gules, three Castles, Argent; their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is out of the Battlement of a Castle, Argent, a demy Lion rampant, Or, sustaining a Flag with St. George's Cross: their Supporters are two Sea-horses, Agent.

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NOTTINGHAM, the chief Shire Town, of a pleasant situation, a large Town, beautifi∣ed with well built Hou∣ses, hath fair Streets, and a spacious Market-place. It is a Town of great antiquity, as is e∣videnced by its many places of remark yet to be seen. It is a Town well inhabited and frequented, enjoying a ve∣ry good trade for an Inland Town; amongst its Immunities, sends Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Mayor, six Aldermen, two Sheriffs, with Sub-Officers; and beareth for their Coat-Armour, Argent, two ragged Staves in cross, Vert, between three Coro∣nets, two in Chief, and one in Base, Or, the ragged Staff in Pale, passing through the Coronet in Base.

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OXFORD, the glo∣rious Seat of the Muses, a place of great antiqui∣ty, and at present a fair and stately City, adorned with well built Houses, and beautified with divers curious stru∣ctures; as the King's Palace, now the Manor-House, the sixteen Col∣ledges, eight Halls, the Schools; wherein is a famous Library, and a stately Theatre erected at the sole charge of Gilbert Sheldon late Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury. It is honoured with an Episcopal See, sendeth four Burgesses to Parliament, two for the University, and two for the City, and enjoyeth ample Immunities. It is a large City, numbring fourteen Parish-Churches besides its Cathedral, and of a plea∣sant situation on the banks of the Isis, and in a healthful Air, which makes it to be the bet∣ter inhabited. The Arms belonging to this City is, Bendy wavy, Argent and Azure, an Ox, Gules, passing over a Ford, proper.

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OKEHAM, the chief Town in Rutland∣shire, ••eated in a rich Valley, an indifferent good and well inhabited Town. Here is an an∣cient priviledge or cu∣stome which the Inha∣bitants claim, that is, if any Nobleman enter within their Precinct or Lordship, as an homage he is to forfeit one of his Horse's shoes, unless he redeem it with mony; and the truth of this is apparent by the many Horseshoes nailed up on the Shire-hall door; and their badge is a Horshoe.

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SHREWSBVRY, the chief Town in Shropshire, pleasantly seated on the banks of the Severn, which en∣compasseth it on all parts, except towards the North. It is a place which for largeness, numbring five Parish Churches besides a Chappel, neatness of buildings, largeness and variety of streets, and populousness, may be ranged with Cities in the first rank. It is a place of a great resort, en∣joyeth a great trade, and is well inhabited both by the English and Welsh. It is governed by a Mayor, four and twenty Aldermen, and eight and forty Common-Councel, and hath a Re∣corder,

Steward, and Town-Clerk. It sendeth its Representatives to Parliament, and enjoys se∣veral Immunities. Their Coat-Armour is A∣zure, three Leopards heads, Or.

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BATH, a City in Somersetshire, seated on the Avon, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge. It is a place of great antiqui∣ty, as doth appear by the several Roman In∣scriptions and Images commonly found in the City Walls; and where the Abby now stand∣eth, 'tis said, was a Temple consecrated to Mi∣nerva the Goddess of Fountains and Rivers. This place is famous for its Baths, found good for the curing of Aches and other Distempers in the body of man, which doth occasion it to be well inhabited and resorted unto. It is a fair, neat City, governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel, with Sub-Officers; en∣joyeth several Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament; and beareth for its Armo••ial Ensign of Honour, as is here depicted.

WELLS, another City in Somersetshire, of no large extent, but well inhabited, and of good account, being the See of a Bishop, under whose Jurisdiction is that of Bath. Its build∣ings are fair and good, its Cathedral a stately Pile of building, adjoyning to which is the Bi∣shop's Palace. This City is governed by a Mayor, seven Masters, sixteen Burgesses, a Re∣corder, Town-Clerk, &c. and hath the electi∣on of Parliament men.

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LITCHFIELD in Staffordshire, a City of great antiquity and note in former times. It is indifferent large, con∣taining three Parish Churches besides its Ca∣thedral, a beautiful stru∣cture, adjoying to which is the Bishop's Palace; its Houses are well-built, and its Streets well ordered The govern∣ment of the City is committed to the care of two Bailiffs and a Sheriff (which are elected out of four and twenty Burgesses) a Recorder, Town-Clerk, &c. it sends Burgesses to Parlia∣ment; and beareth for its Coat-Armour in an Escocheon, a Landskip with divers Martyrs in several manners massacred.

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STAFFORD, the chief County-Town, where the Assizes and Sessions are held for the County. It is a fair Town, beautified with two Parish Churches, a Free-School, a fine square Market-place, and other good Buildings, and its Streets are large and pa∣ved. It is governed by a Mayor and Burgesses, hath a Recorder, Town-Clerk, &c. it electeth Parliament men, and en∣joys ample Priviledges. The Coat-Armour is Or, on a Cheveron, Gules, a true Lovers Knot of the first.

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IPSWICH, the chief place in Suffolk, which for its largeness containing twelve Pa∣rish Churches besides St. George's Chappel, its di∣vers Streets, populous∣ness, and trade both by Sea and Land, may de∣servedly be reckoned for a City. 'Tis a Town Corporate, well pri∣viledged, sends Burgesses to Parliament, is go∣verned by two Bailiffs yearly chosen out of 12 Portmen, and four and twenty Common-Coun∣cel, also a Recorder, Town-Clerk, and other Sub-Officers. The Arms of this Town is, per Pale Gules and Azure, a Lion rampant, Or, between three Sterns of Ships, Argent.

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CHICHESTER, the chief place in Su••∣sex, seated on the banks of the Levant, which at a small distance loseth it self in the Sea. It is an indifferent large Ci∣ty, numbring five or six Parish Churches besides its Cathedral. It is beau∣tified with good build∣ings and spacious streets, especially the four that lead from the four Gates of its Wall, and cross one another at the Market place. It is a City endowed with many Priviledges, and sendeth Burgesses to Parliament. It is governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and Sub-Officers; and beareth for its Coat-Armour, Guttee, Ar∣gent and Sable, on a Chief engrailed, Gules, a Lion of England.

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COVENTRY, the chief place in War∣wickshire, a City situa∣ted near the Centre of England, bounding the Campane from the Woodland, drawing in the advantages of both: Ancient, as Arviragus the Brittish King, made eminent by the Mercian Leofrick, famed by suc∣cessive Lords and Kings of England; heretofore intrusted with a Mint-Royal, graced with the Session of the highest Judicature, the Kings Bench, and styled Camera principis; favoured with a wholsome and temperate Air; its Ap∣proaches, Avenu's and Ambient Walks, grateful and pleasing to all beholders; for spacious and continued Cause-ways not equalled by any Ci∣ty in England, nor inferiour to most for clean and well paved Streets, refreshing Springs, use∣ful Aquaducts, and goodly publick Structures; once a famous Mart and Empory, resorted to for Commerce and Trade from Ireland, the Northwest and other parts of England; leaving us its large Vaults, Ware-houses, Cellarages, Drapery, Steel-yard, and publick Halls, as in∣dications of its former opulency and splen∣dour.

It offers to view, amongst other remarkables, four Steeples and three Churches, whereof two are Parochial, viz. Trinity and St. Michaels; that, an ancient well built Church, in form Ca∣thedral, which being impaired by a late fall of its beautiful Spire, is since restored to its for∣mer lustre at a vast expence and charge: this, a stately, large, and brave inlightned Fabrick; a curious Shell, whose Content is one hundred yards in length, and seven and twenty yards in breadth, besides several Isles and Chappels both on the North and South sides thereof, supported by neat and slender Pillars, with five Isles, whose Steeple for tower and lofty taper∣ing Spire gives place to none in England. Ba∣black Church (one of the three) is a solid Antique Structure, its form Collegiate, where Divine Offices are performed but at some Fe∣stivals in the year.

It hath gloried in a matchless Wall; and though its form was irregular for a defensible Fortification, yet was it built strong, broad, high, and large in circumference, now only guessed at by its ruins and its twelve lofty Ports o•• Gates yet standing.

No place compares with this City for a most beautiful Cross of large dimensions and height, adorned with variety of Statues, Figures, and Sculptures, richly laid over with Gold, and set off with becoming Colours.

It hath (among others) one magnificent Hall called Aula Sanctae Mariae, fit for a celebri∣ous Congress or Assembly.

Here is a fair Grammar School, founded by Iohn Hales Esquire, yet styled Schola Regis Henrici Octavi; and another School of late e∣rection for poor Children by Mr. Christopher Davenport, late Alderman. Appendant to both is a Library with learned Authors, both Print and Manuscripts; of which Schools the Mayor and Aldermen of this City are Visitors. The Hospitals are 2, well and plentifully providing for twenty Blue-Coats, eleven poor men in black Gowns, and two Nurses in the one, and eight other married Couples in blue Gowns in the other, and a Nurse.

To it is annexed very large and rich Com∣mons, great Annual Loans and G••fts distri∣buted amongst poor young and hopeful Trades∣men, together with frequent remembrances of some noble Benefactor or other, who intru∣stred the City to dispose of their bounty to o∣thers, as among themselves, viz. forty pounds per Annum to St. Iohns Colledge in Oxford, and forty pounds per Annum to several other Cor-Proporations.

Also near the said City, at a Pool called Swanswell, is a Spring which filleth a seven Inch Diameter, of which water the quantity of five Tun an hour is daily raised to the top of a Turret six and thirty foot high, by a stream out of the said Pool containing nine cubical In∣ches, which moveth an overshot Wheel and a triangular Crank with Ballances and Buckets, being an heaving or lifting Engine; from hence the water is conveyed into the Streets of the City and Houses of such Inhabitants as will and do take the said water at an Annual Rent. This Water-work was begun by Thomas Sargenson Mason, and Bartholomew Bewley Plumber, in the year 1630. and hath been since altered and put into the form it now worketh, in the year 1658. and so continued by Thomas Bewley, Son of the said Bartholomew, who is the present prietor.

The City is owner of a rich Delf or Mine of Coles near adjoyning to it, which is hoped will in a little time add much to its Revenue, the present Undertakers using that method for the mastering of the Water, which the inad∣vertency of former Undertakers either could not contrive, or at least not effectually prose∣cute.

The staple Commodity of the place is Cloth; but to how low an ebb that trade is now come to, every place can report and competently judge, as well as this City.

Its Government consists of Annual Officers, ten Aldermen or Justices, with two standing Councels, viz. the Upper, the Second or Com∣mon-Councel. The Annual Officers are the Mayor, Recorder, two Sheriffs, Steward, Co∣roner, two Chamberlains, tow Wardens, and some other Attendant and Ministring Offi∣cers.

The Mayor is the eye of the Body, the King's immediate Lieutenant, having the precedency

of all. Prince Henry himself, when in Coven∣try, refused to take the better hand of him when modestly the Mayor offered it, saying, He would not resume a right of his Fathers Graunts.

This Authority is Solitary or Social: Solitary, as to be Clerk of the King's Market, Steward and Marshal of the King's House, to be in Com∣mission for Arrays, and Head of the twelve Companies. Social, in the upper Councel, which consists of Aldermen and some Candi∣dates for the Majoralty, where he orders and manageth the particular Affairs and Revenues of the City, distributes the bounty of Benefa∣ctors, sometimes calling in the Assistance of the second Councel, arbitrarily chosen by him and his Brethren, out of the wealthiest and dis∣creetest Citizens, and consisting of five and twenty, who are as Witnesses of their just ad∣ministrations, as well as Advisors, in all Alie∣nations of City Lands and Grants of other nature.

The Aldermen are Justices of the Peace in as full Latitude as any other, having ten Wards or Precincts assigned them, with an Appropria∣tion of a Ward to each Alderman, as to some respects, though otherwise every one is Ju∣stice throughout, both as to the City and Coun∣ty of the City, which is of large extent. Of these Justices there are of the Quorum four, viz. the Mayor, Recorder, and two eldest Al∣dermen.

The Mayor's Insignia are a Sword, a Hat of Maintenance, a great Mace, and six smaller, with a Tip-staff; the Robes black, lined with Furr, and on solemn and festival days Scarlet lined with Foins.

The present Aldermen and Justices for the year 1676. are William Ielliff Alderman, now Mayor the second time; the Right Honourable Iames Earl of Northampton one of his Maje∣sties Privy Council, Recorder; Ioseph Cham∣bers, Iames Nailer, Iulius Billers, William Vale, Ralph Phillips, Nathaniel Harryman, Thomas King, Thomas Bewley, Abell Brooks∣by, Humfry Burton Coroner, Sir Richard Hop∣kins Kt. Serjeant at Law, Steward.

As to the Rights, Immunities, Priviledges, when and by whom granted, together with all other things coincident to this City, from its first appearance to its ascending Grandure and Declining or Cadency, they are most amply and learnedly mentioned to our hand by the Pen of the learned Mr. Dugdale, Norroy King of Arms, to whom we referr the Reader.

The Arms belonging to this City are, parted per Pale, Gules and Vert, an Elephant, Argent, on a Mount, proper, bearing a Castle on his back, Or.

WARWICK, the Shire-Town, of good account, being the place where the Assizes and general Sessions for the County are kept; it is indifferent large, containing two Parish Chur∣ches, besides some demolished; its Houses are well built, its Streets spacious and good; is a place well inhabited, and enjoyeth a good trade, especially for Mault. It is governed by a Mayor, twelve Brethren, four and twenty Burgesses for Common-Councel, a Recorder, &c. s••nds Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms born by this Town is, a Castle triple-towred, having on the dexter side the Sun in its glory, and on the sinister a Crescent, on the top of the two fronting Towers stand two Watchmen with this Inscription upon the Ring of the Seal, Sigillum Ballivi Burgensium Warwi∣ci.

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APPLEBY (an∣ciently Aballaba) was a City in the time of the Romans, and the chief Town in Westmerland (as it remains still) at, and before the Norman Conquest; insomuch that the County took Name from it, and was some∣times called the County of Appilby. It is tra∣ditionally reported concerning this place, That it was under the Jurisdiction of a Mayor, when London was only govern'd by a Bailiff; which how true it is, I shall not concern my self; but the beginning of the Majoralty of London (formerly governed by Portgraves) is common∣ly reckoned from the first year of Richard the First: and Appleby had a Charter from Henry the First (who was Son to the Conqueror) of very great Priviledges confirm'd by King Iohn (as is yet to be seen) and all the Kings of Eng∣land successively. It continued a place of great account till 1176. (the 22 of Hen. 2.) at which time it was utterly destroyed by the incursion of the Scots under William their King, as appears from a Stone in the School-Garden-House. And it should seem then, in regard of its Loyalty and Sufferings, this King took com∣passion upon it, and (in all probability) build∣ed their Church dedicated to St. Lawrence; and for their Arms gave them his own Coat, with an honorary distinction, Gules, three Lions passant guardant in Pale, crowned, Or, with this Inscription on their Seals, SIGILLVM COMMVNITATIS BVRGII DE AP∣PILBY; and on the Reverse St. Lawrence on the Grid-Iron, kept down by force, and burning in the Flames, from which ariseth a Flag or Standard with three Lions (as before) and the Devise this, HIC IACET LAV∣RENTIVS IN GRATICVLA POSITVS, to shew it resisted even unto

fire. Now this King Henry the Second was the first (as all Antiquaries agree) who bare for his Arms three Lions; and therefore it must needs be a great honour to the place, and undoubted sign or token of its Loyalty (a quality for which it now is, and ever was famous) that he should signalize it with his own Coat, distin∣guished only by an honourable addition of three Crowns. And though Mr. Cambden (whose footsteps Speed followeth) tells us, out of Wil∣liam of Newburg, That William King of the Scots took this place and Brough by a sudden surprise, a little before he himself was taken at Aulnwick in Northumberland (which is ve∣ry true); yet they are all mistaken in this, That these two places were not recovered till King John's time; for 'tis certain, The Scots (after the Country had got themselves into an Array) were beaten back, and their King taken Prison∣er: And 'tis certain also, that though King Iohn did bestow them on Robert de Veteripont for his good service; yet he recovered them not from the Scots, for they came into his hands (propter transgressionem factam per Hugonem de Morevilla) by reason of the forfeiture of Hugh de Mervil (a great man in those parts and the same (if I mistake not) that killed Thomas a Becket) as was given in upon Inqui∣sition taken at York, die Iovis proximo post mediam quadragesimae Anno Regni Regis Ed∣wardi 3.

And notwithstanding this fatal overthrow, ••o much of the Town was continued, till the Reign of Richard the Second (who began in 1377) that it paid to the King in Fee-farm Rent twenty Marks per Annum at 2 d. a Bur∣gage, which amounts to two thousand two hundred Burgages, besides other Houses: But in 1388. (as appears by Records) die Martis in festo Sancti Stephani Martyris (which was about the eleventh of Richard the Second) it was so burn'd down and wasted by the Scots, that of that Rent, upon several Inquisitions found and returned, there remained to the King only two Marks per Annum, so that nine parts in ten were utterly destroy'd.

But notwithstanding this great devastation that was never repaired, it doth still retain its ancient Priviledges, which are in every respect the same with York, as appears from the con∣firmation of Henry the Third (in whose time here was an Exchequer, called by the Name of Scaccarium de Appleby) and King Iohn••s Charter, which I have seen; wherein is expres∣sed and firmly commanded, That his Burgers of Appleby shall have and enjoy all the Li∣berties and free Customes which his Burgers of York have, well and peaceably, freely and qui∣etly, fully, wholly, and honourably (with a Pro∣hibition, That none shall attempt to disturb them thereof); And also, That they shall be free from Toll, Stallage, Pontage, and Lestage all Eng∣land over; praeterquam in Civitate London, nisi forte Cives Eobor' quietantias inde habent libertates suas in Civitate London; which ex∣ception doth very much confirm and strengthen their Priviledges to them.

The Corporation consists at present of a Mayor, with two Bailiffs, a Court of Aldermen, twelve in number, a Recorder, Common-Coun∣cel, and Serjeants at Mace, with their Atten∣dants: And (if the Town were able to bear it) might take the same Priviledges with York in every thing, according to their Charter, which has been confirmed by all the succeeding Kings of England; and if any would know what those Priviledges are more particularly, I referr him to York, where he may possibly meet with satisfaction. In the mean time take these which are now in practice at Appleby, viz.

They have power to Arrest for any Sum without limitation.

To elect and send two Burgesses to Parlia∣ment.

To acknowledge Statute-Merchant before the Mayor.

To take Toll both in Fairs and Markets.

To seize Felons goods, Felones de se, Waifes, Strayes, Forfeitures, and Escheats; all which do belong to the Mayor for the time being, who takes place of the Judges of Assize, as the Lord Mayor of York is wont to do.

Their Aldermen are some of them Gentle∣men of the Country, for the greater honour and credit of the Town, who in time of their Majoralty have their Propraetors or Deputies there. The present Mayor and Aldermen for the present year are, Iohn Thwaites Esquire, Mayor, Lancelot Machell of Gackanthorp Esq who was first Mayor after the King's return, and tore in pieces Oliver's Charter in open Court, before he would accept of that Office, which he had declined all Oliver's time: Richard Brathwate of Warcop, Esq and Justice of Peace, who contested with the Judges, and took place of them Virtute Chartae, Robert Hilton of Morton, Esquire, Justice Jf Peace, Edward Musgrave of Askeby Esq oustice of Peace, Thomas Warcop of Colby, Gen∣tleman, Iohn Routlidge of 〈…〉〈…〉 Gent. Alderman Leonard Smyth, Alderman William Smyth, Alderman Robert Harrison, Alderman Iohn Lawson, Alderman Thomas Robinson, Al∣derman Iohn Atkinson, which six last are all of Appleby.

Appleby was very eminent for its Loyalty in the late Civil Warrs, and most of the Alder∣men (except those whom Oliver Cromwell ob∣truded upon them) suffered many imprison∣ments during his Tyranny; and so likewise did most of the Gentry round about: for it is the glory of the County of Westmerland, that there was not one Person of quality in it who took up Arms against his King, and but two or three in Cumberland.

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SALISBVRY, the chief place in Wilt∣shire, a City of great antiquity, and in the time of the Romans, of great fame; at present a fine, neat, and well bui••e City, beautified with fair and well built Houses; its Streets are commodious and large, hath a stately Minster or Cathedral, to which adjoyneth the Bishops Palace. It is a place well inhabited and frequented, enjoyeth a good trade, and amongst its Immunities sendeth Bur∣gesses to Parliament. The Arms belonging to this City are, Azure, a Sword and a Key in Saltire, Or, on a Chief, Argent, three Lozen∣ges, Gules.

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WORCESTER, the chief Shire-Town, com∣modiously seated on the Banks of the Severn, o∣ver which it hath a fair Stone-bridge with a Tower upon it. It is a City of great antiquity, and at present of good account, being graced with well built Houses and well ordered streets, is well inhabited, enjoyeth a good trade, espe∣cially for its Clothings here made in great quan∣tities. It is a place of a good largeness, con∣taining nine Parish Churches besides its Cathe∣dral: It is governed by a Mayor, a Sheriff, six Aldermen, four and twenty principal Citizens, eight and forty Common-Councel-men, two Chamberlains, a Recorder, Town-Clerk, &c. The Arms of this City is, Argent, a Fess be∣tween three Pears, Sable.

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YORK, next to London, claims the Pri∣ority of all Cities in the Kingdom, a City of great antiquity and fame in the time of the Romans; nor hath it been much eclipsed in its lustre in all succeed∣ing Ages, and is at present a large, fair, and beautiful City, num∣bring thirty Parish Churches, and adorned with many splendid Buildings, both publick and pri∣vate; it is very populous, and much resorted unto, and inhabited by Gentry and wealthy Tradesmen. It is a City and County of it self, enjoying ample Immunities, sendeth Burgesses to Parliament, is governed by a Lord Mayor, twelve Aldermen clad in Scarlet, two Sheriffs, twelve Common-Councel, a Recorder, eight Chamberlains, and other Sub-Officers. It is a place of great strength, being encompassed with a strong Wall, on which are many Turrets and Watch-houses, and hath for entrance four Gates and five Posterns. The Coat of Arms belong∣ing to this City is, Argent, on a Cross, Gules five Lions passant guardant, Or.

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HVLL, a Town of no great antiquity, but of considerable account, being very large (though containing but two Pa∣rish Churches) is graced with fair buildings and well ordered and paved streets, is very well in∣habited and frequented by Merchants & Trades∣men, having good store of Vessels belonging to the Town, and the more by reason of its Com∣modious Haven, Custome-house, and Key, its Inhabitants driving a considerable inland and beyond-sea Trade for divers good Commodi∣ties. It is a place of an impregnable strength, and that made so as well by Nature as by Art. It is a Town and County Incorporate of it self, electeth Parliament men, is governed by a Mayor, twelve Aldermen, a Common-Councel, with other Sub-Officers, and have ample Im∣munities granted unto them. The Coat-Armour born by this Corporation is, Azure, three Co∣ronets in Pale, Or.

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RICHMOND, seated on the River Swale, over which it hath a Stone-bridge, which said River was by the ancient English e∣steemed very sacred, for that in it Paulinus the first Archbishop of York, baptized in one day a∣bove ten thousand men, besides women and children. It is a large Town Corporate, containing two Parish Churches, is graced with well-built houses, its Streets are paved and well ordered, hath a spacious Mar∣ket place, is well inhabited by Gentry and Tradesmen, enjoyeth a good Trade chiefly for Stockings, and Woollen knit Caps for Sea-men. It is governed by a Mayor and Aldermen, with-Sub-Officers, and amongst its Immunities sends Burgesses to Parliament. The Arms of this Town is, Gules, an Inner Bordure, Argent, over all a Bend, Ermyn.