Anglorum speculum, or The worthies of England, in church and state Alphabetically digested into the several shires and counties therein contained; wherein are illustrated the lives and characters of the most eminent persons since the conquest to this present age. Also an account of the commodities and trade of each respective county, and the most flourishing cities and towns therein.

Kent.

KEnt, a Kingdom in the Sax. Heptarchie, hath the Thames on the N. the Sea on the E. and S. Surrey and Sussex on the W. in length 53 Miles, and in breadth 26. A considerable part of the County is called Weald, that is Wood-land Ground, the Inhabitants whereof are called Wealdish Men. The general goodness of the Soyl may be gathered from the greatness of the Kentish breed of Cattle. The natural Commodities are Cherries first planted here by K. Hen. 8. Saintfoine, or Holy Hay, a great Fertilizer of Barren Ground. Trouts at Forditch. Weld or Wold, a Seed sown with Barley, and peeping out of the Earth, when this is cut; The use of it is to dy the best Yellow. Then Madder for making Reds and Violets, where∣of there are Crop-Madder, betwixt 4 and 5 l. the Hundred, Ʋmber owe between 3 and 4 l. and Pipe or fat-Madder about 1 l. 10 s. It was some 2 years since sown by Sir Nich. Crisp. at Deb••ford. The

next is Flax, the best in England. The Manufactures are Cloth in great credit. Thread at Maidston. As for Buildings, the Cathedral of Rochester hath a venerable aspect of Antiquity. The Kings Palaces here are 3. viz. 1. Greenwich, affording a most plea∣sant Prospect. 2. Eltham, not altogether so whol∣some, and 3 Otford, which Arch-bishop Warham did so enlarge and adorn, that Cranmer his Successor was in some sort forced to exchange it with H. 8. on no gainful Conditions. Cobham, the House of the late D. of Richmond and—the fair Mansion House of Sir Edward Hales Baronet, when finished will carry away the credit from all the Buildings in this County. A Wonderful Accident hapned Aug. 4. 1585 in the Hamlet of Mottingham in a Field be∣longing to Sir Percival Hart. Betimes in the Mor∣ning the Ground began to sink, 3 great Elm Trees were suddenly swallowed into the Pit, and before 10 of the clock, no part of them could be discer∣ned, the Concave being suddenly filled with Wa∣ter. The Hole was above 50 Fathoms deep. Ten yards distance from that place, there was another piece of ground sunk in like manner. Of Ships the most, best, and biggest, are built at Woolwich and Winter near Chattam. The great SOVERAIGN, built at Dulwich, a Lieger Ship for State is the greatest Ship our Island ever saw. I am informed that the Mystery of Shipwrights for some discents hath been preserved successively in Families, of whom the Pets about Chattam, are of singular re∣gard. Queen Eliz. erected a Navy-Royal (conti∣nued and encreased by her Successors) of the best Ships ever Europe beheld, whereas before her time our Kings hired Vessels from Hamburgh, Lubeck, and Genoa. The Model of our great Ships primitively were our own, and we have im∣proved

the Patterns of those Frigots that were taken from the Dunkerkers, in the daies of the D. of Buck. Lord Admiral, 2 of which still survive in his Majesties Navy by the Name of Providence and Expedition. The Navy-Royal exceeds all other Kingdomes, and States, in Europe for 1. Swiftness, 2. Strength, 3. Beauty, 4. Seamen, 5. Advanta∣gious Weapons, 6. Provision, 7. Contrivance, lastly, Government. Of Medicinal Waters, Tunbridge-Wells, are said to be discovered by a Footman to a Dutch Lord, observing the Water to be in tast like to the Spaw in Germany.

Proverbs.

1. A Kentish Yeoman. That is, a Plain Man of Plentiful Estate. 2. A Knight of Cales, a Gen∣entleman of Wales, and a Laird of the North-Coun∣try; a Yeoman of Kent with his yearly Rent will buy them out all three. Knights of Cales were made by Rob. E. of Essex, An. 1596. to the number of 60, some whereof were Men of mean Fortunes. 3. A Man of Kent. This relates to the Liberty or Cou∣rage of the Kentish Men. As for the first, they know not the Tenure of Villanage; as to the latter, ever since the time of Canutus, till H. 2. they had the Precedency of marching in our English Armies, to lead the Van. 4. Neither in Kent nor Christen∣dom. 'Tis said, that H. 4. of Fr. Mustering his Souldiers at the Siege of a City found more Kentish Men therein then Forreigners of all Christendom besides, which (being but 70 years since) cannot be the Original of this Prov. more ancient in use. Of England (or English Christendom,) Kent was first converted to the Faith. This seems to be the true Original of the ••••overb. According to some,

it is the Periphrasis of no where, Kent being the best place of England, Christendom of the World. 5. Kentish Long-Tailes. There's a Fable of the Pa∣gans tying Fish-tails to St. Austins backside, whilst he was preaching, in revenge whereof, real tails grew to the hinder-parts of the offenders. Some would found the Prov. on this Miracle, but the Scene of that Lying Wonder was pretended many Miles off, near Cerne in Dors. But I conceive it a Note of Disgrace which by Forreigners was first cast upon the English in general; For when there hapned a difference in Palestine, betwixt Rob. Bro∣ther of Lewis K. of Fr. and Will. Longespee E. of Salisbury, hear how the French-men insulted, O the Cowardliness of these fatal Long-tails! How happy, how clean would this our Army be, were it but purged from Tails and Long-tails. Math. Par. p. 790. That the English were hereby nicked appears by the Reply of the Earl, The Son of my Fa∣ther shall press thither to day, whither you shall not dare to approach his Horse-tail. Some will have the English so called, from the Bag they wore behind their Backs, whist the Monsieurs had their Lacqueys to carry their Baggage; The Proverb continues still in Kent, (likely,) because it lyes nearest to France. Others will have the Kentish so called, from dragging Bows of Trees behind them, which afterwards they advanced above their Heads, and so partly Cozened, partly Threatned K. Will. the Conq. to continue their ancient Customs. 6 Ken∣tish Gavel-kind. A Custom whereby Lands are e∣qually divided among all the Sons, and in default of such, among the Daughters, that is, Give all Kind, Kind signifying a Child in the Low-Dutch. This practice was derived to our Saxons from the ancient Germans. An. 18. H. 6. there was not

above 40 Persons in Kent, but all their Land was held by this Tenure; But on the Petition of divers Gen∣tlemen, this Custom was altered by Act of Parl. 31. H. 8. and the Kentish Lands for the most part re∣duced to an Uniformity with the rest of England. 7. Dover Court, all Speakers and no Hearers. Ex∣pressing a tumultuous Court once kept at Dover, and implying all irregular Conferences, &c. 8. The Father to the Bough, The Son to the Plough. That is, tho the Father be Executed for his Offence, the Son shall nevertheless succeed to his Inheritance, and hold it by the same Services by which his Fa∣ther did hold the same, tho the Goods and Chat∣tels be forfeited. But this holds only in Felony and Murder, and not in the Case of Treason, nor peradventure in Piracy, which belongs to the Ju∣risdiction of the Court of Admiralty; Neither doth it hold where the Offendor will not abide his lawful Tryal, For in these Cases the real Estate of the Offendor shall be forfeited. 9. Tenterdens Steeple is the Cause of the Breach in Goodwyn Sands. It is used in derision, when one assigns for the Cause of any Acccident, that which is ridiculous and im∣pertinent. This Proverb was at first a serious asser∣tion of an old Man of Kent, for said he, those Sands were firm Lands before that Steeple was built, which ever since were overflown with Sea Water. And some affirm that the Money which was collected for the Fencing of East Banks against the Eruptions of the Sea, was commuted by the B. of Roch. to the Building of Tenterden Steeple; By which diversion of the collection, the Sea afterwards brake in upon Goodwyn Sands. 10. A Jack of Dover, that is, Food that is unsavoury by reason of frequent dressing, Crambe bi••cocta; and is appliable to such who use Tautologies.

Princes.

Jo. Eltham, 2 Son to K. Ed. 2. by Isab. his Queen, was born at Eltham, and afterwards created E. of Cornwall. A Spritely Gentleman. He died in the prime of his Age, in Scotland, An. 10. E. 3. After him all the Younger Sons of Kings were created Dukes, except exspiring in their Infan∣cy.

Bridget of Eltham, 4th. Daugh. of K. Ed. 4. and Eliz. his Q. was a Nun at Dartford, in this County, founded by K. E. 3.

Edmund youngest Son to K. Hen. 7. and Eliz. his Q. was born at Greenwich 1495. He was created D. of Som. and died in his Infancy An. 15. H. 7. 1500 at Bish. Hatfield in Hartf. which then was the Nur∣sery for the Kings Children.

Henry VIII. Son of K. H. 7. born at Greenwich, was a Prince in whom great Vertues and no less Vices, were in a manner equally contemperated. Pol. Virg. He was a Man of an Uncomptrolable Spi∣rit, carrying a Mandamus in his Mouth, sufficiently sealed when he put his Hand to his Hilt. He awed all into Obedience, which was Great in a King and Necessary in a Father of his Countrey. In a Play of K. Hen. VIII. there was a Weak whining Boy that personated that King; One of his Fellow Actors perceiving him to Act rather like a Mouse then a Man told him, if you speak not HOH with a better Spirit, your Parliament will not grant you a penny of Money. He died Jan. 28. 1546. v. Lord Herbert's Hist.

Q. Mary, Eldest Daughter to K. Hen. 8. and Q. Kath. of Sp. was born at Greenwich, Feb. 18. 1518. She derived a Great Spirit from her Father, and her

Devotion from her Mother. She attained to the Crown, by complying with the Gentry of Norf. and Suff. promising them to continue Religion, as Established by K. Ed. 6. after the breach of which Promise she never prospered, losing successively the Hearts of her Subjects, the hopes of a Child, the Company (not to say Affection) of her Husband, the City of Calais, her Mirth, her Health and her Life, which ended, Nov. 17. 1558.

Q. Elizabeth, 2d. Daughter to K. Hen. 8. was born at Greenwich, Sep. 7. 1533. She was Heir to the Learning, Bounty, Courage and Success of her Father; Besides Goodness, wherein she was Daugh∣ter to her Mother. Her Learning appears in her 2 Lat. Speeches to the University, and a third lit∣tle better then Ex tempore to the Poland Amb. Her Bounty was founded on Merit, and ordered with Moderation, seeing that is the best Liberality that so enricheth the Receiver that it doth not impoverish the Giver. Her Courage was undaun∣ted, never making her self so cheap to her Favou∣rites, but that she still valued her own Authority. A prime Officer (with a White Staff) was com∣manded by the Q. to conferr a Place then void on one of her Servants whom she commended unto him; Pleaseth your Highness, Madam, (saith the Lord) the disposal thereof pertaineth to me by ver∣tue of this White Staff conferred upon me. True said the Queen; yet I never gave you your Office so absolutely, but I still reserved my self of the Quorum: But of the Quarum, Madam, (returned the Lord) presuming on the favour of her High∣ness. Hereat the Q. in some Passion snatching the Staff out of his Hand; you shall acknowledge me, said she, of the Quorum Quarum Quorum, before you have it again. The Lord waited Stafless al∣most

a day (which seemed so long to him as if the Sun stood still) before the same was re-conferred upon him. Her Success was admirable, keeping the K. of Sp. at Armes-end all her Reign. She was well skilled in the Queen-craft, and by her Policy and Prosperity she was much beloved by her Peo∣ple; insomuch that since it hath been said, That Q. Eliz. might Lawfully do that which K. James might not. Her Popularity having sugared many things, her Subjects thanking her for taking those Taxes which they refused to pay to her Successor. She died at Richmond, March, 24. 1602.

Mary Daughter to K. James, and Anne of Denm. his Q. was born at Greenwich Apr. 8. K. James was wont pleasantly to say, He would not pray to the Virgin Mary, but he would pray for the Virgin Ma∣ry; viz. his own Daughter. She died in her In∣fancy, and was buried at Westm.

Sophia, Youngest Daughter to K. James and Q. Anne, was born at Greenwich, June, 22. 1606. and died 3 days after. She was buried nigh Q. Eliz. and is represented sleeping in her Cra∣dle.

Charles, Eldest Son of K. Charles and Q. Mary, was born at Greenwich. An. 1629. A fright of his Mother is generally reported to have antedated his Nativity. The Popish Priests belonging to the Queen stood ready, watching to snatch the ROYAL BABE to their Superstitious Baptisme; But the tender Care of K. Charles did out-vigil their watchfulness, commanding Dr. Web, (his next Chaplain in attendance) to Christen the Child ac∣cording to the Church of England. This done, within few hours he expired, and lyes buried at Westm.

Saints.

St. Elphage, well descended, bred at Glouc. be∣came a Monk at Glastenbury, whence he removed and built himself a Hut at Bath, which small Cell, in process of time, proved the beautiful Priory of that Place. Hence he was preferred B. of Winch. and at last of Canterbury, which City was in his time Decimated by the Danes, under pretence of Tribute detained. They saved the 10 th part of the Citizens alive, amounting to 804. Destroying 9 parts, no fewer than 7236. Elphage, unable to pay the Sum by them demanded, was after 7 Months Imprisonment, barbarously murdered near Greenwich, about 1013. His Corps first bu∣ried in St. Pauls, was removed to Cant. by the Com∣mand of K. Canutus.

St. Agelnoth the Good, Arch-bish of Cant. is said to have given at Rome 100 Talents of Silver and one Talent of Gold, for the Arm of St. Augustine, B. of Hippo. He expended much in repairing his Cathedral lately destroyed by the Danes, assisted therein by the Bounty of K. Canutus. He died 1038.

Martyrs.

Will. White, a Wicklevite, and the first married Priest, since the Popes solemn prohibition there∣of, was constant to his Calling, and was as a Par∣tridge daily on the Wing, removing from place to place. He was seized, condemned and burnt at Norwich, 1428. As for Marian Martyrs, those in this Shire suffered either by the Cruelty of Griffin,

Bishop of Rochester▪ or Thorton Suffragan of Do∣ver.

Confessors.

Sim. Fish, Esq. a Lawyer, was forced to fly beyond the Seas for personating Proud Woolsey in a Trage∣dy. His Book called the Supplication of Beg∣gars approved by Hen. 8. was the occasion of his Return to England after 2 years absence. He esca∣ped the Hands of Men, (viz. Sir Th. More, and more Papists) and fell into the Hands of God, dying of the Plague. 1531.

Sir Ja. Hales, J. of the Com. Pleas, a Man of sig∣nal Integrity, when the rest of the Judges (frighted with the Frowns of the D. of North.) subscribed the disinheriting of the Lady Mary and Lady Eliz. he only refused, as against both Law and Consci∣ence. Yet An. 1. Q. Mary, by urging some Laws of E. 6. he fell into the Displeasure of B. Gardiner, was imprisoned and so threatned by his Keeper that he endeavoured to have killed himself, which being set at liberty he afterwards effected, Drown∣ing himself in a small Water near his House. He had led a Godly Life, and suffered much for his Conscience.

Cardinals.

Jo. Kemp, born at Wye (where he built a fair Colledge for seculars) and bred in Oxf. was suc∣cessively B. of Roch. Chich. and Lond. afterwards Arch-bish. of York and Cant. Cardinal first by the Title of St. Balbine, then of St. Rufine in Rome; He was also twice Lord Chan. of Engl. according to these Verses.

Bis Primas, ter Praesul erat, bis Cardine functus. Et dixit Legem bis Cancellarius Anglis.

Being of a Knightly Family he left it much impro∣ved by his bounty, and some of his Name and Blood flourish in Kent at this day. He died An. 1453.

Rich. Clifford, born (probably) at Babbing was made B. of Lond. 1407. and sent by K. Hen. 4. as his Ambassadour to the Council of Constance, where he preached a Lat. Sermon before the Em∣perour and Pope. He acted as a Cardinal among the rest, in the Election of a Pope. He was a Pi∣ous Man, and much esteemed. He died 1421 being buried nigh Sir Christopher Hatton.

Prelates.

Ralph of Maydenstan, (Maidston) a very Learned Man and great Divine, was preferred, B. of H••reford, in the Reign of H. 3. 1234. He bought of one Mount-hault a Noble-man, a fair House and the Patronage of St. Ma. Mont-hauly, in Lond. leaving both to his Successors in the See of Heref. He turn'd his Mitre into a Coule, becoming a Fran∣ciscan first in Oxf. then in Glouc. where he died a∣bout 1244.

Henry de Wingham, was made by H. 3. Chan∣cellour both of England and Gascony, Dean both of Totten-hall and St. Martins, and twice Ambassa∣dour into France. Being chosen B. of Winchester he refused that See, because he would not eject Ethelmar (Womb-Brother to K. Hen. 3.) he was therefore preferred B. of Lond. 1259. He di∣ed 1261 and was buried in his own Cathedral.

Hen. of Sandwich, Arch-Deac. of Oxf. was Consecrated B. of Lond. 1263. Ho joyn'd with the Barons against H. 3. for which he was Excommunicated by Othobon the Pope's Legate, He danced attendance at Rome almost 7 years before he could procure his Absolution. He died 1273. and was buried in St. Pauls.

Rich. of Graves-End, made B. of London, An. 1282. first founded a Convent of Carmelits at Malden in Ess. He died at Fulham 1303.

Sim. Mepham, bred in Oxf. was Arch-bish. of Cant. in the Reign of E. 3. He sued the Monks of Cant. in the Court of Rome, which Suit cost him 700 l. He made a magnificent Visitation of the Diocess South of Thames till he was resisted by Grandison B. of Exeter with whom the Pope sided. This broke Mepham's he••rt, 1333.

Haymo of Hithe. B. of Roch. An. 12. E. 2. (to whom he was Confessor) erected the great Hall at his Palace in Halling, and erected and endowed the Hosp. of St. Barth. in Hithe. He resigned his Bishoprick before his death, which happened 1355. Whose Successor

Jo. of Shepey, was Treasurer of England, and died 1360.

Will. Read, built and furnished a Library in Mert. coll. He was by E. 3. preferred B. of Chich. He erected a Famous Castle at Amberley in Suss. He died 1385.

Th. Kemp, B. of Lond. saw the wars between York and Lanc. begun, continued and ended. He curiously arched and leaded the Divinity Schools in Oxford, and built the Cross nigh the Church of St. Pauls. He died 1489.

Ja. Goldwell, born at Great Chart, was Dean of Salisbury, Secr. to E. 4 and at last B. of Norwich.

He repaired the Church of Great Chart, and foun∣ded a Chappel on the South side thereof. He died 1498.

Th. Goldwell, was by Q. Ma. prefer••ed B. of St. Dav. and in the Reign of Q. Eliz. he went to Rome, where he procured Indulgences to such as should go in Pilgrimage to St Winifrid's Well in his Diocess.

Since the Reformation.

Jo. Poynet, was an exact Grecian and expert Mathematician. He presented H. 8. with a curious Dial, shewing with the Hours of the Day, the Change of the Moon, the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, &c. He was made B. of Roch. then of Winch. but was forced to fly into high Germ. An. 1. Ma. Where before he had finished his Book begun against Th. Martin in defence of Mini∣sters Marriage, he died 1556.

Rich. Fletcher Dean and B. of Peterborough, and at last B. of Lond. made a Speech to Q. Mary of Scots, before her death. He was a Man of Grace∣ful Countenance, and therefore favoured by Q. Eliz. tho he fell into her displeasure for entering into a second Marriage, and that with a Lady of none of the best reputation. He died with Grief 1596.

Brian Duppa, D. D. the Worthy B. of Winch. was born at Lewsham.

Statesmen.

Sir Edward. Poynings, a Brave Souldier, ferreted Perkin Warbeck out of Ireland, [monarch H. 7.] and being a great Politician, he passed an Act

of Parl. in that Kingdom, whereby All the Sta∣tutes made in England before that time, were made of Force in Ireland; and that no Act should be propounded in any Parl. in Ireland, till first it be transmitted to England, approved there by the King, and returned thence under the broad Seal. After his Return into Engl. he was created Ba∣ron, and died in the beginning of H. 8.

Sir Anth. St. Leger, was properly the first Vice-Roy in Ireland, seeing, during, his Deputy-ship, H. 8. (An. 33.) assumed the Title of King of Ireland. To him all the Irish made their Solemn Sub∣mission, yet they obtained from him some re∣laxation of the Laws of England. He seised all the Abbey-Lands in Ireland for the King's use. He made a Law that no Children should be ad∣mitted to Church-Livings. He Perswaded O Neil and O Brian to come over to England and do Homage to the King, and procure the Title of Earls. He died in the Reign of E. 6.

Sir Hen. Sidney Son to Sir Will. of Penherst, was by Q. Eliz. made Knight of the Garter, Lord Pres. of Wales and Dep. of Ireland, where he made Annaly a Shire by the Name of the County of Longford. In a Parl. 11 Eliz. he a∣bolished the Usurped Captain-ships, &c. He cau∣sed an Act to pass, whereby the Lord Deputy was authorized to accept the surrenders of the Irish Seigniories, with power of regranting the same, &c. He provided that 5 of the best per∣sons of every Sept should bring in all the per∣sons of their surname to be justified by Law. A Law was made that there should be a Free-School in every Diocess. He vested in the Crown more then half of the Province of Ʋl∣ster, upon the Attainder of Shane O Nale.

He raised Customs upon the principal Com∣modities, and reformed the Abuses of the Exche∣quer in that Kingdom. He also established the Composition of the Pale in lieu of Purveyance and sesse of Souldiery, and caused the Statutes in his own time to be printed. He died at Worcester 1586. Having sought the Weal-Public more then his own private Advantage. Whose Son

Sir Phil. Sidney, born at Pensherst, Sisters Son to Rob. E. of Leicester, bred in Christ-Church in Oxf. was a Gentleman of great Accomplishments and a sweet Nature. Being in Election to be K. of Po∣land, he chose rather to be a Subject to Q. Eliz. than a Soveraign beyond the Seas. He was so es∣sential to the English Court, that it seemed maimed without his Company, being a compleat Master of Matter and Language, as his Arcadia doth evidence. At last leaving the Court he followed the Camp, being made Governour of Flushing, under the E. of Leic. But the Walls of that City could not con∣fine the Activity of his Mind, which must into the Field, where, (before Zutphen) he was slain with a Shot, in a small Skirmish, which we may sadly term a Great-Battel, considering our heavy loss there∣in. His Corps being brought over into Engl. was buried in the Quire of St. Pauls.

Sir Fr. Walsingham, Knight, originally descended from the Walsinghams in Norf. was bred in K. Coll. in Camb. and gave the K. of Spain's Bible to the Library thereof; after he had attained to great Experience by many Years travel beyond the Seas, he was made Secretary of State; Marvellous his Sagacity in examining suspected persons, ei∣ther to make them confess the Truth, or confound them by denying it to their detection; Cunning his Hands, who could unpick the Cabinets in the

Popes Conclave; quick his Ears who could hear at London what was whispered at Rome. And numerous the Spies and Eyes of this Argus, dispersed into all places. The Jesuites being out-shot in their own Bow, complained that he out-equivocated their Equivocation having a mental Reservation deeper than theirs. They tax him for making Heaven bow too much to Earth, oftentimes borrowing a point of Conscience with full intent never to pay it again; whom others ex∣cused by Reasons of State and dangers of the Times. He thought that Intelligence could not be bought too dear, the Cause that so great a Statesman left so small an Estate, and that so Publick a Person was so privately buried in St. Pauls, An. 1590. His only Daughter Frances was successively matched to three matchless Men, Sir Philip Sid∣ney, Rob. E. of Essex, and Richard Earl of Clanri∣card.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

Sir Jo. Fineux, born (probably) at Swinkfield, (bestowed on him by Th. Criol a Lord in the Reign of E. 2.) was for 24 years L. Ch. J. of the K. Bench. viz. from 11 H. 7. to 17. H. 8. He was a great Benefactor to St. Augustines in Cant. and was of great Prudence, Justice, Piety and Humanity. He died about 1526. and lyes buried in Christ-Church in Cant.

Sir Rog. Manwood, born at Sandwich, was by Q. Eliz. preferred second Justice of the Com. Pleas, and afterwards Chief Bar. of the Exchequer. He was one of the Commissioners who sate on the Tri∣al of the Q. of Scots. He wrote a Learned Book of the Forrest Laws. He erected and endowed a Free-School at Sandwich, and died An. 35 Eliz. 1593.

Sir Hen. Finch, Knight, of Right Worshipful Extraction (the ancient Surname being Herbert) was Serj. at Law to K. James, and wrote a Book of the Law which is much esteemed. He wrote also another learned Book of the Calling of the Jews, by which he was brought into some trouble, K. James, conceiving that Sir Hen. advanced the Com∣mon-Wealth of the Jews to the depressing Christian Monarchies. He was Father unto Sir Jo. Finch. L. Ch. J. and for a time Lord Keeper and Baron of Fore-ditch.

Souldiers.

In former times the leading of the Front in Ar∣mies absolutely belonged to the Men of Kent. When the Cornish had that priviledge in the time of K. Arthur, it was only Temporary; and when the Men of Archenfeld in Her••ford-sh. prescribed to have it, that was only local, as being confined to the Welsh Warrs.

Seamen.

Will. Adams, born at Gillingham, served the English Company of Barbary Merchants 10 years, and was for 14 years Employed by the Dutch in India. Being Pilot to their Fleet of 5 Sail he con∣ducted them to Japan, (being the first English-man who effectually discovered that Island) and in or∣der to the settlement of Trade, endured many Miseries. He died at Firando in Japan, 1612.

Civilians.

Nich. Wotton, Son to Sir Rob. was born at Bockton-Malherb. He was the first Dean of 2 Metrapol. Churches, of Cant and York, and of those Cathe∣drals. Also Privy Councellour to 4. Successive Soveraigns, K. Hen. 8. E. 6. Q. Ma. Q. Eliz. was Employed 13 several times in Embassies to For∣reign Princes. He refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Cant. He died An. 1566. and was buried in Cant.

Giles Fletcher D. L. and Brother to Rich. B. of Lond. was a most Excellent Poet, Commissioner into Scotl. Germ. and the Low Countrys, for Q. Eliz. and her Ambassador into Russia, Secretary of Lond. and Master of the Court of Requests. His Russian Embassy to settle the English Mer∣chandise was his Master-piece; to Theodore Juano∣wich D. of Muscovia. He came thither in 88. when some Hollanders envying the free Trade of the English, had done them bad Offices, and when a false report was generally believed that the Spa∣nish Armado had worsted the English Fleet. Yet our Doctor demeaned himself with such Cautious∣ness, that he procured many priviledges for the English Merchants, exemplified in Mr. Hackluit. Having returned home he gave God hearty Thanks for being rid out of the power of that Barbarous Prince, and wrote a Book called, The Russian Common-wealth, the printing whereof was not per∣mitted by Q. Eliz.

Physicians.

Rob. Floyd, of a Knightly Family, was bred in Oxf.

and beyond the Seas. A great Philosopher and Physician. He was of the Order of the Rosa-Cru∣cians. His Books are Mystical, as his Discourses were. He died An. 1637.

Will. Harvey, born at Folkston, and bred in Caius-Coll. in Camb. where he proceeded Dr. of Physick, 5 years also he studied at Padua. He was afterwards Physician to Ch. 1. and was not only Dr. Medicinae but Dr. Medicorum. For this was he who first found out the Circulation of the Blood. Tho he lived a Batchelor, he may be said to have left three hopefull Sons to Posterity; his Books 1. De Circulatione Sanguinis, 2. De Gene∣ratione, 3. De Ovo. This Dr. had made a good pro∣gress in laying down a Practice of Physick, con∣formable to his Thesis, of the Circulation of blood; but was plundred of his Papers in the Civil War. Yet Posterity will acknowledge the improvements of this opinion as Superstructures on his Foundati∣ons, and thankfully pay the fruit to his Memory. He hath since been a second Linacre and great Benefactor to the Colledge of Physicians at Lond. He died An. Dom. 1657.

Writers.

Jo. of Kent, was sent Legate by Pope Innoc. 4. into Engl. He flourished 1248. Haimo of Feversham, went to Paris, where he was inter Aristotelicos Ari∣stotelissimus. He was Provincial, then General of the Franciscan Order in Engl. when on his death-Bed he received a Visit from the Pope. He died 1260. Having first corrected the Roman Breviary.

Sim. Stock, lived an Hermite in a hollow Tree, (whence his name) tho B. D. of Oxf. He left behind

him many superstitious Books. Being 80 years of Age, he had a Revelation that before his Death he should behold a Holy Order of Carmelites come out of Syria, which fell out accordingly, Simon coming out of his Oak to meet them, which is as true as that he was fed 7 years with Manna in Mount Carmel.

Th. Haslewood, an Augustinian Frier in Leeds, a good Scholar and fruitful Historian. He flouri∣shed under E. 2. 1321. in a Manuscript (in Librar. Cotton.) he mentions how Edw. the Black Prince took. K. Jo. of Fr. Captive, vanquished Hen. an Usurper in Spain, and restored Peter K. of Spain.

Since the Reformation.

Sir Th. Wiat, (Senior) Knight, was born at Al∣lington-Castle. Being Servant to H. 8. he fell into his disfavour about the business of Q. Anne Bullen, till by his Innocence, Industry and Discretion he extricated himself. He was one of great Learning, admirable Ingenuity, and answered his Anagram Wiat a Wit. He translated David Psalms into En∣glish Metre. Of him Leland

Let Florence fair her Dantes justly boast, And Royal Rome her Petrarchs numbred feet, In English, Wiat both of them doth Coast, In whom all graceful Eloquence doth meet.

Being sent Ambassador by Hen. 8. to Ch. 5. Emp. before he took shipping, he died of the Pestilence, An. 1541.

Leonard Diggs, Esq. one of excellent Learning and

deep Judgment, was very skilful in Architecture and Fortification. He printed his Tectonicon, Prog∣nostick general, Stratiotick, &c. He flourished 1556, and died I think about the beginning of Q. Eliz. His Learning seems to run in the Blood of his Fa∣mily, Witness Sir Dudley Diggs of Chilham-Castle, made Mr. of the Rolls 1636. whose Abilities will be in perpetual remembrance. And the Son of this Knight wrote a Solid Treatise of the difference between King and Parliament.

Th. Charnock, born in the Isle of Thanet, writes of his own Book of the Philosophers Stone.

For satisfying the Minds of the Students in this Art Then thou art worth as many Books as will lie in a Cart.

An. 1555. all his Work (carried on in pursuit of that Stone) fell on fire, and he himself, 3 years after, was (by a Gentleman that owed him a grudge) prest a Souldier for the relieving of Calice, and this unluckily fell out when he was within a Month (of his Reckoning) to be delivered, by the acquest of that immortal Elixir, from Poverty and Contempt, those unsupportable Appurtenances of Mortali∣ty. He saved nothing but the CAPUT MOR∣TUUM, and now his own projecting Head is dead.

Fr. Thinne, was a Herauld, by the Title of Lan∣caster, about the end of Q. Eliz. afforded great assistance to Holinshed in his Works.

Rob. Glover, born at Ashford, was Pursuivant Procullis, and then Som. Herauld. He attended the E. of Derby, when he carried the Garter into France to K. Hen. 3. He began a Catalogue of the English Nobility with their Arms, &c. He died

1583. and was buried in St Giles Lond. Whose Sister's Son

Th. Miles, born at Ashford, set forth his Uncles Catalogue of Honour. He was Employed from Q. Eliz. to H. 4. K. of France, and discharged his Trust with so great Fidelity and incredible celerity, that in memory of his Service, he had given him for the Crest of his Arms a Chappeau with Wings, to denote the Mercuriousness of this Message. He died An. 16—

Jo. Philpot, born at Faulkston, was first Pur∣suivant Extraord. by the Title of Blanch Lion, then in Ordinary by name of Rouge Dragon, and afterwards Somerset Herauld. He made Additions to the second Edition of Mr Cambden's Remains, and deserved highly well of the City of Lond. proving in a Learned Book, that Gentry doth not abate with Apprentiship, but only sleepeth, du∣ring the time of their Indentures, and awaketh a∣gain when they are expired. He contributed to the setting forth the aforesaid Catalogue. He died 1645. and was buried in Bennet Pauls-Wharf.

Th. Playford, was chosen Marg. Professor in Camb. 1597. 'Tis said, Self-conceit, (a Chronical Disease in others) was in him, an Acute Distemper that vi∣olently seised his intellectuals. He died 160•• and lyeth buried in St. Botolphs in Camb.

Jo. Bois, D. D. (descended from Jo. de Bosco who entred England with Will. the Conq.) was Dean of Cant. Famous to Posterity for his Postils in defence of our Liturgy. So pious his Life, that his Adversaries were offended that they could not be offended therwith. A great Prelate in the Church did bear him no good Will, for mutual Ani∣mosities betwixt them, whilst Gremials in the University, the reason perchance that he got

no higher Preferment. He died about the year 1625.

Benefactors to the Publick.

Sir Jo. Philpot, (whose Family hath long resided at Ʋpton Court) was bred a Grocer in Lond. where∣of he was Mayor, 1378. He set forth a Fleet An. 2. R. 2 at his own cost to repress the Insolence of one John Mercer a Sco••, who was taken with all his Ships arid rich Plunder therein. Two years af∣ter he conveyed an English Army into Britain, in Ships of his own hiring, and with his own Money released more then 1000 Arms there, which the Souldiers had formerly engaged for their Victuals. The Nobility accused him for acting without a Commission; Yea Pro tantorum sumptuum praemio v••niam vix obtinuit.

Will. Sevenock, born in Sevenock, gave 7 Acorns for his Arms, which if they grow as fast in the Field of Herauldry, as in the Common Field, may be presumed to be Oaks at this day. He was Grocer in, and (An. 1419) Lord Mayor of Lond. He founded at Sevenoc a fair Free-School for poor peo∣ples Children, and an Alms-house or 20 men and women, which at this day is well maintained.

Since the Reformation.

Sir Andr. Jud. born at Tunbridge and bred Skin∣ner in Lond. whereof he was Lord Mayor An. 1551. He built an Alms-House nigh Sr Helens in Lond. and a stately Free-School at Tunbridge, sub∣mitting it to the care of the Company of Skin∣ners who have expended of their own money 4000l. in maintainance of it, &c.

Will. Lamb, Esq. a Gent. of the Chappel to K. Hen. 8. was born at Sutton Valens, where he e∣rected an Alms-House and a well endowed School. An. 1557 he began, and within 5 months finished the fair Conduit at Holburn Bridge, and carried the water in Pipes of Lead more than 2000 yards, at his own cost, amounting to 1500 l. The to∣tal sum of his several gifts moderately estima∣ted exceed 6000 l, He died about 1580. and lyes buried in St Faiths Church under St Pauls.

Frances Sidney, Aunt to the Renowned Sir Phi∣lip, was born (probably) at Penherst. She bestow∣ed on the Abbey-Church of Westminster a Salary of 20l. per An. for a Divinity Lecture, and Foun∣ded Sidney Sussex Coll. in Camb. She was Relict of Tho. Ratcliffe E. of Sussex. She died child∣less An. 1588.

Sir Fr. Nethersole Orator of the University of Camb. was preferred to be Ambassadour to the Princes of the Ʋnion, and Secretary to the Lady Eliz. Q. of Bohemia; it is hard to say whether he was more remarkable for his doings or sufferings in her behalf. He married Lucy eldest Daughter of Sir Hen. Goodyear of Polesworth in Warw. by whose encouragement he hath founded and endowed a ve∣ry fair School at Polesworth aforesaid, and is still living.

Memorable Persons.

Simon Linch Gent. born at Groves, V. Essex.

Mary Waters, born at Lenham had at her de∣cease, lawfully Descended from her, 367 Chil∣dren, 16 of her own body, 114 Grand-children, 228 in the 3 d. Generation, and nine in the fourth. She died 1620.

A Gentlewoman now alive being in extream A∣gony of Soul, held a Venice-glass in her hand, and said, I am as surely Damned, as this glass is broken, which she immediately threw with violence to the ground, yet was it taken up again sound and en∣tire. The Gentlewoman took no comfort thereat, but afterwards it pleased God she recovered from her sad condition. This she her self told to Th. Morton Bishop of Durham, from whose Mouth I have received this Relation. In the days of Q. Mary she used to visit the Prisons,and comfort and relieve the Confessors therein. She was pre∣sent at the Burning of Mr. Bradford. She died 1620.

Nicholas Wood, born at Halingborne, had the Ca∣ninus Appetitus and could eat a whole Hog at a sit∣ting, at another time 30 dozen of Pigeons. He died 1630.

An ingenious Yeoman in this County, used to Plough two Furrows at once, with two Ploughs curiously joyned.

Noted Sheriffs.

An. 1. Hubert de Burgo late Lord Lieu∣tenant to K. Jo. and L. Ch. J. of England. [monarch H. 3.] In this Year of his Sherivalty he not only vali∣antly defended the Castle of Dover against Lewis the French Kings Son, but also in a Na∣val conflict overthrew a new supply of Souldi∣ers sent to him for Assistants. Hubert de Burozo succeeded the former in his Office. No less a Cou∣ragious Judge, having advised K. Hen. 3. to cancell the Great Charter, alledging that since it had been granted by that King, during his Minori∣ty, it was of no Force in Law—

An. 20. Johan. de Northwood, of a right Ancient Family before the Conquest. [monarch E. 1.] Their chief Residence was Northwood in the Parish of Milto Church. One of their Heirs was married into the Family of the Nortons.

16. Rich. Waller, in the time of H. 5. took Charles, [monarch H. 4.] D. of Orleans, Prisoner, at the battel of Agin-Court, and brought him over to Eng∣land where he held him in honourable restraint at Grome-Bridge. He was a Benefactor to the repair of Spelherst Church. The Prince assigned to him and his Heirs an Additional Crest, viz. the Arms of France hanging by a Label on an Oak, with the Motto, Hic fructus Virtutis. From this Richard, Sir William Waller is lineally descended.

23. Will. Crowmer, was taken by Jack Cade, the Rebel, and committed by his Worship to the Fleet in London, because, (as Jack said,) he was guilty of Extortion in his Office, Jack having catch'd him would not leave him so, but being at∣tended with other venturous Lads, brought him to Mile-End, and there reformed the Gentleman by cut∣ting off his Head, which they set upon a long Pole on London Bridge.

John Scot, Arm. was Knighted and was much trusted and employed by E. 4. who made him one of his Privy Council and Knight Marshal of Callis; and sent him (with others) Ambassadour to the Dukes of Burgundy and Brittain to bring back the Earls of Pembrook and Richmond. He lyeth buried in the Church of Braborne.

An. 3. Rich. Blakenbury, was nearly alli∣ed to Sir Rob. Constable of the Tower, [monarch R. 3.] who dipped his fingers so deep in the Blood of King Ed. 5. and his Brother.

An. 5. William Boleyn, Mil. was made Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of R. 3. [monarch H. 7.] He married a Daughter and Coheir of Th. Butler E. of Ormond, by whom he had (among others) Sir Th. Boleyn E. of Wiltshire.

10 Jo. Peach (with the Kentish Gentry) made Perkin who landed then in Sandwich, shrink his Horns back again into the shell of their Ships, and brought 150 of Perkin's men up to London. He was Knighted for his good service.

An. 5. Jo. Norton, [monarch H. 8.] Mil. went over a Captain with the 1500 Archers under the Conduct of Sir Ed. Poynings to assist Marg. Dutchess of Savoy against the D. of Guelders; where this Sir Jo. was Knighted by Charles, Young Prince of Castile and afterwards Emperour. He lyeth buri∣ed in Milton Church.

7. Th. Cheyney, Arm. Knighted by H. 8. was a Spritely Gentleman, living and dying in great Honour; a Favourite and Privy-Councellor to four successive Kings and Queens, viz. H. 8. E. 6. Q Mary and Q. Elizabeth.

11 Jo. Wiltshire Mil. was Comptroller of Calis An. 21. H. 7. He founded a Chappel in the Parish of Stove.

An. 3. Moile Finch, Mil. married Elizabeth Daughter and Heir to Sir Th. Heneage, Vice-Chamb. to Q. Elizabeth, [monarch K. James] and Chan∣cellour of the Duchy of Lancaster. She in her Wi∣dowhood, by the Special favour of K. James was honoured Viscountess Maidston, and afterwards by the great grace of K. Charles 1. created Coun∣tess of Winchelsey, both Honours being Entailed on the Issue Male of her Body; To which her Grand∣child, the right Honourable Heneage (lately gone Ambassadour to Constantinople) doth succeed.